A Modern Day Look at the Awesomeness of Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal
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PinoyWatchDog • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012
RIZAL, atbp. – REVIEW
► By Bernie Cortes-Kimmerle
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his musical, a project of AngLahi USA, a Fil-Am organization, endeavored to provide a message especially to our second generation Fil-Ams. This eye-opening show truly bridges the omnipresent gap –the separation of thoughts and minds between our 1st, 2nd and 3rd generations as to the issue of realizing and acceptance of the identity of the true
Filipino. Rizal, Atbp, presented the life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal with a unique story with a baffling twist that makes one smile. In the end, the community is refreshed, reborn with newfound awareness, pride of our Filipino heritage because this show DELIVERS its message. The goal of art is to provoke the mind, stir the senses and emotion. Rizal, Atbp did this. It swept me to a land far away – my homeland. For two hours I was engrossed, for
awhile time stood still, because on this gala night, I was with Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Kudos to director Joanie Sycip who truly captured and executed this vision. (Assistant Directors: Ted Atencio and Max Ligot.) This show created an impact. With the audience, I cried, laughed, felt exuberance when the ethnic dances were onstage. Act I and Act II started out with an ethnic dance – Pandango sa Ilaw for Act I where
Valley Performing Arts Theatre
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Los Angelenos Winners All in Manny Many Prizes! Ninong Manny Pacquiao doles out big cash prizes
► By Vic Perez
Event co-sponsor PinoyWatchDog.com’s Joel Bander, Oliver Carney and Diony Grava, with Rhian Ramos, Manny Pacquiao, Julie Anne San Jose and Elmo Magalona celebrating. Original photo by Joe Cobilla.
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he sweltering heat did not faze thousands and thousands of GMA Kapuso fans to attend the biggest fiesta in Universal Studios last Sunday Sep. 16. The
GMA Pinoy TV’s 7th year celebration was a resounding success with the huge turn out of people. The crowd swelled at the merchandising booths where discounted products were sold and hundreds and hundreds of give aways were
given out.GMA Kapuso Stars like Rhian Ramos, Solenn Heusaff, Dingdong Dantes, Gladys’ Guevarra, Paolo Contis , Rochelle Pangilinan, Elmo Magalona
Is There Need to Investigate Rizal Statue Fundraising?
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Rizal Monument in Carson, CA
►By Joel Bander | Senior Columnist
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he upcoming September 29, 2012, dedication of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal statue at the City of Carson’s International Sculpture Garden created a flurry of preparatory activity, along with PinoyWatchDog.com receiving
‘tips’ that the fundraising for this project, and the projects leader, Chito Mandap, needed investigation. Some of the individuals coming to PinoyWatchDog.com with these concerns are the pillars of the community. However, other community leaders of similar
outstanding reputation that I interviewed endorsed Mr. Mandap highly as a man of integrity. Others I interviewed that do not know Mandap personally offered the same mixed opinions. One events producer told me in confidence, “I have heard he is above board Turn to Page 12
From Our Pen PERRYSCOPE
NO HOLDS BARRED
EDITORIAL
ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS
P-Noy’s post-Corona challenges
Gov “Nanay Baby” Pineda - Pampanga’s 24/7 Wonder Woman Page 5
Truth is Our Reason for Being
3rd annual Mid-Autumn ‘Year of the Dragon’ Festival raised 60K for The Mulligan Project Page 7
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Joel Bander, Attorney at Law, P.C. Criminal/ Civil /Wage and Hour
25 Years of Litigation Success | Call 213 873 4333 | Downtown L.A.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Editorial
Truth is Our Reason for Being
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n October 7, 2011, PinoyWatchDog.com was launched stating these principals. As temporary guardians it is beholden that we restate our principles, so that we at PWD are also reminded.
PinoyWatchDog.com is committed to the highest level of factual, well written journalism that Filipino media around the world ‘censor’, and you the reader are denied, because of business, political, governmental or religious relations between the news agencies and these Goliaths. We carry the banner “Uncensored” addressing issues of concern in our worldwide community — corruption, extra-judicial murder, freedom of the press, divorce, family planning, abortion, women’s rights, and environmental degradation; and reporting on dishonesty and fraud locally. All PinoyWatchDog.com readers are endowed to be Tanod Bayan, a community sentinel, applauding virtue while condemning dishonesty, corruption, fraud and deceit. We welcome differing views and seek challenges to our assertions of fact or opinion, welcoming lively debate and dissent, walking hand in hand with all katotohanan. As said in John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” PinoyWatchDog.com abhors the ‘cut-and-paste’ journalism of Philippine-American papers, publishing vanilla stories except for the most egregious forms of corruption and dishonesty in the Philippines. There is no ‘cut and paste’ from wire services in our news stories. We only have original stories and columns instilling humor, satire, and parody that not only hopefully entertain but cause us to reflect on the truth that is our reason for being. We use our cannine-like eyes, ears and nose for the common good of the community, and seek all your senses as well as contributors on this journey. Truth is really our PinoyWatchDog. com. We are just temporary companions and stewards of the metaphorical dog. PinoyWatchDog.com is committed to the highest level of factual, well written journalism that some Filipino media around the world routinely censor, denying you, readers, the whole truth, because of business, governmental and religious relations between news organizations and these institutional Goliaths. We carry the banner, “Uncensored,” addressing issues of concern in our worldwide community, like corruption, injustice, freedom of the press, extra-judicial murders, divorce, family planning, abortion, women’s rights, and environmental issues. PinoyWatchDog.com reports on dishonesty in all levels of our government, locally and in the old country, and we are determined not to be influenced by forces that would seek to divert us from our core mission of reporting the truth. Alfonso Gaerlan Aquino Rene Villaroman Dionesio C. Grava
is published fortnightly by
Tanod Bayan, Inc.,
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Joel Bander Francis Johann Verdote Lotis Kai Rosario , David Casuco
Executive Editor Managing Editor Chief of Reporters Senior Columnist Correspondent Contributing Writers Manila Correspondents Arts and Entertainment Writer Editorial Ombudsman
mailing address at Arturo Cariaga, Winston A. Marbella 1247 Arapahoe Street, # 7, Bernie Cortes-Kimmerle Los Angeles, CA 90006, Larry Pelayo Telephone Number (213) 261-7467 and e-mail address at editor@pinoywatchdog.com Web & SEO Strategist | Graphic Designer Lay-out and Graphics
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The Art Of Prevarication
hese days, it appears that Hitler’s embrace of the effectiveness of lying as a means of gaining the appearance of truth is again being resorted to by certain groups engaged in the pursuit of winning approval from an ill-informed and unsuspecting constituency. For a propaganda of lies to succeed, it must be retold as often as it is needed in order to gain foothold in the minds of the targeted objects, and its full effect is achieved only when the teller himself is convinced that it is the truth. I believe this to be true, considering that no one in his right mind would deny his own lie. Take a look at mainstream American politics. The cover page of the Nation magazine’s September 24, 2012 issue features the caricature of the Republican Party’s Repr es en t at i v e Paul Ryan (Wisconsin), depicted in the image of Pinocchio whose extra long nose symbolizes the long list of lies he’s reputed to have told in his acceptance speech at his nomination as vice-presidential candidate of the Republican Party. The Nation’s editorial has this to say of the candidate: “Paul Ryan is infamous for his pack of lies, from the attempt to blame President Obama for the closing of a GM factory that began shutting down during the Bush presidency, to the fantasy that Ryan’s austerity agenda is about something other than gutting down Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid in order to enrich Wall Street speculator and the insurance industry.” The GOP presidential candidate did not fare as well in the Nation’s editorial, which has this to say of Mitt Romney: “was just as bad, with a rambling rumination on how much he wished Barack Obama’s presidency had succeeded. Coming from the man who tried to scuttle Obama’s successful intervention to save GM and Chrysler, and who spent the rest of the president’s first term organizing a campaign to displace him, Romney’s line wasn’t remotely believable.” The Republican Party is not anymore concerned about fact-checkers, and far from it. Romney and Ryan know they need big lies to win, and now they are not
even having second thoughts as far as resorting to prevarications is concerned. To both, a win is a win, no matter how it is gained, be it morally bankrupt. Even if it is not in mainstream politics that certain individuals in the Fil-Am community are presently engaged in, they are not far behind in the art of fibbing. They find that lying is the only solution to their problem with the truth. It is really disheartening to see that these supposed community leaders are not the kind who could acknowledge a flaw or a departure from the truth in their undertakings. And they present themselves as the do-gooders who are for a noble cause, and as such, their actions should be beyond scrutiny because everything is for a good cause. This is naturally the last refuge of a scoundrel. W h i c h brings us to the case of Mrs. Dolores Banaria Umayam, alias Darna, and Mr. Tony Olaes with regards to the missing 1 million pesos donation made in the name of the 99 Outstanding Filipino-Americans in the United States (OFAUS). This donation was made for Gawad Kalinga and received by Mr. Tony Olaes, being the headman of the organization here in the U.S. In turn, Mr. Olaes pledged to donate the equivalent amount in dollars to Bantay Bata, the original intended recipient which rejected the supposed donation to be made by Mrs. Dolores Banaria Umayam because of her antiSemitic remarks against a reporter of PinoyWatchDog.com. To date, we have not established the veracity of whether or not the checks of both Mrs. Umayam and Mr. Olaes have been made good. We have contacted the office which represents Bantay Bata here in the U.S. and their reply to our query is: no such check from Mr. Olaes received so far. It’s more likely that these two individuals have pulled a fast one on these unsuspecting 99 OFAUS awardees. By the way, the facsimile check handed to Mr. Olaes belonged to the PPP-USA, which should indicate that this organization is a party to this nefarious scam. But these cons have now sought the shelter of silence to hide. Now, it is for the 99 OFAUS to demand where their money went. If these awardees remain mum, then they too will suffer the stigma that they were part of this hokus pokus. Turn to Page 5
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Saturday, September 22, 2012
PinoyWatchDog.Com
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P-Noy’s post-Corona challenges
ith the Senate impeachment trial’s conviction of Renato Corona, the public jubilation over his removal as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court reached fever pitch. It was a total victory for President Benigno “PNoy” Aquino III and the public’s sentiment was demonstrated when P-Noy was given his highest rating of “very good” in a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS). Indeed, it was an acknowledgment of his adroit political acumen in a landscape full of “landmines” where one misstep could be disastrous to his reform agenda.
But how long could he keep the people in a state of bliss? But with bliss comes high expectations. And this is what P-Noy is faced with: a multitude of post-Corona challenges. In other words, the people are expecting him to deliver on his promises now that the despised Corona is gone. The people are expecting him to make good of his “Walang korap, walang mahirap” (No corruption, no poverty) election slogan. But this is not easy to achieve. The sound bite was excellent during the campaign, but to deliver that promise seems very hard. But P-Noy cannot tell the people that. He has to show progress. And if he cannot, then he has to distract them with something that would excite — or incite – them.
And this is where P-Noy can learn from Mao Zedong. In the 1960s, when Mao was faced with a sluggish economy and couldn’t deliver the promises of the communist revolution – he started another revolution, the “cultural revolution.” By keeping the people – particularly the young people – in a state of revolutionary fervor, Mao distracted them from the economic failures of his communist regime. And by putting the country in a perpetual revolutionary state, the people forgot their problems or blamed them on somebody else – like the older generation of communist revolutionaries. Indeed, what Mao did was wag the dog in a grand scale. And it worked! “Wag the dog” is and
idiomatic expression, which means: “To purposely divert attention from what would otherwise be of greater importance, to something else of lesser significance.” And this was where Corona came into play. Last August 31, it was reported in the news: “Even before knowing the finer details of the P158million tax evasion charges filed against former Chief Justice Renato Corona and members of his family, Malacañang had shut the door on the possibility of the Coronas striking a compromise deal with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on the case.” A few days later, Minority Leader Danilo Suarez issued a statement saying: “We all know that when he was impeached, he
already lost everything. He is by all means professionally dead,” and referring to him as a “zombie.” “We reiterate that there is no need to hit a man when he is already down on the ground. The administration should be magnanimous in victory, hence, we appeal for a little bit of compassion in this case,” Suarez stated. It didn’t take long before some self-righteous anti-Corona zealots hit back. One of them, a prominent Filipino-American doctor sent out an oped titled, “Must we forgive Corona?” He said, “For the magnitude of his crime, made worse because he was the highest magistrate of the nation, he deserves the severest punishment in the books.” “Coronavela” I watched the televised 44-day impeachment trial of Corona and I wrote 22 op-eds critical of him between November 30, 2011 (“Decrowning Corona”) and June 7, 2012 (“The SALN Revolution”). Corona was convicted for culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust after he admitted on the last day of the trial that he had $2.4 million in a Foreign Currency Deposit account, which he failed to disclose in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN). Although, I personally wished that the prosecution had done a better job of building the case against Corona, the crime for which he was convicted for and removed from office was not uncommon among public officials as revealed in testimonies by several witnesses. Some senator-judges even said that it was not an impeachable offense. But Corona’s admission – or confession — was all it took to convict him. The doctor further said, “If we do not send criminals to jail, they will rule our society… and that is what is happening now. Let’s not be naïve!” And to drive his point, he said, “Only criminals and those with perverted sense of propriety and justice could be against
President Noynoy Aquino’s ‘daang matuwid.’ ” That reminds me of the time of the Grand Inquisition when heresy was punishable by severe punishment or even death. Now, let’s get this straight. The doctor suggested that Corona deserves the “severest punishment in the books” for the “magnitude of his crime.” What was he talking about? Isn’t removal from office the severest punishment that can be meted out in an impeachment trial? Heck, the senator-judges could have slapped him on the wrist with a reprimand as Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago had suggested midway through the trial. Bear in mind that the prosecution dropped five of the original eight articles of impeachment and voted only on the SALN issue in Article Two. Charges of corruption and ill-gotten wealth were dropped. And in his heightened state of self-righteousness, the doctor concluded: “It’s time for us Filipinos to wise up and protect our personal and national dignity, integrity, honor, and justice itself. Otherwise the whole world will think we are a bunch of stupid and masochistic idiots.” Self-fulfilling prophecy Well, it looks like it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy because in just the past few weeks, the government is rocking with scandals and anomalies: overpriced arms deal; jueteng payola; questionable P14-billion reclamation project; P30-billion anomalies in the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD); allegations of ghost employees in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM); and large-scale rice smuggling. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. With all this ponfication by the doctor, the question is: what does he suggest that P-Noy do so Filipinos don’t end up looking like – in the doctor’s own words – “a bunch of stupid and masochistic idiots”? It’s time for P-Noy to stop wagging the dog and start the fight – the real fight! — against corruption. In my article, “FOI: PNoy’s foible” (August 29, 2012), I wrote: “P-Noy should – nay, must! – realize that his anti-corruption drive is not going to succeed without dismantling the patronage system that is protecting the corrupt. Only the passage of an FOI law could end corruption in government. Indeed, FOI is the key to winning the
war on corruption.” But sad to say, P-Noy did not include the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill in his legislative priority agenda these past three years, although he promised to prioritize it when he was campaigning for the presidency in 2010. Another non-priority of P-Noy is the eradication of jueteng. When the late Jesse Robredo took over as the new Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in September 2010, P-Noy gave him “marching orders” to stop jueteng. But the following day, P-Noy changed his mind and announced that jueteng was no longer a priority in his administration. During the Corona impeachment trial, P-Noy promised that he would include in his legislative priority agenda the revision of the Foreign Currency Deposit Act (FCDA) to modify its “absolute confidentiality” clause to allow government agencies to look into the FCDA accounts of those under investigation. P-Noy has yet to do this. It was revealed during the recent Senate hearing on jueteng payola and the questionable arms deal that jueteng lords use PAGCOR casinos to launder their profits from jueteng. When asked by Sen. DefensorSantiago, PNP Chief Nicanor Bartolome revealed that casinos were not required to report gamblers’ substantial winnings to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). The Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) needs to be revised to make it more effective in combating money laundering. Follow the money If P-Noy wants to fight corruption, he needs more than just slogans to do it. He should – nay, must — have the ability to track where the dirty or ill-gotten money goes. And to do that, he needs tools like FOI, FCDA, AMLA, and AMLC to catch the culprits. And only then can he claim that he is really serious about fighting corruption. In my article, “Beyond ‘wang-wang’ politics” (September 6, 2010), I said, “Corruption is like weed: if you don’t kill it, it will grow and spread rapidly until the entire landscape is full of weed.” Well, it seems like weed has taken over a good portion of the landscape. Mr. President, you’ve got your work cut out for you.(PerryDiaz@gmail. com)
Saturday, September 22, 2012
A look back of the delayed passport issue
► By Dionesio C. Grava t about this time last year a Philippine House panel headed by Representative Walden Bello which investigated passport processing in the Office of Consular Affairs came up with a list of recommendations to the Foreign Affairs Committee that included the termination of the services of the processing contractor. At that time the headlines were screaming about the unacceptable delays in passport processing. Recruiters and the OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) were most vocal in their complaints about the situation. In the LA scene Maning Satorre, a lawyerjournalist in the Philippines, wrote: “dear kuya diony, since you are a journalist here, isn’t it about time to ask what really happened to the problem
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of not releasing the renewed passports of filipinos who filed for the renewal and paid sixty dollars in march? people started claiming the renewed passport at the rp consulate at wilshire blvd. today and was simply told to wait another month because the facility in rp has been destroyed and is still being fixed. but why haven’t they clearly explained the problem.” Two weeks later on May 27, 2011 Satorre wrote again to inform that it had been three months already and still no sign of the electronic passports. “i spoke with a consular office employee and he told me the problem is not the dept. of foreign affairs but the central bank. this statement i could hardly understand. maybe you can help explain this my friend,” he said. I agreed with him because I, too, had been waiting for a
long period and still hadn’t received my renewed passport that time. Earlier on May 11, 2011 the Embassy in Washington, DC, issued a Notice to Passport Applicants: “Due to the recent unprecedented increase in passport applications and other technical concerns, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila is currently experiencing a back log in the processing and releasing of passports.” Presently, the web site of the DFA Passport Appointment System notifies that “you can now enjoy the convenience of getting an appointed date, time, and option for passport delivery... Applying for a Philippine passport is now efficient and world class.” A happy development if true. However, it still cautions that the number of processing days may vary depend-
ing on the location of the Regional Consular Office and that “Power failures, technical breakdowns and natural calamities may delay the release of passports... NO REFUND of fees will be made on account of these unforeseen delays.” This space takes a look back of the passport delay issue because of some documents received that tend to indicate that the inconveniences and aggravation of so many of our folks could have been avoided. One of the letters furnished by Donn Duero, the conscientious OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) official who had been forced out of service because of his whistle blowing activities, shows that Ronald A. Wilfert, president of a company dealing in a state-of-the art e-passport technology, had submitted a proposal to DFA to mod-
Gov “Nanay Baby” Pineda Pampanga’s 24/7 Wonder Woman
he may not be a tall lady, or a member of the academic and educated forces and elite strata of the society… but no doubt she is doing what no ordinary politicians can do. The day-to-day activities she indulges for the benefit of her constituents and the people among the barrios are awesome and something for Ripley. Simply stated, people from the barrios and different barangays called her “Nanay Baby.” A title which comes from the hearts of people who feel too close for comfort and assistance from a governor who came from the grassroots like them. This must be the guiding force which gives strength and stamina to Governor “Nanay Baby” Pineda to go from one barrio to another; to attend seminars on economic and self-help developments; reaching out to the different police officers and peace keepers on each barangay, bringing food supplies, medicine and medical team on those whom she feels are in urgent need of the life-saving treatment badly needed in far-away and hard-to-reach places. Lately, she distributed barangay-tanods uniforms, motorcycles and tricycles needed for police officers for immediate and fast response when necessary. She gathered her mayors’ league and asked them to look into the immediate needs of their towns. It is not simply looking; but something which can be easily done so that the people will not feel taken for granted. Nanay Baby does not
speak in complicated terms or languages. She simply talks from the heart so that she can communicate her real concern to the people. Her workforce, which is composed mostly of female members of the Sanggunian, are known to have quartered themselves in the governor’s house just so to give immediate assistance to the governor in her daily hectic activities visiting the different barangays. Pampanga Day Celebration Committee (PDCC) Commissioner Rodel Lumanog was amazed by the charisma of the lady gov-
ernor during his last Pampanga visit. Ditto with Jess Espanola, an Emmy awardee and native of Lubao, who said the governor has an open following which is “unbelievable but true.” She is not afraid to go even to the farthest barrio. The development of tourism in the province and the introduction of new technologies in farming and cottage and home industries are unbelievable. To prepare the province to keep up with modern technologies, she
offers scholarships among deserving students. To those who have emotional problems, she gives comfort, to those who offended her, she gives understanding. Remember that lady mayor from Mindanao who punched a policeman simply for enforcing the law? Sa Pampanga, wala yan. In the history of Pampanga, there were many notables in the past. People that made records worthy of writing. Rejects Among Cabalens Several decades ago, a Kapampangan group, then composed of professionals and is a who is who among the cabalens, was divided by a certain “Caligula” and his “ikabud bubuwits.’ Caligula , called the “virus” among the Mekenis, was a bad word in the ears of the founder whose blood pressure shoots up every time you mentioned the name of Caligula. The original Kapampangan group gradually disappeared; destroyed by the termites or “kulangots” of Caligula. Today, Caligula continues to wreck havoc dividing united Kapampangan town associations. Those who refused to be under his “punso,” a hideout of tiyanaks and unanos silently feel the attacks of the “kulangots” as ordered by Caligula. Outside he looks harmless but in the real world he is a terrorist working like “anay” destroying the foundation of any “agumans.” The last time we heard from the grapevine was Caligula’s directive of not attending the fiesta of a city close to San Fernando. BTW a foundation con-
nected to Caligula and his members will soon be the focus of Pinoywatchdog. com because of an alleged “shaffling of funds” between the foundation and Kalayaan group and a fund-raising activity he started illegally. The personality contrast between Gov “Nanay Baby” Pineda and Caligula is heartbreaking. Caligula who refused the personal invitation extended by the Governor to attend PDCC last December, has no place in a civilized society. Kanya dapat sa “punso” ka na lang. Cerritos Restaurant Makes Good Sales on PWD Delivery Day The owner of a Cerritos restaurant called to say that his customers who waited every delivery day in his restaurant were “literally in panic” when we skipped delivery in his place. People waiting for our issues and following the exposes don’t want to miss the series. The owner noticed increase in sales, especially coffee and doughnuts as our readers stayed in his business to read. He said he put a big signboard and slogan “Bili ng kape, diyaryo ay libre.” When he read the thefts of our PWD he said he will see to it that our suspect will be caught in the act one time. As it is, he always asked for the restocking of PWD. Speaking of suspects, we know already the identity of the guy who made Parody on the internet branding our staffs as “scams and scammers.” He also plagiarized WB masthead logo. His bosses must be giving him good money because everything he does is unMasonic. Pera lang iyan
ernize the present passport program of the Philippines. “We offered a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) at no cost to the government on March 27, 2006, with a goal to implement a machinereadable, ICAO specification, passport with stateof-the-art security features. Unfortunately this proposal was brushed aside by the officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs,” Wilfert wrote President Benigno Aquino on Aug. 24, 2011. Instead, their office in Germany “sold our passport capture and print software to a French group, who advised that it would be used for diplomatic passports in the Philippines. We later found out that it was being used for the general passport and it made little sense that a few small systems could be used for this application.” In a letter to President
Aquino dated June 18, 2012 Faucy Brand, president of Screen Check LA, explained that the standalone system bought from Wilfert’s firm and now used by DFA “of course resulted in serious delays because the capacity is not fit for mass production and the system has little security and no biometrics to prevent issuing multiple passports to the same person using assumed names.” In short Screen Check offers to provide quick and secure e-passports at no cost to the government. Consumers will be asked only U.S. $12.50 each epassport instead of the $60 each we now are paying. In the case of replacement of lost brown/green/machinereadable passport, the DFA asks US$90 plus US$10 verification fee. For lost epassport: US$150 fee plus US$10 verification fee.
bay. May sinumpaan tayo sa loob. Ayaw kung mawala ang tiwala ko sa iyo. Sa ngayon, bistado ka na. Gamitin mo ang mga mata mo sa pagtingin sa katotohanan. Duon sa mga nagpapadala sa akin ng mga blind letters, kung wala kayong
kinalaman sa mga isinusulat namin huwag na kayong makisawsaw. Ayaw naming patulan ang mga pekeng kolumnistang walang alam na sulatin kung hindi mga “praise releases.” - Larry Pelayo is PDCC Press Commissioner
My View The Art Of Prevarication From Page 3
In our previous column, we asked Mr. Chito Mandap, chairman of the Jose P. Rizal Memorial Movement, certain questions pertaining to the incorporations and the 501 (c)-3s from the IRS of Kalayaan 2004 and the JPRMM, and their corresponding Financial Statements, if any were made at all. It was not surprising to me that Mr. Mandap did not bother to reply, because I was forewarned that he does not like being questioned about documents and money matters. However, I found out from reliable sources that the Kalayaan Committee was registered only in 2007 as a non-profit, charitable organization by Kalayaan Committee 2007 chairwoman Lydia Soriano. Mr. Mandap may have violated the law when he used the unregistered Kalayaan Committee 2004 to raise $28,000.00 as the seed money for the Rizal monument project. To aggravate matters, he didn’t bother to submit a financial statement of the event. Now, I would like to raise this question: on whose account was the
money from this event of June 2004 was deposited? Kalayaan Committee 2004 was unregistered and could not have opened a bank account. Another thing I find strange in this supposed noble undertaking is the incorporation of the Jose P. Rizal Memorial Movement with the state of California and the issuance of the IRS 501(c)-3 and the EIN, all on the same date of December 17, 2004. This is unbelievable! This is another case of nowyou-see, now-you-don’t. To top it all, Mr. Mandap has been mistaking (intentionally?) bank statements for financial statements. When can we see daylight in this regard? But, again, the JPRMM is embarked on selling Dr. Jose P. Rizal plaques with these whopping prices: Platinum plaque-$ 5,000.00, Gold plaque-$3,000.00 and Silver plaque-$2,000.00. Is this another of those noble undertakings which must not be allowed to ride into the sunset? Bare the financial statement and I will agree.
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Saturday, September 22. 2012
Universal Studios was GMA Kapuso City last Sep. 16! From Page 1
and Julie San Jose met and greeted the fans in the booths and had photo opportunities, too. Pekto and Olypic athlete turned comedian Onyok Velasco clowned around the crowds. At the Globe Theater, the Kapuso Talent Search Showcase started as early as 10:30 am.The prestigious theater with 4 big wide screens was home for all the local talent search singing and dancing competitions the whole day.Twenty aspiring 6 to 14 year old singers were vying for the PopStar Kid Championship title. The opening number was a rousing song”Tagumpay ng Ating Lahi” and presented all the finalists of the contest. The Grand Champion was 14 year old Leon Guico based in San Diego who sang the song “Reasons”. First Runner Up as Josh
Magpantay and 2nd runner up is Sara Mislang. A special award is given to Sydney Nicole Haik, 6 year old girl from Capistrano, CA as the Little Star Champion for the 6 to 10 year old age category. The Champions were awarded with trophies and one thousand dollar cash prize each. Leon Guico sheepishly says” I joined the contest because I wanted to see Manny Pacquiao. He’s my champ!” At 12:30, the next round of competitions were young singers from 15 to 25 years of age- the Kapuso Fil-Am Star Singing Contests. Thirteen singers were competing for the FilAm Star title and the champion was Patricia Coronel who sang “Lady Marmalade” complete with a 1920’s glittery costume. First runner up was Erika de los Santos and 3rd placer was Alessandra Morales.
The Pambansang Kamao, second from right, tries his footwork to entertain a near full house audience.
Patricia Coronel goes home with one thousand Cash prize and a trophy. “Singing is my passion and I never really joined big competitions. This was my first major singing contest!I never really expected to win the top prize!,”Patricia gushed. A t 2 pm, the last competitions at the Globe Theater was the Search for the Ballroom Dancing King and Queen .There were 4 couples who presented ballroom exhibitions and the next set was the competitions proper. The opening number were exquisite young dancers from the Hollywood Academy of Dance with scintillating costumes. They ushered in the dance competitors.Ballroom King and Queen title was conferred to Marlon Enriquez and Alice Cho. First runner up is Adriana Rodriguez and Johnny Dulay. 2nd Runner up is Arnel Canalita and Kristina Lampino.Ballroom Dance King and Queen received one thousand dollars in cash and a trophy. By 5pm, throngs of people were impatiently coming in the Gibson Ampitheater and by 5:45 the pregames started. Sponsors games were played with players being picked from the audi-
Manny Pacquiao’s many options post fighting era
►By Dionesio C. Grava
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f Manny Pacquiao critics there are few. From some of them we hear that the Pambansang Kamao, judging from the many and sundry ways he is getting into, may be milking whatever bit of popularity and goodwill he has perhaps in preparation for the inevitable retirement days. The body can only take so much pummeling over the years and besides age can’t be deprived of its due. The question is not if but when. So what would it be for Pacman when the fighting days are over and profitable endorsements ebb? The talk is that he is eyeing next the governorship of his province and ultimately the presidency. However, gauging from his performance -- or lack of -- as a legislator, it may be said that government service is not among his shining moments. Maybe he can find his niche in the ministry or philanthropic pursuits to satisfy the often expressed desire to serve. But then he would be hard pressed to come up with the funds to sustain his penchant for the good life and the many tag- along (alalays). He has been into entertainment but somehow the singing voice is somewhat rough hewn and his attempt at dancing, as displayed during last Sunday’s Manny Many Prizes at Gibson Amphitheater, showed that he just doesn’t have it. We have a term for it: TH or Trying Hard.
For sure the shrieks were there and the crowd was clearly enthusiastic to meet their hometown hero as well as the desires of partaking in the advertised many-monies courtesy of generous sponsors. But truthfully, is this the way we want to venerate a global sports treasure? About the game show, clearly the Pacman is not endowed with the deftness and the gift of gab in this domain of the Willie Revillames or the German Morenos or the Tito-Vic-and-Joeys, etc.. The seemingly identical accolades from co-workers in his presence, during the day prior to the press conference was shamelessly selfserving. The ongoing GMA campaign to brand him as the national ninong (godfather) particularly stank. Anyway, the following were excerpts from some of the questions and answers during that presscon: Q: If you have to choose between boxing and religion what would it be? A: Boxing. Makatulong sa tao. A similar question was asked later eliciting from Pacquiao the following, well-applauded answer: Boxing is my passion; to serve the people my dream. Q: How can Manny Many Prizes help people in America? A: Hindi lahat successful dito sa Amerika. Ang show maraming matulungan. Q: What would you be after retiring from boxing? A: Focus on my family and my job especially in Congress.
Similar question asked later got the following answer: Right now focus as Congressman; don’t know what future holds. Q: Any words of inspiration for those down and out? A: Magsikap lang palagi. (Always strive to succeed) All things are possible with God. My first concern now is to glorify the name of God. Q: What’s your position in the Spratlys issue? A: Kahit maliit ang ating bansa, ipaglaban ang ating karapatan. (Even if our country is small, we should defend what is rightfully ours.) Pacquiao also verbalized his position as a congressman: Para sa akin kung ang hindi matuwid i-depensa, hindi na lang ako papasok sa pulitika. (For me, if one has to defend what is not right, I would rather not enter politics.) The “Kapuso Goes Universal : Manny Many Prizes” last September 16 at the Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City was a celebration of the 7th year anniversary of GMA Pinoy TV, the flagship international channel of GMA Network. The $80 ticket entitled one a whole-day pass to the famous Universal Studios entertainment resort. The press conference for that event originally scheduled on September 14 at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre, Los Angeles, was moved to the following day because of the inability of Pacquiao to arrive on the original date.
ence. By then, contestants for the major games with big prizes were already drawn. Manny Many Prizes, the variety game show opened with a rousing patriotic song with flags of various colors and shapes being unfurled while Manny Pacquiao sang the triumphant Filipino song and thousands of Kapuso fans waved Philippine flaglets. It was a very heartwarming number because the audience were participating in the production number. The big winner of the game show was a former President of Cebu Brotherhood, who hails from LeyteRichard Karingal. He won 5 thousand cash and a Nissan Urvan worth around $28,0000 or approximately 1.3 million pesos. He won over 29 other contestants in the Do or Dice elimination game. “ When I bought the tickets, I did not have any inkling that I will be picked in the games.I just wanted to watch Manny Pacquiao because my wife and I happen to be Kapuso loyalists.”he said.
Manny Pacquiao, middle, sits with co-workers during the press conference for the Manny Many Prizes. At right are Vic Perez and Anna Puno of Starmedia Entertainment.
Richard continued”I will go to the Philippines and get the Nissan Urvan and drive it to my mother’s place in Leyte. I will have it used maybe for rentals so she have a little business there.The five thousand cash I won will just be used to pay for the taxes of the van there.” Cicero Librando won a Two Bedroom Condo given by New San Jose Builders while featured heartbreaking story of immigrant Leonida Torio was given a dole out of thousand cash by Ninong Manny Pacquiao. Other winners were Jesus Catbagan who won two thousand cash prize. Here are the variety show’shighlights: The the song and dance numbers of the Dingdong Dantes ‘Urong Sulong love triangle
The boxing icon offers the symbolic key to a Saranggani townmate who wins the contest in which a two-bedroom condo was offered. Some in the audience think that the game was rigged. Those in the photo, from left: Onyot Velasco, Gladys Guevarra, Rhian Ramos, Manny Pacquiao, the winner and Paolo Contis.
with Solenn Heusaff and Rhian Ramos which became a love quadrangle with the entry of comedienne Glady’s Guevarra. Most applauded number was when Manny Pacquiao, danced “GangNam Style” the viral Korean dance phenomenon with Rochelle Pangilinan,Pekto and Onyok with the dancers. The exciting segment was also when the best of the best singers and dancers competed for the Kapuso Star. This meant PopStar champion Leon Guico and Fil AmStar Champion Patricia Coronel competed with Ballroom Dance King and Queen Marlon Enriquez and Alice Cho ala American Got Talent. The judge was Manny Pacquiao but he referred the decision to the audience. Based on applause, Manny awarded Leon Guico as the winner but he gave all 500 dollars cash prizes each contestant. Congratulations to GMA Pinoy TV headed by Joseph Francia, GMA Entertainment TV Mariavin Aryata, GMA TV Drama Redgie Magno and Starmedia Entertainment Anna Puno (Line Producer) for the biggest most successful celebration of GMA Pinoy TV 7th year celebration!
Why I Love the (Pinoy Watch) Dog
► By Atty Alma Luna-Reyes
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h e n PinoyWa t c h D o g ’ s (PWD) Rene Villaroman came up with the idea of bringing back the Moon King, I felt elated. It was the first time that the idea was brought out but the thought of bringing it back on the pages of PinoyWatchDog was just irresistible. I couldn’t resist PWD because I will be writing and working alongside people I like and more importantly because I admire the spirit that the paper was founded. From the beginning, PWD was conceptualized and formed to deal with issues head on. Fil-Am papers in all kinds of format come and go they seem to shy away from controversial issues and or issues that matter. Most of them just cut and paste from other papers and or just fill up their pages with the list of gala attendees or charitable functions. Only PWD managed to tackle controversial issues head on. In other words, PWD is coming to be known as the paper that has enough balls to “grab the bull by the horn”. Of course, when a pa-
per like that is brought into being, reactions are expected to be mixed. Those whose wrongdoings have been exposed hate it, those who have things to hide fear it but those who are looking for true issues, love it. From my end, I would like papers like PWD to remain in existence. It reminds us all of what a paper should be and what the media should be. Anyway, to continue my story, my meeting with Rene ended up with the Moon King Continues to Shine Article. The article mentioned Baggao – my birth and childhood place. I found out that Baggao is in a predicament. They are about to lose their hospital. Baggao is one of the towns of Cagayan Valley. It lies at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountain. It has a population of about 73,000 and it is divided into 48 barangays. The town is divided into two portions known as upstream and downstream. In the past two decades mayors have been from the upstream. Being from the upstream, the mayors focused on developing their areas, leaving the downstream area behind. People from downstream just took it in stride until about two months ago
Alma Luna-Reyes
when they found out that the local government unit will totally cease operations of the local hospital. The downstream hospital serves about 14 barangays and is the only hospital in the area. Closing it will deprive the people of much needed medical attention, including emergency attention. I hail from the downstream of Baggao and I am one of those who wonder why operation of a hospital cannot be funded. I don’t really care whether it is the LGU or the national government that will fund its operations but there should be a place where the people can go and seek medical attention. I have been keeping an eye on how the story will develop. I am one of those who to see how it will end. I will provide regular updates to those who may be interested through the pages of PWD. Another reason why I love it!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
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PinoyWatchDog.Com
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ntert inment & rts
3rd annual Mid-Autumn ‘Year of the Dragon’ Festival raised 60K for The Mulligan Project
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ast Saturday’s (September 15, 2012) fund-raising red carpet gala, hosted by the Emmy award-winning husband and wife team -Lisa Lew (former 1982 Bb. Pilipinas-International) and Peter Brennan, who have won 8 Emmys -- created and executive-produced more than a dozen hit shows (“Judge Judy”, “A Current Affair”, “Judge Joe Brown,” “The Montell William Show,” “Hard Copy,” 3- time Emmy award winning “Cristina’s Court” and this year’s Emmy winner “Last Shot with Judge Gunn”) benefited The Mulligan Project and raised $60,000 to help disabled orphans in Central Vietnam. The Los Angeles-based non-profit organization founded by TV producing
Actor/dancer Marc Jeffrey Bautista
charities in the tv, film, reality/ cable networks industry. The event featured live entertainment with lion dancers, a fascinating dance ► By Oliver Carnay number from the Polynesian Paradise Dancers, a fashion couple Kelly Gonzales (of show from designer Cynthia “Deal or No Deal”) and Bui, Asian cuisine galore, Eddie Rohwedder (“Only and gift bags to go for all atin American” with ‘Larry, The Cable Guy,’ ‘Destroyed tendees. Among highlights of the evening was a duet in Seconds,’ ‘Fast and from past contestants from Loud’), with Anderson the recent “The Voice” fame Cooper (Judge Alex). Last -- Fil-Am singers Jason year’s VIP host was Jerry Farol (duet partner of Kelly West, owner of the Lakers, Clarkson) and Maleana together with a line-up of Brown (duet partner of other celebrities who joined John Legend), the parade of in the fun. beauties by the candidates of Attendees had a lot of networking with celebrities, 2012 Miss Asia USA, and a lot more. tv executives, talent agents, The Mulligan Project and advocates of children
Randy Bautista (creator of the web series “Sh*t, My Filipino Dad Says!”) Ariana Nicole (Miss Asia USA 2010)
Bradley Estrin (American Idol Top 30 on Season 1)
Couture Designers Joey Galon and David Tupaz
Hollywood Foreign Press Association members Janet and Ruben V. Nepales
Quest Crew dance group (MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew - 3rd Season Winner) with Oliver
“The Bold & The Beautiful” Couture Designer Angelo Santos (shown here with friend Bobby and myself)
David Tupaz, Oliver, Lisa Lew Brennan, Hep Martinez
Maleana Brown and Jason Farol
also is currently doing an online auction through CharityBuzz.com. Among worthy packages you can bid includes “4 tickets to ‘Dr. Phil Show’ - donated by Dr. Phil himself; a practice of martial arts with Ryan Potter, star of Nickolodeon’s “Supah Ninjas” in L.A.; 4 VIP Tickets to taping of “The Doctors” with gift bags; a visit to the set and a “meet and greet” with the cast of NBC’s “Community,” and more. Check out the online auction at link: http://www.charitybuzz. com/search?keywords=mull igan+&order=close&page= 1&per_page=10 The Mulligan Project is comprised of television executive producers credited with more than 30 awardwinning shows, who assists disabled children in Asia. Last year, with the help of this event, The Mulligan Project were able to build a a school in Central Vietnam, and helped support special education, physical therapy, speech therapy and above all, dignity to many young children. While the Vietnamese government provides food and shelter to their disabled, The Mulligan Project fills in the gaps helping the most vulnerable of children to achieve their best possible physical and emotional potential.
“Mission Park” cast: (L-R) Walter Perez, David Phillips, Douglas Spain, Jeremy Ray Valdea, and Joseph Julian Soria.
Actor/model Alex McCabe with Anna Puno (Starmedia Entertainment) during “Manny, Many Prizes” after-party.
The Mulligan Project is in partnership with the Britishbased non-profit that is on the ground in Vietnam. More photos from the Mulligan Project’s 3rd annual MID-AUTUMN ‘Year of the Dragon’ FESTIVAL at this link: http://www. facebook.com/media/set/?se t=a.10152096943630386.91 1134.825685385&type=3
Tidbits: Congratulations and ‘thank you’ to Anna Puno (line-producer) and GMA 7 network executives Marivin Arayata and Redgie A. Magno for spearheading the successful U.S. debut of “Manny, Many Prizes” at Universal Gibson’s Amphitheatre last Sunday (September 16). The after-party was held at the Burbank Bar & Grille in Burbank to selected people, including this writer. (email at oliver@iatalent. com if you have any comments)
Natasha Slayton, newest member of Pussycat Dolls.
Manny Pacquiao signed his official gloves which will also be auctioned at The Mulligan Projects’ online auction on CharityBuzz.com
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Saturday, September 22, 2012
PinoyWatchDog.Com
Entertainment & Arts
T ?? False rue
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1. IS IT TRUE THAT NORA AUNOR IS LEAVING CHANNEL 5?
OR
►By Vince Concepcion
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ere we go again my friends. It’s showbiz news break again . Time for a little break from all the horrendous political mud slingings,crimes, summer heat and all the bad things that come our way. Here is something refreshing, something we can carelessly whisper around in coffee shops, and some light banter on showbiz. Let’s not make our lives serious. Tongues are wagging, so what’s the latest at the grapevine? The big stars of GMA network are seen all over LALALand. Manny Pacquiao and wife Jinky speeding on with their shiny Ferrari, seen at the Burbank Grill. Dingdong Dantes and friends shopping. Rhian Ramos and Solenn Heusaff at Stardancer Horizons and
Elmo Magalona with Julie San Jose at the Ellen show. Why are they all here?Well GMA had a big event in Universal Studios. The game show Manny Many Prizes at the Gibson Ampitheater. I heard it was jampacked last Sunday! Kudos to all who joined the fun! Anyways, here’s the buzz.
We have heard that Nora Aunor is smoking peace pipes with the ABS CBN executives because she is thinking of working a project maybe a movie with Vilma Santos and Coco Martin. I dont think this is true. Nora Aunor is doing a lot of projects with Channel 5 with several TV shows at this time. It’s false rumor that she is exiting Channel 5. Nora Aunor is fresh from a victorious sojourn from Venice as she won the Bisoto de Oro Award for the film “Thy Womb” directed by Brillante Mendoza.
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2. IS IT TRUE OR IS IT FALSE THAT DR. VICKI BELO OK’s HAYDEN KHO TO BECOME A MOVIESTAR? Well Hayden Kho already signed with this new management group and has signed a contract with Regal Films. There is even a title already “The Bride and the Lover”The movie will star Hayden Kho with Lovie Poe. Kho and Poe sounds alike. Hmmm. Kho is on and off partner of Dr. Belo and Lovie Poe is Belo endorser. Good Luck to the movie and I think Dr. Belo has given her blessings for Hayden to enter the very intricate labyrinthine world of showbiz.Hopefully no more careless whispers!
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3. IS IT TRUE OR IS IT FALSE THAT ROSSANA ROCES LEFT TAXI DRIVER UNPAID FOR WHOLE DAY’S JOB? This is disturbing Rossana Roces who has been one of the respected actresses of her time has ended with having nothing to even pay a taxi driver she rented to go around Manila. It is reported that she negotiated with the driver to get paid 3,000 pesos for a whole day’s work and she left the poor driver unpaid. The driver reported the incident to the Tulfo show and a relative of Roces promised he will get paid. The driver went to pick up his pay and when he went to Roces’ there was no answer. Poor guy!
4. IS IT TRUE OR FALSE THAT KC CONCEPCION HAS A FRENCH ADMIRER? Well this is an exciting question because I think it is true that many people are already seeing KC together with this French photographer and film maker Emmanuel Plassart. She is seen at Boracay with her and at one time in a studio waiting for her. She must have met him in her studies there.Good choice KC. This time be very careful with your choices. You should know better by now! Ok. This ends my short stint of little showbiz news break. I hope everyone enjoyed the short chismis . Summer is going to be over. Sooner or later the cold wind will blow and it will be Fall. Start taking out your coats. In the mean time, Ciao!
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PinoyWatchDog.Com
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Is There Need to Investigate Rizal Statue Fundraising? From Page 1
and beyond approach. And I have heard that he is secretive and questionable. I really do not know.” On September 30, 1889, Dr. Rizal opined that “in order to read the future destiny of a nation, it is necessary to open the book of its past.” (Source: Filipinas, Dentro de Cien Años, La Solidaridad). So I run with this Rizalian endorsement on PinoyWatchDog. com’s ongoing advocacy of transparency as a basis for community standards on the subject. But I initially was left wondering, how could there be these two different views of the same individual? It is unquestioned fact that a decade ago that Mandap had a dream, a mission, to bring a statue of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal to Los Angeles County. The record is replete with years of fundraising, along with Carson City records of his efforts to obtain the land that the statue will stand upon. I asked some of the doubters that if Mr. Mandap promised a statue and he is obviously delivering on that promise the basis of concern. And if he
has done all that was promised wouldn’t he be entitled to make some money? Mr. Mandap refused to be personally interviewed for this article. Various supporters urged him to talk with me about the finances. However, he wrote to me that he was simply too busy to deal with financial reporting before the big event, and promised full reporting and transparency after its conclusion. A member of the board of his Rizal foundation wrote me stating that “he is not averse to information sharing, he is just concerned about creating a potential media circus so close to the unveiling/ceremonies – in light of “some credible personalities” out there with their own axe to grind perhaps? (Not his expression but I discerned that from the tone of his voice).” So I contacted Carson Councilman Elito Santarina, reportedly instrumental in arranging the land that the statue will stand upon. Councilman Santarina also demurred, stating in a text message to me that “it is best to interview me with the chairperson of JPRMM Chito Mandap for more
complete information.” “That’s not acceptable,” one Mandap supporter told me. “He is a councilman. He should be able to talk about a project without a private citizen looking over his shoulder.” However, the investigation did reveal that Mandap has been singularly managing and accounting for the expenses over the long decade. A supporter admitted to me, framed in this fashion, that the financial administration of this project was a bit embarrassing. But on June 19, 2011, Mandap did make a fairly comprehensive report to an assemblage at the Philippine Consulate detailing the creation of the non-profit in 2004, the sources of funds, costs for the statute, pedestal and other matters, including that amount of cash on hand. The full report is at www.pinoywatchdog. com/docs/JPRMM-presscon-briefing-100511.pdf I reviewed the report and came to realize ‘hey, no one has ever said anything adverse to this presentation. What’s the beef?’ So I went back, again, to Mr. Mandap via email, asking for some Turn to Page 12
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PinoyWatchDog.Com
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Client care news
Tax-Exempt Organization Legal Formalities WWW.TAXWORK.COM
► By Angel Y. Dayan | CPA, EA, ABA, ATA
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re they good where you are? What are we anyway? Are we a “for profit” or “not for profit” organization?That is the question. The organization that we enthusiastically set up in this country for public charitable work, social and civic fundraisers, and certain acts of public service and/or religious events or activities should be organized and registered as a “not-for-profit” entity in the State of California or wherever it operates. The first step is an entity formation, the formal structure of a legitimate charitable organization. We have at least 400 Filipino-American organizations if I recall it right from last count based on an old list available at the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles. Tolerated to operate “outside the radar” in somewhat a misplaced trust until discovered and penalized, no government agency verifies their paperwork and very few meet the required true legal formalities or do enjoy public grant(s).Yes, our intentions for them are by all means laudable and by definition truly honorable.But the most important, of course is we need not pay any corporate income tax at all. This is a privilege. Not too fast though. These business operating entities fall into the distinct categories of the U.S. Code Title 26 Section 501 ( c ) of the Internal Revenue Code. At the same time, the organizations are also governed by the California Revenue and Taxation Code principally R&TC23701. Otherwise, they are to be taxable on income generated like any business corporation subject to the minimum franchise tax of $800 dollars per year and/or the final “measured tax” in California. Forming these organizations with the purest of our intentions and motives are most admirable. They are best defined by their mission statements or business plans, the aspired goals, articulated objectives, and preconceived purposes for the mutual benefit of the members, for the extended community it serves and the public at large. We do find ourselves proactively very good at conducting fundraising events under these organizations, albeit we often-
times lack legal documents. Being operated “de facto” and/or “ultra vires” we do acts of charity to help out and thus raising funds in haste seems to be our priority. It is our “horse behind the cart.” The organizing document and legal formalities are always in the back burner which is typical, such as the conformed articles of incorporation, regular board minutes, the adopted bylaws and other internal operating documents are nowhere. The executory contracts, memos of understanding and letters of commitments, if any, are equally important to keep. But all these are not sufficient for the organization to be deemed or considered legally “tax-exempt.” Our Filipino-American community for the most part tends to think these legal formalities are good enough. They are not. After the entity formation, the organization must submit an application to the IRS and to the California Franchise Tax Board for evaluation to be determined or considered “income tax-exempt.”A federal tax i.d. number and an “agent for service of process” are required and will be necessary to have. It is the organization that should be determined “income tax exempt” and not the Directors, Officers, and the Members themselves who may receive funds or taxable fringe benefits from the organization. It is the nature of the compensation received that will determine what may or may not be taxable. To obtain what is called a “determination letter or ruling” is another very important next step to the tax-exempt process. Upon sending the application, the IRS may give its approval in one or two months, but the California Franchise Tax Board could take at least three (3) months or 90 days and may even be longer now. Wehave been asked on occasion by these organizations to obtain their “tax-exempt determination letters” both under the federal law, and the State of California. It is the important document that will make the contributions to the fundraisers tax deductible. To provide a helpful response, we have put together a list of the requirements that the organization should submit. It surprises the uninformed. If you would be interested, you can call
me and I will mail you the list that will provide you with some helpful guidance. The list is quite long and some requirements are technical, such as an Operating Budget. The Internal Revenue Service also publishes a material that gives guidance to compliance for Section 501 (c) (3) Public Charities. But if you need consulting help for the tax-exempt determination approval process, please call my office. We assist in filing the annual Federal and State information returns for “non-profits.”If you have been awarded a grant and need an audit, call us too. It is time to put the house of non-profits in order for the next fundraising event. There must also be accountability and transparency from the Directors and Officers who ran and participate in these charitable and religious organizations. Call us at (213)-365-1040 or visit our website at www. taxwork.com. We would be glad to assist you. (Angel Y. Dayan, CPA, EA, ABA, ATA Tax-Exempt Organization Consultant)
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Supporters Rally Together for Final Push Towards Asylum
OS ANGELES– Grace Grande stood before a captivated audience Tuesday night and once again shared her story of fear and hope during the “Stand With Grace” Community Forum & Fundraiser. After more than five years of struggling to be free from her abuser and transborder stalker, Grande asserted, “I still choose to do the right thing […] I just want freedom and justice for my boys and me.” Her future will be determined this Monday, September 24th, when Grande faces her final immigration court hearing for asylum. Grande and her children continue to be harassed and threatened by her abuser- a powerful, wealthy Philippine
politician nearly double her age, in retaliation for her refusal to remain as his concubine. Grande seeks asylum for safety from him as well as future persecution and prosecution. If denied asylum, Grande will be deported back to the Philippines and will face retribution from a corrupt government official who has already threatened her life and the lives of her children. The Association for Filipinas, Feminists Fighting Imperialism, Refeudalization, and Marginalization (AF3IRM) and the Mariposa Center for Change have been working tirelessly to help Grande gain political asylum. The “Stand With Grace” campaign has brought together people from around the world. The widespread support reflects the global atten-
tion to the transnational aspects of the case- that forms of violence against women, such as stalking, know no borders, and that there is a dire need to strengthen and create policies that protect all women from violence, regardless of their immigration status. Thousands have decided to “Stand with Grace” – to not just fight back against abusers, but to also change the systems that empower and protect them. Grande’s abuser has manipulated US and other government agencies, including ICE, to force her back to the Philippines, and this has gone on for far too long. Grande’s immigration court hearing on Monday is one of the last battlegrounds for the war being waged against her. AF3IRM and Mariposa Center urges everyone to
literally stand with Grace at her trial to demand the freedom she deserves after years of abuse and fear. Join other supporters and fill the courtroom of Judge Rose Peters at 606 Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014. Grande’s hearing is scheduled for 1:00pm. For more information on the “Stand with Grace” campaign, please visit the AF3IRM website (http:// www.af3irm.org/) and Facebook (www.facebook. com/standwithgrace). STAND WITH GRACE POLITICAL ASYLUM HEARING When: Monday, September 24 Time: 1:00pm Address: 606 Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014 Courtroom: Judge Rose Peters
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Saturday, September 22, 2012
PinoyWatchDog.Com
A Modern Day Look at the Awesomeness of
Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal - National Hero of the Philippines ► By Maryanne Dayco
If Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal were alive today in the year 2012, what would he be like? This is the story of Rizal told by his modern day girlfriend, The Spitfire, who has decided to write an e-mail to her sister and fill her in on this awesome new man in her life. Dearest Jos, Hey Sis! Got your e-mail! How are you doing these days? I miss you so much, and hope you are doing fab! Yo, have you pre-ordered the new iPhone 5 yet? Yeah, I know! AMAZING! I’m getting in line this weekend at the Apple Store at the mall. It’s gonna be sweeeet! It’s so sick, I can’t wait! So, how is the happy married couple doing? It’s almost been a year, yeah? Is marriage all it’s cracked up to be or not? Most of the shows on tv like The New Normal and Honey Boo Boo give me zero hope; but, hey, whatever. I figure if you can do it, maybe then, so can I. So, is it still fireworks a la Katy Perry or is it dishes and laundry 24/7? Lol. Be honest! I need to know like yesterday. Why??? Well, if you really wanna know, it’s cuz I think I met someone…
hehe! His name is Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal. He’s an Ophthalmologist aka Eye Doctor! Rad, I know! You wanna know how cool my new man is? Ok, he became an Eye Doctor to help his mom heal from her blindness. Yeah, I know. Are you like dying right now? Me too! He is just so sweet! Also, he comes from a big family like Daddy’s fam. He’s number seven out of eleven children. Get it? 7-11? Hah. And I thought daddy’s family was big! All I know is that if this works out, mom and dad are gonna be stoked. Are you ready for major bonus points? He’s super smart and he is FILIPINO! Yeah! I know. I’ve never dated a Filipino, because we feel too related…but this guy made me change my mind, k? You’ll see why. Ok, so for starters, he’s 30 years old and his birthday
is June 19th! Yep, chalk up another point for mom and dad! Mom’s birthday is June 12th. Their anniversary is June 20th! He fits right in with the family celebrations. Score! Also he was born in Calamba, Laguna- the exact province where mom was born in the Phils! How cool is that? : )He comes from a pretty wealthy family. Both his parents are bigtime farmers. They’ve got a huge rice farm! You gotta see it! All right, so now here comes the reason why I am falling hard and fast for this dude. He is a Renaissance Man! The guy is amazing at everything! No jk! Mk, first of all,he speaks and is able to converse in 22 languages! Yeah…22! His pals call him Pepe the Polyglot (when you are able to speak a ton of languages) and Pepe the Polymath (the ability to master various
skills and subjects).Lol . Do you know that he started to read and write at age 2? I mean, who does that?smh Also, it was so cute when he told me how he was the happiest when he was in school. He attended a school called Ateneo Municipal de Manila, and was a top student of his class of 10. Yeah, I told him, “I’d be a top student too if there were only 10 in my class.” JK. : ) Jose is also very welltraveled. I mean the guy has been like EVERYWHERE including Spain, Great Britain, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, The Czech Republic, Italy, Singapore, Borneo, Hong Kong, China, and Japan. Sometimes, I get a little frustrated with him when we argue, cause he will answer me in a language I don’t understand. Sometimes it’s in French, sometimes it’s in
Lawyering Can Make You Feel Good
►By Joel Bander | Senior Columnist
R
eading a recent PinoyWa t c h D o g . com story about Alma Luna Reyes’s dream of becoming an attorney, see http://www. pinoywatchdog.com/attyalma-luna-reyes-the-moonking-continues-to-shine/ caused me to ponder on the thrill of practicing law, in essence, the vision that Reyes had as a child being played out in practical reality. Then, in a casual discussion with a new law clerk at the firm that I presently hold office I asked the standard interview question, ‘why do you want to be a lawyer?’ I have always felt the best answer to that question was a blend of helping your fellow man, and the intellectual stimulation that brings job satisfaction. One of the best examples of those legal challenges is the convergence of issues that arise when a non-U.S. Citizen is charged with a crime, and navigating the criminal and immigration legal minefield to successfully eliminate or lessen the adverse immigration consequences. It is only quite stimulating intellectually, but most satisfying when obtaining a result that will not mar an immigrant’s ability to either remain in, or reenter, the United States. Obtaining $10,000 for someone on a claim is nice, but assuring someone will not be deported for life is
better. The initial challenge is to make the client understand that immigration law is often the product of Congressional politics, with different policies and interests crafting the text of the statutes at different time periods. The end result is that it cannot be presumed that a criminal conviction for a green card holder has more protection against removal than an illegal alien, or that conviction for a worse sounding crime, or a longer sentence or punishment, means greater adverse immigration consequences. For instance, joy riding (just taking someone’s car without permission for a short spin but not intending to deprive another permanently) can have drastic immigration consequences, while auto burglary, meaning stealing it forever, can avoid removal problems. Makes little sense, but that’s the reality. There are various penal code statutes regarding spousal abuse and battery, but choosing the correct code section that the criminal court and prosecutor will find acceptable for the circumstances and balancing it against the review of an immigration officer or judge is a unique responsibility. I personally found my way into this grand real life intellectual exercise by happenstance. For the first ten
years of my legal career I was essentially handling personal injury and employment cases exclusively. Ultimately, your loyal clients have criminal problems, and my first law partner was a former L.A. City Attorney. So taking on some criminal defense did not require major retooling. Handling standard drunk driving and petty theft cases were not complex, but we were helping the clients, and of course making a few extra pesos. Then, in 1999 I boosted the firm’s immigration practice partnering up with Attorney Franklin Nelson, a gifted legal mind dedicated to assisting immigrants. (His office is in Pasadena if you need him. At PinoyWatchDog.com we can recommend our capable friends in a professional column. All the rules have changed.) Attorney Nelson took on the task of handling a postconviction relief, a process of going back to the criminal courts after a conviction has been entered and seeking a reversal, sometime years later. Common circumstances would be the client did not receive appropriate legal advice from their prior criminal lawyer in violation of the U.S. Constitution’s Sixth Amendment interpreted right of ‘effective’ assistance of counsel (simple terms, the lawyer screwed up) or that a witness was lying (ie. the defendant leaves jail when the sobbing accuser admits they lied.)
German, sometimes, it’s in Japanese. I’ll go, “What are you saying? Speak English or Tagalog or Spanish. Keep it to down to 3 countries, por favor!” He’s not only an opthamologist, but did I fail to mention that he is also a famous novelist, sculptor, painter, educator, farmer, historian, playwright, and journalist? Mmhmm. Short list. And you know how much I love creative writing? Guess what? He writes a lot of poetry too and is pro status in architecture, cartography, economics,
While Attorney Nelson found the practice area stimulating, the 2000 -2001 deluge of immigration petitions brought on at the end of the Clinton administration (245(i)) essentially lead to the discussion of Nelson to me ‘hey, why don’t you handle these cases? They are your type of law anyway.’ So I did. Being involved in many aspects of immigration, years of civil litigation experience, and a fair smattering of criminal law the criminal/immigration law hybrid was quite an initial adventure. I admit having the criminal judge reverse a conviction hanging over someone’s life for an extended time and then going to immigration court and stopping the removal proceeding flat is, in my view, the essence of legal practice. Having juries acquit your client facing certain deportation if convicted is pretty darn good feeling too. Attorney Alma Luna Reyes’ is not alone in her vision of the rewards of legal practice.
Xox The Spitfire P.S. He loves sinigang, mangoes, lanzones, and tuyo too! Yay!
Is There Need to Investigate Rizal Statue Fundraising? From Page 10
BANDER
ethnology, anthropology, sociology, dramatics, martial arts, fencing, and pistol shooting. The one and only thing he’s not good at = singing. YESSSSSS! And…I’m a rockstar. BOOM! So what’chathink? Skype me, l8r! Cya, sis! Love you!
update. He replied stating “As of last week the expenses on the 7-foot granite finished pedestal construction alone is already over $54,000 because of the unforeseen soil foundation and structural requirements, added few bench seats, concrete flooring without tiles yet, etc. These are all receipted and documented. The $60,000 budget last year was supposed to include the Rizal 8-foot bronze statue, shipment, simple pedestal, without flooring and bench seats, etc. Right now a substantial part of the statue itself, storage, shipping, etc is coming from my personal money and I am lucky if I can reimburse all even if I am complete with documents. Hence, needless to say, the money already raised before is much short and that is why JPRMM [Jose P. Rizal Monument Movement] is trying to raise funds in the Sept 29th event to cover the unveiling expenses, the Appreciation Gala, future maintenance, etc.”
So I went back, again, to a loyal Mandap supporter to understand the long resistance to disclosure. I was advised that Mandap “does not seek the limelight. He is not into public relations. He just has a dream of putting up the Rizal statue.” On February 22, 1889, Dr. Rizal advised that “some become treacherous because of cowardice and negligence of others.” (Letter to the Young Women of Malolos, London) . And some obviously do not become treacherous. This PinoyWatchDog.com investigation was unable to reveal any treachery by Mr. Mandap. The only failing found was not being primarily concerned with public relations. “My ambition is not to win honors or hold positions but to see that what is just, exact, suitable, is done in political matters,” Dr. Rizal wrote in a letter to Juan Zulueta, August 14, 1891. Perhaps Mandap is just following Dr. Rizal’s example.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
RIZAL, atbp. – REVIEW From Page 1
the ladies sashayed with candles on their heads…. Act II started with the dramatic Singkil Dance giving me goose bumps with the parade of exotic costumes and elaborate dance movements of the bamboos (tinikling). Dance director Ruth Dimacall and Liza Oliveros did a stellar job in their presentation – especially the scene of Sisa. The dance movements grasped my heart. Rizal, Atbp provided a showcase of using the life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal as a platform and at the same time delving into the minds of our 2nd generation’s dilemma with their identity as a race. This is where the creativity begins…….. The story revolves around a Fil-Am teen, Joey. Joey is ashamed of his own people – the Filipinos. To graduate from school, Joey must present a report on Rizal, with the help of a classmate – a girl who from from Palawan, an FOB, so Joey says. This is where Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s life is depicted, through scenes of his early childhood, his studies at the Ateneo and Europe, his relationship with family, his battle with his brown skin
regarding gaining respect and admiration of his peers through hard work– the same problems Filipinos are still facing today. This show gave an indepth exploration of the mind of our Fil-am youths - - the ones who do not know
their true identity. Joey said in the classroom, “My parents are Filipino, but me, I’m an American… dude.” It shows the conflict of young FilAms. Peer pressure is touched by this play. Joey’s friends suddenly resent him because with the help of his classmate, he learned Rizal’s history as an inter-
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nationally acclaimed writer, physician and thinker and suddenly sees “the light” and the fact that there is something to be proud of as a Filipino and that many of Rizal’s messages and writings goes through the barriers of time and cultures. Joey sticks
with his guts – and “DNA” – he realizes, he IS a Filipino. Director Joanie Sycip and
technical director Kathleen Caminong provided brilliance with their intricate weaving of the scenes and characters. Bravo to set director Remi Galvez. There were two big screens on the left and right side of the stage and a center scrim. The dialogue and songs were done in both English and Tagalog. The story goes back and forth from the classroom of Joey and his classmates - fading slowly into the life of Rizal with the use of the scrim and screens. The artwork shown on the scrim exhibited almost an authentic backdrop and background of Rizal’s house, the Ifugao rice terraces, the sea and island as the setting for the Banga Dance. Rizal’s home even showed the kapis windows! Act I’s Scene 2 of Ri-
zal and Mother – the Gamo Gamung Munti Story –the famed Moth story. The eye-
opening part was that the moth was depicted through a variety of glowing hands which was shown on the center big scrim. This magnificent piece was done by persons using glow in the dark gloves. The technical direction provided scenes that mixed video and stage, embellishing a seamless sense of where this story is going. Rizal, Atpb again, truly delivered. Though oddly there were no posters outside the theater – the parade of people going in and out of the theatre with their Filipiniana garb and barong tagalogs – one could sense that something truly special was going on. A rare feat compared to other Filipino-themed shows where it is constantly plagued by endless problems of tickets, show always starts late, where there are glitches and mistakes sooo obvious on stage. Rizal, Atbp, I must say, had none of these issues. It was professionally and beautifully executed. A slide show in the begin-
ning gave facts and trivia about the Philippines. Slide shows of sponsors were tastefully done and not jarring at all. The show ends with Rizal’s execution. His writing of Mi Ultimo Adios and the Finale ended with the original song “Ako’y Isang Pilipino”. Some might find the lyrics to the song extreme in the sense it talks about the Filipino race and preservation. However, we get the point and Rizal’s message. This show will be not seen until 2014. This is something to look forward to. It did deliver its message giving us the ethnic identity. It leaves us proud… again. The Rizal, Atbp and cast, AngLahi TM Philippines CONGRATULATIONSwe now hear Rizal’s life whispering to us across the centuries. This show is a whisper of hope, inspiration and love. (Oh… and don’t’ forget to spell check some of the lyrics – though I doubt the audience noticed it).
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Saturday, September 22, 2012
Jose Rizal, the Filipino Renaissance Man
Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, daig pa ang malansang isda. - Dr. Jose Rizal ► By: Francis Johann F. Verdote In these times of hastened technological developments where the internet, social media, and cellphones rule the people, only one man comes to mind: Jose Protacio Mercado Alonzo y Realondo Rizal, more commonly known as Jose Rizal. If Gat Jose Rizal were alive today, he would have been irritated, annoyed, and probably knocked some sense out of all of us because we have not utilized the new forms of media unavailable in his time. Unlike many of us who waste time on facebook and other habit forming social media outlets, the propagandista in Jose Rizal would utilize the internet and social media to promote his cause: liberty, patriotism, and institutional reforms. Instead of waiting for the
latest showbiz gossip or trolling message boards, Jose Rizal would have encouraged his friends and followers to feel, to think, and to act. If Gat Jose Rizal were alive today, the propaganda movement he started in his time would be kicking ass, and the corrupt and incompetent institutional leaders and figureheads. Unfortunately, Gat Jose Rizal cannot rise from the dead and save the Filipinos in dire need of social and political uplifting. However, Rizal’s stature and accomplishments have established him as a Philippine icon. Rizal’s prominence led provinces, avenues, schools, and universities being named after him. Moreover, several artists have created biographical films and tribute albums to commemorate the “first Filipino’s” contribution to Philippine
society. But the question still remains, “Why is Jose Rizal still relevant in the 21st Century?” In today’s computerdominated world, information has become highly accessible. Yet we have not been able to use the accessibility of information to its fullest. Rizal did not need to go on youtube or wikipedia or some scholarly website to achieve what he had achieved in a short period of time. He did not need volumes of Rosetta Stones and Google Translate to read, write, and speak another language, or in his case languages. Jose Rizal was not only a propagandist. He was also a law-school student who opted to become a doctor to help his ailing mother. Rizal was a novelist, a poet, an artist, and ananthropologist. Yes, Rizal was in essence a renaissance
man.The words multiculturalism and diversity embodied Dr. Jose Rizal even before hippies overused the words like their drugs of choice. He traveled the world way before those European cruises and college and educational tours were created. His expeditions may have trained Jose Rizal to be well versed in 22 languages. Yes, he was an ilustrado, a konyo, or known for having a lot of women, but that is not the point. It was Jose Rizal’s will power and hunger for knowledge, and not his money and social class, that gave him the opportunity to grow into what we have known him to be because there are other people of similar stature as him who would not take advantage of the privilege the way Rizal did. Instead of mocking and laughing at other
peoples’ accents, people should follow Rizal’s footsteps: educate one’s self and learn another language and culture. And instead of teaching children today to be monolingual (read: English only), teach them
our national language, as sanctioned by the 1987 Philippine Constitution: Filipino and English. It may not guarantee tolerance, but may open doors of cultural acceptance.
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Saturday, September 22, 2012