OPINION HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Mayor 3 PMAH Installs 2012 12 Cayetano? Officers and Board of Governors January 28, 2012

H a w a i i ’ s O n l y w e e k l y F i l i p i n O - a m e r i c a n n e w s p a p e r Reflections on 2011 Davao, Payatas anD ilocos suR MeDical Missions

Bernie Bernales, a volunteer from Hawaii, quietly watches over the Pediatric Pharmacy during the Cabugao Medical Mission. FCCH PREPS FOR 22ND PHILIPPINE TRADE MISSION Residents of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur wait patiently to be seen by medical mission physicians and volunteers

By Teresita Bernales, Ed. D. │Photos by Althone BOrjA ach time a medical mission in the Philippines is conducted, two questions are asked frequently of delegates—who are the ben- eficiaries and why do people volunteer to join the mission? As E the name implies, it is to help the sick and needy and the sec- ond one usually generates a lot of discussion.

Who are the poor of the P4869 (P162/per day) to meet ulation served is the poorest of Dr. Federico Macaranas of the Asian Institute of Management during Philippines? Dr. Belinda the monthly basic food needs the poor who do not see a doc- the investment and business opportunities in the Philippines forum Aquino cited in a recent alone. P162 a day is about tor when sick because they lack held recently at the Philippine Consulate Hawaii Filipino Chronicle $3.73. However, the poorest of money to buy medicines. By Maita Millalos article that in 2010 data, ap- the poor subsists on $1.25 a Regarding the question as proximately 28 percent of day, barely enough for one to why delegates join such mis- he Filipino Chamber of Mission to the Philippines Filipinos fall within the meal a day. It is this population sions of mercy, doing so pro- Commerce of Hawaii which will take place Febru- poverty index, which is that the Ohana Medical Mission vides a sense of personal T (FCCH) and its newly ary 10-21, 2012. formed subsidiary the Hawaii- HPBEC aims to identify roughly equivalent to 3 mil- (OMM), the UST Titan Frater- satisfaction, fulfillment and well- Philippines Business and Eco- quality programs and re- lion families. nity and Ilocos Sur Association being. According to a medical nomic Council (HPBEC) are sources that would A family of 5 needs served in this mission. The pop- (continued on page 4) preparing for the 22nd Trade (continued on page 4)

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS LEGAL NOTES 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. WAIPAHU, HI 96797 Congress of Visayan10 Opting-Out to 13 Organizations to Mark Prevent Longer 27th Anniversary Wait for Visa 2 News Edition JanUary 28, 2012 editorial Support Companies That Keep Workers continues to replace jobs in practically all other Employed industries across the board. From the largest to hotography industry giant Kodak joins a list smallest companies, the practice of business of other once-mighty companies filing for survival increasingly true today revolves around P bankruptcy due to an inability to compete how efficient can product output be achieved in today's global digital economy. Kodak was a with the least amount of cost. In other words, pioneering company that invented the hand- while the rhetoric nationwide is how can the held camera. The company capitalized and U.S. improve employment and job growth; in dominated the photography industry through its practice, the preference really for companies is advances in technology. Yet ironically, it is finding the most optimal ways to maintain busi- today's even faster digital technology that ness operations with the savings cost of having pushed Kodak to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. less employees. Utilizing and embracing the lat- Just last year about the same time, Borders est technology are enabling companies to Group Inc., the second largest U.S. bookstore achieve this goal. chain, also filed for bankruptcy due to the rise So what we see in today's "technology-en- of online book businesses like Amazon.com Inc. abled" economy is a lose-lose contradiction. We and the increased popularity of digital books. need more workers to stimulate our overall Borders rocketed in the books and music retail economy through consumer spending; but at industry in the 1970s. It, along with other big box the same time, companies rely on technology giants, drove countless of small books and to cut jobs to operate more efficiently for lower music sellers out of business simply due to overhead costs. Where do we draw the line is greater size of inventory and lower pricing. Yet unknown because the downside of our "tech- ironically, Borders' recent demise comes at the hands of an even larger nology-enabled" economy is not being openly and intellectually discussed venue where the price of books and music is even more affordable among our leaders. through the global internet market. Even the way we measure productivity is a statistical contradiction Free market proponents could easily advance this example of small on this matter. For example, it is estimated that every one percent of an- business being replaced by big business then being replaced yet again nual productivity growth in the U.S. will cost the elimination of 1.3 million by another bigger business as a natural course of economic practice. jobs. Annual productivity by and large is a positive economic indicator. The But if we pause to think of what's really happening, we see a clearer pic- higher that percentage should mean that a greater percentage of compa- ture of why the world economy is in trouble. What we see is more jobs nies are operating more efficiently. But again, at what cost. In this case, 1 being lost. Borders alone had 19,500 employees as of 2010. Other large percent better means an estimated 1.3 million jobs loss at the same prod- booksellers that closed include Crown Books (one of the four largest uct output. So if our companies produce more in less time with the help of book retailers), Kroch & Brentano, and Lauriat's. All of them employing advancing technology, the fact that we have less workers employed is ir- thousands of workers. The music store chains suffered even greater relevant in measuring productivity growth. losses. Almost all of the music chain stores left the retail business and only a few operate online. As far as all the neighborhood books and Difficult choices music stores these giant chains have replaced, these small businesses The rapid and constant loss of jobs due to technological advance- now have little chance of successfully reopening and competing with the ments makes it increasingly difficult for students today to decide which ca- online sellers. reer to pursue. Careers once thought to be desired, today have little Loss of jobs due to "consumer preference" as in this example of the appeal because of shrinking job availability, even in the high tech indus- books and music industry may be a sad commentary but much easier to try. At the moment, aside from healthcare and a few blue-collar, skilled accept than the increasing practice of replacement of workers due to tech- professions, pursuing a career in education is considered a safe bet for job nology. opportunities in the short and long term. But in another example of our technology Replacing WoRkeRs "technology-enabled" economy, there is a disturbing movement in the very On a much grander scale, today's "technology-enabled" economy birth stages which has students learning lessons by watching education (continued on page 3)

NEWS EDITION www.thefilipinochronicle.com  www.efilipinochronicle.com Contributing Writers Advertising/Marketing Director Belinda Aquino, Ph.D., Clement Bautista, Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Charlie Y. SONIDO, M.D. Columnists Teresita Bernales, Ed.D., Linda Dela Cruz, Carlota Ader Publisher and Executive Editor Fiedes Doctor, Danny de Gracia II, M.A., Account Executives Carlo Cadiz, M.D. Caroline Weygan-Hildebrand, Amelia Jacang, Carlota Ader Sen. Will Espero Chona A. M.D., Caroline Julian, Maita Milallos, Paul J. P. Orias MONTESINES-SONIDO Grace F. Fong, Ed.D. Melvin Palalay, M.D., Glenn Wakai Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. Creative Designer Big Island Distributor Publisher and Managing Editor J. P. Orias Junggoi Peralta Grace Larson Pacita Saludes Ditas Udani Dennis GALOLO Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. Philippine Correspondent Edwin QUINABO Charlie Sonido, M.D. Greg Garcia Maui Distributor Emmanuel S. Tipon,Esq. Associate Editors Photography Cecile Piros Felino S. Tubera Tim Llena Randall SHIROMA Amado Yoro Molokai Distributor Design Consultant Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. Administrative Assistant 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 2007-2012. 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. 3 JanUary 28, 2012 opinion News Edition

“honest, tough, and smart” and ple divorced from their cars), it greater public safety. Mayor Cayetano? recalls their 30-year friendship, is too expensive and will bank- “both personal and political.” rupt the city, and the city will be Who Will Win by atty. emmanuel s. TipOn forced to raise taxes to finance In the final analysis, rail Will Run haRD it because its cost has been will be the principal issue. onolulu. – Former edly nonpartisan. “I don’t need the job, but I understated and it will not be Polls indicate that the people Hawaii Governor Ben- Cayetano and this writer will run hard,” declared self-supporting. He said that are about evenly divided with jamin J. Cayetano, contributed significantly and Cayetano to the cheers of an he will work with others to look the anti-rail voice growing H whose father Bonifacio campaigned for Carlisle in the enthusiastic multi-racial crowd for a solution to the traffic situ- louder. If voting is based solely Marcos Cayetano came from last election in the belief that of admirers, friends, and the ation and achieve the same re- on the rail, Cayetano will win Pangasinan, announced on he would have an open mind press who were assembled at sult as rail at less cost, because the pro-rail vote will Thursday, January 19, that he on the rail system. Once he a large meeting room adjacent including increasing the num- be split between Carlisle and is running for mayor of Hon- took the oath as mayor, to the roof garden of a Harley ber of buses and establishing Caldwell, while he will be the olulu, Hawaii’s beautiful and Carlisle became even more pro Davidson motorcycle dealer- dedicated express bus lanes. only anti-rail candidate. Panos bustling capital city of 800,000 rail than Hannemann. ship. Whether he will ride a He indicated that such a sys- Prevedorous, an engineer, souls. He will oppose incum- The first time I saw motorcycle on his political sor- tem will not cost more than $1 who is the original anti-rail guy bent Peter Carlisle, who is Cayetano in person was at an ties remains to be seen. “I have billion. Cayetano has spear- and ran for mayor twice but serving the remaining 2 years Obama fund raiser at the Ka- not ridden on one,” he confided headed a lawsuit in federal lost, announced that he will of the term of former Mayor hala Hotel (Honolulu’s 4-star to us. court to stop the construction not run this time and has en- Mufi Hannemann who resigned equivalent of 5-star Manila Cayetano said that he will of the railroad for noncompli- dorsed Cayetano. In terms of to run for governor and lost, Hotel). He was seated on a make a good mayor because ance with certain environmen- money, Cayetano will be the and Kirk Caldwell, a former city sofa with his wife and I was he will be concentrating on the tal and other requirements. If underdog as tons of money administrator and a Hanne- seated on another sofa with my job instead of using the posi- we have to build a railroad, have been poured or will be mann ally, who had lost to wife. Between us was a coffee tion as a springboard to the “we have to do it right,” he poured on his opponents by Carlisle in the special election table. He was eyeing me and I governorship like the other for- said. We asked what he certain banks, railroad con- to fill Hannemann’s seat. was eyeing him too. Not a word mer mayors, since he has al- thought about a double decked tractors, unions, and property Why would a 72 year old was spoken. My wife whis- ready been a governor. He freeway similar to one in the owners along the proposed man who has attained the high- pered “Why don’t you greet emphasized his long friendship Philippines (from Quirino Av- railroad line. However, money est position in the state seek a him.” I whispered back, “The with Gov. Neil Abercrombie in enue going south to Sucat is not the deciding factor in an lesser one like Honolulu big man must always be the the state legislature and ex- Road). He answered that he election. Witness the latest mayor? I once asked the same one to greet the small man.” I pressed confidence that they has not considered it. California election where two question of my uncle, former saw him again at the studio of would work well together be- “What’s going to happen to well-heeled women lost their Ilocos Norte Governor Damaso KNDI radio station when I in- cause he is not aspiring for his all the money spent on the heels in the race for Governor Samonte when he was running terviewed him while he was seat. Abercrombie, however, rail?” asked a member of the and the U.S. Senate. for mayor of Laoag. His an- campaigning for Ann declined to openly endorse press corps. He accused the If voting will be along racial swer: “To serve the people. Kobayashi for mayor. He was Cayetano for the nonce, but people who spent it of being “ir- lines, Cayetano has a formida- The city has many problems for very nice and warm and said a many Abercrombie supporters responsible” because there ble advantage over the two which I have some solutions.” few words in Ilocano. I told him were at the press conference. were unresolved legal and en- Caucasians who will divide the Cayetano has the same of the incident at the Kahala Abercrombie openly endorsed vironmental issues and yet white vote which is about 50% thoughts. and that I had thought he was Cayetano when the latter ran they went ahead and continued of the total vote. Cayetano can Cayetano, a lawyer, has snobbish especially with his for Governor in 1994 and spending money. He said that expect about 99% of the Fil- been in elective office for mustache. He laughed. Cayetano did likewise when these people have “no ac- ipino vote (oh yes, there will be some 28 years until 2002, Cayetano wrote his mem- Abercrombie ran for Governor countability”. at least 1% contra partido), ma- eight of which was as gover- oir simply called “Ben” which in 2010. jority of the Chinese vote (his nor. He has never lost an elec- became a best-seller describ- The biggest issue in the not “single issue” can- lovely and wealthy wife Vicky is tion. He has been in eight. He ing his journey as a street kid Honolulu mayoral race is build- DiDate of Chinese ancestry although is an indefatigable campaigner from Honolulu’s Kalihi district ing a railroad with an esti- Asked whether he was a she was born in the Philip- and a proven vote-getter. He (a blend of Manila’s Tondo and mated cost of $ 5.2 billion. All single issue candidate, he shot pines), and much of the Japan- is a Democrat. Carlisle is a for- Sampaloc districts) to governor former mayors were for a rail back that his opponents were ese, Korean, and native mer city prosecutor. He is a and Washington Place system. Cayetano is firmly op- the ones who were single issue Hawaiian vote. former Republican. Caldwell is (Hawaii’s Malacanang Palace). posed to it because he be- candidates – “they talk nothing The primary election will also a lawyer and a former Governor Abercrombie wrote lieves that it will not solve the but rail.” He indicated that he be on August 11 and the can- state legislator. He is a Demo- the “Foreword”. He praises the traffic problems in Oahu (it is wants to fix the century old didate who wins 50 percent crat. The election is suppos- “core attributes” of Cayetano – extremely difficult to get peo- sewer system and storm drains plus one vote wins outright. If which have burst on various no one wins outright, the two and a desire for efficiency prove our country's jobless- editorial (cont.) occasions, to repave the roads top vote getters will advance are not to blame for job loss. ness in spite of technology's (cont. from page 2; SUPPORT... ) which develop potholes every to the general election in No- Perhaps as a community ability to replace workers. Al- time it rains, improve the parks vember. Under that scenario, lessons on the computer. and country, we need to en- though it may cost more, as and attend to other public Cayetano would be one of the Various subjects such as al- gage more in discussions consumers perhaps we works projects, and provide for two. gebra are tape recorded for about limitations to cost-sav- should patron companies students to review during ings measures from a moral that support workers. At least class time or on their own. perspective, talk about our once in a while buy through The teacher, who may or priorities for our companies a travel agent, buy your fa- may not be highly creden- and the value of our workers vorite books and music at a tialed, acts as a facilitator of not just in terms of product store, send your mail using a tests and tutor for additional output. We are fathers, postal service, buy your instruction. It's already con- mothers, brothers, and sis- clothes and other products in ceivable in the distant future ters first, who happened to person, touch that newspaper how even education may not work for a living for our fami- or magazine, avoid automa- be immune to the out-of- lies, loved ones and commu- tion, demand that companies control practice of job re- nity. Seeing each other in have live representatives, placement should such an these lenses just may be and support companies with instructional system become what it will take to save a job a solid reputation for taking widely adopted. from being eliminated, and care of their employees with But ultimately technology hopefully be a start to im- good benefits and pay. 4 News Edition HeadlineS JanUary 28, 2012

(cont. from page 1; REFLECTIONS... ) While traveling to the various in a span of roughly four hours. mission volunteer who re- mission sites, volunteers were quested anonymity, participating given a police escort. Security ilocos suR in medical missions helps not was also very visible for the du- (DeceMBeR 18-22) only the sick and the needy but ration of the mission. Newly retired Hawaii Con- benefits the Philippines as a An Aloha Night in Davao sul General Leoncio Cardenas whole. and Ilocos Sur was included in Jr. hosted a dinner for the mis- “Civic engagement builds the schedule as appreciation to sion delegates before traveling social capital and creates social all the local Dabawenyos and to Ilocos Sur on the evening of cohesiveness,” she says. “It can Ilocos Surians who assisted vol- December 17. also motivate and inspire others unteers. In Davao, volunteer Volunteers arrived at Santi- to participate and it grows expo- Marissa Munda-Tay invited the ago Cove Resort the following nentially. While we may not ex- delegation to a dinner at her tinues to be Manila’s main The half day mission was morning after a nine hour bus perience the fruits of our labor in house and to watch the world garbage dump piled as high as sponsored by Titans USA Foun- trip from Manila to Ilocos Sur. A our lifetime, the outcome will be renowned Bayanihan dancers seven stories in some areas dation, Bayanihan Clinic Without beautiful surprise awaited them a world that is enjoying peace perform at the dedication of the and the chief source of liveli- Walls, Ilocos Sur Association and in the evening—volunteers and goodwill”. Events Center of The Philippine hood for squatters. Many Pay- the UST Alumni Association of Caesar and Bernadette Fajardo Women’s College. atas residents make their living Hawaii and Simloan Christian invited the entire delegation to Davao MeDical Mission In Ilocos Sur, lunches and by digging through the trash, Academy, Dr. Charlie Sonido, an elegant dinner and renewal (DeceMBeR 12-16) dinners were provided at all four scavenging for plastic, card- and Nelson and Aurora Sonido. A of vows for their 40th wedding Once the permit from the sites. In Cabugao, dinner at the board, paper, wood, glass, total of 651 patients were served anniversary. (continued on page 5) Philippine Department of Health Mayor Edgardo Cobangbang metal and other items that can was approved, volunteers Jr. home was a feast to remem- be sold to recycling agents. The (cont. from page 1; FCCH.. ) launched fundraisers and so- ber. The much-anticipated Ilo- earnings made by one person strengthen business links between the Philippines and Hawaii and to licited medicines and other in- cos Sur Idol was held after the are not enough to buy food for plan the Chamber’s biennial trade mission to the Philippines and kind donations. Medicines and Cabugao mission at Bonifacio even for a day. Entire families other major activities. vitamins were acquired through Park. Prizes given were (1) are forced to climb the moun- According to chair Paul Alimbuyao, the mission is geared to- donations from the people of P5000, (5) P1 000 and (10) tain each day, hoping that to- wards entrepreneurs in Hawaii who are interested in conducting Hawaii. The amount included at P500. Several door prizes were gether they can earn enough to trade and business relations in the Philippines. Its goals include promoting investment and tourism destinations between Hawaii least 240,000 multivitamin handed throughout the event in- feed everyone. For a family to and the Philippines as well as encouraging trade and economic ac- tablets, 100,000 ibuprofen cluding one for P1000. survive daily, children as young tivities, particularly in the development of renewable and green tablets, antibiotics, antihista- Mission sites in Davao in- as three years old must work. technology. mines, analgesics and antipyret- cluded the first ever medical They typically pick up anything The trade mission will visit Metro Manila, Cebu, Baguio, and ics, medicines for scabies, lice, mission to Panabo City, Mar- that looks edible and if it passes Olongapo/ Subic, including the former Clark Air Base in Angeles parasites, eardrops, and decon- ilog, Toril and Babak on Samal the smell test, eat it right there City. Alimbuyao explained during an FCCH meeting at the Philip- pine Consulate General in Honolulu on January 19th that the cities gestants, among others. Blood Island which has no hospital for and then. Malnutrition and in- were chosen for their “tremendous economic activities.” sugar (diabetic) testing was also residents. The total number of fections are common among “This mission also aims to strengthen sister-city relationships included, with Dr. Jose DeLeon patients assisted on Davao was children and chronic diseases between Honolulu and Manila, Baguio and Cebu with Mayor Peter serving as pharmacy coordinator. 4,815. for the adult population. Carlisle leading the delegation,” Alimbuyao says. Minor surgeries, a Dental Dr. Elenita Alvarez, OMM Volunteers did not know the At least 30 delegates from Hawaii are expected to join the mis- Health Fair and Vision Care president described the Davao conditions they would en- sion and 100 more will be coming from the Philippines. A final list of delegates will be released this week. check-ups were also included. mission as “well planned and counter in Payatas. All they Financial contributors include done professionally.” knew was that a medical mis- Manila foR investMent, Business oppoRtunities many Hawaii civic organiza- “It could very well serve as sion here was much-needed. A Rose Aquino, mission co-chair and coordinator for the Manila tions, physicians, friends and a learning model for future med- near riot in the food distribution trip on February 13, 14, and 18 says, “Manila is the business center relatives of Dabawenyos, and ical missions since the rules on was very telling of the plight of of the country and we are looking for opportunities to link Hawaii and the community-at-large. Addi- Philippine missions have been Payatas residents. Siloam Manila in outsourcing, investments, and business.” tionally, the medical mission implemented,” she says. “Aside Christian Academy staff and the Aquino further added, “Our itinerary includes tapping high net- work clients such as the Makati Business Club, insurance compa- committee also prepared gift from medical care, we had cul- church community provided vol- nies, international banking and finance, law firms, architecture and zbags of foodstuff and personal tural, humanitarian gift giving as unteers in the different areas engineering, television stations and export business. There will be a hygiene items such as tooth- well as plans for future missions needed. After the mission, hosts workshop to explore these markets to be followed by a business brushes, toothpastes and soaps in Davao and other areas in Reverend and Mrs. Nam and matching.” for the poor and needy. Philippines. We learned a lot Dr. Bora Nam prepared a very Other activities include an Aloha Night hosted by FCCH/ HPBEC The volunteers’ daily sched- from the doctors, nurses, lead- sumptuous luncheon. that coincides with a meeting with the Philippine Chamber of Com- merce and Industry. Delegates will visit the Philippine Congress ule typically began with an early ers and people of Davao.” “There are so many disad- which is coordinated by the Office of Rizal Rep. Joel Roy Duavit. A wake-up call at 5 am, breakfast Dr. Arnold Villafuerte says vantaged who often have no visit to the GMA Pinoy television studio and the taping of the popu- at 6 am and then out the door at the mission was very tiring yet easy access to medical care,” lar noon time show “Eat Bulaga” are also part of the itinerary. 7 am. At 8:30 am, medicines also gratifying. says Dr. Nam. “In a shantytown and supplies were unloaded at “I had never been so like Payatas, medical missions oppoRtunities in ceBu, Baguio, suBic the site and desks set-up for stressed in my life but it was all are a much-needed and a The Cebu group will meet with Mayor Michael Rama and the adult and pedia doctors, minor worth it,” he says. “We sched- much-awaited event. Most pa- Cebu Chamber of Commerce on February 12 to discuss invest- ment opportunities in Cebu. George Carpenter, FCCH committee surgery, pharmacy, medical uled the mission close to Christ- tients come in only at advanced member and coordinator for the Cebu trip says, “Among opportu- records, registration, vitamins, mas, so it was more meaningful stages of their illnesses or when nities that will be explored range from small businesses such as paracetamol, glucose testing especially to the people. We put local faith healers concoctions cottage industries to the technologically advanced to include out- and food give-aways. smiles on many faces.” have been given out to them for sourcing, local film industry, agri-business, and bio-diesel. Oppor- At a few sites, the mission free.” tunities for the 300-hectare Cebu South Reclamation Project will began as early as 6:30 am. All payatas Mission In addition to free medical also be discussed.” The Baguio trip on February 14-15 is coordinated by Alim- registered patients were seen (DeceMBeR 17) care, volunteers also gave buyao and includes a dinner reception hosted by the Baguio Cham- and no one was refused. The The Payatas community away 300 “care bags” contain- ber of Commerce and Industry, and a sister-city and business mission was usually done by 5 surrounds the mountainous ing rice, canned goods, and partnership luncheon between Baguio and Honolulu, followed by a pm. By then, the volunteers garbage dump in Quezon City. noodles were distributed among business matching. (continued on page 5) were exhausted to the bone. The huge Payatas dump con- the poorest of the poor. 5 JanUary 28, 2012 HeadlineS News Edition was also the enforcer role, got much more than we bar- (cont. from page 4; REFLECTIONS ... ) where with the help of the army gained for. It was an almost sur- Mission sites included San- soldier guarding the peace real and overwhelming tiago, Sinait, Cabugao and process, I got the people to sub- experience to see hordes of Santa. A total of 8,842 patients mit to lining up for registration people who needed medical were seen by mission volun- versus crowding around the aid,” Dr. Lu says. teers. staff which was the usual prac- He was in disbelief upon By the end of the mission, a tice.” hearing a patient say that the total of 8,842 patients received Tay also served as an inter- mission to Davao provided him free medical services, surgeries viewer to find out brief social the first opportunity see a doctor as well as medicines. The num- histories of patients and to get for the first time ever. By mis- ber of patients is undoubtedly a perspective on their lives sion’s end, the fulfillment he en- higher since some went un- experienced. One thing that sur- Her skills as a licensed social while waiting their turn in the joyed was beyond description. counted. prised him was the sheer volume worker came in quite handy in registration line. “It was like giving back to a of patients. one of her assignments as ad- “I also found myself in a community who so needed me. volunteeRs’ Reflections “We saw anywhere from mission/receptionist a.k.a. “traf- counselor role, especially for It was exhausting but nonethe- Rather than pack his bags 700 to 1,500 patients each day. fic enforcer” to get the young mothers and some eld- less the most gratifying. In my for a short trip home to the Philip- The idea of seeing that many thousands of patients to “pila” to erly who found negotiating their case, it was a bittersweet pines for Christmas with his fam- patients was at first daunting, achieve the efficient flow of reg- health care needs and available farewell for I know I shall be ily, New York City physician Dr. but somehow we made it istration before they see the resources lacking. However, the back—each time craving to Robert G. Bernales accepted an through,” he says. doctors awaiting to examine or most frustrating role was that of serve more,” he says. invitation from colleague Dr. Volunteer Marissa Tay treat them. an interpreter of a dialect that I Mission president Dr. Al- Charlie Sonido to participate in jumped at the opportunity to “The interesting part of the understand more than I speak varez extended a sincere ‘thank the mission. It turned out to be an participate in a medical mission job was the many roles I juggled fluently. I slowly remembered you’ to the many medical and adventure unlike anything he had to her hometown of Davao City. to accomplish the task. There words I have not uttered in non-medical volunteers from years. Somehow I managed, Hawaii and the Philippines. (cont. from page 4; FCCH... ) current administration is reform-oriented and the pay-off will though barely, much to the “I am so grateful for all your Meanwhile, Rose Churma, HPBEC ex- be even more pronounced in the long-term.” clients’ amusement as I strug- assistance. To me, it felt like I ecutive director and coordinator for the Feb- Macaranas referred to a study by the international bank gled making myself understood was in a parade with all you ruary 16th Subic trip says, “There is a need HSBC showing the Philippines to be among the emerging in Visayan.” dedicated men and women— economies by 2050 due to its demographics and education to identify options for retirement for Filipino- For Dr. Marvin Louis Roy doing things for a great cause. Americans. One particular aspect is for standards. Lu, the large number of patients It’s a great honor to be part of Hawaii to bring to Subic its expertise on the Among the areas of investment recommended include healthcare industry for those belonging to real property, business process outsourcing, tourism, was a bit overwhelming at first. our Ohana. I look forward to this age group.” agribusiness and personal equity and retirement accounts. “We expected to serve a many more missions in the Churma added that her group will also During the forum, Dr. Belinda Aquino, thousand patients but actually coming years,” she says. look into prospects for Filipino-Americans University of Hawaii-Manoa professor holding dual citizenship to invest in Subic emeritus, described Macaranas’ enthusi- and Hawaii. The Subic trip coincides with asm and optimism about the current state the outreach activity of the U.S. embassy. of affairs in the Philippines as “quite re- An all-day workshop at the Subic Freeport freshing.” Convention and Exhibition Center entitled “You don’t see that kind of optimism “Global Citizenship, the Filipino American about the Philippines, which is always Experience” will be held on February 17. bashed by the international media. There U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Harry are indeed areas in various sectors of the Thomas Jr. will grace the event. economy that have made tremendous gains in recent years, which can compete foRuM on econoMic pRospects in internationally,” Aquino says. 2012 Aquino, however, noted that there are still major fundamental roadblocks to After the January 19th FCCH meeting, full national development in the Philip- a forum on investment and business op- pines, such as the ongoing corruption trial portunities in the Philippines was pre- of Supreme Court Chief Justice Corona sented by Dr. Federico Macaranas of the and various unresolved cases of official Asian Institute of Management. His pres- corruption dating back to the Marcos era. entation followed up on the “Diaspora to There are also continuing concerns Development” conference held last Octo- about widespread poverty, which hinders ber in Manila. the country from moving forward. Aquino In his introductory speech, FCCH added that the country could improve its president Harry Alonso noted the timely record in punishing corrupt activities by presentation in light of the preparations for strengthening the judicial system and in- the trade mission. Alonso says Dr. stitutional mechanisms for justice. Macaranas did an excellent job in promot- ‘Something has to be done about this ing the positive prospects of investing in ‘culture of impunity’ in the Philippines,” she the Philippines. says. “Unfortunately, it’s now the judiciary, Macaranas, who holds a PhD in eco- which is supposed to be the final arbiter of nomics from Purdue University, was ap- justice in the country with the ongoing pointed Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs post-impeachment proceedings against for Science and Technology during the Corona, the Supreme Court Chief Justice presidency of Fidel Ramos. He says that of the Supreme Court no less, in the Philip- the Philippines is a good investment desti- pine Senate.” nation for Filipino-Americans. Aquino is joining the Trade Mission to “The Philippines has experienced a re- the Philippines in February. silient and stable economic growth that is The forum was also attended by Con- driven by strong domestic consumer base sul General Julius Torres, Consulate offi- and growing investment,” he says. “There is cers and staff, Dr. Amy Agbayani and Dr. credible and effective monetary policy, pru- Teresita Ramos from UH-Manoa, Maria dent fiscal management and a stable bank- Etrata and FCCH members. ing system resilient to external shocks due in part to stable domestic funding sources. The 6 News Edition CHRONICLE PULSE JanUary 28, 2012 What Are Your Personal Perspectives on the Recent Medical Missions You Participated In? by HFc staff people we treated, but I do be- as a host for the Payatas Med- appreciation of our Erlinda CaChola, M.d. dr. roBErt g. BErnalEs: lieve that by volunteering our ical Mission. It was a success kababayans who are less for- When we participate in I looked forward to this mis- time, talents and resources, with 70 doctors, nurses and tunate and in need of human- medical missions, more than sion as an opportunity to en- we at least raised awareness volunteers serving around 611 itarian services. curing patients, we give hope to hance my medical training and to the fact that good health is patients and providing 40 We are blessed and the needy. We show them that to learn more about the country something we should all be minor surgeries in just half a thankful to God for allowing us we care. of my heritage. We treated able to pursue. day. to be a part of the Ohana and After our medical mis- hundreds of patients at each I will never forget this ex- Ilocos Surian Association sions to Davao and Ilocos Sur makeshift clinic we set up. See- perience and try each day to dr. Marvin louis roy Medical Missions. We are last December, Typhoon ing all those faces—each with put what I have learned into lu most grateful that the Lord Sendong struck Mindanao. I their own hopes, dreams and practice. I anxiously look for- I responded to an invita- has given this organization felt helpless and frustrated concerns for a chance at better ward to the years ahead and tion from Dr. Charlie Sonido to wonderful leaders. It is a testi- that our schedule did not health—was a sobering look at hope that my training will be of join the medical mission to my mony to the work of God and allow us to help out there. the widespread poverty of the use on future medical mis- hometown. It did not take long the success of each mission However, we saw how others Philippines. It was also a tangi- sions. for me to agree and join a because His hand is upon the stepped up to the plate and ble lesson that the need for noble cause. I had been in lives of all involved. gave aid to typhoon victims. health care in underserved dr. Bo ra naM about 100 medical missions We served alongside our This shows how enormous populations is one of the most Twenty-one years ago, my mostly organized by my Titan fellow brothers and sisters in calamities can happen any- pressing problems facing the parents made a decision to be fraternity, but as we were a place where we all came time, anywhere. But if we all world today. Baptist missionaries in the preparing for our first location from and reminds us of where help, it will make a difference For many patients, our visit Philippines where they organ- in Panabo City, I knew that this we all once were. We are eter- in the lives of people who was all the medical care they ized medical missions. Over would be different. And it was nally grateful to the Lord who have been affected. would receive for months, the years, they branched out indeed different in so many continues to love and bless us Let’s give thanks to God for years or maybe ever. So it was and built a church and a school ways. The fulfillment I felt was financially, physically, emo- our blessings by unselfishly giv- no surprise that all were grate- that offered classes from nurs- beyond what words can de- tionally and spiritually. ing back to the needy and the ful for anything we offered ery through high school. I saw scribe. We are already looking suffering in our community and them, even if in some cases it my father set up medical mis- We had volunteers from forward to being a part of the the world at large. was just a month’s supply of sions for the poor, the first of the local health office and next medical mission! Tylenol and multivitamins. many that were to come. He medical students from the Kathy adaoag I found it most rewarding hired a team of doctors and set Davao Medical School Foun- JosE C dE lEon, M.d. I join medical missions to be able to treat patients in off for Payatas—the country’s dation, some of whom I knew The Davao Medical Mis- every two years. I would do an atmosphere in which noth- infamous dumpsite. way back when I was still tak- sion gave me a feeling that I more if my resources would ing stood in the way of the de- I will never forget the first ing pre-medicine courses in have helped my fellow man. I allow it. My heart breaks livery of medical care. time I saw the 150-foot man- Davao. Communication was a believe that the world would whenever I see people in dire Although we could not help made environmental disaster challenge for most of my fel- be a better place if more peo- need of help. Joining missions everyone, we performed an euphemistically referred to as low doctors who did not know ple would choose to do good is my humble way of being important service. Whether di- Magic Mountain right in the how to speak the local vernac- things without expecting any- able to help. One feels the agnosing diabetes, giving a middle of town. Everyday, ular, which was bisaya. Most thing in return. rush of adrenaline when you newly pregnant mother a sup- garbage trucks from surround- of them needed an interpreter, I have heard some com- get to the mission site early ply of prenatal vitamins, or ing cities would make their way while I was on my own. Pa- ments that medical mission vol- and see hundreds of people simply performing a physical— to the dumping area and empty tients seemed more at ease unteers are only providing already waiting to be attended in the larger scheme of things, their loads. In a span of 30 with me, probably because “band aid” service for patients. to. we were promoting a healthy years, the site became a gi- there was no interpreter stand- Others question how we can I found out that the Davao lifestyle. We may or may not gantic mountain of trash. ing in-between. possibly treat so many patients Medical Mission needed volun- have changed the lives of the We were honored to serve They were able to relay in such short a time. Still others teers so I decided to join them their concerns to me and con- say that we take away patients and see Davao again. It has sidered me as one of their from local practitioners. been several years since my own, just by my familiarity with To these critics, I reply last visit there. bisaya. In medical school, we with a story of a boy who was were taught to secure patients’ throwing stones back to the russEll taCata, M.d. privacy. In a way, having an in- ocean. I asked him why he This is the first time that I terpreter diminishes the level was doing that, since there joined a medical mission. It of privacy between doctor and were so many stones laying was so exciting to be able to patient. I’m just glad I did not around. I told him that it was a help people who would other- have to deal with that, even if waste of his time and effort. wise not have any access to it came to discussing non- He responded, ‘At least I free medical treatment. Some medical issues with patients. threw a stone back to where it of them walked miles to come belongs.’ We saw over 1,500 to the mission site with their FEly riCardo patients in four days. Boy, that children. They understood the I was first introduced to was a lot of stones we threw value of good health but did this medical mission by my back to the ocean! not have access to proper sister Maria two years ago. It The mission required per- medical care. was an opportunity to return sonal sacrifice from all who I want to go back to places home, visit family and partici- participated but no one made which really need the kind of pate in a medical mission to any negative comments and medical missions that we do help others. I can say without won’t hesitate to join future and give out vitamins and med- hesitation that it was one of missions. Personally, I have icines for those who are ailing. the most gratifying experi- gained many new friends. If We should consider going to ences I have ever had. My given a chance, I will again the victims of Typhoon husband Rick and I were over- join a medical mission to the Sendong in Cagayan de Oro whelmed emotionally by the Philippines. and Iligan. 7 JanUary 28, 2012 iMMigration guide News Edition Martin Luther King and Filipino Racists ner of young Filipino lawyers in white Americans,” writes Howie The Filipinos mock fellow them “kuripot”. They are partying Honolulu and I went from table Severino in his blog Sidetrip. Asians, especially the Chinese. every weekend – not only in their to table asking them what area “The truth hurts, and it hurts They call them ridiculous homes but in the hotels in of the law they were practicing as much as anyone else to see names. Fearing the Chinese Waikiki. They fly to the Philip- in, none answered “immigration Filipino racism both in the traders, the Philippine Con- pines every year bringing boxes law”. They are aware of this Philippines and abroad, and to gress enacted the retail trade of “pasalubong”. Which can get “racist” tendency among their have to admit that many, but not nationalization law which limited them into trouble at the airport kababayans. all, Filipinos are racists,” wrote retailing to Filipinos. So the when they return and immigra- by atty. emmanuel I asked a well-known white a commentator. Chinese engaged in wholesal- tion checks their data base and samonte TipOn immigration lawyer in Hawaii When the English sailor ing, leaving the “pitsy pitsy” re- discover a long forgotten criminal whose clientele is mostly Fil- Captain Cooke came to the tailing business to Filipinos. The conviction or immigration viola- have a dream that one ipinos why Filipinos preferred to Hawaiian Islands, the natives Chinese taipans now control tion that leads to deportation pro- day this nation will rise go to white lawyers, and he an- thought that he was God be- the Philippine economy. Who ceedings. And what do they do? “I up and live out the true swered that Filipinos believe cause of his white complexion. has the last laugh? It is said that They go to the white immigration meaning of its creed: ‘We hold that when a white lawyer han- That is the same attitude that there is no racism in China. lawyers. Why? Because of the these truths to be self-evident: dles their case, their case will many Filipinos have, especially That’s because they all look color of their skin, not because of that all men are created equal.’ be resolved in their favor. Yet if among the least educated. But alike. Or all sound alike? the content of their character nor . . . I have a dream that my four you look at the more than 2,000 when Captain Cooke did some- the content of their brains. little children will one day live in cases that I read while writing thing ungod like, the natives DiscRiMination aMong a nation where they will not be my book on “Ineffective assis- killed him. What did he do? Ac- filipinos in the judged by the color of their skin tance of counsel in removal pro- cording to some anecdotes he philippines (atty. tipon has a Master of but by the content of their char- ceedings,” about 99% of those was “flirting” with the beautiful The worst kind of racism is Laws degree from Yale Law School acter.” - Martin Luther King charged as being ineffective native ladies. God is not sup- that practiced among Filipinos in and a Bachelor of Laws degree were white. No Filipino was ac- posed to be “flirting”. Look at the Philippines. Maybe because from the University of the Philip- Tell that to the Filipinos, Mr. cused of being ineffective. Jesus Christ, the son of God. Filipinos don’t all look alike or pines. Office: 800 Bethel St., Suite King. Google “Filipino racist” When Mary Magdalene bared don’t all sound alike. Tagalogs 402, Honolulu, HI 96813. Tel. (808) 225-2645. E-Mail: filam- and 22,500,000 results show Root of filipino RacisM her throbbing breasts in their look down on Visayans, espe- [email protected]. Websites: up. Yes 22 million. ‘Filipino racism of course is tent, Jesus turned his face cially because of their accent. www.MilitaryandCriminalLaw.co Those in America need not rooted in an inferiority complex away, resulting in an unprece- (They pronounce San Jose as m, and www.ImmigrationService- look any farther. Most Filipinos, we inherited from being treated dented temper tantrum by Mary. San Hosee). Tagalogs also look sUSA.com. Listen to the most witty, whether in Hawaii or in the like inferiors by pale Spaniards down on Ilocanos calling them interesting, and informative radio mainland (continental U.S.A.) for four centuries. Yet one otheR causes of RacisM “kuripot” (stingy). In Hawaii, Ilo- program in Hawaii on KNDI at whenever they have immigra- would expect educated Filipinos Not all racism is rooted in canos comprise about 90% of 1270, AM dial every Thursday at tion problems, rush to a white to overcome this weakness and inferiority. There is another form the more than 250,000 Filipinos 7:30 a.m., rebroadcast at lawyer. When I attended a din- not act like the least educated of racism based on superiority. in the islands. One dare not call www.iluko.com.) Mainland neWS and “Freak” after he earned scored no runs while he was in Fil-Am Lincecum, Giants Agree $650,000 in 2009. the game in seven of 33 starts, Lincecum — the 10th over- had one run six times and two to $40.5M, 2-Year Deal all draft pick out of Washington runs five times, according to in 2006 — has been an All-Star STATS LLC. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — As Giants vice president in each of the past four sea- San Francisco, which sold Two-time NL Cy Young Bobby Evans expected, they sons. He went 13-14 with a out every game in 2011 but Award winner Tim Lince- found common ground around 2.74 ERA last year for his first missed the playoffs, will have a cum and the San Francisco the midpoint of the figures — losing record. The Giants payroll of around $130 million. Giants reached a verbal agree- and did so in only a week. ment Tuesday on a two-year San Francisco’s front office contract worth $40.5 million. had hoped to lock up Lincecum The deal includes a and fellow starter Matt Cain $500,000 signing bonus and with long-term deals, though salaries of $18 million this year Lincecum seemed set on keep- and $22 million in 2013, a per- ing his options open in the near son familiar with the agreement future on a shorter contract. A said Tuesday, speaking on Game 5 World Series clincher call to the pitcher was not im- condition of anonymity be- at Texas in 2010, earned $13.1 mediately returned and his cause the terms were not an- million last season when he fin- agent declined to comment. nounced. Lincecum still must ished a two-year deal worth With Lincecum earning a take a physical, which the Gi- $23.2 million. hefty contract, Evans joked last ants hope will happen early When the sides exchanged week, “I usually leave off the next week to complete the numbers last Tuesday, Lince- final three zeroes because it’s deal. cum’s request neared the easier to calculate.” Lincecum, a Filipino-Amer- record amount sought in arbi- In February 2010, Lince- ican, had asked for a near- tration. Houston pitcher Roger cum agreed to a $23 million, record $21.5 million in salary Clemens asked for $22 million two-year contract ahead of the arbitration and had been of- in 2005. scheduled hearing. He had fered $17 million by the club. San Francisco’s offer was been set at that time to ask for He remains eligible for free the highest in arbitration his- $13 million. agency following the 2013 sea- tory, topping the $14.25 million That last contract was son. the New York Yankees pro- quite a raise for the under- The 27-year-old right-han- posed for shortstop Derek sized, hard-throwing pitcher his der, the winning pitcher in the Jeter in 2001. teammates call “Franchise” 8 News Edition pHoto gallerY JanUary 28, 2012

Photos by Bernie Bernales JanUary 28, 2012 pHoto gallerY News Edition 9

Photos by Althone Borja

Photos by Bernie Bernales

Photos by Bernie Bernales 10 News Edition HaWaii-Filipino neWS JanUary 28, 2012 COVO to Celebrate 27th his native Philippines. Anniversary Das encountered several storms THE CONGRESS OF VISAYAN along the way and was forced to land in ORGANIzATIONS (COVO) will Ponapei, Micronesia for several months to mark its 27th Anniversary with a lecture repair his boat. Urged by his sponsors to and panel discussion on Florentino Das’ abort the journey, Das refused because he solo trans-Pacific voyage from Hawaii to felt that Filipino national pride was on the the Philippines. line. He finally reached Siargao, Mindanao The lecture will be delivered by Cecilia on April 25, 1956. Noble, a PhD candidate in sociology. Pan- For his formidable feat and patriotic elists will include Sylvia Day, Dr. Jun Col- zeal, he was received and honored by menares and Dr. Patricia Halagao. The Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay event is co-sponsored by the University of who bestowed on him the Legion of Honor Hawaii Center for Philippine Studies and and the honorary title of Commodore of the begins at 4:15 pm at the Philippine Con- Philippine Navy. After his newfound fame, sulate General of Hawaii. Das unfortunately slipped into obscurity. On May 14, 1955, Das left Kewalo Unable to return to Hawaii, he become ill Basin aboard his homemade 24-foot and died a poor man on October 7, 1964 in wooden boat Lady Timarau, powered only Manila. He was 46 years old. by two 25-hp outboard motors and a can- COVO will host an awards ceremony, vas sail and with no modern communica- dinner and entertainment following the lec- tion or navigational instruments except a ture and panel discussion. For RSVP and simple compass and the stars. His goal inquiries, please call Jun Colmenares at was to cross the Pacific Ocean and reach 510-734-4491. City Suspends Spay, Neuter Program then redeem the certificates with the Hawaiian Humane Society. Certificates DISCOUNT CERTIFICATES FOR that have already been purchased may THE CITY’S SPAY/NEUTER PRO- still be redeemed but no new certificates GRAM are no longer available because will be sold. the $330,000 appropriated for the pro- The Spay/Neuter program includes gram has been exhausted. Those inter- 16 clinics throughout the island. The vet- ested in participating in the program will erinarians involved in the program vol- be forced to wait until the City’s next fiscal untarily perform the surgeries at year beginning July 1, 2012. significantly reduced rates, resulting in The certificates are sold to the public tremendous cost savings to pet owners and redeemed with participating while addressing pet overpopulation on Spay/Neuter Program veterinarians, who Oahu. Applicants Wanted for State Boards and Commissions WITH THE START OF THE 2012 LEG- The Office of the Governor oversees ISLATIVE SESSION, the Office of the more than 160 boards and commissions Governor is urging interested individuals to established by the state constitution, consider serving the public as a member statutes or executive orders. of a state board or commission. Vacancies include seats on boards The Office of the Governor is accept- and commissions focusing on a cross- ing applications for service on the Hawaii section of interests and industries, includ- Tourism Authority, Emergency Medical ing aerospace, alternative medicine, Services Advisory Committee, the Island environment, cosmetology, civil defense, Burial Councils and numerous other economic development, corrections, cul- boards and commissions. ture and the arts, education, festivals, “Each of these seats fulfills a unique health and human services, medical edu- need in the oversight and leadership of cation, pest control, physical therapy, pri- some of the State’s most important inter- vate detectives, public housing, small ests and industries,” says Gov. Neil Aber- business, state parks, taxation, technol- crombie. “We are seeking leaders of ogy, tourism, voter registration, and waste- diverse backgrounds who have the fore- water treatment. sight and will to continue the forward mo- A complete list of vacancies, application mentum that Hawai'i has achieved over the instructions and other information are posted past year toward a revitalized economy online at http://hawaii.gov/gov/about/boards- and unified, statewide community.” commissions.html. 11 JanUary 28, 2012 legiSlatiVe connection News Edition

records of ordinary travelers this site, and their efforts have The Cost of War were turned over to the FBI not received Congressional sup- mation in the relocation effort. their loved ones’ absence and just for particular suspects, but port as well. Decades after Many Japanese-Americans worry about their safety, struggle for masses of customers to being released from the intern- were held for the duration of the with the instability and economic “identify suspicious travel pat- ment camp, “Farewell to Man- war without charge, hearing, or impact of their deployment, then terns.” Businesses turned over zanar” author Jeanne trial. The only basis for the un- deal with the changed person private information to the FBI Wakatsuki Houston, visited constitutional deprivation was who comes home from the bat- and were banned from notifying Manzanar to prove to herself Japanese ancestry. In Hawaii, tlefield. Child abuse is three their customers. that she had not imagined that Japanese were largely spared times higher and spouse/partner The Rand Report, dis- period in her young life. As by senator will esperO the drastic measures partly be- abuse is up 177% in homes with cussed in the section on “Alter- those who underwent the ex- cause removing 35% (150,000) a deployed parent. natives to Military Response,” periences pass away, the pain resident Barack Obama of our island population would The war touched families on compared approaches from from actions taken out of fear deserves much credit for have crippled the economy. both sides of the world. Evander 1968-2006 to 268 groups that and racism die with them. The P ending the Iraqi War. His Nevertheless, 1,200 to 1,800 Andrews, just 36, was the first used terror tactics. Military re- lessons are too important to leadership was instrumental in were interned. US soldier to die in the military sponse was the least effective forget. Yes, we must defend returning the majority of soldiers The “Cost of War” report is response to 9/11, far from their method, resolving only 7% of and protect ourselves, but it is deployed in Iraq by Christmas astounding. Over 6,000 Ameri- family farm in Maine. His 9- the episodes of violence. imperative that we act on evi- 2011. What a wonderful gift for cans in uniform died in the Iraq year-old son Ethan stood near Peaceful political accommoda- dence and reason and respect the families of our troops. and Afghanistan wars. In Iraq his father’s wooden casket at tion (43%) and intelligence and civil rights, as befits a nation In the decade following the alone, over 100,000 were sent Evander’s funeral in Arlington policing methods (40%) were known around the globe as the September 11, 2001 attack on through American detention cen- National Cemetery. Evander’s more effective and far less great defender of those rights. the World Trade Center, the ters. Held for years without a daughtes, Leah, Courtney, and costly in terms of human life “CostsofWar.org” contains racial profiling, increase in hate trial, many were subjected to tor- Mackenzie, were only 6, 4, and and treasury in eliminating ter- an in-depth, comprehensive re- crimes targeted toward specific ture and abuse, even though 2/3 2 when he died. On the other rorist groups. Ten percent port by an international team of ethnic and religious groups, and were innocent of wrongdoing. side of the world, in Afghanistan, stopped their violence because well-respected scholars, on the detention without trial, all re- The Veterans Administration re- five families grieved when a US the acts itself achieved the impact of the war on Iraq and sound of past eras of injustice. ports over 170,000 Iraq and bomb that failed to explode on groups’ objective. Afghanistan. The in-depth, com- Before 9/11, Pearl Harbor Afghanistan veterans have been impact was instead detonated There is wisdom in the prehensive study on how our was the last time American soil diagnosed with PTSD. Conser- by accident by five boys on their adage that those who fail to American way of life has was attacked by foreign ene- vative estimates put the total way to a picnic. Ramin, 15, died learn the lessons of history are changed because of our military mies. More from prejudice than number of injured U.S. and allied instantly. Both legs were blown bound to repeat its mistakes. I response to 9/11, was done by actual evidence or military ne- forces at 218,000. Over off 12-year-old Soraj. Ismaeel, am introducing legislation in scholars from well respected in- cessity, and without judicial 2,000,000 million service mem- 16 and Farhad, 18, were injured, support of an education center stitutes such as the Universities process, 110,000-120,000 bers have been deployed. and 5 year old Waheed was on the site of the Honouliuli of Toronto, London, Warwick, Japanese, 67% of them Ameri- When soldiers come home, the wounded in the chest and head. WWII internment camp to pre- Manchester, Massachusetts; the can citizens, were removed their wars return with them. Many of The war even intruded into serve its lessons for future gen- Harvard Kennedy School; Cen- homes and sent to internment those who come home alive ordinary Americans’ daily lives. erations. The Japanese ter for Defense Information; and camps. The Census Bureau se- bear the emotional and physical Under “Patriot Act” information Cultural Center of Hawaii has New America Foundation. cretly provided confidential infor- scars of war. Families cope with gathering, for example, airline taken the lead in preserving HaWaii-Filipino neWS HART Reports GET Collections Up THE HONOLULU AUTHORITY FOR RAPID TRANSIT (HART) says collec- tions for the general excise and use tax (GET) surcharge for the fourth quarter of 2011 has surpassed projections. From October 1, 2011 to tern positions us well to bring December 31, 2011, the State the project in on time and on collected $49.02 million, or budget, and shows we will be more than $12.08 million than able to pay for the project with estimated. The amount marked the GET surcharge and federal the third consecutive quarter funds,” Hamayasu says. that revenue has surpassed HART’s finance committee projections. chair Don Horner says that the Collection of the GET for City remains ahead of projected Honolulu’s rail project began in revenues. To date, HART has January 2007. To date, a total of contracted 50 of total construc- $810.4 million has been col- tion costs and is $300 million lected. HART’s interim execu- below planned expenses. tive director and CEO Toru “HART has already col- Hamayasu says the additional lected about 25 percent of the revenue is “good news” for the GET revenues that is estimated rail project, which has faced without our financial plan,” mounting public opposition due Horner says. “HART remains on to concerns of rising costs. track in terms of both revenues “This strong revenue pat- and costs.” 12 News Edition HaWaii-Filipino neWS JanUary 28, 2012 PMAH Installs 34th Anniversary Officers and Board by Jp Orias Plaques of Recognition were partnering” quipped impresario given to Drs. Sorbella Guillermo, Leo Rojas Gozar. Hilton Hawaiian Village Elizabeth Abinsay, Millette Oliv- First to enter from center Coral Ballrooms I & II elicited eros and Antonio Cordero for stage were the Los Bailes de “Ohs and Ahs” from the guests their services to PMAH. The Ante Año dancers Dr. Carolina as they started entering the State House of Representatives Davide and Jimmy Adaoag, Drs. wide, white-accented venue of via Reps. John Aquino, Rida Ca- Glorifin Belmonte and Joseph the Philippine Medical Associa- banilla and Joey Manahan pre- Zobian, Dr. Sorbella Guillermo tion of Hawaii 34th Anniversary sented Drs. Zobian and and Mr. Diony Guillermo, Dr. & and General membership meet- Villafuerte certificates of appre- Mrs. Nick (Imelda) Joaquin, Dr. ing. ciation. The City and County of PMAH's 2012 Officers and Board of Governors after oath taking (from left): and Mrs. Fortunato (Nieva) Consul General Julius Torres; Carol Davide, MD; Ray Romero, MD; Leni Out-going president Joseph Honolulu through Councilmem- Alvarez, MD; Jerry Garcia, MD (Treasurer); Nicanor Joaquin, MD; Russell Elizaga, Dr. Jose De Leon & Ms. Zobian set the mood with the ber Romy Cachola did likewise. Kelly, MD (Secretary); Joseph Zobian, MD (IPP) and Arnold Villafuerte, MD Ceres Yanong, Dr. Iris Meily and gavel sounding off the call-to- New Philippine Consul Gen- (President) Atty. Kevin Chee and Dr. & Mrs. order. This was followed by offi- eral Julius D. Torres installed the Clinic Without Walls’ Nicanor Dr. Villafuerte also unveiled Arnold (Dory) Villafuerte. They cial business reports of PMAH PMAH Officers and Board of Joaquin, MD; PAMH Founda- his plans for 2012, which in- were then joined for the Gran affiliates and invitational remarks Governors for 2012 headed by tion’s Mary May Z. Ablan, MD; cludes the presentation of the Rigodon de Honor by Mr. & Mrs. from Dr. Christopher Flanders of President Arnold Villafuerte, MD; and Ohana Medical Missions Etty Bautista, MD Award. Dr. Gerhart (Nancy) Walch, Mr. & Hawaii Medical Association. Immediate Past President Inc.’s Elenita Alvarez, MD. Bautista, who has since retired Mrs. Edgar (Elsa) Talavera, Drs. Dinner entertainment fea- Joseph Zobian, MD; President- This was followed by the in the Philippines, is the found- Russell & Cynthia Kelly, Drs. tured love songs interpreted by Elect Jose De Leon, MD; Secre- ceremonial passing of the gavel ing father and first president of Vernon and Jojie Waite Ansdell, Dr. Cielo Guillermo, Jay Flores, tary Russell Kely, MD; and and acceptance speech of the PMAH which was established Mr. & Mrs. Alfred (Emie) Alcain, PT, and Dr. Cheryl Udani with Treasurer Jerald Garcia, MD. new president who talked about on August 30, 1978. Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy (Kathy) Miss Monnette Forte adding a Members of the Board of Gover- the theme for his term: “Partner- The dance floor was for- Adaoag and Leo Gozar partner- flair of Filipiniana with Mutya ng nors include Edward Alquero, ing to Improve Care—a re- mally opened with Filipino tradi- ing with Dr. Davide. Pasig, a classic kundiman. MD; Melvin Paul Palalay, MD; minder that we can and should tional dances with performers Expect more partnering to Plaques of appreciation were Reuben Guerrerro, MD; Car- work together and start commu- from the PMAH membership, improve care during the term of given to Dr. May Ablan for her olina Davide, MD; and Ray nicating and sharing our re- nurses and friends from the the new PMAH president Dr. outstanding six-year service to Romero, MD. Representatives sources, especially during this community. Arnold Villafuerte. PMAH from 2007 to 2011. of Affiliates were Bayanihan time of economic challenges.” “The line-up was all about Abercrombie Proposes Initiatives for Economic Recovery GOV. NEIL ABERCROM- the Hawaii State • Working with Resource Centers to assist see beyond today’s needs when BIE DELIVERED HIS Teachers Associa- the Legislature to kupuna who face the chal- today’s needs loom so large and SECOND STATE OF THE tion to provide a pro- identify and approve lenges of aging and re- immediate,” says Abercrombie. STATE address before the posal as soon as Capital Improvement stricted mobility. “But unless dealt with now, state Legislature, laying out in- possible. Projects (CIP), • An emergency appropriation today’s challenges can only mul- vestment goals that build upon “We must con- which will result in for a grant of $1.8 million to tiply in difficulty. We have an ob- the economic progress made tinue our focus on construction jobs support the National Kidney ligation to make a better future during the last year. our children and stu- and address critical Foundation of Hawaii in light for our children. We live in para- “There was no way for us to dents’ performance. infrastructure needs. of the closure of two Hawaii dise and taking care of each Gov. Abercrombie have balanced our budget and We wanted to cross • Investing $5 Medical Center hospitals. other is a value that is funda- achieved today’s fiscally favor- the Race to the Top finish line million towards the preser- • Improvements to the crimi- mental to the aloha spirit.” able outlook without the commit- side-by-side with the HSTA. vation and protection of the nal justice system as pro- Abercrombie will submit ment of everyone,” says Make no mistake we will cross state’s watersheds. posed by the Justice measures that were mentioned Abercrombie, who thanked state that finish line,” he says. • Making the TV and Film Tax Reinvestment Initiative. in his speech as well as other employees and recognized the The governor also proposed Credit permanent. • Support for an undersea proposals such as a bill to make Legislature for their support. a number of initiatives that he • Investing $1 million towards cable connecting the is- appropriations for fiscal years Abercrombie’s administra- will introduce this session to early childhood education lands’ grids to provide sta- 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 to re- tion will continue to press for a strengthen the economic recov- and health initiatives. ble, reliable electricity capitalize the Emergency and resolution to the state teachers’ ery that began in 2011. • Investing $1.4 million to es- between islands. Budget Reserve Fund and the contract stalemate. He called on These proposals include: tablish Aging and Disabilities “I know for many it is hard to Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund. pHilippine neWS PNoy Orders Strengthening of Security Following ILIGAN CITY, Philippines (Xin- hua) -- PRESIDENT BE- Makati Explosion NIGNO AQUINO III SAID on Wednesday that he ordered the strengthening of security of pos- sible targets of terrorists follow- ing the explosion that rocked targets of those who want to sponsible in the recent explo- Makati City on Monday. sow terror," he told reporters sion in a vacant lot in Makati Aquino also called on the during his visit in Iligan City. City. public to be vigilant to ensure The President said that the Aquino refused to say everybody's safety. police, along with the village whether the recent incident was "I have ordered our security guards, will conduct more visi- part of the plot that was earlier forces to increase what we call bility foot patrols. uncovered for the Feast of the as hardening aspects in urban, He said that the police were Black Nazarene earlier this potential areas, which could be still determining who were re- month. (www.philstar.com) 13 JanUary 28, 2012 legal noteS News Edition Opting-Out to Prevent Longer Wait written request to the officer in This provision of the CSPA naturalized, under the old inter- for Visa charge of the appropriate U.S. applies retroactively, that is, pretation of Section 6 he could embassy, who then issues a de- even to those F2B preference not opt out of the conversion. He naturalization of the parent. cision and sends it to the bene- petitions filed before the law was would have to remain under F1 The automatic conversion ficiary and the Department of passed on August 6, 2002, and and wait until a visa becomes is good if you’re a national of State’s visa issuance unit. regardless of the age of the ben- available. any country – except for the If the opt-out request is ap- eficiary. Note that the opting-out Because of the unfairness Philippines. Based on the latest proved, the beneficiary’s eligi- can be done even after the con- that resulted, in 2006 the by reuben s. visa bulletin, for other countries bility will be determined as if the version takes place because the USCIS reevaluated its reading segUriTan a conversion from F2B to F1 is parent had never naturalized law specifically allows a conver- of Section 6 and later allowed it advantageous because the and the beneficiary will remain sion to be revoked. to be applied to all beneficiaries ecause of the visa back- waiting time would be cut short in F2B. It used to be that only ben- 21 years and over in the F2B log, it is common for a by over one year (about 4 To illustrate, let’s say X is the eficiaries of petitions initially category, regardless of whether B lawful permanent resident months for Mexico). 33-year old son of a Filipino filed in F2B could benefit from they started out as F2A or F2B. (LPR) parent, usually after living But for the Philippines, the mother who recently became a opting out, and not those who In the example above, this in the U.S. for five years, to be- cut-off date for F2B beneficiar- naturalized U.S. citizen. On Au- started out in F2A and later means that it does not matter if come a naturalized citizen while ies is September 1, 2001, while gust 30, 2001, the mother filed moved to F2B when they turned X was under 21 or over 21 at a child waits for a visa on the for F1 it is April 15, 1997. In an I-130 petition on X’s behalf 21 years old. This interpretation the time the I-130 was filed by basis of an approved second other words, for Philippine na- when X was only 23 years old. resulted in older brothers and his mother. If he turns 21 before preference petition. tionals the conversion actually The F2B priority date is already sisters being able to immigrate his mother naturalizes, his peti- Under the Child Status Pro- adds more than 4 years to the current, but since his mother re- under F2B much earlier than tion would be automatically tection Act (CSPA), when a per- wait since the F1 category is cently naturalized, X automati- their younger siblings who had transferred to F1 category, but manent resident parent more backlogged than F2B. cally moved to the F1 category to wait longer under F1. he can then opt-out if it is more naturalizes the beneficiary in an Section 6 of the CSPA where the waiting time is longer To illustrate, say X in the ex- beneficial to remain in F2B. F2B petition (unmarried sons remedies this inequity by allow- by over 4 years compared to ample above was under 21 and daughters of LPRs) auto- ing the F2B beneficiary to “opt- F2B. X can avoid the backlog in when his mother filed the I-130. REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been prac- ticing law for over 30 years. For further in- matically converts to the F1 (un- out” of the conversion by F1 by opting out of the conver- Since he started out in the F2A formation, you may call him at (212) 695 married sons and daughters of electing to remain an F2B ben- sion by sending a formal request category and converted to the 5281 or log on to his website at www.seguri- U.S. citizens) category upon the eficiary. This is done through a to the USCIS in Manila. F1 category when his mother tan.com pHilippine neWS Palace Hails Pinoy Crewmen Who Helped Save Passengers crewmembers of the Concordia, of Italian Cruise Ship 182 came home, while three by aurea calica pine embassy in Rome had re- others are scheduled to leave Sunday, January 22, 2012 ceived positive feedback from Italy yesterday. MANILA, Philippines - MALA- other crewmembers and pas- Before their flight home, C A ñ A N G Y E S T E R D AY sengers about the Filipino the Filipino crew was offered a HAILED THE FILIPINO crew’s brave acts manifesting Thanksgiving Mass organized CREWMEMBERS of the Italian competence, professionalism by Filipino priests at a local cruise ship Costa Concordia for and humanity, even under ex- church in Rome near the the heroism displayed in saving treme pressure. Hilton Hotel where they were the passengers of the ill-fated Del Rosario said the DFA staying. luxury liner. recognizes and appreciates all In his message after the Deputy presidential the assistance provided by the mass, Reyes commended the Filipino crewmembers of the stricken ship MV Costa Concordia arrived home to spokesperson Abigail Valte as- embassy in Rome, the Filipino Filipino crew for their courage, heroes' welcome a week after their ordeal off the coast of Grosetto, Tuscany, Italy. sured the crew that the govern- community in Italy, the local res- perseverance and profession- ment would provide them with idents of Giglio Island, and the alism. benefits and other assistance Italian authorities. He also thanked the mem- through the Department of Costa Crociere S.p.A, the bers of the Filipino community for Labor and Employment (DOLE) company that owns the cruise helping the embassy in providing and the Overseas Workers Wel- ship, has given assurance that basic necessities to the crew. fare Administration (OWWA). it will give full compensation to Embassy officials and con- “We want to join (in ex- the Filipino crewmembers who cerned members of the Filipino pressing) admiration for the lost their belongings during the community joined the Filipino seafarers,” Valte said. tragedy. seafarers in a simple dinner, The Department of Foreign Costa Crociere said they during which they were given Affairs (DFA) also hailed the Fil- would issue a formal letter of winter clothes, shoes, bags and ipino crew for their heroism and undertaking detailing the com- other necessities. dedication to their work. pany’s firm commitment to the The Filipino seafarers were Foreign Affairs Secretary Filipino crew. commended for staying on to Albert del Rosario assured the On Thursday, the first batch help evacuate other passen- crew of the government’s con- of 108 Filipino crewmembers of gers from the cruise ship after tinued support and assistance. the shipwrecked Costa Concor- its captain allegedly abandoned “You are men and women dia arrived in Manila on board ship and fled to safety. of courage, heroism and dedi- Cathay Pacific and Thai Air- The 17-deck liner crashed cation. We commend you for ways flights from Rome. into rocks off Giglio on the night showing to the world the best Philippine Ambassador to of Jan. 13 with 4,229 passen- traits of the Filipino seafarers. In Italy Virgilio Reyes Jr. person- gers and crew from 60 countries the words of President Aquino, ally assisted the Filipino on board and began to keel just you are our ‘sailing ambassa- crewmembers when they as passengers were sitting down dors’,” Del Rosario said. boarded their flight home. to supper at the start of their Del Rosario said the Philip- Out of the 296 Filipino cruise. (www.philstar.com) 14 News Edition pHilippine neWS JanUary 28, 2012 Pasay Court Rejects GMA Petition to Withdraw Arrest itive development in the poll Mupas. up in the sala of Judge Eugenio Warrant body’s effort to prosecute the “If that (motion for reconsid- de la Cruz. by perseus ecHiminaDa former leader for manipulating eration) will be rejected, then the Ladra told The STAR that Thursday, January 26, 2012 the results of the 2007 senatorial lawyers can elevate the matter the case was originally filed with MANILA, Philippines - A elections. to the Court of Appeals for cer- the RTC 114, which issued a PASAY CITY REGIONAL Brillantes said the Comelec tiorari,” Topacio said in a tele- warrant of arrest against TRIAL COURT (RTC) was very confident that the court phone interview. Radam. JUDGE JUNkED yesterday would dismiss the petition to re- Radam surfaced last Octo- the motion of former President call the arrest warrant because couRt Will tackle ber at the Department of Justice and Pampanga Rep. Gloria they had filed the appropriate gMa’s tRansfeR (DOJ) and implicated Abalos in Macapagal-Arroyo to recall the charges. The court has also set a the alleged election cheating. arrest warrant issued against Defense lawyer Benjamin hearing on Feb. 3 to tackle the “We withdrew the case her. Santos earlier filed the motion to Judge Jesus Mupas motion of the Comelec for the against Radam and re-filed it, RTC branch 112 Judge quash the arrest warrant on the transfer of Arroyo from the Vet- this time including chairman Jesus Mupas, in a three-page ground that there was no evi- Norie Unas, who directly linked erans Memorial Medical Center Abalos,” Ladra said. order, said there was no com- dence pointing to Arroyo as hav- Arroyo to the electoral fraud. (VMMC) to a regular jail facility. Luithe Cabangunay, RTC pelling reason for the court to re- ing committed the tampering of Felda Domingo, Branch 112 Domingo said Arroyo’s at- 117 clerk of court, said the judge call the arrest warrant issued last election returns or any evidence spokesperson, said the arraign- tending physician was directed will study the case before setting Nov. 12, clearing the way for the that she conspired with the per- ment of Arroyo and her co-ac- to submit a medical report and the date for arraignment. arraignment of Arroyo and her son tampering the evidence. cused was set on Feb. 13, after make a recommendation if the Brigido Dulay, counsel for co-accused, former Maguin- “There was no probable which the court will tackle other patient is already fit to be dis- Abalos, said they are ready to danao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. cause substantiating the is- pending motions filed by the charged from the hospital. face the charges in court. and former Maguindanao elec- suance of warrant of arrest and lawyers of Arroyo. She said there is no need The complaint alleged that tion officer Lintang Bedol on the issuance of the same is a Ampatuan has filed a mo- for the doctor to testify on the Radam and Abalos tampered, Feb. 13. blatant deprivation of the ac- tion to dismiss the case while medical certificate and recom- falsified and increased the votes An electoral sabotage case cused’s constitutional right,” the Bedol has filed a motion for the mendation will be accepted. of administration senatorial can- had been filed against Arroyo by motion said. determination of probable However, Domingo said the didates in the Provincial Certifi- the Commission on Elections The Comelec, however, cause. defense will be given time to an- cate of Canvass during the May (Comelec) in relation to alleged filed an opposition arguing that “All these motions will be re- swer the motion of the Comelec 24, 2007 national canvassing. cheating in Maguindanao during the judge merely determines the solved by the court after the ar- for the transfer to a jail facility be- The alleged tampered re- the 2007 midterm election. probability and not the certainty raignment,” Domingo said. fore it will be submitted for reso- sults came from the city of Gen- “Considering the absence of of guilt of the accused, and in Because of the tight sched- lution. eral Santos and the towns of counter-affidavit of Arroyo in the doing so, he need not conduct a ule of the court, which is Ma. Elena Bautista-Horn, Polomolok, Tampakan, Tupi, information filed by Comelec de- hearing because the information presently deliberating at least spokesperson for the former Banga, Koronadal, Norala, Sto. spite notice, the court believes filed alleged adequate facts to 400 cases, she said it is likely leader, said Arroyo would abide Niño, Surrallah and Tantangan. that there were reasonable support the indictment of the for- that the trial would be scheduled by the decision of the court as The alleged tampered elec- grounds to issue the arrest war- mer head of state of the electoral once a month. regards the motion of the Com- tion results were submitted to rant,” the order reads. sabotage offense. Ferdinand Topacio, Arroyo’s elec to have her transferred to a the National Board of Can- Comelec Chairman Sixto Opposition to the motion legal spokesman, said the for- regular jail. vassers, which was then can- Brillantes welcomed the decision also included the testimony of mer president may file a motion Arroyo is currently under de- vassing the senatorial election of the court, saying it was a pos- former provincial administrator for reconsideration before Judge tention at the VMMC in Quezon results at the Philippine Interna- City. tional Convention Center (PICC) “We always abide by the rul- in Pasay City. ing of the courts. We have al- Comelec spokesman ways done that. So whatever James Jimenez said that based decision the court will make on on the additional complaint they calls to have her transferred filed, Abalos personally in- elsewhere, we will abide by structed Radam to come up with that,” Horn said. “But of course, a 12-0 result in favor of adminis- she will avail of all available legal tration candidates. recourse on that issue.” The votes were supposedly tampered for Senators Joker Ar- MoRe cases against royo, Edgardo Angara, Ralph aBalos Recto, Mike Defensor, Prospero The poll body also filed yes- Pichay Jr., Tito Sotto, Vicente terday 11 additional counts of Magsaysay, Tessie Aquino- electoral sabotage against for- Oreta, Juan Miguel Zubiri and mer Comelec chairman Ben- Luis Singson. jamin Abalos and the former Votes obtained by Genuine chair of South Cotabato’s Opposition senatorial candidate Provincial Board of Canvasser Loren Legarda were also al- Lilian Suan-Radam before the legedly tampered. Pasay City RTC branch 117. Jimenez said the Comelec Comelec legal department filed additional charges because head Esmeralda Ladra filed the Abalos was not included in the information, which was raffled previous complaint filed against yesterday morning and ended Radam. (www.philstar.com)

ADVERTISE NOW AND SEE HOW THE FACE OF BUSINESS IS CHANGING! No matter how small your ad, it gets our readers attention! CALL 678-8930 OR GO TO OUR WEBSITE @ www.thefilipinochronicle.com JanUary 28, 2012 News Edition 15 COMMUNITy CALENDAR BUSINESS 4th Coronation oF Mrs. anaK ti 10th annivErsary oF surong vallEy 58th annivErsary oF hawaii Filipino DIRECTORy BadoC iti hawaii and valEntinE's assoCiation intErnational, ala Moana woMEn's CluB & 38th annual tErno dinnEr / saturday hotEl / saturday Ball / saturday February 4, 2012, 6pm ● Pacific February 11, 2012, 6pm ● Ala Moana Hotel March 3, 2012, 6pm ● Ala Moana Hotel ● Beach Hotel ● For more info, contact ● For more details, contact Felix Contact: Carmen Cabreros @ 358- Marilyn @ 678-1482 Agraan @748-5742 3845 or Jenny Quezon @ 840-0987 gloBal neWS More Foreign Domestic Workers Apply for Right of Abode in HK MANILA, Philippines - THE NUM- Alliance for the Betterment and BER OF FOREIGN DOMESTIC Progress of Hong Kong, said she was HELPERS applying for right of abode alarmed by the “astonishing” increase in Hong Kong increased from an av- in applications. erage of just one a month before the But some quarters described as landmark permanent residency ruling “just a scare tactic” the alarmist esti- last September to more than 200 the mates that as many as 500,000 im- following month, The South China migrants could flood into Hong Kong Sunday break for Foreign Domestic Workers Morning Post (SCMP) reported. – computing that each domestic in Hong Kong In September last year, the Hong helper brought in a spouse and two supported claims that the govern- Kong High Court ruled that the exclu- children. ment’s estimate was “wildly exagger- sion of foreign domestic workers from The government has suspended ated.” a rule that allows foreigners to apply the processing of right of abode ap- Daly pointed out that the foreign for the right to settle in the city after plications pending a final decision on domestic helpers are just seeking the seven years of uninterrupted resi- its appeal against the ruling in favor right to apply for right of abode, not an dency was unconstitutional. of Vallejos. The appeal on the Valle- automatic right to permanent resi- The court ruled in favor of Evan- jos case will be heard on Feb. 21. dency. geline Banao Vallejos, a Filipino do- The number of applications for He said the Immigration Depart- mestic helper who has lived in Hong verification of eligibility for a perma- ment would determine who would be Kong for 25 years. nent identity card for the months of given permanent residence. While the number is just a tiny October, November and December Eni Lestati of the Asian Migrants’ fraction of the reported 125,000 are 148, 334 and 149, respectively. Coordinating Body said “it is proven helpers who have lived in Hong Kong In August and September, before that not many of us are so excited to for at least seven years, it is a signif- the residency ruling, the number was be Hong Kong permanent residents.” icant rise that has caused some 16 applications a month. However, New People’s Party alarm among the local populace. Mark Daly, a human rights lawyer chair Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee said “the In November, a total of 334 appli- who represented the domestic real threat will only come after the final cations were filed. Starry Lee Wai- helpers, said the number of applica- court decision.” (www.philstar.com) king, vice-chair of the Democratic tions filed in the past three months 5 Pinay Victims of Illegal Recruiter ipinas, aged 28, had permanent em- Rescued in China ployment in the province. The MANILA, Philippines - FIVE FILIPINO ipina based in Macau to work as Eng- youngest graduated from college only WOMEN WERE RESCUED from lish tutors to wealthy families in China. last year. their employers in Shenzhen, China, They were promised a salary of The consulate assisted the Fil- the Department of Foreign Affairs RMB4,800 (around $800) a month and ipinos in filing their complaints before (DFA) said yesterday. a valid visa for six months. the proper authorities in Shenzhen. Quoting a report from the Philip- However, they were actually em- Two of the women were repatriated pine Consulate General in ployed as household workers with a Monday, while the three other victims Guangzhou, the DFA said the rescue salary of only RMB3,800 a month are being provided temporary accom- was made with the assistance of the (about $500). The victims were in- modation by the consulate pending an Shenzhen Public Security Bureau and formed by the agency upon arrival that investigation by Chinese authorities. the local police. they have to work for at least two The DFA warned would-be over- One Filipina was assisted on Dec. months without any salary because seas workers that foreign household 29, 2011, another was rescued when they need to pay their visa fee amount- service workers are not allowed in police conducted a raid on Jan. 8, and ing to RMB8,000 ($1,300) each. China. The penalty for overstaying in three were assisted on Jan. 10. Three of the victims previously China is a minimum detention of one The five women, between 22 to worked legally as household service month and a fine of RMB5,000 ($750). 41 years old, were recruited by a Fil- workers in Hong Kong. One of the Fil- (www.philstar.com) 16 News Edition JanUary 28, 2012