AUGUST 6, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 1

♦ ♦FEBRUARY AUGUST 6,19, 2011 2011 ♦ ♦ Photography by Tim Llena

LEGISLATIVE CONNECTION HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS FEATURE WHAT IS ASIA-PACIFIC TOPAZ FERNANDEZ CHEM PROFESSOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION CROWNED 2011 MISS WINS TEACHING ALL ABOUT? HAWAII FILIPINA AWARD

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE PRESORTED STANDARD 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. U.S. POSTAGE WAIPAHU, HI 96797 PAID HONOLULU, HI PERMIT NO. 9661 2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE AUGUST 6, 2011

EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER Publisher & Executive Editor ou’ve probably heard the old say- Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. State Tax Director ing “Nothing lasts forever.” Well, for morning commuters, the Publisher & Managing Editor Ready for Challenges smooth-flowing morning traffic of Chona A. Montesines-Sonido the past few months will soon ight months ago, Fred Pablo assumed his new posi- Y Associate Editors come to grinding halt as school re- tion as the state’s new tax director. Not much was Dennis Galolo sumes for tens of thousands of known initially about the former budget director Edwin Quinabo students. On the bright side, it was good while from Maui county who served under Mayor Char- it lasted! Creative Designer maine Tavares from 2007-2010. Junggoi Peralta E For this issue, we have highlighted two Filipinos who have Those from Maui, however, know and appreci- risen to the top of their respective fields. The first is Fred Pablo— Design Consultant ate his efforts in keeping Maui county fiscally- Randall Shiroma the State’s Tax director who was tapped by Gov. Neil Abercrom- sound. As budget director, he provided outstanding oversight and bie to join his administration. And for good reason. Pablo brings Photography management of both revenue and expenditure concerns during a wealth of tax and management experience to the table that can Tim Llena those years of economic difficulty. According to recent forecasts, only serve to benefit the entire state. Please read more about him Administrative Assistant Maui has not only weathered the storm, but is expecting a budget in a candid interview on page 4. Mahalo to our contributing Shalimar Pagulayan surplus for the next fiscal year. Those “in the know” say it did not writer Caroline Julian for an interesting and informative exclu- happen overnight or by accident, but rather through a careful and Columnists sive interview! Carlota Ader timely reaction to financial conditions. The second is Leticia Colmenares, an associate professor of Carlo Cadiz, M.D. After serving in the army, Pablo began working for the IRS Sen. Will Espero chemistry at Windward Community College who recently re- on a career that took him from Honolulu to Washington D.C. and Grace F. Fong, Ed.D ceived an award for excellence in teaching. While there are many around the world, where he was involved in many aspects of tax- Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. such awards for educators, hers is significant in that she is rarity J.P. Orias ation from taxpayer service and collections, to auditing and ap- among college faculty—a Filipina in the field of chemistry. More Pacita Saludes peals and to dealing with issues in international taxation. Pablo’s Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. on Colmenares is available on page 9. She and Pablo are excel- experience in the federal and international arena is comple- Charlie Sonido, M.D. lent examples and role models for our youth to follow. We en- mented with involvement in tax matters at the State and at the Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. courage young Filipinos to set their goals high and be the best at Felino S. Tubera County levels. whatever they choose to do in life. If Pablo and Colmenares can Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. Pablo also holds a reputation for working well with admin- achieve their dreams, surely you can also! istrators and the legislative branch—as well as an ability to com- Speaking of dreams, one young Filipina made her dream Contributing Writers municate complex issues to the community. Coupled with four come true. Topaz Fernandez was crowned 2011 Miss Hawaii Fil- Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. decades of tax experience and fiscal expertise, it’s readily ap- Clement Bautista ipina in a recent pageant sponsored by the United Filipino Coun- parent why Maui’s loss has been a tremendous gain for the Aber- Teresita Bernales, Ed.D cil of Hawaii. Good things are in store for this Kauai girl who crombie administration. Linda Dela Cruz aspires for a career in broadcast journalism. Congratulations to Fiedes Doctor His priorities as tax director are simplifying the tax system, Topaz and fellow contestants Leonevi Mabiog and Shelby Ban- Danny De Gracia, II, MA modernizing the department and fostering community outreach Amelia Jacang, M.D. tilan. Good luck to all three young women! initiatives—simple yet effective goals for a no-nonsense director Caroline Julian In closing, there are other columns of interest in this issue Maita Milallos like Pablo who brings a blue-collar work ethic along with im- that we hope you will enjoy reading—columns like “Legislative Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. pressive credentials and a good track record. Connection” (page 3), “Immigration Guide” (page 7), “Food and Glenn Wakai As perhaps Gov. Abercrombie’s most highly-appointed and Amado Yoro Leisure” (page 8), “Family Corner” (page 12) and “Legal Notes” visible appointee of Filipino ancestry, the Filipino community (page 13). Thank you once again for faithfully supporting the Philippine Correspondent should be extremely proud of Pablo. His is the classic local suc- Gregory Bren Garcia Hawaii Filipino Chronicle. As always, we invite our readers to cess story—the son of immigrant plantation workers who grew contact us at: [email protected] if you have story Big Island Distributor up in Palama and advanced himself through a solid education, Grace Larson ideas, tips or concerns regarding Hawaii’s dynamic and vibrant determination and hard work. We wish him all the very best and Ditas Udani Filipino community. are confident that he is more than up for any and all challenges Maui Distributor Until next time…aloha and mabuhay! that may come his way as State Tax director. Cecile Piros Molokai Distributor City Departmental Merger Maria Watanabe Advertising/Marketing Director Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Makes Good Sense than anticipated, while others noticed definite improvements. A Account Executives consultant hired by the City recently released a re- few years later in 2006, the City’s Charter Commission voted Carlota Ader port on a proposal to merge the Honolulu Fire De- down a proposal to undo Harris’ reorg, citing the cost and time in- J.P. Orias partment with the Emergency Services Department volved to reconfiguring the departments. (ESD). In a detailed 222-page report, Emergency In the proposed merger with HFD and ESD, which includes Services Consulting International (ESCI) determined ambulance and ocean safety/lifeguard personnel, the potential The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published A weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. that such a merger is not only feasible, but would im- $10 million in savings should be music in the ears of both the ad- It is mailed directly to subscribers and dis- ministration and members of the City Council. Both sides went tributed at various outlets around Oahu and prove the delivery of emergency services to both residents and the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertis- visitors in a cost effective and efficient manner. Doing so would through a particularly difficult process for the City’s Fiscal Year ing deadlines are three weeks prior to pub- also eliminate duplication of services. In fact, ESCI estimates 2012 budget. lication date. Subscriptions are available at $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor is- that in the next five years, the proposed merger, if approved, There are obstacles to overcome, namely collective bargain- lands, continental U.S. $80, foreign country could save taxpayers a total of $10 million. ing agreements with the United Public Workers and Hawaii Gov- $90. Copyright 2006. The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 Waipahu Such mergers or “reorgs” are nothing new at the City. The ernment Employees Association. Both unions may have their Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Telephone last major departmental reorg occurred in 1998 when then-Mayor own economic incentives to resist the merger. To alleviate the (808) 678-8930 Facsimile (808) 678-1829. E-mail [email protected]. Web- Jeremy Harris eliminated several departments and centralized concerns of the incumbent workforce, the consultant recom- site: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. Opinions City services. The two biggest and most controversial moves in- mends implementing the merger over time and in a phased-in ap- expressed by the columnists and contribu- tors do not necessarily reflect those of the cluded merging the Department of Planning and Permitting (for- proach based on demonstrated efficiencies and organizational Hawaii Filipino Chronicle management. Re- merly Department of Land Utilization) with the Department of commitment. production of the contents in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from Planning, and merging the Budget Department into the Depart- The proposal deserves serious thought—particularly with the the management. All rights reserved. ment of Budget and Fiscal Services (formerly the Department of City so strapped for cash. We encourage the administration to Printed in the U.S.A. Land Utilization). carefully evaluate the consultant’s report and consider its rec- www.thefilipinochronicle.com www.efilipinochronicle.com Critics said the massive reorg created more inefficiencies ommendations. AUGUST 6, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 3 LEGISLATIVE CONNECTION Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation workforce for most APEC mem- common standards. Differing this day of internet communica- APEC is comprised of Australia, bers. The sheer collective size standards is a real barrier for tions. This pre-cleared, multi- Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, means that collaborating to make small and medium-sized compa- ple-entry travel document for Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, trade and investment easier nies that cannot afford to make visa-free business travel within Malaysia, Mexico, New across borders can stimulate several variants of a product to the region resembles a credit Zealand, Papua New Guinea, By Senator Will Espero healthier, more vibrant satisfy nation-specific require- card and is valid for three years. Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singa- ou may be one economies. Small and medium- ments. Aligning standards to The ABTC enables businessmen pore, South Korea, Taiwan, of those won- sized companies, however, maintain quality while remain- to travel without visas for short Thailand, U.S., and Vietnam. dering why aren’t large enough to have staff ing business-friendly is an ex- stays up to 60 – 90 days. Card- At the second summit held there is all the whose job descriptions focus tensive balancing act. holders also enjoy expedited in 1994 in Bogor, Indonesia, Y fuss about the solely on taking care of cross- Government officials working in border crossing in member APEC leaders set a goal of es- November boundary matters or be able to this area must ensure good regu- economies by being fast-tracked tablishing regional free trade by APEC meet- produce 18-21 variants of the latory practices that protect pub- through immigration lanes. 2010 for industrialized nations ing in Honolulu. Here’s the bot- same product to be able to sell it lic health and welfare while Nearly 90,000 cardholders enjoy and 2020 for developing nations. tom line – it’s the bottom line. in different countries. reducing technical barriers to the ability to hop on a plane at a To meet these Bogor goals, Improving the conditions and Trade ministers for APEC trade. The standards must ad- moment’s notice and travel clear APEC worked on economic and processes for making business members work on facilitating dress a wide range of products – across the Asian-Pacific region technical cooperation, facilitat- flow and increase within the global production chains and ex- food and toy safety, commercial to conduct business. ing business, and liberalizing Asian-Pacific Rim region is the panding international markets green building standards, and An important APEC reform trade and investment. basic purpose of APEC. Stake- and including small and medium medical devices, for example. is reducing the costs of business Honolulu is the fortunate holders and government officials sized businesses in these efforts. Companies need clear, con- transactions. The APEC Trade host site of the 23rd annual discuss, negotiate, and formulate The costs of international trade, sistent, and easy to understand Facilitation Action Plan reduced meeting of the Asia-Pacific Eco- policies to reduce the time, cost, lack of access to reliable infor- information on trade regulations these by 6% across the region nomic Cooperation (APEC) this and uncertainty of moving goods mation on government regula- and the tariffs that must be paid. between 2002-2006, with a goal November 12-20 at the Hawaii and services throughout the tions and tariffs, and protecting To help on this point, APEC cre- of cutting an additional 5% in Convention Center. Selected by Asia-Pacific region. By foster- intellectual property are some of ated a website for up-to-date in- expenses for 2007-2010. President Barack Obama, this is ing economic stability and pros- the hindrances to doing business formation for each of its the second time the United perity, APEC’s members seek to across borders. members. About APEC States has hosted the meeting. raise living standards and educa- Another challenge is prod- The APEC Business Travel The Asia-Pacific Economic President Bill Clinton chose tional levels for its citizens. uct standards that vary from Card (ABTC) clears another Cooperation is an economic bloc Blake Island, Washington for the Small and medium-sized country to country. To ease the hurdle for international trade. that strives to facilitate free trade inaugural 1993 APEC Economic companies constitute 90% of burden on production and ex- Being able to negotiate and con- and economic collaboration. Leaders’ Meeting. As one of the businesses throughout the region pand transnational trade, APEC duct transactions face to face is Headquartered in Singapore, world’s most ethnically diverse and employ more than half the ministers are trying to establish often crucial for success, even in APEC is much like the European Asia-Pacific communities, as Union and the North American well as the home state of Presi- SOCIAL SECURITY UPDATE Free Trade Area. Forty-four per dent Obama, Hawaii is an ideal cent of world trade occurs within location for this large meeting of the Asia-Pacific rim, and 40% of world leaders. The November Social Security Benefits to Be Paid the world’s population lives in 2011 APEC meeting in Waikiki, this region. Its 21 member then, is an exciting and crucial on Time “I’m happy to an- Astrue urges those economies account for 54% of event toward continuing efforts nounce that there will be who receive paper By Jane Yamamoto- the world’s GDP, which is more to enhance trade and investment no delay in the payment checks from Social Se- than twice that of Europe (21%). in our part of the globe. Burigsay of August Social Secu- curity to consider sign- ocial Security payments rity benefits which should ing up for direct deposit, for August 3, 2011 were be a relief to those who were which is a secure and con- S made on time and as concerned about their benefits,” venient way to receive Social scheduled, according to Astrue says. “I’m pleased the Security payments. The dead- Michael J. Astrue, Commis- president and Congress were line for all current beneficiaries sioner of Social Security. Pay- able to come together in a bi- to switch to electronic payments ments for August 10, 17, and 24 partisan fashion to avoid an in- is March 1, 2013. will also be made as scheduled. terruption in payments.” 4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE AUGUST 6, 2011 COVER STORY The Tax Man Cometh: Up-Close-and-Personal with State Tax Director Fred Pablo By Caroline Julian

rederick Pablo has been busy working to implement his goals for the Hawaii State Department of Tax- F ation ever since he took over the helm. As the new State Director of Taxation, he has a vision that he is excited to turn into a reality.

His goals include making with the Internal Revenue Serv- the department more efficient ice; the U.S. Embassy in Bonn, and effective in its tax collec- Germany as Deputy Tax At- tion. Gov. Neil Abercrombie taché; and with the U.S. Em- nominated Pablo to be part of bassy in Rome and Paris as Tax his administration earlier this Attaché. year and was confirmed by the He has served as District State Senate in February. Tax Manager for the County of Born and raised in Hon- Maui. And before becoming the olulu, Pablo traces his roots State’s tax director, he most re- back to the Philippines. His fa- cently served as Budget Direc- ther came to Hawaii from Pan- tor for the County of Maui. Hawaii State Department of Taxation Director Frederick "Fred" Pablo Photography by Tim Llena gasinan to work in the Below is a candid Q&A sugarcane fields. His maternal that the Hawaii Filipino Chron- olulu and in Washington D.C., ments will allow the Depart- partment of Taxation. We are grandfather, who was from La icle recently conducted with as well as at U.S. embassies in ment to better serve residents now exploring technology for Union, also came to Hawaii to Pablo. Europe and in Asia which in- and businesses in Hawaii, now handling payments and allow- work in the sugar industry. With cluded resolving international and in the future. ing electronic registration as the close connections to his her- HFC: Why did you apply taxation issues with foreign well as tax clearances for busi- itage, the value of a good edu- for the Director of Taxation po- governments. HFC: What are your goals nesses. We are meeting with cation was imparted in him. sition? for the Department? practitioners and business asso- “My parents instilled in me Pablo: After reading Gov- HFC: Do you plan any re- Pablo: After three months ciations to jointly discuss the the importance of an education ernor Abercrombie's compre- forms for the tax department? review of operations, I pre- successful expansion of elec- and of giving back to the com- hensive plan for a New Day in How will it change/improve the sented a strategic plan to man- tronic filing and electronic pay- munity,” Pablo said in his testi- Hawaii, I was eager to join the department? agers and staff of my vision to ment. We have formed a mony during his confirmation Abercrombie-Schatz adminis- Pablo: As head of office at improve our customer service to Modernization Task Force in hearing before the Senate Ways tration as I share their vision the County, State and Federal the people of Hawaii. I refer to the Department which is re- and Means Committee. and would like to contribute to levels, my approach has always it as the three “P’s.” viewing and identifying im- A graduate of St. Louis building a strong and sustain- been to be proactive, that is, to First of all, we will serve provements and technologies High School in Kaimuki, Pablo able economy, and working ef- identify and to resolve issues the People of Hawaii by facili- that can be developed and im- earned Bachelor’s and Master’s fectively with Hawaii’s before they develop, spread and tating their voluntary compli- plemented for each work unit. in Business Administration residents. have negative results. ance with tax filing and paying Third, we will foster quality- from the University of Hawaii- I have comprehensive ex- Considering that Hawaii’s requirements. We will review driven Productivity. Our man- Manoa. He holds a Certificate perience in tax administration— population has grown 40 per- all aspects of improving com- agers are updating operating of Public Accounting (CPA) li- working and/or managing the cent over the past three decades munication through the re- manuals and training materiel cense in the State of Hawaii and many programs for providing and has more than doubled design of tax forms, that will allow each employee to has accumulated approximately taxpayer services, tax collec- since Hawaii became a State, publications, education and as- develop to his or her full poten- 40 years of experience in taxa- tions, audits, tax advisories, ap- we need to prepare tax adminis- sistance. Where there is an area tial in meeting tax administration tion and finance. peal hearings, and international tration to serve our growing and of tax non-compliance, we will needs now and in the future. We After obtaining his MBA tax treaties. I gained this expe- future needs. Our vision at the determine the underlying rea- also are looking to access better and CPA license, Pablo’s ambi- rience by working at all levels Department of Taxation will be sons and take a proactive ap- resources including equipment, tion to pursue a career in taxa- of government including the to most efficiently and most ef- proach in arriving at a databases, management infor- tion took him to Washington, County of Maui, State of fectively collect the tax revenue long-term solution to improve mation reports and research ma- D.C., around the globe and back Hawaii and with the Federal that is needed for maintaining compliance. Improving com- terial that will enhance here at home. He has served government at the IRS in Hon- and improving the State of munication is a continuing productivity. Expanding our Hawaii's programs and services process. We have already partnerships with Federal and F O R L E A S E - O F F I C E S P A C E S to Hawaii's residents. scheduled tax workshops to ex- State agencies will also improve LOCATED IN THE HEART OF WAIPAHU. We will accomplish this plain the tax law changes to tax tax administration. through a modernization pro- There is a fourth “P” in our NEAR BUS STOP. EASY ACCESS TO THE FREEWAY. practitioners and will be ex- gram that includes reviewing panding outreach sessions for strategic plans for managers and VARIOUS SIZES AVAILABLE (IN SQ. FT.): processes and identifying where business associations and the it deals with tax Policy. The De- 110, 230, 253, 262, 315 improvements can be made and general public. partment’s management team FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL whenever possible using the lat- Second, we will focus on will be closely working with the RENTAL MASTERS @ 678-8930 OR 284-4185 est technology. These improve- improving Processes at the De- (continued on page 5) AUGUST 6, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 5 COVER STORY

(from page 4, Q & A....) Governor’s office and other de- HFC: What are the penalties and/or interest. partments to develop a sustain- chances that the State will re- able long-term tax policy for the turn the 10 percent it withholds HFC: The governor re- State. from the City for collecting the cently signed Senate Bill 754 1/2 percent increase in the (General Excise and Use HFC: Are there any poli- GET? Do you think it’s fair for Taxes; Temporary Supension; cies that you will keep at the the State to do that? What are Exemption for Certain Person Department of Taxation? your thoughts on that? and Gross Amounts) and Sen- Pablo: We will continue Pablo: My understanding ate Bill 1186 (Transient Ac- the stated mission of the De- is that the percentage withheld commodations Tax; Minimum partment of Taxation which is to for the State’s administrative Daily Tax; Time Share Rate; administer the tax laws for the cost to collect the general excise County Distribution) into law. State of Hawaii in a consistent, Photography by Tim Llena tax for the City had been agreed Please explain how each of uniform, and fair manner. We residents and businesses. An ex- Hawaii's taxpayers from ID to by prior administrations of these bills would help the State will provide guidance on com- panded electronic filing and tax theft? the City and County of Hon- close its budget deficit and how plex tax issues and recurring tax payment system will greatly im- Pablo: The State has strict olulu and the State of Hawaii. I will they impact the public and inquiries through letter rulings, prove tax administration. It will confidentiality laws to protect have no personal knowledge of visitors? tax announcements and tax in- be simpler for individuals and taxpayer information and our the issues discussed that re- Pablo: Gov. Abercrombie formation releases. A corner- provide permanent tax records employees take this matter very sulted in this agreement. did not support any hike in the stone of tax compliance is that for businesses. seriously. The Department also general excise tax to cover a the public trusts that tax laws Our review of processes to has been monitoring use of HFC: There was a recent budget deficit of over $800 are being upheld in a fair and identify improvements has al- fraudulent tax returns being program by the State to grant million dollars. Through the consistent manner; hence, we ready had positive results. Last submitted with stolen taxpayer amnesty to taxpayers who legislative process, the State will seek prosecution of those year, there were many and fre- identification. under-reported their income House and Senate agreed to who intentionally fail to file a quent complaints about delays taxes. How did that go? How cover much of that deficit by tax return or fail to make tax of up to eight weeks in the HFC: Are tax collections much did the state get from removing exemptions from the payment to the State. We will State’s depositing of checks for to the government expected to that? Will that be offered again? general excise and use tax (SB open a “fraud hotline” where tax payments. The inquiries grow for the next couple years? Pablo: At this time, we 754). The Legislature also anyone may provide informa- and complaints were directed Pablo: In my experience, are not planning on offering agreed to increase the fees paid tion about those who are not fil- to the incoming tax administra- most taxpayers want to comply another amnesty program. The by visitors in order to increase ing or are underreporting their tion and legislators, and ap- with their obligation to pay their last amnesty program— revenue from other segments tax liabilities. peared in the daily newspaper share of taxes. They realize that launched in 2009—resulted in of the economy. and a business magazine. taxes are necessary to pay for $14 million dollars. I want to HFC: How will the poli- When we took office, we con- government services needed by emphasize that there are many HFC: Are there any other cies you plan to implement ben- ducted a review of the process- our society such as roads, envi- programs available to individu- bills that the governor recently efit/impact taxpaying residents? ing for incoming documents ronmental protection and als and businesses who are signed that will impact resi- How will they benefit/impact and beginning in April, we now schools. I believe that by in- delinquent in filing tax returns dents? If so, please explain. businesses? have revised procedures that creasing efficiency in our pro- or in making tax payments. Pablo: Two bills affecting Pablo: Our goals of facili- assure the timely processing of cessing tax system, making it Anyone who needs assistance the Tax Department, related to tating the tax filing require- tax payments. The feedback easier to understand the tax laws should immediately contact us taxpayers involved in cash- ments, improving processes and from taxpayers has been posi- and improving our ability to col- because the interest and penal- based businesses and the other increasing productivity will all tive. lect taxes that are still owed to ties are accruing and increasing allowing for the subpoena of tax contribute to more efficiently the State will generate additional the obligation. We can assist records, were adopted. These and effectively collecting State HFC: The IRS is dealing revenue. As the economy ex- them, for example, in arrang- bills will enable the Department tax revenues which are needed with a growing number of tax- pands, these efficiencies also ing payment plans, offers in to make sure everyone pays to provide the State’s services payer identity thefts. Are there will facilitate the ability of new compromise, adjustments of their fair share of taxes. and programs requested by its steps being taken to protect businesses to pay their taxes. HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Libraries to Host Emergency Preparedness Workshops he American Red Cross- when and where to evacuate, Hawaii State Chapter how to make an emergency plan T and Kanu Hawaii will for your family, how to stay in- present free “Get Ready” emer- formed in the event of a hurri- gency preparedness workshops cane or tsunami watch and what at four Oahu public libraries are the best resources available from August 11 - September 18, from city, state and federal gov- 2011. ernment agencies. Organizers The workshops will provide • Aiea—August 27 at 11 am will also be giving away one important information for resi- (483-7333) emergency kit item per work- dents on hurricane season, which • Mililani—September 10 at 2 shop as a door prize. runs now through November 30. pm (627-7470) Workshops are suitable for They will be held at the follow- • Pearl City—September 18 ages 12 and older. Please contact ing public libraries: at 1 pm (453-6566) the hosting library two weeks in advance if a sign language inter- • Wahiawa—August 11 at 6 Workshops will provide at- preter or other special accom- pm (622-6345) tendees with information such as modations are needed. 6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE AUGUST 6, 2011 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Topaz Fernandez Crowned 2011 Miss Hawaii Filipina By Maita Milallos cent); swimsuit competition (25 sociation; Nancy Walsh, Presi- percent); talent (20 percent); dent of Philippine Nurses of he United Filipino terno speech and question-and- Hawaii; Liza Trinidad, Fiesta Council of Hawaii answer session (25 percent). Filipina Chair 2011; Emerita T (UFCH) and the Oahu In her terno speech, Fernan- Etrata, President of the San- Filipino Community Council dez claimed ‘“One Filipina” is a tanguenians Association of (OFCC) held the 2011 Miss celebration of all Filipinas and Hawaii; and Dr. Aquino of UH- Hawaii Filipina Scholarship their contribution to society Manoa. Pageant last July 30, 2011 at the since the first wave of Filipino The Miss Hawaii Filipina Empress Restaurant in Down- migration to Hawaii to present Scholarship Pageant is a long- town Honolulu. times. She referred to Dr. Be- time project of the UFCH. It has Three beautiful ladies who linda Aquino of the University of Miss Hawaii Filipina 2011 Topaz Fernandez (center) with first-runner up assisted young women of are the queens of their respective Hawaii-Manoa and other Filip- Leonevi Mabiog (left) and second-runner up Shelby Bantilan Hawaii for the past 52 years in island councils—Topaz Fernan- inas who have made a difference a $2,000 cash allowance. State Senator; Mufi Hannemann their search for knowledge dez, Miss Kauai Filipina; in their respective fields. These Mabiog was named Miss former Honolulu mayor; Paul through its scholarships. Leonevi Mabiog, Miss Oahu Fil- Filipinas, according to Fernan- Congeniality and received Cortes, Deputy Consul General; The evening’s event was ipina; and Miss Shelby Bantilan, dez, have been “instrumental in awards for the talent and terno Dr. Warren Evans, President of made possible by major spon- Miss Maui Filipina—vied for passing on Filipino culture and speech competitions. She also Argosy University-Hawaii cam- sors such as the Renato & Maria the crown that was attended by values to the succeeding genera- received special awards for most pus; Harry Alonzo, President of A.F. Etrata Foundation, Home some 380 guests. tion of Filipinos.” tickets sold and most ads so- the Philippine Chamber of Com- and Community Services of In a highly-suspenseful Fernandez is from Kauai licited. merce of Hawaii; Ben Pulido, Hawaii, Preferred Home and evening marked by dance and High School and has held posi- Bantilan was named Miss President of Kalayaan Philip- Community Based Services and song numbers and an animated tions as a member of the Senior Photogenic and was awarded the pines-Hawaii International; Su- Everlasting Travel Services. Leo crowd of supporters, Fernandez Class Council and the 2011 grad- best in pre-pageant interview. sana Berardy, President of the Rojas Gozar produced and di- was crowned the 2011 Miss uation committee of her school. Mabiog and Bantilan each re- Filipino Business Women’s As- rected the pageant. Hawaii Filipina by outgoing title She is also a member of various ceived $6,000 and $4,000 schol- holder Margaret Pascual. organizations such as Kauai arships, respectively from the Mabiog and Bantilan were pro- Youth Leadership of the Kauai Argosy University. claimed second runner-up and Rotary Organization, Hale Ka- The roster of judges for the third runner-up, respectively. puna, Salvation Army, American pageant were Laurie Bachran, In her remarks, UFCH pres- Cancer Society and Kali Associ- international director of Better ident Lynne Gutierrez described ation of America Association. Health Unlimited; Brent Anbe, the relevance of the beauty con- Fernandez aspires for a ca- film industry development spe- test. reer as a broadcast journalist and cialist; Lyla Berg, former Hawaii “The pageant is designed to sees her participation in the pag- State Representative; Dr. Jorge nurture our youth with rich cul- eant as following her childhood Camara, past president of the tural heritage and to foster in- dream. Hawaii Ophthalmological Soci- volvement with the community “I wanted to achieve this ety; Geraldine Rojales, market- through service projects,” she dream and hope that it will open ing manager of Kahala Hotel says. “Not only their talents, doors for me to accomplish my and Resort; and Albert Bediones, beauty, intellect and charm they other goals in life,” she says. “I financial advisor with Merrill possess but their courage to step want to inspire people and be- Lynch. The terno judges in- Battleship Missouri forward to represent their com- come a successful role model in cluded Elsie Fernandez, fashion munities as well. They also enhancing the image of what technology lecturer at Honolulu Memorial to Mark 66th serve as role models for their makes the Filipino culture Community College; Dr. Arnold generation.” unique.” Villafuerte, program director at Anniversary of the End of The evening’s theme was Fernandez was also named the Hawaii State Department of “One Filipina” or how the mod- the best in the terno design and Health; and Cecilia Villafuerte, WW II Suggested attire is aloha for ern day Filipina contributes to swimsuit competitions. Her mortgage consultant. Tabulators civilians and summer whites or the overall well-being of her awards included a $10,000 were Jake Manegdeg, William he Battleship Missouri service equivalent for military community and the world. The scholarship from the Argosy Cudal and Ben Cabreros. Memorial will com- personal. In the shadow of the candidates were judged based on University of Hawaii, a round- Also present during the T memorate the 66th an- Mighty Mo’s main guns, the pre-pageant interview (30 per- trip ticket to the Philippines and event were Ron Menor, former niversary of the formal end of ceremony will feature guest history’s most destructive war speakers, patriotic music, per- with a ceremony entitled “The formances of a rifle salute and End of the War in the Pacific,” Echo Taps from atop the turret on September 2, 2011 from 8 and superstructure. There will am to 9 am. also be opportunities for guests The ceremony will be held to tour the ship’s decks. on the USS Missouri’s forward Speakers will include Dr. E. main deck, near the site where Bruce Heilman, World War II Supreme Allied Commander veteran and chancellor of the Gen. Douglas MacArthur and University of Richmond. representatives from 10 nations The event is free and open assembled to accept Japan’s for- to the public. There will be mal and unconditional surren- roundtrip shuttle bus from the der on September 2, 1945. At Pearl Harbor Visitor Center be- that time, the USS Missouri was ginning at 7 am. anchored in Tokyo Bay. AUGUST 6, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 7 IMMIGRATION GUIDE Drug Use Immigration Waiver – Obtainable with Expert Assistance showing they took drugs is in- Three methods of qualifying Forms and Fees expert assistance. It is not for explicable. Perhaps they were There are three methods of The waiver application do-it-yourselfers or immigra- By Atty. Emmanuel tricked by the consul. But in qualifying for a waiver. must be submitted on Form I- tion herbolarios. Samonte Tipon other cases the doctor examin- (A) (1) the activities occurred 601, Application for Waiver of ing them simply asked the ques- more than 15 years before Grounds of Inadmissibility. You ATTY. TIPON n immigration tion without any trickery. One the date of the application can obtain a copy of the form ( has a Master of Laws intending immigrant explained degree from Yale Law School and a consultant told for an immigrant visa; with detailed instructions and Bachelor of Laws degree from the Uni- this story about a “Nabigla ako” (I was taken by (2) the alien’s admission to the amount of the fee from the versity of the Philippines. Office: 800 Filipino who was surprise). the U.S. is not contrary to USCIS or the U.S. Embassy. Bethel St., Suite 402, Honolulu, HI being inter- the national welfare, safety, The form must be accompanied 96813. Tel. (808) 225-2645. E-Mail: fil- A [email protected]. Websites: Waiver requirements viewed by a con- or security of the U.S.; and by supporting documents to es- www.MilitaryandCriminalLaw.com, sular officer in INA Section 212(h), which (3) the alien has been reha- tablish eligibility for a waiver. andwww.ImmigrationServicesUSA.com. Manila. “Everything looks has been in the books for many bilitated; OR The alien will be fingerprinted. Listen to the most witty, interesting, and okay,” remarked the officer, as years, provides a waiver of in- informative radio program in Hawaii on KNDI at 1270, AM dial every Thurs- he closed the folder. “By the admissibility for violation of (B) (1) the alien has a U.S. citi- Tip day at 7:30 a.m., rebroadcast at way, have you ever tried drugs? INA Section 212(a)(2)(a)(i)(II) zen (USC) or lawful perma- Obtaining a waiver requires www.iluko.com.) You must have heard about a relating to admitting to commit- nent resident (LPR) child, former U.S. President who tried ting acts in violation of any law spouse, or parent; and it but did not inhale.” “I’ve tried or regulation of the United (2) the alien’s inadmissibil- it too, but I inhaled,” replied the States, or of a foreign country, ity would result in extreme intending immigrant. The officer relating to controlled substance. hardship to the USC or then said: “Just wait in the We are writing a book on immi- LPR qualifying relative; lobby.” Minutes later, the Fil- gration waivers. OR ipino was handed a piece of The threshold requirements paper stating “We are unable to are that the alien is only eligible (C) the alien qualifies for clas- issue you an immigrant visa be- to apply for a waiver if the con- sification as a battered cause you have been found inel- trolled substance violation in- spouse or child of a USC or igible under the following volved (1) a single offense, (2) LPR. section of the Immigration and involving simple possession, Nationality Act(INA), as (3) of 30 grams or less, of (4) Discretion of Attorney General amended: 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) marijuana. Even if the alien meets any You have admitted to commit- If the alien does not meet of the three methods of qualify- ting acts in violation of any law these requirements, the alien is ing, the alien must still convince or regulation of the U.S., or of a ineligible. The waiver does not the Attorney General (or his foreign country, relating to con- apply, if, for example, there is delegate) to exercise favorable trolled substance.” more than one offense, or if it discretion in granting the Many intending immigrants involves drug trafficking, or the waiver. The AG will balance the have admitted taking drugs and quantity of the drug is more positive and negative factors. have been refused visas. Why than 30 grams, or the drug is not No court has jurisdiction to re- they admitted taking drugs even marijuana but cocaine or view any decision to grant or when there was no evidence methamphetamine. deny a waiver. PHILIPPINE NEWS Aquino Downplays Worries Over

Strong Peso Wednesday afternoon. economies like the Philippines. "What will be done to en- In a separate interview, from www.philstar.com sure that we maintain it to X Bank of the Philippine Islands Wednesday, August 3, 2011 level? If we favor exporters, President and Chief Executive ANILA, Philippines normally importers and any- Officer Aurelio Montinola III (Xinhua) -- President thing we consume in this coun- said two things are evident at M Aquino said today try has an import component. this point: one concerns the that the peso value of 41 to 43 So the bulk of the population likelihood for continued low pesos to 1 US dollar is a "toler- would be benefited from an im- interest rates in the US and by able" range. proving peso situation," he said. extension low interest rates in "It's still within the window The president added that a the Philippines as well, and of things we believe are tolera- strong peso has a "positive ef- continued weakness in the US ble," he said, when asked fect especially on petroleum" dollar. whether he was concerned products. These developments could about the appreciation of the But Mr. Aquino said what complicate monetary and fiscal peso against the greenback fol- worries his economic managers management practices and ob- lowing concerns over the US is the "inflationary pull of hot jectives down the line, which is debt crisis. money," as investors might why he urged for caution The peso is trading at shun the US and put their port- among policy planners. 42.070 to the dollar as of folio investments in emerging (www.philstar.com) 8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE AUGUST 6, 2011 FOOD & LEISURE Healthy is the New Cool

A TASTE OF LIFE by Heny Sison “healthy-eats resto store” in bakery’s products and Allie’s recall meeting An- Greenhills. Was this the same peanuts. But they had to make gelo Songco many Angelo that fed us heaps of the painful decision of taking years ago when he steamed shrimp and crab with chicharon off their shelves. invited me to visit bagoong? What happened to I found their tagline inspir- I Pampanga to cover Butchie’s, which showcased the ing: “Foods that nourish.” I Butchie’s Recipes of artisan-baked products of his know that not all calories are La Moderna, and Sta Rita’s grandparents’ La Moderna Bak- created equal. There’s junk food Duman Festival, which I fea- ery in Guagua? I remember that gives nothing but carbohy- tured in the Christmas episode of munching on the piping-hot drates and empty calories with a my show. I called him and breads straight from their pugon lot of artificial ingredients. And shared my personal story that in Guagua and the artisan bis- there are foods full of quality nu- my family regularly passed by cuits that bring memories to our trients that are not necessarily La Moderna in the ’70s when we parents and grandparents. I was high in calories but provide en- went home to Bataan. We would still eating the pan de coco and ergy and sustenance. This is one Sugarleaf’s Berries and Greens salad buy pan de sal and their already he would pass me a piece of tur- of the pillars of Sugarleaf’s famous sans rival. If I am not rones de casoy or masa podrida. menu and product line. mistaken, I think my parents’ wedding cake was even made by Foods That Nourish Healthy is The New Cool La Moderna. Ilearned that he and new Sugarleaf is actually the We had a blast in Santa Rita partners decided to realign the English name for Stevia, which I and learned food of- am familiar with as a natural a lot about ferings of sweetener. Sugar connotes duman, a Butchie’s sweet, happy thoughts while special vari- to a more Leaf embodies the organic as- ety of rice healthy pect of the store. Business is that he selection good; they even have regular called “the early this clients who anticipate and re- green gold year. It serve their favorite gulay. They Rocking rolls: The organic chicken Goody Wrap of Pam- was more have seen a growth in their mar- cheesecakes! looking for it and figuring out panga” be- appropri- ket from mostly older people Desserts scare some people how to use it in my pastries. cause it was ate con- who are already experiencing because of its high sugar and fat Again, Sugarleaf, which tries to priced at a Bestseller: Sugarleaf’s Turkey Waldorf sand- sidering health issues to a younger set — content. I am sometimes guilty be a one-stop shop for organic, wich is gluten-free and has Bifidus, a pro-bi- couple thou- otic that helps digestion. its market parents feeding their young kids of going overboard on butter and natural and healthy food items, sand pesos and loca- and infants organic products. white sugar, but Sugarleaf has has come to the rescue and made per kilo! Of course, that trip to tion in the Health Cube Build- This is attributed to the fact that managed to create guilt-free (or these hard-to-find items avail- the Philippines’ culinary capital ing, which has tenants like a they were able to find a balance less guilty?) desserts using nat- able under one roof: colon- was chockfull of sumptuous physical therapy clinic, dialysis between healthy and yummy. ural sugar substitutes. They cleansing chia seeds (they have foods like asado Sta. Rita, tender center, and doctor’s and dentist’s “You can make the healthiest make cookies, sans rival, pecan organic whole seeds and cold- beef Calitiran, bringhe, crab offices. He partnered with Gina foods you can but if nobody will pie, and cheesecakes using co- milled ground chia), anti-oxidiz- adobo and lots more that left me Yambot and put up Sugarleaf eat it, then that defeats the mis- conut sugar, which is a low- ing acai (pronounced ah-say-ee) and my staff so full and happy. selling organic produce, and a sion of our store.” Sugarleaf’s glycemic alternative to white and hormone-balancing maca. Over the past couple of menu using these as a highlight. best-selling items include its sugar, making it more suitable They also carry indigenous years, I would contact Angelo if Since then, they have merged Turkey Waldorf Sandwich, for diabetics. I missed out on Philippine super foods such as I needed a resource person about their company with Goody which is gluten-free and has Bi- their “Sweet and Healthy” talk spirulina — which will be the the food of Pampanga. He has Kefir, a business set up by fidus, a pro-biotic that helps di- due to my busy schedule, but next big thing in health — avo- helped me find interesting infor- young entrepreneur couple gestion. Their baker makes was assured by Angelo that there cado, raw cacao and VCO prod- mation or point me to small es- Roman Lorenzo and Jeren breads with the specifications will be repeats. ucts. Aside from selling these in tablishments that serve the best Cabral, which makes a pro-bi- that no enhancers and condition- Healthy really is the new their mini-mart, they also use it food. The common denominator otic drink that has countless ers are used. cool! In this day and age when extensively in their menu, from of all our excursions would be health claims, from colon Kids love the Goody Kefir younger and younger people are main courses to drinks and that the food, though tasty, was cleansing to cancer prevention. I wraps and smoothies, which is a getting sick — high blood pres- desserts. The non-dairy banana not necessarily the healthiest op- was pleased that they still chose perfect example of how a not-so- sure, obesity, and diabetes — it split ice cream was to die for — tion around. to retain La Moderna products kid-friendly sour ingredient is is a breath of fresh air to find a not too sweet with the pleasant So it was a major surprise even if it uses refined sugar, be- successfully combined with restaurant that serves food that crunch of raw cacao nibs. when I received an invitation cause it still has a heritage that other ingredients to make great- actually promotes good health. As for kefir, it has started to from Angelo this year to the rib- cannot be discounted. Angelo tasting food and drinks. They And an additional bonus for us grow on me. I usually have to bon cutting of Sugarleaf, a says that people still look for the even make kefir ice cream and vain folk — it keeps you young combine it with fruit, as Angelo with its antioxidants, makes you suggested, but now I can drink it lose weight with its high-fiber on its own or with my muesli or content, and energizes with granola. It goes well with any quality nutrition. kind of fresh or frozen fruit. I have yet to try using it in my Super Foods, Goody Kefir pastries but for now, am content Ihave heard of super foods with Sugarleaf’s creations. before but have a difficult time (www.philstar.com) AUGUST 6, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 9 FEATURE Chem Professor Wins Teaching Award by Dennis Galolo sions and to the community know what profession to study. appalling lack of Filipino faculty through chemistry forums. She credits her older sister for members. She herself—a Filip- eticia Colmenares, Her students appreciate the pointing her in the right direc- ina chemistry professor at an in- Ph.D. and Associ- extra effort she puts into helping tion. stitute of higher education—is a ate Professor of them understand difficult mate- “She suggested that I rarity. In fact, her students do a Chemistry, re- rial and connect chemistry in major in chemistry partly be- double take when they find out L cently won the everyday life. She is not only an cause no one in the family she is a Filipino. 2011 Francis expert in using a variety of went into science and partly “They seem shocked, espe- Davis Award for Excellence in teaching tools, she moves with because we had a good chem- cially the Filipino students,” she Teaching. ease from one to the other and istry department in the col- says. “It’s as if they never ex- The award recognizes her engages students in problem- lege,” she says. “After taking pected to find a Filipino profes- dedication to teaching excel- solving. my first college chemistry sor in chemistry in their life. But lence as a teacher, and attention Colmenares also coordi- course, I found it was chal- after the initial shock, they seem Leticia Colmenares, Ph.D. to undergraduate students. It’s nates peer tutoring for students lenging and enjoyable.” warm and happy about it.” Photo by Peter Tully Owen the second such award she’s re- as well as the Community She eventually earned her Colmenares wants to con- ceived. In 2003, she received the Forum in Chemistry since 2006. and confidence to tackle the sub- bachelor’s degree in chemistry tinue as a role model for women Board of Regents Excellence in The forum enhances learning in ject.” from Mindanao State University and minorities who dream of a Teaching Award. chemistry for both students and For Colmenares, it’s all in a and was recruited to be a teacher career in the sciences. If she “I feel honored and it makes the community and serves as a day’s work. at the tender age of 21. were a bit younger, she’d aim to me feel I’m being rewarded for bridge between the classroom “My greatest joy in teaching “I was hooked to teaching be a college administrator. But putting in a lot of effort into my and the real world. is when my students pass and ever since,” she says. for now, she wants to continue teaching,” she says. One student who returned to move on to achieve greater Colmenares later earned a teaching until retirement and to Colmenares has been de- school after a long absence and things, like graduating from col- master’s degree in chemistry see more Filipino faculty mem- scribed as a “master teacher who is now a Ph.D. candidate at lege and getting a job, finishing a from the University of the bers join the ranks. who is extraordinarily commit- the UH Cancer Center remarked, graduate program, or becoming Philippines in Quezon City and “There is a need for more ted to helping students learn “Coming back to school after 20 a contributing member of the her Ph.D. from the University of college professors of Filipino an- chemistry.” She applies her years, I was apprehensive about community,” she says. Hawaii-Manoa. cestry,” she says. “At Windward skills and talents in teaching taking chemistry. I quickly found (Community College), I think chemistry at many levels—to that Dr. Colmenares’ teaching A Love For Teaching Higher Learning there are only two of us who are undergraduate non-majors, to style, one that is both challeng- Colmenares graduated from Colmenares has taught at of Filipino ancestry. We also students requiring chemistry ing and supporting, enabled me high school in Isabela, Basilan Windward Community College need more Filipino school or prior to entering science profes- to develop both the study skills City, the Philippines but did not since 1999 and has noticed an college administrators.” 10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE AUGUST 6, 2011 PHILIPPINE NEWS PNP Still Lacks Equipment to Respond to Crisis Situations Special Action Force and the Maritime - Official Group would conduct exercises on a land- by Evelyn Macairan based crisis in today’s program to be held Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at police station 7 in Cubao, Quezon City. Santiago said the last two days of the ANILA, Philippines - An offi- program would be held at the Subic Bay cial of the Philippine National Free Port in Zambales, where land, water M Police (PNP) said the police and air crisis simulations would be con- still lack equipment to respond to crisis sit- ducted. uations similar to the bloody hostage-tak- PNP chief Director General Raul Ba- ing incident at the Rizal Park in Manila calzo ordered Santiago to plan and im- where eight Hong Kong tourists and the plement an evaluation of the police unit hostage taker were killed on Aug. 23, intended as the primary responder in 2010. highly sensitive crisis situations. Director Leocadio Santiago, chief of After the five-day exercises, Santiago the PNP-Directorate for Operation, said said he would submit to the PNP chief the members of the PNP Crisis Action Force assessment of the team, including its (CAF) need special equipment to effec- weakness and strengths, to allow the PNP tively respond to emergencies like leadership to address properly them. hostage-taking. The current exercises are part of the “On air assault for instance, CAF police development program to improve members need entry equipment and operations following the bungled rescue firearms for a close-encounter response,” attempt during the Rizal Park hostage cri- Santiago said. sis. He said the insertion equipment for Hostage-taker Rolando Mendoza, troops are necessary to secure an enclosed who was dismissed from the police force area. for extortion, commandeered a Hong The PNP Directorate for Operations is Thai Travel tourist bus in Intramuros, the unit supervising the five days of “un- Manila and held hostage the Hong Kong scripted” crisis situation exercises being tourists and four Filipino guides for sev- assessed by anti-terrorist experts from the eral hours in front of the Quirino Grand- United States, Australia, New Zealand and stand at the Rizal Park. Singapore. The suspect, armed with an M16 rifle Santiago, the chief of the National and a pistol, had released several hostages Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) before the police special Weapons and at the time of the hostage-taking crisis, Tactics (SWAT) team assaulted the bus, said the second day of the crisis situation resulting in the death of the hostage taker exercises showed that CAF members lack and eight tourists. better boats and flotation devices to prop- Police hostage negotiators said erly respond when the crisis takes place at Rolando turned violent due to frustrations sea. after failing to get his demand to be rein- CAF members had sea-based exer- stated to the police force. cises at the Aseana Coastal area in Mendoza started shooting the Parañaque City yesterday. hostages when he saw through the televi- The team conducted air-based exer- sion on board the bus the live footage of cises on the first day of the program that his brother Gregorio being arrested. was held at the Ninoy Aquino Interna- Gregorio was accosted for inciting tional Airport complex in Pasay City. his brother rather than helping with nego- Some 184 CAF members from the tiations. (www.philstar.com) Customs to Tighten Rules on Entry of Imported Books

by Iris Gonzales legal basis for their request for exemption Wednesday, August 3, 2011 from taxes. ANILA, Philippines - The Bu- Covered by the order are educational, reau of Customs (BOC) will scientific and cultural materials under the M tighten the rules on the impor- Florence Agreement. tation of books. Importation of books by non-stock Through Memorandum Order No. 25- and non-profit educational institutions is 2011, Customs Commissioner Angelito also covered by the new guidelines. Alvarez said importers should apply with The BOC said that applicants for im- the Department of Finance (DOF) for portation under the Florence Agreement duty-free and tax-free importation of should first secure a certification from the books and indicate in their application the (continued on page 11) AUGUST 6, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 11 PHILIPPINE NEWS Koko: A Rare Gentleman's Act, But Long Overdue by Perseus Echeminada ment of a gentleman because he what you showed us in this Thursday, August 4, 2011 resigned. The protest is not chamber today, what you wrong. At least, the fight is now showed the Filipino people, will ANILA, Philippines - fair,” he said. be remembered and your detrac- It was a rare gentle- Pimentel disputed the claim tors will be chastised and that Mman’s act that should of Zubiri that there is no legal you shall come back here again have been done four years ago. basis in his electoral protest. to be with the members of this This was how senatorial He said the SET has already Senate,” Enrile said. candidate Aquilino “Koko” Pi- completed the revision of con- Enrile said he would not im- mentel III and his father and tested votes. mediately act on Zubiri’s resig- namesake former senator Pimentel said his father, also nation and take the issue up with Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. his lawyer, had already set into members of the Senate. described yesterday the resigna- motion the petition to immedi- Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri He said Zubiri’s resignation tion of Juan Miguel Zubiri from ately proclaim him as the 12th was unprecedented and “histori- the Senate. winning senator in the 2007 cheat his way into the Senate. member of the Senate. cal” considering it was volun- The younger Pimentel said elections. “It is the highest form of tary. Zubiri’s resignation was seldom Pimentel said Zubiri had re- ‘Highest form of moral moral courage to uphold one’s “We cannot stop you for seen in Philippine politics. signed from the Senate because courage’ honor and die for it if neces- what you did because it’s a mat- “I admire Zubiri for his rare he saw “himself as… unlawfully Before he made the speech sary. To show that there is ter of honor and as head of this gentleman’s act,” he said. occupying the contested posi- announcing his resignation, Zu- something more valuable than chamber, I will tell you I will Nene Pimentel said Zubiri tion.” biri informed a handful of col- power, perquisites, wealth and study your resignation and make could have resigned much ear- He stressed his protest leagues a couple of weeks ago of life itself, if it becomes neces- a decision in due time. I will lier, before the controversy over against Zubiri is a political and his plan to resign. sary to lay down your life to consult the members of the his mandate was put into ques- legal question that needs to be Senate President Juan Ponce uphold the dignity of yourself chamber about it,” he told Zu- tion. resolved because it involves a Enrile said Zubiri met with him as a man and the dignity of biri. “It should have been done senatorial term of office from to inform him about his plan to your family,” Enrile told Zu- Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. said four years ago. I thank all the June 30, 2007 to June 30, 2013. quit. biri, standing in rapt attention he tried to dissuade Zubiri from people who trusted Koko Pi- “Roughly four years had al- Enrile told Zubiri that the facing the podium. pushing through with his plan to mentel. I don’t want to add more ready been consumed in inter- resignation of a member of the “I’m sad that we’re going to resign, to wait until the final de- burden and headache on Zubiri, minable legal squabbling in the Senate was unprecedented and lose you but I’m sure that what cision of the SET. but the truth has finally come SET,” Pimentel said. he would have to study its legal you did today in this chamber, (continued on page 12) out. This is what Koko fought Pimentel also urged the SET implications. for,” the elder Pimentel said. to take into account the recent In an im- Koko, on the other hand, revelations of former Mindanao promptu mes- said the resignation of Zubiri regional governor Zaldy Ampat- sage during would set into motion his elec- uan and former election official yesterday’s ses- toral protest against the senator. Lintang Bedol that some sion, Enrile “This is a very seldom de- 195,000 votes were credited to commended velopment. We will file a motion Zubiri in a supposed election Zubiri for his in the SET (Senate Electoral Tri- fraud scheme in Maguindanao courage and for bunal) to hasten the resolution of during the 2007 elections. choosing to de- my protest. My reading, as a “The fakery that character- fend his honor lawyer, the resignation of some- ized the 2007 elections in instead of as- one who has been protested will Maguindanao that credited serting his hasten the resolution of election 195,000 fake votes to Zubiri and power as a sen- protests,” he said. which in turn led to his fake ator. The younger Pimentel proclamation as a senator had al- Enrile said stressed there is nothing wrong ready been proven by evidence it was a rare oc- in his election protest against duly presented to the Tribunal,” casion to wit- Zubiri. Pimentel said. ness the “He (Zubiri) still has an ele- Zubiri maintained he did not resignation of a

(from page 10, CUSTOMS ...) prices are exempt from the value-added UNESCO Office in the Philippines. tax (VAT). “The Florence Agreement, signed in Importers, however, are still re- 1952 in Florence, Italy by 17 countries, quired to apply for exemption with the waived tariffs on books and other printed DOF for easier VAT assessment. materials in order to facilitate the free Imported books and materials not flow of educational, scientific and cul- covered by the regulation are levied the tural materials,” the BOC said in a state- corresponding Customs duties. ment yesterday. For instance, dictionaries and ency- “The Philippines became a signatory clopedias, maps and hydrographic or to the Florence Agreement on Aug. 7, similar charts as well as plans and draw- 1979,” it added. ings for architectural, engineering, in- The BOC also said that imported dustrial, commercial, topographical or books, newspapers, magazines, or bul- similar purposes are subject to five per- letins which have regular circulation for cent taxes, according to Customs guide- sale and subscription and have fixed lines. (www.philstar.com) 12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE AUGUST 6, 2011 FAMILY CORNER

• going on outings together Ready For Each Day whether to shop or to bor- row books from the library.

She needs regular medical and dental care for good health. You can help by: By Grace Fong, Ed.D. and Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. • informing her school of your child’s special health any children for example, ask, “Would needs and/or medications. are back in you like an apple or banana • scheduling regular appoint- school or will with your cereal?” ments with her health care be heading • making sure your child has provider and dentist. M back to school lunch each day, e.g., provide • making sure she is up-to- soon. The home lunch, money to buy date on all required immu- start of each new school year is lunch, or make arrange- and fine motor (small muscle) nizations. an exciting time, but it can also ments for free/reduced-cost skill development. You can help To help her focus and con- be a time of anxiety and adjust- lunch. by: centrate, your child needs a quiet Your child needs opportuni- ments. It often requires an ad- • offering lots of crayons, place and time to do homework. ties to complete activities inde- justment to new routines and For her health and safety, markers, paints, blunt child- You can help by: pendently. You can help by: expectations for the child, par- your child needs good hygiene sized scissors, and sheets of • providing a quiet, well-lit • letting your child be respon- ents, and care providers. practices. You can help by: paper for her to use to scrib- workspace, turning off the sible for taking dishes to the Your child depends on you • making sure she bathes ble, write, cut, trace shapes, TV, and limiting other dis- kitchen sink after eating. to help her be ready for the many daily and washes her hair draw, and paste. tractions. • making it easier for her to new experiences and challenges regularly. • providing materials such as • designating a specific time do a task by herself, e.g., put each school day will bring. Pro- • supervising her as she puzzles, play-dough, large each day for doing home- milk from a jug into a viding her with a consistent brushes her teeth after every beads (or cereal) to string to- work and keeping to the smaller pitcher so she can daily routine can give your child meal or at least twice a day. gether, to help build your schedule consistently, e.g., pour her own drink. the stability and predictability • reminding her to wash her child’s small muscles. before dinner. • have her put dirty clothes in she will need to succeed each hands frequently, and espe- • doing activities together • checking to see that your a designated laundry basket day at school. The following are cially after using the bath- such as making a book or child’s homework is done and put away her clothes some simple things you can do room and before and after collage. and ready to be turned in to after they have been to help her. meals/snacks. the teacher. washed. Your child needs plenty of She needs time to be physi- rest to support her growth and She needs to get to school cally active for exercise, to burn Your child needs shared These things that you do attentiveness. You can help by: and be picked up on time each off energy, and strengthen gross family time to strengthen bonds each day for your child and with • making sure she has at least day for consistency and reassur- motor (large muscle) skills. You and to build a sense of belong- her go a long way in providing 8 hours of sleep each night ance. You can help by: can help by: ing. You can help by: her with the physical and emo- • having a set bedtime routine • checking that your child’s • offering opportunities to • sharing at least one meal a tional support and skill-building such as bathing, brushing school bag is packed and play inside or outside in a day together and encourag- opportunities she needs to be teeth, and ready the night before safe environment—to run, ing everyone at the meal to ready for each day of school. • reading a book together at school. jump, skip, dance, climb, or share about their day. the same time every night, • having a set time for her to pedal. • reading with your child at GRACE FONG is the Interim Director including weekends. wake up, dress, eat break- • playing active games with least 10 minutes each day of the Center on the Family, and and discussing what you SYLVIA YUEN is the Interim Dean of fast, and leave home each your child. the College of Tropical Agriculture and She needs healthy meals morning. • encouraging her to play with read, even when she can Human Resources at the University of and snacks to support her • arranging after-school care other children. read on her own. Hawaii at Manoa. growth and learning. You can and pick up for your child, help by: having an alternate plan in PHILIPPINE NEWS (cont.) (from page 11, KOKO...) • providing your child with a case of emergencies, and nutritious breakfast each letting her know what this Senate President Pro-Tem- at the House of Representatives Senate. morning either at home or plan is. pore Jinggoy Estrada also said said the resignation “demon- Malacañang said they re- through the school’s break- he tried to discourage Zubiri strates a sense of delicadeza spect Zubiri’s decision to resign. fast program, if available. Your child needs opportuni- from resigning. (propriety) that other mature “We respect the decision of • offering healthy choices ties to engage in creative, quiet “I said you have to fight it public servants lack.” Mr. Zubiri to relinquish his post with meals when possible, work to encourage imagination out if you really did nothing. You House Majority Leader in the Senate. It represents a really have to fight it out. But we Neptali Gonzales II said Zubiri way forward to start healing the have to respect his decision,” could even make a strong politi- wounds of the past. We thank Estrada said. cal comeback after his resigna- him for the service he has given Senate Majority Leader Vi- tion. our countrymen,” presidential cente Sotto III said that he was Camarines Sur Rep. spokesman Edwin Lacierda surprised with Zubiri’s decision Rolando Andaya Jr. said Zubiri said. to quit. He said Zubiri could showed strength of character. Lacierda urged the resigned have fought it out until the end. “The true test of character is senator to demonstrate his will- Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, not the drive by which one ac- ingness to restore dignity to the for his part, lamented the loss of quires power but the grade by electoral process. a fellow native of Bukidnon, which one relinquishes it,” he “Any contribution he makes whom he described as a very said. can be vital in restoring the peo- hardworking member of the Zubiri served for three terms ple’s mandate and in giving the Senate. or nine years as Bukidnon con- Filipinos the meaningful elec- Zubiri’s former colleagues gressman before running for the (continued on page 13) AUGUST 6, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 13 LEGAL NOTES

tive effect, if any, of the planned Waiving Inadmissibility for travel on the public interests of the United States. filing fee. Consular officers are re- Nonimmigrants Consular officers have minded in the FAM that they students, H-1B workers and this waiver to overcome a nega- wide discretion when recom- may recommend waivers for other temporary workers. tive finding of immigrant intent. mending the grant of this type any legitimate purpose such as Unlike most waivers for im- An application for this of waiver. The criteria to be fol- family visit, medical treatment, By Reuben S. Seguritan migrant visa applications, the waiver may be made at a U.S. lowed were laid down in the business conferences, tourism n alien may be 212(d)(3) waiver may be used consulate at the same time that leading case of Matter of and other purposes. The appli- barred from reen- for many inadmissibility the visa application is submit- Hranka, decided by the Board cant need not have a qualifying tering the U.S. if grounds, including health rea- ted. If applied for at the con- of Immigration Appeals in family relationship nor show hu- he or she had been sons, drug offenses, public sulate, there is no separate fee 1978. Under the Hranka stan- manitarian or exceptional cir- A unlawfully pres- charge grounds, immigration vi- for the waiver. The consular of- dard, three factors must be bal- cumstances. ent, committed a olations, and even certain types ficer reviews the waiver appli- anced: the risk of harm in The 212(d)(3) waiver, while misrepresentation on a visa ap- of involvement in terrorist activ- cation and forwards it to the admitting the applicant, the se- it could be the broadest type of plication, or has a criminal con- ities. Admissibility Review Officer riousness of the acts that caused waiver available, remains dis- viction. This waiver is not available of the Customs and Border Pro- the inadmissibility, and the im- cretionary. Aliens interested in One way to overcome these to those who are inadmissible tection (CBP) if the waiver is portance of the applicant’s rea- applying for this waiver in con- and other grounds of inadmissi- due to terrorism or national se- granted. In case of a denial by son for seeking entry. junction with their nonimmi- bility is the general waiver found curity-related grounds or foreign the ARO, the applicant may re- The Foreign Affairs Manual grant visa application must under section 212(d)(3) of the policy grounds. It may also be quest an advisory opinion from instructs consular officers to ensure that their waiver packet Immigration and Nationality denied to K-visa applicants who the Department of State. consider the following factors, meets the standard of eligibility. Act. are ineligible for an immigrant An alien may also apply for which mirror those in Hranka: . This type of waiver is avail- visa waiver, and those who are the waiver at the port of entry the recency and seriousness of REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been able to nonimmigrants or those not qualified for admission by presenting the CBP officer the activity or condition causing practicing law for over 30 years. For seeking to enter the U.S. for a under the category applied for. with a Form I-192 (Application the ineligibility, the reasons for further information, you may call him temporary period. Examples are For example, an applicant for a for Advance Permission to the proposed travel to the United at (212) 695 5281 or log on to his web- visitors for business or pleasure, visitor (B1/B2) visa may not use Enter as Nonimmigrant) and the States, and the positive or nega- site at www.seguritan.com

PHILIPPINE NEWS (cont.) (from page 12, KOKO...) toral reforms they rightfully de- 2007. tion. serve,” Lacierda added. “It is a very good develop- CBCP-National Secretariat Vice President Jejomar ment for the investigation… I for Social Action, Justice and Binay said Zubiri deserved welcome what he had done,” De Peace executive secretary Fr. higher respect with his decision Villa said. Edu Gariguez said Zubiri’s deci- to resign from the Senate. She said it was “very un- sion to leave the Senate came at “I have the highest respect usual that someone (in power) a time when his winning the for Miguel Zubiri and his reason will resign.” 12th slot in the 2007 elections for resigning from the Senate. “But without implying was being questioned. His resignation helps reinforce agenda, the act of resigning itself “This decision to resign in the people’s faith in our leaders is laudable,” De Villa said. the face of election controversies and shows that decency is very An official of the Catholic even without admitting fault… much alive in our political insti- Bishops’ Conference of the We welcome this gesture of put- tutions. I hope he will continue Philippines (CBCP) said Zu- ting the interest of his family Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile hugs Sen. Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri his advocacies, particularly for after he tendered his resignation during today's plenary session. Zubiri al- biri’s resignation had put his over his political ambition,” the environment, as a private cit- legedly benefited from the 2007 election fraud. (www.senate.gov.ph) family above his political ambi- Gariguez said. (www.philstar.com) izen,” Binay said. put closure to questions on his Howard Calleja said Zubiri’s victory in the 2007 polls. resignation vindicated the state- Not yet “Sen. Zubiri’s resignation ments made by his client Am- Sen. Francis Escudero said does not automatically mean the patuan. it was a difficult decision for Zu- assumption of Koko Pimentel to Calleja said Zubiri’s deci- biri to resign. the vacancy, although it can sion to resign from the Senate Escudero, as former mem- speed up the process. SET has only showed Ampatuan was ber of the SET that took juris- yet to annul Zubiri’s proclama- telling the truth behind the fraud diction over the protest cases tion by declaring Pimentel as in the 2007 elections. filed by Pimentel, said the elec- the rightful winner,” she ex- Alaminos City Mayor Her- toral protest would have to con- plained. nani Braganza says he sympa- tinue. De Lima admitted she has thizes with Zubiri’s predicament, Escudero explained that yet to be convinced by Zubiri’s but admires his courage to resign until the SET issues its ruling, motive in resigning, calling it a as senator. Pimentel would not be able to “surprising development” and “a “What a loss. He did very assume the seat left vacant by pleasant surprise for the cause of well as a senator in the positions Zubiri. truth and electoral justice.” he held and the legislation he Justice Secretary Leila de De Lima also questioned fought for, ” he said. Lima said the resignation of Zu- why Enrile decided not to im- Parish Pastoral Council for biri does not automatically qual- mediately accept the resignation Responsible Voting (PPCRV) ify Pimentel for the vacancy. when it was supposed to be ir- chair Henrietta de Villa said the De Lima, who was Pi- revocable as expressed by Zubiri resignation of Zubiri would mentel’s election lawyer, also himself. boost the joint investigation on said Zubiri’s resignation did not On the other hand, lawyer the electoral fraud in 2004 and 14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE AUGUST 6, 2011 MAINLAND NEWS Calif. Death, 76 Illnesses Linked to Ground Turkey plan said. from www.philstar.com March, and the federal Centers for salmonella they found — even CDC spokeswoman Lola Rus- Wednesday, August 3, 2011 Disease Control and Prevention though they are the same strain — sell said Tuesday it can take three said Monday that cultures of and the 77 people who were sick- to four weeks to confirm a single ASHINGTON (AP) - ground turkey from four retail lo- ened. The Food Safety and Inspec- case. Identifying an outbreak can The government is cations between March 7 and June tion Service sent out an alert about take considerably longer than that scrambling to find the 27 showed contamination with the the illnesses late last week telling W when cases of foodborne illness source of a salmonella outbreak same strain of salmonella, though consumers to properly cook their occur sporadically, in several likely linked to ground turkey that those samples were not specifically turkey, which can decrease the states, as has happened in the cur- has killed one person and sickened linked to the illnesses. chances of salmonella poisoning. rent outbreak, she said. dozens more. Though the government But the department has not given Raw ground turkey The CDC estimates that 50 Finding the source of an out- would not comment, a spokesman consumers any further warnings million Americans each year get break hasn't been easy; the govern- for the Minnesota-based meat com- to investigate and recall salmo- about the source of the tainted sick from food poisoning, includ- ment has been chasing the illnesses pany Cargill said Tuesday that it nella-tainted poultry. Because sal- meat. ing about 3,000 who die. Salmo- for months. The Agriculture De- had been contacted by the Agricul- monella is common in poultry, it is Art Caplan, a bioethicist at the nella causes most of these cases partment, which oversees meat ture Department as part of the in- not illegal for meat to be tainted University of Pennsylvania, said and federal health officials say safety, said it is still investigating vestigation. with the pathogen. Officials must the government's handling of the they've made virtually no progress who produced the meat, and the A spokesman for another directly link the salmonella ill- outbreak raises ethical questions against it. department hasn't initiated a recall. large, Minnesota-based producer of nesses with a certain producer or about why the public wasn't The most common symptoms California state health officials ground turkey, Hormel, said Tues- establishment, which is difficult to warned sooner. of salmonella are diarrhea, abdom- said Tuesday that the one death day that the company had not been do because people don't always re- "You've got to protect the pub- inal cramps and fever within eight was in Sacramento County. Sev- contacted by USDA about the cur- member what they ate or where lic health. That's their first and pri- hours to 72 hours of eating a con- enty-six people in 26 states have rent investigation. they bought it. mary value — not industry, not any taminated product. It can be life- been made sick from the same The silence so far from gov- In this case, it appears that of- other goal. They have to warn as threatening to some with weakened strain of the disease. ernment officials may be attributed ficials haven't been able to prove quickly as they think there's rea- immune systems. (www.philstar.com) The illnesses date back to to USDA rules that make it harder the link between the samples of sonable evidence for concern," Ca-

ily a note thanking them for She also acknowledged she UAE Naval Officer's Lawyer Seeks “everything” and for bringing her didn’t read the contract she and Al- to the United States when she se- Ali signed for her employment in cretly left their large East Green- Rhode Island. to Discredit Pinay in US Case wich home last October. “I didn’t read it,” she said. “I from AP “You didn’t ask them for was not allowed by my master to Wednesday, August 3, 2011 home sought on Monday to portray Mohamed Al-Ali’s former servant $200,000 in that letter, did you?” read it.” her as a liar who left her former testified for the second time during defense attorney Robert Ballesteros said ROVIDENCE, Rhode Is- master a thank you note when she his trial in US District Court in Corrente asked during she quickly deterio- land – A defense attorney for fled the home last year only to file Providence. his cross-examination. rated physically after Pa United Arab Emirates a lawsuit months later seeking Al-Ali’s lawyer asked the ser- Ballesteros re- arriving at Al-Ali’s naval officer accused of keeping an $200,000. vant, Elizabeth Cabitla Ballesteros, sponded that she com- Rhode Island home, unpaid servant in his Rhode Island Col. Arif Mohamed Saeed about leaving Al-Ali and his fam- plained Al-Ali was not where she worked paying her what she was long hours cleaning, owed. preparing meals for She said she didn’t the family of seven, seek out a lawyer but au- washing two cars thorized a civil suit to be daily and doing all filed months later against Al-Ali on the laundry and ironing. her behalf. She also said Al-Ali had her “I complained regarding my remove cobwebs from the front of salary because they hadn’t been the house when they moved in and paying me,” Ballesteros, who is the residence was much larger than from the Philippines, said through he initially had indicated. an interpreter. The judge threw out Balles- The civil litigation is on hold teros’ first testimony because of in federal court. problems with the translation. A Corrente also asked Balles- new interpreter was retained to teros why she never contacted the help her. police after leaving Al-Ali’s home. Once Ballesteros finished tes- She said she didn’t know how tifying Monday, prosecutors rested to contact authorities and thought their case and Corrente asked the she was returning to the Philip- judge to acquit Al-Ali. pines. Corrente said the government “What you did do is hire an at- has not proved Al-Ali misrepre- torney who wrote a letter to the sented the job Ballesteros was colonel demanding he pay you hired for or lied to agents by pro- $200,000,” said Corrente, who also viding them with a document indi- asked Ballesteros whether she cating he had paid her. knows what it means to tell the Prosecutors oppose the mo- truth. tion. The judge is expected to make Ballesteros said that the night a decision on Tuesday. before she left for the United States Ballesteros began working for last July with Al-Ali’s family, she Al-Ali at his home in the UAE in was forced to sign a document af- 2007. She said he paid her less than firming she was paid 12 monthly half of what was promised in a payments of $1,600. She said she contract, but she continued to work never saw the money. for him. (www.philstar.com) AUGUST 6, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 15

COMMUNITY CALENDAR BUSINESS DANCING IN PARADISE FOR BANTAY BATA Walsch, 778-3832 August 27, 2011 ● Coral Ballroom, Hilton PROJECT / FRIDAY Hawaiian Village ● Contact: Danny Vil- DIRECTORY August 5, 2011, 6pm ● Pacific Beach CONGRESS OF VISAYAN ORGANIZATIONS, laruz @ 778-0233 or Maria Etrata @ 392- Hotel ● Contact: Jess @ gonzale- 24TH ANNUAL STATEWIDE CONVENTION & 2962 [email protected] GALA / SATURDAY August 13, 2011 ● Maui Beach Hotel, ANNAK TI BATAC INTERNATIONAL QUEEN OF QUEENS CORONATION BALL / SUNDAY SAN NICOLAS TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF Maui ● For details, call Jun Colmenares HAWAII, 16TH ANNIVERSARY AND INDUC- @ 510-734-4491 September 18, 2011, 6pm ● Pacific TION OF OFFICERS & SCHOLARSHIP Beach Hotel ● Contact: Dolores Ortal - AWARDS BALL / SATURDAY 63RD ANNIVERSARY OF UNITED VISAYAN 422-1667 August 13, 2011 ● Pacific Beach Hotel ● COMMUNITY OF HAWAII / SATURDAY Contact: Heidi Luarca - 637-7769 August 20, 2011 ● Club House @ 94-833 VINTAR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI Awanei St., Waipahu ● Contact: George GLOBAL NETWORK, REUNION & REAFFIR- FILIPINO NURSES ORGANIZATION OF HI'S Carpenter, 554-0495 MATION OF OFFICERS / SATURDAY 38TH ANNUAL NURSING EXCELLENCE September 24, 2011, 6pm ● Hibiscus RECOGNITION & BANQUET / SATURDAY ILOCOS SURIAN ASSOCIATION OF HAWAII, Room, Ala Moana Hotel ● Call Gliceria August 13, 2011, 6pm ● Tapa Ballroom, DINNER AWARDS AND FUNDRAISING/ Agraan @ 676-1567 or 671-7774 Hilton Hawaiian Village ● Contact: Nancy SATURDAY GLOBAL NEWS 4 Pinay Maids Wage Legal Battle for The estimate was based on the assumption Permanent HK Residency that each eligible domestic helper would by Carina Roncesvalles The Basic Law, the city’s mini-con- bring his or her spouse and two children to stitution, states that permanent residents the city. Wednesday, August 3, 2011 include non-Chinese nationals who have Data from the immigration depart- ONG KONG – At least four Fil- “ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a ment here showed that there are 138,933 ipino domestic workers who continuous period of not less than seven Filipino domestic workers who are earn- H have been working here for more years and have taken Hong Kong as their ing at least HK$23,740 (P20,130). The fig- than 20 years have waged a legal battle for place of permanent residence.” ure accounts for 47.5 percent of the total the Hong Kong government to grant them The Filipino domestic workers also foreign domestic helpers (FDH) popula- permanent residency. asked the court to declare as unconstitu- tion of 292,473 as of June. It is estimated The High Court is scheduled to hear tional the Immigration Ordinance that re- that at least one-third of the total FDH pop- one of the three petitions on Aug. 22, fuses permanent residency rights to ulation have worked here for more than which was filed by Evangeline Vallejos, a domestic helpers. seven years. domestic worker here since 1986. Under the ordinance, “a person shall The Philippine consulate reported that The two other petitioners are Irene not be treated as ordinary resident in Hong there are 12,452 Filipino permanent resi- Domingo and her husband Daniel, who Kong while employed as a domestic dents in the former British colony, while worked here as domestic workers from helper.” there are around 5,000 holders of work 1982 to 2007 and from 1985 to 2007, re- The Filipinos also asked the court to permits and dependent visas as of last year. spectively. Two of their three children who declare that the Immigration Ordinance DAB claimed that the unemployment were born here are already permanent res- contravenes the Bill of Rights Ordinance rate could rise to 10 percent from 3.5 per- idents. that provides rights without distinction of cent if domestic helpers would get resi- Josephine Gutierrez, who had been race. dency status that would eventually allow working here as a domestic worker since The Filipinos’ claims for right of them to apply for jobs as local minimum 1991, also filed a similar petition. abode have elicited widespread interest wage earners. The Court is set to hear the petition of and even scare tactics among local resi- Foreign domestic helpers are ex- the Domingos on Oct. 18 and of Gutierrez dents. cluded from the initial hourly minimum on Oct. 26. The Democratic Alliance for the Bet- wage rate of $28 (P150) implemented last In their petitions filed at the Court of terment and Progress of Hong Kong May. First Instance last December, the Filipinos (DAB), the city’s biggest pro-government Legislator Paul Tse earlier feared that asked the Court to declare them as perma- party, estimated that 500,000 new resi- a rush of domestic helpers with permanent nent residents of this city under the Basic dents could settle in Hong Kong if the ju- residency would gravely affect the city’s Law. dicial review favors the domestic helpers. welfare resources. (www.philstar.com) RENTAL Gadhafi Official Urges Pinoy Workers to Abdulhadi Lahweej, Libya’s under- which continues to serve over 2,000 of Return to Libya secretary for expatriates, immigrants and our overseas Filipino workers who re- from AP refugee affairs, met with Philippine For- main in Libya,” del Rosario said. eign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario About 10 percent of the Philippines’ Wednesday, August 3, 2011 and assured him of the safety of Filipinos population of 94 million people work ANILA, Philippines - A visit- in Libya. abroad. They send home billions of dol- ing Libyan official urged Fil- About 14,000 Filipinos were evac- lars that boost the economy, and the gov- M ipino workers Monday to uated from the country in March, shortly ernment considers their welfare a top return to Libya, saying its capital was after the rebellion began in mid-Febru- priority. peaceful and violence was confined to ary. Those who remain are mostly med- Lahweej told a news conference his rebel-controlled areas. ical workers. government is taking care of Filipinos Foreign affairs spokesman Raul Her- The United States and about a dozen who have remained there “and we are nandez said the Philippines is maintaining other countries recognize the rebels as now calling those who left to get back to its policy of not deploying workers there. Libya’s legitimate government. The Libya.” NATO air strikes have hit Tripoli and Philippines is among nations that still The frontlines of the fighting are other targets in the five-month operation recognize the long-standing regime of miles beyond Libya’s capital, but air to enforce a no-fly zone and protect civil- Moammar Gadhafi. strikes rattle the city almost daily. The ians, but there is a semblance of normalcy “We continue to recognize the government alleges the air strikes have in the capital as shops remain open and Libyan government as manifested by the caused many civilian deaths, but there is residents go about normal daily routines. presence of our embassy in Tripoli, little evidence of it. (www.philstar.com) 16 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE AUGUST 6, 2011