Orange County/Inland Empire -- August 21 -- 27, 2015

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Volume 22 - No. 33 2 Sections - 16 Pages auguSt 21-27, 2015

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DATELINEUSAfrom the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

REMEMBERING FPJ. Sen. Grace Poe lights a candle to commemorate the 76th birth anniversary of her father Fernando Poe Jr. at the Manila North Cemetery on Thursday, Aug. 20. Poe said she always tries to follow the footsteps of her late father. The senator, however, clarified that following her fathers footsteps does not necessarily include his decisions such as running for president. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

Enrile out on bail, says his faith in justness of Judiciary vindicated

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

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VP Binay laments demolition job in Senate

Overseas voters registration breaches .6M markPAGE A3

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by Marc Jayson cayaByaB Inquirer.net

After one year in hospital deten-tion, senator Juan Ponce enrile is now a free manfor now.

Leaving his detention place in the Philippine National Police (PNP) Gen-eral hospital at 5:55pm on thursday, Aug. 20, the 91-year-old senator ar-rived at the sandiganbayan at 6:30pm to appear for the application of his P1.45 million bail as he faces trial for plunder over the pork barrel scam.

today Ive been released out of custody. I would like to state for the

record that my faith in the probity and justness of our Judiciary has been vin-dicated, enrile said in a brief inter-view.

I would go back to my work and have no interest except the interest of our country, he added.

Clerk of Court third Division Atty. Dennis Pulma signed the release order served on the accused party. mean-while, Presiding Justice Amparo Cabo-taje-tang approved the bail applica-tion.

Pulma said enriles bail is only for his provisional release as he still fac-es trial for plunder for his alleged in-

volvement in the scheme of spending his Priority Development Assistance funds (PDAf) to ghost projects for kickbacks.

enriles lawyers paid the P1.45 mil-lion bail in 14 bundles of P100,000 cash, each counted with the aid of a machine at the sandiganbayan ca-shier.

the bail was paid after the sandi-ganbayan issued the produce order in-structing the police to bring enrile to court for the processing of his bail ap-plication for plunder case filed against him, ordinarily a non-bailable offense.

Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile left his detention place in the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital on Thursday, Aug. 20. the 91-year-old senator went to the Sandiganbayan to appear for the application of his P1.45 million bail as he faces trial for plunder over the pork barrel scam. Inquirer.net photo

by Bernice caMiLLe V. BansonManilaTimes.net

the camp of Vice President Je-jomar Binay on thursday, Aug. 20 lamented the demolition job during the senate blue ribbon sub-committee hear-ing on the alleged ghost beneficiaries of the senior citizen program in makati City.

D e m o l i t i o n through Power-point, as always.

We heard nothing but half-truths that will not stand in court but are intended for media consumption, Joey salgado, head of Binays media affairs, said in a statement.

he denied Arthur Crutos allegations that there were ghost beneficiaries of the senior citizens pro-

Iglesia ni Cristo poll: Roxas has no chance of winning

by Patricia Lourdes Viray Philstar.com

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas Malacaang photo

mANILAmajority of the members of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) believe that Interior and Local Government secre-tary manuel mar roxas II does not have a chance of winning the presi-dency in the 2016 national election.

A survey conducted last week, by INC-owned television station Net 25 showed that 93.3 percent of the respon-dents believe roxas will not become the next president.

meanwhile, only 6.9 percent of the respondents said that the Liberal Party presumptive presidential candidate has a chance of winning.

Candidates of any national position

usually seek the support of the indig-enous religious organization during the election season, believing that the churchs block vote would help them win. INC has around two million mem-bers.

According to a report from Pilipino star Ngayon, INC does not seem to fa-vor roxas despite the endorsement of President Benigno Aquino III.

sen. Grace Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay dominate the latest Pulse Asia and social Weather stations presi-dential preference polls while roxas ranks either third or fourth.

the INC television network has not yet conducted surveys on other possible presidential bets.

mANILAtwo months before the deadline, the overseas voters (oV) reg-istration has surpassed the 600,000 mark.

the Department of foreign Affairs yesterday said the oV secretariat re-ported that foreign service posts pro-cessed 249,512 new oV registrants from the middle east and Africa; 123,993 from the Americas; 68,124 from europe and 91,088 from Asia and the Pacific, while overseas voter regis-tration centers in the Philippines pro-cessed 68,106 applications.

six registration centers were opened at the DfAs consular offices in Davao, Cebu and san fernando, Pampanga and DfA satellite offices at robinsons Galleria, sm manila and Ali mall last month, in addition to nine centers pro-cessing applications of overseas filipi-no workers, immigrants, seafarers and students who are leaving for abroad, but have not yet registered as oVs.

Last June, the irehIstro online sys-tem was also launched, which allows registrants to schedule their personal appearance at the embassy, consulate, mission or mobile and field registration

Customs to impose tighter rules for balikbayan boxes

by KathLeen MartinPhilstar.com

mANILAthe Bureau of Customs said it may impose tougher measures on balikbayan boxes for fear that these tax-free packages are being used by traders to smuggle goods into the country.

the existing rules are obsolete and we may have to reassess our coordina-tion and processes with consolidators for stricter and improved compliance, Cus-toms Commissioner Alberto Lina said in a statement.

our spot checks from several ware-houses show how misconstrued the rules may have become. People are sending in used clothing, home appli-ances and items of the same kind that can well be used for commercial pur-poses, he said.

Lina recounted that some items inside these balikbayan boxes could be con-sidered as smuggled goods due to non-compliance with the Philippine tariff and Customs Code.

New app aims to push Asian American voter participation in 2016

for the 50th anniversary of the Vot-ing rights Act, 18 million rising, an Asian American digital activist group, launched a new Indiegogo campaign to create a translation matching app de-signed to increase voter participation in next years presidential elections.

the mobile app, called VoterVoX, is described as one part civic tech, one part grassroots organizing, and three parts cultural connection.

VoterVoX seeks to connect multi-lingual Asian Americans with voters in their communities needing language as-sistance in order to address continuing language barriers facing Asian Ameri-can and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) at the polls and resultant voter disenfranchise-ment.

According to recent studies, AAPIs are three times more likely than Latinos to cite language barrier as a reason for not voting.

Nearly half of all adult AAPIs are

Estimated $2.74 billion cost of California drought

the worsening drought in Cali-fornia will cause the states economy to lose as much as $2.74 billion and nearly 21,000 total jobs this year--and ripple effects of the 4-year-old drought will likely continue through at least 2017, according to a study released on tuesday, Aug. 18.

the report, authored by the Univer-sity of California, Davis Center for Wa-tershed sciences, also revealed that direct costs to the states agriculture economy will total $1.84 billion and 10,100 direct seasonal jobs. the $2.74 billion figure reflects the cost to all economic sectors, and when multiple effects are considered.

Increased prices for crops will give a boost to some farmers in areas less affected by the drought and with ac-cess to groundwater, according to the authors of the study.

Central Coast and southern Cali-fornia regions benefit from slightly

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Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay Inquirer.net photo

august 21-27, 2015 OC/IE asIaN JOuRNaL http://www.asianjournal.com (818) 502-0651 (213) 250-9797A

From the Front PageEnrile out on bail, says his faith...

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Enrile posted bail after the Su-preme Court (SC) on Tuesday in a vote of 8-4 granted his motion to reverse the Sandiganbayan Third Divisions ruling, which denied his bail plea.

The decision came exactly a week after the SC sided with Enriles request for bill of par-ticulars in the plunder case

stemming from his alleged in-volvement in the pork barrel scam.

The Supreme Court set the bail amount at P1 million. On top of the P30,000 bail for each of his 15 graft charges, Enrile paid a total amount of P1.45 million.

Enrile went to the Supreme Court after the Sandiganbayan

Third Division last year denied his motion that he be allowed to post bail.

In his 70-page petition for certiorari filed Sept. 4, 2014, Enrile said he should be allowed to post bail since the prosecu-tion failed to present strong evi-dence against him and that the charges cannot be considered a capital offense.

At the same time, Enrile said he is not a flight risk consid-ering that he even voluntarily surrendered to the authorities when the warrant for his ar-rest was issued by the anti-graft court.

He also cited his advanced age as another reason for the SC to grant his petition.

Enrile is under hospital deten-tion while his chief of staff Atty. Jessica Lucila Gigi Reyes is detained at the female dormi-tory of Camp Bagong Diwa as they face plunder and 15 counts of graft for their alleged involve-ment in the purported scheme of pilfering the senators Pri-ority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) to ghost projects for kickbacks.

According to the financial re-cords of principal whistleblow-er Benhur Luy, Enrile received P172.8 million in kickbacks from Napoles, who referred to Enrile as Tanda in the use of codenames for the alleged scam.

The witnesses had also tes-tified that they personally saw Napoles hand over Enriles kickbacks to his alleged agent Ruby Tuason.

State witness Tuason, a so-cialite and social secretary of former President Joseph Estra-da, has said she delivered kick-backs for Enrile from Napoles through Enriles chief of staff Reyes over lunch meetings in posh restaurants.

Tuason said Enrile sometimes fetched Reyes and invited them for coffee after these supposed lunch meetings.

Accused mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles is serving life sen-tence for the serious illegal de-tention of her former entrusted financial officer Benhur Luy, who turned against her when he was detained by the busi-nesswoman over suspicions he was starting his own scam.

Customs to impose tighter rules for...Some packages were found

to be spilling with undervalued items and under-declared con-tents during the bureaus spot checks, he said.

Balikbayan boxes are duty and tax-free packages designed for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) sending home gifts to their fami-lies, the BOC said.

However, it should always be noted that these packages have limitations, such as contents not exceeding $500 in value, Lina said.

Canned goods, grocery items and other household effects must not exceed a dozen a kind, while apparel whether used or new must not exceed three yards per cut, Lina said.

He added that one consign-ment per sender during a one-month period is allowed.

These packages should also not contain any banned or regu-lated firearms and ammunition, prohibited drugs, pornographic material and gambling material.

Home appliances are not al-

lowed unless these are consigned to returning Filipino residents and overseas contract workers. We will seize these prohibited ship-ments and revoke registrations of forwarders or consolidators if we find any violations, Lina said.

He further said examination of the shipments is allowed and if a receiver finds any items missing from the packages, he may report this to the proper authorities.

Congressional probe soughtMeanwhile, a group of OFWs

immediately sought an investiga-tion into the reported plan of the BOC to impose additional taxes on balikbayan boxes and other consolidated shipments.

Connie Bragas-Regalado, Mi-grante party-list chair, said Con-gress must look into this.

According to Regalado, Mi-grante has received information that the BOC plans to increase clearing fees for all containers entering Philippine ports to as much as P100,000 to P120,000.

She reported that the first in-crease was actually imposed last July and another will reportedly

be implemented this October.What is the reason and ratio-

nale for this increase? Why was it imposed despite strong opposi-tion from forwarders and OFWs alike? Where will the added cost go? Regalado asked.

She said the least the govern-ment could do to help the mil-lions of Filipino workers abroad is to stop any money-making schemes that will affect them and their families.

Freight forwarders earlier complained that the BOC has ap-proved an increase of taxes cov-ering all shipments in a consoli-dated container from P80,000 to P180,000.

The imposition of additional taxes on consolidated shipments should be thoroughly investigat-ed by Congress when legislators hear the agencys proposed 2016 budget, Regalado said.

She said the additional taxes, which could translate to P325 per balikbayan box, would surely be passed on by the freight forward-ers to OFWs. (With Mayen Jay-malin, Evelyn Macairan)

BalikBayan boxes are duty and tax-free packages designed for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) sending home gifts to their families. However, it should always be noted that these packages have limitations, such as contents not exceeding $500 in value, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said. inquirer.net photo

Overseas voters registration breaches...site for biometric registration.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista lauded the efforts of the DFA and Philippine embas-sies to increase the number of registered overseas Filipino vot-ers.

I hope we can look into the

possibility of holding these reg-istrations in public areas like malls, public squares and parks, community centers and other suitable places where the host government allows the conduct of election-related activities, Bautista said. At the current pace of registration, the 2016

presidential elections will be the first to have over a million ac-tive registered overseas voters. Attaining this goal can definitely be a game changer, Office of Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Undersecretary Rafa-el Seguis, concurrent chairman of DFA-OVS, said.

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL AUgUSt 21-27, 2015(818) 502-0651 (213) 250-9797 http://www.asianjournal.com A

New app aims to push Asian American voter...not comfortable in English (the technical term is limited English proficient), and I want the other 50 percent of us to take initiative in helping them participate fully in civic life, C.M. Samala, executive director of 18 Million Rising told NBC News.

A new report by Asian Ameri-cans Advancing Justice | AAJC, entitled 50 Years of the Voting Rights Act: An Asian American Perspective, found that language assistance is vital to the growing AAPI community, many of whom are immigrants. Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act requires bilin-gual ballots and assistance at the polls for limited English proficient

Estimated $2.74 billion cost of...higher commodity prices due to decreased production in other parts of the state, the report stated.

Researchers estimated that the 2015 drought will result in the fallowing of 542,000 irrigated acres, mostly in the states Cen-tral Valley. An earlier similar UC Davis study estimated around 564,000 acres would be fallowed this year, but the update released Tuesday revised the impact be-cause water transfers, ground-water pumping and surface wa-ter deliveries have changed since our preliminary analysis.

The recent study sees contin-ued economic impacts through 2016 and 2017, which assumes this years water conditions for both years and a slow decline in the water tables. It also predicts nearly 550,000 fallowed acres by 2017.

Total crop revenue losses are projected to reach $902 million this year, and the study estimates that total gross revenue losses from crops under a continued drought will increase to nearly

OVER the weekend, firefighter crews continued battling against wildfires that have destroyed dozens of homes in the West and forced hundreds to evacuate.

Calmer weather on Sunday, Au-gust 16 helped firefighters tighten their grip on the blazes, but dry, hot temperatures and low humid-ity is expected in the days ahead.

Temperatures will be five to seven degrees cooler in the early part of week, but will remain hot for most areas in the valleys and mountains, according to the Na-tional Weather Service. As high-pressure systems over Southern California weakens, clouds, fog, and lower temperature will con-tinue for the rest of the week, with the coolest weather on Thursday, August 20.

In Washington, more crews, including some from the Wash-ington National Guard, are be-ing mobilized in the battle on Monday with several large fires threatening homes in the Chelan area in central Washington. The blazes have destroyed more than 50 structures, forced about 1,500 residents to flee and scorched more than 155 square miles.

Fire incident spokesman Wayne Patterson says air tankers have established lines to keep the flames from reaching downtown Chelan, a popular resort town.

There were literally people on the beaches near that lake in their swimwear out on the lake right near it, Patterson said.

In Oregon, higher humidity and lighter winds allowed crews to slow the spread of wildfires burn-ing up eastern Oregon.

A lightning-sparked fire near

Calmer temperatures ease Western wildfires John Day has grown to nearly 60 square miles and has destroyed at least 26 homes. Roughly 300 firefighters were assigned to the blaze over the weekend, with more on the way.

Improved weather conditions south of Baker City also helped firefighters make progress on the states largest wildfire. The blaze has charred almost 140 square miles and destroyed six homes.

In Colorado, lightning across the northwestern region is sus-pected of sparking about 30 fires over the weekend, keeping fire-fighters running from one blaze to another.

Many of the smaller fires have been contained. The largest of the wildfires is the Four Mile Fire, which has burned over 1,000 acres 20 miles north of Craig. It was 80 percent contained on Monday, August 17.

The Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit says over 4,000 lightning strikes hit northwestern Colorado over the high-tempera-ture weekend.

In California, a large fire north of San Francisco that has been burning for over a week has de-stroyed nine homes and charred more than 39 square miles

But with the improved weather, firefighters are gaining ground against the wildfire, with 85 per-cent containment reported Mon-day.

Fire officials say that over the weekend, smoke from the fire drifted into the San Francisco Bay Area and east of the city, where it was trapped in valleys for several days, causing hazy skies and poor air quality.

The fire is the second of two blazes that have charred land area

near the dry Lower Lake. The first one, which was contained Friday after more than two weeks, de-stroyed 43 homes.

In Southern California, crews working through the night stopped the spread of two Los Angeles County fires that burned several structures, charred hundreds of acres of dry brush and led to the arson arrest of one person.

Three fires in the area simul-taneously occurred Saturday and Sunday, with firefighters battling in the triple-digit heat.

A brush fire sparked near a riverbed in Montebello, a suburb east of downtown Los Angeles, halted operations at an oil field and prompted the evacuation of the Whittier Narrows Recre-ation Area. The fire, which grew to about 200 acres, is 60 percent contained on Monday.

Montebello authorities say a 45-year-old homeless man has been arrested on suspicion of ar-son. The causes of the other two fires were under investigation.

To the north, a wildfire that burned buildings at an aban-doned rehabilitation center in ru-ral Castaic has charred about 300 acres in Angeles National Forest. So far it is 10 percent contained.

Meanwhile, a 2-and-a-half-square-mile fire in the forest above the suburbs of Glendora and Azusa is 60 percent con-tained.

With the triple-digit heat over the weekend, over 2 mil-lion visitors steered clear from hometowns and brush fire warn-ing areas, flocking instead to a cool ocean breeze at LA County beaches. (With reports from the Associated Press and Los Angeles Times)

by Allyson EscobArAJPress

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VP Binay laments demolition job...gram in Makati City.

The supposed findings presented by Mr. Arthur Cruto are misleading and the con-clusions pure conjecture. Da-hil unverified ang beneficiary, ghost na kaagad [Because it is unverified, it doesnt mean it is a ghost beneficiary already], Salgado said.

There were senior citizens reg-istered in Makati City who remain to be beneficiaries of said city even after moving to other locali-ties.

Cruto allegedly has no objec-tion to this policy, Salgado said, when his own mother remained to be a senior citizen beneficiary in Makati City, even though she moved to Cavite already.

Salgado assured that the senior citizens of Makati really apply and submit documents, and they go through a process of verification.

Benefits are also received per-sonally because Makati Citys Social Welfare Department has a system that delists deceased ben-eficiaries.

Assuming without conced-

ing the existence of fake benefi-ciaries, where is the evidence to show any link to the Vice Presi-dent? None, because this is an-other tall tale, Salgado said. He added that nothing could be ex-pected from a known protg of former Vice Mayor Ernesto Mer-cado but lies.

The Liberal Party and Mer-cado cabal in Makati are raising ghost issues to deflect public fo-cus from the deteriorating public service and the return of fixing and other forms of corruption at City Hall, Salgado said.

He then challenged Cruto to execute an affidavit and repeat his statements outside the Senate so that Binays camp can file the appropriate case against him.

Salgado alleged that the only reason why Cruto was confident of his statements is because the Senate gave him immunity to lie about Binay.

He then addressed Senator An-tonio Trillanes 4th, saying that a death certificate is not proof of corruption.

If the senior citizen died within the release period for their ben-

efits, the benefits are released to the beneficiary, he explained.

The program is subjected to regular audit by the Commis-sion on Audit (COA), and there has never been any adverse find-ings.

Pero alam namin na selective kayo sa pagtingin sa COA. Kapag walang makitang mali sa Makati, tinatakot nyo at tinatawag na sangkot sa cover-up [We know that they are selective in checking with the COA. When they do not find any fault, they try to resort to scaring and alleging that we are included in the cover-up], Sal-gado said.

Kapag pabor sa inyo gaya ng sinabi ng dating COA chair, palakpak kayo. Pero kapag kayo mismo ang sinabihan ng COA na ipaliwanag ang overpriced con-sultants, sinasabi nyo na pakana ng oposisyon. Ayos ba sir? [When its in your favor, like what former COA chairman mentioned, you applaud it. But when the COA asks you about your overpriced consultants, you say the opposi-tion is behind it.], Salgado add-ed.

voters, but only when the popu-lation that speaks a minority lan-guage reaches a certain threshold in the community.

As a result, many voters from smaller, less concentrated lan-guage groups who need assistance are left out. Section 208, however, allows voters to receive assistance from a person of their choice, and exit polls show that this is a solu-tion many AAPIs utilize.

VoterVOX works by matching a volunteer translator with a voter identified by community groups as needing help understanding the ballot. The volunteer translator meets the voter at a local library or community center, and they go over the voters mail-in ballot in

the preferred language. To finish, the voter mails in his or her own ballot, and the volunteer translator uploads his or her ballot transla-tion or technical language notes to share with other volunteer transla-tors.

Samala sees this as just the first step to better engagement for multiple communities.

As we make democracy acces-sible in more languages for AAPI communities, we also hope that VoterVOX grows into a platform that all limited English proficient Americans can use to improve ac-cess to voting, health care, hous-ing, and other aspects of civic life, she said. (Allyson Escobar/AJPress with reports from NBC News)

Pacquiao cases head to CA courtPLAINTIFFS who argue the

May 2nd boxing match between Filipino champ Manny Pacquiao and undefeated Floyd May-weather Jr. was a fraud will get a chance to settle their cases before a federal judge in Califor-nia.

The long-awaited match, dubbed the Fight of the Cen-tury at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, received 4.4 million view-ers who paid up to $100 each to watch on pay-per-view. Disap-pointed viewers criticized both boxers performances, including Mayweather, who won the fight by the judges unanimous deci-sion.

Judge R. Gary Klausner, who heard arguments in cases filed last year against Sony Pictures related to a major company cy-ber-hack, will decide if the Pac-quiao cases are granted class-action status before any trial proceeds.

A panel of judges that decides whether to consolidate similar claims brought in different juris-dictions into a single courtroom ruled Friday, August 14 that law-suits filed in multiple states will be heard in the Central District of California, where Pacquiao was said to injure his shoulder while training for the fight.

Pacquiao, 36, injured his rota-

tor cuff in April during a train-ing exercise. His team did not disclose the injury until hours after the May 2 fight, when Pac-quiao said that he re-damaged the shoulder during the fourth round against Mayweather. Ne-vada Athletic Commission offi-cials have considered fining or suspending Pacquiao for not re-porting any injuries on the pre-fight questionnaire.

The US Judicial Panel on Mul-tidistrict Litigation said in its final decision Friday that deter-mining the severity and timing of the boxers rotator-cuff injury could require significant factual, and possibly expert, discovery.

Questions about the facts of the case, including for example who knew about the injury, are sufficiently complex to warrant consolidating the large number of related cases, the panel said.

At least 32 lawsuits had been filed as of mid-May in California, Nevada, Florida, Illinois, Mary-land, New Jersey, New York and Texas. Several more appear to have been filed since.

Pacquiao and his promoter Top Rank Inc. are named in all of the lawsuits, and most also in-clude Mayweather, his promot-ers, as well as cable companies HBO and Showtime.

The lawsuits argue the injury

$940 million by 2017, according to CNBC. Additionally, drought-related losses for the states dairy industry are expected to reach $250 million this year, and anoth-er $100 million for the livestock division.

Increased pumping costs of about $587 million also will cut into farm incomes this year, the report stated. It estimated that groundwater pumping has been able to offset roughly 70 percent of the drought water shortage. However, new water regulations led by California Governor Jerry Brown are going into effect that could curb the ability of farm-ers to rely on groundwater re-serves.

Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings re-leased a report examining the impact of the states current 25 percent mandatory water cuts on water utilities and found 78 per-cent of utilities polled indicated that rate adjustments for Califor-nians will be on tap in the next year or have already begun.

Fitch said the water reduc-tions ordered by the state in May and the short compliance time

frame that utilities had to adjust led to revenue challenges and heighten credit risk for Califor-nias retail water utilities. As a re-sult of reduced water sales, many utilities will experience reduced financial margins in fiscals years 2015 and 2016.

The rating agency forecasts recovery of financial margins in fiscal 2017, even if the severe statewide drought continues.

The median water rate in-crease next year will be around 5 percent, the Fitch report said, also adding that water rate hikes in some areas could go as high as 31 percent.

Besides rate increases, the re-port said more than half of the utilities surveyed expect to offset lower revenues by cutting oper-ating expenditures, and 46 per-cent said they would use finan-cial reserves. 37 percent of the companies also said they would divert from their planned capital spending to help offset the lost revenue, and 2 percent said they would consider debt service re-structuring. (With reports from CNBC)

was not revealed until after the May 2 fight, too late for the mil-lions of worldwide viewers who paid to watch it. HBO and Show-time have said they earned more than $400 million total from the fight.

In court filings, attorneys representing Pacquiao and Top Rank have said the claims are without merit.

An attorney for the defendants declined to comment on August 17, as well as representatives for HBO and Showtime.

Each of the boxers earned more than $100 million in a single night. (Allyson Escobar/AJPress with reports from the Associated Press, BoxingScene.com)

Manny Pacquiao AJPress file photo by Andy Tecson

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Dateline PhiliPPinesMILF apprehensive over proposed new name for BBL

by Alexis RomeRo Philstar.com

PH govt denounces Bangkok bomb attack

MANILAThe Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has reservations over the change of the name of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to Bangsam-oro Autonomous Region (BAR) in the substitute bills filed in Congress.

In an editorial posted on its website luwaran.com, MILF said rebels and soldiers are aware that BAR also stands for Browning Automatic Rifle used by the United States (US) and other countries during the 20th century.

The legislators failed to re-alize how strong the effects of symbolism (are) in determining the mindsets and attitudes of people, the editorial read.

By using BAR, it continuous-ly reminds the Moros of their martial history as an uncon-quered people and the BAR as a very reliable weapon in their wars with government forces in early 70s, it added.

MILF noted that the BAR, which was originally designed by John Browning for the US Expeditionary Corps, was also used during the Vietnam War.

The imposed wars from the Spanish period to the advent of the Americans in the 19th cen-

Rallyists appealed to Congress to resume deliberations on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law and not let the January 25 encounter between policemen and Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao stifle the now 18-year government-MILF peace deal. Philstar.com photo by John Unson

tury and onto the declaration of Martial Law in 1972 have com-pelled the Moros to defend and arm themselves or perish, the group said.

Consequently, as warriors, their psyche is easier to sway to take the path of war than to embrace the so-called path of peace. It is only now under the Aquino dispensation that they see the peace process as genu-ine, it added.

The BBL will form a new Bangsamoro entity with greater economic and political powers. It will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim and Mind-anao (ARMM), which President Aquino called a failed experi-ment.

The measure creating the BBL is now being deliberated in Congress. Critics of the mea-sure, however, are questioning some of its provisions including the nature and the extent of the powers of the Bangsamoro gov-ernment.

MILF also believes that law-makers are overstressing what is obvious when they renamed the measure BAR to emphasize the autonomous character of the entity as part and parcel of the Philippine state.

They want to erase any hint of so-called sub-state status for the Bangsamoro new entity,

and finally, any justification for secession. Fear has now become the prime enemy of peace through the BBL, MILF said.

Well and good! But they are only overstressing what is obvi-ous. Redundancy is never the best practice in writing and in law-making, it added.

MILF stressed that its peace negotiators as well as those of the government have seen to it that the BBL does not contain any provision that violate the Constitution.

The BBL has passed through various discussions including long sessions with constitu-tional experts like Fr. Joaquin Bernas, former Supreme Court Justice Hilario Davide Jr., and many others to ensure that it is compliant to the Constitution, it said.

MILF also reiterated that a diluted BBL would not solve the decades-old problem in Mind-anao.

What then is the use of a law passed by Congress only to prolong the miseries and suf-ferings in Mindanao, because it violated the Framework Agree-ment on the Bangsamoro and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro - and the MILF is forced to reject it? the group said.

by KRistine Angeli sAbillo, nestoR CoRRAles

Inquirer.net

THE Philippine government on Tuesday denounced the bomb-ing in central Bangkok, which has killed at least 20 people.

We condemn the bomb attack that killed and wounded scores of tourists, commuters and resi-dents in Bangkok, Thailand, last night, Communications Secre-tary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

This violent incident un-

LeBron James at the House of Rise. The NBA superstar attended a showcase at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday, Aug. 20, same place where he first met the basketball-crazed Filipinos in 2013. Inquirer.net photo by Tristan Tamayo

derlines the need for solidarity against those who sow terror and inflict violence, he add-ed.

Coloma said the Philippine embassy in Thailand is still co-ordinating with authorities to ascertain the safety and well-be-ing of our citizens.

Reports from Thai media said a Filipino was among those killed in the blast but the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said was still no confirmation of the news.

The Philippine Embassy in

Bangkok is in coordination with the hospitals in the area to verify if any Filipinos are among those who perished or have been in-jured and to provide assistance, DFA Secretary Albert de Rosario said in a statement.

In the statement, Rosario de-plored the horrific bombing which apparently has the inten-tion to sow terror.

He said Filipinos in Bangkok had been advised by our Em-bassy to remain calm and to ob-serve necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

by KRistine Angeli sAbillo Inquirer.net

Palace on Mar-Noy proposal: Not likely

WILL President Benigno Aqui-no III accept proposals for him to be Interior Secretary Manuel Mar Roxas IIs running mate in the 2016 elections?

Malacaang on Thursday, Aug. 20 said that might not be likely.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said they have yet to ask the President about the proposal of Cavite Representative Elpidio Barzaga but that Aquino has announced that he will be retiring from the government when he steps down in 2016.

President Aquino has pre-viously stated that he would like to retire from public office when his term ends at noon of June 30, 2016, and to the best of my knowledge, he has made no comments to the contrary, Coloma has said.

In previous media interviews,

Aquino joked about enjoying his newfound freedom once he steps down from office.

Barzaga, who is from the ad-ministration coalition party Na-tional Unity Party, said Aquino running as Roxas vice president would be a dream ticket.

He pointed out that Aquinos predecessor Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is now Pampanga repre-sentative while former President Joseph Estrada is now Manila Mayor.

The idea of urging the Presi-dent to be Roxas running mate is not far-fetched. PNoy is well loved by the people. A Roxas-Aquino tandem is going to be a sure-fire winner. Its going to be unbeatable, Barzaga has said.

Roxas, who was endorsed by Aquino as standard-bearer of ruling Liberal Party, is still look-ing for a running mate. Senator Grace Poe, who led the last elec-toral survey, has yet to commit to LP.

Duterte seeks death penalty for plunder

by JefRy m. tupAs Inquirer.net

DAVAO CITYMayor Ro-drigo Duterte believes the per-sistent problem of corruption in the Philippines can be remedied if death penalty for plunderers is imposed.

Its a case of desperate times calling for desperate measures, he said.

Drastic measures must be done, he said. Death penalty must be considered for plun-ders.

In a recent meeting with his supporters, Duterte expressed exasperation over the linger-ing problem of corruption in the government and how it has taken its toll on the people, par-ticularly the poor.

Corruption has crept into every fabric of the Philippine society, he said. Corruption is not only happening in the gov-ernment, but even in the private sector and the religious sector.

The mayor of Davao City for 22 years has always been vocal about his stand on the restora-

tion of the death penalty, saying it is a tool that will deter crime.

Duterte, who is being prodded to join in the presidential race, said the Philippines must come up with laws that are tough on corrupt officials.

Laws must be amended to make it easier to prosecute the corrupt, he said.

Duterte always takes pride over his clean record saying no one can prosecute him for corruption.

Public money should always go to the people, benefit people, should better their lives. Public money should never go to the pockets of public officials, he said.

He said: I have never spent even a single centavo of govern-ment money.

Duterte also wants death pen-alty for drug lords and crimi-nals.

I have zero tolerance for drug lords and criminals, he said. Drugs and criminals destroy the future of our children. Those who destroy our children do not de-serve to be part of our lives.


OpiniOn Features

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As part of this celebration, the United Nations World Tourism Or-ganization (UNWTO) commends the 1.1 billion tourists who take international trips every year, and their value as a reliable driving force behind the worlds economy.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon encourages the worlds citizens not just to travel but to work together to maximize the immense potential of tourism to drive inclusive economic growth, protect the environment and promote sus-tainable development and a life of dignity for all.

Today, more than one billion tourists travel to an international destination every year. These billion tourists have made tourism a leading eco-nomic sector, contributing 10 percent of global GDP and 6 percent of the worlds total exports, said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai, who echoed Ki-moons sentiments.

Rifai noted that tourism is behind one in 11 jobs worldwide and that it is a valuable source for mil-lion of people. He also described the tourism sec-tor as a gateway to greater understanding of the world beyond our borders, the first step in build-ing peace and between communities and nations.

According to UNWTO, in 2014, the number of tourists traveling internationally grew by 4.4 per-cent, reaching a new milestone of 1,135 million, and capping a five-year consecutive increase since the global economic crisis of 2009. There results have surpassed UNWTOs long-term projection of 3.8 percent growth for the period 2010 to 2020, well on track to reach the projected 1.8 billion in-ternational tourists by the year 2030.

Yet these big numbers represent more than just economic strength they reflect tourisms vast potential and increasing capacity to address some of the worlds most pressing challenges, including

socio-economic growth, inclusive development and environmental preservation, Rifai added.

Rifai said that tourism is more than just about reaching a destina-

tionit has a global reach. Every time we travel, we become part of a global movement that has the power to drive positive change for our planet and all people.

In the Philippines, tourism remains a thriving industry but requires more improvements to fully maximize its potential. Foreign arrivals for 2014 was recorded at 4,833,368 or 3.25 percent higher than the volume of 4,681,307 arrivals in 2013. Total earnings from inbound tourism in 2014 amounted to P214.88 billion, higher by 15 percent compared to the P186.15 billion registered in 2013.

In the first six months of this year, tourist arriv-als hit a record 2.6 million, 7.6 percent higher than the same period last year, generating P111 bil-lion in tourist receipt. The Dept. of Tourism (DOT) also reported that domestic tourism is the genuine backbone of the countrys tourism. It noted there are 56 million domestic tourists this year from only 44 million last year.

Despite these promising numbers, the country is lowering its target of tourist arrivals from 10 million to six million for this year, saying it was a more realistic figure. DOT revealed that secu-rity and negative travel advisories by a number of countries are challenges that affected the full-year target.

To address this issue, the government has been implementing proposed changes in crisis management and police procedures, coordina-tion, and emergency protocols applicable to acts of violence.

With abundance in natural wonders and the warmth of its people, the Philippines remains con-

Philstar.com photo

Tourist-friendly

Editorial

What undocumented Pinoys can expect from a Donald Trump presidency

NEXT month, the world is celebrating World Tourism Day. This years World Tourism Day highlights the global potential of tourism for socio-economic development.

fident that it has an edge over other travel destina-tions neighbors and still anticipates a major flow of tourists. It also remains focused on enforcing necessary reforms to improve its travel industry.

Regardless of the feeble global market, politi-cal instability and some weak areas in its domestic economy, the Philippine tourism industry remains attractive, unscathed and a bargain. (AJPress)

tered on three principles. The first principle states a nation without borders is not a na-tion. This calls for the United States to build a wall along the southern border, and he repeated his promise to make Mexico pay for the wall and laid out how he would do it: largely through increasing fees on border movement between the United States and Mexico.

The second principle of Mr. Trumps proposal, according to the NYT, calls for strengthening the enforcement arm of the Immigration and Customs En-forcement office, to be paid for by eliminating tax credit pay-ments to illegal immigrants.

The third principle says that any immigration plan must improve jobs, wages and secu-rity for all Americans.

The report further stated that the release of Trumps plan fol-lowed his appearance on NBCs Meet the Press, where he elaborated on his position to deport undocumented immi-grants.

We have to keep the fami-lies together, but they have to go, Mr. Trump said.

When asked how he might accomplish this, especially given the cost, Mr. Trump re-sponded with a question which resonated with many of his Fil-Am supporters as evidenced by their social media posts.

Do you think theres tre-mendous cost for the illegals that are in here right now? Mr. Trump asked. Do you think theres tremendous crime be-ing committed by illegals?

The NYT said Trump prom-ised to expedite it so people can come back in after the de-portation.

The good people can come back, he said.

According to the NYT, Trumps formal policy main-tains what he has contended many times before that Mex-icos leaders have been taking advantage of the United States by using illegal immigration to export the crime and poverty in their own country.

Other parts of Trumps plan, the NYT opined, are similar to the proposals of his rivals in the Republican race. He proposed enforcing the nationwide e-verify system, ending birthright

citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants and increas-ing the prevailing wage for the temporary H-1B visas.

Unlike many of our conser-vative/Republican-leaning Fili-pinos in America, those who are leaning Democrat con-tend that Trumps plan is not humane, and discriminates against immigrants. They also echo Trumps Republican op-ponents who are already criti-cizing his plans, by saying they just wont work.

On the plan to build the wall in the southern border, CNNs Tom Foreman stated in his re-port: If Mexico wont play along, Trump proposes a tor-rent of fees on Mexican citizens, corporate CEOs, and Diplomats who visit the US, possible tariffs and cuts to foreign aid, too. But Foreman also pointed out that Mexico is the United States third-largest trading partner, and that all of Trumps plans could cost the US as well, that was why his political opponents are not impressed.

This is not a negotiation of a real estate deal, OK? This is international diplomacy and

its different, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said, according to CNN.

On Trumps plan to deport the 11 million undocumented immigrants, the CNN report likewise explained that Trump was not clear on how to find them and how to fund deport-ing all of them, even if he would limit the deportation to those with criminal records.

On the issue of Trumps policy that kids of two illegal immigrants should not auto-matically be US citizens even if they are born in the United States, Tom Foreman also stated in his report that there is the 14th Amendment in the US Constitution that was rati-fied in 1868, which stipulated that All persons born in the United Statesare citizens of the United States.

According to Foreman, le-gal scholars say Trumps plan to end birthright citizenship would require changing the Constitution. This is not within the power of the Executive but the Legislature.

Pulitzer prize winning jour-nalist Jose Antonio Vargas,

perhaps the most popular and outspoken undocumented im-migrant in America, shared his frustration about Trumps plan in an interview with Yahoo News Live.

As The Filipino Channels daily newscast Balitang Ameri-ca reported, Vargas was among the beneficiary of President Barack Obamas Expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program, sparing him from deportation for two years, and according him work and travel permit. Trump said he would reverse this.

Vargas said if he would have the chance to talk to Trump, he would ask him, How do you define American, sir?

Vargas added: This is not a reality television show any-more. This is running for presi-dent.

* * *Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFCs Balitang America. Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

FILIPINOS in America are di-vided between two ends of the spectrum: those who believe Donald Trump is their Mes-siah who will help reclaim America (but from whom?) and all her glory; and those who ab-hor Trump and see him as a car-icature, no more than a rich real estate mogul and reality star on TV who craves for attention. The way kababayans responded to Trumps recent announcement about his plan to combat illegal immigration depended on how they view him.

Those who look at Trump as their next President and Com-mander-in-Chief hailed his plan, saying this is fair and just, es-pecially for those who waited in line, came to America through legal means, and paid fees.

As the New York Times (NYT) reported, Trumps plan is cen-

Gel SantoS-ReloS

The Fil-Am Perspective

OUR column last Tuesday triggered a deluge of com-ments, some of them nasty, even one reader accused me of being Binayaran. These readers obviously do not read our columns, word for word. First of all, I clearly pointed out that in the present crop of Presidentiables I have chosen none-of-the-above, none of them should be President of this country! What a dilemma for our people! We cannot find a suitable candidate!

Secondly, I was merely citing which is better voting for an incompetent person or a cor-rupt one? We in Cebu have lived

What about FVR for President... again!

BoBit S. AvilA

ShootingStraight

for nearly five years under the incompetent Aquino regime where we were never given any major infrastructure projects according to a National Eco-nomic Development Authority (NEDA) report. This is why we hate Imperial Manila for these bureaucrats prevent cities from moving forward. All infrastruc-tures have been poured into Metro Manila! Yet a lot of the people in Metro Manila stare at incompetence every single day if you take the Metro Rail Tran-sit (MRT).

Worse for Cebu, the Aquino regime leased the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) for 25 years to the GMR/Mega-wide consortium and during the ground breaking ceremonies for the new Terminal 2, no less than Pres. Aquino revealed to the Cebu media that the P14.4

billion will be deposited in the National Treasury to be used for other projects. Wow! What about our second runway? As I said before, this is the legacy of Pres. Aquino for Cebuanos and we will never forget this big insult.

We already tasted 70 years of having a centralized system of governance and just take a good look at what this has done for the Philippines. From sec-ond to Japan weve dragged ourselves to be the laughing stock of ASEAN. We may brag about our robust economy to-day, thanks to our overseas Fil-ipino workers (OFWs) and the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, which can only be found in two places, India and the Philippines.

But check out the Wallace Forum statistics on Foreign

Direct Investments (FDIs) and youll be dismayed that the Philippines still ranks at the bottom of ASEAN. So now, did you ever hear of any of our Presidentiables say how they would solve or fix this prob-lem on FDIs? No sir, not one of them!

What our nation needs today is a President who should be a reformer, one with the guts to change our highly centralized system of government into a parliamentary-federal form of government. One who has a good track record, experience, the gung-ho attitude and above all the wisdom to lead this na-tion into a better future.

After a lot of thought, I fi-nally found that person. So I asked my good friend, Mr. Rick Ramos who writes for Manila Times to meet up with former

Pres. Fidel V. Ramos (FVR) and he did. Heres an excerpt of his meeting with FVR a few days ago.

I had a meeting with for-mer President Fidel V. Ramos (FVR). He is the best person to champion the parliamenta-ry system and federal form of government. FVR and I talked about the parliamentary sys-tem and the federal form of government. He is all for it. He told me that when he ran for President in 1992, he already wanted a parliamentary sys-tem. He also wanted to do it in 1997, but Cory Aquino and Jaime Cardinal Sin opposed it. Cory thought FVR wanted to become a Dictator like Marcos. T___a talaga.

His strategy is shift first to the parliamentary system and the federal form to follow. He

said that the federal form has to evolve after the parliamen-tary system. It cannot be legis-lated and cited what happened in England and then the UK. I told FVR that the BBL issue can be resolved if we have a fed-eral form of government. The Bangsamoro region can be one for the states. FVR said that he recommended the same 10 years in 2005.

So will FVR accept our chal-lenge to run for President? He must do it as a matter of duty and for a long lasting legacyshifting our nation from ugly politics to one where politicians are true public servants. FVRs only negative is his age. But I dare all the Presidentiables to do push-ups with him and lets see who is stronger physically? Lets go FVR! For God and country! (Philstar.com)

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL AUgUSt 21-27, 2015(818) 502-0651 (213) 250-9797 http://www.asianjournal.com ADateline PhiliPPines

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2

august 21-27, 2015 2NextDayBetter x LA: Tastemakers share why Filipino cuisine is having a moment

by Christina M. OrielAJPress

There is perhaps no better unifier than food.

Case in point: a recent Saturday night when nearly 300 individuals flocked to The Well in Downtown Los Angeles to talk about food. And of course, to eat.

From the venue to the food vendors to the speakers, it was organized as an LA-specific event, according to NextDayBetter LAs lead city curator Diane romualdez.

That specificity underscores NextDayBetters strength of uniting diaspora communities and spurring a call to action that is relevant and tailored for a particular city. Already

this year, the creative speaker and food seriesin partnership with sponsors like Mailchimphas held similar events in San Francisco, Orlando and Toronto, with Washington DC, New York, London and Manila on the lineup in coming months. Around the world, these events are creating platforms to discuss literally how to make the next day better.

Many people left the event learning a lot and feeling inspired from personal stories and entrepreneurial spirits that were shared. Location and the event experience [were] important for the curator team, we wanted to elevate it across the board through partnering with The Well and

involving named food purveyors. The end result exceeded our expectations and proved that taking the time to understand the needs of our community and taking a few risks go a long way, romualdez said.

With the population of Filipinos in Southern California, its continually a surprise that Filipino cuisine hasnt permeated the fine dining scene, as it has (or has begun to, depending on whom you ask) in other cities. Given that void, the LA curation teamcomposed of romualdez, JP Capulong, Krizia Medenilla, Krystal Menez and Mike Tiniowas motivated to organize an event that spoke to that question on everyones minds, featuring tastemakers who have each had their fair share of experiences in the culinary industry.

When it came for us to decide on a theme for this [event], it really was a unanimous decision to talk about and highlight the Filipino tastemakers right here in our backyard that are making waves in the Filipino foodie scene. With so many Filipinos living in Southern California, were always asking ourselves, why hasnt Filipino food gotten the attention that Thai, Japanese, and Korean [food] have?, Medenilla said.

How sustainable agriculture can make the next day better

For Justin Garrido, one of the nights keynote speakers, doing an MBA exchange program in the Philippines was a life-changing experience that exposed him not only to the immense poverty, but also to come up withviable solutions to ameliorate the problem.

From there, he and a classmate launched SocialProject.Ph, a crowdfunding website featuring projects that deal with social issues and environmental challenges in

the Philippines.however, while traveling

around the country, he visited farming communities and realized that farmers themselves could solve eradicating poverty, which, according to Garrido, is a more sustainable and grassroots way to make an impact.

I realized that the true potential of the Philippines wasnt in crowdfunding and what were doing by tapping the Filipino diaspora through remittances, he said during his speech. But it was in the food, the land and agriculture.

Last year, Garrido and his cousin Kris founded Social Products, a social enterprise that sources black rice from farmers in Mindanao. earlier this spring, the product reached the shelves of specialty health food stores across Southern California, and has been used in dishes prepared by local chefs at LASA and rice Bar.

[A] key catalyst within that value chain is the social enterprise that has the business skills to take their products and services to market but also has a heart for the farmers wherein [theres] shared wealth and inclusive growthbasically its what we do and why we exist is to empower Filipino farmers by connecting them to markets, and specifically importing their rice to the US organic food industry, Garrido said.

In return, 5 percent of Social Products profits go back to technical training for the farmers. Now that the company has received organic certification from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), it is looking to target larger organic market chains and introduce more products (i.e. a medley of black, red and brown rices), as well as cultivating other resources like turmeric, ube and cacao.

Food for Thought panel: Samantha Duenas aka DJ SOSUPERSAM (panel moderator), Kristine De La Cruz (co-owner of Crme Caramel LA), Kathleen Reyes (blogger of TheCavery.com), Charles Olalia (chef/owner Apostrophe and Rice Bar) , Chad Valencia and Chase Valencia (brothers behind LASA pop-up) Photos by Brian Trinidad + pisforprops

Little Ongpin Pancit and Leelin Bakery and Cafe Empanadas

Krizia Medenilla, Diane Romualdez, Samantha Duenas, Mike Tinio, and Krystal Menez

After the program, Social Products sampled its black rice with various toppings, such as pieces of bangus. In addition to helping out the livelihood of farmers, the company shows that the Philippines is home to many superfoods; a spoonful of black rice alone packs in more antioxidants than a bowl of blueberries.

On just doing it and following your dreams

If theres anything that LA-native Alvin Cailanowner and chef at eggslut and ramen Champ, two wildly popular and successful eateries in Downtown LAcan draw from his experiences, its going ahead with his passion and not letting detractors stand in the way.

The key to my success and the key to believing and making dreams happen is: just doing it, he said.

his rise as a chef began when his father taught him how to cook eggs at a young age.

So what did I learn how to cook? I learned how to cook eggs like everyone elseI think everyone can relate: waking up in the morning and smelling spam, eggs, vienna sausage, and longganisa, he told the audience. Its a natural progression.

he went on to work as a

dishwasher at 15 years old, where cooking professionally really started for him. When it came time to go to college, however, Cailan studied business and got his first post-grad job with a construction company.

All I could think of every day was, what am I going to cook for dinner? Cailan said.

One day, he packed up and just drove to Portland to attend culinary school.

I made it work because I really, really wanted it. Determination is key. Making the first step is one thing but actually pulling through and doing it is the biggest thing, he continued, adding that

he knocked on the doors of every major restaurant in Portland in search for a job with no luck.

When he finally found a paying gig, the restaurant flopped six months later, prompting another move down the coast to Yountville and Napa, where some of the countrys best and Michelin-starred restaurants are located. Bouchon offered him a job, but he declined and moved back to LA where he made rounds at pinky up restaurants.

I go, I eat a breakfast sandwich and Im like this sandwich sucks and at the time, in LA, everyone

Continued on Page 4

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4 Citrus Pointes model homes debut this Saturday, August 1

UPLANDA renewed lifestyle opportunity is smiling on homebuyers this Saturday, August 1st when William Lyon Homes unveils the stunning Citrus Pointe model homes at The Orchards in Upland. Guests attending this exciting Model Grand Opening will be the first to tour the four beautifully decorated and furnished models and explore the neighborhoods contemporary two- and three-story townhome designs. Buyers who want to relax in style will appreciate Citrus Pointes comfortably sized floorplans and modern amenities, as well as the rare advantages of owning a new home with private recreational amenities and no Mello Roos fees. From The Orchards private recreation center and parks to the amazing commuter-friendly location near freeways and a Metrolink station, its clear that Citrus Pointe is a must-see for new homeownership in downtown Upland. Those interested are encouraged to bring family and friends to this Saturdays model grand opening event when doors open at 10 am to explore this incredible new-home opportunity. Further details on The Orchards can be found at www.lyontheorchards.com. For additional details on Citrus Pointe, visit www.LyonCitrusPointe.com or to learn more about the communitys second neighborhood, visit www.LyonCitrusCourt.com.

Citrus Pointe is the first of two neighborhoods to debut at The Orchards, and its already become one of the most talked-about new-home collections in Upland, said Ben Blomdahl,

Director of Sales for William Lyon Homes. Were incredibly excited to welcome our buyers to the Model Grand Opening on Saturday and look forward to exceeding their expectations.

Citrus Pointes 5 townhome designs suit a range of lifestyles with spacious interiors spanning from approximately 1,177 to 1,583 square feet, with 2 to 3 bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half baths, 2-car attached garages, and dens and lofts in select plans. Prices start from the $345,000s.

Citrus Courts distinctive attached-home collection features 4 well-appointed designs with interiors spanning between 923 and 1,723 square feet, with 2 to 3 bedrooms, 2 to 3 baths and 2-car

garages. Distant views of the Mount Baldy and the San Gabriel Mountains are available from select locations in both neighborhoods. Prices start from the $330,000s.

Just steps from homes, homeowners will find The Orchards exclusive recreational amenities including a sparkling pool and spa; barbecues for outdoor gatherings; and a private recreation center. Pocket parks and greenbelts will also be scattered throughout the community.

The appealing downtown Upland setting puts the Metrolink station within walking distance for easy rides to Los Angeles-area employment and attractions, while I-210 and I-10 are both nearby, easing the burden of driving commutes. For frequent travelers, the Ontario International Airport is also within close proximity.

Homeowners will value the sports and leisure opportunities surrounding The Orchards with golf available at Red Hill Country Club & Golf Course and Upland Hills Country Club, baseball fields across the street at Olivedale Park, and challenging indoor climbing workouts at Hangar 18 Climbing Gym. Residents seeking culture, dining and shopping attractions can be in Uplands historic downtown in minutes to enjoy a mix of charming boutiques, antique stores, restaurants and live theater. In neighboring Ontario, bargain shoppers will have Ontario Mills retail outlet at their disposal, while the renowned Victoria Gardens retail center in nearby Rancho Cucamonga will offer Macys, AMC Theatres, Wells Fargo Bank, Flemings Prime Steakhouse, The Cheesecake Factory and a number of other popular shops and dining spots. Vons and Trader Joes grocery stores will also be

just a short distance from the community.

To visit Citrus Pointe and Citrus Court at The Orchards, travel west on I-10, exit Euclid Ave., turn left, then turn right on Euclid Ave., right on 8th St. and follow the signs. From I-210, exit North Campus Ave. and travel south. Turn right on E. 16th St., left on Euclid Ave., then left again on E. 8th St. and follow the signs. Located on the corner of 8th St. and Sultana Ave., The Orchards Sales Gallery is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

For more information, please call (909) 946-0900, or visit www.LyonCitrusPointe.com or www.LyonCitrusCourt.com.

It matters who your builder is and William Lyon Homes is a company built upon a legacy of pride and integrity. A team of visionaries who are passionate about homebuilding and committed to providing a high quality homebuying and homeownership experience, William Lyon Homes has earned a solid track record for outstanding construction and customer service since 1956. The company continues to expand its well-respected brand beyond California, Arizona and Nevada and into other market areas across the Western region with the acquisition of Polygon Northwest Homes, its newest division in Washington and Oregon, and its Village Homes division in Colorado. William Lyon Homes shares are publicly traded on NYSE under the symbol WLH. For updated information and to learn more, visit www.lyonhomes.com.

Prices are effective as of the date of publication. Pricing is approximate and is subject to change without prior notice. CalBRE Officer License: 00982816. (Advertising Supplement)

From Page 2

didnt eat breakfastso I thought I had something there: I could make a damn good sandwich. Ive been doing fine dining, why not make a sandwich? Then I realized, man, Im broke, Calian said. He sold his car and bought a food truck, which was timely as the citys food truck craze was peaking. Naming the truck Eggslut, Cailan had three menu options all made with eggs and parked in front of Intelligentsia Coffee in Silver Lake.

If people buy $7 coffee, theyre going to buy $6 breakfast sandwiches. They did, but the thing is the other business owners and restaurants on that street complained so I had to move and that was the biggest hit. Three months rolled by and I was making like $50 a day. I was running the truck myselfI would wake up at 4 in the morning from Compton and drove it down to West Hollywood myself. Back then, it was just yell 1, 2 or 3 because I [was] the cashier, cook and everything else, he said.

Then, one miraculous morning Ruth Reichl (famed food critic and former editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine) stumbled upon the truck and ordered the coddled egg atop potato puree.

Im looking out the window and she digs in and eats it. Boom, you just see it. Im like Icrushed this, Cailan said, recalling that feeding one of the most influential food writers led to an uptick in social media followers and attention from other writers. I owe it to her. If it wasnt for her, I wouldnt have gotten to shine. She gave me a chanceNext thing you know, every food blog and writer [was] hitting me up.

Today, Eggslut is a fixture at Grand Central Market, where lines can span anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour. (One of the nights raffle items was a front of the line ticket the modern day version of the Golden Ticket.)

[W]hat I love about our generation of Filipinos [is that] we actually put in work. We go in there and dont take no for an answer and thats why were here today, right?, he said.

Why Filipino food can finally

NextDayBetter x LA: Tastemakers share...have its moment

In what Samantha Duenas aka DJ SOSUPERSAM called a state of the union of Filipino cuisine, a group of food-minded individuals agreed that bringing together the Filipino-American community can propel the food to a mainstream level similar to some of its Asian neighbors.

On the panel was: Charles Olalia, former executive chef of Patina who started his own pop-up series called Apostrophe and is now chef/partner at Ricebar in Downtown; Kristine de la Cruz, owner of Crme Caramel, an LA-based custard & confection dessert shop specializing in traditional baking recipes with Filipino ingredients; brothers Chad and Chase Valencia who run the much sought after, monthly pop-up series LASA Restaurant; Kathleen Reyes, paleo gourmand and blogger of TheCavery.com.

The conversation fully engaged the audience, touching upon subjects like the authenticity of Filipino food, how to make it healthy and why 2015 is the right time. Here are a few soundbites:

One night it hit me for the 50th timeit was pasta and not pancit. I had to make a decision. It took a while but at that point, it was about eight years of cooking, I think I was ready to try at least, whether I knew we were going to succeed or not, said Chad, who had been been working at neighborhood spots like Canele and Sqirl in Los Angeles and Contigo in San Francisco.

Olalia, who has 12 years of experience working at the French Laundry, Patina and Terranea Resort, shared how he began his Filipino pop-up series earlier this year.

The reason I started cooking back then was to bring people together to be the very reason of why people had a good time. Through the years, it got lost in techniques, ranks and working up the ladder. I wanted to cook Filipino food. This is what I missed the most. So I came back here [to LA] in February and did a Filipino pop-up and I got in trouble with my job and you cant do that. At

the time, I had a specific clause that I couldnt do anything outside of my restaurant, he said.

How Filipino food can resonate with customers

When we first started the business, it started with my familys leche flan and my aunt and uncle adapted it, so it [had] Filipino taste and French texture. But we didnt even start doing the Filipino ingredients until a year into it when we participated in FPACFrom there, it just shows us how much community really stems from your heritagethe ube and buko pandan were the two flavors we did because that was what we were familiar with. When we introduced it to our menu at the farmers market, people were asking, whats that purple thing? I would say ube but they hear blueberry Because we sample a lot it gives people the opportunity to try it without feeling they have to buy it to experience it. I think with Filipino food, the exposure through other types of preparation is giving people the opportunity to try it in different ways, said de la Cruz.

Through the three years Ive been blogging, Ive been seeing patterns of Filipino food in social media, so the presence of Filipino food has greatly populated social media lately and I think thats been feeding the Filipino food movement Reyes shared.

Striking a balance between authenticity and being unique

For the Valencia brothers at LASA, which boasts California cuisine influenced by Filipino components, looking at the building blocks of Filipino cuisine has guided their menu decisions.

With LASA, we always considered the flavor profiles and the foundation of flavors of Filipino foodFor us, were always trying to find ways to respect that without trying to take away from that aspect of Filipino food. For instance, we would create dishes such as the adobo braised octopus where we would braise the octopus tentacle in the adobo and then later sear it, [while] still keeping components of adobo

Continued on Page 6

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Atty. RobeRt Reevesben LovemAn And nAncy e. miLLeR

Your ImmigrationSolution

Uscis new policy memo expands cspa

On July 29, 2015, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) posted a new policy memorandum on its website providing guidance to its officers and to the public regarding the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). The policy memorandum was previously circulated as a proposed policy and appears to have been finalized on April 15, 2015 (the date on final version of the memo). The new policy clarifies and expands the applicability of the CSPA.

The newly finalized policy memorandum will allow many children who were previously determined to be ineligible for CSPA protection a chance to reapply and

potentially qualify for permanent residency if certain requirements can be met. The new policy could also spur persons who previously did not apply because of perceived ineligibility to apply for permanent residency.

As many of our readers know, the CSPA was passed by Congress to mitigate the problem of children ageing-out as derivatives under their parents cases which resulted in familial separation. A child is no longer considered a child for the purpose of qualifying as a derivative beneficiary of a parents petition when they reach their twenty-first birthday. The CSPA provides a mechanism which allows certain children to remain children despite reaching the age of twenty-one.

The implications of the new policy can only be understood if we first take a step back and see how the CSPA operates to protect children from ageing-out. The CSPA allows children to freeze their age and deduct the amount of time the

qualifying petition was pending with USCIS from their age but only if they seek to acquire permanent resident status within one year of the availability of the immigrant visa number (also known as the priority date). Thus, the key triggering event for CSPA protection is the child taking affirmative action to seek to acquire resident status. The child must do this within one-year of a visa becoming available as determined by reference to the monthly Department of State Visa Bulletin.

The newly adopted USCIS policy allows for exceptions to the one-year deadline for seeking to acquire. This means that in some cases persons who have failed to seek to acquire within one-year may remain eligible for CSPA protection. The policy memorandum states that this one-year deadline can be excused if the failure to seek to acquire resident status was not the childs fault and was the result of extraordinary circumstances.

The policy memorandum

instructs USCIS officers to examine cases to determine if CSPA protection applies and to grant CSPA protection if extraordinary circumstances are established and: (1) the circumstances were not created by the individuals own action or inaction; (2) the circumstances were directly related to the failure to act within the one-year period; and (3)The delay was reasonable under the circumstances.USCIS has not provided an all-encompassing list of qualifying circumstances which would establish eligibility for waiver of the one-year deadline but instead has laid out several examples of circumstances which couldmitigate in favor of USCIS excusing an applicant seeking to acquire residency beyond the one-year deadline. These circumstances include: legal disability, such as mental impairment, serious illness or mental or physical disability during the one-year period, ineffective

assistance of counsel , timely filing rejected by the USCIS, followed by a prompt, corrected filing, and death or serious illness or incapacity of legal representative or immediate family member.

Finally, the new policy allows applicants whose cases were denied based on failure to meet the one-year filing requirement to file a motion to reopen for further consideration of their case. A motion to reopen must usually be filed within 30 days of a decision but USCIS will allow late-filed motions to reopen in this type of case. The ability to file a late motion to reopen will only apply to persons who had their cases denied between June 8, 2012 through the issuance of new policy. However, applicants who were denied prior to that date can reapply for resident status if they can meet the requirements discussed above.

The CSPA was passed to help ensure family unity. USCISs new policy will allow the CSPA to

protect even more families as it allows exceptions to the previously rigid one-year rule. Whether or not a particular case will meet USCISs definition of extraordinary circumstances will come down to the particular facts of that case and then, more importantly, how the case is prepared and presented to USCIS. We encourage all persons whose cases might be impacted by this new policy to speak with an experienced immigration attorney.

***Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that have set new policies regarding INS action and immigrants rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration @rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com.

***The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)

Atty. Kenneth URsUA Reyes

Barristers Corner seven things you should not

do when served with divorce papers by your spouse

FOr most people, being served with divorce papers by your spouse is probably one of the biggest surprises in your life. The spouse in the receiving end of the divorce sometimes are not offered any explanation for the divorce petition by their spouse. You may start getting upset about how this can happen to you and start doing things that are going to be seriously detrimental to your divorce case later on in the proceeding. Here are seven things you should not do.

Do not confront your spouse and commit domestic violence

Many spouse feel very angry and upset upon receiving the divorce papers. You may start blaming your spouse and attacking your spouse. You may even yell, threaten, scream, or even physically assault your spouse. This type of confrontation is called domestic violence. You may be arrested criminally if your spouse calls law enforcement. Your spouse may also

file a domestic violence restraining order against you. Either one would compromise your ability to seek custody of your children, child support, and spousal support. It would also affect your credibility as a witness for future proceedings. In addition if you do this in front of the children, this may be looked at as domestic violence and abuse against the children. The incident may be reported to Child Protective Services for investigation.

Do not run to the bank and empty out all your bank accounts or sell assets except for funds necessary retain legal representation in the divorce.

If you have assets, do not run and empty out your bank accounts with the goal of securing it from your spouse. The divorce petition and summons includes certain automatic temporary restraining orders (ATrOS) which prohibits transferring and encumbering assets. You will be in violation of the ATrOS if you do this. Your

spouse may also make a claim for breach of fiduciary duty against you. However there are certain exceptions to withdrawing funds such as funds necessary for your living expenses and funds you need to retain an attorney.

Orange County/Inland Empire -- August 21 -- 27, 2015

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