Weekend Balita february 11, 2017

LOS ANGELES

Charo Santos, Lav Diaz nominated at 11th Asian Film Awards See ENTERTAINMENT, page 10

VOL. XXIII, NO. 56 LOS ANGELES

February 11 - 17, 2017

The leading source of news and information for Filipino-Americans

TIME GETS MORE RISKY FOR IMMIGRANTS

By Abner Galino

The time has become more precarious for immigrants, legal or undocumented, in the United States of America.

This is according to immigration lawyers and advocates who participated in a national press call hosted by New America Media and Ready California on Wednesday (February 8).

Sally Kinoshita, deputy director of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), advised undocumented immigrants under detention not to sign any document that they don’t understand; to invoke their rights to remain silent when necessary; and to ask for legal representation.

Kinoshita stressed that authorities needed to show warrants or lawful orders

from courts to get inside residences of people.

“So if they were not breaking your door, there is no reason for you to open your door to them,” Kinoshita said.

Esther Sung, staff attorney at the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), said she was a member of the legal team that successfully worked for the release of two Iraqis held at the Kennedy See RISKY, page 8 Three female protesters stand at the stairs of the Los Angeles City Hall to protest Donald Trump election as president of the United States of America. Photo by Abner Galino

PHL call centers at risk Moody’s says Trump’s protectionist moves unfavorable to PHL, India

By Joann Santiago

Sandy Close, NAM executive director, stresses a point at the start of the forum for the homeless at the Skid Row Housing Trust Apartment in downtown Los Angeles. Photo: Abner T. Galino

County execs, advocates for homeless pitch for Measure H

By Abner Galino

At the heart of one of Los Angeles’ homeless encampment at the corner of Wall and 6th streets, executives of County agencies and advocates for homeless people joined forces in drumming up support for Measure H on the March 7 ballot.

“We know what works but we need the money to keep and expand these strategies that deliver results,” said Chris Ko, director of Homelessness Initiatives at United Way of Greater Los Angeles during a forum organized by the New America Media(-

NAM) on Friday (February 3).

Ko and the eight-member panel led by Phil Ansell, director of Los Angeles County’s Homeless Initiative were pitching for support for Measure H which was unanimously approved recently by the LA Board of Supervisors.

The ¼-cent County sales tax proposal is expected to generate around $355 million annually for 10 years – money that would be used to reduce and prevent homelessness in the county.

Ansell told the forum that See MEASURE H, page 8

MANILA, Feb. 8 (PNA) - - Credit rater Moody’s Investors Service said business process outsourcing (BPO) sectors of the Philippines and India will be greatly disadvantaged if the US tightens rules on outsourcing.

This, as US president Donald Trump vowed to bring back jobs in the US to further lift growth of the world’s largest economy.

Moody’s in its report: Asia Credit - 2017 Outlook Challenging Global Environment to Test Asia’s Robust Credit Fundamentals” issued Feb. 8 , 2017 said Trump’s trade pol-

See CALL CENTERS, page 8

PHL foreign reserves hits $81-B in January ’17

By Joann Santiago

MANILA, Feb. 7 (PNA) – Gross international reserves (GIR) of the Philippines rose to USD 81.04 billion in January 2017, higher than the USD 80.7 billion last December and the USD80.7 billion in January 2016, data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Tuesday showed.

In a statement, BSP officer-in-charge Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. traced the higher foreign exchange reserves to inflows from the net foreign currency deposits of the national government (NG) with the central bank.

Other factors include the revaluation adjustments on the central bank’s gold holdings, following the uptick of gold prices in the international market, and the income

Debt relief is just phone away!

• Stop Foreclosure • Lien Stripping 2nd Mortgage • Stop Repossession

icies was a turnaround from that of former US president Barack Obama’s moves.

It said the new policies “could pose downside risks to the US’ major trade and investment partners.”

“Such a policy shift, if implemented, could pose greater risks to high-value manufacturing exporters in the region, particularly Korea , Malaysia and Taiwan,” it said.

“India and the Philippines would be the most vulnerable if the US were to tighten rules on service Outsourcing,” it added.

• Stop Wage Garnishments • Stop Creditor Harassment • Consumer Bankruptcy Chapter 7 & 13

We are federally designed debt relief agency. We help people file for Bankruptcy relief under the Bankrupcy code. All attorneys are members of the Califonria State Bar and all services are supervised by an attorney. This is a legal advertisement. Nothing contained in this advertisement implies any guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter or the result of any legal representation.

of central bank’s investments overseas. ”These were partially offset by the payments made by the NG for its maturing foreign exchange obligations and by the BSP’s foreign exchange operations,” Espenilla said.

The BSP official said the current level of foreign reserves was enough to cover 9.2 months worth of goods and payments of services and primary income and equivalent to 5.8 times the country’s short-term foreign liabilities based on original maturity.

During the same period, net international reserves (NIR) or the difference between the central bank’s foreign reserves and the total short-term debt, rose to USD81.04 billion from month-ago’s USD80.69 billion.

THE LAW OFFICES OF

PAUL M. ALLEN, P.C. WWW PAULALLENLAW COM WWW.PAULALLENLAW.COM

Personal Attention. Honest Answers . Real Solutions

818-552-4500 | 818-334-5445

2

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

Visit www.Balita.com

Balita

A nostalgic evening of memorable “sing-along” music with Neil Sedaka The mature crowd at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills was treated to a nostalgic evening of memorable “sing-along” music by our former high school idol, Neil Sedaka, on a warm “summery” night last month on January 14th.

Our former idol, Neil Sedaka, whose birthday is next month on March 13th, will be celebrating his 78th birthday. And, for us who idolized him back then, we were all elated to hear and witnessed how he has preserved his unique voice through the years.

As a background, Sedaka was born in Brooklyn, New York. His father, Mac Sedaka, was a taxi driver and a Sephardi Jew of Turkish origin.

Apparently,his last name of “Sedaka” or “Sadaka,” were variants of “tredakah,” which translates in both Hebrew and Arabic which meant “charm,” His mother, formerly Eleanor Appel, on the other hand, was an Ashkenazi Jew of Polish/Russian origin. His grandparents came to the United States from Constantinople, which was then the capital of Ottoman Turkey in 1910. They settled in Brighton Beach, on the shore of the Atlantic, where Sedaka grew up. He was the cousin of late singer, Eydie Gorme.

Early on in his second grade, he had already demonstrated his musical aptitude in their choral class, his teacher noticed it and sent a note to his parents suggesting that he take piano lessons. In order to pursue his musical education, his mother took a part-time job in a department store to enable them to buy a second-hand upright piano and in 1947, he auditioned successfully for a piano scholarship at the Juilliard School of Music’s Preparatory Division fpr

children. His mother wanted him to become a renowned classical pianist, much like the then famous pianist, Van Cliburn.

Meanwhile, he discovered pop music when he was 13 years old, when a neighbor heard him play and introduced him to her 16 year-old son, Howard Greenfield, an aspiring poet and lyricist. Together, they then became the legendary Brill Building composers.

Sedaka and Greenfield wrote songs together throughout much of their young lives, while Sedaka slowly became known as a major teen pop star, and at the same time, both of them wrote musical hits for quite a number of other artists.

However, when the Beatles and the British invasion took American music in a different direction, Sedaka was left with no recording contract, which prompted the end of his partnership with Greenfield by releasing a song called “”One Last Song Together.”

By the 1970’s, he decided to move his family to Great Britain, where he began a new composing partnership with Phil Cody, from Pleasantville, New York which apparently was short lived. This prompted him to return back to the United States where he reunited with Greenfield and continued their composing together, even writing for other artists such as Connie Francis, releasing their top hit song for her entitled “Stupid

Neil Sedaka

Cupid,” until Greenfield passed away in 1986..

In 1958, he restablished himself and by 1960, he has released new hits such as “Stairway to Heaven,” “You Mean Everything to Me,” “Run, Samson Run,” “Calendar GIrl,” “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,” and his signature song “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.” Other hit songs Sedaka wrote for Francis were: “The Diary,” and “Where The Boys Are,” which eventually became a movie where Francis starred in.

Though his career declined from 1964 during the height of the Beatle invasion, he shifted his career to songwriting and wrote songs for other artists such as: The Monkees,5th Dimension and Frankie Valli.

By 1970, he reconvened with a group called Strawberry Team and they recorded with MGM Records, releasing the original version of “Love will Keep Us Together,” sang by Captain and Tenille. He also went to Europe and joined Polydor Records, where they released another of his hit songs called “Laughter In The Rain.”

In 1985, songs composed by Sedaka were adapted for the Japanese anime TV series “Mobile Suit Zeta

Gundam. and in 1994, Sedaka provided the voice foe Neil Mousaka, a parody of himself in “Food Rocks,”an attraction which ran at the Epcot from 1994 through 2006.

A musical comedy based on his song “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do,” was written in 2005 by Erik Jackson and Bea H. Winters, and is now under license with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

In 2010, a briographical musical “Laughter In The Rain,” produced

by Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield, and starring Wayne Smith as Neil Sedaka. had its world preiner at the Universal Churchill Theatre in London Currently, Neil,Sedaka maintains a “rigorous concert schedule” throughout the US and around the world And his performance at the Saban Theatre was filled with all his danceable, nostalgic songs which we all sang-along with, reminiscing the fun, wonder years of our youth.

Now in his late 70’s, Neil Sedaka still exudes a vibrant voice, his unassuming smile and his humility as a performer, who deserved being awarded the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame award in 1983 and a memorable star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006 and on November, 2013 the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters in Los Angeles, awarded him the Gilmore Career Achievement Award.

This author is forever greatful to friend and media colleague, Evelyn Portugal for her spur-of the moment invite to this delightful show. and for those of you like us, who fall under the Baby Boomers category, try to catch one of Neil Sedaka’s performances and you’ll truly relive your youthful memories. It’s your “One Way Ticket to the Blues!”

Balita

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

LOS ANGELES

Visit www.Balita.com

Secure, convenient banking that lets you focus on what really matters.

Open a checking account1 with U.S. Bank, and you’ll get secure, mobile banking2 that you can access at any time. Because we know how much you value quality time with your family.

Call 800.720.BANK (2265), visit a local branch or go to usbank.com/checking.

1

All regular account opening procedures apply. A $25 minimum deposit is required to open a U.S. Bank consumer checking account. 2 The U.S. Bank Mobile app is free to download. Your mobile carrier may charge access fees depending upon your individual plan. Web access is needed to use the Mobile app. Check with your carrier for specific fees and charges. Some mobile features may require additional online setup. Any fees for optional transactions will be identified during registration for these services and during their use. For text alerts, standard messaging charges apply through your mobile carrier and message frequency depends on account settings. Deposit products offered by U.S. Bank National Association. U.S. Bank Member FDIC. ©2017 U.S. Bank.

“World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC.

3

4

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

Visit www.Balita.com

DND chief affirms ‘all-out war’ vs armed NPA rebels MANILA, Feb. 7 (PNA) – The government forces will carry out all-out war operations against the armed rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA).

This was confirmed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday, February 7, few days after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the suspension of peace talks with the communist groups.

“Yes, it is an all-out war kasi they are considered by the President already as terrorists. We also consider them as terrorists,” Lorenzana said.

He clarified that the all-out offensive will be limited only to the armed component of the rebel group and not to their peaceful supporters.

He said that the military has already started preparing for battle following sporadic skirmishes in Mindoro and several provinces in Mindanao for the past two days.

He stressed that NPA rebels are considered as threat to national security as they continue to attack government troops and to terrorize communities such as extorting money from businessmen.

Lorenzana, meanwhile, assured the public that the military will take the high road to ensure that no human rights abuses will happen during operations against armed rebels.

“We will see to it that those abuses will not be committed again. It is bad for the image of the military. Alam mo nawawalan ng kredibilidad ‘yung military pagka umaabuso sila. And we try to avoid that,” he said.

The DND chief also said the authorities are ready to execute the order of the President to arrest the leaders of the communist groups once they return to the country.

Lorenzana, meanwhile, denied accusations that the military was out to sabotage the peace negotiations saying that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has also been longing for peace with communist insurgents just like President Duterte.

“We want peace. We do not want to sabotage. We support the peace process that was initiated by the President,” he said.

During the same briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella announced that the state weather agency has acquired two Doppler radars.

“PAGASA gets two Doppler radars for Cagayan and Samar, which will be used for—which will be helpful and be used for monitoring and tracking weather systems,” he said.

Abella likewise mentioned that President Duterte’s micro fund program will pilot-run this month, a project under the Department of Trade and Industry.

“We commend the Department of Trade and Industry in addressing the government’s concern to get rid of “5-6” money lending system by launching the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso Program (P3) in the provinces of Mindanao, Sarangani and Leyte,” he said.

The Palace official said the amounts will be ranging from 5,000 to 300,000, which can be accessed by entrepreneurs, 26 percent per annum with no collateral requirements.

Balita

Gov’t. terminates JASIG with Reds

By Sammy F. Martin

MANILA, Feb. 7 (PNA) – The Philippine government on Tuesday terminated the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CCP/NPA/NDF).

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, in a statement, confirmed the termination of the JASIG. “We wish to announce that following the President’s pronouncement of the cancellation of the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/ NDF) and, per his instructions, the Government of the Philippines (GRP) Panel served to the NDF today the Government’s notice of termination of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG),” Dureza said.

The termination of the JASIG paves the way for the arrest of National Democratic Front (NDF) consultants who were temporarily released from government detention to participate in the peace negotiations.

The Duterte government had earlier filed petitions before local courts for the temporary release of around 20 consultants, including NPA leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, for the negotiations.

The government and the NDF signed in February 1995 the JASIG, which guarantees safety and immunity to negotiators, consultants, and other personnel joining the peace talks.

Dureza further said that despite the cancellation of the peace talks, the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte “remains committed in its peace efforts by continuing with resolve to explore all opportunities to intensify implementation of genuine reforms for the benefit of the people.”

DOJ to issue lookout order vs NDF consultants

By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, Feb. 7 (PNA) – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday said it is set to issue a lookout bulletin order (LBO) against the consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) who participated in the peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPPNPA). ”What we did lahat ng members consultants nagkaroon ng bail because of peace process maglalabas kami ng LBO this afternoon. We have cabinet meeting this afternoon yung final decision ng Duterte administration on peace process whether its terminated and arrest na yan,” DOJ Secretary

Vitaliano Aguirre II told reporters on Tuesday afternoon in an interview.

Aguirre said that these people should be under the watchlist as they might leave the country. An LBO is issued to subject persons, in order to at least monitor the itineraries of their flight, travel,and/or whereabouts. The persons subject of an LBO is allowed to travel subject to a permission from the DOJ. Aguirre said on Monday the consultants of the NDF should go back to the country and return to detention.

“Once they turn themselves in or arrested, they will be returned to their detention,” Aguirre said when sought for comment on the issue adding that security forces can arrest them.

TAX PROBLEMS? DEBT PROBLEMS?

An Expert Immigration Attorney for All your Immigration needs

Don’t Stress!

I will help you find a way out.

Approvals are what we get from Immigration Services for our clients WE SPEAK TAGALOG MANDARIN, CANTONESE & FUKIENESE

TAX RESOLUTION • IRS Audits • Liens • Levies • Wage Garnishments • Negotiate with IRS • Unfiled Returns

S P E C I A L I Z E S • All types of Non-Immigrant Working Visas • Extension and Change of Status Application • PERM (Labor Certification) • Immigrant Visa Applications • Green Card through employment offer • J Waiver Application • Family Petitions • Registered Nurse and Healthcare Professionals Visa Applications • Exchange Visitor, Student & Fiancé(e) Visa

DEBT RESOLUTION • Bill Collectors • Lawsuits • Debt Settlement • Foreclosure • Student Loans • Chapter 7/13 Bankruptcy

Atty. Dixon Wong

I N :

• Mandamus • BIA and Federal Court Appeals • Criminal Defense for Green Card Holders and Non-Immigrants • Asylum Application • Deportation and Removal Proceedings • Adoption Petitions • Naturalization Applications and Appeals • Green Cards through Investor Visas • Battered Spouse Applications

With two locations to serve you in San Gabriel Valley • Pasadena

Call To Schedule a Free Consultation:

Tel 626.577.1100

600 South Lake Ave., Suite 301 Pasadena, CA 91106

Fax 626.577.1102

Office Hours: Monday - Friday • Saturday by Appointment

GLENDALE OFFICE: 100 N. Brand Blvd, 2nd floor (corner Broadway)

OTHER LOCATIONS:

www.bulaonlaw.com

CERRITOS I VALENCIA

Balita

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

5

Palace elated by Japan’s largest bank bullish outlook on PHL MANILA, Feb. 7 (PNA) – Malacañang on Tuesday expressed elation on the optimistic outlook by a Japan’s largest bank on the Philippine economy.

“We are pleased by the bullish outlook expressed by the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Japan’s largest bank, on the Philippine economy,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a media briefing.

According to media reports, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd. (BTMU) managing executive officer and chief executive for Asia and Oceania said the Philippines’ economy is “amazing”.

The Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) registered at 6.8 percent in 2016 which, the BTMU officials, said is one of the fastest growing economies in Asian region.

BTMU managing executive officer and chief executive officer for Asia & Oceania Takayoshi Futae committed to support the Philippines’ growing economy “through our partnership with Security Bank Corp.”

In the same media briefing, Abella announced the acquisition of two Doppler radars by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA) for Cagayan and Samar.

Abella said the two Doppler radars will be helpful “for monitoring and locating weather systems.”

On the government’s campaign against loan sharks, Abella also announced that President Rodrigo Duterte’s micro fund program will pilot-run this month through Department of Trade and Industry.

“We commend the DTI in addressing the government’s concern to get rid of ‘5-6’ money lending system by launching the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso Program (P3) in the provinces of Mindanao, Sarangani and Leyte,” Abella said.

“The amounts will be ranging from PHP5,000 to PHP300,000, which can be accessed by entrepreneurs, 26 percent per annum with no collateral requirements,” he added. Last Monday, President Duterte reiterated his warning to arrest 5-6 lenders who preys on ordinary Filipinos and small enterprises.

The 5-6 lenders charged borrowers with 20 percent interest rate per month.

3rd public hearing on Jack Lam and Immigration Bureau ‘s alleged bribery scandal: Senator Richard Gordon Chairperson Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon)(right)and Senator Joel Villanueva (2nd from right)preside over the third public hearing on investigation on Jack Lam and Bureau of Immigration’s alleged bribery Scandal. Former Immigration Associate Commissioner Atty.Al C.Argosino (left) and former Immigration Associate Commissioner Michael B.Robles (2nd from left) explain their side on Thursday (February 9,2017) at the Plenary Hall of the Senate Building in Pasay City (PNA photos by Avito C.Dalan)

Ex-Colombian president wrong – Pimentel MANILA, Feb. 8 (PNA) – Senate Pres. Aquilino Pimentel III on Wednesday said that he does not agree with the article written by former Colombian president César Gaviria urging Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to solve the Philippines illegal drug problem by “decriminalizing consumption”.

In US daily newspaper New York Times, Gaviria said that he believes that “the smartest pathway to tackling drugs is decriminalizing consumption and ensuring that gov-

ernments regulate certain drugs, including for medical and recreational purposes”.

“What former Pres. César Gaviria said, like for example the decriminalization of the drug problem -- that is wrong. Because we are dealing now with synthetic drugs,” Pimentel told reporters in an interview.

Pimentel, a staunch ally and party-mate of Pres. Duterte, pointed out that the Philippines could never entertain legalizing the use of syn-

thetic drugs.

Gaviria also said that the war on drugs cannot be won “through killing petty criminals and addicts”.

The Senate President called it “common sense.”

“Killing people is not the solution.

You are enforcing the law, we are against drugs because it destroys people. So, how can we kill people to protect people? So killing people is not really the answer to any problem,” he added. (PNA) JBP/ANP and Jake M. Castillo

PHP126-M tilapia destroyed in Lake Sebu fish kill; state of calamity declared

By Allen Estabillo

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Feb. 9 (PNA) – Officials of Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato have placed the entire area under the state of calamity due to a recent massive fish kill that destroyed around P126 million worth of tilapia.

Roberto Bagong, action officer of the Lake Sebu Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said Thursday the municipal council issued the calamity declaration in a session on Wednesday.

He said the move was based on a recommendation from their office and the MDRRM Council headed by Mayor Antonio Fungan.

But he said the council has set conditions that they need to accomplish in line with the declaration, among them the immediate submission of some documentary requirements.

Three barangays—Poblacion, Takonel and Bacdulong – were earlier placed under the state of calamity due to the impact of the fish kill from January 27 to February 4.

The fish kill, which is considered the worst in Lake Sebu so far, destroyed around 1.4 million tonnes of

tilapia from 4,944 fish cages owned by 464 operators.

Bagong said that based on their latest assessment, the estimated damage value has reached over P126 million. The average farm-gate price for tilapia in Lake Sebu is at P90 per kilo. As next move following the calamity declaration, the official said they will convene the town’s fish cage operators and other stakeholders on Monday next week for a dialogue and consultation.

He said they will introduce to local fishing stakeholders various recommendations made by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the provincial government of South Cotabato to help address the recurrent fish kills at the lake. These include the enforcement of the 10 percent limit of the lake’s area for aquaculture development as set in Republic Act 8850 or the Philippine Fishery Code of 1998.

Around 20 percent of the 354-hectare lake are presently occupied by fish cages or way higher than its carrying capacity.

“They also recommended the setting of a regular closed season for

fishing and a moratorium of two to five years for fish cage operations,” he said.

On the part of the municipal government, he said they will push for the immediate cleanup of water hyacinths or water lilies in parts of the 354-hectare lake.

Bagong said they will also forge memorandum of agreements with fish cage operators for the conduct of regular cleanup in areas that they occupy. He said they will tap the participation of the barangays in the cleanup activities to ensure that they would be sustained.

Experts noted that the overcrowding of fish cages at the lake, the proliferation of water hyacinths and the use of commercial feeds by operators have caused its waters to deteriorate, triggering fish kills.

They trigger the occurrence of “kamahong,” a phenomenon that is mainly caused by the sudden rise in the water’s temperature.

“Kamahong,” which usually occurs during the rainy season, triggers the rise of sulfuric acid in the lake’s waters that eventually cause the massive fish kill.

6

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

Visit www.Balita.com

Balita

Municipalities, not NG, to suffer most on loss of mining taxes

By Joann Santiago

Kiamba holds sinamay training in Kiamba, Sarangani (February 7, 2017) – A skills training on sinamay clothe weaving is held on February 1-3 funded by the Municipal Tourism Office and Philippine Fiber Industry Authority XI, Davao City. The training was assisted by the Municipal Agriculture Office. (Avery Rotciv Camposano/Kiamba Info Center)

Customs to consumers: Don’t buy counterfeit mobile phones

By Ferdinand G. Patinio

MANILA, Feb. 7 (PNA) – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday urged the public not to patronize counterfeit cellular phones, noting that instead of saving money, they will lose their hard earned cash in the end. BOC Spokesperson Col. Neil Estrella said buying fake communication gadgets which costs half the price of the original one will not save them money, since bogus products are easy to break and not reliable.

“Ang ating panawagan sa publiko, huwag na silang bumili ng fake na cell phones, mura nga pero madali namang masira. So, hindi din sila nakakatipid at mas magagastusan pa sila,” he said. The BOC official issued the appeal after the viewing and presentation to media of the container van loaded with bogus cell-

phones and dry goods worth PHP20 million at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) on Tuesday.

Seized were hundreds of fake iPhone 6 and 7 and Samsung phones, cellphone spare parts etc., misdeclared as dry goods from China.

The cargo was consigned to Autumn Way Enterprises with address at Room 4160D 4F Regina Building, Escoltra Street, Binondo, Manila.

With this, Estrella warned those who are engaged in the importation of counterfeit products to stop their illegal activities as the BOC is bent on stopping them. “We warn unscrupulous individuals to stop their illegal orientations because we will not stop seizing their shipments, malulugi lang kayo dahil milyon milyon ang halaga ng mga shipments na ito,” he added.

MANILA, Feb. 7 (PNA) – Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said it is the municipalities, not the national government, that would be greatly affected by loss of tax revenues from closure of mining companies.

He said some municipalities earn only from taxes being paid by mining companies operating in their areas.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez has ordered the closure of about 23 mining companies around the country, citing various violations.

Dominguez said initial check pegs the loss from the closure to be around Php 653 million. ”It’s gonna hurt that we’re not going to get mining revenue but it’s not going to be very fatal. In some municipalities, it’s the only income they have,” he said.

Dominguez, co-chair of the inter-agency Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC), said members of the Cabinet were now formulating emergency measures to address the closure’s impact on

affected workers.

He said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), among others, was collating the number of affected workers and the Department of Labor (DOLE) was considering the creation of jobs for this purpose.

He also said that it was not only the mining companies’ employees who would be affected but also those who provide secondary services such as workers of companies providing supplies like boots and helmets as well as small store owners around the mines. He said the proposal to make the mines as eco-tourism destinations to provide alternative jobs to people would take some time and the necessary infrastructure.

“I am sure that at some point in it will be viable. But how do you make eco-tourism if you cannot get there because there is no road? That there’s no pier? That there is no airport? We have to build those infrastructure to make sure that it’s a viable place to visit,” he said. ”It’s a question of timing as well,” he added.

Malampaya maintenance going smoothly MANILA, Feb. 7 (PNA) – The energy department announced Tuesday that with only nine days to go, maintenance work at the Malampaya natural gas facility is going smoothly.

According to department spokesperson, Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella, the materials and the workers are in and schedules are being followed. ”The Department of Energy (DOE) is looking into every aspect of the plant, including the systems that are in place, that employees are receiving the proper benefits, and whether or

not the standard safety protocols and standard operating procedures are being adhered to,” Fuentebella said.

While assuring that power supplies are sufficient and reserves are adequate, the department encouraged the public to make energy conservation a habit. ”The DOE is constantly reminding consumers that power supply will always be adequate and there will be no price shock, for so long as they religiously practice energy conservation and the value of using energy efficiently,” Fuentebella said.

Energy dept deploys team to Sual power plant

STEM CELL THERAPY The New Technology

Stem Cell Therapy is a breakthrough Non-Invasive, Non-Surgical option for people suffering from a multitude of conditions such as: • Diabetes Type II • Erectile Dysfunction • Alzheimer’s Disease • Auto-Immune Disorders • Orthopedic Conditions • Rheumatoid Arthritis

Non-Invasive, Non-surgical Option for a Multitude of Conditions

www.RefreshLA.com 818-956-1141

MANILA, Feb. 7 (PNA) – The energy department has deployed a team to assess the restoration of a unit of the 1,294-megawatt (MW) Sual power plant that shut down at 10:15 a.m. Monday, possibly due to a condenser tube leak.

In a news release issued Tuesday, the department, citing the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), assured that the Luzon grid is still

stable despite the sudden shutdown.

“Based on the most recent update of NGCP, the Luzon grid will have a net reserve of 1,089 MW during the afternoon peak today (Tuesday),” the department said. The unit is expected to resume operation in three to four days. The Sual power station is the country’s largest coal-fired power plant, generating and supplying 1,294 MW for the Luzon Grid.

Students, parents asked to speak up on planned ROTC revival MANILA, Feb. 9 (PNA) – Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV on Thursday asked students and their parents to speak up on the government’s plan to revive the Reserved Officers Training Course (ROTC) for Grades 11 and 12.

Aquino, chair of the Senate Committee on Education, called on students, student councils and parents’ associations to submit position papers to his committee to know their stand on the planned ROTC revival.

“We want to know the students’ position on this matter,” Aquino said.

He said that his team will also be conducting online poll through social media sites to give students and parents an avenue to voice out their opinion before the Senate conducts hearings on this issue.

At present, three bills calling for the revival of the ROTC are pending with the Committee on Education

-- Senate Bills 1131, 200 and 189, authored by Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian and Manny Pacquiao, respectively.

The ROTC became optional in 2002 through Republic Act 9163 or the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001.

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation of the Department of National Defense (DND) to revive mandatory ROTC in Grades 11 and 12 “to instill love of country and good citizenship among the youth.”

Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said Pres. Duterte gave go signal for endorsement in Congress of a bill amending Republic Act No. 7077 which mandates the “institutionalization, development, training and organization” of basic ROTC in Grades 11 and 12 during last Tuesday’s cabinet meeting.

Balita

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

7

Lacson: Rogue cops deserve to be shamed

By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, Feb. 8 (PNA) – Rogue cops who keep shaming the Philippine National Police (PNP) deserve to be shamed, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Wednesday amid ongoing efforts to cleanse the police ranks.

Lacson, former PNP chief, made this remark after Pres. Rodrigo Duterte threw insults at over 200 policemen when they faced him in Malacanang on Tuesday. The President also ordered their deployment to Basilan.

He said that errant behavior among cops was “contagious� and that it was important to “nip the bud� this early.

Asked if publicly humiliating cops was effective, Lacson said answered “yes and no.�

He explained that on one side, it would be unfair to include cops whose offenses are not validated but

on the other hand, he said that it could also have a positive effect since they would no longer copy other cops’ errant ways.

The senator also said that he was supportive with Pres. Duterte’s decision to reassign rogue cops but said that the President should not “single out Mindanao.� “Ang dahilan sa transfer, para ma-uproot ang masamang pulis sa lugar na napakalakas ng impluwensya niya (The reason for transfer is to uproot scalawag cops from areas where they have strong influence),�

Lacson said. “Pag yan inalis mo halimbawa sa NCR ilagay sa Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Samar, wala siyang influence doon.

Matututo siya maging pulis doon (If you uproot them from NCR and reassign them to Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Samar, he won’t have influence there.

He’ll learn to be cop there),� he added.

Social welfare dept opposes proposals to reinstate death penalty MANILA, Feb. 7 (PNA) – The social welfare department has strongly objected to legislation proposing the reinstatement of capital punishment in the country, saying that respect for human dignity is one of its core values.

The department made the objection in a position paper on Senate Bill Nos. 04, 42, 185, 187, 368, and 985 on capital punishment, which Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo submitted to Senator Richard Gordon, chair of the Senate justice and human rights committee, on Tuesday.

Taguiwalo said that instead of re-institutionalizing capital punishment, priority should be given to reforming the existing criminal and justice system to ensure that offenders get caught, and justice is delivered to all fairly. “Capital punishment is cruel, degrading, and inhuman. It goes against the right of individuals to life, as provided for in core universal and regional human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that aims to abolish the death penalty,� she said. “This right should not be disregarded, regardless of an individual’s needs, especially since empirical evidence shows that ‘criminality’ is determined by a number of factors including poverty, lack of education, marginal economic opportunities, even disability.�

Taguiwalo said that capital punishment is anti-poor in the context of the Philippines’ justice system where resolutions to cases are always long delayed and the process is expensive.

She cited that in 2012, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) pegged a lawyer’s “acceptance fee� at PHP30,000 to defend a person accused in a criminal case that will be heard at the lowest level court. “Overworked and underpaid public lawyers cannot do much to help many of those accused among the ranks of the poor. On the other

hand, influential and moneyed offenders can pay private counsels who work on their cases full time,� she said, explaining that this already makes the system unfair.

The social welfare chief also cited the results of a 2004 survey of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), which stated that 70 percent of 1,121 inmates on death row before the death penalty was abolished in 2006, earned less than PHP1,000 a month and that 81 percent worked in low-income jobs, such as sales, service, factory work, farming, transport, and construction. “The meager income of the poor, aggravated by the lack of education and marginal economic opportunities, preclude them from affording effective legal representation in court,� she said. She also noted the FLAG data that 71 percent of the death sentences handed down by the trial courts were wrongfully imposed. “In essence, this means that there are seven innocent lives out of 10 convicted on death row,� she said.

Finally, Taguiwalo said, the use of capital punishment does not prevent the commitment of crimes. She pointed out that to date, there is no reliable evidence that can show that capital punishment has a direct impact on reducing crimes, much less preventing offenders from committing further crimes. In contrast, studies have shown that the certainty of getting caught has been known to be a deterrent to crime. “The use of capital punishment also extinguishes the offender’s hopes to reform and engage in rehabilitation. It highlights the permanency of their offense, instead of their capacity to change for the better through the process of restorative justice, which would enable them to connect, reconcile, and learn from their offense,� she said.

Proponents of restorative justice, she added, have attested that offenders who were given the chance to face the consequences of their actions were more prepared to rebuild their lives through reparations and acceptance of responsibility.

Pres. Duterte to erring cops: Go to Basilan or resign: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte orders the police oďŹƒcers facing various charges to be detailed in Basilan for two years during their presentation to the President in MalacaĂąang on Tuesday (Feb. 7, 2017). The President gave the errant police oďŹƒcers 15 days to decide whether to resign or accept their re-assignment in Basilan.(Photo by Marcelino Pascua/Presidential Photo/PNA)

Death penalty bill divides lawmakers MANILA, Feb. 8 (PNA) – The controversial measure seeking to reinstate the death penalty has exposed deep divisions among lawmakers at the House of Representatives.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez announced on Wednesday that he will insist on a party vote rather than a conscience vote on the death penalty bill.

Alvarez met with his party mates from PDP-Laban to reiterate its party stand in favor of House Bill No. 4727. Members who will deviate from it might as well resign, he noted.

Alvarez added that House leaders who will not support the administration’s priority measure will be plucked out from their posts.

Deputy Speakers who are reportedly against the measure include Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Marikina City Rep. Miro

Quimbo, and Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. In a press conference, Buhay Partylist Rep. Lito Atienza warned against the “arm-twistingâ€? of the majority, noting that congressmen might question the House leadership if he forces them to vote on the issue. “The issue of death penalty is a matter of principles, whether you value life or something else. Magkakaroon ng long-range impact yan‌ Members of Congress today are of integrity and many of them will not follow that kind of arm-twisting,â€?

Atienza said.

Atienza shared that the minority bloc led by Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez is free to vote based on the members’ consciences.

For his part, Akbayan Partylist Rep. Tom Villarin said the death policy is “divisive� even in the majority.

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

CITIZENSHIP NOW!

NOW IS THE TIME TO BECOME A U.S. CITIZEN! Becoming a U.S. citizen opens the door to endless possibilities. Experience traveling the world with ease. Enjoy increased job opportunities. Reunite in the U.S. with family members. Exercise your right to vote. Start the process today so \RX FDQ DFFHVV DOO WKH EHQHĂ€WV SULYLOHJHV DQG SURWHFWLRQV WKDW FRPH ZLWK 8 6 citizenship. Applying is easy and and assistance is FREE. In-language assistance and fee waivers are available.

CALL NOW to get your application started:

888-349-9695 (English) 855-300-2552 (Tagalog) Visit www.citizenshipnow.net

A public service made possible through partnership of Asian American Advancing Justice-LA (Advancing Justice-LA) DQG :HHNHQG %DOLWD WKH RIÂżFLDO PHGLD SDUWQHU

: HHNHQG %$/,7$

: : : % $ / , 7 $ & 2 0 WWW..BALITA.COM

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

8

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

Visit www.Balita.com

Perpetrators of violence vs children are those MEASURE H who should be protecting them, says UNICEF homelessness was not an insur-

Balita

From page 1

By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, Feb. 7 – The most horrific crimes against children occur in their own homes, the country representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said. “It is not in the streets, it is not in school, it is not in Church -- it is at home where they should be most secure, safe, loved and protected. And that is a shame,” Lotta Sylwander said during the launch of the Break the Silence (BtS) National Network, held at the auditorium of the Philippine Christian University on Monday.

Sylwander said the results of the National Baseline Study on Violence Against Children revealed that the perpetrators are actually the ones who should be protecting these children in their homes -- parents, siblings and cousins.

The study, released last Dec. by the UNICEF and the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), showed that one in five children below 18 years has experienced sexual violence while growing up, and that 60.4 percent of physical violence took place at home, followed by school (14.3 percent), commu-

nity (12.5 percent), workplace (7.1 percent), and during a date (6.2 percent).

It further stated that unknown to many, boys are also primary victims of sexual violence in the Philippines.

The study showed that more males were sexually abused in school (6.7 percent, compared to females, 4.5 percent), and the community (12.8 percent, compared to females, 6.4 percent). However, the study showed no significant difference in the prevalence of severe sexual violence or forced consummated sex in the home, with females at 1.8 percent and males 1.4 percent.

On sexual violence during childhood in school, there were significantly more males (2.1 percent) who claimed to have experienced forced consummated sex in school than females (1.1 percent) for a total over-all prevalence of 1.6 percent.

The culture of silence is making matters worse, Sylwander said, pointing out that these children are prevented from speaking, and are often suspected of lying, are told that they deserved it, or threatened that something would happen to them if they break their silence.

CALL CENTERS From page 1

The BPO industry is now among the solid fuel of Philippines’ domestic growth and is seen to surpass the contribution of remittances of Filipino workers overseas on gross domestic product (GDP), which is currently around 10 percent.

In 2015, the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) generated some

1.2 million direct jobs and registered revenues amounting to about USD22 billion. On the other hand, remittances grew by four percent in 2015,the target growth of the central bank, with total cash remittances amounting to USD 25.61 billion.

As of end-November 2016, cash remittances reached USD 24.34 billion, 5.2 percent up year-on-year.

mountable challenge, explaining that from year 2015 to 2016 alone, LA County was able to reduce homeless family population by 18%; while also cutting homeless veteran population by 30%.

According to the advocates for the homeless, preventing people from going homeless is as significant as building infrastructure to house homeless people.

To sustain the efforts, services have to be around to address mental health problems, help former homeless persons adapt to living off the streets, job counseling and substance abuse treatment.

There has been no funding for these services.

The money to be generated from the tax proposal is estimated to help around “45,000 families and individuals move from homelessness to permanent housing in the measure’s first five years – and enable 30,000 more to avoid becoming homeless.”

Reba Stevens, a former homeless resident of LA, gave a moving testimony on the importance of supplementary services in saving an individual from homelessness.

Stevens, who claimed to she was homeless for 21 years, said it was not enough that the she was given a place to live. What really saved her, said Stevens, were the people who reached out to her and helped her overcame emotional and mental challenges.

“That is why I know how important is Measure H. I know how important are these services to the people who are out there on the streets,” Stevens told the forum.

In November, Los Angeles city voters passed Proposition HHH, a property tax bond measure meant to raise $1.2 billion to build 10,000 affordable-housing units for the homeless With an estimated 45,000 individuals considered homeless in LA county, the city and the county declared homelessness as an emergency in 2015.

It has been reported that the LA County Sheriff’s Department spends $41 million a year on arresting, jailing and providing probation services to the homeless. The LA police department spends $87 million for similar endeavors.

During the same forum, Debra Suh, executive director of Center for the Pacific Asian Family, reported that around one-third of homeless persons in LA are women.

Suh added that domestic violence is among the factors that drive out women from their homes and into the unobserved dangers of the streets.

Andrea Marchetti, executive director of Jovenes, apprised the forum that youths mostly constitute the “invisible victims” of homelessness.

“We don’t really see them because they tend to blend in with their peers,” Marchetti said, adding that young homeless are exposed to the same dangers and abuses that a lot of older homeless fall into.

The other persons who composed the panel were Celina Alvarez, executive director of Housing Works andVaLecia Adams Kellum, executive director of St. Joseph Center.

Sandy Close, executive director of NAM, moderated the event.

RISKY From page 1

Airport as a consequence of a travel ban imposed by President Donald Trump on seven Muslim-majority countries.

Sung said despite the continuing hostilities against immigrant communities, there were indications that it is backfiring as manifested by an unprecedented number of amicus briefs (document that is filed in a court by someone who is not directly related to the case under consideration) that have been filed in court arguing against Trump’s executive orders.

“Many of them came from the tech industry,” Sung disclosed, which she said, “only shows the importance of immigrants in both the local and national economy.”

The lawyers said Trump’s immigration enforcement order would affect immigrants who were convicted of any criminal offense, regardless of what the offense was, when it occurred, or the circumstances of the conviction; those who haven’t even been convicted of a crime, but have been charged with one; those who have broken a law, with no charges or convictions resulting from it; and those with final administrative deportation orders.

It appears that the executive order does not make so much allowance or provide considerations for immigrants to be allowed to stay -not their length of time in the United States, whether they are married to a US citizen or have children who are citizens, or the content of their character and the contributions they have been making to their communities and the society, in general.

Meanwhile, the third member of the panel Grisel Ruiz, staff attorney at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), reported that as developments unfold, state legislators are stepping up and are doing everything they can to protect immigrants.

Ruiz cited Senate Bill 54 that seeks to prohibit state and local law enforcement from using their resources to investigate, arrest or detain suspects for immigration enforcement purposes.

The immigrant rights advocate lamented that the the current system does not provide public defenders in immigration cases. Ruiz said such a situation is unfortunate as she pointed out that about “82% of cases represented by lawyers were won while 24% were lost due to absence of legal representation.”

Currently, Senate Bill 6 is being heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The measure seeks to establish legal aid for immigrants and has an urgency provision to take effect immediately.

Another proposal, Senate Bill 31, seeks to forbid state and local agencies from providing personally identifiable information about an individual’s religious beliefs to the federal government.

The press call was moderated by Odette Keeley, NAM’s national media network director.

Balita

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

9

GRAND OPENING! NOW OPEN

9065 WARNER AVENUE, FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA 92708 714-845-8156

AT THE WARNER AVENUE EXIT OFF THE 405, BEHIND BOOMERS 7AM-9PM M-F | 8AM-9PM SAT | 10AM-6PM SUN

MAGNOLIA ST

TOP QUALITY FLOORS. ROCK BOTTOM PRICES.®

405

RECREATION

CIR

GET THEM BEFORE THEY’RE GONE!

29¢

49

E WARNER AV

¢

SQ.FT

LAMINATE SPRING MAPLE 6MM

PORCELAIN RETROCLASSIC WHITE 13” X 13”

COMPARE AT ¢

COMPARE AT $ 49

49

1

1

$ 47

1

89

1

$ 19

YOUR CHOICE

¢

SQ. FT.

SQ.FT

LAMINATE TIGERWOOD 12MM

PORCELAIN LIQUID LIGHT GRAY 24” X 24”

COMPARE AT ¢

COMPARE AT $ 69

99

PORCELAIN PARKRIDGE AUBURN 6” X 36” COMPARE AT $ 49

2

1

1

SQ. FT.

1

$ 99

$ 49

$ 79

ENGINEERED HARDWOOD COASTAL GRAY 3/8” X 6”

DOMINICA GLASS MOSAIC 1” X 1”

LIGHT BEIGE BEVELED TRAVERTINE 4” X 12”

DECORATIVE MULTI PEBBLE STONE MOSAIC 12” X 12”

COMPARE AT $ 99

COMPARE AT $ 96

COMPARE AT $ 96

COMPARE AT $ 96

SQ. FT.

1

EACH

EACH

5

1

3

EACH

JOIN US FOR GRAND OPENING ACTIVITIES! VISIT TODAY

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

FREE DESI

12:00 PM–2:00 PM FACE PAINTING & CHARACTER APPEARANCES CHINESE NEW YEAR LION DANCE & FOUNTAIN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND ATTEND FOR A CHANCE TO WIN OUR

VAILABLE!

DICE ROLL CHALLENGE

GN SERVICES A

$

1,000,000

**

LET US INSPIRE YOU!

Get expert help in developing your next project with our free design services. Our designers will work one-on-one with you to help you find the inspiration and great products to bring your project to life.

12:30 PM–2:00 PM THE ORIGINAL TOMMY’S SHACK ON WHEELS: COMPLIMENTARY CHILI BURGER TO THE FIRST 200 GUESTS 2:00 PM–4:00 PM CHUNK N’ CHIP FOOD TRUCK: COMPLIMENTARY ICE CREAM SLIDERS TO THE FIRST 200 GUESTS

Limited Time!

NO INTEREST! IF PAID IN FULL WITHIN 18 MONTHS WITH REGULAR PAYMENTS ON PURCHASES OF $499 OR MORE WITH YOUR FLOOR & DECOR CREDIT CARD MADE NOW THROUGH 4/16/17.

*

*SEE STORE FOR DETAILS.

*OFFER APPLIES ONLY TO SINGLE-RECEIPT QUALIFYING PURCHASES. NO INTEREST WILL BE CHARGED ON THE PROMO PURCHASE IF YOU PAY THE PROMO PURCHASE AMOUNT IN FULL WITHIN 18 MONTHS. IF YOU DO NOT, INTEREST WILL BE CHARGED ON THE PROMO PURCHASE FROM THE PURCHASE DATE. DEPENDING ON PURCHASE AMOUNT, PROMOTION LENGTH AND PAYMENT ALLOCATION, THE REQUIRED MINIMUM MONTHLY PAYMENTS MAY OR MAY NOT PAY OFF PURCHASE BY END OF PROMOTIONAL PERIOD. REGULAR ACCOUNT TERMS APPLY TO NON-PROMOTIONAL PURCHASES AND, AFTER PROMOTION ENDS, TO PROMOTIONAL BALANCE. FOR NEW ACCOUNTS: PURCHASE APR IS 29.99%; MINIMUM INTEREST CHARGE IS $2. EXISTING CARDHOLDERS SHOULD SEE THEIR CREDIT CARD AGREEMENT FOR THEIR APPLICABLE TERMS. SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL. **NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE CHANCES OF WINNING. MUST BE LEGAL U.S. RESIDENT LIVING WITHIN 250 MILES OF FOUNTAIN VALLEY, 18+ AT TIME OF ENTRY. SEE COMPLETE OFFICIAL RULES AT WWW.FLOORANDDECORRULES.COM/FOUNTAINVALLEYDICEROLL FOR DETAILS INCLUDING ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS, PRIZE DESCRIPTIONS AND ARV. REGISTRATION AND GRAND PRIZE EVENT LOCATION: FLOOR & DECOR, 9065 WARNER AVE., FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA 92708. REGISTRATION PERIOD: 2/11/2017, 12:00PM – 2:00PM PT. OPEN ONLY TO FIRST (200) ELIGIBLE CONTESTANTS. IN THE EVENT THAT NO FINALIST COMPLETES GRAND PRIZE WINNING REQUIREMENTS, THE GRAND PRIZE WILL NOT BE AWARDED. ODDS OF WINNING THE GRAND PRIZE ARE 1:46,656. SPONSOR: FLOOR & DECOR, 2233 LAKE PARK DR., SUITE 400, SMYRNA, GA 30080.

10

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

Visit www.Balita.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Balita

Diego Loyzaga goes after dad Cesar Montano on social media Diego Loyzaga puzzled many of his fans on Tuesday when he threw tact out the window and suddenly went after his father, actor Cesar Montano.

In a series of Instagram posts, the 21-year-old Loyzaga called Montano a liar and a hypocrite, and attacked his dad for rejecting him when he was young.

“Sa lahat ng nakakabasa nito, iisipin niyo siguro wala akong respeto kasi ama ko iyan. Pero sana tandaan niyo na mula ng pinanganak ako ng nanay ko eh dineny na ako niyan hangang ngayon! Kaya siguro puwede ako magsalita ng ganito,” he wrote.

Loyzaga is Montano’s son with former actress Teresa Loyzaga. He was raised in Australia by his mother but returned to the Philippines in 2011.

He is currently an actor.

On his Instagram account, Loyzaga, appearing to have been provoked, unleashed several scathing posts against Montano whom he said has

accused him of being drug addict.

“Padamputin mo na ako [at] lagyan ako ng karatula, ‘di ba iyan ang sinabi mo?” he wrote.

Loyzaga added: “Kaming dalawa ng kapatid ko? Mag malinis ka na.

Sakay ka na sa kanila pero sariling mong anak ‘di mo ipagtatanggol.

Sarili mo lang! Magaling. Best actor ka nga!”

Loyzaga then claimed that all five of the drug tests he took came out negative. “Pero [ang] lakas pa rin ng loob mo na pag bintangan akong adik.”

Montano is a known supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte, who launched the country’s war on drugs.

He was recently appointed Department of Tourism Promotions Board chief operating officer and was seen getting friendly with Philippine National Police chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in recent weeks.

In another pointed attack, Loyzaga lashed out at his father for what he

described as one of his many broken promises.

He shared a photo of Montano saying that he paid for the tuition of his half-siblings, and wrote: “Salamat naman sa Diyos pinagaral mo ang mga anak mo. Karapat dapat lang naman ata ng isang ama gawin iyon, eh no?”

“Pangako mo sa akin? Nasaan na?

Ayaw mo pa gawin to sa social media?

Eh ako din ayaw ko sana pero puro ka hocus pocus. Daig mo pa magician.

Wag ka nalang sana mag satsat kung ‘di mo tutuparin.”

Loyzaga punctuated his rant by saying that his account was not hacked as some of his fans were suggesting. “Ka tagal tagal ko ng na nanahimik tungkol dito pero kahit sinong tao napupuno din!”

ABS-CBN has reached out to Star Magic, the talent agency that handles the career of Loyzaga, for comment but the agency has not replied. (MNS)

Diego Loyzaga

Charo Santos, Lav Diaz nominated at 11th Asian Film Awards tival, is up for best director for Diaz, best actress for Santos, and best screenplay.

The 228-minute long drama tells the story of Horacia (Santos), a school teacher who spent 30 years in a correctional facility for a crime she did not commit. It is Santos’ first film foray in nearly two decades.

To be held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Hong Kong on March 21, the 11th Asian Film Awards, according to its website, celebrates excellence in cinema in the region and recognizes film talents for the long-term positive development of Asian film industry and culture.

This year’s jury will be headed by Chinese director Jia Zhangke. Hong Kong actress Karena Lam will serve as a celebrity juror. (MNS)

Charo Santos

Lav Diaz’s “Ang Babaeng Humayo” starring screen veteran and ABS-CBN chief content officer Charo Santos bagged three nominations at the 11th Asian Film Awards Academy, it was announced recently.

The film, which proved triumphant at the 73rd Venice Film Fes-

Cruises on Sale!!

3 Nts Bahamas

From

330

$

4 Nts Jeju & Nagasaki

From

399

$

5 Nts France, Italy & Spain

From

429

$

LOW SEASON SPECIAL

LOS ANGELES-MANILA ROUND TRIP 7 Nts Caribbean

From

440

$

589 655 684

$ $3/01- 05/20 $3/1- 5/6 3/15/20 Eva Airlines

Asiana Airlines

Philippine Airlines

We get you the lowest prices on airline tickets, vacation packages, cruises and customize group tours!!!

We carry: Philippine Airlines, Korean, Asiana, Cathay, Eva, China, All Nippon, Delta, United, American, Japan, Air China, China Southern.

HyssopTravel

Call: 855.449.7767

930 Colorado Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90041

www.hyssoptravel.com info@hyssoptravel.com

Personal Travel Managers

Discover the world. Go take a vacation now!

EDMUND ANCIANO I M M I G R AT I O N

AT T O R N E Y

Practice limited to Immigration & Nationality Law

460 E. Carson Plaza Drive Suite 212-A, Carson, CA 90746

(424) 381-5954

17918 Pioneer Blvd. #211 Artesia, CA 90701

(562) 484-6414

ASSISTED CLIENTS FROM OVER 50 COUNTRIES SINCE 1993

Edmund Anciano is an attorney admitted to practice before the US Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Board of Immigration Appeals. He is authorized by Federal Law [US Code of Federal Regulations 8 C.R.F. 1.1 (f)] to represent persons in all 50 states before the US Immigration and Naturalization Service. His law practice is limited to Immigration and Nationality Law. He is not an attorney licensed to practice state law in California but an attorney licensed in New Jersey. Edmund Anciano received his bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s University in Pennsylvania. He received his law degree from Rutgers University.

FREE PARKING

WE ACCEPT MAJOR CREDIT CARDS

Daniel Matsunaga (right) and Erich Gonzales

Daniel Matsunaga on Erich: We respect each other

Daniel Matsunaga maintained he and Erich Gonzales still respect each other even if they are going through some relationship troubles.

The actor’s statement comes days after he denied that a third party was behind their relationship woes.

“Listen everyone…this is already getting out of control. What you guys read has nothing to do with what happened between me and Erich. FP (Fashion Pulis) is all lies and I don’t know where that came from… even after everything that happened between the two of us, we both respect each other and there is nothing like that…nonsense,” he wrote on Instagram.

Matsunaga said he knows Gonzales and he believes the actress would never do any of the things she’s being accused of.

As a message to all the bashers, Matsunaga said: “I just pray that God changes your heart. God bless you guys.”

The couple’s troubles surfaced last week week after some eagle-eyed fans noticed that Gonzales removed her photos with Matsunaga from her Instagram account.

Matsunaga has since admitted that they were “going through some personal things.”

The two first met when Matsunaga joined the cast of primetime series “Two Wives” in January 2015, which Gonzales topbilled. They then admitted to being a couple in June 2015.

Gonzales and Matsunaga starred in the noontime series “Be My Lady,” which ran for nine months as part of ABS-CBN’s morning offerings.

(MNS)

Ai Ai delas Alas: ‘Relaxed mode’ in 2017 People say good fortune begins by claiming it and comedy actress Ai Ai delas Alas has done so way before Auld Lang Syne: “Next year will be a very good year.”

The year 2016 has been very good for Ai Ai. Her showbiz career is doing well, having regular shows such as “Sunday PinaSaya” and “Hay, Bahay!” She also shot “Area” and “My Mighty Yaya.” “Very good year at peaceful for me sa lahat ng aspeto. Sa lovelife, sa career, sa family life (ay) maganda ’yung buhay ko ngayong 2016,” she said.Her lovelife, of course, is also blooming. Ai Ai’s relationship with boyfriend Gerald Sibayan is

getting stronger but we won’t hear wedding bells yet anytime soon.

“Hindi pa, matagal pa. Dapat 2017, eh hindi pa ako ready. Ako talaga ang hindi pa ready. So baka 2018.”

While Ai Ai is now free to marry again, she would rather enjoy her life as a single woman for now.

“Hindi pa ako ready, hindi naman sa edad iyon. Pero kasi kaka-single ko lang. Gusto ko naman i-enjoy ’yung buhay ko as single. May boyfriend ako, pero ibig kong sabihin, as walang asawa. Kasi siyempre iba na kapag may asawa, ibang buhay na ’yung tatahakin mo kapag may asawa,” she said.

Balita

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

11

Seniors face end of interest only mortgage payments need Chapter 13 to stop foreclosure Client is 61. Her husband is 60. In my book, they are young seniors. They bought their house in 2006 just before the crash of the housing market. They used a zero down 10 years interest only mortgage for the first 10 years. Thereafter, they have to start paying interest and principal. They paid $2,400 a month for the purchase date up to early last year, which is interest only. As you well know, interest rates have been very low for the last 10 years. The Feds have been keeping rates at rock bottom so as not to derail the slow but steady improvement in the performance of our economy. With the expiration of the 10 years, mortgage payments doubled to $4,400. It appears that they have $250K of equity in the house. Since they could not pay $4,400, they asked the bank for a loan modification last year. Bank placed them on a 3-month trial period that they complied with. However, nothing happened after the trial period. Bank started to send them statements demanding $4,400 after the trial period ended.

Clients received the recorded notice of default last October. Foreclosure sale is now scheduled for February 15, which is next week. Their arrears on the mortgage is $60K. A third party continues helping them to get the loan modification but they have now decided to try to sell the house.

But one week is not enough time to sell the house. If the house is foreclosed next week, the auction sale may wipe out more than half or all of their equity of there are no serious buyers that show up for the auction sale. If no serious buyers show up, then bank will bid the balance of the loan for the house and that will wipe out the entire $250K of equity. The house is worth $800K while the balance of the mortgage owed to bank is $550K leaving equity of $250K. But if there are no buyers at auction, bank will bid $550K, the balance of the mortgage then debtors get nothing. If a serious buyer shows up and bids $700K, then bank gets paid $550K, and clients realize an amount over the balance owed to bank or equity of $150K.

The higher the purchase price, the higher the equity realized by clients. It is certainly to their advantage to prevent the foreclosure next week, so they can have enough time to get a serious buyer for the right price.

Clients decide to get Chapter 13 relief.

What will Chapter 13 do for them? First, it will immediately stop the foreclosure next week, so it creates time for them to sell the house for the right price. Second, if they can find the right buyer, a motion seeking court permission to sell the house can be filed in the Chapter 13 case. The court protects the house by preventing the foreclosure while the court gives them permission to sell the house.

Third, it makes their loan modification request stronger because the filing of the bankruptcy proves financial hardship, which is a sine quo non-element of a loan modification request. If they decide not to sell the house if the LM is approved, or for some reason, they are now able to afford to pay interest and principal as well as the plan payment, then they can just stay on the 13 for five years. But of course, a serious buyer for $800K would do the trick because clients walk away with at least $200K of equity. They can use the cash to buy a more affordable house with a smaller mortgage payment.

Next client is 66. He owns a house with a small mortgage balance of $140K. His house is now worth $1.0M. So he has over $850K of equity. The problem is that his divorce 15 years ago “wiped him out�. I don’t really know what that exactly means. I surmise that the divorce judgment required him to pay alimony and to buy out his ex wife’s 50% share in the house. As some famous actor said, two

divorces wiped him out. Each divorce felt like his heart was being ripped through his wallet. I can’t remember his name right now but the description of the financial agony that client went through with his divorce is appropriate. Oh, yeah, it was Robin Williams who said this. His first divorce wiped out half his assets and the second divorce wiped out the other half of his assets.

Client has social security of $1,400 and makes $2,600 driving UBER full time. A judgment creditor had a judgment lien of $15K on the house 15 years ago. That lien has now ballooned to $34K. And judgment creditor has just filed a motion to sell client’s house to pay the lien. Is this even possible that the enforcement of a judgment lien can result in the involuntary sale of the debtor’s house?

Sadly, it is true. The CA code of civil procedure allows the judgment creditor, by motion, to request court permission to force the sale of the house to satisfy the lien! Surprised? As POTUS Trump will tweet “NOT NICE AND NOT FAIR!!� “ THAT JUDGMENT LIEN CREDITOR IS A TERRORIST AND MUST NOT BE GIVEN A VISA!� Well, the only way to stop the forced sale of the house is to file a Chapter 13. Even a missile from Iran will not stop a foreclosure but a Chapter 13 stops it dead on its track. Yes, a Chapter 13 is more powerful than a missile from Iran. In a Chapter 13, client will be allowed to pay the $34,000 over 60 months without interest, that’s about $570 a month.

I am wondering why client waited until the last minute to take care of this problem that it should come down to this.

After all, he had 15 years to take care of it. Court judgments accrue interest at 10% p.a. until they are paid in full based on diminishing balance. Client said he wasn’t able to think right after the divorce. I guess it’s a traumatic event that has devastating financial implications.

Don’t wait until the last minute.

Credit card debt must be wiped out now

by Chapter 7 or 13. Otherwise, these

20

(213) 249.9883 (888) 90.90.900

debts will become lawsuits that become judgment liens that will put your house at risk. If you wipe them out now, they are wiped out, nipped at the bud. Peace of mind and security is what you get by getting rid of your debts now. “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.�

Psalm 73:24 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.

12

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

Visit www.Balita.com

722 0$1< '(%76" 12 :$< 287"

6723

Â&#x2021; )RUHFORVXUH

Â&#x2021; 5HSRVVHVVLRQV Â&#x2021; :DJH *DUQLVKPHQWV Â&#x2021; &UHGLWRU +DUDVVPHQW Â&#x2021; /DZVXLWV Â&#x2021; ,56 /HYLHV

7+( /$: 2)),&(6 2)

3$8/ 0 $//(1 3 & 3HUVRQDO $WWHQWLRQ +RQHVW $QVZHUV 5HDO 6ROXWLRQV

&$// 86 )25 )5(( &2168/7$7,21 6DWXUGD\ DQG HYHQLQJ DSSRLQWPHQWV DYDLODEOH

*OHQGDOH ( :LOVRQ $YH 6WH *OHQGDOH &$

/D 3DOPD

&HQWHUSRLQWH 'U 6WH /D 3DOPD &$

&HUULWRV

1RUWK &HQWHU &RXUW 'ULYH 6XLWH &HUULWRV &$ :H DUH D IHGHUDOO\ GHVLJQDWHG GHEW UHOLHI DJHQF\ :H KHOS SHRSOH ILOH IRU %DQNUXSWF\ UHOLHI XQGHU WKH %DQNUXSWF\ FRGH $OO DWWRUQH\V DUH PHPEHUV RI WKH &DOLIRUQLD 6WDWH %DU DQG DOO VHUYLFHV DUH VXSHUYLVHG E\ DQ DWWRUQH\ 7KLV LV D OHJDO DGYHUWLVHPHQW 1RWKLQJ FRQWDLQHG LQ WKLV DGYHUWLVHPHQW LPSOLHV DQ\ JXDUDQWHH ZDUUDQW\ RU SUHGLFWLRQ UHJDUGLQJ WKH RXWFRPH RI \RXU OHJDO PDWWHU RU WKH UHVXOW RI DQ\ OHJDO UHSUHVHQWDWLRQ

Balita

When you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay your business debts!

(Personal Liability and Bankruptcy Options) If your business is in distress â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you owe a lot of money but you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay, your creditors will probably threaten legal action against you personally. How much they can collect, and how they can go about collecting it, will depend on how your business is organized, whether you personally guaranteed repayment of these amounts, and whether you decide to file for bankruptcy.

You also need to determine your potential personal liability. The extent of your personal liability depends on two things: how your business is structured and whether you personally guaranteed or secured any debts.

Sole Proprietors and Partnerships If you are a sole proprietor, you and your business are one and the same in the eyes of the law, which means you are personally responsible for all of the businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debts. If there isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough money in the business to pay these debts, creditors can and may well take your personal assets to pay them.

Partners in a general partnership have similar personal liability for business debts: Each partner is personally liable for the entirety of the businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debts (and any partner can usually bind the entire partnership to a business deal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a scary combination). This means that if there isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough money in the business to pay the debts, and your partners are broke, creditors can take your personal assets to pay all of the businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debts, not just your share.

Corporations and Limited Liability Companies If your business is organized as a corporation or a limited liability company (LLC), your personal assets are usually protected from business creditors as a matter of law. Shareholders and LLC members have a form of asset protection called limited personal liability. Creditors cannot take ownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; personal assets to pay business debts, unless a business owner specifically gives up that limited liability protection, for example, by co-signing as a personal guarantee for the corporation or LLC. Unfortunately, most small business owners are forced to give up their right to limited personal liability, at least for some of their business debt. Many creditors require personal guarantees and/ or personal security from small business owners before they will loan money or extend credit to a business. And many landlords require a personal guarantee before they will lease commercial property to a small business.

A personal guarantee is a promise by a business owner to hand over the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal assets to a creditor if the business canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay its debt and its assets are not worth enough to cover the debt. A creditor can also ask a business owner to secure a business debt by pledging specific personal property, such as an ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house, boat, or car. When you sign a personal guarantee or pledge personal property, you give up your protection against personal liability, and creditors can come after your personal assets if your business canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay.

The Bankruptcy Option If your business bank account is empty, you might be considering bankruptcy.

It will give you some breathing room while you try to work things out, and in most cases a bankruptcy will protect your house, your car, and your furnishings.

Business vs. Personal Bankruptcy If you are a sole proprietor, you can file for either Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Either type of bankruptcy can be used for personal debts or business debts.

If you are a corporate shareholder, LLC owner, or partner in a partnership and you have signed personal guarantees or pledged collateral for business loans, putting your business through bankruptcy will not protect your personal property.

If you have placed your personal property at risk, you must file for bankruptcy for yourself and your business separately to protect your personal assets. In this article, we assume you are considering personal bankruptcy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; because only personal bankruptcy will protect your personal assets.

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy If you file for personal bankruptcy,

most likely it will be a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your assets (except for property that is exempt under state or federal law) go into a bankruptcy estate to be sold, and the proceeds are distributed to your creditors. At the end of the process, all of your debts that are eligible for discharge in bankruptcy will be wiped out.

In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you propose a repayment plan where you repay part or all of the debt over three to five years.

How Bankruptcy Helps When you file for bankruptcy, something called an automatic stay immediately stops your creditors from foreclosing on your house or any other personal property that is at risk. In some situations, this can be reason enough to file for bankruptcy, because it will buy you time, if nothing else.

Unpaid Rent. If your business owes your landlord back rent, you are probably personally liable for the debt. (Sole proprietors and partners are automatically personally liable for rent payments, and most small business corporations and LLCs also get stuck personally guaranteeing the lease paymentsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;check your lease. If you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, give yourself a pat on the back for being a savvy negotiator.)

Filing for bankruptcy might keep the landlord from taking your personal property to pay the debt, especially if you file under Chapter 13 and come up with a payment plan.

Ordinary, Unsecured Debt If your business owes suppliers, you will be personally on the hook if you operated your business as a sole proprietorship or partnership. Under the Uniform Commercial Code, suppliers of goods usually have the right to take the goods back. Barring that, however, they can come after you personally for the unpaid amounts. If you have a lot of this kind of debt, filing Chapter 13 could help you organize a payment plan (and Chapter 7 might wipe the debt out).

If your business is a corporation or an LLC, you may be off the hook for these debts. This kind of debt is typically unsecured and is rarely personally guaranteed. If your business has no money and no assets left, the suppliers may be out of luck â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your personal liability protection should protect your personal assets. So if your corporation or LLC has only unsecured, un-guaranteed business debt, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no need to file a personal bankruptcy.

Does Bankruptcy Make Sense for You? In the real world, just the threat of bankruptcy may be enough to help you work things out. Many creditors will think twice before leaning on you too hard if they think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll file for bankruptcy.

Some creditors would rather work out a payment plan, or settle for partial repayment, than become a creditor in your bankruptcy case. From a creditorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective, bankruptcy is an expensive and long process that eats into profits.

You can use that to your advantage in negotiations and perhaps spread payments out far enough to be manageable.

Bankruptcy is not the only option.

Debt negotiation may also work to solve your problems. Creditors are frequently motivated to accept a workout, when they are negotiating with a savvy bankruptcy lawyer. Something is always better than nothing!

If you think you are in imminent danger of losing your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home or livelihood, and you need help quickly, personal bankruptcy might be a good option for you. But before you file, get advice, call the law offices of Paul M. Allen and take advantage of a free consultation. It could save you a lot of money and a lot of heartache. Three convenient office locations to serve you. No obligation.

Get the legal advice you need, from the bankruptcy lawyer that people trust. Call the Law Offices of Paul M. Allen at 818552-4500. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and La Palma.

Balita

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

13

Permanent Residency through Marriage to US Citizen Spouse One traditional way of obtaining permanent residency for most immigrants is through a petition by a US citizen spouse.

As a spouse of a US Citizen, an alien is considered an immediate relative and entitled to immediately apply for a green card inside the United States. This is usually done by simultaneously filing an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and an I-485 Application to adjust status. However in order to do this, the alien spouse must have been inspected when the alien entered the United States or if not inspected must be grandfathered by section 245(i) of the immigration and nationality act. Being inspected means that the alien entered using a valid visa, paroled inside the United States, entered using the visa waiver program. The alien is grandfathered by section 245(i) if a family petition or a labor certification has been filed for the benefit of that alien prior to April 30, 2001. If the alien was not inspected nor grandfathered under section 245(i), such as if the alien crossed the border illegally, the alien cannot obtain his or her green card inside the United States. Then it becomes a catch 22 situation because if the alien spouse leave the US, the alien spouse becomes subject to the 3/10 year unlawful presence bar.

The alien spouse may apply for a provisional waiver of the 3/10 year bar inside the US which will give the alien spouse some assurance that he or she may be able to come back the US if he or she interviews at the US embassy overseas for the immigrant visa.

Along with the application and petition, the alien is also required to take a medical examination by a physician designated by the USCIS. The result of that physical examination is reported in a USCIS form and sealed in an envelope submitted with the Petition and Adjustment Application.

The alien spouse may also apply for a work authorization card with the Petition and Adjustment application. The work authorization card will allow the alien spouse to work legally in the United States, obtain a social security card, and a driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license while that person is waiting for his or her green card interview.

Work Authorization card are usually issued in about1 to 2 months from filing the application.

The green card interview is usually set in about 5 to 6 months from the time the Petition and Application is filed. The green card interview is the most important step in the process.

It is through this process that the USCIS officer usually determines whether the marriage, which forms the basis of the Petition, was entered in good faith. The adjudicating officer usually asks detailed questions about the marriage relationship between the US Citizen spouse and alien spouse. If the couple do not have children, the marriage are usually subject to closer scrutiny. Along with this inquiry process, the USCIS would usually request for certain documents that proves a bonafide marriage. Some of these documents may be in the form of pictures, joint utility bills, health insurance documents, and many more. If everything goes well, the USCIS officer will approve the case and a green card will be mailed to the alienâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; address within a reasonable time period. If the couple has been married for 2 years or more, the alien spouse will recieve a permanent greencard. If the couple has been married for less than 2 years, the alien will receive a conditional green card. The alien spouse will have to file a petition to remove the condition 3 months prior to the expiration of the conditional greencard which is good for 2 years.

Obtaining legal status in the United States is a one shot deal. People should seek the assistance of an experienced Attorney to guide them through this important and and once in a lifetime process.

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

Pope Francis admits existence of corruption in Vatican, condemns sexual abuses ROME, Feb. 9 (PNA/Sputnik) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pope Francis admitted that the Vatican suffered from corruption and condemned sexual abuses committed

by Catholic priests.

In 2016 Pope Francis signed an official papal decree where Catholic bishops and other senior officials neglecting investigation into child sexual abuse by priests would be sacked. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Corruption exists in Vatican â&#x20AC;Ś The Lord wants monks to be poor,â&#x20AC;? the Pope told the 4000th issue of the Society of Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; magazine La Civilta Cattolica. He also condemned sexual abuses of children committed by Catholic priests. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two of four people committing such abuses seem to have been subjected to such abuses themselves.

They are disseminating abuses in the future -- that is destructive. If

priests or monks are involved in that, it is clear that we are speaking about the presence of devilâ&#x20AC;Ś But let us speak directly -- it is a disease. If we are not sure this is a disease, it will be impossible to solve the problem,â&#x20AC;?

Francis said.

He added that there were people in the Catholic Church who tended to wash hands of the problems, comparing them to the fifth prefect of the Roman province of Judaea Pontius Pilate, who washed his hands before yielding to the pressure of the crowd that demanded him to execute Jesus.

The Pope called on the church to solve the problems it faced.

Stricter guidelines for the clergy come after the Catholic Church was criticized for covering up abuse of minors by its priests in Europe and North America, prompting the pope to vow a zero-tolerance approach.

Balita GET RESULTS! ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY!

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 Ursua Reyes was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law sec-

tion of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010.

Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com. Web: kenreyeslaw.com

Pimentel eyes VFA-type model to improve PNP crime-ďŹ ghting capabilities MANILA, Feb. 9 (PNA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; To improve police crime-fighting capabilities and discipline, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III on Thursday proposed to have â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Balikatanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;-type (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) military exercises for the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Balikatan exercises exist under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and US armed forces.

Pimentel said that PNPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s version of the exercise could be called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kapatiranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and undertaken jointly with police forces of other countries.

He further said that a European delegation that he met recently was receptive to the idea of an exchange training program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Balikatan-type model is a good starting point because it focuses on training and enhancing the capabilities of our Armed Forces,â&#x20AC;? Pimentel said.

He said the government would first have to determine if a model could be developed that would allow the PNP to benefit from the expertise of the advanced police force of another country in traditional areas of crime-prevention, investigation, crime-solving and peace-keeping.

This way, Pimentel said that regular exchanges of police personnel could improve the PNPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s readiness in responding to crimes and improving even discipline.

He said that his proposal could help PNP grow into â&#x20AC;&#x153;a modern and capable police force.â&#x20AC;?

It would also benefit LGUs across the country, because most crimes are â&#x20AC;&#x153;local in nature and need the local police to solve them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We begin with the training on crime-fighting and crime-prevention, and if we are successful here, we will start looking in areas where we could improve police efficiency and capability,â&#x20AC;? Pimentel added.

3LOLSLQR SR WD\R /$: 2)),&(6 2)

.(11(7+ 8 5(<(6 3 & "5503/&: "5 -"8

&HUWLILHG )DPLO\ /DZ 6SHFLDOLVW 7KH 6WDWH %DU RI &DOLIRUQLD %RDUG RI /HJDO 6SHFLDOL]DWLRQ

&HUWLILHG )DPLO\ /DZ 6SHFLDOLVW &HUWLILHG 3XEOLF $FFRXQWDQW ,QDFWLYH

- ' 6RXWKZHVWHUQ 8QLYHUVLW\ /DZ 6FKRRO /RV $QJHOHV &$ % 6 $FFRXQWLQJ &DOLIRUQLD 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ 6DQ %HUQDUGLQR &$

)$0,/< /$: Â&#x2021; 'LYRUFH Â&#x2021; &RPPXQLW\ 3URSHUW\ 'LYLVLRQ Â&#x2021; &KLOG &XVWRG\ DQG 6SRXVDO 6XSSRUW Â&#x2021; 'RPHVWLF 9LROHQFH 5HVWUDLQLQJ 2UGHU Â&#x2021; /HJDO 6HSDUDWLRQ DQG 1XOOLW\ Â&#x2021; 3DUHQWDJH Â&#x2021; 3UHQXSWLDO DQG 3RVWQXSWLDO $JUHHPHQWV

.HQQHWK 8 5H\HV (VT &)/6

&$// 25 ( 0$,/ )25 $1 $332,170(17

RU

NXUH\HVODZ#JPDLO FRP

,00,*5$7,21 Â&#x2021; 0DUULDJH 3HWLWLRQV Â&#x2021; 5HODWLYH 3HWLWLRQV Â&#x2021; 5HPRYDO RI &RQGLWLRQDO *UHHQ &DUG Â&#x2021; +XPDQLWDULDQ 5HLQVWDWHPHQWV Â&#x2021; &KLOG 6WDWXV 3URWHFWLRQ $FW ,VVXHV Â&#x2021; 'HSRUWDWLRQ 'HIHQVH Â&#x2021; (PSOR\PHQW EDVHG 3HWLWLRQV DQG 3(50 Â&#x2021; + % 9LVDV

(67$7(6 $1' 75867 Â&#x2021; /LYLQJ 7UXVW Â&#x2021; :LOOV Â&#x2021; 3UREDWH Â&#x2021; &RQVHUYDWRUVKLS

&,9,/ /,7,*$7,21 Â&#x2021; &RQWUDFW 'LVSXWHV Â&#x2021; %XVLQHVV 'LVSXWHV Â&#x2021; &RUSRUDWH DQG 3DUWQHUVKLS 'LVSXWHV

/$: 2)),&(6 2)

:LOVKLUH %OYG 6XLWH /RV $QJHOHV &$

" 1SPGFTTJPOBM -BX $PSQPSBUJPO

ZZZ NHQUH\HVODZ FRP NXUH\HVODZ#JPDLO FRP

.(11(7+ 8 5(<(6 &TUBCMJTIFE

14

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

OPINION

Malacañang respects ex-Colombian leader’s opinion – Abella

MANILA, Feb. 8 (PNA) – Malacañang respects the opinion of former Colombian President Cesar Gaviria on the Philippines’ ongoing “war against drugs” and said that the government appreciates the ex-president’s concern, a Palace official said Wednesday.

“However, it is unfortunate that international attention to the drug war in the Philippines centers on drug-related killings rather than the breakthroughs of the campaign,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

Gaviria, president of Colombia from 1990 to 1994, wrote an opinion article published in the New York Times Tuesday in which he said that he is hoping that President Rodrigo Duterte would not commit the same mistake he did in dealing with Colombia’s drug problem.

“We respect the opinion of Gaviria that Colombia’s experience of ‘war against drugs’ cannot be won by the armed forces and law enforcement agencies alone. The Philippine President rightly understood the same insight when he began to address not just crime and illegal drugs but also broadened government efforts into a public health issue,” Abella said.

“But more than a national security problem, the proliferation of drugs in the country has been regarded as a health pandemic,” he said as he pointed out that the second phase of the President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign focuses on the treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependents.

For this, he cited the government’s efforts to successfully achieve the objectives of the second phase of the campaign.

Among them is the inauguration of the 2,500-patient capacity Mega Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DATRC) in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija last November.

Another drug rehabilitation center, the Residential Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (RTRC) in Agusan del Sur -- the first to open in a military camp in Mindanao -- was likewise opened last year.

In addition, PhilHealth, the government’s national health insurance program, now covers a two-week drug rehabilitation program reserved at PHP10,000 per member.

Nonetheless, Abella said that while it was unfortunate that international attention has been focused solely on drug-related killings, the Palace still appreciates the concerns aired by the ex-Colombian leader.

“We appreciate the ex-Colombian president’s concerns and we encourage our people to see our situation in the light of comprehensive nation-building,” Abella said.

Balita

Duterte’s announcement enough to terminate peace talks with Reds – DND

By Cielito M. Reganit

MANILA, Feb. 7 (PNA) – The Department of National Defense on Tuesday said there is no need any more for the government to issue a formal notice of the termination of peace talks since President Rodrigo Duterte has already made a public announcement on the matter.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana made the clarification during a press briefing in Malacañang after the National Democratic Front (NDF) pointed out that they have yet to receive a formal notice from the government peace panel on the termination of the peace negotiations.

“What could be a more formal announcement of the termination of the peace talks than the statement of the President? Kung hinihintay nila siguro ‘yung black and white, ewan ko kung darating pa ‘yun,” he said.

The NDF has stated that the mode of termination of the peace negotiations is defined under the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).

The JASIG, signed on February 24, 1995 is effective and binding upon the parties for the duration of the peace negotiations, unless terminated by written notice given by one party to the other.

It is deemed terminated “30 days after receipt of the notice of termination.”

“But the fact is, the President came on national TV saying that wala na, tapos na ‘yung peace talks, I’m recalling all my people back home if they are abroad,” Lorenzana pointed out.

The Defense Secretary likewise said that

President Duterte’s order to return to jail the NDF consultants who were temporarily freed to participate in the peace negotiations have legal basis despite NDF protestations that said consultants “are all protected from re-arrest in accordance with the JASIG.” “I think they are not covered by the JASIG because according to the President, they were set free for the purpose of talking. (The) peace talks ay hindi naman JASIG ‘yung basis niyan for releasing them but for the peace talks,” he said.

“But since the talks are already terminated, wala ng basis sila na free sila. So they could be arrested. That’s what I understand from the President’s instruction,” Lorenzana said. He added that while they have yet to fully implement the President’s directive, he is calling on the concerned NDF consultants to just voluntarily surrender instead of going into hiding.

He said that it was the same as the recommendation of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Eduardo Año.

“I have talked with (Presidential Advise on the Peace Process) Secretary Jesus Dureza.

Sabi ko kung pwede ‘yung mga nandiyan they will turn themselves in so that they will be treated accordingly; na hindi ‘yung habul-habulin pa sila,” the Defense Secretary said.

“But if there are feelers that they are going to surrender, we will accept them and we will treat them accordingly; granting them special privileges because they are also, you know, they’ve been talking peace talks with us for quite some time already,” Lorenzana said.

Palace welcomes leftist Cabinet members’ decision to stay

MANILA, Feb. 8 (PNA) – Malacañang welcomed on Wednesday the decision of three “left-leaning” members of the Cabinet to stay and to serve the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the Palace is pleased that Department of Social Welfare and Development Sec. Judy Taguiwalo, Department of Agrarian Reform Sec. Rafael Mariano and National Anti-Poverty Commission Lead Convenor Sec. Liza Maza decided to stay despite the scrapping of peace talks with Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPPNPA-NDFP).

“The President chose them as his alter egos because he believes in their capacity to serve and deliver sustainable basic social services to the Filipino people,” Abella said in a press statement.

Abella said the three leftist Cabinet mem-

bers still enjoy the trust and confidence of President Duterte.

“We assure everyone that the government shall continue to pursue genuine socio-economic reforms to alleviate poverty and promote a just and lasting peace,” Abella said.

“The Duterte administration remains fully committed to the task of uniting our people and working with all sectors to achieve peace and inclusive development during its term,” he added. Last Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar said the three “left-leaning” Cabinet members have not been barred from attending Cabinet meetings.

Andanar said the three Cabinet members have been working effectively in their respective government positions.

Last weekend, President Duterte announced the scrapping of the peace talks with the communist rebels following the brutal killing of three soldiers in Bukidnon.

Give peace a chance, not ‘all-out’ war – -solons

By Filane Mikee Cervantes

MANILA, Feb. 7 (PNA) – Some lawmakers at the House of Representatives on Tuesday appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to reconsider his stance over the peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in the wake of the military’s declaration of an “all-out war” against the New People’s Army (NPA).

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana made the pronouncement following President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to lift the government truce and suspend peace talks with the communist group.

Gabriela Rep. Emmi De Jesus said an “all-out war” against communist rebels would only bring the Duterte administration “back to square one”, thwarting significant strides made in previous agreements such as the

framework for the comprehensive agenda on socioeconomic reforms.

“We express serious concern over (Defense) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s statement as it is a signal fire for a repeat of the bloody counterinsurgency war of past administrations,” said De Jesus. ”Going full-throttle against perceived communists will only worsen the militarization of communities across the country and escalate the human rights violations on civilians,” she added.

De Jesus said a militarist approach would further entrench the root causes of armed conflict.

“It has brought unrest to communities, military occupation of Lumad schools, and displacement of thousands of families,” the Gabriela lawmaker said.

Balita

Political ploy or out of pity President Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to renege on his promise to create an independent commission to look into the probable culpabilities of former President â&#x20AC;&#x153;Noynoyâ&#x20AC;? Benigno Aquino III in the Mamasapano massacre might just be a political ploy to stifle the â&#x20AC;&#x153;yellow partyâ&#x20AC;? from its alleged plans to oust him from MalacaĂąang.

The President has been in politics for so many years. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure he knows how to use his powers to â&#x20AC;&#x153;chillâ&#x20AC;? his political opponents and pummel them into submission.

His decision to create an independent commission to look into what really transpired in the massacre that resulted in the death of 44 police commandos in the hands of Muslim terrorists is some sort of a warning to Noynoy and his allies to either â&#x20AC;&#x153;put up or shut up.â&#x20AC;?

I expect the Liberal Party to somehow slow down on their vicious attacks on Duterte regarding his aggressive campaign against narcotics and his alleged role in extrajudicial killings (EJK) of suspected drug lords and addicts all over the country.

The LP of President Noynoy has been trying to implicate Duterte for alleged violation of human rights over the increasing number of suspected drug lords and addicts killed in the country since he became president in June of last year.

Duterte must have come up with the idea that is about time to strike back at his political detractors by going

after the head of the opposition, President Noynoy himself.

This is an effective way of silencing his political detractors by threatening to put them behind bars for their previous actions during their tenure in office, particularly those responsible in the Masasapano incident.

Duterte followed this up by disclosing that he will form an independent commission to look into what really transpired in the Masasapano incident and to find out the responsible parties involved in the botched police operation.

The President made the disclosure during his recent meeting with the families of the slain members of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the occasion of the second anniversary of the massacre.

Days after the announcement was made, Duterte bared that popular television host and sister of former President Noynoy, Kris Aquino, texted him and pleaded with him not to send her brother to jail as a result of the botched police operation in Mindanao.

Muslim ban ordered unconstitutional Question: What has happened with this Muslim ban per the executive order?

Answer: Just a few days ago, a U.S. District Court Judge ruled that it was unconstitutional and would cause irreparable injury and ordered a nationwide injunction on the execution of the the ban. In essence, this Judge gutted the executive order and all locations in the entire U.S. cannot abide by its terms.

This is a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;preliminaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;temporaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; injunction. This means that while the actual case is going forward for final decision (or until it becauses final after all of the appeals) that it cannot be put into effect. Today, all sides or legally briefing the issue so that a decision can be made on this matter.

In a stunning rebuke, a federal judge in Seattle has ordered a national halt to enforcement of President Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s controversial travel ban on citizens from seven predominantly Muslim nations. U.S. District Judge

15

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

James Robart ruled Friday afternoon in favor of Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who sued this week to invalidate key provisions of Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive order.

Robart granted Fergusonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s request for a temporary restraining order â&#x20AC;&#x153;on a nationwide basis,â&#x20AC;? prohibiting federal employees from enforcing Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s order. The judge rejected arguments from Justice Department attorneys who said the travel ban fell well within the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national-security powers.

Question: Did Trump appeal this?

Answer: Yes, the Department of Homeland Security appealed the order and the Ninth Circuit Court

Duterte told the media that out of his compassion and pity for Kris for being horrified of the prospect of his brother going to jail, he is no longer going to pursue his promise to create an independent body to investigate the Masasapano tragedy.

This is sad because for more than two years now, the families of the slain police commandos are still waiting for the justice that they deserve.

I was made to believe that Duterte always takes the side of the oppressed and the poor. In this case, the oppressed are the grieving wives, orphans and mothers of the slain 44 SAF troopers.

This was the reason why Duterte made a promise to re-open the Masasapano case to find out who were really responsible for the massacre of the troopers and that appropriate charges should be filed against all those responsible.

If Duterte will ultimately decide to let the Ombudsman handle the case, then the public will never find the truth about the role of President Noynoy and his favorite buddy, disgraced former PNP Chief Alan Purisima.

However, I am still skeptical about Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promise to Kris not to reopen the Masasapano case. Ultimately, he might decide to honor his commitment to the families of the slain police troopers that they will get the Justice that they deserved.

Or maybe, though I hope not, Kris has already made a deal with Duter-

te that his brother Noynoy and their allies will no longer pursue their plans to oust him from power and will now support all his policies and reforms to ensure the success of his government.

I hope this is just a figment of my imagination and that there is no such deal that was consummated between Duterte and Kris Aquino. There is n o way we will be able to find out.

President Duterte has a habit of changing his mind, more often than not, depending on his mood. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also difficult for people to find out if what he is saying is true or not.

As a matter of fact, during the recent 115th anniversary of the Bureau of Customs, Duterte publicly admitted that only two out of five of his public statements are true.

He claimed that he had gotten used to speaking humorously to his audience most of the time and even blamed the media for believing everything he says.

This is not good for the President. He better shape up or the will totally lose whatever credibility he still has with the media, particularly the international press.

Despite him being fickle-minded sometimes, I am not yet ready to give up on President Duterte. So far, he has done good things with regard to the much improved peace and order now prevailing in the country, as well as having a somewhat a graft-free government compared to previous administrations.

of Appeals agreed with the U.S. District Court order. Now, it is up for final briefing. Note that there are 97 big companies such as Microsoft and Apple which states that the ban hurts their business and does not allow them to petition to qualified and talented persons to work at their companies.

Question: Is Trump tweeting against this Judge who ruled against him?

Answer: Yes, he wrote the following: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The opinion of this socalled judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned!â&#x20AC;?

Thus, it would seem that Trump will try to attack this Judge as he has done other Judges who do not rule in his favor. However, the checks and balances on the balance of power is working. A President cannot issue orders that are unconstitutional and in violation of the First Amendment and Equal Protection Clauses of the United States. A District

Court Judge who was appointed

by President Bush and is Republican himself ruled against Trump.

Hopefully, we will see that the checks and balances of power continue to provide a sufficient basis where one part of government (i.e. the executive branch) does not violate its power and try to issue orders in violation of the U.S. Constitution.

Brian D. Lerner is a certified specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law as approved by the California Bar, Board of Legal Specialization.

He has been a certified specialist for over 15 years and has been practicing law for over 25 years. The Law Offices of Brian D. Lerner will give you a free consultation and has offices in Long Beach and Carson, California and Quezon City, Philippines. You can e-mail Brian Lerner directly at blerner@californiaimmigration.us or make an appointment by calling 562-4950554 or self-scheduling an appointment at blerner.checkappointments. com. Either way, he will try to help you and your family.

Since 1995

562.863.0624 562.863.6074

12631 E Imperial Hwy B-216 Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 www.airplustravel.net Email: airplustravel1@verizon.net CST 2061414-40

MANILA PROMO FARES

ASIANA $609

WEEKDAY

JAN 1 - MAY 7, 2017

LAST MINUTE CRUISE MOST POPULAR TOURS LONDON/PARIS SPECIALS @ www.airplustravel.net

KOREA $694 WEEKDAY US LOCAL TOURS AIR JAN 1 - APR 30, 2017 MO. VALID BUY 2 GET 1 FREE PAL $684 1WEEKDAY NYON JAN 5 - MAY 20, 2017

PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

GROUP TRAVEL

FATIMA & LOURDES TRAVEL PERIOD: AUG.14-23, 2017 BOOK BY: APRIL 7, 2017

$3387 PP/DO

GRAND CA & LAS VEGAS

4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS

Starting

$139

GROUP TRAVEL

^Ć&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x;ĹśĹ?

$1397pp without air

7

DAYS

MONOGRAMS LONDON/PARIS & ROME ^Ć&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x;ĹśĹ?

$2095 pp 10 DAYS

without air JOURNEY to HOLY LAND TREASURES OF CHINA & JORDAN FROM BEIJING TO SHANGHAI OCT OC O CT 12-21, 12 1 2-2 2-2 21 2017 201 017

$2895 PP/DO

^Ć&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x;ĹśĹ?

$2529 pp >Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; ŽŜůÇ&#x2021;

CALL FOR DETAILS

11

DAYS

18

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

Balita

Housing Authority plays key role in addressing homelessness in LA County Homeless Veterans and Families Continue to Move into Their New Homes

Los Angeles, February 7, 2017 – Raymond Ramirez, a Los Angeles County resident who lost his home and suffered a debilitating illness that contributed to his continued use of substances, has found a new outlook on life. After living on the streets, Mr. Ramirez entered into a rehabilitation program, followed by transitional housing, where he was connected with the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA), and ultimately awarded a housing voucher. Mr. Ramirez, who moved into his home on January 10, 2017, says, “With a place to call my own, I can finally have my children and grandchildren visit me.”

Thousands of Los Angeles County residents have experienced similar hardships to maintaining housing, and HACoLA is at the forefront of the County’s fight to end homelessness. As a result of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Homeless Initiative, HACoLA has been charged with the task of coordinating strategies that address Federal housing subsidies, family reunification, streamlining regional coordination efforts, and how best to use public land for homeless housing. HACoLA is using its expertise in the local housing arena to implement ground-

breaking programs which have already contributed to a decrease in the County’s homeless population.

For example, since July 1, 2016, HACoLA’s Public Housing Program implemented a new initiative as an additional means of addressing the area’s homeless crisis. As units at the South Scattered Sites Public Housing development (SSS) become available, they are now offered to a homeless family first.

No one is more grateful for this preference than Mr. and Mrs. Hairston and their seven children. Over 16 months, the Hairston family lived in shelters and out of their van, as Mrs. Hairston fought through her cancer struggle, before connecting with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) and the Weingart Family Solutions Center.

Through HACoLA’s new initiative, on January 11, 2017, the Hairston family moved into a five-bedroom housing unit at SSS. “Even though you come from homelessness, you can attain housing and look forward to the simple things in life like watching your children have a place to run…it makes my heart happy,” said Mrs. Hairston.

Since leasing up its first homeless family, Crystal Beacham and her two young sons in October 2016, HACoLA has maintained its efforts and housed an additional four families at SSS, and six more are currently under

A recent scene at the Wall Street of downtown Los Angeles where an encampment of homeless people has been steadily growing. Photo: Abner T. Galino

Measure H will ensure accountability in homeless funding

With voters weighing Measure H on March 7, the Board of Supervisors kicked off a collaborative and transparent process for budgeting prospective funds from the ballot initiative so that experts, stakeholders and members of the public have an opportunity to participate in crafting a plan to end homelessness.

The Board unanimously approved a motion by Board Chair Mark Ridley-Thomas and Supervisor Sheila Kuehl that establishes “an inclusive planning process which draws on the experience, expertise and wisdom of cities, homeless service providers and experts, the faith and business communities, formerly homeless individuals and County departments.”

Chairman Ridley-Thomas said, “Our objective here is to evidence that we are serious about accountability, serious about transparency and to be comprehensive as is committed in the ballot language.”

Supervisor Kuehl added, “We can only succeed if we have the input and support of the very civic and community leaders who are going to help us

house the 47,000 people currently homeless in the County.”

Measure H is expected to raise about $350 million every year for a decade to provide multidimensional services and housing assistance for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless. If approved by two-thirds of the voters, Measure H would generate funds to provide the homeless with, among other services: mental health and substance abuse treatments health care education and job training rental and housing subsidies case management and services emergency and affordable housing transportation outreach, prevention and supportive services for homeless children, families, foster youth, veterans, battered women, seniors, disabled individuals and other homeless adults.

The services would be consistent with the County’s Homeless Initiative, which developed 47 strategies for preventing and combating homeSee MEASURE H, page 19

review to determine eligibility. Additionally, in just over a year, HACoLA has embarked on an innovative campaign to encourage landlord acceptance of subsidized tenants with a HACoLA voucher. The Homeless Initiative Program (HIP) and Landlord Veteran Incentive Program offer innovative incentives such as one month’s free rent, security deposit, and damage claims to landlords willing to reserve a unit for a homeless family or Veteran.

From program design, implemen-

tation, and administration, HACoLA has demonstrated its ability to analyze the problems related to homelessness and design an innovative approach specifically tailored to the needs of local landlords and the homeless population. Although, the plight to end homelessness is by no means over, the remarkable results thus far are proof that HACoLA’s progressiveness and ability to think outside of the box have made a significant impact on the road to end homelessness.

Are we better off without the Dodd Frank Act? The effect of loose lending during the last housing boom was clear and unmemorable to many of us. Nearly eight million U.S. homes fell into foreclosure. The response was a slew of new lending rules under the DoddFrank financial reform law, and the result was a credit lockdown that continues today, nearly five years after the legislation was enacted. Banks honestly still are over tightening to avoid stiff penalties by the Obama Administration.

The rules fill thousands of pages and have cost lenders millions of dollars in labor and software to revamp their systems in compliance, but at face value, they’re pretty simple. Highly risky loan products, like negative amortization mortgages, are now banned. Borrowers must document their employment and debt levels. Lenders must disclose all the costs involved in each loan, and, perhaps most important, lenders must verify a borrower’s ability to repay the mortgage. The gray area of qualifying is completely diminished; no more make sense underwriting guidelines. This really hurts Self Employed borrowers making good income but no quiet showing them on their tax returns.

Bottom line reason for the financial crisis in housing. Borrowers were given loans they could never repay.

Everybody knows that but the homeowners all thought property values were never going to fall.

Now, if you’re a high-quality credit consumer, Dodd-Frank just made it a much bigger pain in the butt to get a loan. You’ve got to fill out more paperwork, you’ve got to dig up more tax returns, verify everything penny in your account, and you’ve got to find information related to retirement accounts, stuff that was never asked for before. But if you’re on the low end of the spectrum, it has made it tougher to get that mortgage.

So tough that the average FICO credit score on loans made today are the highest in history. Tight credit, though, is blamed for a still-falling homeownership rate, now at the lowest in a quarter century.

The biggest misconception is that you need a big down payment to buy a house.

It’s just not correct. What has changed is not the down payment, it is the credit and the ability to repay rule. It’s not hard to qualify, it’s hard to get through the process because of the massive amounts of additional documentation that is now required.

Once Dodd Frank is repealed: Investors in the six largest banks in the U.S. potentially stand to gain $100 billion in returned capital through dividends and share buybacks if President Donald Trump successfully loosens regulations on the banking industry.

Trump signed executive orders

Friday that began the process of rolling back two major Wall Street regulations: the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and the Department of Labor’s retirement advice rule, also known as the “fiduciary rule.”

The president said the goal was “cutting out” a lot of the regulatory burdens placed on the financial sector following 2007’s housing crisis.

The most important of these orders for bankers and investors is DoddFrank, a law enacted in 2010 under the Obama administration following the housing crisis. The act was supposed to increase transparency by implementing a consistent set of regulations aimed at closing loopholes and making firms accountable for their own mistakes. But it just scared off lenders to lend and confused homebuyers with more documents to sign.

One of the externalities, or unintended effects, of Dodd-Frank is banks are holding more reserves, and not lending out money to businesses or consumers. It is estimated that the top six U.S. banks hold $101.57 billion in capital above what is required by federal regulators for them to set aside. If regulations were tapered back, banks could very well return all, or some, of these excess reserves to investors — a prospect shareholders would assuredly welcome.

This in return will for sure allow banks to ease up on lending guidelines, you will see higher rates. But more borrowers will be able to qualify for a home; this will help keep the pace of the real estate market moving forward.

Since capital requirements are set by federal regulators, it is not clear what Trump could do to change them.

The president could, however, make personnel changes at the Federal Reserve and other agencies to seek desired policy changes.

We will never see high risk loans with minimal down payment come back to the table, but we need to allow able buyers to come back in and be a part of the real estate cycle to balance out the inequalities of the market.

There has to be more short term programs that will help buyers get into home instead of renting. Rental rates are outrageously high and it is still going higher.

Thanks for your inquiries and comments please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group at 562508-7048 or write to kennethgo@ verizon.net BRE 01021223 NMLS 238636.

Balita

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

19

Feeling paralyzed by debt problems?

Are you feeling stuck and unable to move because of lingering debt problems in your life? Considering bankruptcy but not sure if it’s the right solution for you?

For those who are struggling with debt problems, the decision to file for bankruptcy is never an easy one.

So they put it off and hope that they never have to do it. Unfortunately, to some people who are at the end of their financial rope, it is simply inevitable.

Is filing bankruptcy really that horrible? Isn’t that the worst thing you can do your credit? These are the common questions that people ask.

Yes, there’s a certain feeling of shame or stigma associated with bankruptcy. After all, financial problems are a very personal matter and a lot of people won’t discuss their situation even with their closest friends or family members. This often creates isolation and people try to deal with their problems on their own- until one day they realize they cannot do it anymore. Do you know anyone who may be in this situationperhaps you?

Every day I see a lot of people who have suffered needlessly, sometimes for years, and have done nothing about their situation until one day they get sued by a creditor or their employer tells them that they just received an order to garnish the person’s wages. So they panic and decide to see a bankruptcy lawyer right away.

At this point, they are so broke that they can barely put food on the table and keep the lights on. Why wait until you get to this point? In a lot of cases that I see, people could have done something much sooner to spare themselves from unnecessary debt suffering. In other words, if bankruptcy is in fact your only way out of debt, postponing the decision to implement a very much needed solution will only mean prolonging your agony and is not the smartest thing to do. Sooner or later, you will need to face your financial problems.

Your problems will not magically disappear and solve themselves un-

less you do something about them.

That’s a fact.

A long time ago, our own U.S. Congress decided that there has to be a way to help people in debt when they can no longer help themselves.

So they passed bankruptcy laws to give people a chance for a fresh financial start. So the honest debtor, freed from the burden of heavy indebtedness, can now start a new life and become productive again. Thank God we have bankruptcy laws in this country that allow people to do that!

Where would most people be today without having been given a second chance at one point in their lives?

The simple point I am making in this article is that you are never beyond help no matter how difficult your financial situation may seem to be at the moment. Don’t let your fears paralyze you. If you don’t take action now to find out what your legal options are, your life will never change and someday, you will have no one but yourself to blame.

Find an experienced and knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney who will take the time to listen and understand your situation. Once you get over your fears and begin to understand that the law is on your side (not against you), this could be a big turning point in your life.

If you are in debt and need to find the best solution for your situation, I would like to help you. Please call toll-free 1-866-477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in Glendale, 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).

MEASURE H From page 8

lessness after conducting 18 policy summits that brought together more than 1,000 experts and stakeholders.

Homeless Initiative director Phil Ansell vowed the budget planning process for Measure H would also be “inclusive, collaborative and transparent,” with meetings open to the public and subject to the Brown Act. “To ensure the funding is allocated as fairly and effectively as possible, it is vital that key stakeholders such as service providers, housing and homeless experts, County departments and individuals with lived homeless experiences, are engaged in the process,” Joseph Altepeter, director of vocational education and social enterprise at the Downtown Women’s Center, told the Board.

“It is only through a collaborative and coordinated approach that we will realize success in housing all of our homeless neighbors living throughout Los Angeles,” agreed Eva Williams, Los Angeles director of CSH, a nonprofit organization that helps vulnerable individuals and families.

To ensure accountability, the County Auditor Controller will have an independent auditor regularly

report on Measure H spending. A Citizens’ Oversight Advisory Board will also publish a complete accounting of all allocations and submit periodic evaluations.

District Attorney Jackie Lacey, United Way of Greater Los Angeles President and CEO Elise Buik, Los Angeles Business Council president Mary Leslie, New Directions for Veterans President and CEO Yvette Kelley and Children’s Defense Fund-California Executive Director Alex Johnson signed the argument in favor of Measure H. There were no arguments submitted against Measure H.

FIRST BURN. Tourism Undersecretary Kat de Castro (in light purple scarf), Clark Development Corporation Noel F. Manankil, Philippine International Hot Air Baloon Fiesta (PIHABF) Event Director Joy Roa, and Bases and Conversion and Development Authority President Vince Dizon (partly hidden) lead the ceremonial inflation of hot air balloon Thursday (Feb. 9, 2017) at the Omni Aviation Complex inside Clark Freeport in Pampanga. This signals the official opening of the first day of the 21st PIHABF, which runsuntil Feb. 12. (PNA photo courtesy of CDC-CD)

China joins Clark balloon fest for the first time

By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, Feb 9 (PPNA) – A delegation from China joined the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) in Clark, Pampanga for the first time on Thursday since it was established 20 years ago.

Aside from China, there were 11 other countries with aviation and adventure sports performers, enthusiasts and rallying spectators who came to visit the opening of the four-day festivity that has attracted thousands of hobbyists from across the globe. Tourism Undersecretary Kat de Castro, guest of honor, welcomed visitors and invited them to bring their friends and families to celebrate what she described as a great weekend.

“The event has served not only as a fascinating air show but also as a showcase of genuine Filipino hospi-

tality, where we make our guests feel at home with family,” De Castro said.

She has attended the yearly event since she was 15 years old.

The tourism official said that Clark was the perfect venue for the festival as it had “great scenery and warm climate conducive for flying.”

She meanwhile expressed continued support for what she described as “unique” activities that help boost the Philippine tourism industry.

The festival features sky diving, para-gliding, air fire-fighting demo, kite flying, aircraft exhibit, model airplane show, and an aviation seminar-workshop. Joining the DOT official on Thursday were PIHABF event director Captain Joy Roa, Clark Development Corporation president Noel Manankil, Department of Transportation Undersecretary Roberto Lim, and PIHABF president Vicencio Dizon.

Philippine Islands Cargo & Travel L.L.C.

“Sapagkat Mahalaga ang Sigurado ka”” “Far From Home...But Near to My Heart ”

GIVE US A CALL!

Send your boxes ASAP! 2 boxes minimum

888.732.3962 TOLL FREE

Balikbayan Box Metro Manila

Limited time only

$

XXL Box Metro Manila

$ SUBUKAN SA PRESYO...MANATILI SA SERBISYO “SERVING THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1992”

55

65

2 boxes minimum

Limited time only

20

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

J

B MARKET

For adver tising, call (818) 552-4503

402

â&#x20AC;¢

Fax (818) 550-7635

â&#x20AC;¢

email: adver tising@balita.com

CAREGIVERS JOB OPPORTUNITY

CAREGIVERS

CAREGIVERS

CAREGIVERS

LIVE-IN NANNY Must have experience. Must know how to cook. Laundry, light house keep.

Saturdays Day-Off. Santa Clarita Area.

Call 818-339-1549.

CAREGIVER/HOUSE MNGR. Live-in or out. Board & Care looking for caregiver, live-in 5 to 6 days a week. Los Angeles / West Hollywood.

(323) 658-7660

RN CAREGIVER Female care giver w/ RN educ. One day/wk Fri or Sun live-in w/ meals.

To care for my wife $239/day and other pays extra income. 310-4809716 Paul.

ADMINISTRATOR For Residential Care Facility in Downey.

Call Gamal at 714-351-4101.

CAREGIVER Looking male and female caregiver for board and care facility. Full-time, live-in. Must speak English. Call 818-610-1082.

CAREGIVER Immediate hiring, live-in, full-time 5 days a week. Hourly rate, sick leave, overtime & holiday pay. For board & care facility in Norwalk / Cerritos area. With or w/out experience. Call 562-412-6420.

WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATE English and Tagalog Speaking,Computer Literate. P/T or FT.90031 area.Will train Flexible. Call (818)395-1810.

ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN English and Tagalog Speaking, Computer literate, Board level skills.PT or FT. 90031 area will train. Flexible.

Biomed Better. Call 818-395-1810.

FEMALE CAREGIVER Live-in/experienced, can cook. Nice area in Chino and Realto. Call Nona (213) 448-0931.

CAREGIVER Adult for board and care facility in Harbor City. Responsible, experienced, good personality. Pls call 310-408-5519.

&$5(*,9(56

,00(',$7( 23(1,1* 217$5,2 &+,12 '' +20(6 1((' )8// 7,0( 3$57 7,0( &$5(*,9(56 /,9( 287 21/<

CAREGIVERS Wanted male or female caregiver, live-in / live-out to work in a board & care facility in Orange County. Please call John 949-768-8951.

EXP. CAREGIVER NEEDED Male preferred. Part time/full-time.

For elderly care facility. Close to Van Nuys. Good salary. Near transpo & shopping. (855) 443-5724.

CAREGIVERS Male or Female caregiver needed for six bed elderly care homes in northridge. Day or Night shift. Please leave message 818-497-4606 LIVE-IN CAREGIVER For elderly in Orange County. Offering private room, good pay and good condition. Please call 714-225-3725.

BALITA CLASSIFIED ADS GET RESULTS

FULL TIME LIVE IN HOUSEKEEPER/NANNY

TIDEWATER ® PLUMBING & ROOTER

Irvine, CA in Orange County Work 6 days. Private room.

Plumbing repair, drain cleaning, copper repipe, bath & kitchen, remodel hydro jetter, toilet, disposal, heating water heater, iron works, electrical & carpentry.

Household work: Cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.

Looking for LONG TERM only

Free estimate. (818) 730-6571

Call Jennifer (310) 367-2448

CAREGIVERS NEEDED!

Irvine Cottages Memory Care is hiring live-in caregivers, singles and couples to work full time.

2á&#x201A;&#x2021;HULQJ H[FHOOHQW SD\ and great accommodation. <HDU $O]KHLPHU¶V H[SHULHQFH UHTXLUHG &RQWDFW $OH[ 9DOOH (949) 533-1136 or Diane Stevens (949) 394-5678 Or email resume to supernez@aol.com

& Lifestyle

Balita.com B alita..c com u premier source for Fil-Am Your

with local, Lif t le. Updated daily Lifestyle

Follow us on

news. national and international

www.facebook.com/balita.filam.news and

http://twitter.com/balitamedia

WANT A NEW CAR? CHECK OUR CAR ADS.

www.usasianpost.com

In the San Fernando Valley area

%(7:((1 30 0 )

&$//

Life and Leisure News for Filipino-Americans

SECRETARY, ADMIN ASSISTANT, WAREHOUSE, CUSTOMER SERVICE, BOOKKEEPER (QuickBooks-a must ) Email resume to Maria@cmps-usa.com tel no. 818-590-7750 Candidates with college degrees and needing visa sponsorship.

Positions: Customer service, Data entry, IT services, Client Services, Executive Assistant 2WKHU SRVLWLRQV ([SHULHQFHG 2IÃ&#x20AC;FH PDQDJHUV 4%RRNV exp helpful for Construction Co.

Fil-Am News

Balita

CAREGIVER NEEDED Live in for the Elderly in Arizona.

10 Bed Facility with Caregiverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quarters and bath.

Paid vacation / Paid retirement Call 480-766-1786

#0"3% "/% $"3& -00,*/( '03 -*7& */ ."-& '&."-& $"3&(*7&3

'6-- 5*.& %":4 " 8&&, */ 8&45 )*--4 1"35 5*.& "-40 "7"*-"#-& 1($5 &$12*$ 3$5. $1' :22'/$1' +,//6 $5($

3/($6( &$// %(7:((1 $0 $1' 30

PROJECT ASSISTANT WANTED

Los Angeles based Advertising agency is looking for a very presentable assistant to help manage our Filipino clients advertising portfolio. Should be available to attend community events, take photos and answer client questions intelligently.

Our successful applicant will also be able to assemble and present advertising quotations and follow up as the project liaison between client and the various production departments here at the agency. Some exposure in social media marketing advantage.

Must be well dressed applicant, have a clean driving record, and be articulate in English and Tagalog. Prior experience in customer service, sales, or P/R an advantage.

For immediate response, please email your resume to:

losangelesjob@outlook.com We would like to hear from you.

Balita

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

21

CLASSIFIEDS For adver tising, call (818) For advertising, call 552-4503 (818) 552-4503402 402

SERVICES

FOR RENT

IN NEED OF ITIN? If you are not eligible for SSN, contact Jose Fiorello â&#x20AC;&#x153; Rellieâ&#x20AC;? San Diego IRS certifying acceptance agent @ 818687-3221 or 818-924-2619.

ROOM FOR RENT For one female only. W/ private entry & bathroom, furnished, utils incld.

Located in a residential area, close to market & bus stop. Cor Sunset Bl. $500/mo. Call 213-352-4633, cell 213-713-5441.

â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘

Fax (818) 550- â&#x20AC;˘ email: advertising@balita.com Fax (818) 550-7635

ROOMS FOR RENT IN PANORAMA CITY â&#x20AC;˘ $450 & up per month â&#x20AC;˘ With TFC & WIFI â&#x20AC;˘ Furnished/Free Utilities â&#x20AC;˘ Free Washer & Dryer FEMALE PREFERRED CALL (818) 480 - 1285 (818) 402 - 4618

ROOM FOR RENT

HOUSE FOR RENT EAGLE ROCK

Furnished w/ bath.

3rd & vermont Sts., LA. close to everything.

Good for one person only.

2 -BR, 1BA, 2 PARKING QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD CLOSE TO ALL

Please call or text message at (213)-219-9293 (serious caller only)

CALL (323)435-2663

J

B MARKET PRAYERS

PRAYER to the BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail) 2K PRVW EHDXWLIXO Ă&#x20AC;RZHU RI 0W &DUPHO IUXLW ZLQH VSOHQGRU RI Heaven.Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea. Help me and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you. Thanks.- Jonahlyn

Now Hiring for: -RN/LVN/Psych Techs -Massage Therapist (part-time) -DSP/ Caregiver/ CNA 2IÂżFH DVVLVWDQW -CCF (ARF/ RCFE) $GPLQLVWUDWRU

LAX Airport Area, North Hills Area, West Covina Area, San Diego Area Please call 626-926-7186 or 714-519-8997 for inquiries.

Or email resume to: gandres2@aol.com

C A R E G I V E R

Immediate Openings Competitive Wages Flexible Hours

Cerritos Mitsubishi is looking for

FILIPINO SALESPEOPLE -experience not necessary, training will be provided.

- Good income opportunity.

If interested, please apply in person or email chh1972@gmail.com call (562) 494-0187

Complete Wedding P A C K A G E S

Free Training/ CEUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Call now

310-953-0440 Apply at http://bit.ly/2lmHXnL Event Production / Photo Video Coverage Decorations / DJ / Flower Arrangements Hair and Make-up / Cakes and Desserts Drapes and Linens .... You Name It, We Got It! Miracleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dream

626.589.0599

GroupOne Photography

909.610.5847

22

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Health dept leads dangerous drug abuse summit MANILA, Feb. 8 (PNA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday spearheaded the Dangerous Drug Abuse Summit that focused on the early wins of the war against drugs in Central Luzon.

Keynoting the event that was held at the Royce Hotel in Clark Freeport Zone, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial highlighted the best practices and initiatives done within and outside Central Luzon to foster learning across political boundaries.

Ubial said her department, together with its partner agencies, wants to help drug surrenderers live a drug-free life and transform them into productive members of the community, help them reconnect with their families and the society, and help reduce the prevalence of substance abuse disorder and its health-related effects.

The DOH, she said, is involved in the rehabilitation of drug surrenderers, who are considered â&#x20AC;&#x153;victimsâ&#x20AC;? who need treatment and rehabilitation to give them a chance to reform themselves and mainstream them into society so they can be part of nation building. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the context of public health and to limit the harm to people who are affected by drug use and dependence, their families, and the rest of the community, it is upon the DOH and its partner agencies to come up with strategies to address the high influx of drug users who sur-

rendered, and help in the process of rehabilitation and reintegration back to society,â&#x20AC;? Ubial said.

During the summit, inputs from the Dangerous Drugs Board and World Health Organization (WHO) were shared, as well as the best practices from the provinces of Bohol, Tarlac, and Bataan. Efforts to improve health services and updates on the Dangerous Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program (DDAPTP) were also discussed for the effective alignment of programs and implementation at the grassroots level.

At present, the Mega Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DATRC) in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija has 127 patients, mostly from Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. They are provided with group-dynamic activities, psycho-educational lectures, and meditations.

Ubial further said that they want to convene other potential stakeholders and partners in the fight against dangerous drugs use as this is one of the priorities to achieve the DOH slogan of â&#x20AC;&#x153;All for Health Towards Health for Allâ&#x20AC;?.

She noted that corporate stakeholders could take part by providing the recovering drug users job internship since employment itself is therapeutic, while civil society organizations could provide job training to assist the drug users in their recovery.

Balita

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the latest on Medicare

We have a new president. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a few weeks in office and it appears that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll really implement his campaign promises. How will this affect Medicare?

Medicare will not be affected. At least in the very near future.

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen the AARP-sponsored ads showing a clip of President Trump declaring that he will not touch Medicare (and Social Security) because this is aâ&#x20AC;? deal struck by members long long time agoâ&#x20AC;?. In the same ad, AARP enjoined the public to communicate with Congress not to touch the subject.

With Congress busy with various Trump administration agenda, my take is that Congress may not have the time to tackle the subject at all.

Furthermore, the Trump administration nominee for the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Tom Price, is still struggling for confirmation in the Senate.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the government agency tasked to administer Medicare, is under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Meanwhile, it is prudent to bear in mind that Medicare does not enjoy a â&#x20AC;&#x153;walk in the parkâ&#x20AC;? status.

The high cost of medical care puts a tremendous pressure on Medicare.

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fraud, Waste and Abuseâ&#x20AC;? perpetrators are constantly creative in finding ways to rob Medicare. And, the Baby Boomers are ageing-in (turning 65) to Medicare in record numbers.

But, we have some very good

reasons to be optimistic despite the challenges that Medicare faces.

Recently, President Trump has been reported to have met with various pharmaceutical companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CEOs with the end of reducing the prices of prescription drugs. With government as the largest purchaser of prescription drugs, the pharma companies may just look for other ways to improve their bottom lines.

In addition, the current speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, understands Medicare. He seems to me like a guy who will not just â&#x20AC;&#x153;kick the canâ&#x20AC;? and toss the Medicare problem around, but will somehow work with his Democrat colleagues to find a lasting solution to Medicare.

So, my Medicare friends, relax and enjoy life and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get caught in the excitement and confusion that uncertainties bring. Your Medicare is safe!

About the author: LEO MONSALUD is a health advocate based in Los Angeles, CA. He holds CA license # 0G55218 as well as a Non-Resident license for Nevada. He may be reached at 323-535-7373 or, e-mail at: leo.balita @gmail.com.

DID YOU MISS USAP ISSUE THIS WEEK? No worries.

Visit the digital edition of USA ASIAN POST.

here. yw an us nd fi ll uâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; yo , re he yw er Ev s m l-A Fi r Fo FIRMS, AND MORE...

POP CULTURE, FOOD, CARS, LAW NEWS, INFORMATION, LIFESTYLE, M NOW! T.CO POS SIAN .USA P. VISIT WWW YOU CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T GO WRONG WITH USA

7 + (

www. USASIANPOST.com

Balita

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

COMMUNITY

Mixologists serve cocktails to guests during an exclusive brunch at Chef Tony Esnault’s restaurant on Spring street in downtown Los Angeles during the announcement of culinary festival dubbed as Food Bowl.

Visit www.Balita.com

23

(From left to right on the foreground) The Los Angeles Times test kitchen director Noelle Carter, Times publisher and editor-in-chief DavanMaharaj, critic Jonathan Gold and Times deputy editor Jenn Harris listen to a speaker during the launch of the Food Bowl in downtown LA last Tuesday (Feb. 7, 2017).

Los Angeles Times to host month-long ‘Food Bowl’ in May

By Abner Galino

In May, the multiplicity of Los Angeles food culture is going to be celebrated in an event dubbed as Food Bowl.

The Los Angeles Times announced the upcoming event – even claiming it as the biggest culinary event to ever happen in the city of Los Angeles – during an exclusive

brunch at a restaurant owned by renowned chef Tony Esnault at the city’s downtown on Tuesday.

Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Jonathan Gold, Times Food Editor Amy Scattergood, Deputy Editor Jenn Harris and Test Kitchen Director Noelle Carter will curate and host events during the food festival.

In spite of rains, CA still prohibits wasting water SACRAMENTO – Today the State Water Resources Control Board extended its existing water conservation regulations, which prohibit wasteful practices such as watering lawns right after rain and set a conservation mandate only for water suppliers that do not have enough water reserves to withstand three more dry years.

“These regulations have helped Californians rise to the occasion and show what they can do with conservation, while providing flexibility based on differing local water supply conditions across the state,” said Chair Felicia Marcus. “We are beyond happy that water conditions continue to improve this year, but the rainy season isn’t over yet and some areas of the state continue to suffer significant drought impacts. As glorious as the first half of the season has been, we know that weather can change quickly, and vary depending on where you are, so it is most prudent to wait a bit longer until close of the rainy season to take stock of the statewide situation and decide what to do next.”

While many parts of the state have benefited from this year’s rain and snow, other areas continue to experience the effects of drought, including Central Valley communities that still depend on water tanks and bottled water. Groundwater, the source of at least a third of California’s water supplies, remains significantly depleted in many areas. California has undergone more than five years of extreme drought with significant impacts to communities, agriculture, and fish and wildlife.

Today’s decision maintains existing conservation rules, which transitioned away from specific state-mandated conservation standards last May for urban water suppliers that could demonstrate they have enough water reserves to withstand an additional three dry years. The majority of suppliers passed this “stress test” and have not been subject to state conservation mandates. Under the

extended regulation, urban water suppliers that didn’t take or didn’t pass the “stress test” and have been subject to state-set standards are given an opportunity to update their analysis.

Today’s extension also keeps in place monthly reporting of water use by urban water agencies, and reasonable prohibitions against wasteful practices such as watering lawns within 48 hours of a rainstorm, hosing off sidewalks and driveways, or overwatering landscaping to the point where water runs into the streets.

Prohibitions also remain against homeowners associations taking action against homeowners trying to conserve during a declared drought, and those prohibitions are extended to cities and municipalities. The rules had been set to expire Feb. 28.

The Board also heard a report today on the statewide water savings for December 2016, which was 20.6 percent compared with water use in December 2013, an increase from both November 2016’s 18.9 percent savings and December 2015’s 18.2 percent statewide savings.

Cumulative statewide savings for June 2015 through December 2016 remains at 22.5 percent. Since June 2015, 2.43 million acre-feet of water have been saved — enough to supply more than 12 million people, close to a third of the state’s population, for a year. For more information, see the fact sheet found here.

For more information on the regulation extension, please see the fact sheet found here.

While water supplies have improved in many areas, the state’s fiveyear drought has underscored the need for permanent improvements in California’s long-term efficient water use and drought preparedness, as called for in Governor Brown’s May 2016 Executive Order, which set in motion new programs to make water conservation a way of life in California.

The Times said, through its Publisher and Editor Davan Maharaj, the festival would not only bring together the best in local dining experiences but would also strive to promote awareness on food waste and hunger.

The centerpiece of the festival will be a Night Market to be held at the Grand Park. Around 50

restaurants and food trucks are expected to participate in the event that would also feature live entertainment every night from May 10 to 14.

People can expect demonstrations from internationally recognized chefs and mixologists, beer and wine tastings, forums on culinary arts and lots of food tastings.

Caregiver Rights Update 2016 was a sensational year for caregiver rights. In January 2016, when California raised the minimum wage to $10 an hour, the minimum daily rate of pay for many 24hour caregivers was raised to $315.

The calculation of the daily rate is as follows: Under the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights (DWBR) law, the first 9 hours of work must be paid at minimum wage (9 hours x $10 an hour = $90), and the next 15 hours of work must be paid at the overtime rate (15 hours x $15 an hour = $225) making the total daily rate due caregivers for 24-hours of work $315 in 2016. This wage increase, along with other changes to California’s labor laws that went into effect at the start of the year, truly set the stage for an eventful year in the world of caregiver law.

To raise awareness of the plight of caregivers, who are all too often ignored, Kevin Rehwald, a partner at Chaleff Rehwald, wrote a 5000word article examining caregiver rights. The editors of the magazine were so impressed with Kevin’s work that he was asked to appear on the cover of the November issue of Los Angeles Lawyer, the magazine of the Los Angeles Bar Association.

Inside the issue, Mr. Rehwald had the honor of analyzing the DWBR, a law that made in-home personal caregivers eligible for overtime. Mr. Rehwald is passionate about enforcing the rights of caregivers. It was a tremendous honor to be featured in the publication, which was well received by the legal community.

Recognition by such a widely read publication is confirmation that the lawyers at Chaleff Rehwald are at the forefront of caregiver litigation.

The issue of fair pay for caregivers has been a topic of conversation at Chaleff Rehwald for most of 2016. Daniel Chaleff, also a partner at the firm, commented on this topic to LawyersAndSettlements. com in March and August of 2016.

“Our legislature has made these

caregiver overtime cases attractive to attorneys by providing for attorney fees, penalties, and liquidated damages. “ Mr. Chaleff is a keen attorney who fights tirelessly on behalf of caregivers who have been denied the compensation they deserve.

Just last year, he was rated a perfect “10” on the lawyer directory website, Avvo. He is knowledgeable in all areas of employment law, especially wage and hour and unpaid overtime claims.

In September 2016, caregiver advocates won another major victory when Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 1015 into law. This law permanently guaranteed caregivers the right to overtime compensation under the DWBR. After a year of success, the Chaleff Rehwald team will continue fighting for the rights of those in need in 2017. If you or a loved one is being treated unfairly at work, either now or in the upcoming year, you will need the help of a dedicated and skilled employment law attorney. At Chaleff Rehwald, our attorneys have the legal knowledge and experience to enforce your rights and hold your employer accountable—we are here to help!

Article written by Daniel Chaleff, Employment Law Attorney at Chaleff Rehwald. Mr. Chaleff has been practicing employment law for over 22 years. For a free and confidential consultation, call (818) 807-4168. Or visit us online at www.cr.legal

24

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

MOTORING

Balita

Subaru debuts 2018 WRX® and WRX STI® with performance, comfort and safety upgrades Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc., which this month posted its eighth consecutive year of record-breaking sales, today introduced the 2018 WRX and WRX STI, each debuting performance, comfort, design and safety enhancements for a more rewarding driving experience. The new models reach Subaru retailers in spring.

A restyled front fascia WRX and WRX STI shows a sportier attitude, highlighted by a more pronounced grille design, along with a larger lower grille opening. The WRX Limited and all STI feature redesigned LED Steering Responsive Headlights that help illuminate curves in nighttime driving. For greater versatility, all WRX and STI models now feature new roof rack mounting brackets.

WRX for 2018 With its 268-hp, 2.0-liter direct injection turbocharged BOXER engine, Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring, the rally-bred WRX is a performance and value benchmark in the

Best used cars now available in the market for less

or a former owner who didn’t care much for car maintenance. Before you buy, make sure to pay for a thorough inspection by a certified mechanic, so there are no surprises down the road.

But there is a much better way of buying a used vehicle. And all you have to do is get down to Cars 911, where all used vehicle have been checked and re-cheked before they even go to the lot.

Fo a hassle-free car-buying for a used vehicle, call Cars 911 now.

Cars 911 is one of the leading car dealerships that specializes in preowned vehicles.

They have experts in all car brands and will provide you the best tips on why buying a used vehicle is worth it all, especially when you are in dire need of a vehicle ASAP as if getting one is an “emergency.” They have more than 25 banks, all of which are ready to approve!

Call now. The Cars 911 experts are waiting for you. You can reach them at (323) 222-2400. Cars 911 is located at 2244 N. San Fernando Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90065. Mention our ad here in this edition of Weekend Balita and you will be treated with utmost care.

By Jon Linkov Consumer Reports

Not everyone enjoys poring over used-car classified ads to find that hidden gem. Even our experts find the hunt through bad cars to be the worst part of the buying experience.

An easier solution: Simply determine your budget and choose a vehicle from our lists of the best used cars.

We dug through years of test data and hundreds of thousands of survey responses, and cross-referenced those metrics with the availability of electronic stability control, a lifesaving safety feature.

The best of the best used car models can be accessed at consumerreports.org.. Each model performed well in our road tests when it was new and had above-average reliability for the model years shown.

In addition, each vehicle offered ESC as a standard or optional feature.

We also included a list of used cars you should avoid considering because they proved to be particularly troublesome and unreliable.

Of course, even for used cars we recommend, there can be stinkers – due to a bad day at the factory

2018 WRX STI

Your Honda Super Center www.carsonhonda.com

TERZO “T” PALLEN

2017 Honda Fit LX Automatic Get Your

Price

2017 Honda onda Civic LX Sedan Automatic

2017 Honda Accord LX Sedan Automatic

2017 Honda Hon HRV LX Auto A 2wd

Get Your

Get Your

Get Your

Price

Price

5 at this payment

5 at this payment

5 at this payment

The bbest Th e for you!!

The best for you!

The best for you!

Lease for

$

147

per mo for 36 mos.

Lease for

$

147

per mo for 36 mos.

Lease for

$

2016 Honda CR-V SE 2WD Automatic

Price Get Your

5 at this payment

167

The best for you!

Lease for

$

177

per mo for 36 mos.

per mo for 36 mos.

Price

2017 Honda Accord Hybrid

2016 Honda Odyssey SE

Get Your

Get Your

Price

Price

5 at this payment

5 at this payment

5 at this payment

The best for you!

The best for you!

The best for you!

Lease for

$

187

Lease for

per mo for 36 mos.

$

237

Lease for

$

287

per mo for 36 mos.

per mo for 36 mos.

$1,777 total due at signing

$1,777 total due at signing

$1,777 total due at signing

$1,777 total due at signing

$1777 total due at signing

$1,777 total due at signing

$1,777 total due at signing

On approval of credit. Plus tax and license. $0 security deposit. $.15 cents per mile excess of 12k mile per year.

On approval of credit. Plus tax and license. $0 security deposit. $.15 cents per mile excess of 12k mile per year.

On approval of credit. Plus tax and license. $0 security deposit. $.15 cents per mile excess of 12k mile per year.

On approval of credit. Plus tax and license. $0 security deposit. $.15 cents per mile excess of 12k mile per year.

On approval of credit. Plus tax and license. $0 security deposit. $.15 cents per mile excess of 12k mile per year.

On approval of credit. Plus tax and license. $0 security deposit. $.20 cents per mile excess of 12k mile per year.

On approval of credit. Plus tax and license. $0 security deposit. $.20 cents per mile excess of 12k mile per year.

MSRP $17,625. 36 month lease of $147 plus tax with $1,777 drive off. $.15 per over mileage charge.

MSRP $20,375. 36 month lease of $147 per month plus tax with $1,777 drive off. $.15 per over mileage.

MSRP $23,990. 36 month lease of $167 per month plus tax with $1,777 drive off. $.15 per over mileage.

MSRP $21,065. 36 month lease of $177 per month plus tax with $1,777 drive off. $.15 per over mileage.

MSRP $25,545. 36 month lease $187 per month plus tax with $1,777 drive off. $.15 per over mileage

MSRP $30,440. 36 month lease of $237 per month plus tax with $1,777 drive off. $.20 per over mileage.

MSRP $34,550. 36 month lease of $287 per month plus tax with $1,777 drive off. $.20 per over mileage.

Price plus goverment fees and taxes, any finance charge, any dealer document processing charge, any electronic filing charge any emissions testing charge. Offer expires on 02/28/2017.

Special Pre-Owned Inventory

2005 Mazda Mazda3 4Dr

2007 BMW 530i RWD

2011 Toyota Camry LE

2008 Honda Accord LX-P

VIN:JM1BK323251221547 Stock#: T51221547

VIN:WBANE73537CM48312 Stock#: T7CM48312

VIN:3N1AB6AP6CL626191 Stock#: BCL626191

VIN:JHMCP26428C016322 Stock#: T8C016322

$4,981

$6,994

$8,992

$9,293

800-503-2321 Sales Hrs: Mon-Sat: 8:30am-9pm, Sunday: 10am-8pm

2013 Honda Civic LX

VIN:19XFB2F55DE295452 Stock#: LDE295452

$12,892

2013 Honda Civic EX

2013 Honda Accord LX

2014 Honda CR-V EX 2WD

VIN:2HGFG3B81DH500598 Stock#: BDH500598

VIN:1HGCR2F33DA162061 Stock#: TDA162061

VIN:5J6RM3H50EL027938 Stock#: TEL027938

$13,982

$14,293

$16,893

1435 East 223rd St. Carson, CA 90745

Conveniently located within 10 minutes from anywhere in the South Bay

high-performance AWD sport-compact segment. The WRX comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offers an optional performance automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartronic® CVT with manual mode.

The WRX features new front and rear suspension tuning for improved steering stability and ride comfort, while retaining the car’s high cornering performance capability. Subaru significantly enhanced shifter feel for the 6-speed manual transmission, with a new synchro design and reduced friction, along with smoother clutch take-up. The WRX electric power steering (EPS) was revised to provide an even smoother, more natural feel, while integrating the steering motor and electronic control unit reduces weight.

A new optional Performance Package for the WRX Premium features Recaro 8-way power seats, red-painted brake calipers and upgraded JURID brake pads, and deletes the moonroof to reduce weight.

The standard 18-inch wheels feature a bold new double-spoke design.

WRX STI for 2018 A comprehensive handling enhancement for the 2018 STI includes the revised suspension tuning as featured on the WRX, plus a revised DCCD AWD system, significantly upgraded brakes and this model’s first-ever 19-inch wheels. The DCCD system, which previously used a combination of mechanical and electronic center limited slip differential control, now uses electronic control for quicker and smoother response. The 19inch alloy wheels feature a striking Y-shaped spoke design and carry 245/35R19 tires that help raise cornering performance while giving the STI an even more aggressive stance.

The yellow-painted brake calipers identify a significantly upgraded Brembo Performance Brake System that now uses stronger monoblock 6-piston calipers in front, monoblock 2-piston calipers in the rear and larger, drilled rotors all around for better heat dissipation. New brake pads provide significantly greater surface area for improved braking feel and fade resistance. The STI also offers the Recaro seats (standard on STI Limited, optional for base trim).

If you have been desiring to own a new Subaru vehicle, come down to Subaru of Glendale and check out our kababayan Christian Marilla of Subaru of Glendale. So what are you waiting for? Schedule a Test drive on the vehicle of your choice at Subaru of Glendale. Call Christian at 1-855-230-1547 and test drive a Subaru vehicle today! Subaru of Glendale is located at 1308 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91204.

Balita

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

25

Nissan GT-R selected as ‘Best Coupe,’ Nissan Versa Note ‘Best Hatchback’ NASHVILLE – The Nissan GT-R and Versa Note were today announced as Coupe and Hatchback category winners, respectively, in the first annual “Autobytel Buyer’s Choice Awards.”

The award winners reflect the strongest combination of site traffic research and Manuel Lava the submission of lead forms, compared to all others in their competitive sets.

“After analyzing the data from the past year, it is clear to us that car buyers are most interested in quality, reliability, design, safety, and performance,” said Autobytel Editor-In-Chief Joni Gray. “These are some of the most innovative and beautiful vehicles on the market today.”

The GT-R, Nissan’s legendary supercar, received a fresh look inside and out, as well as major driving performance enhancements and key new features for the 2017 model year.

It is equipped with a 3.8-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 rated at 565-horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque, dual-clutch sequential 6-speed transmission and electronically controlled ATTE-

SA E-TS all-wheel-drive system.

The GT-R NISMO model offers 600 horsepower and additional motorsports-inspired styling and equipment.

The popular Versa Note has been enhanced for the 2017 model year with refreshed exterior and interior treatments. It continues to feature a 109 horsepower 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder and Xtronic transmission with D-Step Shift logic.

“While the GT-R and Versa Note occupy somewhat opposite ends of Nissan’s product lineup in terms of performance and pricing, they share a strong interest by consumers conducting new vehicle research on the Autobytel website,” said Eric Ledieu, director, Chief Marketing Manager Sedans, Sports Cars & NISMO, Nissan North America. “Active research is a great indicator of a vehicle’s vitality in the marketplace and we’re pleased to be among the leaders in this new Autobytel study.”

For more information on GT-R, Versa Note and the complete Nissan vehicle lineup, please

New ‘Hydrogen Council’ launches in Davos Davos, Switzerland, Thirteen leading energy, transport and industry companies have today launched a global initiative to voice a united vision and longterm ambition for hydrogen to foster the energy transition.

In the first global initiative of its kind, the ‘Hydrogen Council’ is determined to position hydrogen among the key solutions of the energy transition.

Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier with favorable characteristics since it does not release any CO2 at the point of use as a clean fuel or energy source, and can play an important role in the transition to a clean, low-carbon, energy system. Hydrogen technologies and products have significantly progressed over past years and are now being introduced to the market. The Council will work with, and provide recommendations to, a number of key stakeholders such as policy

makers, business and hydrogen players, international agencies and civil society to achieve these goals.

During the launch, members of the ‘Hydrogen Council’ confirmed their ambition to accelerate their significant investment in the development and commercialization of the hydrogen and fuel cell sectors. These investments currently amount to an estimated total value of €1.4 Bn/ year1.

This acceleration will be possible if the key stakeholders increase their backing of hydrogen as part of the future energy mix with appropriate policies and supporting schemes.

Meeting in Davos for the first time on Tuesday, the ‘Hydrogen Council’ is currently made up of 13 CEOs and Chairpersons from various industries and energy companies committed to help achieve the ambitious goal of reaching the 2 degrees Celsius target as agreed in the 2015 Paris Agreement.

February 28, 2017.

If you have been desiring to own a new Nissan vehicle, come down to Nissan Mission Hills and check out our kababayan Manuel Lava of Nissan Mission Hills. So what are you waiting for? Schedule a Test drive on the vehicle of your choice at Nissan of Mission Hills. Call Manuel at 1-888-588-7635 and test drive a Nissan vehicle today! Nissan of Mission Hills is located at 11000 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills, CA 91345.

2017 Versa Note

Raymond Orosa makes owning a Mercedes-Benz an easy feat “The two professions that people don’t like are attorneys and car salesmen, because offthe-bat, people think that they are going to be cheated by them.

But not all of us are like that.”

Fleet Sales Manager Raymond Orosa of Mercedes-Benz, Encino, opens up.

“It’s about selling (yes), but it’s not about selling to them today – if they’re not ready.

You don’t push them. You may close a sale by doing that but it’s not a ‘buyer for life,’ (that sale) ends there. I don’t go for Filipino-American Raymond Orosa of MB Encino. one-hit wonders.

Photo: Angel Tahimik I go for you, your brother, your sister, your friends. Eventually, You help as many people as you can I don’t have to call people anymore re- and the rest keep on. There’s one rule lationship and his bedrock principle I follow: you don’t think about the is the rightest: he is not your typical money you make. It will come. If you “car salesman.” Orosa has been with genuinely help people by giving them Mercedes-Benz for 10 years. Having sufficient information, they see that sold roughly 2,500 cars in his lifetime and they come back to you.”

Car Salesmen are stereotyped – and only with Mercedes-Benz – the man clearly has car-selling down to negatively for this reason: the typical a fine art. He won “Salesman of the “car salesman”will try to win you over Year” numerous times and is known at all cost in the shortest amount of for going above and beyond the norm time possible. However, a few of of client service. “I deliver cars...pick them would try to earn your trust, up their cars for service...I’d lease a take time and work along your pace – car so that when I pick up their car not theirs. They are not your typical they’d have a loaner car – I do things car salesman, and one of them goes differently,” Orosa adds. by the name of Raymond Orosa. You Orosa’s face lit up when he spoke can reach him at 818.536.2413 or go about his favorite thing about the job. to Mercedes-Benz of Encino at 16721 “(It’s) the people,” Orosa uttered Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91436. in a heartbeat. “I love helping people. (Angel Tahimik)

26

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

Balita

OVE

Glendale Mitsubishi L o s

A n g e l e s

•

S a n

G a b r i e l

V a l l e y

•

S a n

F e r n a n d o

V a l l e y

Valentine’s Day

Sale

“Para sa mura at kayang tapatan anumang presyo meron kayo, hanapin lang ang inyong kaisa-isang kababayan dito sa Glendale Mitsubishi!”

CESAR MACANDILI

ALL OUTLANDER AND OUTLANDER SPORT $2500.00 OFF MSRP! 2017 MITSUBISHI

2017 MITSUBISHI

MIRAGE ESS CVT $

159

MIRAGE g4 ES CVT

$

/MO

PLUS TAX

36 MONTH LEASE

179

/MO

PLUS TAX

36 MONTH LEASE

$3,333 TOTAL DUE AT SIGNING

$3,378 TOTAL DUE AT SIGNING EXPIRES 02/28/2017

2017 MIRAGE ES CVT LEASE. Lease: $159 per month/ 36 months/ $3,333 due at lease signing. Includes required refundable security deposit. Exclusive tax, license, title, registration, documentation fees, insurance and the like. Lease example for 2017 Mirage ES CVT, MSRP $14,195 PLUS $835 destination handling. Available through Ally Financial, subject to approved credit and insurance. Net capitalized cost is $12,817 and includes $595 acquisition fee. Option to purchase at lease end at price determined at lease signing. Lessee is responsible for maintenance, repairs, excess wear, and $0.20 per mile over 12,000 miles/year. Not all customer will qualify. Price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. Other lease terms/details apply. May not combine with factory cash rebates. See dealer for details. Illustration shown may not be the same as actual vehicle sold.

2017 MITSUBISHI

EXPIRES 02/28/2017

2017 MIRAGE G4 ES CVT LEASE. Lease: $179 per month/ 36 months/ $3,378 due at lease signing. Includes required refundable security deposit. Exclusive tax, license, title, registration, documentation fees, insurance and the like. Lease example for 2017 Mirage G4 ES CVT, MSRP $15,195 PLUS $835 destination handling. Available through Ally Financial, subject to approved credit and insurance. Net capitalized cost is $13,795 and includes $595 acquisition fee. Option to purchase at lease end at price determined at lease signing. Lessee is responsible for maintenance, repairs, excess wear, and $0.20 per mile over 12,000 miles/year. Not all customer will qualify. Price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. Other lease terms/details apply. May not combine with factory cash rebates. See dealer for details. Illustration shown may not be the same as actual vehicle sold.

2017 MITSUBISHI

OUTLANDER SPORT 2.0 ES 2WD CVT OUTLANDER 2.4 ES 2WD CVT $

189

$

/MO

PLUS TAX

36 MONTH LEASE

219

/MO

PLUS TAX

48 MONTH LEASE

$2,888 TOTAL DUE AT SIGNING

$2,693 TOTAL DUE AT SIGNING EXPIRES 02/28/2017

EXPIRES EEX EXP X XPIRES IRE IRE RES 02/28/2017 0

2017 OUTLANDER SPORT 2.0 ES 2WD CVT LEASE. Lease: $189 per month/ 36 months/ $2,888 due at lease signing. Includes required refundable security deposit. Exclusive tax, license, title, registration, documentation fees, insurance and the like. Lease example for 2017 Outlander Sport 2.0 ES 2WD CVT, MSRP $20,995 PLUS $895 destination handling.Due at signing is if customer applies $500.00 lease reabate. Available through Ally Financial, subject to approved credit and insurance. Net capitalized cost is $19,086 and includes $595 acquisition fee. Option to purchase at lease end at price determined at lease signing. Lessee is responsible for maintenance, repairs, excess wear, and $0.20 per mile over 12,000 miles/year. Not all customer will qualify. Price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. Other lease terms/details apply. This offer may not combine with factory cash rebates. See dealer for details. Illustration shown may not be the same as actual vehicle sold.

2017 OUTLANDER 2.4 ES 2WD CVT LEASE. Lease: $219 per month/ 48 months/ $ $2,693 2 693 ddue ue at lease signing signing. Includes required refundable security deposit. Exclusive tax, license, title, registration, documentation fees, insurance and the like. Lease example for 2017 Outlander 2.4 ES 2WD CVT, MSRP $23,495 PLUS $895 destination handling.Due at signing is if customer applies $750.00 lease reabate. Available through Ally Financial, subject to approved credit and insurance. Net capitalized cost is $21,503 and includes $595 acquisition fee. Option to purchase at lease end at price determined at lease signing. Lessee is responsible for maintenance, repairs, excess wear, and $0.20 per mile over 12,000 miles/year. Not all customer will qualify. Price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. Other lease terms/details apply. This offer may not combine with factory cash rebates. See dealer for details.

Illustration shown may not be the same as actual vehicle sold.

PRICE LISTED AFTER ALL APPLICABLE REBATES. SUCH AS LOYALTY, MILITARY AND MANUFACTURER’S REBATE. NOT ALL CUSTOMERS QUALIFY FOR LOYALTY RABATE. TO QUALIFY CUSTOMER MUST BE A CURRENT MITSUBISHI VEHICLE REGISTERED OWNER. ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE PRICES PLUS GOVERMENT FEES AND ANY DEALER DOCUMENT PREPARATION CHARGE AND EMISSION TESTING CHARGE. ALL FACTORY REBATES IN LIEU OF SPECIAL RATES OFFERED BY MITSUBISHI CREDIT AND SPECIAL RATES ARE NOT AVAILABLE WITH ANY ADVERTISED VEHICLES. SEE DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

PRE-OWNED SUPER CENTER ‘05 HONDA ODYSSEY EX 3.5LL V-6 CYL, VAN

Stk: S71197A | 413249

6,995

NOW

$

‘15 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT ES 2.0LL I-4 CYL, SUV

Stk: P2373 | 058052

NOW

13,890

$

‘15 NISSAN VERSA S 1.6LL I-4 CYL, SEDAN

Stk: P2321 | 869836

8,295

NOW

$

‘16 KIA RIO

1.6LL I-4 CYL, SEDAN

Stk: P2403 | 626994

NOW

14,395

$

‘12 SCION TC

2.5LL I-4 CYL, COUPE

Stk: 70113A | 042199

9,295

NOW

$

‘16 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.4LL I-4 CYL, SEDAN

Stk: P2455RS | 286168

NOW

14,595

$

‘09 TOYOTA COROLLA 1.8LL I-4 CYL, SEDAN

Stk: S70930DA | 112584

9,445

NOW

$

‘13 HONDA ACCORD SPORT 2.4LL I-4 CYL, SEDAN

Stk: S70795DB | 003008

NOW

14,795

$

‘15 MITSUBISHI LANCER ES 2.0LL I-4 CYL, SEDAN

Stk: P2242A | 038859

Stk: P2385R | 015088

NOW

10,895

$

‘16 KIA FORTE

2.0LL I-4 CYL, HATCHBACK

Stk: P2444 | 638785

NOW

NOW

11,995

$

‘15 HONDA CIVIC EX 1.8LL I-4 CYL, COUPE

Stk: P2345 | 501943

14,945

$

‘13 SCION XB

2.4LL I-4 CYL, WAGON

NOW

15,695

$

TEST DRIVE TODAY! MENTION THIS AD -AND-

GET 3 DAY/2 NIGHTS LAS VEGAS VOUCHER

‘16 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 1.8LL I-4 CYL, SEDAN

Stk: P2446R | 737065

NOW

12,880

$

‘15 TOYOTA PRIUS

1.8LL I-4 CYL, HATCHBACK

Stk: P2460R | 450740

NOW

16,495

$

‘14 TOYOTA COROLLA 1.8LL I-4 CYL, SEDAN

Stk: P2372S | 023030

13,695

NOW

$

‘13 MAZDA MAZDA MX-5 MIATA GRAND TOURING 2.0LL I-4 CYL, CONVERTIBLE

Stk: P2358S | 231034

NOW

19,990

$

Balita

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

Diamond Honda of Glendale Honda is where your heart belongs â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ito ang tahanan nyo.

Kaya bumisita uli at mag-usap-usap tayo.â&#x20AC;?

Orly Roque

0%

*)5(( /,)(7,0( 32:(575$,1 :$55$17<

Sales & Leasing

*Included with the purchase of any new or selected used vehicle. We will extend your Powertrain Warranty for as long as you own your vehicle. Peace of mind you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get anywhere else.

APR

RQ OLPLWHG ORQJ WHUP ÂżQDQFLQJ RQ VHOHFW QHZ +RQGD PRGHOV IRU ZHOO TXDOLÂżHG EX\HUV 2Q DSSURYHG FUHGLW

Lease for only 2A AT T THIS OFFER 6WN 9,1

6WN 9, 6WN 9,1 1

0RGHO )& ) +(: 0R

NEW 2017 Honda Civic LX 4 Dr, Automatic

St ting att $20,375.

Starting Starti $20,375 $20 375. $4,055 $4,0 $4 0 due at lease signing plus destination, tax, title tax title & tags. tagss. 36 tag 36 mo nth lease, 12k miles/yr. 36 miles with $0.15 month per exce excess ss mile. m mile ile. No security secu deposit required. On approved above average credit through American A Honda Financial Services.

per month plus tax at 36 months nth ths

Lease fo for only

2 AT THIS OFFER 6WN 9,1

0RGHO &5 ) *(:

NEW 2017 Honda Accord LX 4 Dr, Automatic

Starting at $23,990. $4,499 due at lease signing plus destination, tax, title & tags. 36 month lease, 12k miles/yr. 36 miles with $0.15 per excess mile. No security deposit required. On approved above average credit through American Honda Financial Services.

per month plus tax at 36 months

Lease for only

1 AT THIS OFFER 67. 9,1

0RGHO 50 + *-:

NEW 2016 Honda CR-V EX 2WD, Automatic

Starting at $26,995. $4,999 due at lease signing plus destination, tax, title & tags. 36 month lease, 12k miles/yr. 36 miles with $0.15 per excess mile. No security deposit required. On approved above average credit through American Honda Financial Services.

per month plus tax at 36 months

Lease for only

2 AT THIS OFFER 6WN 9,1

0RGHO &5 ) *(:

NEW 2016 Honda ODYSSEY LX

Starting at $30,300. $5,598 due at lease signing plus destination, tax, title & tags. 36 month lease, 12k miles/yr. 36 miles with $0.20 per excess mile. No security deposit required. On approved above average credit through American Honda Financial Services.

per month plus tax at 36 months

+RQGD &HUWLÂżHG 8VHG &DUV 2WKHU 3UH RZQHG 6SHFLDOV

RATE AS LOW AS

1.9% APR

On Select Honda Models

ON APPROVED CREDIT FOR QUALIFIED BUYERS

2009 Scion XB

2009 Mazda 3 Grand Touring

2014 Hyundai Accent GLS

2012 Honda Civic

2013 Honda Civic

WAS 10,491

WAS $11,091

WAS $12,491

WAS $13,491

WAS $14,491

27394A/91207213

27385A/91087661

NOW

$8,991

2014 Honda Accord Sport 92398/ES084470

NOW

2015 Honda Accord LX 27129A/FA091496

$14,998

NOW

Diamond Honda

of Glendale

NOW

$15,998

$10,991

2013 Honda CR-V 92440/DL057947

WAS $17,498

WAS $16,498

NOW

$9,591

92495/EU713139

92474/CE314175

NOW

2014 Honda Odyssey LX 92420/EB014458

WAS $19,091

NOW

$17,591

$11,991

261837A/DH507340

NOW

2014 Honda CR-V EX-L 92485/EL009096

WAS $19,498

NOW

$17,998

$12,991

2015 Toyota Corolla S 27513A/FP212103

WAS $15,991

NOW

2015 Volvo S60 T5 261296A/F1307050

WAS $22,,091

NOW

$20,591

www.diamondhondaofglendale.com

866.237.7092 $OO DGYHUWLVHG SULFHV H[FOXGH JRYHUQPHQW IHHV DQG WD[HV DQ\ ÂżQDQFH FKDUJHV DQ\ GHDOHU GRFXPHQW SUHSDUDWLRQ FKDUJH DQG DQ\ HPLVVLRQV WHVWLQJ FKDUJH )RU ZHOO TXDOLÂżHG EX\HUV RQ DSSURYHG FUHGLW 1RW DOO ZKR DSSO\ ZLOO TXDOLI\ $G H[SLUHV RQ

$14,491

WAS $21,591

NOW

$23,091

27

28

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

Balita

CERRITOS MITSUBISHI

Giant Mitsubishi store with huge inventory

Check our Valentine’s savings to your heart’s content!

“Tawag na mu!”

2sto0ck

in

Stock # : C15995

2015 Mitsubishi EUGENE C. Senior Sales Consultant

Lancer Evolution

SONNY C. Filipino Sales

MSRP................$39,805

(562) 472.8938 (562) 688.4626 2017 MITSUBISHI

MIRAGE ES *

2017 Mitsubishi

122

MSRP................$13,830 0

0

0

Stock # : S17009

OUTLANDER SPORT ES SUV * 108

15,599

$

BUY FOR

BUY FOR

in stock

72 MONTHS FINANCING AVAILABLE IN LIEU OF REBATES

Stock # : C17074

OUTLANDER ES SUV *

18,699

$

- 7 SEATER

122

in stock

MSRP..............$24,390

Customer Rebate.......................$1.500 0 Loyalty Rebate ..........................$500 0 Military Rebate ........................$500 0

0

%

2017 MITSUBISHI

MSRP...................$20,690 0

%

40

in stock

Customer Rebate.....................$1,500 Loyalty Rebate ........................$500 Military Rebate .......................$500

48 MONTHS FINANCING AVAILABLE IN LIEU OF REBATES

2017 MITSUBISHI

LANCER ES Sedan *

MSRP................$19,630

Customer Rebate.....................$1,500 0 Military Rebate .......................$500 0

%

32,999*

14,299

$

BUY FOR

iin n stock ock

BUY FOR

$

Customer Rebate.....................$1,000 Military Rebate .......................$500

10,199

$

BUY FOR

MR Sedan

Customer Rebate.......................$2,000 Loyalty Rebate ...........................$500 Military Rebate ...........................$500

72 MONTHS FINANCING AVAILABLE IN LIEU OF REBATES

0

Stock # : C17107

%

72 MONTHS FINANCING AVAILABLE IN LIEU OF REBATES

Stock # : C17192

*Evolution and i-MiEV are excluded from the 10 year 100 thousand mile Warranty

FRIENDLY PRICED PRE-OWNED CARS! TEST-DRIVE NOW! ‘14 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE ES HB

WAS 11,900 $

$

Stk: C3026P

7,800

‘02 TOYOTA TACOMA PRERUNNER TRUCK DOUBLE-CAB

WAS 15,988 $ $

Stk: C17212A

12,900

‘14 HYUNDAI ACCENT HB

‘07 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GS COUPE

WAS 10,900

$

$

Stk: C2894P

WAS $14,900

7,999

WAS 16,999 $

‘13 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SE SUV

WAS $13,988 $

WAS $14,988 $

Stk: C16203A

10,900

Stk: C16162A

11,900

‘13 HONDA PILOT EX-L FWD SUV

‘17 SUBARU BRZ LIMITED COUPE

WAS 25,800 $

WAS 28,999 $

WAS $28,999 $

$

19,988

Stk: C2952P

NURSES PROGRAM AVAILABLE!

Stk: C2936P

23,800

ARTESIA FWY

See Dealer for Details

SOUTH ST.

5 YR/60,000 MILES BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY

YES

ONLY 3/36

ONLY 3/36

ONLY 3/36

10100

YES

ONLY 3/36

ONLY 5/60

ONLY 5/60

*All special lease are based on Tier 1 Credit through Mitsubishi Motors Credit of America.

All payments are plus tax, first payments, license and acquisition fees included in lease.

5YR

10 YR/100,000 MILES LTD POWERTRAIN LIMITED WARRANTY 5 YR/UNLIMITED MILES ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

YES

NONE

NONE

NONE

562-494-0187

0

PowerTrain Repair Cost

Until August 2027

100,000-mile 10 year Powertrain Limited Warranty

CERRITOS MITSUBISHI

27,800

STUDEBAKER RD.

560

Mitsubishi Honda Toyota Nissan

$

PALO VERDE AVE.

ANY CREDIT SITUATION, WE CAN HELP YOU. BEST IN CLASS PAYMENT

Stk: C3020P

5 Year Unlimited Mile Road Assistance

PRICE LISTED AFTER ALL APPLICABLE REBATES. ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE PRICES PLUS GOVERMENT FEES AND ANY DEALER DOCUMENT PREPARATION CHARGE AND EMISSION TESTING CHARGE PLUS DESTINATION CHARGE ALL FACTORY REBATES IN LIEU OF SPECIAL RATES OFFERED BY MITSUBISHI CREDIT AND SPECIAL RATES ARE NOT AVAILABLE WITH ANY ADVERTISED VEHICLES. SEE DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS. PRICE LISTED AFTER ALL APPLICABLE REBATES SUCH AS CUSTOMER & LOYALTY REBATE. NOT ALL CUSTOMERS QUALIFY FOR LOYALTY RABATE. TO QUALIFY CUSTOMER MUST BE A CURRENT MITSUBISHI VEHICLE REGISTERED OWNER. ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE PRICES PLUS GOVERMENT FEES AND ANY DEALER DOCUMENT PREPARATION CHARGE AND EMISSION TESTING CHARGE. ALL FACTORY REBATES IN LIEU OF SPECIAL RATES OFFERED BY MITSUBISHI CREDIT AND SPECIAL RATES ARE NOT AVAILABLE WITH ANY ADVERTISED VEHICLES. SEE DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

NO ONE OFFERS MORE!

‘12 HONDA ACCORD 2.4 LX SEDAN

‘15 NISSAN PATHFINDER SUV $

14,900

Stk: C3025P

9,988

Stk: C17161A

‘11 HONDA ODYSSEY EX VAN $

$

DEL AMO BLVD.

10944 South St. Cerritos CA 90703

Balita

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

29

Nissan of Mission Hills

Out to be the #1 Nissan Dealer in the Nation*

Serving the Filipino Community for more than 20 years.

Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Specials â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kayang-kaya nyo ang down at mababa lang ang monthly payment!â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tawagan or hanapin nyo lang akoâ&#x20AC;?

Manuel Lava

Internet | Fleet Manager

Cell: (661)-644-0944 Ikaw ba ay problematic dahil sa Bad Credit/No Credit?. No Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s License? No SS? Ok na ang TIN!.

Bankruptcy? WALANG PROBLEMA!!!

NEW2017

NISSAN ROGUE S

Model#22117

AC/PW/PDL, BLUETOOTH & MUCH MORE SALE PRICE...............................................$21,900 *NISSAN CUSTOMER CASH..........................$1,000 WESTERN REGION CUSTOMER CASH.............$1,500 COLLEGE GRAD..............................................$500

NET COST TO YOU:

3 at this price: JN8AT2MT4HW3869788 JN8AT2MT6HW3869966

18,900

$

*Nissan Customer cashin lieu of speciall ďŹ nancing.

PRE-OWNED CARS SPECIALS â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;10 NISSAN VERSA HB

8,995

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;O9 TOYOTA YARIS HB

8,995

$

$

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;11 KIA SOUL

8,995

$

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13 13 NISSAN LEAFF HB S

9,995

$

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;12 NISSAN SENTRA I4

9,995

$

Stock#: G26321 | Vin: 433106

Stock#: G35701 | Vin: 275269

Stock#: U48851 | Vin: 717057

Stock#: U4777 | Vin: 421612

Stock#: G21981 | Vin: 389197

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15 15 NISSAN NISSSANN VVERSA ERSA NO NOTE OTE

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;14 14 HONDA CIVIC CVT LX

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;10 NISSAN 370Z

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;12 12 NISSAN ROGUE FWD

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;14 14 NISSAN NISSSAAN ALTIMA ALTTIMA I4 I4 2.5

13,995

$

Stock#: H23881 | Vin: 371300

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;12 122 TO TOYOTA OYO OTA AR RAV4 AVV4 FWD FWD D I4

13,995

$

Stock#: H23671 | Vin: 033094

11,995

$

15,995

$

Stock#: G30241 | Vin: 238969

Stock#: U4987 | Vin: 505353

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16 16 N NISSAN ISSAN SENTRA I4

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15 TOYOTA CAMRY

13,995

$

Stock#: G34421| Vin: 245147

15,995

$

Stock#: U4906 | Vin: 946128

12,995

$

Stock#: H26901 | Vin: 614158

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16 HYUNDAI SANTA FE FWD

16,995

$

Stock#: U4788 | Vin: 30929

12,995

$

Stock#: U4825 | Vin: 772809

HO OND DA ACCORD ACCCOR RD CO OUP â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;155 HONDA COUPE

20,995

$

Stock#: U4802 | Vin: 01796

www.nissanofmissionhills.com | 11000 Sepulveda Blvd. Mission Hills, CA 91345

888-588-7635

WE SERVE ALL AAA, COSTCO, AARP, CREDIT UNION, SAMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CLUB MEMBERS

2IIHUV VXEMHFW WR DYDLODELOLW\ 1HW FRVW EDVHG RQ FXUUHQW UHEDWHV 1LVVDQ &XVWRPHU &DVK LQ OLHX RI 6SHFLDO )LQDQFLQJ 0XVW ÂżQDQFH through NMAC. ***All U.S. Military personnel (active and reserve) All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any ÂżQDQFH FKDUJHV DQ\ GHDOHU GRFXPHQW SURFHVVLQJ FKDUJH DQ\ HOHFWURQLF ÂżOLQJ FKDUJH DQ\ HPLVVLRQ WHVWLQJ FKDUJH DQG GHDOHU add-ons or accessories. Vehicles subject to prior sale. Interest accrues from date of contract. Ad prices good thru 2/13/17 close of EXVLQHVV 10$& ÂżQDQFLQJ PD\ EH UHTXLUHG RQ VRPH YHKLFOHV VHH GHDOHU IRU GHWDLOV $OO ÂżQDQFLQJ VXEMHFW WR FUHGLW DSSURYDO )DFWRU\ UHEDWH LQ OLHX RI VSHFLDO $35 &HUWLÂżFDWH 3URJUDP VHH GHDOHU IRU GHWDLOV

30

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

Balita

SUBARU OF GLENDALE

Subaru of Glendale is the #1 Volume Subaru Dealer in Southern California!!! #1 claim based on SOA MTD Sales Report for new car sales in Southern Californian for January 2017**

Visit Subaru of Glendale to find your dream car at a great price with the help of our friendly, no pressure sales staff.

Whether it’s love at first sight or after your test drive, you’ll have a great experience and leave with a grin on your face.

2017 SUBARU

Crosstrek 2.0i

LEASE OFFER

199

$

2017 SUBARU

LEASE OFFER

199

PLUS TAX PER MONTH ONTH LEASE/ 0 39 MONTHS/10,000 MILES PER YEAR

$

PLUS TAX PER MONTH LEASE/ 36 MONTHS/10,000 MILES PER YEAR

$1,999 Down Payment $0 Security Deposit $0 First Months Lease Payment

$2,999 Down Payment $0 Security Deposit $0 First Months Lease Payment

$1,999 Total Due Lease Signing (tax, title, license & doc fees extra)

$2,999 Total Due Lease Signing (tax, title, license & doc fees extra) Model Code Cod de HRC-15 Offer Expires 02/28/17

FINANCE OFFER 1.90 % Limited Term Financing on ALL New Crosstreks in Stock

2017 SUBARU

2017 SUBARU

249

PLUS TAX PER MONTH ONT NTH LEASE/ 36 MONTHS/10,000 0 MILES PER YEAR

$

PLUS TAX PER ER MONTH LE LEASE/ 36 MONTHS/10,000 10,000 MILES PER YEAR

$1,999 Down Payment $0 Security Deposit $0 First Months Lease Payment

$0 Down Payment $0 Security Deposit $0 First Months Lease Payment

$1,999 Total Due Lease Signing (tax, title, license & doc fees extra)

$0 Total Due Lease Signing (tax, title, license & doc fees extra) Model Code HDD-11 Offer Expires 02/28/17

FINANCE OFFER 0% Limited Term Financing on ALL New Outbacks in Stock

2017 SUBARU Sign & Drive

279

Model M odel Code H HFF-13 FF-13 Offer Expires 02/28/17

FINANCE OFFER 0% Limited Term Financing on ALL New Foresters in Stock

Impreza 2.0i

Limited CVT 5-Door Hatchback

2017 SUBARU

Legacy 2.5i

Limited CVT with Navigation & Eyesight

Sign & Drive

2 LEASE OFFERS

3 LEASE OFFERS

$

Forester 2.5i

Premium Pr remium CVT with All-Weather All Weath her Package Packa age

Sign & Drive

LEASE OFFER

2 LEASE OFFERS

209

Model Code HUN-01 Offer Expires 02/28/17

FINANCE OFFER 2.90 % Limited Term Financing on ALL New WRX & STIs in Stock AND No payments for 90 days on approved credit

Outback 2.5i Premium CVT

$

WRX

Premium CVT Special Edition

(only 8 left at this payment)

299

PLUS TAX PER MONTH ONT NTH LEASE/ 00 42 MONTHS/10,000 MILES PER YEAR

$

PLUS TAX PER MONTH ONTH LE LEASE/ 36 MONTHS/10,000 0 MILES PER YEAR

$0 Down Payment $0 Security Deposit $0 First Months Lease Payment

$0 Down Payment $0 Security Deposit $0 First Months Lease Payment

$0 Total Due Lease Signing (tax, title, license & doc fees extra)

$0 Total Due Lease Signing (tax, title, license & doc fees extra)

FINANCE OFFER 1.9% Limited Term Financing on ALL New Imprezas in Stock

Model Code e HLG-31 Offer Expires 02/28/17

FINANCE OFFER As low as 0% APR Financing up to 63 months on ALL New Legacys in Stock

Model Code HAF-24 Offer Expires 02/28/17

Driving People Happy “Para sa bagong Subaru, tawagan nyo lang po kami !”

SUBARU OF GLENDALE 1308 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204 www.SubaruofGlendale.net

855-230-1547 Andrew Marilla Sales & Leasing

Christian Marilla Finance Manager

Subaru, Forester, Outback, Tribeca, Legacy, Impreza, WRX, STI, and SUBARU BOXER are registered trademarks. Purchase or lease any new (previously untitled) Subaru and receive a complimentary factory scheduled maintainance plan for 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first).

See Subaru Added Security Maintenance Plan for intervals, coverage and limitations. Customer must take delivery before 12-31-17 and reside within the promotional area. At participating dealers only. See dealer for program details and eligibility.

Balita

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marami kayong pagpipilian! Tawag na kina kababayang Joel at Jose!â&#x20AC;?

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help you get a car!

USED 2015 Chevrolet Camaro 2dr Conv LT w/1LT

119,995 9 995

LOW MILEAGE! CALL US FOR THIS SPECIAL!

USED CARS SALE Over 500 cars to choose from!

May Filipino Department na tutulong sa inyo : â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;06 ACURA TL AT 4DR SEDAN

Jose Villanueva (213) 500-1260 at Joel Paguio (323) 547-5394 Jos os se eV Viiilll lllanueva lan la an nu u uev ev va (2 va (2 21 13) 3) 5 500 0 00 0 1260 126 260 60 at at J Joel oe ell P Pa agu ag uio iio o (3 (323) 32 23) 3) 5 3) 547 54 47 47 5394 53 39 94 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;03 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS E500 SEDAN

$

$

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;03 BMW X5 4.4I AWD 4DR SUV

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;06 BMW 325CI C 2DR CONVERTIBLE

$

$

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;11 MAZDA CX-7 FWD 4DR I TOURING

$

VIN: 19UUA66246A000131 STOCK: X61457

VIN: WDBUF70J03A151631 STOCK: X61706

VIN: 5UXFB33563LH46843 STOCK: X70046

VIN: WBABW33486PX85095 STOCK: X60656

VIN: JM3ER2CM5B0353639 STOCK: X70018

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;07 LEXUS ES 350 4DR SEDAN

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15 HYUNDAI ACCENT 5DR HB AUTO GS

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;11 HYUNDAI SONATA 4DR SDN 2.4 MAN GLS

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;14 SCION XD 5DR HB MAN

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13 TOYOTA COROLLA 4DR SDN AUTO S

$

$

$

$

$

VIN: JTHBJ46GX72091695 STOCK: X61755

VIN: KMHCT5AE9FU213635 STOCK: X70027

VIN: 5NPEB4AC0BH248187 STOCK: X70075

VIN: JTKKUPB47E1040169 STOCK: X70150

VIN: 5YFBU4EEXDP120926 STOCK: X60355

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13 TOYOTA PRIUS C 5DR HB TWO

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;12 TOYOTA COROLLA 4DR SDN AUTO S

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;07 AUDI Q7 QUATTRO 4DR 3.6L PREMIUM

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT 2WD 4DR CVT 2.4 ES

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;12 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID 4DR SDN XLE

$

$

$

$

VIN: JTDKDTB3XD1042052 STOCK: X70074

VIN: 2T1BU4EE0CC839083 STOCK: X70032

VIN: WA1BY74LX7D045264 STOCK: X60644

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15 NISSAN ROGUE SELECT FWD 4DR S

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;11 ACURA TSX AUTOMATIC 4DR SEDAN

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16 MAZDA MAZDA6 4DR SDN AUTO I SPORT

$ VIN: JN8AS5MT3FW655327 STOCK: X62243

$ VIN: JH4CU2F62BC000994 STOCK: X70047

250 Off SPECIAL!

*$

FOR WEEKEND BALITA READERS!

$

VIN: 4A4AP3AW8FE027617 STOCK: X61651

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER 2WD 4DR SE

$

VIN: JM1GJ1U56G1405386 STOCK: X70044

VIN: JA4AD3A35GZ001213 STOCK: X62144

$ VIN: 4T1BD1FK3CU016309 STOCK: X61367

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15 AUDI A3 FWD 1.8T PREMIUM

$ VIN: WAUACGFF5F1009180 STOCK: X70050

More than 25 banks are ready to approve!

Bad Credit! No Credit! Fair Prices!

We Finance All!!! We buy car!!! Bring your Family!!! Free Food!!!

For Car Emergency, Call: 2244 N. San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, CA 90065

Call Kabayan Jose V. at (213) 500.1260 or Kabayan Joel P. at (323) 547.5394 $OO SULFHV SOXV JRYHUPHQW IHHV DQG WD[HV DQ\ ͤQDQFH FKDUJHV FDUJR SUHSDUDWLRQ GHDOHU DQG DQ\ HPLVVLRQ WHVWLQJ FKDUJH ZLWK DSSURYHG FUHGLW DERYH QRUPDO )LQDQFLQJ DSSURYHG FUHGLW ZLWK D ),&2 VFRUH DERYH &$56 &20 WKDQ XVXDO 3KRWRV IRU LOOXVWUDWLRQ SXUSRVHV RQO\ ([SLUHV 0HQWLRQ WKLV DG RU EULQJ D FRS\ WR WKH GHDOHU 2IIHU YDOLG XQWLO

31

32

Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., February 11 - 17, 2017

Balita

Mercedes-Benz of Encino

The Look of L ve Valentine Specials

“Call me today for our for special savings!“

Raymond Orosa sa

View Our Selection Of

Filipino Sales

Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

Call 818.536.2413 13

2014 MB C250 Sport Sedan

$21,988

2014 MB C250 Coupe Stk#: 67560C

$28,988

2014 MB E350 Sport Sedan Stk#: 67646C

$32,988

2015 MB C300 4MATIC® Sedan AWD Stk#: 67802C

$36,988

2014 MB E350 Cabriolet Stk#: 67426C

$41,988

by

Mercedes-Benz

Our Financing is as low as .99% APR.

Email: rorosa@mbencino.com i

Stk#: 67348C

Certified C Cert Ce ert rtif ifiied if ied Pre-O ie P Pre-Owned r Owned

2014 MB C250 Sport Sedan Stk#: 67486C

$23,988

2015 MB GLA250 4MATIC® AWD Stk#: 67657T

$29,988

2015 MB C300 Sport Sedan Stk#: 67656T

$33,988

2014 MB E350 Sport Sedan Stk#: 67703C

$37,988

2014 MB ML350 4MATIC® AWD Stk#: 67613C

818.536.2413

$42,988

2014 MB CLA250 4Dr Coupe Stk#: 67307C

$24,988

2014 MB CLA250 4Dr Coupe Stk#: 67757C

$29,988

2015 MB GLK350 Stk#: 67612C

$34,988

2014 MB E350 Coupe Stk#: 67601C

$37,988

2015 MB E350 Sport Sedan Stk#: 67759C

$43,988

16721 Ventura Blvd. Encino CA 91436

mbencino.com

2014 MB C250 Sport Sedan Stk#: 67437C

$25,988

2014 MB E350 Sport Sedan Stk#: 67564C

$31,988

2015 MB C300 4MATIC® Sport Sedan AWD Stk#: 67677C

$35,988

2009 MB AMG® C63 Sedan Stk#: 67744T

$39,988

2014 MB SLK350 Roadster Stk#: 67758C

$44,988

Mercedes-Benz of Encino