February 15, 2013

Vol. XXII, No. 7

Online: www. manilamail.us

February 15, 2013

Filam group helps save OFW in Saudi Arabia

WASHINGTON D.C. Government and concerned citizens joining hands helped the save life of a convicted overseas Filipino worker in Saudi Arabia. Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario lauded the efforts of Vice President Jejomar Binay and Filipino American businesswoman Loida Nicolas Lewis who together produced the 3 million Saudi riyals to pay the blood money for Rogelio Dondon Lanuza. Lanuza was sentenced to be beheaded for the killing of a Saudi man in 2000. He confessed stabbing the victim but insisted he was only trying to defend himself. In February 2011, the Philippine government and the Saudi Reconciliation Committee

File photo shows NY Filam Loida Nicolas Lewis with Mrs. Letty Lanuza in Manila and at right is Rogelio Lanuza.

Continued on page 23

WASHINGTON D.C. Hopes for the passage of a comprehensive immigration reform

bill have steadily risen as both Democrats and Republicans in Congress have agreed on a blue-

print to solve the decades-old problem. Some 11 million undocumented immigrants, including estimated 300,000 Filipino TNTs (meaning tago ng tago -hiding and hiding), may become the beneciaries of any reforms that will give them a pathway to legalization and eventually citizenship. Already, Asian American groups have already joined Hispanic organizations to lobby for the passage of a bill in this session of Congress. In California, Lolita

NJ Gov. Christie

Dr. Connie Mariano

Word war over weight

WASHINGTON D.C. The Filipino American former White House doctor of three former Presidents says New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie angrily called her Feb. 7 after she made comments about his weight in an interview with KTVK-TV in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Connie Mariano, who wrote a book about her being the physician in the White House for 9 years, publicly suggested in the TV interview that if the Governor planned to run for President he risks having a heart attack of a stroke if he doesnt lose weight.

Sens. John McCain (R-Arizona) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) announcing their plan

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Continued on page 23

Popes resignation shocks Filams

WASHINGTON D.C. - Filipino Catholics in the greater Washington D.C. area, around the US and in the Philippines have expressed surprise over the sudden decision of Pope Benedict XVI to resign. The 86-year-old Pontiff announced on Feb. 11 that he would resign on Feb 28 because he no longer has the strength to fulll the duties of his ofce. He becomes the rst pontiff since the Middle Ages to take such a step. Initial reactions of Filipinos in DC and worldwide were one of shock, surprise and disbelief. Most of them have suggested that a younger Cardinal, like Luis Antonio Tagle should be elected to the post. I wish the Philippines will give the world its rst Asian pope, said another. It opens the way for a Filipino Pope, says Ria Pavia. J. Paredes said on twitter: Many were surprised that it was possible for the Pope to resign. The last one to do so was Gregory the XII in

Lapid wife gets 3-year probation for smuggling

LAS VEGAS A Nevada court has sentenced Marissa Lapid, wife of Philippine Senator Lito Lapid, to three years probation and seized thousands of dollars that she tried to smuggle into the United States. After the plea bargaining agreement, US Magistrate Judge Peggy Leen on Feb. 3 also included in Lapids 3-year probation ve months of home

Pope Benedict XVI

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Continued on page 23

Mrs. Marissa Lapid

US to x reefs P4

Nab NJ Filam tutor P6

Filvets bill reled P8

VA Filam wins for PH P19

Wheres Jon Melegrito? P29

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CEBU CITY. What does a New York-based architect and Japanese American anthropologist have in common? The answer is simple the bamboo amplier. Filipino American architect Franz Ignacio and Japanese-Filipino-American anthropologist Koh Onozawa met by chance when they vacationed in Cebu. They were introduced by their Cebuana mothers who are longtime friends. That started a long and apparently fruitful collaboration despite their divergent specializations. They are, according to Karla Maquiling of GMA News, the brains behind the Loudbasstard, an amplier made entirely from bamboo that is now being sold online in the Philippines. It was introduced in Canada last year and plans are to bring it to the US, Italy and other countries. The pair gave up their jobs abroad and moved to Cebu. Their initial foray, a digital tablet called Butler zzled out. The idea of a sustainable speaker that did not rely on electricity struck the tandem after Onozawas girlfriend, Julie Ghafari, used a plastic cup to amplify the music from a smartphone. From that seemingly innocent episode was born Loudbasstard, an eco-friendly amplier that works with smartphones mately improve upon their quality of life, they added. We want to foster an economic growth. Everything we do

February 15, 2013

2 Filams invent bamboo amplier

part of the Loudbasstard, and the music is amplied by the bamboo cases cuplike shape. Ignacio recalled that initially and Chic Haus Magazine in Mexico. One review came from Italian entrepreneur Enrico Marone

Koh Onozawa and Franz Ignacio, the inventors of the bamboo amplier (right). like the iPhone and Samsungs Galaxy 3. Loudbasstard wasnt created to replace speakers or your home sound system, they explained in their website, but to provide a personal sound amplier that is organic in design and environmentally friendly as it uses no electricity. Each piece is cut and dyed by hand, by local craftsmen in Cebu.Theres an entire army of people behind Loudbasstard by purchasing a Loudbasstard youre helping us help them provide for their families and ultiin terms of who we employ and where we create, is all within the Philippines, specically Cebu. We also pay homage to our cultural heritage by using traditional techniques in cutting and shaping the bamboo. The Loudbasstards are now being sold online in the Philippines and in Vancouver, Canada starting in October 2012. Hoping to expand their reach, the two are working to bring it to Switzerland, the Middle East, and the US this year. To use it, one simply has to slip in a gadget into the hollow they sent 50 pieces to Vancouver, Canada through a family friend who was visiting for a bit, and they immediately placed a bulk order after that. Thats when we realized we were onto something. Other friends abroad helped Ignacio and Onozawa get the bamboo speakers distributed in Rome and Milan, Italy. GMA News said its sustainable and eco-friendly design has given the Loudbasstard some good press from publications abroad, such as Design Street and Fool Magazine in Italy Cinzano, a member of the exclusive design organization Associazion per il Disegno Industriale, who called the product stylish and sustainable. Ignacio said he and Onozawa didnt expect that their simple and practical design would be well received locally and abroad. The reception has been 100% awesome. Were still blown away by everyones kind words. It makes what we do that much more worth it, Ignacio said on GMA News.

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for speaking Tagalog. But what were you saying? But I try. Talking about the embassy, Thomas said the Philippines has the second-largest immigrant visa section for the US Embassy in the world, but our nonimmigrant visa section is just as crowded. Our consular section is now state-of-the art, with over 400 seats, a at-screen television and Internet connection. So everybody can come in with respect and dignity and go to the different sections depending on what they want. It always surprises people when I tell them that three out of four applicants for tourist visas receive one. President Obama is really trying to encourage tourism. He wants all people to go to America because its very good for business. Were trying to be open, and we want people to come to the US in an honest manner. Asked if there is a similarity between Filipino and American cultures, Thomas said Filipinos will probably be surprised to learn how important family is to us. In my family, my mother was one of eight, my father, one of 10. My grandfather was one of 16. So I have a lot of cousins. Its a huge family.

Mahirap, US envoy says about Tagalog language

US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr., tells Expats magazine in Manila that learning how to speak Tagalog is Mahirap. In a question-answer interview with Expats Christine Cunanan, the ambassador said Tagalog is a difcult language, and the older you get, the harder it is for you to hear things. Id rate it just below Korean in terms of difculty. He continued: But I speak Spanish, so the Spanish words are easy. When I go to Zamboanga where they speak Chavacano, I just speak Spanish and they understand me. I have

US Amb. Harry K. Thomas, Jr. a hard time pronouncing Tagalog words, and my friends make fun of me. Sometimes its appreciated, and sometimes, people say Harry, Im so proud of you

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WASHINGTON D.C. As the winter season winds down, Filipino American doctors and nurses from all over the United States have started going back to the Philippines to conduct medical missions. The medical missions appear to be unaffected by last years controversy over Philippine health department guidelines, many of which were eventually suspended after an uproar. The Association of Filipino Physicians of Southern Illinois will launch on Feb. 17-23 what it says is one of their biggest medical missions in Bohol. The missioners are composed of American surgeons and nurses from Illinous, West Virginia, Arizona, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Florida and California led by Dr. Antonio Daquipa. They will perform thyroidectomy, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, breast tumor, hernia, gall bladder and cleft lip/palate, among other major operations. The mission is expected to benet residents of 47 towns in the island province, including the capital Tagbilaran City. A separate group, organized tion of eyeglasses, and other medical services at Tacloban City Hospital and at the Mother

February 15, 2013

Filam docs, nurses stream for medical missions to PH

Tomas Medical Alumni Association of America in Tuguegarao, Cagayan Province. But the outreach from America does not only involve free medical services. The DCbased Feed the Hungry is partnering with the governments Commission of Filipino Overseas for projects in Palawan, Manila, Cebu, Quezon City, Paranaque, Batangas, Davao City, Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro. They will be conducting feeding programs for the poor as well as turning over school classrooms built from donations to Feed the Hungry. Another area-based nongovernment organization, the Medical Mission of Mercy, is slated to render free medical services for indigents in Mexico, Pampanga and Marinaya, Dumaguete City in the province of Negros Oriental. While some groups are able to conduct year-round missions in the Philippines, most are done at the height of the winter season in the US but before the onset of the hot, humid summer season in the Philippines. The medical missions have also helped raise awareness of the plight of poor Filipinos among Americans, like nurse Peggy Moore whos joined at least 5 of these medical missions in the Philippines led by Dr. Bernard Quebral who was born in Alaminos, Pangasinan. The missions were organized by the Philippine Minnesota Medical Association and Hope for the City which collects used medical equipment and ships them to missions. . I cried because there were so many people waiting in line, just thousands of people waiting their turn, Moore said in a StarTribune.com article. It was overwhelming. It just touched me to think those people could wait for years without getting any health care. And here people come and they have a sore throat and they want to be xed that same day. (RJJ)

Filam medical missioners treating patients in the Philippines. by Global Health Foundation, brought 55 doctors, nurses and other health care practitioners from Standford University in Palo Alto, Ca. to Leyte. The mission provided free surgical, minor surgery, dental, general consultation, distribuMercy Hospital in the city. A 50-man contingent from the Medical Mission Foundation of St. Louis, Mo. headed by Dr. Fred Jimenez completed their own medical mission in Malolos, Bulacan last month, along with a group from the University of Sto.

US to restore reef damaged by minesweeper

MANILA - The United States is ready to rehabilitate the damaged Tubbataha Reef where the US minewseeper Guardian ran aground Jan. 17 due to faulty maritime map. In a statement, the US Embassy in Manila said it is now developing a technical plan for coral reef rehabilitation that will be led by a US team of marine experts. It said that as soon as practicable, a US interdisciplinary scientic team will initiate discussions with the Philippines to review coral reef- rehabilitation options in Tubbataha, based on assessments by Philippine-based marine scientists. This US team is being formed now. They will help assess damage and remediation options, in coordination with the Tubbataha Management Ofce, appropriate Philippine government entities, non-governmental organizations, and scientic experts from Philippine universities. the US embassy said. The US plans to carefully remove the minesweeper in pieces so as not to increase the damage to the reef which is Unescos World Heritage Sites. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Rear Adm. Rodolfo Isorena said a crane contracted by US from a salvor company in Singapore has arrived in the country and is now in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. The government has placed the damage of the coral reef to 1,400 square meters and urged [CTSP], P4.1 million [$100,000] will be granted to a Philippine university to support coral restoration research at Tubbataha Reef, the embassy said. In addition, the US government offered to fund a site survey for proposed improvements to the existing ranger station on Tubbataha Reef. Proposals could include the installation of radar and communications equipment that can assist Park Rangers and Philippine Coast Guard in avoiding collisions and keeping tabs on marine poachers, it said.

The US minesweeper Guardian sits atop the Tubbataha reefs in the Sulu Sea. the US government to speed up its action to haul the grounded ship off the World Heritage Site as soon as possible. The US Navy has already removed the fuel and other vital equipment from the minesweeper. In the next two weeks, the US Embassy said it will organize a roundtable with local coral reef-conservation experts to listen to concerns and discuss options for conservation and restoration of the Tubbataha Reef. Invitees to this discussion will include entities such as USAID [United States Agency for International Development], the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency [NOAA], relevant government agencies of the Philippines and the Tubbataha Management Ofce. Through USAIDs Coral Triangle Support Partnership

The senatorial campaign period in PH begins

MANILA - From speeches to TV adverts, from jingles to slogans, Team PNoy will be trumpeting President Aquinos accomplishments spurred by his policy of good governance. Convinced that the May 13 midterm elections are a referendum on his leadership, the President will be personally rooting for the 12 senatorial candidates. People will see more of him on the campaign trail, standing on a atbed truck, pressing esh and climbing the stage in his trademark yellow T-shirt. He proclaimed the LP candidates at the historic Plaza Miranda Feb, 12 and drew a clear line between Team PNoy and the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) to ensure a 12-0 sweep. The battle lines will be drawn. In this campaign, we will put the Presidents capital on the line, Sen. Franklin Drilon, Team PNoy campaign manager, said in an interview. The strategy is to highlight the administrations accomplishments: The 6.6-percent fullyear growth in 2012, the preliminary peace deal with Moro rebels, the Senate vote to oust Chief Justice Renato Corona, among other notable ones. Add to that, the governments conditional cash transfer program, which is beneting more than 2 million poor families. These were proofs that the reforms Aquino has undertaken in the past two and a half years were bearing fruit, Drilon said. The 6.6-percent growth is attributable to nothing else but condence in the President due to his unwavering adherence to daang matuwid platform, he added.

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NEW YORK - I beg the court not to put me in jail because my wife will die. I am the only one who is taking care of her. With this plea, a contrite, weeping Dr. Felix Lanting, an 85-year-old Filipino American physician, asked Judge Roslynn R. Mauskopdf of the US District Court in Brooklyn last month not to put him in jail. Dr. Lanting of Staten Island pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to distribute the powerful pain medication oxycodone, He was accused of writing an average of 15 prescriptions a day, seven days a week, between April and October 2010 and faced up to 71 months in prison. During his sentencing, Dr. Lanting said: I beg the court not to put me in jail because my wife will die. I am the only one who is taking care of her. He then began to weep. Im very sorry. I made a mistake. If I could undo it, I would. Im begging you please. Taken aback by the plea, the Judge Mauskopf said, I am agonizing about what to do. But obviously moved by his plea, the judge showed compas-

February 15, 2013

Judge shows compassion to old Filam doctor in NY

responsibilities to his equally frail wife who depends on him for care and his admission of wrongdoings. She gave him six months of house connement, ve years of probation and a $25,000 ne. He was stripped of his medical license and he must forfeit about $117,000 in cash. Also to be forfeited were 100 silver bars weighing 750 grams each which were seized when his ofce was raided in November 2010, according to a spokesman for Loretta E. Lynch, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York. And the judge scolded the old doctor, a University of the Philippines graduate, and said: You need to feel the restrictions on your liberty. The ne is meant to hurt and to punish you for what you did. Lanting was accused of running a pill mill out of a makeshift medical ofce at his Hunter Avenue home in Staten Island. He wrote an average of 15 prescriptions a day, seven days a week, between April and October 2010, prosecutors said. He potentially faced up to 71 months in prison, according to court lings. Previously, Dr. Lanting was highly rated by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). His hospital afliations included Staten Island University Hospital - North and Doctors Hospital of Staten Island. The overall average patient rating of Dr. Felix Lanting is Good. Dr. Lanting has been reviewed by 10 patients who have provided 6 comments. The rating is 2.5 out of 4 stars, AARP said.

Dr. Felix Lanting (left) and his residence on Staten Island. judge called for a ve-minute recess to think. When the court resumed, sion by deciding not to let the old doctor go to jail. She took into consideration his age, his

Georgia law makes doctors NJ Filam teacher held on sex charge prove theyre citizens
ATLANTA, Georgia More that 1500 health care professionals here are angry over a tough new law that makes all healthcare workers, nurses, doctors, pharmacists and other medical worker prove they are either citizens or foreigners who have permits to work. In the past, they only have to routinely renew their license to practice. Now they must prove that they are either citizens or foreigners who have permission to work and short-staffed state agencies cant keep up with the paperwork. In a state that licenses some 500,000 practitioners, the law has sideline some 500 doctors, 450 physicians assistants and respiratory therapists and 600 nurses who got caught up in the backlog. If doctors arent able to see their patients, there are potential issues there, particularly in an urgent situation, says Bob Jeffrey, director for operations for the Georgia Composite Medical Board. Patients can certainly see other physicians but you wouldnt have the same continuity of care, Jeffrey said. Colombian born-doctor Jorge Simmonds-Diaz, 64, a physician in a family practice outside Atlanta calls the new law worthless. Youre practicing for 15 lyears or more, and all of a sudden, they nd that youre an illegal immigrant working here? That doesnt make sense. Ofcials say the new rule has not unmasked any foreigner working without permission. MIAMI, Florida - A Filipino American high school teacher accused of having a sexual relationship was arrested January 25 at a rehabilitation center in South Florida. U.S. Marshals arrested 28-year-old Jennalin GarciaCalle after she checked in herself into a rehab facility. She is charged with sexual assault after allegedly having sexual relations with a 16-year-old male student. New Jersey prosecutors said Garcia-Calle had sex with the student several times on campus while teaching algebra at Plaineld High School. It was after school, the door was locked, the window was blocked, Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow said. The fact that someone would be that brazen to do this is very troubling. Investigators said GarciaCalle ed to South Florida last week after an arrest warrant

Jennalin Garcia-Calle was issued in her name. Detectives were able to track her down through her cell phone and text messages, according to CBS Miami. She had told either friends or associates that she was going to South Florida to get help, said U.S. Marshals spokesperson Barry Golden. Obviously Ms. GarciaCalle was aware that these

charges were forthcoming. She was aware that she was probably going to be in a lot of trouble and thats when she ed the New Jersey area. Prosecutors also said Garcia-Calle reached out to the student before eeing, asking him to get rid of evidence. He was under intense pressure by the teacher over the course of the weekend to eliminate some of the evidence which he did not do, Romankow said. The sexual affair came to light when the boy told his parents, CBS New York reports. The Plaineld School District put Garcia-Calle on immediate administrative leave, pending the criminal investigation. Garcia-Calle is now being held on $200,000 bail, according to CBS New York. She is expected to be extradited to New Jersey soon.

US appeals court afrms ruling on Filipino vets

By Roy C. Mabasa
MANILA The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has afrmed an earlier judgment rendered by a US district court dismissing for failure to state a claim and for lack of subject matter jurisdiction claims brought up by a group of Filipino World War II veterans and the widows who did not receive payments under the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund (FVECF). The Court of Appeals (CA), in its decision issued on February 7, noted that under the Veterans Judicial Review Act of 1988, the district court does not have jurisdiction over claims that would require it to review a question of fact or law relating to or affecting veterans benets decision. (The Filipino American by veterans were represented by Washington D.C. Filam lawyer Arnedo Valera.) The court held the Act barred review of plaintiffs due process claim, and therefore the district courts dismissal of the claim was appropriate. The Court of Appeals panel, composed of Circuit Judges Robert Sack, Ronal Gould and Milan Smith, also held that the district court had jurisdiction to consider the veterans equal-protection challenge to the FVECF. (The Filipino American veterans of WWII were represented Washington Arnedo D.C. Valera. Filam One lawyer the case against the US Veterans Affairs Department (VA) last year, failed to state a claim for an equal protection violation. The FVEC was established by statute in 2009 to give a onetime payment to each qualifying service member. The veterans involved in the case were either supposedly ineligible for benets under the or qualied for benets but were denied them because the Department of Veterans Affairs could not verify military service. They contend that their Fifth the pleadings for lack of subjectmatter jurisdiction and for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Amendment rights to the process and equal protection were violated by the statute establishing the fund and the VAs administration of it, resulting in their lack of payment. The district court dismissed their claims with prejudice on

report said Valera will appeal the decision.) On the merits, the panel held that the veterans, who led

February 15, 2013

Filam kid in Colorado shooting to sue state

DENVER - Ryan Lumba, the 17-yearold Filipino American student who survived a serious gunshot wound during the deadly July 20 shooting rampage that killed a dozen people and injured 70 others at a theater in Aurora, Colorado, is among 16 people who have notied the State of Colorado they may sue in the wake of the tragedy. The 16 include family members of those killed, survivors of the shooting and some who witnessed what happened that night in theater 9 during the showing of Batman: The Dark Knight Rises. The suspected gunman, James Holmes, was a University of Colorado neuroscience student who had seen a psychiatrist employed by the state. The documents claim the University of Colorado may have had knowledge of the danger Holmes represented. According to a local CBS report, the notices of claims led guarantee the right of those people to sue the state. The documents had to be led within 183 days of the shooting. They contain chilling information, serious allegations and large sums of money, says the report. Lumba was shot in the hip, abdomen, chest and arm. Just remember being on the ground, he recalled. I see people running and screaming. Im like, Whats going on?then I was knocked out. Lumba, who graduated in May from

Ryan Lumba sues state of Colorado. Eaglecrest High School, has put his college plans on hold as he recuperates. He was to attend Western State Colorado University last fall prior to the tragedy. His parents, Sam and Remy, are unemployed, with his now partially paralyzed father in need of 24-hour care. Remy, meanwhile, underwent major surgery a few months before her husband suffered a stroke. Some of those giving notice to sue were in other theaters inside the Century 16 theater complex. They claim they, too, were traumatized by the events. Lumba and others have earlier led a separate lawsuit against theater owners blaming them for lack of security. Sued before a federal court was the Plano, Texas-based Cinemark USA (dba Century 16 Aurora) alleging that the nations third largest theater circuit failed to ensure adequate safety to prevent the shooting at Century 16.

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By Rodney J. Jaleco
WASHINGTON D.C. Filipino veterans supporters hailed the move of Nevada Rep. Joe Heck to reintroduce a bill in the US Congress that would compel the Department of Veterans Affairs to accept other documents to prove a Filipino veteran served with the US armed forces in World War II. The governments insistence to rely on at least 2 ofcial documents, including the so-called Missouri List to prove service to the United States during World War II has often been cited as the biggest obstacle for Filipino veterans to receive the lump sum payment for the injustice they suffered after the war. The US Congress enacted the Rescission Act in 1946, withdrawing recognition for thousands of Filipinos who served with the US military, either as part of the Commonwealth Army or as guerillas who fought under American supervision. In the process, they lost the chance to enjoy benets given to other nationals who fought with the US in World War II. The Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) was intended to address that injustice by recognizing the role of the Filipino veterans and providing for a one-time payment of $15,000 for Filipino World War II veterans whove become American citizens and $9,000 for those who retained their Filipino citizenship. Some 24,385 of the more than 43,000 surviving veterans who applied for the FVEC were turned down, reportedly because their names were not in the ofcial roster at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Mo. Last December, President Obama approved the release of a previously classied report outlining US military actions in the Philippines during and after World War II, including the process by which the US Army recognized qualied guerillas. Retired Maj. Gen. Deln Lorenzana, special envoy for Filipino veterans at the Philippine Embassy, expressed the hope the 335-page report would provide alternative proof of service for those previously disqualied for the FVEC.

February 15, 2013

Nevada solon leads charge for FilVets in Congress

are only in one of the lists, he explained. This comes after The Mighty Five Fil-Am World War II veterans from Southern Nevada denied compensation and whose cause was taken up in Las Vegas - have been reduced to two over the past year with the deaths of Augusto Oppus, Romeo Barreras and Silverio Cuaresma. Barreras died last month at 85. Cuaresma, who was 100, died two weeks ago in Las Vegas. Simply put, these men fought so that the Allies could defeat the Japanese in the Pacic, Heck said in a privilege speech on Capitol Hill. According to a document his family has preserved through the years, Cuaresma was appointed second lieutenant on April 22, 1943, in the eld by order of Edwin P. Ramsey, major, U.S. Army commanding. Ramsey was the wellknown leader of the 26th Cavalry who made the famous last horse charge in US history on Jan. 16, 1942. Decades later, Ramsey vouched for Cuaresmas Army service in an afdavit for his veterans benets claim to no avail because the papers were not recognized. One of those, a PangasinanTarlac Military District roster dated April 22, 1943, names Cuaresma, Silverio S., 2nd Lt., USAFFE, as the No. 7 ofcer on a list of 85 soldiers. If they can show they fought, lets fulll our promise to them so they can live out their years knowing the United States has ofcially recognized their service. In the Senate, Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) is also set to reintroduce a Filipino veterans compensation bill as work gets under way on the Veterans Affairs committee on which he sits, a spokeswoman said. Its a very convoluted process, Heck said before paying his respects to Cuaresma at the memorial. Its the Department of the Army that has to make the determination that they are recognized. Then they turn that over to the VA and the VA pays the benet. Unfortunately, they have a very narrow interpretation of what documents they will accept to prove service.

Nevada Rep. Joe Heck Hecks bill would direct the VA to accept the paperwork and to accept one valid document as acceptable proof, rather than multiples, and it would direct the Army to cooperate. It would also extend the deadline for eligible veterans to apply. Lorenzana said of the 43,083 veterans who led claims with the VA, only 18,698 are in both the US Army Roster of Troops and the Discharge List. Many applications for the FVEC were rejected because their names were either not in the lists or

Will Lus departure hurt FilVets drive?

WASHINGTON D.C. - The resignation of Chris Lu, President Obamas liason to the Cabinet the past 4 years, might hurt the efforts of some 18,000 Filipino veterans of WWII who have been denied benets under the 2008 Filipino Veterans Equity Fund. Lu, who had served as Obamas primary liaison to the Cabinet and also served as cochair of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacic Islanders had been instrumental in keeping hopes alive for the veterans who failed to avail of the benet. Many of the Filipino veterans advocates had counted on Lu to help give recognition to the thousands who were not able to collect the lump sum payment from FVEF. Last year, Lu received approval and created the high level White House Inter Agency Working Group, to examine the issue of the denied Filipino Veterans. Last October, the President appointed the TaiwaneseAmerican to co-chair the group to address the Filipino veterans problems. The IWGs role is to look deeper into the process and concerns to see if there are changes or adjustments that can be made that would be helpful to the veterans.

DVA says 21% of American war veterans are minorities

WASHINGTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the appointment of six new members to the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans. The committee advises the Secretary of Veterans Affairs regarding the needs of minority Veterans with respect to compensation, health care, rehabilitation, outreach, and other benets and programs administered by the VA. Our Veterans are reective of the society in which we live, and we draw strength from their diversity, said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. VA relies on this committee to provide sound counsel on issues So was Eric Lachica of the Coalition for Filipino Veterans, Inc. who was also present at the brieng by the White House staff before the Presidents Inauguration. There was no inkling of his intention of resigning in his conversations with us, Lachica said. Veterans advocates had counted on Lu to help the thousands of veterans who have been that impact the minority Veteran population, and we welcome the newest members. There are approximately 4.7 million minority veterans in the United States and its territories, thus comprising nearly 21 percent of the total Veteran population. Chartered on Nov. 2, 1994, the committee makes recommendations for administrative and legislative changes. The committee members are appointed to one, two, or three-year terms. The new committee members include: Tommy L. Daniels, Brig. Gen., retired Air Force, of Fort Worth, Texas; Raymond Jardine, Col., retired Army, of Honolulu, Hawaii; Thanh denied lump sum benets. Rozita Lee told the Asian Journal that Lus departure does hurt, but the work continues to help the estimated 18,000 Filipino WWII veterans who applied but were denied their share of a lump sum payment from the US. His departure is a big deal, said Lee, Commissioner, Presidents Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacic Islanders and Board Dinh, Air Force Veteran of Burke, Va.; Harold Hunt, Army Veteran of Pembroke, N.C.; Shelia Mitchell, Air Force Veteran of Manassas, Va.; Elisandro T. Diaz, Navy Veteran of Santa Ana, California. Current members are Clara L. Adams-Ender, Brig. Gen., retired Army; Oscar B. Hilman, Brig. Gen., retired Army, Benjamin C. Palacios, Command Sgt. Maj., retired Army, is assistant VP, regional account manager for Guam and CNMI region for Science Application International Corporation (SAIC); Celia Renteria Szelwach, Army Veteran; Marvin Trujillo, Jr., Marine Corps Veteran. Adviser, NaFFAA NV State and National. I am a bit disappointed but I know the kind of person that he is, he cares. Im sure he left information to the other White House staff working with our group, she added. Hes not abandoning us. We just miss him personally. He is a man of integrity and he does care [about the Filipino WWII veterans].

Chris Lu Among them were the order to make public the records of Filipino World War II veterans in the governments archives in Missouri The news of his sudden departure surprised many Filipino WWII Veterans advocates. The Manila Mails Bing Branigin, who posed for a picture with Lu at the January 18 White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacic Islanders welcome brieng, did not know about his resignation.

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serviceman. My father left us when I was 3, Schoeld disclosed in past interview with The College Magazine of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University (IU). My mother came to the United States because of her idealism about the country that had saved her during World War II, and remained here, I believe, because of the stigma and shame she would have suffered had she returned to the Philippines as a divorced woman. She was a pharmacist and stressed achievement, independence and selfsufciency as essential values. As the rst Asian-American to be elected chair of the 70,000member litigation section of the American Bar Association, she has been named a Super Lawyer for ve years in a row by Super Lawyers magazine. In 2008, she was named one of the nations 50 most inuential minority lawyers by the National Law Journal. Schoeld, double-majored in English and German on full scholarship and graduated Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude in three years from Indiana University, and earned her J.D. from New York University (NYU) Law School, where she served as editor of the NYU Law Review and a Pomeroy scholar.

1st Filam federal judge speaks at FALDEF March 1

NEW YORK - Lorna Gail Schoeld, the rst Filipino American in the history of the United States to serve as an Article III federal judge, will address the Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF) on March 1 in her maiden public appearance before a Filipino American audience, the Filipino Reporter has learned. This will be the rst time since her nomination and conrmation as the rst Filam federal judge that she will be meeting with Filipino American barristers. Schoeld, who turned 57 on Jan. 27, was a distinguished attorney with the prestigious Manhattan rm Debevoise & Plimpton LLP since 1988 specializing on complex civil litigation and white collar criminal defense. The FALDEF fund-raiser will be held at the ofcial residence of Philippine Consul General in New York Mario de Leon, Jr. on 66th Street in Manhattan. FALDEF is also reportedly eyeing as a guest of honor Filipino Pulitzer-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, who came out in 2011 as an undocumented immigrant and helped bring to the political forefront the immigration reform issue. FALDEF is a national organization that provides pro bono legal services to members of the Filipino-American community who are suffering legal injustices by reason of their immigrant

Lohman wants Manila to boost military force

MANILA Walter Lohman, director of the Washington D.C.-based Asian Studies Center of the Heritage Foundation, says the Philippines must strengthen its military force to assert its rights over the contested territories in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). After calling of Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario during his stopover here during his Asia tour, Lohman said that despite the countrys move to bring its dispute with China before the International Arbitral tribunal, Beijing would still not agree to arbitration but would continue to assert its claims aggressively. The Philippines should strengthen its military force to protect its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone, he said. You are absolutely going in the right direction, no question. [But] you have to push back on the Chinese on every possible venue. You have to push back legally, you also need to have some sort of cred-

Filam Federal Judge Lorna Schoeld. origins and status and unable to engage legal aid and assistance on account of poverty. It was helped and established by the late civil rights advocate John A. Payton, head of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Legal Defense and Education Fund. As an only child born in Fort Wayne, and grew up in New Haven, Indiana, Schoeld is a second-generation Filaam and the product of what used to be called a mixed marriage - her late mother, Priscilla Tiangco Schoeld, was a Filipina war bride from Batangas City, Philippines, who married an American

Secretary Albert del Rosario with Walter Lohman ible military force, Lohman said. He noted that international law is on the Philippine side when it came to the nine-dash map claims of China. From their [Chinas] perspective, their best opportunity is to press their advantage physically because on the merits of the case they are not going to win the case on the validity of the nine-dash-map, he said. Lohman suggested that Manila acquire a ghter aircraft in order to tell the Chinese to stay out of our territory.

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WASHINGTON D.C. One of Americas biggest unions has challenged lawmakers to craft measures in an immigration reform bill they are writing that will protect foreign workers from abuses. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), said the government has an obligation to prevent abuses like those inicted by a US-based recruiter against hundreds of Filipino teachers in Louisiana. Three years ago the AFT brought to light the abuses of nearly 350 Filipino teachers recruited to work in Louisiana. These teachers borrowed money to pay massive fees, had their documents seized and faced threats and extortion. Their story was a shock to our union, she said. The US District Court in Los Angeles, CA. ordered their recruiter, Universal Placement International last December to pay $4.5 million to the Filipino teachers who were forced into exploitive contracts. In a statement, timed with release of the report, The American Dream Up for Sale: A Blueprint for Ending International Labor Recruitment Abuse Weingarten noted that such abuses seemed to be prevalent in the US. The outrageous practices catalogued in this report cry out for justice and we have an obligation to reform the systems that are allowing them to happen and break the cycles of exploitation that engulf so many immigrant workers. The report, Weingarten stressed, makes clear that such abusespermeate the system. exploiting workers who came from other countries to teach in American schools. The DOL order also banned PGCPS from recruiting foreign teachers for 2 years, forcing many of the teachers to return to an uncertain future in the Philippines. Weingarten said the report offers a set of core principles for the kind of treatment that any worker in our nation should be able to expect. Ideals such as freedom from discrimination or coercion, access to justice and information, and freedom of movement and association are not reserved for citizens alone. They are universal values for which our country stands and must apply to any worker on our soil, she added. The AFT campaign, if it proves successful, would benet all foreign guest workers in the US, including about two dozen Filipino oil rig workers who led a class suit against contractor Grand Isle Shipyard and jobplacement rm DNR Offshore. The Filipinos, who work as welders and pipetters in offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico and other drill sites, alleged they were essentially imprisoned from the minute they set foot in Louisiana. Three Filipino welders were killed in an explosion on one of those oil platforms last Nov. 16. As our nation begins the essential work of comprehensive immigration reform, Weingar-

February 15, 2013

Foreign workers rights should be part of reforms - AFT

ten declared, It is imperative that the agenda include reasonable regulation of the international recruitment process. Among their proposals, she explained, is creating a national recruiter registry, public disclosure of information and the elimination of fees for workers to get jobs. (RJJ)

Filam sailors enjoy perks from US pivot to Asia

MANILA - Filipinos serving aboard US Navy warships are getting an unexpected perk of sorts as their vessels call on Philippine ports, often paving the way for impromptu family reunions. The Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Stockdale docked at Subic Bay last week. Its unclear whether its going to be a regular feature of Americas pivot to Asia but US warships have been dropping anchor in the Philippines at the rate of once a week. And perhaps none are happier than their 15 Filipino American crew members. We have quite a few Filipino American sailors among our crew, disclosed the Stockdales skipper about the country were the tales his parents and grandparents told him. His lolo from the mother-side served with the US Army in World War II and both his parents who trace their roots to Cebu and Pangasinan served with the US Navy. Submariners are considered an elite class in the US Navy because they are carefully selected and train extensively to work in conned spaces for extended periods of time. A nuclear submarine can operate underwater for months on end without surfacing. I am really looking forward to nding the food I grew up with, he was quoted in a Manila Bulletin report, I cant wait for some liberty to explore the place

File photo shows Filipino tutors demonstrating in DC 2 years ago. Two years ago, the US Department of Labor ordered the Prince Georges County Public School (PGCPS) system in Maryland to pay $5.9 million in back wages and nes for violating visa rules when it recruited about a thousand foreign teachers, most of them from the Philippines. The teachers were reportedly compelled to pay $1,000 in placement fees, including for their H-1B visas that should have been paid by PGCPS. The AFT denounced the school district for illegally

PH ranks 67th in worlds happiest people

NEW YORK - The Philippines ranked 67th among 142 countries in the world with the happiest citizens in the 2012 Legatum Institute Prosperity Index, posted on Forbes.com. Norway topped the list in the last three reports in 2010, 2011, and 2012. The next happiest countries after Norway were Denmark, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Finland, the Netherlands,Switzerland, and Ireland. Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) says the Philippines had been given the distinction of Most Romantic Destination by the Shanghai Peninsula Hotel last month. The DFA noted that the award was received by Consul General Charles Jose, accompanied by Niel Ballesteros of the Philippine Tourism Ofce in Shanghai. The Legatum Prosperity Index, an annual global survey developed by the London-based Legatum Institute, is a unique assessment of global wealth and wellbeing in eight categories economy, entrepreneurship and opportunity, governance, education, health, safety and security,npersonal freedom, and social capital. The survey is helped by data from Gallup World Roll, World Development Indicators, GDP, World Intellectual Property Organization, United Nations Human Development Report, World Bank, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and World Values Survey. An overwhelming 93 percent of surveyed Filipinos said they believe that people are treated with respect in the country, higher than the global average of 85.1%, while 81.8% are satised with the beauty of the environment (75.1% global). A high 79.8% are satised with government efforts (40.2% global) and 88.3% are satised with freedom of choice (75.8% global). The highest Philippines ranked 47th in economy, 63rd in governance, 75th in entrepreneurship and opportunity, 72nd in education system, 93rd in health, 55th in personal freedom, and 72nd in social capital. Legatum Institute researchers started to rank the happiest countries in the world six years ago. It denes happiness as being healthy, having enough food and enough money to buy what one wants, being able to speak what is on ones mind, free to worship, feel safe and secure, having opportunity to get an education, and be an entrepreneur. We congratulate the government of the Republic of the Philippines headed by H.E., President Benigno S. Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar C. Binay in their programs to bring the fruits of development to majority of Filipinos. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!

Filam crew of visiting US warship in Manila line up for photo. Cmdr. Lex Walker. I hope that the citizens of the Philippines can look at our ship and see that their people and culture are well represented and respected in the US Navy, he told the Philippine News Agency. Earlier, the nuclear-powered submarine USS Cheyenne also stopped at Subic to replenish supplies and for some welldeserved R&R, including for two of her Fil-Am crew members Robert Hicks and Teodorico Dante. Hicks was born at Clark Air Base in Pampanga and the visit was his rst time to return to the country. He nally got a chance to fulll a dream to stand in the shadow of Mt. Pinatubo the volcano that devastated large parts of the province and forced the US Air Force to abandon the sprawling Clark Air Base. Hicks added he was ready for some real lumpia and pancit. For Tapia though the experience could be more profound. Born in California, all he knew my elders still call home. I am an American but I am a descendant of the Philippines and this is my rst chance to see a place Ive only dreamed of visiting. Filams serving aboard the USS Stockdale have families in Baguio City, Metro Manila, Bataan, Pampanga and Olongapo City, Zambales, Walker revealed. Most of them visited relatives while the ship was on port. The US Embassy in Manila also arranges for crew members to participate in community projects such as handing gifts to orphans or organizing guided tours of their ships. The USS Stockdale is a 9,200-ton destroyer that carries up to 90 long-range cruise and shorter-range defensive missiles. It is based in San Diego, Ca. The USS Cheyenne, on the other hand, is a Los Angelesclass attack submarine that is powered by its own nuclear reactor. It took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom, ring Tomahawk cruise missiles against Saddam Husseins forces.

February 15, 2013

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NEW YORK Sheila Corjournalists should start thinking entrepreneurially because they are nding themselves short of funds and lack of support from major news organizations that are afraid of lawsuits and pressure tactics. The Kapihan forum was held at the Pan de Sal coffee shop on Jan. 25. She said this poses a danger to the strengthening of democratic institutions. In fact, her former colleagues in PCIJI in Manila have faced several libel suits. She said investigative journalism gets its support from the government, such as the Freedom of Information Act in the U.S. and the pending FOIA legislation which is being opposed by President Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Sheila also shared her thoughts on recent developments in

February 15, 2013

Investigative reports on the way out?

media, such as the death of Newsweek and the reported dissolution of CNNs investigative reporting division, which was treated as a half-serious gag on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. She said Newsweeks Sheila Coronel Why would I read Newsweek about China when I can read (an English language Chinese newspaper) and get their perspective without having the reports ltered by Newsweek? Do I grieve for the loss of Newsweek? Not really, Sheila added. As for CNN, she said the cable network has been searching for its business model especially at a time when it has been nding difculty competing against Fox News or MSNBC and a plethora of Internet sources of news. Sheila said journalists can still push watchdog reporting forward by carving out your own space, such as setting up blogs and publishing independently. journalism business model is obsolete, in view of the speed offered by the Internet. She continued: onel, the executive director of the Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism in Columbia University and founder of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) 17 years ago, tells Filam online magazine she does not see a future for this form of journalism. She told a recent gathering of Filam journalists here that investigative

February 15, 2013

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institutions on the East Coast, the origins of FAST were organized a collaboration of students, the University, and the community. The event will be at 6pm in the Grand Ballroom at the Adele H. Stamp Student Union. The event will be a fundraising dinner held in the interest of two Asian American Studies Program scholarships: the Major General Antonio Taguba Proles in Courage and Leadership Scholarship, and the Philip Vera Cruz Outstanding Community Service Scholarship. Through the active sponsorship of these scholarships, we continue to foster a spirit of public and community service that reects and encourages true citizenship. The theme for the Gala is Inheriting History. We recognize the importance of learning from our past in order to create a better future. As an organization, we revisit the legacy of past student leaders who exceeded the expectations of a cultural group for a worthwhile goal. As students, we reafrm our commitment to academic excellence and the privilege of a well-rounded and advanced education. As a community, we commit our support to students who exemplify the values of service and citizenship. Inheriting history is not a passive acceptance of the past by the next generation, but rather an active engagement to work for a better tomorrow for all people. To purchase tickets, please visit www.tinyurl.com/fastgala2013. For more information, please email public.relations@ fcaatumd.com. The mission of the FCA is to promote awareness and education of Filipino-American culture for the University of Maryland community. We unite our members through cooperative involvement in cultural, academic, political, athletic, and social programs and activities. Through our shared experiences, we preserve, encourage, and inspire the celebration of our culture. Contact: Dana Janelle Ong, Public Relations Ofcer Phone: (973)960-7204, Email: public.relations@fcaatumd.com Website: www.fcaatumd.com

4th Biennial Filipino American Studies Gala at UM March 2

The Filipino Cultural Association (FCA) would like to invite you to the 4th Biennial Filipino American Studies Gala. FCA seeks to raise awareness about Filipino American Studies (FAST) at the University of Maryland, which embodies the value of sharing our stories and the stories of our families. Still only one of the only courses of its kind offered at higher education

14

February 15, 2013

February 15, 2013

Tonolete, 10260 Greystone Rd., Manassas, VA 20111. Contact: Sandy Witter 703-266-3534. February 16 (Saturday) Filipino American Institute of Accountants of Metro DC has joined VITA Programs Free Tax Preparation: at Fairfax Skill Source Center, 7611 Little River Turnpike, Suite 300 West, Annandale, VA; For individuals with household income $51,000 or less). Go to this link for details: http://www.money. umd.edu/vita.cfm. Contact: info@faia-metrodc.org February 22 (Friday) Filipino American Institute of Accountants of Metro DC has joined the VITA program Free Tax Preparation: University of Maryland, School of Public Health Building, College Park, MD. (For individuals with household income $51,000 or less). Go to this link:: http:// www.money.umd.edu/vita.cfm for details. Contact: info@faiametrodc.org February 23 (Saturday) 9:00-12:00noon. Hepatitis B Initiative of Washington, DC together with PAFC, PNA, Bicol Association of MWDC, Caregivers Home Health Services, HEALTH SCREENING: Glucose, Cholesterol and Hepatitis B. 12-hour fasting required. Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, 510 I St. NW, Washington, DC (Gallery Place/ China Town Metro Stop). Contact: Aylene Mafnas at aylene@ mris.com or 703-868-5660. February 23 (Saturday) 10:00am-2:00pm LaSalle Philippines Alumni Association & Filipino American Basketball Association Fundraising Bowling Tournament. $100 for team of 4 (includes shoes, balls and donation to victims of Typhoon Pablo Disaster). Bowl America 6450 Edsall Road, Alexandria, VA 22312. Deadline for Registration: February 14. To register: https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=zBB0gW-3G4ulbpZHTXP0hQ Contact: Rolly Saldana at rsaldana@gmu.edu March 1 (Friday) Filipino American Institute of Accountants of Metro DC has joined the VITA Program Free Tax Preparation: University of Maryland. See details above on February 22 entry. Contact: info@faia-

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metrodc.org March 1 (Friday) Filipino Heritage Night in the NBA East Coast at the Wizards vs Knicks Games. Sponsored by the Filipino American Basketball Association (FABA ). Includes 8-10 Youth/Adult pre-games, early entry, FAN Tunnel Experience,Tinikling Performance. Ticket ranges from $27UL, $40CL and $89 pressbox with gourmet buffet. Contact: fabaofmetrodcinc@aol.com. March 2 (Saturday) 5:00pm. Filipino Cultural Association and Asian American Studies Program at the University of Maryland, Fourth Filipino American Studies Gala, a fundraiser for scholarships. Grand Ballroom, Adele Stamp Student Union, Universityof Maryland. $40; Students (with ID) $10. Contact: Andrew Aggabao at president@ fcaatumd.com 410.562.2707 March 9 (Saturday) 10:00am-1:00pm. Philippine American Foundation for Charities Community Meeting for Members and Volunteers. Mrs. Philippines Home, 6482 Bock Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. (301) 567-9537..Contact: Bing Branigin at mcbranigin@aol.com March 11-15 Bicol Association MWDC Surgical Mission at the Bicol Eastern Medical Center, Virac, Catanduanes. Contact: Yvonne Horneffer, CRNP at 301496-7955 or horneffery@hotmail. com.

February 15 (Friday) 6:0010:00pm Fil-Am Multicultural Center Childrens Valentine Pajama Party. 7500 Livingston Rd. Oxon Hill, MD 20745. $ 15 per person ($ 5 per half hour after 10 pm).includes dinner, snacks, craft class, dancing, obstacle course, games, and movies. This event is for preschoolers to the young at heart. Attire: PAJAMAS. Attendees are

encouraged to bring a sleeping bag and a pillow. Contact: 301567-2280. February 16 (Saturday) 5:39:30pm Holy Trinity Jubilee Park Valentine Dinner-Dance Benet . Regency at Dominion Valley, 15351 Championship Drive, Haymarket, VA. $100 per person or $150 per couple; $65 per student; $600 for table of 8. Tax deductible donation to Trinidad

Virginia Beach consular outreach Feb. 23

The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Council of United Filipino Organization of Tidewater (CUFOT), will conduct a consular outreach mission in Virginia Beach, Virginia from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 23. The venue is Travel Outlet in Lila Lane, Suite 101, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464. Services To Be Rendered: Processing of applications for issuance or renewal of Philippine passport Processing of authentication/ acknowledgment of legal documents Processing of applications for Reports of Births and Marriages Administration of oaths to former Filipinos under the Dual Citizenship Law on 23 February 2013 (Saturday) at 2:30 p.m.* Passport applicants are no longer required to bring passport photos since they will have their pictures taken using ePassport data capturing machines at the outreach site. However, they still need to bring their current passport, photocopy of the passport data page, the passport application form which may be downloaded from the Embassys website at http://philippineembassy-usa.org/uploads/pdfs/ passport.pdf Applicants are advised to bring $60 in cash or postal money order payable to the Philippine Embassy, as passport application fee. An additional fee (as administrative fee) may be imposed by the organizer which will be used to pay for the rental of the venue and other miscellaneous expenses. For the applicants convenience, a USPS Express Mail envelope with tracking number will be available at the venue for a fee. The application for Philippine passport is strictly by appointment only. Applicants are advised to APPLY FOR AN APPLICATION APPOINTMENT/SLOT by sending an e-mail to the Embassy at wdcpeconsular@gmail.com <mailto:%20wdcpeconsular@ gmail.com>. Appointments will be automatically scheduled as they are received.

16 Around DC in Pictures

February 15, 2013

The Sinulog comes to Rockville, Maryland

Soan Velasquez,outgoing president for 2012, hands over the symbolic gavel and paddle to incoming president Beth A. Wong after the induction ceremonies held in January with members and guests from the community, and friends from other APO alumni associations who came as far as California, New York, New Jersey and Virginia Beach. (photo by Maurese O. Owens) Sinulog participants line up with their statuettes of Santo Nino for the blessing by Fr. Archie Carampatan last January 20 at the St. Mary Church in Rockville, Maryland. (Photo by Ann Corominas) Sunday January 20, 2103 turned out to be a beautiful sunny winter day with Springlike temperature at St. Mary Church on Viers Mill Road in Rockville, MD. Devotees started to ll up the pews of the main church at 1:45PM for the annual celebration of the Feast of Sto Nino. Holy Mass hosted by the Mother Butlers Guild began promptly at 2:00PM as scheduled. The marble communion rail circling the altar was bedecked with more than eighty statues of the Sto. Nino. The statues came in different sizes, different colors, different congurations, and different ornamentations. Before the closing prayer of the Mass, Fr. Archie Carampatan, the ofciating priest, blessed the statues. The Mass was quickly followed by the recitation of the Rosary and the Novena to the Infant Jesus. Unlike in past years, the parish social hall was booked earlier for another function. Reception was held at nearby Lincoln Park Community Center. Philippine delicacies created a long double line at the buffet table. Guests line-danced to DJ music. Following the tradition which started from Cebu, the reception culminated with the Sinulog. Holding their own images of the Sto. Nino and stems of carnations, the Sinulog dancers swayed their way in circular formation to the beat of Pit Senor. (Written by Presy Guevara)

International performer Stephanie Reese, a Filipina American, with US Amb. Harry Thomas, and Bing Branigin, during the birthday party for Reese, and get together of Fil ams and other expatriates at the Pacic Towers, The Fort, in Metro Manila last February 2.

Fil Am Erwin Gomez, beauty guro based in Washington, DC., is currently in the Philippines taking a break before launching his soon to be reality show in the US. Gomez became famous 4 years ago when his name came up during the investigation of the White House gate crushers, the Shalahis. Photo shows Gomez with Veronica Uy and Roy Mabasa, Philippine journalists. While in the Philippines, Gomez also appeared on ANC, a cable news channel afliated with ABS-CBN. Photo: Bing Branigin

Shown from left are Col. Arnel Duco, Air Force Attache, Capt . Elson Aguilar, Naval Attache, Maj. General ( Ret.) Deln Lorenzana, Ofce of Veterans Affairs, Bing Branigin, NaFFAA; Senipr Supt (Ret) Cris Maralit, Maj. Gen. Cesar Yano, Defense Attache, and Col. Jojo Gentiles, in-coming Police Attache, pose for a photo after their meeting in the embassy last month.

Seen in a local eatery in Virginia recently are the lovey-dovey couple Amor and Rudy Regala in what appears to be a pre-Valentines Day dinner. Rudy, a friend of the Manila Mail, has just recovered from a stroke. (Photo by Bing C. Branigin)

Members of Mother Butler Guild had an impromptu birthday celebration after their monthly meeting at the community room of St. Annes Church in Tenleytown, D.C. Seated, from left: Vicky Cirujales, Sally Madis, Mary Horcajo, birthday girls Belen Bernardino and Rose Flores; Mila Aguas and Philomena Reediekel. Back, from left: Ledy Largado, Nerie Decena, Lydia Aguas, Elma Garcia, Herly Vibas, Sister Sara Dwyer, Virgie Salcedo, Remy Aydalla and Siony Tugado. Not in photo is Recording Secretary Aida Ancheta.

February 15, 2013

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Debut band shows at PMCC

Photo taken by Vic Galang shows, from left, David Valderama (seated), Hana and Linda Inejosa, Fe Baraceros, and Julian Oteyza during the Feb. 2 debut performances of the Tutubi Band and the Legends of Classic Pinoy Rock at the Philippine Multi-Cultural Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The attendees who braved the icy snow were treated to a trip down memory lane with a violin concert by Korina Baraceros, some rocking tagalog songs by Badette of Agos, live painting by Gabriego, disco songs by Erma Montero, Beatles songs by Cugie dela Santa,

Bee Gees songs by Marvin Santos, Elvis songs by Benny Medina and the music of Julian Oteyza and Tutubi Band. They also celebrated the birthdays of Dave Valderrama, Linda Inejosa, Corina Barrientos, George Brooks, Hanna and others. Tutubi is performing at the Cultural Center 8 to 12 p.m. every Saturday for free. Jam with the band or bring your art material and paint with other artists They sell beer, wine, softdrinks, water and snacks. For info, email: julianoteyza@gmail.com or (703) 969 5469.

18 U.S. News Briefs

SEATTLE, Washington - On Sunday, February 10, 2013, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar joined senior ofcials from the Department of the Interior, members of Washingtons congressional delegation and other local ofcials to tour the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacic American Experience and unveil a new Asian American Pacic Islander heritage initiative that will be undertaken by the National Park Service. Salazar will also make a major announcement regarding the future of the museum. Other guests are Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget Rhea Suh National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell U.S. Senator Patty Murray and Reps. Jim McDermott and Adam Smith. Luke Museum of the Asian Pacic American Experience is on 719 S King Street Seattle, WA 98104. The tournament was organized by the Continental Chess Association under the direction of Bill Goichberg, a former president for the US Chess Federation. In an email to Asian Journal, Apelo said he was proud of his victory as a Filipino representative in the tournament. He said that there was no other Filipino who participated in the tournament aside from him. Team captain Nonoy Rafael said he considers Apelo, 55, as one of the best Filipino-American chess players in the East Coast. tions in a dynamic region which now accounts for 40 percent of global growth. I am excited to join the team serving East Asia and the Pacic, a region leading the global economy in growth and poverty reduction, with an increasing need for innovation and knowledge, said Trotsenburg. We will continue working closely with countries in the region to help deliver practical development solutions and create opportunities for all.

February 15, 2013

Salazar unveils new AsianAm museum in WA

the economy should be grown by the innovation of enterprising Americans--not kept aoat by the meddling of big government. In education, we believe parents and teachers should mold a childs future--not union bosses and government workers. Families, not government, should decide what healthcare and energy is best for them. District Attorneys Ofce. Ka Pasasouk and three other suspects allegedly shot the victims on December 2 last year, a report of the news site Asian Journal said. The victims - Filipinos Robert Calabia, Teolo Navales, Amanda Ghossein, and Korean-American Jennifer Kim were allegedly killed outside an unlicensed boarding house. On December 3 last year, Pasasouk reportedly ed to Las Vegas. He was then arrested shortly after, along with three suspected accomplices in the murders. According to the report, authorities believe that the murders were due to an argument over personal belongings. Pasasouk was previously accused of grand theft, drug possession, and robbery. He may be sentenced to death if found guilty.

Pinay tutor sues Egyptian employers

STATEN ISLAND - Rina Hernandez, a 52-year-old Filipino teacher turned nanny, is accusing her Egyptian employers of abuse. She told a press conference organized by the Filipino American Legal and Education Defense Fund said she left her job as teacher in Qatar to join the family of an Egyptian businessman in New York. In Staten Island, where the family settled, she looked after six children and worked long hours with very little sleep and food. Her passport was held by the Egyptian housewife, and she and two other Filipino maids lived reportedly in deplorable conditions. At the hotel where the family stayed at the height of the hurricane Sandy, police anf Faldef lawyers, consular ofcials rescued Rina. Two other Filipina maids decided to stay with the family. The rescue was planned. Rinas daughter reached out to Faldef who passed on the information to the lawyers. Falfep is set to le human trafcking charges.

No more SS paper checks

WASHINGTON D.C. Starting March 1, the Social Security System will no longer issue paper checks. A new regulation requires almost all recipients of federal benets to receive payments electronically. Payment will be accessible through direct deposit or a Direct Express prepaid card. Of 63.5 million beneciaries, about 5 million people still receive paper checks, says Walt Henderson, director of the Treasury Departments GoDirect campaign. A limited number of hardship cases and eople in their 90s who do not convert to electronic payments by March lll1 will continue to receive paper checks, but the number of allowable waivers will dwindle over time. To sign up for direct deposit, go to GoDirect.org or call 800 333 1795

No more blue, red states -RNC

Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, says that after the 2012 electio, Republicans knew we had to get to work growing our party. In a press release to the Manila Mail, Priebus said RNC has launched the Growth and Opportunity Project to get input from across the country. He said the party must reach more voters and nd out what it could do better, and how to better communicate our message where its not being heard. In the recent Atlanta GOP meeting, RNC gathered local African American leaders and political activists to solicit answers to these questions. The feedback we received--along with information gathered from similar meetings and thousands of individuals--will help guide the Republican Party as we work to be more welcoming and more inclusive. Thats why we must stop talking about reaching out and start working on welcoming in. This is not just about winning elections. Its about doing whats right for America. Republicans know our principles, when applied through smart policy, can do the most good for the most Americans. He went on to say Republicans believe

Woman kills man with her boobs?

SEATTLE, Washington - Donna Lange, a 51-year-old woman is accused of using her boobs to smother and kill her boyfriend after an altercation at their mobile home. Lange reportedly suffocated her boyfriend with her large boobs early last month. Seattles KIRO 7 Eyewitness News said deputies, called to the Airport Inn trailer park for a disturbance report, found medics performing CPR on Langes 51-year-old alleged boyfriend, who was later pronounced dead at Swedish Hospital. Witnesses claim they saw Lange throw her boyfriend down in the back of the mobile home. She was later found by witnesses with her chest covering the victims face. Police noted the size difference between Lange and her boyfriend -- she was 5-feet, 6-inches and 192 pounds, he was 5-feet, 7-inches and 175 pounds.

Pinoys tramp Trump son over Tubbataha

Donald Trump Jr., the son of real estate mogul Donald Trump, blasted Washington recently for agreeing to cut into sections the USS Guardian, the US minesweeper which ran aground on the Tubbataha Reef in Palawan on Jan. 17. Washington also agreed to pay for damages caused by the grounding of the ship and for the cleanup costs. Trump posted a link via twitter to a Washington Free Beacon article, which reported that the US minesweeper will have to be cut up into small pieces to prevent the harming of the oceans ecosystem. Trump said the decision to scrap a $277 million boat was stupid since the ship only damaged a very small section of the reef that has already been run over. His tweet, though, drew sharp reactions from many of his followers, including Filipino politicians and militant groups. Former Pangasinan congressman Mark Cojuangco, celebrity tourist guide Carlos Celdran and youth group Anakbayan slammed the businessmans attitude and called on the government to declare Trump a persona non-grata.

Trotsenburg is WB VP for East Asia

WASHINGTON - Axel van Trotsenburg has been appointed the World Banks new Vice President for East Asia and Pacic by World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, effective February 1st He will lead the Banks advisory services and lending opera-

Men who killed 3 Pinoys are charged

LOS ANGELES - The man suspected of killing three Filipinos and one other victim in Northridge, California was formally charged with four counts of murder by the Los Angeles

Wanted: New champions for PH in Congress

By Jennie L. Ilustre
Washington, D.C. Wanted: New Champions might as well be the slogan of the Philippines and the embassy in this nations capital to advance its legislative agenda. The 113th US Congress opened on Jan. 3 without Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, the Philippines No. 1 champion, who passed away Dec. 17 last year at age 88. Inouye, who was chairman of the Senate Commitee on Appropriations, had assured the passage of Save the Textile Act, aimed at generating jobs here and in the Philippines. Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. recalled Inouye had told him, Dont worry, well do it. The bills other setback: the full legislative plate of the current Congress. Top priorities include the economy, gun safety and comprehensive immigration reform Cuisia stressed at the annual media gathering, We need to develop new champions. He added he and his legislative team were fortunate to have started making new allies, such as Rep. Ed Royce (R, CA), while lobbying for the textile bill. The Philippine embassy here also needs a budget increase, observers say. The US Pinoys for Good Governance, based in this capital, had lobbied in vain for the Aquino administration for a $1-million budget increase, half of it for the embassy here. Gus Alzona, a Filipino American leader in Maryland, had expressed a similar budget concern at a public forum, sponsored by the Center for Strategic International Studies (CSIS). The Philippines has also lost other staunch supporters. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D, HI) retired after three decades of public service. Sen. John Kerry (D, MA) took his oath as Secretary of State on Feb. 6. Valued ally Sen. Richard Lugar fell short in his Republican primary bid before the Nov. 6 elections. Congressman Bob Filner opted to run for mayor of San Diego, California, which he won. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D, NV) can potentially ll Inouyes shoes, in terms of his top leadership position. But he obviously has his focus on big issues facing this session. Reid teamed up with Inouye and Senator Akaka, then chairman of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, in passing the equity pension in 2009 for Filipino and Filipino American World War II veterans. Reid survived a tough reelection bid in 2010thanks in part to the labor union, Filipino American leaders Rozita Lee, whose late husband was Reids physician, Gloria T. Caoile, and, Reid publicly acknowledged, to boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, who is popular in Nevada.

Filam bests 61 in chest tourney

PENNSYLVANIA - Filipino-American David Asuncion Apelo bested 61 other players in a 7-Round Swiss format to bag the crown for the 45th Liberty Bell Open Under -2100 chess tournament held on Jan. 18-21, 2013 at the Sonesta Hotel in downtown Philadelphia. Hailing from Queens, New York, Apelo took home the grand cash prize amounting to $1,185 after scoring six points in seven rounds.

February 15, 2013

19
LBC Cargo. His mother says O.J. is pursuing his passion for the sport, adding that hes been playing the soccer since he was 4 years old.

Fairfax Filam teen powers Azkals past Myanmar

The Azkals Fairfax, Va. Filipino American O. J. Porteria delivered what Manila sports scribes called the wonder goal to secure a condence-building 1-0 win against Myanmar last week. The game was billed as the Philippine national soccer teams tune-up match for the Asian Football Conference (AFC) Challenge Cup and although it was considered a friendly match, the Azkals avenged their 0-2 loss to the same team last December. The game had gone scoreless until Porterias attack on the 78th minute. The Philippine Daily Inquirer described it as a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Porteria. Reporter Cedelf Tupas account: Substitute Ian Araneta found Porteria isolated on the left and the 18-year-old took on and beat his defender before ring a curling shot using the outside of his right foot. The curveball caught the Burmese keeper off guard and found the bottom corner. It was the only goal needed by the Azkals, who actually made history with its rst away victory against Myanmar. Its really a dream come true for me to score a goal like that, he declared. Porteria is the son of Manila Mail realty columnist and Northern Virginia resident Jocelyn Porteria. As an attacking midelder, to release their players if needed for national team duty.

Filam intern in DC mayors ofce

There is a Filam intern in the DC Mayors Ofce. She is Josephine L. Aviado who was born and raised in Manila and immigrated to the United States in 1998. She has an AA in Social Sciences and an AA in Humanities from Laney College in California, where she graduated Valedictorian of her class in 2011. Josephine is a member of both the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and the Golden Key International Honour Society. She is now a senior at the University of California Santa Cruz, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She is currently attending the University of California Washington Center and doing her internship at the DC Mayors Ofce on Asian and Pacic Islander Affairs (OAPIA). For her research assistantship, she

O.J. Porteria sows the kick that led to the victory over Myanmar. Porteria is one of the youngest players on the Philippine team. He trained with the DC United Academy, which helps develop new players for the DC club. Despite his youth, he earned a slot in the Azkals when the national team conducted tryouts in Daly City, Ca in 2011. He decided to move to Manila last year after graduating from the Falls Church High School in Fairfax, Va. and shortly after joined the Kaya Futbol Club which is owned by Santiago Araneta of The AFC Challenge Cup qualiers are scheduled March 22-26 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. The top team in the ve qualifying groups will advance to the main stage of the Challenge Cup set next year in the tiny island of Maldives. The remaining three slots will be lled by the threebest second placers. The period of the qualiers are set during the FIFA international friendly dates, meaning that clubs worldwide will have

Josephine L. Aviado has been transcribing interviews of World War II Filipino veterans conducted both in the Philippines and the United States.Josephine hopes to know more about the needs and concerns of the Asian American and Pacic Islander community. Her long-term aspiration is to become a social worker.

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MANILA - The al-Qaida linked Abu Sayyaf terrorists are locked in ghting with ghters of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by Nur Misuari for control of Sulu, an island where they used to coexist in peace. The clash is expected to help the Philippine armed forces and US troops who are assisting it in battling this terrorist group which have resorted to kidnapping for ransom in recent years. In their rst known major clash, the MNLF rebels attacked the Abu Sayyaf terrorists to liberate foreigners being held in their mountain redoubt in Patikul, Sulu. The clash resulted in the deaths of more than 31 combatants, including the beheading of 8 MNLF rebels. Bonded by blood ties and war, the two armed groups had coexisted for years on Sulul a predominantly Muslim region, where abject poverty, guns and weak law enforcement have combined in an explosive mix to fuel their rebellions and pockets of lawlessness. The trouble began after the MNLF rebels-seeking to regain their former dominance in the region-tried to arrange the release of several hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf, including Jordanian TV journalist Baker Atyani and two European tourists. Two Filipino companions of Atyani were freed prior to the encounter. When the Abu Sayyaf commanders refused to free the hostages even after ransom was allegedly paid, the MNLF launched the attack. The MNLF rebels are now trying to rescue the captives and end the Abu Sayyafs reign, Moro commander Khabier Malik told The Associated Press We breathe the same air, speak the same language and live and ght in the same jungle, Malik said by telephone. Were a bigger force and we cannot allow this small group to reign with this brutality. For years, a shadowy alliance is believed to have existed between the groups. While the MNLF signed a limited peace

February 15, 2013

Abu terrorists, MNLF rebs clash to free hostages in Sulu

on Jolo is a major reason large swaths of the island have been essentially ungovernable for years, said Bryony Lau of the Brussels-based International Crisis Group think tank. The government should consider whether the recent clash has shifted relations between them in a way that could make it easier to isolate senior gures of the Abu Sayyaf, Lau said. But the rift offers no easy answers for the Philippines. Weaning the Moro rebels from hardened militants would mean a true government alliance with the rebels, some of whom are suspected of involvement in attacks on civilians and government forces. Walking a tightrope amid the clashes, President Aquino said the Moro offensive was not sanctioned by his administration. But government ofcials also are not trying to stop the ghting, presumably hoping each group weakens the other. Police and soldiers have simply set up checkpoints to seal off the area around the ghting, trying to keep it from spilling into other rural areas. Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan said he would allow the MNLF attacks to continue, at least for now. Theyre cleaning their ranks. These kidnappers are either their former members or one of their own, Tan said. The MNLF spearheaded an underground movement in the early 1970s for a separatist Islamic state in Mindanao. But it dropped its secessionist goal when it accepted limited autonomy for minority Muslims in the Roman Catholic-majority nations south, prompting key guerrillas to break away, including a Libyan-educated radical, Abdurajik Abubakar Janjalani, who established the Abu Sayyaf. So long as Janjalani lived, the Abu Sayyaf dedicated itself to ghting for an Islamic state in Mindanao. But after he was killed in a clash with government forces in December 1998, the Abu Sayyaf descended into terrorism and then resorted to banditry.

Heavily-armed rebels of the MNLF show their wares. deal with the government years ago, some Moro commanders are suspected of giving sanctuary to Abu Sayyaf men and carrying out kidnappings for ransom with them. Collusion between the Abu Sayyaf and MNLF membersmany of whom are relatives-

Ex-foes play basketball as Aquino visits MILF area

SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao - Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on February 10 joined hands in the sprawling MILFs Camp Darapanan as President Aquino III made a historic rst visit to the area. Aquino, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, cabinet ofcials and representatives of government agencies led in the launching of basic services program for Bangsamoro, known as Sajahatra Bangsamoro at the Bangsamoro Leadership Management Institute compound. area held by the MILF. President Joseph Estrada earlier went there when the armed forces launched an all-out attack and temporarily occupied the camp. Sajahatra Bangsamoro, a Malay Bahasa term, which means Peace for Bangsamoro, is Aquinos socio-economic peace initiative that aims to uplift the health, education and livelihood conditions of the Islam communities. A uvial parade of dozens of colorfully decorated motorboats welcomed the President. Soldiers and Muslim guerrillas met in sporting events instead of combat.The two sides, who once fought each other ercely, will also play friendly matches of football, softball and volleyball to welcome the president, Hermoso told radio station dzBB.

Waling-waling set to be natl ower

MILF rebels share their food with visiting army troops during Aquinos visit. This is the rst time that a Philippine President ever visited the The Philippines is set to have another oral emblem to represent the uniqueness of the countrys ora. Dubbed the Queen of Philippine owers, Waling-waling (Euanthe sanderiana) of the orchid family will soon be placed alongside the Sampaguita (Jasminum sambac) after the House approved House Bill 5655 naming Waling-Waling as the Philippines second national ower. The Sampaguita has been the countrys national ower since February 1, 1934 by virtue of Proclamation No. 652 issued by Governor-General Frank Murphy. In November 2011, the initial recommendations declaring Waling-waling as the countrys new national ower was made through House Bill No. 4073. The approval paved the way for Filipinos to discover this rare orchid which is endemic to Mindanao, particularly in the provinces of Davao, Cotabato, and Zamboanga. Discovered in the 1800s, Waling-waling was originally named as Vanda sanderiana, the more common orchid varipaguita owers are usually made into garlands and placed on religious icons. It also used in special occasions to bestow accolades. The Waling-waling is believed to be worshipped by the lumads of Mindanao. In Davao City, the yearly Kadayawan Festival showcases the Waling-waling in a oral parade competition along with the citys other distinct products. However, while Sampaguita is commonly seen being sold by street vendors or by children near churches, Waling-walings costly propagation makes it under-appreciated by Filipinos. Legislators have been pushing for the orchids welldeserved recognition due to its native origin. Sampaguita is indigenous to India and Arabia and is also the national ower of Indonesia, known as melati putih. Sen. Loren Legarda, who sponsored a bill similar to House Bill 5655, expressed condence that the declaration will create regulations to conserve and protect the Waling-waling.

Manilas $4-B mega casino complex opens next month

MANILA - The $4-billion mega-casino complex will open next month when the rst of four franchise-holders starts commercial operations. First to open will be the $1.2-billion Solaire Manila Resort, one of four gaming operations licensed at Manilas bayside Entertainment City, a government project designed to compete with Macau, Las Vegas and Singapore as a gaming hub. Boasting 500 hotel rooms, Solaire will open its doors on March 16, parent company Bloomberry Resorts Corp., a listed rm controlled by Philippine port tycoon Enrique Razon. Two other franchise-holders-one involving Australian billionaire James Packer and Macau gaming tycoon Lawrence Ho as shareholders and another with Japanese gambling tycoon Kazuo Okada-are also building at the complex. The 100-hectare Entertainment City, a project of the stateowned gaming regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., required each of the franchise-holders to invest at least $1 billion. A unit of global leisure and entertainment group Genting Hong Kong Ltd. is a key investor in the fourth franchise.

The Waling Waling ower ety. But due to its structural difference, with Waling-waling having larger owers, it was separated from Vanda in 1914. Waling-waling, which appears in pink and white varieties, is found on the trunks of dipterocarp trees at elevations below 500 meters and is often used in hybridization. Both Waling-waling and Sampaguita owers symbolize honor and veneration. Sam-

February 15, 2013

Hometown News 21
and grave misconduct for the P131.5 million rubber boat contract. The Ombudsman also forfeited their retirement benets and disqualied them from ever holding public ofce. Morales meted six-month suspensions without pay on Director George Piano, Chief Superintendent Luis Saligumba, Senior Superintendent Job Nolan Antonio and Senior Superintendent Edgar Paatan for simple neglect of duty. Non-uniformed personnel Joel Crisostomo De Leon Garcia, Ronald Lee, Ma. Linda Padojinog, and Ruben Gongona of the PNP bids and awards committee and technical working group were also suspended for one month without pay. trolled corporation. On January 14, the Ofce of the Ombudsman afrmed with nality the graft charges against Lozada after Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales junked Lozadas motion for reconsideration. The private company is under his Lupang Hinirang program.

PH okays distribution of $246-M to Marcos victims

Congress has approved a bill to distribute the $246 million that the government recovered from Ferdinand Marcos ill-gotten wealth to some 9,000 human rights victims. An independent commission will be formed to determine who gets more or less based on the severity of their sufferings during the Marcos dictatorship more than 30 years ago. All claims will still have to be evaluated by the commission and the amount each will receive will depend of the severity of the abuse suffered. ppine Congress to vote on a bill awarding compensation and recognition to martial law victims. The bill is expected to be signed into law by Pres. Benigno Aquino III. SELDA, an organization of political prisoners that campaigned for the bill, said More than the monetary compensation, the bill represents the only formal, written document that martial law violated the human rights of Filipinos... James Packer and Macau gaming tycoon Lawrence Ho as shareholders and another with Japanese gambling tycoon Kazuo Okada are also building at the complex. The 100-hectare Entertainment City, a project of the state-owned gaming regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., required each of the franchise-holders to invest at least $1 billion. A unit of global leisure and entertainment group Genting Hong Kong Ltd. is a key investor in the fourth franchise.

still prevalent
Corruption is still rampant under the administration of President Benigno Aquino 3rd, according to former Sen. Richard Gordon. Gordon, a senatorial candidate under the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), said that the Aquino administrations propaganda machinery really works to project that his government is already corruption free. He said many government ofcials have recently been charged with corruption.

Clark veterans cemetery restored

United States President Obama has signed into law a bipartisan legislation to restore the Clark Veterans Cemetery located in Clark Freeport Zone, which is the nal resting place in the Philippines for more than 8,600 US service members. The earliest recorded burial was that of Private Santiago Belona, a Philippine Scout who served in the US Army and died on January 13, 1900. The status of the Clark Veterans Cemetery was overlooked at the time the former US Air Force base at Clark was transferred back to the Philippine government. Following the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, the US completely abandoned Clark Air Force Base, leaving the cemetery covered in ash and overgrown by weeds. Since 1994, volunteers in the Philippines have attempted to maintain the cemetery without assistance from the US government. It is presently administered and cared for by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2485 through voluntary efforts and donations. In April last year, junior US Senator Kelly Ayotte from New Hampshire introduced The Remembering Americas Forgotten Veterans Cemetery Act, which had 15 bipartisan co-sponsors including Democrat Sen. Mark Begich from Alaska. The measure requires the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) to restore, operate, and maintain Clark Veterans Cemetery to honor the courageous Americans buried there.

Madonna endorses coconut water

Madonna, the US pop star, has endorsed coconut water as a health drink. This brought cheers to coconut farmers in the Philippines. After centuries of replenishing Filipinos, the mineral-rich liquid has become a must-have health drink thanks to aggressive marketing by a beverage industry looking to offset soda sales that have lost their zz. Once thrown away by coco growers, the water is now being saved, canned and sold to the public. In his most recent state of the nation address, President Benigno Aquino 3rd hailed coconut water as one of the countrys most promising new export opportunities. He cited industry gures showing exports jumping more than nine-fold to 16.76 million liters (4.4 million gallons) in 2011.

SC pardons lawyer with three wives

The Supreme Court has shown mercy over Edmundo L. Macarubbo, 58, of Enrile, Cagayan who was disbarred 10 years ago for illegally marrying three wives. The court said that for showing deep remorse, Macarubbo had been granted his petition for extraordinary mercy and reinstated in the roles of attorneys. The court said Macarubbo still has productive years ahead of him that could signicantly contribute to the upliftment of the law profession and the betterment of society, according to a Jan. 22 resolution by the court. The lawyer was ordered disbarred after it was found that he had contracted a bigamous marriage with complainant Florence Teves and a third marriage with one Josephine Constantino while his rst marriage to Helen Esparza was still subsisting. In a six-page resolution penned by Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe, the court en banc said the lawyer had sufciently shown his remorse and acknowledged his indiscretion in the legal profession and in his personal life.

47,000 foreign students in PH

An upsurge in the number of foreign students was recorded by the Bureau of Immigration which said that more than 47,000 foreigners were studying in various schools and learning institutions nationwide. Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said the bureaus student desk processed and approved in 2012 a total of 47,478 applications for student visa and special study permit. That number was 14 percent higher than the 41,443 gures in 2011, thus prompting David to say that the Philippines was becoming the University Belt of the Asia-Pacic.

Manila set to be $4-B gambling mecca

A $4-billion mega-casino complex will be inaugurated in the Philippines next month when the rst of four franchise-holders starts commercial operations. First to open is the $1.2-billion Solaire Manila Resort which is one of four gaming operations licensed at Manilas bayside Entertainment City, a government project designed to compete with Macau, Las Vegas and Singapore as a gaming hub. Boasting 500 hotel rooms set in modern resorts, Solaire will open its doors on March 16, parent company Bloomberry Resorts Corp. said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange. Solaire plans to add 300 more hotel rooms after two years, said Bloomberry, a listed rm controlled by Philippine port tycoon Enrique Razon. Two other franchise-holders,one involving Australian billionaire

Top cops in boat purchase dismissed

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales red two ranking ofcials of the Philippine National Police, suspended eight others and warned a director of the National Police Commission over the anomalous purchase of 75 rubber boats in 2009. Morales dismissed Deputy Director General Benjamin Belarmino Jr. and Chief Superintendent Herold Ubalde for gross neglect of duty

Whistleblower accused of graft

Rodolfo Jun Lozada, the whistleblower in the $329-million national broadband network deal with China is now the subject of an arrest warrant for failing to post P60,000 bail. He is accused of graft for alleged issuance of leasehold rights to his brother and to a private company with ties to him when he was a former president of the Philippine Forest Corp. (PhilForest). agovernment owned and con-

Damaso to jail for offending church

Carlos Celdran, a social activist, was recently sentenced

Gordon says graft

Continued on page 22

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Hometown News... from page 21
to between 2 to 13 months in jail for offending religious beliefs for claiming he was Fr. Damaso and speaking out in favor of birth control during a mass at the Manila Cathedral in 2010. A member of one of the countrys top travel agency, Celdran said he would appeal the verdict, describing the authorities use of the little-known and rarely used law as a threat to freedom of speech. I am calm but I am going to ght this till the end, Celdran said in a statement posted on social media alongside a copy of the courts decision. Celdran remains free on bail, pending his appeal. Ombudsman for the misuse of P300 million obtained by the city from the Land Bank of the Philippines during the Arroyo administration. Braganza is not expected to be suspended by President Aquino since the Alaminos mayor is the Liberal Party candidate, unlike Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia who was ordered suspended by Aquino as she is not an LP candidate. In a complaint afdavit, incumbent and past baranggay chairmen from different barangays in Alaminos asked Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales to look into their detailed allegations against Braganza who ensured that plum contracts in his city ended up with the construction rms. The complainants strongly believe and are willing to prove based on the numerous evidence as well as from their personal knowledge that the government contracts entered into by Mayor Braganza is grossly disadvantageous to the government and inimical to the interest of the State and the people of Alaminos and the Filipino people.

February 15, 2013

British tourist charges man with rape
ILOILO CITY-Police have arrested Carlo San Jose, 36, a Boracay resort cook, for the alleged rape of a British tourist after a drinking spree they had late last month. The victim, a 23-year-old British woman, told police that when she became intoxicated, the suspect did not bring her back to the resort but to a staff house in Barangay Balabag in Boracay where the alleged rape occurred. The woman also underwent medical examination, which showed signs of rape, police said. San Jose denied raping the woman and claimed that she was his girlfriend. But police said Even if they are lovers, it does not necessarily mean that there was no rape because there is even marital rape.

biggest croc dies

COTABATO CITY - Lolong, the worlds biggest reptile in captivity, is dead. Rowena Bunawan, media coordinator in the town of Bunawan in Agusan del Sur, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone that Lolong was declared dead inside his pen around 8 p.m. Feb. 10 by Dr. Alexander Collantes, animal doctor at Davao Crocodile park. Experts will investigate the cause of death. Captured in the Agusan Marsh in September, Lolongs length was initially measured at 6.12 meters (20 feet 4 inches), according to Apollo Canoy, a Bunawan municipal councilor, who was with Britons group. Cassius is only 5.48 meters (17 feet, 11.75 inches) long. Lolong is believed to have eaten a man who went missing in July and to have bitten off the head of a 12-year-old girl in 2009. The crocodile was caught on September 3 last year. table is to have a bill ofcially introduced by March and passed through the Senate by late spring or summer. The eight senators who introduced the proposal late last month include Republicans John McCain, Marco Rubio of Florida, Jeff Flake of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and Democrats Michael Bennet of Colorado, Dick Durbin of Illinois, Robert Menendez of New Jersey and Schumer. Giving the reform bill momentum is the message the electorate gave in the last election when Hispanics and Asians voted overwhelmingly for Obama in the hope that he would push for immigration reforms. For the rst time ever, theres more political risk in opposing immigration reform than supporting it, Schumer said at the press conference late last month. We believe we have a window of opportunity to act.

VISAYAS
Koreans No. 1 Visayas visitors
ILOILO CITY -South Koreans were the top visitors in Western Visayas in 2012, according to the gures released by the Department of Tourism. Of the 2.1 million tourists who came to the region, and of around 1.2 million who went to Boracay, Aklan, 184,992 were South Koreans. The Taiwanese came in second, accounting for 93,407 visitors; then Chinese 84,186 tourists; Americans, 20,603; and Australian, 15, 237. Completing the top 10 visitors in Western Visayas were those from Russia14,810, Japan-8,841, United Kingdom-8,729, Germany-8,098, and Hongkong-7,591. cans cant muster the votes to pass even these limited reforms, which most Americans support, then Obama can present his agenda and force the Republicans to vote against a popular measure a second time, perhaps undermining their support in the midterm elections. If a reform bill is passed, it will be welcome news for the thousands of Filipinos who have waited in line for years for their green cards will no longer wait for years. At the same time, a new bill might spell the death of the family unication system which encourages immigrants to petition for their parents or siblings. Under the senators path to the green card, the undocumented will have to rst register with Homeland Security to undergo a thorough check is made of each applicant. ARaR pass several hurdles. Among these are to rst apply for temporary legal status by registering with Homeland Security, completing a background check and paying a ne. Another impediment would be the long wait. Those granted legal status would probably have to wait up to 20 years before they can obtain their green cards. The plan also excludes the children of illegal immigrants, commonly referred to as Dreamers, as well as agricultural workers from the long wait for a green card. To prevent future illegal immigration, the blueprint also calls for a mandatory employment verication system. Immigration advocates, who generally favor a fast path to citizenship for the countrys illegal immigrants, mostly praised the senators for adding to the momentum of reform, but did not comment on the spe-

LUZON
Alaminos city mayor faces plunder raps
ALAMINOS CITY - Mayor Hermani Braganza has been charged with plunder and malversation charges by the

MINDANAO
Lolong, worlds
cics of the plan. So are the major labor unions who used to be vehemently against any form of legalization. Some also doubt that all undocumented immigrants will avail of the path to legalization. Chris Rickerd, policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union, said his organization has concerns that the lengthy time frame and ne might discourage people from applying to legalize. But groups that favor less immigration have blasted the plan as amnesty. The last time Congress gave green cards to undocumented immigrants was in 1986 under Republican President Ronald Reagan. Now, however, most Republicans and even Democrats are still reluctant to grant outright amnesty. We still have a long way to go, but this bipartisan blueprint is a major breakthrough, said Sen. Schumer. Their time-

Filipino TNTs may... from page 1

Andrada Lledo of the Pilipino Workers Center told Balitang America that advocates are now planning to pay visits to lawmakers who are in the middle of crafting and debating the legislative reform. She said she plans to go to Washington D.C. to meet with other groups advocating for reforms. But latest reports said President Obama, who originally supported the blueprint of the so-called bipartisan Gang of 8, is having second thoughts about conditioning the approval only if the borders are fully secured. The Gang of 8, led by Sen. Charles Schumer (D-New York) and Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona, outlined a blueprint to make the undocumented immigrants pay a ne, pay their taxes, learn how to speak English, undergo rigorous check, and go behind the line of the thousands who are now waiting for their quota number and green card. Obama outlined a similar plan that included a temporary farm workers program and preference for immigrants with advance degrees. But he is reportedly against linking the approval of the bill only if local politicians along the border states to Mexico certify that the border is fully secured. He was expected to elaborate his proposal during Tuesdays State-ofThe Nation Address to Congress. Analysts are almost certain that with the emergence of a bipartisan plan, the country is closer to making sweeping changes than it has tried for decades. But the overriding question is whether the new legislation will make it through Congress. If Republicans for the rst time since Ronald Reagan in the 80a are willing to go along, its because they need the votes of Latinos and other demographics with ties to undocumented immigrants if they want to win in national elections. But there are still many GOPs who are opposed to a comprehensive reform. Its up to the Republican leadership to whip up their more conservative members into line. This is easier in the Senate, where members represent larger swaths of the electorate and are less beholden to vocal minorities in small districts. As well, the rise of minorities in the Republican Party give voice to people who know that immigrants cant simply be sent back where they came from. While Democrats want to see immigration reform happen soon, as theyve been pushing for years, they have the luxury of time, at least politically. Many Democrats are unhappy President Obama hasnt accomplished more for immigration reform so far, so he will need to deliver something this term, ideally before the midterm elections, but until then, he can sit back and watch the Republicans tear themselves apart over the issue. Obama has said he supports the bipartisan Senate proposal, and he has put forward several more progressive changes he would like to see, like the extension of his deportation deferment program, the easing of restrictions on family membersincluding same-sex partners-and reforms not tied to increases in border enforcement. But the Senate plan is one he agrees with and would be happy to see pass. Democrats will continue to push, and if Republi-

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation through Asia Unit Chief Lamont Siller of the International Operations Division presented a Plaque of Appreciation to outgoing Philippine Police Attache Armando Ramolete January 18, 2013 in Washington DC.

February 15, 2013

23
also helped by waiving all bank charges in the remittance of donations. But in the end, Lewis and her friends were able to generate only SR700,000 (about P7.6 million) which wasnt enough to stop the execution. In desperation, Lanuzas mother Letty appealed to the Saudi government to shoulder the balance of SR2.3 million. The Saudi government agreed to pay the balance and Lanuza, 37, will soon be freed. to his original German name, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. MANILA, - The Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country in Asia, expressed great regret Monday night over the news of Pope Benedict XVIs plan to resign at the end of February. At this time, when the Pope has announced the physical challenges he faces makes it difcult to continue bearing the burdens of his ofce, we join the Catholic world and all whose lives he has touched, in prayer and sympathy, said Philippine presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda Feb. 11. 2009 to June 2010 totaling more than $150,000. Banks are required to submit to the federal government currency transaction reports on cash deposits that exceed $10,000. Mrs. Lapids cash deposits ranged from $5,000 to $9,000. The court ordered those deposits plus the $40,000 conscated from Lapid when she arrived at McCarran International Airport on Nov. 27, 2010, forfeited in favor of the US government, Krieger said. When she was caught, she told customs agents the money was to be used to buy a house in Las Vegas. The lien placed on Lapids Las Vegas properties to cover her $500,000 bail has been released, Krieger said. A report in the Philippine Daily Inquirer cited the real estate website, Blockshopper, wants to examine me and review my medical history I will have a conversation with her about that, Christie said. Until that time she should shut up. Mariano says that after the press conference, Christie called and yelled at her. It was essentially the tone of the press conference, only louder, Mariano told We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Royal family for allowing God to touch their hearts, Lewis said in a statement. The 37-year-old OFW is expected to be released soon from the Dammam Central Prison, his home for the last 11 years. Its a joy and relief that the Saudi king showed mercy and compassion to a simple worker like Dondon, said USP4GG volunteer Dr. Angie Cruz. It was He said the Popes decision is an act of supreme faith in the institution he has headed, and the country is hopeful and praying that the Catholic Church and the Holy See will emerge from the coming period of the Sede Vacante, the conclave to come, with the election of a new Pope prepared to take up the great burdens and expectations of the Catholic faithful worldwide. Lacierda said the Philippines would remember the Pope with fond gratitude, for the many prayers and comforting words that he has dedicated listing two Las Vegas properties in Marissas name and her son Maynard. These are at 7304 Bugler Swan Way and on 2055 Buffalo Drive. Her husband, Sen. Lapid said his wife had the means to travel with that amount of money because she operated many businesses. The PDI report said Mrs. Lapid owns MTL Enterprises, which runs a hardware store, ice plant, farm supply shop, mini mart and drugstore in Porac, Pampanga. Lapid was held at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Las Vegas for three days after she was arrested on January 15, 2011 for the smuggling attempt. ICE special agent Albert Giangregorio, of the agencys Money Laundering Asset KTVK. It was hard to get anything across. A Christie spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the governor phoned Mariano and, if so, what the tone of that conversation was. Mariano says shes now rethinking whether she would God who made everything possible. To me, this was really a miracle. But even as the nation celebrated Lanuzas forthcoming release, it was revealed the Philippines was working to raise P44 million to save another convicted OFW Joselito Zapanta, sentenced to death for the 2009 killing of his Sudanese landlord during an argument over rent. He is scheduled to be executed in March. to Filipinos in times of calamity and challenge, and his words of encouragement and witness in the many Catholic events that have brought Catholics together, such as the recent canonization of San Pedro Calungsod. With 75.5 million members in 2011, the Philippines has the fourth largest number of Catholic citizens in the world after Brazil, Mexico and the United States. It is also a major Catholic country in Asia after East Timor. Removal Group, stated in an afdavit that Lapid knowingly concealed $40,000 when she arrived at McCarran on Nov. 27, 2010. Lapid, a green card holder, declared in the US Customs and Border Protection form that she was carrying $10,000 and P10,000 (equivalent to $225), Giangregorio said in his afdavit. After searching her luggage, ICE agents found $40,000 in two socks and a cloth bag hidden in the lining, he added. US federal law requires arriving passengers to declare any currency or monetary instrument totaling $10,000 or more. Violators are ned a maximum of $500,000 and the money recovered is conscated by the US government. Bulk cash smuggling is also punishable by a maximum 10-year imprisonment. support a Christie candidacy for the White House. The way hes acted lately I dont think so. He wasnt very nice to me, Mariano told KTVK. Is this presidential? Ill have to think about that. Is this a presidential way to behave? Cmon.

Filam group helps... from page 1

in Dammam helped convince the victims family to forgive Lanuza. The victims family required a diyya or compensation worth 3 million Saudi riyals (P32.5 million or $800,000) to stay the execution. Two years ago, Lewis launched a campaign in the US and the Philippines to raise the blood money. Through the initiative of Lewis US Pinoys for Good Government (USP4GG), they were able to raise about 450,000 Saudi riyals (or 4.9 million pesos). Its amazing that even ordinary people responded by donating $5 or $20 and contributed prayers and moral support for Dondons cause, Lewis said. The big donors included Judy Araneta Roxas, Manny V. Pangilinan, Tessie Sy Coson, J.J. Soriano and Quintin San Diego. Metrobank president Arthur Ty

Popes resignation shocks... from page 1

1415, almost 600 years ago. In my lifetime, no Pope has resigned. What is happening? I have gone through about 6 popes. Sara Pimentel said: Wait, can a Pope resign? When you sign a contract with God as your boss, wouldnt that be a forever kind of deal? In announcing his resignation in Rome, the Pontiff said in a statement that he had noticed that his strength had deteriorated over recent months to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulll the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, he said according to a statement from the Vatican. A Vatican spokesman said the pontiff would step down from 1900 GMT on February 28, leaving the ofce vacant until a successor is chosen. He will then revert

Lapid wife gets... from page 1

connement in Las Vegas and forfeiture of about $150,000 in banks deposits in addition to the $40,000 cash taken from her when she arrived at the McCarran Airport in November, 2010. A plea bargain is an agreement between prosecutor and defendant where the defendant agrees to plea guilty in exchange for some concession from the prosecutor like a more lenient sentence. Lapid, 55, will be required to wear an ankle bracelet for the duration of the house arrest that electronically tracks her location. Nonetheless, her lawyer Eliot Krieger, who negotiated the plea deal, said Lapid was relieved that the whole thing is over. She had claimed the money was intended to purchase a house in the US. She can only travel again after serving the home connement and can even temporarily return to the Philippines provided she gets permission from the Probation Department, he explained. But under US probation rules, she will be required to report to a probation ofcer at least once a month for the duration of her three-year sentence. If conditions of the probation are violated, she could be ned or more time could be added to the probation period or the judge could order her incarceration. The case against Lapid stemmed from a series of cash deposits she made in different banks in Las Vegas from January

Word war over weight... from page 1

Dr. Mariano, who resides and practices medicine in Scarsdale, Arizona described to Anderson Cooper of CNN that the governor phoned and yelled at her for the comments she made. She described the call to Anderson as rather shocking. She did not want to give any further details. Mariano described herself as a Christie supporter who wants him to run for president and warned the governors health could hurt his potential 2016 race. Her comments came after Christie appeared on the Late Show With David Letterman and poked fun at jokes about his weight by eating a doughnut during the interview. Its almost like a time bomb waiting to happen unless he addresses those issues before running for ofce, said Mariano, who attended to former Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush during her time at the White House. Asked about Marianos comments at a press conference on Feb. 6, Christie lashed out, calling her just another hack who wants ve minutes on TV. He said Marianos comments scared his children about his dying in ofce. If she wants to get on a plane and come here to New Jersey and ask me if she

24 Entertainment
Presidential sister and TV personality Kris Aquino paid the last installment of her settlement with former husband, basketball star James Yap which allegedly amounted to millions. Last night while taking care of (son) Bimb, I had to sign another check in the millions, she vented on Twitter, Last payment sa nancial settlement w/ u know who. She didnt name Yap in her tweets. Aquino married Yap, a pro basketball MVP awardee currently playing of the San Miguel squad, at a civil ceremony in 2005. Their son Bimby was born in 2007 but by 2010 the union was over and Aquino announced she would le to annul their marriage. Aquino has an older son, Joshua, from an affair with a married actor Philip Salvador. Although she did not divulge the amount of the settlement, Aquino said she was She blamed her Twitter rant on birthday blues. Aquino turned 42 last Valentines Day.

February 15, 2013

Kris paid ex-hubby millions for annulment

then everyone will know why Im so afraid of being used again, because si Josh and Bimb ang P342 million ($8.3 million). She is also the star in the teleserye Kailangan Koy Ikaw together with ex-ame Robin Padilla and Anne Curtis, which the latest audience surveys show is in the top 20 most-watched programs in the Philippines. Aquinos career appears to be taking off again after taking off to help campaign for her brother, Benigno Noynoy Aquino III, who won the presidency in 2010. Shortly later, she said she was leaving the industry to spare the Kris Aquino James Yap especially sad by the realization that the money could have been better spent on her two children. Unfortunately, Josh and Bimb wont get everything that I worked for, she lamented. With the millions he got from me and I wish theyd just let me have peace. Di ko kaya ginugulo. I more than paid for my peace already. Dont dare me to name the amount because nabawasan ang savings for their future, Aquino said. Aquino, who says she still doesnt have her own home, was featured in the comedy Sisterakas which was the top-grossing movie at the recent Metro Manila Film Festival, earning new president from controversies arising from her separation with Yap as well as the intrigues that seem to shadow showbiz personalities. She also is part-owner of several restaurants and a boutique that Aquino opened with friend and TV host Boy Abunda.

Workaholic star out of hospital, back at work

Primetime Queen Marian Rivera is back with a vengeance after being hospitalized for exhaustion. She is the lead star of GMA networks top-rating Temptation of Wife, a remake of a smash South Korean telenovela of the same title that the station rst aired after dubbing it in Pilipino. They eventually decided to produce their own drama series featuring Rivera and some of the countrys hottest stars, including Dennis Trillo and Glaiza de Castro. The TV drama has been running since last October. With one of the prettiest faces among todays crop of stars, Rivera is evidently riding the crest of her popularity. Aside from Temptation of Wife she also stars in the movie My Lady Boss. She is also engaged in commercial modeling including a 2nd pictorial for FHM after her maiden splash sold out the popular mens magazine and has recorded at least two studio albums, including the platinum Marian Rivera Dance Hits. With a back-breaking schedule, doctors reportedly had to ask Rivera to wear a neck brace as part of her therapy. They also advised her to rest for 3 consecutive weeks but she turned it down because of her prior commitments. Rivera promised instead to plaining because I have work but I need to take care of myself too. Its not right to work and work

Sir Chief is latest break-out star

Manilas latest break-out star waited nearly 4 decades to make it at the top of the heap. Richard Yap, aka Sir Chief, is cast as a kind but stern widower, not too unlike Christopher Plummers Captain von Trapp in the Sound of Music. He may have fewer children but the similarities become only too glaring with the lovable Jodi Sta. Maria playing the nanny. Although almost everyone knows how that tale ends, Be Careful With My Heart still keeps a tight grip on its audience. Yap, who turns 46 in May, was born in Cebu City. Like many Filipinos with Chinese roots, he was destined to a life in commerce and business and studied at the Ivy League Dela Salle University for it. His furniture business led him to the ofces of ABS-CBN where some executives spotted his potential. In 2011, he was cast as Kim Chius father in the teledrama Binondo Girl. Its eeting so Id rather not put that in my head, he says of his new-found popularity. After all, Be Careful With My Heart has become the undisputed top daytime program. Yap is said to be one of the most sought after stars in the Philippines today, ranking him alongside teen heartthrobs Coco Martain and Piolo Pascual. He is still struggling coming to grips with his superstar status. Thats something Ill never get used to. I dont know why people would scream just to see me, because there is no difference between me before I joined showbiz and now, he said. Yap said hes become more comfortable in front of the camera. I dont want to pressure myself so I just take everything as it comes and try to make the most out of it, he averred. We should not close our minds to other possibilities, he declared, acting was a new possibility for me. So I learned how to act, I did workshops, I learned from other people. He has parlayed his screen success to other equally lucrative elds like modeling and product endorsements. At age 30, his screen partner Jodi Sta. Maria already has about 2 decades of experience working on TV and cinema. Testament to its strong showing, Be Careful With My Heart has been extended and will run until June. Yap said hes now allowing the fame get to his head. If I wasnt in showbiz, Id be just like any other guy on the street. Just because Im in TV, suddenly gwapo na ako. Nobody told me that before. So take it with a grain salt. It doesnt change who I am, he said.

Marian Rivera set aside a xed time for rest (2 to 3 days a week). I am not comif my body cant do it anymore, she said.

February 15, 2013

25

Search and Seizure

QUESTION: Id like to know when a police ofcer can lawfully search my car if Im stopped for a minor trafc violation. ANSWER: The subject of search and seizure is an extremely complicated subject, and it is important to talk about constitutional basics before I proceed. The issues are immensely broad and we can only cover the subject supercially here. To begin with, the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. constitution places limits on the power of the police to make arrests, search people and their property, and seize objects and contraband (such as illegal drugs or weapons). Specically, the Fourth Amendment states, The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or afrmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. The search and seizure provisions of the Fourth Amendment are all about privacy. While the Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures by state or federal law enforcement authorities, it does permit searches and seizures that are considered reasonable. Basically, this means that the police may override your privacy protections or expectations and conduct a search of you, your home, car, etc., if (i) the police have probable cause to believe that they can nd evidence that you committed a crime, and a judge issues a search warrant, or (ii) the particular circumstances justify the search without a warrant rst being issued. Note that the Fourth Amendment applies to a search only if a person has a legitimate expectation of privacy in the place or thing searched; if not, the Fourth Amendment offers no protection because there are, by denition, no privacy issues. For example, there are expectations of privacy in a public restroom, and we dont expect the police to have a video camera there monitoring our private activities. When can the police search your car if youre stopped for a minor trafc violation? Unlike homes, cars have fewer Fourth Amendment protections. Probable cause is all thats required to search a car. The probable cause must be particularized to a particular area of that car. For example, if the police smell the odor of marijuana in the passenger compartment of a car, they have probable cause to search that area for marijuana.

1099 from your lender

ITS TAX TIME ONCE AGAIN!! As always, I get a lot of inquiries regarding 1099C they received from their mortgage lenders as a result of short sales, foreclosures and deed-inlieu of foreclosures. The initial reaction was they panic and so worried to be in trouble with IRS and they do not have any money to pay. Relax; it is normal to get 1099 from anything that you earned just like W2 from your job. I know you did not get this money but still. Last year, I was surprised when I learned that one of my clients way back in 2008 who did short sale on her primary residence is still paying IRS for the amount of her debt that was forgiven. It was just one of her friends who accidentally mentioned it to me. I immediately called her and told her to go to a tax professional and ask to amend her income tax return for that year. She can do that up to the last three years. I sent her information on Mortgage Debt Forgiveness which started in 2007 and Form 982. She then realized I sent that same information to her with that Form in January of 2009. Every year, I send the same information to all my clients who did short sale for that tax year in case they forget. I was just talking to her last week to check what happened and she was so happy. Its not only because she no longer pay IRS but she got all the money she paid all these years!!! You may have the same experience and still paying IRS as a result of short sales or foreclosure. Better review your le and you may still be able to amend your income tax returns. The following are most FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) I get especially it is tax time once again; you should consult a tax professional as each case maybe different. Q: I did short sale on my primary residence in 2010 but did not get 1099C from my lender. I led the tax just as normal. I received a letter from IRS that I did not report the amount that was forgiven by the lender, what do I do? A: You should receive a 1099C from your lender in the rst place from the amount of debt that was forgiven. It is usually received rst week of February each year. Call your servicer to get that 1099 and in most cases now, you can just log in to their website, create an account and it should be there. This will save you a lot of time. Ask your tax preparer if 1099 is necessary in this case before you amend or include on your next tax returns. Q: I did short sale last year on my primary residence, I have all my W2s but I still have not received the 1099 from my mortgage lender, do I need to wait for it? A: I strongly suggest to my clients to wait for that 1099 to come or call your mortgage servicer. Most 1099C now can be retrieved from your servicer website by just creating an account. However if none of these works, ask your tax advisor how you can go over with that. Q: I did short sale but it was not my primary residence, do I have to pay taxes on the amount forgiven although I lost a lot of money too? A: Normally YES, the Debt Forgiveness Program is designed only for the primary residence, however; the forgiven debt maybe qualied under the insolvency exclusion. You are insolvent or unable to pay debts if your total liabilities exceed your total assets. Go this website for more detailed information: http:// www.irs.gov/Individuals/TheMortgage-Forgiveness-DebtRelief-Act-and-Debt-CancellationAs I have said, consult a tax professional to assist you better on your issues and answer your questions in further details. You might as well take care of this now rather than later. Debt Forgiveness has just been extended but only until this year. Just imagine how much you owe if not for this program. If you are like one of my clients I mentioned; who paid or still paying IRS due to short sales, see a tax professional as soon as possible. You may still be able to recover all the money you paid. Note: Jocelyn Porteria is a Realtor licensed in V She A. earned a designation of ABR, GRN Accredited Buyers Specialist and GREEN Designation, CDPE Certied Distressed Property and Short Sale Expert, (SFR) Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource. For more info, visit her website at www.jprealdeal.com or call her at 571-432-8335 or email at realdealconsulting@yahoo.com for a free condential evaluation of your individual situation, property value, and possible options. She is also an accredited agent of Ayala Land, SM Residences and Century Properties in the Philippines.

They may not, however, search another area of the car without probable cause to believe that theres evidence of a crime in the area theyre searching. Can the police also search the trunk of your car? The police can search the trunk of your car if there is probable cause to believe that evidence of a crime may be found inside the trunk. In general, however, probable cause to search the passenger compartment of a car does not extend to the trunk of the car unless the police nd something that would give them the additional probable cause that they need to conduct a search of the trunk. QUESTION: Can a security guard at a store (for example, Target) conduct a search of my bag without a warrant? ANSWER: Yes. The protections of the Fourth Amendment apply only when (i) the search or seizure is the product of government action, and (ii) the search or seizure violates an individuals reasonable expectation of privacy. Privacy intrusions by private actors are not protected and evidence derived from private intrusions is not covered by the exclusionary rule. In other words, the Fourth Amendment does not apply to search carried out by non-governmental entities, such as private security guards. For example, assume that a shopping mall security guard observes a teenager putting a pair of jeans in his backpack without paying for them. The security guard can search the teenagers backpack, detain the teenager, call the police, and turn the teenager and the contents of his backpack to the police. The contents of the teenagers backpack will be admissible into evidence. QUESTION: What is the prevailing law and practice regarding school searches? ANSWER: Generally speaking, when reasonable suspicion exists, school ofcials may search property belonging to students. Reasonable suspicion requires circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to conclude that the person or persons to be searched are the most likely individuals to be in violation of a law or school rule. Property belonging to students includes item that can be connected to a student, carried by a student, or stored by a student in areas made available to the student by the school. Searches

based upon reasonable suspicion may include, for example, examining a students person, clothing, and possessions such as handbags, backpack/bookbags, notebooks, books, and other items that can be connected to the student; looking through, handling, or feeling the students personal possessions; opening any closed containers owned by the student; and opening any secured property to which the school has retained possession and access such as lockers, desks, or storage cabinets. QUESTION: What are the consequences of an unlawful search? ANSWER: If, upon review, a court nds that an unreasonable search occurred, any evidence seized as a result of the search cannot be used as direct evidence against the defendant in a criminal prosecution. This rule, established by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1961, has come to be known as the exclusionary rule. In addition to being excluded as evidence against the defendant, evidence resulting from an illegal search may not be used to discover other evidence, under a legal rule known as the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine. The tree is the evidence that the police illegally seized in the rst place; the fruit is the product of the illegally seized evidence. Both tree and fruit are inadmissible at trial. For example, Ofcer John Doe arrests drug dealer Joe Blow for selling illegal drugs. A judge rules that Ofcer John Doe illegally entered Blows home and improperly seized a map showing the location where Blow hid his illegal drugs. Ofcer Doe then found Blows illegal drugs in the location identied on the improperly seized map. Because Ofcer Doe obtained the map through an illegal search, Blows illegal drugs are the fruit of that unlawful search and are therefore inadmissible into evidence.

A. Enrico C. Soriano, Esq., is the managing member of Axxis Law Group, PLLC (www.axxislaw.com). The answers and discussions provided in this column do not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created hereby. You should consult a competent attorney for further assistance.

26

February 15, 2013

GLAZED SPARE RIBS

Just recently, upon request of visiting friends, I cooked this, among other dishes, using my own interpretation and style. I know it was super delicious because it was the rst one that was devoured. The secret of this recipe is by not using a lot of sodium to be able to taste the crisp avor of the ribs. Also, if you need more sauce, it is up to you to add more water or homemade stock and thicken with slurry (corn starch and water). This dish can also be served as dry nger food. Ingredients: 3 lbs. baby pork spare ribs 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon sesame oil 3 cups water 1 cup breadcrumbs salt and pepper Suggested garnishing: celery leaves or parsley and few thin strips of red bell pepper a large stock pan, combine the ribs, soy sauce, garlic powder, sesame oil and 2 cups water and bring to a fast boil. Then lower heat, cover the pan and cook the ribs until tender. (While in the middle of cooking the ribs, check if more water is needed to prevent the meat from sticking to the pan.) Transfer the ribs into a big bowl but separate the sauce. Lay the ribs into a at surface lined with aluminum foil and sprinkle slightly with breadcrumbs, season lightly with salt and

Methods:
Separate the ribs and boil briey to remove the excess fat; drain and discard the water. In

pepper turning the ribs all over. Heat a non-stick skillet moistened with a little bit of vegetable oil. Pan-grill or stir-

fry the ribs in batches and when done, return the sauce into skillet, glazing the ribs lightly with the sauce. Before transferring to a platter, add the garnishing and toss the whole dish one more time. Serve the dish with the garnish prominently showing. Editors Note: Master Chef Evelyn: 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S., 2009, Filipina Womens Network; MHC Most Outstanding Migrant Award in Culinary Arts, 2011; PAFC Dakila Special Achievement Award, 2011; Owner/Chef, Philippine Oriental Market & Deli, Arlington, Virginia; Founder and President of CHEW (Cancer Help Eat Well) Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) public charity formed to help and cook pro-bono for Filipino-Americans who are afflicted with cancer and other serious illnesses; Culinary writer; Member, Les Dames dEscoffier International, Washington DC Chapter; Member, International Cake Exploration Society, Master Chef, French Cuisine and Patisserie, Le Cordon Bleu, London.

ENGRAVING
Ricky is buying an expensive bracelet to surprise his girlfriend on Valentines Day. The jeweler inquired, Would you like your girlfriends name engraved on it? Ricky thought for a moment, grinned, then answered, No, engrave To my one and only love. The jeweler smiled and said, Yes, sir; how very romantic of you. Ricky retorted with a glint in his eye, Not exactly, just practical. If we break up, I can use it again. her head with the y swatter.

NAMES
Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the years, they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to meeting a few times a week to play cards. One day, they were playing cards when one looked at the other and said, Now dont get mad at me ..... I know weve been friends for a long time, but I just cant think of your name! No matter how hard I try, I cant remember it. Please tell me what your name is. Her friend stared at her for at least three minutes... she just sat there and stared at her. Finally she said, How soon do you need to know?

was your birthday today and asked him what gift we should give you. He said... F#%ck the mailman, give him ve bucks. But you know, lunch was my idea.

INGLISAN
Junior: Nay, bibili ako ng high cake. Nanay: Hindi high cake, anak - hot cake tawag dun. Junior: Okay nay, whatever. Pahingi na lang ng pera. Nanay: Sige, kumuha ka na lang diyan sa soldier bag ko. Pedro: Wow, ang galing! Anong klaseng pata? Juan: Pata-galan ng kuwento! sweepstake and rst prize, too, sagot ni Paul.

GROUP
Teacher: If a group of birds is called a ock of birds, also if a group of sh is called a school of sh, and if a group of wolves is called a pack of wolves, then what do you call a group of dogs? Carlos: Madali lang yan, mam. Di anser is aso-ciation .

HOLDAPER
Dalawang holdaper naguusap: Holdaper 1: Yehey! Pare, mayaman na tayo! Holdaper 2: Bilangin mo na ang nahakot natin, pare! Holdaper 1: Alam mo namang mahina ako sa math. Abangan na lang natin sa balita kung magkano!

BAKIT?
Boy: Bakit wala ka pang boyfriend? Girl: Kasi bawal pa ako. Ikaw, bakit wala ka pang girlfriend? Boy: Kasi bawal ka pa.

VIRGIN
A young man was planning to get married and asked his doctor how he could tell if his bride is a virgin. The doctor said, Well you need three things a can of red paint, a can of blue paint and a y swatter. The man was puzzled and asked, So what do I do with those? The doc replied, Before the wedding night, you paint one of your balls blue and the other red. If she says, Thats the strangest pair of balls I ever saw, You hit

BRIDGE
Nagpunta si Manny sa England at nag-meet sila ng prime minister. Habang kumakain, nagtanong ang prime minister, Is San Juanito Bridge the longest bridge in the Philippines? Yes, mabilis na sagot ni Manny saka biglang nag-isip ng maitatanong din, Ah... Is London Bridge falling down?

BIRTHDAY
Mailman talking to client: Mailman: Wait a minute, maam... rst you invite me in for lunch, then you made love to me, and now youre giving me ve dollars. Whats going on? I dont understand. Housewife: Well, you see... yesterday I told my husband it

PANGIT
Driver: Lahat ng pangit bumaba sa jeep. Sumagot ang isang pasahero; Tapos po? Sino na po ang magda-drive sa amin?

FRIES
Kumain sa isang sosyal na restaurant sina John at Paul. Give me Swiss steak and French fries order ni John sa wikang Ingles. And you, sir? tanong ng waiter. The same give me

PULUTAN
Pedro: Anong pulutan niyo kahapon sa birthday mo? Juan: Pata!

February 15, 2013

27

A Healthy Dog Is a Happy Dog

M
Valentines Are for Fools Like Me
There is a eld of clovers where every fourth leaf has my name. Each raindrop drenches the thirst of a faerie. A treasure chest is waiting just beyond the horizon and we each can choose our perfect wish. Every tear elevates a friends heartache, somehow somewhere. Each kiss is saved in a heart bank that doesnt get depleted. And one day Santa will tip toe to my room and leave the moonbeam I longed for a lifetime ago. ~~~~~~~~~ I wrote that verse one Valentines Day. I may be a fool and a romantic, but far from being hopeless as the saying goes, I am rather a hopeful one. I had my share of youthful insecurities and longings, heartaches too. But my dream came true. I have a husband who cherishes me and who believes my ambitions have merit. Before our rst daughter married, she and a group of her friends sat across me on the kitchen table one evening. Our conversation wandered from one topic to another. It nally settled on how one is guaranteed love and loving. Mrs. Lopez, how did you know you found your one true love? One earnest young woman asked. Several pairs of hopeful eyes looked at mine. Now how to answer that? I hadnt thought about one true loves in quite a while. One thought broke through my initial confusion. Cherish. I told them I felt cherished. Even the heart-palpitating, sweat-inducing, cloud-nine-soaring, rst days of romantic love could not overshadow the tenderness and sincerity I felt. There were no second thoughts or second guessing. Everything felt right. It also helped that my then boyfriend was every bit as romantic as my young heart required. I feel sorry for todays young women. The thrill of receiving beautifully written love letters cant compare to the terse messages they receive on small intrusive mobiles. Some of my daughters friends are married now. I wonder if they remember that conversation. I wonder if they even agreed. I know they nodded their heads out of deference. Mitch and I have been married thirty seven years. There were white-knuckle times when funds were close to being depleted. There were times of excitement, arguments, and disagreements. Even boredom. But my one true love has endured. I am still living the dream. ~~~~~~~~~ Our Loving You drew me to your world and gave me your love. Cherished me, freed me, allowed me my dreaming. I lay myself bare to you with total abandon, trusting. See me, touch me, hear me. I accept the love you are offering and return mine not caring what future awaits or unveils our loving. Send comments to: myrnamlopez2012@yahoo.com

y two daughters like this catchy TV ad line very much, promoting a dog food. Their prized pet dogs are treated like babies and of course, these babies thought they were humans. Winnie has Coco, a small white Bichon here in Virginia and Chela has Buddy, a big black Labrador in Florida. They truly believed that to keep their beloved pets happy, they are to provide them with proper foods and appropriate exercises. In addition to Cocos dog food, he is given shredded cooked chicken breast with a little rice and soup three times a week, also yogurt for snack. For exercise he is allowed to roam around in the connes of their sizable property and can even visit their neighbors dog. The houses in their area are not fenced. In the morning, he goes up his chair by the window to see the outside world while he is given body massage. When they watch the TV, he is on lap of either his Mommy or Daddy and wants attention all the time. He whimpers when ignored and when sleepy, he wants to be carried. He has a bed on the oor of the masters bedroom, but prefers to be up on the big bed. However, Coco knows some tricks like he can stand up and turns around, plays dead and answers (barks) back when talked to. I must admit he is lovable .. but bratty and he gets away with it. Buddys skin is sensitive so he is given supplemental tablets added to his special dog food. He exercises on Chelas treadmill three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) for 45 minutes each time while watching the TV and the rest of the week, they walk to the dog park to socialize with the other dogs. Every two months, Chela takes him to the dogs grooming

place for nail cutting, brushing the teeth, cleaning the ears, fur brushing to make it shiny and massage. Buddy has a big soft bed on the oor of Chelas bedroom. He eats on schedule unlike Coco who eats whenever as his food is always available. Buddy would sit when their front door is opened for him and would only go out when told to. He follows my daughter around the house but does not whimper and would get his favorite toy when he wants to play. Like Coco, he also has a jacket worn outside the house when cold. His head is patted and told good boy most of the time. He seemed to understand it. But one thing is clear, one was brought up a spoiled pet and the other one well disciplined. Observing Coco and Buddy, both of them are well-loved and well-cared for and seemed to be happy and contented. In truth, they are lovable, amusing and entertaining and in turn, amazingly giving my daughters and son-in-law so much joy in their everyday life. A Healthy Person is a Happy Person Likewise, the TV ad jingle could also be A Healthy Person is a Happy Person.Following this line, we can be happy by simply staying healthy and because we are not dependent creatures like Coco and Buddy, we should be in control of what we want to achieve. This topic leads me to the New Years resolutions of numerous people for 2013 good health which for many of us is a tall order and a challenge to attain as it involves big deals like eating habits, dieting, exercises, style and mode of

living. Do we have a great sense of discipline, self-control and determination? Do we procrastinate? Otherwise, I envy Coco and Buddy and others like them.

Warm Wishes and Cheers

I dedicate this poem to the following friends and relatives: Jennifer and Mito Tabones of Sterling, VA whose son, Jeremy, passed away on January 22, 2013. Norma Azarcon of Herndon, VA for her recent hip replacement surgery Dr. Ernesto and Josie Roldan from New York who are currently experiencing the furious blizzard

A New Day
Dusk falls and I close my eyes, To wake to a bright new tomorrow, Gone are the labors of life, the futility of strife, And the lingering trauma of sorrow. Dawn breaks and I clearly see, A new day of heavenly creation, Fresh with new hope, renewed faith, good cheer, And the promise of eternal salvation. By Dolores Karides from the Salesian Collection of poems.

February Birthday Celebrants:

Vilma Mataac on 2/2 Jojo Masanque on 2/16 Nenita Rasmussen on 2/18 Norma Azarcon on 2/21 Becky Ramos on 2/21 Becky Pagsibigan on 2/21 Jojo de la Rosa on 2/26

Ms. Earth 2012 and Ricky Reyes

Ricky Reyes hosted a dinner reception for the winners of the 2012 Ms. Earth competition at his posh Valle Verde res-

idence recently. The pageants rst Runner-up Stephany Stefanowitz, Ms. Earth 2012 Teresa Fajksova of Czech Republic, and

third Runner-up Camila Goncalvez of Brazil were among Reyess guests.

28 Editorial

February 15, 2013

The time is now

Hope for the passage of a comprehensive immigration reform bill this year is building up as Congress and the White House appear ready to solve a problem that has lingered for decades. Late last month, a bipartisan group of eight senators led by Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) unveiled a comprehensive reform plan that would eventually lead to the legalization of the stay of the some 11 million undocumented immigrants. The last election has made Republicans, who had been opposed to any reform in the past, realize the power of the Latinos and other immigrant groups. The senators plan, which hews closely to that of President Obama, would, among other things, mandate the undocumented alien to pay a ne and taxes, undergo a background check, learn to speak English and nally, go behind the line of the tens of thousands of legal immigrants who have been waiting for years for their green cards. Like Obama, the Gang of Eight also wants the government to further strengthen the border, force employers to check the status of all workers, and provide visas for temporary farm workers. Intense debate is now raging between a piecemeal approach or a comprehensive solution. But both sides are hopeful that an agreement could be reached. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid predicts that a reform bill would be passed before the end of the year. House Republicans, including Speaker John Boehner, also agrees that there is a need to confront the problem. Most of the beneciaries will be the undocumented aliens from South America, Africa and elsewhere. But more than an estimated 300,000 Filipino TNTs (tago ng tago) will also benet from immigration reform.

Manila Times

Washington Tsismis

Mr. Filam USA- DC

In keeping with Valentines Day, Tsismoso is launching a search for the top Mr. Filam USA-DC in the greater Washington D.C. area. No, I am not referring to a political or community leader. Tsismosos grapevine has been alive recently with reports of men who deserve the title. The search is for a person who is an excellent listener and follower inside and outside the house. He is always an epitome of power. In the ofce or in a gathering, he serves as the model leader. Because of his position in an organization or an ofce, he can scold, praise, and re his underlings. But in his private and public life, he only listens and follows the order of the Mrs. Filipinos call it Under the Saya (USA). We will crown the winner Mr. USA-DC of 2013. at an appropriate ceremonies at a place to be announced later. Keynote speaker will be the Philippine Ambassador. Nominations must be forwarded to Tsismoso@aol.com. *** A Tsismoso follower named Lito has sent in this item that he says is appropriate for this column on Valentines Day, Feb. 14, 2013. Its said to be the work of the late Andy Rooney who is no longer around to dispute this. Here goes. (Warning: If you are averse to reading anything about sex, funny or otherwise, stop reading NOW.) 1. When I was born, I was given a choice - a big pecker or a good memory.... I dont remember which I chose. 2. Your birth certicate is an apology letter from the condom factory. 3. A wife is a sex object. Every time you ask for sex, she objects. 4. Impotence: natures way of saying, No hard feelings... 5. There are only two four letter words that are offensive to men - dont stop, unless theyre used together. 6. Panties: No, the best thing on earth, but next to the best thing on earth. 7. Three stages of life: Tri-Weekly, Try Weekly and Try Weakly. 8. Virginity can be cured. 9. Virginity is not dignity, its lack of opportunity. 10. Having sex is like playing bridge - if you dont have a good partner, you better have a good hand. 11. I tried phone sex once, but the holes in the dial were too small. 12. Marriage is the only war where you get to sleep with the enemy. 13. Question: Whats an Australian kiss? Answer: The same thing as a French kiss, only down under. 14. A couple just married were happy with the whole thing. He was happy with the Hole and she was happy with the Thing. 15. Question: What are the three biggest tragedies in a mans life? Answer: Life sucks, job sucks and the wife doesnt. 16. Question: Why do men nd it difcult to make eye contact? Answer: Breasts dont have eyes. 17. Despite the old saying, Dont take your troubles to bed, many men still sleep with their wives! (Send to the men who need a laugh and the women with a good sense of humor.) *** And this health message are for the retired of which there are now many in the Filam community. Of course, this includes some editorial volunteers of the Manila Mail. Retired Health Message: As I was lying in bed pondering the problems of the world, I rapidly realized that I dont really give a rats tail. Its the tortoise life for me! 1. If walking is good for your health, the postman would be immortal. 2. A whale swims all day, only eats sh, drinks water, and is fat. 3. A rabbit runs and hops and only lives 15 years. 4. A tortoise doesnt run and does nothing, yet it lives for 450 years, and you tell me to exercise?? I dont think so. *** (Im retired. Go around me.) God grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked, the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference. Now that Im older heres what Ive discovered: 1. I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it. 2. My wild oats have turned into prunes and all-bran. 3. I nally got my head together, and now my body is falling apart. 4. Funny, I dont remember being absent-minded.

Continued on page 31

February 15, 2013

Opinion 29

Doctor on sick economy

S
Memory Tour
(Eds note: Jon is still in the Philippines visiting places where his family lived before coming to the U.S.) n my third visit to the homeland in nearly ve decades, I vowed to spend more time and visit the many places of my childhood and teenage years: barrios and towns in the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Davao, Cotabato and Lanao. heroines ed to in those times (magpapakalayo-layo or go far away) in their desire to forget their past and heal their broken hearts. A hero down on his luck and aspiring to a better life for himself also decides to move to Davao, because there he can have a chance at pagbabagong buhay (new life). Armed merely with a dream and an ambition and a sense of adventure Thats how my mom and

omething very interesting happened at the Fellowship Foundation National Breakfast on February 7 at Washington, DC., a nonpartisan event attended by political big shots in town of all persuasions. The keynote speaker was Dr. Benjamin Carson, an AfricanAmerican recipient of the highest civilian honor awarded by the President of the United States in 2008. He serves as full professor in neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery and pediatrics at the John Hopkins Childrens Center in Baltimore, Maryland. He did the rst and only successful separation of Siamese twins in the US and in South Africa. His Carson Foundation supports 4,500 scholars all over the US. He spent his childhood in dire poverty. His mother only had third grade education, born to a family of 24 siblings, the father being a bigamist. Poverty however became the driving force that led to his success. His poor mother realized that education was their way out of the economic gutter. She forced her two sons to read books borrowed from the public library that she herself could hardly read and

she limited the kids TV time to two programs a week. His mothers foresight and dogged determination to push her children paid off. Dr. Carson is now the personication of rags to riches story earned with his own sweat. Dr. Carsons speech became a hit in the blogosphere. He was eloquent, humorous, witty and not shy about being perceived politically incorrect in the presence of the President of the United States. He even ventured into the heated issues consuming the nation. He reminded his listeners of the great Roman Empire that could not be threatened by any military might at that time. It disintegrated because of moral decay and nancial mismanagement. The perils of the past are the perils that we see today. The $16.5 trillion national debt should be taken very seriously by our political leaders. Pres. Obama owns more than 1/3

of the debt in just four years in ofce. How serious is the problem? If you pay $1 per minute it would take 507 years to pay down the entire debt. Not surprisingly, he ventured into health care. He is not enamored with Obamacare and argues that health care decisions should be largely left to the responsibility of individuals. He supports Health Savings Accounts for every individual to be funded during the persons lifetime with pretax income. As for people who are indigent and cannot afford to make contributions to their HSA, the government can contribute to their HSA instead of spending the big pot of money to run a bureaucracy. When a person is in control of budgeting health expenses, he/ she will be more prudent in usage. And there will not be a government board called death panels by critics making health

Continued on page 31

Jon poses in front of his old Grade VI classroom with the elementary school children of Magatos. The ight from Manila to Davao City and a bus ride to Barangay Magatos took about seven hours. It used to take almost a week to make the same trip, by barko (steam ship), jeepney and banca (small boat). In those days, my parents moved a lot. After the end of World War II in 1945, they resided in Munoz, Nueva Ecija where I was born a year earlier; Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; Urdaneta, Pangasinan and Guimba, Nueva Ecija. These constant movements were dictated by my fathers deployments as a Philippine Army ofcer. He also served in the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). After he retired from the Army, my parents (who were both teachers and farmers) responded to then President Ramon Magsaysays call to go South, to the Land of Promise that was Mindanao. They joined other migrants from the North and settled in different parts of the region to seek better opportunities and build careers. In the case of my parents who chose to go to Davao, they were, as author Lolita Lacuesta puts it, part of those who make up the soul and spirit of Davao - the dream destination for Filipinos looking for new opportunities and fresh beginnings. Davao, she writes, was where popular culture dad viewed Davao way back then, nearly 60 years ago. Apparently, its still true today. My 32-year-old nephew from Houston, Texas happened to also be visiting with relatives about the same time we were there. But he plans to stay in Davao indenitely. Separated from his wife and child, he said he was going to pick up the pieces of a broken marriage and start afresh. Like my dad, he believes that he can make it here in the land of promise, where a new life is possible. A Long Journey. I was six years old, the oldest among four children born a year apart, when my family packed all our earthly belongings and made what seemed like a very long journey, by land, by boat and by kariton, to what seemed like a very distant, far away land. Almost beyond reach. But they were determined to face all kinds of challenges and build a life for our family. We settled in the barrio of Magatos where the only passage to the closest town of Tagum was by a banca. I remember the men loading up one boat with all our belongings, and another boat with only my mothers piano in it. Yes, the piano always moved with us. It was my mothers prized possession, a

The trouble with Christie

Continued on page 31

omeone should tell New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie not to shoot the messenger. This after a tirade against Dr. Connie Mariano, a retired naval ofcer and one of the most successful Filipino Americans when she served as physician to Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Christie appeared to bring it upon himself when he conceded in a guest appearance in the Late Show with David Letterman that his considerable girth was fair game to comics. He munched on a doughnut, boasting Im basically the healthiest fat guy youve ever seen in your life. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reckons that more than a third of all Americans are obese, which is one of the leading causes for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some kinds of cancer. And Christie was no ordinary state executive. He is considered as one of the Republican Partys rising stars with a good shot at winning the nomination for the 2016 presidential race. That is if the mercurial governor can hold his tongue. Mariano, who now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, claimed Christie yelled at her during a

recent phone call. It was essentially the tone of the press conference, only louder, she told a Phoenix radio station. It was sad, Mariano said in an interview on 3TV. He was making fun of himself and I feel sorry for him. Hes a nice man. Hes a very talented, smart man and he has a lot to offer and I feel awful if something happened to him. If she wants to get on a plane and come here to New Jersey and ask me if she wants to examine me and review my medical history I will have a conversation with her about that, Christie said in a press conference. Until that time she should shut up. Mariano insisted that it was common for medical experts to weigh in on the health of highprole personalities in the news, including potential presidential candidates. I worry that he may have a heart attack, he may have

a stroke, she said on CNN. Ive gotten lots of hate mails, lots of threatening, mean stuff, Mariano revealed. My intention wasnt to hurt anybody. Born in Cavite and growing up in Imperial Valley, California, Mariano retired as a Rear-Admiral after becoming the rst woman to be director of the White House Medical Unit. After her retirement, she wrote her memoir, entitled The White House Doctor: My Patients Were Presidents. Former President Clinton, who won his own battle with weight, wrote the books foreword. A large part of his success is attributed to eating right, avoiding artery-clogging fastfoods, and getting enough exercise a regimen that were sure Mariano can help teach Christie, if only he recognizes his health challenges and ask nicely. The governor obviously

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30
Immigration Notes

February 15, 2013 By J.G. Azarcon, Esq.

VISA PRIORITY DATES FOR THE PHILIPPINES FEBRUARY 2013 FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES First: Unmarried sons/daughters of US citizens Mar. 08, 1997 Second: A: Spouses/minor children of permanent residents: Oct. 22, 2010 B: Unmarried sons/daughters 21 years of age or older of permanent residents May. 15, 2002 Third: Married sons/daughters of citizens Aug. 22, 1992 Fourth: Brothers/sisters of citizens Jun. 01, 1989 EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES First: Priority workers Current Second: Professionals holding advanced degrees or persons of exceptional ability Current Third: Skilled workers, professionals Aug. 22, 2006 Other Workers Aug. 22, 2006 Fourth: Current Certain Religious Workers Current Fifth: Employment creation/ (Million or half-million dollar investor) Current
approved family-based visa petition, including beneciary and any derivative beneciaries; any derivative beneciary of a pending or approved employment-based visa-petition; the beneciary of appending or approved Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition; an alien admitted as a derivative T or U nonimmigrant; or a derivative asylee. The Immigration Service denes qualifying relative as an individual who immediately before death, was: the petitioner or principal beneciary in a family-based petition; the principal beneciary in an employment-based visa petition; the petitioner in a refugee/ asylee relative petition; the principal alien admitted as a T or U nonimmigrant; the principal asylee who was granted asylum.

Approval of petitions after death of relative Why Pinoy politicians run

MANILA ts still three months before the nationwide elections here on May 13 but the campaign fever is already heating up. Campaigning is still not ofcially allowed at this time but the law cant stop politicians from selling themselves already to the electorate. Thats the Philippines, where laws generally are only taken as mere suggestions by everybody and not legal statutes that must be obeyed. This is the same with trafc laws; motorists and pedestrians alike dont consider road laws are mandatory and to be obeyed by all, but as optional, depending on citizens dispositions or moods. Ah, the Philippines, what a place, what a place. The department of tourisms current motto here is: Its more fun in the Philippines. Which is made fun of by wags here who come up with all sorts of jokes and puns about the slogan. Like Its more fun in the Philippines to urinate in public or Its more fun in the Philippines to kidnap someone and so on, and so on. Of course, its not helpful to the country when citizens make fun of the serious efforts of the government to boost the countrys tourism. But then again, life in the Philippines is so absurd, you would be a fool to take everything seriously. Humor is the Filipinos means of escape from hard reality. But back to early political campaigning. The law sets campaign periods for when politicians can ofcially start presenting themselves to the voters. For candidates for national ofce (senators and congressmen), its 45 days before election day, and for local ofce, 30 days. Obviously, its still not 45 days before May 13, and yet there they are on television and radio unofcially campaigning. Its so typically Filipino to circumvent the law. Politicians claim theyre really not campaigning yet, but just sending messages out to the people. They disguise their campaigning by putting out messages on television ostensibly to support a good cause or remind people to be good citizens, etcetera, etcetera. The advertisements are cam-

ouaged as public service messages, but theyre campaign ads in reality. And the involved politicians are breaking the law by campaigning prematurely. In many localities, political rivalries are so intense, theyve already resulted in a number of killings. Rivals are ambushed and shot dead. It makes observers wonder why politicians would move heaven and earth just to win an elective position. The pay is ridiculously low, youre on call 24 hours a day, and youre called names by your enemies and people who dislike you. Why would anyone want to be in that position? Campaigning politicians all cry out to the heavens that they only want to serve the people by running. And so they make all kinds of promises that are later broken and forgotten. The people inexplicably believe all the politicians lies and vote them into ofce. In reality, politicians, especially those who have no other skills in order to pursue any other productive calling, turn the government into a milking cow when they are elected. They turn governance into a business from which they earn millions of pesos and be able to live luxuriously. Imagine a politician spending his own money (or his benefactors) to win an election. Do you think he does that only because he just wants to serve the people? Or does he do it so he could make money for himself and recoup his investment many times over? Politicians who were poor before getting elected often end up living in mansions, owning businesses, and supporting a mistress or two on the side (and helping the mistress start her own business too). There are very few politicians who continue to live modestly as before. Its easy to understand why politicians would move heaven and earth (and their opponents out of the way by neutralizing them either temporarily or permanently) just to get elected. Theres money in them dar hills, as the early pioneers of America shouted in anticipation of a better life.

n the past, if the petitioner dies while the visa petition is pending, the beneciary would not be entitled to seek approval of the petition. The law changed with the amendment of Sec. 204(l) of the Immigration Act in 2009. Under current law, an alien seeking immigration benet through a deceased qualifying relative may obtain approval of a visa petition or adjustment application and refugee/asylee relative petition if the alien meets the following illegibility requirements: Resided in the United States when the qualifying relative died; Continues to reside in the United States on the date of the decision on the pending petition or application; Is at least one of the following: the beneciary of a pending or approved immediate relative visa petition; the beneciary of a pending or

Incubator for Sleaze

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MANILA ark Money column, published by Inquirer 2 Feb, uncorked a slew of furious reader reaction against legislators who hefted Concurrent Resolution 10, to block audits of their tax-money splurges. The solons, at the same time, demanded transparency from others. Nothing so needs reforming as other peoples habits, Mark Twain wrote. Cobbled by Senator Panlo Lacson, CR10 twisted budget items, like maintenance and other operating expenses into a personal kitty for dark money. An on-my-word-of-hornor certication, by a legislator, did away with irksome Commission on Audit reviews. Thus, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile gift-wrapped, last Christmas, P1.6 million MOOE checks for 18 friendly senators. In the Lower House, members badgered CR10 into ATMs. Members key in the right combo and tax payers pesos cascaded forth. Wrongs arent wrong, if its done by nice people like ourselves?

Brickbats from readers insist that the nub of corruption is to exempt oneself from a communitys rules. Sleaze metastasizes into hypocrisy when legislators urge others to hew by standards they scoff at. You strap heavy loads on a man shoulders, the Master ticked off the Pharisees: But you never lift a nger to ease the burden. : Liquidating billions of taxpayers money, by mere certication is daylight robbery, Wakats emailed. . Worse, distinguished senatongs put to shame, in their probes, many heads of agencies for corrupt practices they themselves are guilty of. Remember former AFP chief of staff Angelo Reyes, who committed suicide? Senator Jinggoy Estrada ridiculed Reyes, at public hearings, for receiving pasalubong from AFP on his retirement. Yet, Jinggoy feeds

from the CR`10 trough. COA should have audited Congress without fail. No need for Congress to do away with CR10, the Inquirer of Feb 3 quotes Panlo Lacson as saying, Dr Carolina Camara from Cagayan de Oro wrote. Anyway, COAs Grace Pulido Tan trashed CR10 by starting a long overdue audit. Lacson is drafting a Senate circular thatd detail new guidelines on the liquidation of expenses, based on COAs guidance. Who appointed Lacson to interpret for COA?, asks Dr Camara Legislators are capable of reading COA guidelines. Is this just Lacsons desire to keep his progeny CR10 in the incubator. Will CR10 be resuscitated when were all looking the other way? Lacson even preempts Tan and insists: Audit will be

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February 15, 2013

31
lazy hours of summer wading in shallow waters, with improvised rafts made of banana stalks. Its still there. And so is the river. The landscape has been profoundly altered in a way that heightened my sense of loss. And so have the inner landscapes of peoples lives, those who may still live there, and those who have come and gone, never to return. Im still sorting out why we came and why we left, and what we tried to do in that brief time and space. The romantic in me still longs for idyllic moments running in the sun, playing in the rain, climbing trees, catching mudsh in rice paddies, and jumping in the river. Yes, the river that ferried countless of others from the North looking for new beginnings, armed merely with ambition and a dream. Yes, the river that honored even my mothers piano. Having returned to Magatos, I am certain Magatos will always return to me, keeping me anchored, as NVM Gonzalez puts it, to a sense of place, a sense of belonging and identity and a sense of connection to my own family through what we remember of what we did there, and what the place did to our lives. Send your comments to jonmele@aol.com $10 billion as much as the guy who made $10. Where does it say you have to hurt the guy? He just put a billion dollars in the pot; we dont need to hurt him. In his state of the union address two years ago, Pres. Obama shot arrows at the conservative Justices of the Supreme Court for their decision allowing unrestricted political contributions by corporations and labor unions. The Justices who were captive audience and could not talk back could only squirm in their seats. Barack got a dose of his own medicine at the National Prayer Breakfast. We have no qualms about how the New Jersey governor manages his weight, but he cant be condoned when he seems to insinuate its perfectly normal. esta out here. But this is just the start. The gore and the mayhem are still to come; blood and guts in the genre of Sam Peckinpah and Quentin Tarantino will be on display soon in the political landscape. More ambushes, killings, extortions, exposes and all the sordid activities during a typical Filipino election campaign will surely be in the news soon. It will be one big spectacle. Dont miss folks.

Memory Tour... from page 29

gift from an uncle who appreciated her love for music. During the Japanese occupation, when evacuation was ordered by local town leaders, my mother insisted on bringing the piano along, secured on a kariton, a bamboo cart pulled by a carabao. During rest breaks, my mother would play the upright Steinway and provide some comfort to the tired and weary towns folks who were eeing the foreign invaders. She did the same thing years later after the guns of war had been silenced, when we reached the river that led to Magatos. She had to convince the men operating the boat that the piano had come a long way, that it meant a lot to the family. She begged and begged. The men eventually relented, but not until my father was forced to use up our savings just to get the piano transported. A man with a shotgun accompanied us on that four-hour river boat ride across crocodile-and-mosquito-infested waters. My siblings and I huddled close to my mother. It was dark when we arrived in that remote barrio. Only the sounds of crickets and cocks crowing could be heard. For the next three years, Magatos was home. The barrio folks, in true bayanihan spirit, helped build our house made of tree barks for walls, cogon grass for the roof and bamboo for the oors. It was all manual labor. They also made a clearing in the forest to build a vocational school where my parents taught math, science, english and literature to the locals who had no means of pursuing further education. My parents pioneering spirit, Im proud to say, made a difference in the life of the barrio. While they taught the 40 or so students and farmed their small piece of land, my brother, two sisters and I went to Elementary School. On late afternoons and weekends, I helped my father in the farm, plowing the elds and taking our carabao to pasture. A Native Son Returns. During this sentimental journey, nothing about Magatos was familiar. Nothing resembled the pictures in my mind that have kept me yearning to return. The whole place is crowded now. The elementary school had been torn down, giving way to a new building. Our house is gone and the farm is now part of a large banana plantation owned by a rich landowner who doesnt live there. The only structure left standing is the Grade VI building, now decrepit and decaying. Thats where I spent my last year before my family left yet again, moving on to another place. And the little creek where my brother and I used to spend the

Washington Tsismis... from page 28

5. Funny 6. If all is not lost, where is it? 7. It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser. 8. Some days, youre the dog; some days youre the hydrant. 9. I wish the buck stopped here; I sure could use a few. 10. Kids in the back seat cause accidents. 11. Accidents in the back seat cause kids. 12. Its hard to make a comeback when you havent been anywhere. 13. The only time the world beats a path to your door is when youre in the bathroom. 14. If God wanted me to touch my toes, hed have put them on my knees. 15. When Im nally holding all the cards, why does everyone want to play chess? 16. Its not hard to meet expenses . . . theyre everywhere. 17. depth. 18. These days, I spend a lot of time thinking about the hereafter. .I go somewhere to get something, and then wonder what Im hereafter. 19. Funny, I dont remember being absent-minded. 20. DID I SEND THESE TO YOU BEFORE..........?????? Inside Every Older Person Is A Younger Person Wondering What Happened! The only difference between a rut and a grave is the

Incubator for Sleaze... from page 30

prospective and examine only 2013 books. Thatd blindfold taxpayers to previous plunder. No way Jose. We have two kinds of morality side by side, philosopher Bertrand Russell once noted: One which we preach but do not practice and another which we practice but seldom preach. Lacson ts that bill.. No senator stepped forward to say theyre willing to return public funds theyve received as Christmas gifts from Enrile, notes Buninay. The Senate wont recover until all gifts are returned, because public funds must revert to the national treasury, adds .Hellomr. Only then, can they start talking of integrity ... Dont hold your breath, commented Kolambogan. Theyre displaying traditional Honor Among Thieves. If any one returns, that would repudiate Santa Claus. Its hard to drive a dog from a butchers counter, emailed. Kapayapaan_1900. We must remove morally bankrupt people in Congress and discontinue electing people who reinforce their families and cohorts in power. Otherwise, this noholds-barred money making machine called pork barrel, will continue to entice people joining this exclusive club. The public was not even aware that a bastard of this legalized scheme called MOOE existed until one of them whistled foul due to unequal distribution of ( loot ) Its simple ? Who will kill the goose that lays the golden egg? Why is the stink over CR10 mostly conned to print or cyber media? asks Kayanatwo Radio or t.v. talk-shows need to do more investigative reporting and let 93 million plus Juan de La Cruzes know about pressing issues like political dynasties, economic gaps, etc. CR10 is a case in point. The common tao, living outside the national capital region are not fully aware about ofcials conniving with each other on how to loot the national treasury legally. Do the electronic media view the masa as bobo, and therefore deserve dumb teleseryes, These are , hollow and sensationalize news and showbiz happenings. Bum Weed ( PDI/ Jan 29 ) questioned Commission on Elections Resolution 9615. This provides for mandatory right of reply ( RoR ) Candidates aggrieved by press reports can demand to have their side published in the same prominence or in the same time slot as the rst statement. Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines , Cebu Citizens Press Council, among others, slammed the stitching of RoR provisions into rules for the May 13 elections. If need be, theyll challenge this rule before the Supreme Court. Constitutional scholar Joaquin Bernas noted that prevailing jurisprudence, notably the 1974 US Supreme Courts decision in Miami Herald vs Tornillo, struck down RoR as unconstitutional. ROR can also mean Retort of Rulers:.writes AllaMo. Still, it causes one to retch Indeed, this is the :classic case of having ones cake and eating it too, adds Buninay. Misbehaving politicians get into the news through their own fault. Resolution 9615 compells free media space to explain away the besmirching news. In effect, RoR amounts to media shooting their foot every time they take on unsavory characters. (Email: juan_mercado77@ yahoo.com)

Doctor on sick... from page 29

care decisions. He challenged head on Pres. Obamas progressive tax scheme and was not shy to tout his religion to make a point. Here are excerpts. What about our taxation system? So complex, there is no one who can possibly comply with every jot and titleIf I wanted to get you or you, I could get you on a tax issue. That doesnt make any sense. What we need is to come up with something simple. And when I pick up my Bible, do you know what I see? I see the fairest individual in the universe, God, missed a chance to pivot the disconcerns over health and obeand he has given us a system. It is called tithes. Now we dont necessarily have to do 10%, but its a principle. God didnt say, If your crops failed, dont give me any tithes. He didnt say, Have a bumper crop? Give me triple. So there must be something inherently fair about proportionality. You make $10 billion? You put in $1 billion. You make $10 you put in $1. Of course, you got to get rid of loopholes. But, now some people say, Thats not fair, because it doesnt hurt the guy who made sity. We agree with observations that it doesnt take an expert to see Christie is overweight.

The trouble with Christie... from page 29

cussion to Americas continuing

Why Pinoy politicians... from page 30

Elected ofcials get a share (the lions share) of the money poured into government projects in their districts. American readers are familiar with the pork barrel in their countrys political system and culture. Its the same here. Millions in funds are allotted to congressional and senatorial districts for development projects. Favored contractors are awarded the projects and favors are in turn given to the politicians in the area, in the form of cold cash or favors in kind. What a rotten system. And so, the races are on here despite the ofcial ban on early campaigning. Politicians are among the thickest-skinned of the earths living species. They cannot be shamed into following the rules. They cannot be discouraged from their shameless behavior. Its starting to be a big

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February 15, 2013