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AB 2612, PLESCIA CRIME Warriors win over Nuggets for 5th time WEEKLY ISSUE 70 CITIES IN 11 STATES ONLINE Vol. IX Issue 457 1028 Mission Street, 2/F, San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel. (415) 593-5955 or (650) 278-0692 January 11 - 17, 2018 Opposition sees Duterte’s term extension

SPORTS NEWS | A5 behind push for federal system of gov’t By Daniel Llanto | FilAm Star Correspondent

Oprah for prez? For the opposition, President Duterte’s term extension is the hid- den agenda in the proposed shift from presidential to federal system of government. Congress is now rushing a draft constitution to be in the ballot in the and elections in May this year. Senate Majority Leader , chairman of the opposition WORLD NEWS | A9 Liberal Party, vowed that his fellow minority senators will stop any move U.S. judge blocks Trump to extend Duterte’s term. from ending DACA (L-R) Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano, Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes and Akbayan party-list Rep. Tom Villarin Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Ale (Photos: www.youtube.com / www. cbcpnews.com / www.newsbyte.ph) TO PAGE A7 Majority of Pinoys believe Duterte Health secretary to personally visit school is better than PNoy – SWS Survey children put at risk by dengue vaccine By Corina Oliquino | FilAm Star Correspondent By William Casis | FilAm Star Correspondent

WORLD NEWS | A9 dzBB, majority of believe Health Sec. Francisco Duque III President is “bet- will start visiting schools with stu- USAID adds PHP330M ter” than former President Benigno dents who face possible severe dengue ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III. symptoms after being injected with the for rehab According to the survey, 70 per- controversial Dengvaxia. cent of those surveyed believe Duterte In a news forum, Duque said he has performed better than Aquino, will go first to a school, and with only eight percent saying other- will also inspect certain schools in the wise. rest of the National Capital Region, In a report by , Regions 3 and 4-A, and Cebu. (L-R) President Rodrigo Duterte and for- SWS asked the question, “Kung iku- The visit, Duque said, is part of mer president Noynoy Aquino III kumpara ang pag-ganap ni Pangulong heightened monitoring efforts for the (Photo: www.gmanetwork.com) Rodrigo Duterte sa kanyang tungkulin 837,000 school children given the – According to the latest mula Hulyo 2016 sa pagkaganap ni vaccine. COMMUNITY AWARENESS | B3 release of Social Weather Stations dating pangulong Aquino mula Hulyo The health chief said some inspec (SWS) survey through radio station TO PAGE A7 DOH Sec. Francisco Duque III TO PAGE A7 (Photo: www.doh.gov.ph) Western Union to return $586M to scam victims Pre-paid mobile loads valid for one Tax reform law will benefit some but not the poor, say congressmen year as 3rd telco player sets up questioning legality of TRAIN before Supreme Court By Lara Climaco | FilAm Star Correspondent By Daniel Llanto | FilAm Star Correspondent

panies a grace period of six months to As the TRAIN (Tax Reform for fully comply with the directive. Acceleration and Inclusion) Law “We allowed this to prevent their begins to figuratively run over consum- COMMUNITY AWARENESS | B3 systems from the possibility of crash- ers in terms of much higher prices, ing if changes are made abruptly, the Makabayan bloc of lawmakers in which will not only highly inconve- Congress is all set to file this week a Sara Duterte one of 12 preferred nience the consuming public but may petition questioning its legality and even cause serious damage to the telco propriety before the Supreme Court. for senator in 2019 -- 2 surveys industry,” said DICT OIC-Sec. Eliseo ACT Teachers party-list Rep. An- By Corina Oliquino Rio Jr. tonio Tinio said they will file a petition FilAm Star Correspondent Trade Sec. Ramon Lopez portrayed seeking to invalidate the TRAIN Act, the extended validity of pre-paid load which President Duterte signed into MANILA – Davao City Mayor as the Duterte administration’s Christ- law last month to generate revenues to and presidential daughter Inday Sara mas gift to Filipino consumers. The fund the government’s infrastructure Duterte-Carpio is one of the 12 pre- DICT, Department of Trade and Indus- program. ferred candidates by Filipinos in 2019, DICT OIC-Sec. Eliseo Rio Jr. try and the National Telecommunica- This occurred as farmer groups (Photo: www.terrapinn.com) according to an unpublished Social tions Commission signed a joint memo warned that the TRAIN law will result Weather Stations (SWS) and Laylo Pre-paid load bought in bulk, at circular to this effect last December 20 in increased production cost of major Research Strategies survey. minimum denominations of PHP 300, because “the government wishes to af- staples and agricultural produce. Kilu- In a report by The Philippine Star, is now valid for one year in the Philip- ford subscribers more time to use their sang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) the survey was conducted by SWS from pines. As announced last month, the pre-paid mobile credits.” said in a statement: “The additional December 8 to 11 of last year and was one-year validity should cover pre- Pre-paid credits purchased as excise tax on petroleum products will not released publicly in its website but paid load credits regardless of amount part of promos or other services with (Top) ACT party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio directly impact the agricultural pro- published online by radio dzRH last starting January 5 but the Department specific period of use were the only (Bottom) KMP Sec-gen Antonio Flores duction cost as farmers and agricultur- of Information and Communications exceptions mentioned when the joint (Photos: www.act-teachers.com al producers use diesoline and gasoline January 4. www. bulatlat.com) TO PAGE A7 Technology (DICT) gave telecom com- TO PAGE A7 TO PAGE A7 A2 FilAm Star January 11 - 17, 2018 ph news Marcos compromise, shift to federal gov’t seen as ‘I am not running for Senate in 2019’ – Bongbong Marcos authoritarian regime’s brain-washing of the public Former Sen. Bongbong By Macon Araneta | FilAm Star Correspondent Marcos on Wednesday said he would not run in the 2019 sena- torial elections so he could “fin- ish” his electoral protest against Vice President . “Why would I run for sena- tor, I already won as vice presi- dent?” he said at the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay. “I will see this petition through because I believe that this is an honest fight… I won’t stop this,” he said. “What really was the true result? Who really Former Sen. Bongbong Marcos won? Those are important [to (Photo: www.opnlttr.com) know].” Robredo’s election lawyer, Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Caguioa, replaced to end what Romulo Macalintal, quickly re- Bayan (PDP-Laban) included he alleged was the “unfair and sponded to Marcos’ statements, him in its senatorial slate. unjust” handling of his electoral saying the former senator was Marcos accused Robredo protest. “too presumptuous” or was of cheating after he lost to her “That’s one option,” he said “just dreaming.” by over 230,000 votes, an al- of seeking Caguioa’s ouster. “I “If he won as vice presi- legation the Vice President had don’t know if that’s what we dent, why is it that it was Ro- strongly and repeatedly denied. would be doing. But we should bredo who was proclaimed by He made it to the top 12 definitely do something so it Congress as winner?” Macalin- possible senatorial candidates would be fair and to put an end Sen. Risa Hontiveros tal said in a statement. in the 2019 elections, accord- to this.” (Photo: www.canadianinquirer.net) Duterte endorsement ing to a Social Weather Stations Macalintal said Marcos was Akbayan Sen. Risa Hon- fate of the Duterte government. clamor for a revolutionary gov- The namesake of the late survey on Dec. 8-17, 2017. “merely trying to preempt the tiveros said that the Duterte The Marcos compromise deal ernment primarily to persuade dictator said ‘Unfair and unjust’ PET coming results of the recount government is testing the will fortify its political alliance the military to support the he would not stop pursuing Marcos also accused the of ballots where his ridiculous waters and “conditioning the and federalism will extend the idea. “Fortunately, the proposal his protest even if President Presidential Electoral Tribunal and frivolous claim of massive public’s mind” about two is- term limits of power-hungry was shelved in the meantime Duterte would endorse him as (PET) of being unfair and want- election cheating will be proven sues: absolving the Marcoses public officials. The public must because it failed to shore up a candidate and neither would ed its chair, Supreme Court false.” (Dj Yap, Pathricia Ann of their crimes and pushing for not be hoodwinked,” added the support from the public and he run even if the ruling Partido Associate Justice Benjamin V. Roxas / inquirer.net) Duterte’s term extensions via opposition Senator. sway the military,” the Senator federalism. Together with its com- explained. Hontiveros said that the mand of , she said the She called on the public not Councilor Al-ag takes oath as Davao City vice mayor sudden talks of a “no elec- Duterte government is testing to be swayed by the govern- DAVAO CITY — Third President Duterte on Fri- tion” scenario, term exten- the waters, measuring public ment’s attempt to condition district Councilor Bernard day last week accepted Paolo’s sion and proposals to drop all perception regarding the ac- them into accepting its grand Al-ag on Wednesday formally resignation. cases against the Marcoses ceptability of its twisted politi- political schemes, which she assumed his post as the city Al-ag had earlier said his in exchange for a cut of the cal projects and conditioning said will only solidify authori- vice mayor. assumption of Paolo’s position Marcos wealth are all parts of the people’s mind to create false tarian rule in the country. Al-ag took his oath of of- would trigger a few changes in an elaborate political communi- consent. It is a classic feature of “If anything, this regime fice before Mayor Sara Duterte the chairmanship of various cation strategy to measure and an authoritarian regime. bows to strong public opinion around 4 p.m. committees at the Sangguni- massage public opinion. She said the government is and pressure. Let our voices be The oath-taking, held at ang Panlungsod. “It comes as no surprise keen on controlling public opin- heard. Let us show our strength Sara’s office, was witnessed “I will be vacating the that the public is being bom- ion knowing that it is ultimately in the streets. The fear of public by several officials, including position of floor leader and as barded with all these political the basis of its power and legiti- opinion by authoritarian lead- those from the city local gov- chairman of the committee prospects and scenarios com- macy,” Hontiveros added. ers points to the potential of our ernment operations office. on rules so there will be few ing from the key leaders of The Senator likened this voices as a force of good. We Al-ag’s ascension to the changes,” he said. the Executive and Legislative to the failed attempt to mount must not be intimidated and vice mayor’s post was brought Al-ag will be serving branches of the government,” support for a “revolutionary silenced,” Hontiveros further 3rd District Councilor Bernard Al-ag about by the resignation of (Photo: www.linkedin.com) Paolo’s remaining term. (Frin- she said. government.” stated. Presidential son Paolo Duterte ston Lim / inquirer.net) “After all, these twin politi- She said that President Du- on Dec. 25. cal projects will determine the terte tried to create fake public January 11 - 17, 2018 FilAm Star A3 ph news Higher education commission chief accused Red Cross: More than 800 injured in Traslacion 2018 of authorizing her own travel requests More than 800 devotees were reported injured during By William Casis | FilAm Star Correspondent the grand Traslacion, or the six-kilometer procession of the Black Nazarene statue from the Commission on Higher 2017, Licuanan crisscrossed the Research Institute in California, Quirino Grandstand to the Qui- Education Chairwoman Patricia globe, traveling to California, U.S.A.) apo Church, according to the Licuanan went abroad eight then France and then Germany, 3. June 04-11, 2017 (to Philippine Red Cross (PRC). times last year without Presi- all listed as official business participate in the Journée Pays The procession of Quiapo dent Duterte’s permission, a trips. or Philippine In- church’s icon commenced early party-list lawmaker said. “She even traveled business formation Day and visit French Tuesday morning, at 5:07 a.m., Deputy majority leader and class while our President travels Universities in Paris, France) and ended Wednesday before Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta economy,” Nograles said. 4. June 26-July 1, 2017 dawn after reaching the church (PBA) party-list Rep. Jericho Nograles said he finds it (to attend as speaker of the at 3:00 a.m. Nograles said that instead of se- immaterial if Licuanan’s travels International DIES Conference In a report released on (Photo: www.rmn.ph) curing her travel authority from were necessary. He said the law Female Leadership and Higher Wednesday, the PRC said a the Office of the President (OP), requires her to secure the ap- Education management in total of 708 sustained mi- checked and monitored across never fails to support this developing countries in Bonn, nor medical cases (dizziness, nine first aid stations and the beautiful Filipino tradition by Germany) laceration, abrasion, vomiting, emergency medical unit tent providing life-saving measures 5. August 29-31, 2017 toothache, body pain, fatigue, hospital deployed along the to the devotees,” PRC chairman (study visit to Singapore Poly- abdominal pain and sprain) procession route, the PRC said. and Senator Richard Gordon technic International in Singa- while 127 suffered major in- Moreover, the PRC said said in a statement. pore for the implementation of juries (difficulty of breathing, 210 devotees had asked for “This wouldn’t be possible the advancing Conceive Design, fainting, body weakness, seizure assistance in helping find their without the hard work and sac- Implement and Operate (CDIO) and fracture). missing companions during the rifice of all our volunteers who framework.) In addition, the PRC said procession. worked tirelessly even before 6. October 10-13, 2017 they transported seven patients During the procession, the day of the feast. We are all (attend the Asian Dialogue for to nearby hospitals, including a about 2,000 Red Cross per- proud to have you in the Philip- Innovation forum in Taipei, 17-year-old boy, whom para- sonnel and volunteers were pine Red Cross,” Gordon said. Taiwan) medics suspected suffered neck deployed, equipped with am- (Julius N. Leonen / inquirer. 7. October 27-November 1 and spine injury. bulances, rescue trucks, utility net) (family vacation to Singapore) At least 854 devotees vehicles and rescue boats. 8. November 15-25 (at- also had their blood pressures “The Philippine Red Cross tend the Canadian Bureau of International Education Annual Conference Exhibition in Hali- DND hits CPP for ordering comrades to bring down Duterte fax, Canada) Licuanan simply laughed The Department of National ly isolated” from the people from CHED Chairwoman Patricia Licuanan off Nograles’ allegations. She Defense on Wednesday slammed the impact of the killings from (Photo: www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp) said the documents he showed the Communist Party of the the drug war and the counterin- were simply internal documents Philippines for its “bankrupt surgency campaign, the increase as a 2005 Executive Order (EO) proval of the President. which were also sent to Malaca- ideology” for telling its comrades of basic commodities due to the requires, Licuanan made herself “The fact that the request- ñang for approval. to “work towards the downfall” new tax law, and the possibility the approving authority for her ing official is also the approv- “I get a travel authority of President Rodrigo Duterte. of federalism. own requests to travel abroad. ing official is already irregular. from the Office of the President “The CPP’s call for an unho- The DND noted that the The EO requires all mem- What makes it illegal is that for all my travel including per- ly alliance of all groups opposed President Rodrigo Duterte is far bers of the Cabinet and officials there is a violation of an EO sonal trips. This is well docu- to the government just to bring from being “increasingly iso- of equivalent rank to secure which requires Chairwoman mented. I issue travel authori- down the President, ‘even those lated” from the Filipino people their travel authority from the Licuanan to secure her Travel ties for all our officials but not with the biggest contradiction based on his latest survey and OP. Authority from the Office of for myself,” Licuanan said. with the revolutionary forces,’ high approval ratings. brings to light their bankrupt revolutionary forces.” “This latest statement of the “Did Licuanan usurp the the President. She should have “It appears that what Rep. ideology,” the DND said in a The communists called for CPP-NPA once again shows how power of Duterte by approv- sought either the approval of Nograles shared on his Face- statement. the “launch of campaigns, both far these communist-terrorists ing her own travel authority the Executive Secretary or the book account as basis for his In the editorial of the CPP’s armed and unarmed, to deal are far from the truth and how contrary to EO 459?” Nograles President himself,” Nograles accusations is the internal Au- official publication “Ang Bayan” serious blows to the regime and years of propagating lies have asked. said. thority to Travel Abroad, which published on Jan. 7, it said that weaken it until it falls.” deluded their sense of reality,” The Commission on Higher Nograles admitted how- is routinely used to process the “the downfall of the Duterte is They also said that the Pres- it said. (Frances Mangosing / Education is attached to the ever, that unlike the case of funds and is an attachment for the most important task of the ident would become “increasing- inquirer.net) Office of the President for ad- Maritime Industry Authority securing Malacañang approval,” ministrative purposes, covering Administrator Marcial Amaro she added. both public and private higher III who was sacked by Duterte Licuanan, whose term ends education institutions as well for excessive foreign travels, this year, sent copies to the as degree-granting programs in Licuanan is protected by a secu- media of her travel authorities all post-secondary educational rity of tenure as a “fixed-term” from Malacañang for her eight institutions in the country non-career appointee. trips — seven signed by Senior Nograles said grave “The President cannot just Deputy Executive Sec. Menardo misconduct is defined by the remove Licuanan without cause Guevarra, and one signed by Supreme Court as flagrant as this is guaranteed under Deputy Executive Secretary disregard of established rules, the Constitution but her latest for General Administration among others. action where she usurped the Michael Ong. He said this can be also authority of the OP could be a Nograles however dis- a ground for filing of charges basis for her removal or suspen- missed claims by Licuanan against Licuanan before the Of- sion,” Nograles said. that she was not the one who fice of the Ombudsman, which Licuanan approved her approved her requests for could hound her even after she own request for travel in: “Authority to Travel Abroad” retires this year. 1. March 29-31, 2017 because he was in possession of Based on documents (to attend as speaker in the the documents that proved his obtained by his office, Nograles High-Level Panel discussion on allegations. said Licuanan requested seven Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustain- Nograles earlier made “official business” travels and able Development in Bangkok, public the copies of Licuanan’s one “personal travel” and spent Thailand.) travel requests that were also at least PHP 893,102 in govern- 2. June 18-22, 2017 (to at- approved by herself as head ment funds. tend “high-level meeting” of the of the Commission on Higher For one month in June Philippine California Advanced Education. A4 FilAm Star January 11 - 17, 2018 ph news Robredo camp: Marcos is ‘presumptuous’ PH third happiest country in the world – Gallup or ‘dreaming’ in claiming victory The camp of Vice President Robredo’s camp also re- By Corina Oliquino | FilAm Star Correspondent Leni Robredo chided former mained strong in their position Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” that “no one has ever won in a MANILA – In its 41st annual is again at last place, with a net the world is “turning into a more illiterate. The analysis team of the Global end of Year Survey, Gallup score of -50. hectic and a less predictable place global survey argues: Happiness Marcos for claiming he had won recount of automated ballots” ranked the Philippines as the third Moreover, Gallup Interna- over the last year.” depends less on the country in the 2016 vice presidential race, based on past recount of ballots. happiest country in the world. tional also noted that hope and “The 55 countries show the which you live and more on your thus preempting the electoral “For the results of the The survey, which was con- economic optimism worldwide emergence of a global society Age, Income and Education pro- protest he had filed against Ro- recount will just tally with the ducted in late 2017 and spanned has dwindled in 2017, compared in which national borders are file or lifestyle,” Gilani added. bredo before the Supreme Court results generated by the vote 55 countries worldwide said the to its results in 2016. being overtaken by world-wide Palace gives President Du- (SC), sitting as Presidential counting machines from the Philippines got a net score (happy “A bit less than 40 percent lifestyle segments. Thus, accord- terte credit for PH’s third Electoral Tribunal (PET). automated election system, minus unhappy) of +84, just happiest country title behind the happiest country in the In a report by GMA News, world, Fiji (at +92) and Colombia Malacañang on January 2, gave (+87). President Duterte credit over a The Philippines also placed recent Gallup International sur- 3rd among 66 countries in 2016, vey, which ranked the Philippines obtaining a net happiness score of the third happiest country in the +79, behind Fiji and China. world in the second year running. Despite the country’s positive “On the other hand, hope result, Gallup International poll about the country’s economic says the world in general is less prosperity and hope about the happy with about two-thirds (59 new year can be attributed to percent) of the respondents claim the palpable change our people they are happy – 10 points lower have felt under the leadership of than a year ago, in 2016. President Duterte,” Presidential “2017 was a tough year with spokesperson said. terrorist attacks over almost each “Our economy is one of the week and it may have influenced fastest growing in the region. personal lives all around the The local stock market ended (L-R) Vice-president Leni Robredo and former Sen. Bongbong Marcos world, “ Gallup reported. Photo: Presidential Communications (Government of the Philippines) the last trading day of 2017 at an (Photo: www.pinterest.com) “Nevertheless, a majority all-time-high. Board of Invest- in all polled countries is happy. ments-approved investments are “It was too presumptuous which Marcos himself admitted The world today shares +49 net of the surveyed global population ing to the survey, the attitudes record-breaking. The government happiness – compared to +59 a feels that 2018 will be better than of youth across the world are decisively liberated Marawi. Our for Mr. Ferdinand Marcos (Jr.) to be credible and for which his year ago. Throughout 55 coun- 2017, which is 13 points down more similar to each other than people have, indeed, appreciated to claim that he already ‘won first cause of action questioning tries surveyed, 8 percent said that compared to a year ago. Twenty- to the older population within these changes as reflected in the the Vice Presidency’ or he is the system was dismissed by the they were unhappy – almost the three percent expect a worse one. their own national borders. The survey numbers,” Roque added. just dreaming,” lawyer Romulo Presidential Electoral Tribunal same with 9 percent at the end of Thirty-two percent believe 2018 is same is true for survey findings Meanwhile, Presidential Macalintal, Robredo’s lead (PET),” Macalintal said. 2016 and 10 percent at the end of going to be the same as 2017 and across lifestyles characterized Communications Sec. Marin An- counsel, said in a statement on “We hope that Mr. Marcos 2015,” Gallup added. the other 6 percent do not know,” by Incomes and levels of Educa- danar says the survey came “even Wednesday. is not using this protest for Economic optimism and Gallup International reported. tion. Net Happiness across the 55 in the bleakest and dire moments” “If he won as vice presi- political media mileage,” he hope “Although hope leads ranking countries polled by survey is 15 of the Philippines’ history. dent, why is it that it was added. According to , Gallup for another year, the number of percent point higher among the “Filipinos have shown their Robredo who was proclaimed Earlier Wednesday, Marcos International also measured the optimists is decreasing through- Young (under 34 years of age) immense capacity for hope and by Congress as winner?” Macal- said in a press conference that world’s hopefulness and economic out the world -- as last New Year’s than among the older popula- happiness,” Andanar said. intal said. he was not keen on seeking re- optimism in 2018. Eve was expected with a majority tion (above 55 years of age),” Ijaz “In the coming months and “Mr. Marcos is merely election in the Senate, even with According to Gallup Interna- of 52 percent of the planet feeling Gilani, Gallup Pakistan (Global years of this administration, we trying to preempt the coming President Rodrigo Duterte’s tional’s Hope Index, the Philip- that 2017 will be better than 2016. Barometer project leader) said in are determined to give greater pines is tied with Kosovo in 8th A year ago, 15 percent felt that the published report. substance and a more solid foun- results of the recount of ballots endorsement, so he could “fin- and 9th places, respectively, with a worse year was on its way, but “The upscale income groups dation for our people’s happiness where his ridiculous and frivo- ish” his electoral protest a net score of +40 while Indonesia nowadays their share is 23 per- across these 55 countries are 32 through a booming economy, lous claim of massive election “I don’t see any reason is the most hopeful country at +67 cent thus, giving a net score of +16 percent points happier than the effective governance, endur- cheating will be proven false why I would change my mind,” and Italy is the least at -41. (39 percent – 23 percent),” Gallup bottom 20 percent groups in their ing peace and justice,” Andanar and a mere imagined victory, he said. “Why would I run for In its Economic Optimism International added. societies. The college degree hold- added. which is the usual reaction of senator? I already won as vice Index, the Philippines ranked 5th, According to the survey, ers are 13 percent happier than an election loser who cannot president.” (Julliane Love de with a net score of +32. Nigeria the worldwide decrease in hope those whose education is up to accept defeat in good grace,” he Jesus, Pathricia Ann V. Roxas / has placed first at +59, while Italy reveals concerns and worries as primary school or those who are said. inquirer.net) FilAm Star Classifieds (650)278-0692 . (415)593-5955 January 11 - 17, 2018 FilAm Star A5 sports Thirdy grateful for shot to play for PH with bro Kiefer Thirdy Ravena is mak- Thirdy, meanwhile, has Season 77 for the Ateneo Blue ing up for lost time as he gets been included in coach Chot Eagles. news another chance to team up with Reyes’ “23-for-23” cadet pool as “I missed my last chance in his brother Kiefer, this time, as his prospects for the formation Ateneo,” he said. Curry goes off again, Warriors top Nuggets for 5th straight win part the national team pool. of the Philippine team for the The 21-year-old forward “At least, we’re given 2023 Fiba World Cup here. lost his opportunity to play OAKLAND, Calif. — Ste- dished out five assists as Golden alongside Kiefer two years ago phen Curry scored 32 points and State raced ahead 27-20 — a far dished out nine assists in another cry from the Warriors’ previous after being deemed ineligible superb performance during his performance in a 96-81 loss to due to academic deficiencies sensational recent stretch, and the Denver at Oracle Arena on Dec. in UAAP Season 78 which was Golden State Warriors beat the 23. Kiefer’s final playing year for Nuggets 124-114 on Monday night The Warriors shot 3 for 27 the Blue Eagles. to avenge an ugly home loss to in that game from 3-point range “I see it more as a bonus for Denver in late December. but topped that with four 3s in me that I have a teammate who Nikola Jokic had his first the first quarter Monday and is my brother who can guide me triple-double of the season with finished 13 for 30 from deep. more than what we practice and 22 points, 12 rebounds and 11 Thompson’s 3-pointer with someone who can give me tips. assists as four players scored 20 4:10 left in the third made it It’s really a blessing that we’re points or more for the Nuggets, 78-71 after Denver had tied the both part of the pool,” said the who were coming off a 106-98 loss game 89-all at the 6:57 mark of UAAP Season 80 Finals MVP. at Sacramento on Saturday. the period. Heeding Kiefer’s words, Klay Thompson scored 19 on The Nuggets held the War- his bobbblehead night while Dray- riors to a season-low scoring Thirdy is well aware that noth- mond Green added a season-high performance here last time that ing comes easy. 23 points and 10 assists in the snapped their 11-game winning Ravenas brothers - Kiefer (left) and Thirdy (right) “It’s something I should defending NBA champions’ fifth streak. Golden State has won (Photo: www.fastbreak.com.ph) work hard for. It’s also added straight victory on a night when seven of eight since. inspiration, added motiva- Kevin Durant sat out his third Denver got 22 points from Steph Curry goes in for a layup another shot to play with each The Ravenas were side- tion, to represent the country consecutive game with a strained Gary Harris, and 21 apiece from (Photos: www.mercurynews.com) other again,” he said in Filipino. by-side in training once again at the highest level of basket- right calf. Jamal Murray and Trey Lyles. Kiefer is a part of the on Monday as Reyes combined ball because not everybody is In his 12th 30-point game DURANT UPDATE plugged in and trying to see how seniors team which is preparing both squads at the resumption given this chance,” he said. of the season, Curry hit a long Kerr said Durant “didn’t feel to make that happen. I’ve had for the second leg of the 2019 of the national team practices at “I’m lucky and it’s an honor 3-pointer with 56.1 seconds left quite right” after going through nothing really to say about it be- Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers Meralco Gym. that the coaches and manage- in the third and the Warriors led shootaround earlier in the day. sides that I’m very interested and which begins against reigning And for Thirdy, he couldn’t ment picked me to be a part of 93-81 going into the final quarter “We’re all on the same page very willing to do what it takes to Asian champion Australia on be happier to share the court this.” (Randolph B. Leongson / after the Nuggets had fought that until he feels right, he’s not make that happen.” February 22 before hosting Ja- with his older brother. The two inquirer.net) back to tie it midway through the going to play,” Kerr said. “Hope- TIP-INS period. fully the next couple of days he’ll Nuggets: Denver limited its pan back home on February 25. last played together in UAAP The two-time MVP has clear that hurdle and be ready to turnovers to 11 after committing scored 29 or more points in seven go.” a season-high 26 at Sacramento straight games. In four games GREEN FINED two days earlier that led to 40 PH women’s football eyes bigger goals in 2018 before Monday, he was averaging Green was fined $25,000 Kings points. … Denver is 3-11 on 36 points, six rebounds, 4.8 as- by the NBA for publicly criticiz- the road vs. Western Conference bigger goals as they their ascent are their youth sists and 1.3 steals in 31.8 minutes ing the league’s officiating in teams. seek to compete counterparts as the women’s since returning from an 11-game comments after Golden State’s Warriors: Andre Iguodala hit and, hopefully, under-15 squad is hoping to absence with a sprained right 121-105 win against the Clippers his first 3-pointer in nine games beat tougher foes. build on its strong performanc- ankle. on Saturday. he’s played since Dec. 18, snap- For the first es in 2017. The Western Conference CURRY THE OWNER? ping an 0-for-12 funk from deep time in 15 years, The young Filipinos settled Player of the Week for last week, Curry has people helping him when he made one in the first. … the Philippines for the silver medal in the Curry strained his left knee in the explore options to buy into the Golden State rookie Jordan Bell will compete in the 2017 AFF Under-15 Women’s first half, headed to the locker NFL’s Carolina Panthers. Jerry took a hard fall in the second 2018 AFC Wom- Championship after losing to room to have it taped and then Richardson announced he plans quarter and moved gingerly en’s Asian Cup this Thailand. returned. to sell the franchise while he is afterward. … Newly crowned U.S. Golden State’s David West under investigation for sexual and figure skating national champion April. They also finished second contributed 10 points, scoring in racial misconduct in the work- and Olympian Nathan Chen at- Slotted in in Group B of the qualifiers, double figures for a third straight place. tended the game, watched Curry’s 2017 PH womens football squad Group A, the barely missing out on the lone game to go with six rebounds “It’s a pretty interesting warmup, and was set to meet him (Photos: www.news.abs-cbn.com) Filipinos have their ticket to the 2017 AFC U-16 and four assists while becoming opportunity,” Curry said after afterward. work cut out for Women’s Championship. the 127th player in NBA history Monday’s shootaround. “I’ve UP NEXT Making history in 2017, them against host But if there’s any indication to play in 1,000 regular-season had conversations with plenty of Nuggets: Host the Atlanta the Philippine women’s football Jordan, and former champions of their awe-inspiring show- games. people about the right way to go Hawks on Wednesday. team is far from done. China and Thailand in their ing, the best is yet to come for Thompson made his initial about it and kind of the differ- Warriors: Host the Los Eyeing an even more fruit- bid to qualify for the 2019 Fifa Philippine women’s football. four shots and Green scored eight ent approaches I could person- Angeles Clippers on Wednesday ful showing this year, the Fili- Women’s World Cup in France. (Randolph B. Leongson / in- quick points, connecting on his ally take. Obviously I have a day seeking a 13th consecutive victory pinos have their sights set on Also looking to continue quirer.net) first three field goal attempts. He job, but I’ve got people that are in the rivalry. (inquirer.net) A6 FilAm Star January 11 - 17, 2018 opinion PerryScope Street Talk Where is the Marcos Loot hidden? Suggested New Year’s resolution GREG B. MACABENTA PERRY DIAZ cash, artwork, jewelry, secret bank deposits, and corporate assets. But where is the gold? The election of Pres- ing office, “joined” in the partitioning. The alter- On August 29, 2017, “But nobody really knows how much the ident Rodrigo Duterte native was having no project at all or not being President Rodrigo Du- Marcos Loot is valued at. Some experts estimate raised hopes of a clean, able to collect payment for a contract. terte said that members it to be more than $60 billion. Some say at least corruption-free gov- Years ago, a former provincial board mem- of the $100 billion. But here is the stinger: Imelda ernment that was also ber in Western Visayas recounted to me why he were “willing to open” Marcos showed evidence that her husband progressive and dynamic had resigned from his elective post (luckily his and “return” to the gov- deposited a very large sum in a bank in Brussels, (unlike the passive and wife was a doctor who had found a job in Chi- ernment the question- Belgium that would make the loot PCGG was try- pass-the-buck tenure cago). First of all, his official pay was measly and able wealth, including ing to recover look like loose change. of President Benigno could not cover his living expenses, much less a “few gold bars.” “The “In February 2009, a BBC reporter inter- Aquino III). satisfy the unending requests from his constitu- Marcoses, I will not name viewed . Imelda showed the Brit- In America, the election of President Donald ents for pampalibing (burial money),pambili the spokesman, sabi nila (they said), ‘we’ll open ish reporter several paintings by masters hanging Trump was met with consternation by those ng gamot (for medicine), pangkasal (wedding everything and hopefully return yung mga nakita on her living room walls. When the reporter who knew him to be the quintessenetial snake money) and pang-matrikula (for tuition). Sec- na talaga (those that had been discovered),” he asked where she got her wealth, she said that her oil salesman. Yet even the cynics hoped that, ondly, he had become a pariah among fellow added. husband was a very rich lawyer who worked for somehow, Trump would make good on his vow board members and with the governor for being Recently, rumor was circulating in the news gold mining companies and also traded in gold. to “drain the swamp” in Washington DC. walang pakikisama (no team spirit). that the Marcos family and the Philippine govern- She then showed the reporter a piece of paper, Now comes 2018 and one year of Duterte But worst of all, no one believed he was not ment had agreed on a compromise agreement – which the reporter read. It was a Treasury Cer- and Trump governance. Both in the Philippines on the take. In the Philippines, people assume which would include immunity from prosecution tificate for a deposit made by Ferdinand E. Mar- and in the US, hopes have been dashed and the that politicians steal, extort or can be bribed. -- for the return of a “portion” of their allegedly cos in a bank in Brussels, Belgium for the amount consternation remains. The situation may, in “Second resolution,” my friend continued, ill-gotten wealth. But former Senator Ferdi- of… are you ready for this? Nine Hundred Eighty fact, have become worse. “What are in power for? Use it!” nand “Bongbong” Marcos and President Duterte Seven Billion United States Dollars. That’s the 2018 also marks my 30th year writing a He was actually echoing that immortal debunked the rumor and said that no agreement equivalent of 41.5 trillion Philippine Pesos! column for Business World, the leading business statement attributed to the late Senate President had been reached. However, Chief Presidential “In his 2003 book, Gold Warrior, Sterling daily in Manila. The very first line of my initial Jose Avelino of back in the 1940’s. But Legal Counsel had confirmed Seagrave told the story of the hunt for Ya- piece read, “Masturbate it!” – a phrase consid- then, at the time, the epitome of corruption and that lawyer Oliver Lozano, a supporter of the mashita’s Gold, which began when Gen. Doug- ered out of place in such a venerable business abuse of power were an expensive presidential Marcos family had submitted to Malacañang a las MacArthur returned to the Philippines in paper. But the late Letty Martillo-Locsin, man- bed and a gold-plated bedpan (arinola), pur- draft proposal for the return of a part of the Mar- October 1944. A team of men, whom he person- aging editor, pushed the envelope to the edge by chased by President . They were coses’ wealth to the government. ally selected, wasted no time searching for the translating that into Tagalog: “Salsalin mo!” actually described in a Manila Times article as According to Lozano, his proposal was based treasure sites. They found several treasure sites. The piece, entitled, “Oh, for the good old costing the “gargantuan” sum of P500. on the April 9, 1973 notes of then president Ferdi- MacArthur used the recovered gold to establish tabloid days,” recounted one of the first lessons Compare that to the P6.5 billion reportedly nand E. Marcos “bequeathing his earthly goods a trust fund for Emperor Hirohito after Japan taught to me as a cub reporter in one of Manila’s at stake in the drug smuggling scandal linking to the Marcos foundation for the benefit of the surrendered in August 1945. Known as Showa tabloids, which were notorious for fake (or mas- Paolo Duterte, son of the president. Senate hear- people.” Duterte should then issue an executive Trust, the fund’s trustees were Hirohito and Mac- turbated) news. I noted that in 1988, at the time ings have pretended to look into these allega- order lifting the freeze so that the government Arthur himself. Nobody knows the exact amount that I began writing for Business World, fake tions but nothing has come out of the inquiries. would have a share although Lozano did not say of Showa Trust but by 1982 it was paying nearly news was being regularly dispensed, even by Naturally. What are the Dutertes in power for? by how much. $1-billion interest per year! MacArthur also set ostensibly reputable broadsheets. And this was The use of power takes on other forms in It’s interesting to note that Lozano’s pro- up the M-Fund to back up the newly formed Lib- well before Trump made hyperbole and outright the Duterte government. Against a backdrop of posal did not say how much the Marcoses were eral Democratic Party (LDP), which became the lying the SOP of his presidency, and long before killings, many of them reportedly EJK (extra- willing to return. If he was referring to what dominant political force in Japan to this day. Duterte’s bloggers and trolls invaded social judicial), with some victims liquidated on mere the Presidential Commission on Good Govern- “So, what happened to the rest of Yamashi- media. suspicion of drug use, Duterte himself has ac- ment (PCGG) – created by then president Cory ta’s Gold? According to my friends in Manila, the occu- knowledged using fentanyl, an opioid described Aquino after Marcos was ousted from power in “First of all, Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita had pants of Malacañang and the legislature rou- as 25 to 50 times stronger than heroin and 50 to 1986 – had estimated to be $10 billion, of which nothing to do with the loot. He was wrongly tinely flaunt their vulgarity and immorality, drug 100 times more powerful than morphine. Fen- $4 billion the PCGG had recovered, that it can be linked to the loot because he happened to be the smuggling continues even in Duterte’s bailiwick presumed that the remaining “wealth” in ques- top Japanese commander in the Philippines dur- tanyl is reported to have been the cause of death of Davao, bureaucratic incompetence is the rule, tion is only $6 billion. And what would be the ing the waning days of the war. of the pop singer, Prince. “portion” of that wealth the Marcoses were will- “The real person who was responsible for and corruption has become worse, with kick- According to one news account, in the U.S., ing to return? looting Asia was Prince Chichibu, younger broth- backs on public works projects breaching 60%. fentanyl has overtaken heroin in many regions. What Lozano did not take into consideration er of Emperor Hirohito. As head of the ‘Golden The ten percenters of the post-war years are now “It started out as an opioid epidemic, then was the amount of loot that Marcos recovered Lily’ campaign, Chichibu oversaw the plunder the stuff of ancient history. heroin, but now it’s a fentanyl epidemic,” Maura from Japanese treasure sites all over the Philip- of conquered territories. His first cousin, Prince Worse yet, postings on social media indi- Healy, the attorney general of Massachusetts, pines during his dictatorship. The recovered gold Tsuneyoshi Takeda, was in charge of hiding the cate that self-righteousness may have become told the New York Times in an interview. is now referred to as the “Marcos Loot.” loot at 175 secret vaults scattered around the outdated and synonymous with hypocrisy and In a report by ABS-CBN. Duterte admitted In my column “Brouhaha over the Marcos Philippines. Takeda had a young Filipino valet pretense. In the face of these, a friend has sug- using fentanyl to relieve a recurring pain due to Loot” (January 11, 2013), I wrote: “The hunt for named Ben Valmores. When Takeda sneaked gested, in all seriousness, that 2018 calls for a an injury he suffered in a motorcycle accident the fabled ‘Marcos Loot’ is beginning to look like out of northern Philippine when the Americans different set of new year’s resolutions. some years ago. The news account read, “In a an Indiana Jones sequel. The only difference is were closing in, he gave a copy of the maps to Firstly, he said, it is useless to expect politi- speech in Davao City, Duterte admitted that he that this one is for real with real life characters, Valmores for safekeeping and to be given back to cians to change. Diogenes would have better luck took more than the required dosage of the pain tons of real gold bullions, and a 2,000-pound him upon his return. He never came back. finding an honest man than stumbling upon a reliever because apart from easing his burden, it solid gold Buddha filled with real diamonds, “But some of the treasure maps found their politician who does not “supplement” legitimate also made him feel like he was ‘on cloud nine.’” emeralds, and other precious stones that would way to then President Ferdinand E. Marcos. In earnings with illicit sources, whether knowingly That’s the “high” that drug users experience after make the Queen of England look like a pauper. 1968, he sent a team of military officers to Japan or unknowingly – the latter being a euphemism a hit. “And after three decades of hunting for the to make a deal for joint recovery of ‘Yamashita’s for a bagman doing the collecting. In other words, Duterte is a drug user. But Marcos Loot that began the day the late President gold. They met with a prince, a cousin of the “Thus,” he concluded, “Resolution Number what makes him different from the thousands Cory Aquino kicked the Marcoses out of power, Emperor, who told them that Japan hid over One is: If you can’t beat them, join them!” killed by the police and the vigilantes? the hunt is finally coming to an end during the $100 billion worth of loot in the Philippines that He even related a bit of trivia. According to Duterte is in power and, to paraphrase presidency of her only son, Benigno Aquino III. would take ‘more than a century’ to recover it all. him, the original expression was, not surprising- Avelino, What is he in power for? Not that the Marcos Loot has been recovered but It’s not known if an agreement had been reached. ly, mouthed by a politician, Sen. James Watson “Third resolution,” my friend went on, that the government had seemingly lost the will However, Marcos proceeded with the hunt. of Indiana. Watson believed that compromise “Weather-weather lamang iyan. If not now, to continue the hunt. “In January 1971, Rogelio Roxas, a Filipino was inevitable in legislative negotiations and it when? If not us, who?” “Soon after Cory took over power and estab- locksmith and amateur treasure hunter found a was futile to buck that harsh reality – thus, “If My friend concluded that those of us living lished a revolutionary government in 1986, she tunnel behind the general hospital and you can’t lick ‘em, jine ‘em!” Quid pro quo. in the US were so much luckier, not having Du- formed the Presidential Commission on Good crawled inside. He found a 28-inch tall solid gold Recently, I wrote about a relative in the terte as president. Government (PCGG) and mandated it to hunt Buddha that weighed one ton, and thousands of province who had been landing public works My response was heavy with irony and for the Marcos Loot. Twenty-six years later, the gold bars! This was the first treasure site discov- contracts by parting with 60% of the official bid. sarcasm: “Oh yeah? You forget that America now PCGG claimed that it had recovered $5 billion of ered since the end of the war. Roxas, with the aid Everyone, from the provincial governor and the has Trump.” the estimated $10 billion loot in the form of hard TO PAGE A7 congressmen down to the clerks in the disburs- ([email protected]) joined by our class mates from Canada who are vacationing in the Philippines Rosalinda Tangal- As I See It in-Santos and Roger Andrada and our classmates from the US also vacationing in the Philippines The Opinions expressed by our writers and Cardiac arrest: Catalino “Romy” Collado: A tribute to a dear friend Rosa Manuel and Demetrio “Demy” Saguiped. contributors do not in any way reflect the His sudden demise will remind us to be more opinion of the management of Fortune News ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO vidual. He was very supportive to us when we careful with our health. Our friend Romy’s sud- Media Inc. Cardiac arrest is a were new to the US. He and his late wife Emely den death will serve as a wake-up call for us. The Fortune News Media Inc. sudden loss of blood flow visit us regularly and we do the same… visiting most common cause of cardiac arrest, according Publisher resulting from the failure them in their house in San Jose and spending the to medical books, is coronary artery disease. Less Harvey Barkin of the heart to effectively weekends together… with our families… His two common causes include major blood loss, lack Editor-in-Chief pump. Symptoms in- sons Eric and Don were still little during those of oxygen, very low potassium, heart failure, and clude loss of conscious- days... as were my children. We spent memorable intense physical exercise. A number of inherited Edwina Aniag disorders may also increase the risk including Vice President for Marketing and Operations ness and abnormal or moments together as we were transitioning our absent breathing. Some life in the US. long QT syndrome. The initial heart rhythm is Gary De Guzman individuals may experi- We will never forget him! He may have most often ventricular fibrillation. The diagnosis Vice President for Community Relations ence chest pain, short- joined the Lord but his memories remain with us! is confirmed by finding no pulse. While a cardiac Anchet Manosca ness of breath, or nausea before cardiac arrest The moments we spent together will linger in our arrest may be caused by heart attack or heart Creative and Production Manager If not treated within minutes, it usually leads to minds… he will always be present in our hearts failure, these are not the same. Atty. Crispin Lozano death, according to Wikipedia. and in our memories. Romy is gone but his memories, the mo- Dr. Philip Chua / Rodel Rodis This was what happened to a friend, a high He is loved and cherished by his friends. He ments we spent together stays with us… it will Ben Lou / Perry Diaz school classmate, and a supportive ally here in is a wonderful fellow and happy to be with. Our linger in our mind… forever! Federico Espiritu / Elpidio Estioko the US who touched our life in so many ways: Batch ’65 (Urdaneta Community High School - During our golden jubilee high school re- Columnists Catalino “Romy” Collado. He is a victim of car- UCHS) classmates here in San Diego and adjoin- union in 2015 for Batch ‘65, Romy was so active Macon Ramos-Araneta diac arrest! ing cities will be coming for the viewing and vigil with the rest of the class organizers in preparing Corina Oliquino / Lara Climaco Daniel Llanto I was shocked! His two sons Eric and Don and the burial of Romy. They will pay their last for our one-week celebration with classmates Correspondents and their relatives were shocked! All his friends respects to him… a friend indeed! That’s how whom we haven’t seen for 50 years. He was in the were shocked, especially his high school class- valuable he was and is in our lives! Classmates Philippines and together they paved the way for a Ann Gauna Marketing Associate mates from Urdaneta Community High School coming from Southern California are Danny week-long activities of a lifetime. He offered their (UCHS Batch ’65)! Just like that! It was so sud- Calacsan, Mario and Eva Mateo, Eufrosina Tigno, ancestral home in Cabuloan to be the meeting Jho Bule den and we never expected it to happen because Eliodoro and Victoria Calacsan, Fe Malagayo place, place for activities and catered lunch. Even Photographer he is healthy and acted like he was in good health. Alluri, Joe Corpus, Gloria Maguisa Benito, and beyond the golden jubilee, his ancestral home Glenda Bule Romy, I was told, was having a chat with a Elpidio and Delia Estioko from Milpitas. served as place of parties and even if he was in Event Coordinator friend from the Philippines on FB messenger at Our Batch ‘65 classmates in the Philippines the US, he left standing instruction to use their about 7:40 a.m. of January 1, 2018 when all of a were also shocked and in mourning… and they ancestral home for functions and events of Batch FilAm Star is published weekly 65. That’s how generous and kind Romy was for by Fortune News Media Inc. sudden he felt he couldn’t breath, he had short- wanted to pay tribute also to our dear friend www.filamstar.com ness of breath, chest pain, abnormal breathing… Romy… despite the distance from his body. They close friends. he was a victim of cardiac arrest! When paramed- organized a padasal (prayer for the dead) for Records show that in the United States, Headquarters: ics who responded to a 911 call and his son Eric Romy starting January 3 and will end on the Jan- cardiac arrest outside hospital occurs in about 1028 Mission St., 2/F, arrived, he has no more pulse. He succumbed to uary 13, the day Romy’s body will be buried. This 13 per 10,000 people per year (326,000 cases. San Francisco, CA 94103; death. He was alone at home at that time. was organized by Bien Cordingley, Mely Parayno, In hospital cardiac arrest occurs in an additional Tel. (650) 278-0692 or (415) 593-5955 Romy is a dear friend, religious, jolly, hu- Gilda D. Nickel, Judina Cadiente, Feliciana Sarga, 209,000. Cardiac arrest becomes more com Email: [email protected] morous, and above all, a very concerned indi- Arsenio Dulay, and Diego Consolacion. They were TO PAGE A7 January 11 - 17, 2018 FilAm Star A7 OPPOSITION SEES DUTERTE’S “It is a classic feature of an authoritarian MAJORITY OF PINOYS report last December 22. ... FROM PAGE A1 regime. The government is keen on controlling ... FROM PAGE A1 The Daang Matuwid Legacy of PNoy public opinion, knowing that it is ultimately the In the same report by The Philippine Star, jano said the developments are similar to what basis of its power and legitimacy,” Hontiveros 2010 hanggang Hulyo 2016, masasabi n’yo ba na Liberal Party (LP) lawmakers have disagreed with Marcos did when he had a new Constitution pointed out. PRRD is better, the same, or PNoy is better?” the results of the survey by arguing that nothing extend his term of office. She recalled that the administration also SWS noted that President Duterte has beats the daang matuwid legacy of former presi- “We would see a repeat of Marcos, as we raised the issue of Duterte’s threats to set up a received the highest approval from those in his dent Noynoy Aquino. are seeing many similarities already. Duterte is revolutionary government, apparently to check home region of (86 percent), followed “PNoy achieved legacies that no popular- certainly reading Marcos’ playbook,” Alejano the sentiment of the public and the military on by (73 percent), Luzon (63 percent) ity ratings can surpass – a vibrant and resilient said, adding that Duterte would prolong his stay the issue. “Fortunately, the proposal was shelved and the Visayas (64 percent). economy which had rebounded from its mori- in office through the transitory provisions of a in the meantime because it failed to shore up Former President Noynoy Aquino on the bund state, starting peace talks, universal health federal charter. support from the public and sway the military,” other hand, has obtained approval scores of 10 coverage, K-12, (bottom up budgeting, Pantawid He pointed out that one version Duterte’s Hontiveros said. percent in Metro Manila, followed by Luzon and Pamilyang Pilipino Program),” lone Ifugao Rep. congressmen-allies are considering would give Some Catholic prelates like Sorsogon Bishop the Visayas at nine percent, respectively, and Teddy Baguilat told The Philippine Star. him legislative powers during the transition to Arturo Bastes expressed concerns over Duterte’s Mindanao at three percent. “President Aquino, despite several controver- the envisioned federal system. “However, the and other officials’ prolonged stay in power. The same survey has also noted that a major- sies in his term such as (the Mamasapano mas- transition period could last for years as what “Extension of the term of any elected official ity of Filipinos or 69 percent of them has claimed sacre, Priority Development Assistance Fund, and Marcos did in the 1973 Constitution’s transitory must never be allowed. This is a great violation that Duterte’s actions are appropriate for his Disbursement Acceleration Program) imbroglio – provisions,” Alejano said. of the Constitution of our Republic. Indeed the position as President. still managed to achieve the highest average trust Akbayan party-list Rep. Tom Villarin echoed shortening of the term of office may be allowed. One in 10 or 13 percent of the respondents ratings of any President,” Baguilat noted. the same view, noting that the charter change Extension of the term smacks of an imminent dic- were undecided with Duterte’s actions as Presi- Baguilat also declared that “history will judge plan of administration allies “hews closely to how tatorship, which happened during the presidency dent while 18 percent said his actions were inap- (Aquino) better, I’m sure.” the dictator Marcos tinkered with our Constitu- of Marcos,” Bastes said. propriate. “Duterte might eventually surpass PNoy’s tion to pave the way for a constitutional authori- The House of Representatives is likely to When asked about the survey, Leo Laroza, di- historical average trust ratings over the course of tarian order.” transmit to the Senate a draft resolution pav- rector of the SWS Communications and Informa- his term but what’s more important is not popu- “After declaring , Marcos had ing the way for the shift to federalism in Febru- tion Technology section, emailed The Philippine larity but whether the high trust ratings would a plebiscite asking people to support his new ary, said Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado, Star to note that SWS has not made any release translate into strong legacies,” Baguilat added. constitution by a ‘mere raising of hands.’ What chair of the House committee on constitutional regarding Philippine presidents other than its followed was the darkest years in our history,” amendments. “We started it at the plenary last Villarin said. December 13. I think it will end in January. So HEALTH SECRETARY have this test available at the soonest possible by February, it can be transmitted to the senators Previously, Senate President Aquilino ‘Koko’ ... FROM PAGE A1 time so we would know exactly who among the Pimentel III said that it is possible for the Presi- for their concurrence,” Mercado said in a radio children are at risk,” he said. interview. dent to have his term extended during the transi- tions will be unannounced so he could check his Duque has also demanded that Sanofi take House leaders led by Speaker Pantaleon Alva- tory period of our government to Federalism. regional staff’s compliance with the department’s back its remaining vaccine stocks and refund rez said he is hopeful that Congress will convene Pimentel explained Duterte’s term extension is risk communication strategies, such as the setting the corresponding amount so the government this month for a constituent assembly and submit based on the transitory provisions, and, if the up of posters containing vital information on den- could use it for the potential care for immunized a referendum for a plebiscite along with the ba- new constitution is approved by 2019, the next gue immunization. children, if needed. rangay elections in May. three years will be considered “transitory period.” “We will start to do our regular visits and The health chief also reiterated that the DoH Alvarez then floated the no-election scenario Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the campaign is unannounced visits of the schools where we make welcomes and cooperates with the investigations next year, saying cancellation of the 2019 mid- also getting a boost from the so-called social me- sure that the DoH people on the ground are able into the vaccine currently being carried out by term elections is possible if the shift to federalism dia influencers of the administration “who have to follow what the DoH central office has put the Senate and the House of Representatives and would be approved since the government would been dishing out fake news to serve the adminis- them to task,” said Duque. the cases filed by groups such as the Volunteers be in transition. tration’s interest.” Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Against Crime and Corruption and Gabriela. Domingo also said children will be given letters But the department will focus its efforts on here?” Tinio said, adding that while the Maka- TAX REFORM LAW for their parents. post-vaccination monitoring for the 837,000 bayan bloc is counting on the objectivity of the ... FROM PAGE A1 He said the letter contains updates on the school children who received the vaccine, and Supreme Court justices, the public should also do vaccine, a reminder to watch out for dengue said that it will not file cases against Sanofi. their share by making the TRAIN law an electoral in every process of production, from land prepa- symptoms, and information on medical help “We don’t want to be filing the cases our- issue. ration, planting, harvesting, post-harvest to when symptoms arise, such as “fast lanes” in selves because our plates are full, we have to “The main arena for fighting the TRAIN law transportation.” hospitals. watch out for 837,000 students who have been is not in the judiciary. The administration and KMP Secretary-general Antonio Flores said He also said Duque already asked Dengvax- vaccinated, and to us that is paramount—the legislators who inflicted TRAIN on the majority the increased tax on fuel will result in higher ia’s manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur to come up with health of those children and to ensure that the of the people should be held accountable in the production costs of agricultural products, which a “test kit” that will determine if a patient’s blood risk is mitigated, if not eliminated, and that is elections,” he said. will instantly translate to higher prices of rice, has dengue virus, why we have been actively rolling out several risk A farmers’ group also warned that the TRAIN vegetable produce, poultry, livestock and dairy “The Secretary has demanded that Sanofi communication strategies,” said Domingo. products. law will result in increased production cost of major staples and agricultural produce. Anak-Pawis party-list Rep. Ariel Casilao of a gift of more profits to these telcos,” Rio pointed “Most farm equipment used by farmers also PRE-PAID MOBILE LOADS party-list group accused Trade Sec. Ramon Lopez out a silver lining. run on gas and diesel, including deep-well for ir- ... FROM PAGE A1 of dispensing “fake news” in claiming that the im- “I see here an experiment to prove a point. pact of increased fuel taxes on consumer products rigation, hand tractors, threshers, drying facilities circular was announced. However, last January If there is really a competition between the two is less than five centavos. and milling,” he added. 5, the DICT qualified that pre-paid load credits telcos, they should be racing right now as to who In fact, Casilao said transport groups are now But the Duterte administration seemed under PHP 300 could not yet be covered with can comply first to make the expiration of their petitioning for higher fares, while labor organiza- unfazed by the opposition’s plan to challenge the extended validity. load to one year. Definitely, the first one to do so tions are seeking a wage increase, and all these TRAIN Law before the Supreme Court, describ- “We apologize for giving the public false would have subscribers of the other telco flock- would have a more substantial effect on consum- ing their claims as baseless and insisting that the expectations but if we have to err, it would be on ing to it. But if the two telcos would take the six er prices than what Lopez estimated. measure would create a “virtuous” cycle in the the side of being 100 percent certain that nothing months to comply at the same time, then we re- At a news forum, Tinio said among the argu- economy. untoward will happen,” Rio said. ally have a conniving duopoly. In six months, we ments in their petition is the “invalid ratification” Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said In a statement, Globe Telecom came up with will have a third player that will really compete,” of the then tax reform bill last December for lack the administration is prepared to defend the Tax technical reasons why it wasn’t quite that simple he told the commenter. of quorum as only 10 lawmakers were present. Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law before to extend the validity period of pre-paid load The entry of the third telco player is still a “The more substantive issue is the regressive the high court. “Taxation is one of three inherent credits. It will require additional capacity and the top concern for Malacañang. On his first press nature of this law,” he added. powers of a state. Hence, it enjoys overwhelming purchase of licenses and software programming briefing for 2018 last January 3, Presidential Tinio pointed out that while six to seven presumption of constitutionality. We can defend by third-party vendors, it said. Additionally, Spokesman Harry Roque Jr. clarified that a million Filipinos will benefit from the TRAIN it in court,” Roque said. system tests would have to be made to ensure Chinese entity would be prioritized for the third law because of lower income taxes, 16 million In the same vein, Lopez said the TRAIN Law inter-operability, including full testing of addi- telco slot because it was “formally offered in a Filipinos belonging to the poor sector will suffer would pave the way to a “virtuous cycle” because tional number series to be made available to new bilateral talk between the Chinese Premier and as a result of higher prices of food, fuel and other it would generate additional revenues that can subscribers. the Philippine President.” basic commodities. fund infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, “Telecommunications as a business requires “Right now, because it was offered and ac- “Is it not clear who are the winners and losers railways and airports. complex, advanced and real-time systems that cepted, we will honor our word. But as I said, if should be extensively tested, bearing in mind for any reason, China Telecoms or any company SARA DUTERTE Meanwhile, former Senators Manuel ‘Mar’ the impact to our 57 million pre-paid custom- nominated by the Chinese government finds ... FROM PAGE A1 Roxas II and Serge Osmeña were also among the ers, including transactions and voice, SMS, and the 60-40 requirement in the Constitution to be Top 20 in the SWS poll. data traffic that these systems support,” Froilan unacceptable, then of course, that will now give In a phone call to SWS, The Philippine Star ‘Don’t annoy me’ Castelo, Globe’s general counsel, was quoted in us the option to offer it to other companies,” said the polling company neither confirmed nor In another report by Rappler, in a media the statement issued January 5. Roque said. denied the existence of the survey, an indication statement released Thursday, Sara Duterte-Car- “The six-month extension will give us ample Last month, Rio told local reporters that that the survey was commissioned or paid for by pio has downplayed news that she made it to the time to for the smooth and seamless other foreign players, specifically from South Ko- an individual or group. Magic 12 in the two surveys. implementation of the expiration change across rea, Japan, the United States and Australia, have According to the survey, re-electionist Sena- “Huwag lang ako inisin ng mga kalaban ni all denominations,” it was added. likewise expressed interest in taking the third tors , , Aquilino ‘Koko’ PRD, then my slot should become available to all Responding to a comment on Facebook that telco slot, which the government aims to award Pimentel III and were at the fore- the yellows,” Duterte-Carpio said. “six months is like eternity for us consumers and by this quarter. front in the survey while Duterte-Carpio ranked In October 2017, Duterte-Carpio announced plans to run for a Congressional seat in 2019, ninth, just after former Sen. and Taguig Rep. Pia “PCGG Chairman Andres Bautista heard downplaying rumors that she is interested in PERRYSCOPE Cayetano, re-electionist Juan about it when his staff showed him The Daily seeking any national post. ... FROM PAGE A6 and former Senators and Ferdi- Telegraph news account. ‘We will look at the nand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. “I do not have plans on running for a national of 10 men, took the golden Buddha home. money trail and see if the amount to be recovered Completing the Magic 12 were former Sen. post in the 2019 elections. I have plans for run- “President Ferdinand E. Marcos heard about would be worth the lawyers’ fees we would be , re-electionist JV Ejercito and broad- ning for the first congressional district of Davao the discovery and sent his men to confiscate the spending for it,’ Bautista told the media. caster Erwin Tulfo. City,” Duterte-Carpio told reporters in an inter- golden Buddha. When Roxas protested, he was ‘Recently, it was reported in the news that Moreover, the surveys’ results noted that Poe, view after launching the pro-government Tapang arrested and allegedly tortured. PCGG would be abolished. However, Bautista the frontrunner in the 2010 Senatorial Elections, at Malasakit Alliance for the Philippines. “It is said that by the time Marcos was de- said that the hunt for the Marcos Loot would not obtained 64 percent of the votes of survey respon- “Kung tatakbo man akong senador, ‘di ako posed from power during the EDSA People Power end; the job will be continued by the Department dents with Cynthia Villar following at 42 percent, mag-a-announce ngayon. Masyadong maaga. Revolution of 1986, his men had recovered tons of Justice. He said that the reason for closing the Pimentel with 38 percent, Binay with 37 percent, Pero wala talaga,” Duterte-Carpio added. of gold and precious stones from 12 treasure sites. 200-man agency is that it is no longer cost effec- Cayetano with 35 percent and Angara with 33 In another report by The Philippine Daily Where did Marcos hide his loot? tive to hunt for the $5-billion leftover from the percent. Inquirer, Duterte-Carpio dismissed her inclusion “In 2004, an illegitimate daughter of Marcos Marcos Loot. Re-electionists Estrada and Marcos tied at in the surveys, saying that “it’s not new to me.” by a German-born mother of Hungarian descent, “But who says there is only $5 billion left 7th to 8th spot with 28 percent each, followed by “My name was also on the senator survey list Evelin Hegyesi, surfaced in the news in Australia. in the loot? The original estimate was made 26 Duterte-Carpio with 27 percent while rounding in 2012. Thank you to those who gave their sup- Her name is Analisa Josefa Hegyesi. Josefa is the years ago, at which time the extent of the loot off the Magic 12 were Lapid, Ejercito and Tulfo port,” Duterte-Carpio said. name of Marcos’ mother. was not fully accounted for. And it may never be with 26 percent each. Duterte-Carpio has also hinted that she “Investigations by The Sun-Herald revealed accounted for. But like an iceberg, what you see In another report by Rappler, the November would be staying in Davao and just work for that Evelin’s Australian companies have financial is only the tip of the iceberg… until you submerge Laylo Research Strategies survey conducted in public interest, whether as a public official or a links to Marcos’ secret accounts in Switzerland into the water. It’s the same with treasure hunt; November put Police Chief General Ronald ‘Bato’ private citizen. and Liechtenstein. The Sun-Herald provided a you never see the loot until you dig it. dela Rosa in the Magic 12, despite him not per- “If Davao is strong, then that is the Dabawe- dossier of the Australian link to the Marcos loot “In September 2009, then presidential can- forming well in the December SWS survey of the nyos patriotism at work,” Duterte-Carpio said. to the PCGG. But the trail went cold. didate Benigno Aquino III, made his first cam- same kind, putting him within the Top 20. “I still believe that being a responsible Daba- “In 2011, Analisa was in the news. Now 40 paign promise: ‘I will recover the Marcos Loot.’” The survey also noted that respondents will wenyo, whether in public office or as a practicing years old and an interior designer, Analisa was With the news that the Marcoses had offered also vote for newbie and media lawyer, is my contribution to nation building,” reported by The Daily Telegraph that she was to return the “loot” to the Philippine government, personality Erwin Tulfo. Duterte-Carpio said. fired from a TV reality show ‘Renovators’ after the question remains: Where is the Marcos Loot she revealed to her producers that she was Mar- hidden? ([email protected]) cos’ daughter. CALL US TO ADVERTISE AS I SEE IT in our way of life! Let us heed medical advice and 415-278-0692 ... FROM PAGE A6 supplement it with regular exercise… at least 30 minutes a day, according to my doctor. mon with age. It affects males more often than To our dear friend Romy… we will miss you! females. The percentage of people who survive You have been a part of our life that your sudden with treatment is about 8%.Many who survive death has created a vacuum in our hearts. Despite have significant disability. Many U.S. television this, however, you will remain with us because we VISIT shows, however, have portrayed unrealistically treasure the moments we were together! www.filamstar.com high survival rates of 67%. Cardiac arrest is pre- (For feedbacks, comments… please email the ceded by no warning symptoms in approximately author @ [email protected]). 50% of people, so we need to be alert and careful A8 FilAm Star January 11 - 17, 2018 business & Tax amnesty pushed tech news A massive tax amnesty is Once legislated, there being pushed for legislation would no longer be any tax this year to raise P26 billion in amnesty for the next 25 years, revenues for the government according to Chua. and augment the P969.2 billion The DOF had plans to Itama po natin! to be generated from the first impose a higher amount for sa ibabaw. tax reform package in the next delayed amnesty payments BEN LOU five years, the Department of while also planning to allow At Debt Aid Consulting, we pride our- Finance said. compromise for cases pending Q: After click- selves with providing only Federal Trade “We can’t really say how at the that ing on a link from an Commission compliant programs. Our many will avail [themselves of have assessments, while those email, my computer programs are here to help you get out of tax amnesty]. What we did was without assessments would froze and it told me debt sooner than later and we do not send look at past amnesties and how have to pay a 5-percent tax on to call a number who your information outside of the country. much they collected. In 2008, net worth. was asking me for If you need help in getting out of pay- P13 billion was collected. Using Dominguez said that Con- money to unfreeze day loans, or any other unsecured debts, the same estimate, we may col- gress already committed to pass Finance Sec. Carlos Dominguez III my computer. What call Debt Aid Consulting. We have free lect P26 billion,” Finance Un- package 1B in the first quarter (Photo: www.gettyimages.fr) can I do? Credit Repair while and after your pro- dersecretary Karl Kendrick T. of 2018 as these measures A: I am assuming there is no presence gram. We do not use call centers which Chua said, citing that the gross were only removed by legisla- of an anti virus installed in your computer. keeps your information safe. We have a domestic product (GDP) had tors from the original first tax This year, the government Also, I am assuming you have not backed new program that reconstruct debts for half doubled in the past 10 years. reform package proposed by the stands to lose P146.6 billion up your data or do not even back up your of what you would pay our competitors. Finance Secretary Carlos G. DOF. in foregone revenues from the data. So the question now is to pay or not We also provide legal assistance that keeps Dominguez III earlier said that Dominguez said on lower personal income tax rates to pay? What do you do when your infor- collectors away. We take Federal Credit under its comprehensive tax re- Monday that “package 1B was as well as donors’ and estate mation has been kidnapped by an unknown Unions, Military Debts, Payday loans and form program, the government crucial to keep the 3-percent-of- taxes, which will be offset by perpetrator? This crime is called Ransom- high interest personal loans in our pro- was planning an amnesty for GDP deficit target” for 2018. higher taxes on various goods to taxpayers with deficiencies in Last Dec. 19, President Du- be shouldered by consumers. ware. gram too. This is exclusively available for payments of property taxes, es- terte signed into law package 1A In 2019, packages 1A and The U.S. Government has been going Debt Aid Consulting clients. None of our tate taxes, regular taxes such as of the Tax Reform for Accelera- 1B will result in a revenue gain after these cyber criminals but they are competitors provide this program. You are income taxes and value-added tion and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act of P175.1 billion; P221.7 billion working in different countries using the in- well protected. tax (VAT) as well as an amnesty under Republic Act No. 10963, in 2020; P224.3 billion in 2021, ternet as a way to hack into your computer. We only provide Federal Trade Com- on pending tax cases in court. which, beginning Jan. 1 this and P219.2 billion in 2022. Hackers are able to hold your computers mission compliant programs. Debt relief Dominguez also said the year, slashed and restructured “The tax reform can fund hostage by getting into your data through companies who charge non refundable DOF was looking at settlements personal income tax rates that the following over the next five the internet and encrypting your data. Af- upfront fees are in violation of the ban. Go through the payment of a mini- stayed the same for two decades years: 629,120 public school ter doing so, you will need a key to decrypt with Debt Aid Consulting! mum of 40-percent basic tax as and jacked up or slapped new classrooms; or 2,685,101 public the data so you can use them again. The Do not fall for marketing gimmicks amnesty tax. taxes on the consumption of oil, school teachers; or 60,483 catch is that you have to buy this key from saying that they have the right program According to Dominguez, cigarettes, sugary drinks and rural health units; or 484,326 them in order to unlock your files and this for you. Most marketing companies only the amnesty program would be vehicles. barangay health stations; or will cost you. have one program and will enroll you in legislated “to clear up all tax Based on the DOF’s 1,324 provincial hospitals; or The best defense is to always have an that program whether it fits you or not. So cases.” estimates, packages 1A and 1B 35,745 kilometers of paved updated anti-virus installed on your com- beware! Dominguez told reporters will generate a total of P969.2 roads; or 786,400 kilometers of puter. Also, don’t be too quick on clicking Ben Lou at your service! I have over last month that the general tax billion in revenues, of which temporary bridge upgrades; or on links and pop ups that show up when 30 years of real financial experience. If you amnesty program would be part P786.4 billion will come from 2,665,763 hectares of irrigated you are visiting unknown sites. Stay away would like sound financial advice, call us of package “1B,” which would RA 10963 and P182.7 billion land,” Dominguez said. also involve estate tax amnesty from package 1B. Part of the proceeds of the from unverified websites. at Debt Aid Consulting. We do not use call and higher motor vehicle user’s Taking into account the five TRAIN law will also fund the As a second defense in case they get centers like Financial Rescue. No one has charge among other tax ad- items vetoed by the President ambitious “Build, Build, Build” through your anti-virus, back up your data the right to put your information at risk. ministration measures such as from RA 10963, package 1A is infrastructure program. every two days just so you can preserve Say no to LLC corporations in Canada! lifting bank secrecy in criminal expected to raise P89.9 billion Under “Build, Build, your information. Sometimes these crimi- Debt Aid Consulting is the first and only cases and automatic exchange in net revenues this year—P63.3 Build,” the government plans nals become very creative and get through Filipino debt restructuring company incor- of information. billion from tax policy measures to roll out 75 flagship, game- your defenses. This way you can always porated in the US and Canada. Chua said the plan to on top of P26.6 billion from changing projects, with about format your hard drive and reinstall your Now serving the Caribbean Islands! legislate a final amnesty would legislated tax administration half targeted to be finished whole system with very little loss rather Tawag na po sa 1-888-341-5234 at be “absolute” in the sense that measures. within President Duterte’s term, than losing all your data to a hacker. tutulungan po namin kayo. availment would clear all tax Once package 1B is passed, alongside spending a total of Ang ating lesson, Laging maging handa Itama po natin ang mali! dockets in the Bureaus of Inter- it will add another P38.9 billion up to P9 trillion on hard and sa magnanakaw, dahil iba iba ang anyo nito nal Revenue and of Customs as in revenues this year, bringing modern infrastructure until well as in the courts. the total net revenue of the first 2022 to usher in “the golden It would, however, exclude tax reform package as a whole age of infrastructure.” (Ben O. criminal cases, Chua said. to P128.8 billion. De Vera / inquirer.net) BDO apologizes for fraud incidents, vows to intensify investigation and validating any irregularities and indications that there could have been fraud. Some of these parties in this process have to go through millions of transac- tions for verification. This is why it can take time for us to provide resolution to a custom- er’s case,” the bank said. In an earlier statement issued on Tuesday night, BDO said it’s “tracing individual transactions, checking any irregularities and identifying (Photo: www.bdo.ua) signals of fraud from millions of Facing snowballing com- committed to a long-term effort valid transactions everyday.” plaints of unauthorized trans- to educating the public on how An investigation is needed actions, the country’s largest to better protect their account before returning the customer’s lender BDO Unibank apolo- information.” money because based on BDO’s gized to customers and vowed Some of BDO’s aggrieved experience, about one-third to devote more manpower to clients, including some overseas of fraud cases are classified fraud investigation. Filipinos, used social media to as “legitimate fraud” where “We want to let you know express frustrations over the the customer is truly a victim that we are very much aware of breach of their accounts. through no fault of their own customers sharing their upset- BDO said it’s likely that because of bad elements such ting experiences of bank ac- crime syndicates were ramping as crime syndicates. Customers count fraud such as withdraw- up their efforts to collect card are immediately compensated als and purchases done without and information details, pri- in such scenarios. their knowledge,” BDO said in a marily through physical means Some cases, however, are press statement on Wednesday. such as skimming, or electronic classified as “familiar fraud”. “We sincerely apologize means such as phishing and so- This is when friends or family for the pain and grief that this cial engineering means, such as use a customer’s accounts with- caused our customers. Nothing impersonating the card owner out their knowledge. A common is more important to us than to get confidential information. example is when a PIN number your trust that we will be able After the information is is shared to a trusted person to keep your money safe and sold onto an online black mar- for use on their behalf and the secure. We would like to reas- ket, any individual can access person betrays that trust. Banks sure you that we are committed this black market to purchase always advise that a customer to investigating and bringing the card information and use it keeps their PIN to themselves. resolution to each and every for their own purposes, such as BDO said some complaints case brought to our attention,” buying from online platforms. are “illegitimate” which means the bank added. In explaining how its complaints had full knowledge BDO, the banking arm investigation works, BDO said of their transactions but claim of the SM group, admitted an such incidents must be reported otherwise to extract financial “extraordinary rise” in fraud by the customer, after which the gain from the bank. attacks towards the entire bank would launch an investi- Victims of bank fraud are industry starting October of last gation to understand where the advised to formally lodge your year. In particular, it reported a fraud took place. This was cited complaints via email (callcen- significant increase in claims of as a thorough and complex [email protected]), local hotline unauthorized online and offline investigation process which (631-8000) and international purchases taking place in other involves five parties: customer, toll free number (IAC +800-8- countries. customer’s bank, third-party 631-8000). BDO has vowed to “Given these extraordinary payment system (such as Visa resolve individual complaints times we are committed to and Mastercard), the third- within a 60-day period, but providing extraordinary short- party payment processor of the compensation will depend on term and long-term measures. merchant and the merchant the outcome of investigation We have significantly increased itself. on a case-to-case basis. (Doris our human resources focused “It is a laborious process of Dumlao-Abadilla / inquirer. on fraud investigation. We have tracing individual transactions net) January 11 - 17, 2018 FilAm Star A9 world news Oprah for president? Speech ignites British PM completes reshuffle after chaotic start British Prime Minister race.” to be moved and stayed in his frenzied U.S. speculation Theresa May completed a May’s spokesman rejected post. Could Oprah Winfrey run run. Her longtime partner into journalism before reign- government shake-up Tuesday the accusation, saying: “This The Conservative Party for president and beat Donald suggested that she could be ing for 25 years as queen of the without further blunders after is about the prime minister meanwhile was widely mocked Trump? The United States was persuaded. US talk show, ushering in an a first day marred by farce and putting in place the right team for wrongly tweeting the name ablaze Monday with specula- ‘Isn’t that crazy’ era of confessional television the refusal of some ministers to tackle the challenges the of a new chairman, only to tion that the billionaire talk “It’s up to the people,” before becoming the first black to move. country faces.” delete it and later announce show queen might be nurtur- Stedman Graham was quoted woman to own a television More women and ethnic The reshuffle was intended Lewis to the job. ing White House ambitions as telling the Los Angeles network. minority MPs were appointed to “refresh” May’s team after a “The first rule of a shuffle after an impassioned Golden Times. “She would absolutely ‘Don’t do it’ to junior ministerial positions torrid 2017, when she called a is that it must leave the party Globes speech. do it.” At the start of the Golden in a move May said was aimed snap election only to lose her leader at least as strong when Winfrey had barely her- “I want her to run,” Meryl Globes on Sunday, host Seth at making the government parliamentary majority, and it ends as when it started. It alded a “new day” following a Streep told The Washington Meyers playfully encouraged look “more like the country it sexual harassment watershed, Post. “I don’t think she had her to run against Trump. Be- serves”. before calls snowballed for any intention (of declaring). coming the first black woman The reshuffle “allows one of America’s most famous But now, she doesn’t have a to accept the Cecil B. De Mille a new generation of gifted ministers to step up and make life better for people across the whole UK,” May said in a statement. Some MPs in her Con- servative Party had joined newspaper commentators in condemning a chaotic reshuffle of senior ministers on Monday, which was followed by a reor- ganisation of the junior ranks British PM Theresa May on Tuesday. (Photo: www.news.sky.com ) Junior trade minister Mark Garnier was the first to in which three of her senior has been spectacularly broken go, tweeting that he was “very ministers were forced to resign so far,” wrote the editor of the sad to have lost my job” but in scandals. news website Conservative- would support the government Ministers refuse to move Home. from the backbenches of the Following the shambolic The second day of the House of Commons. start of the reshuffle on Mon- reshuffle got off to a bad start, Garnier was subject to an day, several politics watchers when a government-appointed internal investigation late last said it had served to highlight member of the universities year after asking his then sec- May’s weakness. regulator resigned follow- (L-R) Oprah Winfrey and President Donald Trump retary to buy sex toys, but was Writing in The Times ing criticism in parliament (Photo: www.morning24.world ) cleared of misconduct. newspaper, columnist Ra- over past comments he made New Conservative Party chel Sylvester said: “An event against women, gays and dis- chairman Brandon Lewis said that could have been used abled people. women, a self-made tycoon choice.” lifetime achievement award, there would be a “really good to clarify the direction of the Toby Young, whose ap- born into poverty, to run for If the speculation is wish- her speech wove together gen- breath of fresh air coming in” government after a difficult few pointment had been defended the highest office in the free ful thinking, Winfrey’s fame der, poverty and race. among the lower ministerial months served only to high- by senior ministers, said his world. and wealth, extraordinary “For too long, women have ranks. light the incoherence.” position had “become a dis- Hollywood’s loathing personal story overcoming not been heard or believed if There was criticism of Most senior ministers traction” for the work of the of Trump and Democrats’ poverty, child sexual abuse they dare speak the truth to the some of the promotions, how- stayed in their posts on Mon- Office for Students. (AFP) bafflement that a crass-talking and pregnancy to build a $2.8 power of those men,” she said ever. day, with some defying May’s reality star with no previous billion fortune and Oscar-nom- to a standing ovation. “So I Conservative MP Philip attempts to move them. government experience could inated acting career, would want all the girls watching here Davies told The Daily Tele- Justine Greening resigned win the presidency have fueled stack up nicely in her favor. now to know that a new day is graph newspaper: “It cer- as education secretary rather talk of, well, why not another “I slept on it and came to on the horizon.” tainly does not do anyone any than be transferred to the wel- television star, only one with the conclusion that the Oprah But there was also angst favours to promote people who fare and pensions department, the “right” politics? thing isn’t that crazy,” tweeted at the idea of electing an- are not ready for promotion while Health Secretary Jeremy ignited, Democrats Dan Pfeiffer, a former senior other television star with zero just because of their gender or Hunt also reportedly refused championed her as superior to advisor to Barack Obama, the government experience as Trump and even Republicans president Winfrey was credited commander-in-chief in charge admitted she was a formidable with helping to elect in 2008. of the nuclear codes. opponent to a reality star Bill O’Reilly, a Trump “Oprah, Don’t Do It” U.S. judge blocks Trump move president, who himself named supporter and ex-Fox News advised a New York Times Winfrey as his pick for vice anchor disgraced by sexual editorial, calling it a “terrible president in an interview 20 harassment allegations, wrote: idea” that would show how rescinding immigrant program years ago. “How can any politician at- far celebrity and ratings have willing to countenance greater The White House even tack Oprah, a feminine icon, repudiated experience and border security, including a waded in, saying Trump human rights hero, civil rights expertise. controversial wall along the would “welcome the challenge, champion and beloved human But Republican strategist Mexican border. whether it be Oprah Winfrey or being?” Rick Wilson suggested Trump’s “It should be a bill of anybody else,” when a spokes- A March 2017 poll by election, once unthinkable, had love,” Trump said of a mea- man was grilled aboard Air Quinnipiac University gave rewritten the rules. Force One. Winfrey a 52 percent favorable “There may be an equation sure under negotiation that The only fly in the oint- rating compared to Trump’s here where the only thing that would protect hundreds of ment? Winfrey’s denial. then 41 percent job approval can beat a celebrity is another thousands of Dreamers from “I don’t, I don’t,” she rating. celebrity,” he told AFP. “The deportation. reportedly said backstage at Despite Winfrey’s deni- thought of Oprah isn’t as ab- “But it also has to be a bill the Globes when asked if she als, she tweeted in September surd as it might have been two where we’re able to secure our planned to run. a New York Post editorial that years ago.” border. Drugs are pouring into “There’ll be no running for trumpeted her as the Demo- But if politics is a money our country at a record pace. office of any kind for me,” she crats’ best hope of beating game, then the odds are still A lot of people are coming in Judge William Alsup that we can’t have,” Trump told CBS in October. Trump in 2020 with the mes- long. (Photo: www.law.com ) But fevered speculation sage: “Thanks for your VOTE “There is money around added, urging lawmakers to only escalated. “Oprah for of confidence!” for Oprah, Michelle Obama “put country before party” and president? She’s got my vote,” Raised in Nashville, and George Clooney -- but the A US judge late Tues- sonable public notice” that the strike a quick solution. tweeted pop superstar Lady Milwaukee and Mississippi, odds suggest The Donald is day blocked President Don- program is once again active. ‘Take the heat’ Gaga. 63-year-old Winfrey was raped going to be hard to beat,” said ald Trump from ending an The so-called Dreamers Trump, seated at a long CNN quoted two anony- and sexually abused as a child Rupert Adams, spokesman for Obama-era program that were protected from deporta- table with some two dozen mous “close friends” as saying and became pregnant aged 14, global betting chain William protected from deportation tion under the policy en- lawmakers from the House Winfrey was “actively think- but miscarried the baby. Hill. (AFP) migrants who entered America acted in 2012 during Barack and Senate, presided over the ing” about a presidential After college, she went illegally as children. Obama’s presidency. bipartisan talks, allowing jour- The ruling came hours In September, Trump nalists rare access to nearly an after Trump presided over said he was scrapping the hour of the meeting. a high-profile White House DACA program but delayed The president said he meeting with lawmakers from enforcement to give Congress would “take the heat” political- both parties on the fate of so- six months -- until March -- to ly if lawmakers were to move called Dreamers. craft a lasting solution. toward broader action that Judge William Alsup ‘A bill of love’ would provide a pathway to in San Francisco issued his The government was sued citizenship for about 11 million 49-page ruling ordering the on grounds that ending the undocumented immigrants administration to reinstate the program was arbitrary and living in the United States. Deferred Action for Child- done without following proper “You are not that far away hood Arrivals program, known legal procedures. from comprehensive immigra- popularly as DACA. Judge Alsup wrote tion reform,” he told Senator The government is Tuesday that he questioned Lindsey Graham, after the “HEREBY ORDERED AND the administration’s argu- Republican lawmaker floated ENJOINED, pending final ment that DACA had not been the idea of more sweeping judgment herein or other implemented legally. legislation. order, to maintain the DACA Alsup said DACA must “You created an opportu- program on a nationwide basis be resurrected while the legal nity here, Mr President, and on the same terms and condi- challenge to it proceeds. you need to close the deal,” tions as were in effect before Earlier Tuesday, Trump Graham told him as TV cam- the rescission,” he wrote. had taken command of the eras rolled. Alsup said the Depart- White House meeting to coax Trump’s position ap- ment of Justice’s view that the Republican and Democratic peared at odds with his 2016 program was illegal was based lawmakers toward a compro- campaign, when his platform on a “flawed legal premise.” mise on the fate of Dreamers. focused largely on border Unless his order is He also signaled he was security and immigration overturned by a higher court, open to more comprehensive curtailment, and many of his DACA recipients will now be immigration reform to address core supporters raged at the eligible to submit renewal ap- millions of other undocument- prospect of legalizing millions plications and the government ed people living in the shad- of undocumented immigrants. will be required to “post rea- ows, as long as Democrats are (AFP) A10 FilAm Star January 11 - 17, 2018 January 11 - 17, 2018 FilAm Star B1 community Your Chinese horoscope for the 2018 Year of the Dog Chinese New Year in concretize in new business native will appreciate in a the Rat native. There will be 2018 is on Friday, the 16th of opportunities, increased cash correct manner the value of many periods of change, but, February and ends on Febru- flow, building a good reputa- money and power and will overall, things will settle the ary 4, 2019. tion and a high social status. establish a value scale from way they should for the Rat. In Chinese astrology, Therefore, people’s tendency which he will rarely deviate. OX each zodiac year ( rat, ox, will be to organize parties Very secretive, friendly and The Ox is devoted and tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, more often, to celebrate and calm, he will know how to as- faithful, so this native needs horse, sheep, monkey, roost- to enjoy life. Also, year 2018 sert himself in front of others someone who can respond in er, dog and pig) is not just as- will bring more luck in mar- and how to cleverly prepare the same manner. Unfortu- sociated with an animal sign, riages. himself. nately, it is quite difficult for but also one of five elements: Planning, postponing Due to his high level of the Ox to find a partner. Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, and negligence are words morality and his idealism, he TIGER Fire, and Earth. The year of you will need to remove from has a tendency to go beyond Regardless of the Tiger’s 2018 meets element of Earth, your vocabulary during this his limits and he can demand relationship status — wheth- so 2018 is an Earth Dog Year. year. excessive loyalty and obedi- er he is single or involved in a The Dog occupies the Refreshed and regener- ence from others. relationship, his love life will eleventh position in the Chi- ated, the Dog will accelerate He is not quite a sen- be quite good in 2018, the nese zodiac. You are a “Dog the initiation of all things, timental, but he is a good stars are on his side. Chinese zodiac animal” if but this will bring, at the fighter and a good guardian. RABBIT you are born in one of these same time, pressure and Practical, the Earth Dog will The Rabbit is not going years: 1934, 1946, 1958, stress in the everyday life. estimate his own individual- to experience the desired losing the current relation- and will live true love stories. 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, For those born in the ism and his desire for respect success in his love life. The ship or will face difficulties Although they have all the 2018. year of the Dog, 2018 is a and any problems will be native will have big chances when trying to get involved chances to find happiness, The Chinese Horoscope very good year regarding the treated directly, purposely of starting a new relation- in a new relationship. the natives of Rooster should 2018 predicts that this year financial aspects, but a little and with no restrains. ship, but it won’t last too GOAT act with caution. of the Brown Earth Dog is difficult from a health point The dog will not take long. In love matters, the DOG going to be a good year in all of view. Actually, in the year advantage of the powers that DRAGON Goat’s attitude is not quite From a sentimental per- respects, but it will also be an of the dog, all zodiac signs have been granted to him If he is involved in a right. The stress from the spective, this zodiac sign will exhausting year. You will be will want to pay special at- and he will assign tasks and relationship, the Dragon has workplace might be respon- go through many changes. happy, yet frustrated, rested, tention to their health. Year duties to others with a pro- big chances of living a true sible for the lack of proper The married natives should yet tired, cheerful, yet dull! 2018 is the ideal time to start found acuity. He will never love story this year. Both he mood in paying attention to be more careful, otherwise, Feng Shui Predictions eating healthy, doing sports let defeat or failure bring him and his beloved one will be in other details from their lives. they will risk the dissolution for 2018: and getting rid of bad habits. down, but he will neither get perfect harmony and the will MONKEY of their marriage. They can Year 2018 is under the About the Earth Dog overexcited in front of suc- have all the chances of grow- During this year, there fall in love easily, but their auspices of Earth Dog sign Those born in the Dog cess. ing their relationship further. are big chances for the feelings can disappear as fast. and the ruling number is year are objective people, From a sentimental SNAKE Monkey to have a successful PIG 9. Earth Dog year 2018 is who will spread the sound of perspective, some of the Dog The Snake is afraid not relationship. If the native is The Pig should have no governed by star 9, which, justice and of good advice. natives will have to gain, if to have his feelings hurt, so married, the love for their worries when it comes to during 2018, will move in A constructive and efficient they will assume small risks, he will act with caution dur- partners is as strong as in the love matters. Although some the middle of Luo Shy square thinker, the Dog proceeds while some might experience ing the new year. His interest beginning. The males natives changes might occur at the and will bring prosperity with difficulty, but with a disappointment. to start a new relationship is of this zodiac sign should be beginning of the year, this in all the houses and their very well-defined purpose. Chinese love horoscope zero and this is why it’s going more careful not to be led zodiac sign has really big occupants, regardless of the The dog is devoted to his 2018 to be very hard to impress into the temptations offered chances of finding happiness. zodiac sign. ideal, but he will comply with RAT him. by their surroundings. If the native is involved in a The financial poten- the rules set by the majority. Year 2018 has many HORSE ROOSTER relationship, the chances for tial created by star 9 will Observant and cautious, the surprises for the love life of The Horse needs to act This zodiac sign will have this year to end with a mar- with caution in the new year, a year full of passion. Many riage are very high. (Source: otherwise, the native will risk of the natives will fall in love www.yourtango.com) B2 FilAm Star January 11 - 17, 2018

R&B Productions annual party at Papaya Grill in Brentwood hosted by Roy and Bheng Manalansan

Happy birthday to Syra Syla Jhannel Cruz last Jan. 4

Happy 7th Birthday to Norman “Uno” Dumigpi (center) with mom and dad above who also celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary last Jan. 6 The San Francisco based United Pangasinanes of America, Inc. showed their charitable concern by volunteering at the St. Anthony Foundation and donating $1,000.00 to the St. Anthony’s Feeding Program. The volunteers were led by well known business executive and community leader, Mario Cendana-Panoringan, UPAI 16th Presi- dent, together with Norma Camarao-Panoringan, Ernie & Flory Abalos, Marita Padilla, Rudy & Lee Junio, Susan Arcilla, Nemy Bautista, and Chris & Emma Torres.

Happy Birthday to Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo

16yrs old exclusive MCA Artist Mika Gorospe sang the US national anthem dur- ing the Golden State Warriors’ game against the Utah Jazz last Wed., Dec 27, 2017. She was there to support a fundraising by Live2GiveU Foundation, Inc to Happy Birthday to Nensita Vinuya aid the upcoming medical/dental mission on June 2018 in the Philippines. Part Happy anniversary to Ryan Monsanto and wife Beth “Celebrate new year with the one you love..” - Marty last Jan. 7 of the proceeds of the sold Warriors tickets were donated to the foundation. who celebrated their 31st years anniversary last Jan. 7 Echivarre & Nanette Magsalin @Fort Mckinley January 11 - 17, 2018 FilAm Star B3 community New Time-of-Use rate plan will support cleaner, more reliable grid and enhance choice and control for PG&E customers awareness solar power, are more plentiful. customers to ensure they available rates and choose a U.S. EPA announces $3 million available for locally Most Californians are currently understand how small shifts in plan. on a tiered rate plan where the when they use energy can make . Bill protection for the first focused environmental education grants price of electricity increases a big difference for the environ- 12 months to allow customers SAN FRANCISCO – Today as more energy is used. On a ment,” said Laurie Giammona, to try the new Time-of-Use plan the U.S. Environmental Pro- Time-of-Use rate plan, when Senior Vice President and Chief risk-free. tection Agency announced the customers use electricity is as Customer Officer. “We recog- . Tools and programs such availability of up to $3 million in important as how much they nize that customers use energy as Budget Billing and Energy grant funding for locally focused SAN FRANCISCO, Ca- use. By shifting some usage, differently and will provide Alerts, as well as seasonal com- environmental education proj- lif.— Pacific Gas and Electric such as running the dishwasher information and tools to give munications and tips, to help ects under the 2018 EE Local Company (PG&E) announced or doing laundry during off- customers greater control over customers manage energy use Grant Program. EPA will award today that it is introducing a peak hours, customers will ben- how they use energy and help and stay on budget. up to 35 grants nationwide, each new electric Time-of-Use rate efit from lower pricing and help them choose the rate plan that . Dedicated rate specialists between $50,000 and $100,000. plan to promote more efficient increase our state’s reliance on best meets their needs.” at 1-866-743-7945 to answer The 2018 EE Local Grant energy usage and provide clean energy. The new Time-of-Use plan questions and help customers Program includes support for customers with additional rate Customers transitioning to offers lower priced energy 19 choose a rate plan. projects that reflect the intersec- plan options. Starting in April the new Time-of-Use rate plan hours each day, while charg- PG&E is working with tion of environmental issues 2018, approximately 150,000 will be notified by mail, and ing higher rates between the the California Public Utili- with agricultural best practices, education resource for students residential electric customers will be provided with additional peak hours of 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. ties Commission (CPUC) and conservation of natural resourc- and provide educational training across PG&E’s service area will information and tools. The ma- While customers who take no other energy companies on es, food waste management, and for teachers. Sierra Streams In- transition into the new rate jority of customers on the new action will transition into the this statewide effort. Custom- natural disaster preparedness. stitute is adapting existing envi- plan, unless they choose an- plan will either see smaller bills new Time-of-Use plan in April, ers for the first phase were Funded projects will increase ronmental education curriculum other rate plan. This is the first or a small annual bill increase, they will have the option of randomly selected from across public awareness of those top- to reflect local environmental phase of a multi-year, statewide assuming no change in energy keeping their current plan or the service area to represent ics and help participants make and historical concerns. informed decisions. effort to create a smarter energy usage. choosing an alternate rate plan. diversity in climate, household The Energy Coalition “By recognizing these local- (Richmond, Calif.) - $91,000 future and healthier environ- PG&E will offer bill protec- To ensure that custom- size and energy usage, among ly-based learning and awareness The Energy Coalition is de- ment while balancing the need tion for the first 12 months to ers included in this first phase other factors. PG&E will work opportunities, the Environ- veloping a program that exposes to keep customer rates afford- allow customers to try the new understand the new Time-of- with and learn from this group mental Protection Agency is elementary and high school able. Time-of-Use plan risk-free. Use rate plan and their options, of customers to help inform taking both a local and national students in Contra Costa County Time-of-Use rate plans During that period, if custom- PG&E will provide: and plan for the full rollout of leadership role in promoting to green careers through project- ers pay more than they would Notifications regarding the the new Time-of-Use rate plan support a cleaner and more reli- sound agricultural conserva- based learning and mentoring have on their former rate plan, new rate plan and other options to all other eligible residential able energy grid by encouraging tion practices, environmental with STEM professionals in both PG&E will credit them with the available, starting in early Janu- customers, starting either in customers to shift electricity disaster preparedness, adequate the public and private sectors. usage to the times of day when difference. ary. late 2019 or late 2020, pending food waste management and About 75 teachers from 15 West demand is lower (“off-peak”) “PG&E is committed to . Personalized rate compar- a decision by the CPUC. other important environmental Contra Costa Unified School and renewable resources, like working together with our isons for customers to compare best practices,” said Administra- District and Pittsburg Unified tor Scott Pruitt. “Environmental School District will take part education starts locally in our in the project and reach 3,000 San Francisco Paid Parental Leave Ordinance expands to guarantee full pay for even more employees own backyards, classrooms and students. in the fields of farmers who work The Kohala Center Ordinance authored by Currently, the state generally have greater equality in the work- the land directly, and I’m proud (Waimea, Hawaii) - $90,000 Senator Wiener when he was provides 60-70% (depending on force when families have broad to play a role in enhancing such The Kohala Center’s “Farm a member of the San Francisco income) of an employee’s sal- access to paid parental leave. learning opportunities.” to Forest” project is using school Board of Supervisors expands ary for up to six weeks. Senator As of today, our ordinance now Through this grant pro- gardens at middle schools to to cover workers who work Wiener’s ordinance requires that covers even more workers, which gram, EPA will provide finan- promote environmental literacy at businesses with 20 or more employers pay the remaining means more parents won’t have cial support for projects that on the Big Island in Hawaii. The employees percentage of their employee’s to choose between putting food design, demonstrate, and/or project is promoting environ- Early study shows an in- salary during that six-week period on the table and bonding with a disseminate environmental mental stewardship and encour- crease, since implementation of so that new parents receive 100% new child. We must continue the education practices, methods, first phase of legislation, in both of their salary. fight for paid parental leave.” aging citizen engagement on the mothers (up 6%) and fathers (up Senator Wiener authored A recent study conducted by or techniques that will increase Big Island with an educational 28%) taking paid parental leave the ordinance, because although researchers at UC Berkeley found environmental and conservation model that can be replicated San Francisco – Today San some parents can afford to take that in the first six months of the literacy and encourage behavior statewide. Over two years, Francisco’s paid parental leave a 30-40% reduction in income to ordinance taking effect in 2017, that will benefit the environ- garden programs at four middle ordinance, which Senator Scott stay at home and bond with a new the number of women taking ment in the local communities in schools—involving 16 teachers Wiener authored as a member of child, many cannot. The ordi- leave increased by 6% (compared which projects are located. and 400 students—will include the San Francisco Board of Super- nance applies to both newborns with no increase in the rest of the Since 1992, EPA has dis- field trips, hands-on science labs, visors, expands to cover workers and adopted children and applies state) and the number of men tributed between $2 and $3.5 and environmental monitoring. who work at businesses with 20 to both parents. The expansion taking leave increased by 28% State Senator Scott Wiener million in grant funding per year Proposals for 2018 grants or more employees. When the to businesses with 20 or more (compared with 3%-9% increases under this program, supporting are due by March 15, 2018. The ordinance first went into effect on employees could increase the in the rest of the state.) A link to leave early in their children’s lives more than 3700 grants. full solicitation notices will be January 1, 2017, it only applied number of employees eligible for the study can be found here​. are more involved in their lives In 2017, EPA’s environ- posted later this week at www. to businesses with 50 or more paid parental leave as high as 14% “We want all parents to have later on. Moreover, when both mental education grant awards grants.gov and at http://www. employees. Only July 1, 2017, it in San Francisco. the opportunity to bond with their men and women take parental included the following projects: epa.gov/education/environmen- expanded to include businesses “The United States is far newborn children, so it’s great leave, women are less likely to Sierra Streams Institute tal-education-ee-grant-solicita- with 35 or more employees. As behind the rest of the world in to see the ordinance is work- fall behind men in the workforce. (Nevada City, Calif.) - $91,000 tion-notice. of today, it applies to businesses guaranteeing paid parental leave ing for both new mothers and As this program expands and Sierra Streams Institute is Find background on the EE with 20 or more employees. to new parents,” said Senator fathers,” said Senator Wiener. “In people become more aware of it, I developing an environmental Grants Program and resources The ordinance requires that Wiener. “We need to catch up particular, fathers have tradition- expect these numbers to continue education center at the Wool- for applicants at http://www. any parent be guaranteed his or and support working families. ally taken less leave or no leave to grow, which is great news for man Property near Nevada City. epa.gov/education/environmen- her full salary for six weeks to Families are healthier, children at all, and studies have shown families in our city.” The center will serve as a county- tal-education-ee-grants. bond with their newborn child. are more successful, and women that fathers who take parental wide and regional environmental U.S. gov’t announces additional PHP 330-M in recovery & rehabilitation funding for Marawi, surrounding areas

MANILA — The U.S. gov- able populations strengthen ally in long-term recovery efforts USAID continues to coordi- public services, like water and ernment, through the United positive engagement within their to ensure a brighter and more nate with the Philippine govern- electricity, and will work with States Agency for International communities. peaceful future for the people of ment and humanitarian organi- communities to jump-start Development (USAID), allocated This brings the total USAID Mindanao.” zations to deliver critical relief livelihoods, promote community an additional PHP 330 million contribution to recovery and The U.S. government, supplies to improve conditions in dialogue, and improve health ($6.6 million) to support vulner- rehabilitation of Marawi and through USAID, has been a evacuation centers and transi- and education systems. To help able populations affected by the surrounding areas to over PHP 1 key partner with the Philippine tional housing. fortify the area’s longer-term conflict in Marawi City and sur- billion ($20.9 million). government in the recovery, sta- USAID is also providing stabilization and rehabilitation, rounding areas. “This new funding will sup- bilization, and rehabilitation of health clinics in Marawi and sur- USAID will offer skills training This assistance will provide port some of the most vulner- Marawi City and the surrounding rounding areas with supplies and and psycho-social counseling for opportunities for young women able populations affected by areas. USAID’s early assistance services to combat tuberculosis youth, and promote community and men to enhance job skills the conflict,” according to U.S. involved restoring access to and support maternal, newborn, alternatives to violent extremism. and attain livelihoods, helping Ambassador Sung Kim. “The water and distributing desks for and child health needs. U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim stimulate the economy. These United States is deeply commit- schools where displaced students To bolster the recovery, new funds will also help vulner- ted to supporting our friend and are enrolled. USAID will also help restore Western Union agrees to return $586 M to relieve scam victims who unwittingly used their wire service By Jun Nucum companies and individuals in- Union wire transfer. Scammers the grandchild is supposedly in shown on the form and need not set of scammers to take advan- volved in many cases for consum- contacted people and promised trouble in another country. provide additional documenta- tage of and victimize those who The Federal Trade Commis- ers including money transfers) prizes, loans, jobs, discounted Minorities, on the other tion. They can also make a claim already have fallen prey to scams. sion (FTC) and the Department admitted that “it is unusual to get products or other financial hand, are usually victimized by for a larger amount. And then “Scammers follow the news of Justice (DOJ) announced that our money back from many types rewards in exchange for money scams targeting their needs. should submit any documenta- and you can be sure their eyes Western Union (WU) Company of scams (but victims) now have upfront. They also pretended to Mostly on medical and legal tion they have to support that are open wide when they read reached a joint settlement for the an opportunity to get back their be family members in need of immigration needs and fees are larger amount.” about the $586 million settle- return of $586 million to esti- money back but they need to act cash or law enforcement officers usually sent through Western Those who did not receive a ment with Western Union. If mated hundreds of victims who quickly in order to do so.” demanding payment. The scam- Union. form in the mail can also submit you or someone you know was unwittingly used Western Union Kossow was joined in the mers told people to send money Kossow advised anyone claims, added Kossow, and some approached by a scammer, please to wire money to scammers in a tele-briefing by Lois Greisman, through Western Union. No who lost money when they sent a that may not have any documen- report them immediately to our move that would somehow ease associate director, division of one received the promised cash, money transfer through Western tation are encouraged to still payment providers such as the the burden of said victims. marketing practices in the FTC’s prizes or services. Union between January 1, 2004 submit a claim with much needed Western Union iTunes reload, Western Union, the world’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. Many of the victims are and January 19, 2017 to submit information that may make them and also file a complaint with the largest money transfer company, “Many people (who are) seniors who have access to the a claim for the amount they lost. eligible for a refund, provide their FTC. Complaints really matter. has settled for this agreement to eligible to get their money back internet but are usually suscepti- They may be eligible for a refund. social security numbers (SSN) or Though we cannot help individu- ease the burden on scam victims from Western Union thought ble to scams because they do not But they must act quickly. an individual taxpayer identifica- als on a one-on-one basis, those who unknowingly used their they won a prize or sweepstakes, know much about double-check- Filing a claim is only up to Febru- tion number (ITIN). complaints help us and may help transactions system. This came that they owed back taxes from ing or to screen for scammers. ary 12. “Once a claim is submitted, law enforcers across the country about after a lawsuit was filed the IRS, or sending money to get Methods employed include “Those that previously the DOJ will take steps to verify apprehend, identify and steal against WU after a joint investi- a grandchild out of trouble. But the sweepstakes scam. Consum- reported a transfer through the it. If the claim is verified, it may scammers,” Greisman reminded. gation by the FTC, DOJ and the these are all scams,” explained ers were told they won a prize on Western Union to the FTC and take up to a year for people to Greisman also wants every- U. S. Postal Inspection Service Kossow. “The gist of both the Sweepstakes like the Jamaican to another government agency receive a refund. The amount one to start doubting if someone (USPIS). Western Union admit- civil and criminal charges is lottery but they have to send may have likely already received each consumer receives depends suddenly asks for upfront pay- ted to aiding and abetting in wire that Western Union knowingly money to pay fees like taxes a claim form in the mail and they on how much they lost and the ment via wire transfers such as fraud. allowed using its money transfer from the winnings, through the should go to a special web page number of people who submit Western Union, or via gift card In a recent tele-briefing system to defraud consumers. Es- Western Union before they get the FTC set up for this purpose valid claims,” clarified Kos- like Amazon as scammers may moderated by New America sentially, it did not do enough to the prize money. at ftc.gov/wu. Once they click sow who also emphasized even also ask that money be deposited Media (NAM) Executive Director protect people from fraud and it Seniors also fall prey to the the button that says “I have a those outside of the U.S. may be on a card like moneypacks or Sandy Close, FTC Director for did not properly discipline agents grandparent scam. A grandpar- pre-filled claim form”, they can refunded as it is an international reload it. Midwest Region Todd Kossow facilitating the fraud.” ent in the U.S. got a call from then use the claim ID and PIN restitution claim. For more information and/ (who litigated and supervised For years, many people who somebody who impersonates on the form to submit their claim Greisman was quick to warn or report a scam, go to ftc.gov/ consumer protection cases in lost money to scams sent their a grandchild to ask them to online,” said Kossow. “They can that the huge amount of settle- wu or call the administrator at federal district courts against payment through a Western wire money for help because make a claim on the amount ment is too tempting for another 1-844-319-2124. B4 FilAm Star January 11 - 17, 2018 legal & law Trump wants immigration compromise -- and border wall President Donald Trump urged Congress on that would provide a pathway to citizenship for Fiancée who did not marry the petitioner Tuesday to reach a compromise on the fate of mil- about 11 million undocumented immigrants living lions of undocumented migrants who came to the in the United States. may qualify for green card US as children, but did not give ground to Demo- “You are not that far away from comprehen- crats over his plans for a border wall. sive immigration reform,” he told Senator Lind- ATTY. CRISPIN CADAY LOZANO sey Graham, after the Republican senator floated the idea of more sweeping legislation. In September, Trump said he was scrap- Many fiancée who came to the United States and did not marry the U.S. ping the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals citizen petitioner could not adjust status unless they qualify under the (DACA) program, but then delayed enforcement Violence against Women Act. However, there is a new provision in the to give Congress six months -- until March -- to law that allows these fiancée to waive the immigration violation of un- craft a lasting solution. lawful presence. This new law requires that they apply for Provisional So-called “Dreamers” were protected from Waiver of unlawful presence in the United States deportation under the policy enacted during This provisional waiver will allow the following aliens who have Barack Obama’s presidency. relatives who are U.S. citizens or green card holders to seek waiver of On Tuesday, Trump said he a “permanent” unlawful presence and be able to go to their home country to apply for solution was needed for the Dreamers, but also green card. To qualify, they must prove extreme hardship to the U.S. citizen or green card holder insisted on the importance of border security, spouse or parents if their application for permanent residence is denied. The beneficiaries of (Photo: www.salon.com) especially with Mexico. this provisional waiver will include: “We need a wall,” Trump said, during the 1. Those who entered as Fiancée and did not marry the visa petitioner. long exchange with lawmakers. 2. Seamen who entered the U.S. on a C or D visa and overstayed their visa and are not benefi- “It should be a bill of love,” Trump said at He also called for an end to “chain migration” ciaries of Sec. 245(i). the White House, where he hosted Republican and to the green card lottery system. 3. Those who entered without inspection and are not beneficiaries of Sec. 245(i) and Democratic lawmakers for talks on the issue “I would like to add the word ‘merit’ into any 4. Those aliens who have lost their passports and have no proof of legal entry to the U.S. -- and allowed journalists rare access to nearly an bill submitted,” Trump said. “I can tell you the Eligibility Requirements hour of the meeting. American public very much wants that.” To be eligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver you must fulfill ALL of the following “But it also has to be a bill where we’re able After the meeting, White House spokeswom- conditions: to secure our border. Drugs are pouring into our an Sarah Sanders said the group had agreed to 1. Be 17 years of age or older. country at a record pace. A lot of people are com- “negotiate legislation that accomplishes critically 2. Be an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident. ing in that we can’t have,” Trump added, saying needed reforms in four high-priority areas.” 3. Have an approved Form I-130 petition or Form I-140 Employment Based petition or Form he hoped for a quick solution. Those include “border security, chain migra- I-360 petition. Trump said he would “take the heat” politi- tion, the visa lottery and the Deferred Action for 4. Be able to demonstrate that refusal of your admission to the United States will cause ex- cally if lawmakers were to look at broader action Childhood Arrivals policy,” Sanders said. (AFP) treme hardship to your U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident spouse or parent. 5. Be physically present in the United States to file your application for a provisional unlaw- ful presence waiver and provide biometrics. U.S. House condemns Iran over crackdown on protesters 6. Not have been scheduled for an immigrant visa interview by DOS before January 3, 2013. 7. Meet all other requirements for the provisional unlawful presence waiver, as detailed in The US House of The resolution also the Form I-601A and its instructions. Representatives on Tuesday called on President Donald You are not eligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver if any of the following conditions adopted a resolution sup- Trump’s administration to apply to you: porting anti-government issue new sanctions pun- 1. You are subject to one or more grounds of inadmissibility other than unlawful presence. protesters in Iran and ishing Iran’s human rights 2. DOS initially acted before January 3, 2013, to schedule your Immigrant Visa (IV) inter- condemning the regime’s violators. view for the approved immediate relative petition upon which your provisional unlawful presence crackdown on the demon- “In standing with the waiver application is based, even if your immigrant visa interview has been canceled, you failed to strations of recent weeks. Iranian people, we must appear for the interview, or your interview was rescheduled on or after Jan. 3, 2013. Lawmakers backed explain that they are not Note: This is not a legal advice. The Law Office of Crispin C. Lozano has successfully represent- the measure almost unani- the target of our sanctions,” ed scores of clients to get green cards under the provisions of provisional waiver. mously, by a vote of 415 to House Foreign Affairs SUCCESS STORIES two. Committee chairman Ed 1. On January 3, 2018, we received an approval from the Immigration Court for a waiver of The House “stands with Royce said. misrepresentation for a client who was charged with misrepresentation in marriage; the people of Iran that are “US sanctions target 2. On December 15, 2017, we received an approval from USCIS for an adjustment of status engaged in legitimate and the oppressive, destabiliz- for same sex marriage for an applicant who entered without inspection but has Sec. 245 (i). peaceful protests against ing regime, not the people 3. On November 16, 2017, we received an approval from Immigration Court for a waiver of an oppressive, corrupt of Iran,” he added. misrepresentation for entering as single daughter of U.S. citizen but actually married. On October regime,” and condemns Last week Washington 25, 2017, we received an approval of I-485 adjustment of status for our client who has a DUI but the government’s “serious human rights abuses imposed sanctions against five Iranian firms al- has proof that he has cleared his record. against the Iranian people,” the resolution stated. leged to have been working on an illegal ballistic 4. On October 20, 2017, we received an approval of naturalization for a client who was Violent unrest erupted in dozens of Iranian missile program, linking the move to the protests. granted a waiver of misrepresentation in Immigration Court. cities between December 28 and January 1, leav- (AFP) 5. On October 16, 2017, we received from USCIS an approval for an adjustment of ing at least 21 people dead. status for same sex marriage, after two scheduled interviews. 6. On October 9, 2017, we received an approval from USCIS for adjustment of status for a client who entered as a seaman but has Sec. 245 (i) eligibility. 7. On October 2, 2017, we received an approval of adjustment of status from USCIS for a client who entered without inspection but has Sec. 245(i). 8. For the week ending September 15, 2017, we received three Immigrant Visa Approvals in U.S. Embassy Manila for three applicants who entered as seaman under the Provisional Waiver Program. 9. For the week ending September 8, 2017, we received four N-400 Naturalization approvals. 10. On August 31, 2017 we received an approval of adjustment of status for a client who has problems with birth certificate which we corrected. 11. On August 25, 2017, we received approval of I-751 removal of condition on same sex marriage/ If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family separation. Crispin Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association. He specializes in immigration law and personal injury. For free consultation email or call ([email protected] / 1-877-456-9266) Inter-American Court endorses same-sex marriage

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights riages. has ruled that same-sex marriage should be And some countries, such as Bolivia, Para- recognized, delivering a verdict binding on most guay and Peru acknowledge neither. Latin American states -- some of which still hold Venezuela, which does not recognize same- traditionalist views opposing such unions. sex marriage, has withdrawn from the conven- The decision, published Tuesday, was in tion. response to a motion lodged by Costa Rica in May The United States and Canada, although part 2016. of the Organization of American States that the States that are signatories to the American Inter-American Court of Human Rights is part of, Convention on Human Rights adopted in 1969 have not ratified the convention, but both accept are required to adhere to the court’s rulings. same-sex marriages. Several of them already do recognize homo- The ruling from the Costa Rica-based court sexual marriages, including Argentina, Brazil, said homosexual married couples should have the Colombia and Uruguay. same rights as heterosexual ones existing under Others, such as Chile and Ecuador, currently each country’s laws. recognize same-sex civil unions but not mar- As such, it said it was inadmissible and discriminatory for a separate legal provision to be established just for homosexual marriages. The court acknowledged that some states would face institutional difficulties in bringing in the right for same-sex couples to marry, not- ing that often opposition was based on religious criteria. That reflected the fact that many Latin Americans identify as Catholic. But the court said that “in democratic societ- ies, there should exist mutually peaceful coexis- tence between the secular and the religious,” with neither interfering with the other. Costa Rica’s legislation does not currently permit same-sex marriage, although there is recognition of economic and property rights for Answers to LAST WEEK’S Krosword same-sex couples.(AFP) January 11 - 17, 2018 FilAm Star B5 health & Sleep: Less than 8 hours a night increases risk of depression lifestyle pants to different pictures intended to trigger an emotional response. Their attention was observed through their eye movement. Health@Heart The researchers found that the participants who slept the least and took the longest time to fall asleep, had greater difficulty in shifting their Is cancer preventable? attention away from negative information. PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS “While other people may be able to receive negative information and move on, the partici- Nineteen years the lack of awareness or knowledge that is leading pants had trouble ignoring it,” noted study author ago, I wrote my article many of us to self-destruct. It is the lack of disci- Professor Meredith Coles. entitled How to Pre- pline, inner strength and resolve. When one loves These findings suggest that sleep disruption vent Cancer, a serious to hold on to something very precious, like life and can affect the cognitive ability required to shift topic I also discussed happiness, one should be ready to make sacrifices. (Photo: www.avensonline.org) our attention away from negative stimuli. in my book, Let’s Stop What other natural foods prevent cancer? In the medium to long term, these obsessive “Killing” Our Children Fruits and vegetables in general have power- Sleeping less than eight hours a night is negative thoughts can make us more vulnerable (www.philipSchua.com). ful antioxidants in them that reduce the risk of linked to intrusive and repetitive thoughts like to various psychological disorders such as anxiety A review on cancer cancer. Broccoli, beans, oat meal, lettuce, processed those seen in anxiety and depression, reports a and depression. in the United States in tomatoes, bokchoy, strawberry, oranges, papaya, pineapple, kiwi, watermelon, langka, and all the new study. The researchers intend to carry out further 2014 by the American Cancer Society revealed other leafy vegetables and fruits are anti-cancer to American researchers have studied the sleep studies to work out how sleep cycle duration that almost 50 percent of cancer deaths were re- lated to smoking, unhealthy diet, and bad lifestyle a great extent. But unless we eat them daily, they duration of people with moderate to high levels of could be a contributory factor in psychological and behaviors. won’t work. Of course, abstinence from animal repetitive negative thinking. disorders. In the USA, 36.5 million adults smoke, with fats, tobacco and alcohol are essential. And so with We already know that getting thoughts Studying sleep cycles in this way could one 16 million living with a smoking-related illness. avoidance of chemical pollutants, radiation expo- stuck in our head before we drop off can have a day help to create effective strategies for the While smoking has gone down by about 15 per- sure and UV rays from sunlight. significant impact on sleep quality. And now a treatment of anxiety and depression, the study cent, obesity has tremendously increased. Does exercise reduce cancer risk? study suggests that disrupted sleep can make it suggests. Forty-five percent of cancer mortality and 42 Yes. Physical exercises does not only control more difficult to put negative thoughts aside in The study was published in the Journal of percent of cancers detected were caused by pre- body weight and lower cholesterol but also reduces daily life. Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry. ventable or modifiable risk factors, not genetics. the risk of cancer. One does not have to jog for half The researchers exposed the study’s partici- (inquirer.net) These cancer-inducing factors include Tobacco, an hour a day to get the benefit. Walking 20 min- Alcohol, Bad diet, Absence of exercise – (TABA). utes in the morning and 20 minutes after dinner Actually, obesity (“taba” in the Philippine dialect) are vigorous enough to do the job. Brisk walking is also, in itself, a great risk factor for cancer. Life- for those who can tolerate it is even better. Park- Handy hints for cutting back on sugar in 2018 is definitely the key to disease prevention, ing away from your destination and getting of the From breakfast to dinner, most of us are eat- of three including cancer, heart and metabolic diseases, bus or jitney and walking the rest of the way, using ing too much sugar. Here are some easy ways of 6. Reading the labels at the supermarket can stroke, and Alzheimer’s. stairs for a couple of floors instead of elevators, forming healthy habits in 2018. help avoid the traps in processed food. Choose Smoking is responsible for 29 percent of drinking a tall glass warm water before each meal, 1. To avoid eating too deaths, followed by obesity, 6.5 percent, and and being physically active in general, are most much sugar at breakfast, alcohol, 4 percent. Secondhand smoke is also a helpful in reducing cancer risk, besides abstinence unprocessed cereal, muesli killer, possibly worse. Smoking on top of excess from red meat and alcohol. or oat flakes will fill you up drinking would obviously be more deadly. How about those “anti-cancer pills and juices”? without raising your blood Here below are data from this study which Pills and juices being marketed as anti-cancer sugar levels. If need be, was published in CA, A cancer Journal for Clini- cians: are as effective as tap water from your faucet. The you could have a teaspoon “Smoking accounted for 82 percent of lung manufacturer’s claims have no scientific basis what- of jam on a slice of bread. cancers. Excess body weight was associated with soever. At least drinking tap water is a hundred fold Another good tip is to get 60 percent of uterine cancers and about one- cheaper and has no potential serious complications. into the habit of not taking third of liver cancers. Alcohol intake was associ- Besides, drinking a lot of water is good for your sugar in tea or coffee. ated with 25 percent of liver cancers in men and kidneys, unlike those pills and juices, which might 2. Have plain water 12 percent in women; 17 percent of colorectal cause damages to your kidneys and liver. with lunch, not the sweet- cancers in men and 8 percent in women; and 16 What is a sound anti-cancer strategy? ened flavored kind. And percent of breast cancers in women. Exposure There are several behavioral and lifestyle it’s better not to have soda, to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or tanning changes we can do to lower or prevent cancer, and even if it’s low-cal. Re- (Photo: www.dailyhealthpost.com) beds was associated with 96 percent of skin can- many of these changes are common sense and member that yogurt can be cers in men and 94 pernt in women.” practical measures. But, as I stated earlier, first, sweetened with fruit. My September 2, 1999 article on cancer and we must have the discipline, determination and 3. If you start to feel hungry mid-morning or the shortest possible list of ingredients (such as its prevention, reprinted below, is still pertinent, resolve. Then, we must religiously implement our mid-afternoon, fruit and almonds make a great eggs, butter and sugar) without additives or dyes. applicable, and relevant today, confirmed by the strategy. snack, providing precious nutrients and filling 7. Craving for sugar starts very young. That’s recent study presented above. A safe and sound cancer prevention strategy you up. why it’s important not to get young children used What are the causes of cancer? includes all of the following regimen: (1) abstinence 4. If you enjoy baking at the weekend, think to sweetened food and drinks. Before the age of In our previous article column, we defined from tobacco (2) eating fish and a high-fiber, low- about cutting back on the sugar in the recipe by three, water, dairy products, fruit puree and an what cancer was and discussed its etiologies carb, low fat, diet (with a lot of fruits, vegetables, 25 to 50 percent. Other options include coconut occasional cookie are the way to go. Candy should (causes), and other specific issues on cancer. The whole-grain, bran, etc.) instead of red meat; (3) sugar and agave syrup which don’t boost blood be reserved for special events and birthday most striking information we revealed last week taking multivitamins; (4) doing regular physical sugar levels as much as sucrose. parties with friends, not to stop a child crying. was that more than 75% (3 out of 4) of all cancers exercises for half an hour at least four times a week; 5. Sugar should be a rare treat before the age (inquirer.net) in humans were caused by only three things: (5) avoidance of exposure to too much sunlight, diet, tobacco, and alcohol. Majority of cancers polluted air, agents like asbestos, household are preventable, and that it is within our power chemicals in our home environment or workplace; to prevent this deadly malady. The genetic factor and, (6) limiting alcohol ingestion to one or two could also be positively influenced and changed drinks a day, or none at all; (7) Stress management HOROSCOPE by a healthy lifestyle to one’s advantage. through rest and relaxation with family and friends; http://www.starlightastrology.com So, what is the problem? and (8) Meditation for inner peace. In short, stay The problem is the lack of discipline on our away from carcinogens and live a healthy life-style through self-discipline. Aries Libra part. We continue to eat a lot of red meat, a lot (Mar. 21- April 20) (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) of high cholesterol or fatty foods and high carb So, if you are serious about reducing your risk Get help setting up a reasonable budget. Look You can make career moves that will bring you diet knowing these are bad for our heart and for cancer, do not look for a miracle pill or juice, into ways of making extra cash. You will have a much higher income. You will be looking for also increase our chances of having cancer of lotion or potion. Starting today, make some simple the ability to capture the interest of others. creative ways to make a little extra cash. You will the colon, breast and uterus, etc. Smokers know changes in your lifestyle as suggested above. You’ll Colleagues may try to undermine you when feel better about yourself and you may also meet tobacco cause cancer of the throat, lungs, kidney, be amazed how this could change your life and talking to superiors. Social activities will be potential lovers. Relationships may be hard to urinary bladder, pancreas, among others, and still those of your loved ones, for the better. satisfying. handle. fume away with gusto. Moderate to heavy alcohol Sounds simple and inexpensive? You bet. Try Your lucky day this week will be Thursday. Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday. drinkers are aware that ethanol causes not only it. You may even live to appreciate the benefits from liver cirrhosis but cancer of the digestive tract, your sacrifices of today on your 100th birthday. Scorpio Taurus Visit philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@ (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) liver and breast, and are not scared to bend their (Apr. 21- may 21) elbow and say “cheers!” unabated. It is no longer gmail.com Business trips might prove unproductive. Do You can get ahead if you play your cards right. not allow colleagues to hinder your ambitions. Changes involving your domestic scene may Don’t waste this exciting day by sitting at home. be unpleasant. Get involved in sports groups or Get busy on those home improvement projects hobbies that attract you. Discover opportunities that you’ve been procrastinating about. based on the individuals you mingle with this week. KrosWord Your lucky day this week will be Monday. Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday. (Source: Classic Pilipino Krosword, as edited by Ramon S. Lorenzo) Gemini PAHALANG (May 22-June 21) Sagittarius (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) 1 Bigkis You’ll need to exercise control. Take a second 5 Posisyon sa buhay look; another person’s philosophy may be Social activities or travel should be in your 10 Panghi extremely different from yours. Overindulgence plans. Don’t get intimately involved with a may cause conflicts. Moneymaking ventures coworker. Don’t lament to a friend about any 12 Sapin sa ulo may just turn your life around. grievance regarding your mate, or it may be 13 Bukol sa singit Your lucky day this week will be Monday. hard to rectify your relationship. Don’t hesitate 14 Hampas to voice your opinions when it comes to matters 15 Gabok Cancer pertaining to work. 16 Inis Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday. (June 22-July 22) 17 Malaking isla sa You must consider yourself for a change. Capricorn Mt. Province Relationships will be erratic this week. Conflicts 18 Analog Telephone Adapter over joint finances are likely. Try to communicate (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) 19 Saturday: ikli if you wish to help. A better diet, exercise, or a change to a relaxed Your lucky day this week will be Sunday. atmosphere could be ways to soothe your 24 Kaukulang paari nerves. Plan your day thoughtfully, but try not ng sila Leo to rely on others. You can make sound financial 26 Bena (July 23-Aug 22) investments if you act fast. You can make 29 Pet Sudden disruptions will cause upset and a changes in your professional direction this week. 30 Uri ng isda Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday. change of routine in your home environment. 31 Kutya Enlist the aid of family members and consider Aquarius 32 Mando the feelings of your mate. Delays are evident. 33 Nahabag Don’t let peers distract you or push their work (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) 34 Babaing isponsor your way. This is a great day to mingle with people you Your lucky day this week will be Friday. would like to impress. Don’t get involved in 35 Sumpa: ingles expensive entertainment that involves gambling. Virgo If you can, try to work out of your home this (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) week. Your efforts will be rewarded handsomely. You’ll need to exercise control. You will have Your lucky day this week will be Saturday. PABABA a productive day if you organize yourself well at 2 Sawata 13 Bahay-sanglaan malapad na labi work. Property investments, insurance, taxes, or Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) 3 Presyo 19 Bahagi ng puno o halaman 25 Kabuuan inheritance should bring you financial gains. You 4 Lugar sa 20 Isang barangay sa 26 Puting buhok will be extremely sensual; take precautions and Deception and confusion regarding your status don’t take any risks. in society is likely. You’re best not to get involved 5 Kagandahang asal Mabini, 27 Pantukoy malapitan Your lucky day this week will be Friday. in joint financial ventures. You may find your self 6 Kordero 21 Tao na patay-gutom 28 Mangkok a bit frazzled if you allow someone to goad you 7 Bulong 22 Pulgada into an unsavory debate. New partnerships will 8 Bisita 23 Masayang bukas ng develop if you join investment groups. 9 Teri, komedyante labi ng walang ingay Answers to this week’s Krosword Your lucky day this week will be Thursday. 11 Straggler na Hapones 24 Malaking banga na may on NEXT WEEK’S issue B6 FilAm Star January 11 - 17, 2018 entertainment Symbolic gifts for celebrity pals Beauty Gonzalez denies them make all the chaos that and Ellen Adarna wedding rumors comes with the territory worth- Beauty Gonzalez gave a while. resolute “no” when asked if : An there was truth to rumors that intrigue-proof jacket to shield actors John Lloyd Cruz and BFF Buboy from crazy stories Ellen Adarna were getting concocted about him by people married. who don’t know him inside out. During the “Pusong Ligaw” : A clone. The farewell press con, she was Pops Fernandez biz would be a happier place Cesar Montano asked if the couple was getting (Photo: www.gulfnews.com) if there were more genuinely (Photo: www.conceptnewscentral. married soon. kind people like Ogie. com) The actress who is good Alvin Anson: A slow-mo- friends with Adarna said, tion machine, so he can take it “Hindi po sila ikakasal. Wala easy. He’s working too hard. I pong kasal.” (They’re not would often tease him, “Bestie, getting married. There is no how many families are you wedding.) supporting?” On Instagram, showbiz Pops Fernandez: A “Mr. columnist and talent manager Right” decoder, so when “the Lolit Solis claimed that Cruz one” finally comes, she will Aiko Melendez and Adarna were preparing know exactly how to handle Ogie Alcasid to get married in Cebu this (Photo: www.yahoo.com) (Photo: www.pinoystop.com) him. February. Princess Punzalan: A While not naming anyone, teleport machine, so she can Gonzalez commented on the shuttle back and forth between state of mind of whoever was the US and Manila to reactivate spreading such news, “May her acting career, then go back dementia ata yung nagsusulat to the States to take care of her nun.” (Whoever wrote that family. might have dementia.) Aiko Melendez: A guar- Beauty Gonzales She added, “I don’t need (Photo: www.twitter.com) antee slip for “forever,” so she to clarify [with Ellen] because will love “happily ever after” I know if they’re going to get said he was sila.” (They’re just happy.) Aga and Charlene Muhlach with her current boyfriend. married, they’re going to call able to see them and gave his (Nina V. Guno / inquirer.net) Yayo Aguila: A “Mr. Right” (Photo: www.thechicka.com) (Photo: www.thepinoyweekly.com) us.” observation: “Basta masaya detector, so she won’t have heartaches anymore. ness, so it will be available to Vina Morales and China everybody. MMFF 2017 surpasses P1-B target sales, : A “time freeze” ma- John Estrada: To bottle chine, so their daughters Ceana drops of his “fountain of youth” movies extended in selected cinemas and Lucia will forever be their for men who want to age grace- The Metro Manila Film and rankings to avoid creating little girls. fully. Festival (MMFF) has success- a bandwagon effect on viewers. Leo Valdez: To bottle his Medwin Marfil (of True fully surpassed its P1 billion Some entries, however, joie de vivre for people who Faith): His own organic veg- sales target for this year and previously announced earn- need good vibes. etable farm for the vegetarian even set new records for ings. such as Vice Ganda’s : A pri- in him. MMFF gross sales. “Gandarrapido: The Revenger vate jet for Uge and her boy- : His own act- Moreover, MMFF hungry Squad,” which has become a friend Danilo, so they can keep ing school, to hone actors the fans can still enjoy a post- certified box-office hit. Ricky Davao traveling together. Ricky Davao way. (Photo: www.twitter.com) Christmas gift from the festival Aga and Charlene Bo Cerrudo: A love advice as it extends its showcase of Overall, “” As 2018 beckons, let me Muhlach: Paintings of them radio show, because he’s a love the films in selected cinemas. (Photo: www.cnnphilippines.com) won the Best Picture award, make “symbolic” New Year made by famous artists from guru. The good news was an- grosses,” the MMFF said. with Joanna Ampil as the fes- wishes for some of my close all over the world, for the art Luke Mejares: To bottle nounced in the official Face- Photo from Faceboook: tival’s Best Actress and Derek friends in the biz. I am forever connoisseurs in them. his zaniness for people who book page of the MMFF. Metro Manila Film Festival Ramsay as Best Actor. grateful that I have found true Arlene Muhlach: To bottle need to perk up. “We are very happy to (Official) The Gabi ng Parangal was friends in this “unreal world” her contagious laughter for Wency Cornejo: His own announce that we have hit The festival execom has held last Dec. 27 at the Kia we move in. Show biz can be people who need cheering up. music school. (Dolly Anne our targets and have set new previously announced that they Theater. (Clarize Abanilla / cruel at times. And friends like Rita Avila: To bottle her sweet- Carvajal / inquirer.net) records with the MMFF 2017 will not release exact figures inquirer.net) January 11 - 17, 2018 FilAm Star B7 entertainment Sharon feels like a ‘perennial’ in a time of millennials Megastar ended 2017 on a high note: A few days before her 52nd birthday (on Jan. shouldn’t be such a drastic change 6), she landed on an online list of the hottest female stars in the country—along with a bunch of twenty- in my habits, as someone from the somethings and teeners. Not bad for someone who’s been in the biz for four decades. old school…Jurassic period!”’ To think, the year-that-was started a bit slow for her. While waiting and waiting for the planned re- Unafraid union movie with erstwhile partner , she found herself producing and starring in her She said, in jest: “Better walang first indie film, Mes de Guzman’s “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha,” which was shown at the UP Cine tulog kesa walang gising. Better Adarna in Diliman on her birthday weekend. tumanda kesa mamatay! I am not She told the Inquirer: “2017 was just OK. I was part of two top-rating ABS-CBN shows: ‘Your Face that afraid of growing old because Sounds Familiar’ and ‘The Voice Philippines Teens.’” I’m the child of my parents, who She was just coasting along, until her comeback movie with (which had looked 35 when they were already replaced the Gabby flick) cropped up. 50—especially my mom (Elaine “Then, ‘Unexpectedly Yours’ hit the theaters and my career and life changed and has been on the Cuneta). My dad (Pasay Mayor upswing since…in a span of two months,” she related. “After several years of uncertainty, questions that Pablo Cuneta) looked fine, but he I had no answers to, God gave me a real unexpectedly amazing gift in the last quarter.” was bald!” Inspired anew There’s also a new album Cathy Garcia-Molina’s “Unexpectedly Yours” earned over P218 million at the tills and was shown for under in the works. “I a month. can’t wait to finish it. I want to star It was a much-needed shot in the arm, she said. “Now, I am inspired anew, refreshed in body and in more TV shows—sana my own spirit and wanting to hit the ground running.” again. But anything really that Speaking of her much-talked-about bod… “It’s still shrinking. And I’m hangry—hungry and angry!” would allow me to work with my Professionally, she’s all gung-ho. “After years of doing what seemed close to nothing, I find that now favorite people, like Ogie Alcasid.” I am running ahead of coworkers and being impatient because it’s just not possible to come up with On the big screen, she wishes movie projects as fast as I’m presently moving!” “to work with both male and fe- It’s an exhilarating high. “I am overwhelmed and still in disbelief over this year being my 40th anni- male stars, but always with Robin. Sharon Cuneta versary as a singer and 38th as an actor. Please add that I was a fetus when I joined show biz, ha!” Maybe Richard [Gomez], too, if (Photo: www.articlebio.com) She quipped: “Millennials are monopolizing almost the entire industry, and I feel like a perennial! the mayor still welcomes show biz But, I wouldn’t have it any other way.” projects.” To start 2018 with a bang, she is embarking on a concert tour, which will kick off at Cebu Waterfront She admitted: “I have a long list and for me to be able to check all the items off it, I’ll have to do 10 Hotel and Casino in Cebu on Jan. 13. movies a year starting now!” “The tour will be done in installments, but I hope to hit as many cities at home and abroad within the On the personal front, “I will pay special attention to my health and (OK, OK!) maybe start working year. The big, celebratory event will be at the Araneta Coliseum in the third or last quarter of the year.” out (I hate it!). Also, the diet, though my tummy is used to eating so little now. I’ve fooled it into think- She is also “considering doing a teleserye if the taping schedule were reasonable,” she pointed out. “I ing we are still a toddler who can only eat so much.” work hard, anyway.” All in all, she asserted, “it has been a glorious end for 2017 and, with God’s help, it’ll be an even more Shooting “Unexpectedly Yours” proved to be the perfect ice-breaker for her. “It brought my body glorious 2018!” (Bayani San Diego Jr. / inquirer.net) clock back to working mode—meaning, no or very little sleep every day. So a teleserye schedule Nadine’s advice to people struggling with depression In one of her life’s most year-old star, James was always her to pick herself up. better people,” she said. Coliseum on Feb. 9 trying moments, following the there to remind her that there “It’s heartening to know that Asked for a piece of advice (call 911-5555 or 687- tragic death of her younger was nothing wrong about letting I could give joy to those who are she could give to those going 7236). Unlike the brother late last year, Nadine others know that she was sad in the same through depression, Nadine tandem’s previous Lustre found a rock in her boy- and hurting. situation. That’s one of the stressed the importance of hav- concert, “Revolution” friend , whom she “I could tell, at times— reasons I willed myself to be ing a trustworthy person they will highlight original described as one of the most pa- especially since she’s a public strong again for everyone,” she can confide in. “Find someone music. tient people she has ever known. figure—that she was trying to said. who’s willing to listen, because, “It’ll show who “I went through a lot. I was be strong, that she was holding Now, three months after sometimes, you need to just we are as artists—not stressed, fell into depression. I back. She would insist that she his 16-year-old brother Isaiah pour out your feelings. You can’t just as celebrities had mood swings that simply was OK, even though I could tell took his own life, Nadine said just hold everything in. Other- or as a love team,” didn’t feel right. But not once that she wasn’t. But I told her she’s starting to feel better. “My wise, you’ll end up imploding,” pointed out Nadine, did he get angry. He didn’t get it would help to just let it out,” depression … I think it’s going she said. who conceptualized tired of me,” she related at a James said. away,” said Nadine, who sees “I urge people to just listen and directed some recent press conference for her More than the unfaltering the said incident as a crucial to those in need. That simple act of the videos for the and James’ upcoming Valentine support James provided, Nadine learning experience. can make a whole lot of differ- concert. “It will be concert, “Revolution.” “James also drew strength from fans “Bad or unexpected things ence,” Nadine added. like watching a film is caring and very comforting to who looked up to her and were happen to us, but we learn so Nadine looks ready to go and concert at the have around.” facing similar challenges in life. much from them. My family and back to the grind. She said she’s same time.” (Allan And when things became Reading their touching mes- I made promises to one another excited about JaDine’s second Policarpio / inquir- too overwhelming for the 24- sages, Nadine recalled, inspired to be stronger—and we became major concert at Smart Araneta er.net) (Photo: www.en.wikipedia.org) B8 FilAm Star January 11 - 17, 2018 entertainment Three beautiful women, all in love with the same ex-boyfriend…who will win his heart again? What if three beautiful, driven. She and Liam fell madly dreams of a big, happy family. independent women who have in love. Alex’s family loved Liam He eventually meets a fatal ac- the same ex-boyfriend meet too, and Liam’s friends all liked cident and wakes up from coma and they all happen to still be Alex for him. But Alex’s career to find his three exes together in in love with him? Can they set goals got in the way. She re- his hospital room. their personal differences aside jected Liam’s marriage proposal Three perfectly lovely wom- and fight for love fairly, or this and they parted ways. en are still in love with him. But is a case of every woman for is the second who will win his heart again? herself? ex-girlfriend as Darlene “Darcy” More importantly, how does This 2018, GMA Network Sibuyan. She and Liam met friendship thrive among Alex, starts the year with a bang as it after Liam broke up with Alex. Darcy, and Zoe if they were all proudly unveils The One That They became friends until they once romantically linked with Got Away, a sexy, romantic fell for each other. But when an the same man? comedy series that will surely opportunity abroad presented Also featuring in this fren- entertain and make Kapuso itself to Darcy, she decided to zied tale is a roster of talented viewers believe in love, family, take it. The long distance rela- actors with boyish good looks friendship, and all the craziness tionship didn’t work for both of and arresting charm. that goes with it. Kapuso Sta- them, eventually breaking them is Inigo tion’s opening salvo in 2018, a apart. Sandoval, Liam’s college friend glossy drama masterpiece, is all The third ex-girlfriend is and a trust fund baby who grad- set to win the hearts of televi- as Sophia Eliza- uated with a business degree. sion audiences with its intrigu- beth “Zoe” Velasquez. She is a He loves traveling the world ing storyline and interesting swimwear designer and blogger and meets a lot of women doing mix of characters. who’s always out for fun. Her so. Later on, he falls in love Headlining this primetime parents separated when she with Darcy and this will cause a soap are the following: Three was young which is why Liam conflict with him and Liam. (L-R) , Max Collins and Rhian Ramos of the network’s sought-after became her pseudo-family. Migo Adecer is Samuel (Photo: GMA Pinoy Tv) leading ladies Rhian Ramos as However, Zoe’s possessive “Sam” Isaac, Zoe’s mischievous “Zoe”, Max Collins as “Darcy” tendencies and Liam’s busy half-brother. Since he came begins dating Zoe, causing a rift as Chanel, Liam’s current the Creative Team headed by and the Kapuso Premier Drama schedule is the reason why their home from Australia, he moved between him and Alex. girlfriend and a sophisticated Roy Iglesias (Creative Direc- Actress Lovi Poe as “Alex” and relationship fell apart. But ever in with Zoe and she assigned Joining the stellar cast marketing executive for a local tor), Agnes Gagelonia-Uligan of The One That Got Away clothing brand; Jason Francisco (Senior Creative Consultant), are as Pancho as Moi, Liam’s childhood friend under the capable supervision Makalintal, Alex’s jolly father who is also the crew leader at of the Production team of GMA and a wannabe rockstar who his organic farm and crushes Entertainment Content Group now teaches music part-time; on Onay; Patricia Ismael as headed by Ms. Lilybeth G. as Fatima “Patty” Onay, also a funny crew at the Rasonable (SVP For ECG), Ms. Makalintal, Alex’s conservative organic farm; Dea Formilleza Redgie Magno (VP For Drama), mother who is also a hopeless as Vanessa “Bangs” Carmona, Ms. Cheryl Ching-Sy (AVP for romantic and owns a small Joni’s girlfriend; Euwenn Aleta Drama), Ms. Hazel Felizmenio antique shop; Luz Valdez as as Nicolas Monroe “Nemo” Abonita (Senior Program Man- Maria “Mama Ya” De Los Makalintal, Gael’s smart, lov- ager) and Ms. Michelle Borja Reyes, Liam’s hip and motherly ing son and the entire family’s (Executive Producer). yaya who raised him like her happy pill. Under the direction of own son; Ervic Vijandre as Joni, Getting over an old love is Mark De La Cruz with Conrado (L-R) Bembol Roco, , and Euwenn Aleta (Photo: GMA Pinoy Tv) Darcy’s older brother who al- never easy. And when you’re Peru, the Kapuso Abroad can ready has a son; Ayra Mariano presented with a second chance catch The One That Got Away as Mikaela “Ekay” Makalintal, to make things right, you finally beginning January 15 in North the Kapuso Drama King Dennis since breaking up with him, him to manage one of their the kikay younger sister of Alex understand what people have America and Europe via GMA Trillo as “Liam” who plays the Zoe regretted her decision and coffee shops. He had a lot of who dreams of becoming an been saying all along: that love Pinoy TV. very important role of the man wants Liam back. girlfriends in the past. He also actress and develops a crush is truly a battlefield—screaming Get the latest updates about whom these women had a rela- Dennis Trillo is William develops a crush on Alex. on Sam; Nar Cabico as Bunny, catfights, crazy antics, and all. THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY tionship with in the past. Dominic “Liam” Ilustre or Alex, is Gael Darcy’s bubbly gay friend and “The One That Got Away” from the official website of The first ex-girlfriend is Darcy, and Zoe’s ex-boyfriend. Makalintal in his very first a fellow personal trainer at the is a product of the visionary GMA Network www.gmanet- Lovi Poe as Alexandra Rey He is the ideal boyfriend— GMA project. He is Alex’s older gym; Ashley Rivera as Paris, a mind of Angeli ‘Geng’ Delgado work.com and official Facebook “Alex” Makalintal. She is handsome, smart, loving, and brother and a cool single-dad constant backstabber and seg- (concept creator), Palanca page www.facebook.com/GMA- beautiful, independent, family- a true gentleman. He man- to his 4-year old son, Nemo. ment host at the cable network Awardee Renei Dimla (head Drama. oriented and incredibly career- ages his own organic farm and He is also a chick-magnet and Alex works at; Sophie Albert writer); under the tutelage of