Duterte Wants Easier Declaration of Martial Law, Bypassing Congress

WEEKLY ISSUE 70 CITIES IN 11 STATES ONLINE Vol. IX Issue 403 1028 Mission Street, 2/F, San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel. (415) 593-5955 or (650) 278-0692 [email protected] Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017

PNP resolves killings Acquitted Raiders dominate Hollywood mourns Manigong Bagong Taon

President Rodrigo Duterte said said. he wants the Constitution amended to Saying she is prepared to fight Mar- make it less difficult for any president to tial Law, Robredo noted that Filipinos declare Martial Law but Vice-president have demonstrated their courage to Leni Robredo said she is ready to fight stand up and make their voices be heard against its return. for the sake of protecting our freedom According to Duterte, he wants the and fighting for the truth. declaration of Martial Law to be the sole Robredo, who recently quit her prerogative of the president. He said this Cabinet post over differences with Du- would bypass the “inefficiency” of hav- terte and emerged as opposition leader, ing Congress and the Supreme Court to said the President’s reference to specific Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman agree to the declaration. provisions in the 1987 Constitution (photo: www.filam.net) “If I declare Martial Law amid an providing controls on martial law as a The House committee on labor invasion or war, I cannot proceed on “reckless reaction” to the Marcos regime and employment approved House and on, especially if there is unrest. I was an insult to the Filipino experience Bill 269 or the proposed “Caregivers would need to go to Congress and to the of the dictatorship. Welfare Act,” which seeks to institute Supreme Court?” “Moreover, for President Duterte to policies for the protection of the rights “Well, what happens if the Supreme challenge the democratic safeguards of of caregivers and the promotion of Court says one thing and Congress says the very constitution he swore to uphold their welfare. another—one says yes and the other says on June 30 is appalling,” she said. Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman no? Where would you put me? That’s President Rodrigo Duterte (left) and Vice-President Leni Robredo (right) “Let us remain vigilant against the said the proposed legislative measure why I really need to change it,” Duterte (photos: www.newsflash.org) TO PAGE A7 TO PAGE A7 Conviction of Pinay OFW Technology taking ARMM Duterte calls UN commissioner who joined IS may upset to a whole new direction on human rights an ‘idiot’ after By Lara Climaco | job prospects in Kuwait FilAm Star Correspondent murder accusation By Daniel Llanto | FilAm Star Correspondent Innovation is taking the Autono- By Macon Araneta | FilAm Star Correspondent A Kuwaiti court sentenced a Fil- mous Region in Muslim Mindanao President Rodrigo Duterte flared “I think there is one United Na- lipino woman to 10 years in jail for (ARMM) out of the shadows. The poor- up and called United Nations High tions official, human rights. He said joining the Islamic State (IS) jihadist est region in the country, ARMM is Commissioner on Human Rights Zeid Duterte is a murderer, should group. more often associated with terrorism. Consequently, the overseas place- But this year, it earned the spotlight as ment sector in the Philippines quickly the most improved region in peace and aired concern that this could dampen order and financial administration. the job placement of overseas Filipino Technology lies at the heart of this workers in Kuwait even as prospects TO PAGE A7 sees to be looking up. The Kuwait interior ministry said on Monday the unnamed Pinay had confessed to being a member of the Ako-OFW party-list Founding Chairman Islamic State group and was plotting Dr. Chie Umandap terrorist attacks in the emirate. The (photos: www.phildigest.jp) TO PAGE A7 PNP task force looks into suspicious slaying of publisher & mayoral loser By William Casis | FilAm Star Correspondent Malacañang ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to “leave no stone unturned” in solving the murder of community newspaper publisher Larry UN High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein Sy Que as Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II vowed justice for his family. Engr. Abdelnur Campong, chief I.T. officer Ra’ad Al Hussein an “idiot” over the (photos: www.blog.unwatch.org) Que is the first media worker killed since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed at the Information and Communications latter’s comment that he should be Technology Office of ARMM TO PAGE A7 TO PAGE A7 held accountable for murder. A2 FilAm Star Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017 ph news Casino tycoon, 3 others accused of corporate Police resolves 800 suspicious layering to gain Filipino ownership rights killings in Duterte’s drug war By Daniel Llanto | FilAm Star Correspondent By Macon Araneta | FilAm Star Correspondent

An anti-crime watchdog filed a complaint a foreign citizen or non-qualified person to enjoy Of some 4,000 killings tied to President against Chinese gaming tycoon Jack Lam and four rights, privileges, property or business, the exercise Duterte’s bloody anti-drug campaign, the Phil- others for violating the Anti-Dummy Law. of which is limited to Filipino citizens,” the complaint ippine National Police (PNP) claimed to have The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption said. resolved 800 cases. (VACC), through its President Dante Jimenez and Citing records from the Securities and Exchange The investigation was prompted by rising legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio said Lam and four Commission, the VACC noted that the stocks of Fort human rights concerns that Duterte’s drug war others broke the law to get around the prohibition on Ilocandia Holdings are shared by Ilocandia Holdings was getting out of hand. What the media calls foreign ownership of real estate. Corp., which holds 59 percent of the Filipino shares; extra-judicial killings (EJKs), the police calls Lam’s co-respondents were Rosanno Nisce, Intellectual Group Ltd. (IGL) which owns 39 percent unexplained killings or death under inquiry former president of Fort Ilocandia Holdings; Siu Wah of the foreign shares; and less than 1 percent to Lam. (DUI) believed to be mostly drug-related. Chung, a British national and former chairman of the However, the VACC learned that Lam seems to PNP Chief Director General Ronald dela board; Edgar Lim, former treasurer and director of also have a hold on IGL when it signed a May 6, 2000 Rosa said, “We are gaining some headway towards solving cases of DUI. There were about 4,000 (killings) and out of that only 100-plus were drug-related cases, meaning we have almost 3,000 that were not drug related,” Dela Rosa said. He continued: “We have concluded the investigation of around 800 (cases), which we resolved, nalaman kung sino ang suspects, PNP Chief Bato Dela Rosa filed charges of about 300 and arrested and (Photo: www.leytesamardailynews.com) jailed around 500 suspects.” With 800 cases resolved out of the 3,000 The PNP, however, has yet to release official most suspicious DUIs, Dela Rosa said this means crime statistics under the Duterte administra- that the police are not sleeping on the job. He in- tion. But the Department of the Interior and Local dicated that this also means the police address the Government (DILG) said overall crime volume public’s human rights concerns and that the state decreased 13.4 percent in the first 10 months of does not sanction the drug-related killings. 2016 compared to the figure in the same period From July 1 to December 26 this year, PNP’s last year. (L-R) Jack Lam, VACC Pres. Dante Jimenez, and VACC legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio project Double Barrel Alpha resulted in the killing The DILG said there were 490,700 crime (Photo: www.media.philstar.com / www.alchetron.com / www.foreign.movies.com.pk) of 2,155 drug pushers and users – most of them incidents from January to October 2016 compared while putting up a fight during police anti-illegal to 566,597 reported in the same period in 2015. Fort Ilocandia Holdings; and Jose Roberto Mumu- memorandum on behalf of IGL over a PHP 150-mil- drug operations or what police term “nanlaban.” In a statement, DILG Secretary Ismael Sueno ric, former secretary and director of Fort Ilocandia lion loan given to WPI. The PNP said 2,928 others were killed from said index crimes dipped by 30.81 percent or Holdings. The VACC also noted that Ilocandia Holdings July 1 to December 15 but their deaths remain 118,183 crimes compared to last year’s figure of In an eighth-page complaint, Topacio said the has 39 percent foreign ownership through Corps- under investigation. 170,818, while non-index crimes also dropped by company used “layering” to show that Filipino owner- mart Ltd. and 59 percent Filipino ownership through 5.88 percent or from 395,779 in the same period of ship came to 60 percent, contrary to the truth that Sevenseas Holdings. A total of 42,497 drug offenders have been arrested in 39,987 anti-drug operations in almost 2015 to 372,517 in 2016. Fort Ilocandia’s is owned mostly by Lam. “The corporate structure of the above corpora- Sueno said 2016 was an unprecedented year Through corporate layering, the VACC said, tions, despite being seemingly compliant with Philip- six months of the Duterte administration. All anti- for the DILG as it achieved significant and record- Fort Ilocandia through its dummy companies, and its pine laws, warrants a deeper investigation as to their drug operations across the country have left 21 high gains in the government’s campaign against directors and officers are able to exercise, enjoy, use real foreign equities and those of their subsidiaries... policemen dead and 60 others wounded. and exploit real property in the Philippines, contrary or affiliates,” the complaint said. “DUI are cases of murder still under inves- illegal drugs, criminality and corruption. to the law. Lam is involved in a bribery scandal with four tigation and not automatically connected with “The DILG took President Duterte’s directive The VACC also sought to declare the Asset Pur- high-ranking officials of Bureau of Immigration of- the war on drugs nor are these cases immediately to rid the country of the triple menace of drugs, chase Agreement entered into by Fort Ilocandia with ficials, who reportedly received PHP 50 million from attributed (to) EJK,” the PNP said. crimes and corruption seriously. We have risen to Grand Ilocandia and WPI (Waterfront Philippines him in exchange for the release of the undocumented Dela Rosa directed policemen to do their job the challenge of the President and I believe that we Inc.) to be null and void for being contrary to law. Chinese workers arrested in Lam’s casino facility in properly as he reiterated that President Duterte did a fairly good job in enhancing peace and order Grand Ilocandia was the original operator and his Fontana Leisure Resort in Clark Field, Pampanga and the PNP leadership do not tolerate extra- and public safety conditions as well as in improv- owner of Fort Ilocandia Resort and Hotel when it last November 24. judicial killings. ing local governance for better public service participated in the deal on September 9, 2000. Of the 1,316 arrested Chinese nationals, a total In July, Dela Rosa said common crimes like delivery,” he said. Through the asset purchase agreement, Fort of 592 were granted bail by the BI board of commis- murder, homicide, rape, robbery decreased as the “We do not want to let President Duterte Ilocandia Holdings was able to acquire from Grand sioners. Only 43 of them were charged for violation PNP intensified the campaign against illegal drugs. down. This is why our PNP worked doubly hard to Ilocandia properties and assets including the Fort of Presidential Decree 1602 (Illegal Gambling) and Dela Rosa vowed to continue the intensified cam- scour all drug-affected barangays through Oplan Ilocandia Resort and Hotel. Republic Act 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of paign against illegal drugs as he sought the help of Tokhang so that the people will get the message “There is a violation of the Anti-Dummy Law, 2012). that we mean business,” he said. when a qualified Filipino citizen or national allows communities in identifying and fighting criminals. Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017 FilAm Star A3 ph news Sen. Ejercito acquitted GMA files bill to prevent sale, transfer of veterans’ medical center of graft charges By Macon Araneta | FilAm Star Correspondent By William Casis | FilAm Star Correspondent Former President and now “Unlike other government Pampanga Congresswoman Gloria hospitals such as the Philippine Macapagal-Arroyo has filed a bill Heart Center, Lung Center, Kidney The Sandiganbayan acquitted Sen. Joseph for him indeed.” seeking to strengthen and protect the Center, Philippine General Hospital Victor “JV” Ejercito of graft charges over alleged All throughout this process, Ejercito said he has Veterans Memorial Medical Center and Philippine Children’s Medical diversion of PHP 2.1 million in city funds to purchase been firm on two things: that he is innocent of the (VMMC), her home for four years Center, the VMMC does not have its high-powered firearms for the local police. charges filed against him and he has faith in the fair- when she was detained for plunder. own charter and has no other source The anti-graft court’s Fifth Division, comprised ness of the judicial system. Now house deputy speaker, of income to support the free care of Associate Justices Roland Jurado, Rafael Lagos These beliefs, he said, have been reaffirmed by Arroyo, who walked out of detention and treatment of veterans, retirees and Maria Theresa Arcega, granted Ejercito’s demur- this decision by the Sandiganbayan. at VMMC in July after the dismissal and their dependents,” she said. rer to evidence¸ noting the absence of evidence to He said this decision should give dedicated of her plunder case, has filed House Under Arroyo’s proposal, prove firearms supplier HK Tactical Defense System public servants, especially those in local govern- Bill No. 1240 to give the hospital VMMC will have its corporate entity Inc. (HKTDST) enjoyed any special advantages. ment, the assurance that for as long as they have the greater autonomy and to modernize that shall be governed by a board of “HKTDSI could, therefore, not have been given interest of the people at heart, the justice system will its facilities. trustees, with the defense secretary any advantage by the accused’ bids and awards protect citizens from those whose intention is to sow She seeks to protect the hospital as chair and the hospital’s medical committee members because it was not the exclusive intrigue and whose motivations are purely partisan. following reports that the Ayala director as vice-chair. distributor of DAEWOO guns and there is no evi- “I would like to thank those who believed in Group is eyeing the 55-hectare prop- Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal- Other members will include dence that the accused manipulated the elimination what we are doing despite these charges. I thank my erty as the site of the North Integrat- Arroyo the chair of the Senate committee of other DAEWOO suppliers,” the court said. lawyers led by Sigfrid Fortun for a vigorous defense ed Transport System Terminal. (Photo: www.emaze.com) on defense and security, the chair of Ejercito’s acquittal was signed by Associate of my case.” Under her measure, Arroyo the House committee on veterans Justice Roland Jurado but the Senator still has a “I look forward to returning to my official proposed that VMMC, a hospital affairs and welfare, and the secretary technical malversation suit before the Sixth Division tasks as Senator of the Republic of the Philippines catering to the needs of military veterans and retirees, of health. and continuing my advocacies on public be protected from sale or disposition, and to give it The board shall have the power to set rules and transportation, youth empowerment, its own juridical personality for greater flexibility and regulations that will govern the administration and education, energy, housing and economic independence in its operations. operation of the hospital, as well as enter into agree- development,”” he also said. “Recognizing the invaluable sacrifices and ser- ments deemed desirable for the purpose of promoting Ejercito voluntarily went on leave vices of our veterans and military retirees, it is only its purposes and objectives, according to the Bill. even when the Senate leadership was set imperative that a medical facility dedicated to serve The Bill also seeks to protect VMMC from any to impose his suspension upon the order their medical needs as well as their dependents must sale or disposition of its assets, stating that its core of the Ombudsman. be provided stability, viability and ample resources zone “shall not be sold, transferred, ceded, conveyed, In their complaint, Ombudsman to ensure that they receive quality medical and health assigned and encumbered.” Conchita Morales accused Ejercito of services,” Arroyo said. “The preservation of the value of the assets of the unlawfully using the city’s calamity fund Until her release this year, the former president hospital shall be of primary consideration,” she said. to buy the firearms which was allegedly had stayed under hospital arrest at VMMC since 2012, She said the DND was also reported to be study- interrupted only by brief furloughs. ing the sale or lease of its golf course. procured in haste without competitive She had been detained on plunder charges for the She said all existing assets of VMMC must be bidding and examining the qualifications alleged misappropriation of PHP 366 million in state under the control and supervision of the hospital with of HKTDSI. lottery funds between 2004 and 2007 when she was the issuance of all the corresponding certificates of But the court said the Ombuds- president. In July, the charges were dismissed by the landholding in its favor. man failed to prove that Ejercito and his Supreme Court in a controversial decision “(Any) mechanism and arrangements shall not co-accused: City Administrator Ranulfo Arroyo, who was re-elected to the House of Rep- conflict with the medical or health services and aca- Dacalos, Treasurer Rosalinda Marasigan, resentatives even under hospital arrest, is now serving demic mission of the hospital and any plan to generate lawyer Romualdo delos Santos, budget her last term. revenues and other sources from land grants and Senator JV Ejercito officer Lorenza Ching and engineer Danilo Her Bill noted that VMMC was under the control other real properties entrusted to the hospital shall be (Photo: www.politics.com.ph) Mercado conspired to grant HKTDSI and supervision of the Department of National De- consistent with the hospital mission and orientation special advantages. fense (DND), receiving a “measly one percent” of the as a vehicle to extend health services to veterans and In fact, the court noted the city agency’s annual budget. their dependents,” she said. in connection with the deal. council passed a city ordinance allowing Ejercito to Ejercito said he welcomes the decision absolv- buy the firearms for the city’s police department and ing him from the charges of graft in relation to the Ejercito approved the purchase. purchase of PHP 2.1 million firearms for the police in The firearms bought using the city’s calamity San Juan City. fund include three units of model K2 cal. 5.56mm “I thank the good justices of the Sandiganbayan sub-machine guns and 17 units of Daewoo model K1 for remaining true to their duty of upholding justice cal. 5.56 mm sub-machine guns. and fairness,” he said. Last August, the court ordered the suspension of Sought for comment, Senate President Koko Ejercito from his Senate duties for 90 days pending Pimentel replied, “ good for Sen. JV. He can come the resolution of the case. back to work as soon as possible. Merry Christmas A4 FilAm Star Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017 ph news Typhoon Nina damages reach PHP 83M Duterte gov’t ‘imploding,’ says Akbayan rep in Marinduque–NDRRMC predicament they have is under- Philippine Statistics Authority standable,” Akbayan Rep. Tom (PSA) showed the Philippine The National Disaster Risk Villarin said in a statement. unemployment rate falling since Reduction and Management “The government is im- the assumption of the Duterte Council (NDRRMC) said on ploding with its policies and Administration. Wednesday that the agency has pronouncements, not because The PSA in its Dec. 13, noted P83,460,000 in damages of external threats,” Villarin 2016, report said that national caused by Typhoon “Nina” in added. unemployment for October Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro The lawmaker was react- 2016 was at 4.7 percent, which in their initial report. ing to the reported ouster plot is lower than the 5.6 percent NDRRMC spokesperson against President Rodrigo Du- recorded in the same month for Romina Marasigan said in terte allegedly being hatched by 2015. a press conference that the former U.S. Ambassador Philip The unemployment figure amount is just an initial as- Goldberg, which was already from October, four months sessment, and only noted for denied by the United States after President Rodrigo Duterte infrastructure and river control Embassy in Manila. assumed office in July, was 1.4 facilities, the cost of damages (photo: www.dw.com) Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin But more than coups, Vil- percent lower than the unem- on agriculture still not included. (photo: www.aim.edu) larin said, Filipinos are more ployment rate of 6.1 percent Marasigan also said that volunteers to help prepare food food items and food packs were The government is implod- worried about the spike in in April 2016, which indicates the Department of the Interior packs for the evacuees. also delivered to Davao, Cat- ing, not because of external alleged extrajudicial killings in more Filipinos having jobs un- and Local Government (DILG) “Para sa ayuda, kailangan anduanes and other regions. threats, but because of its the country and the downward der the present administration. confirmed one death in Quezon, po ng volunteers para sa madal- As for donations, Marasi- policies and pronouncements, a trend of our economy. Likewise, the Department while NDRRMC is still verify- ing distribution,” she said. gan said that there is still no call lawmaker said on Wednesday. “With unemployment, of Labor has reported that it ing 10 reports of fatalities in (Volunteers are needed for them. “The Duterte administra- rising prices of goods, and lack had been able to have 10,000 different provinces, and is yet to to help for easy and quick aid “Wala pang call for dona- tion is getting paranoid about of livelihoods, it is high time contractual employees regular- confirm reports of four people distribution.) tions, sapat pa naman ang gal- coup plots. With the souls of we focus on the war against ized in the first four months of missing. NDRRMC said that ing sa gobyerno,” she said. (Ed more than 6,000 killed by its poverty,” he said. the Duterte government. (Maila Meanwhile, the Depart- non-food items were already Margareth Barahan / inquirer. war against the poor/drugs Villarin did not cite his Ager / inquirer.net) ment of Social Welfare and delivered to CALABARZON and net) haunting this government, such sources but data from the Development is appealing for MIMAROPA. Around 60,000

De Lima ethics case: 150 of the Revised Penal Code,” the complaint said. De Lima, it said, “clearly Sotto wants immediate action interfered in a congressional Is there a need for the Sen- Sotto said the committee the committee last December 12, inquiry conducted by the House ate to immediately call for a “full would tackle the complaint in stemmed from De Lima’s advice committee on justice” when she blown inquiry” on the complaint the first week of the resumption to her former aide and partner, advised Dayan to hide and refrain filed against Senator Leila de of the sessions of Congress. Con- Ronnie Dayan, not to attend the from appearing the House probe. Lima? gress is on break and will resume House justice committee’s inves- “This is a clear case of con- This question would be on January 16. tigation on the alleged prolifera- tempt of the power and authority answered in a resolution that “I plan to draft a resolution tion of illegal drugs at the New vested in the House of Represen- Senate Majority Leader Vicente and have the members review Bilibid Prison. tatives,” the complaint said. “Tito” Sotto III is planning to it and agree if we will call for a De Lima allegedly violated Dayan, who eventually ap- draft as chair of the Senate full blown inquiry right away,” Article 150 of the Revised Penal peared in the House probe and Senator Tito Sotto (left) and Senator Leila De Lima (right) committee on ethics tasked to he said in a text message on Code, which states that “Disobe- (photo: www.trendingnewsportal.net.ph) later in a separate investigation deliberate on the complaint filed Wednesday. dience to summons issued by the in the Senate, claimed to have by three officials of the House Asked if the committee National Assembly, its commit- delivered millions of pesos to De of Representatives — Speaker should immediately act on the tees or subcommittees, by the former Secretary of Justice and summoned, is tantamount to Lima allegedly from suspected Pantaleon Alvarez, House Major- complaint against De Lima, Sotto Constitutional Commissions, its a lawyer, advising and inducing restraining or inducing disobe- drug lord, Kerwin Espinosa. ity Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, and said, “Yes, I think so. To be fair to committees, subcommittees or Mr. Dayan to hide and not to at- dience to a summon issued by (Maila Ager / inquirer.net) Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo all sides.” divisions.” tend and/or appear in the House Congress, of which she is a sitting Umali. The complaint, filed before “As an incumbent Senator, inquiry for which she was duly member, in violation of Article

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I really wanted to be a nurse; I’ve always had the Lead Staffer; I had never done staffing before, ***************** heart to care for others. However, I was not able but I accepted the job. I was ready for a new to pursue this dream due to financial constraints. challenge. Dear Annilyn, I had to work, and along the way, I learned a few of life’s hard lessons. When I got laid off, I felt lost I’ve been with Care Indeed for almost 4 years and very frustrated, but the lesson I gained from now. Has it been easy working there? Definitely Thank you for sharing your story. that experience was priceless. I learned that life not easy. As Staffing Supervisor, I have to make I am also very grateful that people like you see Care leads us to the most uncomfortable situations in sure that all shifts are staffed before I go home. Indeed as a place where they can grow and be happy. order for us to grow. The sense of urgency is a constant element in what I do. Have there been times when I wanted Always remember that Care Indeed is your second After high school, I decided to live on my to give up? Yes, there have been so many times, home. You are family. You are loved. own. Not everyone in my family supported my but I never did. Vanessa decision, but I had toR] it so I could learn to be Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017 FilAm Star A5 sports Raiders win over Colts, 33-25; PBA on Christmas Day news Carr lost to broken fibula No crowd record this time Text and photos by R. Mascardo

OAKLAND -- The Oakland Raiders defeated the Indianapolis Colts 33-25 at the homefront. But the loss of quarterback Derek Carr to a broken fibula is a crushing blow to champion- ship aspirations. Colts OLB Trent Cole sacked Carr, twisting his lower right leg. Carr sat on the turf for an eternity. The entire offensive line kept Carr mostly clean. Colts could not muster any sustain pressure, despite rotations and various blitz packages. The Raiders’ line opened up big holes for their backs to scamper through. RBs DeAndre Washington ran for 95 yards on 12 carries while Jalen Richard and Latavius Murray tallied 66 and 40 yards respectively. The nature of this line is to bat- ter, manhandle and dominate opposing defense. For the first half, defensive coordinator Ken Norton’s scheme confused Indianapolis, limiting the Colts to seven points. In the second half the scheme dissolved. When forced to strictly rely on the passing game to close the distance, Andrew Luck carved up the Raiders’ defense time and again with patience and pinpoint accuracy. Carr has been the driving force for the Raiders’ 12-3. Carr had 25 touchdowns and six interceptions this season, heading into Saturday’s game. Oakland is in first place, but the 10-4 Kansas City Chiefs are right behind them and own the tie-breaker. Last week the Raiders clinched a playoff berth for the (photo: www.spin.ph) first time since 2002. But the good vibes for this season faded away when their quarterback was helped off the field. BOCAUE, BULACAN—Even with the right games slated on the perfect day, the Philip- While 12-3 is an outstanding accomplishment, Raider pine Basketball Association failed in its bid to reset the all-time live attendance record estab- Nation turn its life to bac-up quarterback Matt McGloin. lished in this same Philippine Arena two seasons ago. There is a sense of impending doom and gloom. No official count was released as of this writing, but in a talk with a venue official during NEXT: The Raiders travel to Denver, closing out 2016 the first quarter of the Barangay Ginebra-Star game, the man, who politely declined to be facing the Broncos with a win and Oakland clinches a first identified, said that the “generous estimate” of last night’s crowd would be in the 20,000- round bye 23,000 range. Should that be true, that number would be less than half of the 52,612 souls that watched the 2014 Season opening which featured, in its twinbill, three of the four teams that played last night.The PBA exhausted all means in drumming up the main game, as it even offered free bus rides to ticket holders coming from Kamuning and Buendia and back. Ultra-modern and cavernous in every sense of the word, the Philippine Arena has six seating sections, with only the Retractable and Ringside sections filled to the brim. A good portion of the Lower Level, which comes after Patron B, was just a third full, while the General Admission, which can, according to the venue official, sit more than 17,000 when filled to the brim, was just a fourth full. “Maybe because it’s Christmas,” said the venue official. “People are in the provinces and they have something else to do, like be with family and relatives.” (Musong R. Castillo / inquirer.net) FilAm Star Classifieds (650)278-0692 . (415)593-5955 WANTED ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: WANTED FilAm Star, one of the fastest growing Filipino-American newspaper companies is Accounting Staff expanding and has immediate openings. Please send resume to: Please send resume to: [email protected] [email protected] or call (650) 278-0692/ or Fax 1-800-446-6191 (415) 593-5955 Caregiver & Administrator WANTED Experienced caregiver, CAN, LVN, RN, and DRIVERS / AGENTS Administrator. For San Rafael. CA ARF Facility. WAREHOUSEMAN Flexible Hours, Competitive compensation. FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE Live in position available. Applicant may qualify for 15% to 20% Fluent in Tagalog Self - motivated pay raise immediately. Please call Please Email your resume and cover letter to 1-800-432-4300 [email protected] or call 415-225-6868

WANTED Travel Agent Should have at least 2 years experience with Sabre SEND RESUME TO: Fax #: 1-800-446-6191 Email address: [email protected] A6 FilAm Star Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017 opinion PerryScope As I See It Was Trump the ‘Siberian Candidate’? End 2016 with a bang, embrace 2017 with hope PERRY DIAZ Pax Americana ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO Obviously, without the U.S.’s intervention to able to keep my house; maintain my job; provided President-elect defend her NATO allies, Trump might as well kiss As the year ends, food on the table; kept the family together; and my Donald J. Trump won the the Western Alliance goodbye, which begs the ques- we are left with many wife and I were able to travel to Seattle, Washing- U.S. presidency by virtue tion: Is Trump serious about abandoning her NATO things to do in punctuat- ton; Jacksonville, Florida; and to the Philippines, of the electoral vote. This allies who have served as a buffer zone between the ing our life’s activities for among others. It was a great year! is what the U.S. Constitu- U.S. and Russia, thus protecting America’s Eastern 2016 and preparing for For year 2017, I hope I will have more op- tion prescribes upon whom Seaboard? the coming year 2017. I portunities to come as the New Year is about to the presidency is given to. In my opinion, Trump wouldn’t abandon would say, let’s end the roll and usher another year for us. I am optimistic However, he lost the popu- Europe. Sooner or later, he’d come to his senses. year with a positive note the New Year will give us better options, wider lar vote to Hillary Clinton For the U.S. to survive in a shrinking world he has and look forward to 2017 chances, more opportunities, and a lot of positive by 2.9 million votes. to protect America’s Atlantic and Pacific flanks. The as a year of hope! challenges. It’s these challenges that propel us to More than half of the American voters believe consequences of non-intervention would spell the For positive events and developments in our make resolutions to make sure we hurdle those that Trump’s come-from-behind victory happened end of Pax Americana and usher in a new world life, let’s cherish them and let them shine to light challenges. But… most New Year’s Resolutions fail! because the Russians hacked the electoral votes in order – Pax Russica. And if Trump really lives up to our activities for the coming year. For our nega- Despite this, we do it anyway! his favor. There were many indicators that support his threat to dismantle NATO altogether, it wouldn’t tive experiences, let’s not forget them but remem- A study made in 2007, conducted by Richard the findings of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) take long for Russia to dominate the Atlantic Ocean ber them as reminders for us to do better and to Wiseman from the University of Bristol involv- that Russia had indeed interfered in the U.S. elec- where she’d be able to strike at any part of the con- amend our lives. ing 3,000 people, showed that 88% of those who tinental U.S. from her submarine-launched nuclear tions. December is the time to connect and recon- set New Year resolutions fail. Well, if that is the ballistic missiles. And the fact that Trump considers Russian nect with families, not only up to the 4th degree case, why is there still a need for a New Year’s President Valdimir Putin his friend, adds fuel to Putin’s “nice letter” of consanguinity but up to our distant relatives, resolution? With almost everybody breaking their speculations that once Trump takes over the presi- Recently, Trump disclosed a letter dated De- to our friends, and to the community whom we promises immediately after making them, and dency, he would not stop Putin if he invades Europe. cember 15, 2016 that he received from Putin. Putin are already part as our extended family. Our new after jumping when the clock strikes 12 midnight How can one forget that Putin, on several oc- offered his “warmest Christmas and New year greet- Milpitas Mayor Richard Tran made it clear that casions, declared that if Clinton wins the election, ings” and urged him “to take real steps to restore the of December 31, 2016 during the countdown, the residents of Milpitas are his family during his World War III is inevitable? His threat might sound framework of bilateral cooperation.” issue now is: Do we still have to make a New Year’s inaugural speech on December 13, 2016, just like innocuous but it would lead the American people to Putin continued, “I hope that after you assume resolution for 2017? With the rate of failure so wonder: Why is Putin rooting for Trump? Or, to be the position of the President of the United States of our termed-out mayor Jose Esteves did during his high, do we still have to make one? more precise, why is Putin “blackmailing” the Ameri- America, we will be able -- by acting in a constructive 12 year-term as mayor. Most people say yes because making a New can people into voting for Trump lest Russia and the and pragmatic manner -- to take real steps to restore My family has extended up to my member- Year’s resolution is crucial to our life. If we make U.S. will go to war? the framework of bilateral cooperation in different ships in organizations. I joined the Filipino- one, we set a goal which we aspire to attain. On the Ghosts of Yalta areas as well as bring our level of collaboration on American Chamber of Commerce of Silicon Valley other hand, if we don’t… there’s no goal, at all, in From a geopolitical perspective, one might ask: the international scene to a qualitatively new level.” led by President Benjie Fernandez in gift-giving to our life as we navigate another year. Would Putin and Trump be able to synchronize the Trump’s reaction was contained in a statement preschoolers of the Head Start of the Santa Clara So, to make our life for 2017 more meaningful, security and economic interests of their countries he released to the media, saying: “A very nice letter County at its center located at the 11-acre campus let us set up a goal – make a New Year’s resolution! so as to avoid any conflict, particularly those of from Vladimir Putin; his thoughts are so correct. I of the San Jose Job Corps Center in San Jose. The According to tradition, we make our New territorial nature? Does it call for Trump and Putin hope both sides are able to live up to these thoughts, event was coordinated by former WBL Coordinator Year’s resolution promising to do an act of self- to meet just like when Franklin Roosevelt, Winston and we do not have to travel an alternate path,” and now IT Manager Allan Navarro. improvement or something slightly nice, big or Churchill, and Josef Stalin met in 1945 at the Yalta which makes one wonder: Why did Putin write a The following day, December 17, 2016, my small! The tradition dates back to religious origins, conference for the purpose of discussing Europe’s “nice letter,” which in the Russian psyche is a sign of wife Delia and I joined the officers and members but the concept, regardless of origins, is geared post-World War II reorganization, which was how weakness? of the Pilipino American Workers and Immigrants towards reflecting upon self-improvement every to divide Europe between the U.S., United Kingdom, Arms race (PAWIS) in their Christmas party at the Multi- year. This, to me, is the reason why we resolve to and the Soviet Union? Well, the big winner then At his annual year-end news conference last Purpose Hall, Majestic Way Elementary School in do something at the start of the New Year. was the Soviet Union who ended up snaring Central December 22, Putin said that the US and Russia San Jose led by officers Michael Dalupo, Michael The most important in one’s list should be and Eastern Europe into her political orbit. The big “need to discuss ways to normalize our relations. Tayag, Terry Vallen, Sarah Gonzalez, Evangeline to keep the family together. If your family is one, losers were the U.S. and U.K. who managed to keep During his election campaign, Trump said it would Sangalang, Mara Ibarra, and Dude Carpio. united, and well-connected – maintain it by all Western Europe in their sphere of influence. be proper to normalize and it can’t be worse, and Then on December 18, 2016 at the Philippine means! If there’s a lot of disconnections, dysfunc- I agree with him.” While it seemed like Putin was Seventy-one years after the historic Yalta National Bank-RCI at Seafood City in Milpitas, I tions, and misunderstandings – pick up the pieces offering an olive branch, there was an underly- conference, Europe is once again on the geopolitical joined the youngest-ever elected city of Milpitas and put them together because the family is the chopping block. This time around, the North At- ing attempt to soft pedal Trump into relaxing his council member Anthony Tran, State Assembly main concern of Christmas and the holiday season. lantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is threatened by TrumpTweet, which said: “The United States must member Ash Kalra, and county commissioners So with that, let’s make and nourish this year’s a resurgent Russia led by a megalomaniac dictator greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capabil- Evangeline Sangalang and Erlinda Reyes in cel- resolution to greater heights. Make the family the who dreams of regaining Mother Russia’s once- ity until such time as the world comes to its senses ebrating its Christmas mix and greet. center of our heart, the center of our life, the center powerful empire. NATO, which is also known as regarding nukes.” He also told MSNBC, “Let it be an On December 21, 2016 at the Gymnasium, we the Western Alliance, was founded in 1949 to repel arms race. We will outmatch them at every pass and of our existence. In fact, make it the center of held the Christmas party for teachers and staff of Soviet expansionism during the Cold War. outlast them all.” everything we do in life! Western Alliance It must have scared the daylight out of Putin, San Jose Job Corps Center led by Deputy Center By the way, the same study showed that the After Putin grabbed Crimea in 2014 -- without who responded at the news conference, saying: “If Director Chris Allen, Career Development Director most common reasons for participants failing firing a shot -- using what is now known as the “little anyone is unleashing an arms race, it’s not us... We Philip George, and IT Manager Allan Navarro. their New Year’s resolution are setting unrealistic green men,” Eastern Europe was thrown into a will never spend resources on an arms race that we We attended Christmas dinner on December goals (35%), while 33% didn’t keep track of their cauldron of fear and hysteria when Putin threatened can’t afford.” Hmm… Could it be that it is still vivid 23, 2017 at the house of John and Tiffany Aquino progress, and a further 23% forgot about it. About to retake the Baltic countries -- Estonia, Latvia, and in his mind that what caused the Soviet Empire’s of Hayward, California with Bruce and Emerald one in 10 respondents, the study further showed, Lithuania. These countries joined NATO in 2004 disintegration was when the USSR tried to compete Hearns, relatives and friends. Of course during claimed they made too many resolutions. together with other former Soviet client states Bul- with the U.S.’s development of the Strategic Defense the Christmas Eve, we had our midnight dinner To be successful, the study mentioned there’s garia, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. As members Initiative (SDI), commonly known as “Star Wars”? and exchange of gifts with my family at our house better chances of achieving one’s resolutions when of the Western Alliance, they can invoke NATO’s Certainly, Putin should have known it because he in Milpitas – my wife and I were joined by our we engage in goal setting (a system where small Article 5, which says that an armed attack against was embedded deeply into the KGB apparatus, which children: May and his boyfriend Steve; Jayson; and measurable goals are being set; such as, a pound one shall be considered an attack against them all fell prey to CIA “disinformation” campaign about the Paul. With us in spirit were our daughter Tweety a week, instead of saying “lose weight”); when we and each is obliged to assist the member attacked. “Star Wars” program. In 1984, the Pentagon rigged a and her fiancé Jonathan who are in Las Vegas; my make our goals public and get support from our But here is the stinger: On July 20, 2016, dur- test to show that a U.S. missile had brought down a eldest child Gigi and her husband Eric who are in friends; and when we talk with a counselor about ing the presidential campaign, Trump shocked the target missile over the Pacific. The truth is: SDI was Sydney, Australia; and my son Jojo & his wife Alvi setting goals and new year resolutions. Western Alliance when he told The New York Times a hoax intended to fool the Soviet Union into wasting with their daughters Kayla and Bibay, who are in So, the issue is setting realistic goals. If only that the U.S. would protect Estonia, Latvia, and hundreds of billions of dollars in military spending Jacksonville, Florida. we can set up realistic goals, things that are attain- Lithuania, from a Russian attack only if they have to catch up with Star Wars. On the 25th, we had our Estioko Christmas able and easier to comply… we may have a better “fulfilled their obligations to us,” which is to allocate During the presidential campaign, the Ameri- party and gathering at the house of Simo and Jeng success rate in accomplishing our resolutions. 2% of their GDP on military spending as required can media had suggested that Trump was the “Sibe- Estioko-Castillo in San Jose. My brother Romy and If we can make our New Year’s goals and can by NATO guidelines. Of the 28 NATO members, rian Candidate” whom Putin helped in winning the his wife Ermina was with us and also in attendance commit to these resolutions, our life will even be presidency by orchestrating the hacking of the U.S. only five – U.S., Greece, Poland, Estonia, and U.K. were 2nd-3rd-4th generation relatives. I called our more meaningful… it will have a direction, there is -- are fulfilling their obligations. Of the Baltics, only elections. While he seemed to be Putin’s man in the eldest living sibling Ret. District Supervisor Aida a goal we can aim for and look forward to. Estonia meets this requirement. U.S. elections, it’s turning out now that Trump may Estioko-Juan on Christmas day at her residence So, goodbye 2016 and end it with a bang, Then Needless to say, the Central and Eastern Euro- have deceived – or tricked -- Putin all along to help in Las Villas, Catablan, and Urdaneta City and let’s welcome 2017 and embrace the New Year with peans would not be able to defend their territories him win the election. In my opinion, Trump is by greeted her Merry Christmas! hope! (For feedbacks, comments… please email in the event of Russian invasion. And if the U.S. no means Putin’s puppet; he is an American patriot! The year 2016 was great for me and for my the author @ [email protected]). wouldn’t come to their aid, Putin would gobble them ([email protected]) family. It was excellent… considering that I was up… like chicken in a coop.

the Duterte government, send a warning to Duterte Street Talk boot-lickers, as well as the fence-sitters, excite anti- Duterte quarters, revive the spirits of the political From the frying pan into the fire opposition, give the Philippine military something to The Opinions expressed by our writers and think about, and provide conspiracy theorists with a contributors do not in any way reflect the GREG B. MACABENTA bone to chew on. opinion of the management of Fortune News with Duterte himself boasting of having personally Many times, such a leak is referred to as “baka Media Inc. It’s not the best way shot and killed some criminals when he was still sakali” – a throw-away rumor that could develop a mayor of Davao City. This has alarmed human rights life of its own and grow and grow into something Fortune News Media Inc. greet the new year. The advocates and officials of the United Nations, and serious. If it doesn’t fly, no big deal. Other rumors Publisher Manila Times has just published a front page even caused President Barack Obama to comment can be let loose. Harvey Barkin story headlined, “US disapprovingly of it (which triggered the deteriora- In any case, there is usually a grain of truth to Editor-in-Chief envoy plotting Duterte fall tion in relations between the US and the Duterte such leaks. And sometimes, the rumor does develop Edwina Aniag – source.” The American government). a life of its own. Ask deposed President Joseph Vice President for Marketing and Operations diplomat referred to is for- Third premise: Duterte has hurled every Estrada. But, as in the expulsion of Estrada, it would mer Ambassador to the Philippines, Philip Goldberg. conceivable insult at America, has threatened to can- take the active participation of the Philippine mili- Gary De Guzman The fact that the attribution is to a “source” cel the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement tary to pull off such a caper. Vice President for Community Relations – ostensibly “highly-placed” – would be enough (EDCA) between the Philippines and the US, and The noises made by civil society and the Anchet Manosca to make any grizzled newsman dismiss the story in characteristic Duterte foot-in-mouth bluster, has Church, as well as the political opposition, will not Creative and Production Manager as more fiction than fact. But it happens to carry a boasted of strengthening ties with China and Russia be enough to rouse the Filipino masses, a large per- respectable by-line, that of the chairman of the pub- and “bye-bye America.” centage of whom actually believe that Duterte is the Atty. Crispin Lozano lication, Dr. Dante Arevalo Ang, an old friend and Fourth premise: Malacañang conspiracy best thing that has happened to the Philippines – Dr. Philip Chua / Rodel Rodis specialists have accused Filipinos in America, and the liquidation of suspected drug lords, pushers Ben Lou / Perry Diaz former ad agency co-worker. most notably prominent community leader, Loida and addicts isn’t considered the only proof of this. Federico Espiritu / Elpidio Estioko That’s enough to make one ponder the reason Columnists why the story was ever leaked at all – and not just Nicolas-Lewis, of plotting to have Duterte deposed, “Mababaw ang kaligayahan,” (loosely – “Easy to to any beat reporter. What’s more, it was datelined, conceivably, through the machinations of the Cen- please”) is one way to describe the attitude of the Fil- Macon Ramos-Araneta Lisbon, Portugal – not simply, Port Area, Manila. tral Intelligence Agency – without providing any ipino – and not just the masses but even those who Corina Oliquino Aside from the attribution to the “highly- basis except the fertile imagination of Communica- are educated and well-to-do. The things that satisfy Daniel Llanto placed” source, Ang makes no claim to the veracity tions Secretary Martin Andanar. them in terms of services now being provided by the Anna Ven Sobrevinas Fifth premise: It is popularly conjectured Duterte administration may seem unremarkable to Correspondents of the story. But it provides enough titillating details to cause pundits to play with all sorts of conspiracy that the Armed Forces of the Philippines has CIA those who are used to an efficient bureaucracy, but Renato Amon theories. operatives among the top brass and the government not for those who have been routinely deprived – Senior Account Executive First premise: Goldberg makes a believable bureaucracy itself is populated by “sleepers” just and, more recently, those who endured the incompe- Ann Gauna author of such a destabilization plot. He has no love waiting to be aroused. tence under the administration of President Benigno Marketing Associate lost with President Rodrigo Duterte, having been But the question remains: Who leaked the Aquino III. called unflattering names by the latter, and in one story and why was it leaked at all? Renewing a driver’s license in 30 minutes and FilAm Star is published weekly These things hardly ever happen by accident. getting an actual, genuine, plastic license (and not by Fortune News Media Inc. past posting – as US ambassador to Bolivia – having www.filamstar.com been asked to leave the country for allegedly work- It should be reasonable to assume that the leak was just a piece of paper) are regarded as proof that ing on an American plot to “help restore democracy” planned and the presence of Ang in Lisbon provided “change has come.” These are recent experiences of

Headquarters: - a euphemism for the overthrow of then President a great opportunity to do it (leaking a story in Metro two of my friends, both former executves in the ad 1028 Mission St., 2/F, Evo Morales. Manila is a guarantee of loss of credibility because of industry. They happily posted these on Facebook. San Francisco, CA 94103; Second premise: Duterte’s anti-drug campaign the bad habit of certain dailies of running sensation- The newly-refurbished Ninoy Aquino Interna- Tel. (650) 278-0692 or (415) 593-5955 has resulted in over 6,000 deaths – and counting al headlines, based mainly on conjecture). tional Airport Terminal One is another example. Email: [email protected] – many of them defined as extra-judicial killings, The objective for leaking the story? To fluster TO PAGE A7 Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017 FilAm Star A7 DUTERTE WANTS EASIER of all its members. The President cannot set aside DUTERTE CALLS UN salaries. You idiot, do not tell me what to do. I am this revocation. ... FROM PAGE A1 ... FROM PAGE A1 your employer, and do not do it to a nation. Who But earlier this month, Duterte said he had gave you the right?” he said. no plans of declaring Martial Law after all. threat of Martial Law, and fight against any move be charged for murder. I should be slapped with Meanwhile, Commission on Human Rights Instead, he said he would rather give local that will curtail our freedoms,” she added. a case. This guy is either the joker or somewhat Chief Jose Gascon said he formed a team of officials blanket authority. Under the 1987 Constitution, Congress and crazy,” Duterte said in his speech at the Con- investigators to look into the matter, even as Du- “Martial Law for what? Killing people? I the Supreme Court, both co-equal branches of vergence of Nanay Volunteers as Community terte’s spokesman Ernesto Abella dismissed the would rather empower every mayor,” he said. government, have the power to review the decla- Drugwatch in Angeles City, Pampanga. UN call as mere “opinion.” Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador ration of Martial Law. “Whoever that idiot is, please tell that to him. “Law enforcement agencies... must investi- Panelo said Robredo’s fears were misplaced. Duterte also criticized the Constitution’s Kindly tell him. He’s another stupid,” stressed gate as a matter of course any information that “She may have misunderstood the context. three-term limit for local officials, saying that the Duterte. suggests that a crime may have been committed I know where she is coming from, and I can un- provisions on Martial Law in the current Consti- Zeid earlier said Philippine authorities with the view to ensuring that perpetrators are derstand the fears of victims of Martial Law but tution were a “reckless reaction” to the Marcos should investigate Duterte for murder after he ultimately held accountable should the evidence we have to consider the character of this man. He regime. himself admitted killing at least three suspects warrant it,” Gascon said in a statement. will not tolerate any violation of any law,” he said. “That’s a bad law. It should really be changed when he was Davao City mayor. The Commission is an independent govern- “What the President meant is that no presi- — ask any governor or mayor,” the President said. “Go back to school. You do not know diplo- ment body that prosecutes law enforcers or other dent, not him but all presidents succeeding him Duterte had been toying with the idea of macy. You do not know how to behave to be an officials who commit torture, extra-judicial kill- would not be hostage to the provisions of the declaring Martial Law. In August, Duterte asked employee of the United Nations. You do not talk ings or violate Filipinos’ constitutional rights. Constitution,” Panelo said. Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno if the chief to me like that, you son of a bitch,” said Duterte. The Commission investigated then Davao “Duterte is different from Marcos in the magistrate would rather have the President He said that only Filipinos can call him son Mayor Duterte over allegations that he ran death sense that Marcos is a good man, too good to his declare Martial Law after the chief justice com- of a bitch and “that’s when if they see me not do- squads that killed more than a thousand petty cronies and friends. But not this man,” Panelo mented on Duterte’s relentless campaign against ing my job.” criminals there. said, referring to Duterte. “This man will fire his illegal drugs. Duterte said the Philippines is also paying Duterte has variously denied or confirmed close friend if he does anything wrong in rela- In October, Duterte once again floated the the salaries of UN officials, as one of UN’s mem- the allegations. The Commission did not file any tion to the performance of his duty as Cabinet idea of declaring Martial Law because of the ber states. criminal charges after completing its inquiry. member.” illegal drug trade during a meeting with the Jew- “The trouble with this United Nations, you Gascon said his agency has “reconstituted a He also said that Robredo, as a lawyer, ish community at the Beit Yaacov Synagogue in guys, you are employed by an organ composed of team to further investigate (Davao death squads) should know that the Constitution gives the Presi- Makati City. nations whose officials are elected by the people. to look into the new revelations and public admis- dent the power to safeguard public safety. Despite Duterte’s pronouncements, he did You’re sitting there on your asses, we pay your sions that may shed light on previous findings.” not explain what sort of change he wants or how “Under the Constitution, the primordial duty he plans to do it. of the President as head of the government is to who is suspected to be a member of ISIS, or the Article VII, Section 18 of the 1987 Constitu- protect and serve the people. That is the context CONVICTION OF PINAY OFW Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, also known by its tion requires the President to submit a report to by which the President made these statements. It ... FROM PAGE A1 Arabic acronym Daesh. Congress within 48 hours after declaring Martial doesn’t mean that he will declare Martial Law. He An IS-affiliated group in the Philippines has Law. Congress can revoke the President’s procla- repeatedly said he will not,” Panelo said. woman supposedly admitted to interrogators that conducted a string of bombings as well as kidnap- mation through a joint-vote by at least a majority her husband was an active fighter with IS in Libya and he had asked her to come to Kuwait from the pings for ransom of foreign tourists and Christian missionaries in the country. NEW LAW SETS be made available at all times and free of charge Philippines as a domestic helper. Kuwaiti courts have sentenced to various jail ... FROM PAGE A1 to caregivers, employers and the general public. The conviction was reported the same day In cases where the job is facilitated through a Kuwait Airways announced that it requires for- terms a number of members, sympathizers and financiers of the IS group. which she authored also seeks to ensure that the private employment agency, the Private Employ- eign workers for the airline’s expansion program, Kuwaiti authorities said their surveillance policies would maintain excellent and globally ment Agency (PEA) should keep a copy of all with Filipino applicants to be given priority. showed that the convicted Filipino woman used competitive standards for the caregiver profes- employment contracts of their caregivers, to be Kuwait Airways Human Resources Director the Telegram messaging application to contact sional service. made available for verification and inspection by Khaled Almuaili said they are open to Filipinos her husband in Libya. They alleged that she had She said the Bill recognizes the very im- the DOLE. to work as ground-handlers, engineers, dispatch- only been waiting for the change to conduct a portant role of caregivers in national develop- The caregiver’s working hours should be ers and security guards. At present, some 200 suicide bombing attack in Kuwait. ment and policies in the caregiving profession based on the employment contract signed by the Filipinos work at Kuwait Airways. Kuwait News Agency, citing the Ministry of that must be instituted to protect our caregivers parties and in accordance with the labor rules, With the finding by Kuwait courts that a Interior, said authorities monitored one of the from abuse, harassment, violence and economic laws and regulations, the Bill said. Pinay OFW is an IS member in that country to email accounts to the Filipina. She was report- exploitation,” Roman said. The caregiver is also entitled to an aggregate help sow terror, the Ako-OFW party-list feared edly using a fake name and a nickname to avoid She said the country’s aging population, the rest period of eight hours per day and 24 hours that the Kuwait government might put its foot monitoring. increase in the number of children born with per week. down on the airline’s invitation to Filipino work- Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman medical issues and prevalent illnesses are the The minimum wage of the caregiver should ers. . Charles Jose said the Philippines has yet to be of- reasons why the demand for caregiving service not be less than the following: PHP 7,000 a “This is troubling news,” said Ako-OFW ficially notified of the woman’s conviction but will continues to rise in the country. month for those employed in the National party-list Founding Chairman Dr. Chie Umandap. ask the Kuwaiti officials for access to the detained She noted that Filipino caregivers are in de- Capital Region (NCR): PHP 5,500 a month for “We pray that accusations against her are not Filipina to “determine her identity and establish mand abroad, such as the United States, Canada, those employed in chartered cities and first-class true, and that she is declared innocent in the end. the circumstances of her case.” Middle East, Europe and even Asian countries municipalities; and PHP 4,000 a month for those The government of Kuwait might also enforce “If warranted, our Embassy will extend the like Japan and Korea. employed in other municipalities. more stringent checks on Filipinos if not close the necessary consular and legal assistance,” said “The demand for professional Filipino The Regional Tripartite Wages and Produc- door entirely on OFWs.” Jose. caregivers abroad has prompted the government tivity Board (RTWPB) should review and adjust News reports from Kuwait said the court The Philippine Embassy is coordinating with to require caregiving schools to register with the the minimum wage rates for caregivers a year ruling on the Filipino woman calls for her to be the Kuwait Ministry of Interior and Ministry Technical Education and Skills Development after the effectivity of the law. deported after serving her 10-year sentence. As Foreign Affairs to arrange for an opportunity to Authority (TESDA),” Roman said. A caregiver who has rendered one month of with other judicial systems, however, the ruling is speak with the arrested Filipina. Before the start of a caregiver’s service, she service should be covered by the Social Security not final and may be appealed to higher courts At the Philippine embassy in Kuwait, Ambas- said an employment contract should be executed System (SSS), the Philippine Health Insurance The woman was arrested in August, two sador Renato Pedro Villa asked Filipinos working by and between the caregiver and the employer in Corporation (PhilHealth), the Home Develop- months after arriving in the oil-rich Gulf state to in Kuwait to stay calm and get on with their work. a language or dialect understood by both parties. ment Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG and all benefits work as a domestic helper. According to the Min- Villa trusts that the Kuwaiti employers’ high A copy of the duly signed employment based on the law. istry of Interior, the Filipina arrived in Kuwait in opinion of Filipinos will not change. contract should be given to the caregiver, which The PEA should also ensure that the caregiv- June of this year. should include the following information: duties ers are not charged or levied any recruitment or She is said to have a Somali husband in Libya and responsibilities of the caregiver; period of placement fees. employment; compensation; authorized deduc- They should also assist caregivers in griev- PNP TASK FORCE paper is just two weeks old,” noted Medialdea. tions; hours of work and proportionate additional ances or complaints against their employers; ... FROM PAGE A1 Aguirre said he had directed the National payment; rest days and allowable leaves; board, cooperate with government agencies in rescue Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the lodging and medical attention; termination of operations involving abused or exploited caregiv- office last July. December 19 murder of Que in Virac, Catand- employment; and any other lawful condition ers; and ensure the employment contract between He wrote a column in the Catanduanes News uanes. He had also ordered the NBI to determine agreed upon by both parties. the caregivers and their employers stipulates the Now criticizing officials in Catanduanes province the real motive in the killing of Que, who lost the The Bill requires the Department of Labor conditions of employments and all the benefits for their alleged negligence over an illegal drug Virac mayoral race in the May elections. and Employment (DOLE) to develop a model prescribed by the Act. factory. “I would like to give the assurance that jus- employment contract for caregivers which should Immediately after they learned of the killing, tice will be served on the killing of Mr. Larry Que Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said they and other victims of media killings,” said Aguirre. TECHNOLOGY TAKING ARMM impacting peace and order and financial admin- ordered the PNP to conduct a thorough probe of Que’s murder came after he wrote a column hitting local officials following the discovery of a ... FROM PAGE A1 istration are the Electronic New Government the slaying. He said the PNP Task Force Usig sent Accounting System (E-NGAS), Electronic Budget their initial report to Malacanang and is continu- shabu laboratory in Catanduanes. turnaround. System (E-Budget), Expanded ARMM Roads Map- ously giving updates. He slammed the local officials for their ap- “The improved data management and stor- ping and Management System (e-ARMM) and the Medialdea said the police will also check parent negligence that allowed the construction age provided by digital information systems have Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System Que’s past political dealings for leads to his death, on the island province of a shabu laboratory that greatly enhanced the implementation of programs (RPMES). as he had ran for mayor of Virac town. authorities claimed was the biggest discovered so and projects that address some of the root causes E-NGAS and E-budget ensure a transparent It was reported that a gunman wearing a far in the country. of conflict in the ARMM such as poverty, lack of and efficient fiscal management, while e-ARMM and bonnet and raincoat shot Que in the head then In January, the International Federation of livelihood and education, and the lack of absence RPMES are used to monitor and evaluate projects, fled on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice. Journalists said the Philippines was the second of basic social and health services,” Engr. Abdelnur facilitate financial transactions and help cut back “Our position is that as a matter of policy, most dangerous country for journalists in the on redundant and circuitous processes, Campong Campong, chief I.T. officer at the Information and Task Force on Media Security will treat such a past 25 years. It noted that there had been 146 said. Developed by ARMM’s Department of Public Communications Technology Office of ARMM, told case as work-related until final determination. killings of media workers in the Philippines. FilAm Star in an email interview. Works and Highways, e-ARMM makes data on road Iraq topped the list with 309 killings. projects accessible online. RPMES, where data on We are digging into Mr. Larry Que’s background Attached to the Office of the Regional Gover- as a politician and a businessman because his nor, ARMM’s ICT Office was created via an execu- various programs and projects being implemented tive order issued by ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman. in the ARMM is consolidated, was created by its Campong credits the incumbent governor for the Regional Planning and Development Office. STREET TALK management of Vice-President Leni Robredo. Over the past five years, ARMM has been able ICT initiatives, which he said began when Hataman ... FROM PAGE A6 Or even worse – it could bring about a military took the helm of the regional government. Careful to raise the quality and credibility of its reports junta that will assume absolute powers (which will to Congress and the Department of Budget and planning since December 2012 and persistent lob- Once despised as the worst in the world, it is now corrupt absolutely). Management (DBM), which in turn prompted the bying led to the digitization of human resource and being hailed as proof of positive change (“They actu- Others warn of bloodshed, with millions of Du- national government to consistently increase the an- accounting information, he added. Now, all regional ally have toilet paper in the rest rooms!”) – never terte followers rushing into the streets and giving up nual budget of the region, Campong said. Increased line agencies within ARMM have their own websites mind that the actual improvements were made dur- their lives for him. Duterte himself claimed that the funding for roads and other infrastructure has been and database systems. ing the Aquino administration and the approach to Left would be willing to die for him. That romantic critical to improving the peace and order situation “The information that we get with the aid of the airport remains as unlighted and dark as in the notion was promptly doused by the Left with the in conflict-affected and depressed areas, he added. these information systems enable the regional gov- past and it takes luck or a GPS not to miss it. terse statement that they would not be willing to give DBM data show a 42 percent increase in ernment to identify the kind of interventions needed I recall how then Philippine National Police up their lives for Duterte. And, except for PNP Chief ARMM’s budget for 2017, from PHP29.4 billion this and where these interventions are needed most. Director General, Panfilo Lacson, was hailed as Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa, I doubt that the police year to PHP41.78 billion. This reflects the Duterte They provide regional policymakers a better per- “presidential material” when he curbed cases of brass and the average cops will be willing to make administration’s increased spending on areas out- spective of situations on the ground with the help of petty extortion by the police, at the expense of taxi the supreme sacrifice. side “Imperial Manila” to foster a broader base of accurate and timely data,” Campong said. and jeepney drivers. Some have warned of a scenario similar to the economic growth. Mindanao is especially targeted in The Department of the Interior and Local Indeed, we are easy to please and impress. Is it anarchy following the fall of Saddam Hussein and the government’s infrastructure spending next year. Government (DILG) certainly took notice. Six of any wonder that Duterte is so popular? Muammar Gaddafi. Thankfully, Filipinos are much For instance, the appropriation for infrastructure ARMM’s local government units were conferred the Imagine how Duterte would be deified if more peace-loving and passive than the Iraqis and projects in ARMM’s budget is PHP18.62 billion. Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) this year, his transportation secretary, Art Tugade, were to the Libyans. Investor sentiment has also been rising steadi- specifically Maguindanao province, Lamitan City actually untangle the monstrous traffic situation in I frankly believe we deserve a much better ly. From 2012 to 2015, a total of PHP12.48 billion in Basilan province, along with the towns of North Metro Manila and other key cities. leader than Rodrigo Duterte and I believe that he worth of projects has been approved by ARMM’s Upi and Parang in Maguindanao , Wao in Lanao del In my visits to the Philippines, I have actu- should be held to account for the blood on his hands. Regional Board of Investments. About PHP6.58 bil- Sur and Jolo in Sulu province. None of the LGUs in ally heard people say that successfully rounding up But I don’t subscribe to the idea of a coup. lion of this amount was generated in 2015 alone. As Muslim Mindanao earned the SGLG in 2015. and exterminating all criminals and corrupt public I happen to be a bit jaded, having seen too of October, the agency reported it had registered in Through its SGLG, the DILG keeps tabs of officials would qualify Duterte for president-for-life. many Presidents and public officials come and go LGUs nationwide by measuring performance in excess of PHP2 billion worth of projects. The only condition that the average Pinoy would set with “real change” never really happening. Unless terms of good financial housekeeping, social protec- Over the next five years, Campong said ARMM is that none of the victims of such a mass extermina- we, as Filipinos, set higher standards for ourselves tion and disaster preparedness—the three core as- would continue to enhance the digitalization of its tion should be a relative or a close friend. as citizens and for those who would vie for public sessment areas. To make the grade, LGUs must also information systems, especially in education, social Unfortunately, among a people who have long office – from the barangays all the way to Congress score on at least one of these essential assessment services, health, agriculture and infrastructure. suffered official neglect, incompetence and abuse, and Malacanang - we will have to be happy with areas: business friendliness and competitiveness, “Perhaps the overarching future direction the concept of human rights is meaningless unless it getting a genuine plastic driver’s license and getting peace and order or environmental management. of ICT in ARMM is towards the development of personally affects them. it renewed in 30 minutes, and in having toilet paper “The different information systems we have in systems that will make our services online and Now, what would happen if the rumored plot in the airport rest room, never mind that the ap- place now are designed to help improve governance, the creation of interoperable database systems. to depose Duterte were to actually come about? proach to the airport is dark and unlighted. policy formulation and project implementation in Database systems would play a crucial role in aiding We know what happened after EDSA One and Have a safe and peaceful New Year everyone. the region. Good governance is indispensable to a our policy or decision makers in making the correct EDSA Two. It is said that it would be like falling ([email protected]).(gregmacabenta@ sustainable peace and order,” Campong said. policies, decisions or actions,” he said. from the frying pan into the fire. Or from Duterte’s hotmail.com) Among the information systems directly bloody governance to the unproven and untested A8 FilAm Star Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017 business & PH internet speed slowed down but faster than India’s tech news By Corina Oliquino | FilAm Star Correspondent In the recently released “State Mbps in Venezuela.” tion Technology responsible for of the Internet” Quarter 3 report Source: Akamai (www.akamai. planning the deployment of fiber Itama po natin! by Akamai, average internet speed com) and wireless technologies nation- in the Philippines was slightly Akamai’s State of the Inter- wide.” down from quarter 2’s 4.3 Mbps to net Report editor David Belson The report also cited data normally higher. Credit cards normally charge BEN LOU 4.2 Mbps. explained that the holiday season from telecommunications re- between 9% to 29.99% for purchases but cash According to Akamai, in “serves as one of the true tests of search firm Point Topic noting Q: How long advances use the highest allowable interest the third quarter, 66 qualifying Internet connectivity as consum- that the number of broadband would it take me to rates they can charge on a normal basis. countries/regions (from the 144 ers activate slews of connected subscribers worldwide will grow pay off $10,000 in If you have multiple credit card balances, qualifying countries) saw lower devices at the same time and more to exceed 1 billion by 2020, ” with credit card debts? you might want to consider transferring the average peak connection speeds families are at home collectively the bulk of the growth coming A: I could balances to one card that offers a one year 0% compared to 43 in the last previ- pushing their broadband capabili- from South and East Asia, in areas imagine that by now introductory interest rate so you do not accrue ous quarter. ties to the limit.” where broadband access currently you have been trying any interests for a full year, thereby maximiz- “Declines ranged from 0.1% “The good news is those lags the rest of the more developed to pay off these debts ing your payments to all go into principal. in Senegal, the Philippines, Saudi limits are getting higher as we world.” for quite some time and are eager to be done 3) Can you pay a little bit more? By Arabia, and the Ukraine (to aver- have continued to observe positive In an article by Rappler, the with it. It is taking some time because of the revisiting your budget from time to time and age peak speeds of 14.2 Mbps, long-term trends in both aver- Philippines’ average peak con- APR associated with the use of the card and its making the goal of paying off existing credit 32.8 Mbps, 39.6 Mbps, and 55.7 age and average peak connection nection speed also declined from balances. If you can only continue paying them card debts as the goal, you may be able to Mbps respectively) to 34% in speeds around the world. While 32.9 Mbps to 32.8 Mbps, with the Egypt (to 13.2 Mbps). Puerto Rico ‘batteries not included’ may still percentage of existing connections month after month, someday they will all be squeeze just a little bit more and be able to be and Slovakia saw average peak cause unwelcome surprises, we’re above 4 Mbps down from 33% to gone, unless you are still using the credit cards. done sooner. This will save you money that speeds remain steady compared optimistic that connection speeds 29%, with these results, the odds The question is not so easy to answer, but to goes into interest by a big margin. So, if you are up to your neck with all your with the previous quarter,” the won’t spoil the holidays this year,” of stealing the bottommost spot answer the question depends on 3 items as Akamai report read. Belson added. from India is possible. credit card balances, give me call so we can as- long as the credit cards are not used anymore. In the global setting, the Aka- In the Philippines Furthermore, the report sist you in becoming debt free. We offer Credit 1) Are you making only minimum pay- mai report noted the following in In the Asia Pacific (APAC) re- found that the decline in the adop- Repair to our clients too after graduation. ments? The payments that you choose actually terms of Global Average Connec- gion, Akamai noted that like in the tion of connections above 4 Mbps plays the biggest role on how soon you will be I am Ben Lou, President and CEO of Debt tion Speeds and Global Broadband second quarter report, the third (average threshold in the APAC done with it. Do not fall for the minimum pay- Aid Consulting. My company has A+ rating Adoption: quarter saw quarterly gains across region) is the biggest in the region, ment routine. As you make more payments, with the Better Business Bureau in the US and • The Global average connec- 11 out of the 15 countries surveyed which represents a -13% quarter the minimum payments on those credit cards Canada. This record speaks for itself. We are tion speed increased by 2.3% to in the Asia Pacific region, “In the on quarter change. gradually goes down as well. This is how the here to help. 6.3 Mbps in the third quarter, “a third quarter, for the first time, “From Q1 to Q2, the country bank maximizes it profits from your balances. We are the only Filipino Debt company 21% increase year over year.” all 15 of the surveyed Asia Pacific had experienced a 79% growth If you follow the minimum payments on the which is legal in the US and Canada. I have a • With a recorded 26.3 Mbps countries/regions had average for the same metric,” the Rappler statements, it might take you between 20 to 28 new US program which will beat everyone’s in the third quarter, South Korea connection speeds above the 4 article read. years to pay them off depending on the interest pricing. Also we protect you against lawsuits, had the highest connection speed. Mbps broadband threshold.” Akamai also noted an im- rates. phone harassment and letters. Call Debt Aid • The global average peak “Seven of these exceeded the provement in the Philippines’ in- The best way to address this is to look at Consulting! connection speed increased from 10 Mbps threshold—the same as ternet speed in terms of its mobile your budget and set an amount you can pay Reminder, debt companies using Manila 3.4% to 77.2 Mbps in the third in the second quarter. India and connection speed, with a grown quarter, “rising 16% year over the Philippines once again had the from 8.5 Mbps to 13.9 Mbps, “the every month and to keep paying that amount office call centers will soon be banned. It year.” lowest average connection speeds fastest in the Asia Pacific.” until the debt is paid off. Do not rely on what would be very hard to get back your payments • At 162 Mbps in the third among surveyed countries/regions But according to Akamai, this the statement says. from the Philippines. If testimonials are paid for, then it is fake. quarter, Singapore had the highest in Asia Pacific, at 4.1 Mbps and 4.2 growth is not an absolute achieve- 2) What is your interest rate on purchases average peak connection speed. Mbps respectively,” the Akamai ment for the Philippines to claim Tawag na po sa 1-888-341-5234 at tutu- and on cash advances? Depending on how you • The global 10 Mbps broad- report said. that the country has the fastest lungan po namin kayo. use your credit cards, whether for purchases band adoption rate rose by 5.4% Akamai also noted that with mobile data speed (until it has or cash advances, the interest rates normally Itama po natin ang mali! quarter over quarter, and 15 Mbps the new administration in the reached the set requirement) due differ between the two. Cash advances are and 25 Mbps broadband adoption Philippines (“a nation with one of to the fact that the country is the rates increased 6.5% and 5.3%, the lowest broadband speeds and “only one in the region to not have respectively. adoption rates in the region”), the made Akamai’s minimum sample In terms of Mobile connectiv- country is looking to be “prioritiz- size requirement of 25,000 IPv4 Call us to advertise visit ity, Akamai noted that, “Average ing faster connectivity throughout mobile connections measured.” mobile connection speeds ranged the country, including the an- 1-650-278-0692 www.filamstar.com from a high of 23.7 Mbps in the nouncement of a new Department United Kingdom to a low of 2.2 of Information and Communica- Casino tycoon wants to make Philippines ‘next Hawaii’ Japanese gambling tycoon Kazuo Okada, who is opening a new $2.4 billion casino resort in Manila, said Wednesday he hoped to make the Philippines “the next Hawaii” as he looks to expand his business there. In addition to Manila, Okada said he was also exploring the possibility of oper- ating resorts on the Philippine islands of Palawan and Boracay, both major tourist attractions, in a bid to tap the lucrative Chinese market. “I would like to make the Philippines the next Hawaii, given that there are a lot of great beaches here,” he told ABS-CBN television in an interview aired late Wednesday. “China, Beijing, the air is polluted and I feel there are people (there) who would want to get away, go to a fresh place and I think the Philippines would be one of the best tourist spots for everybody,” he said through a translator. Kazuo Okada Okada’s new property in the capital will initially employ around 10,000 people (photos: www.calvinayre.ng) and is one of four mega-casinos planned on a glittering strip fronting Manila Bay dubbed Entertainment City. The country is targeting revenues of $7 billion, roughly the levels of Singapore and Las Vegas, by 2020, as part of its bid to become one of the world’s top gambling destinations, after the Chinese enclave of Macau, the gaming industry’s capital. Okada’s project -- now set to open during the first quarter of 2017 -- has been dogged by delays that saw the Philippines’ gambling regulator threaten to suspend the company’s license last year. (AFP) Facebook issues statement on false alarm about Bangkok ‘blast’ Facebook on Wednesday issued a state- The social-media network’s alarm caused The first time the tool was activated for an ment explaining the activation of its “Safety many people to ensure their safety before event other than a natural disaster was during Check” feature, which triggered a false alarm on Facebook realized the error and deactivated the the Paris terrorist attacks of November 2015. Tuesday about an explosion in Bangkok. feature. Last month, the social-media company an- In fact, the “explosion” was a barrage of “The Safety Check for this crisis has been nounced that Safety Check would be activated by firecrackers hurled at Government House by a turned off,” Facebook wrote on its Safety Check the community instead of Facebook so that more single protester on Tuesday morning. page regarding the false alarm in Bangkok. people could use the tool whenever they felt they In a statement, Facebook said the Safety The incident caused speculation in the Thai needed it. This allows Safety Check to be used Check was activated on the basis of confirmation online community that it was a false alarm but by more people more often no matter how big or by a third party of the supposed blast. Facebook did not mention this in its statement. small the crisis is. “As with all Safety Check activations, The Safety Check tool was launched by “With every activation, we are continuing Facebook relies on a trusted third party to first Facebook in October 2014. It allows users to let to learn how to make Safety Check better for confirm the incident and then on the community friends know they are safe and lets others check communities in need and continue listening to use the tool and share with friends and fam- on the status those who may be in the affected to feedback to make the tool more useful and ily,” the statement said. area. relevant in future,” Facebook said. (AFP) Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017 FilAm Star A9 world news U.S. set to move against Russia Kerry’s Middle East peace framework over vote meddling: reports nai and Gaza, annexed Golan and US embassy there in support of east Jerusalem and is occupying this idea. President Barack Obama’s geted Clinton’s campaign may “As much as I am con- and settling the West Bank. But the city holds sites holy administration is poised to also be named under the plans, cerned about what happened to Kerry’s speech insisted that to Muslims, Jews and Christians announce a series of retaliatory according to CNN. us in the election, I am also con- UNSC 242 has long been “ac- alike and the Arab world would measures against Russia over Republican Senators John cerned about what will happen cepted by both sides” and must erupt in anger if a sole Israeli its cyber-meddling in the US McCain and Lindsey Graham to us in the future,” an adminis- be followed, albeit with “mutu- claim prevailed. election, reports said Wednes- called for an even tougher US tration official told the Post. ally agreed equivalent swaps.” Kerry admitted that the day. response to Russian interfer- “I am firmly convinced that And he warned: “No changes city’s fate “is the most sensitive Obama has all but accused ence in the American election. the Russians and others will by Israel to the 1967 lines will be issue for both sides” and sug- Russian President Vladimir The US Congress should say, ‘That worked pretty well in recognized by the international gested it be the “internationally Putin of personally ordering an “increase the sanctions on Rus- 2016, so let’s keep going.’ We community unless agreed to by recognized capital of the two audacious cyber hack that many sia for this misbehavior,” McCa- have elections every two years both sides.” states.” Democrats believe damaged in told Fox News, pressing for in this country.” ‘Two states for two peoples’ “Most acknowledge that Hillary Clinton’s chances in No- a permanent American military Prior to November’s elec- Israel did not welcome Jerusalem should not be divided vember’s closely fought election presence in the Baltic states, tion, the Obama administration Kerry’s speech, but many Israelis again like it was in 1967,” he said, with Republican foe Donald as well as arming Ukraine with warned Russia via diplomatic U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will welcome his second “core calling for access to the shrines to Trump. weapons. channels, according to the Post. (photos: www.wikipedia.com) principle” for any deal. be guaranteed. The US intelligence com- “You need to hit Russia in Obama also spoke with Putin at While the final settlement “There is broad recognition There was little new in US munity has concluded that a a sustained fashion,” Graham a G20 summit in China earlier will see the Palestinians installed that there will be no peace agree- Secretary of State John Kerry’s hack-and-release of Democratic added, saying that for Obama to this year. in their own state, they must in ment without reconciling the outline for measures to revive Party and Clinton staff emails act now just before he leaves of- And about a week before turn recognize Israel “as a Jewish basic aspirations of both sides to peace talks between Israel and state.” have capitals there.” was designed to put Trump fice on January 20 would “send the election, Washington sent the Palestinians presented -- a political neophyte who has the wrong signal.” a message to Moscow using Prime Minister Benjamin ‘Satisfy Israel’s security needs’ Wednesday. Netanyahu insists that the Pal- Israeli forces and residents praised Putin -- into the Oval While suggesting that the a special crisis communica- But Washington’s top Office. Russian action did not ultimate- tion channel for the first time, estinian hostility to the idea of withdrew from the Gaza Strip in diplomat hopes that by laying Israel as a Jewish homeland is a September 2005, but peace did The Washington Post cited ly change the election results, asking it to stop targeting state out the ideas that he says are key barrier to peace. not break out there. officials as saying the steps set McCain said: “Look, if you’re voter registration and election shared by the broader interna- But Kerry noted that this Gaza has since fallen under to be announced as early as this able to change the results of an systems. tional community, he can leave a has been enshrined in the plan the sway of Hamas, an armed Is- week include economic sanc- election, then you have under- Russia apparently com- framework. since 1947, when the disputed lamist movement, and is a source tions, diplomatic censure and mined the very fundamentals of plied, according to US officials. Nothing in his speech will area was partitioned under UN of periodic attacks on Israel and covert action -- likely including democracy.” CNN cited Russian foreign bind incoming US President- General Assembly resolution 181. a target for harsh retaliation. cyber operations. US officials said a key goal ministry spokeswoman Maria elect Donald Trump, and Kerry’s ‘Realistic solution for refugees’ Kerry’s fifth principle stated People tied to a Russian of the future steps to be taken Zakharova as saying that Mos- intervention has been angrily There are an estimated five that the larger West Bank must disinformation campaign that against Russia was not just to cow will respond to any “hostile rejected by Israel. million Palestinians claiming de- not become a similar threat, and US intelligence officials say tar- punish, but to deter. steps” from Washington. (AFP) Here are the “six principles” scent from those displaced from that Israel must retain a right to Kerry says must underlie a their homes during the creation intervene. renewed search for peace based of Israel. Kerry said that a team led on an Israel-Palestine two-state Their long-standing demand by US General John Allen had Boehringer to divest US assets to win approval for Sanofi deal solution. for a “right of return” to homes in worked on “innovative approach- ‘Recognized international bor- German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim has agreed to divest key animal health some cases now within pre-1967 es to creating unprecedented, ders’ Israel has long been a stumbling multi-layered border security.” assets in to garner regulatory approval for a multi-billion dollar deal with Sanofi, US antitrust regula- On November 22, 1967, after tors announced Wednesday. block. This would strengthen Israel’s victory in the Six-Day Kerry’s principles acknowl- Palestinian security forces and Boehringer Ingelheim plans to acquire Paris-based Sanofi’s War over its Arab neighbors, the edged that international assis- provide ways for Israel to defend animal care subsidiary, Merial, which is valued at $13.5 billion UN Security Council passed its tance and some kind of compen- itself without impinging on the in the asset-swap transaction announced in December 2015. Resolution 242. sation will be necessary and fair new state of Palestine. In exchange, Sanofi would buy Boehringer Ingelheim’s Israel’s win left it in pos- for these people. ‘Normalized relations’ consumer health business, valued at $8 billion, as well as obtain session of the Golan Heights, But a “realistic solution” Finally, under Kerry’s vision, cash compensation for $5.5 billion. Gaza, Sinai, the West Bank and would not involve a mass return. a final status settlement between The US Federal Trade Commission is requiring Boehringer Ingelheim to sell its pet vaccine busi- East Jerusalem, in addition to its “The solution must be Israel and a future Palestine ness to Eli Lilly and parasite control and some other animal health assets to Bayer. original territory. consistent with two states for two would see an end to outstanding The agency the deal would have damaged competition in the US market for canine vaccines, feline Under UNSC 242, Israel peoples, and cannot affect the regional issues. vaccines and products to prevent and control outbreaks in cattle and sheep. should hand back its new land fundamental character of Israel,” “For Israel, this must also The agency will decide whether to finalize the settlement after a 30-day public comment period, and in 1993 the Palestinian he said. bring broader peace with its which closes January 27. Liberation Organization agreed ‘Jerusalem capital of two states’ Arab neighbors,” he said, sug- The European Commission in August approved the transaction after requiring the two companies that 242 could serve as a basis Israel claims the city of Je- gesting that peace would allow to offload businesses in a number of countries, mostly in Eastern Europe, to stop the merger from for talks. rusalem as its “undivided” capi- a “groundbreaking” security reducing choice for customers. (AFP) Israel has pulled out for Si- tal, and Trump plans to move the partnership. (AFP) A10 FilAm Star Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017 Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017 FilAm Star B1 Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte honors San Jose Filam organization with Presidential award

Controller and former Airport PLM was established as an infor- and self-esteem that enables Commissioner San Jose Min- mal not for profit organization in them to dream a better quality eta International Airport(2010- February 2010. It primarily aims life for themselves. Going beyond 2014), Pagyamanin Likas Musika to help preserve and promote the helping the children of benefi- is a San Jose based organization playing and appreciation of the ciary communities and schools, of friends, schoolmates and native Philippine rondalla instru- PLM had also raised funds for families based in San Jose, CA. ments, while at the same time calamity victims. The group has which promotes the playing and becoming an agent of change for mobilized and donated a total appreciation of Philippines’ na- the Philippines by investing in the of US$17,450.11 to various relief tive Rondalla instruments and at future of the children. Aside from assistance efforts in calamity the same time provides scholar- sharing the joy of playing the stricken areas in the Philippines, ship programs and livelihood rondalla, the organization aims US, Haiti, and Japan. In 2015, assistance to communities in the to train children and students PLM initiated a micro-finance/ Philippines. of beneficiary communities and business development venture In conferring the Lingkod sa schools in playing and develop- that has provided initial capital Kapwa Pilipino(Service to Fellow ing an appreciation of rondalla. for a priest and his young parish- Filipino) Award to Pagyamanin It would also like the children to ioners in their Christmas medal- Likas Musika,(Enrich Native eventually become part of a ron- lion business project, 10 families George Gange (right) poses with Music) the President recognizes dalla ensemble that could further in Bacoor, Cavite engaged in U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim its passion in promoting our spread appreciation of rondalla retail businesses, and women unique Filipino musical heritage music through concerts and other and youth entrepreneurs in may be considered heroic in na- towards building the character of performances. In line with this Cavite and Bulacan. In addition, ture. Through their love for ron- Filipino youth and raising funds thrust, the group organized the organization has extended dalla music and the Philippines, to help in relief assistance efforts Rondalla Festivals – Kwerdas sa scholarship allowance to finan- PLM has significantly contributed in calamity affected areas in the Pagbabago (Strings for Change cially struggling but deserving to changing the lives of Filipino Philippines and other parts of the -2011), 2 Kwerdas sa Kapaya- college students. The program, children, their communities, and globe. Music is the language of paan (Strings for Peace-2012), which was initiated in 2014, has schools for the better. the soul. For Filipinos who have Manila and Davao, Kwerdas sa since supported the education of Concidentally, almost a knack for creating beautiful Kaunlaran (Strings for Progress- two college students. One of the exactly 6 years to the day prior George Gange (middle) poses with President Duterte (second from left) melodies using traditional musi- 2013), and Kwerdas ng Puso students already graduated with to receiving the Award from after receiving the award cal instruments, the music they (Kwerdas of the Hearts-2015). a degree in Computer Science at President Rodrigo R. Duterte on 19 December 2016, PLM Founder Philippines President Rodrigo Overseas (PAFIOO) on 19 De- produce ensure that the souls of The Rondalla Festival serves as a the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng George Gange was also bestowed Roa Duterte conferred Presiden- cember 2016 at the Malacanang Filipino youth are ingrained with platform for children members of Maynila (University of the City a Presidential Award for personal tial Awards to Pagyamanin Likas Palace. Members of the Diplo- traits that positively build their communities and schools of the of Manila) while the other one is excellence and contributions to Musika (Enrich Native Music) matic Corps including the newly characters as productive indi- Rondalla Instruments Lending in his third year, also taking up the improvement of the lives in and 22 other distinguished and aboard US Ambassador to the viduals. (to own) Program to showcase Computer Science in the same the community where he lives outstanding overseas Filipinos Philippines, Sung Kim were in at- Pagyamanin Likas Musika their newfound skills in playing school. The organization also in the bay area and of those in and foreign-based organizations tendance at the prestigious event. (PLM) takes off from the love of rondalla instruments. It also of- gives out community/school ser- the Philippines by the former from 11 countries during the Founded and served as its the rondalla by its founder Mr. fers them the opportunity to build vice awards in recognition of high Philippines President Benigno S. awarding ceremonies for the 2016 Project Director for the last 6 George Gange and his desire to important life skills such as self- school students who make a dif- Aquino III on 20 December 2010. Presidential Awards for Filipino years by George Gange, re- see progress for the Philippines. confidence, working in harmony ference in their schools through Individuals and Organizations tired US Navy Chief Air Traffic Serving as a scaled up platform, with others, and boosting morale volunteer work or actions that

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For more information, call or email 0SO7\]QS\bSa, 6W`W\UO\RRecruiting Ac^S`dWa]`at &""$8=0A or [email protected] &""$8=0A61=" "% ! 890 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025 B2 FilAm Star Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017 Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017 FilAm Star B3 community Statement from California Earthquake Authority CEO Glenn Pomeroy on this morning’s earthquakes near awareness Hawthorne, Nevada PG&E inducted into the Women’s SACRAMENTO - A swarm of earthquakes in Nevada produced shaking in wide parts of Northern and Central California early this Business Enterprise Hall of Fame morning, including in Sacramento and Fresno. SAN FRANCISCO —Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) was The first shock, a magnitude 5.7, occurred shortly after mid- recently inducted into the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Hall of night southwest of Hawthorne, Nev., about 72 miles east-southeast Fame for its support of supplier diversity and women’s business develop- of Lake Tahoe. It was followed by a second quake of a similar magnitude—5.6—and then numerous ment. This national non-profit organization, which is in its eighth year of aftershocks. celebrating women-owned businesses and their advocates, named PG&E as Early reports are that there were no serious injuries or damage. Based on its initial evaluations, at the Corporate Leadership inductee at the annual awards program in Dallas this time the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) does not expect these events to generate claims on Nov. 29. “Our diverse suppliers help us provide safe, reliable, affordable and clean energy to one of the most diverse from its earthquake-insurance policyholders. customer bases of any energy company in the nation. We’re proud to have played a role in helping our suppli- We were very fortunate that this recent shaking was not more severe and that it was centered in ers, especially women-owned enterprises, grow and develop into viable entities. It’s all about working together sparsely populated areas. But as with the earthquake that occurred along the Northern California coast to build a better California and a sustainable supply chain for the industry,” said PG&E Vice President of Supply earlier this month, and the Southern California earthquake swarm this fall, these events remind us that Chain Management Gun Shim. we live in earthquake country and that we all should take steps to be prepared. In 2015, PG&E spent a record $1.2 billion with women-owned businesses, representing an increase of Visit www.EarthquakeAuthority.com to learn action steps you can take to prepare yourself and $174.8 million (17.4 percent) from 2014. Over the past five years, the company’s spend with women-owned busi- your family now, before the next damaging earthquake—such as earthquake insurance for your home, nesses has grown by $385.5 million (48 percent). PG&E’s spend with women-owned enterprises was a portion with a policy that meets your needs and fits your budget. of an all-time high of $2.5 billion in spend—more than 40 percent of the company’s total spend—with diverse About CEA suppliers during 2015. The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) is a not-for-profit, privately funded, publicly managed PG&E’s support of women-owned businesses has been nationally recognized. Earlier this year, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) named PG&E as one of America’s top companies for organization that provides residential earthquake insurance and encourages Californians to reduce women-owned businesses. their risk of earthquake loss. Learn more at www.EarthquakeAuthority.com. The company has also received numerous honors for its work with diverse suppliers. Among the acknowl- edgements PG&E has received this year include: National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC): PG&E was recently named 2016 Corporation Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing announces of the Year for its outstanding support and dedication to ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for LGBT suppliers, customers and employees. National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC): PG&E recently became the first local or $31 million in competitive continuum of care program awards regional enterprise to receive the Gazelle Award for its success in accelerating the growth of minority-owned SAN FRANCISCO — Jeff Kositsky, Director of the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Hous- businesses. ing (HSH) announced the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) FY 2016 Continuum of United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC): For the third straight year, PG&E was named to Care (CoC) competitive grant preliminary award of $31,804,009.28 for the San Francisco Continuum of Care, the USHCC’s “Million Dollar Club” for actively demonstrating a commitment to minority and women-owned an increase of $723,709 over last year. The FY 2016 award includes a non-renewable $918,933 planning grant. enterprises through their work with minority suppliers. HUD Continuum of Care funds will support 54 projects in San Francisco, including seven new projects; funds will Black Enterprise Magazine: PG&E was named by the publication as one of the 50 Best Companies for Diver- primarily support permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing efforts. In addition, one transitional housing sity. One of the considerations was the percentage of spend with minority-owned businesses. project will be funded, as well as the City’s Coordinated Entry efforts and three HMIS projects. The Greenlining Institute: PG&E received an “A” from the organization for its 2015 supplier diversity suc- “HUD’s Continuum of Care funding provides vital resources to a wide range of programs and projects that cess and having the highest spend amongst the 19 California utility companies graded by the institute. are effective in the fight to end homelessness in our community,” said Jeff Kositsky “the increased CoC funding for Minority Business News USA Magazine: PG&E was named to the publication’s 2016 Corporate 101: Most the San Francisco Continuum is a testament to the great work our City and nonprofit partners are engaged in. We Admired Companies in Supplier Diversity. The list recognized companies that drive minority business develop- know what works to end homelessness and will continue to align resources and work together to develop a client- ment through their commitment to supply chain responsibility. centric, data driven, twenty-first century system that gets people off the streets and into housing.” Diversity Inc.: PG&E was named as one of the top utilities in the United States for diversity by one of the This year’s CoC funding is the greatest amount San Francisco has ever received. San Francisco has seen a nation’s leading publications on diversity and business. 57% increase in HUD Continuum funding since 2011 when San Francisco received $20,180,001 in grant funds. “I would like to join my colleagues on the LHCB and fellow residents in congratulating and thanking all providers and program raters who work very hard and collectively to help the most vulnerable among us,” said Del Seymour, co-chair of the Local Homeless Coordinating Board “As the Holidays near and people are traveling home it’s so Ting reappointed Chairman of the CA State Assembly Budget Committee important that we continue to ensure that a Home is provided for everyone. I’m elated that HUD is focusing more SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Phil Ting (D–San Francisco) was reap- on the epidemic of youth homelessness. I recently attended a homelessness summit in Washington DC and was pointed by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) to serve as Chair of proud to hear in many discussions that SF is the City that knows how to get it done. So as we celebrate, don’t forget the State Assembly Budget Committee. He is the first Asian Pacific Islander to serve to look around our streets. We got much more work to do.” in this position. A statement from Ting follows. New projects funded this year include $1,406,825 for permanent supportive housing for veterans and indi- “This is a great honor to serve at a critical moment in California’s history. viduals and $886,189 for rapid rehousing projects for families and youth. We have established an unprecedented level of financial stability while investing HUD’s Continuum of Care program is designed to promote communitywide commitment to ending home- in the success and security of our people. New leadership in Washington seeks to lessness; provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers and State and local governments to quickly rehouse undermine the work we have done so we must focus first on protecting California’s homeless individuals and families. “This is another critical investment in support of those working each and every finances from these new threats while investing in our people who continue to suffer. day to house and serve our most vulnerable neighbors,” said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. “We know how to end We must invest in infrastructure and affordable housing, fight poverty and climate homelessness and will continue to encourage our local partners to use the latest evidence to achieve success. These change, and ensure access to a quality education. These are the ingredients to ensure grants support proven strategies to end homelessness once and for all.” we leave the state better off than we have found it.” Nationally, HUD awarded a record $1.95 billion in grants to nearly 7,600 homeless assistance programs. Earlier this month, Ting released his Assembly Blueprint for Responsible Bud- California received the greatest Continuum of Care funding in the country. In the state, San Francisco’s Continuum get Priorities that provides a roadmap for protecting California’s financial stability of Care funding ranks third, behind Los Angeles City and County CoC and Oakland, Berkeley/Alameda County CoC. CA Assemblyman Phil Ting from new threats coming from the federal government and ensuring all parts of the Complete list of all state and local projects awarded HUD FY 2016 CoC funding (photo: www.wikipedia.com) state share in the California Dream. B4 FilAm Star Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017 legal & law Can you have a debt free retirement? Young migrants living in limbo,

ATTY. CRISPIN social security pension and retirement accounts if awaiting Trump’s move CADAY LOZANO I file bankruptcy? The mother of Juana and Ines Alejandro took They’ve worked here. They’ve gone to school here. Answer: No. Social security checks and a deep breath, put on a brave face and handed her Some were good students. Some have wonderful If you are near your retirement accounts such as IRA and 401K are toddlers over to strangers at the Mexican border jobs,” Trump told Time magazine after his elec- retirement age, you exempt from creditors up to $1.1 million. Seniors to be smuggled into the United States. tion. “And they’re in never-never land because must act now or else who file bankruptcy will come with fresh start That was 17 years ago. For the mother, going they don’t know what’s going to happen.” you will find your- without seeing a big percentage of their retire- back to the poverty of her village in Oaxaca in “We’re going to work something out that’s self miserable during ment income to be paid to creditors. Any penny Mexico was out of the question. Smugglers helped going to make people happy and proud,” he your “golden years” saved from paying creditors goes into your retire- her cross the border herself a few days later. added without providing details. or retirement period. ment. She collected her daughters in Arizona and A group of Democratic and Republican sena- Bankruptcy is a great Note: This is for presentation purposes only and traveled to New York to reunite with her hus- tors this month presented a bill that would pro- financial planning tool for those who are within not a legal advice. band, whom she had not seen in two years. tect such young people from deportation for three a few years from retirement. You must prepare Bankruptcy Basics Today, those daughters are 19 and 20 years years and allow them to work if Trump scraps the a financial plan for a debt free retirement so that 1. Bankruptcy will actually improve your old, study at a community college in New York DACA program. you will enjoy your golden years. Ask yourself credit within one year because your unsecured and are scared to death that they might be A cherished dream these questions: debts are discharged. Although the bankruptcy deported after Donald Trump takes power next An estimated 1.8 million young people in 1. Will my retirement income be enough to will be in your records for 10 years, not filing month. the United States face the same dilemma as cover my daily expenses and medical bills? bankruptcy will make your credit even worse “Being deported is something that does keep Juana and Ines. Brought into the country by their 2. Will I be carrying a mortgage that I cannot until most your debts are paid. me awake at night,” Ines says. “How are we going parents illegally as children, they grew up here, pay during my retirement? 2. If you are being sued by your creditors, to do it back home? It would mean starting all speak perfect English and went to elementary 3. Will my long term care cost and medicines most money judgment can be eliminated in over again.” school here. be covered by my pension? bankruptcy. In never-never land Some 65,000 graduate from high school each 4. Will increases in cost of living and medi- 3. Collection actions continue and you can be The Alejandro family has lived in fear of be- year. Most want to go on to university, but only cines be covered by my pension? sued if you are in debt settlement. ing found out for years. That has meant going to five to 10 percent can afford it. Some 741,000 On the average, retirement income for 4. Chapter 7 will eliminate all unsecured the doctor only in emergencies, skipping school have applied for protection under DACA. seniors range from $800 to $1500 a month. debts. If you are near retirement age, you must field trips and never returning to Mexico. They have been living in legal limbo for This income does not increase to cover the ever eliminate most of your debts. Juana and Ines have three siblings who were years, waiting for a miracle. It even has a name: increasing cost of living and medicines. Long 5. Bankruptcy will stop foreclosure actions. born in America and are therefore US citizens. a bill called the “Dream Act,” which would grant term care cost and medicines will not be covered If your trustee sale date is 10 days before, you can But the older daughters and their parents remain such people permanent residency and a work by the monthly pensions of seniors if they do not still file for bankruptcy. in the country illegally. permit. However, the bill has been languishing in have any savings or 401K pension plan. There 6. If your salary is being garnished, you The mother cooks Mexican food that an aunt Congress for 15 years. are seniors who are still carrying a mortgage and have a court case about debts or you are be- sells outside a train station. The father helps, and Young people like the Alejandro daughters putting all their money on it in anticipation of an ing harassed by creditors, bankruptcy can stop washes dishes at a restaurant or works construc- are called “dreamers.” increase in value of real estate. This is the worst garnishment, court cases, harassing creditors and tion. They declined to be named for this story. “Most of the people like my parents pay their kind of money management. Real estate values eliminate the debt. But Juana and Ines’s luck changed in 2013 taxes and give as much as they can back to this are still going down and no sign of it increasing in 7. Bankruptcy is cheaper, faster and safer when the United States started implementing a country,” Ines says. “I am here just for my educa- the near future. than debt settlement which has no guaranteed program to give young people like them renew- tion. The US is full of opportunities I wouldn’t It is unimaginable that you will be depend- success. able two-year residence and work permits. have in Mexico.” ing on your monthly pension and still owing a 8. Preserve your health, eliminate stress and It is called DACA, or Deferred Action for “My parents do work a lot,” Juana adds. lot of debts. The best time to plan for retirement live a happy life by eliminating your debts which Childhood Arrivals, for people who were brought “They barely sleep at night just to help us pay is now. If you have no way of supporting your is the root of all problems. to the United States as children and do not have tuition, and we have to work as well.” daily expenses because of debts then it is time to Crispin Caday Lozano is an active member papers. The idea is that they should not be pun- If DACA ends, however, it will be hard for consider filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. You can of the State Bar of California, the American Im- ished with deportation for something in which the two girls to stay in school even if they are not discharge most of your unsecured debts by filing migration Lawyers Association and the National they had no say. deported, she says. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Many people especially Association of Consumers Bankruptcy Attorneys “DACA has opened a lot of doors for me. I Still, despite the fear and uncertainty, the those close to retirement are stressed out because and Consumers Attorney Association of Los feel more secure about saying I am undocument- two sisters have stepped forward and made their of all their financial obligations. You do not have Angeles. He specializes in immigration law and ed,” says Juana, who studies business administra- status known, and are helping other undocu- to put yourself in this very miserable situation bankruptcy law. He earned his Juris Doctor at tion. “It has removed many worries.” mented students like them. because of debts. You worked hard for so many Western State University College of Law in Ful- During his presidential campaign, Trump They formed a “Dream Team” at Hostos years to have a comfortable retirement and lerton, California. He is also a Certified Public insulted Mexicans by saying some Mexican im- Community College -- where they study -- a group you deserved it. You can retire debt free if you Accountant, a Licensed Realtor and a Bachelor migrants were rapists and drug dealers. He also the school supports. want. There is nothing to be ashamed of in filing of Business Administration Cum Laude gradu- pledged to end the DACA program immediately. “I’d tell the president-elect,” Ines says, “that bankruptcy. It is made into law to give people ate. He has offices in San Francisco, Hayward, But he has changed his tune since then. we are not all horrible people.” (AFP) a chance to start fresh and be free from past San Jose, and Cerritos, California. You can “They got brought here at a very young age. obligations. Many millionaires are also filing for contact him at 1-877-456-9266. Email questions bankruptcy for many reasons since bankruptcy to [email protected]/. Visit our website law is created. at www.crispinlozanolaw.com/. Follow us on Question: Will the creditors take away my Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Trump names company lawyer as international negotiations representative Arrest in $4M U.S. insider trading case from law firm hacks representative for international negotiations, US prosecutors announced criminal charges valuable to would-be criminals,” US Attorney the team said in a statement. Tuesday against three hackers who allegedly Preet Bharara said. The statement did not offer precise made $4 million in illicit profits from insider The authorities arrested Iat Hong of Macau details on the duties of the position but on trading of information pilfered from law firms in Hong Kong, who is now pending extradition Friday CNN cited an unidentified source who advising on corporate mergers. proceedings. The other two defendants, Chin said Greenblatt’s portfolio would include the The three defendants, two from Macau and Hung of Macau and Bo Zheng of China, are at Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Cuban rela- one from China, successfully breached the com- large, a spokesman for the US Attorney’s office tions and trade agreements. puter networks of international law firms with said. (AFP) Greenblatt advised Trump on the Arab- New York offices by unlawfully obtaining a firm Israeli conflict during the campaign, accord- employee’s credentials and installing malware on his company’s server, the US Attorney’s office in ing to the statement. New York said. The president-elect said Greenblatt had The malware permitted the hackers to moni- negotiated “substantial, complex” transac- tor law firm communications about more than a tions on Trump’s behalf and was well suited dozen transactions in 2014 and 2015 that were to the new position that will include “assisting discussed or contemplated, including some deals on international negotiations of all types, and that were never consummated. trade deals around the world.” The hackers then bought shares of compa- Jason Greenblatt (left) and President-elect Donald Trump Greenblatt worked in private legal prac- (right) nies that would later be acquired, winning big (photo: www.twitter.com) tice before joining the Trump Organization, profits. according to the statement, and had taught a The hackers allegedly made $380,000 on Donald Trump has designated his compa- course on real estate at New York’s Yeshiva trades of Intermune, a drug maker bought by ny’s chief lawyer as a top international negotia- University. Germany’s Roche in 2014; $1.4 million in trades tor, the US president-elect’s transition team Trump has faced mounting concern over on Altera, bought by Intel in 2015; and $841,000 announced Tuesday. the conflicts of interest his business empire on Borderfree, acquired by Pitney Bowes in 2015. Jason Greenblatt, the executive vice appears likely to create once he takes office “This case of cyber-meets-securities fraud president and chief legal officer for the Trump next month, although few company executives should serve as a wake-up call for law firms Organization -- which oversees the Republi- number among Trump’s administration picks. around the world: you are and will be targets U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara can’s business empire -- will serve as special (AFP) of cyber hacking because you have information (photo: www.justice.gov) Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017 FilAm Star B5 health & Why can’t I lose weight? Health@Heart Your body is a work in progress. And so is weight seems too low. lifestyle your health. It is essential that we have the right I’m in my 60s and I’m not on any mainte- information to guide us properly in order to em- nance medicines. Lately, however, I noticed that brace a wellness lifestyle. Here are several real-life my usual 120/70 blood pressure has increased to Medical myths and facts situations you might identify with. 130/80. Should I worry? Why is it so easy for others to lose weight There are many reasons why your blood pres- PHILIP S. CHUA, tion. It is prudent to instruct the waiters in restaurants when many of us can’t? sure could rise slowly without you noticing it. One MD, FACS, FPCS NOT to open the bottle, NOT to break the seal, so you While health experts will tell you that this reason is stress. Have you been overworked lately? could do it yourself. depends on your body type, ultimately, the secret Are you getting enough sleep? Are your hormones Men’s sweat good for Laughter is Good Medicine lies in the lifestyle that will suit your goal. in order? These factors affect your BP, says Dr. women A good belly laugh, several times a day, is a pre- If you want to lose fat, then adhere to the Chris Enriquez, a cardiologist and antiaging expert Don’t laugh. This scription for health. Studies have shown that laughter Mediterranean diet. Followers of this diet swear at Rapha Health. Unhealthy lifestyle practices is true. Biologists at the lessens stress, improves body immunity and resis- by their health gains, lower body mass index (the like bingeing on food and alcohol can also lead to University of Pennsyl- tance to disease, soothes and benefits the mind, and measure of the proportion of weight to height) and health problems. vania found that men’s lengthens life. Let’s take that old big barrel of laughs small waistline. The important part of health management is perspiration has ben- and partake of it daily, with our family and friends. Laughter stimulates the secretion of happy hormones The Mediterranean diet consists of fresh fruits prevention. It’s a good thing that you are aware of eficial effects on women’s in our body. and vegetables, fish, lean meats, whole grains, your situation. Consult your doctor immediately. mood, reduces stress and induces relaxation. It even has an soothing effect on Food Warning olive oil, plus mono- and polyunsaturated fats. If you like cherries, this is welcome news. a woman’s menstruation. Blood test revealed a rise in Some food may increase the risk for the develop- The benefits: reduction of LDL ( “bad” cho- Just two ounces of cherry juice can reduce systolic the level of reproductive luteinizing hormone, which ment of colon cancer. New studies among women have lesterol), and a balanced blood sugar level. There blood pressure by 7 mmHg within three hours. normally surges before ovulation. The study was done shown that diets that favor red meat (especially grilled is evidence that it also promotes metabolic health Chemicals found in cherries, such as flavonoids on men who were asked not to use deodorant during and burnt) or processed meat, French fries, sweets, and eventually prevents obesity. The good news is and anthocyanins, improve cell health and prevent the research, and extracts of their sweat collected. refined grains (like white bread, pasta) are associated that it could lead to longevity. internal inflammation. The women subjects thought the substance they were with higher colon cancer rate. The recommended diet, But the best complement to any diet is exer- The berry kingdom is a veritable harvest testing (smelling) was a type of perfume. It is true as we have repeatedly “prescribed” in this column the cise. Whatever you decide to do, work out regu- of anthocyanins like açai, rating highest in its then that when women say they love the scent of their past several years, should consist of fish, vegetables, larly. Brisk walking is a good start—even walking potency to neutralize oxidative damage caused by man, it is genuine and scientifically founded. Guys, fruits, legumes (beans), and whole-grain foods (hi-fiber your dog. free radicals. this, however, does not mean we have to stop taking items like bran, oat meal). This healthy diet reduces the risk of colon and other cancers. To make the equation Redesign your regimen How can I regain my body strength? After a showers! complete, add: abstinence from tobacco, daily exercise, In my early 30s, my body was lean and toned. bout with the flu, I feel weak. Violence of Television Children, boys and girls alike, who watch and if desired, a glass or two of red wine with dinner Now, at age 50, I notice that I have to exert more Let food be your medicine. Consider foods violence on television have increased risk of aggres- (with romantic soft music to further calm the nerves). effort and time in the gym to fight the flab. Any high in nitrates, which can increase the production sion, including spousal abuse and criminal offenses as And don’t forget the loved one to do this with. tips? of nitric oxide within your cell lining. Also, nitric adults, reported psychologist L. Rowell Huesmann and Good “Fats” Unfortunately, with age, gravity sets in. If you oxide in the blood vessels (endothelium) promotes his cohorts at the University of Michigan’s Institute While the saturated fats and cholesterol from haven’t been consistent with your exercise routine, blood flow which is essential for general well-being for Social Research, in the March 2003 issue of the red meats and eggs are unhealthy for us, the good then your body cannot look 30 years old in its 50s. and good health. Journal for Developmental Psychology. The study polyunsaturated non-hydrogenated fats from olive oil, You need to recommit to your exercise program. Some foods rich in nitric oxide: dark choco- was conducted in the late 1970s on 329 children 6 to canola oil and nuts are beneficial to our body. They can Ask a fitness instructor to redesign your regimen. lates, beets, oranges, walnuts, brown rice, spinach, 9 years of age and again in their early 20s, to discern even protect us from developing Alzheimer’s Disease. To build muscle and get lean and toned, you need watermelon, pomegranates, garlic, cranberries, the long term effects of televised violence. The study Fish oil (Omega 3 fatty acids) from fresh fish has been found to be good for the heart (cardio-protective) and to do weight training. Like it or not, it’s the only black tea, honey, salmon, cayenne pepper, peanut included interviews with these subjects in the 1990s to- possible also good for boosting immunity against com- way to sculpt your body. Yoga and Pilates can also butter, shrimp. gether with their spouses and children. This significant study confirmed the hypothesis that violence on the mon illnesses. Sushi (raw fish) is rich in Omega 3. All complete your overall training. Add vitamin C, omega 3 and co-enzyme Q10 television adversely affects children’s lives by erod- the studies have shown that a diet of consisting mainly A study by the McMaster University in Cana- supplements, and you are good to get on with your ing into their inborn and natural aversion to violence, of fish (as source of protein, plus vegetables, fruits and da has concluded that higher intake of protein can normal life. making aggression, violence, and in many cases, crime nuts) instead of red meats and eggs is, without any prevent strength and muscle loss in age-related This week’s affirmation: “Perfection is my as acceptable social behaviors for them when dealing doubt, the healthier alternative, if we are to ward off cases. Apparently, the Recommended Daily Al- birthright.” with their family and the public. Programs like “The Six cardiovascular diseases (like heart attack and stroke) lowance (RDA) of 0.8 g of protein per kg of body Love and light! (Cory Quirino / inquirer.net) Million Dollar Man”, “Starsky and Hutch”, and even and lower the risk of cancer. “Road Runner” were considered very violent, among The Myths about Pregnancy Answers to LAST WEEK’S Krosword the many of the 80 popular programs included in the The following are myths: A woman is guaranteed study. Obviously, parents have to be vigilant and caring 100% not to get pregnant IF: (1) penetration is done enough to protect their children from violence, sex and only a few times without completion of intercourse; Be a part of our obscenity (verbal or physical). (2) withdrawal is done before ejaculation; (3) coitus is Viagra for Women? done during the “safe” period; (4) sex is done during community ! Since Viagra has worked most effectively for menses; (5) the woman did not have orgasm during men with erectile dysfunction since it was introduced sex; (6) the lovers drink wine before sex; (7) aspirin Call us at by Pfizer March of 1998, making this company bil- is inserted into the vagina as contraceptive; (8) the lions of dollars richer, the quest for a similar drug for woman is on top during the act; (9) the man uses any women has, so far, turned up nothing, but researches plastic wrap in the absence of, and in lieu of, a condom; 650-278-0692 are ongoing. Forty three percent of women have sexual (10) the man already had sex with another woman, or dysfunction compared to 31% of men, where cigarette had masturbated, an hour or so earlier; (11) oral sex so we can smoking has been found to be a culprit of impotence. preceded normal intercourse; and (12) the woman The most common complaint among these women douches immediately after sex. These are all myths cover your events (33%) is lack of desire for sex. But while men’s problem and cannot be relied upon to prevent pregnancy. Only is more physical (inability to have effective erection), total abstinence or use of an intact condom, or use of or visit women’s is more psychological, more complex, since prescribed birth control pills under medical supervi- the more significant sexual organ of the females is in sion, can prevent pregnancy. between their ears, and not in between the thighs like New Drug Breakthrough for AIDS www.filamstar.com the males. There are some herbal companies claim- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has just ing to have their version of “viagra for the women”, approved on March 13, 2003 a new drug for AIDS, but these are not scientifically based and are mostly called Fuzeon, “which works when other drugs have profit-motivated marketing gimmicks. Apomorphine failed.” This could be used for adults and children 6 (available in Europe) seems to show promise for both years and older, and about 100,000 of these patients sexes, but more studies are being conducted. in the United States alone could be benefited. The drug HOROSCOPE Filtered Water Scam? is given by injection, twice a day, and would cost about http://www.starlightastrology.com A few years ago, in this column, we cautioned $20,000 for a year’s treatment. This particular drug the public against unscrupulous entrepreneurs selling acts as fusion inhibitors, preventing the HIV virus from tap (faucet) water as “filtered water.” This fraud is invading the white blood cells that are primary target Aries Libra apparently practiced worldwide. Thus, everybody has of HIV. There are more than a million people with HIV (Mar. 21- April 20) (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) to be forewarned. Fortune Magazine had reported that in North America, and about 40,000 new cases appear Put your energy into moneymaking ventures. Losses are likely if you have left your financial the bottled water business “is a $7.6-billion industry in each year. Fuzeon, which is produced by Roche (Swiss) You will feel better about yourself and you may affairs in other people’s hands. Be tolerant, but the United States alone”, having more than quintupled and Trimeris, Inc. (North Carolina). also meet potential lovers. Unexpected bills may don’t let any one take you for granted. Don’t the bottled water consumption and revenues from Inhalants are Deadly set you back. You’re likely to encounter new count on correspondence to clear up major $2.5 billion in 1991. Drinking at least 6-8 glasses of Statistics in the United States reveal that about partners if you take short trips. problems. Emotional deception is evident. water per day is, in general, good for us. The current half a million people, between 12-17, die annually Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday. Your lucky day this week will be Monday. US statistics show the following “gallon per person” from Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome. The deadly consumption: carbonated soft drinks, which are un- inhalants included glue, spray paint and markers. The Taurus Scorpio healthy, 54%; beer, 22.6%; milk, 22.6%; coffee, 21.9%; report showed that age 12 is when most children start (Apr. 21- may 21) (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) and, bottled water, 21.1%. So bottled water is in, and to experiment on chemicals and drugs. March 16-22 Insincere gestures of friendliness may be Short trips will prove to be more fruitful than for a healthy reason. But be certain the bottled water is has been declared in the US as National Inhalant and misleading. Be cautious while traveling to foreign you imagined. Social events will be plentiful. Take produced by a reputable company. And make sure you Poison Awareness Week. Please visit philipSchua.com countries. Your boss may be pushy. Your mate time to relax. Stress and pressure at home may break the seal-lock on the cap of the bottle yourself, to Email: [email protected] will be pushing you to do things that you really have worn you ragged. Try to keep an open mind. preclude the possibility of tampering and contamina- don’t want to do. Your lucky day this week will be Saturday. Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday. Sagittarius Gemini (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) KrosWord (May 22-June 21) Make plans to mix business with pleasure. (Source: Classic Pilipino Krosword, as edited by Ramon S. Lorenzo) Don’t bend to the pressure. You should not Dinner with clients or business associates get involved in joint ventures. Keep the promises should be successful. Spending too much time you’ve made or you can expect to be in the talking to friends or relatives could easily turn PAHALANG doghouse. Put your time and energy into travel, into a debate that could lead to estrangement. 1 Unit ng timbang philosophy, and soul-searching. Communication will be your strong point and you 5 Panulat Your lucky day this week will be Sunday. should be able to persuade others to see things your way. Your own small business on the side 8 Basahan Cancer could ease your financial stress. 9 Yanig (June 22-July 22) Your lucky day this week will be Monday. 10 President Magsaysay It is time to clear your decks. You can open up 11 Sahig to your mate and let them know what you expect Capricorn 13 Labi ng sunog out of this relationship. Involvement in groups (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) 14 Bagang lumilipad will be favorable and lead to valuable information. Try not to overspend on luxury items. You 16 Malaking pamukpok Business trips might prove unproductive. can make changes that will enhance your 18 Kasambahay Your lucky day this week will be Thursday. appearance. You need to get involved in groups that offer physical activities. Hard work will not 19 Sakmal Leo go unnoticed. 22 Anaki (July 23-Aug 22) Your lucky day this week will be Monday. 24 Muscat ang kapitolyo Don’t count on getting any help from those 27 Inihalo you live with. Deception regarding joint finances Aquarius 29 Hayop na maraming or investments will cause upsets between family (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) sungay members. You will accomplish the most in the You may think gifts will win their heart, but 30 Pugad work environment this week. Focus on your it could add stress from lack of funds. You can 31 Kasalungat ng papak domestic scene. Get together with friends or certainly gain popularity; however, don’t do it relatives. by paying for everyone else. You can have an 33 Habag Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday. enjoyable time if you socialize with friends. 34 Pangalang panlalaki Positive connections can be made if you get 35 Malaking kontinente Virgo involved in environmental organizations. 36 Ipusta (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Your lucky day this week will be Saturday. Before you proceed be sure to talk your plans over with those they will affect. Do not get Pisces PABABA involved in joint financial ventures. If you put (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) 1 Maliliit na bato 12 Marahil 27 Galunggong o tilapia your energy into physical outlets you will avoid You need to get down to basics with regard 2 Presidente Fidel 15 Buod 28 Tubig-dagat confrontations. You will not impress others by to yourself. You may have the day off but your 3 Supling ng anak 17 Lungsod sa Japan 32 Tatay being foolishly generous. thoughts will be on your work and your cash 4 ___ Lisa 20 Karakter ni Marian Rivera Your lucky day this week will be Sunday. situation. You would be best to work late in order 5 ___ “Butz” Aquino 21 Pandak to avoid such disharmony. Bring work home if it will help you get caught up. 6 Taba 22 Asam Answers to this week’s Your lucky day this week will be Sunday. 7 Masamang amoy 23 Pagmumuni-muni 8 Riles 25 Sensilyo Krosword on NEXT WEEK’S 9 Nag-iisa na sa buhay 26 Asarol issue B6 FilAm Star Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017 entertainment Look: Kathryn Bernardo jump-starts What Coleen Garcia discovered 2017 as mag cover girl about her fiancé Billy Crawford Kathryn Bernardo ini- “The year 2016 was a year of discovery for us,” said actress Coleen Garcia, who recently tially energizes her career in got engaged to actor-TV host Billy Crawford, her boyfriend of three years. 2017 by being the cover girl “Toward the end of the year, Billy and I have discovered a lot about ourselves and our for a fashion magazine. relationship,” said Coleen, 24, adding that she was grateful to Billy, 34, “for always being The 20-year-old Ka- patient and understanding. He is sweet to me every single day. He always makes an effort pamilya teen star struck a to make me happy on a daily basis. That’s what I appreciate about him the most—his being pose for the January issue of consistent.” Cosmopolitan Philippines. The actress on Thursday posted a photo of the engagement ring on her Instagram ac- She shared the issue’s count with the caption: “Happiest! Thank you, Lord! I’m gonna marry the love of my life.” cover on her Instagram ac- At the media gathering for her latest movie, “Extra Service,” Coleen revealed that she count on Tuesday with the was baptized as a Born Again Christian only in November. “Billy plans to do the same,” she caption, “I’m loving the new said of her fiancé. look of cosmo! Fresh and Coleen said Billy would also go with her and her family on a trip to Spain for the holi- fun.” days. “It would be our first family vacation after a long while,” she declared. Cosmopolitan Philip- Coleen said she was determined to carry on with some “self-improvement” plans in pines divulged some of Kathryn Bernardo at the cover of 2017 Cosmopolitan issue 2017. “I want to be more organized with my things. I’m so busy that I hardly have time to (Photo: www.showbiznest.com) Bernardo’s “fresh and fun” fix them. I want to be the only one to arrange my things, so I’ll know where to get them,” photos which will brighten magazine back in January gre,” a sequel of the local su- Coleen shared with the Inquirer. “It was only recently, about the time I did ‘Extra Service,’ up the magazine’s glossy 2015 as an 18-year-old. pernatural series “Imortal” that I discovered the benefits of having a massage. I wasn’t too fond of it before. I plan to pages next month. She and her on-screen and “Lobo” starring Angel spend a day at the spa, as a gift to myself.” Bernardo made her partner Daniel Padilla are Locsin. (Gianna Francesca The action-comedy by Chris Martinez follows the adventures of Aw (Coleen), Em (Arci debut as cover girl for the set to star in “La Luna San- Catolico / inquirer.net) Muñoz) and Gee (Jessy Mendiola), who are mild-mannered massage therapists by day, but sexy secret agents by night. Have you ever been in a secret romantic relationship? Nowadays, engaging in a secret romantic relationship is not unusual anymore. Celebrities and famous personalities often prefer to hide their significant others due to a lot of reasons: pos- sessive fans, image protection, privacy issues, among other things. Yet these cases of ‘hidden love’ are not only for well-known people but also for ordinary ones dealing with personal issues. In this latest episode of Dr. Romantic, doctors Seo Jung and Dong Joo finally date after confessing their feelings for each other. However, unlike Dong Joo, Seo Jung doesn’t want to reveal her emotions too much and wants to keep their relationship private. To make things more complicated, manager Jang, who has been doubting their relationship, is spreading rumors about them dating. Will their undercover love last? Watch the full episode on Viu! (Clarisse Inao / inquirer.net)

visit www.filamstar.com

Coleen Garcia (left) and Billy Crawford (right) Call us to advertise (Photo: www.pinoystop.com) As a crime-fighting squad, they’re tasked to embark on a top-secret mission to retrieve 1-650-278-0692 the precious “Perlas ng Silangan” in exchange for their lives and freedom. A scene from Dr. Romantic (Photo: www.dramafever.com) Being used to doing heavy drama on television and on the big screen, Coleen admitted she initially felt nervous after finding out that she would be doing an action-comedy film. “Now that I’ve done it, I realized that it’s so much fun. It’s a good experience, because it provides a good balance to what I do as an actor,” she explained. “Apart from the action stunts, I realized that you really shouldn’t prepare for a comedy movie. What you should do is be more accepting and open to anything that can happen while on the set,” Coleen pointed out. “There were several scenes that weren’t on the script but got included. We also had to make a lot of improvisations.” Coleen said timing in a comedy film is important. “Musical scoring for this genre is a big thing. Since you cannot hear this while you’re on the set, you have to take the cue from your director. He is the captain of the ship. You just follow him, so he could fulfill his vision.” “Extra Service” also features Carmi Martin, Ejay Falcon, Enzo Pineda and Vin Abrenica, and will open in theaters on Jan. 11. (Marinel Cruz / inquirer.net) Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017 FilAm Star B7 entertainment Hollywood mourns Star Wars icon Carrie Fisher PH film on gay love bags major prize in Singapore

Friends, fans and Hollywood It pays to dare and dream big. stars added their voices to a tor- PR Patindol, 30 years young, had been working in the camera department of different produc- rent of tributes for “Star Wars” tions, as a cinematographer and camera operator, when he decided to pick up an old screenplay last actress Carrie Fisher, who died year. Tuesday at the age of 60 follow- He volunteered that he suddenly felt the “urge” to finish a screenplay he had started writing as a ing a heart attack. student at the Marilou Diaz-Abaya Film Institute six years ago. The screen icon, catapulted “I revisited the characters in 2012, came up with three drafts and decided that wasn’t the story to worldwide stardom as rebel yet,” he recalled. “Finally, last year, I finished the shooting script.” warrior Princess Leia in the The result of his protracted struggle is the short film, “Hilom (Still).” original “Star Wars” trilogy, was “What I produced, with the pronounced dead in Los Angeles, help of friends and colleagues, four days after collapsing on a was a deeply personal film,” he transatlantic flight. explained. Here is a selection of the Little did he know that most notable tributes: Star Wars icon Carrie Fisher such an “intimate” film would (Photo: www.donthatethegeek.com) Family resonate with a wider audience— “Thank you to everyone bagging the Youth Jury Prize at who has embraced the gifts and talents of my beloved and amazing daughter. I am grateful for your the Silver Screen Awards, held in thoughts and prayers that are now guiding her to her next stop.” - Fisher’s mother, the actress Debbie conjunction with the Singapore Reynolds International Film Festival last “She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly.” - Simon Halls on behalf of Dec. 3. Fisher’s daughter, actress Billie Lourd “I was literally stunned when ‘Star Wars’ we won,” he recounted. “Just to “Carrie was one-of-a-kind -- brilliant, original. Funny and emotionally fearless. She lived her life screen at the Singapore fest was bravely... We will all miss her.” - Harrison Ford (Han Solo) already too much excitement for “It’s never easy to lose such a vital, irreplaceable member of the family, but this is downright me. To receive this award is more heartbreaking. Carrie was one-of-a-kind who belonged to us all -- whether she liked it or not. She was PR Patindol (middle) receives the trophy at the Singapore Film Festival than what we expected … it’s OUR Princess, damn it, & the actress who played her blurred into one gorgeous, fiercely independent (Photo: www.sgiff.com) such a tremendous honor.” & ferociously funny, take-charge woman who took our collective breath away. Determined & tough, The debuting director but with a vulnerability that made you root for her & want her to succeed & be happy. She played such admitted that he couldn’t have finished the film without a little help from his peers. “I was fortunate a crucial role in my professional & personal life, & both would have been far emptier without her. I am that I got to work with dear friends who always had my back.” grateful for the laughter, the wisdom, the kindness & even the bratty, self-indulgent crap my beloved He dedicates the honor to the entire “Hilom” team. “It’s for my crew, not just those who worked space-twin gave me through the years. Thanks Carrie. I love you.” - Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) on the film, but also my family and friends.” He also shares the recognition with the cast members, “In ‘Star Wars’ she was our great and powerful princess -- feisty, wise and full of hope in a role whom he called “a welcome addition to my growing family.” that was more difficult than most people think... she will be missed by all.” - “Star Wars” creator “They poured their hearts into the film,” he said. George Lucas “Hilom” follows the journey of twin brothers, as they search for their identities and grapple with “I’m deeply saddened at the news of Carrie’s passing. She was a dear friend, whom I greatly re- the meaning of sexuality. spected and admired. The force is dark today!” - Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian) Critic Eliza Poh pointed out: “The film provides an interesting perspective on an issue that has “I thought I had got what I wanted under the tree. I didn’t. In spite of so many thoughts and been often avoided, especially within the Southeast Asian context, where the notion of homosexuality prayers from so many. I am very, very sad.” - Anthony Daniels (C3PO) is widely frowned upon … Patindol [however] offers a new way of understanding homosexual love.” “I am extremely sad to learn of Carrie’s passing. She was wonderful to work with. Condolences to her friends, family & fans around the world.” - David Prowse (Darth Vader) He related that jury members approached him after the awards ceremony, to “express their ap- “There are no words for this loss. Carrie was the brightest light in every room she entered. I will preciation.” miss her dearly.” - Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) “I am overjoyed that my film has made a mark on these young people,” he quipped. “Their Hollywood encouraging words push me to “I have always stood in awe of Carrie. Her observations always made me laugh and gasp at the bring out [more] personal stories same time. She didn’t need The Force. She was a force of nature, of loyalty and of friendship. I will to the screen because now I know miss her very much.” - Veteran director and producer Steven Spielberg that honesty is rewarded, too.” “I’m deeply saddened to learn of the death of Carrie Fisher. I will miss our banterings. A wonder- One of the jurors told Pat- ful talent & light has been extinguished.” - “Star Trek” actor William Shatner indol that he couldn’t wait to see “Millions fell in love with her as the indomitable Princess Leia; she will always have a special place the Filipino’s films in the future. in the hearts of ‘Star Wars’ fans as well as all of us who were lucky enough to know her personally.” - “Perhaps that is the chal- Bob Iger, head of The Walt Disney Company lenge to myself as a storyteller: “Carrie Fisher has passed, she was funnier & smarter than anyone had the right to be. Sail On to bring my brand of courage Silver Girl. Condolences Debbie & Billie R.I.P.” - Actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg, who co- and honesty into these ultimately starred with Fisher in “Soapdish” human stories, in the hope that “@CarrieFisher was a brilliant writer, actor, and friend. She was so much fun. I can’t believe she’s they reach someone, somewhere, gone.” - US talk show host and actress Ellen DeGeneres and affect him or her in a way “We just lost a great ally for mental health and addiction. Be strong, be as (strong) as she’d want that only stories can,” Patindol A scene from the movie “Hilom” you to be. Rest in paradise.” - Comedian Margaret Cho (AFP) remarked. (AFP) (Photo: www.sgiff.com) B8 FilAm Star Dec. 29, 2016 - Jan. 4, 2017