FeBruarY 18, 2012  haWaII FIlIpIno ChronICle  1

♦ FEBRUARY 18,19, 20122011 ♦

OPINION HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS LEGAL NOTES The Good ThaT Can VIllaruz eleCTed reporTInG ImmI- Come From Corona’s Isah presIdenT GraTIon-relaTed ImpeaChmenT TrIal For 2012 dIsCrImInaTIon

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE PRESORTED STANDARD 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. U.S. POSTAGE WAIPAHU, HI 96797 PAID HONOLULU, HI PERMIT NO. 9661 2  haWaII FIlIpIno ChronICle  FeBruarY 18, 2012 EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER Publisher & Executive Editor elcome to our latest edition of Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. Ending Corruption the Hawaii Filipino Chroni- cle! This past week was a Publisher & Managing Editor Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Once and For All? downer for millions of fans orruption has plagued the Philippines for so long that W of pop superstar Whitney Associate Editors many Filipinos have resigned themselves to the no- Houston whose death came Dennis Galolo tion that it will always be a part of everyday life. The as a complete shock. She was idolized by Edwin Quinabo seeds of corruption were planted as far back as the many Filipinos for her beautiful voice and Creative Designer Spanish colonial times, when galleon ships smuggled singing abilities. Her untimely passing should be a reminder to Junggoi Peralta C goods into Manila from India, Southeast Asia and those who are struggling with substance abuse or involved in Design Consultant China. Officials were bribed to forego examination an abuse relationship to seek help. We mourn her loss and pray Randall Shiroma of goods to determine the amount of tax to be paid. The result was for her family. nothing less than widespread official corruption. Photography In our last issue, we reported on the trial for the Philip- Tim Llena From then to modern times, corruption has scourged the na- tion. It has undermined development, hurt the poor, diminished the pines’ Chief Justice Renato Corona, the country’s top lawyer, Administrative Assistant Shalimar Pagulayan quality of public services and raised the price of goods and serv- who is facing impeachment on charges of corruption before a ices. Past presidents have attempted to weed out graft and corrup- court composed of Philippine senators. We have provided an Columnists tion but were largely unsuccessful. Most recent efforts have been update and interesting viewpoint of this landmark trial in a Carlota Ader Carlo Cadiz, M.D. undertaken by President Benigno S. Aquino III. Much like his column on page 3 entitled “The Good That Can Come From Sen. Will Espero mother, Cory Aquino, who pursued graft and corruption against Corona’s Impeachment Trial.” In conjunction, our cover story Grace F. Fong, Ed.D the Marcos regime, PNoy is leading the investigation into the al- for this issue is written by Dr. Belinda Aquino, who discusses Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. leged wheeling-and-dealings of his predecessor Gloria Macapa- J.P. Orias graft and corruption in the Philippines, its history and stran- Pacita Saludes gal-Arroyo, her husband and other officials of her inner circle. glehold on the country and what can be done to address this Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. While much attention is focused on high level corruption in- problem. We hope you will enjoy reading her story, which be- Charlie Sonido, M.D. Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. volving generals, politicians and businessmen, the problem is just gins on page 4. as pervasive on the street where every day men and women bribe Felino S. Tubera Speaking of the Philippines, members of the Filipino Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. officers to overlook traffic violations. Such petty corruption must Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii are currently in the Philip- stop. Doing so is one way to start slowly turning things around. pines for their 22nd Annual Trade Mission. The goal of the Contributing Writers The difference between corruption in the Philippines com- trade mission is to promote Honolulu and encourage invest- Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. pared to the U.S. is that the risks are greater here in America. Could Clement Bautista that be the answer for the Philippines—to create a system that ment, tourism and cultural exchanges. Accompanying the Teresita Bernales, Ed.D makes corruption so high-risk that it will deter most people? The FCCH is Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle, who is meeting with Linda Dela Cruz system should make it easy for its citizens to pay taxes, dues and officials and business leaders in Honolulu’s five Philippine sis- Fiedes Doctor Danny De Gracia, II, MA fines with much less hassle…a system that makes corruption high ter cities—Baguio, Cebu, Laoag, Manila and Vigan. Best Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand risk, yet makes things less bureaucratic and easier for its citizens. wishes to the FCCH for a successful mission and safe return Amelia Jacang, M.D. That should be the collective long-term dream for the Philippines. trip! Caroline Julian Maita Milallos For the short term, we can only hope and pray that the Filipino Before ending, I’d like to once again thank our readers Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. people will continue to support PNoy and his administration. Their once again for their support. As always, we encourage you to Glenn Wakai efforts are the best and most sustained attempt to date at rooting out provide feedback, story ideas, tips or concerns via an email at: Amado Yoro corruption. The truth is, there is no easy solution on ending cor- [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you! Philippine Correspondent ruption. It will certainly require more than the efforts of one man— Greg Garcia Until next time… aloha and mabuhay! it will take the collective will of the Filipino people. Big Island Distributor Grace Larson Ditas Udani

Maui Distributor $25 Billion Settlement Who Benefits and How? Cecile Piros An estimated 4 million American families have already lost their Molokai Distributor Is Too Small; Big Banks homes to foreclosure since 2007. According to RealtyTrac, another Maria Watanabe Can Afford To Do More 2 million homes will be lost to foreclosure this year. Teetering on Advertising/Marketing Director the high-wire, roughly 12.6 million homeowners have outstanding Chona A. Montesines-Sonido n the 1990s, the U.S. government reached a $250 bil- residential mortgages that are deemed “underwater,” meaning home- lion settlement with the tobacco industry to help pay Account Executives owners owe more to the bank than what the house is worth. Many Carlota Ader for Medicaid losses due to tobacco-related illnesses of these homeowners with poor financing just might end up in fore- J.P. Orias and to fund anti-smoking campaigns. closure in the future. Just this month in a similar government-led law- (continued on page 3) The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published I suit brought against the banking industry for abuses in weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. It is mailed directly to subscribers and dis- foreclosure proceedings, the case was settled for a LETTERS tributed at various outlets around Oahu and measly $25 billion. Considering how much richer the banking in- the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertis- KUDOS ON MEDICAL MISSION ARTICLE ing deadlines are three weeks prior to pub- dustry is to the tobacco industry, and when taking into account the Thank you for the informative article “Reflections on 2011 Davao, lication date. Subscriptions are available at damage banks have caused through predatory, subprime lending in $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor is- Payats and Ilocos Sur Medical Mission” by Teresita Bernales, Ed.D. At a lands, continental U.S. $80, foreign country the past decade, the $25 billion had better be just a starting point. time when the media all too often prints negative news, you treated read- $90. Copyright 2006-2012. The Hawaii Fil- A one-time payment of $25 billion to make good on wild west ers to a positive piece on the Ohana Medical Mission. ipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 The article was quite descriptive and very detailed which gave HFC Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Tele- financing that ruined the lives of millions cannot be a sudden free phone (808) 678-8930 Facsimile (808) 678- pass to upright standing. Taking numbers into perspective, the banks readers quality information that addressed the mission and purpose of the 1829. E-mail [email protected]. OMM. Reading about the many volunteers sharing their time, talents and Website: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. together took in $317 billion in revenues last year alone. Imagine resources to treat those in need was inspiring. Maraming salamat to OMM Opinions expressed by the columnists and how much more these banks have already profited from placing for spreading God’s aloha by serving the needy in the Philippines, as well contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle manage- mortgages into toxic derivatives that led to the global financial mire as to HFC and Teresita Bernales, Ed.D. for sharing some ment. Reproduction of the contents in whole in the first place. Investors know that this settlement is a slap on the good news! or in part is prohibited without written per- mission from the management. All rights re- wrist. Wall Street’s reaction to the settlement caused barely a ripple served. Printed in the U.S.A. with the stocks of those banks involved closing steadily or up by a noemi pendleton Kailua www.thefilipinochronicle.com percent or two. www.efilipinochronicle.com FeBruarY 18, 2012  haWaII FIlIpIno ChronICle  3 OPINION The Good That Can Come From Corona’s ators Joker Arroyo or Franklin technical knowledge of the tences or getting them to admit Impeachment Trial Drilon may appear at times to be rules on evidence — may in fact to half-truths with yes or no an- leaning on the side of the de- be his greatest weakness in this swers. NO LIMITATION By Ted Laguatan fense or prosecution when they impeachment proceedings. In their cleverness, unwit- ever mind that the vote according to compelling ev- give their opinions or question In a Philippine regular court tingly, they fail to sense that they prosecution team ap- idence and logic — but accord- witnesses; that’s acceptable. The of law, Cuevas’ tactic of object- are negatively impacting the jury pears sometimes like ing to personal philosophies, accused is not deprived of due ing to practically everything pre- in giving the impression that bumbling freshman party lines, individual political process and the other Senator- sented by the other side may they want to suppress or distort Moot Court law stu- agendas, moral or immoral in- Judges and the public get to sometimes be good strategy. It the truth. As the case proceeds, N dents. Understand- centives and intuition. This is the know more facts and viewpoints depends on the judge’s priorities. the jury becomes increasingly ir- ably, they are nature of the process. about the case. The important Is he (or she) more into legal ritated and angered by the re- primarily not trial lawyers but It’s somewhat similar to thing is to air out the truth. technicalities or is he more inter- peated attempts to prevent them congressmen instantly casted as how jurors make decisions in US The defense team is led by ested in knowing the truth. Ide- from seeing the evidence or lis- prosecutors. Unlike the defense courts. There are other factors 83 year old still sharp Serafin ally, he should balance both but tening to a witness. lawyers, trying cases is not their other than the available evidence Cuevas and Eduardo de los An- lean more towards the side of At the end of the trial, when usual everyday fare. They can- that influence their decisions geles. Cuevas, distinct in ap- knowing the truth. the jury decides against their not be faulted for not appearing which more often than not result pearance with his truncated jet The proceedings in this im- clients, they often do not even like seasoned trial lawyers. They in true justice. black doo — was appointed As- peachment trial are more in the understand as to why this hap- are not. In the old west, when a sociate Supreme Court Justice nature of a jury trial. Here in the pened. They think they did a Nonetheless, they have laid horse thief was caught red- by the late dictator Ferdinand U.S. where I practice, under the good lawyering job. In the out adequate allegations, which handed, the saying was: “Let’s Marcos in June 1984 and re- jury system, I have observed Estrada impeachment trial, when are somewhat poorly drafted and give the bastard a fair hearing signed in April 1986 after Mar- many lawyers employing the majority obviously pro- rough in some spots, but if before we hang him.” Nothing cos fell. The staid scholarly De Cuevas’ tactic often lose their Estrada Senators voted not to proven by competent evidence wrong with that. It’s not as if the los Angeles was a former dean at cases. open an envelope which might to be true — theoretically should judge or jurors are clueless about Ateneo Law School. Techni- They try to keep every piece show Estrada’s guilt (or inno- result in a final order of im- the case. They already know the cally, the defense team is com- of evidence from being admitted cence) — the prosecution team peachment against Chief Justice facts. The fair hearing process is posed of more experienced — objecting to its relevance, its walked out, the people went bal- Renato Corona. necessary because it is mandated lawyers. acquisition or some other techni- listics and Estrada got yanked However, the reality is that by constitutional due process re- That does not necessarily cality. They try to muzzle wit- out of Malacanang. not all the Senator-Judges will quirements. mean victory. Ironically, Cuevas’ nesses from speaking by not The real jurors here are the In like manner, even if Sen- strong point which is his obvious allowing them to finish their sen- (continued on page 8) EDITORIAL (cont.) (from page 2, $25 BILLION...) billion National Mortgage Set- sands of responsible homeown- The quicker our country and tlement. Your servicer is the ers willing to re-modify their banks climb out of this foreclo- The scope of the recent $25 worth is $50,000. So in reality, company to which you make mortgage loans. It’s in all parties’ sure mess, the faster banks can billion settlement will only affect homeowners who qualify to be a your monthly mortgage pay- best interest that banks work once again be making healthy, approximately 1 million home- part of the settlement still have ment. An administrator for this with these homeowners because responsible and secure loans. owners in foreclosure distress. to bridge a gap of about $30,000 settlement will be chosen within the option of receiving no-pay- For more information, call Based on this estimate, it’s safe or so. 30-60 days. Eligible homeown- ment in a long, drawn out fore- the servicers at Bank of Amer- to say that this settlement will do Another $3 billion of the ers will be identified over the closure process (1 to 3 years), ica: 877-488-7814; J.P. Morgan little to strengthen the housing settlement will help borrowers next six to nine months. Pay- will do nothing to help our econ- Chase: 866-372-6901; Citi: 866- market. refinance their mortgages to ments and other relief of the set- omy grow and re-stabilize. We 272-4749; GMAC/Ally Finan- The settlement applies only lower rates; $1.5 billion is ear- tlement will be made over a encourage other large banks not cial: 800-766-4622; or Wells to mortgages issued between marked as restitution to those three-year period so borrowers involved in this settlement to Fargo: 800-288-3212. Please 2008 and 2011, and to mort- who have lost homes to foreclo- may not get an immediate an- work with distressed homeown- also contact your local branches gages owned only by Bank of sure without proper paperwork swer. It’s best to follow up peri- ers on the brink of foreclosure. for assistance. America, Citigroup, JP Morgan, or “robo-signing” (foreclosures odically. Ally Financial or Wells Fargo. earlier pushed through without Politically, President Barack Government-controlled mort- proper review of paperwork). Obama scored a small win in gages Fannie Mae and Freddie The remaining money will go to- forcing some accountability by Mac will not be affected by the ward various forms of financial the banks through the National settlement. relief to borrowers including for- Mortgage Settlement. While the While limited in scope, the bearance of principal for unem- settlement is small, especially settlement does deserve some ployed borrowers, short sales when considering they are praise. The settlement will di- and transitional assistance, bene- mostly write-offs, at least it helps rectly assist homeowners who fits for service members who are to lead us on the path in the right are at risk but continue to make forced to sell their home at a loss direction in getting more Amer- payments on time. Some $17 as a result of Permanent Change icans secured in their mortgage billion has been earmarked to in Station order, and other pro- financing. The settlement should help lower mortgage balances grams. also help to get the mortgage for people who are “underwa- market back to functioning with ter.” It will reduce each loan What to Do? increased activity. principal by about $20,000 and If you are in foreclosure dis- This settlement is far from a provide much needed debt relief. tress or hold a property deemed cure-all. Homeowners who But when looking at the num- “underwater” by any of the made purchases during the real bers, there is about $700 billion banks involved in the settlement, estate bubble and subsequent total outstanding mortgage debt it’s imperative to contact your fallout should continue to exert for properties deemed “under- mortgage servicer to find out if political pressure on their elected water.” The average gap be- you qualify for a principal re- officials to get banks to correct tween what homeowners owe duction or refinance modifica- the foreclosure mess that banks and what their properties are tion through the recent $26 started. There are tens of thou- 4  haWaII FIlIpIno ChronICle  FeBruarY 18, 2012 COVER STORY Punishing Philippine Graft and Corruption By Belinda A. Aquino, Ph.D. f there is a consistent, long-standing factor responsible for giving the Philippines a “black eye image” in the interna- tional community over the years, it would be, without a I doubt, corruption. The Philippines never fails to land on the top two or three on corruption index surveys of Trans- parency International and other watchdog institutions.

Consequently, every incom- of the cases ostensibly to be in- and see how the Philippines’ ing president makes it a priority vestigated by the Truth Commis- track record stacks up with its to launch an aggressive and de- sion were the NBN-ZTE deal, counterparts. termined anti-corruption agenda Mega-Pacific, 2007 election that would wipe out this perpet- fraud and other scandals during Roots of Philippine Corruption ual scourge on the Philippine po- the GMA administration. It would be instructive at litical topography once and for To underscore the serious- this point to examine the roots of all. ness of his anti-corruption cam- Philippine corruption, which can Since Day One of his presi- paign, PNoy and his legal team be traced back to the country’s dency in June 2010, President went after Ombudsman Merced- colonial past. We often have the Benigno S. Aquino III (PNoy itas Gutierrez and called for her mistaken notion that the Philip- Former Preidents Joseph Estrada and Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Aquino) has vowed to go after impeachment for failing to file pine corruption we see today the corrupt, even going to the ex- cases against officials implicated started only during the post- grew in size to accommodate ished for 250 years. tent of linking it with yet another in the various scams in GMA’s World War II period, which mul- more tonnage. In time, the galleon trade de- fundamental infirmity of the sys- administration. Gutierrez re- tiplied opportunities to engage in The shipments were never clined but its indelible legacy of tem—poverty—his slogan, signed before she could be pros- corrupt behavior in just about inspected by authorities and the corrupt wheeling-and-dealing “Kung walang korap, walang ecuted. The current every arena, but especially in the merchants routine declared would become part of the politi- mahirap,” loosely translated “If impeachment trial of Supreme public sector. ridiculously low values for their cal vocabulary of Filipinos to there is no corruption, there is no Court Justice Renato Corona and Writing for the National Ge- goods. Packages declared in this day. Eventually, the Philip- poverty.” the house arrest of GMA are part ographic magazine (September worth of 125 pesos, were in fact pines would be further exploited His Executive Order No. 1 of the grand design of PNoy 1990), Eugene Lyon provides a worth 500, even 1,000 pesos by other colonial powers like created a Truth Commission to Aquino to try and rid the system fascinating analysis of the each. In time, loads of contraband France and England, as well as look into massive cases of graft of its long-standing “rotten Galleon Trade between the materials, such as gold bullions, by the U.S., which had become and corruption committed from core.” Philippines and Mexico as hav- were hidden in every part of the a Pacific power at the beginning 2001 to 2010, a pointed refer- This article takes a hard look ing developed a highly-lucrative galleons, including “hollowed- of the 20th century. ence to the long tenure of his at this phenomenon that refuses commercial system from which out timbers, bales of cloth, even predecessor, Glora Macapagal to go away or be uprooted to an the Spanish Crown derived im- inside the rinds of cheeses.” Combating Corruption Arroyo (GMA), who became a appreciable degree. We will also mense profits. Manila became Today, the name of this an- The high point of bureau- member of the Philippine Con- examine the results of anti-cor- the center of a “web of com- cient practice in the galleon trade cratic corruption in recent mem- gress after her presidency. Some ruption efforts in other countries merce linking India, Southeast is “smuggling.” The Bureau of ory occurred during the 14-year Asia and especially China.” Customs, as everyone knows, is Marcos dictatorship (1972- Spanish authorities assigned one of the most lucrative hotbeds 1986), which devised ingenious galleon shipping spaces to a for smuggled goods reining in means such as “crony capital- commission representing power- huge profits in an institutional- ism” and outright takeover of ful interests at the time—the ized “bureaucracy of graft and private businesses to accumulate civil government, the church, re- corruption.” The main effect of unlimited wealth for a few under ligious orders and business en- this large-scale cheating is the a regime that decreed censor- terprises controlled by Chinese loss of legitimate government ship, abolition of civil rights, merchants or middlemen. They revenue from taxes. closure of Congress and other were issued permits called “bo- In the galleon days, accord- draconian measures to rule the letas,” which were supposed to ing to Lyon, the practice of tol- country. The first Executive be chosen equitably. But in- erating smuggling invited Order signed by President Cora- evitably, corruption and influ- “widespread official corruption.” zon Aquino, following the ouster ence dictated the distribution of So much so that even the Span- of the Marcos regime, created the permits to the “shippers.” ish king no less would accept the Presidential Commission on Even though individual clergy- “lump sum payments” in lieu of Good Government (PCGG) to men were forbidden to partici- the evaded taxes. Bribes were “recover all ill-gotten wealth ac- pate in the bidding, there were routinely paid to officials to quired by Marcos, his immediate “priests, bishops and even arch- forego examination of goods to family, subordinates and close bishops who consigned mer- determine how much taxes associates, including takeover or chandise on the galleons.” should be paid. The web of indi- sequestration of all businesses, Governors and other officials vidual graft and bureaucratic enterprises and entities con- regularly loaded shipments collusion expanded significantly trolled by them, either directly or which yielded substantial prof- and enriched a class of opera- through nominees during Mar- its, especially as the galleons tives as the galleon trade flour- (continued on page 5) FeBruarY 18, 2012  haWaII FIlIpIno ChronICle  5 COVER STORY (from page 4, PUNISHING....) Point Approach to combat cor- convicted of corruption, money laundering, fraud minister of industry and cos administration.” The PCGG ruption in the Philippines, as fol- bribery, money laundering, mail and extortion; 97 months in trade of Brazil, for misman- estimated that the stolen or hid- lows: fraud, misconduct and other prison. agement of Banco Econom- den wealth acquired by the Mar- 1. Reduce opportunities for felonies and high crimes. It is • Tommy Suharto: son of the ico leading to bankruptcy; cos group amounted between corruption by policy reform my theory that punishment will late Indonesian dictator 13 years and 4 months in $5-10 billion, only from docu- and deregulation not stop corruption completely, Suharto, graft for selling prison. mented sources, which means 2. Reform campaign finance but it will deter it. The U.S. East Timor assets worth • Katsutoshi Matsuo: ex-for- there could be much more. 3. Increase public oversight leads in successfully prosecut- $135 million to five of his eign ministry of Japan offi- Note the similarity between 4. Reform budget processes ing, convicting and incarcerat- companies, although re- cial, for pocketing money the creation of the PCGG and the 5. Improve civil service meri- ing former high officials versed by Supreme Court. from discretionary funds to- Truth Commission in the two tocracy convicted of one or more of the • Manuel Noriega: ex-dictator taling $500 million; 7.5 mother-son Philippine presiden- 6. Target selected depart- crimes cited above. The main of Panama, for drug traffick- years in prison. cies. The PCGG immediately ments/agencies ones are as follows: ing and sentenced by U.S. filed with the Sandiganbayan 7. Enhance corruption sanc- • Rod Blagoyevich: ex-gover- court in 1992; 17 tears in The list is endless but makes close to 90 cases of graft and tions nor of Illinois, convicted of prison. Also convicted in the point that other countries corruption against the Marcoses, 8. Develop partnerships with bribery, fraud, corruption France in a cocaine case and have been so much more force- their cronies and eventually the the private sector and misconduct; 14 years in sentenced to 7 years in jail. ful in their fight against official Marcos Estate. Predictably, the 9. Support judicial reforms prison after losing appeal. • Mai Van Dan: ex-deputy corruption and much more suc- pace of litigation was slow and • Randy Cunningham: ex- trade minister of Vietnam cessful in convicting and send- unproductive as the now-re- These are all very well U.S. representative, for for bribery; 14 years in ing them to prison to serve out stored democratic space in the meaning courses of action to bribery, mail fraud and tax prison. harsh and even cruel punish- country allowed defendants to curb or minimize corruption, evasion; 8 years in prison • Angelo Calmon de Sa, ex- (continued on page 6) hire the best lawyers, bribe in- but it will take another century with a $1.8 million fine. vestigators and intimidate wit- for all these reforms to materi- • James Traficant: ex-U.S. nesses. Government lawyers alize, if at all. It didn’t take long representative, for bribery, were outsmarted by many of the after 1999 when, in the irony of racketeering and false tax cronies, who had either cut deals ironies, Erap the Hunter became returns; 7 years in prison. with the incoming administra- the Hunted himself as far as • Rafael Angel Calderon tion or returned just a portion of corruption was concerned. He Fournier: ex-president of their loot. In time, members of was exposed as the lord of the Costa Rica, for embezzling the Marcos family returned to underworld of jueteng and other government funds; 5 years power and are now in positions sleazy activities by no less than in prison with a $520,000 to protect what they claim is his kumpadre Chavit Singson fine. rightfully theirs. The country’s with whom he had a falling out, • Alberto Fujimori: ex-presi- weak system of justice is just not reminiscent of situations in- dent of Peru, for human able to cope with the machina- volving honor among thieves. rights abuses and other tions and manipulations of tradi- Erap was impeached by the crimes; 25 years in prison. tional powerful interests in House of Representatives but • Arnoldo Aleman: ex-presi- society. the Senate trial did not continue dent of Nicaragua, for Most of the cases have ei- when the Impeachment court money laundering, corrup- ther been dismissed, won by the voted not to open the 2nd enve- tion and embezzlement; 20 defendants or simply lan- lope because it was not part of years in prison. guished into oblivion. Only a the impeachment complaint. • Chen Shui-bian: ex-presi- handful cases filed in U.S. dis- The prosecution panel walked dent of Taiwan, for money trict courts, such as the class ac- out of the Impeachment Court laundering, embezzlement tion suit on behalf of 10,000 in protest. The impeachment and bribery; 20 years in Marcos human rights victims, trial was adjourned and re- prison. have succeeded. But even here, sumption of trial left undecided. • Roh Moo-Hyun: ex-presi- justice was never really served This triggered People Power II dent of South Korea, for as the victims only received a in 2001 resulting in Erap’s un- bribery but committed sui- pittance of the huge damages ceremonious ouster. GMA, vice cide while under investiga- awarded by the court, amount- president at the time, quickly tion. One of his ing to $1.2 billion in the early ascended to power, but it didn’t predecessors, Chun Doo 1990s for their pain and suffer- take long either before her ad- Hwan, was also found guilty ing under the dictatorship. ministration was castigated by of corruption and part of his Fast forward to the Estrada an outspoken media which ex- punishment was to be exiled “Erap” administration which, in posed the alleged wheeling- in an isolated place where 1999, asked the World Bank to and-dealings of her husband there was no heating during help the Philippines fight cor- and other officials of her inner winter. ruption. Erap seemed like a circle. The PNoy administration • Winnie Madikizela-Man- knight in shining armor, bran- is intent on pursuing the same dela: ex-first lady of South dishing the anti-corruption course of action as his mother Africa, for fraud and theft; 5 sword as the man of the masses did. What is next? Will it take years in prison, which was (Erap para sa mahirap: Erap for another 25, 35, 50 or even a 100 later reduced to a suspended the Poor). You’d think he would years before some big fish sentence. finally lick this nemesis of the could be fried? • Raul Salinas: brother to ex- Philippine political system. president of Mexico Carlos The Philippines’ former Punishing the Corrupt in Other Salinas, for plotting the mur- country desk director at the Countries der of another official; sen- World Bank, Vinay Bhargava, This section cites more suc- tenced to 27.5 in prison. conducted a comprehensive cessful cases of meting harsh • Paulo Lazarenko: ex-prime study which proposed a Nine- punishment to accused grafters minister of Ukraine, for 6  haWaII FIlIpIno ChronICle  FeBruarY 18, 2012 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

• Magsingal Assn of Hawaii Villaruz Elected ISAH President for 2012-2014 (Basilio Tolentino) by Amado I. Yoro Our Homeland.” Romy Cachola; Pio Enrico; • Vigan Association of Other ISAH officers Louie Funtanilla; Ted Saribay; Hawaii (Tessie Aganon) anny Villaruz was re- elected include: Maria Etrata, Charlie Y. Sonido, MD; Carlito • Santanians of Hawaii (Pio elected as president first vice president; Estrella Soria; Ignacio Torres, MD; and Enrico) Dfor the Ilocos Surian Pada Taong, second vice presi- Amado I. Yoro. • Santiagenians of Hawaii Association of Hawaii (ISAH) dent; Loida Alimboyoguen Ya- ISAH is comprised of mu- (Emi Etrata) during its general membership mamoto, recording secretary; nicipal and alumni unit organi- • Candonians of Hawaii (Dr. meeting at the Susannah Wes- Davelyn Ancheta quijano, zations with respective unit Ignacio Torres) ley Community Center on Feb- Corresponding secretary; Rose presidents, namely: • Annak Ti Caoayan 2002 ruary 7, 2012. Danny Villaruz Sabangan, treasurer; Tessie • Annak ti Sinait Iti Hawaii (Jenny quezon) Members of the nomination quirino Awards last August Aganon, assistant treasurer; (Antonio Ipalari) • Narvacaneos of Hawaii and election committee were Al 2011 which paid tribute to Lynne Gutierrez, auditor; Alice • Sinait National High (Louie Funtanilla) Sabangan, Rose Sabangan, Art leaders in the community. Castaneda, assistant auditor; School Alumni Association • Sta. Marians of Hawaii Abinsay, Antonio Ipalari, ISAH is an active member Bernadette Fajardo and Anto- of Hawaii (Davelyn qui- (Iluminada Directo) Amado Yoro and Jun Abinsay. of the Oahu Filipino Commu- nio Ipalari, PRO. jano) The installation of officers ISAH has launched numer- nity Council (OFCC) and the Sergeants-at-arms are Art • Cabugao Sons & Daugh- ceremony will be held at the ous successful projects under United Filipino Council of Abinsay; Gus Concepcion; ters Association of Hawaii Hale Koa Hotel in conjunction Villaruz’s leadership. One of Hawaii (UFCH). Its theme is Cesar Fajardo; Al Sabangan and (Mercedes Sonico) with the Mrs. ISAH and the ISAH’s most recent projects “Working Together to Rebuild Paul Taong. Advisors are Felipe • San Juan Lapog Assn of President Elpidio quirino was the President Elpidio our Communities Here and P. Abinsay, Jr.; Ben Cabreros; Hawaii (Alice Castaneda) Awards on August 10, 2012. COVER STORY (cont.) (from page 5, PUNISHING...) ment. The list is drawn mostly physical conditions. Another of corruption, which are played worked out in a seemingly at a love motel.” Hats off to the from the 2010 Yearbook of the former ex-president jumped off out in blatant or subtle propor- seamless web of bureaucratic first female president of Brazil! American Chamber of Com- a cliff unable to come to terms tions as long as there are oppor- collusion and corruption. Meanwhile, according to merce entitled Arangkada, which with his family’s corruption. tunities to do so. Since very few I started with the history of the report, public outrage turned has much more detailed ac- The only Filipino listed in are caught and even fewer con- Philippine corruption by citing into regular street demonstra- counts of former high govern- the Arangkada Hall of Shame victed, perpetrators are all the the case of its beginnings in the tions. Brazil is like the Philip- ment officials who have been was Mark Jimenez, business- more emboldened to engage in Galleon Trade, which is a most pines in many ways in terms of convicted and imprisoned for man and ex-Philippine Repre- sleazy acts. In the Philippines fascinating study. That was so circumventing rules and other corruption over the years. sentative (2001-03), who was especially, there is this mindset many centuries ago one would irregular behavior but a new Estrada was subsequently sentenced by a U.S. court to 22 of “baka makalusot” (one might think it would have been under- middle class is outraged and overthrown for his corrupt ac- months in prison on tax evasion get away with it) and they will mined in these modern times. speaking out increasingly tivities, found guilty of corrup- charges and conspiracy to de- take the risk. The more influen- Instead, graft and corruption has against government graft. They tion and sentenced to house fraud the U.S. He was ordered tial grafters, especially close not only escalated but multi- have found it intolerable and arrest. He was confined to very to pay a fine of $1.2 million. family and friends of sitting plied in such complex, bizarre street protests are happening comfortable quarters in Tanay, presidents and high officials, forms making it that much now more than they ever have Rizal where he was free to do Conclusion are cavalier and even arrogant harder to undercut, let alone in the past. whatever he liked. Compare The topic of graft and cor- in their behavior, knowing they prosecute. The time for really punish- this to poor Chun Doo Hwan, ruption is an endless, inex- could be bailed out because of As bad as it seems, there ing graft and corruption is now, who was freezing in winter in haustible, interminable and their connections. Those found might be some hope as reported or never, as the Brazilians are the middle of nowhere in the exasperating one. Every society, guilty are never thrown in jail or in a recent publication (Hon- showing in this century. Korean peninsula paying for his especially larger and more com- find other means to escape the olulu Star-Advertiser, 10/17/11) crimes under the harshest of plex ones, have their own forms noose. The vicious cycle goes entitled “Appetite for Corrup- (DR. AqUINO is a retired Professor of Political Science and Asian Studies at on especially in places where tion Subsides.” Current Brazil- the University of Hawaii at Manoa the opportunities to enrich your- ian President Dilma Rousseff where she was also the founding Di- rector of the Center for Philippine self are abundant—customs, in- immediately dismissed a top Studies. She got her Ph.D. from Cor- ternal revenue, finance, public aide who was reported to have nell University, MA from the University works, motor vehicles or land amassed $4 million in unex- of Hawaii and BA from the University of the Philippines. She is the author of transportation offices, military, plained income. She also dis- numerous publications including Poli- police—just about every de- missed three others accused of tics of Plunder: The Philippines Under Marcos, which has been translated into partment where contracts and receiving kickbacks and charg- Japanese and used as a textbook in deals in staggering amounts are ing the government for “staying various universities.) FeBruarY 18, 2012  haWaII FIlIpIno ChronICle  7 IMMIGRATION GUIDE Immigration in the Year of the Dragon did not jibe on when was the myth like the dragon? tion which Republicans call Court because he challenged the last time, leaving the woman ir- “backdoor amnesty,” and giving decision of the 9th Circuit ritated, saying it was only yes- Immigration and Executive a “waiver” for those illegally in which had approved a rule con- terday. Maybe it was not action the country who have an ap- cocted by the Department of unforgettable that was why he Newt Gingrich, who is seek- proved petition by a USC rela- Justice that an alien who is By Atty. Emmanuel forgot, joked the lawyer. So ing the Republican Party nomi- tive, another “backdoor being deported and seeks relief Samonte Tipon much for the color red. nation for President, suggests amnesty.” On the other hand, under INA Section 212(c) must he lawyer told his legalizing (aka amnesty) certain his DHS and Attorney General have committed an offense client to wear What Year of Dragon symbol- illegal aliens. He talks as if he fa- are deporting hundreds of thou- which has a comparable cate- something with izes vors “open borders” like “open sands of aliens, such that he has gory in the exclusion statute. red at the immi- According to Zodiac signs, marriage” which his second wife the highest number of deportees And previously, the Supreme T gration interview, “Dragons symbolize such char- accused him of asking. Gingrich among the Presidents. Court held that an alien who is cautioning her acter traits as dominance and asked rhetorically, “how can we not told by his criminal defense that it would not be easy. This ambition. Dragons prefer to live deport 12 million of them? That Courts and Immigration lawyer that pleading guilty to an is the Year of the Dragon, he by their own rules and if left on is a defeatist attitude. Come to How about the courts? offense would result in deporta- pointed out. Red is the color of their own, are usually successful. Hawaii and see how fast the Every week I receive a collec- tion has suffered ineffective as- the Year and is a lucky color. They’re driven, unafraid of chal- dragons (or dragonflies) from tion of immigration decisions. sistance of counsel and his She had married her fiancé lenges, and willing to take risks. Department of Homeland Secu- More and more decisions from conviction must be set aside. who was half her age. When They’re passionate in all they do rity are arresting and deporting the courts are anti-alien, even Those are bold decisions char- she showed up, she was and they do things in grand fash- aliens, even for noncriminal con- from the most liberal circuit acteristic of the dragon. dressed completely in red, with ion. Unfortunately, this passion duct. An “amnesty” candidate is court of appeals – the 9th Cir- red shoes, red lipstick, and a and enthusiasm can leave Drag- not going to win. Look at John cuit – which covers the south- (aTTY. TIpon has a Master of Laws de- ruby necklace. Her lawyer ons feeling exhausted and inter- McCain. west where most aliens live, gree from Yale Law School and a Bachelor thought she would wear some- estingly, unfulfilled.” Will President Obama do like California, Arizona, Ne- of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines. Office: 800 Bethel St., Suite 402, thing like Angelina Jolie at the So, should immigrants ex- something about immigration vada, New Mexico. Honolulu, HI 96813. Tel. (808) 225-2645. Golden Globes, white with a pect bold immigration reform reform? The Obama adminis- Fortunately, there is still the E-Mail: [email protected]. Websites: touch of red above her breast. laws – like DREAM Act and tration acts as if it is speaking Supreme Court that has put a www.MilitaryandCriminalLaw.com, and Her husband wore a black suit amnesty – in the Year of the from both corners of its mouth. brake on all these illegal depor- www.ImmigrationServicesUSA.com. Listen to the most witty, interesting, and informa- and red shirt. Dragon? Will the U.S. Congress On the one hand, the Obama ad- tations. Remember Judulan, the tive radio program in Hawaii on KNDI at How did they fare at the in- be “unafraid of challenges and ministration is talking loudly Filipino who was saved from 1270, AM dial every Thursday at 7:30 a.m., terview which was actually willing to take risks”? Will it do about exercising “prosecutorial deportation by the Supreme rebroadcast at www.iluko.com.) their second? The officer inter- things with “passion” and “in a discretion” to viewed them separately asking grand fashion.”? give innocent the same questions. Their an- Nobody I talked with be- c h i l d r e n a swers did not completely lieves that, not even illegal im- c h a n c e a t match. In the critical area of in- migrant lovers. Will immigration being saved timate relations, their answers reform via Congress remain a from deporta- HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Rail Project Gets Key Approval tee chair Damien Kim says that GET rev- from FTA enue collections have been coming in ast week, the Federal Transit Ad- higher than projected and that costs have ministration (FTA) gave the been running below estimates. L green light to proceed with the “The rail project is moving in the next phase of construction for Oahu’s right direction,” Kim says. “Rail will pro- rail system. vide a much needed boost to our econ- Toru Hamayasu, interim executive omy and create thousands of jobs. Once director for the Honolulu Authority for completed, rail transit will be the heart of Rapid Transportation (HART), says the an efficient multi-modal transportation FTA’S approval clears the way for addi- system to help deal with our island’s in- tional construction, which includes work creasing traffic congestion in a way that on the foundation and pillars for the is consistent with Oahu’s development guideway along the first half of the rail plan.” alignment, as well as work on the main- Critics say that rail will not only fail tenance and storage facility. to solve Oahu’s traffic problems, but that “We would like to thank our con- its $5.27 billion price tag could run as high gressional delegation for their strong as $7 billion rail. Others like gubernatorial support,” Hamayasu says. “We also ap- candidate Ben Cayetano support dedicated preciate the FTA’s willingness in work- lanes for electric or hybrid buses which ing collaboratively with us to keep this they say would be less costly and faster to project moving forward.” build. Last year, the City began relocating U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, a staunch utilities along the Ewa portion of the rail rail supporter, says that he will continue to route from East Kapolei to Pearl City as do everything he can to direct federal part of preliminary construction. funds to Hawaii to ensure its timely com- HART’s Project Oversight Commit- pletion. 8  haWaII FIlIpIno ChronICle  FeBruarY 18, 2012 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS City Realizes $22 Million Savings on APEC Conference osting the Asia-Pacific The savings will offset in- Fire Chief Kenneth Silva Kaku similarly attributed the Economic Cooperation creased electricity and fuel costs said that the fire department savings in his agency to care- Hforum last November for other City operations, which saved approximately $2 million fully coordinated joint training has ended up costing the City have risen substantially due to through prudent planning, man- exercises among stakeholders. less than anticipated. increased world energy prices. agement and implementation of The Department of Trans- According to Mayor Peter The money spent on its APEC security plan. HFD portation Services (DTS) spent Photography by Roy De Leon Carlisle, it cost taxpayers less APEC paid primarily for sup- strengthened relationships with approximately one-third of its $1 than $21 million to host the pres- plies, equipment and person- pended $10.5 million of the other government agencies, million budget for the event, re- tigious international event, nel from the police, fire and $18.3 million allotted for APEC added new equipment and imple- sulting in a savings of more than which was less than half of the emergency services depart- in fiscal years 2011 and 2012. mented new policies that have $600,000. $43 million that had been bud- ments to ensure the safety of “Honolulu was fortunate improved the entire department. “This budget reflected as- geted. U.S. president Barack Obama that we did not have any large “In short, HFD’s participa- sumptions for an event of a mag- “Honolulu did a remark- and other visiting foreign dig- protests, allowing for the $7.8 tion in APEC benefitted Oahu’s nitude never before held in able job,” Carlisle says. “We nitaries, and to minimize traf- million savings,” says Police citizens and visitors by creating a Hawaii,” says DTS Director made sure everything was in fic disruptions. Chief Louis Kealoha, who also more robust and dynamic emer- Wayne Yoshioka. “The amounts place to ensure a safe, smooth City officials have applied noted excellent city, state, fed- gency response force,” Silva estimated for APEC were based event that made Honolulu for reimbursement from the fed- eral, and private sector partner- says. on conservative estimates of proud, while keeping expenses eral government for some ships as well as extensive Department of Emergency cost, both in labor and current to a minimum.” APEC-related costs. HPD ex- preparation. Management Director Melvin expenses.” OPINION (cont.) (from page 6, THE GOOD...) For reference and compar- tion will be made to the SALN hide it because he placed much Filipino people. They will not the big picture of a broken judi- isons, they will use Corona’s: undervaluation of declared prop- of these in the name of his rela- only be judging Corona but also cial system which needs drastic Statements of Assets, Liabilities erties and the dramatic spike in tives and maybe some cronies — the Senators, the prosecution reforms to be instituted from top and Net Worth (SALN) filed his assets. Specific questions then to many observers, these and the defense. They want the to bottom — in order to estab- from the 1990s to the present, ti- will be asked as to how he and are enough conclusive proofs of truth, the whole truth and noth- lish a judiciary that is responsive tles to real properties in his name his relatives could have acquired corruption. Ergo, he should be ing but the truth about Corona. to the people’s constant need for and the names of his relatives, so much valuable property on his impeached. God help those in this trial who justice and order. series of income tax returns and limited salary. Many would then suspect tries to hide the truth from them. A major part of the prosecu- definitely, his bank records. If the prosecutors are able to that one source of this unex- How the defense or the tion’s strategy is to demonstrate They might even add informa- effectively establish and express: plained wealth is former Presi- prosecution manage their cases that Corona has unjustly en- tion later on about the luxury au- that Corona possesses enormous dent Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is not my business. Instead, what riched himself during his tenure tomobiles in his and his wealth; that it surely must be ill which would explain Corona’s I hope to see come out of this as Associate Chief Justice and as relatives’ names. gotten since he cannot explain its loyalty to her at the expense of process is for the citizenry to see Chief Justice. Much emphasis and atten- source; and that he even tried to (continued on page 11) FeBruarY 18, 2012  haWaII FIlIpIno ChronICle  9 10  haWaII FIlIpIno ChronICle  FeBruarY 18, 2012 PHILIPPINE NEWS Over 61,000 Foreign Studes than one year. Enrolled in Phl A student visa is issued to foreigners by Evelyn Macairan aged 18 years and above taking up a Thursday, February 10, 2012 course higher than high school at a uni- versity, seminary, college, or school au- ANILA, Philippines - More than thorized to admit foreign students, he 61,000 foreigners are enrolled in added. M different schools in the Philip- Of the 19,654 holders of student pines, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said visas, 4,284 are former tourists, while yesterday. 15,370 were old students. Immigration Commissioner Ricardo A total of 29,462 foreigners applied David Jr. said a total of 61,601 applications for SSP with the different BI provincial for student visa and special study permit offices, while 8,846 obtained their SSP (SSP) were approved last year. from the main office in Manila. “Foreigners come to our shores to The BI has implemented new and study, and that is a tribute to the good qual- stricter rules in screening student visa and ity of our educational system,” he said. SSP applications. Lawyer Carlitos Licas Jose, BI Stu- The new rules require schools to des- dent Clerk head, said of the foreigners ignate a liaison officer to assist foreign studying in the Philippines, 41,497 are SSP enrollees in applying for a visa or SSP. holders while 19,654 were issued student Only schools accredited by the BI, visas. A majority of the SSP holders are Department of Education, Commission based in the provinces, he added. on Higher Education, Technical Educa- Licas said an SSP is issued to a foreign tion and Skills Development Authority, student below 18 years old in the elemen- and Federation of Accrediting Agencies tary, secondary, tertiary levels, and those are authorized to accept foreign students. who will enroll in a special course of less (www.philstar.com) Gov't, MILF Tackle 'Substantive' Issues in KL Peace Talks from www.philstar.com stantially on timeframes and the need for Tuesday, February 14, 2012 mechanism that would ensure perpetuity ANILA (Xinhua) -- Negotiators of the agreement." from the Philippine government In their January meeting, Leonen has M and the separatist Moro Islamic revealed details of an expanded autonomy Liberation Front (MILF) resumed their scheme for the Filipino-Muslims in the peace negotiations in Kuala Lumpur Mon- Southern Philippines in lieu of the estab- day with both sides agreeing to tackle sub- lishment of a semi-sovereign sub- state stantive issues. that the separatist group has demanded. The three-day 25th formal ex- Also in the January talks, Leonen ex- ploratory talks were held a month after the pressed the hope that the two sides could last meeting of both panels in Kuala craft a formal peace accord within the Lumpur on last Jan. 9 to 11. first quarter of this year. In his opening statement, Marvic Leo- Leonen said that President Benigno nen, chief of the government panel, Aquino is now "willing to risk his own stressed the need to "focus once more on political future to cleanse government of the substantive issues and explore com- past sins of corruption and misadminis- mon grounds" in order to come up with a tration." final peace agreement. The MILF has not formally discarded The MILF has expressed optimism its original demand for a sub-state, which that the negotiations would resolve the has been heavily criticized by other "stickiest points," saying that during the Philippine government officials including January talks, negotiators were preoccu- leaders of Congress for being unconstitu- pied on issues involving power- sharing, tional. wealth-sharing, and interim mechanism. But the MILF has said that the "They managed to come to [an] un- ARMM, which was created under the derstanding, short of a formal decision, on l987 Philippine Constitution, is merely an the powers exclusively exercised by the administrative body and does not have the central government. But they lacked time sovereign functions that they have envi- to deal on powers [that] are concurrent to sioned under a Bangsamoro sub-state. the central government and state govern- Leonen also called on the MILF to ment, and powers to be exercised by the work closely with other leaders that rep- state government," the MILF said. resent the Bangsamoro people, citing in The MILF said that the respective particular the Moro National Liberation roadmaps of the two panels have many Front (MNLF), which has signed a peace things in common, but they "differed sub- accord with the government in l996. FeBruarY 18, 2012  haWaII FIlIpIno ChronICle  11 PHILIPPINE NEWS columns and beams, to comply 54-Year-Old Manila Cathedral Closed for Repairs with the standards set by the NSCP 2010 edition. Such fail- by Evelyn Macairan what to do to the crypt, where ures indicate conditions that Tuesday, February 14, 2012 the remains of late Manila Arch- render the structure as not safe,” ANILA, Philippines bishop Jaime Cardinal Sin and Reyes added. - Archbishop Luis three other cardinals are laid. Another finding was that the M Antonio Tagle an- Fr. Carlos Reyes, a civil en- Cathedral was sitting on soft nounced yesterday the tempo- gineering graduate of the Uni- soil. Grouting cement should be rary closure of the Manila versity of the Philippines, said placed on the soil to avoid lique- Cathedral for at least a year to that there was no need to demol- faction, which occurs when the give way to renovation to correct ish the basilica but it has to be soil turns to liquid and becomes some structural defects. closed to the public because it is almost like quicksand that could Fearing that it might not be no longer structurally sound. happen during an earthquake. able to withstand a strong earth- He said that the present state In studying the condition of quake, Tagle said that the 54- of the Cathedral does not con- the structure, the engineers bored year-old Cathedral would be Basilica and Cathedral-Basilica The Cathedral has been form to the 2010 edition of the four holes near the four corners closed for about a year for re- of the Immaculate Conception, closed since Feb. 7. National Structural Code of the of the Cathedral and discovered pairs. has “structural concerns.” He added that repairs would Philippines (NSCP). that two of the holes have poten- Tagle said they estimate the He said the study presented start immediately. Reyes said the firm Angel tial liquefaction material. cost of repairs to reach P50 mil- to him showed that there were The closure of the Cathedral Lazaro and Associates Interna- They also need to strengthen lion. structural concerns and repairs affected some 200 couples that tional (ALAI), which the Manila the super structure during the He said the Manila Basilica are needed immediately to pre- have made reservations for wed- Cathedral administration com- retrofitting. Foundation is one of the groups serve and ensure the safety of the dings until March next year. missioned to conduct a detailed Tagle said that they would that have pledged to help raise building. Tagle said they have already study of its structural integrity, also look into the structural con- funds for the renovation project. Church officials cited the ef- formed a team called the “Wed- had reported that one of the ditions of the other churches Tagle, who has been the fects of the strong 6.9 magnitude ding Task Force” that would ad- problems was the presence of under the Archdiocese of Manila Archbishop of Manila for only earthquake that hit Negros Ori- vise and assist the couples in cracks in the building. and might even give a crash two months, admitted that the ental last Feb. 6 that showed the making reservations in other “The reports detail the fail- course to their priests on how to Cathedral that is also called the urgent need to close the Manila churches. ure of some critically important detect defects in their churches. Manila Metropolitan Cathedral- Cathedral to the public. There is still no decision on structural members like (www.philstar.com)

OPINION (cont.) (from page 8, THE GOOD...) (Choosing Comelec officials government of corruption. He An honest and efficient judi- should also be done in like man- must initiate and support these ciary will go a long way in effec- the people’s interest. Other sus- the first stone… ner.) noble but effective reform pro- tively prosecuting crooks in pected sources would be a cou- In 1989, curiously but The SALN filed annually by posals if he wants real lasting ef- government. It will also bring jus- ple of Marcos cronies but let’s maybe not surprising, the Justices and judges should be ex- fective institutional changes. tice and order in Philippine soci- not go in there at this time. Supreme Court issued an order amined regularly by independent This will affirm his sincerity. ety creating a better life for all. Many of the Congressmen- prohibiting third parties from ex- auditors together with random Well-meaning men and women These radical but drastically Prosecutors, Senator-Judges and amining the SALN of its own lifestyle checks — as a deterrent will support him. needed judiciary reforms are other government officials in- members. This appears to be to corruption. This is a good Otherwise, without meaning- what we should hope for to volved in these impeachment clearly unconstitutional as Arti- thing done in other more ad- ful major reforms, his calls for come out of this impeachment proceedings or watching it — cle XI Section 17 of the 1987 vanced countries that is worth change will die out when his term trial. Corona’s fate is incidental. may surely feel some unease in Constitution clearly mandates it. emulating. Right now, there is no ends. Perceived generally as hon- What would certainly be more using Corona’s SALNs to pillory But who can go against the really effective policing and est, he is in a unique position to providential and important is him. They know that when it mighty Supreme Court except if monitoring of dishonest judges make a real difference in creating that these proceedings open the comes to misdeclaring or even the people cry out loud and sup- and Justices. a better life for our people. eyes of our people to the rotten- misrepresenting items in the port the reversal of this self-serv- The jury system should be People are willing to trust ness and corruption in the coun- SALN form, most everybody ing 1989 order. adapted. The collective sense of him. If he allows this sacred op- try’s court system and pushes plays the game including perhaps The people will also want to justice of 12 people is preferable portunity to pass — by just being everyone to seek changes for the themselves — even if maybe not support the following drastic but to that of one judge who may another shallow politician who is good of all. on an unconscionable level. needed Constitutional changes: even possibly be corrupt. into politics for the sake of If you support these critically But certainly, the SALN of To avoid the repetition in the President Aquino can further power instead of using power for needed reforms in the judiciary, certain Senators, Congressmen future of this distortion of a cabal affirm that these impeachment the sake of the people — the please email or reprint and dis- and other government officials of Justices whose primary con- proceedings against Corona are people would sooner wish to for- tribute as widely as possible and known to be fabulously wealthy cern is the interests of the Presi- not a personal thing per se but a get than remember him when he ask recipients to do the same. We are a joke. They get away with dent who appointed them — part of his overall plan to rid steps down. can change the Philippines. declaring only a minuscule frac- above that of the interests of the tion of their true net worth be- people — the appointment of cause for all practical purposes, Justices (and judges) should be nobody really examines or audits taken away from the President. these SALNs. The only require- Instead, Justices should be se- ment is that it be filed. lected from a list of highly qual- The very purpose why pub- ified candidates with impeccable lic officials are required by law characters — through a blind to file their SALN annually — is lotto style drawing. to monitor possible dishonest In this way, the chosen Jus- money generating activities. If tice does not feel beholden to no independent entity regularly any appointing power because of examines these, of what good “utang na loob” (debt of grati- are they? But government offi- tude). We need not follow the cials as a whole are deafeningly U.S. model which clearly does silent about insisting on accurate not work well for us because of SALN reporting and auditing. cultural realities. Let’s do what Let him who is without sin cast works for us. 12  haWaII FIlIpIno ChronICle  FeBruarY 18, 2012 TRAVEL & TOURISM For a quick glimpse of the town, Travel Back in Time in the Museo ng Mauban is a must-visit, giving visitors an overview of its history. The community museum is among the few well-maintained repositories in the province Mauban that serve as a showpiece of local heritage. from www.philstar.com old residence. whose fresh water was drawn ANILA, Philip- The town also has its share from a stream 200 meters away. pines - Walking of ubiquitous Gabaldon-type Undergoing some repairs over down the streets schools built in the early 1900s the years, its structure is still in- of the rustic town under the Gabaldon Act, build- tact and plans are afoot by the of Mauban is ings that have survived natural municipal government to pre- M like traveling calamities and World War II. serve it as another historic spot. back in time or lingering in a liv- But while old houses seem Prominently displayed at ing museum. to dominate its landscape, the municipal hall are two Span- Situated on the Pacific coast Mauban will soon have more ish cannons given to town offi- of quezon province, historical bragging rights as the National cials by then-Governor General accounts dating back to 1677 in- Historical Commission recently Rafael Ma. Aguilar for their res- dicated that the municipality was declared the town’s Rizal Mon- cue efforts of friars captured by initially composed of five small ument a historical landmark. Moro pirates in 1798. settlements. One of the village genteel past that have withstood found adaptive reuse as shops, Situated at a 100-foot Ironically, the same cannons chieftains was Gat Pagil, a Du- the ravages of time. offices or commercial establish- promontory at Calvario Hill, it is were used by Filipino revolu- magat who led the community For a quick glimpse of the ments, giving them a new lease perhaps the highest Rizal monu- tionaries led by Gen. Justo Luk- that is the present-day pier area. town, the Museo ng Mauban is on life. ment in the country, and a be- ban a century later in making the At age 20, the gray-haired a must-visit, giving visitors an Another noteworthy ances- lated but fitting tribute to the Spaniards capitulate in Tayabas. Gat Pagil became well known overview of its history. The tral home is the 1910 birthplace national hero’s 150th birth an- The town’s natural heritage for his military genius in re- community museum is among of Fr. Horacio dela Costa, the niversary. is also something to be proud of pelling sea-borne Moro raiders. the few well-maintained reposi- first Filipino Jesuit provincial su- Used as an observation post — the charming white sand He was respected by folks who tories in the province that serve perior and authority in Philip- by the Spaniards, Americans and Cagbalete Island, Mag-Asawang affectionately called him Gat as a showpiece of local heritage. pine and Asian culture and Japanese forces, the hill that Bato rock formation, Butas-butas Uban (uban is the Tagalog word Dotted by 19th-century history, which has undergone overlooks the town was called Cave, Kulasi Cave and the en- for white hair) and was fondly houses built in the typical Span- restoration. Calvario because it was the site chanting cascades of its water- called Mauban, from which the ish bahay na bato architecture, Now used as a private func- of the reenactment of Jesus falls — Alitap, Dahoyhoy, town’s name originated. Mauban is host to stately homes tion hall by the Tan family, the Christ’s Calvary during the Hagdan-Hagdan and Bisibis. To immortalize his exploits, that lend an old world charm to house is fondly called White Spanish era. Log on to mauban.gov.ph a bronze monument stands the poblacion (town center). House because of its white paint. Another unique attraction is for details or add it on Facebook proudly at the town’s seawall These homes, nurtured by A bust of the renowned priest the public bath house built in at Mauban Tourism and LGU promenade to honor the man the prominent families of Vill- stands across from the 111-year- 1725 made of lime and shells Mauban quezon. who protected them from physi- abona, Pastrana, Pelejo, cal harm. Pansacola, Peñalosa and Taiño, FOOD & LEISURE While yet to earn in place on are still in a good state of preser- the prestigious UNESCO World vation although many of them Heritage List, Mauban is a her- are managed remotely by the Recipe File: The Chocolate itage village in more ways than owners. one because of the vestiges of a Some of the houses have Connection FIerY ChoColaTe lava Cake from www.philstar.com Ingredients: 150 g. semi-sweet chocolate, grated 1 cup Magnolia Gold Butter Pinch of chili flakes 3 pcs. eggs 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1/2 cup Baron All-Purpose Flour 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Procedure: Preheat oven to 450F. Grease 6 custard cups with softened butter. In a double boiler, melt semi- ANILA, Philippines - The Aztecs sweet chocolate and butter at low heat. Add chili saw chocolate as an aphrodisiac flakes and mix well. Cool slightly. In a mixing that invigorated men and made bowl whisk eggs add sugar, then whisk in the women less inhibited. Which is chocolate mixture, flour and vanilla. Pour mixture why chocolate remains an endur- into buttered custard cups. Bake for 14 minutes or M ing symbol of passion, romance until sides are set but center remains soft and and love, especially on Valentine’s Day. runny. let stand for 5 minutes. Turn cakes out onto This month of love creates a more romantic plate and sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar. Gar- impression by giving something you created your- nish with fresh fruits. self. Here is a recipe from the San Miguel Great May be served with a dollop of whipped Food Club that will help make your special some- cream or a scoop of Magnolia ice cream. Makes one fall in love with you all over again. 6 cakes. FeBruarY 18, 2012  haWaII FIlIpIno ChronICle  13 LEGAL NOTES reporting Immigration-related an employer to require a worker is in charge of enforcing federal Discrimination to present his green card and re- workplace anti-discrimination report violations. because of his/her citizenship or fuse any other proof of identity laws, except citizenship and im- In many cases, immigrant immigration status, but this pre- and work authorization (such as migration status discrimination workers experience discrimina- supposes that the individual is a valid driver’s license together which is handled by the Office By Reuben S. Seguritan tion because of their national legally eligible to work. U.S. with an unrestricted social se- of Special Counsel at the De- mmigrants have origin or citizenship status. For citizens, recent permanent resi- curity card) before allowing the partment of Justice. played an in- instance, a foreign-born job ap- dents, asylees and refugees are worker to begin employment. Those who believe that creasingly impor- plicant applying for a position protected from this type of dis- This practice is an example they were unfairly or unlaw- tant role in the may not be legally denied the crimination. of document abuse and is usu- fully discriminated against U.S. economy. position because he/she has a A “U.S. citizen only” hiring ally committed in the I-9 verifi- should call the Office of Special I They work in all foreign name or because he/she policy is illegal unless it is cation process. The employer Counsel hotline at 800-255- kinds of occupations in health- did not look “American”. An needed to comply with law or cannot demand specific docu- 7688 and consider filing a com- care, management, construc- employer also may not base a government contract. If a qual- ments, require the employee to plaint. Time limitations and the tion, sales, etc. As of 2009, hiring or a promotion on the ified green card holder applies give more documents than nec- size of the employer may deter- more than fifteen percent of the worker’s accent if it does not for the job but is rejected be- essary, or reject reasonably gen- mine if and where they can file entire U.S. labor force were for- materially interfere with the cause of such a policy, the em- uine-looking documents that the complaint. eign born. performance of the job. ployer may be liable for back relate to the worker. Although their remedies Immigrant workers at times In other words, when mak- pay and civil penalties. Retaliation by the employer may be limited, undocumented face problems at the workplace. ing employment decisions an In 2010, a restaurant fran- is also prohibited. An individual workers can also file a com- They fall victim to unlawful employer must treat all people chise operator settled a discrim- may not be penalized for op- plaint with the EEOC. How- discriminatory practices of em- equally and regardless of the in- ination complaint for $20,000 posing discrimination, filing a ever, because of their lack of ployers. dividual’s place of birth, coun- in back pay and civil penalties complaint, or cooperating in a work authorization they are The Department of Jus- try of origin, native language, after refusing to hire a non-U.S. discrimination investigation or vulnerable to retaliation so they tice’s Office of Special Counsel or their perceived nationality or citizen. The employer had a pol- lawsuit. are advised to consult an attor- for Immigration-Related Unfair ethnic background. icy of not hiring immigrants so Many government agencies ney if possible. Employment Practices recently Another type of discrimina- the employer’s human re- at the federal, state and local REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been tion that immigrants are sub- sources personnel rejected all levels enforce anti-discrimina- released an information guide practicing law for over 30 years. For on what constitutes immigra- jected to is citizenship applicants who sounded or ap- tion laws. further information, you may call him tion-related discrimination and discrimination. An employer peared foreign. The Equal Employment Op- at (212) 695 5281 or log on to his web- provided contact information to cannot treat a person differently It is also discrimination for portunity Commission (EEOC) site at www.seguritan.com PHILIPPINE NEWS

that the Philippine forces and po- Special Forces troops in the US OKs Transfer of 2nd Warship to Phl lice have made addressing the southern Philippines. from www.philstar.com threat, we're now at a point when Shapiro also ruled out any pine security needs," he said Shapiro reiterated the US both our governments believe we intention to re-establish US ANILA, Philippines after talks with Filipino defense policy that it takes no position on can transition our support to- bases in the Philippines follow- (AP) — The US officials in Manila. the claims by any of the parties, wards helping them in maritime ing a 1991 historic vote in the Congress has ap- The ship — the second such that disputes should not be re- M security issues." Philippine Senate to close them proved the transfer of a second delivery since last May under the solved through the use of force Still, he said he did not an- down, nearly a century after the Coast Guard ship to the Philip- 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty — is and that its defense cooperation ticipate any immediate changes United States claimed the islands pines, an official said today as just one of many defense projects with the Philippines is not di- in redeploying about 600 US from Spain. Washington shifts its military that the US is discussing with the rected against any one country. ties with the Southeast Asian na- Philippines. That comes in addi- But he also said that his gov- tion that has been engaged in a tion to having American ships ernment is committed to helping territorial spat with China. regularly visit and refuel in Philip- the Philippines in its security In the past, US cooperation pine ports, rotating US troops in needs and "fully intends to meet with the Philippines has focused the southern Philippines where al- its obligations under the Mutual mostly on counterterrorism, but qaeda-linked Muslim militants Defense Treaty." it has recently expanded to are active and holding large-scale The increased focus on building up the country's mori- joint military exercises. strengthening Philippine naval as- bund navy. China has said that it views sets, which have lagged behind Assistant US Secretary of with concern the increased US those of its neighbors and are no State for Political-Military Af- military engagement with the match to China's superior military, fairs Andrew Shapiro told re- Philippines and balked at what it comes a decade after American porters Friday that he will sees as Washington's interference troops started training Filipino consider a Philippine request to in the South China Sea dispute. soldiers and sharing intelligence have the warship turned over The Philippines, Brunei, with them in a campaign to rout with as much military equipment Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan all out al-qaida-linked militants. as possible. have conflicting territorial claims They are blamed for a series of "I'm pleased that the con- over potentially gas and oil rich is- bombing attacks and kidnapping gressional notification period for lands with the Asian superpower. sprees mostly in the country's a second Coast Guard cutter ex- The Philippines last year ac- southern island provinces. pired this week, so that means cused Chinese vessels of harass- "Traditionally our focus was Congress has now approved the ing its oil exploration ships and on helping the Philippines ad- transfer ... to the Philippines, laying claim to areas within its dress the internal security threat," which will further help Philip- territorial waters. Shapiro said. "Given the progress 14  haWaII FIlIpIno ChronICle  FeBruarY 18, 2012 PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE Taldiap Ti Ilocos Surian association of hawaii (ISah) Ti Maikatallopulo ket

lima Nga anibersariona dagiti naballigi iti nadumaduma a tay-ak a pakairamanan iti ILOKO dente; Mel Europa, umuna a ISAH. Adda bukod nga estilo, agpaay kadagiti biktima ti edukasion, ekonomia, gobierno, By Amado I. Yoro bise; Pacita Saludes, maikadua a wagas ken panangiturong tung- kalamidad pakaibilangan ti Ty- politika, siensia, medisina, liter- pagisu a tallopulo bise; Annie Lugmao, sekretaria; gal maysa. Ni Danny Villaruz, phoon Feria, Filipino Commu- atura ken kultura, publikasion, ket lima a tawen ti Francisco Ugale, tesorero; tubo ti Rancho, Santa, Ilocos Sur nity Center, OFCC/UFCH warnakan, negosio, radio, media, Ilocos Surian As- Mario Albalos, katulongan a ti agdama a presidente. Community Forum, Minority sports, ken adu pay. sociation of tesorero; Amado Yoro, auditor; Taldiapantayo ti agdama a Organ Tissue Transplant & Edu- Sakbay a nagpresidente ni Hawaii no Pe- Mike Ulibas, manarawidwid; komunidad. Ti ISAH ti maysa a cation Program [MOTTEP], Villaruz, bigbigentayo dagiti adu A brero 2012. Ernie Cardenas, Bert Ugalino, kaatibuan a gunglo iti programa ti Institute of Human a proyekto nga inyusuat ken Nabangon idi Francisco Ponce, public rela- OFCC/UFCH ken iti komunidad Services [IHS] iti feeding the inaramid ti ISAH. Pebrero 27, 1977 babaen iti 22 a tions officers; Elvin quiocho, ita.Mairaman a proyekto ti homeless, Adopt a Hwy, Hawaii Pakontes ti Miss Ilocos tattao a nangibagi iti nadumad- Jun Abinsay, Johnny Villanueva, ISAH: Mrs. Ilocos Surian con- Food Bank, dadduma. Surian; Cultural presentation, uma nga ili iti Ilocos Sur kas sarhento de armas. John quio- test Nancy Clemente Luat, He- Kangrunaan ti Medical Mis- Sports Festival, pannakaaramid kada Manuel Cabacungan, Fred cho, mamagbaga. lena Puerte, Davelyn quijano. sion nanipud tunggal Disiembre ti opisial a logo, pannakaika- Saludes, Pacita Saludes, Amado Ania ti signipikante ti sele- Partisipasion iti Filipino 2005, 2007, 2009 ken 2011 mengna iti OFCC/UFCH, kdpy. Yoro, Sinait; Francisco Ugale, brasion ti ISAH itoy a Pebrero Centennial Celebration 2006; kadagiti nadumaduma nga ili iti Umuna a Miss Ilocos Surian Bert Ugalino, Mike Ulibas, 2012? Filipino Fiesta Parade idi May Ilocos Sur ken Ilocos Norte. ni Deborah Obrero, simmaruno Francisco Ponce. Magsingal; Saan a makideman dagiti 10, 2008; Float Committee a Adda Ilocos Sur Idol; da Carol Cortes, Alma Alonzo, Leon Flores, Sta Catalina; John dua a matami ti kinapateg ti Pe- nangiladawan kadagiti immuna GILAS, pannakasangaili da Florence Cabrera, Ann Cabreros. quiocho, Elvin quiocho, Julio brero 27, 1977. Nasiputanmi, a First 15 Filipino Sakada : Elias hosting Senador Jinggoy Angayen ita a Pebrero 7, quiocho, Jr., Caoayan; Peter wenno naikuyogkami ti panag- Yoro - Sinait; Philip Alcain - Estrada ken SPM Zuriel 2012 ti kada dua a tawen nga Aduja, Felipe Abinsay, Jr., Mario daliasat ti ISAH kadagiti ag- Vigan; Ruben Gutierrez - Zaragoza idi Mayo 22, 2008 – eleksion. Albalos, Vigan; Ernie Cardenas, ingga kadagitoy nga aldaw. Saan Magsingal; Louie Funtanilla - Empress; Green Revolution Dagiti agdama nga opisial ti Santa; Macario Manzano, Nar- a mailibak, adda met dagiti dal- Narvacan; Mel Calpito - Contest, Best Decorated house Ilocos Surian Association of vacan; Art Perez, Sta Maria; luyon, ti ugot ken atab, ngem Cabugao; Al Sabangan - iti paskua. Hawaii: Danny Villaruz, presi- Johnny Villanueva, Candon; Mel gapu kadagiti agtitinnulong nga Cabugao; Danilo Basconcillo - Tema wenno slogan ti dente; Maria Etrata, umuna a Europa, Annie Lugmao, Sonia ima, ulo ken kakuykuyog ti Santa; Dr. Perfecto Vera Cruz - ISAH: “Working Together to bise; Estrella Pada Taong, Lugmao, San Esteban. kuarta, nupay saan amin a gan- San Juan Lapog; Elpidio Antolin Rebuild our Communities Here maikadua a bise; Loida Alim- Dagiti immuna nga opisiales nuat ket balligi, ngem adu dagiti -San Juan Lapog; Amado Yoro- and Our Homeland” boyoguen Yamamoto, recording a pinagsapata ni Consul balligina a taliawen ken bigbi- Sinait; Art Abinsay – Vigan. Dagiti nagpresidente: Peter secretary; Davelyn Ancheta qui- Purisimo de Peralta idi Marso gen itoy nga anibersariona. Saan a paudi ti ISAH a Aduja, John quiocho, Mario Al- jano, Corresponding secretary; 27, 1977 idiay Holiday Inn-Air- Nagsisinnublatan dagiti mangyusuat wenno tumulong balos, Dr. Sid Villafuerte, Peping Rose Sabangan, tesorera; Lina port da: Atty. Peter Aduja, presi- presidente ti pannakatimon ti kadagiti fundraising drive nga Billena, Rey Custodio, Ben Mercado, katulongan a tesorera; Cabreros, Julio quiocho, Jr. Lynne Gutierrez, auditor; Alice Kaudian ken kabaruanan a Castaneda, katulongan nga audi- proyekto ti ISAH ti pan- tor; Bernadette Fajardo. Antonio nakabuangay ti “The President Ipalari, PRO Elpidio quirino Humanitarian Sarhento de armas da: Art Award” a mangbigbig kadagiti Abinsay, Philip Alcain, Cesar kameng ti ISAH ket dagiti dua a Fajardo, Al Sabangan, Paul kangrunaan nga awardees da Dr. Taong Charlie Yadao Sonido ken dati a Mamagbaga da: Felipe P. representante Jun Abinsay a na- Abinsay, Jr., Ben Cabreros, padayawan idi Agosto 27, 2011. Romy Cachola, Pio Enrico, Kas ninamnama, balligi ti im- Louie Funtanilla, Ted Saribay, bunga dayta a proyekto ket man- Charlie Y. Sonido, MD, Carlito amnama a maaramid daytoy a Soria, Ignacio Torres, MD, regular a proyekto ti ISAH. Amado I. Yoro Adu ti annak ti Ilocos Sur iti Kodus to ISAH. Ituloymo ti agnaeden iti Hawaii ket adda aglayag ! FeBruarY 18, 2012  haWaII FIlIpIno ChronICle  15 COMMUNITY CALENDAR CLASSIFIED ADS BUSINESS MS. PaSuquINo oF hawaII 2012-2013 / SaTurDaY We are looking for Tobacco February 25, 2012, 6pm ● Hawaii Prince Hotel ● For more info call Romeo Gar- farmers DIRECTORY cia @ 368-2312 "Pagmulaan ti tabako dian Maui agbiruk dati nalaing nga tao, ammuna nga isagana ti 58Th aNNIverSarY oF hawaII FIlIPINo woMeN'S Club & 38Th aNNual TerNo ball / SaTurDaY daga, na pag bunubunan ti bukil, agmula, ag March 3, 2012, 6pm ● Ala Moana Hotel ● Contact: Carmen Cabreros @ 358- gatud, ken agtuduk tapnu mamagaan" 3845 or Jenny Quezon @ 840-0987 contact 808-891-2654 MAINLAND NEWS US Court Gives Mrs. Lapid More Time tered the US last Nov. 27, she was a to Prepare for Case holder of a Green Card. HICAGO – The United States The postponement of the prelimi- Lapid was released by CBP au- District Court in Las Vegas, nary hearing that will determine prob- thorities shortly after her arrival with- C Nevada granted on Tuesday able cause would enable the defendant out any charges. the motion of Sen. Lito Lapid’s wife to seek additional time to conduct legal When Lapid returned to the Marissa for “additional time to conduct research and factual investigation of Philippines, the US Department of legal research and factual investiga- the allegations set forth in the com- Homeland Security invited her to re- tion” of the $50,000 bulk smuggling plaint. turn to Las Vegas, Krieger said. charge filed against her by the US gov- In addition, the parties might seek “She was free to come and go ernment. to conduct negotiations that may re- until Jan. 5th (2012) when she returned Magistrate Judge Peggy Leen solve this case. to Las Vegas when charges were filed reset the preliminary hearing sched- Krieger said that although Lapid is against Mrs. Lapid. We will vigorously uled last Feb. 7 to April 9 at Courtroom out on a $500,000 property bond, she and aggressively defend her rights.” 3B in the US District Lloyd D. George could not leave the perimeter of Clark A complaint of “probable cause Federal Courthouse in Las Vegas. County, which encompasses Las affidavit” unsealed by the US District Natalie Collins, spokesperson for Vegas, without court permission. Court of Nevada in Las Vegas showed the US Attorney’s office in Las Vegas, Lapid was questioned when she that on Nov. 27, 2010 after Lapid “pre- provided this reporter a two-page order arrived at the Las Vegas airport last sented a completed and a signed CBP issued by Judge Leen, saying, “denial Nov. 27, 2010 when she failed to dis- Form 6059B, she stated she was not of this request would result in a mis- clare that she was bringing into the US carrying currency or monetary instru- carriage of justice, and would deny the more than $50,000 in US currency and ments over $10,000 in US currency or parties reasonable time necessary for more than P10,000 ($356) in violation a foreign currency equivalent.” effective preparation, taking into ac- of US anti-smuggling law that could When pressed again by a CPB of- count the exercise of due diligence. be penalized with a maximum five ficer Johnson, Lapid admitted she had “The Court grants this request for years in jail and a fine of $250,000 and additional P10,000 ($356). continuance on the basis of finding that forfeiture of the seized money. The affidavit said that when John- the ends of justice served by this con- There is really nothing wrong with son “unzipped the baggage,” it led to tinuance outweigh the best interest of bringing in or out of the US more than the discovery of two socks containing the public and defendant in a speedy z$10,000 for as long as the bearer will $10,000 each, totaling $20,000, and trial and indictment.” declare the actual amount and could one cloth bag containing an additional Eliot Krieger of Jarvis, Krieger & prove the legitimacy of the source of $20,000 “concealed beneath the bag Sullivan based in Long Beach, Cali- the money. lining.” fornia and its affiliated law firm in Las The pending case against Lapid The discovery “represented an ad- Vegas Back Law Firm, represented by would likely clear up her US immi- ditional $40,000 over Lapid’s written Michael Mascarello that were retained gration status. When Lapid waived and verbal declarations.” When asked by Lapid, agreed to a joint stipulation her Miranda rights by cooperating what the additional money was for, with US Attorney Daniel Bogden, rep- with the US Customs and Border Pro- Lapid reportedly responded, “I’m resented by Assistant US Attorney tection (CBP), she told Albert Gian- sorry, It’s for my house.” Michael Chu, that the preliminary gregorio, Special Agent for the US CPB officers seized the $50,000 hearing last Tuesday be continued on Immigration and Customs Enforce- from Lapid in violation of bulk smug- a date and time convenient to the ment (ICE), that she was applying “as gling regulations and returned the re- Court, but not less than 60 days from a Lawful Permanent Resident” upon maining $439 back to her for the date currently set for the prelimi- her entry. humanitarian reasons. nary hearing. Krieger said that when Lapid en- (www.philstar.com) GLOBAL NEWS 37 Filipinas to Arrive from Syria today ANILA, Philippines - The Aquino International Airport via an del Rosario has deployed to Syria Department of Foreign Etihad Airways flight. last Sunday a Rapid Response Team M Affairs (DFA) announced Seventeen of the Filipino repa- composed of DFA, Department of that a total of 37 Filipinas from Syria triates were also distressed women Labor and Employment (DOLE) and will arrive in Manila today, the De- who were temporarily sheltered at the Philippine National Police (PNP) ated from Syria since March 2011. partment of Foreign Affairs an- the embassy's halfway house while personnel to help in the repatriation The DFA raised crisis alert level 4 in Syria nounced. negotiations with their Syrian em- of overseas Filipino workers in con- on December 22, and called on Filipinos in the Olivia Palala, Charge d' Affaires ployers and with the Syria authorities flict areas especially in Homs. country to go home in light of the escalating ten- of the Philippine Embassy in Dam- were conducted for the issuance of The DFA said that the arrival of sions there. Under crisis alert level 4, mandatory ascus, said that the Filipinas will ar- their exit visas. the 37 Filipinas would bring to 913 repatriation at the expense of the Philippine gov- rive at around 4:15 p.m. at the Ninoy Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert the total number of Filipinos repatri- ernment will be implemented. (www.philstar.com) 16  haWaII FIlIpIno ChronICle  FeBruarY 18, 2012