IMMIGRATION GUIDE PHILIPPINE NEWS MAINLAND NEWS inside look Can Alien Fighting 7 Palace Ponders 12 Pinoy Nurses Sue 13 DEC. 11, 2010 Corruption Get Next Step, Vows California Hospital Asylum? to Go After Corrupt Over English-Only Rule

H AWAII’ S O NLY W EEKLY F ILIPINO - A MERICAN N EWSPAPER MELTDOWN 2011: UNSTABLE MARKETS AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU By Danny DE GRACIA II erhaps the most concerning development for the health of America’s economy and its dollar went largely unreported during the Thanksgiving week: China P and Russia officially announced that they would no longer use the U.S. dol- lar for bilateral trade between their two countries. With the Federal Reserve set to purchase $600 billion in Treasuries in early 2011, the national debt barreling to- wards $20 trillion dollars and interest on the debt already at $414 billion dollars a year, the news that China and Russia are shying from our currency means only one thing: the dollar is dying from too much government spending, and with it, America’s future. AN “UNSUSTAINABLE value by foreign holders of dollars. nese, the massive increase in Amer- PATH” China, which holds as of September ica’s spending as well as their pub- Since the dollar has not been 2010 some $883.5 billion in U.S. lic debt has not only negatively backed by gold for almost four Treasury securities is the largest impacted prices in their own econ- China, which held $938.3 billion in In June of this year, Federal decades, the present value of holder of dollars and is, in effect, the omy, but has many in their country September 2009 has quietly Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke America’s currency is based en- creditor that has given legitimacy to wondering whether or not the United dumped upwards of $54 billion in testified before the House Com- tirely on a “floating exchange America’s continued government States has the ability to pay off its securities and is slowly reducing its mittee on Budget and warned rate” or said simply, perception of spending. Unfortunately for the Chi- debt to foreign holders of the dollar. holdings of dollars. (continued on page 4) Pasko sa FilCom to Kapolei City Lights Marks Raffle Round-Trip 10th Anniversary Tickets to Philippines By HFC Staff ames, food booths, employee tree displays and holiday lights will be the focus of this Christmas By HFC Staff G Season as Mayor Peter Carlisle kicks off the wo free round trip tickets to the Philip- 10th annual Kapolei City Lights Celebration on Sun- pines will be among many give-away day, December 11, 2010. T prizes during the upcoming Pasko sa The public is invited to the free event, which also FilCom on December 12, 2010 from 11 am includes a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, West to 7 pm at the Filipino Community Center. Oahu Electric Light Parade and much more. The tickets are courtesy of Everlast- The festivities begin at 5 p.m. with food booths, ing Travel and Diplomat Tours & Travel. In free keiki games and entertainment on Uluohia Street keeping with the Christmas spirit, atten- fronting Kapolei Hale. The parade begins at 6 pm., dees are being asked to bring canned and the mayor and first lady will illuminate the tree at goods, bags of rice or toys which will be 7:45 pm. A stunning fireworks display will commence donated to the Hawaii Food Bank. (continued on page 5) This year’s Pasko sa FilCom will high- folks, kababayan and even non-Filipinos. HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE light traditional and contemporary Philip- A host of community organizations PRESORTED 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. STANDARD pine Christmas celebrations, and feature are sponsoring the event including the U.S. POSTAGE WAIPAHU, HI 96797 PAID eight-hours of merriment, food, games, Congress of Visayan Organizations, Fil- HONOLULU, HI caroling and cultural encounters. Free and ipino American Historical Society of PERMIT NO. 9661 open to the public, Pasko will also offer a Hawaii, Filipino American League of En- string of delightful activities for the young gineers & Architects, Filipino Association and young at heart, immigrant and local (continued on page 5) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 2 EDITORIAL DECEMBER 11, 2010 Love, Life and the Christmas Season n the fifth floor at Pali Momi Hospital, centered eye- simply put, are not guaranteed to have the same level between two elevators rests an inspiring family and friends around us. So what we hope to O quote of author Helen Keller who was deaf and achieve whether or not we’re mindful of this and blind by age 19 after contracting scarlet fever. The quo- every holiday season, is as what Keller described, tation, framed as a gift to the hospital staff from a former capturing moments of indescribable beauty that patient, reads: “The best and most beautiful things in the we can remember and happiness that we can feel world cannot be seen nor touched, but are felt in the deep in our hearts before they slip away to heart.” Immediately, when you exit the elevator, walk change. through the wide halls, catch glimpses of frightened pa- For the greater part of the year, many of us tients embraced by tearful loved ones, hear whispered switch on to autopilot in carrying out the responsibil- prayers and muted laughs floating from the recovery ities of every day life. We miss out on the people and rooms, the Keller quotation begins to take on a different places we travel with. Perhaps how we perceive our meaning. In any other environment, that same quotation surroundings, how we treat each other and even would simply remain at the intellectual surface—a brief time itself during the Holiday Season, could be ex- “ah-ha” moment at best. At a hospital, those same words panded through the rest of the year. Last October, it have texture, warmly brushing at the heart if you pay at- took a near-tragic event to inspire the world to live a tention to the surroundings and what’s really going on. more magical and inspiring life. The rescue of 33 Perhaps what makes the Holiday Season so spe- miners trapped nearly a half-mile below the ground cial is this heightened awareness all around us when we are faced with for more than two months in northern Chile gripped the attention of almost the painful experience of visiting someone dear to us in the hospital. everyone because of one very powerful universal message—live and love Time slows down and we cherish the present knowing how valuable and like today could be your last. Mario Sepulveda, one of the rescued miners quickly the Christmas Season starts and ends, as does life. We also rec- said: “I buried 40 years of my life down there (his old way of living). I’m going ognize the power of finality and change. Surely another holiday season to live a lot longer to be a new person. I have learned a lot of wonderful les- will come for most of us, we think to ourselves…but deep down inside sons about taking the good path in life. For those of you able to, call your we know that each Christmas or for that matter the rest of the year, will wives, or your husbands (or children), do so.” not be the same. Cycles of birth, aging, graduation, separation, mar- Another year is coming to an end and the holiday season has already riage, or even tragedies of divorce, death and illness are inevitable as we begun. Let us cherish each moment and our loved ones as if time mat- grow older. Parents pass on…children grow up. Dinner tables each year, tered, because it really does.

Among the consequences of this problem are periodic outbreaks of A Basic Lack cholera in Metro Manila and other parts of the country. Water-borne dis- ealth is wealth; millions of Filipinos are lacking in both. Wealth cre- eases also remain among the causes of child mortality in this country. Law- ation is an arduous task. It will take time before even the most well- makers said the country could achieve only 82 percent of the Millennium H intentioned government can give the majority of Filipinos a decent Development Goals on water supply by 2015. income. But the Aquino administration can provide more quickly the next Water supply is a problem even in Metro Manila, where millions of res- best thing: decent universal health care. idents are still waiting for their communities to be covered by the water con- It starts with the most basic requirement for human survival: clean cessionaires. Experts have warned that ground water extraction in these water. A party-list lawmaker estimates that some 17 million Filipinos lack areas is weakening soil foundations and could one day result in a grievous access to clean water while a fourth of the population does not have sani- disaster. Ground water supply is also being depleted fast, experts warned, tation facilities in individual dwellings. so the water concessionaires must speed up efforts to achieve 100 percent Experts have said good health can be promoted through proper personal coverage in their respective service areas. hygiene and sanitation. Merely washing hands regularly could protect people, Outside Metro Manila, the government must boost efforts to provide uni- particularly children, from disease-causing organisms. But even in several versal access to safe water and proper sanitation facilities. The initial in- public schools, there is no water for washing hands and flushing toilets. Many vestment in the necessary infrastructure could be substantial, but the pupils in these schools live in areas where water is drawn from neighborhood long-term advantages in improved public health will more than offset the artesian wells and where lavatories are often communal outhouses. cost. (www.philstar.com)

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

The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published weekly by the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. It is mailed directly to subscribers and distributed at various outlets around Oahu and the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertising deadlines are three weeks prior to publication date. Subscriptions are available at $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor islands, continental U.S. $85, foreign country $95. Copyright 2007-2010. The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Telephone: (808) 678-8930. Facsimile: (808) 678-1829. E-mail: [email protected]. Opinions expressed by the columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle management. Reproduction of the contents in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the management. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION DECEMBER 11, 2010 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 3 The Office of Sports Development onship, the International Billfish triathlon? It has been described and after the show, giving our state out of historic Lahaina Harbor on Tournament, and a couple of as the Super Bowl, Wimbledon, great publicity. Maui, riders on the America II can dozen others. Charter boat skip- World Series, World Cup, and Tour The Sony Open also brings enjoy the exhilarating feel of the re- pers can accommodate fishermen de France all rolled into one. great recognition to Hawaii. Held freshing ocean spray and cool from out of state who want to reel For those super-fit who want in January each year, the contest breezes as it speeds through the it in with the best of them. Hawaii to experience the thrill of doing a brings 144 of the world's greatest channels among Maui, Lanai, and is one of the ultimate surfing spots triathlon but can't train full-time, golfers to the Waialae Country Molokai, courtesy of our tropical by Senator Will ESPERO on the big, blue planet, made fa- Oahu offers the Tinman Triathlon, Club. Event hosts estimate that tradewinds. Diving companies can mous not just by virtue of awe- which hosts 1,200 athletes each the golf tournament is watched in also offer year-round escapades he Twenty-sixth Legislature some curls on the North Shore, but summer on Oahu. For the adven- over 450 million homes in more into our warm, blue seas for a with all of its newly elected also by the Beach Boys long ago turous, there's the Kilauea Volcano than 200 countries, and that it con- close-up view of Hawaii's colorful, T and re-elected officials, will and many surf films since then. Marathon with its lava terrain in tributes approximately $100 million unique fish and sea creatures. open on the third Wednesday in Next week's world-famous sections interspersed with the Big in marketing and economic impact Hawaii is a natural for skydiving January 2011. With the economy Honolulu Marathon is a prime ex- Island's lovely forests and grueling to Hawaii. As one of the most and parasailing, with our glorious as a key concern, one of the ideas ample of how much of an eco- slopes. The "Marathon and Be- global events on the PGA Tour mountain ranges and nearby blue I have for stimulating it is through nomic impact large sporting events yond" website puts the Kilauea schedule, the international talent seas. creating an Office of Sports Devel- can have. About three-fourths of Volcano Marathon as its choice for combined with the spectacular How about indoor sports such opment. The objective of the Office the roughly 20,000 runners each 10th best among marathons be- beauty of Hawaii's golf courses at- as billiards, badminton, or ping of Sports Development would be to year are from out-of-state. That's cause of the Big Island's exotic tracts visitors to our islands. pong? Let's not forget youth sports attract and promote sporting events a lot of visitors staying in our hotel scenery. Here's a description Whether they come to watch the such as the AYSO, Pony League, here in the islands, from amateur rooms, eating at our restaurants, that's hard for athletic tourists to tournament in person or at a later Little League, Broncos, Diamond youth sports to professional, big shopping for souvenirs, and going resist: "a race in a remote wilder- time on vacation, we are happy to softball, volleyball, basketball, or stakes competitions. sightseeing. Event promoters say ness area that is one of the more have them enjoy our islands and tennis. With year-round beach Sports is big money and it can that each year the marathon gen- scenic in the country….the desert spend their money here. weather, wouldn’t it be great if the bring healthy capital here into our erates roughly $100 million in total surrounding the volcano…climbs Our non-profit sector can ben- US Olympic Beach Volleyball team islands. When sports events come sales. It boasts one of the highest to the summit through the rain for- efit as well as the commercial sec- could train here? here, we benefit in many ways – participation numbers in est….[where] you are soothed by tor. Funds raised by the Sony The athletic competitions that publicity, increased hotel occu- marathons in the U.S. wild orchids, wild ginger, and huge Open provide funding for more than are already held here have infused pancy, direct spending on meals, Kailua-Kona's Ironman World palms." a hundred charitable organizations millions of dollars into our local goods, and services, as well as Championship on the Big Island is The global publicity from who receive a share of the $1 mil- businesses. The potential eco- charitable fundraising. thought by some to be the most sports events is extremely valu- lion raised annually. nomic boost of hosting even more Hawaii is ideal because of its exciting triathlete competition in able. The Aloha Stadium has Hawaii's entrepreneurs also sporting events looks promising, year-round warm climate, sunny the world. Viewed as the defining played host to the Pro Bowl for 30 get a share of tourism spending. and I think Hawaii is best served by weather, range of terrain, and calm race for the sport, tens of thou- years, and after this year's hiatus, Former America's Cup challenger actively attracting this sector. I waters. We don't have to invest sands vie for a prized spot in any returns to Hawaii in 2011 and the America II, offers three sails hope that as the bill to create the huge sums into infrastructure. The of the qualifying events around the 2012. The stands are full of fans, daily to those who want to experi- Office of Sports Development amiable Pacific waters that sur- globe. Of this elite group, only the as are the hotels and rented cars, ence the thrill of riding on an actual moves through the Legislature, you round our islands have previously top 1,800 vie for the title. The Iron- who watch the best of the best of championship contender. Sailing will join me in supporting it. hosted training for the America's man challenge includes a 2.4-mile professional football stars. The Cup yacht race. Among the fishing swim, followed by a 112-mile bike worldwide TV viewing audience HAWAII-FILIPINO tournaments in Hawaii are the course, finished up by a 26.2-mile gets to see scenic shots of our World Cup Blue Marlin Champi- run. How prestigious is Hawaii's state before, in-between plays, NEWS Kapolei Chorale to Perform Christmas Concert at Kapolei Library THE KAPOLEI CHORALE WILL PRESENT A FREE CHRISTMAS CON- CERT at Kapolei Public Library on Saturday, De- cember 11, 2010 at 10:30 am. Under the direction of founder Doris Sadako Dudley, the Kapolei Chorale will perform a The Kapolei Chorale variety of holiday season favorites for the entire family. In addition to participating in many Chorale members are comprised choral festivals, the Chorale has of men and women from every performed at Washington Place, major ethnic group in Hawaii who Sunset on the Beach in Maili, the sing primarily four-part harmony Perry and Price Show, the Maui and feature talented soloists. Arts & Cultural Center and other The Kapolei Chorale’s vast venues. repertoire includes classical, The Friends of the Library is Broadway, folk and contemporary sponsoring this 45-minute pro- songs sung in the English, Hawai- gram. Please call the library at ian, Latin and Filipino languages. 693-7050 for more details. HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 4 HEADLINES (CONT.) DECEMBER 11, 2010

(cont. from page 1; MELTDOWN ... ) they will not be willing to sustain our ruin.” Remias went on to say that tion that was suggested by House Silver has likewise seen massive Congress that “Our nation’s fiscal other unsustainable spending for- “we will have to make major spend- leaders as a means to balance the gains as investors flock to precious position has deteriorated apprecia- ever. If America does not pay down ing cuts sooner or later, and it would budget was to “clone” the Federal metals to preserve their wealth bly since the onset of the financial its debts and reduce its $3.5 trillion be better to make them sooner, be- Reserve at the local level by creat- amidst a devaluing dollar and an crisis and the recession” and went dollar a year spending, the Chinese fore we accumulate even more ing a state bank which could use imploding economy: in January on to say that “the federal budget will completely dump the dollar, re- debt.” loans as a means to pay for unlim- 2005, silver was $7; today it is appears to be on an unsustainable sulting in a massive international Most Hawaii residents may not ited spending and interest off loans $26.66 an ounce. Many experts be- path. A variety of projections that ex- sell-off of our currency and major be aware of the fact that govern- to plug holes in the state budget. lieve that as the Federal Reserve’s trapolate current policies and make devaluation which will bring im- ment spending needs to be cut both House Concurrent Resolution 200 hot money policy continues, gold plausible assumptions about the fu- mense hardship upon the average at the Federal level and the local which was heard during the first will go as high as $5,000 an ounce ture evolution of the economy show citizen. level, because the more Hawaii regular session of 2010 was the and silver to $200 an ounce. In the a structural budget gap that is both spends, the more Washington Legislature’s first step towards that event of a dollar panic, markets large relative to the size of the econ- BIG DECISIONS TO BE spends and the more the Federal direction, but was stopped by the dumping dollars in favor for gold omy and increasing over time.” MADE TO KEEP IT ALL Reserve prints to cover both Wash- Senate. The idea to create a state and silver could cause prices to Bernanke’s announcement was the TOGETHER ington and Honolulu. In Hawaii, a owned bank, however, is extremely drive to stellar highs. clearest indication that the U.S. gov- Lyndon Remias, who is the significant portion of the state dangerous for the same reasons Gold and silver aren’t the only ernment is headed for sovereign de- first-ever Filipino to ever be ap- budget is balanced through the infu- that the Federal Reserve has cre- commodities that are increasing in fault if things did not change – but in pointed to the position of City Audi- sion of Federal funds. Over the last ated a crisis for the nation: frac- price – food, energy and other com- early November, the Federal Re- tor by the Virginia Beach City two years, Federal funding ac- tional reserve banking, or printing modities see increased prices as a serve made the decision to aggra- Council tells Hawaii Filipinos that he counted for $3.4 billion dollars. Next money out of thin air backed by result of the fiscal instability. For the vate the existing crisis with its “QE2” believes that major budget reforms year, it is forecasted that the Federal nothing on the expectation of cre- average person, this means that or second round of quantitative eas- must be made at once in order to government will provide 15% of ating wealth only creates inflation the little money that they already ing in which it would inject more dol- prevent catastrophe and to ensure Hawaii’s $11.3+ billion dollar state and debt that potentially cannot be keep after taxes will buy less and lars backed by nothing as part of a fiscal stability for the future of Amer- budget – and with another looming paid off, resulting in the possibility less with each passing day. risky strategy to get bearish in- icans. state budget shortfall, even with of a default that would require a vestors to put more money into the “At the Federal level spending possible tax increases Hawaii might bailout. THE PHILIPPINE PESO TO stock market. is soaring and government debt is be in a position to require an emer- “It’s the most ridiculous idea BE WORTH MORE THAN China, whose currency, the piling up at more than a trillion dol- gency bailout from Washington just I’ve ever heard of,” Rep. Pine said, THE DOLLAR? renminbi is pegged to the dollar, saw lars a year,” Remias says. “Official to keep the lights on. speaking of the possibility of a state Hawaii’s Filipinos who transmit the average cost of food increase by projections show rivers of red ink for State representative and owned bank. “Right now whenever money to families in the Philippines 10% this year alone. The fiscal irre- years to come unless policymakers House Republican Floor Leader you have a government project may have noticed that recently, sponsibility and wanton printing of enact major budget reforms. Unless Kymberly Marcos Pine likewise be- here in Hawaii you have to factor in even the peso has gained signifi- dollars in America has deeply trou- spending is cut, the United States is lieves that spending is getting out of an additional 20% just for waste cantly against the U.S. dollar as a bled the Chinese government and headed down the road to economic control and that it greatly endangers and mismanagement, and now we result of the dollar’s debasement. the livelihood of the average citizen want to apply those same manage- In December 2004, one dollar and the long-term stability of both ment skills to banking? I don’t think traded for 56 pesos. Today, it trades our state and nation. that our state leaders have proven for 44.25 pesos. This trend is likely “When you have people starv- from their past track record that to accelerate as Bloomberg News ing and not having enough money they have the ability to run a bank.” reported last week that JP Morgan to cover expenses and the chair and Wes Benedict, executive di- Chase analysts now believe that in vice chair of the House Finance rector of the Libertarian Party be- 2011 the U.S. dollar will begin a committee advocating for multimil- lieves that big banks and course towards becoming “the lion dollar turf deals balanced on the government have teamed up to put world’s weakest currency.” The end backs of the average citizen, it taxpayers on the hook for risky of America and its dollar is now well shows you their real intent,” Rep. business. within view, and it is highly possible Pine said, speaking of the Hawaii “Miniature crises are always that that the Philippine peso may State Legislature. made worse when the government one day outpurchase the dollar. Senator Suzanne Chun Oak- decides to throw good money after Honolulu City Councilman land who chairs the powerful Sen- bad. Politicians and bankers swin- Gary Okino, whose term ends this ate Human Services committee dled the public with the false year and also chairs the Oahu Met- and represents a significant Filipino metaphor that free market forces ropolitan Planning Organization, population in Kalihi believes that were driving our economy off a cliff. believes that the local economy will there will be budget difficulties, but It was government backing of risky be hurt significantly by inflation. is confident that a solution can still investments followed by wasteful “The impact that really bothers me be found. “There will be huge fiscal stimulus spending that drug our is that a lot of people will not be challenges, but nothing that we economy downhill.” able to afford living. It’s going to cannot overcome if we, the people When asked about the grow- make things difficult for people to of Hawaii work together as a com- ing national debt, Benedict warned have even a minimum quality of munity. The state, in partnership that “The debt represents seniors life,” Okino says. “It will cause a with its citizens is working hard to living off the backs of younger gen- new level of homelessness fulfill its responsibilities in helping erations. At some point, younger throughout the state and an eco- families and individuals, who find generations will have to pull the nomic experience very different themselves in very difficult circum- plug on seniors – otherwise the en- than what we are used to and very stances. Whether it is being unem- tire system will collapse.” terrible on people’s lives.” ployed or underemployed or having Okino also feels that the eco- no health insurance coverage, COMMODITIES nomic crisis will also have a nega- Hawaii’s people and our govern- SKYROCKETING FROM tive spiritual effect. “Poverty is one ment have stepped up to the plate FISCAL INSTABILITY of the things that takes people away to care for each other. We have Meanwhile, as government from faith in God because they will many opportunities and creative spending continues to drive higher be so busy focusing on survival,” he solutions that must be explored to debts and more intervention by the warns. “I believe that one of the meet the goals of supporting those Federal Reserve, commodities strategies used by the devil is to who are most vulnerable in our have skyrocketed in price. Since cause economic famines to distract state, while at the same time mak- 2005 the price of gold has in- people away from faith in God.” ing sure that our taxpayer dollars creased by $882 dollars – a 178% Could America see an eco- are used wisely and strategically.” change – and is as of the writing of nomic meltdown in 2011? It’s defi- At the State Capitol, one op- this article $1,363.17 per ounce. nitely a possibility to prepare for. HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION DECEMBER 11, 2010 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS 5 Abercrombie Releases Funds Volunteers Needed for for Community Programs, End Bicol Medical Mission • $1.5 million to Healthy Start Teacher Furloughs program • $3 million for Kupuna Care IN HIS FIRST ACTION AS THE program STATE’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE, • $2 million for QUEST health Gov. Neil Abercrombie released care payments to restore adult TITANS USA FOUNDATION funds to end Furlough Fridays for dental care MEMBERS OF TITANS USA and other contributions are greatly Hawaii’s schools and to maintain • $1.5 million for development FOUNDATION AND THE appreciated.” jobs and services provided by com- disabilities Medicaid waiver BICOL CLUB OF HAWAII are Titans USA is a non-profit munity programs. program gearing up for next year’s Bicol group comprised of graduate “This administration is getting • $1.5 million for mental health Medical Mission, scheduled from physicians from the University of to work right away, taking actions services January 23-25, 2011. Santo Tomas School of Medicine that reflect our values and priori- • $1.4 million for substance Volunteer physicians, nurses who are now practicing in the U.S. ties,” he said. “We want to keep abuse treatment and other medical professionals The organization is committed to people working, help the most • $1 million for homeless service will be treating the poor and needy serving the indigent population of needy in our community and invest Gov. Neil Abercrombie housing pilot program in Naga City, Nabua, Camarines the Philippines. in our children’s education.” Catholic Charities Hawaii will re- • $332,000 for Waianae District Sur and Legazpi City. Nabua, the The Bicol Club of Hawaii is a Abercrombie released $67 mil- ceive $350,000; Kapahulu Center Comprehensive Health and center of the mission, is located social, cultural and charitable or- lion from the Hurricane Relief Fund will receive $300,000; Moiliili Com- Hospital 257 miles southeast of Manila and ganization that promotes dynamic to restore 17 instructional days for munity Center will receive • $800,000 for child care subsi- has a population of 75,422 resi- and compassionate relationships the 2010-2011 school year and $150,000; and Waikiki Community dies dents. Heavier populated Naga among its members and the com- $23.7 million from the Rainy Day Center will receive $150,000. • $762,500 for domestic vio- City and Legazpi City have munity. The club also encourages Fund for community programs as Because some of the allocated lence shelters 137,810 and 179,481 residents re- Filipinos to help homeland regions appropriated by the Legislature funds may have to go through the • $600,000 for HMSA for Keiki spectively. in the Philippines in times of need. under Act 191. state procurement process, the Care “Our goal is to serve 7,000 in- Interested volunteers for the “We need to get our economy Abercrombie administration will • $550,000 for Hawaii immigrant digents in Bicolandia during our Bicol Medical Mission will be ex- moving and this is a first step,” work in collaboration with commu- health initiative program medical mission with free medical pected to pay for their own trans- Abercrombie says. “Private non- nity groups to ensure that the funds • $500,000 for meals for the eld- consultations for both adults and portation and accommodation profit organizations are employers. are deployed as quickly as possi- erly for Kupuna Care children, minor surgery and give expenses. Volunteer forms should Like all businesses, they are rely- ble. The State Department of • $500,000 for Kokua Kalihi Val- them medicines, vitamins and little be submitted by December 31, ing on government to follow Budget and Finance coordinated ley Comprehensive Family personal gifts for as much as the 2010 to J.P. Orias at 387-8297. through on its commitments.” the release of the funds. Services funding will allow,” says Dr. Charlie More details are available by con- Of the $23.7 million appropri- Other programs supported by • $300,000 for Families for Sonido, chair of the Bicol Medical tacting Orias or Dr. Sonido at 671- ated for community programs, Act 191 include: R.E.A.L. program Mission Committee. “Donations 3911. HEADLINES (CONT.)

(cont. from page 1; PASKO ... ) mittee, Philippine Consulate General of Hon- of University Women, Hawaiian Airlines, Hon- olulu, San Nicholas Goodwill Foundation, St. olulu Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce, Joseph’s Parish (Waipahu), UHM- Knights of Rizal-Hawaii Chapter, Leeward Katipunan, UHM-Timpuyog/TMI Global, Community College Philippine Studies/Su- United Filipino Council of Hawaii and the long Aral, Oahu Filipino Community Council, University of the Philippines Alumni Associa- Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Com- tion.

(cont. from page 1; KAPOLEI) at dusk. turn left onto Uluohia Street and conclude at This year’s event will feature entertain- Kapolei Hale. Approximately 25 vibrant and ment by Touch of Gold, the Royal Hawaiian uniquely-decorated vehicles will participate Band and the Ewa Elementary School Cho- in the parade. rus Group. There will also be a Friends of Christmas trees and posters will be dis- Kapolei Hale 10th Annual Christmas Coloring played for public viewing at Kapolei Hale Contest. Free juice and cookies will be pro- through January 4, 2011. Viewing will be vided by the Salvation Army. Monday through Friday from 8 am to10 pm The 40-foot tall tree in front of Kapolei and Saturday and Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m. Hale was donated by Roman and Priscilla Event admission and street parking are Tan of Kalama Valley. City employees, com- free of charge. Additional parking will be munity sponsors and local schools created available at the Kakuhihewa State Office the displays in the courtyard of Kapolei Building on Kamokila Boulevard. Hale. Kapolei City Lights is presented by The parade will proceed from the Mayor Carlisle, the employees of the City Kapolei Fairgrounds at Kealanani Avenue to and County of Honolulu and the Friends of Farrington Highway to Kamokila Boulevard, Kapolei Hale. HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 6 FEATURE DECEMBER 11, 2010 Rags2Riches: Doing Business While Doing Good navides-Bulan and Memey Men- tion designed to continuously pro- by Gregory Bren GARCIA doza from Life Directions, a peer vide opportunities for the Payatas counselling organization, to pro- women. A few months after that, ayatas in Quezon City is infa- pose solutions to the mothers’ the volunteer-run organization be- mous for being one of the problem. came a fully functional organization P most depressed areas in At about the same time, Reese with hired employees. Metro Manila. Aside from being Fernandez, another founding part- The business has also re- home to one of the Philippines’ ner and current President of ceived numerous awards which in- largest dumpsites, it is also home Rags2Riches, also visited the rug clude the following: the Social to thousands of families, and to weavers together with colleagues Enterprise Award from the Univer- people struggling through their from her Business Innovations sity of San Francisco’s Business everyday lives doing unusual earn- Class. They too, studied how they Plan Competition in April 2008; a ing opportunities like scavenging. can introduce the women’s prod- ₤10,000 prize from the Body Shop Payatas is also home to a ucts into a larger market. Foundation in August 2008; and large group of stay-at-home moth- Fernandez, an Ateneo alum- First Prize in the Business in De- ers who try to make extra income nus, says that even prior to The Payatas women rug weavers used to be abused by unscrupulous middlemen velopment (BID) Challenge Inter- who paid them very little for the products they made. Now, the women work with by weaving rugs. In the past, the Rags2Riches, she was already in- national competition held in Rags2Riches, a revolutionary social business enterprise that’s helping both people mom-and-pop industry flourished, volved in Payatas through other so- Amsterdam, the Netherlands in and the environment. thanks to the resourcefulness of cial outreach programs organized January 2009, for which the team these mothers who utilized the by her school societies. rized into four points: people, of good opportunities,” Fernandez was also granted a €20,000 prize. scrap cloth they found around the “I started in Rags2Riches planet, profit and positive influence. explains. Rags2Riches’ Chairman of the dumpsite to make the rugs. How- when I was already in senior year The business aims to em- By the third quarter of 2007, Board Mark Ruiz was also recog- ever, when unfair trade crept into in college, during my last semester. power communities from marginal- the Rags2Riches team was able to nized as one of the their informal industry, the Payatas But what really got me involved ized sectors by creating avenues get through their early hurdles Top 10 Young Leaders of the rug weavers were soon exploited was the Business Innovations for them to build partnerships with thanks to the generosity of donors Philippines by the international by unscrupulous middlemen who Class I attended that encouraged renowned fashion designers, mar- who gave them a seed capital of foundation Asia Society in Septem- started to take control of the trade. me to think of innovative solutions keters and entrepreneurs. In addi- P100,000 ($2,200). During this ber 2008 and Fernandez herself As a result of this abuse, the moth- to social problems and market tion, even though their products are time, the team initially helped three was chosen as one of the 20 Out- ers, who could make between 8 to needs,” she recounts. for the high-end market, they make women improve the quality of their standing Social Entrepreneurs of 10 rugs a day just earned P1.00 She adds that Rags2Riches is sure that the steps involving the products which were first sold in the World for 2008 by YouthAction- (0.02 US cents) per rug, an amount really a realization of the collective production and distribution of these bazaars. The market response to Net, an international community of so miniscule one should wonder dreams of all those young profes- products are both ethical and eco- the elegant and stylish items that youth leaders. about the callousness of those who sionals and students who decided logically sustainable. they made was so remarkable that In March 2009, Rags2Riches allowed the unfair system to thrive. to confront the social ills that the Each of their products, from the pool of women weavers quickly also partnered with premiere Philip- Thankfully, the plight of the rug-weavers were being subjected wine holders to handbags, carry grew to 30 because of increasing pine bag designer Amina Aranaz- Payatas rug weavers came to the too. the signature of the mother who demand. And after just one year, Alunan and launched the RIIR by attention of people who would later made the item, making it more per- some 300 empowered Payatas Aranaz collection. The partnership establish Rags2Riches, an enter- A SOCIAL BUSINESS sonal and also empowering the women became members of started with a scholarship given by prise known today among Manila’s ENTERPRISE consumers to know the people be- Rags2Riches. the School of Fashion and the Arts fashion elite for creating high-end, The founders of Rags2Riches hind their chosen products. As the “Today, our members still do (SOFA) in Makati City. environment-friendly bags and describe their company as a “social Rags2Riches founders put it, their get to work from home and at the Notwithstanding these suc- other masterpieces made from business enterprise.” Fernandez patrons are able to “choose pur- same time, they have a neat, well- cesses, Fernandez says their or- humble scrap cloth. says a social business enterprise is pose over mere purchase.” They lit, and well-ventilated production ganization is prepared to face more It was in early 2007 when a Je- “basically a sustainable solution to hope that their success would also center wherein they can get to- challenges the future is yet to bring. suit and a group of young profes- a social problem using a business inspire and influence other busi- gether as a community. Compared “Challenges would always be sionals and students – the future model that exists to enrich the nesses to “do well by doing good.” to three years ago, the women now part of what we do even up to now. founders of Rags2Riches – visited planet and its people while earning have fair income, acknowledgment Today, the challenges are bigger the community. Brother Xavier Al- profits.” STARTING FROM SCRATCH for their work, and access to edu- and a lot more exciting. But I think pasa, SJ, who was then with the While there isn’t an exact defi- Like other businesses on a cation and better opportunities,” social entrepreneurs have a Simbahang Lingkod Bayan of the nition of what a social business en- start up, the Rags2Riches team Fernandez says. healthy appetite for challenges and Ateneo de Manila University, ini- terprise is, the business philosophy also encountered a multitude of risks,” she says. tially discussed with Angeline Be- of Rags2Riches can be summa- problems when they were just be- A DESIGNER’S TOUCH What does their team think ginning. It was during the fourth quarter about going global? “There were challenges at the of 2007 when the Rags2Riches “We plan to expand to more beginning such as gaining the trust team decided to incorporate a de- communities because of communities and figuring out signer angle to their products to Rags2Riches' potential is so how we could balance social cause make them more marketable. tremendous. We also plan to slowly with sustainability,” Fernandez “From the beginning, we knew get into the international scene by says. that if we wanted to make a lasting next year,” Fernandez shares. The team had to determine the difference, we would have to add Fernandez believes that aside best business model to help the rug more value to the products that the from the business side of the en- weavers, and this wasn’t easy, con- mothers are making,” Fernandez terprise, there is always that facet sidering how surprisingly complex says. of their work that makes them feel the community was. Co-founders Angeline Bena- good about what they are doing. “Payatas is such a huge and vides-Bulan and Timothy Agulto sat But beyond that and more impor- diverse place. Some people have down with top Philippine fashion tantly, they also realize that they decent jobs and some scavenge for designer Rajo Laurel in an informal are actually making a difference in valuable materials in the garbage dinner where they shared the other people’s lives. dump site. Most of our members group’s success story. “In the beginning, it felt really are stay-at-home mothers who had According to the team, Laurel good. It felt good to be part of experience in scavenging before immediately created elegant pieces something so meaningful and life Rags2Riches started. As rug- out of the rugs and presented pro- changing. However, one has to go weavers, they make use of their totypes the following day. It didn’t beyond the ‘good feeling’ in order free time to earn extra,” Fernandez take long before the RIIR by Rajo to make this sustainable. At the says. Laurel bag collection was born. end of the day, it is not just about Perhaps, the women’s forbear- feeling good about helping. It is ance for sacrifice was what en- FROM RAGS TO RICHES about recognizing the obvious fact couraged the unfair middlemen to In first quarter of 2008, less that we are all in one world, that exploit them in the first place. than a year after the young people our decisions affect each other, “These women are rich in talent founded Rags2Riches, the enter- and that we have a shared future,” and perseverance but are deprived prise became a for-profit corpora- she says. HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION DECEMBER 11, 2010 IMMIGRATION GUIDE 7 Can Alien Fighting Corruption Get appropriating public funds and to a ruption, he was beaten. He came to He is from Laoag City and Magsin- Asylum? Ukrainian businessman who filed the U.S. and sought asylum. The gal, Ilocos Sur. He served as an Im- court held that opposition to gov- migration Officer. He is co-author of most plausible basis for obtaining complaints opposing a government ernment corruption is an expres- “Immigration Law Service, 1st ed.” asylum for Filipinos. Up to now extortion scheme. There was even sion of political opinion and that the an 8-volume practice guide for im- most Filipinos seeking asylum a case of a Chinese factory worker alien was harmed on account of po- migration officers and lawyers. Lis- continue to play an old tune - that where the court found that she was litical opinion. Baghdasaryan v. ten to the most funny, witty, and the New People’s Army (NPA) is expressing a political opinion when Holder, 592 F.3d 1018. useful radio program in Hawaii on persecuting them for being anti- she wrote a complaint to the town by Atty. Emmanuel KNDI at 1270, AM dial every Tues- Communist. A handful has suc- government after a supervisor who (ATTY. TIPON has a Master of day at 7:30 a.m. and on KHBC at Samonte TIPON ceeded. However, most fail was also a government official Laws degree from Yale Law School 1060, AM dial every Thursday at 8 because they cannot explain why o be eligible for asylum, an raped her. and a Bachelor of Laws degree from p.m. This article is a general of all people the NPA is targeting alien must show that he is a The most recent case involved the University of the Philippines. He overview of the subject matter dis- them for their political opinion. Nei- T “refugee”. A “refugee” is a an Armenian businessman who re- practices in Hawaii, specializing in cussed and is not intended as legal ther could they provide details of person who is unable or unwilling fused to pay money to a military of- immigration law and criminal de- advice. No warranty is made by the past persecution or a well-founded to return to his or her native coun- ficer, was arrested, fined and when fense. Tel. (808) 225-2645. E-Mail: writer or publisher as to its com- fear of persecution. As the saying try, “because of persecution or a he organized other business own- [email protected]. Website: pleteness or correctness at the time goes “the devil is in the details.” well-founded fear of persecution ers to fight the officer and his cor- www.ImmigrationServicesUSA.com. of publication.) on account of race, religion, na- DENOUNCING CORRUPTION– tionality, membership in a particu- IS IT POLITICAL OPINION? lar social group, or political opinion.” INA § 101(a)(42)(A). Why don’t Filipinos try a new I am not aware of any Filipino approach – that they are being per- being persecuted because of race, secuted because they are fighting although Ilocanos are often dis- corruption in the government and criminated against for alleged try to seek asylum in the U.S. “stinginess” when in fact it is only There is disagreement among “thriftiness.” As for religion, Iglesia the authorities on whether denounc- Ni Cristo members in the olden ing government corruption consti- days were being discriminated tutes political opinion. Immigration against but now they are much authorities have generally said “no.” sought after especially during elec- However, some courts have held tions. Nationality? Filipinos have the same nationality. Membership that whistle-blowing against govern- in a particular social group? Have ment corruption is an expression of not heard of anyone in the Philip- political opinion. Thus, asylum was pines being discriminated on this granted to a Bangladesh journalist basis. “Political opinion” is the who criticized a local leader for mis- HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 8 SOCIETY PAGE DECEMBER 11, 2010 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION DECEMBER 11, 2010 PHILIPPINE NEWS 9 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 10 DECEMBER 11, 2010 OPINION OFWs Need Protection from Credit Card Abuse to only 1 percent, and penalty to another 1 per- GOTCHA cent. It also stresses that interest and penalty by Jarius BONDOC should each be only 12 percent a year, mean- ing not compounded. SC rulings are part of the mong nonfiction books, biographies are law of the land. But the BSP and its governing most favored. They tell not only about Monetary Board have not issued rules to im- A the person but also the impact on the au- plement the SC verdicts. In anyone asks them thor, the sources, and the community (or in- why, they say that the rulings are case-to-case, dustry, genre, society). An example is My Lolo, pertaining only to the litigants. It’s as if the BSP- Diosdado Macapagal, recently launched by and MB do not see that 7-percent interest and eldest granddaughter Ria Macapagal Sal- penalty a month, or 84-percent a year is, as the gado-Llanes. In it Ria, siblings and cousins re- SC says, “exorbitant, iniquitous, excessive.” count fond memories of a granddad who With such rates, OFWs and their families fall balances time for statecraft and a growing into the debt trap. family. From them readers learn the personal- OFWs are hailed as modern-day heroes ity of the ninth President, as well as the Maca- for the remittances they send home that keep pagal clan history. the economy afloat. Yet the government neg- * * * lects their financial welfare. A recent survey, re- Close to half of the reader-reactors to my ported in gulfnews.com, proves that OFWs are series on sky-high credit card charges are most prone to the debt trap. It turns out that 85 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). That’s be- percent of foreign workers in the United Arab cause their families back home buy on credit Emirates, mostly Filipinos and Indians, are and pay upon receipt of repatriated salaries. deep in debt and landing them in prison. The More than that, OFWs and kin are most vul- International Swiss Debt Management Consul- nerable to card issuers’ gimmicks. They receive tancy cites OFWs with a salary of 15,000 from the mail “pre-approved” extension cards dirham but 250,000 dirham in hock. “Especially for dependents. Restaurant and gas station Filipinos go absolutely crazy with borrowing freebies entice them to make more and more enormous amounts compared to the salary credit purchases. Unknowledgeable in credit they earn,” notes Steve Gregory, managing discipline, they spend freely even on costly partner of Holborn Asset financial advisory in nonessentials, with the breadwinner-OFWs’ Dubai. “It’s a huge mess. Individuals, even on consent to make up for absence. But what if the low salaries of 6,000 dirham, were able to get salary suddenly is delayed, or sickness befalls eight credit cards from different banks, includ- the OFW abroad or a child at home, or the ing platinum, and max them out. Gregory ana- bank statement is late? That’s when trouble be- lyzes it as partly cultural, with Filipinos willingly gins. guaranteeing one another to ease the hardship OFWs and families are not fully informed of working in a strange land. But when one fails of credit terms. Often they forget that there’s a on the payments, the guarantors suffer as well 3.5-percent monthly interest, plus another 3.5- from the banks and the police. About 120 fe- percent monthly penalty for delayed payments, male foreign workers were in jail for bouncing on top of flat fees. Card issuers do not even say checks at the time the survey was made. that such monthly rates are compounded. They If the OFW-heads of families fall into the get away with it because the regulatory Bangko debt trap, more so their kin back home. The Sentral ng Pilipinas lets them. The BSP does BSP would do well to teach them, and all the not enforce its policy of full disclosure; nor does five million or so other cardholders, credit dis- it protect cardholders against harassment by cipline. Part of it would be to spread the news collection agents. If the BSP does not tell card- about the SC decisions against usurious credit holders in the Philippines that there are charges. Another part would be to alert them Supreme Court rulings against usurious that, by the Credit Card Association of the charges, more so are OFWs left in the dark. Philippines’ own admission, good payers are The latest such SC decision was in Sep- made to subsidize the losses from bad pay- tember 2009 (see http://sc.judiciary .gov.ph/ju- ers. Yet another part would be to warn them risprudence/2009/september2 against credit issuers who practically push the 009/175490.htm). In it the high court reiterates cards into the hands of mall shoppers. past rulings limiting monthly credit card interest (www.philstar.com) PHILIPPINE NEWS House Approves Bill Reducing VAT from 12% to 6% by Jess DIAZ/ “My estimate is that additional revenues Wednesday, December 8, 2010 could amount to as much as P50 billion a MANILA, Philippines - A BILL SEEKING TO year,” he said. REDUCE THE VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) Mandanas said the incremental income from 12 to six percent was approved at the would result from the elimination of deductions House of Representatives yesterday. comprising the so-called output VAT that busi- Batangas Rep. Hermilando Mandanas, nessmen are entitled to claim under the pres- House ways and means committee chairman, ent law. said Bill 1970, which he authored, would lessen “For instance, owners of malls and su- the cost of VAT and result in additional rev- permarkets are entitled to claim 12 percent of enues for the government. (continued on page 11) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION DECEMBER 11, 2010 PHILIPPINE NEWS 11 SC: Truth Body Unconstitutional by Edu PUNAY/ “EO 1 arrogates the power of ment of Justice (DOJ). Wednesday, December 8, 2010 Congress to create government or “(The Truth Commission) is an MANILA, Philippines - CHIEF public offices, agencies and com- adventure in partisan hostility, a JUSTICE RENATO CORONA missions, thereby breaching the launching pad for trial/conviction by AND NINE OTHER SUPREME constitutionally ordained separa- publicity and a mere populist prop- COURT (SC) justices voted yes- tion of powers,” read the petition. aganda to mistakenly impress the terday to void the Truth Commis- Petitioners said the Truth people that widespread poverty will sion created to investigate alleged Commission has quasi-judicial altogether vanish if corruption is anomalies in the nine-year admin- powers, which requires a law and eliminated without even addressing istration of former President Gloria could not be given by a mere ex- the other major causes of poverty,” Macapagal-Arroyo. ecutive order. read the petition. Voting 10-5, the SC ruled that Under Administrative Code of “Prosecutorial and judicial Executive Order 1 was unconstitu- 1987, the Office of the President bodies are in place to take cog- tional for violating the equal pro- only has the power to reorganize nizance and jurisdiction over graft tection clause in singling out its administrative structure, not to and corruption complaints without reports of graft and corruption in create new bodies, petitioners inventing a Truth Commission... Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Mariano sion. Joining him were Associate the Arroyo administration. added. whose findings are only recom- del Castillo, Martin Villarama Jr., Justices Conchita Carpio-Morales, However, lawyer Ma. Victoria Petitioners said the Truth mendatory and could be rejected Jose Perez and Jose Mendoza, Antonio Eduardo Nachura and Gleoresty Guerra, acting SC public Commission duplicates, if not su- by the Ombudsman and DOJ.” who penned the ruling. Roberto Abad. information chief, said the ruling is percedes, the constitutionally Voting with Corona were As- All 10 were appointees of Ar- Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, not yet final since respondents still mandated powers of the Office of sociate Justices Presbitero Ve- royo. President Aquino’s lone appointee, have 15 days from receipt of no- the Ombudsman and the statuto- lasco Jr., Teresita Leonardo-de Senior Associate Justice An- voted with the minority. tice to file an appeal under the rily vested powers of the Depart- Castro, Arturo Brion, Diosdado tonio Carpio dissented in the deci- (www.philstar.com) Rules of Court. The SC could reverse the de- cision depending on arguments in the motion for reconsideration, she added. Guerra said once the ruling becomes final, the Truth Commis- sion chaired by former ambassa- dor Hilario Davide Jr. should be dissolved. “Whether the Court rules for or against Mrs. Arroyo, the fact re- mains that all of them – except Justice (Lourdes) Sereno – were appointed by her,” she said. “But as you can see in this de- cision, four of those who dissented were also appointees of the former president. “This means justices resolved the case based on what they feel was right and based solely on the law.” House Minority Leader Edcel Lagman and businessman Louis Biraogo filed separate petitions questioning the constitutionality of EO 1. Joining Lagman in his petition were Representatives Rodolfo Al- bano Jr. of Isabela, Simeon Datu- manong of Maguindanao, and Orlando Fua Jr. of Siquijor through lawyer Johween Atienza. In his petition filed last Aug. 12, Lagman said EO 1 violates the separation of powers of the execu- tive and legislative branches of government.

(cont. from page 10; HOUSE ... ) infrastructure cost, 12 percent of security cost and 12 percent of electricity as deductions,” he said. Mandanas said under the present VAT law, the government, in some cases, ends up incurring a debt in the form of tax credits, which businessmen apply to their tax obligations. “They are able to escape the VAT net under the present law, which allows them to pass on the tax to consumers. It is the public that pays the VAT,” he said. (www.philstar.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 12 PHILIPPINE NEWS DECEMBER 11, 2010 Palace Ponders Next Step, Vows to Go After Corrupt judges who are coming,” he said. that the decision came about be- Commission we will pursue this pol- by Aurea CALICA/ cause a majority of SC justices were icy.” Wednesday, December 8, 2010 DAVIDE: TRUTH Arroyo appointees. “In the pursuit of reforms and MANILA, Philippines - MALA- COMMISSION WILL NOT STOP “The SC based it on merits of correcting abusive people and CAÑANG IS DETERMINED TO WORKING the case,” she said. erring personnel, we don’t really GO AFTER OFFICIALS of the Truth Commission Chairman Negros Occidental Rep. Igna- need truth commission for that.” Arroyo administration accused of Hilario Davide Jr. said they will con- cio Arroyo, Arroyo’s brother-in-law, corruption and wrongdoing. tinue working until the SC decides said the formation of the Truth Com- BAYAN: DECISION FAVORS Executive Secretary Paquito on the government’s motion for re- mission was obviously politically ARROYO Ochoa Jr. said the government will consideration. motivated. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan explore other options within the “Options are being considered “The courts were established (Bayan) said the SC decision ap- bounds of law to try and punish to accomplish the objectives of the for things like this. Not only is it re- pears to benefit former president Ar- those who have enriched them- creation of the Truth Commission,” dundant but the commission can be royo. selves while in office. he said. misled for their own agenda.” Bayan secretary-general Re- “The Supreme Court’s decision Lawyer Carlos Medina, a mem- However, Aquino’s allies were nato Reyes said the decision makes on the constitutionality of Executive ber of the Truth Commission, said unfazed by the latest setback of the it difficult to make Arroyo account- Order 1 will not deter us from pursu- their mandate is to focus on specific yesterday the SC ruling voiding the administration and proposed ways able even when she is no longer in ing measures necessary to look into wrongdoing but not on a specific Truth Commission as “a signal tri- for him to skirt the ruling. power. the allegations of corruption in the person. umph” of the rule of law. House Majority Leader Neptali “The Truth Commission deci- previous administration,” he said. “The mandate of the Truth In a statement, Lagman said Gonzales II suggested that Aquino sion was preceded by other deci- “While the decision may ham- Commission is to look at massive the SC struck down the executive’s form a new multi-agency body sions involving Arroyo’s midnight per and perhaps delay our efforts to cases of graft and corruption com- incursions into the realm of legisla- through another executive order. appointments and a status quo obtain justice for the people, we re- mitted during 2001 to 2010, that tive authority and protected the “The SC decision is a tempo- order on the impeachment case vs. main steadfast in our commitment to does not mean specific people con- sanctity of civil liberties against gov- rary setback,” he said. the Ombudsman,” he said. scrutinize the numerous allegations nected with the Arroyo administra- ernmental derogation. “I suggest he (Aquino) issue an “If this trend continues, and ex- and accusations in our quest for tion only,” he said. “It must be reiterated that the EO creating a multi-agency task tends to the Ombudsman impeach- truth.” The Truth Commission’s desk petition was filed not to protect the force to be composed of represen- ment case also pending before the Presidential spokesman Edwin at the Philippine International Con- officials of the Arroyo administration tatives from Department of Justice, SC, there will be fewer avenues to Lacierda said Malacañang would vention Center has received new but to preserve the separation of the Office of the Ombudsman, the make Arroyo accountable. stand by the constitutionality of Ex- complaints. powers between the executive and National Bureau of Investigation, “Both the Truth Commission ecutive Order 1. It started reviewing a tentative legislative departments and protect and Philippine National Police to in- (with its limitations) and the Om- “We believe that we have the list of 23 cases involving massive the people from unequal treatment vestigate, establish a prima facie budsman (with its constitutional right to establish the Truth Commis- graft and corruption which could be of the government,” he said. case and thereafter recommend the mandate) are supposed to investi- sion, and we will continue to fight for investigated by the body. “Partisan hostility and discrimi- filing of the appropriate charges gate corruption cases.” this through a motion for reconsid- The cases include the NBN- nation under the pretense of search against any person or persons who Reyes said efforts to make Ar- eration,” he said. ZTE deal, “Hello, Garci” election for truth and closure cannot be legit- appear/s liable,” he said. royo accountable continue to en- Lacierda said President Aquino fraud scandal and alleged irregular- imized.” Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Far- counter increasing obstacles. has always been open to talking ities committed during the Arroyo Former President Gloria Maca- iñas said he was sure the Palace “This should serve as a chal- with Chief Justice Renato Corona administration covering the period pagal-Arroyo had just arrived from will file a motion for reconsideration lenge to the Aquino administration to about the judiciary’s proposed 2001 to 2010. Syria when the news broke out. She since five associate justices had dis- make a more determined effort in budget for next year. was expected last night to partici- sented in the ruling. going after the former president and “We are waiting to explain but LAGMAN HAILS DECISION pate in the House session. “At any rate, if such is declared her cohorts involved in gross cor- there were no representatives from House of Representatives Mi- Zambales Rep. Milagros unconstitutional with finality, the ruption and human-rights viola- the Supreme Court (SC) or the nority Leader Edcel Lagman hailed Magsaysay scoffed at suggestions President can always ask Congress tions,” he said. to legislate it,” he said “It is also a challenge to the var- Quezon City Rep. Winston ious anti-Arroyo groups and person- Castelo said the creation of the alities, to unite and persevere in Truth Commission is “a thread from holding to account the past presi- an official policy framework” es- dent.” poused by Aquino. “Unfortunately, the SC misread JOKER: EXECUTIVE-JUDI- the intention (of the Aquino adminis- CIARY CRISIS LOOMS tration) and found more legal tech- Sen. Joker Arroyo warned yes- nicalities than ferreting out the truth,” terday of a looming crisis between he said. the executive and the judiciary after the SC voided the Truth Commis- DND: WE WILL CONTINUE sion. TO RUN AFTER ERRING MILI- “But what worries me is that TARY OFFICIALS with this decision of the Supreme The voiding of the Truth Com- Court plus the decision of the trial mission will not stop the Department judges who wore black band, and of National Defense (DND) from then expressing their dissatisfaction running after erring military officers over the reduction of their budget, it and personnel. would seem that there might be Defense spokesman Eduardo some kind of a collision course be- Batac said a Truth Commission is tween the executive and the judici- not needed to promote accountabil- ary and that is very unfortunate,” he ity in the Armed Forces and the said. DND. “So you have the SC ruling as “We do not see it (ruling) as a unconstitutional the very first EO of constraint because we can go on President Noynoy and the judges, with the pursuit of any reforms and they expressed their digression. So go after abusive AFP (Armed let’s hope that this doesn’t get Forces of the Philippines) and de- worse. The worst thing that can hap- fense personnel even without the pen is for the judiciary and the Pres- Truth Commission,” he said. ident to be at odds.” “It (holding erring military per- Malacañang has many sonnel accountable) is a guiding other avenues to bring its com- policy laid out by both the President plaints against former president and the secretary of national de- Arroyo, Senator Arroyo said. fense, so with or without the Truth (www.philstar.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION DECEMBER 11, 2010 LEGAL NOTES 13

does not focus on the merits of each case, but rather has resorted to a ICE Seems To Be Going After haphazard and indiscriminate de- portation policy, perhaps under the Wrong People sion, detention and legal processing pressure to meet the administra- of each person will cost about tion’s 400,000-deportation goal. This tion courts turned down one out of for deportation. $22,482. According to TRAC, ICE’s practice drains the nation’s already every four cases (25%) for removal There are several ways by unsuccessful filings between 2006 scarce resources. Moreover, ICE’s filed by ICE. In the last three which a request by ICE for a re- and 2010 affected almost 250,000 misdirected efforts take away its months of fiscal year 2010, the re- moval order may fail. First, the judge individuals. Given these figures, it ability to deport those who are truly jection rate went up to 31%, mean- may “terminate” the court proceed- sure looks like ICE is wasting a lot deserving, and this ultimately affects ing that about one out of three ing if the ICE fails to show that the of resources. the agency’s effectivity. by Reuben S. cases was denied. government has any grounds to re- What about the cost to those Finally, not only are ICE’s prac- For the entire 2010 fiscal year, move the individual. Second, the who were wrongfully picked for re- tices wasteful; they are also inher- SEGURITAN more than half of the time the court alien may have a legitimate right to moval? They bear their own personal ently unfair. While the government’s denied the deportation request. The remain in the country, because of and financial losses, with most of crackdown on criminals is laudable, epartment of Homeland Se- spike in rejection rate is more evi- asylum or some other relief under them being detained and separated it needs to improve its targeting not curity Secretary Janet Napoli- dent in large cities, such as Los An- immigration laws. The court may from their families for years. TRAC only to be efficient but also to afford D tano recently announced that geles (63%), Oregon (63%), Miami also close the case for other rea- found that it took courts an average some measure of fairness to this in the 2010 fiscal year alone, Immi- (63%) and Philadelphia (55%). In sons, which includes administrative of 424 days before they could rule country’s immigrants. gration and Customs Enforcement New York City, the turndown rate for closures. that ICE had no grounds for removal, REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been prac- (ICE) deported a record 392,000 in- 2010 is a whopping 70%. The research group found that and 696 days to rule that an alien is ticing law for over 30 years. For further in- entitled to asylum or other relief. dividuals, of which 195,000 were The research group filed a re- the rise in ICE’s failure rate in 2010 formation, you may call him at (212) 695 convicted criminals. quest under the Freedom of Infor- was due to “terminations” by the These findings tell us that ICE, 5281 or log on to his website at www.seguri- Although these numbers seem mation Act for more detailed judge, meaning that in those cases in pursuing removal proceedings, tan.com impressive, a report by a Syracuse information to explain the rise in de- the judge found no grounds for re- University-based research organi- nials, but ICE has refused to re- moval. zation reveals a dangerous trend in lease it. The information sought In March of this year, the Cen- immigration enforcement. pertained to ICE’s removal prac- ter for American Progress came up Transactional Records Access tices and programs, data which with estimated costs of deporting Clearinghouse (TRAC) found that might explain why more and more undocumented immigrants. If their between 2004 and 2009, immigra- judges are rejecting ICE’s requests estimates are used, the apprehen- MAINLAND NEWS Pinoy Nurses Sue California Hospital Over English-only Rule by AP/ “I felt like peo- central valley, Thursday, December 9, 2010 ple were always where a LOS ANGELES – DOZENS OF watching us,” said greater share FILIPINO HOSPITAL WORK- tearful 56-year-old of the com- ERS in California sued their em- Elnora Cayme, plaints the ployer Tuesday, alleging they were who worked for the agency re- the sole ethnic group targeted by a hospital from 1980 ceives relate rule requiring them to speak only to 2008. “Even to such is- English. when we spoke sues than in The group of 52 nurses and English ... people the nation as medical staff filed a complaint ac- would come and a whole. Elmora Cayme, left, reacts during a news cusing Delano Regional Medical approach us and In this conference Tuesday Dec. 7, 2010. At Center of banning them from tell us, ‘English right is attorney Carmina Ocampo case, the speaking Tagalog and other Filipino only’.” workers filed languages while letting other work- A message was left at the hos- a separate complaint under state ers speak Spanish and Hindi. pital seeking comment. law in part because monetary dam- The plaintiffs are seeking to In its lawsuit, the EEOC has ages are capped by federal law, join an August complaint filed by accused the hospital in California’s said Julie Su, litigation director for the US Equal Employment Oppor- San Joaquin Valley of creating a the Asian Pacific American Legal tunity Commission in federal court hostile working environment for Fil- Center, which represents the plain- over the hospital’s enforcement of ipinos by singling them out for rep- tiffs. They want the English-only a rule requiring workers to speak rimands and for encouraging other policy to be changed and for hospi- English. staff to report them. The agency is tal staff to be trained on the new Filipino workers said they were seeking an injunction to protect the rule. called to a special meeting in Au- workers against future discrimina- Under California law, employ- gust 2006 where they were warned tion. ers may require workers to speak not to speak Tagalog and told sur- The EEOC has seen an in- English if there is a business ne- veillance cameras would be in- crease in complaints alleging dis- cessity, Su said. stalled, if necessary, to monitor crimination based on national origin Delano Regional Medical them. Since then, workers said amid a rise in anti-immigrant senti- Center is a 156-bed hospital lo- they were told on a daily basis by ment, said Anna Park, a regional cated about 30 miles (48 kilome- fellow staffers to speak only Eng- attorney for the EEOC. That’s es- ters) north of Bakersfield. lish, even on breaks. pecially the case in California’s (www.philstar.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 14 TRAVEL & LEISURE DECEMBER 11, 2010 Getting 'Holidazed' at Belenismo in lenismo, one gets “holidazed” by the magically transported us to Christ- Tarlac Tarlakenos’ sheer ingenuity and mas heaven with the entire com- artistry that they employed in their munity singing and dancing in the RENDEZVOUZ intricate belen creations. Yuletide spirit as heartwarming na- by Christine N. DAYRIT The time of the year when I am tive delicacies like suman, tinupig, proudest to be a Filipino is during hot chocolate were served to our hearts’ content. It is no wonder that he beauty of the Christmas the annual judging of the Be- no matter how Christmas is cele- season is it rekindles the child lenismo sa Tarlac. The Belenismo, brated the world over, there really T in each one of us. We allow now in its fourth year, is a campaign is no comparison to the way we cel- ourselves to be awed by the holiday that seeks to transform the ebrate the occasion in our home- spirit around us. We somehow be- province of Tarlac into the belen land — only in Tarlac, only in the come “holidazed” because we are capital of the Philippines. I am ec- Philippines. filled with delight and gratitude for all static to say this is definitely a I learned from UST Prof. Eric the blessings we have received. As smashing success. Spearheaded Zerrudo, who teaches Cultural and one grows older, it is best to be re- by the indefatigable mother-daugh- Heritage Tourism, that it was his stu- minded of what W.T Ellis once said: ter tandem of Tita Isabel and Dra. dent Fr. Alex Bautista who brought “It is Christmas in our hearts that Isa Suntay of the Tarlac Heritage to the fore through his thesis: a com- puts Christmas in the air.” Foundation, Belenismo is a com- munity-based project showcasing It is the heart of a child that munity-based contest wherein the the heartfelt tradition of the Filipinos beats in me as I marvel at the Busch people of Tarlac lovingly showcase known as Belenismo. Fr. Alex, to- Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. their ingenuity, artistry and love of gether with Tita Isabel and Dr. Isa, The air is crisp and frosty as the Eu- Jesus through the creation of the initiated workshops to train the Tar- purple and green lights. 3rd place: Municipalities of San ropean-inspired Christmas villages most beautiful, intricate, exquisite laqueños how to craft various mate- No judging of the Belenisimo is Manuel, Moncada, Mayantoc, and in this wonderful holiday wonderland and soulful nativity scenes or rials, even recycled ones. complete without us having dinner La Paz. are illuminated by two million color- crèches the world will ever see. It is This year, Tarlac Heritage at our favorite restaurant in Tarlac Grand Non-Municipal Cate- ful lights bulbs, sleigh rides, simu- here that one will witness that no Foundation together with the Tarlac — Nay’s House. The delicacies gory: 1st place: The 3rd Congres- lated flights, toy workshops of Santa plague, natural calamity or environ- Police Provincial Office as repre- here include sugpo sa aligue, sional District Office Belen; 2nd Claus at the North Pole, Yuletide mental obstacle can hinder the cre- sented By Supt. Florante L. Torres pancit luglog, bringe, turon with place: NOLCOM; 3rd place: Azaya song and dance shows. Countries ation of our magnificent belens. In and the members of TPPO’s Belen langka, burong isda with mustasa Garden Resort. like France, Italy, Ireland, Germany fact, they rise above such situations Team, officially launched “Be- and tibok-tibok dessert (sweet Church Category: 1st place: and England proudly showcase with flying colors, proving that sus- lenismo sa Tarlac’s Tourist Police,” a carabao milk custard flan). Tarlac Our Lady of Remedies Parish, Sta. their Christmas traditions and deli- tainable tourism can be success- belen tour guide service that is avail- Gov. Victor Yap joined us for this Maria, San Manuel; 2nd place: Im- cacies such as peppermint fudge fully implemented through able for all who wish to discover the sumptuous dinner. maculate Concepcion Parish, brownies, s’mores (combination of collective effort, unity, harmony and belen trail from Nov. 5 to Jan. 6, We patrolled the province as Mababanaba, San Jose; 3rd place: chocolate and marshmallow melted compassion. 2011. Two Belenismo Tourist police- we became more and more delight- St. Isidore Parish, Estipona, Pura. between graham crackers), cinna- Tarlac is now a haven of nativ- men are dispatched in a buddy sys- fully confused as to which town cre- Where in the world can one find mon crisps, and even buffet ban- ity and cheer as belens of every size tem wherein they accompany ated the best, brightest belen. Tita this kind of cultural heritage/com- quets prepared by Mrs. Claus in and theme dominate the mise en groups in a bus, coaster or several Isabel lovingly advised us before- munity tourism? It is this brand of their fireside feast. scène. The creativity is infectious as vehicle caravans. hand that we could judge several sustainable tourism that uplifts the In the middle of the illumination recyclable materials are utilized and Can you imagine how some of entries as top prize winners be- entire community as each member of the iconic 50-foot “O Tannen- transformed into awesome obra these belens were created? The in- cause she knew how difficult it was is involved tremendously in this dy- baum” Christmas Tree whose twin- maestras. Love for the environment fectious spirit of Belenismo has be- to decide. For us judges, each and namic collective process. Cultural kling lights and sounds were is equivalent to love for one another come a profound lifestyle in which every belen is a winner in its own heritage promotes community ad- synchronized to everyone’s sheer as the spirit of modern-day bayani- the youth create belens from what- right. One is spoiled for choice as to vancement and tourism, through en- delight, I wandered on my own and han is prevalent. ever materials are available on hand which should emerge victorious in hancement and implementation of noticed a Nativity scene where an As we disembarked in the var- — whether it’s discarded CDs, dex- each category. The categories are: sustainable practices and opportu- ivory carved belen took center ious town plazas and localities trose bottles, old Comelec ballots, Diorama, Monumental, Church, nities for the future. stage. I remembered our very own where the belens had been set up, egg trays, corn husks, dried grass, Grand Non-Municipal and Grand Each year when the Yuletide version of this tradition of the be- the mayors introduced us to the tal- recyclable tetra packs or more. Truly Municipal. Do visit the belens this season kicks in, I look forward to lenismo in the historic and beautiful ented youth who created the be- impressive. Proudly Pinoy. season and be your own judge. judging the Belenismo because I am province of Tarlac. With thebe- lens. The innovative lights Judging with me in the Be- The Belenismo sa Tarlac not simply appreciating belens per lenisimo were my sisters Michelle Awards Night was held last Decem- se. More than that, I am being inte- Soliven and Yvonne Romualdez ber 4 at the Plazuela of the Munici- grated into the infectious love of a and Cito Beltran, Ces Drilon and pality of Moncada in Tarlac. community whose devotion to Jesus Johnny Co. Also with us was Be- The winners of this year’s Be- Christ has heralded this magnanim- lenismo organizer Ding Mercado, lenismo are: ity in their homes, hearts and souls. whose PNP belen is simply fabu- Grand Municipal Category: Truly, a jewel of a find, Christmas in lous, what with its glass wings that 1st place: Municipalities of San Tarlac is not just a time or season resemble a giant flower with the Clemente and Victoria; 2nd place: but a wonderful state of mind. belen right in the middle all aglow in Municipalities of Anao and Gerona; (www.philstar.com) HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION DECEMBER 11, 2010 15 COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED ADS BUSINESS WANTED-FULL TIME OR PART-TIME CALENDAR FARM WORKERS, MALE, DIRECTORY AGE BETWEEN 30-55 PASKO SA FILCOM / SUNDAY If interested, please call 386-6898 December 12 ● 9am – 8pm ● For more info call FilCom @ 680-0451 FOR RENT 2 story house in LAS VEGAS, 3 bedroom/ 2.5 bath, 2 car garage, with PHILIPPINE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF HAWAII furniture, $1,000 a month (PMAH) INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS / SATURDAY Avail now. 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MANILA, Philippines – THE PHILIPPINES HAS OVER- TAKEN INDIA AS THE WORLD’S NUMBER ONE country for shared services and business process outsourcing (BPO), ac- cording to IBM’s Global Locations Trend. This is the first time the Philippines is in the top spot for these activities. IBM growth markets general manager Bruno Di LeoHe said the Philippines is attractive to international business due to its well- educated workforce, strong work ethic and good language abili- ties. “Filipinos are competitive and flexible and productive. That is resources and globally benchmarked processes and method- why we are confident in investing in the future of the Philippines,” ologies, IBM will provide solutions to global and domestic clients he said. to help them reach higher operational efficiency in a cost-effec- IBM yesterday announced the opening of three new service tive way,” he said. delivery facilities inside the UP Ayala Techno Hub in Quezon City Meanwhile, IBM Corp. vice president for global process that will deliver outsourced process services, including human re- services delivery Peter Lynt explained that global delivery as a sources, finance and administration, customer relationship man- concept has evolved from outsourcing primarily for cost benefits agement, application management services and shared services to partnering with clients to demonstrate greater value and dif- (IBM internal) to existing and future clients of IBM’s BPO unit. ferentiation. This expansion also further strengthens IBM’s existing serv- IBM recently rebranded the BPO business from Managed ice delivery capability in the Philippines which serves over a mil- Business Process Services (MBPS) to Global Process Services. lion client employees across 84 countries. This new organization has been constructed to deliver the ben- A mix of BPO services will be delivered to global companies efits and advantages of the breadth IBM as a company (soft- from sectors such as healthcare/ pharmaceutical, consumer ware, research, etc) to its BPO clients, Lynt said. goods, technology, entertainment, telecommunication and distri- IBM Global Process Services started in the Philippines in bution through these new facilities. 2004 and has been experiencing dramatic growth ever since, he Di Leo emphasized that the company is committed to growth noted. and to the Philippines. IBM operates in eight world-class locations Lynt pointed out that the three new IBM buildings are part of in the business centers of Metro Manila and Metro Cebu and de- IBM’s commitment to extend existing investments in the country livers IT and business solutions to leading public and private sec- and part of the company’s strategy transformation into a Globally tor clients throughout the country. Integrated Enterprise - where the workforce is remixef to the lo- He said the three new global delivery facilities here will further cations where IBM finds the skills necessary for today’s highly add to IBM Philippines’ ability to deliver business serv- globalized economy. (www.philstar.com) ices to both domestic and multi-national clients around the world. Di Leo also revealed that in the next five years, IBM intends to more than double its employees in the Philip- pines because the country is a world leader in providing business support functions. He added that next year, IBM intends to double its business growth in these global delivery centers by building centers of competence with deep industry ex- pertise in business analytics, applications management and helpdesk operations. “We will hire more industry IT architects as well as graduates from top universities,” he noted. Meanwhile, IBM Philippines country general man- ager James Velasquez said this expansion demon- RENTAL strates their continued commitment to the country. “The Philippines is one of the strategic locations in IBM’s Global Delivery network that integrates capabili- ties, assets and skills without borders. With abundant This Space Produces Result Call 678-8930 or Email [email protected] for more details. HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE - NEWS EDITION 16 DECEMBER 11, 2010