STEALING FREE NEWSPAPER IS STILL A CRIME !

AB 2612, PLESCIA CRIME Proposed legislature could abolish Senate WEEKLY ISSUE 70 CITIES IN 11 STATES ONLINE Vol. IX Issue 458 1028 Mission Street, 2/F, San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel. (415) 593-5955 or (650) 278-0692 January 18 - 24, 2018 Shut-down of Duterte-critical news group

PH NEWS | A2 seen as attack on press freedom By Daniel Llanto | FilAm Star Correspondent PH media has been fair - Pew Research For supposedly inviting foreign of Duterte as well as the leading ownership, the Securities and Ex- broadsheet Inquirer for various stated change Commission (SEC) revoked reasons. the certificate of incorporation of news For the closure of Rappler, op- website Rappler, shutting down the position senators and media organiza- popular news group known for critical tions cried out pure harassment and reporting of the Duterte administra- undisguised attack on press freedom. tion. “I strongly condemn the SEC’s It may just be coincidence that revocation of the registration of Rap- Rappler is headed by Managing pler,” Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said. Director Maria Rissa who previously “It would also send a chilling message PH NEWS | A3 headed ABS-CBN News and Public to other media entities to force them Affairs as chief and that President to toe the Administration’s propa- Durant leads Warriors Duterte earlier gave Rappler a piece ganda lines.” victory against Cavs of his mind for its alleged foreign Sen. Risa Hontiveros found it “a (L-R) Rappler Managing Director Maria Ressa and eBay founder Pierre Omidyar funding. ABS-CBN is in the crosshairs (Photos: www.techinasia.com / www. businessinsider.com) TO PAGE A7 Speculations say change to Federal gov’t Maker of ‘defective’ anti-dengue vaccine to refund could abolish office of vice-president PHP 1B+, set up compensation, monitoring fund By Corina Oliquino | FilAm Star Correspondent for at risk school children

SPORTS NEWS | A5 the proposed federal government last By Lara Climaco | FilAm Star Correspondent January 14. Immigrants from anywhere “The Office of the Vice-president Sanofi Pasteur must go beyond which agreed this week to comply with welcome to U.S. - Trump (OVP) has been a feature of our repub- refunding PHP 1.4 billion of the PHP the DoH’s demand for a PHP 1.4- lic for over 80 years, ever since it was 3.5 billion paid by the Aquino admin- billion refund. The amount represents created under the 1935 Constitution. istration for the Dengvaxia vaccine. the value of more than one million The only time since then that we have It should refund the entire PHP 3.5 unused Dengvaxia vials that have been had no VP was during the dictatorship billion and put up a Compensation and in storage at the Research Institute for of Ferdinand Marcos,” Robredo’s legal Monitoring Fund to ensure the health Tropical Medicine since the mass den- adviser Barry Gutierrez told Rappler. and safety of more than 830,000 indi- gue immunization program was halted “That said, the current proposals viduals, mostly Grade 4 public school in December last year. The suspension VP Leni Robredo to revise the Constitution are suppos- children, inoculated with what the De- was prompted by Sanofi’s revelation (Photo: www.peopleasia.ph) edly anchored on a drive to promote partment of Health (DoH) has labeled in late November that severe dengue MANILA – Vice-president Leni and institute a federal system of gov- as a “defective” dengue vaccine. could arise among sero-negative indi- WORLD NEWS | A9 Robredo’s camp reacted to the pos- ernment. The question therefore is, These are some of the sanctions viduals, or those without prior sible abolishment of her office under TO PAGE A7 being contemplated against Sanofi, TO PAGE A7 Celine Dion set to perform at MOA in July Duterte gov’t urged to stop on-going Sen. Pacquiao urged to expedite Chinese exploration in Benham Rise discussions on death penalty By Daniel Llanto | FilAm Star Correspondent By Macon Araneta | FilAm Star Correspondent

assert Philippine sovereignty. Carpio, the leading figure in the Philippines’ fight to nullify China’s ENTERTAINMENT | B8 claim to almost all of the South China Sea, said the Duterte administration should stop Beijing from conducting 3rd telco player to be sourced marine scientific research in Philippine Rise until it accepted the July 2016 through Facebook crowdsourcing decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. By Lara Climaco President Duterte issued Executive FilAm Star Correspondent Order No. 25 in May last year changing A “reverse bidding” process could the name of Benham Rise to Philippine come into play in the selection of the Rise. The rise is a 13-million-hectare Philippines’ third telco player. Depart- underwater plateau in the Philippine ment of Information and Communi- Sea, 250 kilometers east of Isabela (L-R) Senators Manny Pacquiao and Ping Lacson cations Technology (DICT) OIC-Sec. province, believed to be rich in re- (Photo: www.aloncdy.blogspot.com) Eliseo Rio Jr. presented the concept Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate sources. (Photo: www.polbits.com) Sen. Panfilo Lacson reminded Sen. Would that be enough? Do I have 12 on his personal Facebook page, where Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Manny Pacquiao not to rush a vote votes to pass the Senate version of the he openly sought feedback on how the It’s “dumb,” Senior Associate Alejano earlier said the Department on death penalty and to feel first the death penalty bill?” he said. agency might accomplish President Justice Antonio Carpio said of the of Foreign Affairs allowed a research sentiments of his colleagues, saying the He cited that Pacquiao, who was Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to have the government’s decision to allow China vessel operated by the Institute of proposal will likely lose in the plenary. tasked to lead the discussions on the third telco player up and running by to conduct scientific marine research Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of “So, it is better to feel the pulse death penalty proposal as chairman of March this year. in Benham Rise off Aurora province’s Sciences to conduct research in Philip- first. If I were Sen. Pacquiao, I will get a subcommittee, would be wasting his “The selection process of the ‘third section of the Pacific Ocean which was pine Rise despite China’s militarization the pulse. How many votes will I get? TO PAGE A7 TO PAGE A7 recently renamed Philippine Rise to TO PAGE A7 A2 FilAm Star January 18 - 24, 2018 ph news Proposed unicameral legislature could mean abolition of Senate By William Casis | FilAm Star Correspondent Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said the plan of Presi- propose amendments to the 1987 Constitution upon approval of “Finally, the proposed shift to federalism is the strongest argu- dent Rodrigo Duterte to establish a unicameral legislature con- three-fourths of its members. ment for a bicameral legislature,” further stated Ejercito. firmed his suspicions that the bashing of the Senate was part of the Lacson filed the resolution amid statements from leaders of the He said bicameralism ensures the representation of the inter- plot to demean the value of the Upper Chamber to easily abolish it. House that Charter change (Cha-cha) will be a priority this year to ests of individual states and provinces, as well as the population of “The unicameral legislature, that just confirms what I said,” pave the way for the shift to a federal form of government. the entire country. said Drilon. However, he conceded that being the highest politi- Majority of senators said they will not agree to a joint voting if “That is why the United States, Germany and other federal cal leader of the country, he respects the President’s view on the and when Congress convenes for Cha-cha. A three-fourths vote out states have bicameral legislatures—one chamber based on represen- creation of a unicameral legislature. of 23 senators is needed to adopt proposed changes to the Constitu- tation by population the second chamber based on regional units.” “But having said that, let us not forget that the constitutional tion. Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III sees no charter amendment is basically a function and prerogative of Congress,” Under Lacson’s Senate Resolution No. 580, the senator change but only amendments to the 1987 Constitution if the coun- stressed Drilon. stressed that “the framers of the fundamental law are silent on how try shifts to a federal system of government. He noted that in the Constitution, constitutional amendments the Congress should meet in effecting this change in the Constitu- “Amendments to the Constitution only. Some parts may be are proposed either by Congress as a constituent assembly or by a tion.” revised, if many will insist or will like the parliamentary form, or constitutional convention. “The current maelstrom generated by the differing opinions on federalism. Because the big issue that will be tackled, for example, He said the proposal goes directly to the people for ratification. how this amendments to or revision of the Constitution should take economic provisions, can the catchphrase “as may be provided by It does not pass Malacañang. law” be included there?” asked Sotto. “Having said that, certainly the view of the political leader of “What will happen there is just a discussion of the important this country has a lot of weight insofar as Congress is concerned, provisions,” he added. especially that there is a super majority in Congress but this is a Sotto also said a constituent assembly is the easiest way to bicameral Congress and we would like to think that the Senate has amend the Constitution compared to constitutional convention be- always been proud of its independence as a tradition,” explained the ing recommended by some critics. Senate leader. “If full-blown, the constitutional convention may be for two Sen. Grace Poe said the President’s preferences is something years. Aside from being long, it’s costly. You will double the current that will be discussed. budget of Congress and Senate to achieve constitutional conven- “That’s the view of the President. Then certainly, there will be tion,” he said. his allies here that will probably promote it but again, the Senate He also said there will be an election and delegates will be has to be able to have its own voice, voting three-fourths — the ma- elected in full-blown elections since all districts will be represented. jority — before any bill can be passed, so even if it’s a proposition in “In other words, it’s really remote. If only our Constitution is the lower house and it’s a proposition over here, it’s still subject to not that bad, there should no longer be a constitutional convention voting,” said Poe. because it’s really so difficult, so dragging and so expensive,” further Asked on the danger of a unicameral Congress, Drilon replied: stated Sotto. “whatever the House of Representative wants, the House of Repre- If no big revisions will be made to the Constitution, he said the sentative gets” constituent assembly may finish making proposals by May this year. For her part, Poe said there is danger in anything that is done “If they’ll talk about it, federalism will be included, the parlia- in a rush, without much thought, without much discernment. mentary form will also be included,” he added. “I think this is something that, when you say we need to amend (L-R) Sen. Franklin Drilon and President Rodrigo Duterte The Duterte administration has been pushing for a shift to a (Photo: www.gmanetwork.com) the Constitution, absolutely,” said Poe. federal form of government as a means to address issues particu- She said the Constitution is a living, breathing document but larly in strife-torn Mindanao. “we need to be able to make sure that it is something that we need place and the ambivalent political positioning of those favoring one In an earlier interview, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said that in at this time.” or the other mode of effecting such change has caused bitter politi- order to do that, Congress may decide to convene in a constituent “For example, I am more of the view that it is the economic cal bickering between and among our current political leaders in assembly this month. provisions that should be a priority when we change the Constitu- both houses of Congress,” Lacson said. Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, chair of the Senate committee tion.” Lacson’s filing of the resolution came just two days before the on constitutional amendments, said they will continue the hearing Sought for his comment if the abolition of the Senate will be scheduled Wednesday hearing of the Senate committee on consti- on Cha-cha which was started when Drilon was the head of the said acceptable to the public amid the increase in its latest approval rat- tutional amendments and revision of codes on the Charter change committee. ing based on surveys, Drilon said: “regardless of the surveys, as for issue. He said the Committee already sent out invitations to former me, it’s the check and balance between the Senate and the House, Senator JV Ejercito also said the bicameral legislature is essen- members of the Supreme Court led by former Justice Reynato there should be a check and balance within Congress.” tial to maintaining check and balance in our democracy. Puno, Antonio Nachura and Vicente Mendoza, among others, Hu- He also said opposing this move is a question of fighting it “Legislation is about passing quality laws that will address the man Rights Commissioner Chito Gascon, and the framers of the since they believe in the principle of check and balance. He said needs of the people. It is about the quality of debate and not the 1987 Constitution and other government officials. the Senate and the House of Representatives would exercise their speed of passage of laws,” said Ejercito. The Liberal Party president has maintained there should be respective functions as part of the check and balance system in the In the country’s political history, he said a bicameral legislature separate voting on the amendments to the Constitution, a practice legislature. has also prevented the excessive exercise of power by the executive. which has been done since 2006 following attempts to revise the Meanwhile, Sen. Panfilo Lacson filed a resolution calling for While presidents might find it easier to control one house, he Constitution. the Senate to constitute into a constituent assembly (con-ass) to said it is more difficult to influence both chambers. January 18 - 24, 2018 FilAm Star A3 ph news PH media fair and accurate – Pew Research Solons react to higher education By Corina Oliquino | FilAm Star Correspondent

MANILA – Despite the “Only in the Philippines Center’s Global Attitudes Sur- commission chief’s resignation emergence of fake news in the and Brazil is the pattern re- vey, “publics around the world By Macon Araneta | FilAm Star Correspondent Philippines and its media be- versed; there, young people are overwhelmingly agree that the ing accused of biased report- more likely to follow local news, news media should be unbiased Sen. Chiz Escudero consid- advocate for quality education dynamic” CHED chairperson, ing at times, the Philippine Pew Research added. in their coverage of political ered “unfortunate” the resigna- in the Philippines,” he added. who is more sensitive to the media, according to U.S.-based Impartial news media issues, yet, when asked how tion of CHED (Commission on For his part, Sen. Sherwin struggles and aspirations of the non-partisan think tank Pew According to Pew Re- their news media are doing on Higher Education) Chairman Research Center, have received search, “despite differences in reporting different political is- Patricia Licuanan and cited the high marks in terms of fair and news media and political struc- sues fairly, people are far more reforms and good job that she accurate reporting of political tures, clear majorities in 35 of mixed in their sentiments, with has done in the past years. issues and other news events. the 38 nations surveyed agree many saying their media do not However, Escudero said,” According to the think that it is never acceptable for a deliver. And, in many countries, I respect her decision and wish tank’s Global Attitudes Survey, news organization to favor one there are sharp political dif- her well in her future endeav- which covers 38 countries in political party over others when ferences in views of the media ors.” 2017, news media in the Philip- reporting the news.” – with the largest gap among Licuanan quit CHED amid pines were among those that “Globally, a median of Americans.” questions over her travels received positive and acceptable three-quarters (75 percent) Pew Research noted that abroad. feedback from local consum- say such media bias is never the U.S. media drew mixed Sen. Bam Aquino said ers or respondents in all of the permissible, compared with 20 reviews, obtaining 61 percent in higher education has lost a de- survey’s four measures. percent who say it is sometimes coverage of significant events, pendable ally with the resigna- In the survey’s rating for acceptable,” the research noted. 56 percent in accuracy, 58 per- tion of Licuanan. news media’s coverage of im- “Israel and the Philippines cent in covering the government “As former chairman of portant issues, 87 percent of the also stand as relative exceptions and 47 percent in fair reporting. the Committee on Education, 1,000 Filipino respondents said to the strong global consensus. Meanwhile, Tanzania we can attest to her dedication that news media in the country In both of these countries, topped in all four measures, ob- to improve access to quality are doing a good job covering about four-in-10 say it is accept- taining 92 percent in coverage education as we worked closely the most important issues. able for news organizations to of significant events; 93 percent to pass the free college law,” In terms of delivering sometimes favor one political in accuracy; 89 percent both in Senator Chiz Escudero Aquino further said in a state- (Photo: www.newsinfo.inquirer.net) political news with fairness, 78 party over others,” the research covering the government and ment. percent of Filipino respondents added. fairness in political reports. He then thanked Licuanan Gatchalian said he appreciated students. said news media in the country On-line news consumption Overall, according to Pew: for her “immeasurable service the CHED’s speed in preparing “I urge the President are doing a fair job while 83 In a report by The Philip- • On-line news is mak- to Filipino students and for all the guidelines for the law’s full to appoint a genuinely pro- percent of Filipino respondents pine Star, digital technology has ing inroads in many countries her help in crafting the Univer- implementation under Licuan- student CHED chair – one who said news media in the Philip- started to influence news habits around the world, the public is sal Access to Quality Tertiary an’s watch. whole-heartedly supports the pines are doing well in covering worldwide, Pew Research has highly engaged with news Education Act.” “I hope that her sudden Free Higher Education Law, the government and its officials. noted. • The public is highly “At the same time, we call exit will not have a negative and is ready to fight the unjust The think tank also noted According to the report, engaged with news but more so on Malacañang to appoint an impact on the free college policy imposition of additional costs that for this year, globally, 42 percent of the respondents with local news immediate replacement with at this critical stage of its imple- which threaten the right of all “young people are likely to get among the 38 countries sur- • The global publics want the ability and the will to ef- mentation,” Gatchalian said in a Filipinos to quality and acces- news on-line while older people veyed said they get their news politically balanced news but do fectively implement this critical separate statement. sible education at all levels,” he are more likely to follow the from the internet at least once not think their news media are reform.” He said Licuanan’s resigna- added. news over-all.” a day. doing very well in this area “We look forward to work- tion was also an opportunity “In 20 countries, people While this is a global trend, • Publics around the world ing with yet another staunch to appoint a “younger, more ages 50 and older are signifi- the Philippines ranks low in follow national and local news cantly more likely than people terms of news consumption more closely than international younger than 30 to closely fol- using the internet, with only 21 • People in poorer coun- low local news. The age gap is at percent saying they get their tries are just as likely to use Manila court re-orders arrest of Tiamzon couple least 15 percentage points in 11 news on-line at least once a day. social media for news as those of the countries,” Pew Research Global overview in wealthier ones and Silva were released after noted. According to Pew Research posting bail in August 2016 in time for the resumption of the peace talks between the govern- ment and the NDF. Sacked Navy chief denies Bong Go The trio’s lawyer, Edre Olalia, said his clients would file a motion for reconsideration. ‘intervened’ in frigate project Olalia explained that, despite Duterte’s proclamation, topher “Bong” Go interfered frigate acquisition project with the peace talks have yet to be in the selection of a combat Hyundai Heavy Industries. formally terminated. management system (CMS) for Mercado said he would “A unilateral declaration by the P15.5-billion frigate acquisi- speak in the proper forum about one side without the proper writ- tion project. the other issues surrounding ten notice duly receipted by the “On my side as the FOIC, the controversial project. other, no matter how categori- when I was FOIC, he never “There are so many issues (L-R) Wilma and Benito Tiamzon cal… does not make the grade (Photo: www.bulatlat.com) once, with so many times we on the frigate,” he said. “I just and does not bind the latter,” were together in many foreign want to come on the angle of A Manila Regional Trial Bunyi-Medina said the Olalia said in a statement. navy ships, there was never an Secretary Bong Go. I’d just like Court (RTC) has ordered the re- court found “no reason to further A motion for reconsidera- instance, not once, that he even to make a statement with due arrest of Communist Party of the allow their temporary liberty” tion, “even if seemingly a long asked me about the frigate,” respect to his person. Nakaka- Philippines (CPP) leaders Benito following President Rodrigo shot under the circumstances, Mercado said. “Never. He never hiya naman sa kanya… That’s and Wilma Tiamzon. Duterte’s Proclamation No. 360, remains a legal option,” he intervened much or talked to the only statement that I’d like In a Jan. 11 decision re- which terminated the peace ne- added. me about these things. Not to make right now. Now, any leased publicly on Wednesday, gotiations between the govern- Military intelligence agents Vice Adm. Ronald Joseph Mercado once. That I’m very, very sure.” other questions about the frig- Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina of ment and the NDF. arrested Tiamzon, chair of the (Photo: www.bworldonline.com) Mercado was unceremo- ate issues, I’m going to give out Manila RTC Branch 32 ordered “Inarguably, the sole reason Communist Party of the Philip- niously relieved by Defense in the proper forum.” the arrest of the Tiamzons, to- for their grant was to enable pines (CPP), and Wilma, CPP Vice Adm. Ronald Joseph Secretary Delfin Lorenzana last Reports published by gether with co-accused National said accused to participate in the secretary general, on March 22, Mercado, who was sacked as December for “insubordina- Inquirer and Rappler said that Democratic Front (NDF) consul- peace process,” Medina said. 2014 in Alouguinsan, Cebu. Mr. Navy flag-officer in command tion.” Go took special interest in the tant Adelberto Silva granted the The RTC issued separate Duterte ordered their release in (FOIC), on Wednesday denied He allegedly insisted on acquisition of the CMS in the Department of Justice (DOJ)’s warrant of arrests against the 2016 so they could join the rebel the allegation that Special As- Tactical Thales over the Han- frigate project. (Frances Man- earlier motion for recommitment Tiamzons and Silva with no bail peace panel in Norway. (Aie sistant to the President Chris- wha Thales for the CMS of the gosing / inquirer.net) and cancellation of bail, which recommended. Balagtas See, Jhoanna Ballaran amounted to P100,000 each. The Tiamzon couple and / inquirer.net) A4 FilAm Star January 18 - 24, 2018 ph news SWS: Duterte gov’t gets record-high ‘excellent’ rating The Duterte administration 67 percent and in Visayas at 57 territorial rights – +46 PH passport holders can visit has raked in a record-high “ex- percent, the SWS said. Protecting human rights cellent” net satisfaction rating, The polling body said the – +45 3 more countries visa-free based on a nationwide Social administration also gained an Reconciling with commu- Weather Stations (SWS) survey “excellent” net satisfaction rat- nist rebels – +43 By Corina Oliquino | FilAm Star Correspondent taken during the last quarter of ing from class D, while it raked Fighting crimes – +43 2017. in “very good” ratings from Eradicating graft and cor- MANILA – The Philippines Indonesia, on the other process up to 500 applications In poll results bared classes E and ABC. ruption – +42 Wednesday night, the SWS ‘Governance Report Card’ Ensuring an efficient public ranks 72nd in the 2018 release hand, has the same rank as the every day, creating a total of said the Duterte administration The SWS also showed what transport – +42 of the Henley Passport Index Philippines. 200 additional daily slots upon surpassed the record achieved it called its “Governance Report Ensuring that no family – a three-notch climb from its Meanwhile, Afghanistan its launch. by former President Benigno Card” where the Duterte admin- will ever be hungry – +33 75th ranking last year. has remained at the bottom of “The program caters to Aquino III in June From 61 countries Filipi- the index for the second year those who do not have access to 2013. nos can visit visa-free last year, in a row, with its holders hav- a consular office,” The Philip- The SWS survey its three-notch climb gives ing visa-free access to only 24 pine Star reported. from December 8 to 16 Filipinos two more countries countries. The program will be showed 79 percent of to visit visa-free (now up to The Henley Passport Index initially deployed around the Filipinos were “satis- 63 countries). (Go to DFA’s is an initiative of Jersey-based National Capital Region (NCR) fied” with the Duterte website for a complete list of global firm, Henley and Part- and in the future, it will also be administration’s per- visa-free countries.) ners, which started in 2006. available in the provinces. formance, nine percent Last January 13, Malaca- The Philippines’ three- “We also look forward in were “dissatisfied,” ñang welcomed the upgrade to notch climb comes as the the next months that this will while 12 percent were the Philippines’ rankings. country experiences conges- not only be extended in the Na- undecided. “This means all holders tion in passport applications. tional Capital Region but also The results yielded of Philippine passports can Some said they were having in the provinces,” Villar added. a new record-high now enjoy visa-free access difficulty booking passport “In the next few days we net satisfaction rating to 63 countries worldwide,” appointment schedules even as will be launching more innova- of 70 percent, which Presidential spokesman Harry netizens urged the Department tions, more programs to serve the SWS classified as Roque told GMA News. of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to fix you better,” Cayetano said. “excellent.” “We are assuring everyone its on-line booking system. For this program, the “This is a 12-point that our people at the Depart- ‘Passport on wheels’ DFA is coordinating with local rise, and up by one ment of Foreign Affairs (DFA) In an effort to heed the re- government units (LGUs) to grade, from the very President Rodrigo Duterte will continue to work towards quests of Filipinos to add more improve its passport applica- good +58 (71% satis- (Photo: www.primer.com.ph) securing visa-free access for schedules of passport appoint- tion service. fied, 13% dissatisfied) Filipinos to more countries,” ments, the DFA on January DFA data showed that in in September 2017,” the SWS istration was rated based on 18 Solving the problem of Roque added. 16 deployed four “passport on 2017, over 50,528 passports said in a media release. specific performance subjects. extra judicial killings – +30 In a story by CNN Philip- wheels” vehicles around Metro have been issued with the “This surpassed the previ- The Duterte administration Ensuring that oil compa- pines, the results released by Manila to decongest its con- DFA’s mobile passport services ous record of very good +66 scored “very good” on five sub- nies do not take advantage of oil the Henley Passport Index sular offices. to over 45 LGUs. achieved in June 2013 (of the) jects, “good” on 11 subjects, and prices – +30 last January 9 were said to be In a report by The Philip- DFA is also eyeing to open Noynoy Aquino Administra- “moderate” on two subjects. Moderate (+10 to +29) based on travel data from the pine Star, DFA Sec. Alan Peter additional consular offices out- tion,” the survey firm said. Below is the breakdown of the Fighting inflation – +24 International Air Transport Cayetano and Sen. Cynthia Vil- side Metro Manila to address The SWS attributed the report card: Resolving the traffic prob- Association (IATA), an associa- lar led the launching of the new the increasing demand for Duterte administration’s gains Very Good (+50 to +69) lem – +23 tion composed of 83 percent of program, “which aims to bring passports. to new record-high net satisfac- Fighting terrorism – +67 The survey was conducted the world’s airlines. passport services closer to the DFA said the additional tion scores in Mindanao, Metro Helping the poor – +66 using face-to-face interviews of In the 2018 index, Germa- public.” consular offices will be opened Manila, and Luzon, combined Building and maintenance 1,200 adults (18 years old and ny is in first place, allowing its “I know this is a great in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte; with a steady score in the of public works – +59 above) nationwide, the SWS passport holders access to 177 convenience to the residents in Santiago, Isabela; Malolos or Visayas. Foreign relations – +55 said. It has a margin of error countries visa-free. our barangays. I hope they will Meycauayan, Bulacan; Calamba The government under Providing jobs – +50 of ±3% nationwide, ±4% for Philippines neighbor, take this opportunity to process or San Pablo City, Laguna; Das- Duterte secured “excellent” Good (+30 to +49) Luzon, and ±6% each for Metro Singapore, remains in second their passport applications,” mariñas City, Cavite; Antipolo, net ratings in Mindanao at 87 Reconciling with Muslim Manila, Visayas and Mindanao. place, with the country’s pass- Villar said. Rizal; Oroquieta City or Ozamis percent and in Metro Manila rebels – +48 (Julius N. Leonen / inquirer. port giving visa-free access for Each vehicle of the pass- City, Misamis Occidental and at 71 percent, while it received Telling the truth – +47 net) its holders to 176 nations. port on wheels program can Tagum, Davao del Norte. “very good” ratings in Luzon at Defending the country’s FilAm Star Classifieds (650)278-0692 . (415)593-5955

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WANTED ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: FilAm Star, one of the fastest growing Filipino-American newspaper companies is expanding and has immediate openings. Please send resume to: [email protected] or call (650) 278-0692/ (415) 593-5955 January 18 - 24, 2018 FilAm Star A5 sports Ceres battles past Shan United to set up clash vs Brisbane Roar time, after shooting from a tight angle fol- lowing a flowing move involving substitute news Manny Ott and OJ Porteria. The Burmese champions sat deep Road Warriors: Durant’s 32 leads NBA champions past Cavs and absorbed the pressure for most of the match, denying the Busmen space in the CLEVELAND — Once the Durant, though, expects the wake up and I was going to be final third. lead swelled to 14, Kevin Durant Cavs to improve as they incorpo- back in my bed in the hotel, but But as both teams searched for a waved both arms like a boxing rate Thomas. it actually happened. Somebody winner in extra time, it was Schrock who referee stopping a fight. “Everyone knows it’s go- said it was like a unicorn sighting. provided the flash of inspiration when his Another knockout on the ing to take a while to get into a It was pretty cool for me to get a effort was deflected into the bottom corner, road for these Warriors. comfortable groove here,” he dunk in that situation.” beating Shan goalkeeper Thuha Sithu. Durant scored 32 points, said. “It’s a new system, so I don’t After being asked several Shan hit back when Asare turned and Stephen Curry added 23 and think this game was any indica- times about the play, Curry said, lifted the ball past debuting goalkeeper Golden State extended its road tion of what’s going to happen “Seven dunk questions. This is Toni Doblas. The goal sent the match into winning streak to 13 with a 118- with this team down the line. crazy.” penalties, where Carlie De Murga, Stephan 108 Martin Luther King holiday They’ll be much better than they BETTER THOMAS (Photo: www.foxsports.ph) Schrock, Mike Ott and Bienvenido Maranon victory Monday night over the are right now — and we all know Thomas came away from his all found the back of the net. Cleveland Cavaliers, their strug- that.” most extensive court time feeling Philippines Football League champion Ceres- The hosts missed two penalties, allow- gling NBA Finals foes. Cleveland was home after good. Negros dug deep and kept its poise in the shootout ing the Busmen to punch their ticket to the second Durant scored 16 in the going 1-4 on a road trip that “I’ve just got to get in shape,” to subdue Shan United of Myanmar, 4-3, on penal- round where they will face Brisbane Roar of Austra- third quarter for the defending included blowout losses in Min- he said. “I’ve got to get my legs ties last Tuesday night to advance to the second lia on Jan. 23. champions, who clamped down nesota and Toronto. back. I’ve got to keep pushing, round of AFC Champions League qualifiers at “It was a tough game, we weren’t ready to play on defense and pulled away in the For three quarters, the Cavs keep working and it’ll come Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar. 120 minutes because we only had four training ses- fourth to remain unbeaten out- matched the Warriors shot for back.” Far from their best form after returning from sions before the game but everytime we wear this side Oracle Arena since Nov. 22. shot. But with Durant and Curry TIP-INS a break only last week, the Busmen forged ahead jersey, we represent Ceres, we represent Bacolod, It’s not that they play poorly at on the bench, a Golden State Warriors: Their franchise in the 92nd minute through a deflected effort from we represent the Philippines, so we have to give our home, but Durant said the Dubs lineup of Andre Iguodala, Dray- record for consecutive road wins Stephan Schrock only for Patrick Asare to pull the best,” said Ceres skipper Carlie De Murga. (Cedelf P. take a different identity when mond Green, David West, Klay is 14 set in 2015-16. … Recorded hosts level seven minutes later. Tupas / inquirer.net) they travel. Thompson and Shaun Livingston 33 assists on 41 made field goals. Schrock was denied by the post deep into extra “At home, we just relax a stretched the lead. … Kerr smiled when reminded little bit,” Durant said. “This is “That unit, they won us that James recently said his best who we are when we’re on the the game with their energy and basketball is still to come. “I road.” their effort,” Durant said. “They know he’s better now than he was Kiefer’s a gem LeBron James scored 32 pushed the basketball and they four years ago,” Kerr said. “That’s Magnolia versus NLEX in NLEX rallies points and Kevin Love 17 for set us up well to kind of end the insane when you think about that the PBA Philippine Cup on Sun- in the second Cleveland, which had its home game in the last three or four because that should have been his day night was not just about the half with winning streak stopped at 13. Isa- minutes. That’s what a well- prime, four years ago, and he was Hotshots and the Road Warriors timely triples iah Thomas, getting his first taste rounded team does.” already an MVP and a champion. colliding for solo second place in that stung of the Warriors-Cavaliers rivalry, Despite their recent He’s better — better shooter, the elimination round. the Road had 19 points in 32 minutes — his struggles, the Cavs remain a con- better player. He keeps getting It was also to see how ready Warriors on most in five games as he returns fident bunch, and they showed better. So I believe him.” the Hotshots are to challenge the way to 21 from a hip injury. some early swagger. After he and Cavaliers: James needs 41 the big guns in the tournament, points in 24 It was Golden State’s second his teammates were introduced points to become the seventh and also to see if the Road War- minutes. (Photo: www.youtube.com) straight win over Cleveland, to “Gloves Are Comin’ Off” by player to score 30,000 career riors, considering that they were Ravena which has dropped eight of 10 rapper 7kingZ, James came out points. … Coach Tyronn Lue still clashing with a heavyweight for finished “Napakagaling na bata (He’s dating to a loss to the Warriors swinging. believes the Cavs are the Eastern the first time, were worthy of with 31 points and was chiefly a really outstanding kid),” Lee on Christmas Day. The Cavs were He was in attack mode from Conference’s best team “because their pre-tournament tag as title responsible for keeping the Road later said of Ravena. “He really down just 93-91 entering the the start, scoring 16 points in the we’ve got the best player in the threats. Warriors in the game as coach has the talent and he did that (31 fourth, but missed 17 of 19 shots first quarter and setting the tone world.” … While Thomas remains And, it was also to see how Yeng Guiao played him close to points) even with our defense to open the period, and Golden for the Cavs. on a minutes restriction, Lue said Paul Lee was supposed to take 33 error-free minutes. trained on him the entire game.” State throttled away. Later in the half, James re- he expected the All-Star guard to NLEX super tyro Kiefer Ravena “We tried everything to Guiao saw the enormous “It seemed like the rim just treated down the lane for a huge struggle as he works himself into to school. stop him,” Victolero said after talent in Ravena, who came out got smaller and smaller,” James block on Durant, blasting the ball game shape after being sidelined In the end, Magnolia showed Ravena’s career game. “But he of college as a swingman but has said. “But I like our effort. If we off the glass to trigger memories seven months. “He’s moving that it really belongs in the com- just kept finding ways to score. made the transition to the point continue that going into our next for Cleveland fans of his famous pretty good,” Lue said. “It’s just pany of the elite with a 105-94 It was a good thing that we were with ease. few games, then I like where we chase down on Iguodala in the mental.” victory, clearly exposing where able to limit the others (Ravena’s “Kiefer played a great [of- are.” closing minutes of Game 7 of the UP NEXT NLEX is weakest—in the middle. support cast).” fensive] game, but that’s not our The teams have met in the 2016 Finals. Warriors: Continue five- Lee, and even Hotshots Magnolia thus improved to style of play,” Guiao said. “We Finals each of the past three DUNK CITY game trip on Wednesday in coach Chito Victolero, ended up 3-1 to trail solo leader San Miguel don’t want one player taking over years. And while there’s no Curry threw down a two- Chicago. praising the 6-foot Ravena. Beer by just half-a-game, while offensively and carry us on his guarantee there will be a fourth handed dunk in the third quarter Cavaliers: Host Orlando on Magnolia wielded command the Road Warriors dropped to 2-2 shoulders.” (Musong R. Castillo / matchup, at this point only one of that surprised his teammates. Thursday. The Magic beat the all night, with Lee the main man and are left to pick up the pieces inquirer.net) them looks prepared in January “It was like a dream,” Curry Cavs earlier this season in Cleve- who doused cold water on several after a second straight defeat. for June. said. “I thought I was going to land. (inquirer.net) A6 FilAm Star January 18 - 24, 2018 opinion PerryScope Street Talk Dancing cha-cha to Duterte’s tune Mababaw ang kaligayahan GREG B. MACABENTA PERRY DIAZ vote. The debate was cut short denying the few oppositionists an opportunity to speak out Mababaw ang kali- rejoicing for the Filipino people. Unfortunately Ever since the Con- against HR 1109. But what could the handful of gayahan loosely means for Andanar, unlike the responses in the Pulse stitution was drawn in oppositionists have done? Tyranny of the major- easy to please. The Asia survey, the facts do not confirm his claim. 1987 in the aftermath of ity prevailed. Once again, EDSA was betrayed.” recent Pulse Asia perfor- For one thing, most of the thousands of extra- the EDSA People Power New Constitution mance and trust ratings judicial and vigilante killings committed during Revolution, several at- HR 1109 triggered massive protest rallies of President Rodrigo Duterte’s first year in office remain unsolved tempts have been made against the attempt to rewrite the Constitution, Duterte, which remain and the drug problem continues to plague the to revise or change the which was perceived to be a move by Gloria’s al- impressively high, are country, including Duterte’s bailiwick of Davao. Constitution. The most lies in the House of Representatives to extend her an example of this. But Secondly, Andanar’s claim of lowered pov- common reason for a term beyond June 2010. rather than cast doubt erty incidence was based on 2015 data, before charter change was the With cha-cha stopped on its track, Gloria’s on the intelligence of the survey respondents or Duterte’s incumbency (the 2017 figures are still extension of the president’s term, which was allies pursued another avenue — they pushed the integrity of the public opinion polls (which being tallied). Furthermore, recent surveys, spe- originally set for a single six-year term. For some her to run for Congress. She did and has been poor losers usually do when ratings are not to cifically one conducted by SWS, also indicate reason those elected were bitten by a “presiden- member of Congress since then. Now she is their liking), I think credit should be given to increased poverty among our people. tial bug” that afflicted them with a desire to stay posed to take another shot for a national office Duterte for his uncanny ability to titillate and Thirdly, only someone who is deaf, dumb in conjunction with Duterte’s push for a charter in the office longer than six years. please his constituents. and blind will believe that the problem of gov- change to replace the form of government to that The idea of extending the president’s term In this regard, Duterte is certainly superior ernment corruption has been solved. And, with began with the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos of a federal system before the 2019 elections. to US President Donald Trump who has had to respect to peace and order, the threat posed by who declared martial law in 1972 prior to the According to news reports, a draft of the constantly pat himself on the back to satisfy his the NPA, the Muslim secessionists and ISIS, not expiration of his second term. He remained in new constitution is in the works. There are also starvation for praise. Trump’s latest self-praise to mention China’s encroachment on Philippine office until 1986 when the people who became fed plans to call for a joint session of Congress, which was his description of himself as a political territory, still hang over our collective heads. up with his corrupt and brutal regime ousted him. would be converted into a constituent assembly genius. Said one sarcastic CNN commenta- But what is even more revealing is how the The late President Cory Aquino was the first (con-ass) to revise the1987 Constitution. The tor, “Trump has to call himself a genius, since to serve under the single six-year term. Close body would then produce a draft of the proposed Philippines compares with our neighbors in nobody else will.” to the end of her term, many of her supporters federal constitution, which would then be sub- Asia in terms of economic development, foreign But to go back to Duterte’s high perfor- encouraged her to run for a second term arguing mitted in a plebiscite during the May barangay direct investments, unemployment, per capita mance and trust ratings, it certainly would have that she was not covered by the single six-year elections. income and poverty, infrastructure, bureau- given us a better appreciation of the value of the term imposed by the 1987 Constitution. She However, many believe that with a tight cratic competence, and corruption. And, oh yes, refused to run. She also opposed attempts to timetable, there might be attempts to cancel the Pulse Asia survey if the questionnaire used had that other claim that “It’s more fun in the Philip- amend the Constitution to do away with term 2019 elections for senators, congressmen, and also been published along with the results. That pines.” limits; thus, allowing the reelection of incumbent thousands of local officials. Known as No-El (No would have given us an idea of how in-depth It’s pretty much like comparing our year- presidents. Her successor, Fidel V. Ramos tried Election), it is expected to entice holdover na- the study was and how incisive have been the long basketball tournaments in the Philippines to amend the Constitution by pushing for an tional and local officials to go along with it. But conclusions. with those of the NBA in the US. With due initiative. The initiative failed and never went if Duterte fails to pursue No-El, well…. Duterte At any rate, let’s assume that Pulse Asia respect to our Pinoy players, they are pretty beyond first base. could always declare a revolutionary government did try to get a better-than-superficial reading good. But to say that they are a match for the Gloria’s game plan (rev-gov). With members of Congress on his of the perceptions and attitudes of the Filipino stratospheric ball handlers in the US would be a In my column, “Betrayal of EDSA” (June side and the military could be “bought,” only the populace. stretch. 9, 2009), I wrote: “In 2001, Gloria Macapagal Supreme Court could stop him, unless he makes a The results also do say something about It would be rubbing it in if we were to Arroyo came to power by way of a sham People move to abolish the Supreme Court. our people’s remarkable ability to make do with quote the numbers put out by international and Power revolution that deposed president Joseph Incidentally, recent Social Weather Stations what they are served, to see the positive in it, regional bodies tracking the indices of good Estrada. The people unwillingly relented hop- (SWS) polls show that a large number of Filipinos and, in the words of a wise man, “to make lem- governance and national progress. Ironically, ing that Gloria would turn the country around. disagree with Duterte’s plan to declare rev-gov. onade when life gives them lemons.” even with such indicators as corruption, where But within a few days after she took over the They found that 39% disagreed, 31% agreed, Of course, this doesn’t say much about our Thailand beats the Philippines hands down, our presidency, a major corruption scandal occurred and 30% were undecided on declaring Duterte’s people’s NACH or “need for achievement,” a country also bites Thai dust in terms of tourist involving Gloria’s Secretary of Justice. Evidently, anti-‘destabilization’ provision over the country. term that human resource specialists use to revenues, economic development and foreign corruption was seeded into her administration But regardless whether the people agreed or dis- describe a person’s aspirations and upward investments. the day she took over the presidency. EDSA was agreed, Duterte is believed to be bent on declar- strivings. A further irony is the fact that for a country betrayed. They used her to gain power for them- ing a rev-gov if that would achieve his agenda, At any rate, if one were to appraise Du- as rich in tourist attractions, history and culture, selves. which many believe was taken from a page out of terte’s first year in office, based on the survey coupled with some of the most beautiful people “With one year left in her term of office, Marcos’ playbook. ratings, one would be inclined to say that he is in the world, we are absolutely no match to Sin- many people are convinced that Gloria would Federal system arguably the best president that this country has gapore, an island nation whose tourist offerings do whatever it takes to remain in power beyond It is interesting to note that Gloria would ever had and that the Philippines has never had are mostly man-made (such as gigantic musical seem to play an important role in Duterte’s 2010. [In 2006] she almost succeeded in getting it so good. trees). plan. It’s been often mentioned that the federal a Charter change approved through a people’s In fact, a friend of mine who is a Duterte But then, perhaps, surveys conducted by initiative. However, the Supreme Court rejected system that what Duterte had in mind would be supporter, to drive home this point, emailed Pulse Asia and SWS don’t dare to touch on these the legality of the people’s initiative. [Had the a parliamentary form of government. If such is me the comparative ratings of Duterte and our issues in an incisive manner for fear of opening Supreme Court voted in favor of the ‘people’s the case, then more than likely a prime minister immediate past chief executive, Benigno S. a Pandora’s box of unflattering insights. After initiative,’ Gloria would have been the country’s would serve as the head of government while the Aquino III. Needles to say, the latter suffered by all, what’s the point in comparing the Philip- Prime Minister by now with an open-ended term president would remain head of state. Or it could comparison. pines with Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, of office. That is, as long as her political allies in be similar to the French template, which has a But then, that comparison with Aquino Parliament would support her, she’d remain in strong president that sets policy and a prime Indonesia and Hongkong when most Pinoys inevitably begged for a further comparison of power… indefinitely]. minister that runs the state bureaucracy. are happy enough with their blissful ignorance. our country with our neighbors in Asia, to get a “On May 28, 2009, Gloria merged the Lakas- Gloria is a trusted confidant of Duterte, Mababaw ang kaligayahan. better view of how well the Philippines has fared CMD and Kampi parties into one under her which would ensure strong working relation- It’s so much safer to ask them what they under Duterte. leadership. Right after the ceremonies merging ship between the two should they share power as think of the quality of governance of Philippine the two largest political parties, the word was that president and prime minister. Along with the news about the Pulse Asia officials – mostly in a vacuum, with no compari- Gloria talked to the congressmen behind closed But what is unusual in their seemingly ratings, Duterte’s communications secretary, sons or points of reference – and passing off doors. According to leaks from insiders, her strange relationship is that Duterte is a hard- Martin Andanar, declared in a media interview the responses as proof of high performance and marching orders to them were to pass House Res- nosed anti-corruption crusader while Gloria had that out of five presidential campaign prom- trust. olution 1109 as soon as possible. HR 1109 would presided over one of the most – if not the most ises that Duterte had made, the president has There’s a saying that comes to mind: In the convene the House as a Constituent Assembly – corrupt administrations in the Philippines. It already fulfilled four, leaving only his promise to land of the blind, the one-eyed is king. (Con-Ass) for the purpose of amending the 1987 would be hard to imagine how they could work effect a change to federalism unfulfilled. ([email protected]) constitution… without the Senate. According to together in that kind of environment. The four “fulfilled” promises, according to news reports, Gloria supposedly promised each With Duterte and Gloria working in tandem, Andanar, were solving the problems of crime congressman P20 million for his or her ‘yes’ vote it would be hard for the opposition – if any -- to and illegal drugs, government corruption, pov- on HR 1109. “fiscalize” them. There would be no checks and erty and peace and order. “On June 2, the House of Representatives balances since it is expected that the legislature In the context of “mababaw ang kaligaya- passed -- nay, railroaded -- HR 1109 by voice TO PAGE A7 han,” Andanar’s claim would be reason for

As I See It living to a ripe old age and able to share their wisdom, stories, and experience with several generations. This is good! The Opinions expressed by our writers and Senior citizens day should be every day, seniors need our support There are support organizations that help senior contributors do not in any way reflect the citizens who are living on their own, and they accept opinion of the management of Fortune News ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO a cardiologist, a specialist in bloodless heart surgery, volunteers to work with them and help out the aging Media Inc. I received an informa- retired from operating at the age of 75. While he is now community. You can also stop by local Adult Care Fortune News Media Inc. tion from a friend in FB retired, sometimes he is being called by former clients Homes to visit those who may have seen their friends Publisher messenger that today is to attend to some medical concerns, at his home at and family pass before them. I remember my brother senior citizens day. When I Pacific Palisade in Los Angeles, California. Orlando R. Estioko playing harmonica to senior Harvey Barkin researched, senior citizens Senior Citizen Day in the US is a day that recog- citizens when visiting institutions for the elders. If you Editor-in-Chief day is celebrated in the nizes contributions that are made by the senior citizens have grandparents or other elderly still alive in your Edwina Aniag month of August, August in USA. They are recognized for making their achieve- family, make it a point to stopping by and tell them Vice President for Marketing and Operations 21, to be exact. In the Phil- ments in communities all across the United States. how much you appreciate them. Sitting down and ippines, it is celebrated in Seniors day was created as a day to support, honor, listening to their stories will keep them comfortable Gary De Guzman the month of October. Now, recognize, and show appreciation to our older popula- and feel better. Vice President for Community Relations I’m confused… tion. This day is celebrated to recognize the achieve- My friend in FB, fraternity brother Aaron Cer- Anchet Manosca Well, I thought every day should be Senior ments of seniors and old people that are of great value vantes, sent me this advice to all senior citizens. He Creative and Production Manager Citizens day! Whether it is in August or in October, and significance in making this world a better place to cited a study in the US showing over 51% of old people Atty. Crispin Lozano it doesn’t matter… I would say every day is a senior live. fall down from climbing stairs. Every year, many Dr. Philip Chua / Rodel Rodis citizens day! Some people celebrate Senior Citizens Day on Americans are killed by climbing stairs. Ben Lou / Perry Diaz I just thought that with my senior citizen friends August 14 as it was the day when US President, Ronald Here are some expert reminders mentioned by Federico Espiritu / Elpidio Estioko dying almost every day, I thought that we need to Regan, signed the Social Security Act in 1935. In 1988 Aaron. After 60 years of age, these 10 actions should Columnists recognize that senior citizens day is every day and however, the President of USA, Ronald Regan declared be avoided. First, do not climb staircase. If must climb, August 21st to be the Senior Citizen Day in USA. This Macon Ramos-Araneta recognize them before they perish in this world. We hold on firmly to staircase railings. Second, do not rap- day was set aside to recognize the contributions of Corina Oliquino / Lara Climaco should not be waiting for August or October to recog- idly twist your head. Warm up your whole body first. Daniel Llanto nize them, hug them, and be aware of what we need to older Americans to their country and communities. Third, do not bend your body to touch your toe. Warm Correspondents do on a daily basis as seniors living in this cruel world. There are several activities and events that are up your whole body first. Fourth, do not stand to wear With people living and working longer, it’s in- organized on Senior Citizens Day. Through these your pants. Wear your pants while sitting down. Fifth, Ann Gauna creasingly important that we recognize the importance events, awareness can be raised regarding the support do not sit up when lying face up. Sit up from one side Marketing Associate of supporting senior citizens regularly. Senior Citizens of older people in building the society up. This can help (left hand side, or right hand side) of your body. Then, Jho Bule Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the long-term us recognize their achievements and know their worth. do not twist your body before exercise. Warm up whole Photographer contribution and dedication of older people, and to There could be different ways of awareness-raising like first. He further said, do not walk backwards. Falling ensure that we’re doing our best to give something that of social media and news stories. This can also be backwards can result in serious injury. Eight, do not Glenda Bule back to older people. Well, we should do it every day, done by arranging special community gatherings and bend waist to lift weight. Bend your knees and lift up Event Coordinator every, moment of the day, to make them important, inviting senior citizens and their families. heavy object while half squatting. Ninth, do not get up recognized, and for them to feel better. We are fortunate to live in a time when so many fast from bed. Wait a few minutes before getting up FilAm Star is published weekly I know of some seniors, though, who do not know of our elderly are living lives of unexpected health from bed. And finally, do not over force defecation. Let by Fortune News Media Inc. how to retire. Even at the age of over 75, they are still and financial security, but such was not always the is come out naturally. www.filamstar.com working. They said they love to work with the youth. case. Throughout history old age was not something Fellow seniors, if you care for all your fellow Headquarters: Senior Council employees Grandpa Avelino Ocampo an individual expected to reach, and so we lost the seniors, kindly let them know of these reminders. This 1028 Mission St., 2/F, and Grandma Dolores Misa are senior volunteers for wisdom and experience of these individuals at an early will serve as guidance to all seniors like us to keep our San Francisco, CA 94103; the San Jose Job Corps. They work in the classroom age. Senior Citizen Day celebrates the fact that these life longer and more meaningful. Let’s recognize them Tel. (650) 278-0692 or (415) 593-5955 as aide to regular teachers. They love working with the keepers of wisdom are staying with us longer each year, every day and care for them while they are still with us! Email: [email protected] students. and in better health. (For feedbacks, comments… please email the My brother, Dr. Manuel R. Estioko, heart surgeon, This means that we have more and more people author @ [email protected]). January 18 - 24, 2018 FilAm Star A7 SHUT-DOWN OF DUTERTE empower the disadvantaged,” Rissa said. SPECULATIONS SAY CHANGE In his interview with Karen Davila on ANC’s ... FROM PAGE A1 “This is clearly a constitutional case; this is a ... FROM PAGE A1 Headstart, Alvarez said that convening Congress press freedom case,” she said. “Our lawyers are into a Constituent Assembly that would work move straight out of the dictator’s playbook. I preparing the next step; until then, it’s business how does abolishing the OVP relate to the on revisions to the Constitution and a shift to a urge the public and all media practitioners to as usual.” establishment of Federalism? Or is the aboli- federal form of government would be the Lower defend press freedom and the right to speak truth In its decision, the SEC cited Rappler’s viola- tion already in service of some other, unstated, House’s top priority. to power.” tion of the Constitution’s foreign equity restric- agenda?” Gutierrez added. “He said that after the constitutional amend- The Foreign Correspondents Association of tions on mass media ownership. The VP camp’s statement comes after former ments are ironed out and a plebiscite is held, one the Philippines (FoCAP) and the National Union The Securities and Exchange Commission Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares’ pronounce- of the possible outcomes is the cancellation of of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) decried (SEC) has revoked the certificate of incorporation ments that the current Charter Change proposal the mid-term elections scheduled in May 2019,” the SEC decision. of news website Rappler for violating the Philip- may abolish the OVP and allow President Rodrigo according to Rappler. “The NUJP declares its full support for Rap- pine Constitution’s foreign equity restrictions on Duterte’s re-election in 2022. Meanwhile, Senate President Aquilino ‘Koko’ pler and all other independent media outfits that mass media. “Under the PDP-Laban Constitution, the OVP Pimentel III, PDP-Laban President, is less wel- the state has threatened and may threaten to shut “The SEC en banc finds Rappler Inc. and will be abolished by 2019 if they succeed in hav- coming of the proposal. down,” NUJP said. “We call on all Filipino jour- Rappler’s Holdings Corp., a mass media entity ing the new constitution ratified during the 2019 “That is not an either-or situation. We can nalists to unite and resist every and all attempts and its alter ego, liable for violating the constitu- elections,” Colmenares told Rappler. shift to federalism and allow all scheduled elec- to silence us,” it added. tional and statutory foreign equity restrictions in “While PDP Laban may argue that they will tions under the existing Constitution to go on and FoCAP for its part expressed deep concern mass media,” the SEC said in its decision dated not apply this to VP Robredo, this is not ex- be held,” Pimentel said. with the SEC decision to cancel Rappler’s papers. January 11. pressed in PDP Laban Constitution since they According to Rappler, Pimentel is seeking “The decision, which is tantamount to killing the This came after President Duterte bad- have refused to divulge their transitory provi- re-election in 2019, and reiterated that before online news site, sends a chilling effect to media mouthed Rappler for having sold a controlling sion,” Colmenares added. the Philippines can move to a new Constitution, organizations in the country. Journalists must stake of the company to foreign firm Omidyar In a story by Rappler, Colmenares also noted the provisions in the 1987 Constitution should be be able to work independently in an environ- Network, which is owned by eBay founder Pierre that Robredo would be a “lame duck vice-presi- followed. ment free from intimidation and harassment. An Omidyar. Rappler denied this allegation. dent” under the current Cha-Cha proposal. “If there are scheduled elections under the assault against journalists is an assault against Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr., while Colmenares has also cited Section 7, Article existing Constitution, then this must be fol- democracy,” it said. denying that Malacanang had a hand in the SEC VII of the PDP Laban-backed Constitution, and lowed,” Pimentel said. In a statement to readers, Rappler said it in- ruling, pointed out that the Constitution sets he said, it is the “Senate President and if incapaci- Abolishment of OVP beyond Palace control tends to contest the SEC order through all avail- restrictions on the ownership and management of tated, the Speaker, who shall succeed President – Roque able legal processes. Rappler chief Rissa claimed mass media entities. Duterte in case of death, or removal from office.” Last January 15, Presidential spokesperson the decision was done in haste. “The issue at hand is the compliance of 100 “The Vice-president is not mentioned at all Harry Roque said that the abolition of the OVP in “We’ve been through a lot together, through percent Filipino ownership and management of in the line of succession because, upon ratifica- the Charter Change will be eventually up to the good and bad — sharing stories, building commu- mass media. It is not about infringement on the tion of the new Constitution, her office no longer people. nities, inspiring hope, uncovering wrong-doing, freedom of the press,” Roque said. “No one is exists,” Colmenares noted. “Now, there’s talk about abolition of the Vice battling trolls, exposing the fake. We will con- above the law. Rappler has to comply.” Postponement of the mid-term elections in President under Charter change – that’s beyond tinue bringing you the news, holding the powerful Solicitor Gen. Jose Calida, who asked the SEC 2019 the control of the Palace. As you know, it is Con- to account for their actions and decisions, calling to probe Rappler in 2016, said he would help the Supporters of President Duterte and Cha-Cha gress sitting as a constituent assembly that will attention to government lapses that further dis- corporate regulator defend its ruling in court. have also proposed the cancellation of the mid- propose amendments,” Roque told GMA News. term elections in 2019, seeking to allow incum- “However, I’m sure, that because any pro- SEN. PACQUIAO URGES pass the death penalty bill here at Senate,” he bent officials to continue in a hold-over capacity. posed amendment to the Constitution will be subject to ratification by the people that, ulti- ... FROM PAGE A1 said. Last January 3, House Speaker Pantaleon “It will just be a waste of time. Instead of Alvarez said that he is open to the cancellation mately, it is the people who will judge this mat- ter,” Roque added. time if he will insist on a vote. tackling bills that we know had a good chance of of the 2019 mid-term elections if the Philippines Pacquiao was assigned as subcommittee making it approved, we would be tackling a bill transitions to a federal form of government. chairman after House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez that you’ll know would definitely lose when the slammed the Senate for being a “slow chamber,” voting time comes. So, you will be wasting that DUTERTE GOV’T administration’s diplomatic approach to the citing its supposed failure to act on the death opportunity,” he said, ... FROM PAGE A1 West Philippine Sea dispute has gotten him in penalty. Death penalty bills were referred to the Sen- Mr. Duterte’s crosshairs, said Filipino scientists The House of Representatives has approved ate justice and human rights committee led by of its artificial islands in the South China Sea. should be aboard China’s marine research vessels its own version of the proposed death penalty last Sen. Richard Gordon, who is against the mea- Alejano said the DFA rejected a similar re- to ensure that the Chinese were not “exploring for year. sures. quest for a research permit from the French non- purposes of exploitation.” Based on his talks with the other senators, Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel profit organization, Tara Expeditions Foundation. As to Cayetano’s claim that a law had au- Lacson said it would really be difficult for the III has directed Pacquiao’s panel to resume the Foreign Sec. Alan Peter Cayetano defended thorized a foreign state like China to conduct Senate to get votes on the death penalty. He said hearing on the measure following criticisms from the DFA’s decision, saying the law allowed for- academic maritime research within Philippine the proposal might not be able to get the number Alvarez. eign research in Philippine territory so long as territory, Carpio said there was actually no local needed to get the approval of the Senate. He said Pacquiao will start subcommittee a Filipino scientist is aboard the research vessel statute that specifically covers such an arrange- “It’s really hard to get the numbers. I don’t discussions on death penalty this month. and the findings of the study are shared interna- ment. think it will get the required number in order to tionally. Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani But Carpio likened China to a bully who Zarate urged the DFA to re-think its decision to 3RD TELCO PLAYER once the DICT puts in place a more equitable squatted on your front yard. “If the bully re- allow Chinese exploration in Philippine Rise, ... FROM PAGE A1 policy. Rio admitted that available frequencies quests to look at your backyard, would you grant calling the supposed Chinese research a repeat could support only one more telco competing in the bully’s request?” he said. of Beijing’s “modus operandi” to undermine telco player’ could be the result of crowdsourcing, mobile services. Legislative action is required China has “squatted on the West Philippine Manila’s maritime claims in the South China Sea a first in history. To start the ball rolling, here is to improve current spectrum use policy, which Sea and refuses to leave despite the ruling of the during the Arroyo administration. the conceptual framework of a selection process means it would take some time before a fourth international arbitral tribunal,” he added. Carpio In a statement, Zarate said a joint marine that is transparent and objective. This framework slot could be opened with adequate frequency said countries that had ratified the UN Conven- seismic undertaking (JMSU) between the Philip- is not the official stand of DICT but rather to elicit allocation. tion on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) were duty- pines and China in 2005 gave Beijing access to ideas and suggestions that would guide DICT in A consortium could be composed of a group bound to enforce and respect the contents of the valuable data on natural gas deposits and “jeop- coming up with a final process that no one will of telcos with congressional franchises, with at international law in its entirety. ardized” the Philippines’ claim to Recto Bank, or question when a winner is declared,” he posted least one having a nationwide franchise. A group “By refusing to accept the award of the … Reed Bank, in the Spratly archipelago. on January 14. of Filipino investors or a group of foreign telco arbitral tribunal pursuant to the dispute settle- Zarate said the Philippines lost control and Using six slides to present the conceptual and investor partners, whose ownership is limited ment provisions of Unclos, China is not accepting supervision over exploration for oil and other framework, Rio described “reverse bidding” as a to 40 percent of the consortium, could also par- its obligation under Unclos,” Carpio said. minerals at Recto Bank when the Arroyo ad- process that factors in a proponent’s combined ticipate, according to one of the slides. “China should not be allowed to enjoy its ministration entered into the deal with China assets net of combined liabilities in determin- Over the past weekend, DICT published rights under Unclos … while it refuses to accept National Offshore Oil Corp. and Vietnam Oil and ing the winning bidder. Latest audited financial policy guidelines for the entry of the third telco its obligation under the arbitral award. Oth- Gas Corp. statements would be used to determine combined player. Signed by Rio on January 8, the order erwise, China is cherry-picking and not taking But Malacañang defended the Duterte ad- assets and liabilities. The combined asset valu- limits qualified proponents to entities with a Unclos as a one package deal,” he said. ministration’s decision to allow China to conduct ation of the proponent, typically a 60-40 con- valid congressional telecoms franchise that is not Carpio said the President and Cayetano were research in Benham Rise off Aurora province, sortium of local and foreign investors, would be connected in any way to either the Globe Telecom in no position to cede the country’s ownership saying there is no law prohibiting it from doing added to its financial offer, or the committed five- group or the PLDT group. If the proponent has of several islands and waters in the West Philip- so. year financial plan to be submitted in the tender. foreign investors, it must present a written and pine Sea. Carpio, whose criticisms of the Duterte Its combined liabilities would then be deducted to binding commitment from the foreign joint- venture partner. come up with the actual bid amount. relative peace and economic progress is taking The guidelines provide that “the applicant PERRYSCOPE “Proponents with existing assets like ICT quantum leap, it is best to maintain the status with the highest committed investment for the ... FROM PAGE A6 infrastructures, office buildings, assigned fre- quo and not to disturb the social equilibrium of quencies, provisional authorities, etc., would first five years shall be selected” for the third telco would be stacked up with Duterte’s political allies the nation and derail its prosperity. require less amount for their committed five-year slot. Securing its commitment with a perfor- who would do Duterte’s bidding. Do you remem- At the end of the day, dancing cha-cha to financial plan than proponents with less assets,” mance bond is already covered in the guidelines, ber Marcos’ Kilusang Bagong Bayan (New Society Duterte’s tune could lead to missteps to the detri- Rio explained in one of the slides. The winning along with the automatic recall of assigned radio Movement) where he got 98% of the parliament’s ment of the people. bidder would guarantee its performance through frequencies for failure to implement the five-year vote all the time? ([email protected]) yearly performance bonds, to be assessed by ex- plan. But the real danger in Duterte’s attempt to perts from the International Telecommunication Rio directed the National Telecommunica- shift to federalism is not the system itself but the Union, it was added. tions Commission to come up with terms of refer- people who would run the system. Then the dan- The consortium with the second-highest ence for the selection of the third telco player and CALL US TO ADVERTISE ger of autocratic rule seeps in, which could lead to actual bid amount could emerge as a fourth telco the assignment of radio frequencies by February repression of the people’s rights. Then what? 415-278-0692 player with priority status in frequency allocation, 19. At this point in the country’s history where

MAKER OF ‘DEFECTIVE’ to answer for the damages caused,” Gordon added. cantly changed as the risk caused by the introduc- countries like the Philippines and which has been ... FROM PAGE A1 As of January 10, at least four of 17 deaths tion of the vaccine to sero-negative people has independently corroborated by the World Health being monitored by DoH’s Epidemiology Bureau greatly outweighed its benefits, if any.” Organization,” it added. dengue virus infection, inoculated with Dengvaxia. among those vaccinated with Dengvaxia were Reacting to DoH’s move for a partial refund, Sanofi is seeking a dialogue with the DoH “to “The Dengvaxia vaccine which Sanofi Pasteur determined to be due to dengue shock — one of the Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III discuss any questions they may have regarding aggressively promoted and sold to the Philippine clinical manifestations of severe dengue as defined said a full refund was in order. “All the vaccines the reimbursement and to emphasize our commit- government has undeniably failed to deliver its by the World Health Organization (WHO). The were defective from the very beginning. Therefore, ment as a responsible global public health partner supposed clinical benefit and safety claims, hence, Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), which has been under our laws, we should demand the whole PHP to contribute to their efforts to restore public trust considered defective under Philippine civil laws,” conducting forensic testing of suspected Dengvax- 3.5 billion we paid them and not just part of it. The in the value of vaccination as an essential tool to Health Sec. Francisco Duque III was quoted in a ia-related deaths, has reportedly confirmed five of Civil Code says you can have a defective product effectively reduce the human and economic burden January 12 press release that announced DoH’s seven deaths examined to have shown a pattern of replaced or refunded. Since there is no possible of diseases like dengue,” the statement concluded. demand letter to the global pharmaceutical firm. internal bleeding, enlarged organs and petechial replacement for the vaccine, refund is the only op- Late last month, the Food and Drug Admin- The agency also asked Sanofi in a separate rashes. Severe dengue entails plasma leaking that tion,” he was quoted in a January 14 statement. istration slapped a PHP 100,000 fine on Sanofi letter to conduct sero-testing of the entire affected may lead to shock and/or fluid accumulation with/ Even with a full refund, Sanofi should still be and suspended Dengvaxia’s certificate of product population of more than 830,000 individuals, to without respiratory distress; severe bleeding and liable for putting more than 800,000 children at registration over an alleged failure to submit post- determine their pre-vaccination status, at no cost severe organ impairment, according to the WHO’s risk, the statement added. marketing surveillance reports, according to local to the government. The DoH had earlier estimated official description. Aside from asking Sanofi to conduct sero- reports. that about 2,000 of this population are at risk of PAO is working with the Volunteers Against testing of the affected population, the DoH has Meanwhile, concerned members of the Uni- severe dengue following Dengvaxia inoculation. Crime and Corruption (VACC) in helping hun- also directed the company to submit clinical trial versity of the Philippines Manila’s College of Public Sen. Richard Gordon, chairman of the Senate dreds of anxious parents of those vaccinated with documentation and related studies. Among the Health have called for improved due diligence in blue ribbon committee that is investigating cul- Dengvaxia, some of who are seeking justice for the requirements is to show proof of compliance with the public health sector following the Dengvaxia pability for the Dengvaxia fiasco, weighed in with untimely death of their children. So far, the seven ethics review standards of the Philippine Council fiasco. more inclusions. deaths examined by PAO involve children between for Health Research and Development. “This event highlights the importance of “Over and above what Sanofi promised, if they nine and 11 years old from Metro Manila, Bataan, In its official statement, Sanofi maintained the ensuring that there are institutions and processes are in good faith, Sanofi must establish and put up Laguna, Cavite and Bulacan. The dengue immuni- efficacy of Dengvaxia in dengue control and noted that will protect the public’s trust in our health a Compensation and Monitoring Fund to monitor zation program was implemented in Metro Manila, WHO’s validation of the vaccine’s overall benefit. system. We support corresponding moves to and support the treatment and hospitalization of Central Luzon, the Southern Tagalog mainland or “Due to the specific context in the Philip- strengthen measures of transparency, accountabil- the individuals affected. And, in case of death, to Region 4-A, and Central Visayas. pines, Sanofi Pasteur has agreed to the Philippine ity and fairness in government decision-making provide full support to the families,” he said in a Although VACC has pinned the deaths on Department of Health’s request for reimbursement that impact the health of our population,” they said statement issued January 15. Dengvaxia, there is no official determination as yet of doses of Dengvaxia that were not used by the in a statement issued January 12. “This proposal is similar to what Sanofi did that the administration of Sanofi’s dengue vac- government in the public vaccination program. Sixty-five faculty, administrative and research in 2016, when a class suit was filed against the cine was the trigger. An expert panel composed of Our decision to reimburse for unused doses of the staff, students and alumni signed the statement. company due to its medicinal products (Dépakine, specialists from the Philippine General Hospital is vaccine is not related to any safety or quality issue They also expressed support for DoH’s plan to Micropakine, Dépakote, Dépamide and generics) doing a clinical evaluation of the reported deaths, with Dengvaxia,” the statement read. heighten surveillance and monitoring activities on that may have created birth malformations and and the DoH is awaiting its conclusion. “Sanofi Pasteur stands behind the clinical data all vaccinated with Dengvaxia and for the creation developmental disorders which led the French But last January 12, it went so far as saying: on the dengue vaccine that confirms the over-all of a national registry of those who received at least public authorities to create a Compensation Fund “The risk-benefit ratio of Dengvaxia has signifi- benefit of dengue vaccination in high endemic one dose. A8 FilAm Star January 18 - 24, 2018 business & GSIS to invest $800M abroad tech news The state-run Govern- lion would raise the ratio to tion over the management of ment Service Insurance System about 13-14 percent. the fund,” it added. (GSIS) will hire two foreign Bocanegra said they were Aranas said they wanted fund managers to invest a total hopeful that they could award to diversify their portfolio and of $800 million overseas in the contracts to the two fund take on “alternative” invest- Itama po natin! a bid to diversify the pension managers this year. ments as they expected benefit fund’s portfolio and almost Based on its multiasset claims and payments to surpass BEN LOU culty is to “replace” that unwanted behavior with another double its rate of investment strategy released last week, the premium contributions. behavior. In her WebMD article, Ms. Mann talks about returns. GSIS said that tapping external At present, the GSIS’s replacing a behavior like biting your nails with chewing Q: How can I break “The global market is per- fund managers would allow the actuarial life is 31 years or until my bad financial habits? gum instead. A: You’re not the You can use a similar approach with those bad forming very good these days. pension fund to “take advantage 2049 even as global standards only one. Almost everyone financial habits. The returns of our [domestic] of diversification and opportu- are as long as 43-45 years, Bo- has bad financial habits. • Use a flavored creamer in your coffee that you investments [in fixed-income nities for higher returns.” canegra said. made at home instead of buying that expensive espresso Even wealthy people have assets] average 5.5 percent, “For this purpose, the GSIS Aranas said they wanted to them. drink. Sometimes we are • When you’re bored, instead of going shopping, try below our ideal rate of 9 per- sets aside $800 million of its extend the fund life to 50 years our own worst enemy. We calling up a friend, going to the library, or volunteering cent [a year]. We want to beat portfolio in foreign currency- or until 2068. have the best of intentions. at a local charity. that, that’s why we have a risk denominated instruments in However, Bocanegra noted • When you feel overwhelmed by those retirement We know that we should conservative approach,” GSIS line with its plan of hiring two that pension funds worldwide watch our spending. We know that we should be saving plan forms, try talking with a trusted friend about how money and contributing to our retirement plan, but they handle their retirement saving or talking with your president and general man- external fund managers for the were constrained by the low somehow, we just can’t seem to do it. So what is holding HR department about what resources or advisors are ager Jesus Clint O. Aranas told multiasset strategy, who will be interest rate environment. us back? available to you. reporters Tuesday. given a mandate of up to $400 “Hopefully as global markets Creativity is your friend when it comes to changing It could be those little detrimental habits. Often, At present, global invest- million each,” it said. stir up inflation we can increase they don’t seem so bad. They’re just a little thing. You a bad habit. Don’t be afraid to try different things that know the one’s I’m talking about. might work for you. You can change that bad habit into a ments account for only 10 “The external fund man- our fund life,” she said. Minimizing things like: good one or at least into a less financially damaging one. percent of the pension fund’s agers will acquire, manage Meanwhile, Aranas said • I only grab that expensive coffee drink every once If you have fallen into bad financial habits, take total assets, said Gracita Gilda and dispose the assets of the the GSIS’ profit jumped 52.52 action. Make yourself conscious of the habits, write them in a while or when I really need one. It’s not like I have V. Bocanegra, senior vice presi- multi-asset strategy fund in percent to P84.15 billion during one every day. down, and replace them, so you can enjoy a happier, • Sure, I used my credit card again. Yeah, I only healthier, and more fulfilling life. dent at the GSIS’s fund man- accordance with an investment the first 11 months of 2017 from make the minimum payment, but I’ll pay more on it next Ang ating lesson, Alamin ang mali at ito ay itama agement group. management agreement consis- P55.17 billion as of end-Novem- month. upang ang buhay natin ay maging mapayapa. While the GSIS does not tent with the guidelines for the ber 2016. At Debt Aid Consulting, we pride ourselves with • I know I should fill out that form to start contrib- have a specific target for the multiasset mandate, GSIS said. Total assets grew 8 percent uting to my retirement account, but I’ll do that next year. providing only Federal Trade Commission compliant Even “little things” can add up over time. That programs. Our programs are here to help you get out of share of its global investments “Except as otherwise provided during the 11-month period to can be a good thing if you’re talking about growing the debt sooner than later and we do not send your informa- against the total, Bocanegra in [their agreement], the fund P1.09 trillion. (Ben O. De Vera / balance in your retirement account. However, it’s a bad tion outside of the country. said the additional $800 mil- manager will have full discre- inquirer.net) thing when you’re talking about those little expenses or If you need help in getting out of payday loans, or procrastinations that wreak havoc on finances. So how any other unsecured debts, call Debt Aid Consulting. We do you break bad financial habits? have free Credit Repair while and after your program. Denise Mann wrote an article for WebMD.com We do not use call centers which keeps your information 3 major beverage firms reformulating entitled “3 Easy Steps to Breaking Bad Habits.” In her safe. We have a new program that reconstruct debts article, she discusses three steps for breaking a bad habit. for half of what you would pay our competitors. We Step 1: Make It Conscious also provide legal assistance that keeps collectors away. soft drink mix due to new taxes The first step is to figure out when and why you are We take Federal Credit Unions, Military Debts, Payday engaging in the habit. Identifying the circumstances and loans and high interest personal loans in our program To avoid paying heftier cent sugar in its products from feelings associated with the behavior helps you figure out too. This is exclusively available for Debt Aid Consulting taxes under the first package of the previous mix of 60 percent why you are doing it. clients. None of our competitors provide this program. the tax reform program, three sugar and 40 percent HFCS. Are you grabbing that cup of expensive coffee be- You are well protected. beverage companies are refor- Coca-Cola Femsa Philip- cause you didn’t sleep well or maybe because you didn’t We only provide Federal Trade Commission com- have enough time to make coffee at home? Did you use pliant programs. Debt relief companies who charge non mulating their soft drinks mix pines Inc. and RC Cola Phil- your credit card because it’s convenient or maybe you refundable upfront fees are in violation of the ban. Go to avoid paying a heftier tax. ippines have followed suit, were bored, so you went shopping? Is the reason you with Debt Aid Consulting! The Tax Reform for according to members of the don’t want to fill out that retirement form because it Do not fall for marketing gimmicks saying that they Acceleration and Inclusion Sugar Regulatory Administra- have the right program for you. Most marketing com- makes you feel confused? (TRAIN) law imposed taxes on tion (SRA) board. Step 2: Put It in Writing panies only have one program and will enroll you in that (Photo: www.pinoyhere.com) Writing down the behavior that you want to change program whether it fits you or not. So beware! sweetened beverages. Those The new tax structure also can help you analyze what is causing the behavior. Log- Ben Lou at your service! I have over 30 years of using sugar are slapped a lower powdered juice drinks and soft doubled the rate on imported ging the behavior can help you identify the conditions real financial experience. If you would like sound finan- rate of P6 per liter while those drinks. sugar. (Karl R. Ocampo / in- cial advice, call us at Debt Aid Consulting. We do not use that trigger it and your feelings that initiate the behavior. using high fructouse corn syrup Pepsi Cola Products Philip- quirer.net) Keeping track of the frequency of the behavior is call centers like Financial Rescue. No one has the right also helpful. Maybe you’ll find that you are buying that to put your information at risk. Say no to LLC corpora- (HFCS) are taxed P12 per liter. pines Inc. earlier announced it expensive coffee almost every day. Maybe you’re pulling tions in Canada! Debt Aid Consulting is the first and These cover energy drinks, was shifting to using 100 per- out that credit card twice a day, instead of just a couple only Filipino debt restructuring company incorporated in of times a week. Measuring a behavior makes you more the US and Canada. aware of it and makes you more likely to change it. Now serving the Caribbean Islands! Step 3: Bait and Switch Tawag na po sa 1-888-341-5234 at tutulungan po namin kayo. Autonomous cars: Still many questions to answer Eradicating a behavior is very hard to do, especially if it has become a habit. One way to overcome the diffi- Itama po natin ang mali! Autonomous driving is The industry is still far analysts said. Much more wide generating talk at this year’s from a solving all the riddles adoption by taxis or ride- Detroit Auto Show after being that would allow people “to le- sharing companies like Uber or a star at last week’s Consumer gally watch a movie” in a fully Lyft could become a big market Electronics Show in Las Vegas. autonomous car, said Rebecca in major cities such as Paris, The technology has gener- Lindland, senior analyst at Kel- New York City or mega-cities ated plenty of excitement, but ley Blue Book. in Asia and is not seen as being still faces myriad questions be- “I think we’re just a long that far off. fore it can be widely adopted. way off from really having that Autonomous technol- Where does the technol- in any widespread applica- ogy could also be adopted for ogy stand? tion,” she said. postal deliveries and in public Hundreds of fully autono- Where do regulators stand transport. mous cars have been built and on autonomous cars? The auto industry is pre- put on roads in various coun- The Vienna Convention on paring for autonomous driving tries around the world, but Road Traffic, an international to become a significant puzzle these vehicles are not for sale treaty, requires the driver to piece in the 2020s. to the general public. Rather, always maintain control of his How will insurers treat carmakers and other compa- vehicle. But the agreement has autonomous vehicles? nies developing the technology been amended to permit test- In some ways, the insur- are testing these vehicles at low ing of autonomous vehicles. ance of autonomous vehicles speeds in restricted areas. For now, autonomous is fairly straightforward, said Do today’s cars employ shuttles and taxis testing the Francois Nedey, a member any autonomous technology? technology on the public roads of the executive committee Some carmakers, especial- must have an operator who at Allianz France. In the case ly higher-end brands includ- can immediately take control of a claim against a shuttle, ing Audi, Mercedes, Tesla and of the vehicle. But regulators the operator is responsible, Volvo, have installed autono- mous features in a limited way to cars now on the market. Some cars can park them- selves or permit the driver to take his or her hands off the steering wheel under certain, narrowly-defined conditions, such as during a traffic jam or riding on the highway. Models have installed autonomous braking systems and computer programs to maintain a safe distance from other cars, as well as to change (Photo: www.blog.ebv.com) lanes and pass other cars. How does autonomous driving function? are expected to permit more although he could also take Autonomous cars take exemptions in the near- action against a manufacturer readings from three differ- future, especially for “clearly if the vehicle is defective. ent types of sensors: cameras, defined tests over a carefully- With cars, the driver is radar and a scanner. This prescribed geographic area,” considered responsible, but triple data set provides “great Devauchelle said. an insurer could go after the certainty” as to dangers from General Motors unveiled manufacturer if an autono- pedestrians or nearby objects, Friday an autonomous car mous vehicle is dysfunctional. said Guillaume Devauchelle, model with no steering wheel As autonomous cars director of innovation at or pedals and said it was seek- become more widespread, “we French auto equipment com- ing approval from US regula- will need to modify the rules” pany Valeo. tors to test the vehicle as part so that the “vehicle is consid- “There must be less than of its strategy to introduce the ered responsible by default,” one in a billion chance of a cars to US roads in 2019. Nedey said. (Karl R. Ocampo / mistake,” he added. How fast will it grow? inquirer.net) But technologists face nu- Autonomous features in merous complexities on roads cars sold at retail are limited at — especially in urban settings, this point only to some luxury where there is a constant vehicles, but are expected to and unpredictable throng of gradually become more widely pedestrians, bicycles and other adopted. vehicles. Snow and other bad Shuttles and robotic taxis weather can also pose difficul- are also still very niche, but ties for sensors. will grow strongly in 2018, January 18 - 24, 2018 FilAm Star A9 world news U.S. withholds $65M from UN agency for Palestinians Trump: The United States sent We want immigrants ‘from everywhere’ to come to U.S. $60 million to keep the UN US President Donald ary 11 raged on in Washington, him. relief agency for Palestinian Trump said Tuesday he wants as Republicans and Democrats On Twitter, Trump hit refugees operating Tuesday but immigrants to come to the attempt to reach a compromise out at Democrat Senator Dick withheld a further $65 million, United States “from every- on the fate of Deferred Action Durbin, who was present at last urging others to pay more. where,” according to partici- for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) week’s meeting and insisted the A State Department of- pants at a White House meeting recipients. president used the slur repeat- ficial said the US had held back -- a remark in stark contrast Brought to the US illegally edly. more than half of the voluntary with his alleged denunciation as children and granted tempo- “Senator Dicky Durbin payment Washington had been of immigration from “shithole rary status under former presi- totally misrepresented what due to make to the UN Relief countries” last week. dent Barack Obama, Trump was said at the DACA meet- and Works Agency. “We want them to come in ended the program for so-called ing. Deals can’t get made when “There is a need to under- from everywhere,” the presi- “Dreamers” in September. there is no trust!” he wrote take a fundamental re-exami- dent said when asked about Since the controversy Monday evening. nation of UNRWA, both in the immigration policy during erupted, Trump has not explic- “We need a merit based way it operates and the way it (Photo: www.israelnationalnews.com ) an Oval Office meeting with itly denied referring to African system of immigration, and we is funded,” the official said on agree to talks with Israel. that from happening for the Kazakh President Nursultan countries and Haiti as “shit- need it now!” he added Tues- condition of anonymity. The official told AFP the immediate future.” Nazarbayev. holes,” but has said, without day. (AFP) UNRWA has provided decision to withhold some UN Secretary-General But the controversy over offering details, that he did not Trump’s reported slur on Janu- use the language attributed to health care, emergency aid and funds was meant to encour- Antonio Guterres said he had schooling to Palestinians in the age more “burden-sharing” by not been informed of Washing- Israeli-occupied West Bank, as other members. ton’s decision, but was “very well as Gaza and neighboring “The United States has concerned” by reports that it 5,000 children killed or injured in Yemen war: UN Arab countries, since 1950. been UNRWA’s single largest was in the works. in need. The United States has donor for decades. In years “I strongly hope that in the Yemen’s internationally long been its biggest donor, past, we contributed some end, it will be possible for the recognised government said on with large voluntary payments 30 percent of UNRWA’s total United States to maintain the Tuesday that it faces economic topping up the budget that UN income,” he said. funding of UNRWA,” he said. difficulties and called on its al- member states provide for the “Without the funds we “UNRWA is not a Pales- lies, including Saudi Arabia, to frontline agency. are providing today, UNRWA tinian institution but a UN help overcome them. But, those days may be operations were at risk of run- institution,” he said, dubbing In a post on Facebook, coming to an end, just as Presi- ning out of funds and closing the agency “an important fac- The war in Yemen has children in Yemen is grow- Prime Minister Ahmed bin dent Donald Trump’s admin- down. tor of stability” in the Middle killed or injured more than ing up knowing nothing but Dagher shared a letter to allies istration increases pressure on “The funds provided by East. (AFP) 5,000 children and left another violence,” said Meritxell Relano, that called on them to help the the Palestinian leadership to the United States will prevent 400,000 severely malnourished UNICEF representative in Ye- country financially in order to and fighting for their lives, the men. “save Yemenis from famine”. UN children’s agency said on “Children in Yemen are Dagher urged the allies to 5 journalists jailed in Turkey for ‘terrorist propaganda’ Tuesday. suffering the devastating con- transfer cash to the central bank Five journalists on behalf of the banned In a report unveiled in sequences of a war that is not in Aden, his government’s de were handed jail terms Kurdish Worker’s Party Sanaa, UNICEF said nearly of their making,” he said in a facto capital after Iran-backed by a court in Istanbul on (PKK). two million Yemeni children statement. Huthi rebels ousted it from Tuesday after a trial in According to the P24 were out of school, a quarter of “Malnutrition and disease Sanaa. which they were accused press freedom website, them since the conflict esca- are rampant as basic services The war has killed 9,245 of taking part in “terror- there are 151 journalists lated when a Saudi-led coalition collapse,” he said, adding: people since Saudi Arabia ist propaganda”, Turkish in Turkish prisons, most intervened in March 2015. “Those who survive are likely to and its Arab allies joined the media reported. of whom were detained More than three million carry the physical and psycho- government’s fight against the Four of those under the state of emer- children were born into the war, logical scars of conflict for the Huthis, according to the World condemned received gency imposed after it said, adding they had been rest of their lives.” Health Organization (WHO). 18-month sentences for 2016’s attempted coup. “scarred by years of violence, The UN agency said more It triggered what the displacement, disease, poverty, than 11 million children -- or United Nations has called the participating in a solidar- (Photo: www.radiondadurto.org ) The five journalists ity campaign with the sentenced on Tuesday are undernutrition and a lack of “nearly every child in Yemen” world’s worst humanitarian now-defunct pro-Kurd bars, Dogan said, adding that currently at liberty pend- access to basic services”. -- was now in need of humani- crisis. daily Ozgur Gundem, accord- the court noted a “lack of re- ing confirmation of the verdict UNICEF said the more tarian assistance. More than 2,200 people ing to the private Dogan news morse” during his trial. on appeal, the media watchdog than 5,000 children killed or in- It called for an end to the have died as a result of a chol- agency. The five media workers, Reporters Without Borders jured in the violence amounted bloodshed and the protection of era epidemic that has hit the The paper’s editor-in-chief, who weren’t in court on Tues- said. (AFP) to “an average of five children children, as well as sustainable country since April, according Huseyin Akyol, was given three day, stood accused of partici- every day since March 2015”. and unconditional access to to the WHO. (AFP) years and nine months behind pating in “terrorist propaganda” “An entire generation of deliver assistance to every child War with N. Korea is avoidable: UN chief that the essential problem is yet hotline between Pyongyang and to be solved.” Seoul. “I believe war is avoidable,” Guterres will attend the Guterres told reporters, but he opening ceremony of the Pyeo- added: “I am not yet sure that ngchang Games next month. peace is guaranteed.” North Korea’s race to build The UN chief said his goal an intercontinental ballistic was to ensure that “those who missile capable of hitting the are more relevant in this pro- United States with a nuclear cess are able to seriously talk to warhead has raised fears of a each other and seriously find a devastating conflict. way to denuclearization.” At the United Nations in The former Portuguese September, President Donald prime minister begins his sec- Trump vowed to “totally de- ond year as UN chief this month stroy” North Korea if it launch- with North Korea looming large es an attack on the United UN Sec-Gen Antonio Guterres as the most pressing global States. (Photo: www.un.org) security threat. Trump’s administration A war with North Korea The United States and has been adamant that North is avoidable, UN Secretary- North Korea have shown little Korea must first freeze its mili- General Antonio Guterres said interest in holding direct talks tary programs before talks can Tuesday, urging direct talks to address the crisis. take place. between key powers on dis- Presenting his priorities for The United States has led mantling Pyongyang’s nuclear 2018 to the General Assembly, the drive at the Security Council program. Guterres said there were “small to ratchet up economic sanc- Guterres said recent moves signs of hope” after North tions on North Korea such as by South and North Korea to Korea agreed to take part in the restrictions on oil supplies that ease tensions were important, Winter Olympics in the South were adopted in December. but he added: “let’s not forget and the re-opening of a military (AFP) A10 FilAm Star January 18 - 24, 2018 January 18 - 24, 2018 FilAm Star B1 community PG&E recognized for excellence in diverse supplier spend SAN FRANCISCO, ing for 44 percent of its Calif.—Pacific Gas and total procurement. For five Electric Company (PG&E) consecutive years, diverse was recognized for supplier suppliers have accounted diversity excellence by being for more than $2 billion of named to the Billion Dollar the company’s total spend Roundtable (BDR). The com- and more than 40 percent of pany joins an exclusive group PG&E’s total spend for four of United States-based cor- straight years. porations that have attained PG&E has been commit- $1 billion or more in certified ted to supporting a diverse direct diverse supplier spend. supply chain for the past PG&E, the first California 36 years, developing one of utility to join the Roundtable, the leading supplier diver- recognized: will be formally inducted as sity programs in the energy Recently, PG&E received the 28th member of the BDR industry. In addition to its an overall “A” grade for its during next year’s summit. billion dollar spending with 2016 supplier diversity ef- “Over the years, PG&E diverse suppliers, PG&E forts from The Greenlining has learned we’re a better enhances the quality of its Institute. company when we seek out supplier diversity program In May, PG&E was and enlist the help of diverse through initiatives that ad- named as one of the top utili- suppliers. As a result, we can dress key success factors for ties in the nation for diversity offer better service to our suppliers. by DiversityInc. customers and provide better PG&E helps businesses In March, PG&E was opportunities for our com- become more competitive recognized as one of the Top munities to grow economi- through its technical assis- Corporations for Women’s cally. We’re very proud to tance and capacity building Business Enterprises (WBEs) be recognized for our efforts initiatives, which include by the Women’s Business to establish a diverse and various workshops that edu- Enterprise National Council responsible supply chain,” cate small and diverse sup- (WBENC). said Pacific Gas and Electric pliers on how to successfully Last December, PG&E Company President and compete for utility business. was named Corporation of Chief Operating Officer Nick Launched in 2010, the Year by the National Gay Stavropoulos. PG&E’s formal Supplier and Lesbian Chamber of The BDR promotes Development Program has Commerce for its outstand- and shares best practices in matched 30 diverse suppliers ing support and dedication supply chain diversity excel- with PG&E senior executive to ensuring fairness and lence. BDR members review mentors. PG&E supports equal opportunity for LGBT and discuss issues, challeng- development of its diverse suppliers, customers and es and strategies related to suppliers in this program employees. supplier diversity as a means through mentorship, capaci- PG&E’s Supplier Diver- to advance supply chain op- ty-building scholarships, op- sity website contains more portunities for corporations portunity identification and information about the pro- and diverse suppliers. value-chain analysis. gram. The site also provides In 2016, PG&E spent Over the last 12 months, details on how to become a a record $2.85 billion with PG&E’s supplier diversity certified diverse supplier. diverse suppliers, account- program has been nationally B2 FilAm Star January 18 - 24, 2018

Aspiring young dancer celebrates 5th birthday ! Union City, CA – Nathan Pagdilao (4th from left), son of proud parents Melvin and Ermalyn Pagdilao, celebrated his 5th birthday last Sunday, January 13, 2017 at Viva Gala Dance Studio in Union City with lead dance instruc- tor former ABS-CBN ASAP dancer Princess Ryan. Nathan was joined by his co-dancers/students of Viva Gala Studio, relatives, and friends from Union City, Milpitas, Fremont, and San Jose. Princess is the lead instructor and co-owner of the Bay Area-based hip-hop and modern dance studio providing training and entertainment for young children and young adults, parents, and other dance aficionados. The former ASAP dancer Princess said her goal is to bring her group in the Bay Area so dance aficionados will be able to have an avenue for their move- ments. – Elpidio R. Estioko

Congratulations to Olivia De Jesus as the new Good luck Mercito Gesta on your fight with Jorge Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ABS-CBN Global Linares on January 27 for the WBA lightweight title. Ltd.

Contra Costa Mayors and Council Members with the League of CA Cities as well as Senator Jim Beall (2R) and Assemblyman Jim Frazier ( L) and Contra Costa County Building and Trades President Greg Feere.

Post Holiday Party ! Management, staff, family and friends of Fortune News Media, Inc., publisher of Filamstar Newspaper held their post holiday get-together at Rene’s Fine dining Restaurant in Colma last January 16. In photo are the company’s President Ramil Medina (standing 4th from right), CEO Trisha Castelanos (seated in the middle), and San Mateo County Supervisor David J. Canepa (center) and Daly City Mayor, Juslyn Manalo (left) at the Daly Editor -in-chief Harvey Barkin (standing 5th from left) City Community Center with Kaiser team members volunteering for MLK day. January 18 - 24, 2018 FilAm Star B3 community Chinatown Community Development Center founder Gordon Chin endorses Jane Kim for mayor of San Francisco awareness SAN FRANCISCO – The natown and every neighborhood California’s community health centers make contingency plans founder of the Chinatown Com- in San Francisco.” Funding expired in Septem- in this year alone. A loss of this the American people,” said House munity Development Center, Gor- “I am incredibly honored to ber, preparing for the worst magnitude will have consequenc- Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. don Chin, recently announced his have the endorsement of Gordon SAN FRANCISCO – Califor- es for hundreds of communities “Families in California should support for Jane Kim for Mayor Chin, who was been a friend and nia’s health care delivery system throughout California, including not be made to suffer because of of San Francisco. Chin has spent mentor to me for close to 20 has a $230 million hole that health center staff lay-offs, loss of partisan obstruction in Wash- decades advocating for China- years,” said Kim. “He has never still hasn’t been fixed. Today, services and reduction in hours of ington. We are all grateful to the town residents, including found- stopped fighting for the people more than 1,300 community operation. SFCCC’s tireless work in the fight ing one of the most respected and of Chinatown and San Francisco health centers serve the state of In San Francisco, the Fed- to re-authorize vital health care longest-lasting community advo- and I pledge to continue to stand California and provide compre- eral Health Care for the Home- funding and to provide vital life- cacy organizations in the City. In with him to make sure Chinatown hensive, high-quality care to 6.5 less funds would be drastically saving care to those who need it his endorsement, he cited Kim’s residents – and all San Francis- million people. A majority of reduced, as well as funding for most.” long-time work to protect ten- cans – have access to affordable these health centers rely in part community health centers that The health center program ants from eviction, create more housing, protections for tenants, on federal funding to ensure they provide care for everyone, regard- is nothing less than vital to affordable housing and improve good jobs and great educational can provide primary health care less of ability to pay. Health Care California’s health care system. educational opportunities. opportunities.” to anyone who needs it. That for the Homeless funds are used One in six Californians call a “Jane Kim has spent more Gordon Chin was born in funding has been in limbo since for urgent responses to health community health center their than a decade supporting and Chinatown and in 1977 founded September, when the federal ap- crisis — for example, the program medical home. They provide the advocating for the people of the Chinatown Community CCDC founder Gordon Chin propriation expired. helped make sure that Hepatitis full spectrum of care, including Chinatown. Before serving as a Development Center (CCDC) to (Photo: www.beyondchron.org) In response, community A vaccines were distributed to primary care, dental, behavioral School Board Member and Super- build and preserve affordable health centers in California — homeless people in San Francis- health care and vision services, visor, she was one of our organiz- housing, advocate for residents recognizes the many years she has and the other 10,000 across the co, after the homeless population and support services like trans- ers, working with young people and preserve the quality of life spent working with and advocat- nation — have been developing in other California cities endured portation and dietary counseling. in our community and leading an of Chinatown residents. Thanks ing for the Chinese community in contingency plans in the event a spike in cases. Skin infections Moreover, health centers contrib- all-volunteer effort to clean up in large part to his leadership, San Francisco, including several that Congress fails to fully re- are treated immediately on the ute over $5 billion to California’s alleyways and make Chinatown Chinatown remains the cultural years as a Youth Organizer at authorize health center funds. In mobile homeless van before they economy and employ 33,000 a better place to live,” said Chin. and social heart of the Chinese CCDC. Throughout her public life, recognition of the cost-effective become worse and require hos- people. With assurances of fund- “As a Supervisor, she has been a community in San Francisco. He Kim has pushed to make sure San high-quality care rendered by pitalization. Complex, vulnerable ing only through March, and not forceful advocate for more afford- stepped down from his post as Francisco is an inclusive place health centers, bi-partisan sup- patients are connected to primary knowing if they will receive the able housing, protecting tenants Executive Director in 2011, after that continues to welcome those port has fully funded the health care. Funding instability has full funding, health centers are from eviction, good schools and nearly 35 years but remains an of every background and income center program every year since already caused health centers to unable to plan for the future. As pathways to more affordable honored and respected leader level. And as our next Mayor, she the program’s inception. This create contingency plans if they Sabra Matovsky, CEO of the San higher education. I know Jane who continues to advocate for the will fight to make sure San Fran- year, however, health centers and lose those funds. Some health Francisco Community Clinic and I know she will be a strong community he helped lead. cisco works for everyone – not the Children’s Health Insur- centers have postponed expand- Consortium, states, “As com- and compassionate voice for Chi- His endorsement of Kim just those at the very top. ance Program (CHIP) were only ing facilities and services, while munity health centers continue provided with patchwork funding others have initiated a hiring to provide for California’s most through March. Without the full freeze. vulnerable communities, there California okays new electric vehicle charging projects to boost access in low-income communities authorization, health centers will “Re-authorizing CHIP and must be bi-partisan solutions to lose 70 percent of their fed- community health centers is an stabilize health center funding $43 million in smaller proj- dealers. Institute Environmental Equity eral funding, which in California urgent, bi-partisan priority that for the future. It’s not too late for ects part of big push for EVs These smaller projects build Legal Counsel Joel Espino, who translates to over $200 million is overwhelmingly supported by Congress to act.” SAN FRANCISCO – The on earlier commitments by the led Greenlining’s advocacy in the California Public Utilities Com- utilities to install a minimum of proceedings. “Fortunately, SB 350 mission recently approved 15 1,625 electric vehicle charging provides solid legal grounds for proposals to expand electric stations in disadvantaged and the CPUC to modify these propos- NASA technology transfer vehicle access and charging infra- low-income communities and als to ensure that all Californians NASA will host a satellite industry with a robust fleet of structure submitted last year by are connected to a larger batch of can truly benefit from the growth servicing industry day at NASA’s servicers. Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern projects currently being consid- of clean transportation, and we’re Goddard Space Flight Center in The upcoming industry day California Edison, and San Diego ered. grateful the Commission acted.” Greenbelt, Maryland on January will offer attendees access to an Gas and Electric under Senate Bill Overall, the just-approved For additional background 30. The all-day meeting will focus updated technology catalog with 350 (De León). The projects, con- and pending proposals represent on the connections between EVs, on technology for building in- over 200 items, presentations sidered under “expedited review,” a $1 billion investment in new EV California climate efforts, and orbit servicers and incorporating about the latest technology de- (Photo: www.wired.com) were revised to increase EV ac- infrastructure and related trans- low-income communities of color, compatible servicing features and velopments by Satellite Servicing cess in low-income communities portation electrification projects. see Greenlining’s “Electric Ve- devices on future client satellites. Projects Division (SSPD) subject to engage in discussions about and will support more than 5,300 “The original projects hicles for All” online toolkit, au- Key to NASA’s plan for mak- matter experts and a tour of God- potential public-private-partner- new charging points overall. were underwhelming in terms thored by Espino. For real-world ing satellite servicing ubiqui- dard’s Robotic Operations Center ships. The approved projects of delivering concrete benefits examples of how EV efforts and tous is the transfer of servicing where the technologies are tested. Is your U.S. based company cover a variety of needs, ranging to low-income communities of other California climate policies technologies to interested U.S. Attendees will have access to interested in attending? Find out from facilities to charge school color, the neighborhoods hit first benefit underserved Californians, companies, in tandem with devel- NASA’s programmatic, technical more by reading this nasa.gov buses with renewable power to and worst by air pollution and visit UpliftCA.org. opment, to help jump-start a new and operational expertise in satel- article or visiting the FedBizOpps education and incentives for EV climate change,” said Greenlining domestic commercial servicing lite servicing with opportunities posting. B4 FilAm Star January 18 - 24, 2018 legal & law How to ICE-Proof your business Employment expert explains how businesses undocumented workers.” What you should know about same sex can stay on the right side of immigration law. The employment trends expert says that there Last week, immigration officials descended are several things companies need to do in order marriage law on almost 100 7-Eleven stores in 17 states. They to ensure that their businesses are “ICE-proof,” carried notices requiring owners of these establish- including: ATTY. CRISPIN CADAY LOZANO ments to produce hiring records for their employ- 1) Wilson says, “The most important step is to ees within 3 days. ensure that Forms I-9 are properly created when a “These employment audits are part of Presi- worker is first hired. Form I-9 is used to verify the Question: I am the beneficiary of a petition by my same sex partner in dent Donald Trump’s commitment to changing the identity and ability of people to work in the United California which recognizes legality of same sex marriage. How many face of immigration policy in this country,” says States. Staff should receive training to learn how years do I have to wait to file for my naturalization? Rob Wilson, employment trends expert and Presi- to legally complete the form, inspect the person’s Answer: Marriage to a U.S. citizen shouldn’t impact your ability to dent of Employco USA. documents (e.g., driver’s license), and answer naturalize, and in some cases, it may allow you to acquire U.S. citizen- “Businesses need to realize that this adminis- employee questions.” ship sooner than you would have otherwise been eligible. The general tration is taking immigration records very serious- 2) Employers should also periodically coordi- ly, and if they fail to produce the proper paperwork nate Form I-9 self-audits to be conducted by a neu- rule is that non-citizens can apply for naturalization after living in the when questioned, they could face fines or even tral and knowledgeable employee or vendor who U.S. for five years as a legal permanent resident. However, someone criminal charges.” are not part of the regular process. “These audits who is married to a U.S. citizen can apply for naturalization after three Wilson says that states like California, Florida, will surface deficiencies with the actual Forms I-9 years, regardless of whether the non-citizen spouse obtained a green card through a marriage- Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Texas should or the process itself. If problems are discovered, based petition or through a different avenue. If a permanent resident marries their U.S. citizen be on special alert, as it is known that these are the staff may need additional training,” explains partner, he or she should be eligible to apply for naturalization three years from the date of the states with highest number of undocumented the employment solutions expert. that marriage or five years from the date he or she became a permanent resident, whichever is workers. 3) “To complete the preparation, companies sooner. “President Trump is going to start by cracking should also create inspection and raid day plans. Question: I am a U.S. citizen and I wanted to petition my same sex partner in California. down in places that are known to have a history Everyone from the receptionist to the HR per- What is the procedure? of undocumented workers,” says Wilson. “And, sonnel to the CEO should be ready for possible Answer: For families where both partners are in the United States, the U.S. citizen can he’s going to be tough on employers. Unlike past scenarios where ICE presents a criminal search submit a marriage based spousal petition and the foreign partner can apply for a green card administrations which focused more on the work- warrant, administrative arrest warrant, or inspec- through a procedure known as “adjustment of status.” So long as the foreign partner did not ers themselves, Thomas Homan, acting director of tion notice. In some circumstances, the company enter the U.S. without inspection (EWI) (i.e. crossing the border), this option should be avail- Immigration and Customs Enforcement, promises can deny ICE immediate access to their private able regardless of whether or not the foreign spouse is in lawful status or has fallen out of a significant increase on work site raids and he says property and Forms I-9,” says Wilson. lawful status. that they will prosecute those who knowingly hire For families who are married and the foreign spouse is located outside the United States, the U.S. partner can submit a spousal petition and the foreign spouse can apply for an im- migrant visa through the U.S. consulate, in a procedure known as “consular processing.” For U.S. state of New Jersey outlaws drunk droning families who are not already married, the U.S. partner can sponsor their spouse to come to the Drunk driving has been a social taboo for New Jersey assembly member Annette Quijano. U.S. on a fiancé/e visa, which will allow the two to marry in the U.S. and subsequently file a decades, but New Jersey has now added drunk Small remote-controlled drones range from marriage based application. droning to the statute books: outlawing the flying being a toy to a sophisticated machine capable Consular processing is also the option that families have to pursue if the foreign spouse of unmanned aircraft after one too many drinks. of performing acrobatic flights or shooting aerial entered the U.S. without inspection. However, when the foreign national spouse leaves the The law makes it an offense to operate a drone footage. U.S. to apply, they may be prohibited from returning because of the three-year/ten-year bar on under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotic, It was one of more than 100 pieces of legisla- returning to the U.S. following the accrual of unlawful presence here. As a result, some families hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug or with tion signed by Christie on his last day in office be- a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or fore newly elected Democrat Phil Murphy, a former may be need to file for a provisional waiver of this bar from within the U.S. and wait here for more. Goldman Sachs executive and US ambassador to the waiver to be approved before the foreign partner leaves the U.S. to consular process. Infractions can be punishable by up to six Germany, takes office on Tuesday. Question: I am in removal proceedings and I was charged with misrepresentation of mate- months in prison and a $1,000 fine. All drone activities within the United States rial fact. I do not have a parent or son or daughter who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent The legislation, sponsored by Democrats in the must already follow Federal Aviation Administra- resident. Will I qualify for waiver if my same sex partner who is a U.S. citizen will marry me? state legislature, was signed into law by outgoing tion rules and guidelines. Answer: Yes. If your same sex partner will marry you, then you will be considered spouse Republican Governor Chris Christie late Monday. So far 40 states have enacted some kind of of U. S. citizen. Whenever the immigration laws condition eligibility for a waiver on the ex- It also outlaws drones being flown in a manner laws addressing drones, and threes have adopted istence of a “marriage” or status as a “spouse,” same-sex marriages will be treated exactly the that could endanger life or property, on or close to resolutions, according to the National Conference same as opposite-sex marriages. prisons, in pursuit of wildlife or interfering with a of State Legislatures. Note: This is not a legal advice. first responder. The Consumer Technology Association says to- SUCCESS STORIES “Drones have become increasingly disruptive, tal drone sales are expected to increase 20 percent 1. On January 10, 2018, we received an approval form USCIS of a self petition for abused causing near-misses with airplanes, interfering to a record 3.7 million units in 2018, bringing in spouse based on same sex marriage. with firefighter operations and being used to smug- revenue of $1.2 billion. (AFP) 2. On January 3, 2018, we received an approval from the Immigration Court for a waiver gle drugs and other contraband into prisons,” said of misrepresentation for a client who was charged with misrepresentation in marriage; 3. On December 15, 2017, we received an approval from USCIS for an adjustment of status for same sex marriage for an applicant who entered without inspection but has Sec. 245 (i). Trump staff ‘irrational’ about immigration: senior Republican 4. On November 16, 2017, we received an approval from Immigration Court for a waiver A top Republican senator blasted President Graham did not name names, but moments of misrepresentation for entering as single daughter of U.S. citizen but actually married. On Donald Trump’s White House as “irrational” later noted that White House chief of staff John October 25, 2017, we received an approval of I-485 adjustment of status for our client who has Tuesday, accusing them of wrecking a bipartisan Kelly, whose tough views of immigration are well- a DUI but has proof that he has cleared his record. immigration policy deal in a move that could risks known, is a member of the president’s staff. 5. On October 20, 2017, we received an approval of naturalization for a client who was forcing a government shutdown. The president’s key advisors also include im- granted a waiver of misrepresentation in Immigration Court. Senator Lindsey Graham said Trump was on migration hardliner Stephen Miller. 6. On October 16, 2017, we received from USCIS an approval for an adjustment of board early last week with a tentative “compassion- Graham said he would continue to press for a status for same sex marriage, after two scheduled interviews. ate” deal between Democrats and Republicans to deal based on what had been tentatively agreed the 7. On October 9, 2017, we received an approval from USCIS for adjustment of guarantee the status of nearly 700,000 “Dreamers” Thursday meeting. status for a client who entered as a seaman but has Sec. 245 (i) eligibility. -- people who came to the United States illegally as However, the failure of immigration talks, 8. On October 2, 2017, we received an approval of adjustment of status from USCIS for a children and are now threatened with expulsion. officials worry, will prevent a deal on government The deal would also provide some funding to client who entered without inspection but has Sec. 245(i). spending this week that could lead to a shutdown start construction on a wall on the Mexican border, of much of the government. (AFP) 9. For the week ending September 15, 2017, we received three Immigrant Visa and move policy toward more merit-based immi- Approvals in U.S. Embassy Manila for three applicants who entered as seaman under gration. the Provisional Waiver Program. But at last Thursday’s White House meeting 10. For the week ending September 8, 2017, we received four N-400 Naturalization on immigration with lawmakers, Trump made an approvals. about-face, rejecting a deal and, according to one 11. On August 31, 2017 we received an approval of adjustment of status for a client who has official in the meeting, complaining about immi- problems with birth certificate which we corrected. grants from “shithole” countries like El Salvador, 12. On August 25, 2017, we received approval of I-751 removal of condition on same Haiti and Africa. sex marriage/ “I think somebody on his staff gave him really If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you bad advice from 10:00 to 12:00 on Thursday,” find a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family Graham said. separation. “I don’t think the president was well served Crispin Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the Ameri- by staff... We cannot do this with people in charge can Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association. He at the White House who have an irrational view of specializes in immigration law and personal injury. For free consultation email or call (info@ how to fix immigration.” ccllaw.net / 1-877-456-9266) “This has turned into an ‘s-show’ and we need to get back to being a great country where Demo- crats and Republicans work together to do some- thing that we should have done years ago.” Answers to LAST WEEK’S Krosword “Removing names from deed” By: Atty. Robert L. Ferris

If your parents or a spouse has passed away, their name(s) should be removed from the deed! Here are the five common sce- narios: 1. If the names of both of your deceased parents are still on the deed to their home and they did not have a Trust, then a probate maybe necessary to have their names removed and replaced with the names of their heirs. 2. If the names of both of your deceased parents are still on the deed to their home and they did have a Trust then a notice should be mailed to the beneficiaries and a notarized affidavit of Death of Trustee, Certification of Trust and a new deed should all be recorded at the county recorder’s office. 3. If the names of one or both of your deceased parents are on the deed to their home and your name is also on the deed as a joint tenant, then a notarized Affidavit of Death of Joint Tenant(s) should be recorded at the county recorder’s office. 4. If a spouse has passed away and his or her name is still on the deed to your home, you may need to do one of the following: (a) If the deed shows that both you and your deceased spouse hold title as joint ten- ants, then a notarized Affidavit of Death of Joint Tenant should be recorded at the county recorder’s office. (b) If the deed shows that both you and your deceased spouse hold title as Trustee’s of your Trust, then a notarized Affidavit of Death of Trustee should be recorded at the county recorder’s office. (c) If the deed shows only the name of your deceased spouse on title and your name is not on title, then you may need to file a Spousal Property Petition with the court for an order showing that you now own the property. A certified copy of the order should then be recorded at the county recorder’s office. 5. If you are divorced and your ex-spouse’s name is still on the deed, you may need to record a Certified copy of your divorce decree showing that the house was awarded to you in the divorce. Tip: If your Trust was prepared more than five years ago, you may want to have it reviewed. January 18 - 24, 2018 FilAm Star B5 health & Severe bedsores create severe financial risk for health-care facilities It’s an almost weekly occurrence across the had treated severe diaper rashes in very premature lifestyle country. Either a nursing home or a hospital faces babies using standard but ineffective topical-drug accusations or lawsuits over patients who develop therapies. Those premature infants are especially severe bedsores that lead to extreme suffering or, susceptible to dangerous rashes that can develop in some cases, death. into pressure ulcers in part because their imma- One week it’s a now-closed nursing home ture skin is deficient in structural proteins and Health@Heart in California dealing with its third such lawsuit. easily torn, according to the National Institutes of Another week it’s a San Francisco hospital facing Health. Sudden cardiac death allegations that staff cuts led to an uptick in the John decided to try something different and number of fragile patients suffering from bedsores. convinced babies’ parents and doctors to let her PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS And on yet another occasion it’s a New Jersey use the respiratory oxygen source at the babies’ nursing home sued by the family of a woman who beds to blow oxygen onto the babies’ bottoms. What is Sudden Car- Stress Echocardiography, are recommended to find died after reportedly suffering from a bedsore that While it was time-consuming, requiring her to stay diac Death? out how the heart would behave under stress. These wasn’t properly monitored and cared for. overtime after 12-hour shifts, and impractical for Sudden Cardiac are more accurate and significant tests compared to For families, such situations lead to heart- busy nurses with multiple critically ill babies, she Death (SCD) is a swift a simple resting EKG. A plain EKG is only helpful if ache and tragedy. For health facilities, they lead to proved a better way was possible. and unexpected death it shows abnormal findings. If it is “normal,” it does costly litigation, higher treatment costs and dam- Missing, though, was technology that could fit caused by a heart condi- not have an accurate diagnostic value, and thus, can- aged reputations. into any diaper, connect to any standard source of tion or mechanism, not be depended upon for prognostication. “It’s a serious concern for both nursing homes gaseous respiratory oxygen, continuously deliver which may or may not What is Brugada Syndrome? and hospitals, and it has a major impact on the that oxygen to the entire baby’s diaper-covered be obvious. SCD varies Brugada Syndrome is a baffling condition where bottom line,” says Nigel Parker, founder and skin, and do so even while there was a mess in the in its range of defini- a young person, who appears to be healthy, unex- CEO of RashEndZ Inc. (www.RashEndZ.com), a diaper. So she turned to Parker and his engineer- tion. Usually, though, it pectedly develops cardiac arrest, for no apparent applies to a situation where the person, who was company that developed a skin-aeration liner for ing skills. reason. Most victims do not survive the episode. thought to be free of heart disease, or only had a incontinence garments that prevents and treats Four years later, after much trial and error, This condition is now believed to be responsible for “mild” heart disease, suddenly died. those rashes. Parker’s company launched REZair™, its flagship countless sudden deaths among young people - ath- What causes these sudden deaths? Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, affect general wellness skin-aeration product line of de- letes, students, etc., - who suddenly dropped dead. In the age range between 40 and older, the Did the victims have any prior symptoms? up to 2.5 million patients annually, according to vices that works for both infant and adult patients. vast majority is due to coronary artery disease No, majority of victims did not have any prior the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research. “Pressure ulcers present grave implications for (heart “attacks”). In 20% (one out of five) of those symptoms. They were “in good health” when sud- Complications include pain, scarring, infection, both patients and the health facilities that care for who develop symptoms of coronary artery disease, denly they collapsed, went into coma, and later prolonged rehabilitation, and permanent disabil- them,” Parker says. “It’s incumbent on all hospi- and even among those with advanced coronary died, or instantly died on the spot. Three Doctors ity. About 60,000 patients die as a direct result of tals, nursing homes and other health facilities to artery disease, the first symptom of the disease is Brugada (R, P & J) and their colleagues at the Unitat pressure ulcers each year. prevent them.” sudden death. In those younger than forty years d’Aritmies, Hospital Clinic, in Barcelona, Spain, “The patient’s well being is the primary About Nigel Parker old, including teenagers, sudden death from “no were the first to describe the syndrome in Novem- reason this needs to be addressed,” Parker says. Nigel Parker, founder and CEO of RashEndZ Inc. apparent reason” is usually due to fatal ventricu- ber 1992. The characteristic EKG findings in this “But pressure ulcers also result in 17,000 lawsuits (www.RashEndZ.com), is a senior management and lar arrythmia (heart irregularity), which could be syndrome was first described in 1980 among six a year, so nursing homes and other health facilities systems engineer professional with more than 25 years brought on by electrolyte imbalance and other fac- patients who had cardiac arrest and were success- are at risk of liability if they don’t do something experience in aerospace, medical simulation and other tors, and in some cases, to totally unknown cause. fully resuscitated. It was not recognized at that time about the problem.” high-tech industries. While working at Honeywell from Brugada Syndrome, discussed below, is one such as a disease entity, but those were classic victims of Some health-care facilities have tried to ad- 1984 to 2001, he worked on the space shuttle, military demise from a fatal heart rhythm abnormality. Brugada Syndrome. dress the mounting pressure-ulcer problem with aircraft and commercial aircraft, among other projects. Can illegal drugs cause sudden death? How does one prevent Brugada Syndrome? better employee training and changes in proce- Parker is the inventor of REZair, a skin-aeration liner Yes. Other “recreational” drugs could also Since this disease entity has now been “de- dures. Parker, an aerospace engineer, decided to that can be inserted inside a diaper, incontinence gar- lead to sudden death, many by causing deadly scribed,” which makes diagnosis of this entity tackle it from a different angle – technology. ment or wound dressing. The liner connects to any air/ heart irregularity. Among some individuals, ciga- possible, everyone, especially those with a family Parker first learned of the problem several oxygen source and circulates air or oxygen on rashes, rette smoking could cause heart rhythm problems history of unexplained sudden cardiac arrest, should years ago when his cousin, Colleen John, a neona- helping to keep the skin dry and speed healing. that lead to cardiac arrest. Thank God, this is rare. be tested, starting with an EKG, and some “provoca- tal ICU nurse, approached him. For 25 years, she What is a “Widow-Maker” heart disease? tive” tests (with disopyramide, flecainide, ajmaline, As the name implies, this particular condi- procainamide) done to reproduce the characteristic tion results in sudden deaths among men, leaving Brugada EKG findings. Getting a flu shot every year could help prevent severe cases in older adults their wives widows. This is usually due to a severe Can genetic testing help? blockage of the left main coronary artery. If the Since this disease is secondary to a mutation of Getting a flu vaccine every year could reduce hospital admission for non-severe influenza, 74 left main coronary artery is blocked, all the left SCN5A gene of chromosome 3 that has a dominant the severity of the virus in older adults, aged 65 percent in preventing intensive care admissions ventricular muscles are deprived of blood causing autosomic transmission pattern, with genetic defect and over, as well as reducing hospital admissions, and 70 percent in preventing death. a massive acute heart attack, followed by sudden in the alpha subunit of the sodium channel, genetic according to new research published in the Cana- The researchers found that repeated flu vac- death. Even a single coronary blockage, if severe testing may be in order. However, 30% to 80% of dian Medical Association Journal. cination was twice as effective in preventing severe enough, could be dangerous, and deadly, depend- patients will have negative (normal) gene screening A team of Spanish researchers studied the influenza in people admitted to hospital for the ing on the portion of the heart that suffers. in spite of overt or latent clinical Brugada Syndrome. effect of repeated influenza vaccination in a sample virus, compared with non-severe cases, and that Could Mitral Valve Prolapse cause sudden What’s the treatment for Brugada Syn- of people aged 65 and over admitted to 20 Spanish this effect was consistent regardless of flu season, death? drome? hospitals during the winters of 2013 to 2014 and virus subtype or patient age. Yes, but, fortunately, very rarely. Mitral Valve If one is diagnosed to have Brugada Syndrome, 2014 to 2015. The study also found that vaccination in the Prolapse is a condition where this valve on the an automatic implantable cardiac-pacemaker defi- The scientists enrolled 130 inpatients with current season only had no significant effect on left side of the heart (between the left upper and brillator (AICD) may be implanted, which will pace severe influenza and 598 with non-severe influ- severe cases of influenza. left lower chamber) is kind of “limp” and “weak” the heart and increase the rate if the rate goes down enza who were matched to 333 and 1,493 controls, Prevention of serious and deadly infections resulting in a slightly or moderately leaking Mitral (awake or when asleep, 24/7), and shocks and jolts respectively. caused by the virus was seen mainly in patients Valve. This condition is generally benign and does the heart back to normal rhythm, when the heart not require surgery in majority of cases. Medica- Compared to those who were not vaccinated who were vaccinated during the current season and goes to ventricular fibrillation. Hundreds of thou- tions and some lifestyle changes are the therapies during the current and three previous winter sea- in previous seasons, which, the authors conclude, sands of people worldwide have AICD to prevent of choice. sons, effectiveness of the flu shot in the current and adds weight to recommendations for older adults sudden death from a variety of causes. None of the What are the usual symptoms prior to any previous season was 31 percent in preventing to get the flu shot every year. (inquirer.net) available drugs today are effective against Brugada SCD? Syndrome. When diagnosis is made, which may Interviews with family of the victims usually be missed a lot of time, then cardiac arrest may be reveal some angina (chest discomfort or tight- prevented with AICD. ness), or heart irregularity, and/or shortness of Can other sudden cardiac deaths be pre- HOROSCOPE breath, and worsening of the symptoms over a vented? http://www.starlightastrology.com few days or a few hours before sudden collapse Since most of these SCDs are due to coronary and death in 75% of these people. Some of these artery disease, primary prevention should be aimed Aries Libra symptoms may even be confused with indigestion, at warding off coronary artery disease before it de- (Mar. 21- April 20) (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) fatigue, muscle pains, or depression. Self-denial velops, like avoidance of cigarette smoking, obesity, Residential moves are evident. You can learn You must refrain from overspending on (of symptoms) makes this condition treacherous. sedentary lifestyle; and the management of high valuable information if you listen and observe entertainment. Your tendency to overreact could Anyone with any of these symptoms should con- blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol, if what others are doing and saying. Offer love and get you into trouble. Tempers may flare if you sult their physicians without delay. In many cases, these are present. Secondary prevention is by early affection instead of conflict and rejection. Try to haven’t been completely honest about your the first symptoms is cardiac arrest. diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease, compromise rather than having an all out battle. intentions or your whereabouts. You mustn’t be Does a normal EKG preclude SCD? and any medically significant heart irregularity Your lucky day this week will be Saturday. so trusting. No, a plain resting EKG that is reported as present. Where indicated, coronary angioplasty or Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday. normal does not eliminate the possibility of Sud- bypass may be done. AICD implantation should Taurus den Cardiac Death, especially among patients be considered for those with a history of recurrent (Apr. 21- may 21) Scorpio with coronary artery disease, whether previously cardiac arrests. Unreliable people will be negative about your (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) diagnosed or still undetected. This is the reason Visit philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@ You’ll need to exercise control. Do your job ideas. You may make someone else look bad. why a Stress EKG, preferably with Thallium, or gmail.com You will learn a great deal from people with and don’t ask for favors. Physical limitations are different cultural backgrounds. Secret enemies possible if you aren’t careful. Children may be may be holding a grudge that you’re not even demanding, and entertainment could cost a lot aware of. more than you can really afford. Your lucky day this week will be Thursday. Your lucky day this week will be Monday. KrosWord Gemini Sagittarius (Source: Classic Pilipino Krosword, as edited by Ramon S. Lorenzo) (May 22-June 21) (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Opportunities to get involved in investment You haven’t been totally honest with yourself PAHALANG groups will payoff. Travel for business will be and it’s time to review your motives. Dig deep, 1 Bilanggo advantageous. Real estate and joint financial ferret out any hidden concerns be fore you 5 Lubos ventures will be profitable. Look into any sign your life away Talk to an older, established educational activities involving the whole family. individual about your present situation. Don’t let 10 Tuntong Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday. your partner put you down. 11 Uri ng kabibe Your lucky day this week will be Friday. 12 Sikhay Cancer 14 Balbas (June 22-July 22) Capricorn 15 Loob ng bayan Socially, you need a fast paced form of (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) 16 Tumpok-tumpok entertainment. Travel for business purposes You may find yourself in an emotional fix if 17 Ukit may bring the highest returns. Concentrate on you interfere in other people’s problems. You 19 Karamdaman home improvement. Small de tails will make can get support from groups that you belong to 20 Isla sa Malaysia a difference. You could expand your circle of if you’re willing to step out on a limb and voice friends if you get involved in unusual activities. your opinions. Travel or short trips will probably 23 Banoy Your lucky day this week will be Monday. be your best outlet. You can make new friends if 24 Idistansiya you get involved in group activities. 28 Kita Leo Your lucky day this week will be Thursday. 29 Sinsero (July 23-Aug 22) 30 Salungat ng amo Discord could be unnerving. Dig deep, ferret Aquarius 31 Palutang sa dagat out any hidden concerns be fore you sign your (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) 32 Panghalip panaong life away Deceit around you is evident. Your Don’t let your mate force you into making a pangmaramihan energetic nature and ability to initiate projects decision that you aren’t ready to make. You’ll 33 Pagod will add to your popularity. stay out of trouble if you pick projects that will Your lucky day this week will be Monday. benefit the whole family. You can enhance your reputation by making contributions to worthwhile Virgo causes. Do what you can but don’t jeopardize (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) your health trying to please everyone. You should sit down with someone you trust Your lucky day this week will be Sunday. PABABA and work out a budget that will enable you to save a little extra. Moves or the possibility of Pisces 1 Mang-aawit na Valdez 9 Di sinasadyang pagkabasag 25 Laundry having someone different living with you may (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) 2 Uri ng punongkahoy ng tinig habang kumakanta 26 Sangkap ng nganga be difficult at first. Be careful not to take on If they don’t like the plan, suggest that they 3 Sapantaha 13 Malakas na pag-iyak 27 Tagapag-alaga other people’s problems. You may find yourself con tribute a little. Stabilize your own position 4 Hawak sa Kamay 14 Madalas in a financial bind. You may overspend if you by locking up your savings. Try not to be so 6 Batik sa kawayan 18 Dalagang ipinuprusisyon travel this week; however, the trip will be one to demonstrative. Look into making changes to o yantok 19 Pera remember. your personal papers and don’t neglect those 7 Patungkol sa ilong 20 Uri ng tela Your lucky day this week will be Sunday. bills that have been piling up. 8 Pang-ihaw: 21 Nanauli ang sakit Answers to this week’s Krosword Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday. Espanyol 22 Kabuuan on NEXT WEEK’S issue B6 FilAm Star January 18 - 24, 2018 entertainment The Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan dies aged 46 Maja Salvador dating classmate from high school number 6 in the United States. Maja Salvador revealed that she has been She also The album also gave rise to politically- dating a friend from high school, but kept mum told show host charged single “Zombie”, an angry response on his identity. Boy Abunda to the deadly Northern Ireland conflict, “Kabarkada ko naman yun (He’s part of that she has which hit number one across Europe. The my group of friends) — high school friend, high been close to band sold around 40 million records world- school classmate. Non-showbiz,” she said in an the guy’s family. wide. interview with the Philippine Entertainment “Sobrang O’Riordan, from Friarstown in the Portal. love ako ng fam- Irish county of Limerick, will be buried in She shared that she and the guy have been ily niya. Siguro Ireland, according to the parish priest in her friends for 15 years. “Kabisado namin ang isa’t kasi matagal na home town. James Walton, priest at Ballybricken isa.” (We know each other very well.) kaming magkai- and Bohermore parish, told Britain’s Press Compared to dating someone in showbiz, she bigan, so ever Association her family “is very devastated described the “foundation” of the relationship as since parang and upset”. different. part na rin ako Dolores O’Riordan “Her family are still waiting for more “Kung anong nangyayari sa mundo niya, ng family, since (Photo: www.rte.ie) details to come from London about her nangyayari sa mundo ko. Maraming napag-uusa- high school pa LONDON, United Kingdom — Irish singer- death,” he said. pan,” she said. (What’s happening in his world is po eh.” (I’m songwriter Dolores O’Riordan, frontwoman of the “The plan is for her to be buried here at home. happening in mine. There’s a lot to talk about.) loved by his multi-million selling rock band The Cranberries, When that will be will depend on when her body is He is also well-aware of her hectic work family. Maybe Maja Salvador died suddenly in London on Monday, aged 46, her released.” schedule and said, “Busy lang din siya. Magkai- it’s because (Photo: www.imdb.com) publicist said. ‘Immense influence on rock’ bigan kami kaya sanay na ‘yun.” (He’s busy too. we’ve been “Irish and international singer Dolores The Cranberries, formed in 1989 but went on a He’s used to it since we’re friends.) friends for so long, so ever since, I’ve been a part O’Riordan has died suddenly in London today, fam- hiatus in 2003. The actress admitted that she was dating on of their family, since I was in high school.) ily members are devastated,” Lindsey Holmes said O’Riordon told AFP in a 2012 interview that “we “Tonight with Boy Abunda” in August 2017. Salvador previously dated Gerald Anderson in a statement. were stuck in a rut. We just needed a break.” Salvador was asked if she was seeing “a rich, for two years, until their split in 2015. She was “The lead singer…was in London for a short She headed to Canada, where she gave birth young entrepreneur.” She simply said, “I’m dating romantically linked to John Lloyd Cruz later in to her third child, but The Cranberries reformed in recording session,” she added. “No further details po.” Back then, she said it was too early to tell if the same year. (Nina V. Guno / inquirer.net) are available at this time.” 2009 after getting together for a one-off show. they were in a relationship. A spokeswoman for London’s Metropolitan “At home I’m a house-keeper and a mum. The police said officers were “dealing with a sudden kids are, like, ‘What’s for dinner? Where are my death” after they were called to a hotel in Park Lane, clothes?’ On tour it’s, like: ‘room-service’,” she said in the center of the British capital, at 0905 GMT this of the comeback. Look: For hot mama Marian Rivera, less is more morning. She hit the headlines in 2014 after pleading She did not confirm the identity of the person guilty to assaulting three police officers and a flight est and less-revealing clothing. found. attendant during a flight from New York to Ireland, In an Instagram post made just a few “A woman in her mid-40s was pronounced dead and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder shortly hours ago, Rivera shared pictures of herself at the scene,” the spokeswoman said. afterwards. striking a few sexy poses in Morong Beach, “At this early stage it is being treated as unex- The band was forced to cancel 14 concerts last Bataan. But although her beach pictures plained and enquiries continue,” she added. year due to “medical reasons associated with a back are a far cry from her “Dyesebel” days and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar was among problem” for O’Riordan. sashays down the catwalk as FHM’s Sexiest the first to pay tributes, calling O’Riordan “the voice The singer’s last Facebook posting came shortly Woman, it cannot be denied that Rivera’s of a generation”. before Christmas. still got the fire in her. “For anyone who grew up in Ireland in the “Hi All, Dolores here. Feeling good! I did Rivera opted to wear a simple blue knot- 1990s, the Cranberries were an iconic band, who my first bit of gigging in months at the weekend, ted shirt and white shorts, showing that you captured all of the angst that came with your teen- performed a few songs at the Billboard annual staff don’t always have to wear skimpy two-piece ager years,” he said in a statement. holiday party in New York with the house band,” it bikinis and show off too much skin to be read. “Her voice and her contribution to music will be alluring. remembered far beyond her native county for many “Really enjoyed it! Happy Christmas to all our Despite juggling motherhood, homemak- years to come.” fans!! Xo”. ing and showbiz altogether, Rivera is able to Family ‘very devastated’ The band recently played in South America, The London Hilton on Park Lane confirmed with O’Riordan tweeting pictures of a show in Lima, maintain her physique as she showed off her “with deep regret” that an unnamed guest had “sadly Peru. toned abs and arms. passed away” at its hotel. O’Riordan married Don Burton, former tour In another beach photo from December “Team members acted swiftly to alert the Met- manager of Duran Duran, in 1994 but the couple, 2017, Rivera is seen wearing a sexy yet classy ropolitan Police and we are co-operating fully with who had three children together, divorced in 2014. off-shoulder polka-dotted one-piece. their investigation,” a spokeswoman said. British 1980s band Duran Duran posted on Mariann Rivera Yet despite the big endorsements and The Cranberries achieved international success their official Twitter page that “we are crushed (Photo: www.facebook.com) projects coming Rivera’s way this 2018, as in the 1990s with their debut album “Everyone Else to hear the news about the passing of Dolores well as the new roles she’d have to play in is Doing it, So Why Can’t We?”, which included the O’Riordan. Our thoughts go out to her family at this Less is more seems to be the mantra now for teleseryes, there’s no doubt that in real life, hit single “Linger”. terrible time”. sexy mom Marian Rivera. These days, even when one remains to be her top priority: family. Follow-up album “No Need to Argue” went to The Cranberries released their final album frolicking in the beach where most celebrities It’s probably the main reason too for her stay- number one in Australia, France and Germany, and “Something Else” last year. (inquirer.net) would pose in bikinis, she’s usually seen in mod- ing all aglow. (Cody Cepeda / inquirer.net) January 18 - 24, 2018 FilAm Star B7 entertainment Angelica Panganiban says she almost hired The night Hollywood wore black a private investigator to check on an ex-bf From the get-go, the 2018 try reforms to include equal tion, in showbiz and elsewhere, Golden Globe awards wore the career opportunities and pay for for finally “protesting” and Kapamilya actress Angelica For the women who may be kasi ako mapakali eh, ilaw nang TV-film industry’s collective women. speaking the truth, which is the Panganiban is known for her thinking of doing the same, Pan- ilaw ‘yung cellphone eh, may heart on its sleeve— and it was The first woman to have won most powerful weapon we all no-holds-barred attitude in life, ganiban shared how much, more nag-te-text sa kanya eh! Kinuha colored black. a best film director award (for have. love and career. Just as she’ll or less, has to be prepared to hire ko ngayon ‘yung cellphone,” she Black for cumulative mourn- “YentI”), Streisand noted that “The fight transcends any do everything for the man she a professional private investiga- said and thereafter, described ing over past, unaddressed her triumph happened way back culture, geography, race, reli- tor and get the job done. what she did. excesses; for firm, no-nonsense in 1984—so, it was high time for gion, politics or workplace. So, “Mahal pala nu’ng mga ‘yun, “Eto talaga eksena ko, resolve to finally put a stop to other female directors to singu- let’s express our gratitude to all mga hundred thousand ganon. tinitignan ko ‘yung cellphone, the power-tripping and sexual larly succeed in the still “mostly women who have endured years Seryoso. Pero matagal nilang basa-basa, [talking to herself] susundan … ‘yung hangga’t may naku ‘talaga naman, may babae makuha silang pruweba,” she ka talaga, may babae ka talaga!’ added. Sumilip [him] dun sa kusina Santos butted in and said, sabi, ‘huy, [ano’ng] ginagawa mo “Hundred thousand? Ang mahal dyan?’ Sabi ko: ‘nakabukas kasi na katotohanan naman n’un.” yung gasul, pinapatay ko,” she She did not name names but narrated. The audience shrieked the “hugot queen” dropped clues in laughter. about who she was talking about. ‘[Then he asked] ba’t mo “Matagal na ‘yan, eight years hawak ‘yung cellphone ko? [She Angelica Panganiban (Photo: www.twitter.com) ago, seven years ago,” bringing answered] ginamit ko ‘yung the audience to laughter. ilaw,” she said as she herself But her showbiz big sis burst in laughter. loves, she will also do everything warned her not to give too much Panganiban has caught the to bust out if something goes clues as she might accidentally headlines again following her wrong, to the extent of almost name the guy. bitter separation from ex-boy- hiring a private investigator to “‘Pag sumagot ka pa alam na friend John Lloyd Cruz over his discover a partner’s extra-curric- kung sino ‘yan, ‘pag tinuloy mo alleged infidelity. Cruz is linked ular activity. ‘yang mga pagdadaldal na ‘yan to sexy actress Ellen Adarna with Nicole Kidman (left) accepting the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture “Ay umabot ako d’un, konti na lang initials na kasunod whom he has reportedly fathered Made for Television at the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards Ate [Judy Ann Santos], ‘yung niyan,” Santos joked. a child. (Photo: www.nytimes.com) nagpapa-hire na ko ng [private] In the heat of the moment, Both have since been mum investigator. [I thought] Magpa- Panganiban shared one more about the issue, nor have made exploitation that have claimed male” world of filmmakers. of assault and abuse. A new day hire na kaya ako kasi nahuli instance of her busting out an any public confirmation about many victims for decades—and Tersely seconding the mo- is on the horizon because of a akong sumusunod eh [Laughs]. ex-boyfriend’s fling. the real status of their relation- as a grim and “deadly” warning tion, Natalie Portman pointedly lot of magnificent women and Pero matagal na ‘yun,” she re- “Umabot ako sa ganong ship. They however, keep their for predators to stop. Now. noted before giving the best some pretty phenomenal men, vealed at the recently held blog- katangahan tapos minsan eh … fans hungry for more revelations The no-nonsense tone was director trophy to Guillermo del fighting hard to make sure that gers’ conference for her movie ,” everyone laughed in eagerness through their social media posts. set early on by the very first Toro for “The Shape of Water,” nobody ever has to say ‘Me too!’ “Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes” she to know what the “hugot queen” “Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes” award, for best TV actress Ni- that this year’s nominees were again!” top-bills with drama queen Judy has to say next. hits cinemas starting January 1. cole Kidman’s portrayal of a all-male, as usual. Gutsy and proactive women Ann Santos. “Nahuli ako sa kusina, hindi (Clarizel Abanilla / inquirer.net) victim of domestic violence in But, the moment that most were also extolled by the choice the series, “Big Little Lies.” searingly galvanized viewers of “Three Billboards Outside To further underscore the into empathetic realization of Ebbing, Missouri” as best film. pointed focus, reference and the urgent need for shared ac- Agot: Fans of musicals are in for a surprise preference, the show itself won tion against predatory exploita- It dramatizes the struggle Singers-turned-actors like crossed over to the big screen. She pointed out: “But, for best limited series, and tion and other industry sins of and resolve of a woman who its other players, Alexander commission and omission was forces lawmen to solve the mur- Agot Isidro should welcome “I am super excited that ‘Larawan’ and ‘Changing Part- Skarsgard and Laura Dern were Oprah Winfrey’s acceptance der of her daughter by print- the renewed interest in musi- ‘Changing Partners’ will be ners’ are different in many similarly honored. speech as this year’s Cecil B. ing three signs with a scathing cal movies, sparked by Loy Ar- shown to a wider audience,” ways. So, to those who say Other awardees and presen- DeMille honoree. message directed at the town’s cenas’ “Ang Larawan,” which she told the Inquirer. that musicals are all the same, tors also urged their industry The first black woman to police chief. won best picture at the recent She expressed the hope they’re in for a surprise.” colleagues to join the #MeToo receive the lifetime achievement Frances McDormand also Metro Manila Film Festival. that this resurgence of movie While “Larawan” is a and Time’s Up campaigns to prize, Winfrey extolled the many copped the best actress award Riding this musical crest musicals would jumpstart a period piece on old Manila, “name and shame” powerful women who have finally stepped for her galvanizing portrayal is Agot’s latest film, Dan Vil- revival in the theater world, “Changing Partners” is set practitioners of exploitation into out of the shadows to shame and of the film’s relentless pro- legas’ “Changing Partners,” as well. “Hopefully, it would in modern times and tackles extinction—or irrelevance. name their powerful exploiters, tagonist—a sign of even more which will have its theatri- increase the public’s apprecia- troubled romantic affairs. For her part, Barbra Stre- even if they were risking their proactive things to come in reel cal run starting Jan. 31. Like tion of stage plays, too. We (Bayani San Diego Jr. / in- isand, who presented the best careers. and real Hollywood. (Nestor U. “Ang Larawan,” “Changing need to fill the seats for these quirer.net) director award, expanded the She also made it a point to Torre/ inquirer.net) Partners” is a stage play that theater productions.” discussion and move for indus- include all victims of exploita- B8 FilAm Star January 18 - 24, 2018 entertainment Celine Dion to serenade PH fans on July 19 How Francis M showed up for Pop diva Celine Dion is The 49-year-old recording Maxene Magalona’s wedding set—yet again—to hold her artist was previously scheduled Maxene Magalona wished first Manila concert on July 19 to sing at an exclusive private that her father, the late master at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, show at Solaire Resort and rapper Francis M, could walk according to local promoter Casino on Nov. 26, 2014, then her down the aisle, and in Ovation Productions. do a full concert at the SM Mall some way, it came true. The one-night show will be of Asia Arena three days after. The glowing bride shared part of the Canadian singer’s However, health and personal a video of herself in tears as world tour, “Celine Dion Live problems forced Celine to take she walked to his song “Girl 2018,” which will take place an “indefinite hiatus” in August Be Mine”. In the middle of the after her ongoing residency at 2014, cancelling the Manila aisle, she met mom Pia Arroyo The Colosseum at Caesars Pal- gigs and other engagements whom she embraced before ace in Las Vegas ends in June. around the world. heading towards now-husband The concert series will be her Aside from nursing in- Rob Mananquil. first in the Asia-Pacific region flamed vocal cords, the five- In her caption, Maxene (L-R) Maxene Magalona and Robby since her “Taking Chances” time Grammy winner also had says she believed her dad was Manaquil tour back in 2008. to take care of her husband, present that day as a brown (Photo: www.coconuts.co) “We’re playing some René Angélil, who was then butterfly fluttered past her countries for the very first time recovering from the surgical before she met her mom. tribute to the master rapper. ever—in my whole career. I removal of a cancerous tumor The video shows a butterfly Younger brother Elmo per- will also be returning to some in his throat. He died in 2016. indeed flying behind her while formed “Cold Summer Nights” places that I have loved and Considered one of the she was in the first half of the with love team partner Janella been in before,” Celine said in most influential vocalists in aisle. Salvador. He also performed a video posted on her Face- pop music, Celine is one of the Model and entrepreneur “Three Stars and a Sun” with book page. world’s best-selling artists, Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, sister his brothers. “I can’t wait to be there with over 200 million records to Rob, confirmed in another Pia performed “Girl Be with you. I can’t wait to sing sold. She has released 26 stu- post that the guests saw the Mine” and the newlyweds for you,” added the singer, dio albums—15 in French; 11 butterfly themselves. sang “Kaleidoscope World” in who’s also going to return to in English—and is behind such Maxene also mentioned the place of a father-daughter Tokyo and Macau, and make Celine Dion hits as “My Heart Will Go On,” her father in her heartfelt wed- dance. first time visits to Singapore, (Photo: www.dailymail.co.uk) “The Power of Love,” “It’s All ding vows and told Rob, “If he Francis M passed away in Jakarta, Taipei and Bangkok. Coming Back to Me Now” and were here today, I just know 2009 after battling leukemia. Tickets go on sale starting while, members of the Team access to a presale today and “Because You Loved Me.” (Al- how much he would love you.” (Nina V. Guno / inquirer.net) Jan. 18 (call 470-2222). Mean- Celine online fan club will get tomorrow. lan Policarpio / inquirer.net) The reception also paid Look: Jinkee Pacquiao hits the beach for birthday party For her 39th birthday, Jinkee children, Emmanuel Jr., Michael, Pacquiao, wife of boxer and senator Princess and Queen Elizabeth posed Manny Pacquiao, had a blast when for a family photo. Absent is their she chose to celebrate her special youngest child, Israel. day at the beach. She then took a shot of where The Pacquiao brood was com- guests got together, courtesy of plete for their matriarch’s birthday Green Style Designs and Roize party, which was also attended by Royal. her twin sister, Janet Jamora. She then looked back on her As seen on Jinkee’s Instagram “beautiful day” by saying, “It’s not photos posted on Saturday, she had the years in your life that count. It’s her biggest smile when she partied the life in your years.” All this while the night away with her family and she looked elegant in her green dress friends. The “Pacwife” said she was and posing for the cameras with her “grateful for everything.” girls and twin sister. Jinkee had a tropical-themed Happy birthday, Jinkee! (Ka- (L-R) Twin sisters Janet Jamora and Jinkee Pacquiao Manny Pacquaio (left) and wife Jinkee (second left) with family party by the beach at Glan, Saran- trina Hallare / inquirer.net) (Photo: www.pinoynewsonline.info) gani. Here, the couple and their (Photo: www.pep.ph)