PHILIPPINE NEWS LEGAL NOTES GLOBAL NEWS inside look Lawmakers 9 H-1B Filing 13 Fraport To Sue 14 APRIL 2, 2011 Want Increase in Starts April 1 Phl Again in Assistance to OFWs the U.S.

H AWAII’ S O NLY W EEKLY F ILIPINO - A MERICAN N EWSPAPER FIESTA TIME–A GREAT TIME FOR ALL ! By HFC Staff n the U.S. , there’s an old saying: ‘Everyone loves a parade.’ Americans come out in droves to see colorful parades of all shapes and sizes—from small towns Ito the more famous and extravagant Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Boston and the Independence Day Parade in our nation’s capital.

In much the same way, Fil- ney), the 2010 fiesta focused on the showing their different talents, cul- ipinos love their fiestas. And in distinctive cultural aspects of the tural village showcasing the various Hawaii, the signature fiesta is the . It featured a historical- regions of the Philippines, food annual Filipino Fiesta & Parade, cultural parade from Fort DeRussy booths, a keiki village, and business which is currently in its 19th year. to Kapiolani Park in the morning, and non-profit booths. The 2011 version is scheduled for which showcased marching bands, Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Kapi- colorful floats, cultural groups, street THE SIGNIFICANCE OF olani Park Bandstand. dancers, and various business and FIESTAS Organizers of this year’s fi- community organizations. Fiestas are as Filipino as base- esta are looking to build on the Also included in the parade ball, hotdogs and apple pies are success of last year’s event, was the Flores de Mayo featuring American. Fiestas are not only which drew thousands upon thou- Filipina beauties. After the parade deeply ingrained in the psyche of sands to Kapiolani Park. Themed was an all-day Fiesta at the Kapi- Filipinos but are also a social force “Lakbay Kultura” (A Cultural Jour- olani Park with local entertainers that bring people together. (continued on page 4)

Photos show First Liver Transplant in Phl Mirasol (left), sister of Sally Ordinario- a Success Villanueva, talking on the phone with By Aie BALAGTAS SEE relatives, and Cornelia Peralta, ANILA, Philippines - About four months mother-in-law of ago, 51-year-old rural health physician Ramon Credo, M Julito Sabornido Jr. was told he had only crying upon hearing news of the six months to live because of end-stage liver execution cancer. photo by Boy Santos Yesterday Sabornido gamely cracked jokes and posed for pictures when St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig presented him to the media to 3 Pinoys Executed relate his story and showcase the country’s first successful adult liver transplant on first try. Rural doctor Julito Sabornido Jr., the country’s first liver transplant survivor, By Pia LEE-BRAGO their final sentences, according to Consul Dr. Juliet Gopez-Cervantes, chief of the walks with Dr. Juliet Gopez-Cervantes ANILA, Philippines - Weeks of an- General Noel Novicio of the Philippine em- hospital’s center for liver diseases, said at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig guish turned to national mourning bassy in Beijing. (continued on page 5) Myesterday as China carried out be- Villanueva, 32, was convicted for HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE fore noon the execution by lethal injection smuggling 4.11 kilos of heroin on Dec. 24, PRESORTED 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. STANDARD of convicted drug couriers Sally Ordinario- 2008, and Credo, 42, four days later for U.S. POSTAGE WAIPAHU, HI 96797 PAID Villanueva, Ramon Credo and Elizabeth smuggling a slightly larger amount of the HONOLULU, HI Batain – the first Filipinos to be executed same drug. Batain was sentenced to PERMIT NO. 9661 for drug crimes in China. death on May 24 in the same year also for The three learned of their impending drug trafficking. (continued on page 4) execution only during the promulgation of HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 2 APRIL 2, 2011 EDITORIAL No, To A General Excise Tax Hike; Yes, To Suspending GET Exemptions House hit and Senate miss -- this could be ought to receive special exempted privileges, the best way to describe two live tax propos- even in times of a potential budget shortfall. A als at Hawaii’s state legislature. In either sce- Hawaiian Airlines, Outrigger Enterprises Group nario, Hawaii residents and businesses may have and Alexander & Baldwin are among the large to take on a bigger financial burden should these companies opposing HB 799. All of them happen bills pass, but the question now is by how much to be solid, profitable companies. and who pays more. For far too long big corporations' special pro- If State Senate leaders have it their way, tections with tax exemptions and subsidies (or everyone’s pockets will undergo further unstitch- corporate welfare) have resulted in the tax bur- ing. Freshman Senate President Shan Tsutsui den being shifted onto middle to small busi- says raising the general excise tax is an option to nesses, and eventually poor and working-class close the budget deficit, despite Gov. Neil Aber- America. While these large companies maintain crombie’s earlier shelving of the idea. The Sen- stellar profits, Americans annual salary haven't ate’s unwise proposal to raise the GET comes at risen in the past 30 years, adjusted for inflation; a time when businesses are just starting to inch and middle-to-small businesses' closure rate out of the worst recession in decades; its passage propels skyward. Tax exemptions and subsidies could halt any momentum toward recovery. Tax- of rich corporations have ultimately contributed payers are already feeling the hurt of the recent to the diminishing presence of sound, healthy 0.05 GET percentage surcharge to pay for a now small businesses being able to compete fairly in questionable rail transit project. Additional finan- the market. This increasing absence of multiple- cial burden in the GET will do greater harm to poor and struggling work- sized and diverse companies in the long run weakens our country’s over- ing families in particular because of the broad nature of this tax affecting all economic strength, leading to a singular over-reliance on big all goods and services. corporations to move the economy forward. And as we have seen in this The State House, on the other hand, should be commended for its fairer recession, when big corporations are unable to perform, the whole coun- approach in distributing the burden of taxation to close the deficit gap. Like try suddenly finds itself deep in recession without a viable sector of mid- other state legislatures nationally, Hawaii’s House members are looking at dle-to-small sized businesses around to pick up the slack. Adding insult suspending tax exemptions of certain businesses. Such exemptions, usu- to this whole process of unfairness, large corporations are the first to ally handed to politically heeled and well-connected companies, could gen- passionately justify their need for continued tax exemptions while oth- erate millions in funds for the state and prevent tax hikes like the GET onto ers are expected to pay more. working families. Rep. Pono Chong said as this moment the state is giving It’s reprehensible for some of these local big corporations posting away close to “a billion dollars in overall exemptions from the GET.” He ap- healthy profits to be lobbying against this exemption bill. We encourage propriately described the process as “unfair” to exempt some types of busi- the House leadership to move forward on suspending GET exemptions nesses and not others. on select businesses and to reject the Senate’s consideration of raising the Under the House proposal HB799, businesses that have been enjoy- overall GET percentage. The powerful few ought to pay their fair share of ing exemption status finally would be charged a GET of 2 to 4 percent GET and spare the majority from greater hardship with a GET hike. We are over the next few years. HB 799 could bring in an estimated $55.7 million pleased that Hawaii’s House leaders are courageous enough to join this in fiscal year 2012 alone and could be the largest source of new revenue nationwide movement in what amounts to being corporate welfare reform. to help stabilize the state’s financial budgetary plan. The first step is to adopt a fairer tax structure. Some of the companies lobbying against the proposal are as ex- In one of the grossest example of corporate greed and irresponsibility pected, powerful large corporations whose executives somehow must to the people in our country, the New York Times reported that General have it in their minds that their companies' value to the community is more Electric posted worldwide profits of $14.2 billion, $5.1 billion came from important than small businesses. As a result, their businesses activities its operations in the US. GE's American tax bill? Nothing! Not only did GE (continued on page 3)

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Contributing Writers Advertising/Marketing Director Columnists Belinda Aquino, Ph.D., Clement Bautista, Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Charlie Y. SONIDO, M.D. Teresita Bernales, Ed.D., Linda Dela Cruz, Gov. Neil Abercrombie Publisher and Executive Editor Carlota Ader Fiedes Doctor, Danny de Gracia II, M.A., Amelia Account Executives Carlo Cadiz, M.D. Jacang, M.D., Caroline Julian, Paul Melvin Carlota Ader Chona A. Mayor Peter Carlisle Palalay, M.D., Glenn Wakai J. P. Orias Sen. Will Espero MONTESINES-SONIDO Creative Designer Grace F. Fong, Ed.D. Publisher and Managing Editor Junggoi Peralta Big Island Distributor Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. Grace Larson Dennis GALOLO J. P. Orias Philippine Correspondent Ditas Udani Pacita Saludes Gregory Bren Garcia Edwin QUINABO Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. Maui Distributor Charlie Sonido, M.D. Photographer Associate Editors Cecile Piros Emmanuel S. Tipon,Esq. Tim Llena Randall SHIROMA Felino S. Tubera Amado Yoro Administrative Assistant Molokai Distributor Design Consultant Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. Shalimar Pagulayan Maria Watanabe

The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published weekly by the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. It is mailed directly to subscribers and distributed at various outlets around Oahu and the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertising deadlines are three weeks prior to publication date. Subscriptions are available at $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor islands, continental U.S. $85, foreign country $95. Copyright 2007-2010. The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Telephone: (808) 678-8930. Facsimile: (808) 678-1829. E-mail: [email protected]. Opinions expressed by the columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle management. Reproduction of the contents in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the management. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION APRIL 2, 2011 3 EGISLATIVE CONNECTION L 1846 to serve and protect the peo- ple of Hawaii. Its enduring mission ties held its 12th annual Day at the is to preserve the peace by pro- Around the Capitol Capitol, and the Kupuna Program tecting all persons and property celebrated its 30th anniversary. falling within the state’s jurisdiction. that social structure. As the Leeward ington Middle Schools made a Never a dull moment for those MEDAL OF HONOR District Teacher of the Year Alisa presentation on the heralded AVID in uniform, the purview of the sher- Bender put it, our collective task is to (Advancement Via Individual De- September 11, 2001 – a date iffs covers a wide range all across lift our youth onto our shoulders so termination) program, a college of tragedy in American history. A the state. Sheriffs serve as body they can see what we may never readiness curriculum to prepare decade later, our response to the guards for the Governor and Lieu- see, go where we may never go, and youth for higher education. The UH terrorist attacks continues to have tenant Governor and on request for do what we may never do. system brought its solar decathlon repercussions. Thousands of national and international digni- by Senator Will ESPERO Each year the Legislature hon- team, showed its progress in re- troops have been deployed to dan- taries. They provide security for the ors outstanding educational profes- newable energy on its buildings, gerous and volatile regions around State Capitol District, Maui Memo- ills under consideration are sionals and schools, to recognize and the beautiful design of the up the globe, particularly in the Middle rial Hospital, Hawaii State Hospital, not the only activity buzzing their efforts and to encourage oth- and coming Kapolei campus for UH East. Every year, the Legislature Waimano Training School and Hos- B around the State Capitol. holds a Medal of Honor ceremony pital, and Fort Ruger. It is the lead ers in the noble work of teaching. West Oahu. It also shared infor- Many events to educate lawmakers Among the awards presented: the mation on some of its many pro- to recognize those men and agency for implementing federal and the public are held, as well as Presidential Award for Excellence grams: culinary; carpentry; tropical women in uniform who have sacri- Homeland Security guidelines. those to recognize and honor mem- in Math and Science Teaching; Li- conservation and biology; summer ficed their lives in service to our Sheriffs assist the state Harbors Di- bers of our community. Here are brarian of the Year; Excellence in bridge; biofuel; digital media; plant country. The Legislature created vision with law enforcement on wa- three recent ones. Service; Milken Educator; Milken and biotechnology; engineering; the state Medal of Honor in 2005 to terways and in harbors. With its Educator Teacher of Promise; nursing; and veterinary assisting. express Hawaii’s deep appreciation canine unit, it is responsible for de- EDUCATION WEEK MetLife/NASSP High School Prin- The Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for and gratitude to the loved ones of tecting narcotics in Judiciary build- The value of education in our cipal of the Year; MetLife/NASSP Education held an Open House. those fallen members of military. ings and prisons. Sheriffs serve nation is greater than ever. While Middle School Principal of the Year; Other displays and discus- This year’s ceremony was held warrants and other legal docu- precious time is yet in our hands, NAESP Distinguished Principal of sions: Hiki No, the country’s first March 29 at the State Capitol. ments, and handle accused per- teachers know they must give their the Year; Blue Ribbon School; state statewide student-run television sons from arrest through entrance STATE SHERIFFS best to prepare students for a future Teacher of the Year; and district network -- public charter schools -- into corrections centers. that we cannot yet imagine. Former Teacher of the Year. Hawaii Education Matters (healthy Hawaii’s sheriffs can trace The Senate recently honored First Lady Hillary Clinton’s famous What also makes Education foods) -- Early Learning Council – their office all the way back to roy- the state sheriffs for their dedication declaration that it takes a village to Week exciting is the chance to and, robots from robotics programs alty, a heritage unique among the and service and putting their lives raise our children is just as true share information. Students from at six schools. The Hawaii State 50 states. King Kamehameha III on the line each day in its commit- today. Teachers are a centerpiece of Campbell High School and Wash- Council on Development Disabili- established the sheriffs’ office in ment to the safety of the public. EDITORIAL

Finally, the nation must be reminded that drug trafficking poses a serious Executed menace to society. Drug abuse can kill; it can destroy families and the future s the Chinese government repeatedly told the Philippines, there would of youths. Some of the most atrocious crimes have been committed by peo- be no commutation of sentence, although Beijing granted a rare but ple high on drugs. The menace posed by drug abuse is so grave that drug A brief reprieve. Their laws are equally applied, the Chinese said, and trafficking warrants capital punishment in several other countries apart from their laws penalize trafficking of at least 50 grams of prohibited drugs with China. This fact has to be drummed into every Filipino. The realization that death. And so yesterday morning, in two sites in southern China, three Fil- drugs can destroy lives should be the biggest deterrent to serving as a drug ipinos caught bringing in several kilograms of drugs were executed. mule. (www.philstar.com) As Filipinos commiserate with those left behind by Eliz- abeth Batain, Sally Ordinario-Villanueva and Ramon Credo, the government must intensify measures to prevent more Fil- ipinos from being recruited as mules by international drug rings. Filipinos, especially women, are in prison even in South America for serving as drug mules. The toughest measures must be directed against the recruiters. The coun- try has cooperation agreements with other countries in fight- ing transnational crime, so it’s possible to go after foreign-based groups that lure Filipinos to serve as drug mules. In our own backyard, the government needs to boost anti-narcotics efforts. Screening of luggage for drugs at all international airports must be improved. The country has gained notoriety for being an international transshipment point for prohibited drugs including heroin, and a manufac- turing base for synthetic drugs particularly shabu or metham- phetamine hydrochloride. Raids on shabu laboratories rarely lead to the arrest of the drug dealers themselves, raising suspicion that they enjoy the protection of Philippine law en- forcers. Those who do get caught and are prosecuted are often freed by corrupt judges; several notorious suspects have managed to escape.

(cont. from page 2; NO..... ) pay zero in taxes, but it claimed a tax benefit of $3.2 billion. GE, like other large corporations wanting a free ride, is able to accomplish this by lobbying for tax breaks and exemptions. Even as the government faces a mounting budget deficit, politicians would rather look to working families to collect more in taxes than to call on these politically influential, large cor- porations to pay up. HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 4 HEADLINES (CONT.) APRIL 2, 2011

(cont. from page 1; FIESTA ... ) ers. estas have increasingly be- ipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH) and “Fiestas bridge our past and • The Ati-atihan, Sinulog, coming more secular,” he the Oahu Filipino Community Coun- present lives,” says Dr. Raymund Li- and Dinagyang in the says. “It’s become less and cil (OFCC). ongson, professor and coordinator Visayas revolve around less a celebration of the The parade will have a cultural of the Philippine Studies Program at the Santo Nino, or the feast of its patron saint, and theme and feature floats depicting Leeward Community College. “They image of the Infant Jesus. more carnivals and pag- the cultures of the various regions in are celebratory, invigorating and • In San Juan, Metro , eants.” the Philippines. According to Arre, therapeutic, recharging human en- the seemingly unwelcom- organizers have decided to loosen ergies and challenging creative po- ing practice of dousing a OAHU FIESTA! up the rules to allow the various Fil- tentials. Often times, they are passerby with water is a Organizers chose the ipino organizations to built floats or vehicles in the celebration of our rich supposed “re-enactment” theme as of this year's Fi- marching units around their reigning and diverse culture as a people. It is of baptism associated with esta and Parade as ‘The Fil- queens. The parade will also include during these occasions when we the townspeople’s patron saint, vere the saints, it is therefore not ipino ...Then and Now.’ The overall street dancers, marching bands, as see, hear, smell, taste and feel the St. John the Baptist. hard to understand why fiestas have goal, says Fil-Com Center president well as cultural, community, profes- richness of our culture.” • The popular Santa Cruzan in become customary in the Philip- Toy Arre, is to highlight the achieve- sional, civic and student marching Fiestas in the Philippines are the month of May is in itself a pines. ments of Filipinos in Hawaii over the groups. generally associated with the cele- depiction of a Christian legend. Fiestas are also occasions for past 100 years. In a proud display of various bration of the feast of certain saints • And of course, the biggest fi- Filipinos to live the song ‘Panahon “These will be expressed aspects of Filipino culture, organiz- or religious figures. Consider the fol- esta of all—Pasko or Christ- na para magsaya; Forget muna ang through our costumes, dance forms ers have planned for a regional cul- lowing fiestas: mas—is the commemoration of problema.’ Others display their en- as well the nature of entertainment,” tural village, a keiki village, a • In Lucban, Quezon, residents the birth of Jesus. ergetic and artistic expressions in a Arre says. “As with past fiestas, we Community Health and Wellness celebrate the colorful and exu- chain of activities such as proces- want to promote and perpetuate Fil- Fair, various food booths and day- berant Pahiyas in honor of San A predominantly Catholic soci- sions and parades, singing, danc- ipino costumes and traditions in long entertainment featuring local Isidro, the patron saint of farm- ety wherein most of its citizens re- ing, pageants and feasting. Hawaii.” and Philippine-based performing Nowadays, however, Liongson says This year’s event will continue artists. fiestas are becoming less religious two colorful events—the parade dur- According to Darwin Arellano, in nature. In his hometown of Laoag ing the early morning from Fort fiesta chairperson, the Fiesta is THE City, the commemoration of the DeRussy to Kapiolani Park, followed perfect venue for local entrepre- feast of San Guillermo is held Feb- by the fiesta from mid-morning to neurs to showcase their products to ruary 10 of each year. late afternoon at the park. Coordi- the thousands in attendance. “In my hometown, however, fi- nating the parade is the United Fil- (continued on page 5)

(cont. from page 1; 3 PINOYS ... ) mediate People’s Court starting at President , the presi- Under Chinese law, smuggling 9:40 a.m. dential adviser on overseas Filipino of 50 grams or more of heroin or In Shenzhen, Batain’s relatives workers affairs. similar drugs is punishable by death. arrived with consulate officials at the Presidential spokesman Edwin Malacañang expressed its con- No. 3 Detention House at 9 a.m. Lacierda said he and President dolences to the families of the three Villanueva’s remains were pre- Aquino, along with several Cabinet and vowed to address concerns sented to her relatives at noon at the officials and members of the over the rising cases of Filipinos Xiamen Funeral Parlor. A firm called Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the falling prey to drug syndicates. Corpse International Travel will ship Philippines, offered prayers for the “Consistent with the laws and her remains to the Philippines. three Filipinos at the Palace’s values of our country, we pleaded Death certificates of Credo and chapel. with the Chinese government to Villanueva, as well as their pass- “We decided to go to the chapel commute their death sentences to ports and personal belongings, were in the Palace to have a prayer for life imprisonment. Unfortunately, the turned over by the Intermediate the repose of the souls of three Fil- Chinese government did not agree People’s Court officials to Philippine ipinos. Nagdasal kami (we prayed) and we must respect their legal consulate officials at 1:50 p.m. led by Cardinal Rosales and prayed processes. I ask the public not to The DFA said the Credo family for them,” he told reporters in an in- allow this situation to affect our his- and consular officials claimed his formal briefing. The bishops were at toric friendship with the Chinese cremated remains at the Xiamen the Palace to discuss the reproduc- people,” a statement from President Crematorium at Jimei District. tive health bill with Aquino. Aquino read. The Guangdong High People’s “The nation sympathizes with Court officially notified the Philippine LESSONS LEARNED the families of the condemned, shar- Consulate General of the execu- Binay, who had flown to Beijing ing their sense of looming loss. We tions at 12:30 p.m. to plead for a stay in the execution of sympathize with these families now. The DFA said the shipment of the three, appealed yesterday for Their deaths are a vivid lesson in the Batain’s remains was being prayers for the repose of their souls tragic toll the drug trade takes on en- arranged with Chinese authorities. and advised Filipinos to draw les- tire families,” deputy presidential The DFA observed a minute of sons from the tragedy. spokesperson Abigail Valte said. silence at 12 noon in memory of “Let us all pray for the repose of Based on a timeline of events Credo, Villanueva and Batain. their souls and for strength for their sent by the Philippine Consulate “To each of the three families families. In this time of grief, let us General in Xiamen to the Depart- we’d like to say that we’re truly sorry give them our support and prayers,” ment of Foreign Affairs and read to for the loss of their loved ones, that he said. media, Credo and Ordinario-Vil- they’re about to endure today. We’ll “I joined the entire Filipino na- lanueva were taken to the execution pray for them,” acting Foreign Affairs tion in praying for the souls of our chamber at 10:40 a.m. Secretary told re- three kababayan to have peace. Let The timeline sent by the Philip- porters after a special Mass at 8 us also pray for their respective fam- pine Consulate General in a.m. at the DFA. ilies. May the Lord give them the Guangzhou showed that Batain was “May God bless their souls,” strength to overcome their grief,” taken to the execution venue at DFA spokesman Eduardo Malaya Binay said. 11:18 a.m. Relatives of Credo and said. “In deference to the extreme “We must all commit ourselves Villanueva together with consulate difficulties and grief being experi- fully to the fight against drugs, and officials were allowed to talk to the enced by the families of the three to take all necessary action to stop two at separate booths from 8 to 9 Filipinos, the DFA is not making fur- this menace from destroying more a.m. at the Xiamen No. 1 Detention ther statements as of the moment,” lives and families,” he said. Binay House. Malaya said. was in Qatar yesterday, where he The final and executory sen- China had originally set the ex- offered Mass for the three. tences on Credo followed by Vil- ecution of the three last Feb. 21 and “The administration of Presi- lanueva were read to them at the 22 but decided to give them a re- dent Aquino is committed to look 2nd Criminal Tribunal of the Inter- prieve following a visit from Vice (continued on page 5) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION APRIL 2, 2011 5 HEADLINES (CONT.) (cont. from page 1; FIESTA ... ) “You may have to walk just a little “In past years, the Fiesta at Ka- singer and film actor, while Calzado name just a few. further but it’s a perfect exercise be- piolani Park has attracted tens of is an actress, TV host and model. Because the event is the fore you load up on lumpia, adobo, thousands of locals and tourists,” he Both will close the Fiesta entertain- largest and most visible Filipino pinakbet, cascaron and suman. says. “The magnitude of this event, ment in the afternoon and will host gathering in the state, organizers Bring the whole family. We promise the significant exposure it creates a “meet and greet” photo session at emphasize the importance of Fil- that it will be fun for the young and and the various opportunities it pro- GMA Pinoy TV’s booth. ipinos to come out and support the old. It’s an excellent and relatively vides for public contact will be a Other generous supporters in- 19th Annual Fiesta and Parade. inexpensive entertainment for the boon to participating organizations.” clude the City & County of Honolulu Crowds or the lack of parking whole family and to socialize.” Arre concurs and says that de- and the Hawaii Tourism Authority should not discourage you from at- And, who knows, you may win spite the down economy, busi- (Kaibigan sponsors); Western Union tending, Arre says. one of the round trip tickets to the nesses should not pass up this and Hawaii Community Foundation “There is plenty of parking Philippines on Hawaiian Airlines. But “once-a-year opportunity to highlight (Mabuhay sponsors); and Island In- around Kapiolani Park,” he says. only if you attend! their goods and services to a great surance (Bayanihan sponsor). Iza Calzado and Dennis Trillo number of people.” (cont. from page 1; FIRST LIVER...) ication. SEE YOU AT THE FIESTA! The title sponsor for the third “Six will be raffled at the end of Sabornido was the first liver trans- Sabornido, a physician based straight year is Hawaiian Airlines. In entertainment portion of the pro- The Filipino culture is essen- plant patient in the country to be in Miamis Oriental, said he discov- addition to a generous sponsorship gram. One must be present to win,” tially on display during the Fiesta discharged within three weeks with- ered his liver problem in 2006 but of $10,000 in cash, Hawaiian Air is Arre says. and Parade for all to see. As such, it out medical complications after a failed to have it diagnosed because also donating 10 roundtrip tickets to This year’s media sponsor is is a great opportunity to share with 12-hour operation. Sabornido said of lack of money. Manila. Entry forms may be picked GMA Pinoy TV, which will provide friends and visitors the Filipino cul- he was excited to go home. Last December, however, his up from the Fil-Com Center booth two well-known talents in Dennis ture and to experience it in song, “Thank God for giving me part condition worsened causing him to during the fiesta. Trillo and Iza Calzado. Trillo is a dance, food and costumes—to two of my life,” he said. vomit blood. When his condition was diagnosed, it was discovered (cont. from page 1; 3 PINOYS...) St. Luke’s president Jose Ledesma said the surgery was per- that he was suffering from end- after the well-being of our overseas SYMPATHIES. formed by a team of 36 doctors stage liver cancer. Filipino workers. Our President is Foreign Affairs headed by Allan Concejero to- Cervantes said he had ad- determined to introduce much- spokesman Ed Malaya, left, leads officers and gether with Cervantes and hepatol- vanced liver cirrhosis, caused by needed reforms in government to staff in observing a ogist Ian Homer Cua. chronic hepatitis B. address the concerns of our OFWs, moment of silence after and make our government agencies the execution. The P3-million cost of the oper- “We are not God but based on more responsive to their needs,” ation was shouldered by the Philip- statistics he has six months left to Photo: PAT ROQUE, AP Binay said. pine Charity Sweepstakes Office, live and only liver transplant can The Supreme Court also ex- St. Luke’s Medical Center and sev- save him,” she said. Sabornido tended sympathies to the victims’ conviction and punishment,” Bayan committee on youth, women and eral donors, including Sabornido’s said despite the ordeal, he never families but said the laws of China Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño said. family relations chairperson Pia friends. lost hope because his strong faith Cayetano said. should be respected. “We’re sup- Rep. Milagros “Today we are saying we have in God gave him strength. Sen. Francis Pangilinan ad- posed to respect the rule of law Magsaysay said the executions a very competent, confident liver Because he is still recovering there in the same way we have a should prompt the government “to vised fellow public servants to “do transplant team. Filipinos no longer from the operation, he may not yet rule of law in our jurisdiction that for- be serious in its anti-drug campaign what we can to modernize our have to go abroad for liver trans- go back to his old job. For the eigners have to respect,” SC and implement strictly the law at the economy so that our people would plantation,” Ledesma said. meantime, he would be helping St. spokesman Midas Marquez said in borders so that people will not be seek gainful employment here at Luke’s to encourage people with a press briefing. emboldened to commit crimes.” home rather than elsewhere.” Cervantes said the patient is Bagong Henerasyon party-list (www.philstar.com) now ready to live a normal life liver problems to undergo liver SYMPATHIES AND WARNINGS Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy ap- again so long as he continues med- transplant. (www.philstar.com) Lawmakers joined the nation in pealed to the government “to guar- mourning and said the tragedy antee that similar tragedies will not should serve as wake-up call for au- fall on the more than 72 overseas thorities to step up the campaign Filipino workers now languishing in against drug syndicates. various Chinese prison cells on ille- Speaker Feliciano Belmonte gal drug and other serious criminal Jr. said authorities, particularly anti- offenses.” drug law enforcers, should be Gabriela party-list Rep. Luzvi- stricter in screening outbound trav- minda Ilagan said “many of these elers. OFWs have long complained of the He also warned Filipinos travel- lack of legal assistance and support ing out of the country to be wary of from the government, a problem criminal syndicates who might dupe that will most likely continue as the them into carrying illegal drugs. Aquino government slashed the “We exhausted all efforts to budget for legal assistance to OFWs save the lives of our kababayans. for this year,” Ilagan said. We each made our separate ap- She said only P30 million is al- peals to the Chinese government, located for legal assistance to on top of the official negotiation the OFWs in the 2011 budget as against government has made, but the Chi- P100 million in 2009. nese government remained firm in their decision,” Akbayan party-list LAWS FOLLOWED Rep. Walden Bello, chairman of the Meanwhile, Sen. Miriam Santi- House committee on overseas ago said China cannot be faulted for workers’ affairs, said. standing firm in its decision. “We also raise our voices and “The principle of international join the world in condemning the im- law is once you enter the territory of plementation of death penalty in another state, you immediately fall China and elsewhere, and call for its under the laws and under the legal subsequent abolition,” Bello said. regime of that state,” Santiago said. There are still 66 countries that im- “As a nation, we grieve for the plement this punishment. loss of our kababayans who were “Now that the last-ditch efforts executed in China today. But along to stop the killings have failed, it is a with our sympathies to their families matter of justice that we now find out and loved ones, we must also look if the government could have done into the circumstances that have something more to prevent their brought about the situation,” Senate HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 6 OPINION APRIL 2, 2011 they shamelessly attempt to hold on to their positions. Not only that, How a Person Loses a Sense of Shame their very own colleagues or party AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR by William M. ESPOSO mates will force them to resign lest of the AFP can shamelessly be the late dictator. they bring the entire house down fter following the Senate Blue The political fallout of the Profumo claiming memory loss during the This blatant demonstration of a with them. Here, we see and allow Ribbon Committee hearings Affair resulted in the subsequent Senate hearings. It’s hard to fathom lack of sense of shame and sense of the exact opposite. A on the corruption scandals in resignation of Prime Minister Harold how it doesn’t appear to affect them honor can be considered a reflection Instead of pressuring Madame the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philip- MacMillan, citing reasons of health. that their countrymen are condemn- of our damaged culture. People can Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) to pines), many folks have been won- Here, we have a public official who ing them in the Court of Public Opin- afford to lose their sense of shame resign after the Garci Tapes scan- dering just how these civilians, as even videotaped and circulated his ion with the way they’ve been hiding when in their country the filthy rich dal broke out — the Lakas-CMD well as former and still active military sexual escapade with a showbiz the truth. Because of them, the AFP are considered “honorable” even if and Kampi political parties of the officers undergoing investigation, personality. is now rated by Filipinos as the most they accumulated wealth through administration wove a protective can shameless feign to forget impor- It’s a strong sense of honor in corrupt institution in government — foul means. Petty bureaucrats with shield around her. The protective tant details and hide behind the a country that compels the Japan- as shown by the latest Pulse Asia big mansions and expensive cars — shield was extended to GMA abuse of the right against self in- ese ancient warrior to take his own corruption survey. which are obviously not within their through all the attempts to impeach crimination. You eventually wonder if life when a vital mission had been A soldier is conditioned to make means to afford — are easily ac- her for various alleged culpable vi- these persons being investigated in botched or when he had committed the ultimate sacrifice for his country. cepted in our communities. Worse, olations of the Constitution. During the Senate have altogether lost their an act that brought shame to his Dying with his boots on is the sol- they’re even fawned upon, sought for times like these, we cannot blame sense of shame and sense of honor. shogun. Here, we have public offi- dier’s concept of supreme honor. advice and patronized. some of our young people who ad- A person loses a sense of cials who cannot even offer to re- Lying through their teeth during a We never really ostracized a mitted in surveys that they privately shame after that person loses a sign after violating their oath or Senate hearing is the exact opposite big crook in our country. Oddly, we wish that they were born as another sense of honor. That’s a reality that after having compromised our na- of that concept of supreme honor. tend to be less forgiving to the petty national, instead of a Filipino. people must understand if they’re tional interest. They don’t realize that even if crooks — the ones who are forced Considering how our institutions to appreciate just how corrupt our It’s a strong sense of honor in they escape legal prosecution — by circumstances to steal in order have already been corrupted to the country had become. a country that compels a South Ko- they stand to suffer a worse fate in to feed their hungry children. A peo- point that many of our public officials It’s a strong sense of honor in a rean President to publicly apologize the Court of Public Opinion. There is ple’s culture cannot be more dam- no longer feel a sense of shame — country that compels public officials for wrongdoing and willingly accept no Court of Appeals or Supreme aged than that. the Filipino must utilize People to resign immediately once they are punishment. Here in our country, Court to reverse a conviction in the British public officials like John Power again to shake the comfort linked to the slightest public scandal. we’ve seen how political power is Court of Public Opinion. Dictator Fer- Profumo have no other choice but zones of these callous individuals. The British Secretary of State for misused at will to protect the dinand E. Marcos was never con- to resign at the slightest hint of For starters, let’s ostracize War John Profumo resigned once biggest thieves from prosecution. victed in a Court of Law but his family scandal because they know that them, turn our backs to them and the Christine Keller sex scandal hit Thus, it’s hard to fathom how all is unable to reverse the severe ver- the British public will subject them refuse to sell anything to them. the national press during the 1960s. these former and still active officers dict of the Court of Public Opinion on to a fate worse than resignation if (www.philstar.com) HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Poster/Slogan Contest for Peace BBB Warns Cell Phone THE EARTH CITIZEN MOVE- righted characters, photographs, Users of “Smishing” MENT (ECM) OF HAWAII AND and magazine or newspaper illus- THE HAWAII CHAPTER OF trations without permission. Posters THE INTERNATIONAL BRAIN must also incorporate an original Scam messages come with embedded EDUCATION ASSOCIATION slogan regarding your own dream of links that can ultimately spread (IBREA) are encouraging Hawaii’s peace and how it can be achieved. A NEW YEAR OFTEN MEANS viruses to the phone if clicked. young artists to participate in a The deadline to submit posters is A NEW SCAM and this time the Hawaii’s BBB offers consumers poster design contest for peace. April 14, 2011. unsuspecting targets cell phone the following advice if they suspect Posters and slogans must be Students must work alone and users. that they have fallen victim to a original and use the theme “Achiev- their talents. may submit only one work per per- Like traditional “phishing,” “smishing” scam: ing your Dream of Peace.” The con- All entries will be on display at son. Posters must conform to the “smishing” schemers often pose as • Never reply to the text mes- test is open to all students ages 11 the McCoy Pavilion on May 15, following dimensions: 11"x 17" or banks or lottery sweepstakes asking sage. Scammers are preying to 18. 2011 during the Mago Earth Festival 12" x 18" and may be of any art customers to contact them immedi- on victims that text back and ul- IBREA Hawaii and ECM are for Peace, from 11 am to 4 pm. medium, including paints, cut-outs, ately about a pressing issue that timately verify that the text has non-profit groups whose mission is Prizes for first, second and third pen and ink, chalks, pencils, cray- needs to be discussed. been sent to an active cell to educate individuals, communities place are $500, $300 and $200, re- pas, charcoal, computer graphics Victims of the scam are often phone. Never click a link in a and nations on the potential of the spectively and include a certificate and photography. Live matches, asked to call a toll-free number and message to prevent a possible human brain to bring health, happi- as well as recognition for the win- glass or objects over 1/2" in diame- provide information such as their viral attack on your phone. ness and peace to all of humanity ners’ schools. ter or height will not be allowed. debit card or account number and • Report the text immediately. If and the earth. Both organizations password, to a fake automated sys- you believe you have fallen vic- believe in the artistic inclination of Poster Requirements/Guidelines Entries should be submitted on tem. Victims have complained they tim to a “smishing” bank scam, Hawaii’s youth, as well as their sin- Posters must have a positive or before April 14, 2011, at the Dahn have received text messages that call your bank. They’ll be able cere desire to foster peace through message and may not use copy- Yoga Center, 401 Kamakee Street. claim their bank account is frozen to verify if the text is legitimate. Entrants can only submit one poster. but include a toll free number for • Call your cell phone provider. Each entry should have an entry them to call and clear things up. Your cell phone provider should form pasted on the back of the “These hackers are looking for be able to block the number, as poster stating the title of the work, you to respond with vital informa- well as any premium text mes- the artist’s name, mailing address, tion that can ultimately lead to iden- sages. telephone number and email. It tity theft,” says Dwight Kealoha, • Do your research. If you think should also include a statement that CEO of Hawaii’s Better Business you’re a victim of a “smishing” says the artist has read and agrees Bureau (BBB). “In the cases of the lottery sweepstakes scam, con- to the rules and regulations. lottery ‘smishing’ scam, hackers tact the BBB to confirm the le- Winners will be notified via want you to wire over money before gitimacy of the text message email or phone. Awards will be given receiving your ‘prize,’ one of the and file a complaint against the during the Mago Earth Day Peace biggest red flags of a ‘smishing’ business responsible. Festival on May 15th at McCoy scam.” • Contact the Federal Trade Pavilion. Text messages such as “Win Commission. The FTC works to For more information, please cash now!” and “Short on cash? legally prevent fraudulent busi- call the Honolulu Dahn Yoga Center Reply here!” are all red flags that a ness practices in the market- 596-9642, Ruth Mabanglo at 956- lottery sweepstakes “smishing” place. File a complaint with the 6970 or Liz Kiai at 533-2045. scam is in the midst. Many of these FTC by calling 1-877-HELP. HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION APRIL 2, 2011 LEGAL MATTERS 7 Might Makes Right? – From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli Front (MNLF) on December 23, they want.” Legal or illegal. been proclaimed elected by the Na- the University of the Philippines. He 1976 - the Tripoli Agreement. Libya http://www.enotes.com/side- tional Assembly, and that China con- practices in Hawaii, specializing in has provided more than 13,000 jobs mountain/q-and-a/what-does-mean- tinued to develop relations based on immigration law and criminal de- to Filipinos, many of whom have no that-might-right-107075. "Might ‘five principles’ which include re- fense. Tel. (808) 225-2645. E-Mail: visas or have expired visas. Libya is makes right" has been described as spect for the internal affairs of an- [email protected]. Website: by Atty. Emmanuel not deporting them, unlike America. the credo of totalitarian regimes. other country. This is according to www.ImmigrationServicesUSA.com. Samonte TIPON GE White (1973), Evolution of Rea- our friend, Col. Arturo Aruiza, Mar- He is from Laoag City and Magsin- IS AMERICA ADDICTED TO soned Elaboration: Jurisprudential cos’ chief aide, with whom we spent gal, Ilocos Sur. He served as an Im- henever I hear the Marines’ WAR? Criticism and Social Change, The, hours in Makiki Heights talking migration Officer. He is co-author of Hymn “From the Halls of Now these hard-working Fil- Va. L. Rev. It appears also to be the about their kidnapping by the Amer- “Immigration Law Service, 1st ed.” W Montezuma to the shores ipinos are losing their jobs and credo of many consular and immi- icans. an 8-volume practice guide for im- of Tripoli,” I am reminded of my son maybe even their lives because of gration officers who are denying for Why doesn’t the rest of the migration officers and lawyers. Lis- Noel, a Major in the U.S. Marine the bombardment of Libya by the flimsy reasons applications for im- world emulate China’s wise policy? ten to the most funny, witty, and Corps, as he marched off to “fight three amigos – United States, migration benefits or deporting The leaders of the U.S., France, and useful radio program in Hawaii on our country’s battles” not in Tripoli France, and Britain avowedly to aliens without balancing their posi- Britain profess to be Christians. Why KNDI at 1270, AM dial every Tues- but in Iraq. Thank God, he is back in save civilian lives in the wake of the tive and negative character traits. don’t they hearken to the Biblical in- day at 7:30 a.m. and on KHBC at Hawaii unscathed and is now prac- rebellion by anti-Khadafians. In- Why don’t the three amigos at- junction: “Not by might, nor by 1060, AM dial every Thursday at 8 ticing law with me. stead of saving lives, the bombard- tack the Somali pirates who consti- power, but by my spirit, saith the p.m. This article is a general When First Lady Imelda Mar- ment has actually caused the death tute more of a threat to humanity? Lord.” Zechariah 4:6. overview of the subject matter dis- cos traveled to Tripoli, Libya to ask of scores of innocent Libyans, in- American vessels have been hi- cussed and is not intended as legal Col. Khadafy to intercede with the cluding children. jacked by these pirates. Recently, advice. No warranty is made by the Muslims who had set Mindanao Khadafy has not harmed any the yacht of an American couple (ATTY. TIPON has a Master of writer or publisher as to its com- ablaze, she was ushered into the Americans, French, or Britons nor planning to distribute Bibles in Africa Laws degree from Yale Law School pleteness or correctness at the time tent of Khadafy. According to an an- has he placed their interests in jeop- was captured by the pirates. They and a Bachelor of Laws degree from of publication.) ecdote, the Libyan leader was being ardy. This unprovoked attack by the were killed. Que barbaridad! What massaged by a masseuse. He was three amigos does not appear justi- did the brave Mr. Obama and his co- F O R L E A S E - O F F I C E S P A C E S unclad. In his excitement to meet fied. It is a blatant interference in the horts do? Nothing, awan, wala. Imelda, Khadafy forgot to wrap him- internal affairs of a sovereign state. In February 1986, sympathiz- LOCATED IN THE HEART OF WAIPAHU. self in a towel. “Kadako!” exclaimed They say Khadafy is a dictator. ers of Cory Aquino, who lost the NEAR BUS STOP. EASY ACCESS TO THE FREEWAY. Imelda in Visayan. “It’s Khadafy, Has he forced Libyans to buy health election to Marcos, appealed to VARIOUS SIZES AVAILABLE (IN SQ. FT.): madam,” replied Khadafy. insurance or ordered straight sol- China to join the U.S. in pressuring Khadafy has been good to Fil- diers to fight alongside gays? Marcos to resign and give her the 110, 230, 253, 262, 315 ipinos. He negotiated a cease fire As the aphorism says: “Might presidency. China replied that the FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL between the Philippine government makes right,” meaning “that people contested election was an internal RENTAL MASTERS @ 678-8930 OR 284-4185 and the Moro National Liberation who have power can do whatever affair of the Philippines, Marcos had HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 8 TRAVELOGUE APRIL 2, 2011 -Clark: Your Gateway to the World

RENDEZVOUS by Christine S. Dayrit he real voyage of discovery covery. They were impressed with consists not in seeking new what they saw and enlightened by Tlandscapes but in having new what they learned. With the recent eyes.” Voltaire’s keystone maxim natural double-catastrophe that hit simply suggests that we see things Japan, we received word that the beyond what we look at. lessons they learned from their trip Our late dad Vincent Dayrit di- to Pinatubo are helping them cope. Fort Stotsenburg, the former name of Clark Air Field, vulged to us siblings before he died Our indefatigable tour leader, Guy was established by the US Cavalry in 1902. 14 years ago that he envisioned it “Indra” Hilbero, who has trekked this would take short of a decade for his area 42 times as head of the Ma- a life detached from material de- revealed that Mabalacat became a carrier at Diosdado Macapagal In- beloved province and its balacat Tourism Council, estab- sires. They espouse their amazing town in 1712 thus they were prepar- ternational Airport and over 60 environs to embrace unprecedented lished the four routes to reach the belief that everything here is alive ing to celebrate the town’s 400th an- flights a week to date, DMIA is ex- progress and development. He also most amazing spots here. His work and take their role as stewards of niversary. He further added, “We pected to be the premier interna- said that from the ashes caused by includes a collaboration with Robbie the environment seriously. We have have a comprehensive land use tional gateway where the airbus 380 the explosion of Mt. Pinatubo, a Tantingco, director of Center for Ka- much to learn from them. plan and master plan. We have the can land. promising future would emerge. pampangan studies, Holy Angel The spectacular scenery of gi- spacious Diosdado Macapagal In- Other attractions here are the The dazzling diamonds that University on the book entitled “A gantic boulders, exotic plants, rolling ternational Airport (DMIA), the Clark Global Gateway Logistics City signify beauty and grace were Volcano in Our Backyard” This will terrains of verdant greens, romantic Freeport Zone, investment and in- (GGLC) comprised of 177 hectares formed by tremendous heat and be launched on June 15, 2011 on streams, gurgling brooks, various centive opportunities, several parks, with over four million square meters pressure just like a scenic caldera is the 20th anniversary of the Pinatubo rock formations may remind you of lush trees, lots of new infrastructure space available. It is bigger than formed when the volcanic move- eruptions. Guy shared that the infa- Switzerland, New Zealand, Grand and world class hotels.” Fort Bonifacio and the Makati Cen- ment sends its vent crashing down mous volcano that erupted in 1991 Canyon and Sedona in Arizona. The premier address to stay tral Business District with an initial as pyroclastic debris are ejected after centuries of dormancy is Some of the trekkers exclaimed it is here is in the well-appointed Holiday investment of $2 billion from Kuwait from the fiery bowels. Yes, the most recorded as the biggest and most like being in shangri-la or finding Inn Clark, in close proximity to the Gulf Link 2. The former Expo Filipino enchanting beauty can be borne destructive volcanic eruption in the your lost horizon. You can also take 36-hole Mimosa Golf and Country has been transformed into the Clark from adversity. recent years. He said that nature the Cessna flights that hover above Club. Just five minutes drive from Education City. Billion dollar busi- A trip north of Manila last month has a graceful way of correcting its the volcano and its vistas. the DMIA, this 299-key hotel evoca- ness conglomerates like UPS, took me to a precious tourist desti- own wrath as we prepared to trek to Upon viewing the emerald- tive of an elegant colonial mansion Texas Instruments, Phoenix Semi- nation in — Mt. the crater to view the tranquil and turquoise waters that sparkle from has a huge palm tree-lined outdoor conductors (a subsidiary of Sam- Pinatubo, led by my brother Mark, majestic 2.5-km crater-lake. the dint of the sun, one can’t help pool, which, together with its posh sung) and more have chosen Clark brother-in-law Pael Romualdez, de- What used to be a five-hour but be amazed by how one’s sense spa, commands rest and relaxation. as the hub of operations. sign planner Kenny Quintal and 10 hike has been conveniently reduced of fatigue or weariness suddenly Over a hearty lunch of exotic and There is also the “Next Fron- Japanese entrpreneurs who in- to an hour. The natives called Aetas, dissipates at this marvelous sight. delectable Brazilian spit roasts fea- tier,” the 10,684-hectare vast ex- tended to study how we as a nation the original inhabitants of these One surmises one is in wonderland, turing a selection of mouthwatering panse of land adjacent to the Clark coped with the disaster of Mt lands, serve as your gracious in a sanctuary of magical healing. certified Angus Beef steaks and Freeport Zone, which is ideal for Pinatubo’s explosion. The Japanese guides for the trek as they narrate One can swim in these calm waters Mongolian barbecue at the Rodizio tourism, light industrial, agro-indus- contingent specifically came to learn interesting stories of survival. They but due to the sulphur content, fish Roof Top Grill of Holiday Inn, we trial and commercial development. about disaster management and re- have chosen to remain here and live cannot survive. From the dramatic learned more about synergy of Ma- For decades, was the balacat and Clark. This famous roof largest base outside mainland USA. The Diosdado Macapagal International crevices, steam emanates like gen- Airport (DMIA) in Clark is an entry point to tle smoke towards the heavens. Mt. top grill also boasts a walk-in wine It was established by the US Cav- the Asia Pacific region. Pinatubo can be reached from the cellar that will surely make even the alry in 1902 as Fort Stotsenburg. Crow Valley nearby, where the most discerning wine connoisseur Today graceful old homes with large bombing and gunnery range of the sated. verandas called barn houses by the American forces used to be. Today, Did you know that 95 percent former occupants are well pre- it is the gateway to one of Mother of Clark is located inside Mabala- served to remind visitors of the Nature’s most spectacular treas- cat? EVP of Clark Development grandeur of Fort Stotsenburg. ures. Corp. Philip Panlilio welcomed us In retrospect, Mabalacat, once “Mabalacat has much more to to his office. We learned that Ma- a settlement of a Negrito tribe that be proud of as it prepares to be a balacat-Clark, the gateway to the occupied an area inhabited by vir- component city this year,” said the world, is fast emerging as a globally tual forests of balacat trees four cen- dynamic Mabalacat Mayor Mariano competitive, logistically efficient lo- turies ago has evolved into the “Boking” Morales after the trek. He cation for information and commu- dynamic and progressive haven that nication, technology aviation, it is. Make the time to visit this industrial, business and tourism. Al- booming and progressive soon-to- most the size of Singapore, Clark be-city, under the leadership of lies 80 km. north of Manila, 90 min- Pampanga Gov. Lilia “Nanay Baby” utes’ drive along the North Luzon Pineda and Mayor Morales, and dis- Expressway. You can reach Subic cover the many wonderful activities within a 45-minute drive and the and possibilities of this dynamic Hacienda Luisita in in 15 place. Mayor Morales added, “At the minutes via the scenic Subic-Clark rate we’re going, we can be Tarlac Expressway. A natural entry Manoma or Makati North of Manila point to the Asia Pacific Region, in the near future. This is our vision. Clark is only a three-and-a-half- We must dream big.” hour flying time away from Hong There is so much more in store. Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Mabalacat is one destination that is Korea and other key points in Asia. better experienced than explained. With increasing flights by Air Asia Dad was right after all. (South East Asia’s) largest budget (www.philstar.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION APRIL 2, 2011 PHILIPPINE NEWS 9

bingan burial with official honors is Pinoys Divided on Marcos Burial 31 percent in class D, 29 percent in percent in class ABC support and class ABC, and 29 percent in class by Helen FLORES/ the Heroes Cemetery or not?” 50 Thursday, March 31, 2011 46 percent oppose it; among re- E. percent answered “Worthy to be spondents in class D or “masa,” 50 On the other hand, preference MANILA, Philippines - FILIPINOS buried in the Heroes Cemetery,” 49 percent support and 49 percent op- for a private Libingan burial is 24 ARE DIVIDED ON THE PRO- percent answered “Not worthy to pose it; among those in class E, 51 percent in class ABC, 22 percent in POSED BURIAL of former Presi- be buried in the Heroes Cemetery,” percent support and 49 percent op- class E, and 19 percent in class D. dent Ferdinand Marcos at the and one percent had no answer. pose. The SWS survey used face-to- Libingan ng mga Bayani, a non- SWS also asked respondents Those who favor a Libingan face interviews of 1,200 adults in commissioned survey by the Social who favored Marcos’ burial at the burial with official honors for Mar- Metro Manila, the balance of Luzon, Weather Stations (SWS) revealed Libingan ng mga Bayani the ques- cos are 34 percent in balance Visayas, and Mindanao. yesterday. tion, “Do you think he deserves a Luzon, 32 percent in Metro Manila, It has sampling error margins of The First Quarter of 2011 So- burial with official honors or a pri- 26 percent in the Visayas, and 24 plus or minus three percentage cial Weather Survey, conducted vate burial only?” to which 30 per- percent in Mindanao. points for national percentages and from March 4 to 7, found 50 per- cent said he should be “buried with Former President Ferdinand Marcos Those who prefer having only plus or minus six percentage points cent of Filipinos favored the burial official honors,” and 20 percent said However, majorities of respon- a private Libingan burial for the for- for area percentages. of Marcos at the Libingan ng mga “private burial only.” dents, 59 percent in Mindanao and mer president are 26 percent in Over 200 lawmakers, including Bayani while 49 percent said other- The survey found majorities of 54 percent in the Visayas, oppose Metro Manila, 20 percent in bal- those from the opposition, have wise. respondents, or 58 percent in it. ance Luzon, 20 percent in the signed a resolution urging President To the survey question, “In Metro Manila and 54 percent in bal- SWS said opinions on Marcos’ Visayas, and 16 percent in Min- Aquino to allow the burial of the re- your opinion, is the body of ex- ance Luzon, supporting Marcos’ burial at the Libingan ng mga danao. mains of Marcos at the Libingan ng Pres. Marcos worthy to be buried in burial at the Libingan. Bayani are split across classes: 53 By class, preference for a Li- mga Bayani. (www.philstar.com) Lawmakers Want Increase in Assistance to OFWs by Jess DIAZ/ complete failure if government KMU chair Elmer Labog Cruz said it’s so saddening to Thursday, March 31, 2011 cannot allocate funds for the said as fellow Filipinos, local see the young kids crying, knowing safety and bailout of Filipinos workers could also feel the pain their parent would be executed. MANILA, Philippines - THE EXE- caught in dire situations abroad,” of Villanueva, Batain and He said there are many Chi- CUTION YESTERDAY OF Casiño said. Credo’s loved ones. nese in the Philippines who also THREE FILIPINO CONVICTED The lawmakers extended KMU criticized President commit grave offenses yet they are DRUG COURIERS in China has their condolences and sympa- Aquino for issuing a “shallow” di- not sentenced to die. prompted lawmakers to call for a thies to the families of Sally Vil- rective to the Philippine Over- Cruz said based on reports, substantial increase in funds for lanueva, Elizabeth Batain and seas Employment Administration there are many more Filipinos sen- legal assistance to overseas Filipino Ramon Credo who were exe- and Overseas Workers Welfare tenced to die in China. “When will workers (OFWs) facing criminal cuted by lethal injection in China. Administration to ensure that in- this ever end?” he asked. charges in their host countries. “Even as we are saddened ternational drug syndicates will The umbrella group Bagong Seven representatives of mili- by the news of their execution, not recruit Filipinos again. Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said tant party-list groups in the House of lessons must be learned. Much Labog said Aquino’s direc- the government should review and Representatives proposed that the needs to be done so that no other tive only showed that the gov- abandon its labor-export policy after Rep. Teddy Casiño Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) OFW will have the same fate as ernment would not be doing the three Filipinos were executed in legal assistance fund for OFWs Sally Villanueva, Elizabeth Batain ployment, P500 million to the De- much to really address poverty and China. should be increased from the pres- and Ramon Credo,” Ilagan said. partment of Trade and Industry and unemployment in the country, but is “Government should work to ent P30 million to P500 million. She said thousands of OFWs P2.5 billion to the Department of the desperately trying to appear to be provide long-term employment op- The authors of the supplemen- are in very similar circumstances in Interior and Local Government. doing something for the Filipino portunities in the country so that Fil- tal budget bill are Representatives various jails in China and the Middle Local workers yesterday ex- workers. ipinos will not have to go abroad and Teddy Casiño and Neri Colmenares East. pressed grief over the execution of Retired Lingayen-Dagupan be vulnerable to exploitation. Gov- of Bayan Muna, Luz Ilagan and “We have documented at least three Filipinos convicted of drug traf- Archbishop Oscar Cruz said it is ernment should also exert more ef- Emmi de Jesus of Gabriela, Rafael 125 OFWs in death row, of which 85 ficking in China. heartbreaking for the young children fort to protect OFWs from drug Mariano of Anakpawis, Raymond are drug-related cases. There are The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) of the three Filipinos executed in traffickers and others who are out to Palatino of Kabataan, and Antonio over 7,000 OFWs in jail in different said the execution of the three Fil- China, adding they would forever exploit them,” Bayan secretary-gen- Tinio of ACT Teachers. parts of the world,” she said. ipinos proved once again that the bear an inexplicable trauma in their eral Renato Reyes said. They made the proposal in Bill DFA officials have assured the government is incapable of protect- minds. (www.philstar.com) 4406, which seeks the appropriation families of Villanueva, Batain and ing the people. of a P9-billion supplemental budget Credo that they have provided the “This is very sad day for the Fil- for this year to augment funds for necessary assistance to the three ipino workers and people. The exe- “unforeseen circumstances and de- suspected drug couriers, including cution of Sally Ordinario-Villanueva, velopments that affect our OFWs in lawyers and interpreters. Elizabeth Batain and Ramon Credo Asia, North Africa and the Middle The bulk of the proposed P9- is a painful reminder of how far Fil- East.” billion 2011 supplemental budget ipinos have been pushed by ex- Some P5.5 billion of the P9 bil- would be used to extricate OFWs in treme poverty, chronic joblessness lion in additional funds would go to countries facing political turmoil and low wages in the country, and the DFA, including the P500-million such as Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, how the Philippine government is augmentation to the OFW legal as- Yemen, and Bahrain. Of the powerless in protecting migrant Fil- sistance fund. amount, P500 million would go to ipinos abroad,” KMU said in a state- “Our foreign policy will be a the Department of Labor and Em- ment. PNoy: Gov't Steadfast in Going

After Drug Syndicates There are Filipinos languishing in jails all over the world, especially by Aurea CALICA/ Thursday, March 31, 2011 In a statement, Mr. Aquino said in the Middle East, because of their in the first quarter of this year alleged involvement in drug traf- MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) -- alone, the National Capital Region ficking, noted Mr. Aquino. PRESIDENT BENIGNO Police Office has seized metham- "Our ultimate goal is to create AQUINO III SAID TODAY phetamine hydrochloride with a a situation where people are not THAT SINCE HE ASSUMED market value of P1.4 billion, shut pressured to resort to these things, the presidency in June last year, his down two illegal drug laboratories where they can find enough gainful administration has been steadfast and arrested 23 foreign nationals employment in the Philippines," the in going after drug syndicates. involved in drug trade. President said. (www.philstar.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 10 APRIL 2, 2011 PHILIPPINE NEWS BSP Trims Growth Target on about 16 percent or $2.96 billion of the total OFW Inflows OFW remittances last year. More than half or $1.644 billion came from Saudi Arabia followed Lawrence AGCAOILI by / by the United Arab Emirates with $776.3 mil- Monday, March 18, 2011 lion, Qatar with $248.8 million, Bahrain with MANILA, Philippines - THE BANGKO SEN- $167.28 million, Kuwait with $106.5 million, Is- TRAL NG PILIPINAS (BSP) IS SET TO rael with $67.3 million, Oman with $66.76 mil- CUT THE GROWTH TARGET on overseas lion, and others. Filipino workers’ remittances due to the politi- On the other hand, Asian countries ac- cal tensions in Middle East and North African counted for 12.6 percent to $2.36 billion of the (MENA) states and the disasters in Japan. total amount of money sent home by OFWs BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo last year. Japan was the major contributor with said authorities would review the country’s $883 million followed by Singapore with monetary targets aimed at lowering the growth $734.13 million, Hong Kong with $362.5 mil- target on remittances from Filipinos abroad as lion, and Taiwan with $121.7 million. well as its corresponding impact on the balance He pointed out that developments abroad of payments (BOP) position. play a crucial role in the country’s external pay- “There could be some downward adjust- ments position. ments,” Guinigundo stressed. As of October last year, the BSP set an The BSP sees OFW remittances growing eight percent growth target for OFW remit- by another eight percent, breaching the $20 bil- tances and sees the country’s BOP surplus sta- lion level this year. bilizing at $1.9 billion. OFW remittances went up by 8.2 percent However, Guinigundo said the BSP is now to hit a new record level of $18.76 billion last looking at a lower OFW remittance growth tar- year from $17.348 billion in 2009 due to the get and a higher BOP surplus. continued demand of skilled Filipino workers BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said abroad. earlier that the central bank sees the country’s He pointed out that the BSP would take BOP surplus ranging between $6 billion and $8 into consideration the political tensions in billion while the country’s gross international re- MENA states as well as the 8.9 magnitude serves (GIR) would hit a new record high of earthquake and tsunami in Japan when it re- $68 billion to $70 billion. views the country’s monetary targets next The country’s GIR - the sum of all foreign month. exchange flowing into the country - surged He added that the BSP usually conducts 36.8 percent to a record level $62.371 billion a review of the country’s monetary targets last year from $45.03 billion in 2009 while the every April and October of each year to look BOP - the difference of foreign exchange in- into developments affecting the country’s ex- flows and outflows - posted a new all-time ternal payments position. high surplus of $14.4 billion from $6.42 billion. Countries in the Middle East accounted for (www.philstar.com) House Leader Blames Church for Uncontrolled Pregnancies in Phl Rose TAMAYO-TESORIO by and A study done by the University of the Evelyn MACAIRAN / Philippines Population Institute showed that an Tuesday, March 29, 2011 average of 500,000 abortions are performed in MANILA, Philippines - HOUSE MINORITY the country every year. LEADER EDCEL LAGMAN BLAMES “It is likewise financial violence because THE CHURCH OPPOSITION to the Repro- unremitting pregnancies prevent women from ductive Health (RH) Bill for the uncontrolled finishing their education and securing remu- pregnancies of many poor Filipino women. nerative work for which reason they are con- Lagman, principal author of the RH Bill, demned to financial subjugation,” Lagman said. said “unremitting” pregnancies can be consid- Last Friday, the Catholic leaders and pro- ered “serious cases of violence against life groups held a rally with 40,000 followers at women.” the Quirino Grandstand to oppose the passage He also blamed the government for “pro- of the RH bill in Congress. crastinating” on the passage of the bill, and the Among the prominent personalities who men who impose themselves on their partners joined the rally was boxing superstar and without proper contraception. Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, a staunch A National Demographic and Health Sur- oppositionist of the bill who believes the use of vey showed that 11 women die daily from child- artificial contraceptives is a mortal sin. bearing causes. “As a Catholic and God believer, I firmly “This form of violence against women con- believe that artificial birth control method is stitutes physical, psychological and financial vi- against the will of God,” he told The STAR. “Ar- olence which are punishable under Republic tificial birth control could not address the na- Act No. 9262 or the ‘Anti Violence Against tion’s poverty and cannot cure our country’s Women and Their Children Act’,” he said. economy. It is the rampant corruption in the Lagman said uncontrolled pregnancy is a government that should be eliminated.” form of physical violence because it causes A member of the Catholic Bishops’ Con- health risks and may even cause death. It is ference of the Philippines, who requested likewise psychological violence because anonymity, said the Catholic hierarchy actually women may be driven to commit abortion be- misses former President Gloria Macapagal-Ar- cause of the economic constraints in raising a royo, who supported their pro-life stance. child. (www.philstar.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION APRIL 2, 2011 PHILIPPINE NEWS 11 tions with the MILF after it appears Peace Between Gov't, MILF Still a Long Shot that its leadership cannot control some of its armed factions. separate armed struggle against the In a joint statement, the oppo- by Paolo ROMERO/ government. Wednesday, March 30, 2011 sition group said any peace agree- In a recent interview at Camp ment that may be forged with the MANILA (Xinhua) – AFTER AN Darapanan in Maguindanao on the MILF would be useless if the rebel INITIAL OPTIMISM THAT THE southern Mindanao island, the group's leaders cannot control their PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT BE- stronghold of the main Muslim rebel more militant factions who may not NIGNO AQUINO III'S administra- group, MILF chieftain Al-Haj Murad honor a pact that could come out tion could finally sign a peace confirmed that the 70-year-old from the negotiations. accord with the secessionist Moro Ombra Kato, former chief of the The minority bloc also urged Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), MILF's 105th Base Command, has the Aquino administration to be there are now some doubts that this left the movement seven months ceasefire agreement. MILF. careful in dealing with the commu- could be achieved in the short term. ago. Kato has also been blamed for The Brussels-based Interna- nist National Democratic Front as its Although the next round of talks After the botched signing of the aggressive attacks against military tional Crisis Group (ICG) has said armed wing, the New People's Army are scheduled in Kuala Lumpur Aug. 5, 2008 Memorandum of forces and residents, particularly that the problem with Kato has com- (NPA), continues to commit atroci- from April 27 to 28, a serious internal Agreement on Ancestral Domain Christians. plicated the already difficult negoti- ties despite the resumption of the squabble within the top hierarchy of (MOA-AD), Kato and his men at- Kato has been vocal about his ations between the two sides after peace talks. the MILF could derail the resump- tacked Christian communities in all-out war plan against the govern- they were scuttled in 2008 with the "We are greatly disturbed by tion of the negotiation and, if not re- Central Mindanao in the dead of the ment and insisted that the govern- scrapping of the MOA-AD. the breakaway of a rogue MILF unit solved, could trigger more night, killing scores of innocent civil- ment should revive the provisions of The ICG said that there are and continuing NPA attacks and bloodshed in the southern Philip- ians, including children and women. the MOA-AD, which the Supreme now serious doubts on whether the ploys to release captured insur- pines. The MOA-AD would have granted Court has found unconstitutional. 11,000-strong MILF can deliver on gents," Dimaporo said. The root cause of the MILF expanded autonomy, including He said that the Aquino government any accord that might emerge from "If rebel leaders cannot control problem is Ameril Ombra Kato, a rights to ancestral lands, to Muslim is not offering anything beneficial to the negotiations, especially in main- their units, then the government hardline Moro commander, who has Filipinos. the Muslims in Mindanao. taining peace and security in the must reassess the wisdom of re- since bolted from the MILF Com- After the massacre, govern- Because of Kato's intransi- area. suming negotiations, which may mand with thousands of his armed ment forces pursued Kato but he gence, some sectors have now ex- Members of a minority bloc in just allow enemies of the Republic followers and formed the sought sanctuary in MILF camps, pressed grave concerns about the the House of Representatives have to strengthen their positions," the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom which were off-limits to military outcome of the talks between the even urged the government to re- opposition statement said. Fighter (BIFF). He vowed to wage a forces because of the existing Philippine government and the think its move to pursue negotia- (www.philstar.com)

since last year. The P114 billion pro- Admin Mulls P117-Billion Local Borrowings grammed borrowing for the first quarter of 2011 is higher than the Iris C. GONZALES by / For Treasury bonds, the gov- similar to the previous quarter. Fur- hit P314.4 billion or 3.7 percent of 2010 fourth quarter borrowing pro- Thursday, March 31, 2011 ernment is selling P54 billion worth thermore, the Treasury is selling four, gross domestic product. gram of P75 billion and year-ago MANILA, Philippines - THE of T-bonds, lower than the P63-bil- seven and 10- year debt papers. The local borrowing program borrowing program of P110.5 billion. AQUINO ADMINISTRATION lion programmed T-bond sale in the The government issues Treas- has been increasing every quarter (www.philstar.com) PLANS TO BORROW P117 bil- previous quarter. ury bills and lion from the local debt market in the Under the planned borrowing bonds to finance second quarter of next year, higher schedule for the second quarter, the its budget deficit. than the first quarter borrowing pro- Treasury increased anew the size of This year, the gram of P114 billion, the Bureau of its T-bill auctions to P9 billion from government is the Treasury (BTr) announced yes- P8.5 billion previously. Of the eyeing to contain terday. amount, the government is selling the budget deficit In a statement, the Treasury P1.5 billion worth of the 91-day at P300 billion or said that the government plans to paper, P3.5 billion for the 182-day 3.2 percent of sell P63 billion worth of Treasury paper and P4 billion for the one-year total economic bills from April to June, higher than debt. output. the previous quarter’s offer of P51 For T-bonds, the Treasury main- Last year, billion. tained the auction size at P9 billion, the budget gap Gov't Asks Local Executives to Help Combat Human these agencies into Trafficking court. by Paolo ROMERO/ He warned local ex- Wednesday, March 30, 2011 ecutives who will fail to decisively act on illegal MANILA (Xinhua) – THE PHILIP- recruitment and human PINE GOVERNMENT SOUGHT trafficking concerns will on Wednesday the cooperation of the be meted out with disci- local executives to strictly inspect and plinary actions for gross monitor the operations of licensed re- negligence or dereliction cruitment agencies in their respective of duty. DILG Sec. localities to intensify campaign against Robredo, who is illegal recruitment and human trafficking. also the concurrent chairperson of the Na- "There is a need for the support of the tional Police Commission (Napolcom), di- local government units for the government's rected Philippine National Police chief intensified campaign against illegal recruit- Director General Raul Bacalzo to monitor ment because many of our fellowmen be- and help address said problems and cause came victims of these shrewd illegal the filing of charges against illegal recruiters recruiters," said Interior and Local Govern- and human traffickers. ment Secretary Jesse Robredo. "I expect the submission of periodic re- Robredo urged local officials to revoke ports on your accomplishments regarding the business permit of agencies found to be the anti-illegal recruitment and trafficking engaged in illegal recruitment and human campaigns to the Napolcom," he said. trafficking. He also asked local officials to hale (www.philstar.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 12 PHILIPPINE NEWS APRIL 2, 2011 many are these projects. These were also the same is- New 6-year Blueprint to Help Phl Catch sues raised by the participants to the World Bank-organized forum. up with ASEAN Neighbors plans, as a rule, should have a They said that to deliver on the tar- solid, comprehensive chapter on fi- gets set by the PDP while reducing by Paolo ROMERO / is to maintain high growth rates that clusive growth, which would create nancing and the Plan has none. corruption and improving equity, Thursday, March 31, 2011 could impact on the country' s mar- massive employment opportunities Diokno stressed that there is a there is a need for new tax policies Manila (Xinhua) – THE WORLD ginalized sector. and significantly reduce poverty. need to explain the financing gap in or an in-depth tax administration re- BANK AND OTHER DEVEL- He said, however, that the pro- But the PDP 2011-2016 is not the development plan. "How will it form. OPMENT PARTNERS OF THE grams and policies presented in the without its critics. Former Budget be financed? How much will be fi- To achieve fiscal consolidation PHILIPPINES have expressed PDP 2011-2016 have the potential and Management Secretary Ben- nanced through improved tax col- and increase priority spending it is confidence that the newly-unveiled to achieve sustained inclusive jamin Diokno pointed out one seri- lection or through tax reform, which essential for the government to 2011-2016 Philippine Development growth for the country. ous flaw in the PDP: it is fuzzy on the Aquino government is resist- raise taxes and strengthen its tax Plan (PDP) would spur economic President Aquino formally ap- how it would be financed. ing?" Diokno asked. collection. But for reasons of its growth in the country for the next proved the PDP 2011-2016 after its Diokno, who now teaches eco- He also asked on how will the own, the Aquino administration is six years. presentation by the National Eco- nomics at the University of the public-private partnership projects coy to this idea at the moment. It could also be a vehicle for nomic and Development Authority Philippines, said that development be financed and what and how (www.philstar.com) the Philippines, which is lagging be- (NEDA) on March 28. hind in economic development in NEDA Director General and the region, to catch up with its Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Gov't Urges Exporters to Diversify neighbors, particularly in ASEAN. Cayetano W. Paderanga Jr. said added. Speaking to the participants to that the primary goal of the PDP is But Domingo said uncertainties the recently-concluded 2011 Philip- to create "inclusive growth, not the Their Markets ent significant trading opportunities brought about by the political crisis pine Development Forum, World trickle-down and jobless growth by Paolo ROMERO / for our manufacturers and ex- in the Middle East and the disasters Bank country director Bert Hofman that we had in the past years." Thursday, March 31, 2011 porters. We want businesses to in Japan could only be temporary said that renewed optimism and a He said that among the key MANILA (Xinhua) – THE PHILIP- benefit from our FTA markets and and not necessarily have a long strong trust of the Filipino people in targets of the PDP are an annual PINE GOVERNMENT URGED this can be achieved by knowing the term impact on exports. President Benigno Aquino III would economic growth of seven to eight LOCAL EXPORTERS to diver- available trade preferences and how But at the same time, Interna- help create an inclusive growth for percent and the achievement of the sify markets in particular those to utilize these," Trade and Industry tional Trade Undersecretary Adrian the Philippines under the PDP Millennium Development Goals where the country has free trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said Cristobal Jr. said the trade depart- 2011-2016. (MDGs). agreements (FTAs) amid uncer- Thursday. ment is reviewing the country's ex- Hofman said that participants The MDGs are a set of specific tainties in Japan and Middle East "We are also encouraging them port targets to determine if it has to to the forum have lauded the and time-bound development goals markets. to look into other markets to in- adjust the goals and strategies. Aquino administration for its com- committed by international govern- "Free trade agreements pres- crease their export revenues," he (www.philstar.com) mitment to fiscal responsibiity, ments to be achieved by 2015. transparency and performance. "To achieve inclusive growth, According to Hofman, the par- the country needs to achieve a high ticipants noted the strong growth and sustained growth path, provide Gov't Disputes Corrupt posted in 2010, the timely passage equal access to development op- of the first budget of the administra- portunities across social spectrums, Assessment Findings strengthening the fight against tion, and the priority given to the and implement responsive social government corruption. by Aurea CALICA / conditional cash transfers program safety nets that would assist those She said that the perception Wednesday, March 30, 2011 and the household targeting system. who are left behind by the character of the respondents over a thou- The Philippine economy per- of growth," Paderanga said. MANILA (Xinhua) -- THE PHILIP- sand business executives working formed strongly last year, growing by He said that the PDP would PINE GOVERNMENT ON in Asiahad been apparently influ- a 34-year-high 7.3 percent compared transform President Aquino's "So- WEDNESDAY DISPUTED a enced by the congressional hear- with just 1.1 percent in 2009. The cial Contract with the Filipino Peo- finding of a Hong Kong-based risk ings on alleged corruption in the 2010 growth rate was also higher ple" into effective, efficient and consultancy firm that the country is military, committed during the pre- than the government's target of 5 per- inclusive interventions that will perceived to be the most corrupt vious administration, especially as cent to 6 percent for that year. For this guide government agencies. nation in Asia. the survey period was from No- year, the government is aiming for 7 According to Paderanga, the Deputy Presidential vember 2010 to February 2011. to 8 percent GDP growth. overarching theme of the PDP Spokesperson Abigail Valte said In the PERC survey, the But the main challenge for the 2011- 2016 is good governance that the findings of the latest Asian Philippines maintained its rank as government, according to Hofman, and anti-corruption in achieving in- Intelligence Report of Political and third worst, in terms of corruption, Economic Risk Consultancy, Ltd. among 16 countries in the Asia- Abigail Valte (PERC) is "very contrary" to the Pacific included in the poll. level of optimism in the Philippines Valte said the group "wel- The Philippines obtained a expressed by visiting business ex- comed the thrust of the govern- score of 8.9, slightly higher than ecutives. ment when it came to the 8.25 score it got in 2010. Re- Valte said in a press briefing anti-corruption and they agreed spondents were asked to rank the that President Benigno Aquino III with moves to rationalize laws countries in terms of corruption on met with representatives of the when it came to investments and a scale of one to 10, with one US-Asean Business Council incentives." being the least corrupt and 10 as Wednesday morning. Valte said the President is the worst.(www.philstar.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION APRIL 2, 2011 LEGAL NOTES 13 interim procedure, the agency will give deference to determinations H-1B Filing Starts April 1 made since June 6, 2006, that a non-profit entity is indeed related to cap of 85,000 on H-1B petitions, of also a specific section in the H-1B tition filed on their behalf is ap- or affiliated with an institution of which 20,000 is reserved for work- Data Collection Supplement asking proved and their status changes ef- higher education, but the burden ers with an advanced degree from the employer yes/no questions on fective October 1st. remains on the petitioner to prove a U.S. university. For fiscal year off-site assignment. This regulation remedies the such relation or affiliation. The em- 2011, the 20,000 cap was reached Second, the revised Form I-129 dilemma faced by F-1 students with ployer may do this by submitting a on December 24, 2010, while the also incorporates in the same sup- OPT work authorization which ends copy of a previously-approved cap- 65,000 cap was reached on Janu- plement the fee increase imposed one year after their graduation or exempt petition and a copy of the ary 26, 2010. by Public Law 111-230, which was usually in June. Under the new reg- approval notice. There have been recent signif- signed into law in August 2010. H- ulation, these graduates no longer The USCIS has also clarified by Reuben S. icant developments in the H-1B 1B petitioners that employ 50 or need to depart the U.S. and re- that where the proposed H-1B em- SEGURITAN program that need to be high- more employees in the U.S. with enter after a few months in time for ployment will occur in more than lighted. more than 50% of its U.S. employ- the start of their H-1B employment. one location, the state where the First, the USCIS has intro- ees in H-1B or L status must pay an The graduates’ status and work petitioner’s primary office is located n April 1, 2011, the USCIS will duced certain revisions in its Form additional fee of $2,000. permit are automatically extended will determine the appropriate Serv- start accepting cap-subject H- I-129, the principal form for the H- Another development in the H- until USCIS approves the H-1B pe- ice Center to which the Form I-129 O 1B petitions for employment 1B petition. One change in the lat- 1B program that should not be tition that was filed by the employer must be filed, regardless of the ac- beginning on October 1, 2011. est revised form pertains to overlooked is the “cap-gap” regula- before the expiration of the OPT. tual work locations. Cases are considered accepted on additional questions for employers tion. This regulation allows F-1 visa Very recently, the USCIS also the date USCIS receives a properly seeking to sponsor employees who holders who are graduates of U.S. announced that it is reviewing its REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been prac- filed petition and the correct fee has will perform off-site work. In such universities and are working under policy on the H-1B cap exemption ticing law for over 30 years. For further in- been submitted, not the date that cases, the new form asks whether the optional practical training (OPT) for “non-profit entities that are re- formation, you may call him at (212) 695 the petition is postmarked. the employer has included an itin- program to remain in the U.S. and lated to or affiliated with an institu- 5281 or log on to his website at www.seguri- There is an annual numerical erary with the petition. There is now continue working until the H-1B pe- tion of higher education”. As an tan.com MAINLAND NEWS Developing Economies' Lead Over Rivals Poses Risks WASHINGTON (AP) – THE dented degree, the developing on the world's economic perform- Nobel Prize-winning economist among the 20 largest WORLD'S BIGGEST world is driving the global recovery, ance. Joseph Stiglitz of Columbia Univer- economies plus Argentina and ECONOMIES ARE RECOVER- instead of relying on the United Leading the transformation is sity. He and others fear that too South Africa. ING from the Great Recession at States for economic leadership as it China, an economic backwater much money flowing to developing • Speedy growth is triggering in- troublesome speeds: too fast or too used to. This picture emerges from three decades ago that last year re- economies is driving up commodity flation in emerging countries. slow. The Associated Press' new Global placed Japan as the world's sec- prices and inflating dangerous bub- The countries where con- China, India and other major Economy Tracker, a quarterly ond-biggest economy. Japan, after bles in emerging market stocks and sumer prices rose the most developing countries quickly re- analysis of 22 countries that ac- more than a decade of stagnation, housing prices. last year were Argentina, India turned to breakneck rates of growth count for more than 80 percent of is struggling again in the aftermath Rapid growth in the developing and Russia. after escaping the worst of the eco- the world's economic output. of the earthquake and nuclear dis- world is also pulling jobs and in- • High unemployment is plagu- nomic downturn in 2008 and 2009. The shakeup in the world's aster that struck earlier this month. vestment from the United States ing rich countries. At the end Their rapid recoveries showed for economic order has taken 30 Rapid growth in emerging and other rich countries. And it's of 2010, unemployment was the first time that emerging years. The developing world's economies has lifted hundreds of fanning international disputes over more than 20 percent in economies have grown big and share of global economic output millions of people out of poverty trade and currencies. Spain, 9.6 percent in the Eu- strong enough to thrive independ- has risen from 18 percent in 1980 and created vast consumer mar- The AP Global Economy ropean Union as a whole and ently while the United States and to 26 percent last year, the World kets for US goods and services. At Tracker found that: 9.4 percent in the United other rich countries struggle. Bank says. So growth in emerging the same time, "this two-track world • The fastest-growing countries States. (The US rate fell to 9 And today, to an unprece- markets now has a far bigger effect poses some unusual risks," warns — China, India, Indonesia — percent in January and 8.9 are all in the developing world. percent in February). In con- The slowest are all European: trast, the unemployment rate U.S. Finds Low Levels of Spain, Italy and Britain. The was 5.3 percent in Brazil. Radiation in Milk United States ranks 12th (www.philstar.com)

WASHINGTON (Xinhua) – A tion Level set by the FDA. TRACE AMOUNT OF RA- These types of findings are to DIOACTIVE IODINE HAS be expected in the coming days BEEN FOUND in a sample of and are far below levels of public milk from the west state of Wash- health concern, including for in- ington, the U.S. Environmental fants and children, the statement Protection Agency and the Food said. and Drug Administration (FDA) Iodine-131 has a very short said Wednesday. half-life of approximately eight According to a joint statement days, and the level detected in day. For example, a person would from the two agencies, results milk and milk products is therefore be exposed to low levels of radia- from a screening sample taken expected to drop relatively quickly. tion on a round trip cross country March 25 from Washington de- "Radiation is all around us in flight, watching television, and tected 0.8 pCi/L of iodine-131, our daily lives, and these findings even from construction materials," which is more than 5,000 times are a minuscule amount compared said Patricia Hansen, an FDA sen- lower than the Derived Interven- to what people experience every ior scientist. (www.philstar.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 14 PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE APRIL 2, 2011 Panagserbi A Boluntario, Naipakita Manen Ti UFCH Ken OFCC Ken of Hawaii, Cabugao Sons & Daugh- Dadduma A Grupo Filipino ters, San Nicolas Teachers Assn, Score, St. Paul's Church, Fil-Am cause. " kinuna ni Willette Naauao chance to dampen the happy en- agserbi ken agtignay ken maki- Sports, International Filipino Society iti opisina ni House Vice Speaker thusiasm and cooperative spirits of danggay iti teamwork, sincere inter- of Hawaii, Vigan Assn of Hawaii ken ILOKO Joey Manahan. the ever-ready volunteers from the action and to be a good citizen and dagiti partner organizations. Ni Jean Jeremiah, direktor iti United Filipino Council and Oahu future leaders. Kuna ni Maria Etrata: "Doing by Amado I. YORO OFCC, ti nangidiaya ti serbisiona Filipino Community Council and its Iti sabali a bangir, adda pay this kind of community service a mangisuno itoy biang, ket sim- partner organizations. The Filipino Feeding the Homeless tunggal gives me good feeling and it DDA pagsasao: itdem ti ayat maruno da Fe Velasco ken Jesse Groups worked hand in hand with maudi a Lunes tunggal bulan, touches my heart when these ken pannarabay. Itdem ti tiem- Pascual. the members of the New Hope Gapu itoy adda Resolusion 0001- brothers and sisters of less fortu- A pom, talentom ken sanikua iti "It was fun and good feeling" Chapel and other civic minded citi- 2010 a naanamongan idi Hulio nate greeted you with smile and nagan ti liderato ken panagserbi, iti kinuna ni Jesse Pascual, maysa zenry to assist in the realization of 2010 iti UFCH Annual Convention say thank you" man pagtaengan, simbaan, komu- kadagiti mapagtalkan a lider iti ko- the Aloha Aina Earth Day #97 Re- Lahaina, Mau. Maawis ti aniaman a volun- nidad. Amin dagitoy ket nasken a munidad. "Ditoy a nakapudno cycling Community Clean- Nanipud pay idi Nobiembre teers ken gunglo a makitipon pakuyogan iti aramid. manen ti UFCH/OFCC" kinuna ni up/Fundraiser at the Farrington High 2009 nga inadaptar ti UFCH ken babaen iti yaawagyo iti nagsurat. Idi Marso 19, a naangay ti Philip Alcain nga adda latta a mak- School organized by the Offices of OFCC kas panangilungalong ti DW- Aloha Aina Recycling Project: Earth itintinnulong kadagiti volunteers Representatives Joey Manahan, CLCAAH daytoy a proyekto idi DADDUMA PAY A SERBISIO A Day iti Farrington High School works. Karl Rhoads, Aaron Johansen and Seitiembre 2009. Gapu iti pateg ti PANGBOLUNTARIO DAGITI Campus a nakipartisiparan dagiti Saan met a nagpaudi da Kath- Senator Susie Chun Oakland, and proyekto, timmipon dagiti sabsabali SUMAGANAD: aganay a 22 a boluntario a nag- rina Velasco ken Kaza Kozuma, other community leaders." pay a gunglo pakairamanan ti Ilocos Adopt a Hwy Clean Up Project gapu iti salinong ti UFCH/OFCC agpada nga estudiante iti Maryknoll Naannayas ken naurnos ti Surian Assn of Hawaii, Filipino Busi- tunggal tallo a bulan ti Kalihi St., and parttner organizations a tim- Kastoy ti panangiladawan ni Fe pannagna dayta a proyekto. Adda ness Women Assn, Filipino Wom- Hawaii Food Bank tunggal innem a mipon dagiti ginasut a community daytoy a Sabado "full of great hope met dagiti dadduma pay nga estu- ens Civic Club, INCAT Alumni, bulan, Partisipasion iti Filipino Fiesta volunteers. "We appreciate your ef- and optimism, the intermittent rain diante tapno mangged iti padas iti United Group Home Operators. Parade, Honolulu Festival Founda- fort in helping us for this good and blowing wind never had the panagserbi, pannatubay nga Annak Ti Sinait/Sinait Alumni Assn tion parade. GLOBAL NEWS Fraport to Sue Phl Again in US

MANILA, Philippines - GERMAN Fraport local partner Philippine that his company would re-file its FIRM FRAPORT IS SUING International Air Terminals Co. (Pi- arbitration case against the Philip- THE PHILIPPINES AGAIN be- atco) built the passenger terminal pines next week with the World fore a World Bank arbitration court now being operated by the Manila Bank’s International Center for the in Washington in connection with International Airport Authority. Settlementof Investment Disputes. the controversial Ninoy Aquino In- Fraport senior vice-president He said the case was dis- ternational Airport (NAIA) Terminal Peter Henkel told the House com- missed in 2007 but Fraport, an air- 3 in Pasay City. mittee on transportation yesterday port services firm, filed an appeal Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 with a higher World Bank body, Rodriguez and his brother Maximo, which ruled in December that the who represents the party-list group German “was denied its right to be Abante Mindanao, introduced the heard.” resolutions, which also urged the Since the ruling was made, he two parties to explore an amicable said they have written Executive settlement so as not to further pro- Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. and longlitigation. other concerned officials suggest- The Mercado committee found ing that the two sides should meet out that cases abroad have already “to avoid more costly litigations.” cost the government $56 million in “But we have not heard from fees of the foreign lawyers. any of them. Thus, we are re-filing Mercado asked Deputy Exec- our case next week, though that will utive Secretary Teofilo Pilando, not prevent us from talking,” he who attended the hearing, to inform said. Executive Secretary Ochoa and Responding to questions from other concerned officials that Fra- reporters after the hearing, Henkel port plans to revive its case against said Fraport would seek payment the government and that the Ger- of as much as $800 million. man firm had suggested talks on a He recalled that in 2003, when possible settlement. Fraport and Piatco filed their original The government claims that case with the World Bank’s arbitra- NAIA 3 was overpriced by as much tion center, they sought reimburse- as $300 million. The Senate inves- ments amounting to $565 million. tigated the controversy and discov- He said that the amount ered certain huge payments, which should have ballooned to nearly senators suspected were laun- $800 million, including interest. dered funds. The hearing of the House One payment was for $2 mil- transportation committee chaired lion and was made to a person by Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado was identified with the husband of a prompted by two resolutions urging Malacañang official. the panel to inquire into cases filed It was supposedly for “public re- by Fraport/Piatco and the govern- lations” purposes, though the payee ment against each other, and the was not a PR practitioner, and for “li- status of NAIA 3. aison work” with concerned bu- Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus reaucrats. (www.philstar.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION APRIL 2, 2011 15 COMMUNITY CALENDAR BUSINESS

LETTERMEN AT NEIL BLAISDELL CON- ILOCOS NORTE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND BAYANIHAN CLINIC WITHOUT WALLS' DIRECTORY CERT HALL / SATURDAY TRADE 12TH ANNIVERSARY AND 4TH 2011 COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELL- April 2, 2011, 7pm ● Benefit Concert of MS. INCAT SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT/ NESS FAIR / SATURDAY Divine Mercy Monastery of the Carmelite SATURDAY May 7, 2011, 10am – 4pm ● Kapiolani Nuns of the Holy Trinity ● For more infor- April 16, 2011, 6pm ● Pacific Beach Park ● For more info, call JP Orias @ mation contact: Arlene (808) 255-8165; Hotel ● For more info, contact Larry 387-8297 Agnes (808) 429-8213 Ramirez @ 391-9364 UNITED PANGASINAN ASSOCIATION OF PHILIPPINE CONSULATE DAY OF VALOR 2011 FILIPINO FIESTA / SATURDAY HAWAIIÊS 43RD ANNIVERSARY AND INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS / MONDAY May 7, 2011 ● Parade: 9 – 10am / SATURDAY April 4, 2011, 3pm ● Punchbowl, Na- Fiesta at Kapiolani Park: 10am – 4pm tional Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific ● ● For more information, call the FilCom May 21, 2011, 6pm ● Pacific Beach Hotel For more info, contact Sheila Tarrosa @ Center at 680-0451 ● For more info, contact Cely Villareal @ 595-6316 ext. 241 778-2481 or Fred Martinez @ 358-8049 GLOBAL NEWS Philippines Sends Relief Goods to Japan THE PHILIPPINES HAS FLOWN IN MORE THAN 10 this great challenge,” says Foreign Affairs Secretary Del METRIC TONS OF RELIEF GOODS TO JAPAN as part Rosario, who adds that the Philippine Embassy is focusing its of the government’s commitment to assist in on-going humani- assistance efforts in the Tohoku area which is home to an esti- tarian efforts in areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami mated 4,600 Filipinos. that devastated portions of northeastern Japan. Secretary Del Rosario says that in addition to the relief Relief goods bound for Japan worth PHP 848,445.00 were supplies, the Philippines remains ready to send humanitarian turned over by the Department of Social Welfare and Develop- assistance personnel from to assist in the recovery efforts, ment to officials of Philippine Airlines (PAL). should Japan so request. He says a Philippine Air Force C-130 The goods were flown free of charge by PAL under the transport aircraft remains on standby, for this purpose. Bayanihan Humanitarian Assistance initiative for Japan that Secretary Del Rosario also says that the Philippine Em- President Benigno S. Aquino III directed the National Disaster bassy will intensify its efforts to locate and assist Filipinos in the Risk Reduction and Management Council to undertake in part- northern part of the country, which continues to reel from the nership with other governmental agencies. devastation wrought by the earthquake and tsunami and re- In keeping with Japan’s specific request from the Philip- mains under threat from the nuclear emergency at the dam- pines, the relief goods consisted of food packs, towels, noodles, aged nuclear plants in Fukushima. dust masks and mats. They arrived in Japan on March 25, 2011. Philippine Embassy has evacuated a total of 143 Filipinos The relief items were earmarked by the Japanese govern- from the Tohoku region who heeded a call for voluntary depar- ment for distribution to individuals and families in Miyagi and ture. Evacuees have been brought to temporary shelters in Iwate Prefectures affected by the March 11 disaster. Tokyo where they are being cared for. The embassy is also un- “It is in the spirit of bayanihan that the Filipino people reach dertaking consular missions to bring food and other supplies to out to help the people of Japan as they endeavor to overcome Filipinos who opted to remain in affected areas. (DFA) RENTAL Asian Stocks Edge Higher Despite

World Woes wave of airstrikes against Gadhafi's troops. BANGKOK (AP) — MOST ASIAN STOCKS SHOWED RE- In New York on Wednesday, telecommunications compa- SILIENCE EARLY THURSDAy, although Japan's benchmark nies led a broad stock rally following a report that private com- index slumped as the country struggled to contain the effects of panies are continuing to add workers. a giant earthquake and tsunami nearly three weeks ago. The Dow gained 71.60 points, or 0.6 percent, to 12,350.61. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index was down less than 0.1 percent to The S&P index rose 8.82, or 0.7 percent, to 1,328.26. The Nas- 9,705.91, a day after hitting its highest close since March 11, daq composite rose 19.90, or 0.7 percent, to 2,776.79. when a huge earthquake and tsunami destroyed Japan's north- The ADP National Employment Report said 201,000 new eastern coast and took down a nuclear plant that has leaked private sector jobs were added in March. That is roughly in line toxic radiation ever since. with the 210,000 analysts had expected. Investors were en- Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose 0.3 percent to couraged by a strong gain in small business hiring. The ADP 23,518.82, and South Korea's Kospi index was marginally higher report is seen as a precursor to the government's crucial March to 2,092.17. Benchmarks in Singapore, Australia and New payrolls report due Friday. Zealand were also higher. Benchmark crude for May delivery rose 35 cents to $104.62 The markets plodded higher against a backdrop of unset- on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract settled at tling events around the world. Concerns about European debt $104.27 a barrel Wednesday, pressured by high U.S. stockpiles loomed as Portugal moved closer to needing a bailout and in spite of violent political protests throughout the oil-rich Middle Spain's central bank forecast a lower growth rate and higher East. deficit than previously predicted. The euro rose to $1.4145 from $1.4121 late Wednesday in Seawater near Japan's crippled nuclear facility tested at its New York. The U.S. dollar was steady at 82.89 Japanese yen, its highest radiation levels yet. In Libya, NATO forces initiated a new highest level in almost three weeks. (www.philstar.com)

sessment. Cross-border migrations have been reported from Over 8M People Need From October to December, poor rains have led to har- Kenya and Somalia into Ethiopia, which has resulted in vest failure, decrease in water availability, worsening pasture more competition for scarce resources that create the Emergency Food Aid conditions and livestock losses in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, scenario for resource-based conflicts with local host Somalia and Uganda, which are areas already facing conflict, communities. lack of access, high food prices and human and livestock dis- "Of utmost concern are acute water shortages," in East Africa eases, OCHA said. OCHA said, citing that Somalia is experiencing a se- UNITED NATIONS (Xinhua) – AS THE RECENT The UN agency also reported that outbreaks of drought- vere water crisis throughout most of the country, while DROUGHT CONTINUES IN EAST AFRICA, THE NUM- related animal diseases have been recorded, with more than serious shortages have impacted Ethiopia, affecting BER OF THOSE NEEDING EMERGENCY food aid has 5,000 livestock dying in Marsabit, Kenya, in January, which is the lives and livelihoods of millions in the Somali and increased by 2 million to hit nearly 8.4 million people, the United still increasing. Oromia regions. Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA also said that more than 10,000 Somali pastoral- Meanwhile, the education sector has also been (OCHA) said here Wednesday. ists crossed the border into Kenya, while around 30,000 live- severely affected with an increased amount of school The majority of those newly impacted are 1.2 million peo- stock and 10,000 pastoralists from Kenya have migrated to children and teachers migrating in search of pasture ple who are Kenyan, according to the new multi-agency as- Uganda. and water. (www.philstar.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 16 APRIL 2, 2011