Duterte Not Alarmed Despite Chinese Presence in Benham Rise; Says ‘No Strings Attached’ to Their Aid by Daniel Llanto | Filam Star Correspondent

WEEKLY ISSUE 70 CITIES IN 11 STATES ONLINE Vol. IX Issue 414 1028 Mission Street, 2/F, San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel. (415) 593-5955 or (650) 278-0692 [email protected] Mar. 16 - 22, 2017

Leni’s video vs. Duterte Journalist slain On to the NIT No evidence on wiretap It happened to me in real life

President Rodrigo Duterte In a statement, the Department of ordered the military to assert the Foreign Affairs echoed that concern: country’s rights over Benham Rise, a “The Philippines has expressed its 13 million-hectare area off the coast of concern about the reported presence of Aurora province, after Chinese survey a Chinese ship in Benham Rise, which ships were seen making an “incur- has been recognized by the United sion” into Philippine territory over the Nations Commission on the Limits weekend. of the Continental Shelf as Philippine An alarmed Defense Sec. Delfin waters.” Lorenzana described the Chinese In 2012, three years after Mala- presence at Benham Rise as “the latest cañang filed a claim at the United incursion of China on Philippine ter- Nations, the UN recognized Benham ritory,” suggesting that China now has Rise as the property of the Philippines. its sights fixed on this Pacific Ocean The following year, the BFAR started a territory of the Philippines after practi- series of annual expeditions to Benham cally getting away with the occupation Rise, mainly to implement the law of of most of the West Philippine Sea. (L-R) President Rodrigo Duterte, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeperson Geng Shuang (photo: www.rt.com / www.china.org.cn / www.therearenosunglasses.wordpress.com) TO PAGE A7 In the thick of destabilization plots, Robredo cleared, Duterte unfazed by threats to take stopped probe on Davao Death Squad questioned him to international court By William Casis | FilAm Star Correspondent By Macon Araneta | FilAm Star Correspondent Senate President Aquilino President Rodrigo Duterte on Pimentel III warned that those plan- March 13 cleared Vice-president Leni ning to file a case against President Robredo from the “destabilization” Rodrigo Duterte before the Interna- plots against him and acused some tional Criminal Court (ICC) should mining companies of funding the po- first think twice. litical opposition. While the Philippines is a free Duterte said this at a joint press country where anyone can bring a conference with Senate President case before the ICC, Pimentel said the (L-R) Sen. Koko Pimentel and Atty. Jude Sabio (L-R) Vice President Leni Robredo, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, and Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel and Speaker TO PAGE A7 (photo: www.wikipedia.com / www.filipino.cri.cn) Sen. Francis Pangilinan Pantaleon Alvarez in Malacañang. (photo: www.getrealphilippines.com / www.dzrhnews.com / www.interaksyon.com / www.philippinesdaily.org) TO PAGE A7 Death penalty restoration dissenters face De Lima refuses to enter plea in court; losing their committees in Congress detained in Crame over drug charges By Daniel Llanto | FilAm Star Correspondent By William Casis | FilAm Star Correspondent

Sen. Leila de Lima on March 13 committee or subcommittees. refused to enter a plea before a court De Lima remains in detention at on allegations of ignoring summons the PNP Custodian Center in Camp from Congress and stopping her for- Crame over drug charges. She was mer driver-boyfriend Ronnie Dayan accused of receiving drug money from from attending the House probe on convicted drug lords inside NBP to the alleged proliferation of illegal bankroll her senatorial bid in the last drug trade inside the New Bilibid May 2016 elections. Prison (NBP). The complainants in the Quezon Quezon City Metropolitan Trial MeTC case are House Speaker Pan- Court Judge Ma. Ludmila Pio-Lim of taleon Alvarez, House Majority Floor Branch 34 entered a not guilty plea Leader Rodolfo Fariñas and House on behalf of the Senator who was Committee on Justice Chairman (Top) Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato and (Bottom) House Majority Leader Rodolfo Farinas charged for disobedience to summons Senator Leila De lima Reynaldo Umali. (photo: www.backroompolitics.net / www.newsflash.org) issued by the national assembly, its (photo: www.canadianinquirer.net) TO PAGE A7 TO PAGE A7 A2 FilAm Star Mar. 16 - 22, 2017 ph news Robredo brings fight against Duterte to UN Through a video message, Vice President Leni Robredo brings to the world’s attention the troubles Robredo took note of the need now for people who have been traumatized by the war on drugs in President Rodrigo Duterte’s war against drugs, primarily the thousands of deaths that have resulted that need legal and psychological support. from the bloody seven-month campaign and flagrant human rights violations. Greater transparency Robredo’s nearly six-minute video is scheduled to be shown on Thursday at the 60th United Na- The Vice President reiterated her earlier call for “greater transparency” in the war against drugs. tions Commission on Narcotic Drugs annual meeting in Vienna. “What, exactly, is the scope of the drug problem? Why do numbers about the extent of the prob- “We are heartened that the issue of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines today is being dis- lem change as officially reported to the nation by our President inconsistent?” she asked. cussed in an event such as this. To know that the international community’s eyes are on us and to feel “We believe that any campaign against illegal drugs must be founded on integrity. The public must that human rights advocates are watching over our country gives us comfort, courage and hope,” she ask why no one is being held accountable. The public must be watchful,” she stressed. said. Robredo said the Commission on Human Rights had received 500 complaints stemming from the “We are now looking at some very grim statistics: since July last year, more than 7,000 people war on drugs and had recommended that the Department of Justice file charges against those respon- have been killed in summary executions,” Robredo said. sible. “We agree that our people deserve nothing less than a safe environment, so that anyone can walk “But until now, seven months into the administration’s drug war, no information has been filed,” the streets safely, whether in she said. daylight or at nighttime. But drug Huge mistake abuse should not be treated as Robredo described as a “brewing problem” and a “huge mistake” the imminent return of the death one that can be solved with bul- penalty and the lowering of the age of criminal liability to 9 years old. lets alone. It must be regarded as She said she had called on Mr. Duterte to focus on the war on poverty, as well, a “war that really it truly is: a complex public health matters.” issue, linked intimately with “In a public statement, we asked him to direct the nation toward respect for rule of law, instead poverty and social inequality,” of blatant disregard for it. We ask him to uphold basic human rights enshrined in our Constitution, Robredo said. instead of encouraging its abuse,” Robredo said. Hostage-taking “We asked him to be the leader he promised to be, and evoke in our people hope and inspiration, Robredo denounced what instead of fear. We told him: Do not allow the lies to distort the truth,” she added. she called “palit-ulo,” or literally, ‘They’re crazy’ exchange heads, where another On Tuesday, Mr. Duterte said the threat to file charges against him would not stop him from car- family member would be taken rying out his crackdown on illegal drugs. if the drug suspect could not be “You cannot make me back out of it even if you file a case against me wherever. No way,” he said found. in a meeting with municipal mayors. “Some of those who have told “So the drug campaign will continue …. When will my term end? That will be the day. If you say, us that when there’s crime, they you will scare me with the extrajudicial accusation? It’s a good thing that’s only now. When I was Vice President Leni Robredo normally go to the police. Now, mayor, they kept on saying they will have me jailed. You son of a bitch. Just try it,” he added. (Photo: www.getrealphilippines.com) they don’t know where to turn. “Now, these human rights [groups] want to sue me,” he said. “Mga buang (They’re crazy).” Our people feel both hopeless and He lamented anew that his critics are trying to make the slain drug suspects look like sainted helpless—a state of mind that we must all take seriously,” she said. victims. “You cannot kill addicts and declare the problem solved. The solution is to design the proper “And then you will have this drama that someone died like the Pieta …. And so? You will exhibit health, education and psychosocial interventions to prevent further drug use, and help them transition something like that? That is nothing to me,” he said. (Nikko Dizon / inquirer.net) into a productive member of society,” she added. Army invites Mocha to ‘intellectual discourse,’ 2 weeks from April Fools’ Detractors might say that the cation Board to be one of three led during the SLC are concerns on want to show it off, but let this be Philippine Army was off by two resource persons during the 10th strategic security landscape, inter- a slap on your face to shame you weeks to April Fools’ Day when it Senior Leaders Conference (SLC) nal security, military capability and for your fake news claims),” Uson asked a controversial blogger and on March 20. Also invited to speak information domain. About 180 wrote. singer known for lewd performanc- about social media on the theme, Army senior leaders and special The event will be “attended by es onstage to join an “intellectual “Embracing Diversity, Building guests are expected to attend the commanders and top generals in discourse” as a resource speaker. a Strong Army” were Pompee La event. the entire Philippines,” she added. But Mocha (Margaux Uson Vina and Abe Olandres. In her blog, Uson lashed out “I will be their guest speaker. Do in real life) apparently took the The conference, Miranda said, at bashers, including those from you think I’d be given such op- invitation to heart and proudly de- will be the highlight of the Army’s mainstream media, for underes- portunity if I were a fake news scribed it in her blog as proof that 120th anniversary celebration at timating her and accusing her of blogger? Sorry, fellow DDS (Die- she was a credible writer and not its headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, bringing “fake news” to the public. hard Duterte Supporters), I have a purveyor of fake news as critics Taguig City. The SLC has 10 dif- “Let me show you one of to answer back the Yellow camp have claimed. ferent topics meant to “promote the many invites (that I receive) (referring to former President In his letter to Uson, Army awareness on security challenges proving my credibility on social Aquino’s allies). They’re the ones acting chief Lt. Col. Glorioso through intellectual discourse with media. Ayaw ko na sana ilabas ito spreading fake cheques (sic), and Miranda asked the recently ap- experts in various disciplines that pero gusto ko lang isampal sa inyo they had the gall to say I peddle Mocha Uson pointed member of the Movie and impact on national security.” na for once mapahiya kayo diyan fake news?” (Cynthia D. Balana / (Photo: www.filipinotimes.ae) Television Review and Classifi- Among the topics to be tack- sa fake news issue ninyo (I didn’t inquirer.net) Mar. 16 - 22, 2017 FilAm Star A3 ph news 3rd Masbate journalist slain Only 41% of women consider themselves By Macon Araneta | FilAm Star Correspondent equal to their male counterparts A tabloid journalist was shot dead by motorcycle-riding suspects By Corina Oliquino | FilAm Star Correspondent in Masbate on the morning of March 13, said Senior Insp. Maria MANILA – Released just in less exposure (47 percent to 48 22 percent to 28 percent in the Luisa Calubaquib, a Bicol police time for International Women’s Day percent, among those with at least different socio-economic classes, spokesperson. on March 8th, Pulse Asia Research a vocational school diploma versus and from 20 percent to 31 percent Calubaquib said Joaquin Inc.’s Ulat ng Bayan survey found 29 percent to 34 percent among across levels of educational attain- Briones, 54, columnist for Manila- almost only half of Filipino women those with at best some high school ment. Almost the same indecision based Remate, was shot four times considered themselves equal to education),” Pulse Asia noted. levels are posted among males and in the back along Bombon Bridge, their male counterparts. The survey was fielded from females (28 percent vs. 24 per- Sitio Feeder Road in Barangay According to Pulse Asia, the December 6 to 11, 2016 using face- cent),” according to Pulse Asia. Bacolod at around 8:45 a.m. The December 2016 survey found nearly to-face interviews of 1,200 respon- ‘Women are heroes’ gunmen then fled toward the neigh- 94 percent of Filipinos believe a dents aged 18 years old and above. In his message on Internation- boring town of Mandaon. woman has to fight for her rights or According to Pulse Asia, some al Women’s Day, President Rodrigo Briones was known for his it is only right for a woman to fight of the relevant issues during the Duterte refers to women specifically hard-hitting block time radio pro- for her rights. survey were, among others: Filipino women as “heroes” while gram, Dos por Dos, aired over local “This opinion is expressed • The resignation of Vice-pres- also noting that the Philippines is radio station dzME in Masbate City. by practically all Filipinos across ident Leni Robredo on December a “fertile ground” for outstanding The National Union of Jour- geographic areas (91 percent to 97 4, 2016 as the head of Housing and women. nalists in the Philippines (NUJP) percent), socio-economic class (92 Urban Development Coordinating “The entire world can look up said he was convicted in 2000 and percent to 95 percent), and levels of Council (HUDCC) due to “irrecon- to women – for their creativity, and sentenced to 12 years in jail due to educational attainment (92 percent cilable differences” with the Duterte imagination, for their courage and libel but was granted parole after to 96 percent), as well as among administration and after being boldness, for their self-sacrifice and serving almost half of his sentence. both males and females (92 percent barred from attending Cabinet charity,” Duterte posted in his mes- He was also the former presi- to 95 percent),” the survey read. meetings. sage sent to Rappler. dent of the Masbate Tri-Media As- As to the disagreement and • Sandiganbayan’s acquittal of “Generations have been wit- sociation. Briones ran for Milagros indecision with this particular view, former President Gloria Macapagal- ness to the amazing ways by which town councilor in 2010 and 2013 Pulse Asia noted that it was “essen- Arroyo, her husband Mike Arroyo women have transformed societ- but lost. tially non-existent” not just in the and former COMELEC Chairperson ies by playing the role of mothers, NUJP records revealed Briones national level with only 2 percent Benjamin Abalos Sr. in connection workers, intellectuals, educators, was the third Masbate journalist Slain journalist Joaquin Briones and 4 percent, respectively but also with the failed ZTE broadband deal caregivers, soldiers, activists, art- murdered since 2003, after Nelson (Photo: www.bomboradyo.com) across the selected survey sub- (US$329-million). ists, and leaders,” the President Nedura, who was killed December 2 groupings, “almost nil to 5 percent • The election of Donald added. the same year and Antonio Castillo, publisher of Catanduanes News Briones is the second journal- and 1 percent to 8 percent, respec- Trump as the 45th president of the “My administration shall who was slain June 12, 2009. Now, was shot and killed by a lone ist killed under the Duterte admin- tively,” according to Pulse Asia. United States. strive to maintain this distinction as Briones’ murder came almost gunman in Virac town in Catand- istration following the killing of Que In terms of equal footing with • The call to impeach South well as continue to recognize their three months after Larry Que, local uanes province. last December 20. their male counterparts, only 41 Korean President Park Geun-hye in invaluable contributions in sports, percent of women in the Philip- connection with extortion allega- science, governance, education, pines may be said to be or not at a tions. public service and the arts,” Duterte Suspected NPA rebel killed in Camarines Norte clash disadvantage. • The weakening of the Peso to said. Based on Pulse Asia’s report, the U.S. Dollar reaching to Php49- In another report by Rappler, LEGAZPI CITY — A suspected New 50 percent of women residing in mark due to the expectations of in the Global Gender Gap Report People’s Army (NPA) rebel was slain on Metro Manila and 48 percent in increase in government spending 2016 released by the World Eco- Wednesday in a clash with Army troopers Mindanao as well as 47 percent to thus, strengthening the U.S. Dollar. nomic Forum on October 26, 2016, in a hinterland village of Capalonga town 48 percent of women who have at Gender inequality the Philippines has consistently re- in Camarines Norte province, a report least completed vocational school- In terms of gender inequality mained in the top 10 of the world’s reaching the Army’s 9th Infantry Division ing believe that they are on equal or women being at a disadvantage, most gender-equal countries since (9ID) said. footing with males. the Pulse Asia survey posted 33 2006. The still unidentified communist rebel Moreover, Pulse Asia noted percent of Filipinos confirming this For 2016, the Philippines was killed in a five-minute gun battle be- that those from Metro Manila and view, with most of those in agree- ranked 7th among 144 countries tween Army soldiers who were on combat Mindanao were more inclined to ment residing in parts of Luzon with the report highlighting the operation in the vicinity of Sitio (sub- share or believe this view than those and the Visayas compared to Metro “stark contrast” between the most village) Public, in Barangay (village) Itok women who were residing in Luzon Manila and Mindanao with 40 gender-equal countries such as around 5:30 a.m., Capt. Joash Pramis, 9th and the Visayas (48 percent to 50 percent to 42 percent vs. 18 percent Philippines and New Zealand in the ID spokesperson, said. percent vs. 35 percent to 37 percent, to 21 percent. Asia Pacific region versus the “eco- Pramis said soldiers recovered from (Photo: www.maps.google.com) respectively). “Almost a quarter of Filipinos nomic heavyweights” China, Japan the slain rebel his M16 rifle, three maga- provinces. The first one was slain in an encounter in “Similarly, those with more (26 percent) are ambivalent to the and Korea at 99th, 111th and 116th zines and a backpack with personal belongings. Barangay Pinamihagan in Lagonoy town in Camarines exposure to formal schooling are matter. Levels of indecision range spots, respectively. Pramis said that the slain NPA was the second Sur last March 12. (Mar S. Arguelles / inquirer.net) more likely to support the view of from 23 percent to 32 percent communist insurgent killed in a week in Camarines Philippine society than those with across geographic areas, from visit Call us to advertise www.filamstar.com 1-650-278-0692

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filamstar_qp.indd 1 2/27/17 11:12 AM A4 FilAm Star Mar. 16 - 22, 2017 ph news Senate bill oks free internet access for the public By Corina Oliquino | FilAm Star Correspondent

MANILA – The Senate mation and Communications committee level and then on to in the Philippines,” Aquino “If Internet is a human aim of the project as cited by approved at the third and Technology (DICT) will be the the plenary deliberations, Sen. added. right, then Wi-Fi is a basic the Senate report noted that final reading on March 13 the lead agency to implement the Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino In another report by GMA public service. But for it to 23,261 sites is projected to be measure that will provide free Free Public Internet Access IV, the co-author of the Bill, News TV, Aquino explained become one, the hindrances set-up by 2018 – expanding it Internet access in public places Program as well as “set the noted the importance of im- that this measure will speed which bar its full enjoyment to four-fold to 100,349 by the like schools, terminals and standards and qualifications in proving the quality of Internet up the construction of infra- by the people must first be year 2026. government offices with a vote determining the public spaces in the Philippines. structure across the country removed,” Recto added. Recto also reiterated of 18-0. and government offices to be “It is imperative that we and will initially depend upon The Senate press state- that Wi-Fi hotspots and free The newly approved included and prioritized.” institutionalize this very im- private firms to support its free ment also cited a report projec- internet access should be used Senate Bill No. 1277 seeks to “Providing free wireless portant platform - to improve Wi-Fi in public places as the tion that by the end of 2017, accordingly, “as a form of ‘lib- provide free Internet access in Internet access to our public is access to quality Internet in government is still finalizing its 13,024 sites will be covered by eration technology.’” all national and local govern- a step toward modernizing our the Philippines especially when national broadband plan. 18 Points of Presence in 1,489 Recto also said that fake ment offices as well as public country’s Internet connectiv- only 52.6 percent of Filipinos “It would be a big help for towns and 145 under the Free news, trolls, as well as manu- basic education institutions, ity. We thank Sen. Bam Aquino have Internet access,” Aquino those looking for employment, Public Wi-Fi Project will be up facturers of weapons of mass state universities and colleges, for pushing for the speedy said. for our tourist areas and for and running. destructions also use the Inter- public hospitals and health passage of this landmark piece Through the measure, the students that need help with “The funding came from net as the platform by ran- centers, public parks, plazas of legislation in the Senate,” DICT will be tasked to craft a their research.” the PHP 4.8 billion appropri- dom internet users in which and libraries, public airports Pangilinan said. plan and the timeline for the ‘Wi-Fi is a basic public ated since 2015,” the Senate Recto noted, “the damage to and seaports and public trans- Meanwhile, the House completion of the program service’ statement read. individual brains or collective port terminals. of Representatives through as well as the authority to In his explanatory speech “To firewall this public ser- consciousness they inflict is far “Students can now easily House Majority Leader Rod- “process for the application of for his vote on the approval of vice from being knocked down smaller than the greater good access the Internet for their olfo Fariñas said that by March permits and certificates for the Senate Bill No. 1277, Senate by changing political winds -- that ICT brings.” studies; families can now fre- 15, the Lower House is set to construction of infrastructure President Pro-Tempore Ralph to prevent the plug from being “For every troll farm, there quently contact their love ones approve on second reading and installation of equipment Recto (one of the original pro- pulled -- the passage of this bill are millions of farmers whose abroad; and public govern- their version of the Bill and on necessary, in coordination with ponents and co-sponsor of the is required,” Recto said. lives have been made better by ment services requiring Inter- third and final reading by May national government agencies bill) noted the need to not just “More so that much re- ICT. The truth is mass Wi-Fi net connectivity can now be 2 when the session resumes. and local government units.” increase the number of Wi-Fi mains to be done. For this year services form part of the ICT accessed by many,” principal Access to quality Internet “Now is the time to invest spots but to also improve the and next, 1,880 public elemen- solutions which can ease the author of the Bill Sen. Pangili- In his sponsorship speech completely in developing inter- internet speed in the country tary schools, 2,688 public high pain caused by the many prob- nan said in a press statement for the Senate Bill No. 1277 net quality and bringing this and that, “the benchmark in schools, and 682 state colleges lems we confront today, if not released by the Senate. (or the Free Internet Access in powerful tool to every port, gauging effectivity is not just are targeted for connection,” make them totally go away,” The press statement also Public Places Act) on Decem- every station, every park, every the number of Wi-Fi spots but Recto added. Recto said. said the Department of Infor- ber 14, 2016 as it passed the museum, and every classroom also Internet speed.” Furthermore, the overall FilAm Star Classifieds (650)278-0692 . (415)593-5955 WANTED Caregiver & Administrator Experienced caregiver, CAN, LVN, RN, and Administrator. For San Rafael. CA ARF Facility. Travel Agent Flexible Hours, Competitive compensation. Live in position available. Should have at least 2 years Applicant may qualify for 15% to 20% experience with Sabre pay raise immediately. SEND RESUME TO: Please Email your resume and cover letter to Fax #: 1-800-446-6191 Email address: [email protected] [email protected] or call 415-225-6868 HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, INC. 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Please send resume to: [email protected] or call (650) 278-0692/ (415) 593-5955 Mar. 16 - 22, 2017 FilAm Star A5 sports The Golden Bears have accepted a bid in the NIT and will play CSU Bakersfield news UFC analyst Joe Rogan shares how McGregor can beat Mayweather Floyd Mayweather Jr. “Mayweather would have to past, whereas his opponent has announced that he is officially dismiss him as a threat. He’d have fought at 170 lbs. coming out of retirement to fight to not train hard enough, he’d Much like very fight fan in the Conor McGregor sometime this have to not seriously consider the world, Rogan is also thrilled about year. possibility that Conor connects on the potential crossover match pit- With the monumental bout him and knocks him out,” Rogan ting the boxing and mixed martial possibly as close to fruition as said, as relayed by MMAFighting. arts’ brightest stars against each ever, combat sports analysts have “And then Conor would have other. been giving their expert opinions to do some roughhousing. He’d “It’s the biggest fight ever. on how the highly anticipated have to hold him in the clinch. Because it brings in two worlds,” match-up might play out. He’d have to hold him and hit he said. Among those giving their two him. He’d have to try and get “It brings in the UFC world cents is one of the most recogniz- off as many shots and bully him and this one guy who’s unques- able faces on the UFC sidelines, around and wear him out. It’s a tionably the biggest star in the analyst and color commentator possibility. He’s a much bigger UFC–unquestionably, by a long Joe Rogan. man,” he added. shot–and then you bring in a guy Speaking during his live Although the pair is quite who has been one of the biggest podcast, The Joe Rogan Experi- similar height-wise—Mayweather money makers in the history of ence, the 49-year-old discussed stands 5-foot-8 while McGregor is boxing, the only guy to go 49-0 the Irishman’s chances against the listed as 5-foot-9—the former has other than Rocky Marciano.” undefeated American boxer. competed as high as 154 lbs. in the (inquirer.net) Hard part begins as volleyball officials BERKELEY – California men’s basketball (21- most by any player in the Pac-12 this season. 12) earned a No. 1 seed in the National Invitation Offensively, the Bears have four players averag- name women’s, men’s pool Tournament and will face CSU Bakersfield (22-9) in ing double-figures, led by senior Jabari Bird at 14.3 its first round game. The action tips off on Tuesday, points per game. Rabb is second on the team in The national women’s vol- ence and youth,” said head coach Maddie Madayag and Kat Tolen- March 14 in Haas Pavilion at 8:15 p.m. PT, live on scoring, averaging 14.0 points per game and shooting leyball pool has been announced. Francis Vicente. tino and La Salle’s Kim Dy. Join- ESPN2. 48.4 percent from the field. Freshman point guard Now here comes the hard part: He said those who won’t ing them are Dawn Macandili of The winner of Cal-CSU Bakersfield will face Charlie Moore is averaging 12.5 points per game Selecting the Final 12. make it to the final 12 for the La Salle, Lourdes Clemente of the winner of the Colorado State (23-11) Charleston while graduate transfer Grant Mullins adds 10.3 “The biggest challenge is to Southeast Asian Games on Aug. Perpetual, Bia General of Gen- (25-9) matchup in the second round. Because Cal points per game and is coming off a 23-point perfor- choose the final 12 from the all- 19 to 31 might still be tapped for erika, Roselle Baliton and Kath is the top seed, the Golden Bears would host each mance against Oregon in the semifinals of the Pac-12 star cast,” said Larong Volleyball two other tournaments. Arado of University of the East, round until the semifinals, which are held in Madison Tournament, going 5-5 from beyond the arc. sa Pilipinas president Joey Ro- Expected to make the Final Elaine Kasilag, and Grethcel Square Garden along with the NIT Championship This is the fourth time head coach Cuonzo Mar- masanta. “The pressure is on the 12 for outside spikers are super- Soltones of San Sebastian. game. tin has directed his squad to an NIT, notching a 2-3 coaching staff and the system.” stars Valdez, Myla Pablo, Dindin The men’s team pool, Cal is making its ninth appearance in the NIT record in the NIT postseason. He took Missouri State Alyssa Valdez and Mika Manabat and Rachel Daquis. named by coach Sammy Acaylar, and its first since 2014. The Golden Bears reached the to the NIT in 2011 and Tennessee to the NIT in both Reyes, the most popular players For opposite hitters, the includes Mark Deximo, Relan third round of the NIT in 2014, falling to SMU, 67-65, 2012 and 2013. of the sport, led the list of the lead candidates include Aiza Taneo, John Kenneth Sarcena, in the quarterfinals when the Golden Bears’ current Three of the last four times Cal has reached the 25-strong pool from which the Maizo Pontillas, 6-foot-5 Jaja Geuel Asia, Rey Taneo, Johnvic seniors were freshmen. Cal’s best result at the NIT NIT, the Bears made it to the NCAA Tournament the national team will be culled. Santiago and lefty Jovelyn de Guzman, Alnakran Abdilla, came in 1999 when the Golden Bears beat Clemson, following season. “Really blessed to be part Gonzaga. Howard Mojica, Mark Alfafara, 61-60, in the championship game at Madison Square Tickets will be made available to the general of the pool but it doesn’t stop For middle hitters, the top Dave Cabaron, Peter Torres, Garden. public on March 13th at 2 p.m. Season ticket holders there,” said the Bangkok-based choices are Reyes, Maika Ortiz, Lorenzo Capate, Bonjomar Cas- The Bears enter the NIT Tournament as one of and donors will have a presale opportunity starting at Valdez. “I have to work harder to Ria Meneses and Gen Casugod. tel, Reyson Fuentes, Herschel the top defensive teams in the nation, leading the 9 a.m. and lasting until noon on Monday, March 13. Pac-12 and ranking 19th in Division I in both scoring All season ticket holders will be placed in the same earn a spot on the team.” Setters likely to be tabbed Ramos, Louwie Chaves, Jack defense (63.1 points per game) and opponent field seats as their season tickets as long as they purchase By May—after a planned are Kim Fajardo and Rhea Kalingking, John Paul Bugaoan, goal percentage (39.9 percent). Cuonzo Martin’s tickets in the same price level as their season tickets. twice-a-day training and road Dimaculangan. The libero spot Eddiemar Kasim, Esmail Kasim, squad has also been dominant on the boards, rank- Season ticket holders with floor seats and/or loge tour—the final 12 will be known. is expected to go to Denden Pete John Quiel, Anjo Pertiera, ing 13th nationally with a rebound margin of +7.1 seats must call the Cal Athletics service team at “Almost all of them are Lazaro. Erickson Ramos and Jeff Mala- rebounds per game. First-team All-Pac-12 selection 1-800-GOBEARS during the onsale to secure seats. superstars and multiawarded The pool announced dur- banan. (Marc Anthony Reyes / Ivan Rabb is averaging 10.5 rebounds per game this All donors without season tickets will be placed in the players, but we have many con- ing Tuesday’s PSA Forum also inquirer.net) season and has 17 double-doubles on the year, the best available seats. siderations, like height, experi- includes Aby Maraño, Ateneo’s A6 FilAm Star Mar. 16 - 22, 2017 opinion PerryScope Street Talk Donald’s trump card Tightening the screws GREG B. MACABENTA ness group which is building twin towers bearing the Trump name. It appears that the Turkish government eyeball-to-eyeball stuff can always go wrong.” PERRY DIAZ The screws are tight- has arrested a senior executive of the Doĝan group And this begs the question: Can the U.S. survive ening on both sides of the and Trump has hinted that the executive should be Upon his election to a large conflict involving China’s use of her Anti- Pacific, pretty much like the given a break, otherwise, the Trump group will lose the U.S. presidency, one Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) strategy? With the garote that snuffed the lives millions. of the few world leaders People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) growing array of the Tres Martires, Padres What the Turkish government may want in that Donald J. Trump of naval and submarine vessels, aircraft, ballistic Burgos, Gomez and Zamora. return is the extradition of a Turkish imam, suspected talked to was Philippine and cruise missiles, anti-satellite and cyber war Sooner or later, some necks of having committed a terrorist act in Turkey. The President Rodrigo Du- capabilities, a “sneak attack” against U.S. naval are going to snap. imam is now a legal US resident and the US had ear- terte. At that time, their forces in the SCS could be devastating. With U.S. In America, the screws are being tightened lier refused to extradite him. Newsweek believes there conversation was hailed forces concentrated in Japan, South Korea, and around the neck of President Donald Trump, with could be a quid pro quo by which Trump’s business associate will be released in exchange for the imam’s as an improvement in Guam, it would be difficult for the U.S. to repel calls for his impeachment, while, in the Philippines, the target is President Rodrigo Duterte, with hints of extradition. U.S.-Philippine relations a Chinese sneak attack. However, the U.S. has a coup. If this, in fact, happens, the screws could really the means to survive a sneak attack with her Air/ which took a nose-dive when Duterte didn’t like The Federal Bureau of Investigation is digging tighten around Trump’s neck. then-President Barack Obama’s “meddling” in the Sea Battle strategy, an integrated battle concept, into Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suspected In the Philippines, Duterte is beleaguered fol- country’s war on drugs. For that, Duterte called which became part of U.S. grand strategy in 2010. hand in influencing the results of the US presidential lowing revelations by a self-confessed member of the Obama, “son of a whore.” Grand Strategy elections, and Trump’s alleged connections with Rus- dreaded Davao death squad (whose existence a Senate In their seven-minute talk, Trump told Du- The U.S. grand strategy is to stop China from sian-controlled business interests. The first casualty investigation committee has denied). Former Davao terte that he was doing the right thing in his “war breaking out into the Western Pacific. Right now, has been Trump’s national security adviser, Michael policeman, Arthur Lascañas has revealed to the media on drugs“ campaign in which thousands have there are two choke points along the First Island Flynn, who was forced to resign, following revelations that Duterte had personally ordered several killings, died. But while Trump extended an “invite” to Chain that runs from Japan, through Taiwan, the of possible unlawful contacts between him and the including the assassination of a broadcast journalist. Duterte to visit the White House if he happened Philippines, Borneo, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The Russian ambassador to the US. Duterte has been unusually quiet in the wake of to be in the nation’s capital, that was the extent of choke points are the Miyako Strait (between Oki- The Democrats are calling for an independent these revelations, leaving it to his spokespersons and counsel to conduct an impartial and thorough inves- trolls to question the credibility of the self-confessed their contact. No communication of any nature nawa and Taiwan) and Bashi Channel (between tigation of these allegations. Doubts have also been assassin. On the other, Sen. Dick Gordon, who had Taiwan and Luzon). While Japan is capable of had been made since then. Indeed, the silence is raised that Trump has not truly divested himself of his conducted the Senator inquiry into the Davao death deafening. blocking the Miyako Strait, the Bashi Channel business empire and that his presidency is being used squad and had doubted its existence, has shown no Meanwhile, Trump did not waste any time is wide open. And this is where Taiwan and the to benefit the Trump enterprises. interest in revisiting the case. touching bases with his other allies, Japan and Philippines, both treaty allies of the U.S., would On the other hand, Trump’s executive orders on The 31st commemoration of the People Power South Korea, including Taiwan whose govern- come into play. banning visitors and immigrants from predominantly- Revolt at EDSA, on February 25, echoed with warn- ment doesn’t have any official ties with Washing- While the U.S. doesn’t have mutual defense Muslim countries, Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, ings against the threat of martial law by Duterte and ton. However, the U.S., by law, is obligated to treaty and diplomatic relations with Taiwan, she Sudan and Yemen, have affected even legal US resi- condemnation of the extra-judicial killings that have defend Taiwan in the event of an invasion. is obligated under a 1979 U.S. law – the Taiwan dents and citizens. marked Duterte’s campaign against the drug menace. In the case of the Philippines, the U.S.’s Relations Act – to intervene if China launched an In a recent incident, passengers of a domestic Perhaps fearing that the EDSA gathering could snow- defense obligations are spelled out in the 1951 armed strike on Taiwan. Thus far, it has deterred flight landing in New York were asked to show their ball into an attempt to oust Duterte, his camp rallied IDs by immigration authorities, ostensibly in the thousands of supporters and staged a “vigil” at the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), China from toying with the idea of “invasion.” course of searching for a person who was subject of a Rizal Park on the same day. However, if Taiwan went ahead of declaring her Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), and the En- deportation order. Ordinarily, only passengers of in- Interestingly, a delegation led by the Marcos fam- hanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). independence from China, all hell will break loose ternational flights are subjected to such an inspection. ily, attended the pro-Duterte rally, loudly branding However, there is no automatic provision that and China will invade Taiwan. That is a red flag The most eyebrow-raising news was about as a “fake revolution,” the 1986 EDSA uprising that would require immediate American response to drawn by China long time ago: the umbilical cord immigration officers questioning the former wife of ousted President Ferdinand Marcos. repel foreign invasion. Unlike Japan and South that binds Taiwan to Mother China cannot be boxing icon, Muhammad Ali, Khalilah Camacho-Ali, In a demonstration of tightening the screws on Korea, where 50,000 and 28,000 American severed. and her son, Muhammad Ali, Jr., upon their arrival in the opposition, the Duterte government facilitated the troops are stationed, respectively, there is no sub- With the election of Tsai Ing-wen as Tai- Fort Lauderdale, Florida from a trip to Jamaica. Both arrest and incarceration of Sen. Leila de Lima, a fierce stantial American troop deployment in the Philip- wan’s new president under the pro-independence Camacho-Ali and Muhammad Junior are bonafide US critic, on allegations of abetting the criminal activities pines. In other words, if the Chinese invades the Democratic Progressive Party, Taiwan is moving citizens. of drug lords confined at the New Bilibid Prison. country, there is no “trip-wire” mechanism that closer – albeit slowly and cautiously – towards Trump’s obsession to build a wall on the US- In the Senate, in what may called a massacre, Liberal Party Senators Franklin Drilon, Risa Hontive- would force the U.S. to repel the invading forces. declaring independence. And this seems to get Mexican border to keep out illegals from Mexico and other Latin American countries, has been translated ros and Bam Aquino and Pwersa ng Masa Senator JV The U.S. government has to get the permission of the attention of Trump who took a call from into more aggressive action by US Immigration and Ejercito, were summarily ejected from their commit- the U.S. Congress if the Philippines invoked the Tsai after winning the elections. This was when Customs Enforcement (ICE). In cities across the US, tee chairmanships, apparently for being opposition- MDT. Trump questioned the “One-China Policy.” How- ICE officers have conducted raids on business estab- ists. Preparing for war ever, after triggering a tsunami of protests from lishments suspected of hiring undocumented workers. At the Rizal Park rally, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Recently, it was reported in the news that Beijing, Trump backed off. But he knows that In some cases, checkpoints have been set up at which Aguirre II did a virtual Pontius Pilate by asking the Duterte had given Defense Secretary Gen. Delfin Taiwan is ready for the big fight; all she needs is motorists have been asked to produce IDs, to prove pro-Duterte supporters, in the course of his speech, Lorenzana the go-ahead for the U.S. military to the U.S.’s support. legal presence in the country. whom they wanted him to arrest next. Like the Jews build barracks and fuel depots in designated Phil- Malacca dilemma Trump has also begun to tighten the screws on screaming for blood, the crowd yelled out the name of ippine bases where American forces are allowed Meanwhile, Duterte is playing the “wild card” the media, singling out what he has labeled as “the Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, not that he has any moral to temporarily station under the provisions of in the geopolitical game in the SCS, pitting China fake press who are the enemy of the American people.” similarity to Jesus Christ. The message of Aguirre has not been lost on the EDCA. This is a far cry from last month when Du- against the U.S. It’s a question of how much The enmity between Trump and US media is escalating. Trump has sent word that he will not attend critics of the Duterte administration. The screws are terte threatened to terminate EDCA. He said then Uncle Sam is willing to add to the ante? Is Uncle the annual White House correspondents reception being tightened on them. Sam willing to invest in building military infra- that he didn’t want his country to get entangled where the chief executive is traditionally roasted. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay, if a Sino-American war erupted. Lorenzana structure in at least eight Philippine bases includ- The report is that Hollywood star, Alec Baldwin, who earlier swore under oath that he has never been identified three bases where the U.S. is suppos- ing the former U.S. bases at Clark air Base and who has been doing a hilarious impersonation of a US citizen, may have been caught lying because edly bringing weapons, including Palawan, which Subic Naval Base? Would the Philippines allow Trump on the TV comedy show, Saturday Night Live, of incriminating documents released by media. The is within 200 miles from the militarized artificial the U.S. to deploy troops and military assets at may be invited in Trump’s place. It goes without say- documents show that Yasay did in fact become a US islands in the Spratly Islands. It’s a timely move Laoag Airport in Ilocos Norte and at the Batanes ing that Trump will get the roasting of his life at the citizen and his renunciation only took effect before his in the face of the escalating tensions in the South Island, which would provide a crucial vantage event. appointment to the Duterte cabinet. China Sea (SCS). point in blocking the Bashi Channel? That’s not all that the US media are doing. They In that case, Yasay’s tenure as Chairman of the The U.S. is fearful that China would use But China’s Achilles’ heel would be the one are digging up all kinds of dirt about Trump, particu- Securities and Exchange Commission and his senato- these islands to gain a chokehold on the region that would choke her. If the U.S. blocks both larly those related to his businesses. rial candidacy in the 2004 elections were against the The New York Times, Time Magazine, The law. With the screws tightening around Yasay’s neck, and restrict the movement of aircraft and vessels ends of the 500-mile Strait of Malacca -- at the Atlantic and The Guardian UK have raised the pos- will his patron, Duterte, come to his rescue or drop Changi Naval Base in Singapore and at the other through the SCS. However, the U.S. would not sibility that Trump owes $560 million dollars to the him like a hot camote? allow that to happen and promised to keep the sea end where two Indian territories, Andaman and Blackstone/Bayrock Group, which is wholly owned Finally, the question is, whose neck will snap open to maritime navigation by conducting “free- Nicobar Islands, stand guard – it would stop the by Russian billionaires who are cozy with Putin. The first. Trump’s or Duterte’s? dom of navigation” operations (FONOPS), which flow of oil from the Middle East and Africa. That media suspect that this explains why Trump refuses to Or will it be Trillanes, following De Lima, as well puts her on a collision course with China. would be like putting a cork in a bottleneck be- release his tax returns. as those who attempt to fight the Duterte juggernaut Recently, American satellites have observed cause of China’s dependence on foreign oil, 80% The speculation is that Trump’s indebtedness is or Aguirre, Yasay and the mouthpieces, Martin Anda- surface-to-air missiles on those islands. With the of which passes through the Strait of Malacca. one of the reasons why Russia has him by his cojones nar and his trolls? Trump administration planning to ramp up these It is estimated that China’s strategic oil and why he could be subjected to pressures against US And in the US, will it be the US media and the FONOPS to challenge China’s maritime claims, reserves would only last for 10 days, which would interests. Democratic Party or will it be Trump’s team of alter- the risk of an incident triggering a confronta- cause her economy to collapse and her military On another front, a special report in Newsweek, native fact-purveyors, like Steve Bannon, Sean Spicer aired on MSNBC TV, alleges that Trump could be and Kellyanne Conway,? tion is not remote. As one think tank strategist would grind to a halt. That, in essence, is Don- subjected to blackmail by the government of Turkey Abangan! ([email protected]) ald’s trump card. ([email protected]) said, “This kind of military-to-military gray zone, because of his relationship with the Doĝan busi- As I See It

The Opinions expressed by our writers and contributors do not in any way reflect the HR 610: Vouchers for public education pending in congress opinion of the management of Fortune News ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO (ESEA) of 1965, which provides equal opportunity by many. According to author-educator Dr. Susan Media Inc. in education for all children. Berry, homeowners are also revolting against the “The bill establishes an education voucher Fortune News Media Inc. Republican School Choice Bill. Homeschooling Publisher The other education program, through which each state shall distribute families throughout the nation are voicing opposi- bill introduced in the US block grant funds among local educational agen- tion to the Republican-sponsored school choice bill Harvey Barkin Congress today, other cies (LEAs) based on the number of eligible chil- introduced by Iowa Rep. Steve King (R), that they Editor-in-Chief than HR 899 - Termi- dren within each LEA’s geographical area. From say will ultimately result in regulation of home- Edwina Aniag nate the Department of these amounts. Each LEA shall distribute a portion schooling in the United States. Vice President for Marketing and Operations Education, is HR 610 of funds to parents who elect to enroll their child King, the bill proponent, however argued that, Gary De Guzman - Vouchers for Public in a private school or to home-school their child, “They’re missing the objective of this bill, which is Vice President for Community Relations Education. and it will do so in a manner that ensures that such to put the public schools in a position where they I would say that payments will be used for appropriate educational have to compete with the parochial schools and Anchet Manosca HR 610 is a revolutionary bill considering that it expenses. To be eligible to receive a block grant, respect and honor the homeschools, and let the Creative and Production Manager intends to distribute federal funds for elementary a state must comply with education voucher pro- states regulate those things at that level, not the and secondary education in the form of vouchers gram requirements and make it lawful for parents federal government. States that are unwilling to Atty. Crispin Lozano for eligible students. This must be one of the in- of an eligible child to elect to enroll their child pass a voucher program have to give up their fed- Dr. Philip Chua / Rodel Rodis in any public or private elementary or secondary Ben Lou / Perry Diaz novative approaches being pursued by Education eral money. So isn’t that a much bigger goal for us Federico Espiritu / Elpidio Estioko Secretary Betsy DeVos. The bill was introduced just school in the state or to home-school their child,” – to put the public schools into competition with Columnists as DeVos takes her post as U.S. education secre- according to the bill proponents. parochial schools than it is to preserve the status tary – whose primary areas of interest have been Also, if passed, the bill would eliminate basic quo of homeschool?” Macon Ramos-Araneta school choice and school voucher programs. She programs for struggling learners, Advanced Place- William Estrada, director of Federal Relations Corina Oliquino experienced unprecedented controversy during her ment classes, English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) for the Home School Legal Defense Association Daniel Llanto confirmation process from both those on the left, classes, classes for minorities, school safety pro- (HSLDA) said school vouchers created by HR 610, Correspondents who fear privatization of public schools, and those grams (no-gun school zones), as well as monitor- the Choices in Education Act of 2017, would essen- Renato Amon on the right who have warned against regulation of ing compliance and federal accountability, among tially create a “federal right to homeschool.” Sec- Senior Account Executive private and home schools through vouchers. other restrictions. tion 104 of the bill states, “To be eligible to receive Ann Gauna The bill is actually veering away from the The bill also repeals a specified rule that estab- a grant…the State will…make it lawful for parents Marketing Associate usual centralized funding of public education, but lished certain nutrition standards for the national of an eligible child to elect…to enroll their child it’s not the first time we heard about it. This idea school lunch and breakfast programs known as in any public or private elementary or secondary FilAm Star is published weekly kept on popping up during the past presidential No Hungry Kids Act. In general, the rule requires school in the State; or to home-school their child.” by Fortune News Media Inc. schools to increase the availability of fruits, veg- Estrada however explains that “While this www.filamstar.com election but now it is being introduced in Congress. This early, it’s getting mixed reactions from various etables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat free milk sounds good, HSLDA has fought — successfully— Headquarters: groups and institutions. in school meals; reduce the levels of sodium, satu- for decades to make sure that there is no “federal 1028 Mission St., 2/F, Otherwise known as School Choice Bill, this rated fat, and trans fat in school meals; and meet right to homeschool” because what could be cre- San Francisco, CA 94103; bill will have an overwhelming effect on our public children’s nutritional needs within their caloric ated by a favorable Congress could be regulated by Tel. (650) 278-0692 or (415) 593-5955 education considering that the bill would elimi- requirements. a future, hostile Congress. It is far better (and Email: [email protected] nate the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Most features of the bill are being questioned TO PAGE A8 Mar. 16 - 22, 2017 FilAm Star A7 DUTERTE NOT ALARMED straight that it’s ours and say it in friendship,” the IN THE THICK has a problem. The TPB (Tourism Promotions ... FROM PAGE A1 President said at a press conference in Malaca- ... FROM PAGE A1 Board) also has a problem. Sec. (Perfecto Yasay) ñang. has a problem too.” the sea and to acknowledge that the area was As Manila officially sought Beijing’s expla- Without mincing words, Sen. Panfilo Lacson He was obviously referring to the criticisms within the country’s exclusive economic zone nation on the presence of its vessels in Benham implicated Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV as one of hounding the police in its bloody war against il- (EEZ). Rise, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson those behind the alleged efforts to destabilize the legal drugs and the corruption allegations against The UN confirmed that Benham Rise, is part Geng Shuang confirmed it but said the Chinese Duterte government. fraternity brothers of Duterte at the BID. of the Philippines’ continental shelf and territory. ships were merely exercising freedom of naviga- Lacson is a self-confessed destabilizer at the There were also corruption allegations Benham Rise has untapped natural resources, tion in the area. However, Beijing’s spokesperson time of then President and now Pampanga Rep. against former NIA Chief Peter Lavina, who was including rich mineral deposits, and is said to be also noted that the 2012 UN approval “does not Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He said, “I was part Duterte’s campaign spokesperson in the last elec- wider than Luzon, Samar and Leyte combined. mean that the Philippines can take (Benham of the destabilization during the past administra- tions. Chinese survey ships have not only conduct- Rise) as its own territory.” tion, not under President Aquino, before that. The ad interim appointment of Yasay was ed oceanographic research at Recto or Reed Bank Duterte said the Chinese government in- And I know a destabilization activity when I see also rejected by the powerful Commission on in the West Philippine Sea but also at Benham formed him previously its plan to pass through one. So that’s the basis why it seems that this Appointments (CA) last week for lying about Rise in the Pacific, which has been recognized Benham Rise. He also expressed belief the looks or this sounds familiar,” he told Senate his American citizenship. He was immediately by the United Nations as part of the Philippines’ presence of Chinese ships in the area does not reporters. ordered to vacate his post as Foreign Affairs exclusive economic zone, Lorenzana said. constitute an incursion. “What’s the aim, why is there eagerness to Secretary. Lorenzana described China’s latest move as “We were advised way ahead but we have the prolong, extend the hearing? The only (objective Actor Cesar Montano, TPB Chief Operating “very concerning” and said he had ordered the right to ask ‘how are things going? What is your is) to bring down the administration,” Lacson Officer, has been accused of several irregularities. Navy to accost and drive away the service ship purpose?’” the President said. He believes that said, apparently referring to Trillanes’ proposal Pangilinan also brushed aside claims that from Benham Rise if it is seen again. reports about the presence of Chinese ships in to conduct more hearings on retired policeman former SPO3 Arthur Lascanas is being used to He also said the Philippines lodged a diplo- Benham Rise were exaggerated. Arturo Lascañas’ allegations against Duterte. destabilize the Duterte government. matic protest to assert its ownership of Benham Duterte said he is confident there are no It was Trillanes who facilitated Lascañas’ He believes the Senate committee on public Rise. “Last year, (the Chinese) were monitored strings attached to China’s commitment to sup- public confession last February 20 and initiated order and illegal drugs chaired by Sen. Panfilo there for about three months,” Lorenzana said. port Philippine projects, such as the occupation the probe conducted by the Senate committee Lacson should re-open the hearing on the alleged “The very concerning thing is they have sev- of Benham Rise. Reporters asked the President on public order and dangerous drugs, chaired involvement of the President in the Davao Death eral service ships plying this area, staying in one about a PHP 24-billion assistance from China. by Lacson. But after conducting one hearing last Squad if more witnesses surface and corroborate area sometimes for a month as if doing nothing. “Why pick a fight? I’d rather talk. Kung gusto week, Lacson’s committee, acting on a motion, Lascañas’ allegations. But we believe they are actually surveying the nila ng show of force doon, papuntahin ko Navy. terminated the probe. If what Lascanas said were true, Pangilinan seabed,” he told reporters in a defense forum. Pagdating doon, banggain mo lang sa likod then Duterte’s Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana said said the four other former DDS members should Duterte in his characteristic response to such say sorry naglalambing lang po. May ari kami there is no existing destabilization plot against be allowed to speak. threats from China said he ordered the military to niyan. Ganun lang,” the President said in jest. the administration, contrary to what other If an inquiry into the truth would simply be assert the country’s sovereign rights over Benham Lorenzana said the Philippines will deploy Cabinet members were saying. Lorenzana noted ignored in the country, he said the complainants Rise but in “friendly” way. more patrol ships to Benham Rise or possibly set that criticisms against the administration do not can go to the international community about the “My order to the military is to tell them up structures in the area. amount to ouster schemes. issue. “But this does not mean destabilization,” Liberal Party (LP) National President and Pangilinan pointed out. DUTERTE UNFAZED Watch -- both stated in their respective reports Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan clarified it’s not In a text message, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV ... FROM PAGE A1 on the war on drugs that Duterte could be held destabilization but the President’s appointees are said, “We just cannot keep silent because 8,000 liable for crimes against humanity based on the doing things that malign and destroy the present Filipinos were ordered killed by the Duterte standards required by the tribunal are very high, large number of suspected drug personalities administration. administration.” so any case against the President should be reportedly killed. Pangilinan said “PNP has a problem, the Pangilinan and Trillanes are members of the backed by solid evidence. PNP data showed that from July 1, 2016 to BID has a problem, the NFA has a problem, NIA Minority Bloc in the Senate. He said the ICC is not like any other court January 31, 2017, there have been over 7,000 and would not tolerate any party using it to gain deaths linked to the “war on drugs” -- both from DEATH PENALTY line by voting against the revival of the death media mileage. legitimate police operations and vigilante-style ... FROM PAGE A1 penalty. “They can’t just go there and hold a press or unexplained killings (including deaths under Ramirez-Sato said: “I believe that when the conference so that they could land on the front investigation). Members of the House of Representatives Speaker makes good his threat to remove us, the pages. The standards there are very high,” Pimen- On March 12, Duterte told his critics to stop who voted against the restoration of death pen- first victim of death penalty will be the House as tel emphasized. threatening him about filing a case before the alty will be stripped of their committee chairman- an institution.” Jude Sabio, the lawyer of self-confessed ICC. ships in a purge similar to a recent development Fariñas said it was more difficult for those Davao death squad (DDS) member Edgar Mato- In a speech before thousands of Filipinos on at the Senate that could make Congress a rubber who voted “yes” to House Bill 4727, which seeks bato, recently claimed that he would be filing a the first day of his state visit to Brunei, Duterte stamp of the Duterte administration. to reinstate the death penalty because bishops case against Duterte before the ICC. took the opportunity to blast his critics who are Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramir- from their districts have been dissuading them He said he would charge the President threatening to file charges against him before the ez-Sato, who sits in the bicameral Commission against the measure. Those who voted “no” were with crimes against humanity in relation to the ICC. on Appointments, said the upcoming purge in the deemed politically correct. extra-judicial killings allegedly taking place in the But Duterte told his critics to stop threaten- House would be stifling a lawmaker’s indepen- Alvarez, on request of Fariñas, delayed his country. ing him about sending him to the ICC because he dence. “Taking us out of committee chairman- threat to remove legislators who didn’t join mem- Crimes against humanity refer to “serious said he is willing to rot in jail for the Filipinos. ships and other top posts would ring the death of bers of the super majority coalition to have the violations committed as part of a large-scale at- “Do not keep on threatening or calling my freedom,” Sato added. death penalty approved on third and final reading tack against any civilian population.” attention. I find this ridiculous. How can you House Majority Leader Rodolfo Farinas said before yesterday’s caucus. The Philippines is covered by the jurisdiction send to prison a President declaring war against the purge of House lawmakers who refuse to toe Arroyo was among those who voted against of the ICC after it signed and ratified the Rome (drugs.) Look what happened to Latin America. the super-majority’s line is “definitely a go” and it. She was the president when the legislature Statute – its founding document – in 2011. Almost failed states,” he added. will be done soon, a decision reached by majority abolished the death penalty in 2006. The Rome Statute lists murder as one of the Duterte maintained that it is not a crime to of its 293 members. Fariñas told reporters that “no replacements 15 forms of crimes against humanity. want criminals dead. Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said the House in the leadership positions will happen yet” after The ICC, however, will act only when the na- “I am totally exasperated that they do not purge would push through, adding, “It is as good Alvarez heeded his plea “only because I trust your tional courts of a country “are unable or unwilling know the law. That it is not a crime even for a as day follows night. Policy is policy.” judgment.” to exercise jurisdiction.” civilian walking on the streets to say, ‘I hate the The process would definitely push through in The Speaker has repeatedly warned that Two international human rights organiza- criminals, I hope they will die. I will kill them if I order to “institutionalize the party vote” and draw House members who will not toe the party line tions – Amnesty International and Human Rights catch them.’ That is perfectly fine,” he said. the line against members who oppose it, Alvarez would be replaced but not necessarily removed said. . from their committees. He added that they would be removed from their posts but not from the DE LIMA REFUSES from “advising” Dayan not to attend the hearing Farinas believed the days of even Pampanga coalition. to “instructing” Dayan in the amended complaint. Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who voted against ... FROM PAGE A1 It’s up to Speaker Alvarez to make good on Among the evidence provisionally marked by the death penalty bill although a supporter of President Duterte overall, as Deputy Speaker are his threat to replace committee chairpersons who De Lima’s arraignment pushed through after the prosecution are the House of Representative’s numbered given how administration lawmakers voted against the death penalty bill. the court denied her motion for reconsideration subpoena, show cause order, order of contempt made it clear that “it’s all or nothing” and that Last week, Farinas said he “made a plea” to on the finding of probable cause for being filed and the photocopy of De Lima’s supposed text there will be “no special treatment” for dissenters. the Speaker to allow him to handle the matter out of time. message to Dayan’s daughter. Fariñas explained that several legislators of the committee chairmanships. He also said The court then proceeded with the prelimi- Aside from the complainant lawmakers, the have already submitted their proposed replace- there would be no immediate movements on the nary conference where De Lima’s camp refused prosecution said they will present six more wit- ments, and that it would be up to Speaker Alvarez leadership positions. to stipulate on the copy of the Senator’s supposed nesses. to carry this out, depending on party “representa- At least nine lawmakers stand to lose their text message to Hanna Mae, daughter of Dayan On the other hand, De Lima’s camp has tion and other considerations.” committee chairmanship for voting against the because it was not authenticated. marked as evidence the House of Representa- “We will preserve the party equilibrium,” he death penalty bill. De Lima allegedly texted Dayan’s daughter tive’s subpoena, counter affidavit and transcript maintained, insisting that committee chairmen Ahead of the Speaker’s final word, Sato is- to tell her father not to attend the congressional of stenographic notes of the congressional hear- will be replaced by their colleagues and that party sued a statement appealing to Alvarez to recon- inquiry on the proliferation of illegal drugs inside ing. They have no other witness except De Lima. representations would remain. “They will just be sider his plan. “I appeal to Speaker Alvarez to NBP. Hearing is set for April 26. The court re- removed from their posts but will still remain in reconsider his plan to remove the committee The prosecution submitted an amended quired De Lima to appear in every hearing. the majority,” he said. chairmanship of legislators who voted against the information on the case to change its wordings Talks of purging the House came after a death penalty.” number of its members refused to toe the party

lihim na pag-ibig, pakikipagniig o ibang materyal Catholic Church. From humane standpoint, it Dual Voice na hangarin. O isangtabi ang pagpapari upang emerges as popular advocacy. But never for the maranasan ang pagmamahal ng sariling mag- sparing conservatives and purist faithfuls. The Fairways in Mourning anak tulad na mga Katolikong kanilang ipina- hardcore religious rather elect to see the bear- FEDERICO A. cepted married Anglican clergy converting to pastol. Sa tanang buhay ko, mabibilang rin ang ers of Good News continue evidencing their ESPIRITU Catholicism. Pope Francis is leading the Catholic mga kaibigan o kakilala na tumalikod sa pagpa- priestly obedience in sacrificing their emotions Church in a new era of change where he recog- pari o pagseseminarista at nag-asawa sapagkat and embracing the purest form of self-denial in Rigidities in priest nizes that the present social and cultural context nanaig sa kanila ang paghahangad at pagnanasa offering their lives to the Almighty Abba. Societal celibacy disclipine of puts fidelity of priesthood as difficult litmus test. ng karaniwang nilalang ng Panginoon. Napa- evils and wicked attacks on Catholic families the Catholic Church If ever the heart Vatican hierarchy eventually panahon na, sa aking pananaw, ang pagbabago nowadays could be distracting even for men of may be shifting to softens on ‘veri proboti’, priests already ordained ng patakaran ng simbahang Katoliko laluna’t the pulpits adept in pastoring their flock. Signals metamorphosis with and bishops in the Catholic Church still have to kung isisiping higit na magiging mabisa ang already puffed out of the Synod earlier. The signals transmitted by continue being celibate and cannot marry. Woe pangangaral ng mga kaparian ukol sa pag-ibig sa Pope’s previous wishes on this game-changing the Vatican Papacy. to these shepherds in cassock. kapwa-tao, bukod sa pinangaral ng Panginoong tenet on priestly celibacy was thumbed down as Hope of openness emerges from Pope Francis Pinagdamutan ang kaparian simula Hesukristo, kung sila mismo ay binibiyayaan ng synod theme of the last synod by majority mem- as Rome gets embroiled in enormous problem pa man ng panahon ni Moses. Matapos ang pagmamahal ng sariling kabiyak at mga anak. bers of the XIV Ordinary Council of the Synod of rapidly ageing priests and prevailing shortage pagtatagumpay ng pananakop ng mga Israelita May habag akong naramdaman sa pagdalaw of Bishops. The aloofness therefore casts doubts of clergy in many parishes. Countries with large sa pamumuno ni Moses at Joshua sa maram- ko mahigit isang dekada na ang nakaraan sa on meritocracy of arguments that married Catholic population like Brazil and many others ing kaharian sa Canaan, ang itinakdang tribu retirement house ng mga pari sa Christ The King priests procreating might bolster interest, even in South America lack priests nowadays. Aspi- ng mga pari, ang mga Levi, ay pinagkaitang sa Quezon City. Nakasalamuha ko sa burol ni among their children, to follow their priest-dad’s rants desiring Church vocation are in most in- pamanahan ng mga lupain sa pag-uutos kay Fr. Herme Togonon ang mga maysakit, uugod- footsteps in serving the Lord. The priests may, stances alienated if not subdued by Catholicism’s Moses ng Panginoon. Noon pa man, nagsimula ugod at nangungulilang retiradong pari. Sinuk- in this kind of appreciation, be the best fathers ancient, perpetual celibacy rule. The pervading na ang mga pari ay hutukin sang-ayon sa Aklat suklian naman ng pagkalinga at pagmamahal in rearing their own children into a straight path hemorrhage is debilitating consecrated life as ng Leviticus upang sila ay taos-puso at lantay na ng kanilang malapit na kaaanak at matapat na of spiritual life. Sad to say, the present roster of the archaic law stifles ordaining young priests or makapaglingkod sa Panginoon. Namayani ang deboto ang kanilang naging mabuting pagpa- Holy Mass presiders in soutane will still have to causes worrisome desertion of the clergy spurred maraming anyo ng disiplina at tradisyon maging pastol. Datapwat, sumagi sa aking isipan: may be manacled to their strict vow of celibacy. At its by mortal reasons. Papa Kiko, as he is fondly sa kasalukuyang simbahang Katoliko. Isa na ang hihigit pa kayang pag-ibig sa oras ng takipsilim best, the One Holy Apostolic Catholic Church’s called by Filipinos endearingly captivated during pagsiping sa babae man o lalaki. Sa mga normal ng buhay ng isang pari kundi ang pag-aaruga ng reach may expand in unserved mission areas his 2015 visit to the Philippines, is considering na lalaking tulad natin, nananaig ang pananaw sarili niyang mag-anak at kaapuapuhan? Subalit through groundswelling of viri probati when the the possibility of accepting “viri probati” (latin na hindi natin makakayanan ang pagtitiis na noon ay napakalabnaw pa ng aking pananam- rigidities are unlocked. Heaven is probably being term for tested men or married men of outstand- awatin ka sa pag-irog sa napupusuan laluna sa palataya kaya wari ay nagkamali ako sa aking bombarded by pro- and anti- prayers. Whatever ing faith and virtue) into the Catholic Church. ating kabiyak sa puso. Lalo pa nga’t kaakitbat pagmamasid at pagsusuri. Ibinubunsod ako ng petitions the faithful raises on celibate priest- The Pope’s latest interviews pronounces his nito na hindi mo mararamdaman ang magmahal makasariling damdamin bilang isang karani- hood, the sovereign will of the Lord will ulti- liberal mind about married men ordained into sa biyayang sariling supling. Karaniwang ang wang nilalang. Ngayon, natitiyak kong matapat mately prevail. priesthood and subsequently farmed out in far kalalakihan ay nahihintakutang mapuputol ang namang naihanda ng matatandang pari ang (You may correspond with Dual Voice at flung areas. Religious pundits stir up emerg- sariling salin-lahi. Kalungkutan ang mamama- kanilang mga sarili sapagkat ang kanilang kali- [email protected]) ing whirlpool of stand points. Many are quick yani. Subalit sa buhay ng pari, ang kaligayahan gayahan ay nakaugat sa napinpintong pakikiniig to underscore the Vatican anyway exercises its ay umuugat sa busilak na alay na pagmamahal at sa Panginoon sa kanyang Banal na Kaharian sa exception to the centuries-old rule as in the case mapagtiis na paglilingkod sa Maykapal. Hindi ito kalangitan. of Eastern Churches communing with Vatican maaring tawaran. Datapwat hindi makakailang The titillating feelers on loosening Call us to advertise that retained married priests as an offshoot of ang mortal na katauhan maging ng mga pari ang celibate priesthood from Pope Francis rouses 1-650-278-0692 the Byzantine tradition. Before, Rome also ac- nagbunbunsod sa marami na magkubli sa mga serious discernment inside and outside the A8 FilAm Star Mar. 16 - 22, 2017 business & Online gaming platform prepares nation tech news for spring with cheery sun-soaked titles Waking up to brighter Man’s Folly is one of these ing lambs – Barn Yarn gives Itama po natin! mornings and coming home to games leading the sun-soaked players the opportunity to don a lighter nights can only mean transformation that’s slowly straw hat and wellington boots, BEN LOU Some of them even show up at employers’ one thing – the winter season making its way onto the MyRe- indulging themselves in the sites. When clients tell me this, I tell them is drawing to a close and spring Q: A debt col- to call the cops. These tactics are all illegal. is soon to arrive. In preparation lector is chasing me If you need help in getting out of credit for the official Spring Equinox for debts I do not card debts so you can start your emergency (March 20th), online gam- owe. What do I do? fund, call Debt Aid Consulting. We have ing platform MyRealGames is updating its categories with an A: A client free Credit Repair after your program. We exciting selection of sun-soaked called me because do not use call centers which keeps your titles for gaming fans to enjoy a debt collector is information safe. We have a new program hounding him for a as the seasons change over. that keeps collectors away. You need not With dozens of new titles payday loan that has been outstanding for even have to bother with them. We take added every week, the premium a year. “Am I a victim of fraud?”, he asked. Federal Credit Unions, Military Debts and gaming website constantly While I always take the stories clients tell Payday loans in our program too. This is keeps up with cultural trends, me with a grain of salt, this client sounded the concept of our newest program where hosting the hottest titles as soon genuinely concerned. collectors are restraint from contacting as they are released. This March In this conversation, I asked him if he you. This is exclusively available for Debt it has hundreds of electrifying has been a victim of identity theft or even Aid Consulting clients. No one else has games ready to upload featur- knows if he is? But he does not seem to this program in the market. You are well ing fresh green grass, clear think so. In most cases, victims of identity protected. blue skies and other cheery theft suffer severe damages to their credit We also provide “Free Credit Repair” surroundings, virtually trans- (Photo courtesy of Dakota Digital for MyRealGames) history, not just with one creditor. I am to all our current and future clients. Go porting players into the joyful thinking someone he knows pretended to with the best. Go with Debt Aid Consult- spring season as the environ- be him and took out a payday loan. Unfor- ing! mental transition takes place. alGames home screen. Although charming farmyard lifestyle! tunately, we cannot check who took out the Do not fall for marketing gimmicks Nikolai Veselov from the subject matter of this mur- As the countdown to spring MyRealGames.com expanded, der mystery is lurking in the begins, browse the full range payday loan since it is with a debt collector. saying that they have the right program “We’re always seeking out the shadows, players must search of seasonal games online at In most cases, debt collectors will be the for you. Most marketing companies only hottest new titles to treat our for clues in bright tennis courts, http://www.myrealgames.com/ hardest to convince that it was not you who have one program and will enroll you in took out the loan. They will perceive that players, forming great relation- seaside scenes and in English About that program whether it fits you or not. So ships with leading development county fairs. From classic Brit- MyRealGames is one of you are trying to talk your way out of the beware! companies. As a result, our ish gardens to something more the USA’s premier free online debt and will just push harder if you start a I am Ben Lou, President and CEO of gaming platform is fast-moving, fantastical, Gnomes Garden gaming sites. All games are fully dialogue. Debt Aid Consulting. My company has A+ hosting relevant titles that our also serves up a large helping of licensed for PCs, have unlimited On another note, this collector has al- rating with the Better Business Bureau in players love. As wintery classics sunshine and greenery, all with gameplay time and are 100% ready proceeded with violating the client’s the US and Canada. This record speaks for such as Oh Snow and Santa’s a mystical twist. free. The site offers a diverse rights by sending him letters that they will itself. We are here to help. Siege fall in popularity, we’re There’s nothing more range of genres meaning there contact his employer about his nonpay- We are the only Filipino Debt com- making way for our exciting synonymous with spring than is something for every online ment of debts and that they will get him pany which is legal in the US and Canada. spring collection of titles.” the new-born animals such as gaming lover. fired. This is a complete disregard for the I have a new US program which will beat Agatha Christie: Dead cheery chicklets and bounc- FDCPA laws which protect each and every everyone’s pricing. Also we protect you one of us from collector harassment. This against lawsuits, phone harassment and client, even if he truly does not owe this letters. Call Debt Aid Consulting! New Gmail phishing scam is dangerously clever debt has a big case in FDCPA violations Reminder, debt companies using Ma- Phishing scams are some of the worst when it fake. It is actually a data URI that has a prefix and will most definitely have this debt writ- nila office call centers will soon be banned. comes to things that you need to watch out for on of “data:text/html” instead of the usual HTTPS- ten off. It would be very hard to get back your pay- the internet. They’re often cleverly implemented secured URL that is generally seen on the address Mostly collectors of payday loans are ments from the Philippines. If testimoni- and enticingly clickable. A new scam is currently bar. known to use abusive collection tactics als are paid for, then it is fake. making the rounds in Gmail inboxes and it is by Entering the user password opens up at- with complete disregard for the FDCPA Tawag na po sa 1-888-341-5234 at far one of the cleverest to date. tackers to the misuse of user credentials, such as The new email phishing scam appears to sending more of the same phishing scam mail to laws. They say things like, “I’m going to tutulungan po namin kayo. include an attachment like most common scams. contacts. have you arrested’, or “I’m going to have Itama po natin ang mali! you thrown in jail” or some other mind But in reality, the “attachment” is an embedded It’s already a rule of thumb to be wary of bending scheme just to get you to pay up. image that opens a new Google login window, unknown attachments from unknown senders. reports The Next Web. This time, users need to be even more vigilant of This login window will ask for users to enter emails coming from people they do know. (Alfred their password. Of course, the login window is Bayle / inquirer.net)

AS I SEE IT parents to spend in an alternate education set- ... FROM PAGE A6 ting”. Also, if passed, the bill would eliminate pro- far more constitutionally sound) for education grams for struggling learners, Advanced Place- decisions—and homeschool freedom—to be ment classes, English-as-a-Second-Language protected at the state level. We ask our friends at classes, classes for minorities, school safety pro- the federal level to simply leave homeschooling grams (no-gun school zones), as well as monitor- families alone”. ing compliance and federal accountability, among The school voucher – as a transfer of tax- other restrictions. payer funds – is a finance mechanism to create Those who oppose the bill recognize the school choice and one that is associated with the fact that the present public school system is not highest level of regulation for schools that agree perfect and that clearly there is need for revision to accept them. Regulation is the main opposition and correction. However, instead of improving on of many stakeholders. “If parents use vouchers these imperfections, “the bill takes us to a whole to send their children to a private school or to new level — a level that our general population homeschool them that school choice may have would understand as removing equal opportunity additional regulatory burdens placed upon it by in education for the vast majority of students in the state in which it is located – in the name of this country. Disbanding provisions for equal accountability,” those who opposed argued. opportunity in public education will ensure the In a 2010 study at Cato Institute, Andrew separation of the elite from the populace,” they Coulson studied the question of school vouchers argued. and increased regulation of private schools. He While the bill is being supported by about concluded that “vouchers… impose a substantial four representatives as co-authors, those groups and statistically significant additional regulatory opposing the bill are asking residents to write burden on participating private schools.” their congressmen and representatives to oppose Voucher programs, Coulson concluded, ‘are the bill. This is the first acid test being waged on more likely to suffocate the very markets to which the revolutionary ideas coming from the new edu- they aim to expand access,’ because state funds— cation secretary! which invariably come with state regulation—are (For feedbacks, comments… please email the directly transferred, in the form of vouchers, to author @ [email protected]). Mar. 16 - 22, 2017 FilAm Star A9 world news Top lawmakers see no evidence for Trump wiretap claim Jordan tries 5 IS suspects over deadly border attack Senior US lawmakers said A Jordanian court Wednes- diers in a no-man’s-land near One of them, an alleged IS Wednesday they had seen no day opened the trial of five the Rukban crossing with Syria. member, arrived in the camp in evidence to support President Syrians charged with planning Soon after the attack, the February last year and recruited Donald Trump’s claim that his a deadly attack claimed by the army declared Jordan’s desert the others to plan the attack, it predecessor Barack Obama wire- Islamic State group near the regions that stretch northeast said. tapped his New York home and Syrian border last year, a judi- to Syria and east to Iraq “closed Jordan is part of the US-led office building. cial source said. military zones”, stranding coalition fighting IS. “We don’t have any evidence “The five accused, all Syr- thousands of Syrian refugees in The UN refugee agency that that took place,” said Devin ian and aged 20 to 26, appeared the area. says it has registered more than Nunes, Republican chairman of in court and pleaded not guilty,” The charge sheet said the 650,000 Syrian refugees in Jor- the congressional committee con- the source said. five suspects all lived in the dan since Syria’s war broke out ducting a probe into the allega- The suicide bombing on Rukban camp, which is home to in 2011. Amman says it hosts 1.3 tion, at a press conference. June 21, 2016 killed seven sol- around 60,000 Syrian refugees. million Syrian refugees. (AFP) Based the investigation by the House Intelligence Com- mittee he heads, “I don’t think U.S. offers $5 mn to find murderer of American in Yemen there was an actual tap of Trump The United States offered committed, conspired to com- Tower,” said Nunes, whose Former President Barack Obama (left) and President Donald Trump (right) Wednesday to pay $5 million mit, or aided or abetted in the committee is also conducting an (Photo: www.mediaite.com) for information leading to those commission of the murder of US responsible for the murder of an citizen Joel Shrum.” investigation into suspected Rus- unsubstantiated claims via the social messaging American in Yemen in 2012, an The department noted that sian interference in last year’s US election. platform -- would, as president, have access to attack claimed by Al-Qaeda. Shrum had been an administrator Nunes’ conclusion was echoed by the panel’s secret law enforcement and intelligence probes Joel Shrum, a US citizen, and English teacher at the Inter- containing such information. top Democrat, Adam Schiff. was fatally shot by a gunman on national Training and Develop- “To date I’ve seen no evidence that supports The US president made his allegations claims the back of a motorcycle while ment Center, “one of the longest the claim that President Trump made that his came just after reports in conservative media he was on his way to work at a standing international develop- predecessor had wiretapped he and his associ- made the same claim, leading to suspicions they nongovernmental organization ment organizations in Yemen.” ates at Trump Tower,” Schiff told reporters at the were his source -- which the White House has not on March 18, 2012, in the city It also noted that a few days press conference. denied. of Taez, according to the State after the incident, Al-Qaeda’s “Thus far, we have seen no basis for that “It deeply concerns me that the president Department. Yemeni offshoot, Al-Qaeda in whatsoever.” would make such an accusation without basis,” At the time, the department the Arabian Peninsula, claimed On March 4, Trump sparked a furor when said Schiff. said “We condemn this terror- responsibility for the murder. Slain American Joel Shrum wrote on his @realDonaldTrump Twitter account Nunes and Schiff said they do not expect to ist act in strongest terms” and The US government consid- (Photo: www.lancasteronline.com) that Obama had tapped into communications at hear evidence backing up the claim when Federal demanded that the Yemeni au- ers AQAP the most active branch Trump Tower, New York home to the president Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey thorities bring to justice anyone of the global extremist network authority was being challenged by and first family, before the November 8 election. testifies to the House Intelligence Committee on involved in the murder. once led by Osama bin Laden. Iran-backed Shiite Huthi rebels. “Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my Monday. A statement attributed to Al- US military operations against it The conflict has left more ‘wires tapped’ in Trump Tower just before the vic- But the two said they are hoping to make Qaeda affiliates in Yemen claimed have intensified in Yemen since than 7,400 people dead and tory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!” progress on the issues of Russia’s interference in responsibility for the attack and President Donald Trump took 40,000 wounded, and Yemen accused Shrum of preaching office in late January. “Is it legal for a sitting President to be ‘wire last year’s election, including how many people faces a serious risk of famine, ac- Christianity in the mainly Muslim The United States is con- cording to the United Nations. tapping’ a race for president prior to an election? linked to the Trump campaign may have been nation. cerned about AQPA’s growing The State Department said Turned down by court earlier. A NEW LOW!” he wiretapped in the course of that or other probes. Nearly five years after the presence in the impoverished the $5 million bounty comes Also testifying Monday will be Michael Rog- added in a second tweet. attack, the State Department African country as it takes advan- under its Rewards for Justice ers, director of the National Security Agency, the The tweets sparked enormous controversy, in announced Wednesday that it tage of the chaos of civil war. program, which has paid out part because it is unprecedented for any US presi- government’s electronic spying body. is offering “a reward of up to $5 In March 2015, a Saudi- more than $125 million since its dent to accuse a predecessor of a felony crime. Another intelligence hearing, with testimony million for information leading led Arab coalition began an air creation in 1984. (AFP) The allegation was also remarkable since from other witnesses, is scheduled for March 28. to the arrest or conviction in any campaign in support of President Trump -- although known for making bombastic, (AFP) country of any individual who Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, whose

December 2015 and charged with reputation, prestige or stature of which had appointed a lawyer for UAE jails Jordanian journalist over Facebook comments violating the UAE’s cybercrime law the State or... any of its symbols”. Najjar, plans to appeal the verdict. An Abu Dhabi court jailed years in prison and fined 500,000 rights groups. over Facebook comments in which Amnesty International said “We respect the UAE’s judi- Wednesday a Jordanian journal- dirhams ($136,130, 128,175 euros) WAM said the Jordanian’s he criticised the United Arab Emir- Wednesday Najjar was a prisoner cial system... but we truly believed ist for three years over Facebook for “insulting symbols of the state” social media accounts would be ates, among other countries, over of conscience who should be re- he would be found innocent,” comments deemed insulting to on social media. shut down and his equipment the 2014 Gaza war, according to leased immediately. Tareq Momani, head of the as- the United Arab Emirates, Emirati The Jordan Press Association confiscated by authorities as part rights groups Amnesty Interna- “The ruling against Tayseer sociation, told AFP. state media and a Jordanian press identified him as journalist Tay- of his sentence. tional and Human Rights Watch. Al-Najjar is yet another outrageous “We are now waiting to see union said. seer al-Najjar, whose detention in He also faces deportation Article 29 of the cybercrime attack on freedom of expression the result of the appeal. We are fol- Emirati state news agency 2015 over comments criticising the after having served his time in jail, law criminalises the publication in the United Arab Emirates,” lowing the case through our lawyer WAM said a Jordanian national UAE among other countries drew it said. online of information “with intent Amnesty’s Samah Hadid said. and we hope that Najjar will be was handed a sentence of three condemnation from international Najjar was detained in to make sarcasm or damage the The Jordan Press Association, found not guilty,” he said. (AFP) A10 FilAm Star Mar. 16 - 22, 2017 Mar. 16 - 22, 2017 FilAm Star B1 travel & culinary adventures

The best Japanese buffet I’ve visited this restaurant countless times with family and friends, and they have for me not failed me yet. This is actually our go-to Hello again to all my family, friends, avid place when we crave Japanese food. Even readers, and followers. Welcome to Bahay though it’s about 45 minutes away from Kubo, atbp. This week, I’m writing about home, it’s definitely worth the drive. Deli- a place to eat with family and friends at an cious food, cooks are friendly and the food is affordable price – Fuji Sushi Buffet at Nut always presentable! Their sushi always tastes Tree Plaza in Vacaville. It’s a great location and feels fresh! This place is not like your and there’s plenty of parking space, less than normal buffet style dining. There are some a mile away from the Vacaville Outlet. Other items you can order from the menu, others Fuji Sushi Buffet locations are in Davis and you can pick up from the conveyor belt and Elk Grove. also order at the counter, especially if you At Fuji Sushi Buffet you can have endless want specialty rolls. Food quality is way bet- amounts of sashimi, fresh oysters, soft-shell ter than I have tried in all other Chinese and crab, any hand roll you can think of, grilled Japanese buffet restaurants. salmon, Ahi Kama, and every roll imaginable. For dessert, their selection is limited Really!!! For $16.99 (weekday lunch, as of this but what they have is good – fried bananas writing), it’s definitely reasonable considering dipped in tempura and sesame balls. They it’s all-you-can-eat sushi. come out super fresh and hot! If you’re not The one thing I like about this place is into fried bananas or sesame balls for dessert, that you can customize your order and get Fenton’s is just across the street. your bigger or smaller plates of food. They Service at this location is great but can have a pretty big menu but please take extra get spotty at times because they get really time to read the menu as there’s a note at the busy. The staff is really helpful, attentive and end that said “Please Do Not Waste Food.” personable. Most of the times, service is quick You’ll be charged extra for any leftovers! all around. The restaurant is modernized Yikes!!! So, don’t let greed get the best of you. and clean. Restaurant hours are 11am-2pm and 5pm-9pm every day and they are open 7 days a week. I recommend coming here early before they open for lunch or dinner to beat the crowd. Otherwise, you will probably be waiting for a good 30-40 minutes to get seated but it’s definitely worth the wait. They take reservations for a party of 6 or more and you’re limited to a 90-minute meal. To summarize my review: The Good - For a buffet, the sushi quality is awe- some. - Sashimi is always fresh. - Staff is friendly and service is fast (most of the time) - It’s affordable The Bad - There’s usually a long line unless you show up a little before they open - Oysters are not always available - Drinks are not included in the buffet price - Need to add more dessert to the menu Overall, I highly recommend giving this place a try. The best value for all you can eat Japanese food. This Fuji location is well worth the visit. BBK Rating: B2 FilAm Star Mar. 16 - 22, 2017

ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Commissioner Ray Satorre of Daly City and Fr. Anthony Vazhap- pily of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church to support the Happy 20th Wedding Anni- project of the versary to Ryan and Taralyn church Largo !

Birthday bash celebration of Joanne Hickey Tulio (seated middle) of CPMC San Gabrellie Hugo Wong celebrated her birthday last Friday, March 10, at the ice skating Francisco along with her friends last Friday March 10 at Moonstar Buffet in Daly City rink in Yerba Buena, San Francisco

On the red carpet at HeartFull Charity Gala, Host Veronica de la Cruz (3rd from left) with her event committee including Fil-Am media executive, Odette Alcazaren-Keeley (6th Richard Melendez Retirement party from Comcast Cable for 20 years in the company. from left) Mar. 16 - 22, 2017 FilAm Star B3 community Filipino leaders launch coalition against Trump, vow to defend community awareness Northern California underscored the poverty and lack of liveli- Independence high students return from hood pushing Filipinos outside the Philippines, where they often Kenya after delivering solar suitcases face abuse and exploitation yet receive little to no support from SAN JOSE, Calif. — Two rience. The Kenyan people were energy technical education. the Philippine government. San Jose students have re- so welcoming; they welcomed You can learn more about Daly City Vice-mayor Juslyn cently returned from a 12-day us with a clapping song. It was a the Solar Suitcase program by Manalo sent a message of sup- service learning trip to deliver very humbling experience,” said visiting pge.com/solarsuitcase. port. Attendees also discussed We Share Solar Suitcases, as Mondina. Pacific Gas and Electric specific issues affecting Filipinos part of PG&E’s Better Together Hua and Mondina were Company, a subsidiary of PG&E such as threat of deportation and Classroom Grants. The students selected from nearly 500 Solar Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is budget cuts for social services. shared sustainable energy educa- Suitcase program participants. one of the largest combined The group plans to continue to tion and delivered the We Share Participants built the solar natural gas and electric utilities reach out to other Filipino orga- Solar Suitcases to Kenyan youth suitcase kits, shared their com- in the United States. Based in nizations, businesses, govern- in need of lighting. mitment to sustainability and San Francisco, with more than ment officials, lawyers, educa- The students, Amy Hua and have now earned an opportu- 20,000 employees, the company tors, faith groups, and others to Kyle Mondina, are juniors at In- nity to share their knowledge delivers some of the nation’s grow the coalition and further dependence High School. Along internationally. Selection for the cleanest energy to nearly 16 strengthen the united voice of with other students at Indepen- international travel opportunity Filipinos in the Bay Area to pro- dence, Hua and Mondina built was competitive and required Filipino leaders from over 15 Bay Area organizations form Filipinos tect our communities and defend several We Share Solar Suitcases, student video submissions of United Against Trump our human rights. Filipinos portable solar units powerful local sustainability projects. SAN BRUNO – A new together knowing these issues United will organize Know Your enough to illuminate a small Examples of local sustainability network of Filipino groups are linked to each other. Filipinos Rights trainings, mobilize for ac- room. Two of the suitcases that projects included park cleanups, and individuals from different United chooses not to be divided tions like International Workers’ the students built were delivered water and energy conservation backgrounds across the Bay Area by particular concerns, but to Day (May 1), and develop legisla- to communities in Kenya, now teams and community gardens. gathered at Skyline College on build strength through collective tive advocacy and rapid response enabling people in those commu- PG&E covered all expenses March 12 to unite against the unity and resistance. (e.g. in case of detention of an nities to run businesses, charge for the 12-day trip, led by the divisive and oppressive policies Eugene Gambol of the undocumented community mem- their cellphones and light their international non-profit WE and actions of the Trump admin- National Alliance for Filipino ber) structure. studies and medical procedures Charity, including: airfare, meals, istration. They united to stand after dark. Their teacher, Jordan accommodations, special excur- together to advance the rights of Stone, accompanied them on the sions and passport/visa fees for communities. Representatives trip. students and chaperones, and from more than 15 organiza- “The experience was as substitute teacher reimburse- tions launched Filipinos United amazing and beautiful as I ment. Against Trump, or Filipinos expected it to be. From learning In partnership with the non- United, and united on a plan of about rural Kenya to learning profit We Care Solar, PG&E pro- action in the current political about solar energy – it was all vided more than 100 We Share million people in Northern and climate. great. Seeing the impact one Solar Suitcases to 19 high schools Central California. For more Filipinos United will not just solar suitcase could do for an throughout Northern and Central information, visit www.pge.com/ stand by as the Trump adminis- entire community was amazing,” California. We Care Solar offered and www.pge.com/en/about/ tration enacts policies that tear said Hua. trainings on how to assemble the newsroom/index.page. families apart, cut social services, “It has been such an unfor- suitcases so that students learned and prevent workers from having gettable, once-in-a-lifetime expe- the basic principles of clean a safe working environment. The group’s basis of unity states that it will “educate [members] and Michael Tayag of NAFCON gives a thumbs up as the coalition ap- Care Indeed Receives Nomination from JobTrain proves the basis of unity others, and take action collective- ly to ensure our families live at Menlo Park, CA: Care Indeed was named as one of the nominees peace and thrive in our commu- Concerns (NAFCON) discussed Patrick Racela of the Kapit for JobTrain’s Inaugural Economic Opportunity Awards. During the nity. (It) will work in solidarity Trump’s executive orders and Bisig Kabataan Network (KBKN) awards evening held last month at the Hiller Aviation Museum in with all affected communities of emphasized that attacks on concluded the event urging con- San Carlos, JobTrain shared how the story of Care Indeed has cre- all ethnic backgrounds.” immigrants are not particularly tinued outreach to individuals ated innovative career pathways and helped to bridge the economic Though each organization new. Organizations that were who would like to get involved in divide. Six awards were chosen by an independent panel. addresses specific issues such present have been working on assisting fellow Filipinos. Filipi- Vanessa Valerio, RN, CMC, COO and VP for Patient Care, said, as immigration, labor, gender issues such as trafficking, wage nos United is ready to respond to “The challenge is to build for the long term while doing well today. protect their fellow kababayans justice, environmental justice, theft, discrimination, and other We are committed to provide the best possible care experience for from deportation and other self-determination, and educa- abuses in the workplace for many each client, turn each caregiver into a senior care expert, and put a tion in its work, the groups came years. Noel Abalos from Migrante forms of abuse and harassment. premium on the well-being of each caregiver. We are deeply humbled and honored to receive this nomination.” About Care Indeed Care Indeed is a leading provider of non-medical home care services in the Bay Area. Care Indeed’s services fall into these categories: personal care and hygiene, support with mobility, household chores, companionship, and transportation. For more information, about Care Indeed’s hourly and live-in care, please call (650) 328- Care Indeed COO Vanessa Valerio 1001 or log in to www.CareIndeed.com. A Musical to remember Cerritos, CA – The Pan- dent of PB-USA said proceeds Golez started piano lessons gasinan Brotherhood –USA, a of the fundraiser will finance at the age of 4. At age 11, he 501c3 non-profit foundation various projects of the non- performed for the First Lady based in Southern California, profit organization benefiting Imelda Romualdez Marcos at in cooperation with Dream Age the province of Pangasinan and the Coconut Plaza, Manila. She Group, will sponsor a fund- its constituents. was impressed with his music, raiser titled “A Musical Odys- Others performing with so she offered him a scholarship sey” featuring internationally Golez are scions of Pangasinan abroad. At age 13, he went to acclaimed Filipino virtuoso Sean Collado from Villasis and New York City and studied at pianist Rudolf Golez and scions Binalonan; Sabrina Oxciana the renowned Juilliard School of Pangasinan on April 15, 2017 with roots in Mangatarem, under Seymour Liphin. He did at 7:30 p.m. at the Cerritos Cen- Pangasinan; Sheila Tejada, further studies at Raz, Austria ter for Performing Arts, Sierra also from Mangatarem; and and earned a Master’s Degree in Resort, and California. Samantha Murray, whose father music major in Piano Perfor- Lino F. Caringal, Jr., Presi- is from San Carlos City. mance at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. His solo concerts feature a rich and var- ied repertoire of classical and contemporary pieces in piano literature. For inquiries, please get in touch with: Dan Dino – Tel. 562-508-8099; Lino F. Car- ingal, Jr. - Tel. 714-609-2642; Eddie Ferrer – Tel. 714-761- 1597; Felix Lopez – Tel. 562- 402-1737; Neil Estrada – Tel. 562-301-9972; Bong Soriano – Tel. 909-851-1493; and Erol Mendoza – Tel. 818-583-771.

Be a part of our community ! Call us at 650-278-0692 so we can cover your events or visit www.filamstar. com B4 FilAm Star Mar. 16 - 22, 2017 legal & law Know your rights: If ICE comes to your work place (employee) Proposed White House order would track ATTY. CRISPIN CADAY LOZANO undocumented residents via census A draft executive order currently under tion may be used against them or family members The Ameri- consideration by the White House would – for – decide not to participate in the census.” can Immigration 6. Do not show any false documents and do the first time – mandate census workers to ask The impact of an undercount could be espe- Lawyers Association not lie. respondents about their immigration status. cially ominous for fast-growing states like Texas released for public C. You have the right to speak to a lawyer. The mandate is embedded in a section of the and California, which house large numbers of information and If you are detained or taken into custody, Jan. 23 proposed order: “Protecting American undocumented immigrants, noted the Brennan sharing the listings you have the right to immediately contact Jobs and Workers by Strengthening the Integrity Center, adding that an undercount could result in of rights of every a lawyer. of Foreign Worker Visa Programs.” India-West inadequate federal resources to those states, and person in the United 1. Even if you do not have a lawyer, you may previously reported on the draft order, which disproportionate representation in Congress. States. tell the immigration officers that you want to aims to reform H-1B, L-1, and OPT programs. “By crossing a long understood line about the All people living speak to one. The proposed order mandates that the professional independence and integrity of the in the United States, 2. If you have a lawyer, you have the right Census Bureau, in collaboration with the State Bureau, President Trump would interfere with including undocu- to talk to them. If you have a signed Form G-28, Department, Commerce Department, Labor collection of an accurate Census count in 2020 mented immigrants, have certain U.S. Constitu- which shows you have a lawyer, give it to an of- Department and Homeland Security, publish a and impair public trust, local economies, and fair tional rights. If immigration officers (ICE) come ficer. report each year illustrating immigration pat- redistricting,” noted the Brennan Center. (NAM) to your work place, they must have a valid search 3. If you do not have a lawyer, ask an immi- terns, and the size of the foreign-born population warrant or the consent of your employer to enter gration officer for a list of pro bono lawyers. in the U.S. The report must also include the fiscal non-public areas. If you are undocumented and 4. You also have the right to contact your impact of foreign temporary workers on wages immigration officers come to your work place, be consulate. The consulate may be able to assist you and employment of U.S-born workers. aware of the following: in locating a lawyer. The order explicitly states that the census A. Do not panic and do not run away. If 5. You can refuse to sign any/all paperwork questionnaire must include questions on immi- you are frightened and feel like you need until you have had the opportunity to speak to a gration status and whether the respondent is a to leave, you can calmly walk toward the lawyer. U.S. citizen. exit. 6. If you choose to sign something without The Brennan Center for Justice notes that 1. If you are stopped, you may ask if you are speaking to a lawyer, be sure you understand the proposed order has “fueled concerns among free to leave. If the officer says no, do not try to exactly what the document says and means before advocates about an undercount if the nation’s im- exit the building. you sign it. migrant communities – fearful that the informa- 2. If you are questioned, you may tell them Note: This is not a legal advice and you should you want to remain silent. seek the advice of an immigration attorney for B. You have the right to remain silent. You your personal circumstances. do not need to speak to the immigration We at our Law Firm will continue to moni- Hawaii judge freezes Trump’s revamped travel ban: court authorities or answer any questions. tor this Administration’s every move and protect A federal judge in Hawaii halted President Washington state and Maryland. 1. If you are asked where you were born, and fight for our clients due process rights. We Donald Trump’s revised travel ban Wednesday, But the ruling means a nationwide freeze on or how you entered the United States, you may believe that immigrants contributed a lot to the hours before it was due to take effect, court docu- enforcement of section two of the order, ban- refuse to answer or remain silent. United States of America. ments showed. ning entry by nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, 2. If you choose to remain silent, say so out If you have immigration problems the Law US District Judge Derrick Watson ruled Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days. loud. Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a that the state of Hawaii, in its legal challenge It also halts section six, suspending the US 3. If they ask you to stand in a group ac- solution before your problem gets worse which to Trump’s executive order, had established a refugee admissions program for 120 days. cording to immigration status, you do not have could lead to deportation and family separation. strong likelihood that the ban would cause “ir- “The court declines to stay this ruling or to move, or you can move to an area that is not Crispin Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active reparable injury” if it were to go ahead. hold it in abeyance should an emergency appeal designated for a particular group. member of the State Bar of California, the Ameri- The court in Honolulu was the first to rule of this order be filed,” the ruling said. 4. You may show a know-your-rights card to can Immigration Lawyers Association and San on a trio of legal challenges against the ban, Trump’s administration says the travel ban an officer that explains that you will remain silent Francisco Trial Lawyers Association. He special- which targets all refugees and people from is necessary to keep extremists from entering the and wish to speak to a lawyer. izes in immigration law and personal injury. For six mainly Muslim countries. Decisions were United States. (AFP) 5. You may refuse to show identity docu- free consultation email or call (crispinlozano@ expected later Wednesday from federal courts in ments that say what country you are from. gmail.com/ 1-877-456-9266) Female celebrities take action over hacked images Volkswagen chief denies talks with Fiat Movie stars Emma Watson and Amanda Sey- “I just want to say that I have been put through BVolkswagen chief Matthias Mueller on Tuesday up with any other partner is altogether ruled out.” fried launched legal action Wednesday after private an incredibly hard and trying time,” said the 31- denied rumours that the German auto giant was in talks VW clawed its way back to profit in 2016 and pictures were stolen and posted online, while Mischa year-old actress best known for her starring role on with rival Fiat Chrysler. pulled ahead of Toyota to become the world’s biggest Barton spoke of her anguish over a leaked sex tape. the Fox series “The OC.” “At present there is no contact between me” and carmaker by unit sales, shipping 10.3 million vehicles Although the photographs of 26-year-old Reading from a prepared statement, she said Fiat Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne, Mueller told the over the year. Watson merely show her trying on outfits, the im- her worst fears were realized when she learned that company’s annual press conference in Wolfsburg, north Mueller on Tuesday confirmed the group’s forecast ages of Seyfried and Barton show them in a series of someone she had loved and trusted had been filming Germany. of “moderate” growth in sales in 2017. compromising and sexually explicit poses. her “most intimate and private moments” with hid- Marchionne had said at the Geneva car show last But the firm is far from turning the page, as it con- Watson’s publicist said her stolen pictures were den cameras. week that he was expecting Volkswagen to reach out, tinues to refit cars equipped with the cheating software taken during a fitting she had with a stylist “a couple “I came forward to fight this, not only for myself as more firms are thinking of cost-cutting tie-ups in the and faces legal action from customers and investors in of years ago,” without offering further details about but for all the women out there,” she said. “I want to vein of France’s Peugeot and German carmaker Opel. numerous countries. the circumstances of the shoot or how the images protect them from the pain and humiliation that I In response, Mueller said he “had other problems” The final bill for the scandal is impossible to pre- had ended up in the wrong hands. have had to go through.” since VW’s 2015 admission that it installed software to dict, Mueller acknowledged. “They are not nude photographs. Lawyers Barton’s lawyer, Lisa Bloom, said someone cheat regulatory emissions tests in 11 million vehicles “All we know is that this question will keep us have been instructed and we are not commenting the actress had once dated was offering the tape for worldwide. busy for a long time, several years,” he said. He nevertheless added that “I’ve never said a tie- further,” he told AFP. $500,000, adding that buyers could be prosecuted. Media reports said the pictures had been shared The images were recorded during the last year, on the so-called “dark web” -- an encrypted part of she said, refusing to identify the culprit, citing an big binder with a lot of pages charge when you die; and (3) the internet not easily accessible by users lacking ongoing police investigation. that you don’t understand, Who are the beneficiaries of specialist knowledge. The theft comes amid a spate of cases in which then you might want to have the trust (who gets what). Later on Wednesday, Amanda Seyfried’s legal female celebrities had private and potentially embar- an attorney review your trust, HELP FOR REALTORS team said it is pursuing a website that had posted rassing images leaked online, sometimes by those and explain what it says. You are ready to sell the her nude photos, the celebrity gossip portal TMZ intending to blackmail their victims. When it comes to wills and property but the seller does reported, including images of “intimate moments” Watson, who stars in Disney’s “Beauty and with her ex-boyfriend. the Beast,” due to hit US theaters on Friday, was trusts, bigger is not better. not have clear title. The Law TMZ posted what it described as a threaten- threatened on the controversial 4Chan message The longer the document is, Office of Robert L. Ferris can ing letter from the actress’s lawyer to Celeb Jihad, board in 2014 with a leak of nude images after she the greater the likelihood of help. We help realtors and demanding it immediately take down the images. had delivered a speech about gender equality. That inconsistencies, for example, their clients get clear title so It was not immediately clear if the pictures, threat turned out to be a hoax. what it states on page 7 may the property can be sold. Call which remained available on the site early afternoon Last month, a 29-year-old Chicago man was be inconsistent with what for a free 30 minute consul- Los Angeles time, were obtained in an attack linked jailed for nine months for hacking into the elec- it states on page 22. Simple tation or to schedule a brief to the Watson theft. tronic accounts of celebrities -- including Jennifer BEWARE: “THE BIG Meanwhile, Barton told a news conference on Lawrence -- on Apple’s iCloud service, and steal- and concise is what you want. presentation at your office. the outskirts of Los Angeles she was taking action to ing private information including nude videos and BINDER” You should be able to read CALL OUR OFFICE FOR Why does it take twenty- stop the potential sale of a sex tape made against her photos. your will or trust, and be able A 30 MINUTE FREE CON- will in a so-called “revenge porn” case. Dozens of stars’ photos were posted online as five, thirty, or forty pages to to understand what it says, SULTATION AT: Barton told reporters she had obtained a part of the 2014 phishing exercise, including shots say: “when I die I want my at least as far as the part that DALY CITY - (650) 488-0431 restraining order, and that cease-and-desist letters of Rihanna, Kate Upton and Kirsten Dunst. Apple property to go to my chil- states: (1) What assets are AND SAN JOSE AREA - had been sent to those believed to be trying to buy or admitted a “targeted attack,” but denied its cloud dren.” If your trust is in a in the trust; (2) Who is in (408) 560-4465 sell the images. storage system had been breached. (AFP) Worst fears realized Mar. 16 - 22, 2017 FilAm Star B5 health & Health@Heart Social life impacts health, happiness lifestyle PHILIP S. CHUA, for our emotional and physical well-being, a pow- can even psyche ourselves. I do. Our attitude and erful prescription that effectively enables each social behavior play an important role here. MD, FACS, FPCS Common gene explains why some of us to cope with the sometimes unfriendly and In a world where global peace is still a You and I are social harsh environment and social order. dream, a world beset with an economic crisis, animals. Our two-legged Attitude and social skills with terrorism, with greed and corruption, with people’s brains age faster and four-legged friends Our social skills, which are vital to our accep- energy, food and water shortage, global warm- are also “social” crea- tance as a member of a group or community, are ing and its devastating side-effects on typhoons, MIAMI, Florida — A common gene variant tures. They are usu- developed or impeded by our attitude, which, like earthquakes and flooding, a good social skills has been discovered in about one-third of the ally in pairs or in herds. social prowess, also significantly impacts our life and attitude, in the midst of all these disasters, population that may explain why some people’s Like us, humans, these and our health. Both are pre-requisites to health, are one of our best weapons against helplessness, brains age faster than others, US researchers said animals apparently also happiness and inner peace in each of us human despair and depression. They indeed impact our Wednesday. value, long for, and enjoy beings. health and life. The gene, known as TMEM106B, accelerates companionship. The loners among them usually Show me a man with an attitude and I will With all these complex problems confront- normal brain aging in older people by up to 12 do not survive long. Most obviously, social life, a show you one abandoned by his friends and ing us, we often find ourselves in the gutter of years, said the report in the journal Cell Systems. sense of belonging, a comfortable feeling of secu- scorned by strangers he irritated and riled. A hopelessness, wherefrom, Oscar Wilde suggests, The gene generally starts to affect people rity in number, a natural mental sense of commu- good attitude compliments and boosts our social we can look up at the heavens and “see the stars.” around 65, particularly in the frontal cortex, nity, is essential to health, mental and otherwise. skills and acceptability to “belong.” Indeed, a positive attitude, a happy outlook in which is responsible for higher mental processes That social nature starts the day we are born, Here are some quotes of wisdom I have life, especially these days, can help us tremen- like concentration, planning, judgment and in the arms of our mother, nurtured in the crib, come across which are inspiring philosophical dously in conquering our fears, insecurities, and creativity. and developed into a complete positive mental parachutes in life for those who, like many of dilemmas. Without total surrender, when we state through interactions with both our par- us, sometimes find themselves falling towards sometimes lose or fail, we should remind our- ents, siblings, grandparents, and friends. All this the pit of discouragement and despair. With the selves to get up and fight even harder. After all, enables us to develop lasting relationships and a proper attitude, these sage proverbs lift our spirit “defeat is not bitter unless you swallow it,” as Joe rewarding mental health, which affect and influ- by allowing us to view and accept the trials and Clark states. To this, I will add my own: “No one ence all other lives we touch. tribulations in this world in their most positive can succeed in life who does not have the courage Human beings’ capacity to live a stable and and best light. Indeed, all of us need a psychologi- to fail”; and, “The greatest risk in life is in not tak- happy life and our survival as a species heavily cal boost, an inspiration, every now and then. ing any risk at all.” depend on our social skills, attitude, and social Here are some that inspire and guide me: Someone said, “You cannot adjust the direc- behavior. Anthony J. D’Angelo, in The College Blue tion of the wind, but you can adjust your sail.” The history of man on earth shows that cave- Book, said “Wherever you go, no matter what the Very true, indeed. Simple words of wisdom that men started forming small groups, literally for weather, always bring your own sunshine.” To could make our day, if not our life. security and for survival against the harsh and quote Oscar Wilde, “If you don’t get everything But, of course, we should not simply leave unforgiving environment, and vicious attacks you want, think of the things you don’t get that everything to God. We must do our share. He from animals preying on them. That dependency you don’t want.” promises to help those who help themselves. on each other is still very evident even today, in Voltaire expressed it beautifully when he While we cannot cure the cancer of poverty in this modern, technologically advanced society of stated, “Life is like a shipwreck, but we must not our country, we, as individuals, who are more ours. Indeed, no man is an island, and a loner is, forget to sing in the lifeboats.” An ancient Persian blessed, can at least open our heart to help the comparatively, at a much graver risk of ill-health saying puts a great perspective on our daily aches homeless and the hungry, and gain that sense of and attrition. and pains in life, “I had the blues because I had satisfaction and inner peace. As I have stated a “If you look at a group of seniors, some will Like our need for proper nutrition and shel- no shoes until upon the street, I met a man who few times in the past, let us not wait for surgery to look older than their peers and some will look ter, humans also need that sense of belonging, had no feet.” And as some of us may curse some open our heart. Let our social behavior and good younger,” said co-author Asa Abeliovich, profes- within the family, among friends, in a commu- bad days we encounter and wish they never came. attitude and compassion for our fellowmen reign. sor of pathology and neurology in the Taub Insti- nity, in society, and in the world at large. This Cavett Robert offers these poignant words: “If As I live my life each day, I remind myself tute for Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain support-group structures and interactions, emo- you don’t think every day is a good day, just try of an ancient proverb that says, “To everyone is at Columbia University Medical Center. tional, recreational, even informational, are vital missing one.” given the key to heaven; the same key opens the “People who have two ‘bad’ copies of this to people’s health and life. The last one has led to Indeed, every day is a good day, although gates to hell.” It’s indeed a matter of personal gene have a frontal cortex that, by various the popularity and proliferation of social media. others are better, and others not as good. But choice. And that choice inevitably depends on biological measures, appears 12 years older that This modern-day phenomenon is a tangible testi- each day is a gift. Not waking up to another day is our attitude in life. Some people believe their fate those who have two normal copies.” mony to the value of social behavior as a natural a deadly waste, but not appreciating another day is predestined, and that they can’t do anything Researchers found the gene by analyzing ge- need of homo sapiens. as we open our eyes each morning in our journey about it. Others, inspired by good attitude and a netic data from autopsied human brain samples A lonely person, alone, without friends, is through life is a tragedy. How each of us greets positive social frame of mind, design, create, and taken from 1,904 people without any apparent doomed to be more depressed and more likely the day depends greatly on our attitude. Indeed, charter their own destiny. disease. to die of ill-health, or even kill himself/herself, attitude impacts our health, our life, and our Finally, I strongly believe that leaving this Until age 65, “everybody’s in the same boat, compared to another lonely individual who has a everyday happiness and success. A person with a world after this life is not a tragedy. Dying with- and then there’s some yet-to-be-defined stress ton of family and friends providing him/her love, chip on his shoulder, with a negative attitude or out significance, without making a difference, that kicks in,” said Abeliovich. friendship, inspiration, and moral support. pessimistic view of life, will obviously be miser- without leaving behind a good legacy as a social “If you have two good copies of the gene, you A sense of belonging keeps us, humans, con- able most of the time. And the opposite is true, as being, is. respond well to that stress. If you have two bad nected with our fellowmen, within our own circle, Annette Goodheart brilliantly points out: “Just Let’s all develop good social skills and a copies, your brain ages quickly.” our community, conferring upon our being the because you’re miserable doesn’t mean you can’t positive attitude to help us enjoy life. It’s a potent Other individual genes have been previously reward of acceptance, a gratifying inner satisfac- enjoy life.” prescription for health and happiness. found which raise the risk of neurodegenerative tion that we are “in,” and “one of them,” akin to Happiness is basically an attitude. Gaining Please visit www.philipSchua.com Email disorders, such as apolipoprotein E (APOE) for being a member of a club or a fraternity/sorority inner peace is an attitude. We have that God- scalpelpen2gmail.com Alzheimer’s disease. (AFP) or a party. This sense of belonging is fundamental given power to feel what we want to feel. And we HOROSCOPE http://www.starlightastrology.com Aries Libra (Mar. 21- April 20) (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Look into any educational activities involving Loved ones may be annoyed if they feel the whole family. Don’t push your luck with restricted. Do whatever your mate wants; it really authority figures. Be honest with yourself before doesn’t matter as long as you’re together. A getting involved with someone who is likely to quiet restful day just staying in bed or catching lead you on. Your interests could lead you down up on reading will be your best bet. Take part in avenues you never realized existed. stimulating debates that will allow you to show off Your lucky day this week will be Sunday. your intelligence. Your lucky day this week will be Friday. Taurus (Apr. 21- may 21) Scorpio Don’t evade important issues; you may find (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) yourself backed into a corner. Think twice before You may find that someone you live with may you pursue an unrealistic endeavor. The stamina be irritable; you’re best to leave them alone. Talk you possess will be apparent in your approach to to someone you trust in order to see the whole Answers to LAST WEEK’S Krosword your hobbies and creative projects. You are best picture. A long, quiet walk alone may help you sort to put your efforts into redecorating or inviting out your thoughts. Business trips will be more friends over. productive than trying to fight the red tape facing Your lucky day this week will be Thursday. you. Your lucky day this week will be Friday. KrosWord (Source: Classic Pilipino Krosword, as edited by Ramon S. Lorenzo) Gemini (May 22-June 21) Sagittarius You could lose money or precious belongings (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) PAHALANG if you aren’t careful. Positive connections can Get involved in the activities of children. They 1 Paham be made if you get involved in environmental will teach you far more than you expect. Try not 6 Inang organizations. Kick your shoes off and relax. to let relatives or friends cause any friction with 9 Illinois: daglat Don’t go overboard; start small and work toward your mate. You may exaggerate your emotional building it up slowly. situation. Your accomplishments could exceed 10 Uri ng bato Your lucky day this week will be Monday. your expectations if you mix a little business with 12 Arts and Sciences Cancer pleasure. 13 Kostumbre (June 22-July 22) Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday. 15 Namuna You can make it up to them later. The key 17 Matinding paghahangad to feeling good about yourself will be to do Capricorn 18 Bulungan something about it. You are best not to discuss (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) 19 Asawa ni Charlene your personal life with others. Family outings will Don’t make a move; your confusion has caused 21 Tatay make you feel secure and happy. this dilemma and you are best to back away and Your lucky day this week will be Friday. reassess the situation. Things at work have been 23 Welga moving quickly and you may be feeling a little 25 ___ mode Leo uncertain about the changes taking place. You need 27 Basketbolistang James (July 23-Aug 22) time to rejuvenate. Find out more, if you want to 30 Dahong medisinal Deceit with coworkers is apparent. You may be start your own business. 33 Ganansiya overreacting to a situation at hand. Relationships Your lucky day this week will be Friday. 35 Uri ng hangin will form if you get out and do things that you 36 Tapos na ang kasikatan enjoy. Your ability to do detailed work will dazzle Aquarius 37 Notang musikal those who are less creative. (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Your lucky day this week will be Monday. You have a tendency to think that no one else 38 Patugtugin ang piano will do things properly. Too many opportunities and 40 Senyas sa trapiko Virgo too many changes going on. Listen to the advice 41 Sabik (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) given by those with experience. Don’t overspend to 42 Katuturan You might want to spend some time by impress someone who interests you. yourself in order to decide exactly how you feel. Your lucky day this week will be Thursday. PABABA If you want to make your mark, try to get involved 1 Instrumentong musikal 14 Asam 31 Serbisyo sa barberya in projects that will bring you some glory. You Pisces 2 Pag-angat 16 Solo 32 Mabangong butil can expect changes in your financial situation as (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) well as in your status. Travel should be on your Delve into your work if you can’t make amends 3 Paglalagay sa katungkulan 20 Taglay 34 Damit sa gradwasyon mind. at home. Take a close look at any contracts you’ve 4 Anunsiyo 22 Sinaunang kuwento 39 Sangay ng AFP Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday. signed in order to be sure exactly where you stand. 5 Distrito 24 Tungkod ng pilay Family members will not be happy with the amount 6 Kanta ni Heber Bartolome 25 Gambala of time you are spending away from home. Changes 7 Napala 26 Pagpupol ng bunga at home might come fast and furious. 8 Nara 28 Senadora Cayetano Answers to this week’s Your lucky day this week will be Saturday. 11 Tanod 29 Balubad Krosword on NEXT WEEK’S issue B6 FilAm Star Mar. 16 - 22, 2017 entertainment Janella Salvador loses over P100K from debit card Look: Daiana Menezes spices up summer in bikini shoot Actress Jenine Desiderio Daiana Menezes returns nearly “collapsed” from her seat to the small-screen limelight after seeing the recent bank with her revenge body. statement of her daughter, teen For her ongoing hosting star Janella Salvador, having stint for GMA model reality dubious transactions involving search “Fiercest of Them All,” more than P100,000. the Brazilian model and “for- The bank statement in- eignay” flaunted some skin as cluded three debit card transac- she tours around the exquisite tions from Tokyo Disneyland beaches of the Philippines. amounting to almost P110,000, even though Salvador was not In her latest snapshots on in Japan at the time of the Instagram, Menezes tries on transactions. several swimsuit pieces as she “Ang kaduda-duda dito ay poses for the show, spicing same amount, same date, same praises from her followers. name tapos paulit-ulit ng tat- “Fiercest of Them All” long beses. In one date parang Janella Salvador features the struggles and tatlong transactions (What was (Photo: www.philstar.com) challenges of Betsy, Krisha, suspicious about it was that it Christine, Peru, Candice, Aya had the same amount, same banking as well. that people nowadays can just and Tanya, the contestants date, [and the] same name “Hindi ko alam na kahit steal a big amount of money vying for the “fiercest” model three times),” Desiderio told pala maingat ka, pwede pa lang that other people worked hard throne. Joining Menezes as ANC. mangyari yung mga bagay na for, of course,” she told the the contestants’ “guardian What made matters worse ito (I didn’t know that even if news site. angels” are Matthias Rhoads, Daiana Menezes was that Desiderio only knew you’re careful, these things can The bank made the assur- fitness trainer and model of the transaction last week ance that it would investigate (Photo: www.whosdatedwho.com) happen),” she concluded. famous for his commercials; because the bank failed to Salvador also lamented the all debit-card-related concerns, Bea Jocom, a fashion writer; punctually deliver her account incident. “I got sad when I saw including Desiderio’s.(Clarizel statements. Desiderio did not it because of, first of all, I find Abanilla / inquirer.net) and Manu Respal, a fashion enroll her daughter in online it really disappointing and sad designer whose masterpieces were spread on Vogue Italia. To surprise the contes- ‘Sunday Beauty Queen’ triumphs in Amsterdam tants, big-time international models Claudia Benavides, Gleymar Lolo, Irina Zincheko and Katarina Rumanova made appearances in the show. “I also had to take part in the challenges,” Menezes, 29, pitched about the show’s trouncing yet zesty theme to Inquirer last January. “The contest isn’t just about beauty, but also about personality.” Now feeling jubilant and hopeful after her divorce from former Cagayan de Oro Rep. Benjo Benaldo, Menezes is back on track to enhance her (Photo: www.youtube.com) acting and modeling career. She added, “I plan to learn Baby Ruth Villarama’s the lineup included films shown Manila Film Festival (MMFF). more and take workshops. I’m “Sunday Beauty Queen” bagged in Cannes, Berlin and Venice,” “I’m grateful that an MMFF grateful for these blessings, the Audience Choice Award for producer Chuck Gutierrez told the entry can win the hearts of the Best Documentary at the 10th Inquirer. Dutch as much as it did back after everything I have been CinemAsia film festival in the The docu, which follows Filipi- home,” Villarama said. “This through. I’m working again, Netherlands. no domestic helpers in Hong Kong, proves there’s an audience for and meeting a lot of new “It’s a big deal for us because won best picture at the 2016 Metro docus.” (inquirer.net) people.” (inquirer.net) Mar. 16 - 22, 2017 FilAm Star B7 entertainment Piolo on fatherhood movie ‘Northern Lights’: What ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ champ Noven Belleza can’t wait to do ‘It happened to me in real life’ It’s his day today,” said “After his performance, I status—as a young farmer—to singer-composer and “Tawag ng already knew it would be him. I deter his ambition to be recog- Piolo Pascual’s latest movie Tanghalan” juror Ogie Alcasid myself wasn’t too pleased with nized on a bigger stage versus offering from Star Cinema, of Noven Belleza from Negros what I did onstage. I got rattled equally outstanding rivals,” “Northern Lights: A Journey to Occidental—the singing con- and forgot some of the lyrics,” Marañon said. Love”, is not just an ordinary test’s grand champion. said the singer from Camarines Belleza told the Inquirer project for Piolo Pascual, as this Ogie pointed out that the Sur. that he would like to thank father and son movie hits close other finalists, namely Pauline Sam said he was excited everyone who voted for him, to home. Agupitan, Froilan Canlas, Mari- about the possibility of working especially the people of Negros In the blog con for the elle Montellano, Sam Mangubat with singer Yeng Constantino, Occidental and Victorias. He movie last March 14, the actor and Carlmalone Montecillo, who had promised to write a said it was God who put him wholeheartedly admitted that “were all exceptional singers, song for him. The contestant where he was today. the film’s plot is reminiscent but Noven was genuinely liked.” from Batangas said he also Belleza is a graduate of the of his real life experience as a “You would sense that hoped to collaborate with his Doña Andrea Palanca Elemen- father. each finalist had his/her own other idols, Ogie and Gary tary School and Victorias Na- Piolo plays Charlie, a young supporters, but when it was Valenciano. tional High School in Victorias. man who flew to Alaska, leaving Noven’s turn to perform his Singer-composer Rey After studying for one his pregnant girlfriend in the final number, everyone cheered Valera, who served as head of semester at the Central Philip- Philippines. He, however, prom- for him,” Ogie told the Inquirer the jurors, said he was pleased pines State University-Vic- ised to return, but just as he shortly after the awards show. that Noven sang his hit song, torias, he quit school at 15 to did, he was slapped with news “I can’t wait to go home,” “Malayo Pa ang Umaga,” during help his father plow the field at that the mother of his kid was 22-year-old Noven exclaimed the elimination round. Hacienda Salome 2 in Barangay already in a relationship with when asked what his plans were “I’m sure his version will 10, Victorias, which is owned by another man. The boy was then after the competition. “I want be a hit. He reminds me of the Joemarie Garcia. sent to live with him in Alaska, to celebrate my victory with young Rey Valera,” he pointed He said he would use his but because the father and son my kababayan in Negros. Their only knew each other for the first time, both had to endure support is the reason I made it the repercussions of accepting this far.” each other into their lives. Noven garnered a score The 40-year-old hunk said of 99.96 percent, which was a it was easier for him to act in the combination of points given by scenes, as he himself endured the judges and text votes from similar experiences. TV viewers and the audience “Napagdaanan ko kasi yun present during the “Huling eh, that’s why it was easier for Tapatan” (grand finals) at the me to act because alam ko ‘yung Newport Performing Arts The- ga’nong emotion, ‘yung feeling ater on Saturday afternoon. na hindi mo alam kung pa’no ka Sam Mangubat, who (Photo: www.archipelagofiles.com) magiging tatay sa harap ng anak dished out songs popularized by mo,” he said. (when I came back, he was al- looks like me.”) American singer Bruno Mars, (I went through that, that’s ready here, I wasn’t here) when Even at the risk of jeopar- was a far second with a score of why it was easier for me to act he was born. It was hard for me dizing his stardom, Piolo did 49.9 percent. In third place was Froilan Canlas, who performed because I know the emotion, the as well,” he said. not hesitate to give his son due (Photo: www.egrantz.wordpress.com) feeling of not knowing how to be Like any first-time father recognition. some original Filipino songs, a father to your kid.) who did not know his child from “It wasn’t hard for me. Hin- with 45.78 percent. out, adding that “Noven’s prize money to help his parents Finally meeting his son in birth, he also went through a di mo pwedeng ipagkait sa bata Noven, who performed a performance was very honest. and seven other younger sib- real life roller coaster of emotions. ‘yung karapatan na magkaron medley of Air Supply songs, That’s why he was well-loved.” lings. He admits that there were “Mahirap po talaga eh, it’s ng magulang. Hindi ko inisip said the Australian pop duo had Noven also bagged a cash Belleza said he was a fan some scenes in the movie that beyond words, hindi ko siya ‘yung mangyayari sa buhay ko, always been one of his musical prize of P2 million, a house and of “It’s Showtime” and watched almost exactly mirrored some mai-explain, mixed emotions, sa career ko (You can’t deprive a influences. “I’ve been singing lot, a musical instrument pack- “Tawag ng Tanghalan” on TV. events in his life. He likewise wala kasing lukso ng dugo eh, child of his right to have a par- their songs since I was young. I age and a talent management Victorias Mayor Francis did not end up with the mother then down the line, there’s this ent. I did not think about what know all of them by heart,” he contract with ABS-CBN. His Palanaca footed the bill so he of his son and only knew of him one day I realized, kamukha ko will happen to my life or career), told the Inquirer. “And I also father, Reynaldo, and aunt Luz could go to Manila and audition when they were introduced to talaga ‘yung anak ko,” he said. I just had to give him that right, had goose bumps when I heard were present during the finals. for the contest. each other. (It’s really hard. It was to have a father,” he said. Sam and Froilan perform their Meanwhile, Negros Oc- “Tawag ng Tanghalan” is a His son is 19-year-old beyond words, I could not even “Northern Lights” will finale numbers.” cidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon segment on the noontime vari- singer-actor Iñigo Pascual. explain, I felt mixed emotions, be showing on March 29 in Froilan, on the other hand, Jr. said Noven’s success story ety program, “It’s Showtime.” “I came from the States. there was no leap of blood. Then cinemas nationwide. (Clarizel said he was genuinely happy was one worth emulating. (Marinel R. Cruz / inquirer. Nung dumating ako, nandito down the line there’s this one Abanilla / inquirer.net) that Noven was eventually “Noven pursued his lifelong net) na ‘yung anak ko, wala ako dito day I realized, “My son really declared the champion. dream and did not allow his B8 FilAm Star Mar. 16 - 22, 2017 california & & beyond VistaLand: Not just a real estate sell By Elpidio R. Estioko MILPITAS -- With the sustained above-6-percent economic growth rate of the Philippines in 2016, the country will no longer be labeled as the Sick Man of Asia but the fastest growing economy in Asia at A projected 6.8 per cent growth rate. This was the gist of the presentation of Karl Tabucal, vice-president for International Marketing of Vista Land at Max’s in Season’s Market last March 13. Vista Land country manager Karl According to Tabucal, the Tabukal country’s improved economy is due to four major developments. The first reason is due to controlled inflation in 2015 going to 1.8 percent inflation rate. Next is the bullish infra-structure development implemented by the government. The government has a total budget of PHP 890.9B this year. The third is remittances from abroad which reached $26.9B in 2016 vs. $25.81 in 2015, with a gross rate of 4.3 percent. Of these, about PHP 463B was received from the U.S. (the highest) with Saudi Arabia a far second. There was also the increase in tourist arrivals at 5.9M in 2016 vs. 5.4 M in 2015 – a 10 percent growth rate. Koreans had the most Vista Land promoter Beth Reyes tourist arrivals, then the U.S., China, and Japan in that order. (middle) and Real Estate broker Of course, Tabucal said, the fourth factor is the energized real Gabe Gancayco (right) with Karl estate industry. With the present population of 105M and a growth Tabucal (left) rate of two percent each year, real estate will surely be a big factor in

the improved economy, Tabucal added. Vista Land, Tabucal said, is not only interested in selling their properties but is continuing their advocacy of pushing the economy as a government partner. They have total assets of $3B (PHP 150B) with Manuel Villar as the chairman of the board. Vallejo Vista Land group headed by Dolly Escobar (standing middle) Their projects geared towards the American market include their investment series in the central business districts designed to meet international standards; vacation home series principally in Boracay capturing the PHP 68B tourist investments in Boracay in 2015; and their signature homes catering to the higher income people. Announcing the grand opening of Vista Land International Mar- keting, Inc. in Southern Cali- fornia on April 1. For more info, please call 408-533-3998