mAY 21, 2016 HAwAii FiliPino CHroniCle  1

♦ MAY 21, 2016 ♦

CANdid PERSPECTivES WHAT’S UP ATTORNEY? HAWAii FiliPiNO NEWS sAnders How Aliens CAn Get HAwAii FilAm nAmed PresUmed done? AdvAnCe PArole to trAvel ForeiGn AFFAirs not QUite Yet to tHe United stAtes seCretArY bY dUterte

PRESORTED HAWAii FiliPiNO CHRONiClE STANDARD 94-356 WAiPAHU dEPOT Rd., 2Nd FlR. U.S. POSTAGE WAiPAHU, Hi 96797 PAID HONOLULU, HI PERMIT NO. 9661 2  HAwAii FiliPino CHroniCle  mAY 21, 2016 EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER Publisher & Executive Editor nother school year is draw- Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. Lowering the High Cost ing to a close and as the Publisher & Managing Editor Class of 2016 counts down Chona A. Montesines-Sonido of Prescription Drugs Associate Editors the few remaining days, Dennis Galolo | Edwin Quinabo octors prescribe sick people medication for a variety A graduation season will soon Contributing Editor of reasons—to fight infection, prevent stroke or ward be upon us. To our students, Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. I encourage you to push hard until the Creative Designer off depression. These medicines won’t help if not Junggoi Peralta taken but at times patients forget or stop taking them very end. Study like crazy for your final Photography D because of unforeseen side effects. Recently, more exams and complete all assignments. You won’t regret it! Tim Llena and more people are skipping their medications alto- Our cover story for this issue delves into the high cost Administrative Assistant Shalimar Pagulayan gether because they simply can’t afford to pay for them. Statistics of prescription drugs and how prices got so high in the first Columnists show that nearly one in five Americans between the ages of 19 place. As a result, many people, especially seniors and oth- Carlota Hufana Ader and 64—35 million people—do not get their prescriptions filled ers on fixed incomes, are finding it difficult to afford their Emil Guillermo Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. due to exorbitant costs. Even with health insurance, the copay- prescriptions. To find out more on this growing problem, Ron Menor ments alone are cost-prohibitive. Still, there are cancer patients please turn to page 4 for “The Painfully High Cost of Pre- J.P. Orias Pacita Saludes and others who have no choice but to bite the bullet and spend scription Drugs.” Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. over $100,000 a year on life saving prescription medications. Speaking of painful, one state lawmaker is urging Gov. Charlie Sonido, M.D. Cong. Mark Takai Congress needs to address the high cost of prescription drugs David Ige to call a special session to address the over- Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. and start listening to the American people, rather than to the phar- crowded conditions at James Campbell High School in Felino S. Tubera Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. maceutical industry which has profited immensely by charging Ewa Beach, which is home to many Filipino families. State Contributing Writers whatever the market will bear for medicines that patients literally Rep. Bob McDermott is upset with legislative leaders for can’t live without. A good start would be to allow Medicare to Clement Bautista cutting funds for a new building at Campbell when more Teresita Bernales, Ed.D negotiate with drug companies for better prices. Medicare is cur- classrooms are needed to alleviate severe overcrowding. Rose Churma rently not allowed to do so under the law, despite the fact that Serafin Colmenares, Jr., Ph.D. Although chances are slim to none that lawmakers will Julia Crowley other countries have national health insurance plans that negotiate convene a special session, one has to at least admire the Linda Dela Cruz better prices for their citizens. Fiedes Doctor good representative for going to bat for his community. Danny De Gracia, II, MA A second measure would be to allow the importation of pre- Read more about this on page 7. Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand scription drugs from licensed pharmacies in Canada and Europe. Amelia Jacang, M.D. Thirdly, the practice of “pay for delay” between brand and generic In our continuing coverage of the recent presidential Caroline Julian election in the Philippines, contributing writer Seneca Raymund Ll. Liongson, Ph.D. drug makers should be prohibited. These anti-competitive deals Federico Magdalena, Ph.D. allow drug prices to remain artificially high and cost patients and Moraleda-Puguan in her Personal Reflections column (see Deborah T. Manog page 9) discusses the ramifications of Rodrigo Roa Duterte Maita Milallos taxpayers more money. The government needs to also enact stiffer Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. penalties for fraud and hold the pharmaceutical industry account- winning the presidency. She and others who voted for the Renelaine Bontol-Pfister former Davao City mayor are hopeful that Duterte can Seneca Moraleda-Puguan able for off-label promotions, kickbacks, anti-monopoly practices Lilia Q. Santiago, Ph.D. and Medicare fraud. Finally, there should be greater transparency eradicate the country’s long-standing problems of corrup- Jay Valdez, Psy.D. tion and crime. Glenn Wakai on how prices are set. Drug companies routinely overinflate the Amado Yoro true costs of research and development to justify skyrocketing In closing, please take some time to read the other in- Philippine Correspondent: prescription drug prices. formative articles in this issue and feel free to email us at: Greg Garcia These common sense solutions need to implemented and [email protected] with any story idea, sugges- Neighbor Island Correspondents: passed into law. It is not right that in America, the richest country tion or concern you may have. Big Island (Hilo and Kona) in the world, its citizens go bankrupt or die because they cannot af- Grace Larson | Ditas Udani Until our next issue…aloha and mabuhay! Kauai ford life-saving medications. It’s time for Republicans, Democrats Millicent Wellington and Independents in Congress to do something about drug prices Maui and start putting people ahead of profits for drug companies. Christine Sabado Big Island Distributor Grace Larson | Ditas Udani Kauai Distributor What to Do With the Rail Amylou Aguinaldo Company (HECO) regarding placement and location of power Nestor Aguinaldo Project Jimmy Iloreta lines. However, from a construction perspective, there are always Maui Distributor hat collective gasp heard across Oahu came from risks involved with undocumented power, utility and cable lines Cecile Piros taxpayers upon learning the latest estimate of the when digging up roadways that could further impact construction Molokai Distributor rail’s project ballooning price tag. The cost is now a schedule and overall cost. Maria Watanabe staggering $8.1 billion, according to the Federal The challenge ahead is coming up with additional funds to Oahu Distributor Yoshimasa Kaneko T Transit Administration (FTA). Announced in 2005 cover rail’s cost. Convincing the State Legislature and City Coun- Jonathan Pagulayan by the administration of former Mayor Mufi Hanne- cil to approve another GET surcharge extension would be a tough Advertising/Marketing Director mann as a 20-mile, 21-station project that would cost $3.7 billion, sell. The Council has gone on record as opposing any extension Chona A. Montesines-Sonido rail’s price has more than doubled since then, caused by lawsuits beyond what was agreed to in Bill 23 (2015) which extended GET Account Executives Carlota Hufana Ader by opponents that delayed the project, as well as a red hot con- collection an additional five years to 2027. However, all options J.P. Orias struction industry that further drove up cost for labor and supplies. need to be brought to the table, including additional funding The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. Honolulu Authority For Rapid Transportation (HART) offi- sources, seeking public-private partnerships, reducing the number and is located at 94-356 Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Telephone (808) 678- cials will get a clearer financial picture by year’s end, when a of stations or shortening the alignment to Aloha Stadium. The last 8930 Facsimile (808) 678-1829. E-mail fil- “Risk Refresh” report and updated Financial Plan are completed. two options would violate the Full Funding Grant Agreement [email protected]. Website: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. Opinions Additionally, the City has two significant contracts out for bid— signed at the start of the project, but FTA officials have indicated expressed by the columnists and contribu- tors do not necessarily reflect those of the the Airport section and its four stations and the City Center guide- a willingness to be more flexible to get the project done. Hawaii Filipino Chronicle management. Re- production of the contents in whole or in part way and its eight stations. The winning bids should give HART The coming months will be crucial for the viability of is prohibited without written permission from the management. All rights reserved. a better indication of the actual cost of the project. Hawaii’s largest ever and most expensive public works project. Printed in the U.S.A. There are also utility concerns primarily along Dillingham Let’s hope that the Council, mayor, HART, FTA, governor, Leg- U.S. SBA SmAll BUSineSS JoUrnAliSt AwArdee Boulevard that remain unresolved. HART has informed the City islature and private developers can begin discussions sooner memBer, Society of ProfeSSionAl Council that negotiations are on-going with Hawaiian Electric rather than later on how to pay for rail. JoUrnAliStS mAY 21, 2016 HAwAii FiliPino CHroniCle  3 CANDID PERSPECTIVES Sanders Presumed Done? Not Quite Yet Sanders that he does well with Many years later, it was the seek Chapter 9 protection. only he seems willing to ad- whites, not so much with peo- height of irony for me to work Just last year in February, dress head on. ple of color. But in an appear- for that paper (under its new Stockton came out of the hole, So maybe it’s not quite ance in Stockton, California owners) and to tell Filipino sto- but was still being sued by over yet. Clinton has 1,716 del- last week, the crowd was as di- ries on the front page. Franklin Templeton for its full egates. Sanders has 1,433. The By Emil Guillermo verse as it gets. Sanders is en- This week, Sanders made share of the debt owed, $37 race to 2,383 is mathematically ergizing people on the margins. the paper’s front page, just for million. Seeing the faces of di- difficult but not insurmount- He’s waking up people who showing up and recognizing versity, the oft-forgotten vic- able. There are 714 super-dele- hen Bernie formerly didn’t care. And now Stockton as a rustbelt city with tims of the recession, it just gates and many can be up for Sanders won he’s getting them to realize, it’s the demographics of the West. seemed natural for the city and grabs if the convention is con- 17 delegates in time to take action. Of a population of 302,000 its people to see Sanders as tested. the Hawaii You can be presumptive all people, Stockton is 12 percent their hero. Will it? There are 1,065 del- Democratic you want. But I thought that African American; 1.1 percent Stockton can’t easily relate egates left to be distribute. On W Caucus back Bernie Sanders’ trouncing of American Indian; 40.3 percent to Hillary’s comfort and June 7, California’s 546 and on March 26, I Hillary Clinton in West Vir- Hispanic; 21.5 percent Asian. wealth. Stockton isn’t Chap- New Jersey’s 142, are available. thought that was a sign. ginia last week should trouble It’s 37.5 percent white, but paqua. And I’ve been to both. On May 17, there’s Oregon with In Obama country, you fig- establishment Democrats. just 22.9 percent “white alone.” Throughout the nation, 71 and Kentucky with 61. ure the president, a big Hillary Clinton should be cakewalking And that alone tells you this is there are Asian Americans who It’s been a strange cam- supporter, would make Hawaii to the convention. She’s even as mixed and diverse a city as aren’t in the 1 percent. They paign year, but maybe Hawaii as automatic as it gets for being wind-aided by the media you’re going to find anywhere work in restaurants, hotels and was the harbinger for a long- Hillary. But there was Sanders with stories about how Clin- in America. And by the look of service jobs. They work in the shot scenario that is still possi- with 23,530 votes, more than ton’s lead is so “insurmount- the crowd, it seemed like they Chinatowns of America. They ble. double Clinton’s 10,125, for an able.” were all represented at the rally. live in forgotten cities like overwhelming 69.8 percent to But Sanders has raised Some may think people of Stockton. emil GUillermo is an 30 percent victory. more than $182 million. You color aren’t attracted to Sanders’ visit to Stockton award-winning journalist and com- What was the dynamic? At don’t think he should give any Sanders. But the vast majority made me wonder if the Demo- mentator who writes from Northern the Star Advertiser, my former of it back, do you? Nah, he of Asian Americans are still re- cratic race was really over. California. He recently won the colleague and veteran political 2015 Dr. Suzanne Ahn Award for should take all that money and covering from the recession There are people out there who Civil Rights and Social Justice from reporter Jerry Burris said it’s all let it ride for democracy. Just to that started at the tail end of the haven’t been heard from, who the Asian American Journalists As- about those who were finally keep them all honest. Bush years. They’ve felt the know the economic pain that sociation, California. engaged enough to participate And with California’s 546 burn. in the process. Democratic delegates up for “People of “A lot of people had be- grabs on June 7, why not? Stockton know come used to letting the ‘regu- So there was Sanders in Wall Street very, lars’ deal with caucuses which Stockton on May 10. And the very well,” normally attracted the seriously non-white, Asian American Sanders said committed or the terminally faces were pretty much front from the podium. bored,” Burris told me. “It was and center. In California, I call “You know what interesting that these folks paid Stockton “the red part of the Wall Street’s little attention to the elders who blue state.” It’s traditionally greed and reck- were all for Clinton (with the conservative. Until the demo- lessness and ille- exception of Gabbard). What graphics change. gal behavior remains to be seen is whether Historically, Stockton has have done to this this kind of turnout—nearly a been an important place for community.” record—will repeat itself when Asian Americans. For the Chi- Of all the there isn’t something novel at nese during the Gold Rush of nation, Califor- stake.” 1849, you don’t get Hop Sing nia’s Central Oh, you mean like the fu- cooking on the Ponderosa in Valley was one ture of American democracy TV’s “Bonanza” were it not for of the hardest hit shifting to oligarchy? Filipinos the Chinese in Northern Cali- areas in terms of know oligarchy. They’re the fornia, with Stockton as its bad loans, fore- ones who rule when there’s no base. closures and job middle class, just an elite and a Stockton was important for losses during the sub-elite. Have you noticed? Japanese Americans, who recession. Re- The U.S. is looking more and made their livelihoods farming covery after dev- more like the Philippines polit- the Central Valley, once again astation has not ically. with Stockton as a base. been easy. The Jerry also noticed the de- And for Filipino Ameri- city of Stockton fection wasn’t among the older, cans, Stockton was the home of itself was hit, fil- largely Asian, Democratic con- Little Manila, at one time the ing for bank- stituency, but rather an influx largest community of Filipinos ruptcy in June of new and less loyal partici- in the U.S. in the 1920s and 2012, more than pants. Jerry said the surge of 1930s. One of the papers there, $700 million in newcomers was heavily Cau- The Record, is famous for anti- debt. At the casian. Filipino editorials that called time, it was the That’s usually the rap on Filipinos “unassimilable.” largest city to 4  HAwAii FiliPino CHroniCle  mAY 21, 2016 COVER STORY The Painfully High Cost of Prescription Drugs By Dennis Galolo onolulu resident and retiree Ernesto Bumanglag (name changed due to privacy) suffers from severe joint pain whenever his gout flares up. To ease the pain, doctors prescribed him an anti-inflamma- H tory drug called Colchicine, a gout remedy so old that the ancient Greeks knew its effects. Originally derived from a plant known as the autumn crocu, Colchicine was found to be effective for lowering levels of uric acid in the blood.

Colchicine was affordable pharmaceutical company mothers, who typically re- serious illnesses but come health care consumers.” for gout suffers like Bu- called URL Pharma, Inc., quire 20 injections during the with a high price tag due to manglag who remembers at seized an opportunity by re- course of their pregnancy, costs associated with re- Ending ‘Pay For Delay’ one point paying roughly 10 leasing Colcrys, the first was now about $30,000. search, development and mar- Some observers blame a cents per pill. But no longer. branded Colchicine. The company that pro- keting. Overall, these practice in the pharmaceutical The cost for Colchicine has In July 2009, the FDA ap- duced Makena, K-V Pharma- expensive brand-name drugs industry referred to as “pay for skyrocketed in recent years to proved the newly-branded ceutical Company, has drive up health plan costs. delay” in which a brand-name $5 per pill—a mind boggling drug Colcrys and a year later warned specialized pharma- drug company pays off a increase for Bumanglag and ordered all unapproved cies of FDA action if they Out-of-Control Greed would-be competitor to delay the estimated 2 million acute Colchicine off the market. continue to sell non-branded According to observers, it from selling a generic ver- gout sufferers in the U.S. When gout sufferers like Bu- versions of their drug. Not the exorbitantly high prices sion of the drug. Without com- “I no can afford to get sick manglag refilled their pre- surprisingly, some members for certain prescription drugs petition, the brand-name anymore,” says Bumanglag, scriptions, they found that the of Congress have called for are for the most part profit- company can continue de- who lives on a small retire- generic Colchicine was re- price gouging investigations driven, given the fact that the manding high prices for its ment pension. placed by the more expensive into K-V Pharmaceutical. same drugs are available in drug—translating into a wind- For patients like Bu- Colcrys which proved to be a The cost for other so- other countries at much fall of higher profits. manglag, the cost for certain tremendous pain in the wallet. called specialty drugs, some- cheaper prices. For the most “Pay for delay” allows prescription drugs has in- Another well-established times known as the part, the setting of drug prices drug companies to maintain creased to a point where many drug that recently saw a Rollys-Royces of the pharma- in the U.S. is relatively free their strangle hold on the mar- of them can no longer afford tremendous price increase is ceutical industry, is even from government regulation, ket long after their active-in- their medicines. 17 alpha-hydroxyproges- higher. These specialty drugs other than limited control in gredient patents expires. As a terone caproate (17OHP), a are placing a growing burden the veterans’ health care sys- result, consumers who rely on What Happened? synthetic hormone that pre- on the entire health system. tem and Medicaid. Prices are these drugs are often forced to Colchicine was on the vents premature birth in high- Nineteen of the 28 drugs ap- generally determined by what pay these higher prices for market before the Food & risk mothers. Specialized proved by the Food and Drug the market will bear. years before a generic version Drug Administration (FDA) pharmacies previously formu- Administration in 2013 were But since low-income pa- enters the market. was established as a federal lated an unapproved form of specialty drugs, marking the tients and the elderly are typ- According to the U.S. agency and “grandfathered” in 17OHP but when the FDA ap- third year in a row that spe- ically at greater risk for Public Interest Research without receiving government proved a new drug under the cialty drugs accounted for the debilitating illnesses, the bur- Group (PIRG), such “pay for approval. In 2006, the FDA trade name Makena, the cost majority of FDA approvals. den of paying for these drugs delay” deals end up costing began a push to get all “grand- jumped from $10 per dose to Waipahu physician Dr. will likely fall on Medicaid patients $3.5 billion each year fathered” medications tested $1,500. The cost of getting Charlie Sonido says drugs and Medicare. Consumer ad- in higher drug prices. and officially approved. A pregnant for some expectant that treat cancer, hepatitis, vocate groups like the AARP In testimony before a U.S. HIV and other chronic ill- fear that the high cost of spe- Senate Subcommittee on An- nesses are among the highest cialty drugs will ultimately titrust, Competition Policy and priced. bankrupt the system. Consumer Rights, PIRG’s fed- “The most expensive “Prices for medications eral program director Mike drugs are now anti-viral drugs push up health care costs and Russo urged Congress to take and for rare diseases that cost consistently exceed infla- action to protect consumers. hundreds of thousands of dol- tion,” said AARP President “Because of these pay-for- lars per year,” he says. “This Jeannine English in a written delay deals, Americans pay in- includes drugs for hemophil- statement to the media. flated drug prices or go iacs that cost $1 million per “While Americans with pre- without needed medication,” year.” scription drug coverage do says Russo. “These payoffs Every year, more brand- not pay the full amount, the need to stop. We can’t wait for name drugs become avail- high prices are ultimately years for litigation to solve able. These drugs treat passed on to taxpayers and (continued on page 5) mAY 21, 2016 HAwAii FiliPino CHroniCle  5 COVER STORY

(from page 4, THE PAINFULLY ...) money on prescription drug which help to keep costs Coalition on Health Care, a promise of affordability, espe- this problem. Consumers need costs. down. However, critics say the non-profit comprised of more cially for the elderly and those relief now.” “Ask your physician to logistics of bargaining on con- than 80 medical societies, on a fixed income. write prescriptions for generic sumers’ behalf would be health care providers, insurers “We have seen proposals Go Generic drugs whenever possible,” tricky, if not impossible. Ne- and other groups, has from policymakers on how to Patients whose prescrip- says Dr. Sonido. “You can use gotiating the price for every launched the Campaign for tackle some of the causes of tion drug needs take a heavy generics with confidence and drug on the market is a Sustainable Rx Pricing. Coali- high prescription drug costs, financial toll are resorting to a they are safe and effective.” process that would be time tion members have witnessed including lack of transparency patchwork of strategies in According to the FDA, consuming and unwieldy. A firsthand the harm caused to for consumers and payers, sti- order to control costs. Some nearly 8 in 10 prescriptions better alternative, supporters patient health and personal fi- fled competition and profiteer- mitigate expenses by shifting filled in the U.S. are for say, would be to push for re- nances by unsustainable phar- ing,” Schatz says. to generic drugs, while others generic drugs. The use of bates for drug coverage for maceutical drug prices and “These are complex issues hunt for the best deals. generic drugs is expected to low-income people, seniors want to spark a national dia- and I have been monitoring Physicians like Dr. Sonido grow over the next few years and the disabled. logue to find solutions. how we can best move for- are pushing generic drugs for as a number of popular drugs The Federal Trade Com- “Exorbitant drug prices ward on the federal level. All patients on a tight budget. A come off patent through 2016 mission (FTC) has also been deny patients access to life- the players in the health care generic drug is a chemically and beyond. sharply criticized by con- enhancing medicines and re- sector have a role to play to equivalent, lower-cost version Dr. Sonido also encour- sumer watchdog groups for sult in higher out-of-pocket achieve high quality care and of a brand-name drug, costing ages patients to visit Wal- its failure to keep pharmaceu- costs, premiums and taxes,” improved access to care at 30 to 80 percent less. A brand- mart’s drug program where a tical companies from getting says President John Rother. lower cost.” name drug and its generic ver- 30-day supply of generic too big, crushing competition “To prevent our health care Dr. Sonido agrees that ac- sion have the same active drugs like Pravastatin, which and hurting consumers. In system from going bankrupt, tion is needed to reign in the ingredient, dosage, safety, is used to lower cholesterol 2015, the FTC approved a we need to establish a drug costs. He says pharmaceutical strength, usage directions, levels, can be had for $4. merger between Allergan and pricing structure based on companies have a moral obli- quality, performance and in- “When I have no samples Pfizer which created a mas- value and data-driven evi- gation to adjust prices to a tended use. Generic drugs are to give my patients, I refer sive pharmaceutical drug dence and balance between more reasonable level. thoroughly tested to make sure them to Walmart’s generic conglomerate. Earlier this the interests of innovative “If not, millions of pa- their performance and ingredi- drugs program,” he says. year, the FTC allowed Shire drug manufacturers and those tients will be unable to afford ents meet FDA standards. “That’s what patients should Pharmaceuticals to acquire of society and our health care the cost for health care,” he When a company devel- be demanding from their doc- Dyax in a $6 billion deal, system.” says. “Pharmaceuticals should ops a new drug and submits it tor—substitute medications without raising questions. Skyrocketing costs are a be allowed to make a profit. for approval to the FDA, a 20- that are just as good.” “The FTC has been far too concern for U.S. Sen. Brian But the prices for certain drugs year patent is issued which lenient in allowing massive Schatz who says more needs are way too exorbitant and un- prevents other companies Reigning in Costs mergers,” says Murshed Za- to be done to ensure the reasonable.” from selling the drug during Consumer advocates have heed, Deputy the life of the patent. As the lobbied for solutions to curb Political Direc- drug patent nears expiration, the exorbitant costs for pre- tor of CREDO any drug manufacturer can scription drugs. One idea is to Action, a social apply to the FDA to sell its allow consumers to purchase change organiza- generic version. These manu- drugs from other countries. tion that speaks facturers can sell their generic Millions of Americans rou- out and pres- drug at a discount since they tinely order prescription drugs sures decision- did not have to pay for years online from Canadian and makers from the of research, clinical trials, ad- other international pharmacies local to the na- vertisements and other costs. and save upwards of 75 per- tional level on a Once the generic drugs are al- cent if the same drugs were variety of social lowed, competition keeps bought in the U.S. While issues. “When prices down. doing so is against the law, the Americans are For example, a one month FDA normally does not pros- paying the high- supply of the cholesterol drug ecute individuals who import est prices for Lipitor costs $194. The drugs for personal use, partic- pharmaceutical generic equivalent is $16. An- ularly if the amount is only for drugs of any- other drug, Plavix, is used to a few months’ supply. How- where in the prevent blood clots. It costs ever, the FDA has warned of world, we de- $205, while its generic equiv- the dangers of buying medica- serve more ag- alent is $13 for a one-month tions online due to the risk of g r e s s i v e supply. Thirdly, there’s the an- buying from fake online phar- protection. The tibiotic Cipro which treats a macies. simplest and number of infections. It costs A second alternative clearest way to $52 but the generic equivalent would be to allow the federal help consumers costs $7. government through Medicare isn’t new legisla- Other than price, generics to negotiate drug prices—an tion, but for reg- may differ from brand name idea that has been touted by ulators to use the drugs in color, shape and taste, Democratic presidential can- antitrust provi- but they do not affect the qual- didates Hillary Clinton and sions that have ity of the drug. The bottom Bernie Sanders. Governments been part of U.S. line is that generic drugs are in Europe routinely bargain law for around the more cost-effective option with pharmaceutical compa- 100 years.” for patients looking to save nies on behalf of their citizens, The National (from page 5, DONNA ...)

6  HAwAii FiliPino CHroniCle  mAY 21, 2016 OPINION Those Who Know Congress Best Are Shaking Their gress believe deeply in the strengthening effects of climate one of the least productive pecially control of the federal Heads value of the institution for change. The administration is years in congressional history. budget — to prod or check ex- American representative gov- trying to keep the Zika virus Worse, members show lit- ecutive action. By Lee H. Hamilton ernment. We might take oppo- from gaining a foothold in this tle interest in making Congress None of us believed this is site sides of particular policy country, and congressional inac- more productive. Our little irreversible. We are all con- had the good debates, but on one point we all tion has already caused Puerto group all remembered times vinced that strong leadership in fortune last week agree: we want the institution Rico to default on one set of ob- when we or our colleagues Congress could make an im- to spend some itself to succeed and thrive. ligations, with a much bigger pushed reform efforts to make mense difference. In the past, ef- time in Washing- These days, it’s doing neither. default looming – and doomed the institution work better — fective legislators on both sides ton, D.C. with For starters, we were hard- airline passengers to longer and and were struck that current of the aisle — as committee I about a dozen pressed to come up with any longer waits as the TSA strug- members aren’t doing so. Most chairs and as caucus leaders — former members real accomplishments for this gles. Yet on Capitol Hill, no one Americans belong to some have left behind them a legacy of Congress. As you’d expect, Congress. It did pass a revision seems particularly concerned. group or another that’s trying to of great accomplishment. we got to talking about the cur- to No Child Left Behind, and a Instead, its members left town accomplish change for the bet- I won’t waste your time rent Congress. Very quickly it controversial expansion of to campaign. ter and improve itself at the with a list of them, because the turned out that the same ques- cyber-surveillance capabilities This may be unfair, but I same time. Why would Con- point is simple: it may be a dif- tion was troubling all of us: — which it slipped into a must- can’t help but think about my gress be an outlier? But it is. ferent time and legislative envi- Why is it held in such low pub- pass budget bill. It also took the first year in Congress. We en- Some of the observations ronment from 50 years ago, but lic esteem? entirely uncontroversial step of acted 810 bills, including the we shared last week are old hat. strong leadership can make We represented both par- broadening sanctions on North passage of Medicare and Med- Congress is excessively parti- Congress work. On that, my ties and a variety of eras, and Korea. But that’s pretty much it. icaid, the Voting Rights Act of san, with too many of its mem- former colleagues and I, Repub- had a range of experience In the country at large, peo- 1965, the Elementary and Sec- bers highly distrustful of the licans and Democrats, found under our belts. But we all ple are fretting about control of ondary Education Act, the other party and inclined to ourselves in full agreement. found ourselves chagrined by our borders, stagnant wages, Water Quality Act, and setting blame it for Capitol Hill’s ail- what we’ve been witnessing. college expenses, the cost of up the Departments of Trans- ments. As an institution, it lee HAmilton is a Senior Ad- You have to understand that health care, the opioid addiction portation and of Housing and seems incapable of ridding it- visor for the Indiana University most former members of Con- crisis, the spread of ISIS, the Urban Development. Not every self of the bad habits it’s gotten Center on Representative Govern- year was like that, but the con- into: the reliance on omnibus ment; a Distinguished Scholar, IU trast is inescapable. Among the bills and continuing resolu- School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Prac- group of people I was with last tions; timidity in the face of tice, IU School of Public and Envi- week — people who watch presidential power; a marked ronmental Affairs. He was a Congress closely — there was reluctance to use the levers of member of the U.S. House of Rep- unanimity: this will go out as congressional authority — es- resentatives for 34 years. HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS State DOH Convenes Rat Lungworm been found throughout the state, Disease Task Force Hawaii Island has a majority of he State Department of Rat lungworm disease is the cases. Some infected people Health (DOH) and the caused by a roundworm parasite don’t show any symptoms or TEast Hawaii Liaison to called Angiostrongylus canto- only have mild symptoms. For the Office of the Governor have nensis. The parasitic nematode others, the symptoms can be established a Joint Task Force to can be passed from the feces of much more severe, which can assess the threat of rat lungworm infected rodents to snails, slugs include headaches, stiffness of disease (Angiostrongyliasis) in and other animals, which be- the neck, tingling or painful Hawaii. The mission of the task come intermediate hosts for the feelings in the skin or extremi- force is to share scientific knowl- parasite. Humans can become ties, low-grade fever, nausea edge in the application of diag- infected when they consume, and vomiting. Sometimes, a nostics, treatment, mitigation and either intentionally or other- temporary paralysis of the face public education activities. wise, infected raw or under- may also be present, as well as cooked intermediate hosts. light sensitivity. This infection “Establishing a joint task can also cause a rare type of force with local experts in the meningitis (eosinophilic medical field and leaders in meningitis). government will produce a set The public is advised not to of best practices that will be eat raw foods contaminated with used to target rat lungworm dis- the slime from snails or slugs, ease not only on Hawaii Island, wash produce thoroughly and but on a statewide scale as boil snails, freshwater prawns, well,” said Wil Okabe, East crabs and frogs for at least 3-5 Hawaii Liaison to the Office of minutes. Also, do not handle the Governor. “There is no spe- snails and slugs with bare hands. cific treatment yet identified for For more information on this disease, so finding the best Rat Lungworm Disease, call the ways to prevent its spread and Hawaii District Health Office educate the public is crucial.” Disease Investigations office at Although rat lungworm has (808) 933-0912. mAY 21, 2016 HAwAii FiliPino CHroniCle  7 WHAT’S UP ATTORNEY? How Aliens Can Get Advance Parole to

Travel to the United States and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philip- passport. The Advance Parole Form -131 instructions. check with USCIS at pines. He specializes in immigra- document does not, by itself, https://www.uscis.gov/sites/de- www.uscis.gov/forms or call 1- tion law and criminal defense. entitle the alien to enter the By Atty. Emmanuel fault/files/files/form131instr.pdf 800-375-5283 before filing for Office: American Savings Bank Tower, 1001 Bishop Street, Suite Samonte Tipon United States. When the alien Pay particular attention to information on the current fee. arrives at the port of entry, the the part of the Instructions for Contact the U.S. Embassy for 2305, Honolulu, HI 96813. Tel. hat is “parole”? alien will be inspected by the aliens applying for Advance the method of payment. Appli- 808 225 2645 E-Mail: [email protected]. Websites: “Parole” allows Customs and Border Protection. Parole Document for a person cants who can demonstrate that www.MilitaryandCriminalLaw.co an alien to The alien must present the Ad- who is outside the United they are unable to pay should m. He is from Laoag City and physically enter vance Parole document to the States. There are documents file Form I-912, Fee Waiver Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. He served the U.S. for a CBP agent who will review the that must be attached to the Pe- Request. Contact the USCIS as an Immigration Officer. He is specific purpose case to determine whether the tition, including, the reason for information on where to file co-author of “Immigration Law W Service, 1st ed.,” an 8-volume – usually for alien is admissible under the why advance parole is re- at www.uscis.gov/I-131 or call practice guide for immigration of- humanitarian reasons or signif- Immigration and Nationality quested (such as the parole pol- 1-800-375-5283. ficers and lawyers. This article is a icant public benefit. See Immi- Act. If the CBP agent denies pa- icy of the United States for general overview of the subject gration and Nationality Act role, the alien may be detained beneficiaries of approved fam- AttY. tiPon has a Master of matter discussed and is not in- Section 212(d)(5). and subjected to expedited re- ily-based immigrant visa peti- Laws degree from Yale Law School tended as legal advice. Family members of Filipino moval or placed in removal pro- tions filed by Filipino World World War II veterans who are ceedings before an Immigration War II veterans that was an- beneficiaries of approved fam- Judge as authorized by law and nounced on May 9, 2016), an ily-based immigrant visa peti- regulations. If the CBP agent affidavit of support (Form I- tions will be given an grants parole, the agent will 134), an explanation why a “opportunity to receive a discre- issue a separate document au- U.S. visa cannot be obtained or tionary grant of parole on a thorizing the alien to be paroled why a visa was not sought, an case-by-case basis, so that they into the United States, and spec- explanation why a waiver of may come to the United States ify the terms and conditions as inadmissibility cannot be ob- while waiting for their immi- the agent may deem appropri- tained to allow issuance of a grant visa to become available” ate. An alien who has been visa or why a waiver has not beginning June 8, 2016 accord- “paroled” has not been “admit- been sought. Most importantly, ing an announcement by USCIS ted” to the United States in im- a copy of the approved immi- on May 9, 2016.s migration parlance but remains grant visa petition and evidence The Department of Home- an “applicant for admission”. regarding any pending immi- land Security issues an Advance USCIS announced that grant petition must be attached. Parole document to an alien au- Form I-131 is to be used by an The alien must also submit thorizing the alien to appear at a alien seeking advance parole. passport-style photos, size 2” x port of entry to seek parole into Here is the link to Form I-131. 2”, in color, in accordance with the United States. This docu- https://www.uscis.gov/sites/de- the prescribed requirements. ment may be accepted by a fault/files/files/form/i-131.pdf USCIS will notify the applicant transportation company in lieu Aliens seeking to use Form if biometric collection is re- of a visa as an authorization for I-131 must read carefully the In- quired. At the time of this writ- the holder to travel to the United structions in filling up and filing ing the filing fee for Form States. The alien must have a the form. Here is the link to the I-131 is $360. Applicants must HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS McDermott Calls For Special Session tate Rep. Bob McDermott has falling. McDermott says the money “The Legislature does its best sent a letter to Gov. David Ige should have gone to Campbell to consider all public school re- Sto call the State Legislature which is overflowing with students quests statewide but unfortunately back into a special session to fix the and where average classroom sizes not all requests are appropriated due “emergency situation” at James have reached upwards of 40 stu- to a lack of funds,” Espero says. Campbell High School. dents. To add insult to injury, up to “Next session begins in eight Lawmakers cut the original 600 additional students are pro- months and the remainder of the $30 million appropriated for a new jected to enroll at the school within funding for construction will be a building at the high school to $12 the next three years. top priority.” million for planning and design, “Campbell got short changed,” Espero also doesn’t expect the which is not enough to build the fa- says McDermott. “What makes Legislature to reconvene in a special cility on time under the original full matters worse is that Ewa is an un- session to discuss the needs of a sin- Design Build appropriation. The re- deserved community, a minority gle high school. duced funding also means it will community with lower economic McDermott is reviewing legal take at least four years before stu- equality than Kihei.” options with a team of lawyers and dents can enjoy a new building State Sen. Will Espero, whose may consider filing a class action under a new phased bid and pro- district includes much of Ewa and lawsuit. curement process, McDermott says. Ewa Beach, defended the reduction “It is a shame that it has come to The Legislature instead ap- in funding for Campbell and said that,” he says. “Rest assured, I will proved $37 million for in Kihei, that McDermott is simply “making continue to fight for the children at- Maui where enrollment has been noise in this election season.” tending Campbell High School.” 8  HAwAii FiliPino CHroniCle  mAY 21, 2016 SOCIETY PAGE 2016 Filipino Fiesta Parade and Santacruzan In case you missed it, here are some highlights of this signature cultural event for the Filipino com- munity held last May 14 at Kapiolani Park. Photo credit: renelaine Pfister

Members of the Santacruzan court pose with Miss Universe 1st Runner Up 2012 Janine Tugonon.

Elvis impersonator leo days waves to the audience at the Filipino Fiesta and Parade.

Nona Baldonado (left) and venus Filipina actress and singer Giselle Tongi viloria from KNdi 1270 AM display graces the parade en route to Kapiolani Park. traditional Filipina attire.

Filipino actor and recording artist Sam Milby performs a number for fans at the Filipino Fiesta.

(from left): Edmund Aczon, donnie Jordan Segundo from Good Juan and Arceli Rebollido from the Morning Hawaii addresses the A few of the wide variety of booths on display at the Filipino Fiesta. FilCom Center manning one of the audience at the Filipino Fiesta. many booths at the Filipino Fiesta.

Filipino Fiesta entertainers gathered for a festive Meet and Greet recep- tion held May 12th at the Trump International Hotel and Tower. Photo credit: renelaine Pfister mAY 21, 2016 HAwAii FiliPino CHroniCle  9 PERSONAL REFLECTIONS A Brighter Future For the Philippines? by Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

he elections of the come one of the safest cities in the Philippines, Rodrigo Roa new set of leaders the world. Duterte’s leadership. But see- in the Philippines He is not statesman-like as ing his political will and ut- are almost over. Secretary Mar Roxas. He is most desire to see the nation We now have a not as eloquent as Senator changed gives us hope, espe- T presumptive pres- Grace Poe. He is not as intel- cially as Filipinos living over- ident who has lectual as Senator Miriam San- seas, that the Philippines we taken over the polls by a mile. tiago. As for Binay, I could not will return home to someday As for the vice president, it’s find a word to describe him. will be a place where we can still a wait-and-see. But so far, Mayor Duterte is rugged, tact- feel safe and where the citi- we now know who will be less, foul-mouthed and crude. zens can enjoy the fruits of leading the country during the He is not the traditional politi- their taxes because corruption next six years. cian I am used to. He was the is not deemed as a norm any- Before we move forward candidate I rooted for. more. Hopefully, the next time and look ahead, I would like to I was one of the many Mammoth crowd in duterte’s miting-de-avance in Rizal Park thank and give credit to whom people whose hearts he cap- we go home, we will not need credit is due. Leading a coun- tured. His political will, com- Can he eradicate corruption, ment system from a unitary to cover our luggage with try is by no means an easy petence, reputation as a “man drugs and crime as he has form to federalism. Areas that plastic wraps because no one task. It takes courage to lead, of action” and value for disci- promised? Can he deliver don’t have access to govern- will secretly plant bullets in let alone run a whole country. pline caused me to overlook what his many supporters ex- ment projects can now be our bags. I believe that President Be- the many fiery darts that were pect of him? Is change really reached and dealt with. It will To our “soon-to-be” for- nigno “NoyNoy” Aquino III thrown at him during the coming like what his voters no longer be “Manila-centric’ mer President NoyNoy gave his best in leading and course of his campaign. I was believe? Will he be one of the but the power will be distrib- Aquino, thank you and we serving the nation. He de- not swayed, not even my greatest presidents the country uted to federal states. This is wish you the best. To our pres- serves to be honored. whole family who were ever had? something that still needs to be ident for the next six years, Unfortunately, many have “Dutertards.” We were among There are so many ques- intently reviewed but it sounds Rodrigo Duterte, we will pray expressed dissatisfaction with the many people who used so- tions that are waiting to be an- promising especially since for you and support you all the the administration of President cial media to fight for him, de- swered in the next six years. many remote areas in Min- way. We hope that the mayor Aquino, despite leaving a fend him and testify about his Things are uncertain but danao are too often overlookd. the Davaoenos love and we, legacy of strong economic good leadership. Others surely exciting. The Filipino Filipinos have learned to ad- growth. Many believed that shared their personal encoun- people are hopeful. My family plans to stay mire, will stay the same and this growth did not necessarily ters with the mayor and how There will be many here in South Korea for quite serve with full conviction, translate to the hungry being he helped them, even in sim- changes for sure. And these a long time because of the na- with integrity and with excel- fed and the homeless having ple ways. This was what made changes will not uncomfort- ture of our work. We will be lence for the love of your peo- roofs over their heads. There Mayor Duterte stand out from able at first. The implementa- unable to experience firsthand ple. has not been a radical move to his competitors. He started tion of a curfew, smoking ban the effect of the former mayor, Cheers to a bright future address poverty. In addition, from the grassroots. He was in public places and many now presumptive president of for the Philippines! many felt that the govern- someone people could relate more rules will be strictly en- ment’s incompetence and inef- to. He spoke the language of forced. But this is a good start. ficiency in solving the MRT the masses. He voiced their It will help to inculcate self- breakdown, ‘laglag-bala’ frustrations and anger against governance and discipline, scheme in NAIA, Yolanda vic- a government that does not which, unfortunately, we as a tims’ rehabilitation and so seem to care about them. He people are not known to have. many more have been a let- was a symbol for radical When there is discipline, down to the Filipino people. change. there is order. When there is Many Filipinos clamored I have been to Davao. I order, there is progress. Mayor for change. Many, including have a lot of friends from Duterte’s platform also in- Overseas Filipino Workers, Davao City and relatives from cludes the change of govern- have questioned the fulfill- Manila who decided to stay ment of the ‘Daang Matuwid’ there for good. Indeed, it’s a promise by Aquino and his city one can be proud of. It’s government. This led to the clean. It has world-class facil- call for someone nicknamed ities. It has 911. It has no face “The Punisher” and “Dirty of Duterte flashed in major Harry” to run for president. city projects. The people are Mayor Rodrigo Roa disciplined. It’s the mayor’s Duterte, the mayor of Davao Exhibit A. It is proof of his ex- City, is known for his strict cellent leadership and selfless implementation of laws in his service to his people. city. He has been elected sev- Fortunately, he won. By a eral times and led Davao City mile. for more than two decades. He But can he do for the has transformed the killing whole Philippines what he has fields into a city that has be- done for the city of Davao? 10  HAwAii FiliPino CHroniCle  mAY 21, 2016 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Hawaii FilAm Named Foreign Affairs Secretary by Duterte By Emmanuel Samonte Tipon

rominent Hawaii Filipino Amer- ican, Perfecto “Jun” Yasay, Jr. , Pwill be appointed Acting Secre- tary of the Department Foreign Affairs (DFA), incoming President Rodrigo Duterte announced on May 18, 2016. He will serve for at least a year until Duterte’s running mate, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, will assume the post, unless Perfecto Yasay Jr. Photo credit: www.philstar.com Cayetano decides to continue serving a Speaker at the United Nations meet- as Senator for the next three years. The ing on the Growth of Domestic Capital (from page 11, STUDENTS....) DFA is a premiere cabinet post, equiv- Markets in Geneva, Switzerland in alent to the Department of State in the 1998. He is a frequent guest on The United States. Tipon Report and other radio shows on Duterte and Yasay are both from KNDI radio in Honolulu. Davao and were roommates while in He is a prolific and articulate writer. school. He has written two books: Terminal Yasay is an outstanding lawyer who Four: Corruption in America’s Only has practiced law in the United States Colony in Asia and Out of the Lion’s and in the Philippines, specializing in Den: The Travails and Triumphs of a Corporation Law and Securities Regu- Public Servant. He writes articles for lation. He obtained his Bachelor of Filipino American newspapers. Laws degree from the University of the Yasay is married to Cecile Joaquin Philippines. Yasay who is a member of the staff of Yasay who is 69 years old was the Hawaii Senator Donna Mercado Kim. former Chairman of the Securities and They have three children, Oliver, Exchange Commission of the Philip- Raveena and Stephanie. They live in pines under the Ramos administration Kahala. and for a time under the Estrada admin- The original core group of Fil- istration. He was one of the principal ipinos for David Ige strongly endorsed witnesses in the impeachment trial of Yasay for a cabinet post in the Ige ad- President Joseph Estrada. ministration, but they were spurned. He is an eloquent speaker. He was Hawaii’s loss is the Philippines’ gain. New Automated Passport Kiosks Reduce Processing Time For Int’l Travelers ew Automated Passport Con- their inspection. The entire process trol (APC) kiosks now in use at takes about one to two minutes. Nthe Honolulu International Air- “The new technology is already re- port Customs Facility have significantly ducing the amount of time travelers reduced processing times by 35-45 per- stand in line which will help get them on cent, saving people 5 to 15 minutes in to their vacation or business faster,” says line and continuing to maintain the Ford Fuchigami, Hawaii Department of highest level of safety and security. Transportation (HDOT) director. Eligible passengers are processed The reduction in wait times for in- through U.S. Customs and Border Pro- coming international passengers has tection’s (CPB) Primary Inspection also improved airport efficiency and area. The APC guides passengers helping international flight operations through easy to follow instructions stay on schedule. Since the APC acti- using a touch screen machine that asks vation, the number of gate holds at a series of questions beginning with the Honolulu International Airport has de- preferred language. Passengers are creased by 55 percent compared to the asked to verify biographic information same time last year. and complete an electronic Customs The APC is a free service that does Declaration. The machine scans the pas- not require membership or pre-regis- senger’s passport and fingerprints and tration. The cost for equipment and in- takes a photograph of the individual. A stallation of the 32 machines is $1.7 receipt is then issued, which the traveler million paid by the HDOT Airports Di- must present to a CBP officer to finalize vision. mAY 21, 2016 HAwAii FiliPino CHroniCle  11 TRAVEL & LEISURE Iloilo: From Island Hopping to set view of the entire city and Snacking on P1 Scallops the nearby island of Guimaras.

SNARK WITH HEART I realized that the only batchoy Off to paradise By Cate De Leon I’ve had in my entire life was We started the next day at of the Lucky Me sort. This was the ungodly hour of 5 a.m. to othing goes on instantly rectified by a trip to visit the Gigantes Islands in there,” an Iloilo Netong’s, located in the maze Carles, Iloilo. Roughly two native who had of La Paz Public Market. With hours away by land and an- left the country its savory, garlicky flavor, con- other hour by boat, we began three decades ago trasted with slivers of liver and our island hopping at Cabugao N quipped. We were topped with crispy chicharon, Gamay, the most Insta- having lunch at a it was the ultimate bowl of grammed island of the group. new restaurant in Rockwell, comfort—and full-bodied au- Most of the visitors at Islas and I had just told him that I thenticity, which unsurpris- de Gigantes seemed to be lo- was visiting the city for the first ingly I didn’t get from any of cals, enjoying the white sand time. my instant noodle packets. We beaches, crystal clear waters, Three days later, sleep-de- finished it off with P40 glasses and breathtaking limestone for- prived and fresh from a two- gage compartment galing Tsokolate eh at the Camiña of iced native coffee at the mations (those on Antonia hour delayed 5 a.m. flight, I Manila kasi puno ngJ.CO Balay Nga Bato, with a side of iconic Madge Café. beach looked like giant slabs of was worried that I had forgot- boxes,” a former Xavier biskotso and mamon tostado. Our day tour ended atop sliced bread, falling against ten to buy a few essentials at teacher now residing in Iloilo We were told to ring a little bell Injap Tower Hotel’s helipad, each other). the airport. But after a 20- observed.” Now they have so if we wanted refills—which I the highest point in Western With little to no establish- minute drive, I was simultane- much more than the standard did, because it wasn’t every Visayas, with a panoramic sun- (continued on page 12) ously greeted by the sight of list of restaurants and cafes, in day that I got to sip such rich, the Injap Tower Hotel—my ac- addition to homegrown food concentrated tablea goodness. commodations for the next establishments, which are a The ringing of said bell to call three days—and the fact that it must-try for visitors. the servers had a very old stood right across SM City Spanish, “Yaya!” feel to it, Iloilo. It also had a 7-Eleven at Historical churches, ances- which is probably what kept all the ground floor. tral houses, and foodie the other visitors from ring- Brunch at Horizon Café on havens ing—and why they all turned the hotel’s 21st floor provided An important city during to look at me when I did. The a bird’s eye view of the city. the Spanish era, Iloilo is home chocolate was worth it. Peering out of the glass panes, to centuries-old churches such It is also here in Iloilo that we had a clear view of the as the Miagao Church, which Ayala and Megaworld develop- was once used as a fortress ments in the vicinity, the trans- against Muslim raiders. The portation hub right across the UNESCO World Heritage Site street, which could take you is notable for the detailed carv- anywhere in Iloilo, along with ing on its facade. We also paid top universities, Chinese a visit to the Molo Church, schools, the Iloilo Convention with its all-female ensemble of Center, and nightlife hubs that saints along the main aisle; and had sprouted about in the last the Jaro Cathedral, known for two to three years. its Romasque Revival style of But miles away from architecture. The scenes we be- stressful Manila, here we got a held almost transported us back good dose of the warm and to Europe, save for the 30+ de- easy going Ilonggo hospitality, gree weather. along with paved bike and jog- Iloilo is also home to sev- ging lanes along the Iloilo eral ancestral houses, which River (kept clean, mind you) have opened their doors to vis- for fitness and outdoor enthusi- itors. It is here that I learned to asts. Touted the most livable appreciate the relaxing rustle of city in the Philippines, Iloilo is capiz shell chandeliers blown the perfect mixture of a laid by the wind, and how well- back provincial vibe and the ventilated these old residential convenience of living right structures are, keeping you smack in the the middle of de- cool even during the worst of velopment. Popular food and summer. At first, I balked at the beverage chains such as Bon- idea of having hot chocolate in Chon, Moonleaf, J.CO, and an open, non-airconditioned many more have also made it dining room. But we did, and it into the city. “Dati wala kang wasn’t the least bit uncomfort- mapaglagyan ng bag sa bag- able. We enjoyed thick cups of 12  HAwAii FiliPino CHroniCle  mAY 21, 2016 HEALTH & FAMILY

Xxxxxx Exercise Reduces Risk of 13 Types of Cancer by Alixandra Caole Vila tually about 187,000 new cases of cancer occurred. ANILA, To analyze the effects of The study revealed that Philippines — exercise in human's whole those people who had claimed Don't just exer- body system, the group exam- to engage in moderate to in- cise to get ined data from 1.44 million tense physical activities had a shaped abs, ex- people, aged 19 to 98, from the reduced risk of 13 types of can- M ercise to get rid United States and Europe. cer compared to the people of the deadly cancer. The individuals were fol- who were in the lowest 10 per- A large new study con- lowed for 11 years and their cent of their study groups. ducted by researchers at the US physical activities, whether Below are the 13 types of 6. Endometrial cancer, a 21 Dr. Steven Moore, who led National Cancer Institute found moderate or intense were cancer and the percentage the percent lower risk the study said that you do not out that leisure-time physical noted. risk is reduced for each cate- 7. Myeloid leukemia, a 20 even have to go to the gym to activity combats 13 types of No one had cancer at the gory: percent lower risk do exercise. The biggest exer- cancer. time the study began, but even- 1. Esophageal cancer, a 42 8. Myeloma, a 17 percent cisers got in the equivalent of percent lower risk lower risk just over an hour a day of brisk 2. Liver cancer, a 27 percent 9. Colon cancer, a 16 percent walking. lower risk lower risk The study cited different 3. Lung cancer, a 26 percent 10. Head and neck cancer, a 15 ways exercise directly affects lower risk percent lower risk tumor: it lowers hormones that 4. Kidney cancer, a 23 per- 11. Rectal cancer, a 13 percent trigger breast cancer, helps the cent lower risk lower risk body better regulate insulin, 5. Stomach cancer of the car- 12. Bladder cancer, a 13 per- and lower inflammation. dia (top portion of the cent lower risk The study was published in stomach), a 22 percent 13. Breast cancer, a 10 percent journal, JAMA Internal Medi- lower risk lower risk cine. (www.philstar.com)

TRAVEL & LEISURE ( from page 11, ILOILO ....) sunset for home. Back at the ments on the islands, occasion- accessible through a narrow, hotel at around 9:30 in the ally you’d see tents for camp- rocky entrance, it’s a majestic evening, I slapped on a Korean ing, including some which had little haven tucked away from cooling facial mask and fell been used to temporariy house the open sea. A troop of Philip- asleep with it still on. Yolanda victims. More than pine long-tailed macaques lurk With no set itinerary for two years after the super ty- here silently, so mind your be- our last day in Iloilo, I mari- phoon hit Visayas, you would- longings as they sometimes nated in the glorious comfort of n’t be able to tell that these scavange unguarded objects. sleeping in under the duvet. islands had been razed. The Another must-try when The hotel was kind enough to only signs were the occasional you visit Islas de Gigantes is still serve me breakfast when I UNHCR tents, and stories from their daily catch of seafood, showed up 30 minutes late for those who knew the area before which they sell for practically their breakfast hours. What fol- the tragedy struck. “There used nothing. On Bantigue sandbar, lowed was a chill mini city to be two coconut trees on that scallops (locally called tikab- tour, driving along Iloilo’s de- little island. Kinuha ni Yolanda tikab) sell for P1 a piece. We congested roads. We tried a few yung isa,” our guide shared. Or, bought 100 and snacked on more items of food, such as “Everybody who lives on this them like peanuts during the re- Roberto’s famous siopao and island is family. There used to mainder of our island hopping Maridel’s ice cream cakes in be 14 families here, but three of trip. Preparation was nothing Plazuela de Iloilo. Most known them moved to the mainland fancy. Straight from the ocean, for their mango brazo ice after the typhoon. Natakot.” they were steamed and served cream cake, I especially liked These were little cracks in par- with a side of spicy vinegar if the unassuming lightness of adise, only visible upon closer you liked. But we found that their lemon merengue pie. inspection. the sweet, fresh meat tasted so We had one last coffee ses- much better on its own. sion, editing our beach photos Be prepared for a bit of rock We wound down the day’s and dreading our impending re- climbing tour on the peaceful Balbagon turn to Manila (“At least here, There are quite a few rock Island, with the calm low tide even if it’s hot it’s windy”), and formations to climb in order to lapping against a long, empty we were off to the airport. Back see the best views, or enjoy the stretch of white sand. Here the in the capital, over the next few most beautiful parts of a partic- locals served us a late lunch of days, I’d dream of dipping in ular island, so bringing a pair of seafood, after which we took cool emerald waters, sipping aqua shoes is recommended. much-needed naps under the thick, nutty hot chocolate, and Tangke Saltwater Lagoon is trees while waiting for the the gentle rustle of capiz shell one such gem. Concealed be- harsh noon sun to soften its chandeliers in the afternoon hind towering limestone and rays. At dusk, we sailed into the breeze. (www.philstar.com) mAY 21, 2016 HAwAii FiliPino CHroniCle  13 LEGAL NOTES Proposed H-2C Visa to Benefit Nurses

is exactly the approach we and Less Skilled Workers need to bring US immigration workers, the H-2A visa for Homeland Security and they Director of the Bureau of Cen- policy into the 21st century”. temporary or seasonal agricul- will have to attest that they had sus and other government Several groups have ap- By Reuben S. Seguritan tural workers and the H-2B actively recruited workers but agencies to conduct a study on plauded the introduction of this visa for temporary or seasonal were unable to find a qualified the impacts of the H-2C pro- bill. The American Health Care bill to create a nonagricultural workers. But US worker and that they have gram on home ownership rates, Association said that it will new visa program they do not address the need no labor dispute or layoffs. housing prices, access to qual- help ease the nursing shortage for temporary for- for year-round workers with There will be a flexible cap ity health care, criminal justice by “making it easier for foreign eign workers has less than a bachelor’s degree. of 65,000 in the first year and system and employment and nurses and other health care A been introduced Foreign nurses and other 45,000 to 85,000 in the subse- wage rates. Within three years workers to get jobs at skilled in the Senate by health care workers will be el- quent years depending on the from the enactment of the law, nursing centers.” Senator Jeff Flake. Known as igible to apply for the H-2C economic demand. At least a they will report to Congress on the Willing Workers and Will- visa. Registered nurses are quarter of the number of regis- the findings of their study. reUben s. seGUritAn has ing Employees Act of 2016, the generally not eligible to file for tered positions initially allo- Senator Jeff Flake said that been practicing law for over 30 H-1B visa because nursing is cated for each 6 month-period “this kind of flexible, market- years. For further information, you bill would create a 10-year may call him at (212) 695 5281 or guest worker pilot program. not considered a specialty oc- shall be reserved for small based visa program designed to log on to his website at www.segu- The new visa would be cupation under the H-1B pro- business employers. better meet economic demand ritan.com called H-2C and it will allow gram. A bachelor’s degree is The H-2C visa would be employers to hire foreign not required to become a reg- granted initially for up to three workers with less than a bach- istered nurse. years but could be renewed elor’s degree to perform nona- The H-2C visa would be within the ten-year pilot period. gricultural work in the US. available only in counties or The employees could be em- At present, there are sev- metropolitan statistical areas ployed at any worksite and the eral nonimmigrant visas avail- where the unemployment rate employers could employ them able to temporary workers such is 4.9 percent or less. at any worksite provided such as the H-1B visa for profes- Employers will be regis- location was advertised. sionals and other highly skilled tered with the Department of The law will require the PHILIPPINE NEWS Group Warns of Rise in Rights Abuses under Duterte Government by Rhodina Villanueva deputy director, said that in ciety. Duterte delivers that Thursday, May 19, 2016 May 2015, Duterte invited message in crude, hyper-ag- ANILA, Philip- him and his colleagues for gressive language that’s as pines – While Fil- some rest and relaxation in lurid as it’s unrepentant,” Mipinos are about to Davao City. Kine said. welcome Davao City Mayor In a statement on Tuesday, The HRW official said Rodrigo Duterte as the coun- Kine quoted Duterte as saying: Duterte’s successful presiden- try’s new president, an inter- “To all the bleeding hearts of tial campaign espoused politi- national rights group warned US-based Human Rights cal positions that are as that his administration might Watch, you want a taste of jus- disturbing as they are unlaw- pave the way for more human tice, my style? Come to Davao ful. rights abuses. City, Philippines, and do drugs “He has managed to con- Human Rights Watch in my city. I will execute you vince the Philippine electorate (HRW) cited its report in in public.” that he would solve drugs, 2009, which showed that Kine said it was a threat, criminality and corruption in Davao City officials and po- a response of Duterte to the three to six months – by what- lice were directly involved in HRW’s criticisms of the ever means necessary.” the killings of hundreds of mayor’s public support for people, including 14-year-old the gangland-style killings as OuT OF CONTExT children in Davao City. an anti-crime measure. However, Duterte’s cam- “Although there is no ev- The group said Duterte’s paign spokesman Peter Lav- idence showing Duterte or- response was no one-off, ca- iña described as unfortunate dered the killings, we found reer-ending, slip of the Kine’s interpretation of the proof that city officials and tongue. mayor’s statement. policemen were involved in “It embodies the key ele- Laviña said Kine took this. And Duterte was pub- ments of his political rhetoric, Duterte’s statement out of licly applauding the targeted which lumps together crime context and made it appear killing of what he called and universal human rights that the Davao mayor specif- ‘criminals,’” the group said. (and their advocates) as twin ically threatened him and his Phelim Kine, HRW Asia toxic threats to Philippine so- colleagues. (www.philstar.com) 14  HAwAii FiliPino CHroniCle  mAY 21, 2016 PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE Aldaw Dagiti Inna (Mother’s Day) kuna met ti kaaduan a ti Maragsakan dagiti Annak - ken nabisked a takiag, tu- Hawaii-en ket masapul a “kiss” ket umanayen a pangk- isu ti pannakariknada ti kina- manor a namuli iti awan suroten ti kaugalian ti ablaaw ken ni Nanang. Dayta pateg ti Inada ta no saan makapatas a pannakangipateg aglawlaw. ti pudno, saan a ti pammarang awanda iti daytoy a lubong. bayat ti idadakkel dagiti an- Dayta ti gapuna a rum- DAYASADAS a pangkablaaw ti maka- Utang dagiti annak ti kaad- nakna. NARAGSAK NGA beng nga aginayad ni Nanang By Pacita Saludes paragsak kadagiti dadduma, dada, pannakamulida a dim- ALDAWMO NANANG! a mangsupang ti kabaruan a o madanon ti nupay sabali met ti panirigan makkel ken napatanor “HAPPY MOTHER'S wagas dagiti agtutubo tapno aldaw dagiti dagiti dadduma. Kadagiti manipud ti kaubbingda. DAY!” ti nasuabe a maraemda a kas Nanang. Inna, adu dagiti kaaduan nga Inna Kaaduan kadagiti Annak ti panagkikinnablaaw dagiti Inna Hello mothers, watch your annak ti maragsakanda lattan kadagiti mangpanunot a paragsakenda ken agkakadua. Dagiti steps so the younger genera- agsagana ti makitada a kinasimbeng ken ni Nanang tapno manayon ket ANNAK isu met ti pan- tion will appreciate you. Ag- N MOTHER'S panagraem dagiti annakda a maipalagip kenkuana daagiti nakalagipda a ni Nanang adda balinka a Nanang dagiti taga DAY. Naragsak pangbigbig kadakuada no aldaw a kaadda dagiti annak a latta met a makitinnarabay America ken tapno a pangkablaaw kadagiti Inna - madanon daytoy nga aldaw. dimmakkel kadagiti arakup kadakuada. Adu dagiti annak naragsakka met a Filipina a di mangikakano no dadduma Mother. PHILIPPINE NEWS aglalo no masaliw-anan dagiti BELATED HAPPY planoda. Hawaii ditoyen ku- MOTHERS DAY TO ALL Axed PNP Chief Purisima, 10 Others nada latta. Wen nga agpayso MOTHERS! questionable contract between Ordered Arrested the PNP and Werfast Documen- ANILA, Philippines and academic. tation Agency Inc. (Werfast) in DAYAWEN-NI NANANG — The Sandigan- The magistrates said the 2011. Nanang, sika ti nakabuklan kinataok Mbayan ordered on content of the motions are "mat- Ombudsman investigation Sika ti kaduak a mangsupang kadagiti adu a pannubok Thursday the arrest of former ters of defense" and are better bared that Werfast had no corpo- Narigat a pudno ti agbalin nga ina sagabaen adu a tuok Philippine National Police chief raised during trial. rate existence and juridical per- Ngem sanguek met batangko, akuek a situtulok. Director General Alan Purisima Along with Purisima, or- sonality when the PNP engaged and other police officials over an dered accused were Gil Mene- its services for the delivery of Manipud kinaubingko awan nakitak a sidungetmo anomalous courier service deal. ses, Napoleon Estilles, Allan firearms licenses through an Naragsak 'ta rupam uray kasano a bannogmo The warrant, signed by As- Parreño, Melchor Reyes, Ford agreement in May 2011 without sociate Justices Rodolfo Ponfer- Tuazon, Mario Juan, Salud conducting a public bidding. Lima kami nga agkakabsat nagdudumat' galad ken uso rada and Oscar Herrara Jr. of the Bautista, Enrique Valerio, Lorna The Office of the Ombuds- Ammom a tinimbang ti kasapulan ket naragsak tayo. Sixth Division, stated that the Perena and Juliana Pasia. man argued that the fees were pleas earlier filed by Purisima The Office of the Ombuds- overpriced as courier services Nanang, uray imbukbukko amin a panawenko and other respondents in the man filed graft charges against normally only ask for P90 within Ammok a di mapatas dagiti natuok a panagpatanormo graft case are considered moot the respondents tagged in the the metro. (www.philstar.com) Sika ken dagiti kakabsatko agdayaw no kasano Naisakadmo't obligasionmo kadakami a di mi matupo.

Aldawmo ita, Nanang, sarungkaranka iti tanemmo Nalabbaga a rosas idatonko a tanda't panagdayawko Awan katukad sakipisiom, anus ken andurmo Kayatko, Nanang, a tawinden naka-aapal a sapatosmo Bareng annakko matubayda a kas kadagiti patanormo

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Will train the rest. LEADERSHIP AWARDS BANQUET | June 16, 2016 | MAUi PASKo SA FILCoM | december 4, 2016 | FilCOM CENTER Great pay / benefits. BEACH HOTEl. | Contact: Jenna Gamboa at (808) 419-1617 | Contact 808-680-0451 for details. Apply @ Paradise Pizza, Waikoloa Beach Resort. MAINLAND NEWS JANIToRS PART TIME |ToWN | DAYS $8 HR Full time utility esp strip/wax floors, clean undocumented Children in Calif. carpets,windows 6AM-2:30 PM or 7PM-3AM | $9- $11 hr to deportation. However, community dr lic & US Citizen helpful but not needed Now Eligible for Health Care health organizations assure that in- Call 8451955| 9-4PM M-F be able to have preventative services formation provided during enroll- by Christina M. Oriel so that people don’t end up in our ment will not be shared with A B A N D O N E D OS ANGELES — Thou- emergency rooms.” immigration officials. Notice is hereby given that the following vessel has sands of low-income chil- Cynthia Buiza, an immigrant In a push to get ethnic commu- apparently been abandoned for over 60 days on the dren in California, regardless from the Philippines who now serves nities to apply for the program, property of: Parker Marine 1260 Richard Lane Hon- L olulu HI 96819 (808)721-1000. The vessel is de- of their immigration status, are now as executive director of the Califor- Asian Americans Advancing Jus- scribed as: 35' sloop sailboat, Hull id eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal cov- nia Immigrant Policy Center, added tice-Los Angeles is working with 22 CHl036270779. Application for title will be made in accordance with Section 200-51 of the Annotated erage beginning this week. that this health care initiative is “an other organizations to provide “cul- Code of Hawaii, Natural Resources Article if this ves- The health care expansion, investment in the future of the state.” turally competent outreach, educa- sel is not claimed and removed from the above prop- known as “Health for All Kids,” was “As a member of the Filipino tion and enrollment services erty within 10 days of this notice and all back fees paid. rolled out on Monday, May 16, and community, I understand how im- targeting undocumented children will benefit approximately 250,000 portant health coverage is to keep [ages] 0-19.” DRIVER & PRoCESSIoN children under 19 years old. immigrant families healthy,” Buiza “When people think of the un- RooM WoRKER An estimated 185,000 undocu- said. “As we celebrate this historic documented community, they often ■ Clean abstract required for driver. mented children are expected to en- step towards Health for All, we will do not recognized the diversity of ■ Competitive pay, medical, dental, vision, & roll this year. continue to work to include undocu- immigrants in California. There are 401k “It is sad that children — until mented adults and families who re- thousands of Asians and Pacific Is- ■ profit sharing benefits. Monday, that is — had to worry main excluded from coverage, so landers to Africans to Middle East- Application hours: about hospital bills instead of their that all Californians have the oppor- ern immigrants who contribute so 10am-3pm, Mon-Fri grades,” state Senator Ricardo Lara tunity to access coverage, no matter much to our country but whose chil- Apply in person at: (D-Bell Gardens) said during a press where they were born.” dren have no access to critically im- KOHA FOOdS conference on Friday, May 13 at the Under full-scope Medi-Cal cov- portant health care,” said Stewart 500 Alakawa St. #104 Eisner Pediatric & Family Medical erage, children can receive services Kwoh, executive director of Ad- Honolulu, Hi 96817 Center. such as annual checkups, regular vancing Justice – Los Angeles. Lara authored Senate Bill 4, doctor visits, vaccinations, mental The organization encourages HELP WANTED Full time & Permanent which ensures that undocumented health care, and dental care and treat- community members to call its ADVERTISE NOW AND SEE HOW children enrolled in restricted-scope ment. helplines for additional information LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE THE FACE OF BUSINESS IS CHANGING! Entry Position No matter how small your ad, “emergency” Medi-Cal will be auto- To qualify, undocumented chil- at 888-349-9695 for English or 855- JOB REQUiREMENTS: it gets our readers attention! matically transitioned to the full- dren younger than 19 must come 300-2552 for Tagalog. ilocano/eng. speaking; farming experience; Knowledge of plants ; CALL 678-8930 OR GO TO OUR WEBSITE @ scope version. Last year, Governor from families whose incomes are at More health care options for un- experienced with some power tools; Quality conscious ; team Player www.thefilipinochronicle.com Jerry Brown signed that bill, along or below 266 percent of the federal documented adults are also under BENEFiTS: with Senate Bill 75, which includes poverty line. The income eligibility consideration in the Legislature. medical/dental/Vision HmSA coverage - fully paid Paid Holidays (15), Vacation Pay, and Sick Pay an investment to expand full-scope, varies depending on family size. For Lara is sponsoring SB 10, which Annual raises and Annual Bonus comprehensive Medi-Cal to all low- a family of four, the income is would allow undocumented adult COMPENSATiON: income undocumented children $5,387 per month or $64,638 annu- immigrants and Deferred Action for Start $11 - $12/hr; opportunity for advancement under the age of 19. ally. Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipi- LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Currently, 114,981 children are Families can apply in person at ents to purchase a Covered Califor- Experienced Professional receiving restricted-scope benefits, their local county human services of- nia health plan without subsidies, JOB REQUiREMENTS: according to the Department of fice, over the phone, online, with a and SB 1418, which would widen ilocano/english speaking; irrigation repair & controller Knowledge; commercial/industrial experience; Knowledge of Herbicides; Health Care Services. mail-in application, or at a local Medi-Cal benefits to adults, regard- Pesticides, and fertilizers; Knowledge of plants; experienced with “Here [in California], we value health center. less of immigration status. tools, equipment & machines; team Player; Quality conscious; immigrants. We understand that im- The state-funded program is pro- California is now the fifth and industry references; Valid drivers license BENEFiTS: migrants are an essential fabric of jected to cost $40 million in the first largest state in the country to ex- medical/dental/Vision HmSA coverage - fully paid our society. The roof is not going to year and $132 million annually after pand state-funded health care to un- Paid Holidays (15), Vacation Pay, and Sick Pay fall if we give undocumented immi- that. documented children, following Annual raises and Annual Bonus grants health care,” Lara said. Some families may be hesitant Massachusetts, New York Washing- COMPENSATiON: Start $14 - $16/hour depending on industry knowledge, “We’re actually going to save money to apply for the program because ton and Washington D.C. (www.asian- experience, & capabilities in the state. We’re actually going to they fear that they will be vulnerable journal.com/) CALL 721-6520 mAY 21, 2016