PinoyWatchDog.com 16 pages February 15, 2013 30th issue

Tagapagtanggol ng Filipino Community!

VOL. 2 NO. 6 • 16 PAGES •

25K CIRCULATED IN LOS ANGELES/ORANGE COUNTIES AND INLAND EMPIRE

FOLLOW US

@PinoyWatchDog

•

LIKE US

PinoyWatchDog

•

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2013

JAZA, The Man Who Would Be President

By MELISSA SALVADOR, CEO & Business Writer

JAIME Augusto Zobel De Ayala, chairman and chief executive of Ayala Corporation is not above going out and pressing the flesh with his fellow business people. Recently, we ran into each other on at two different business conferences just a few days apart where he continued to exhibit his concise, urbane, professional style with the highest degree of intellect.

Business tycoon Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala or JAZA is shown with PWD CEO & Business Writer Melissa Salvador.

While some are lucky enough to be born into a dynastic family of wealth and influence, how many have received a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School after graduating from Harvard Uni-

versity with a bachelor’s degree in Economics, cum laude? This is not a sit back and spend the family money gentleman. He is smart, charming, good looking, and yes, another sigh, married.

JAZA, as he is known, is

credited with combining professionalism and commitment to social issues over many years earning the public’s trust in the ‘Ayala Brand,’ including Ayala Land Corporation, Bank of Philippine Continued on Page 2

Immigration Reform: Go Back To The End Of The Line

GOING’ COCO-NUT

...And Maybe In 10 Years A Visa, Just Maybe ►JOEL BANDER, Senior Columnist

ON JANUARY 28, 2013, amongst much fanfare and optimism, eight U.S. senators, four from each political party, announced a Bipartisan Framework for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. ing. He begins this immigration The Political Climate

Make Way For The New Showbiz Phenom...Page 8

NEWSBITES

Darna Umayam’s Change Of Heart...Page 2

PWD EXCLUSIVE!

The Son Also Rises: An Interview.. Page 11

Hispanics have finally flexed their collective muscles. Republicans are licking their post election scars. Republicans realize they must rid the immigration issue from the election discussion in 2014.

A newer, emboldened President Obama is also now emerg-

reform push the prime time of any administration, the beginning. A second term president does not have to worry about the next election. And Obama knows the lingering story line that he let the immigrant community down when not fulfilling his promise to Continued on Page 3

A MESSAGE FROM THE PWD PRESIDENT ►By BERNIE CORTES-KIMMERLE

“If they can’t swallow facts, let them eat fiction.” Rain Bojangles “The best ammunition against lies is the truth, there is no ammunition against gossip. It is like a fog and the clear wind blows it away and the sun burns it off.”

Ernest Hemingway PinoyWatchdog (PWD) is the clear wind and the sun. We seek

President Benigno Aquino III converses with bone cancer patient Jericho Navarro Rafols at the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC) in Quezon City on Friday, February 08, 2013. The visit coincides with the President’s 53rd birth anniversary. (Photo by Jay Morales / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

Murdered Fil-Am Nurse Remembered

the TRUTH as we are independ- ►By DAVID CASUCO MANILA – Charito Tolentino, ent. After several exposes, we are the Filipino American nurse who still here to serve and are still conmet a tragic death recently in Los tinuing to be the “watchdog” of Angeles, was brought to her final the Fil-Am community. This is a resting place on January 19 by her need as long as the articles written family and friends; and the eulohave a redeeming factor.

I hear whispers…gasps…our gies that were said all point to a favorite Fil-Am slang of “Ay!” person who was extremely generwhenever PWD writers get intro- ous, obedient, and kind-hearted.

True to her name, Charito, 57, duced to events. One close friend was charity personified, a virtue Continued on Page 7

that she does effortlessly.

“She is the quintessential giver. She buys the best branded gift item she can afford for her family. It was like a ministry to her. To say that she is merely generous would be an understatement,” said Christine Macalalad who, who lived with the victim for a while in El Monte, a city 18 miles east of Los Angeles.

Continued on Page 7

2

PinoyWatchDog.Com

Saturday, February 16, 2013

JAZA: The Man Who Would Be President...

Islands, Globe Telecom and Manila Water. These are not companies associated with misdeeds or scandal.

Part of the reason is Ayala’s approach to business. “I seek a spirit of collegiality and constructive criticism,” he said. Ayala emphasizes that different parts of his vast economic empire must work together, regardless of the level or position within his companies.

And boy, is he efficient?

I spoke to him about some of my pending business development projects and within days he had significant individuals contacting me with inquires. He is not just a talker, he is quite obviously ‘a doer.’

Which then made me wonder, why isn’t the treasure of the Philippines being discussed as a presidential candidate in 2016?

His competency is unques-

tioned. There is no reason to be corrupt, how much more money could he need or want?

Maybe he is ‘too good’ for the world of politics.

Maybe being smart, capable and having a proven track record are not enough.

But consider some of his visionary thinking: Government contracts have long been a source of major corruption here in our beloved Philippines. Routinely, as I proceed on my own business deals (let’s make believe it is one percent of Ayala’s). I am still approached by wanna be government vendors seeking upwards of thirty percent of any transaction. Ninoy Aquino might be only able to take eradication of corruption only so far. But as Jamie Augusto Zobel de Ayala pointed out, Department of Public Works and

Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson program of lessening public contract spending to set up systems to root out corruption are starting to have an effect.

“When the government is buying from business there must be complete transparency,” Ayala stated.

Transparency, an ongoing theme of PinoyWatchDog.com, is an integral ingredient to removing the bane of corruption from public affairs here in the Philippines.

But Ayala has also displayed wide vision regarding lasting peace and security in Muslim Mindanao in business development being an important component to the overall wealth of the Philippines.

He spoke of building regional competitiveness in Muslim Mindanao by making it easier to deal the

NEWSBITES ***CHANGE OF HEART. In Los Angeles Superior Court filings this week, Darna Umayam admitted having no facts to support her accusations of the summer of 2012 that Attorney Joel Bander committed and was convicted of a wide array of sexual and financial crimes, including rape, theft of millions of dollars from his clients, money laundering and illegal recruiting. These comments came after PinoyWatchDog. com’s stories about Umayam false claim of being cum laude from the University of Santo Tomas, that she stole a charity from the Kalayan committee, and was charging Filipinos $1000 to receive an award.Bander filed a defamation case against Umayam.

Trial is scheduled for August 2013. ***CORRUPTION ON HOLY GROUNDS. The Vatican City upheavals that thought to have triggered the resignation of the Pontiff has a spinoff here in Manila -- at the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas specifically.

Our PWD snoop had it that a few Filipino Dominican priests who hold powerful positions at the premiere Catholic university in the Philippines, are allegedly into inappropriate business operations. One is into photography and the other is into fast food business. Corruption in high places and on holy grounds at the UST is not surprising, though. A Filipino priest with a lot of relatives who need money: That is a perfect formula for corruption. Pray, do not put them into temptations. ***FACLA TO HAVE FUNDRAISER acknowledging Lesbian and Gay Contributions. FACLA President Austin Baul announced that the oldest Filipino organization in Los Angeles is ready to sponsor a fundraiser honoring the lesbian and gay community for its contributions. The

dinner is planned for May 31, 2013, with proceeds for AIDS victims in the Philippines and for construction repairs for FACLA’s aging building. The effort is being headed by Linda Nery with the title “L & G Affair.” ***TRISKELION ALUMNI of University of Santo Tomas to Celebrate 42nd anniversary. UST alumni are gathering on March 1-3, 2013, with a dinner at Kapistahan Grill, a golf tournament, and a formal dinner party. For information contact Patrick Duenas at 626 353 7313 or 818 539 2232. ***FIVE SEASONS RESTAURANT in Glendale. Five Seasons Restaurant, located at 1428 E. Colorado, Glendale, across from Arko Foods, announced they are staying open until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. The promo --- a special buffet, $3.75 for one item, $5.50 for two. ***ASIANS IN FILMFEST. Asians participating in the Film Festival 2013 announced Filipino Filmmaker Luis Pedron as this year’s Artistic Director. Pedron is Co-Founder and Festival Director of the International Film Festival Manhattan in New York City. ***SIPA FUNDING CUT. Search to Involve Philipino Americans (SIPA) budget was cut $165,000 by the County of Los Angeles for after school and counseling programs for teenagers .SIPA has been providing these services to the Filipinotown community for years. County Supervisor Gloria Molina reinstated one of those contracts for $100.000. SIPA is seeking funds to make up for the shortfall.

bureaucracy (and hopefully that will apply to Metro Manila, too, hate dealing with some of the bureaucrats), instilling the rule of law, and ‘leveling’ the playing field so small scale entrepreneurs have a chance to prosper. Part of his vision is to forge partnerships with local entrepreneurs having greater familiarity with the nuances of local administration, governance practices, and local culture.

Ayala also said that Filipinos must be respectful of Muslim Mindanao religious and ethnic customs. For instance, standard banking practices is contra to many of their principles. We cannot, as Christians, just believe we can supplant our way of live on Muslims.

Ayala explained, “this has been the source of tension for 500 years.”

Lastly, Ayala spoke of the great need for infrastructure improvement in the Philippines, roads, communications, internet, etc.

Who else could be better to take a whole troubled re-

From Page 1

JAZA and PWD’s Melissa Salvador gion of our country, make it But he didn’t become economically prosper, end such a smart, successful conflict for the betterment businessman by dappling of our entire land? into politics.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

PinoyWatchDog.Com

Immigration Reform: A Waiting Game...

3

From Page 1

complete the task in his first term.

Obama reads more polls than I do.

They all show more than half of Americans favor of a ‘path to citizenship for illegal immigrants.’ Consider, 45 percent of self-described conservatives are in favor of this concept. However, there is a hardened core of right wing conservatives opposed to any form of immigration reform, holding the view that if someone came or stayed in the country illegally they should not be rewarded. And while other fellow Republicans share that view, some many are just remaining quiet, understanding the political death knell to be outwardly antiimmigrant, unsure how to play this violate and emotional issue.

The Bipartisan Senate group believes

Every Filipino knows a sibling of a U.S. citizen petition can take 12 years, maybe longer. An unskilled worked can take almost as long. This means that even if the legislation passes this year it would not be until about 2025 that green cards would start to be issued the right wingers need to be placate for a bill to be passed. They certainly cannot be ignored. This is the Senate group’s plan.

Go to the Back of the Line The five page Bipartisan statement has this very disturbing passage: “Individuals who are present without lawful status - not including [not including persons arriving as minors, farm workers and advanced degrees from U.S. institutions in science, technology, engineering and math] will only receive a green card after every individual who is already waiting in line for a green card, at the time this legislation is enacted, has received their green card.

Every Filipino knows a sibling of a U.S. Citizen petition can take 12 years, maybe longer. An unskilled worked can take almost as long. This means that even if the legislation passes this year it would not be until about 2025 that green cards would start to be issued. Many immigrants have already been waiting for over 10 years for an immigration bill.

The scheme does include work authorization while waiting in the back of the line.

How everyone is to assemble in that line is still up for grabs.

Going to the back of the line sounds like a child being punished. Waiting until 2030 is a long path to citizenship. Bring a chair while waiting in line. Congressional analysts have yet to figure out how many pairs

of shoes are needed to walk 12 year path.

And many of those conservatives are opposed to any form of naturalization for this class of immigrants, seemingly a deal killer with immigrant groups and Democrats. So let’s get more complicated as we consider the security at the border.

Border Security First - You Waiting in Line, Maybe You Get Nothing in the End Conservatives claim secure borders must come before anyone in the back of that long line gets a visa. Casting aside the rationale for linkage, defining these ‘enforcement triggers’ and who determines if the federal government makes the marker --- all yet to be figured out. But the code word here is, better make those conservatives happy that no more Mexicans are going to sneak on through.

So while some Republicans want to make sure immigration passes so it is not an issue in 2014, this scheme keeps immigration in the spotlight until yet unknown enforcement targets are met How much does this secure border cost? I have seen estimates of $600 million to $1.2 a MILE for the sophisticated fencing proposed. The U.S. Mexican border is 2000 miles long, and we are not talking flat, comfortable farm land. Conservatives are having an internal debate whether spending these sums makes fiscal sense in these still lingering touch economic times, and how much of the barren unforgiving borderscape actually needs such fencing.

This does not include ongoing labor costs, and other technology. (Those little battlefield surveillance drones might be expensive, but seem ultimately cooler than a big fence.)

Of concern to immigrant groups is a halt or slowing of funding enforcement meaning no trigger, stopped at any time in the next ten years by the very conservatives against this whole concept of a ‘path to citizenship’ in the first place. Where are the security guarantees in this scheme that the funding for border security will always be there?

Seemingly out of the standard lexicon is Obama removals (deportations) are up 25% since 2007 under in the Bush Administration. The technological lift finally in place after 9/11 has played a significant role. But no once charges that Obama is going to ease up on enforcement after an immigration reform bill is passed.

But how can the conservatives trust Obama to keep enforcing?

Obama the Bold - Same Sex Marriage Petitionable Making sure the conservatives are paying attention President Obama announced that any immigration reform bill must allow same sex partners to petition as heterosexuals. My first reaction was smart political player. A righteous move that he sadly tosses overboard to placate conservatives that never wanted to spend all that money on the fence in the first place. Good bye triggers?

Stay tuned. This one is not going away too soon.

4

PinoyWatchDog.Com

Editorial EDITORIAL

is published fortnightly by

Tanod Bayan, Inc. Mailing address at 4660 E. Valley Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90032 Telephone Number (213) 261-7467 and e-mail address at editor@pinoywatchdog.com

Melissa Salvador CEO, Digital Strategist & Business Writer; Bernie Cortes-Kimmerle, President, Entertainment & Arts Editor; Rene Villaroman, Co-Founder David Casuco, Editor-in-Chief; Joel Bander, Senior Columnist; Francis Johann Verdote, Staff Writer; Gil Mislang, Contributing Columnist; Vics Magsaysay, Atty Liberati Mangali, Atty Joel Nunez, Atty Alma Reyes, Contributing Writers; Oliver Carnay, Entertainment Writer; RJ Barbasa, Manila Entertainment Correspondent; John Sacramento & Ed Leviste, Staff Photographers

Web & SEO Strategist | Graphic Designer Lay-out and Graphics

Saturday, February 16, 2013

The Curse Of The Los Angeles Police

THE LAW enforcement’s task of protecting the community’s safety and rights must be professional. A police department cannot use excessive force against the citizenry. Otherwise, the supposed guardians are even worse than the criminal gangs, as the police have the protection of the badge.

The Los Angeles Police Department has yet an extra layer of protection. It’s called the ‘Thin Blue Line.’ Simply put, when another officer’s actions are called into question, stay quiet. This is not new at the L.A.P.D. It has been going on for decades, an institutional curse, along with racism, that every generation of officials and courts have sought to cure.

Christopher Dorner certainly wanted everyone to know that the ‘Thin Blue Line’ and racism were still alive and well at the L.A.P.D. It is obviously sad that he chose such a deadly effective method to place the issue once again into the forefront of public discourse. But he got everyone’s attention.

Dorner’s complained that a training officer kicked a mentally ill man in the face. He is Black. When he complained he was a new recruit. Dorner committed the crime of breaking the code of silence by reporting the training officer’s excessive use of force. He was ultimately discharged for supposedly filing a false report against the officer. Certainly over the next weeks we will be hearing the minutia about that case. But outwardly, just hearing those facts, the first impression is a brave young man. He is standing up for the one of the weakest in our community, a mentally ill man, and against a training officer, a senior officer.

In the pursuit of Dorner, L.A.P.D. shot scores of rounds at two Hispanic woman, aged 71 and 42, driving a blue pickup

truck that ‘resembled’ the fleeing fugitive’s. All non-police reports are that no warning was provided. Indeed, these were innocent women having no reason to elude police. How can these officers be considered to have proper training? Can’t they tell the difference between two Hispanic women and a Black man? How could this use of force not be considered excessive? Now everyone’s mother and grandmother have to worry about L.A.P.D.’s excessive use of force.

A few months ago, a Los Angeles Superior Court jury awarded a stroke victim, Allen Harris, over $1.5 million against L.A.P.D. because they fractured his collar bone and caused permanent nerve damage when forcing him to be handcuffed, as his disability did not permit the movement. Cannot L.A.P.D. know a stroke victim when they see him? The jury thought they should.

Oh, and Mr. Harris is Black.

In the Harris case the jury awarded $90,000 in punitive damages against Alex Tellez, the officer causing the injuries. Tellez denied on the witness stand that he was even the officer performing the handcuffing. Interestingly, none of the officers at the scene admitted they knew who handcuffed the disabled Harris. All denied handcuffing, but admit he was handcuffed.

During that lawsuit, while these allegations existed, Tellez was even promoted to be - you guessed it, a training officer. And despite the jury verdict, there he remains training other officers about the appropriate use of force on the community, despite the fact that a downtown jury considered his actions to be malicious against the disabled Mr. Harris.

Maybe it is not L.A.P.D that is forever cursed, but Los Angeles.

Manuel L. Quezon: A Hero And A Great Generation Mentor (First of a Series)

AS A SECOND generation Filipino American, I have often thought about my roots and have tried to understand who and what has motivated the life I have lived and the way that I lived it. When I joined various Filipino community circles in Southern California, I could see that there were many various traits in the community one could encounter, many good and many not so.

As I live in the Los Angeles area, we are neighbors to many diverse people and Latin American people believe and feel that we Filipinos are part of a vast family called “the children of Spain”. Although Spain ceased to govern these countries where these peoples are from, these Latin-American people feel themselves as brothers to Filipinos. In many ways, the Spanish language and Catholicism still binds Filipinos to these peoples, and will bind us eternally if we have the wisdom and patriotism of preserving it.

In growing up with my parents in Southern California, I have learned many traits that have been the foundation of my upbringing and as I became a young adult, I was thrust into pure Filipino culture when the fam-

ily moved back to the Philippines upon my father’s retirement from the United States Navy. Wow, this move was a life changing experience.

Upon going back, I became all of a sudden a foreigner in my homeland, where I looked Filipino but did not know Tagalog, Pilipino or any other dialect but got around easily because many Filipinos (especially seniors, adults and young adults) knew how to speak English because of the Philippines being a Commonwealth of the United States from 1898 to July 4, 1946.

As I dug deeper into the Filipino heritage I was now living in, I came

across the strong reason why many Filipinos of the first generation have the traits that have made many Filipinos successful in many countries.

That strong reason is the teachings of the first President of the Philippine Commonwealth, Manuel L. Quezon. The following civic and ethics codes were promulgated by Manuel L. Quezon to the Filipino people and can be seen practiced by many Filipinos of the first and second generations.

Civics and Ethics Codes As promulgated by Manuel L. Quezon; 1. Have faith in Divine Providence that guides the destinies of men and nations.

2. Love your country for it is the home of your people, the seat of your affections, and the sources of your happiness and well-being. It’s defense is your primary duty. Be ready at all times to sacrifice and die for it if necessary.

3. Respect the Constitution which is the expression of your sovereign will. The government is your government. It has been established for your safety and welfare. Obey the laws and see that they are observed by all and that public officials comply with their duties.

4. Pay your taxes willingly and

promptly. Citizenship implies not only rights but also obligations.

5. Safeguard the purity of suffrage and abide by the decisions of the majority.

6. Love and respect your parents. It is your duty to serve them gratefully and well.

7. Value your honor as you value your life. Poverty with honor is preferable to wealth with dishonor.

8. Be truthful and be honest in thought and in action. Be just and charitable, courteous but dignified in your dealings with your fellowmen.

9. Lead a clean and frugal life.

Do not indulge in frivolity or pretense. Be simple in your dress and modest in your behavior.

10. Live up to the noble traditions of our people. Venerate the memory of our heroes. Their lives point the way to duty and honor.

11. Be industrious. Be not afraid or ashamed to do manual labor. Productive toil is conductive to economic security and adds to the wealth of the nation.

12. Rely on your own efforts for your progress and happiness. Be not easily discouraged. Persevere in the pursuit of your legitimate ambitions.

13. Do your work cheerfully, thoroughly, and well. Work badly

done is worse than work undone. Do not leave for tomorrow what you can do today.

14. Contribute to the welfare of your community and promote social justice. You do not live for yourselves and family alone. You are part of society to which you owe definite responsibilities.

15. Cultivate the habit of using goods made in the Philippines.

Patronize the products and trades of your countrymen.

16. Use and develop our natural resources and conserve them for posterity. They are the inalienable heritage of our people. Do not traffic with your citizenship.

17. The vital lesson we must learn from our past is that we can triumph if we only persevere. The Filipino people, by grit, hard work, and faith in God, will march forward to fulfill their destiny.

This introduction to Manuel L. Quezon and his impact on our heritage will be continued with other contributions he made to our heritage. I hope this gives readers another opportunity to learn more about a great Filipino.

For more on Manuel L. Quezon, the internet is a great source for more information about this hero.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

2013 Polls: What’s At Stake?

LAST FEBRUARY 12, the Senate race began between President Benigno “PNoy” Aquino III’s handpicked candidates and the opposition Three Kings’ handpicked candidates. PNoy’s Liberal Party-led coalition of candidates from five different political parties were proclaimed at Plaza Miranda in Manila while the Three Kings’ United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) candidates were proclaimed in Cebu City. Each slate has 12 candidates. At stake are 12 Senate seats. And by the looks of it, it’s just like any other mid-term senatorial election. There is nothing unusual about it, right?

Wrong!

Although, the senatorial lineups seem to appear “normal” by Philippine election standards, there is something – or should I say, several things – odd or strange about some of the candidates. And underneath the seemingly placid political waters, there is a great deal of crosscurrents going on that could pull a candidate down.

Team PNoy But first, let’s look at the leaders of the two opposing slates.

PNoy is using his popularity to sway the voters to support his “Team PNoy,” hoping that branding them under his own moniker would attract a lot of votes. And as the team’s campaign manager, Sen. Franklin Drilon, hammered it in at the Plaza Miranda rally, “It’s time to show support to President Noy!” Yep, a vote for Team PNoy is a vote for PNoy. PNoy told the cheering crowd about his administration’s accomplishments. He said that he needs the Team PNoy candidates to win so he could continue his reforms. Then he criticized the opposition candidates whom he claimed are running only to promote their personal interests and that of the previous administration of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, reminding them of the anomalies during her presidency.

It is interesting to note how PNoy associated the UNA candidates with Gloria. Other than Mitos Magsaysay and Migz Zubiri, who were once members of Gloria’s political party, Lakas-CMD, the other 10 candidates have no political association with Gloria.

PNoy is treading on dangerous waters when he tries to link the UNA to Gloria, who has yet to be convicted of any crime. As a matter of fact, for lack of evidence the courts threw out most of the corruption and plunder cases filed against her. But PNoy said that more cases would be filed against her. All of these could boomerang against PNoy and hurt the Team PNoy candidates at the polls in the May election.

“Three Kings” On the other hand, the Three Kings -- Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay, former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada, and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile -- are carrying a lot of excess baggage.

Binay, who made his presidential aspirations known long time ago, has to explain a lot of things that happened when he was mayor of Makati City from 1986 to 1998 and 2001 to 2010 -- a total of 19 years!

An article, “The Lord of Makati,” was published on March 28, 2001, when he was running for another term as Makati mayor. The article says, “Can Binay explain his wealth? In less than a decade, Jejomar ‘Jojo’ Binay, former chair of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and former mayor of Makati, accumulated at least P80 million

5

PinoyWatchDog.Com

worth of real estate properties in Makati and Batangas, which he kept undeclared…” To date, Binay has yet to explain his wealth.

Erap carries the stigma of having been convicted of plunder while Enrile was haunted by his long association with the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. He was one of the “Rolex 12” who assisted Marcos in planning the martial law in 1972.

Although Erap and Enrile aren’t running for national office, they have an agenda in this year’s election. Erap’s son, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada is positioned to become Binay’s vice presidential running mate in 2016.

Enrile, who will be termed out in 2016 would like to see his son, Juan Ponce “Jack” Enrile Jr., elected senator this year. But Jack is getting a lot of flak because of several incidents in his past that involved people getting killed. Although he came out clean in those cases, there are a lot of people who are not totally convinced of his innocence.

Dynasticracy But what is most noticeable in this year’s election is the presence of dynastic candidates. There are five dynastic candidates in Team PNoy, namely: Alan Peter Cayetano (brother of incumbent Sen. Pia Cayetano); Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV (nephew of PNoy); Cynthia Villar (wife of termed out Sen. Manny Villar); Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara (son of termed out Sen. Edgardo Angara); and Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay Jr. In the opposition UNA, there are five dynastic candidates: Jack Enrile; Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito (son of Erap and half-brother of Jinggoy); Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco (aunt-in-law of President Aquino); Nancy Binay-Angeles (daughter of Binay); and Milagros “Mitos” Habana-Magsaysay.

In my article, “Should the Philippine Senate be abolished?” (February 6, 2013), I wrote: “If all 10 dynastic candidates win in the May elections and you add the three incumbent dynastic senators (Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, and Pia Cayetano), there would be a total of 13 dynastic senators in the new Senate. That’s more than 50% of the entire Upper House of the new Congress! That’s not ‘representative’ of the people. That makes the eight family dynasties collectively in control of the majority of the Senate. That’s called dynasticracy.”

Roxas-Binay rivalry So what’s at stake in the 2013 election?

Recently, Drilon alleged that the UNA is out to make PNoy a “lame duck” president. Binay denied the allegation, saying, “UNA remains supportive of Aquino’s ‘Daang Matuwid’ and reform agenda but would not hesitate to expose to the public any wrongdoing it will see.” However, he said, “We are the new opposition, an opposition who will be supportive of matters which the President is undertaking.” He claimed that some quarters are just trying to create a “wedge” between them. Really?

Last January 31, Drilon announced that the Liberal Party is going to field Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas as its standard bearer in 2016. With Binay running for president, would the entry of Roxas in the presidential derby bring out the old rivalry between the Samar (Noy-Bi) and Balay (Noy-Mar) factions?

It would be interesting to know how PNoy would deal with a Roxas-Binay presidential contest?

Would he remain loyal to the Liberal Party and support Roxas or would he support Binay, a long-time Continued on Page 13

Love Keeps No Record Of Wrongs RALPH Waldo Emerson called love “our highest word and the synonym of God.” Francis Bacon did not quite agree. He saw it as “a perpetual hyperbole.”

Sure, love can be a lot of things to different people. But the thing that I don’t understand is the misuse and abuse of the word love. The word love, which the bible used to describe the holy God, had been badly corrupted to the point that, sometimes, it does not sound beautiful anymore.

New words like lovehandles, lovenest, make love sounds quite far from the splendid and the sublime. We have often associated love with the prurient and the carnal.

Call me naïve, or downright stupid, but the popular idea of associating signature lingerie to convey love just doesn’t make sense to me. It’s not funny; because the next logical thing that will happen is people to say, love stinks.

While I was a sportswriter, I found it awkward saying the tennis champion won the set, six-love. In tennis, they call the zero point … love. How stupid. What has love has got to do with tennis scores? Semantics? I don’t think so. People simply abused an otherwise awe-inspiring word. Love’s meaning has been viciously twisted nowadays, not even the eloquence of Shakespeare can restore its original form.

Love, as the bible describes it, is incomparably beautiful.

It encompasses everything that is good, noble, pure and praiseworthy. Credit goes to the Apostle Paul who made a remarkable dissertation in his first letter to the Church of Corinth (A.D. 55). I am partial to the bible, but even if I were not, I would still think that Chapter 13 of first Corinthians is the best and the most thorough description of love the world had ever known. Of course, Jesus Christ crucified is the ultimate description of love, but that requires a certain degree of faith and some hermeneutics; and most people will not be able to relate to that.

I was amazed when my friend recited, “Love is patient,

love is kind, love does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

He did it without batting an eyelash.

I told my friend that I was impressed that he can memorize long bible verses, adding, “You must be very good with the Scriptures.”

“What bible are you talking about? I don’t read the bible.

I got that poem from a Valentine’s card, and I just fell in love with it. So, I memorized it,” he said.

Then I told my friend, “Nonetheless, you deserve my compliments, because I couldn’t go past the fourth phrase on that. But don’t you realize that what you just recited is the full fifth verse of Chapter 13, 1Corinthians of the bible?”

He said he had no clue, but he told me he was happy to know.

Before I left, I told my friend, “Hey, you know what?

There are more interesting stuff in the bible. I am sure you will find excellent memory verses from Ecclesiastes, Psalms and Proverbs.”

He raised his thumb and I said, “amen.”

On my way home, I imagined a Christian person creating a Valentine’s card on his computer using the bible as a resource. Then, I understood why God said through the Prophet Isaiah that the word that goes out of His mouth would not return to Him empty. (The author can be reached at daveeditor@pinoywatchdog.com).

66

E

PinoyWatchDog.Com PinoyWatchDog.Com

A

ntert inment & rts

LES MISÉRABLES

Saturday,February February16, 16,2013 2013 Saturday,

A Movie Review By Joel Nunez, Esq. *Joel Nunez currently resides in New Jersey and shared his poignant review about this epic movie. He is a practicing attorney in the Philippines. He currently teaches English as a second language in New York City. In the past, he was part of Repertory Philippines’ cast when it came to musicals. He now shares his talent of the pen with PinoyWatchdog.

Of course I had to watch this movie, on its opening day.

If there had been a way for me to watch the New York premiere, I would have. Les Miz is one of those musicals that, when it came out in 1985, created such a stir and struck a chord with so many, that immediately talk was rife about the imminence of a movie version. My first exposure

to the music was through my friend, Jaime del Mundo – (Mr. del Mundo was in Repertory Philippines’ musical version of Les Miserables – which was a big hit), and I was immediately entranced by BRING HIM HOME, I DREAMED A DREAM, ON MY OWN, STARS, and ONE DAY MORE. I vowed to watch it one day, and watch it I did, in Toronto in 1991. The staging, by Trevor Nunn and John Caird, did not disappoint, and it was the first time I had seen a theater production that was set on a revolve from start to end. I thought, how so much like a movie this show is.

And now, we have the movie version, which does not disappoint. Of course this is a movie adaptation, and the material had to be edited to translate it to cinematic terms, so purists shouldn’t

expect a transliteration of the musical. The most remarkable aspect of this movie though is that the actors sang their songs live as the movie was shot, making for a more visceral interpretation of the music. This is not the first time that music used in a movie was recorded live during the shoot (n.b.

‘ROUND MIDNIGHT, or the movie that beat THE MISSION for Oscar Best Music, Original Score in 1987), but it is the first time to have recorded actors singing live. This technique makes the singing and acting more seamless and “real,” and is most palpable in Jean Valjean’s (remarkably played by Hugh Jackman) WHO AM I, and the soon-to-be classic, I DREAMED A DREAM, sung by Anne Hathaway, playing Fantine.

The latter number left the audience breathless, and in tears. Shot

in one take (I wonder if there were other takes) with one camera, the number begins with Fantine prone in a crib-like bed, having just been birthed into the lowest of her life’s

lows, when she succumbs to prostitution in order to support her daughter Cosette, and singing the introduction of the song a capella. She slowly rises, as Continued on Page 12

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Why The Philippines

Needs Gun Control Law

By Bernie Cortes-Kimmerle

THE PHILIPPINES is number one … in firearm related deaths in Asia.

Let’s take a look at some facts: Statistics show that there are nine firearms for every ten Americans. There are only 0.5 guns for every ten Filipinos. Here’s more – the U.S. has 2.97 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people and the Philippines has 8.93 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people. Guns are supposed to be rare back home.

However, it is common knowledge that if you have a gun in the Philippines, you are supposedly powerful, really unchecked “power.” It is also touted that when it comes to gun violence, the death toll rises as elections draw near.

A study conducted by The International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA), a nongovernment organization, states the Philippines ranked 10th in the list of countries across the globe with the highest number of gun-related killings.

From 2000 to August 2005, 22 journalists were killed by gun violence in the Philippines.

When President Gloria Arroyo took office in January 2001, 244 killings of activists were reported during the first year. The Philippines has a population of 90 million people; more than HALF of the estimated 2 million revolvers, pistols, and assault rifles are unregistered and illegal according to Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Rafal. Most of these small arms -70%, are with civilians and are concentrated on the southern island of Mindanao – Basilan, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi. Some of the guns are carried around like fashion accessories to display power and authority. In 2006, 98.9% of 3,540 crimes reported used unlicensed guns, Rafal said.

Authorities in Manila blame the proliferation of guns on the rise of violent crime. A report states that there are more than 800,000 licensed firearms and another 500,000 loose guns. Of the seized crime guns, 87% are unlicensed and when it comes to murders, 78% came from small arms. The Philippine National Police acknowledges that firearms are behind most crimes.

87% of firearms that were used in

7

PinoyWatchDog.Com

crimes from 1993 to 2004 were unlicensed though a big part of it had registration papers.

Just where are these guns, semis and ammunition coming from?

An Amnesty International study points to three sources: local manufacture, smuggling and diversion from government sources. The Visayas have been manufacturing guns for decades.

Most of them are unlicensed and they go as low as $15.00. Guns are smuggled from China, Libya, Malaysia and Afghanistan, coming from our islands in the south.

The Philippine government is also a known source when it comes to loose firearms, whether through loss, theft or illegal sale.

The Philippines, like the United States, has a “gun culture.” The study mentioned attributes three factors: 1) POWER – bring the “macho” out in you; 2) PROTECTION – personal security and protection of family and land; and 3) VIGILANTES – taking the law into their own hands because of a screwed-up justice system. But this is not the problem.

IT IS ELECTION TIME. The Philippine National Police expect

a rise in gun deaths because of the upcoming elections according to Jesus Verzosa who heads the Philippine National Police.

The above statistics are not to condemn gun ownership or enter into a diatribe whether it is wrong or right to carry arms.

We all know that the powerful people have the means to carry weapons… the poor get the cheap guns to rob families so their families can eat…Really? WHY are we number one in gun-related deaths in Asia? Is it perhaps some of the U.S. “gun culture” squirmed its way with the way we think about guns?

The question is, why, oh why, is our country the top in Asia when it comes to gun culture.?

Why must there be murders and killings when it comes to election time.

Perhaps it is time that we zoom in to problem as to who these powers are - - and why they get away with killing people with weapons legal or illegal – and why they think they have this right just to achieve power.

Lawlessness and violent death will not abate in the Philippines until we have some real ‘gun control’ back home.

A Message From...

From Page 1

warned me, “Ay naku, don’t get involved with PWD unless you like controversies...” Another friend chided, “They ruin people –be careful, do NOT associate with them.”

Oh really? You see I was quite content with my “main-stream” life, hanging out with “mainstream” friends, okay being a ‘coconut”, only occasionally dipping my toes in the Filipino community when I am asked to codirect, stage manage or host/plan a Fil-Am event. But this was not enough. There was a hole burning in my heart – searching for that something…that “moment.”

So, when I went to that awful fashion show last summer at the Hilton (I still cringe at the thought of that pitiful show) I had to speak out, and it was only on Facebook.

So I thought I’d give a critique about the show. Oddly, it created waves and the dogs at PWD thus recruited this feisty little person, and that is me.

Fast forward – months later - - I am now with PWD. Thus, I decided to seek the TRUTH about why certain people abhor PWD. I went around to most FilAm “hangouts” such as Nanay Gloria… Noypitz…Jollibee…the seafood grocery stores…became friends with fellow Pinoys…interviewed people in the martial arts community, and this is what I discovered: Fellow “pinoys” that have no guilt or shame or anything to hide LOVE PWD. We do have a following. When we took a small break during Christmas, I was approached by some people dur-

ing a rehearsal for Fides Ecclesaie asking why we have not published the paper and were excited when I told them that we will publish 1st week of January 2013. These were caregivers…nurses… students…lawyers, CPAs, priests and housewives. I recently visited a Grandmaster of the Filipino Martial Arts. I met his brother who is a humble caregiver. He is a simple man. He asked me, “Mam, we love your paper – I follow it - -please do not stop.” My eyes widened and my heart said, “Bernie, stay with this paper.”

What a surprise! Questionable fund-raisers suddenly ceased!

Admit it. Haven’t you noticed that there is a sudden decline of fund raisers? One must admit that this is good thing because for once, fund raisers, parties that give away awards are FOR ONCE LEGITIMATE! There is a need for a watchdog. How can one stomach an event when one knows that the money is not truly being given to the proper channels? I certainly cannot. And this is unfair. All these years, let us ask ourselves… how many have truly gotten away with this hoax?

Most advertisers DO NOT CARE about a paper’s reputation – they only care about the RESULTS. We know that trying to get advertisers for a paper is a challenge. I’ve heard from several people – “Oh, they will not advertise with you because of PWD’s reputation.” Really? So, I did a test. I wrote an article for a certain business and lo and behold! This company actually had 7 walk-ins Continued on Page 13

Murdered FilAm...

From Page 1

Another interesting vignette from the family was how Charito had to forego her dream of becoming a journalist and went on to embrace a nursing career. It was that her mother wanted her to be a nurse because, in their neighborhood in Batangas, sending children to nursing schools seemed to be a ticket to prosperity. The idea of earning top dollars abroad plus her being an obedient daughter made Charito’s decision less contentious than it would have been with other young girls.

“She was a loving daughter and she took pride that she was able to give back to the family by taking care of her parents. Family is everything to her; her face lights up every time she talks about her family, including us nieces and nephews,” Macalalad remembered.

As a nurse, Charito truly cared for her patients. One time one of

her relatives curiously asked why she does not work on part time jobs, like most Fil-Am nurses do.

Her answer was that, it would be unfair for her other patients if she goes work exhausted. Charito was a well-loved active member of the hospital employees union until her untimely demise on January 11, 2013.

Her death sent a shock wave to the Filipino community in Los Angeles and beyond. The painful irony was that a life person who is loving, kind, compassionate and brimming with zest for life was unceremoniously snuffed allegedly by a man who was a father of her 17-year old daughter.

Tomas Infante, meanwhile, was formally charged of murder at the Pomona Superior Court on Wednesday, January 17. Arraignment for the accused has been moved to Feb. 13. Infante faces a life term if convicted.

8

PinoyWatchDog.Com

Saturday, February 16, 2013

The

Coco Martin Phenomenon

ABS-CBN ‘Juan de la Cruz’ which stars Coco Martin and Julia Montes has lorded it over rival stations in the prime time TV ratings game

BIZ-BUZZ MANILA-L.A. >By RJ BARBASA<

AFTER A HIATUS of some seven years from Los Angeles, parang kailan dinlang kung iisipin, di ba Ms. Ami A. but my absence produced a lot of good.

My spiritual journey for one finally made its home run with my discovery of truth about myself.

And when I made my choice, the result is even blissful- a wonderful son, King Solomon who turned 3 last January 1st as my eldest (with another one coming).

Ninang ka Kumareng Ami kay King. Sa sobrang ganda ng mga episodes kung baga sa drama series, nakalimutan ko ng singilin ang pinagbentahan ko ng printing shop ko sa Torrance. Mabuti pa si Nina Samonte at nakolekta na sa Singing Dentist sa nabenta nyang printing shop. At semi-retired na rin ang Donya Nina at entertaining friends na lang sa mansion nilang balay sa San Juan City which I visited recently.

Based on the original song I have written and composed, entitled Soulmate- “Time flies and runs like a breeze, and all too suddenly you have leaped the eons without seemingly noticing that it’s been that long, and forgetting yourself in the here and now, I can’t believe somehow.”

Tulad din ng sabi ni Coco Martin during the birthday celebration of Alfie Lorenzo “I immerse myself in the character that I portray that I completely forget myself in the process, kaya hayun a number of awards thereafter. At siempre pasikat ng pasikat na ngayon ang

dating Prince of Indie Films. The Coco Martin Phenomenon can be felt and seen in almost every commercials. Just taking the stretch of EDSA is enough to tell you Coco that has arrived.

Siempre official na ito: COCO MARTIN the ‘TELENOVELA KING’ OF ABS-CBN is now the ‘PRIMETIME KING’ of Philippine television. The new TV show of ABS-CBN ‘Juan de la Cruz’ which stars Coco Martin has beaten the TV show ‘Indio’ of GMA-& starring Sen. Bong Revilla in its first week of airing in the ratings game. To date, he is the only actor to successfully metamorphosed from just another Indie film into mainstream TV (thus dislodging mestizo actors Piolo Pascual, Richard Gutierrez, Dindong Dantes and their ilkes as Telenovela royalties) and film actor.

Touted as ABS-CBN’s busiest actor, Coco Martin is hardly getting any sleep these days. Just recently, the 31-year old was reported to have collapsed while doing a scene for “Juan dela Cruz” due to fatigue but Martin was said to have merely shrugged it off.

Apparently, the actor is not one to easily give up TV or movie projects despite the sleepless nights as he considers these opportunities as ones that could easily be taken away from him at anytime.

“Masarap kasi nagsimula rin ako sa wala,” he told the press during a press conference for “A Moment in Time,” a Valentines’ Day offering which pairs him anew with Julia Montes.

Martin remembers a time when he was always waiting for his next acting job.

“Kaya sabi ko ngayong dumarating lahat ng mga blessings na ito alam ko kung papaano siya papahalagahan at ingatan. Kaya kahit minsan hindi na ako natutulog hindi ko makuhang tumanggi at magreklamo kasi hindi naman araw-araw ibinibigay ang ganitong mga pagkakataon. Ngayong binigay sa akin ito, I have to grab these opportunities.”

In “A Moment in Time,” Coco plays the role of Patrick, a painter who doubles as a waiter who met and fell in love with Jilian as played by Julia Montes.

Martin says the character is quite different from past roles where he was always seen crying, seri-

Coco Martin: Philippine showbiz’s hottest property

For reel and for real: Julia Montes and Coco are singing beautiful songs

ous and even angst-filled, going on to describe Patrick as “jologs” and “kalog.” He also deemed “A Moment in Time,” as far removed from the now defunct soap opera “Walang Hanggan,” as it is a romantic film meant as “pampakilig,” even as he insists that it would serve to “magpain-love” at “mag-inspire ng mga manunuod.”

Joining Martin and Montes in the film are Cherie Gil, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Gabby Concepcion, Ella Cruz, Joseph Marco and “PBB Teen Edition” twins, Joj and Jai Agpangan.

Directed by Manny Palo, “A Moment in Time” started its nationwide theatrical exhibition last oFeb. 13, 2013 in the Philippines.

THE JUDY ANN SANTOS DILEMMA Last month, Jan 16, 2013 to be exact, the Court of Tax Appeals has dismissed the P2.7 million tax evasion case filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue

Coco Martin teleserye poster

Coco with KC Guerrero (with cap)

Judy Ann Santos

(BIR) against actress Judy Ann Santos.

In a 46-page decision, the court said that Santos only under declared her earnings in 2002.

It ordered the actress to pay the BIR P3.4-million in tax deficiency. The BIR filed the tax evasion case against the actress after she failed to declare all her earnings from her movie projects and product endorsements in 2002.

The following day, Jan 17, 2013, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it will appeal the

Continued on Page 9

Coco Martin darling of the movie press.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

PinoyWatchDog.Com

The Coco Martin Phenomenon... decision of a Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) division that cleared actress Judy Ann Santos of tax evasion.

In a statement, the revenue agency said it will be filing a petition for certiorari with the CTA en banc questioning the decision on the criminal aspect.

Reports said Santos was found not guilty

by CTA third division because she only underdeclared her income from

movie projects and commercial endorsements in 2002.

However, she was ordered to pay the civil liability amounting to P3.418 million representing income tax deficiency for 2002 plus 20 percent delinquency interest computed from 2008 until fully paid.

“It has always been the BIR’s position that the tax code provides for a presumption of fraud in

9 From Page 8

cases of underdeclaration of 30-percent. Ms. Santos’ underdeclaration exceeds 100 percent and the defense never submitted any evidence to disprove such presumption,” the BIR said.

It also scored the CTA decision for ignoring “willful blindness doctrine,” where taxpayers can no longer blame their accountants for their fraudulent returns. The concept was affirmed by the Supreme Court.

10

PinoyWatchDog.Com

Saturday, February 16, 2013

RTRP License Rest In Peace

I WAS ASKED the curious question lately, “What do you think will happen to the RTRP (Registered Tax Return Preparer) Program of the IRS?” The IRS has sought for Court Injunctive Relief after a Federal Judge from the District of Columbia (Washington) has ruled the IRS did not have “statutory authority” to regulate more Tax Return Preparers even as after some 48,000 thousand of them had already taken the exams and got registered in the new regulatory regime.

But then there were actually more who should be licensed, around 700,000 at least more by conservative estimate. The IRS will not register for the moment until the Judge’s ruling has been reversed. The legal interpretation of an archaic year 1884 statute will be argued by the IRS limping before the U.S. Appeals Court.

Here was my response to this question and my further ponderings. “I think the IRS may get a temporary injunctive relief. It did not mean to put tax preparers out of business in its initiative. I agree that the Judge’s ruling will imperil tax administration. But if it goes to Court trial, the IRS may lose in its position. The professional associations of accountants and other tax practitioner stakeholders I believe will not troop to the IRS’ side.

The IRS is evidently adding another license and it is a competition. I do not think Congress will give the IRS a legal mandate but who could predict this?

The program would bring in some 44 million dollars to the IRS on the PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) registrations. It is a new money maker that the country needs at this time.

I just wonder how much of this would be spent by the IRS Return Preparer Office (RPO) for expenses of administration such as staff salary, computers, office space, office supplies, prometric exam consultants, examination costs, etc. The IRS will most likely profit from the annual PTIN renewal fees. This is on the assumption that 700,000 of tax preparers would register and pass the exams.

Another 500,000 people in my opinion will provide

I personally think the RTRP program should not die. Why should tax preparers be unlicensed and thus could get away with violations in tax law? There is already a long list of penalties for tax preparers in the U.S. tax code. Congress might think the IRS should just impose these penalties that are already in the books. tax preparation services to Americans under the radar, without a license and unsupervised. This was the unintended consequence of the Federal Judge’s decision. The question therefore is, do we license or not license “entry-level” tax work? This debate will be with us for a long time, unless Congress intervenes, otherwise, the issue will go to the Supreme Court after the IRS Appeal has been denied. It will stay in the Supreme Court for a while, unless Congress persuades/ pressures the Supreme Court to decide quicker. In the meantime, have some fun in the tax preparation industry without the need for a license.

I personally think the RTRP program should not die. Why should tax preparers be unlicensed and thus could get away with violations in tax law? There is already a long list of penalties for tax preparers in the U.S. tax code. Congress might think the IRS should just impose these penalties that are already in the books. It does not. To

do that, every tax preparer should have a PTIN to track them with penalties for violations even if they do not have the RTRP designation or license.”

A client from New Jersey had contacted me for help last week. I felt curious how much I would charge this client being in the East Coast where the cost of living is relatively higher. But then to be sure my fees would be fair, I conducted a research as to the average tax preparation fees and found New Jersey to be at $260 dollars.

The average fee in the nation was $250 last year.

Thus, to provide a professional quote, I doubled the average fee to bill this client $500 dollars and it was respected. In today’s market where tax preparer forms had become a simple “commodity” to buy as it is treated by clients, the value of professional tax service is no longer recognized.

Clients of course recognize the value of tax refunds and would pressure tax preparers to get more and make them refund enablers. In hindsight, it is the federal government that droved taxpayers to refunds for giving refundable tax credits, and tax subsidies to the low income groups. Tax preparers have now become the purveyors of government social programs. Tax season in its essence was supposed to be the time for tax payment and obedience to a known duty to God and country.

Today, it had become the time for tax refund. Tax preparers who cannot deliver high refunds are evaluated as low grade service providers. Did I sense something quite funny or totally demeaning here? I just want to tell you the truth as it is.

(Angel Y. Dayan, CPA, EA, ABA, ATA wrote this material for his tax column and his select clients. His practice focus is on Tax Resource Management and Analytics, both personal and business and Tax Problems Resolution in four (4) distinct levels. He is admitted to practice in all 50 States. He has a Masters Course in Tax Defense Representation and completed advanced studies in Federal Tax Practice and Procedures. He could be reached at (213)-365-1040)

Saturday, February 16, 2013

11 11

PinoyWatchDog.Com

Community

BERNIE’S BOX

By BERNIE CORTES-KIMMERLE

FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS GOES INTERNATIONAL “The Bladed Hand” to try eskrima. At first by director and writer Nene was doubtful askJay Ignacio which preing why there was a need miered last year at the for sticks to fight and that Aratani Theatre in Los this style was for old peoAngeles bared the fact ple. That was when Ben that Filipino Martial stated, “It’s not the sticks, Arts’ (FMA), fighting it’s the way you use your methods used worldhands.” He suggested to wide stemmed from the try Venancio “Anciong” Philippines. This movie Bacon’s BALINTAWAK had stellar reviews. We The Grandmaster at work with Student Sig from eskrima style for six were there and wrote Long Beach. months.

Nene stated, about this movie. Ig“Now, that was in 1976. nacio traveled all over It is now 2013 and I am the U.S. promoting this still doing this. movie and PWD is here Nene also taught in also to promote and help Germany and Switzerpropagate these ancient land. Only 50 attended in arts. the beginning, and in one Known as Arnis, month, grew to 150. Fast Eskrima/Kali, Filipinos forward to 2002, Nene developed these real is now here in the U.S. battle skills. As most of teaching this great style. students practice every Saturday at us are aware, these tech- Grandmaster Nene, just like the Barndalls Park in Hollywood, CA. niques have been wideother Grandmasters, bely used in Hollywood lieves that the Legacy of movies such as the “Bourne Identity” and more. Balintawak should be propagated to preserve the However, some opine that what we see on screen, art of Arnis. The Art of Balintawak fighting is to will not be effective in real-life situations. And, show pride, economy, elegance, strength, speed, each day, new techniques are being introduced to loyalty and love of this style. Nene prides himself future masters. in that he calls his group one of the New GenIntroducing Grandmaster Nonato “Nene” erations. He stated, “In the old days, everybody Gaabucayan of NNG Balintawak International. was saying our technique is better. Now, we are “Nene” expressed that that the art Eskrima friends with everybody.” (stick fighting) was snubbed by the youths in MaHistory of Balintawak Venancio “Anciong” nila and its provinces. They thought this style was Bacon is one of the most influential eskrimadors only for old men, the poor and people that worked in history. A Cebuano, he learned Eskrima in the by the pier – “pang masa daw”. He was wrong.

1920s and became a legend in San Nicolas Town.

He was 16 when he moved to Cebu to attend He established the club known as Balintawak. college and at that time, he was already practicing Though this lead Bacon to death matches, attacks, karate. Nene learned that his landlord was a black jail time, he still had loyal followers. In the end, belt in karate and requested to take lessons. Dr. the term Balintawak is synonymous to Deadly.

“Ben” Marapao was the landlord and suggested Continued on Page 13

Chito” Velez, “Meo” de la Rosa, “Nene” Gaabucayan, “Anciong” Bacon, Ray la Victoria, “Bobby” Taboada, Teofilo Velez at Fort San Pedro, Cebu City (c. 1976). The photos were taken by “Johnny” Chiuten

The Grandmaster at work with Student Sig from Long Beach.

PWD Senior Writer Joel interviews Sen. Jinggoy Estrada

THE SON ALSO RISES! An Exclusive PinoyWatchdog Interview With Senator Jinggoy Estrada

►By JOEL BANDER, Senior Columnist Two Years in Jail and Acquitted “I accept it as being part of politics and life in the rough and tumble Philippines” About his Famous Father A few weeks ago Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada graciously invited me to his Los Angeles home.

The setting was a casual Sunday night gathering of Filipino family and friends, seemingly no different than the scores of similar gatherings I have attended over the years.

I found the senator to be without pretension and comfortable with himself.

On basking under Erap’s reflected glory JINGGOY ESTRADA readily admits living in the shadow of his father, former president and movie star Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada. The younger Estrada told me he always wanted to be as popular and famous as his dad. Jinggoy opined his father has greater political and acting skills. “He is more handsome than me too,” Jinggoy said.

Erap did not want Jinggoy to be an actor or enter politics. But entrance to the political arena was easy because his father’s name. Erap never wanted his son to make movies. Even so, the younger Estrada’s acting career was greatly added because of his father’s fame. But, “my acting career never really picked up until I became a senator,” Jinggoy told me. Even after reaching political success and personal maturity as a senator his father still urged him to stay away from the movies. “Dad, you were a senator and you made a movie,” Jinggoy told his father. But then, after the son’s first movie as a senator, “I just stopped telling him I was doing the movies,” leaving it to Erap to find out on his own.

Jinggoy’s second movie as a senator, “Katas Ng Saudi”, was a commercial and artistic success.

“I won the FAMAS Award for best actor,” (the Philippines version of an Oscar) the unassuming Senator beamed while explaining.

(See inset story).

Katas ng Saudi: Estrada’s Proudest Moment in Film Katas ng Saudi was a 2007 comedy-drama film produced by Maverick Films starring Senator Jinggoy Estrada and LornaTolentino. It was made during Estrada’s first term as Senator and is considered one of his finest films to date.

The film tells the story of an overseas Filipino worker in Saudi Arabia, who has recently come home after a decade of working abroad. As he tries to make up for his long absence, he soon finds that winning his family’s affections isn’t as easy as providing with “pasalubongs” and shopping sprees. His wife is having a hard time accepting the fact that her husband is financially supporting his mother, his older sister, and his brother-in-law. His children grew up without a father’s image and are thus estranged to him. The film resonated with Filipino viewers because of the familiar themes of love for family and the situation faced by Filipinos who work abroad.

The movie was an official entry in the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival where Estrada won an award for Best Actor and where the film received the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award. Katas ng Saudi also garnered several awards in 2007 and 2008 from a number of award-giving bodies including the prestigious Filipino Academy of Movie Awards and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards for Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Picture. Gross sales of the film reached P12.1 million.

Of Corruption and the Need for Iron Fisted Rule Jinggoy told me with sadness in his voice that “the Philippines is known to be a country of corrupt people and overseas workers.”

And then he asked me a rhetorical question, “Why can’t Filipinos follow the rules?”, seemingly baffled by his own inquiry. And while he wished that “Fil Ams would be more involved in community image building [but] they are branded as always infighting.”

Senator Estrada knows infighting. In 2001, his term as mayor of San Juan City ended.

The Arroyo administration jailed him for two years on “trumped

Continued on Page 13

12

Saturday, February 16, 2013

PinoyWatchDog.Com

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines:

A Tale of God and Hard Ball Politics

By MONTE HILL

THE RULING hierarchy of the Philippine Catholic Church has wielded enormous moral power in the Philippines largely because it has had the field all to itself.

Organized in 1968 as the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the bishops base their authority on the theory that their privileged relationship with God gives them the absolute authority to judge and enforce the moral behavior of all Filipinos including civil authorities.

Historically, most Filipinos have bought this argument and have strongly supported CBCP leadership not only in spiritual matters but also in virtually every other aspect of Philippine society.

As a consequence, the CBCP has become a national institution with a blending of moral and secular power at times equal to or superior to the power of Philippine civil authorities.

Under the guise of moral righteousness, the CBCP has been a ruthless hardball player perfectly willing to get down in the muck of Philippine politics in order to achieve its institutional goals. Besides massive demonstrations, prayer rallies and media blitzes, the CBCP and its allies cut backroom deals, distort and make astonishing claims about issues and bully legislators and officials.

The recent epic battle over the Reproduction Act of 2012 is a good example. Among other things, the CBCP claims that artificial birth control leads to promoscurity, masturbation, blindness, sexual dysfunction, veneral diseases, homosexuality and mental illness. None of these claims have a scientific basis.

At the same time, the CBCP attempts to intimidate antinatal policymakers by threatening to oppose them in elections and by threatening to withhold essential church services such as marriage, baptism and funerals.

They also threatened to excommunicate individuals - most notably President Benigno Aquino III. All these hardball tactics have been funded by the donations of ordinary mostly poor Filipino Catholics. Millions of Philippine pesos are spent by the CBCP and its affiliates for political projects and electioneering without public disclosure, oversight or other accountability

measures.

Until recently, these tactics have been very successful. Very few public policies have been adopted against CBCP opposition. Birth control, divorce, capital punishment and nuclear power development are but a few high profile examples. In electoral politics, the removal of former dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos and the election of Corazon Aquino would have been impossible without CBCP support.

The CBCP has also used

The bishops base their authority on the theory that their privileged relationship with God gives them the absolute authority to judge and enforce the moral behavior of all Filipinos including civil authorities. its political muscle to stave off government inquiry into the systematic sexual misconduct of Catholic priests. The lack of legal inquiry by Philippine authorities allowed the CBCP to not only tolerate the widespread sexual abuse of children by priests but conspire to hide the crimes and silence the victims. The CBCP’s coverup of the sex scandal reflects the deliberate, cold and calculating nature of its small all male elite leadership.

CBCP hardball political tactics have also paid off in the form of government financial support for Catholic church purposes.

For example, former President Gloria Arroyo funneled millions of pesos and a fleet of expensive vehicles from the Philippine Charities Sweepstakes to the bishops for their discretionary use before she left office in 2010.

The monies and vehicles were widely perceived by the Philippine public as a payoff for CBCP support of Arroyo who is being held on corruption charges.

However, after decades of dominance, there are clear signs that a new generation of Filipinos has emerged with views that are far different from CBCP policies.

For one thing, they are rejecting the claim of Catholic Bishops that they have special power from God to determine what is best for the Filipino people. They also argue that CBCP influence should be limited to the pulpit and that the hard-earned dollars of Filipino Catholics be spent on education and poverty. They are also rejecting CBCP policies that lack common sense and are irrelevant to a modern Philippines.

Public opinion surveys show, for example, that young Filipinos

support not only artificial birth control but also divorce, same sex marriages and homosexuality.

Moreover, many young Filipinos are not just rejecting CBCP policies but the Catholic Church itself. This is reflected in the growth of the Iglesia ni Kristo, El Shaddai and other protestant denominations.

In 1992, CBCP power was insufficient to prevent the election of Fidel Ramos as the first and only Protestant President in Philippine history. Later, in 2012,

the Philippine Senate ignored CBCP pronouncements and removed Renato Corono as Chief Justice of the Philippine Supreme Court.

If the CBCP continues in its present destructive path, the bishops will no longer be perceived as “great moral beacons” and champions of the poor and weak but as just another example of the powerful exploiting the powerless - in this case, from the plush offices and lounges of CBCP headquarters in Intramuros.

Les Miserables: A review...

the instrumental of the song is played, and sums up her life in the heartbreaking solo.

The movie audience, atypical in our neighborhood, broke into applause after the number. The hype that this number is enjoying in press and in social media is not hype. This is one showstopper that will be remembered for a long, long time. I hope that after Martin Nievera watches this movie, he will have the good sense to re-record his bastardization of this beautiful song. Better yet, to destroy all existing copies of the original recording. But then again, no ugly interpretation of this song will be able to survive in anyone’s consciousness after Anne Hathaway’s masterful version.

I dissed Eddie Redmayne in the trailers as mukhang bisugo and Amanda Seyfried as boses ipis. My apologies. In the movie, they vindicate themselves quite well. Most of the rest of the leads are good, notably Samantha Barks, who plays Eponine without sentimentality. Russell Crowe is the odd man out in the movie.

Although a gifted actor, he is sadly a weak singer, which is all the more highlighted by the fact that (1) all his co-actors are vocally strong, and (2) his character is an intimidating monster of a singleminded buffoon. His singing is truly disappointing, and at some points, sounds like it was learned from the Vilma Santos School of Singing. I think he did what he did at the end of his final number out of shame, not for compromising his principles, but because of his singing.

Another disappointment in the movie is how the songs with counterpoints (ONE DAY MORE, A HEART FULL OF LOVE) are shot. On stage, the actors singing different parts can be blocked in levels or by having each group take downstage at the point of

their solo. In the movie, it was quite disconcerting to see the editing from actor to actor, or group to group in such a hasty manner.

Still, Russell Crowe or not, faulty editing or not, LES MISÉRABLES is one movie that will be remembered by audiences for a long time. It is not perfect, but it is beautiful.

By the way, a new song was composed for the movie, purportedly to push the story forward and to vocalize Valjean’s thoughts

From Page 6

when he adopts Cosette. But we all know that this is also to get it nominated for Best Original Song in the Oscars, right? Whatever the reason is, it is engaging, and may become a love song for some people.

P.S. The actor who originated the role of Jean Valjean in London’s West End and on Broadway, Colm Wilkinson, plays the role of the kind Bishop who paves the way for Valjean to go on the straight and narrow.

Taking Pride...

From Page 11

of Michael Collins and Marty Syjuco’s Give Up Tomorrow which won in the 2011Audience award in Tribecca Film Festival and the special jury prize in the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

The docu has played in over 60 festivals in more than 30 countries, winning 15 Major Awards.

Reading the book of Nepales unearths the hidden stories of terrific talented Filipinos in the film industry. Learning about how Oscar nominated cinematographer Matthew Libatique shot Black Swan is fascinating. Libatique was the director of photography of Cowboys and Aliens, the two Iron Man movies, and three Spike Lee films (Inside Man, Miracle at St. Anna, She Hate Me). I was cracking up when I read how Matty introduced director Darren Aronofsky to pinakbet while shooting his film Soldier Boyz.

There are many Fil-Ams working in animation and yet they never get to be recognized. I used to wait and read all the credits in animated films that I watch and I say to myself --- those names are Filipino sounding. In fact, it would be great to come up with a book featuring all the Pinoy and Pinay artists in animation and 3-D. Ruben Nepales focusing on the Pixnoys is awesome. To top it all, Pixar top executive John Lasseter said, ”They’re just two of the great Filipino artists (Ronnie del Carmen and Ricky Rivera). Their talent level is spectacular. Ronnie was so instrumental for Up – the story, emotions and all that, and in Ratatouille too. Ricky is a brilliant artist and production designer.”

Ronnie, according to Nepales, was born and raised in Cavite. He is a story supervisor on Finding Nemo and worked on Ratatouille and Wall-E. Ricky has worked on Monsters Inc., Toy Story 2 and Finding Nemo. On page 94, I loved looking at the photo with all Pixar Pinoys wearing barong Tagalog at the wrap party of Ratatouille.

I should never forget to mention that Ruben Nepales was elected as board chairman of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association which presents the Golden Globe Awards. Actually, Ruben will probably be out there this time covering the 2013 Oscars. He is the man in Hollywood, writing about the Filipino Connection but more than that making us proud that indeed, there are outstanding Filipino talents in Hollywood!

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Back In The Dating Game

The Filipino Martial Arts Goes...

AFTER evading the media for the longest time about his personal life after his annulment from Kris Aquino, star cager James Yap finally hinted that he is back in the dating scene.

In an interview with sports website spin.ph, Yap revealed, “Basta nag-e-enjoy ako ngayon.”

Asked if there’s someone who is finally making him happy again, the basketball star said: “Wala pa

From Page 11

Balintawak’s Style This is a defenseoriented type of style. Skills in defense must be perfected. “We train in close quarters so we can punch and we can hit. Fighting usually starts in long range but ends up in close range – that is where Balintawak comes in - defense in close range. When both defense and offensive skills become flawless, fluidity in movement is achieved.

This is the essence of Balintawak” says Nene.

Hollywood Style vs. Real-Life One of Nene’s students “Sig”, understands the confusion about what we see in movies and what really occurs in real life fighting. Sig said, “ With eskrima, there is a difference in a martial art move and a dance move.

What you see in the movies is more of a “dance move” and there is nothing wrong with that. But if you expect to use that move in an actual fight, you have to do it in another level. There must be leverage in the move.” Grandmaster Nene added, “Our technique does not look good in the movies, it is too fast. “ FMA have seen an increase in its practice because of Hollywood movies and the teachings of modern masters such as “Ancion” Bacon, Dan Inosante, Cacoy Canete and more.

However, practice is key. Nene advises, “You need discipline. You must practice and develop new techniques.”

His students range from their early 20s to age 72 coming from all walks of life.

Grandmaster teaches group and private lessons in Los Angeles, CA. More information can be found at http://www.nngbalintawak.com.

Perry Diaz...

From Page 5

family friend whom the Noy-Bi people say would take a bullet for PNoy? In addition to Roxas and Binay, two other dynasts are expected to run for president in 2016 – Senators Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., the new chairman of the LakasCMD Party.

The 2016 presidential election might turn out to be a battle royale among the country’s powerful dynasties. Makes one wonder what did we gain in 30 years after the EDSA People Power revolution? It looks like we’re going back to square one.

(PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

13

PinoyWatchDog.Com

Star cager James Yap

The Son Also Rises, An Exclusive Interview...

up” plunder charges. However, it is generally recognized that Arroyo prosecuted a no-bail plunder charge against Estrada instead of his alleged involvement in illegal gambling with stronger evidence, which was bailable. Jinggoy was acquitted of the plunder charges. (See box). The otherwise congenial senator displayed some mild hostility towards former President Arroyo when his time in prison was discussed. Pressed, he said that “I accept the jail time as being part of politics and life in the rough and tumble Philippines.”

As for corruption, Estrada’s view is the remedy is an ‘iron fisted’ executive branch enforcing existing laws, and teaching me the word in Tagalog word for ‘iron fisted’ --‘Kamay na Bakal.’ No new laws are neces-

A Message...

From Page 7

and they bought their services because of PWD’s article. One of the people actually stated that they “hated” our paper but loved the article, went ahead and bought services from this company. TRUE STORY. Persons/business that have maltreated or “ripped-off” fellow Fil-Ams do not like PWD. They are obviously wary of getting “busted” and perhaps guilty? Hmmm…..

So, as a member of the Fil-Am Community, wouldn’t you want an INDEPENDENT paper that TRULY cater to truth and justice? I do. Wouldn’t you want a paper that expose the ugliness of certain characters in the community so that you can be forewarned? I do. Do you want a paper that will actually help you or at least guide you if you have been wronged? I certainly do. Do you want a paper to promote our artists, non-profit groups, businesses all with REAL facts, not cut and paste from other articles but wherein good ol’ research actually was implemented, interviews conducted etc.? I most certainly do!

We at PWD are not here to “ruin” anyone – why would anyone do that? We know the legal repercussions - we know that we have to prove that the evidence is clear and succinct before we even print any article.

We, at PWD, are here to promote TRUTH, JUSTICE and the ARTS – the real way.

Thus, I stand. I hope continue to read our paper - - it is FREE for you, to teach you, guide you, update you and entertain you.

I serve you.

Bernie Cortes-Kimmerle

naman exactly nagpapatibok ng puso ko, basta.”

“Settle down? Sabihin na lang natin na… I’m getting there,” he added.

Yap, however, stressed that he is no longer interested in dating high-profile women after his relationship with Aquino failed.

“Wala, hindi na tayo pwede sa sikat, kasi magulo. Private person na lang tayo ngayon,” he said.

From Page 11 sary. “For any crime the person must go to munication against lawmakers and the jail. No exceptions for friends or relatives.” president. “The church should not be in the When I gave examples of widespread cor- middle of the affairs of government.”

Five years ago he would not even have ruption at courthouses and various inspection agencies that undercover investiga- taken a moment to ponder divorce as vition would easily expose, Estrada did not able in the Philippines’ political landscape. mention iron fists but of the inevitability of But while the Senator is not yet ready to these practices as long as low wages paid to vote for a divorce bill, he admitted being officials leaves them vulnerable to bribery. personally surprised to even consider hearing discussion on the issue. As a political Woman’s Rights - Catholic Church Estrada, a devote Catholic, voted against analyst, Estrada considers the passage of a the Reproductive Health Bill. However, he divorce bill in the near future as ‘really a challenges the role of the Catholic Church possibility.’

Senator Estrada terms out in 2016. He in Philippine politics as “overreaching and told me he had ‘plans’ but was not going to inappropriate. Cardinal Sin should not ‘reveal’ them at this time. Having been in have called people into the streets against the political game this brand of statement Marcos and my father.” He openly laughed usually does not mean future plans of lecat the Catholic Church’s threat of excom- turing, writing and teaching.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

PinoyWatchDog.Com

15

AN ACT OF FAITH WORTHY OF PUBLIC VENERATION

By Fr. ROBERT VICTORIA

L A S T YEAR of World Mission Sunday, October 21, 2012 the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI canonized seven new saints: Jacques Berthieu, Pedro Calungsod, Giovanni Battista Piamarta, Maria Carmen Salles Barangueras, Marianne Cope, Kateri Tekakwitha, Anna Schaffer. Three of these saints were lay people.

And two of those three lay people, namely St. Kateri Tekakwitha and St. Pedro Calungsod died very young.

St. Kateri died when she was 24 years old. And St. Pedro Calungsod was martyred in Guam when he was 17 years old. This means that they committed themselves to living saintly lives as young people. So, how

does the Catholic Church beatify and canonize a person as blessed and as a saint worthy of public veneration?

The process cannot start until after five years of the personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death.

Only then can the local church where the person originated start documenting the life and heroic virtues of a holy man or woman.

The five years of waiting is necessary because it insures that the person has an enduring reputation for sanctity among the faithful. In some instances, like the case of Blessed Mother Teresa and Blessed John Paul II, that requirement was waived by the Pope.

Then the Bishop of the diocese in which the individual died or the bishop of the diocese where the person was born petitions

the Pope to allow the initialization of a Cause for Beatification and Canonization. If no one in the Roman Dicasteries objects, in particular the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the permission, or nihil obstat (i.e. nothing stands in the way) is granted to the initiating Bishop. Once a Cause has been opened, the holy man or woman is then called a Servant of God. During the first phase of the process, the Postulation, a group of expert theologians like priests, religious, and lay formed by the Diocesan Bishop must gather testimony about the life and virtues of the Servant of God. Also, the personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public and private writings are collected and examined. This initial phase of documentation can take many years and will only be completed once the Cause receives a judgment from the diocesan Tribunal and ultimately decided upon by the initiating Bishop. >>> Continued next issue