PHILIPPINE NEWS LEGAL NOTES MAINLAND NEWS inside look No Wage Hike 11 Eligibility 13 Washington 14 MAY 1, 2010 on Labor Day – Requirement for Deputy Mayor Palace E-2 Visa a Filipina

H AWAII’ S O NLY W EEKLY F ILIPINO - A MERICAN N EWSPAPER FILIPINO GROUPS GEAR UP FOR 18TH ANNUAL FILIPINO FIESTA By JP ORIAS ark your calendars for the 18th annual Filipino Fiesta and Parade, scheduled for Saturday, May 8, 2010 in Waikiki. Under the helm of the Fil-Com Center, the an- M nual Filipino Fiesta and Parade is the Filipino community’s largest cultural event in Hawaii.

The day-long event begins with a festive and the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle and Hawaii Filipino colorful parade at 9 am. To get a good view of the Healthcare. colorful floats and the marching groups, spectators are advised to arrive early and bring sunscreen and A TRADITION IN HAWAII bottled water. Filipino Fiesta and Parade has earned a reputa- Following the parade is the Filipino-style Fi- tion as the flagship event for Hawaii’s Filipino commu- esta from 10 am to 5 pm at Kapiolani Park. The fi- nity. It not only introduces other ethnic groups in Hawaii esta comes complete with a bevy of local and to the Filipino culture, but also provides an opportunity Philippine entertainers organized by the Filipino for Filipinos, especially the younger generation, to learn Jaycees and headed by Angel Lewis. There will more about themselves and their heritage. also be a cultural village showcasing the various Fil-Com Center president Toy Arre was quick to ethnic and cultural regions of the Philippines, food answer that this year’s edition of the Filipino Fiesta and booths, a keiki village and business booth. Parade will offer several new twists. And for the health-conscious, the Fiesta will “This year will have a lot of new features including include a Community Health Fair sponsored by the first participation of the Pacific Fleet Band in a Fil- Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls in cooperation ipino parade and the premier performance of Banda The Annual Filipino Fiesta and Parade is the largest cultural event with the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii, (continued on page 4) of the Filipino community in Hawaii Villar, Erap Tied at 2nd in Filipinos 3rd Most Number Latest Pulse Asia Survey of New US citizens By Veronica UY ANILA - Filipinos constitute the third biggest number of new US citizens in 2009 after Mex- M ico and India, a report of the Office of Immi- gration Statistics of the United States Department of Homeland Security said. In 2009, the five leading countries of birth of new US citizens were Mexico (111,630 or 15 percent of total), India (52,889 or 7.1 percent), Philippines (38, 934 or 5.2 percent), China (37,130 or 5 percent), and Pulse Asia’s 1-2-2: (L-R) Sen. Noynoy Aquino, Sen. Manny Villar, and Erap Estrada Vietnam (31,168 or 4.2 percent). Expectedly, the largest number of naturalized Dino MARAGAY persons lived in California (179,754), New York By nigno “Noynoy” Aquino III continues to top (88,733), and Florida (82,788)—states with the ANILA, Philippines – With just a little other contenders for the presidency with al- (continued on page 4) over two weeks before the national most 4 in 10 voters supporting his bid (39 M elections, things get a little more in- percent). HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE PRESORTED teresting in the presidential race with former But the survey’s highlight is Estrada 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE President Joseph Estrada now joining Na- tying Villar at second with a 20 percent WAIPAHU, HI 96797 PAID cionalista Party bet Sen. Manny Villar at the voter preference. Pulse Asia said Villar suf- HONOLULU, HI PERMIT NO. 9661 second spot, according to the latest survey fered a decline of 5 percentage points in his by Pulse Asia. rating, allowing Estrada to catch up with Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Be- him. (continued on page 4) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 2 MAY 1, 2010 EDITORIAL Americans using these rights as being conspira- tors of some socialist system? Second, how hyp- Healthcare ocritical that Republicans use the mounting deficit and imminent bankruptcy argument against Reform 2010 healthcare reform when the GOP was responsible for turning a surplus under President Clinton into is Just the a massive national debt following President George W. Bush. According to the nonpartisan Beginning, Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the Iraq and Afghanistan wars could cost as much as $2.4 tril- Keep The Public lion through the next decade. Since 2001, the wars have cost taxpayers well over $1 trillion. The CBO estimates healthcare reform to cost less Option Alive than that at $900 billion, with a net reduction in y any stretch of finality, healthcare reform federal deficits of $143 billion over the 2010-2019 2010 is far from over. In fact the mishmash period. Where was Republicans' fiscal conser- B compromises of the two reconciliation bills vatism during Bush's Iraq debacle? signed into law set a sketchy trail requiring much The fiscal reality is this: even if Republicans needed substantive doctoring, if only Americans had their way and healthcare reform 2010 failed, can see beyond the damaging, partisan myths the government is already paying the nation's and agree to forge real effective change. At best, health care tab by half, and by 2012, that amount the 2010 healthcare reform could be character- would be more than half, according to a Medicare ized as a "pilot program" with its greatest study. With healthcare reform or not, the govern- strength being a symbolic, historical message that government must step ment must intervene to keep hospitals running and the entire industry from in to fix a broken system. The big anticlimax is, what Congress and Pres- ruin. Call it socialism, call it whatever name politicians' find suitable to win ident Barrack Obama pushed forward this time around, amounts to a wa- an election through utter deception, the fact remains that government's role tered-down, consumer protection bill that will not institute the essential in healthcare is a matter of survival. The cost is beyond colossal for pure pri- structural changes to curb medical costs and raise doctor-patient quality. vatized enterprises to sustain. It cannot be understated that the greatest feature of healthcare reform Given this year's critical mid-term election, Hawaii voters must consider 2010 was left out, the public option. A universal healthcare system with a the leading candidates' position on healthcare reform. While it is the law of public option would have positioned the government to become a true com- the land, it could encounter funding barriers or amendments in the imple- petitor in the private healthcare sector, lowering the cost of premiums and mentation process. A major shift in Congress' majority to Republican or Blue improving quality. Instead, what the government will become with this 2010 Dog, Conservative Democrat, could disrupt the momentum toward real bill, is a mere regulator, still doling out subsidized money to insurance com- change. Call the campaigns of Colleen Hanabusa, Ed Case and Charles panies which will continue to do as they please, minus features that should- Djou to find out how willing they'd be to support an eventual public option, n't have been permitted in the first place -- insurance companies' denial of or even better a universal single-payer healthcare system. Senators pre-existing conditions, cancelation of policies of sick customers, or caps on Daniel Inouye, Daniel Akaka and U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono have all sup- coverage for life-saving treatment. What remains is the lack of guarantees ported the progressive Democrats' push for a public option in healthcare of affordable premiums. Worse off, some customers' premiums could be reform. higher. HELPLINE Clearly the Democrats' bullish hurrah of offering a "saving grace" to healthcare failed, but their undeserved self-patting on the back is nowhere I am writing on behalf of my housekeeper, Gina Palic, who has been try- near the shameful, injurious insincerity put forth by Republicans whose sin- ing to locate her mom, Norma Agsalda, who resides in Hawaii with her husband gular intention really was to advocate only malpractice reform in health-re- Dennis. Gina Palic was still young when her mother and father, Guillermo lated torts. Palic, separated, raised second families and immigrated to Hawaii. Republicans' assertion of the government heading down a slippery Please help me locate Norma Agsalda whom I suspect is using her current slope toward socialism and bankruptcy is simply a lie. First, government's husband Dennis’ surname, which my housekeeper Gina cannot recall. If you role in healthcare started 45 years ago with Medicare and Medicaid. These have any information, please contact me via email at: two life-saving programs, along with the nation's educational, public safety [email protected]. (police/firefighter/civil defense/military), and transportation systems are all primarily government-led. Should Republicans accuse the millions of em- Lara Manuel ployed government workers under these departments or the millions of

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

The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published weekly by the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. It is mailed directly to subscribers and distributed at various outlets around Oahu and the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertising deadlines are three weeks prior to publication date. Subscriptions are available at $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor islands, continental U.S. $85, foreign country $95. Copyright 2007. The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Telephone: (808) 678-8930. Facsimile: (808) 678-1829. E-mail: [email protected]. Opinions expressed by the columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle management. Reproduction of the contents in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the management. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION MAY 1, 2010 LEGISLATIVE CONNECTION 3 When the health care reform bill was finally passed in the US Senate, Democrats observed with Expanding the Ladder of solemnity the absence of one of its Repaying student loans after strongest advocates, Senator Ted graduating is another measure of re- Kennedy, who had long fought for Opportunity lief. The Income-Based Repayment health care for all Americans. The Administration reductions strained tion administering the student loan program is amended to cap student education portion of the reforms the ability of students to obtain the program. Under the previous sys- loan payment for new borrowers would have been dear to him as training they needed for the career tem, the federal government paid after July 1, 2014. Currently at 15%, well. As was said of the "Happy goals they had. private banks money to give out stu- loan repayment would go down to Warrior," Senator Kennedy's life was HR 4872, the "Health Care & dent loans. By eliminating those 10%. Loans previously, had 25 "not to champion those with wealth by Senator Will Education Affordability Reconcilia- bank subsidies, that money can be years to be repaid. The amendment or power or special connections. It tion Act of 2010," helps restore the rechanneled toward more student fi- would forgive remaining balances was to give a voice to those who ESPERO American dream. Known as nancial aid. after 20 years of repayment. This were not heard; to add a rung to the SAFRA ("Student Aid & Fiscal Re- HR 4872 bolsters the Pell especially helps students with high ladder of opportunity; to make real emocrats believe in extending sponsibility Act"), the education por- Grant, a long-standing Democratic loans, such as medical students. the dream of our founding." the ladder of opportunity be- tion of the health care reform law program that has enabled students D cause the overall well-being of enables more students to attain a to be able to go to college. It origi- society improves as more citizens university education. Investing in nated in 1965, is named after its are able to reach their goals. As we students is an investment in Amer- sponsor, Senator Claiborne Pell of and our neighbors achieve our own ica's future. Rhode Island, and is known also as "American dream," our well-being The greater availability of finan- the Basic Educational Opportunity spills over into the community. That cial aid also strengthens families. Grant (BEOG) program. SAFRA is why Democrats have traditionally Parents are stressed with paying a amends the Higher Education Act to invested in education, in job training, mortgage and daily life expenses. include mandatory funding for the in strengthening families, and home The additional expense of putting Pell Grant and includes an appro- ownership. Becoming better edu- their grown children through college priation of $13.5 billion. cated, acquiring valuable workplace makes parental responsibility even The College Access Challenge skills, being able to buy a home of more difficult. The greater availabil- Grant program will receive $150 mil- our own and shape our family lives ity of college funding provides finan- lion for fiscal years 2010 through in a positive way, all contribute to the cial and personal relief to those 2014. Funding would be extended stability and productivity of society. parents who want their children to through 2019 for programs at "mi- Under the Bush Administration, reach their potential through higher nority-serving institutions" including federal financial aid was cut by education. Those young people will programs that help low-income stu- $12.5 billion, drastically reducing the also be better able to support the dents earn degrees in science, tech- amount of student aid available for families they someday will have nology, engineering or math. our high school graduates to attend after they train for a career. Alaska/Native Hawaiian institutions college. Funding restrictions put the SAFRA spreads out federal ed- will receive $15 million; $5 million maximum Pell Grant at $4,050 for ucation dollars in part by eliminating will go to Asian American and Pacific 2003-2004, up to $4,731 for 2008- subsidies to private banks. It in- Islander Institutions, and $5 million 2009. With rising tuition and other stead uses the cost-effective route is appropriated to Native American higher education costs, these Bush of the federal Department of Educa- non-tribal serving institutions. HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 4 HEADLINES (CONT.) MAY 1, 2010 (cont. from page 1; FIlipino Fiesta ... ) THE PARADE Peñafrancia who is celebrating its about potentially silent eye condi- Kawayan Hawaii—the first ever With its desire to produce a big- 300th year as the patroness of Bicol tions that can damage one’s sight. bamboo band in the U.S.—at Kapi- ger parade in this edition, the Fil- region. According to Marvin Miyoshi, olani Park Bandstand.” Com Center is giving partial subsidy Yeoh & Muranaka Radiology will be for float participants representing the FLORES DE MAYO showcasing its services which are BANDA KAWAYAN HAWAII different regions of the Philippines. Traditionally, a month-long reli- available at its new Center for Headed by maestro Pike Ve- Participating regions as of press time gious festival in the Philippines with Women’s Imaging located in the Ala lasco, Banda Kawayan Hawaii is are Visayas, Mindanao, Bicol, Cen- young girls offering flowers to the Moana Medical Building. Yeoh & composed of more than 30 musi- tral Region, Tagalog and Central Blessed Virgin with the recitation of Muranaka Radiology’s Center for cians who play 96 pieces of bamboo Luzon regions. the Holy Rosary, a modern-day Flo- The Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls is Women’s Imaging provides a single always a willing participant in the musical instruments that were pur- res de Mayo (Flowers of May) will location for women who need their While Raymund Liongson is Filipino Fiesta and Parade event chased in the Philippines through managing the float participation, end the parade featuring a fashion mammogram, ultrasound or bone U.S. Senator Dan Inouye’s earmarks Richard Ancog is tasked with the lo- showcase of Filipino fineries worn by Hawaii Filipino Healthcare will be densitometry studies done. in appropriations to the U.S. Depart- gistics of the entire parade. Regis- young maidens and a good reason participating in the annual Filipino Fi- Ohana Health Plan will provide ment of Education grant, Education tered to participate in the parade to wear a crown. This portion is co- esta and Parade. information about health plans. A through Cultural and Historical Or- are Filipino Community of Hawaii, ordinated by OFCC president, Free services to the public in- second time CHFair participant, ganizations (ECHO) and U.S. Insti- Knights of Columbus, Farrington Danny Villaruz. clude blood pressure, cholesterol Ohana spokesperson Patrick Hage- tute of Museum and Library Services High School Fil-Am Club, New York check, diabetes/blood sugar check, dorn says that participating in the Fil- (IMLS). Life Insurance, Co., Hawaii Organ- FOOD BOOTHS osteoporosis, curbside consulta- ipino Fiesta is his company’s way of Contained in two crates and ization of Filipino Eskrima, FALEA No self-respecting Filipino tions/Ask A Doctor, eye exams, showing support to providers and weighing 450 pounds, these bam- Filipino American League of Engi- event would be complete without acupuncture, massage and medical the community that use their health boo instruments were flown “in neers and Architects, Annak Ti food and this year’s event promises information on holistic medicine, plans. Please visit the Community gratis” by Hawaiian Airlines. The in- Idaya, Farmers Insurance Hawaii, to have plenty of delicious eats. East cancer screening, weight loss, Health Fair booth and avail yourself struments include two small Unite Here Local 5, Temple of of Carriage Way in the park will be proper diet and nutrition, health in- of its give-aways. Marimba, two large Marimba, 54 Yahveh Elohim, Philippine Nurses 10 or so food booths serving an surance and health plans. pieces Angklung (1 set, 2 octaves), 3 Association of Hawaii, Rida Caban- array of Filipino and international Participating companies include THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE pieces Kalatok (1 set), 1 piece Kiskis illa, Friends of Donovan De la Cruz, dishes from appetizers, longaniza, Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, Yeoh The Filipino Fiesta and Parade or Bamboo Scratcher, 14 pieces American Filipina Society of Hawaii, kankanin and desserts. They are & Muranaka, MD, Inc., Ohana is sponsored by the Fil-Com Cen- Mallet, 18 pieces Tongatong and 2 Beth Esrael Jewish Ministries, Mark Specialties, Crepes No Ka Oi, Health Plan, McMann Eye Institute, ter in collaboration with the Con- pieces Kalagong. KASAA – Leeward CC Phil. Studies, Ramar Foods, Lasang Pilipinas, Alfredo’s Medical Acupuncture & gress of Visayan Organizations, the The bamboo instruments were The Royal Hawaiian Band, Pacific Claire’s Lunch Plate, JJ Food Stop, Massage and State Department of Honolulu Filipino Junior Chamber handcrafted by Prof. Siegfredo B. Fleet Band, Filipino Certified Nursing Golden Coin, Ba-Le II and Filipino Health-Chronic Disease Manage- of Commerce, the Oahu Filipino Calabig, Instrument Maker and Assistant Association, State Sen. Express Kambingan. ment and Control Branch. Community Council and the United Music Director of Polytechnic Uni- Robert Bunda, Philippine Consulate Hawaii Medicab will provide Filipino Council of Hawaii. versity of the Philippines, who sent General, BIBAK Hawaii and Bicol COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR shuttle rides from Kapiolani Com- Chairing this year’s event is Rossini Icabales Calabig and Jaime Club of Hawaii Pantomina Parade This will be the 15th year the munity College to Kapiolani Park. Dr. Jun Colmenares. This year’s theme Fadul Calabig to Honolulu to train with participation of Pearl City High Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls in Michael A. McMann, a first time par- is “Lakbay Cultura” (Cultural Jour- Honolulu’s first batch of bamboo in- School Filipino Club and Kaisahan cooperation with the Philippine Med- ticipant in the Community Health ney). Its major sponsors are Hawai- strumentalists late last year. of Leilehua High School following ical Association of Hawaii, the Fair, will be giving free screenings ian Airlines, the Hawaii Community the Bicol float of the Lady of Hawaii Filipino Chronicle and the and on-hand to help educate people Foundation and Western Union.

(cont. from page 1; Villar, Erap... ) preference. Following him is Ed- VP RACE: ROXAS STILL ON cent rating. Pulse Asia said. uardo Villanueva of Bangon Pilip- TOP Bagumbayan’s Bayani Fer- Pulse Asia’ survey on the pre- "Marginal gains in electoral inas with a 3 percent rating. Aquino’s running mate Sen. nando and actor Edu Manzano of ferred presidential and vice-presi- support are enjoyed by Senator Bagumbayan Party’s Sen. Mar Roxas continues to lead the Lakas-Kampi-CMD got only 3 per- dential candidates was fielded from Aquino and former President Richard Gordon scored 2 percent to pack in the vice-presidential race, cent each. The rest of the vice-pres- April 23 to 25, 2010 using face-to- Estrada between March and April settle at sixth place. with 37 percent of voters supporting idential bets registered voter face interviews of 1,800 registered 2010 (+2 percentage points). How- Surprisingly, disqualified candi- his candidacy. This, Pulse Asia preferences of at most 3 percent. voters 18 years old and above. ever, a significant decline in voter date Vetallano Acosta was still in- noted, comes despite a decline of 6 Meanwhile 9 percent of regis- The poll has a ± 2% error mar- preference is experienced by Sena- cluded in the survey, garnering a 1 percentage points in Roxas’ overall tered voters do not have a pre- gin at the 95 percent confidence tor Villar during this period (–5 per- percent rating to stay ahead of the voter preference from March to April ferred candidate for vice president, level. (www.philstar.com) centage points)," the pollster said. rest of the aspirants — environmen- this year. Aquino, Villar and Estrada were talist Nicanor Perlas, Ang Kapati- Enjoying a 9-percentage point (cont. from page 1; Filipinos ... ) Oceania (8 years), and North the only presidential aspirants who ran’s JC de los Reyes and Sen. gain is Makati City mayor Jejomar biggest number of immigrant popu- America (11 years),” it added. got double-digit voter preferences. Jamby Madrigal. The three continue Binay, who got 28 percent of votes lation. The report noted that until the At fourth place is Lakas-Kampi- to languish in the cellars with less to occupy the second place. Follow- The Annual Flow Report for 1970s, most naturalized Americans CMD standard-bearer Gilberto than 0.5 percent scores. ing him his Villar’s running mate 2009 said that 53 percent of all nat- were from Europe. Following the Teodoro, who garnered a 7 percent Sen. Loren Legarda with a 20 per- uralized persons were female, 54 arrival of Indochinese refugees in percent were between 25 to 44 the 1970s and the historically years old (with a median age of 40 higher naturalization rate among years), and 67 percent were mar- Asian immigrants, “Asia has been ried. the leading region of origin of new Overall, the number of persons citizens in most years since 1976,” naturalizing in the US dropped al- the report said. most 300,000 from 1,046,539 in In 2009, about 37 percent of 2008 to 743,715 in 2009. The re- new US citizens came from Asia, port noted that the 2008 figure is an 34 from North America, and 12 per- all-time record following a surge in cent from Europe. applications in 2007 “in advance of US Immigration and National- a fee increase and efforts to en- ity Act requires that a foreigner courage eligible immigrants to nat- must at least be 18 years old, have uralize.” been granted lawful permanent res- The report said that from 2008 ident status in the US, and have to 2009, the median years spent in resided in the country continuously legal permanent status decreased for at least five years. They are also by two years. required to speak, read, and write “Persons naturalizing in 2009 English, know US government and spent a median of seven years in history, and have good moral char- legal permanent status before be- acter. coming citizens. Immigrants born in The law also provides natural- Africa, Asia, and South America ization for spouses and children of spent the least time in legal immi- US citizens and military classes. grant status (6 years), followed by (www.inquirer.net) immigrants from Europe (7 years), HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION MAY 1, 2010 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS 5

Foundation will jointly review the In Fiscal Year 2007, these agencies SBA Grants Available for recommendations from the evalua- provided about 5,500 SBIR federal tion panel and make awards based grants and contracts for small busi- on proposal merit. Varying levels of nesses totaling $2 billion. States to Support R&D, Small matching funds are required from STTR requires federal agen- small business owners, state level each participating state and terri- cies with over $1 billion in extramu- Business Innovation representatives, federal SBIR pro- tory. ral R&D funding to set aside 0.3 gram managers and representa- The SBIR program requires 11 percent. STTR totaled about 870 THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS create good jobs,” says Karen G. tives of the business and academic federal agencies with more than awards for $218 million in FY 2007. ADMINISTRATION is accepting Mills, SBA administrator. “The part- communities will evaluate propos- $100 million in R&D spending to set For more information about the grant funding requests from the nerships developed through these als. The SBA, the Department of aside 2.5 percent of those funds for SBIR and STTR programs, visit governors of U.S. states and terri- programs will play a critical role in Defense and the National Science competitively-awarded SBIR grants. SBA’s online at: www.sba.gov/sbir. tories to support programs for inno- helping high-growth potential small vative, technology-driven small firms lay a stronger foundation for businesses under SBA’s Federal economic prosperity.” PAL to Continue Restructuring and State Technology (FAST) part- FAST funding applicants are nership program through May 10, encouraged to show how they will for nearly half of PAL’s operating ex- authority as not being compliant with 2010. help support areas such as: Program penses. International Civil Aviation Organi- FAST provides $2 million in • Small business research and Aside from a series of cost-cut- zation safety standards for the over- funding (up to $100,000 per appli- development assistance, PHILIPPINE AIRLINES (PAL) ting initiatives, PAL officials ap- sight of Philippine air carrier cant) for outreach and technical as- • Technology transfer from uni- WILL IMPLEMENT the next phase proached several investors but none operations. sistance to science and versities to small businesses, of its restructuring program, starting were interested given the fact that in “PAL did its best to adjust to the technology-driven small busi- • Technological diffusion of inno- with the spin-off of three non-core 2009 alone, more than 20 airlines harsh operating environment. It im- nesses. The program places par- vation benefiting small busi- units effective May 31, 2010. went bankrupt. plemented a series of cost-cutting ticular emphasis on helping nesses, Units that will be affected in- PAL also blames the down- initiatives, including a manpower ra- socially- and economically-disad- • Proposal development and clude in-flight catering services, air- grade of the Philippine aviation sec- tionalization program in September vantaged firms compete in the mentoring for small busi- port services (including ground tor to Category II by the U.S. which 2009 that affected more than 400 SBA’s Small Business Innovation nesses applying for SBIR handling, passenger handling, cargo prevents the airline from using executives and administrative em- Research (SBIR) and Small Busi- grants; terminal/handling and ramp han- brand new long-range aircraft or in- ployees. In 2000, PAL restructured ness Technology Transfer (STTR) • Commercialization of technol- dling), and call center reservations. creasing flights to the U.S. and the its organization and spun-off/sold its programs. ogy developed through SBIR According to PAL officials, the subsequent blacklisting of Philippine Maintenance and Engineering De- Eligible applicants for FAST grants. airline was forced to continue re- carriers by the European Union, ru- partment to Lufthansa Technik grants include state and local eco- structuring due to factors beyond its ining the reputation of airlines like Philippines,” PAL said. nomic development agencies, Companies supported by the control, namely unabated liberaliza- PAL with outstanding safety records. PAL assures its customers that Small Business Development Cen- SBIR and STTR programs often tion of the commercial aviation in- In December 2007, the U.S. there will be no disruptions to oper- ters, and colleges and universities. generate some of the most impor- dustry to the detriment of local Federal Aviation Administration ations during the implementation of Each state, through its governor, tant breakthroughs each year in the players like PAL, the worldwide eco- (FAA) placed the Philippines into the restructuring measures. The air- may submit one proposal. U.S. For example, about 25 per- nomic recession that led to a crip- Category 2 due to concerns about line has asked for support from its “The FAST program is an im- cent of R&D Magazine’s Top 100 pling slowdown in passenger traffic, the local Air Transportation Office’s stakeholders—unions, partners in portant catalyst for helping Amer- Innovations come from SBIR- record-high oil prices in 2008-2009 oversight of air carrier operations. the travel trade, government and the ica’s cutting-edge entrepreneurs funded small businesses. and the continuing increase in the Category 2 means that the FAA as- flying public—as it reorganizes into continue to drive innovation and A committee consisting of price of aviation fuel, which account sessed the Philippines’ civil aviation a leaner, more efficient company. HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 6 OPINION MAY 1, 2010 It's All Over But the Lying, the Faking and the

last two weeks of polling had ever Ronnie mentioned the comparative Cheating lost the presidential election. Even political machineries of the Lakas Fidel V. Ramos, with a very narrow Kampi CMD, Liberal Party and the AS I WRECK THIS low single digit lead in 1992, went Nacionalista Party. Per Ronnie, the on to win that presidential election. administration party has a presence CHAIR by W. ESPOSO In the case of Joseph Estrada in of around 70% in all contested 1998, he was the dominant brand areas compared to around 55% for ith just ten days of cam- and was never threatened. the Liberal Party and 30% for the paigning left, we can safely It was only Madame Gloria Nacionalista Party. Estrada’s Pw- W say that it’s all over for the Macapagal Arroyo’s (GMA) procla- ersa ng Masa Party has much less 2010 presidential elections except mation (your Chair Wrecker be- than the Nacionalista Party. for the persistent lying and faking lieves that was all it was, not an It’s not inconceivable that by desperate losers and the sus- election) in 2004 that created steam again like the so-called sec- tributed to Villar’s camp backfired many of those who defected to Vil- pected attempt to cheat. It’s all over doubts — especially after the Garci ond wind in sports competitions and added to Villar’s bad image. If lar could still make last minute except for the proclamation of the Tape surfaced. Easily 60% of Fil- and has now posted expanding that was not bad enough, a Villar deals and abandon him if they per- Liberal Party’s Benigno “Noynoy” ipinos believe that GMA stole the double digit margins in the credible ally, Guido Delgado, attempted to ceive that Villar will surely lose. Aquino III as the new president of 2004 presidency. But the 2004 con- polls. To exacerbate Villar’s situa- peddle another fake psychiatric re- Those who are vying in district our country. troversy happened because of the tion, his ratings have been drop- port last Tuesday which can only (congressional) and local positions Posting a lead of anywhere closeness of the presidential race ping since the March polls. From backfire again on Villar. With are the most prone to defecting to from 12% to as much as 18% over and the political naiveté of the late the mid-30s, Villar has dropped to Estrada vigorously pressing the the perceived winner of the presi- his closest rival, the Nacionalista Fernando Poe, Jr. the low-20s. In fact, if this down- Vista Land IPO issue against Villar dential election. Party’s Manny Villar, there is no Like Joseph Estrada in 1998, ward trend continues, it is very — like a shark following a trail of To further boost the political way of reversing Aquino’s lead Noynoy Aquino is every bit of what likely that Joseph Estrada will over- Villar’s blood — Villar is forced to stock of Aquino will be the tendency without provoking People Power. is called in marketing as the DOM- take Villar in second place. be in a defensive position. of the Gilbert Teodoro, Richard Sure, they can try the feared “elec- INANT BRAND in this presidential Estrada has been benefiting In the event that Estrada man- Gordon, Eddie Villanueva, Jamby tronic Garci” cheating operation — election. Aquino led from the time from the drop of Villar’s ratings. Both ages to dislodge Villar in second Madrigal, Nick Perlas and JC de los especially with this Comelec (Com- he entered the presidential race in Villar and Estrada are positioned place, it is doubted if the former Reyes followers to shift to Aquino. mission on Elections) that has es- September and never lost that lead against the mahirap (poor). Thus, it president can seriously threaten Most of these voters are from the tablished a track record of to anyone in the SWS (Social is not surprising that Villar’s loss Aquino — not with only 10 days left classes AB and C and are not the producing anti-Liberal Party deci- Weather Stations), Pulse Asia and tends to become Estrada’s gain. It is of campaigning. Estrada trails type who will shift to the mahirap sions. But that would be suicidal on Manila Standard polls. The closest also not surprising that Estrada is Aquino even in the D and E socio- positioned candidates. Tradition- their part to try it. it ever got between Aquino and Vil- now actively attacking Villar. economic classes and he does not ally, the bulk of the undecided will It has never happened in lar was a two point lead held by Villar’s drop in ratings is an in- even have the machinery of Villar. gravitate to the dominant brand — Philippine elections since 1992, Aquino during the January and dication that the many issues that When Local Government Sec- Noynoy Aquino. when we adopted the multi party February polls. were hurled against him had retary Ronnie Puno was interviewed On an upward momentum, system, that the presidential candi- However, starting with the gained traction. That fake psycho- on ANC regarding the irregular Aquino could well hit a 42% vote date with a double digit lead in the March polls, Aquino picked up logical report which ABS-CBN at- presscon of Andal Ampatuan, Jr. — total. (www.philstar.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION MAY 1, 2010 IMMIGRATION GUIDE 7 An Open Letter to the New U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines inside the U.S. Embassy in Manila. ported for fraud. We will have your A United States Citizen is co-author of “Immigration Law Service, We have co-authored a book de- relatives who introduced you to of Philippine ancestry 1st ed.” an 8-volume practice guide for im- migration officers and lawyers. Listen to the tailing some of them. We would him deported for human trafficking. most interesting and humorous Hawaii radio like to personally present you with The FPU Filipinos want to impress (Atty. Tipon has a Master of Laws degree from program on KNDI AM 1270 every Tuesday, Atty. Emmanuel a copy. their white masters by earning Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Laws de- Thursday, and Friday at 7:00 AM. Hear Atty. by When a person approaches "brownie" points. They believe that gree from the University of the Philippines. Tipon on the internet at www.iluko.com. Click Samonte TIPON the Filipino guards at the Embassy browbeating helpless Filipino He is based in Hawaii, specializing in immi- on Mr. Parbangon. This article is a general overview of the subject matter discussed and their rudeness and arrogance un- women is how to impress. Get rid gration law and criminal defense. Tel. (808) 225-2645. E-Mail: [email protected]. is not intended as legal advice. No warranty makes the day for many Filipinos. of the Filipinos at the FPU. Website: www.ImmigrationServicesUSA.com. is made by the writer or publisher as to its Once you give a Filipino a gun and A divorced U.S. citizen, for- He is from Laoag City and Magsingal, Ilocos completeness or correctness at the time of station him at the U.S. Embassy, merly a Filipino, goes to the Amer- Sur. He served as an Immigration Officer. He publication.) his demeanor is transformed from ican Citizen Services to get a piousness to pompousness. Get certificate of legal capacity to rid of those guards. They cannot marry so the USC can marry a Fil- protect the U.S. Embassy. They ipino. She will be told: "We cannot will likely run away at the first issue you a certificate. The Philip- sound of gun fire. Replace them pines does not recognize divorce." with U.S. Marines. Since when did Philippine law gov- Filipinos, many of whom came ern the legal capacity of an Amer- straight from the provinces, upon ican citizen to marry? A divorced entering the Embassy will be American citizen is free to marry shocked and awed by the market- anybody anywhere. place-like environment. More Fil- Most American consular offi- ipino security guards will hustle cials have stayed too long in the them. Filipino clerks will display Philippines and acquired the bad their authority, ridiculing their habit of many Filipino caciques Ambassador Harry K. Thomas kababayans especially if their pa- who do not answer letters even if United States Ambassador to the pers are not in order. relevant to their work. Send them Philippines If the Filipina is married to an to the war zones. Manila elderly man, she will be brought to To borrow your phrase, Mr. the Fraud Prevention Unit (FPU). Ambassador, may we "look for- Dear Sir: Emblazoned at the door of the ward" to meeting with you in per- "It is easier for a camel to FPU headquarters is an invisible son so we can help you succeed enter the eye of a needle than for sign: "Abandon hope, all ye who in your mission of promoting a non-white lawyer to enter the enter here." - Dante's Inferno. She friendship between Filipinos and U.S. Consulate in Manila and talk will be grilled: Why did you marry Americans. with a consular officer." - Em- an old man? He is older than your manuel S. Tipon in The Consular father. Your mother should have Respectfully yours, Posts Book. married your husband. He can no Emmanuel Samonte Tipon We are pregnant with hope longer perform. Don't tell me he that you will breathe the breath of can still perform. I should know. I life into your pledge to support am a man. Even if he takes a "human rights" in the Philippines. mouthful of Viagra. Better tell the The best way to redeem your truth. You married your husband pledge is not to sing and dance in so you can go to America. If you the barrios or in Wowowee but to do not admit it, we will deny you a look at the human rights abuses visa and have your husband de- HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 8 NEWS FEATURE MAY 1, 2010 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION MAY 1, 2010 FOOD & LEISURE 9 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 10 MAY 1, 2010 PHILIPPINE NEWS GSIS Disburses P53.33 Billion in loans to Government Workers by Iris GONZALES / Thursday, April 29, 2010 new and better system, which is Oracle. Introduced in 2006, the G-W@PS system MANILA, Philippines - THE GOVERNMENT allows GSIS to service its customers anytime SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM (GSIS) and anywhere. has disbursed a total of P53.33 billion in loans The G-W@PS kiosk combines modern last year, a marked improvement from the technology to come up with a unique and se- P40.97 billion recorded in 2008. cure system that can process transactions off- The loans were disbursed through over- site in a completely paperless environment. the-counter transactions and through the With G-W@PS, not only can GSIS mem- agency’s Wireless Automated Processing Sys- bers and pensioners file for a loan, they can tem or G-W@PS kiosk. also view their GSIS records as well as activate Of the amount, GSIS has disbursed a total their eCard Plus. of P49.84 billion worth of loans through the For members, the kiosk can process loan agency’s G-W@PS kiosk. applications like the P10,000 cash advance GSIS president and General Manager Win- loan, Consolidated Salary Loan and Policy ston Garcia said the loans were disbursed de- Loan. Pensioners can likewise file their pension spite the slowdown in the agency’s operations loan using the G-W@PS kiosk. brought about by a defective database system On the other hand, pensioners can use the provided by IBM Corp. G-W@PS to renew their active status on their Data from the Information Technology Serv- birth month without ever reporting to the GSIS ices Group of the GSIS showed that a little over office. This will ensure the continuation of their a million loan applications were filed online last monthly pension. year through the G-W@PS kiosks deployed in The kiosk — which is like an ATM machine all GSIS servicing offices and selected govern- with a touch screen monitor — combines dif- ment agencies. ferent technologies such as radio frequency Of the total loan applications filed, the GSIS identification, biometrics, general packet radio approved 878,469 for a total consideration of service, short message service, and virtual pri- P49.84 billion. vate network. The GSIS said it was able to process a GSIS members and pensioners need to huge bulk of loan applications filed through the have an eCard Plus to be able to use the G- G-W@PS kiosks because it has moved to a W@PS. (www.philstar.com)

Swine Board Bucks Government Plan to Import Pork Through FTI Marianne V. GO by / They pointed out that in a meeting of the Thursday, April 29, 2010 Task Force Price and Volume Watch con- MANILA, Philippines - THE SWINE BOARD ducted by the DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry OF THE PHILIPPINES has expressed op- last Friday, “we had no inkling at all of this mat- position to the government’s plan to import ter. Worse, the mechanism used by the Mini- 5,000 metric tons of pork through the Food mum Access Volume (MAV) system was Terminal, Inc. (FTI). ignored. The private sector was bypassed and “We… call on government not to proceed the government-controlled corporation-FTI en- with the importation. We also call all presiden- croached into a commercial activity using its tial candidates to bare their plans to arrest a state power to avail of the duty-free importa- potentially volatile situation. They should bear tion. This effectively gives government undue in mind that they will inherit this problem when advantage and renders domestic trade unfair.” they take over the reins of government,” the The Swine Board is puzzled by the deci- Swine Board said in a statement. sion to import since the pork MAV was released The Swine Board is composed of produc- in February, barely two months ago. Only 30 ers and suppliers which provide 60 percent of percent of the import allocation has been uti- the pork supply in the country. They include lized by the private sector to date. There are still various stakeholders in the value chain, back- 70 percent available and sufficient elbow room yard and commercial hog farmers, slaughter- remains for the private sector to address what- house operators, logistics providers, meat ever supply gaps there are.” fabricators, traders, importers, and distribu- The Swine Board pointed out that the lean tors. season is about to start , wherein hog prices The Swine Board stated: “We are out- traditionally start bottoming out. raged by the recent announcement to allow “The untimely and unexpected importa- FTI to import 5,000 MT of pork. It appears that tion of pork will most certainly disturb and dis- the Department of Agriculture unilaterally de- tort the market. This intervention is unwise termined the necessity and immediacy of the and uncalled for,” the Swine Board said. importation without any prior consultation.” (www.philstar.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION MAY 1, 2010 PHILIPPINE NEWS 11 agenda, including a P125 across- the-board increase in the daily take- No Wage Hike on Labor Day - Palace home pay of workers nationwide. Paolo ROMERO by / are resolved. tion and yet it has failed to improve Manuel Villar and his running mate Labog noted that under the Ar- Wednesday, April 28, 2010 On May 1, Mrs. Arroyo will per- the workers’ condition. Sen. Loren Legarda. royo administration, wages have not MANILA, Philippines - THERE form her last official Labor Day func- “It seems that workers would “Syempre kung saan naka linya increased significantly despite the WILL BE NO ANNOUNCE- tion as President by leading a job just have to make do with an enter- si Ka Satur (Whoever is allied with surge in prices of basic commodities. MENTS OF WAGE HIKES from and livelihood fair at the SMX Mall of tainment package on Labor Day,” he Ka Satur),” Labog said, referring to Since June 2001, Labog said, President Arroyo on Labor Day but Asia. Similar livelihood fairs are added. NP senatorial candidate Satur there have only been three minimum workers may expect a P200-million scheduled across the country, with Employers are against salary in- Ocampo. wage increases and only four Emer- non-wage and livelihood assistance about 80,000 jobs at stake, Roque creases, saying most companies are Aside from endorsing candi- gency Cost of Living Allowance package. said. still recovering from the economic dates, the militant labor group will (ECOLA) adjustments. Labor Secretary Marianito He said Mrs. Arroyo has or- slump. also present a 10-point Labor Day (www.philstar.com) Roque made this clear in a press dered the allocation of P200 million briefing, which followed a meeting under DOLE’s Workers’ Income Aug- PROTESTS, CAMPAIGN over lunch with Mrs. Arroyo and mentation Program. Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) some 50 labor leaders at Mala- He said worker’s groups or co- chairman Elmer Labog said various cañang. operatives may seek assistance for trade unions in Metro Manila and “(Minimum) wage determination business projects ranging from nearby provinces would hold procla- system is not by legislative or execu- P100,000 to P3 million. mation rallies for their candidates for tive (action) but through tripartite, so Roque said Mrs. Arroyo doesn’t the coming elections side by side we leave it to the boards,” Roque have much to announce on Labor with protest activities on May 1. said. Day since she has already extended “We are going to hold our tradi- He was referring to the Regional numerous assistance to workers in tional Labor Day protest rally, which Tripartite Wage and Productivity her nine years as president. will also serve as proclamation rally Boards (RTWPB) composed of rep- for the candidates our unions will be resentatives from government, work- DISAPPOINTED supporting come election day,” ers, and employers. The Federation of Free Workers Labog said in an interview. “It’s not for the President to de- expressed disappointment over Labog said KMU and affiliate cide. I myself can’t decide on wages,” Malacañang’s pronouncement. unions are finalizing a list of candi- he said. “We really thought that Presi- dates to endorse during the May 1 Representatives of workers’ dent Arroyo would be giving workers rally at Liwasang Bonifacio. groups did not raise the matter of a memorable Labor Day’s celebra- “Workers will be endorsing can- wage hikes with the President. tion by announcing a salary increase didates for president, vice president Roque said the labor leaders or at least a directive to hasten the and a number of senators,” he said. only asked Mrs. Arroyo to ensure the resolution of pending wage hike pe- The endorsement, Labog said, is continuity of livelihood and assis- titions before she finally steps down expected to translate to 600,000 votes tance programs. from office,” Julius Cainglet, FFW for the KMU-backed candidates. There are pending petitions for spokesman, said. He declined to reveal the names wage increases in seven RTWPBs, Cainglet noted that the govern- on the list, but hinted that the KMU including Metro Manila. It usually ment has been boasting of economic would be supporting Nacionalista takes weeks before such petitions gains under the Arroyo administra- Party (NP) presidential bet Sen. Pacquiao in Minority for megabuck showdown with Pacquiao. The Mosley money on the table will convince Mayweather to forget about Olympic-style drug testing and Paolo ROMERO by / agree to what the boxing commission re- Thursday, April 22, 2010 quires. MANILA, Philippines - ALTHOUGH THE Graham Houston, writing in Boxing LAS VEGAS BETTING ODDS OPENED Monthly, said he expects Mosley to put May- WITH FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. a -400 weather under pressure and crowd him to the favorite and Sugar Shane Mosley a +300 un- ropes, the way Zab Judah and Ricky Hatton derdog, Manny Pacquiao is adamant in choos- were able to do and “there certainly could be ing the fighter less likely to win in what could anxious moments for Mayweather.” be the eliminator to determine his next oppo- Mosley’s knockout over Antonio Margar- nent. ito in January last year was a more impressive Mayweather and Mosley face off at the showing than Mayweather’s win by decision MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on over a much smaller Juan Manuel Marquez Sunday morning (Manila time) with the survivor last September. Critics said Margarito wasn’t expected to take on Pacquiao before the year his usual self after the handwraps incident in ends. the dressing room – his bandages were lined Based on the early odds, a $400 wager on with a hardening substance like plaster. Mar- Mayweather will earn only $100 but a $100 bet garito had to be rewrapped and was presum- on Mosley will bring in $300. ably bothered that a suspension was What makes Mosley a threat to May- imminent, entering the ring. weather is his size. And that’s the advantage Mosley, 38, has been there and done Mosley insists will make the difference. that. He beat Oscar de la Hoya twice and Fer- “Mayweather’s been fighting guys smaller nando Vargas twice. Sugar Shane has held than him, now he’s fighting a guy who has the world titles as a lightweight, welterweight and same speed that he has and can do the same superwelterweight. If there’s anyone who can things he can do,” said Mosley, quoted by break down Mayweather’s vaunted air-tight ESPN. “There’s always a fighter that can be defense, it’s Mosley because Sugar Shane beat. I was 38-0 with 35 KOs and I got beat. has the size to overpower the Money Man. That’s what so great about boxing, things hap- In a recent Ring Magazine poll, 17 experts pen in the ring that you just can’t control, picked Mayweather to win and only two they’re just destined to happen and I think agreed with Pacquiao. something’s going to happen that’s destined “I think Mosley has a great chance to win,” to happen – this is my time.” said Pacquiao, quoted by Joseph Santoliquito Mayweather isn’t buying the destiny of The Ring Magazine. “He’s a fighter. May- angle. Neither is he concerned about Mosley’s weather is a boring fighter but I think, May- size. Mayweather realizes that a convincing weather-Mosley will be a good fight.” win over Mosley will set him up for a (www.philstar.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 12 PHILIPPINE NEWS MAY 1, 2010 First Day of Local Absentee Voting Orderly - AFP and soldiers based in the Army’s workers have already voted under by Alexis ROMERO / Thursday, April 29, 2010 Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija. the Overseas Absentee Voting AFP personnel stationed in (OAV) system. MANILA, Philippines - THE FIRST Camp Aguinaldo will cast their The DFA’s Overseas Absentee DAY OF ABSENTEE VOTING votes on Friday. Military camps in Voting Secretariat said 72,034 reg- FOR MEMBERS OF THE MIL- some provinces have yet to release istered overseas workers have ITARY and police voting ahead of a schedule as of yesterday voted as of yesterday. election day on May 10 went evening. A majority of the Filipino voters smoothly yesterday. Nepomuceno said they do not were in Hong Kong, with 21,459 The Armed Forces of the Philip- expect all registered absentee vot- ballots; followed by Riyadh with pines (AFP) reported the first day of ers to vote due to the demands of Soldiers line up to take part in absentee voting at the 901st Brigade 5,897 voters; and Singapore, with headquarters in Daraga, Albay voting proceeded without a glitch, their work. 4,199 ballots. though only half of the more than “We may not hit 100 percent diers were able to cast their votes. voters would come from Metro Other foreign service posts 19,000 registered soldiers cast their (turnout) but I think the turnout will “There are also several other Manila, Southern Tagalog Region, with high number of voters were the ballots. be high. We asked our commanders designated polling places around Central Visayas, Northern Min- Philippine Consulate General in Col. Ricardo Nepomuceno, to ensure that their troops would be Bicol where soldiers can cast their danao, the CAR and the ARMM. Jeddah with 3,345, the Philippine spokesman for the AFP’s Task able to cast their votes,” he said. votes in the next three days start- He said the remaining 1,800 Overseas Labor Office in Al Khobar Force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Since the soldiers were allowed ing today. Our coordination with policemen are from the other re- at 2,545 votes, the Philippine Con- Peaceful Elections), said they ex- to vote in areas where they are not Comelec authorities in the region is gions. sulate General in Los Angeles with pect more soldiers to cast their registered, they were to vote only for excellent and our soldiers are given Chief Inspector Roland Ago- 2,162. votes in various military camps national positions, and by the man- the opportunity to exercise their hob, assigned with the PNP’s Di- In the Middle East, the em- today. ual system. right to vote,” Cabunoc said. rectorate for Plans in Camp Crame, bassy in Kuwait had 2,160, the em- “I think it (first day of absentee The Commission on Elections The Comelec also declared was the only police official who bassy in Abu Dhabi (1,682), the voting) was smooth. We did not re- (Comelec) has approved a total of the first day of voting as generally voted. Consulate General in New York ceive any reports about problems 19,722 absentee voters from the peaceful and orderly. ”Everybody must go out and (1,467) and the embassy in London during the voting,” Nepomuceno AFP and 1,800 from the Philippine Comelec Commissioner Rene vote, this is the process when (1,369). said. National Police (PNP). Sarmiento said reports reaching everyone has equal rights regard- The DFA said the Philippine “We do not foresee any prob- Military data showed that there the poll body showed that the less of the status in life,” Agohob re- diplomatic offices also reported lem in the next days,” he added. are 958 absentee voters in the three-day voting for military officers marked but refused to reveal his that they have surpassed the num- Nepomuceno estimated some Cordillera Administrative Region and other government employees choice of candidates. ber of votes they received com- 1,500 soldiers voted in the first day (CAR), 100 in Ilocos region, 486 in is going smoothly. On the other hand, the Depart- pared to the 2004 presidential of the absentee voting. The local ab- Cagayan Valley, 1,451 in Central “So far so good. We have not ment of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said elections and the 2007 midterm sentee voting would be held from Luzon, 2,128 in Bicol, 5,100 in receive reports of any untoward in- more than 72,000 Filipino overseas elections. (www.philstar.com) April 28 to 30, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Southern Tagalog and the entire cident or complaints in areas where Among those who voted yes- Visayas, 1,106 in Zamboanga the voting is ongoing,” Sarmiento terday were personnel from the Peninsula, 1,475 in Northern Min- said. MAINLAND NEWS naval forces of the Western Min- danao, 1,041 in the Davao region, He said the Comelec is yet to danao Command and the Southern and 4,457 in SOCCSKSARGEN, receive reports on the actual num- Luzon Command. Autonomous Region in Muslim ber who have already voted. Troops who are scheduled to Mindanao (ARMM) and CARAGA PNP spokesman Chief Super- Placement Firm cast their votes today are Air Force region. intendent Leonardo Espina said personnel assigned in Villamor Air In Bicol, the Army’s 9th Infantry Comelec has approved the appli- Ordered to Refund Base in Pasay City, those in the Division spokesman Maj. Harold cation of 3,000 policemen. Bonifacio Naval Station in Taguig, Cabunoc said at least 2,000 sol- Espina said 1,200 policemen $1.8M to Filipino Teachers within the regulatory authority of this commission,” Dick wrote. NEW ORLEANS (AP) – A BUSI- In complaints to state and fed- NESS THAT BROUGHT HUN- eral authorities, teachers have com- DREDS OF FILIPINO teachers to plained of fees totaling in excess of Louisiana to work in public schools $10,000 in some cases. has been fined and ordered to re- Dick noted in the ruling that fund placement fees that a teacher Universal Placement claimed it did- union estimates will total $1.8 mil- n’t need a Louisiana license be- lion. cause it operated in California, An administrative law judge placing teachers in various states. with the Louisiana Workforce Com- “UPI is splitting hairs,” she mission said California-based Uni- wrote, going on to recount evidence versal Placement Inc. operated of the company’s extensive work in without the proper Louisiana li- Louisiana. cense. Les Landon, spokesman for A telephone call to a spokes- the Louisiana Federation of Teach- woman for Universal Placement ers, said Friday that the union esti- was not immediately returned Friday mates about 360 teachers are afternoon. affected and the placement fees av- The Louisiana Federation of eraged about $5,000 per person. Teachers and the American Feder- Judge Shelly Dick, who is ation of Teachers also have filed based in Baton Rouge, also fined complaints with the state attorney the company $500 and ordered the general’s office and the US Depart- payment of legal fees totaling ment of Labor about Universal $7,500. Placement and its sister operation in Dick turned down the teachers’ the Philippines, PARS. request that she nullify their con- In the federal complaint, the tracts with Universal Placement, union says Universal Placement saying she lacked that authority. and its president, Lourdes “Lulu” Also, she did not order the return of Navarro, arranged for one-year- all fees collected from the teachers, visas, instead of more commonly such as those for helping them ob- used three-year visas, and charged tain visas and other documents visa renewal fees to the teachers, needed to work in the United States. not the school systems. (www.asian- “Scrutiny of these fees is not journal.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION MAY 1, 2010 LEGAL NOTES 13 Eligibility Requirements for E-2 Visa children may join as dependents. inheritance from a U.S. source. quired are substantial, there may lender of the funds. Once qualified The spouse but not the children However, while the capital funds be issues on how to meet suffi- for E-2 visa, the principal E-2 in- may obtain employment authoriza- can be inherited, an already oper- cient investment requirements to vestor may bring in the other as an tion. The children may attend ating business could not be inher- qualify for an E-2 treaty investor E-2 employee. school. ited to be a considered a valid visa. Several investors may also There is no fixed dollar amount investment under E-2. The original owner of the pool together their funds and invest of investment required but the ap- The substantial capital funds funds may be a U.S. citizen or in a holding corporation for the pur- plicant must be able to show that it required must meet the proportion- green card holder and may give or pose of investing and conducting is substantial. It must not be an in- ality test. This means that the lend money to a person or corpora- business in the U.S. The holding by Reuben S. vestment solely for the purpose of amount of capital is substantial in tion holding treaty nationality so corporation which should have earning a living for the investor and relationship to the cost of purchas- that this person or entity can qualify treaty nationality shall act as the SEGURITAN his/her family. ing or creating the business. It as an E2 investor. The E-2 investor principal investor to be eligible for Investments as defined by the must be of such amount to support then may also be eligible to bring in E-2 classification. Once qualified oreign nationals seeking to regulations must pertain to funds or the likelihood that the investor will E-2 employees. as E-2 investor, it can then petition come to the U.S. to invest in a assets placed at the disposal of the successfully develop and direct the Two individuals wanting to in- some or all of the shareholders as F business enterprise may obtain business with the objective of mak- enterprise. vest in the same business but indi- E-2 employees. an E-2 visa. ing a profit and subject to a risk of The funds must be irrevocably vidually do not have enough funds The applicant must be a na- loss incident to the business oper- committed to the business or en- to meet the substantiality require- REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been prac- tional of a country with a treaty of ations. terprise and subject to the risks of ment may also pool together their ticing law for over 30 years. For further in- friendship, commerce or navigation The E-2 applicant must be conducting business in the U.S. funds in that same business with formation, you may call him at (212) 695 with the U.S. and must demon- able to show that he/she pos- whether it would result in profit or one being the principal investor 5281 or log on to his website at www.seguri- strate that he/she will develop and sesses and controls the capital loss, either partial or total. The while the other just a donor or tan.com direct the investment enterprise. funds invested or being invested. debt cannot be secured by the as- The E-2 investor may be ad- The source of the funds need not sets of the business itself but may mitted for an initial period of two be outside the U.S. as long as be secured by the personal assets years and may be granted exten- these were received through legiti- of the alien investor to be consid- sion in increments of not more than mate means. It can be received ered as qualifying investments. two years. The spouse and minor through a legacy, gift, savings, or Since the capital funds re- MAINLAND NEWS MoneyGram Intl Expands to 40K Agent Locations in U.S. MONEYGRAM INTERNA- TIONAL, a leading global money transfer company, has expanded its global money transfer services in the U.S. under a program with Smart Communications. The expansion allows anyone to transfer money from the U.S. to any Smart mobile phone in the Philippines through MoneyGram’s 40,000 agent locations in the U.S. Mozido, a leading mobile technol- ogy provider, supplies the transac- tion services to link MoneyGram’s services to Smart mobile phones. MoneyGram joined forces "MoneyGram and SMART Communications officials meet to sign global with SMART Communications, agreement. (From left): Anna Marie A. Cruz and Jojo Malolos of SMART, and Inc. in December 2009 and MoneyGram’s Nick Cunnew and Paul Thomas." launched the pilot phase of its MoneyGram mobile money trans- goal is to provide these workers Consumers generally keep fer services to deliver funds from with the most affordable, reliable their mobile phone within arms a MoneyGram agent location di- and convenient money transfer reach 24 hours a day, making it an rect to any SMART Money ac- services, which includes sending ideal platform for convenient count. funds direct to mobile accounts.” money transfer services. “Our entry into mobile money Mobile technology has ex- Currently, MoneyGram is in transfers with SMART was well re- panding the possibilities for discussions with several mobile ceived by our consumers and we money transfer transactions and operators to introduce mobile pro- are continuing our expansion opening new markets for Money- grams in other regions around the plans to link SMART Money users Gram’s services, which are espe- world. The company is continuing with MoneyGram’s agent locations cially helpful in developing its global roll-out of its mobile around the world,” says Dan countries like the Philippines service to more agent locations, O’Malley, MoneyGram’s executive where agent locations are difficult with countries in Africa, the vice president for the Americas. to establish. MoneyGram has tar- Caribbean and Middle East “Filipinos around the world con- geted several of these countries among the locations expected to tinue to look for opportunities to for on-going expansion in mobile launch the service next. meet their financial needs. Our services. HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 14 PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE MAY 1, 2010 Anak ti I-Daya Ilocos Sur Province from the national highway along the Ambassador Benjamin Domingo Lianing Galanto, Leonardo Pan- Oahu Veterans Center iti Foster Vil- second district of Ilocos Sur," in- [tubo ti Salcedo] kabayatan a kaad- gayan, peace officers. Mamgbaga lage, Salt Lake, kas paset ti sele- nayon ni Armie. Sakupen daytoy ti dana iti Honolulu kas konsul, ngem da Benny brasion ti paskua nga inangay ti Alilem, Banayoyo, Burgos, Cer- kasla awan ti lapayag a nakangeg Dagiti agdama nga opisial kas gunglo. vantes, Galimuyod, Gregorio del ken nakurang ti essem dagiti kada: Aganay a pitopulo ket lima dag- Pilar, Lidlidda, Nagbukel, Quirino, maseknan kadagidi a panawen. Teodoro [Ted] Langas, presi- iti kameng daytoy agtallo a tawenna Salcedo, San Emilio, Sigay, Sug- "Kinaritnakami ti maysa a kail- dente; John Mangay-ayam, bise a grupo dagiti I-daya. Panggep ti ILOKO pon, Suyo. ianmi bimmisita iti Hawaii idi Disiem- presidente, Armie Teofilo, recording gunglo ti mamagsisinninged, ag- "Inrugimi nga ininaw ken bin- bre 2006 a kapangel ti selebrasion secretary; Miriam Langas, corre- sisinnaranay, ken mamaglalantip ti by Amado I. YORO uangay idi kasapaan a paset ti ti sentenario a nagkunaan daytoy sponding secretary, Irene Guilambo, panagkakabsatda uray no addadan Enero 2007," kinuna ni Teodoro nangato met a pannakabagi ti ili: assistant corresponding secretary, iti sabali a daga - maikadua a lugar iak ininggaan aginggana a [Ted] Langas, presidente, tubo iti "Dakayo met laengen ket ti awan ti John Guilambo, Jr., tesorero, Lita a naggapuan ken nakayanakanda. diak natuntonan no ania day- Candon ken kameng iti Candonians gunglona". Cagdan, assistant treasurer, Grace Matagiben ti kultura ken kababalin D toy a grupo, ken no asino of Hawaii, umuna a presidente ti Dagiti immuna nga opisiales ti Rous, auditor, nga intugotda ditoy. ti/dagiti dadaulo. Annak ti I-Daya."Kangrunaan a Annak ti I-Daya, da: Teodoro Lan- Brando Arre, Andrew Abad, Aw-awisenda dagiti kakabsat "Dakami dagiti taga-I-daya, iti panggepmi ti mamagtitipon kadagiti gas, presidente, John Mangay- Leonardo Pangayan, Aurelio ken kalugaranda nga agindegen probinsia ti Ilocos Sur," insungbat kakabsat nga idiay probinsiatayo, ayam, bise presidente, Estrella Lestino, peace officers. ditoy Hawaii a tumipon itoy a gunglo kadakami ni Armie Teofilo, isu kastay la dagiti kameng iti minori- Taylan recording secretary. Miriam Rev. Rona Mangay-ayam, ANNAK TI I-DAYA tapno ad-adda gayam ti Recording Secretary day- dad. Adda latta ngamin ti makuna a Langas, corresponding secretary, Benny Arre, Edwin Wangit, mamag- pay a mapatalgedan iti panaggi- toy a grupo. "Annak Ti I-Daya are 'rikna dagiti taga daya' gapu iti ugali John Guilambo, Jr., tesorero; Armie baga. inayat iti panagkaykaysa ken people who lived or those residents iti sagpat isu a napanunotmi daytoy" Teofilo, asst treasurer. Cora Lestino, Ni Atty Alex Sonson ti legal ad- panagsisinnaranay dagiti in the villages/barangay or munici- Naammuanmi ken ni Langas a auditor. viser ken isu pay ti namagsapata agkakadaraan kas makipagindegen palities in the eastbound direction pinadas kano met idi a buklen ni Andrew Abad, Brendo Arre, kadakuada idi Disiembre 12, 2009 iti iti Hawaii. MAINLAND NEWS more jobs for our work force – there is such a breath of issues and diver- Washington Deputy Mayor a Filipina sity across the city that we have an by Jose KATIGBAK / opportunity to touch all aspects of Saturday, April 24, 2010 office and parks projects throughout side – and to give back to the com- life while advancing the mayor’s the district. munity. core mission of increasing tax rev- WASHINGTON – VALERIE It’s a big job and she describes She joined the Jesuit Volun- enue and promoting growth,” she SANTOS IS A FILIPINA IN A it variously as exhilarating, exciting, teers Philippines (JVP) Foundation, said. HURRY. humbling and, for some perverse Inc., a volunteer organization that Santos visits the Philippines She wants to make a differ- reason, fun. sends fresh graduates and young regularly. ence as Washington’s deputy mayor In an interview with The STAR, professionals to under-resourced “I was there in 2003 and 2006 for planning and economic develop- she said her father Dante Santos communities nationwide for one and it’s definitely time to pay a visit ment and frets there are not enough was the eldest of nine children, all of year. again,” she said. hours in a day to get things done to whom grew up in a one-bedroom Volunteers are prepared and Her paternal grandmother, Ilu- bring growth and prosperity to the apartment in Pasig with their par- assisted by the foundation in devel- minada or Lola Luming as she calls district. ents. oping the skills necessary to ad- her, still lives in Pasig on Lopez Appointed in June 2009, she is The Santoses had a small 10 x dress basic community needs Jaena street. one of the most visible and highest 10 ft. shop in a local market which She said her father, originally whether as teachers, campus min- Santos speaks emotionally of ranking Filipino Americans in public sold sewing, quilting and embroi- from Bulacan, emigrated to the isters, parish or community devel- the sacrifices her grandparents and office. dery supplies, buttons and clasps United States in the 1960s after col- opment workers. parents went through to improve the Santos, 36, is responsible for and threads. lege in search of a better life and re- Santos was sent to Ateneo de lot of the family and says that “even implementing Mayor Adrian Fenty’s “My grandparents raised the ceived his MBA at Santa Clara Zamboanga where she taught three when I am having the worst possi- economic development vision and family in a sewing notions store in a University in California. classes of freshmen English and ble day, I know how fortunate I am managing a development pipeline local palengke (market),” she said. Her mother Milagros was born one class of senior literature. She compared with those who came be- worth more than $13 billion com- “That’s how they put their children to and raised in Zamboanga, the eld- lived in a dorm and received a fore me.” prising public-private housing, retail, school.” est of five children. She also emi- stipend equivalent to $120 a month. “People tell me it’s exciting to grated to the US in the 1960s, first “I have always been passionate see a Filipino-American doing well to Cincinnati and later to California. about public service and about because of hard work and all that. I “Among the things I learned using my many privileges in life, feel honored but don’t consciously from my parents is the value of ed- whether they be the privilege of ed- try to see myself as a role model,” ucation and hard work,” Santos ucation or the privilege of being born she said. said. in the US to help people,” she said. It is unfortunate Filipinos have Like many Filipinos who come Prior to becoming deputy to go overseas to make their mark to America, she said her parents mayor, Santos served as the Plan- because “with so much energy and worked hard to be able to send ning and Economic Development intellect in the Philippines all one money home to help their families. Office’s chief operating officer. Be- needs there is a chance,” she said. Her mother paid for the educa- fore joining the district government Asked what her normal day tion of several of her siblings. she worked with real estate groups was like, she replied, “I don’t know if “She put off her life and didn’t where she specialized in urban pub- I have one. I typically work 14 hours get married until she was 40 to be lic-private development. a day and I find the work fun.” able to help her family,” she said. According to the official District “But I do make time for friends, Valerie, born and raised in San of Colombia website, the Office of for other things that are important to Francisco, is an only child. the Deputy Mayor is charged with me.” She is a graduate of Santa bringing federal, nonprofit and pri- She relaxes by reading, spend- Clara University and earned her vate and community partners to- ing time with friends and cooking for MBA at Harvard Business School gether to expand the district’s them and hanging out with her dog and a Masters in Public Policy at economic base, attract and retain and her cat. She says she is a good Harvard University’s Kennedy businesses, bring good-paying jobs cook but cooks Filipino food only School of Government. for residents and promote the city as when her parents visit her. After finishing college in 1994 a competitive, welcoming place to With White House executive at the age of 20 she went to the do business. chef Cristeta Comerford and Deputy Philippines for one year to get to “The scope of what I do is what Mayor Valerie Santos leading the know the rest of her family – she has gets me excited – developing af- way, Filipinas are making inroads in 22 first cousins on her father’s side fordable housing for people, looking the capital city of the world’s only su- and 15 first cousins on her mother’s to improve our waterfront, finding perpower. (www.philstar.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION MAY 1, 2010 15 CLASSIFIED ADS BUSINESS FOR RENT KARAOKE, HULA, SOUNDS DIRECTORY 3 BEDROOMS, 1 PARKING, 1 FULL BATH AVAILABLE call 808-382-9495 Near shopping malls, church, bus stops. $1,400. Call 688-3215 NEED EXPERIENCED BABYSITTER FILIPINA HOUSEKEEPER WANTED for toddler in my Ewa Beach home M-Th. Call 554-7444. M-F 3:30-8:30 PM Fixed Dinner, Call 533-2498 FREE UNLIMITED INTERNATIONAL CALLING BIG ISLAND LAND FOR SALE Send money globally using cell phone. The Big Island, Fern Forest, $1000 down http://hugeprelaunch.com/5660578 $400 per month, 10% int. $35,000 an 3 acre lot I NEED HELP Bob Riley, Realtor, Elder care/domestic, in exchange for room in my Ewa Hawaii Land Realty, home.Must be reliable /female. 959 1117, or 895-3434, [email protected] Please contact Lynn at 271-0885 NEW THRIFT STORE KALIHI WANTED YARDMAN Large Collection Of Military Camouflage Clothing. Shrirts Looking for a yardman to work at my Nuuanu home. Ex- $7.99 Pants $10.99 change for a free room including utilities. Call 531-7377 Quantity Discounts Available. 1327 N. School St., near Houghtailing CONTRIBUTING WRITERS WANTED Experience preferred, Please submit writing samples or MOBILE DJ, BAND, PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEO published works and resume to [email protected] COMMUNITY CALENDAR

2010 FILIPINO FIESTAÊS „LAKBAY KUL- olulu, HI ● 5:30pm-MN ● For further in- UNITED FILIPINO COUNCIL OF TURA‰ / SATURDAY formation, call Cely Villareal @ (808) HAWAIIÊS 21ST ANNUAL MRS. May 8, 2010 ● Kapiolani Park ● 8 am - 5 pm 689-4911 or (808) 778-2481 HAWAII FILIPINA SCHOLARSHIP PAG- ● For more information and reservations (pa- EANT / SUNDAY rade, booth and food vendors), please call LITTLE MISS PHILIPPINES HAWAII BY June 20, 2010 ● Hawaii Prince Hotel the FilCom Center at 680-0451 PHIL. CULTURAL FOUNDATION OF Maunakea Ballroom ● To enter please HAWAII / SATURDAY call Eddie Agas, Sr. at 783-2237, Car- COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR / SATURDAY May 29, 2010 ● Empress Restaurant ● lota Ader at 450-9821; Cleo Bala- May 8, 2010 ● Kapiolani Park ● 9am-5pm 6:30pm-MN ● Call Janice Sevilla at 595- Casino at 218-9072 ● For further information, call JP Orias @ 8000, Maggie Domingo at 783-0068 387-8297 UFCH GOLF TOURNAMENT / THURS- MISS OAHU FILIPINA SCHOLARSHIP DAY MS. UNITED PANGASINAN OF HAWAII PAGEANT / FRIDAY June 24, 2010 ● Kapolei Golf Course ● (UPH) 2010 CORONATION, DINNER, June 4, 2010 ● Hawaii Prince Hotel 7 pm ● Please Call Eddie Agas at 783- AND DANCE / SATURDAY Maunakea Ballroom ● 7 pm ● Please 3327 May 22, 2010 ● Pacific Beach Hotel call Danny Villaruz at 778-0233, Mario (Grand Ballroom), Waikiki Beach, Hon- Palma at 397-8626 GLOBAL NEWS RP Sends 2nd Batch of Peacekeepers to servers Force (UNDOF). Golan Heights "Our qualities as Filipino soldiers, MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) – THE discipline and professionalism, make us ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIP- rise above challenges. It is always hard PINES TODAY sent another batch of to be apart from our families, but as sol- peacekeepers to Golan Heights, Syria. diers we have duties to fulfill," the military During the send-off ceremony held chief said. ment Observer Force. The UNDOF was at the headquarters of the 1st Air Division Bangit expressed confidence that established in 1974 to maintain order in in Clark Air Base, Armed Forces Chief the new batch peacekeepers will again Syria after the engagement of Israeli and Gen. Delfin Bangit told the 326 officers bring pride and honor to the country. The Syrian forces. and men, led by Col. Alexis Gopico, that batch will replace the first group of Authorities deemed it necessary to the military has strengthened anew its peacekeepers, composed of 333 officers put in observer force to maintain the dis- commitment to the cause of peace and and men, sent by the Philippines to engagement of Syrian and Israeli forces international solidarity by sending its 2nd Golan Heights last November. and to supervise the areas of separation Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights- The peacekeepers are serving and limitation between the two territories. United Nations Disengagement Ob- under the United Nations Disengage- (www.philstar.com) RENTAL RP Labor Deployment to Middle East to Qatar where he met with all the Philippine in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait." Increase labor attaches in the Middle East to as- "We looked at prospects and poten- sess the country's performance in terms tials and it looks like it is still these same by Paolo ROMERO / countries that will have the big jump as far Thursday, April 29, 2010 of employment and protection its migrant workers, and devise a strategy to ensure as availability of alternative employment is MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - LABOR continue workers' protection. concerned. The others remain in the pos- SECRETARY MARIANITO ROQUE "It will still remain in an increasing itiveOman, Bahrainbut only a small per- said today that Philippine labor deploy- level," Roque said, when asked about the centage of increases," Roque said. ment to certain countries in the Middle workers' deployment to the Middle East. The Philippines has over eight million East will continue to increase. He said that based on the report of overseas workers, mostly concentrated in Roque, who made the statement in a the labor attaches, there is "continuous in- the Middle East, Southeast Asia, North press briefing, just arrived that day from crease in the number of Filipinos working America and Europe. (www.philstar.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 16 MAY 1, 2010