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 NATIONAL NEWS Maria Ressa fl ies to Oslo to receive Nobel Peace Prize

MANILA— Rappler executive Maria Ressa will personally claim her Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway after three courts allowed her travel there.

On December 7, she was seen in a video on her way to her fl ight to Oslo.

The Court of Appeals ruling, signed by Associate Justice Geraldine Fiel-Macaraig, said Ressa’s travel to Oslo is necessary and urgent as there is no option to receive the Nobel Peace Prize virtually.

The Court of Tax Appeals also allowed Ressa’s travel.

It added that the journalist is not a fl ight risk.

The CA ruled, however, that she must return to the Philippines fi rst from Boston before leaving for Oslo.

“The travel period shall be from Dec. 8, 2021 to Dec. 13, 2021 and only for the purpose of attending the Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony in Oslo, Norway, and participating in the events specifi cally mentioned in the attached confi rmation and invitation letter,” the document read.

The Court of Appeals also last month, just 10 days after the Nobel Peace Prize was announced, allowed Ressa to attend a month-long program at the Harvard University in Boston after previously denying her attempts to travel following her libel conviction.

She was also allowed to visit her parents in Florida on Thanksgiving.

The Solicitor-General had earlier opposed Ressa’s intent to go to Norway to claim the prestigious award, as the letter from the Norwegian Nobel Institute was only a “mere invitation.”

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A group of voters from the Ilocos region fi led before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yet another case that seeks to end the presidential run of the son and namesake of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Calling themselves Pudno Nga Ilocano, the group cited the conviction of Marcos Jr. for tax evasion as grounds for his disqualifi cation.

In their petition submitted to the poll body on Tuesday, Dec. 7, the group cited the “successive convictions for four counts of non-fi ling of income tax return and non-payment of defi ciency income tax” as the reason the former senator should be banned from running for president in next year’s election.

The petitioners added that the acts of Marcos Jr. were tantamount to “a crime involving moral turpitude.”

Political observers said the action tended to show that there were cracks in the so-called Solid North, comprised of Ilocano speaking provinces which Marcos Jr. had been counting on to help him succeed Rodrigo Duterte as president.

Similar disqualifi cation or cancellation of his Certifi cate of Candidacy cases had been fi led against Marcos Jr. last week, but equally unexpected was one from members of the political party that fi rst drafted him to run for president.

Offi cers and members of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) stated in their petition that Marcos Jr. could not be their offi cial candidate because he was never a member of the party in the fi rst place.

The PFP petitioners were led by retired police general Abubakar Mangelen, who also serves as commissioner of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

Their petition said Marcos Jr. had been issued a certifi cate of nomination and acceptance by other members of PFP without informing the majority of their members. As such, the COC issued by the Comelec to the candidate was deemed “unauthorized, unilateral, illegal, and improper.”

December 9-15, 2021 10

The PFP petition was fi led at the same time as the one submitted by the party-list group Akbayan, which like Pudno Nga Ilocano also cited the candidate’s conviction for tax evasion.

While the Marcos camp released a photocopy of a document stating that their candidate had already settled his tax obligations, a Quezon City court issued a statement saying that there was no proof that this was the case.

Observers further noted that the document from the Marcos camp had erasures of certain sections.

Marcos spokesman Victor Rodrigues said they respected the right “of every disillusioned group” to take whatever legal action they saw fi t, adding that they also had the “right to be heard.”

The latest cases brought to eight the number of petitions seeking to disqualify the 64-year-old Marcos Jr. The other cases were fi led by victims of martial law. While his defenders say that Marcos Jr. was “too young” to be involved in the atrocities committed by his father’s regime, he was actually 28 years old at the time his family was ousted by a mass movement known as the People Power revolt in 1986.

At least two of the cases, however, are likely to be dismissed as one was fi led by an unknown person also surnamed Marcos, who insisted that he was the real presidential bet. The other claims that the real Marcos Jr. had already passed away and the PFP candidate was an impostor.

Meanwhile, social media was abuzz early this week after a photo showing a huge crowd being addressed by Marcos Jr was found to be fake.

An aerial shot showed a much smaller crowd at the event held in Nueva Ejija, indicating that the picture released to local media had been photoshopped.

While trolls had shown photos of “Marcos followers” in red that were found to be fake as they were taken in foreign countries, the latest doctored photo was released to local media by the Marcos media bureau.

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Second Amendment under fi re! Give a GIFT that lasts forever! Isko Moreno: Now we know

ON DECEMBER 15, 1791, the U.S. Congress ratifi ed the Second Amendment, which states: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” It is part of the 10 amendments that constitute the Bill PerryScope of Rights. PERRY DIAZ

For almost two centuries, the Second Amendment was unquestionably the right that Americans were willing to die defending it. It was the sacred cornerstone of American patriotism and democracy. But in the aftermath of an alarming number of mass shootings over the past 50 years, Americans began to believe that the Second Amendment had caused more harm than good. Indeed, gun violence in America is rising at a very alarming rate. But Americans don’t want to raise issues against it lest they be accused – or branded – as disloyal and unpatriotic, although study showed that 75% of murders and 51% of suicides resulted form shootings.

Mass shootings

But as mass shootings increase, people are beginning to ask themselves: Shouldn’t there be some moderation in acquiring the type of arms that people can buy? A recent Gallup Poll shows that 57% of Americans are in support of stricter gun laws. There is now a bitter debate over gun control with proponents pointing to the Second Amendment as the source of their constitutional authority to bear arms, while those in favor of tighter gun control disagree with that interpretation.

Two mass shootings that were headlined recently were the Kyle Rittenhouse murders and the senseless killing of Ahmaud Arbery. Rittenhouse was a vigilante who fi red an AR15-style assault rifl e at three protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin and killed two people and wounded the third person. He was acquitted of the killings, which sparked protests in several cities across the country. Did Rittenhouse murder two unarmed protesters in defense of his Second Amendment right? Or was it an act of vengeance against people he regarded as misfi ts? Did the acquittal serve justice at the expense of human lives?

In the case of the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, three white men were convicted for Arbery’s murder. While jogging in a residential street, three white men in two pick-up trucks chased Arbery, a black man, and shot him to death in Satilla Shores, a neighborhood in Brunswick, Georgia.

Defense attorneys contended the white men were attempting a legal citizen’s arrest when they set off after Arbery, seeking to detain and question him as a suspected burglar after he was seen running from a nearby home under construction.

Claiming self-defense -- which was eff ective in getting Rittenhouse acquitted -- the killer of Arbery said that Arbery had grabbed the shotgun that was used to kill him. But a leaked cellphone video showed Arbery being shot three times at point blank range, which killed him instantly. During the jury deliberation, the jury asked to have the cellphone video of Arbery being shot played back three times. It was evident that the killing was not self-defense. It was murder. However, the question remains: If not for the leaked video, would the jury convict the men accused of shooting a black man?

After the verdict was announced, the Rev. Al Sharpton said, “Let the word go out all over the world that a jury of 11 whites and one Black in the deep South stood up in the courtroom and said Black lives do matter.” Indeed, it was uncommon for an almost all-white jury to convict white men for killing a black man in Georgia. It never happened before.

The recent deadly shooting at an Oxford, Michigan high school signifi es the 29th school killing in the country this year. In 2020, there were only 10 shootings, which was mainly due to the pandemic when most schools were closed. In 2018 and 2019, each had 24. What’s going on in America? Young people are being killed mercilessly in the confi nes of their schools!

In the wake of these mass shootings, Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut and a leading gun control advocate, had requested unanimous consent to pass the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021, which would require new background checks for gun transfers between private parties, as well as expand a 10-day review for gun purchases and transfers. (Continue on page 27) During this Christmas Season, many are concerned on what to give to their FRANC (Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors, CoWorkers) as gifts. As book author, columnist and evangelist, I would like to recommend that you give the 10th Printing copy ART GABOT MADLAING Health & Wealth of the “HISTORICITY OF JESUS” subtitled “Facts and Evidences for Agnostics, Atheists, Believers and Christians” as lasting gifts especially for your friends and relatives.

The 10th Printing copy is now being off ered through Amazon for $12.95 per copy plus shipping and handling. The 272-pages 10th Printing copy will commemorate the 76th birthday of my beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing on December 9, 2021.. It includes the inspiring article and testimonial of Deborah Q. Marcos entitled “.Fighting c with C.” Deborah Q. Marco, is a breast cancer survivor and registered nurse with Kaiser Permanente.

The 10th Printing copy also include some uplifting articles like “Power of Prayers and Teamwork.” ACAPINOY at My Angel Radio,” “Finding Jesus, Finding His Church,” “BAPTISM AND SALVATION” and others

Here are some reviews and comments about the book: ”I was blessed to meet and had prayer meeting with Evangelist Art Gabot Madlaing and members of the WE CARE Ministries Team in our home in General Santos City, Mindanao last February 19,2016. For reformation, moral and spiritual regeneration, I recommend this book to everyone especially to Filipinos in our country and abroad,” said Manny Pacquiao, boxing legend, Philippine senator and now candidate for President of the Philippines.

“I urge ownership of this book. For faith-building, and antidote to the fear and worry everywhere, many benefi ts can result from reading this vital information under any circumstances and most doubtlessly now with the world in such turmoil from diseases and uprisings and all manner of affl ictions,” wrote Darlene Vi Gamble, Teacher who fi nished Ba in Special Education and MA in Reading at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, USA.

“This timely book is a must read for agnostics, atheists, believers and Christians. I encourage my INC friends to purchase their own copies, read with an open mind and then share with others,” said Felix L. Olidan, Jr. former INC member and now Evangelist and Minister, WANCHAI CHURCH OF CHRIST, Wanchai, Hongkong.

“This book can help bring millions of Filipinos to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, for salvation and spiritual awakening,” wrote Corazon M. Nera, former Chair, Regulatory Board of Librarians, Director of Libraries, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Manila, Philippines.

“This is a special book which merits special attention and serious reading. The devastation caused by COVID-19 and following new stains reveal more than ever how desperately we need to fellowship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” explained Henry T. Bravo, Elder SURREY CHURCH OF CHRIST, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

“It is easy to understand and direct to the point. For faith building, every Christian, mother should read this book and encourage their children to read the same, “echoed Wynema joy Gacusan, Teacher and Registered Nurse, Glendale, Arizona, USA.

“I would like to have this book in the hands of everyone, particularly to our Methodist friends and the listeners, viewers and affi liates and followers of the global My Angel Radio., said Edwin Bacani, former Methodist, now Evangelist and global Director of My Angel Radio, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.

“My faith in the reliability of the Word of God and the actuality of the resurrection of Christ and the Truths presented by the Apostle Paul have been enhanced and encouraged,” wrote Judy Miller, author of 19 motivational and Christian books, Pasadena, Texas, USA.

“I personally recommend this book to the young people and millennials like me. This is a tremendous guide to the wisdom so needed in youth,” said Brent Solis, Evangelit & Minister, DAGUPAN CITY CHURCH OF CHRIST, Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Philippines.

“I eagerly recommend this book (Continue on page 27) For the most part of the Duterte presidency, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno was supportive of the administration. He has been photographed many times fl ashing the fi st bump with President Duterte and other administration offi cials. He was even criticized for not protesting Duterte’s deadly drug war in “ his city.

They were buddy-buddy for the most part. And then the crack began. In August, Duterte – apparently aware that Moreno would run for president -- said he would withhold from Moreno the power to distribute lockdown cash assistance that has already been downloaded for distribution to Metro Manila local governments, claiming that Moreno was “disorganized,” citing the chaos that ensued in Manila vaccination sites the day before the August lockdown in the National Capital Region.

Moreno countered by publicly criticizing the Duterte administration’s pandemic response and accused the government of ineffi ciency, corruption and politicking.

He said the government was “living in Wonderland” and have “no idea of reality.” He also took a jab at the reported anomalies in the government’s procurement of Covid-related medical supplies. “Your bellies are so big, yet you’re still not scrambling. When will you be satiated by power? When will you wake up to the truth?” Moreno said then.

Duterte hit back by saying a local chief executive whose training was to be a “call boy” obviously referring to Moreno, who was an actor playing sexy roles before he became Manila mayor. Duterte warned the public against getting fooled by a politician’s antics and dramatics. The word war went on until about two or three weeks ago when Duterte started slamming former Sen. Bongbong Marcos as a “cocaine user” and a “weak leader” and when it became clear Sen. Bong Go would withdraw from the presidential race, leaving avid Duterte supporters without a clear candidate to support in the May 2022 presidential elections. From out of the blue, Moreno said during a rally in Bulacan that the government’s recent three-day vaccination drive was “worth commending” and that Duterte deserves the credit despite the widespread confusion that marred the government’s initial pandemic response, adding that Duterte “listens to the public and corrects the mistakes of the people working under him.” That was after he said that he would accept an endorsement from Duterte and the PDP-Laban. And then in vote-rich Cebu, which had given Duterte 1.2 million votes in 2016, Moreno said he would be happy to add the President to his three-man Senate slate if the latter would agree. Moreno then went on to praise Duterte, saying the Chief Executive seemed “capable” of doing Senate work and pointing out national government initiatives like the Malolos-Clark Railway project and National Vaccination Days, which, he said, have benefi ted Manileños and Filipinos in general.

He also said he would continue Duterte’s much-maligned drug war with some innovations, and the latter’s “Build, Build, Build” which while commendable at fi rst look, buried the country deep in debt and gave China the opportunity to place us under a “debt trap” and to trample on our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

Many Filipinos were hopeful when Moreno fi led his certifi cate of candidacy for president, thinking here was a “principled” man who understood the needs and aspirations of the poor because he came from the poor, and who showed his quality as a leader through actions, rather than words.

And then he started talking.

When asked in an Esquire Magazine interview, shortly after formalizing his presidential run who his inspirations were in the fi eld of governance, Moreno replied: ““Lee Kuan Yew. Lincoln, because of (what he did for) equality. Martin Luther King Jr. for his patience. And Marcos for development.”

Two of these four were dictators, or, for some people, strongmen who made economic development an excuse to rule with iron fi sts and suppress the people’s rights and freedom. While Moreno was partly right in saying Lee Kuan Yew succeeded in turning Singapore to become a powerhouse in the region, Marcos piled up debts and suppressed rights and freedom only to turn the Philip- (Continue on page 27)

VAL ABELGAS On Distant Shore

An afternoon of the serious, the sublime and the silly

Ialways look forward to meeting up with my high school batchmates from La Salle Greenhills as a lot of them have accomplished much in the business world. Our valedictorian, for example, became president of Globe Telecom, while the batch also has executives in Offline the Top 1,000 corporations. Best of all, we have a large BETING DOLOR group of self-made millionaires literally starting from scratch.

Our class president, for example, began retailing rice while still in college as he had gotten married right out of high school. He is now semi-retired, but only after putting up a multi-million peso construction company.

There are a couple of billionaires in the batch, as well. One inherited his family’s small real estate development company building middle and low-income homes. He has since joined the condominium bandwagon, and has projects all over the country. He also has a handful of hotels and resorts.

Meanwhile, one of our big guys – literally at 6’2” and 200plus pounds – not only became a Green Archer who won a championship with our team, he then managed to become a top airline executive as well as a professor in marketing.

I met with three of the four abovestated batchmates for an afternoon of food and drinks, hosted by yet another ultrasuccessful businessman who runs a power fi rm in his home province. His younger brother is running for mayor in his progressive city in Central Luzon.

One would think that it would be all serious talk on business and politics, but this was only part of the lengthy conversation we had on topics ranging from the serious, to the sublime, to the silly.

I can’t mention some of the big stories as they were shared on the condition of secrecy. This is a shame really, as the inside stories came from the most credible sources.

There were nine of us in the happy afternoon session, and unsurprisingly six were pro-Leni, two were for Marcos Jr. and one refused to tell us who he was voting for.

We all agreed that the Marcos camp had done a magnifi cent job of rebranding their candidate, at least from a marketing perspective.

What they had accomplished was nothing short of genius in making the public, especially the youth, forget or reject history and the abuses of the martial law regime.

All of us agreed that the race was between Leni Robredo and Bongbong Marcos, with Isko Moreno a distant third. The other presidential bets Manny Pacquiao and Ping Lacson had little chance of winning, so it would be best for them to back out now.

The pro-Leni camp feels that she will win because her followers have become a movement, with Ms.Robredo being the incarnation of the late Cory Aquino, only better.

It is her being a lawyer and accountant that makes her the best candidate, but we will be watching carefully who she picks for her Cabinet. All of us remember that Cory had the best of intentions, but had some very questionable Cabinet appointees.

A Marcos presidency will be worse, as few good and honorable men and women will be willing to join his Cabinet, which means he will have to settle for less qualifi ed Cabinet secretaries, undersecretaries and assistant secretaries.

One very interesting detail concerning one of the probable losers came to light. His camp has become so desperate for funds that they are now off ering a 10 percent monthly interest on “loans” from rich supporters, but with a minimum loan of P10 million.

This smacks of a pyramiding scheme, of course. Anyone who lends them P10 million will receive P1 million a month between now and election day, and there is no way this can be done realistically.

We then discussed our various health concerns, with a good number suff ering from acid refl ux.

One thought he was suff ering from acid refl ux one early morning around 3am. The discomfort turned to pain so that by 4am he asked to be taken to a hospital.

Surprise, surprise. He was actually having a heart attack, the attending physician told him. He has since had two double bypass surgeries, which was (Continue on page 27)

Let Fidel Ramos retire from public life quietly

He helped topple the dictator in 1986. He will also certainly not support the dictator’s son’s attempt to ascend to power to reclaim the family’s lost glory and vindicate his father’s honor after he was chased out from power in 1986.

Fidel V. Ramos is a very principled man.

He wants the country to remember him as the man who helped restore democratic institutions in the Philippines and protected it from numerous attempts by misguided military offi cers to unseat Corazon Aquino.

A cabal of colonels wanted to install a power-hungry politician who regretted handing over power to the widow of a martyred senator, a symbol of the opposition to the strongman who plundered the country’s coff ers.

As the successor of Cory Aquino in 1992, he strengthened the democratic institutions and introduced reforms to stimulate the economy through his 3Ds — decentralization, devolution and deregulation.

He dismantled the monopolies in the country’s airline and telecommunications industries, levelling the playing fi eld to move the country up with the region’s tiger economies.

The US-trained army general willingly hung up his uniform after 38 years of dedicated service, rolled up his sleeves to confront in 1992 the debilitating 12-hour brownouts hurting the economy, and laid down plans for massive infrastructure.

He did not think twice to discard the military mind-set and off ered an olive branch to rebel forces, off ering amnesty to Maoist-led guerrillas, Muslim separatist rebels and rightwing mutineers.

There was political stability and incremental economic growth from 1992 to 1998 when he was chief executive. It was the best years of the post-Marcos years.

Ramos was not perfect. There were corruption issues, like the Mount Pinatubo rehabilitation funds, PEA-Amari land deal and the Clark centennial city.

But these were controversies blamed on his political allies in the political party, Lakas-Christian-Muslim Democrats (CMD), which pulled him down in the surveys before he stepped down from power.

It is the same political party with the familiar political families that is bringing shame today by supporting Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in next year’s national elections.

It is unfair for Ramos, considered to be one of the EDSA 1986 heroes, to be dragged into today’s partisan politics just because the party he founded in 1991 is backing Marcos Junior.

At 93 years old, Ramos has retired quietly from politics. He has already done more than enough for his country.

In 1950, he chose to serve his country’s military after graduating from the US Military Academy in West Point.

He fought in the Korean War, leading a platoon in holding back large numbers of attacking Communist Chinese and Korean forces, and served later as commander of the Philippine Civil Action Group (Philcag) in the Vietnam war in the late 1960s.

He organized two elite units in the armed forces — the Army’s Special Forces Regiment and the defunct Constabulary’s Special Action Force.

But he was also chief implementer of martial law, as the commanding general of the Philippine Constabulary and Integrated National Police.

In February 1986, he broke off from the corrupt Ferdinand Marcos to spark a nearly bloodless civilian-backed military mutiny, which became a popular uprising that ended a 20-year iron-fi sted rule.

Filipinos do not have short memories but they needed to be reminded of what they stood for in 1986. Filipinos gathered on EDSA for three days to demand Marcos hand over power after he cheated in an election.

For two decades, the Marcoses stole from the people. They lied and deceived the people so they could live like royalty while millions suff ered in poverty.

In 1986, the country was bankrupt as Marcos siphoned the money and stashed it in fat (Continue on page 27)

MANNY MOGATO

IN THE TRENCHES

Solving malnutrition! Banana bread for children

ith one of the country’s leading doctors who also advocates the reduction of malnutrition among poor Filipino children.

When I told Dr Rowena Burdem that every year Mindanao’s vast plantations and farms of the export-bound Cavendish Bananas throw away an estimated 1-million metric tons of rejects, her eyes literally twinkled.

We right away agreed to start a venture which would process the banana rejects into nutritious food for the country’s malnourished children.

A foundation she belongs to, SimplyShare Foundation, Inc. will partner with the Mindanao Development Authority for the establishment of a banana fl our processing facility.

Banana rejects are hands or fi ngers which are either too small or too big for the market standards.

Also included in the rejects are bananas which are blemished during harvest or handling from the farm to the packing houses.

The bananas which meet market standards are packed in 13-kilo cardboard boxes which are loaded into refrigerated containers and shipped abroad.

The rejects are either given out to workers’ groups who feed the bananas to their animals or process these into chips or fl ours.

Those which could not be absorbed by the backyard processors are just thrown in dumps to rot.

Many of the big banana farms are just too willing to share the banana rejects as part of their CSR projects.

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) had explored partnerships with groups interested to turn the banana rejects into fl our to feed Mindanao’s hungry children.

The program aims to address malnutrition in many rural areas in the island.

With this program, we will be turning thousands of tons of banana rejects into food which would nurture healthy Filipino children. ***** I visited the Balintawak Market in Quezon City to check on the prices of products coming from the provinces to complete my study of the food marketing system of the country and how it could be improved.

In my conversations with the sub-dealers of vegetables and fi sh in the market which in turn are bought in volume by smaller vendors to be brought to community markets, I was able to confi rm that the commodities from the farm gate to the kitchen of Filipino families pass through at least fi ve hands.

Assuming that each middleman or trader makes a mark up of P10 per kilo, a kilo of Bangus which sells for P130 at source would be sold for P180 to P200 in the market.

The added P50, of course, would be shouldered by the consumers.

There are two things which could be done.

First, the marketing system in the country of over 7,000 islands, should be reformed with government providing the enabling facilities to bring the goods from the production areas to the big cities like Metro Manila, thus cutting the number of middlemen and traders.

The proposal to establish Food Consolidation Centers in the regional food production areas coupled with the Farmers’ and Fishermen’s Outlets in Metro Manila and other big cities to be operated by an expanded Food Terminal Inc. would be the answer.

Second, the processing of agricultural products at farm level into high value products would be another option as it would give farmers or fi shermen added value and bigger income.

One example would be the Kalabasa or Squash which now sells at P3 to P5 per kilo at farm gate.

The Dept. of Science and Technology had already established processing facilitiies in several parts of the country turning raw squash into healthy and delicious noodles.

They are now doing this in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte but the production volume is very low because the facility operates as a backyard livelihood project.

There should be government funding support for projects like this and I am looking at the establishment of a national fund to support industries like (Continue on page 27)

BRAVE HEART

MANNY PINOL

Should you reaffi rm a debt in bankruptcy?

Agood bankruptcy attorney will guide clients whether or not to reaffi rm a secured debt. There are considerations before a debtor would want to reaffi rm a debt. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the debtor must submit to the court a schedule (Schedule D- Creditors Holding Secured Claims) indicating all of their secured debts (mortgages, vehicle loans, and purchase money loans for furniture, jewelry, or household goods, as well as any other debt for which you have pledged property as collateral to the creditor). In addition to fi ling a list of all secured debts, Chapter 7 debtor also fi le a form called the ‘Statement of Intention’.

Q. What is a Statement of Intention?

A. The Statement of Intention is required to be fi led in Chapter 7 cases. It is not required in Chapter 13 cases. Statement of Intention is a form completed by the debtor that advises the court, the Trustee, and your creditors what you intend to do with your secured collateral such as your home or car. This document also applies to leases. It must be fi led within thirty (30) days after the debtor fi les a petition under Chapter 7 or on or before the 341(a) Meeting of Creditors. It requires the debtor to state the following: 1. whether the property will be surrendered or retained, 2. whether it will be claimed as exempt, 3. whether the debtor intends to redeem the property, and 4. Whether the debtor intends to reaffi rm the debt secured by the property.

Q. What is redemption in bankruptcy?

A. In redeeming a debt, a Chapter 7 debtor pays the fair market value of the collateral, usually in one lump sum — in full satisfaction of the debt. This option can be especially helpful when the debtor’s collateral is underwater, meaning the value is less than the loan amount.

Q. What is Reaffi rmation in bankruptcy?

A. In reaffi rming a debt, the debtor agrees to remain responsible on the debt after bankruptcy and will continue making payments to the creditor, while keeping the collateral. Once the debtor signed the reaffi rmation agreement, he or she will have 60 days from the date of the signing or up until the day the court discharges the case, whichever is later, to change his or her mind and withdraw the agreement.

However, once the court enters the Chapter 7 discharge, the agreement is binding and in eff ect. If the debtor defaults on a reaffi rmed debt after the court entered the discharge, the creditor can repossess the collateral and sue the debtor for any defi ciency balance, fees and costs.

Q. What are the disadvantages of Reaffi rmation Agreements?

A. The following are the disadvantages of reaffi rmation agreements: 1. Instant Liability - A reaffi rmation agreement binds you in contract. If you missed payments in the future, it could mess up your new credit, cause you to lose the property, and make you responsible for the balance of the loan. 2. Approval of Lawyer is Needed - Your lawyer must review and examine all the circumstances and only sign the reaffi rmation agreement if he believes it will not infl ict an undue hardship on you and your family. Your lawyer must determine and decide if you are in a good fi nancial position to repay the debt. 3. Approval of the Court is Needed - Reaffi rmation Agreement is not accepted until the U.S. Bankruptcy Court approves the terms. Usually, bankruptcy courts are not delighted to let you carry on personal liability when you have already shown that your expenses go beyond your post-bankruptcy income.

Q, What are the basic considerations when signing reaffi rmation agreement? The following are some tips when signing a reaffi rmation agreement: Try to reduce the principal and interest, or stretch out the payment length. This is restructuring the payment terms to be more favorable.

You have 60 days to change your mind.

In California, most secured creditors are willing to let you keep making payments without signing a reaffi rmation agreement. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy lawyers often refer to this as the KEEP and PAY OPTION or RIDE THROUGH.

Wake up and fi ght for the Philippines

China has been interfering in our election since 2015 to put their person as President. China may annex the Philippines after the May 2022 election because of China’s ambition to control the West Philippine Sea which will enable them to control all the important sea passage. When this happens, all of us including our children and grandchildren will become slaves of Communist China. This is something that we have to fi ght to the last drop of blood. We will have no more country because we were sold by our politicians.

Call to Action: Many groups are now mobilizing to defeat the candidacy of BBM who is supported by China. We need to unite in order to defeat whoever China is supporting for President. Support Leni Robredo and join the real opposition. Listen to Percy Lapid (or Lapid Fire) and Waldy Carbonell on You Tube and Facebook for details and more corruption in the government.

Note: If you have immigration problems the Law Offi ces of Crispin C. Lozano can help you fi nd a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family separation.

Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers. He practices immigration law, bankruptcy and income tax preparation since June 1999. His contact phone is 1-877456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www. crispinlozanolaw.com/