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Volume 23 - No. 18 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages may 6-12, 2016

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ELECTION SECURITY. Aided by modern technology like cellphones and social media, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will go hi-tech to monitor the situation nationwide during the elections on Monday, May 9. PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez urged the 160,000-strong police force to show their commitment to secure the May 9 polls as the police launched their national election monitoring and action center (NEMAC) at Camp Crame, Quezon City. Philstar.com photo by Boy Santos

West Point, NY chapel returns San Pedro bell to Bauang, La Union church

Poe: Filipinos fed up with ‘straight path’ policy

California raises smoking age to 21

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Binay: I’d rather run scared than be overconfident

COURTING VIGAN. Vice President Jejomar Binay campaigns with former PNP Special Action Force chief Getulio Napeñas, a senatorial candidate, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur province. Inquirer.net photo

Palace mourns passing of ex-Foreign Secretary Siazon

Vice President Jejomar Binay does not want to be too confident as the cam-paign winds down, saying he opts to run “scared” four days before the may 9 elections.

in an interview on thursday, may 5 in isabela where he took his campaign motorcade, Binay said his philosophy in politics was not to be too confident.

he vowed, however, that he would still win the presidential race.

Asked if he had done all he could in his campaign, Binay said: “it’s not enough. one of my rules in politics is that i shouldn’t be overconfident. Always running scared, which means up to the last second of the allowable campaign, we will be campaigning.”

for his part, United Nationalist Alli-ance senatorial candidate and boxing champion manny Pacquiao said the warm support he and Binay had been

by Marc Jayson cayabyabInquirer.net

by Maila agerInquirer.net

cAVite, Philippines—Presi-dential aspirant senator Grace Poe hit the administration anew on tuesday, saying that people are already fed up and “disillusioned” with its “daang matuwid” (straight path) poli-cy.

“Ang mga tao ay sawang-sawa na, ang mga tao ay disillu-sioned dahil palaging idinidiin ‘daang matuwid, daang matu-wid’ samantalang nakikita na-man natin ang serbisyo ay pal-

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mAlAcAñANG is mourning the death of former foreign Affairs secretary Do-mingo siazon.

“We pause in tribute to Domingo sia-zon, former secretary of foreign affairs (1995-2001) and Philippine ambassador to Japan (1993-1995 and 2001-2010),” presidential spokesperson edwin laci-erda said in a statement on Wednesday, may 4.

“respected by his colleagues in the foreign service, his peers abroad, and by presidents and the public alike, he belonged to the second generation of career diplomats who served with pro-

by Kristine angeli sabilloInquirer.net

cAliforNiA Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednes-day, may 4, signed into law a package of bills that changes the state’s legal smoking age from 18 to 21, among other new regulations. the legislation makes california the second state in the nation, following hawaii, to raise its smoking age to 21.

“[these laws] will save countless lives, re-duce astronomical costs to the health care system, and cost very little because it uses existing enforcement mechanisms,” said sen. ed hernandez (D-West covina), who authored the bill to raise the purchasing age of tobacco products, on Wednesday. “today was an enormous victory for not only this generation, but also for many generations to come who will not suffer the deadly impacts of tobacco.”

Also approved in the package were mea-sures that place restrictions on where people can smoke and the sale of electronic ciga-rettes.

the bills have been praised as the “most ex-

US extradites Fil-Am suspect in Olongapo murder

the primary suspect of the heinous mur-der of 23-year-old Karie ces “Aika” mojica in olongapo city, Zambales in July last year was extradited by the Us back to the Philip-pines on sunday, may 1.

filipino-American Jonathan Dewayne Vi-ane, 29, was turned over by agents of the federal Bureau of investigation (fBi) after getting arrested in iowa september 3 of last year. Viane arrived at the Ninoy Aquino in-ternational Airport (NAiA) at 4 am sunday morning.

Viane allegedly murdered mojica, a store supervisor and his wife’s best friend last July 25. the murder went viral on social media after mojica’s body was found burned, stran-gled and shot before being disposed in a dike in san felipe, Zambales.

reports say that mojica had a conversa-tion with Viane the night before her murder. she was convincing him to allow his wife to bring their 4-year-old son back to the Us.

Viane fled outside the country after the crime while the second suspect, Niño Dela cruz, also a fil-Am, was arrested by the Phil-

Workers unbolt the San Pedro bell from its base outside the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel in West Point, New York. Photos by Troi Santos

by MoMar g. VisayaAJPress

West PoiNt, NY—the parish priest of the church, filipino officials and community members, a few cadets and parishioners took turns in ringing the san Pedro bell one last time on April 29, before it was sent back to its rightful home in Bauang, la Union after remaining for 101 years in West Point, New York.

“the return of the san Pedro Bell embodies the strong bond and deep understanding of our nations, particularly when we were allies during the first and second World Wars, the Korean War and the Vietnam conflict. We are therefore extremely grateful as a coun-try and as an ally to the United states,” said consul

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pak sa maraming ahensya ng gobyerno. (the filipino peo-ple are fed up, they are disillu-sioned with the “straight path” policy while we see that the services in many government agencies are inefficient),” Poe said in an interview after hold-ing a motorcade in this vote-rich province for more than six hours.

“Matagal ko nang pinupu-na rin ‘yan. Nakikita natin na hindi nagiging prayoridad ang pangangailangan ng ating mga

Sen. Grace Poe

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon

iGlesiA ni cristo-run eagle Broad-casting corp. has reported that the influential church will support Davao city mayor rodrigo Duterte and sen. ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. in the may 9 elections.

eagle News reported on its web-site that Duterte and marcos were included in sample ballots already distributed to members across the country. the iglesia ni cristo (iNc)

It’s Duterte-Marcos for Iglesia ni Cristoby Jonathan de santos

Philstar.com had previously declined to comment on the existence of the sample bal-lots.

According to the report, aside from Duterte and marcos, the church is also supporting the following can-didates for senator:

• former technical skills educa-tion and Development Administra-tion Director-General Joel Villan-ueva

• Philippine red cross chairman The bloc-voting, homegrown Christian sect Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on Wednesday, May 4, endorsed Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for President and Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for Vice President in Monday’s national elections.

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From the Front Page

receiving from the ground was a far cry from the Vice President’s declining survey ratings.

“We met so many people in the places we’ve been to, their welcome has been very warm. The people’s reception is very far from what we see in the sur-veys. Like what VP said, survey results will be seen after the elections,” said Pacquiao who accompanied Binay in the Isa-bela sortie.

UNA President Toby Tiangco earlier said Binay would win the “ground war” because of the support of a broad coalition of supporters and partners.

Binay’s spokesperson Rico Quicho added that the surveys, which show Binay declining in ratings, did not reflect the sup-port for Binay on the ground.

According to the latest Pulse Asia survey conducted April 26 to 29, Binay placed fourth with 17 percent, down one percent from the previous survey con-ducted April 19 to 24.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, meanwhile, retained his lead at 33 percent among 4,000 respondents, followed by admin-istration candidate Mar Roxas and erstwhile front-runner Sen. Grace Poe in a statistical tie at 22 percent and 21 percent, respec-tively.

Sen. Miriam Defensor Santia-go got only two percent.

The survey has a margin of er-ror of plus-or-minus 1.5 percent-age points. Four percent remains undecided.

Binay used to lead in the sur-veys, until the corruption allega-tions caught up with him when the Office of the Ombudsman in-dicted him for malversation, graft and falsification of public docu-ments over the alleged overpric-ing of the Makati car park build-ing when he was mayor.

On Wednesday, Binay said he had lost confidence in the sur-veys since losing his lead.

Quicho said Binay’s victory would be similar to his vice presidential win in 2010, when he gained momentum in the sur-veys to surpass his nemesis Mar Roxas just before Election Day.

“History will indeed repeat it-self. This election will be won on the ground on Election Day. Let us all vote early with your family and friends,” Quicho said.

Binay: I’d rather run scared than...“To the other candidates: Do

not celebrate yet, good things are about to happen, Binay is coming,” he added.

Meanwhile, in the final Stan-dard poll conducted April 27 to May 1, Binay also shed some points at 15 percent, down from 18 percent in the March 26-April 1 survey and from 23 percent in the Feb 24-Mar 1 poll.

Duterte remained the front-runner in that survey at 32 per-cent, followed by Poe with 25 percent and Roxas with 22 per-cent. Santiago placed last with two percent.

Four percent were undecided. The survey has 3,000 voting age respondents and a margin of er-ror of plus-or-minus 1.8 percent-age points.

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California raises smoking age...pansive” effort to control tobacco use in California in more than 10 years. The package received sup-port from health groups includ-ing the American Cancer Soci-ety, American Heart Association, California Medical Association and American Lung Associa-tion. Supporters also pointed out that tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death and is re-sponsible for the deaths of up to 34,000 Californians each year.

In the package, Brown, howev-er, vetoed a bill that would have allowed counties to seek voter approval of local tobacco taxes to pay for healthcare expenses for individuals with tobacco-related illnesses, the Los Angeles Times reported.

“Although California has one of the lowest cigarette tax rates

in the nation, I am reluctant to approve this measure in view of all the taxes being proposed for the 2016 ballot,” Brown wrote in his veto message for a bill au-thored by Assemblyman Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica).

An exemption for the legal smoking age exists for individu-als in active military, who will still be allowed to purchase ciga-rettes at the age of 18.

In response to the bills, the tobacco industry has threatened to seek a referendum that would reverse the smoking age and lift the restrictions on e-cigarettes. Lawmakers, as a result, have made it harder to qualify a refer-endum.

Opponents of Brown’s approv-al, including the Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association, which represents electronic ciga-

rette makers, criticized the pas-sage of the bills on Wednesday. It said it would work to educate voters about the industry.

“California took a step back-wards today by reclassifying vapor products as tobacco,” the association said in a statement. “Stigmatizing vapor products, which contain no tobacco, and treating them the same as com-bustible tobacco while actively seeking to economically penal-ize smokers attempting to switch is counterproductive to public health.”

A 2015 study by the Institute of Medicine estimated that boosting the tobacco purchase age to 21 will result in 200,000 fewer pre-mature deaths between 2000 and 2019, and 50,000 fewer deaths due to lung cancer for people born in the same time period.

West Point chapel returns San Pedro bell...General Mario L. de Leon, Jr.

Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cha-pel chaplain Matthew Pawlikowski led a mass for the event partici-pants before leading a procession to the bell outside the chapel. The chaplain also blessed the bell in a valediction ceremony, right before the bell was rung for the last time, then unbolted to be prepped for shipping.

“Last November, we received a letter from the pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, established in 1587 and through that letter, we learned that the church is also the home of the San Pedro bell,” said Col. Wayne Green, Chief of Staff of the United States Military Academy. “There was no question on the proper disposition that we should take. We knew the right and honorable thing to do was to send San Pedro bell home.”

Col. Green also said that for the past six months or so, they com-municated back on forth with the Bauang parish on how they can return the bell.

“We’re now here today in the spirit of friendship and cooperation to say farewell to the San Pedro bell which has been part of the West Point community for many years and return it to its rightful place,” Col. Green added. “In doing so, we not only affirm our commitment to one another but also return to Sts. Peter and Paul its voice and it is our hope that through this bell, the church will speak to the community for many generations to come.”

San Pedro bell history“It is said that the history of West

Point is the history of America. The bell is part of that,” said Sonny Busa, a community leader repre-senting the US-Philippine Society and the West Point Society of the Philippines. “The return of the bell is a manifestation of the strong bilateral ties between the United States and the Philippines,” he added.

In 1833, Father Mariano Garcia, assistant priest of Bauang, La Union was given a large bell by the province’s Lieutenant-Governor, D. Mariano Balancio and a Lieutenant D.D. Hilario Calica.

The 834-pound bell, an alloy of gold, silver and copper, was baptized and named San Pedro. It was almost destroyed during the Philippine-American War.

Engraved on the bell are these words: ‘Siendo Cura Parroco El M.P.P.F. Mariano Garcia Ano de 1883 / Donacion del Gobernador-cillo D. Mariano Balancio y del te-niente D. Hilario Calica A su Yglesia de Bauang’.

The bell was brought to the United States in 1902 after the U.S. forces took it in 1899. In 1915, the bell came to West Point.

“It was during the process of chasing Emilio Aguinaldo then. The U.S. Army had an SOP that if they see things that could be converted into bullets, they would confiscate them. The bell was one of the things they seized in the town of Bauang, La Union,” explained Busa, a retired Department of State foreign service officer. “They heard a rumor that

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the insurgents, the insurrectos were making artillery out of church bells, so they took the town’s bell.”

Thomas Barry, a West Point graduate from the Class of 1877 served in the Philippines during the Philippine-American War and subsequently became the 27th Superintendent of the Military Academy. Through cooperative ef-forts in the Philippines, Barry was instrumental in sending the bell to West Point in 1915.

The bell remained in the church belfry for 44 years unhung and un-rung only to be discovered during the 1959 expansion of the chapel. Before being shipped to the Phil-ippines, the bell stayed outside the chapel on a base which was designed in the 1980s and funded by the West Point chapter of the Daughters of the U.S. Army.

On November 10, 2015, the pastor of St. Peter and Paul Church in Bauang wrote a letter to the Military Academy Superintendent, requesting the Academy to return the bell to its home in the Philip-pines.

“Gen. Caslen read the letter and they conducted an investigation. Their historians verified this claim and the conclusion is that the bell belongs to the people of Bauang. He made a moral and ethical deci-sion to return it,” explained Busa. “Now, the bell will be on its way home. We can very well call it our Balikbayan Bell.”

Last January 28, 2016, Lieuten-ant General Robert Caslen, Jr. wrote back to Fr. Ronald Chan obliging his request.

“I have a special interest because it is going back to the Diocese of San Fernando,” added Consul General de Leon, who added that his father is from the town of San Juan, the town after San Fernando. Bauang is part of the Diocese of San Fernando.

Community response“It is very heartwarming. I am

so elated because this bell is going back to Bauang, which was our vacation place then. I didn’t want to miss this opportunity,” said Jo-sephine Gopiao of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities (PAFC), an organization based in Northern Virginia. She joined a group of community leaders who drove from Washington, DC

and Maryland to attend the bell’s send-off.

Members of the group sang ‘Bayan Ko’ after Busa delivered his speech. Filipino and some Filipino-American cadets joined members of the community in the singing.

“I am very happy that the bell is going back home, this is an important part of our history,” said Don Stanley Dalisay, one of only two Filipinos from the Philippines who are currently enrolled at West Point. “This highlights the strong relationship between the United States and the Philippines espe-cially considering our jaded history. We’ve fought against each other before, now we’re allies in the Asia Pacific region.”

Dalisay comes from the town of Tingloy, Batangas. He is a junior cadet at West Point taking up eco-nomics and operations research. He spent a year as a plebe at the Philippine Military Academy as a part of the Gabay-Laya Class of 2016.

“This bell (San Pedro) was inci-dental. The group is trying to get the Balangiga Bells back and that is why they have been communi-cating with me. Admiral McKin-non told me that he heard there’s another bell at West Point so he told me to look into it and do some research,” Dalisay explained.

The group he was referring to is the group of Rear Admiral Dan McKinnon, Dennis Wright and other U.S. Navy veterans who have been heavily involved in getting the Balangiga Bells of Samar back to the Philippines.

The cadet went to the library to do his research but he stumbled on a dead end as there was nothing about San Pedro bell. West Point officials just took photos of the bell and sent it to the group and the Balangiga historian in Leyte, Dr. Rolando Borrinaga who was able to trace the origin of the bell and cross reference the Spanish inscription on the bell with records of parishes.

Armed with that information, Father Chan of Sts. Peter and Paul wrote that letter to the US Military Academy Superintendent Robert Caslen.

Almost six months have passed, and now the San Pedro bell is on its way back home.

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It’s Duterte-Marcos for Iglesia...Richard Gordon

• Senate President Franklin Drilon

• Philippine Health Insurance Corp. Director Risa Hontiveros

• Former Metro Manila De-velopment Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino

• Leyte Rep. Martin Romual-dez

• Sen. Ralph Recto• Sarangani Rep. Manny Pac-

quiao• Sen. Vicente Sotto III• Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin

“Win” Gatchalian• Former Sen. Panfilo Lacson• Former Sen. Juan Miguel

ZubiriEagle News reported that INC

Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo “reminded all the breth-

ren to follow God’s teachings on unity when they go to the polls on May 9” in a circular letter read by INC ministers.

Endorsement by the INC is considered a potential game changer, with President Benigno Aquino III himself meeting with Manalo on Monday, May 2.

“For the church members, vot-ing as one body is part of follow-ing the teachings contained in the Bible regarding unity, and not allowing divisions within the Church of Christ,” the Eagle News report said.

INC spokesman Ka Edwil Za-bala earlier Thursday declined to confirm whether an announce-ment had already been made on who the church will support on election day.

“Wala pa rin naman na

nababago sa sinabi ko sa mga taga-press/media na nagtanong. Kapag nasabi na namin sa mga kapatid namin sa Iglesia kung sino ang napagakaisahang iboto ng INC ay malalaman din ninyo,” he said in a text message.

Eagle News quoted him as saying, however, that church members have been patiently waiting for the INC leadership’s decision.

“The moment INC members receive that decision — since we are fully convinced about the biblical basis for upolding unity — we will abide by that deci-sion,” he said in the Eagle News report.

The Eagle News report is thus far the closest to an official church statement on the en-dorsements.

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Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. and Col. Wayne Green, chief of staff of the United States Military Academy are seen here behind the 834-pound San Pedro bell, an alloy of gold, silver and copper. The bell is now on its way to its rightful home, the Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church in Bauang, La Union. AJPress Photo by Troi Santos

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US extradites Fil-Am suspect...ippine National Police’s Special Action Force in Tondo, Manila, last August 12.

Aika’s father Josar Mojica was in deep sorrow because of his daughter’s murder. Viane’s re-turn in the country gave hope to the Mojica family that the case would push ahead.

“It’s a good development that he has been brought here but his face is a painful reminder of my daughter’s death,” Josar Mo-jica said.

Aika Mojica’s murder was

Palace mourns passing of...fessionalism and who rose ac-cording to merit,” he added.

Lacierda called Siazon, who served under former President Joseph Estrada’s Cabinet, “a cul-tured, urbane man.”

He said the secretary left be-hind a record of “distinguished service” to the country and that he had brought honor to the Phil-

Poe: Filipinos fed up with ‘straight path’...kababayan. Kaya para sa ating mga kababayan, iniisip nila: ‘bakit niyo sinasabi na napaka-buti ninyo kung kinakalimutan niyo naman kami? (I have been criticizing this. We can see that the necessities of our country-men are not prioritized. That’s why, for our our countrymen, they think, “why are you claim-ing that you are great when you are neglecting us?)”

“Hindi ko naman sinasabing nakadirekta sa isang tao, kundi nakadirekta sa pamamalakad na parang, yun bang parang wala nang mabait kundi ‘yung iilan. (I am not referring directly to a single person but to the gover-nance that it seems like there are only a few good people),” she said.

Poe made the remark when sought for comment on presi-dential frontrunner Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s re-ported statement that many people have embraced him because they hate the govern-ment’s purported inactions.

At a campaign rally in Nue-va Ecija on Monday, May 2, the senator also warned voters against electing a government that will promote violence, saying the poor will suffer from it.

While she also dreams of quick solutions to long-time problems, Poe said she does not believe that killing would bring the peace and order peo-ple want.

“Merong isa kasing kandi-dato na ang sinasabi tatapusin niya ng tatlo hanggang anim

na buwan ang droga. Kahit na-man ako, pangarap ko rin ‘yon. Walang masama doon kung talagang magagawa. Kaya la-mang ito: Ang pamamaraan ay mali. (There is a candidate who says he would end illegal drugs in three to six months. I also have the same dream. There is nothing wrong with that if it could really be done. However, the way of doing that is wrong)” she said.

Poe was apparently referring to Duterte, who earlier prom-ised to solve criminality in his first six months in office should he get elected President.

The senator said it was not right to give any group blanket power to just kill or kidnap sus-pected criminals without going through due process. Under this culture of impunity, she said, the poor are in a disadvan-taged position.

“Ang problema ang palaging napapagkamalan ay mahihirap. Pansinin ninyo, meron bang pinatay na mayaman doon sa lugar nila na nasuspetsahan ng droga, smuggling, o anupa-man? Kaya kahit gusto natin ng mabilis na solusyon, gagawin ko pa ring mabilis ang solusyon pero naaayon sa proseso. (The problem is the poor are always blamed. If you would notice, has there been a rich person killed in their place for sus-pected engagement in drugs, smuggling or similar activities? That’s why although we want quick solutions, I would make quick solutions according to due process),” she said.

If she wins in the May 9 elec-

tions, Poe said she would push for the creation of a drug court to try only drug-related cases. This, she said, will declog the country’s criminal courts, which are saddled with thousands of unresolved cases.

She said she would also strengthen the Public Attorney’s Office so that the poor can have access to free and competent legal services.

“Bibigyan ko ang mga mahi-hirap ng magagaling na aboga-do. Magtatalaga ako ng magal-ing na pulis sa bawat rehiyon. At ‘pag hindi bumaba ang da-tos ng krimen at droga, hindi ako maghihintay ng dalawang araw, ako mismo tatanggalin ko ‘yung provincial police para mapalitan ng gumagawa ng trabaho. (I will provide compe-tent lawyers to the poor. I will assign efficient police to each region. And if crime and drug rates don’t go down, I won’t wait for two days, I will fire the provincial police so he could be replaced immediately),” she said.

Poe said the appointment of local police chiefs must not be politicized to ensure that the Philippine National Police (PNP) force across the country will be impartial.

“Hindi pwedeng politi-cal ang appointment ng pulis. Kailangan ang pulis ay nagta-trabaho para sa inyo dahil nani-niwala ako na ang tao ay hindi dapat matakot sa gobyerno. Ang gobyerno ang dapat mata-kot sa inyo ‘pag hindi namin ginagawa ang aming trabaho,” she further said.

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ippine flag wherever he served.“We extend deepest sympa-

thies to his family at this time of profound loss,” Lacierda said.

Siazon’s son Dan posted on Facebook early Wednesday that his 77-year-old father had passed away. He said his father was a “statesman, career diplomat, but more importantly, a loving hus-band, father and grandfather.”

linked to the custody battle be-tween Viane and his estranged wife back in the United States. Viane left the US and took their son to the Philippines which led to Mojica intervening in the is-sue.

Viane is temporarily detained at the National Bureau of Inves-tigation (NBI) office, as of this writing, while Dela Cruz has al-ready been charged before the Zambales RTC Branch 71, and is now locked up at the Zambales Provincial Jail. (Ian Jamotillo / AJPress)

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Filipino Americans for Hillary/ PALAD raise funds for Hillary Clinton

At Ice Skating with Michelle Kwan hosted by Artesia Mayor Victor Manalo

FILIPINO Americans for Hill-ary/Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD) helped raise funds for Hillary Clinton @ a Hill Starter Fundraiser “Ice Skating with Michelle Kwan hosted by Artesia Mayor Victor Manalo on Sunday, May 1. Michelle Kwan is Hillary Clinton’s campaign AAPI spokesperson together with her husband Clay Pell, grandson of

Democratic Senator Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island. The Pell Grant is named after him and was original-ly known as the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant. A Pell Grant is generally considered the foun-dation of a student’s financial aid package, to which other forms of aid are added.‎ PALAD VP Out-reach and Chair of PALAD Bronze Host Committee Grace Barrios was

joined by Cerritos Councilmember Mark Pulido, his wife Gloria, his Mom and two kids, Erlinda Grana-da Sabah, Kalayaan Boardmem-ber and her sister Evelyn Granada, Melissa Ramoso, Fil-Ams for Hill-ary National Leadership Council, LACCD Boardmember Mike Eng and other AAPI community lead-ers supporting Hillary Rodham Clinton.

California DMV automates voter registration with a two-step system

sary first steps toward improving voter registration services of-fered online and at its 174 field offices across the state. Until now, if someone wanted to reg-ister to vote through the DMV, they had to fill out a separate voter registration card. Under a new automated system, the ba-sic voter registration questions are integrated into the DMV’s forms to apply for a driver’s license or identification card -- however, especially for Limited English Proficient (LEP) voters, other important questions must be answered in a second, op-tional step.

More specifically, begin-ning this month, people who are eligible and affirmatively choose to register when apply-ing for or renewing a driver’s license or identification card at a DMV field office will have their voter registration informa-tion sent electronically to the California Secretary of State. Voters may provide additional information, such as language and vote-by-mail preference, at a second, optional step.

Voter registration services will be offered in English and nine other languages (Chinese, Hindi, Khmer, Korean, Japa-nese, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese). Those renew-ing their license or identifica-tion card online will be able to register to vote or update their

voter registration through an integrated link to the California Online Voter Registration sys-tem.

While the automated system is an important step forward, one part of the new process could cause problems, espe-cially for limited English profi-cient voters. In order to sign up for translated election materials and political party affiliation or to become a permanent vote-by-mail voter, the prospective registrant will need to complete follow-up questions on a touch-screen device, which is often located in a separate room at the DMV.

“It is exciting that people can apply to vote by simply check-ing a few boxes on the DMV form when they are renewing or applying for licenses and ID cards,” said Deanna Kitamura, Voting Rights Project Director at Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles. “However, we are concerned the two-step process could lead to thousands of limited English proficient voters not receiving translated sample ballots, given that about a third of people are leaving the DMV field offices without com-pleting the optional portion of the registration process. We en-courage everyone to complete the two-step process so that records will reflect the prefer-ences of each voter.”

LOS ANGELES—The Califor-nia Department of Motor Vehi-cles (DMV) has taken the neces-

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Dateline PhiliPPinesComelec won’t rush proclamation of winners

by Mayen JayMalin Philstar.com

DIVINE INTERVENTION. Presidential candidates Vice President Jejomar Binay shakes hands with Manuel Roxas after signing the covenant for Truthful, Responsible, Upright, Transparent & Honest (TRUTH) Elections after a Mass at the Manila Cathedral on Monday, May 2. The signing was witnessed by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Commission on Elections chairman Andres Bautista, among others. CBCP photo by Roy Lagarde

Impeachment case filed vs 9 SC justices over Poe DQby Jess Diaz

Philstar.com

MANILA—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will not rush the proclamation of winners in or-der to attain a credible election on May 9.

The poll body is not aspiring to surpass its previous performance in the 2013 elections, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said on Wednesday, May 4.

“We are not looking at any pre-vious performance as a hard tar-get. We want to improve from the last elections,” Jimenez said.

He said automated election does not mean having speedy results as it is intended to provide the public a better alternative.

“If we are fine-tuning automa-tion and if you need to take a hit in some areas so you can boost other areas, I think you should look at it holistically,” Jimenez said.

Jimenez, however, assured the public that the proclamation of winners in the upcoming polls would not depart much from the 2013 polls.

“In my estimates, we will not be

far from the 72 hours (in 2013),” he said.

In 2013, the Comelec pro-claimed the six winning senators three days after the elections and the next three senators the follow-ing day.

The 12 winning senators then were proclaimed less than a week after the elections despite the transmission rate of only 76 per-cent.

Former Comelec commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal earlier warned of possible delay in the proclama-tion of winners as the poll body adopted a new procedure.

Under the new procedure, the Board of Canvassers (BoC) cannot transmit the results of the canvass-ing until all Secure Digital (SD) cards from the provincial level have been imported.

Comelec website more securedThe Comelec website is now

accessible and ready for use by 55 million registered voters one month after it was hacked, accord-ing to Jimenez.

He said the website contains the list of registered voters and deacti-vated voters so that the people can

check if they can still vote or not.The Comelec posted on its web-

site templates for the ballots for each city or municipality.

The only similar information in the ballots are the candidates run-ning for national posts, Jimenez said.

Aside from the voters’ list and template of ballots, the public can also search and download the dif-ferent Comelec resolutions con-cerning the conduct of the May 9 polls.

Jimenez assured the public that the website is more secure and safe from hackers.

Defective VCMsThe vote counting machines

(VCMs) the Commission on Elec-tions (Comelec) has sent to Con-gress for the canvassing of presi-dential and vice presidential votes later this month are defective.

House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said yesterday the ma-chines are generating the wrong vote tallies.

“The machines cannot gener-ate provincial and city certificates of canvass (COCs), only regional

MANILA—An impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and eight other justices of the Supreme Court (SC) who ruled in favor of Sen. Grace Poe’s presidential bid was presented to the House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 4.

The House did not accept the complaint of Teofilo Parilla for lack of endorsement from any member of the chamber, which is required by law.

Parilla told journalists he is a resident of San Andres, Manila engaged in political consulting. He refused to name any client he is representing.

He accused Sereno and Jus-tices Lucas Bersamin, Alfred Benjamin Caguioa, Francis Jardeleza, Marvic Leonen, Jose Mendoza, Diosdado Peralta, Jose Perez and Presbitero Velasco Jr. of violating the Constitution and betraying public trust for declar-ing Poe qualified to run in the presidential race.

Meanwhile, Poe is optimistic that Sereno and the eight jus-tices can withstand any impeach-ment complaint that may be filed against them.

“I believe the Supreme Court will be able to defend their rul-ing,” Poe said on the sidelines of her campaign sortie in Lucena City, Quezon.

While she respects the filing of the impeachment case, Poe cited the positive outcome of the SC

decision, which recognizes the rights of foundlings in the coun-try.

“If there’s anything good that came out with my candidacy, it is the recognition of foundlings as citizens of the state. Is it disad-vantageous to give equal rights to every child found abandoned in our country?” she said.

Unlike other presidential can-didates who are facing corrup-tion charges, Poe said she did not steal from the people nor strip any individual of their integrity.

“These people who threaten impeachment are selfish and are only thinking of the candidates they are supporting,” Poe said.

The SC had reversed a deci-sion of the Commission on Elec-tions (Comelec) disqualifying Poe for her citizenship and lack of residency.

The high tribunal said the Comelec committed grave abuse of discretion when it disqualified Poe from the elections, but did not rule on the issues of citizen-ship and residency.

Marcos: Survey ‘manipulation’ prelude to poll cheatingby Maila ager

Inquirer.net

VICE presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. accused the administration on Thursday of trying to manipulate the surveys in favor of its candi-dates, probably the first step, he said, to cheat in the elections.

Marcos specifically questioned the sudden change in pre-elec-tion surveys in the last two weeks before the May 9 elections, noting how he lost six to 11 points.

“Hindi mawawala yang kaba na yan dahil nakakabahala itong ginagawang trending sa mga sur-vey, at biglang bigla nagbago ang mga numero. Nag settle down na. Kung maaalala ninyo, halos da-han-dahan ang galaw ng numero, bigla in the last week, 11 point ang nawawala sa akin, six points ang nawawala. Ang katumabas ng six percent, is three million votes,” he said during a regular forum in the Senate.

“Yung isang survey, I lost 11 points in two weeks, ang katum-bas nyan ay almost six million

votes so in two weeks, tinang-galan ako ng six million votes. E pano naman nangyari yun, e wala namang nangyari, wala namang malaking issue na pumutok. In fact, in the last two weeks, ang mga nangyari imbes na iniiwan na ako ng mga supporters ko, mas dumami.”

Marcos then cited as example

the support that he said he re-ceived from five big provinces around the country.

“This is clearly an attempt to trend, niloloko nila ang tao sa pamamagitan ng mga survey na iba, hindi kapani-paniwala yung mga kanilang numero,” he said.

“Ang problema ay baka ito ay

Senator Bongbong Marcos questioned the conduct of surveys during the Kapihan sa Senado on Thursday, May 5, saying that surveys give a glimpse of the public’s sentiment at a certain period. Marcos referred to two Pulse Asia surveys, the first of which was conducted from April 19-24 and showed him leading with 31 percent, and the second, from April 26-29, showing him dropping to second place. Senate photo by Alex Nuevaespaña

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Black propaganda in Philippine politics

ManilaTimes.net photo

THESE last few days leading up to May 9—the Philippine national elections—are critical. This moment is intense as aspiring leaders are rushing to mount campaigns that will boost in public support, which in turn, they hope will manifest in actual votes.

Public interest

For Filipino voters, this moment is a chance for them to relish the pow-er they have and take this exercise with tenacity and good cheer.

The Filipinos’ support is essential to any leader. They are after all, the ones who get someone into office, and whom leaders are repre-senting. On the other hand, an elected leader plays a central role in every Filipino’s life. He or she shapes the system, makes crucial decisions, and represents the hopes and interests of every Filipino.

On Monday, May 2, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle gathered candidates for national positions during a Mass at the Manila Cathedral where he also made them sign the covenant for Truthful, Responsible, Upright, Transparent & Honest (TRUTH) elec-tions.

In his homily, Tagle urged the political aspirants to evaluate what the real needs of the people are and to do everything in their powers to foster bet-ter and safer communities in the country.

“In being candidates, you need to know that it is a blessing that comes with a responsibility. If you win, it means you must represent the people’s dreams and common good,” Tagle said.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Orlando Quevedo on Tues-day, May 3, reminded Filipino voters to “not to

be mesmerized” by promises of “change” by candidates seeking the country’s top post. He said that what the country needs is a “radi-cal” and “profound” change in

mind, behavior and values.Quevedo urged voters to throw their support for

the candidates who have an option for the poor and those with moral integrity or someone “that is not tainted by corruption, unexplained wealth, and properties, and enrichment in office.” He encour-aged them to choose a leader who is competent to govern 100 million Filipinos and lead them to a better life.

Filipinos have signaled an inclination for a pro-gressive, ideal government—a system that is com-mitted to the common good, shared and personal responsibility, and one that finds opportunity for everyone. Next week, we will see if election re-sults will usher in a new presidency that would mark a significant change in the country’s political landscape.

Until then, may voters ruminate on who they think will be a good leader before casting their votes. May they choose an inspiring leader who will stand for the highest values and ideals of every Filipino—all 100 million of them. (AJPress)

Editorial

With Roxas and Robredo surging in polls, can Duterte’s lead be overtaken?

Gel SantoS-ReloS

The Fil-Am Perspective

DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte may have had the most challenging week of his campaign, just a week before the all-important presidential election in the Philippines, following allegations made by VP candidate Sen. Antonio Trillanes. Trillanes alleged that the Philippine pres-idential front-runner has multiple bank accounts with millions of pesos not de-clared in his Statement of Assets and Li-abilities and Net Worth (SALN).

This allegation of corruption and many other attacks on Duterte’s character have been branded as black propaganda by the Duterte camp and his followers, al-leging that his opponents are so desper-

ate to pull him down af-ter his dominance in the recent polls all over the country.

But as some say, all is fair game in politics, especially when a can-didate has given his detractors ammunitions to fire back at him. Duterte has been criticized over many issues like his rape statement wen he said he, the mayor, should have been the first one to rape the murdered Australian.

Then there were more among many others: his own words admitting he has

killed people and is willing to kill more to get things done as his approach to governance; his curs-ing the popular Pope Francis; his blatant unapologetic and even bragging state-

ment that he is a womanizer; the alle-gations that he has ghost employees; his reported statements that if elected, he will release former Pres. Gloria Ar-royo; that he will allow deposed dictator Ferdinand Marcos be buried in Libin-gan ng mga Bayani; and that he will let

Bongbong Marcos take over if he fails to resolve crimes in the first three months of his presidency.

Just this past week, something has been happening in the polls. From plac-ing fourth below Duterte, Poe and Binay, we see the rise of DILG Sec. Mar Roxas in surveys, especially following the last debate hosted by ABS-CBN.

In the Pulse Asia survey for the period April 26-29, Duterte may have stayed at top place at 33 percent, unchanged from the April 19-24 survey, but Roxas has climbed up to second place with 22 percent, a 2 percent rise from the previ-ous poll.

The D’ Strafford Research and Strate-gies Poll for the period April 25-29 could be more problematic for Duterte. It showed Roxas on top with 27.8 percent, followed by Duterte with 25.4 percent.

If this trend continues, could Roxas pull an upset on May 9, and be elected president?

ABANGAN!* * *

Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “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

From The Stands

Domini m. toRRevillaS

POLITICAL jousts in this coun-try are eternally exciting, enter-taining, somehow also enlighten-ing and, from the point of view of those who become objects of vi-cious black propaganda attacks, absolutely infuriating.

Remember the malicious tag of “Brenda” hurled against a leading presidential candidate a few years ago that was intended to put her mental faculty in seri-ous doubt? Or the cruel calumny of being gay which was attached to a former senator?

The current political campaign has not been wanting in this dia-bolic practice. And while some of the charges and accusations against some political person-alities appear to have credible basis, many others are obviously nothing but malevolent charac-ter assassination. It is, therefore, up to the voters and the public at large to distinguish those that are truthful and those that are wicked lies.

Among those who became open targets of very serious ac-cusations are Vice President Je-jomar Binay for alleged plunder related to the construction of a building and a school and the purchase of hospital beds and facilities. Senator Santiago has denounced continuing innuen-dos about the state of her health, and asserts that she has success-fully licked the lung cancer that she herself admitted, had afflict-ed her.

Senator Grace Poe is still be-sieged with insinuations that she is actually the offspring of an illicit relationship between a former President and a former actress. This, aside from per-sistent issues about her Filipino citizenship.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is hard put in parrying charges of hiding enormous wealth in several secret bank accounts with transactions amounting to P1.2 billion. Ear-lier, he had to face the fury of an enraged public offended by his lewd “joke” that he should have been the first to ravish a pretty Australian missionary who was sexually brutalized by several inmates in a Davao City jail who then slashed her throat.

Mar Roxas, with his conced-edly spotless record of public service was not spared from the malicious insinuation fired by the Davao Mayor that he is “bay-ot” (gay) and that he is weighed down by an indecisive character that has given rise to his sup-posed “teka, teka” attitude even when confronted by critical situ-ations.

Expectedly, it is Senator Bong-bong Marcos who is getting the brunt of brickbats among the vice presidential candidates. But you know when black propagan-da gets completely out of hand? It’s when a simple, unassuming, soft-spoken, self-effacing Leni Robredo becomes the target of outrageous claims meant to tar-nish her reputation.

Initially, she was said to have received P500 million from the Liberal Party just to agree to be the party’s vice presidential can-didate and running mate of Mar Roxas. After this failed to gain traction, an absurd story accus-ing her of buying a luxurious bed with a stratospheric price of P700,000 was peddled! Obvious-ly, this is intended to besmirch her public image as a simple-liv-ing widow who leads a nearly austere existence. There was even the dastardly attempt to put to ridicule her very act of riding a public bus in going home ev-ery weekend to Naga City after attending to her Congressional duties. The canard being passed

off as immaculate truth is that she or her family owns the pub-lic buses that she takes in going home to the province.

Now that she has surged in the ratings, even more accusations are coming out of the woodwork: illegal donations, patronage poli-tics, and other easily-refutable issues. I suppose that the Filipi-no saying really holds true: Ang pinaka-mabungang puno ay ang pinaka madalas binabato.

* * *ON ANOTHER FRONT, sur-

veys or no surveys, the political stalwarts of Pangasinan are con-vinced that Mar Roxas will be the “flavor of May.” That is the conviction of Rep. Gina de Vene-cia of Pangasinan’s 4th District. She believes that Mar Roxas has the support of the silent majority. “The surveys do not reflect what I see on the ground. I know this because I meet them on my daily visits to the public markets in the whole province.”

For months now, Manay Gina has been actively campaign-ing for Mar and Leni Robredo in Pangasinan, which is the 3rd

vote-rich province in the coun-try, with 1,705,260 registered voters.

Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil of the 2nd District also agreed, adding, “Mar Roxas is the best among the rest. His outstanding perfor-mance in various agencies, vast experience, track record and brilliance make him the best op-tion for our country.”

This claim was made more evident by the massive showing of Roxas supporters when he ar-rived in Dagupan City, for the last presidential debate.

Roxas supporters gave him a ”yellow-carpet” welcome when he arrived in Dagupan City. He was escorted to the debate venue by hundreds of bikers as thousands of supporters, garbed in Mar-Leni yellow, lined up on both sides of the street, wav-ing matching yellow flaglets. When Mar reached the venue, an overflowing crowd of loyal supporters welcomed him with a marching band playing his campaign jingle. Visibly moved, Roxas came out of his vehicle and greeted his enthusiastic

supporters amid a shower of yel-low confetti. It was a campaign moment for Mar!

Some 6,000 of his supporters later convened in two viewing venues to watch the debate.

In addition to Reps. De Vene-cia and Bataoil, Roxas also en-joys the unwavering support of Rep. Baby Arenas of the 3rd District, Rep. Marlyn Agabas of the 6th District, Mayor Belen Fernandez of Dagupan City and Mayor Bobom Perez of Urdaneta City. Dagupan is the number one vote rich city in Pangasinan with 105,183 voters, Urdaneta, the 3rd vote-rich with, 76,296 voters and San Carlos City under Rep. Arenas, the second vote-rich city with 96,875 registered voters.

* * *I had the opportunity to listen

to Cong. Roberto C. Mascarina talk about the Ating-Koop Party List at the Nation’s Leaders Fo-rum sponsored by the Capitol Christian Leadership held at the Faith Baptist Church Social Hall in Quezon City last week. The first nominee of Ating –Koop Par-ty List, “Ka Bert,” as he is popu-

larly called, is a true-blooded cooperator after almost 27 years of success of Barangka Credit Cooperation which he founded with his fellow cooperators from the Universal Textile Mills, Inc. in 1986.

Ka Bert stopped studying at the University of Santos to work at the textile mills to support his family, and sleeping under a creek near the construction site. His salary could not sustain his family and personal needs. By God’s grace, he found an an-swer out of his predicament. He organized a cooperative (other-wise called credit union), which helped him and his coopera-tors save and earn money, thus avoiding the wild interest rates charged by 5-6 creditors. Today his coop has hundreds of mem-bers throughout the country, enjoying the benefits of medi-cal care, loans (which they pay regularly), education for their children, among others.

Let’s vote for this party list.About Capitol Christian Lead-

ership, this was founded by the late journalist Leon O. Ty and Dr. Gregorio J. Tingson, and cur-rently has former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno as honorary chair and Rev. Jose Lagunsad Gonzales as chair. Other officers are Bishop Juan S. Pring, Aida P. dela Cruz, Jean M. Puno, Perla Agustin, the Ildefonso J. Re-molona, Atty. David D. Aguila, Gilda U. Delegencia, and Ptr. Leo S. Salibio.

CCL is observing its 48th year of existence, with the theme “Building a Godly Nation.” Its mantra is, “Righteousness exalts a Nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Every Tuesday, it holds a forum featuring respected personali-ties, from government to private individuals. For the May 9 elec-tions, it has sponsored vice-pres-idential and local candidates. (Philstar.com)

(L-R) Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay, Sen. Miriam Defenson-Santiago, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Grace Poe and former DILG Sec. Mar Roxas

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 6-12, 2016(818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 • http://www.asianjournal.com A�Dateline PhiliPPines

Miriam Santiago: ‘Daang matuwid’ is the ultimate frustration of Filipinos

With a few days to the 2016 elections, presidential aspirant Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago lashed out at the Aquino admin-istration for the first time in her campaign.

“the righteous path that the administration has campaigned on in 2010 turned out to be the ultimate frustration of the Fili-pino people,” she told the crowd of mostly students and faculty at the University of Santo tomas on thursday.

“Pinangakuan tayo ng matu-wid na daan, anong matuwid eh papuntang USt ang traffic ang

bigat-bigat. (they promised us the straight path. how straight [straight could that be] if there’s heavy traffic leading to USt),” she said as the audience cheered and shouts filled the gymnasium.

“the administration has failed to implement many reforms to curb corruption. these include the Freedom of information Bill or Law, which i strongly support-ed in the Senate, and the Anti-Premature Campaigning Law,” she added.

in an interview with reporters after her speech, she accused the administration in manipulating the results of commercial sur-veys.

“Si Bongbong matagal naging

number one sa vice presidential surveys. Ngayon malapit na ang halalan biglang na overtake ng kandidato ng administrasyon. (Bongbong has been number one in the vice presidential surveys for a long time. Now that the elec-tions are near, he’s overtaken by the administration candidate),” she said, referring to Liberal party vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo.

Senator Bongbong Marcos is Santiago’s running mate.

“Kaya ang mga minds ng ating botante [that’s why the minds of our voters] have been manipulat-ed by these commercial surveys may be paid in hard cash,” she added.

by Frances Mangosing Inquirer.net

Comelec won’t rush proclamation of winnerstabulations,” he said.

Under the law, the congres-sional canvass of votes for presi-dent and vice president should be based on the provincial and city COCs, Gonzales said.

“the regional tallies are useless to us,” he said.

the software defect was detect-ed when the VCMs were tested on tuesday, May 3.

Gonzales said he immediately phoned Comelec Chairman An-dres Bautista and asked him to send technicians to reprogram the VCMs.

the canvassing will be done at the plenary hall of the house of Representatives at the Batasan complex in Quezon City.

the house and the Senate will convene as a canvassing board shortly after sessions resume on May 23.

the Senate is in charge of receiving the manually accom-plished COCs showing the votes for president and vice president from the provincial and city board of canvassers.

the COCs are to be sealed in ballot boxes.

the Senate will have to form a reception committee that will re-ceive the ballot boxes, which will be transported to the house be-fore the start of canvass.

in the past, COCs were tabulat-ed in the order the Senate received them. Most likely, this will be the procedure that will be followed in this year’s canvassing.

During the canvass, the VCMs deployed in the house will gener-ate electronic COCs for compari-son with the manually done vote certificates.

the house and the Senate have started enforcing stricter security measures in preparation for the canvassing.

After determining the winners, the two chambers will proclaim them in a joint public session.

Manual countingVotes cast by detainee voters for

local candidates will be counted manually, according to the Com-elec.

Comelec Commissioner Luie Guia, chairman of the committee on detainee voting, said the poll body has decided to separate the ballots containing votes for local positions.

Guia said ballots containing the votes for national posts would be counted using the VCMs while the votes for both local and national positions would be counted manu-ally.

Marcos: Survey ‘manipulation’ prelude to...ang unang hakbang sa panda-raya. Ang pandaraya kaunti lang ang pwedeng idaya na boto, one percent lang, one and half percent kaya’t kapag masyadong malayo ang matatalong kandidato, na ida-dayang kandidato, ang ginagawa inilalapit sa survey para pag nai-daya na nila yung one percent or one and half…sasabihin e malapit naman e e kaya likely naman,” he pointed out.

Marcos said the alleged at-tempt trending in the surveys was not limited to the vice presidential polls but also being done in the presidential surveys.

“Even in the presidential sur-vey. i’ve not seen any survey, in-ternal, external, sarili namin na nalampsan ni Roxas si Poe. Nev-

“Since the temporary restrain-ing order (tRO) came in late and our process is already in place, this is the least disruptive system we thought we can have,” Guia explained.

the Supreme Court (SC) had earlier issued a tRO stopping de-tainees from voting in the local elections.

Guia said the commission came out with a resolution to address the issue following the SC ruling.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 10112, detainee ballots with votes

only for national positions will be fed into the machines.

Ballots containing votes for local positions will be placed in separate envelopes so they could be count-ed manually.

Votes for local candidates will be considered stray votes by the Special Board of Election inspec-tors, Guia said.

there are around 64,000 pris-oners who are registered to vote in 248 detention facilities nationwide. (With Jess Diaz, Evelyn Macairan/Philstar.com)

PAGE A6

er. wala pa akong nakitang survey na lumampas si Roxas kay Poe,” he said.

he was referring to Senator Grace Poe and former interior Secretary Mar Roxas, who are now in a statistical tie for second place in the latest ABS CBN-Pulse Asia survey.

“All the other surveys that have come in the past weeks ganito ang takbo. Biglang bumaligtad yung trend bakit nangyari yun? Ano bang nangyari? i don’t un-derstand. Nothing has happened that would explain it so mahirap maipaliwanag so sana maipaliwa-nag kung sino, kung bakit nagka-kaganyan,” Marcos said.

“it would take a very large and important event for the change in trend in those numbers, 11 per-

cent? 5 and half million votes? Something big has to have hap-pened. i don’t remember any-thing big happening in the past two weeks.”

“Maliwanag na maliwanag that there’s an attempt to trend in fa-vor of the administration,” Mar-cos added.

Asked who could be behind the alleged trending, Marcos said: “the administration is the only one who can do that, clearly is the beneficiary…”

Marcos said nobody but the ad-ministration candidates are going up in the surveys.

“Yung mga nangunguna, pinababagsak nila nang malaki. that seems to be a clear indicator of what’s happening,” he further said.

PAGE A6

Presidential aspirant Sen. Miriam Defensor- Santiago

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2

may 6-12, 2016 2The first of everything: First-time

mothers share their joys and challenges by Malou liwanag-bledsoe/AJPress

Aileen Castañeda with baby Sophia Nicola

“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”

- Abraham Lincoln,US President

“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its per-fect power.”

- Maya Angelou, writer, poet and civil rights leader

“The only love that I re-ally believe in is a mother’s love for her children.”

- Karl Lagerfeld, fashion designer

“My mother is a walking miracle.” -Leonardo DiCaprio,

actor

“God could not be everywhere, and

therefore he made mothers.”

- Joseph Rudyard Kipling, - English

journalist, writer, poet& novelist (1865-1936)

Even the most intelligent, beautiful and successful people in the world needed their mothers. Here are few famous quotes about mothers:

Infographic by AJPress. Sources: American Psychological Association, Pacific Post Partum Support Society, Journal of American Medical Association, National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) Foundation and Depression Facts

was very punctual because she decided to come out her exact due date,” she said then added, “I was also very scared since being a first time Mom, everything was all new to me. I did not know what to expect and did not know how painful labor was going to be. I had my husband (Ryan) with me the whole time and he was a very good coach throughout the process, so I knew everything was going to be okay.”

Apart from the usual paranoia new mothers have such as not producing enough breast milk and not knowing what the baby needs when it cries is the fear of failing to become the best mom to Sophie.

“I wanted to be prepared—read books, went to birthing classes, stocked up her nursery so there would not be any surprises, I even downloaded some apps so I can be reminded when the next feeding will be and for how long!,” Aileen shared. “But at the end of the day, it was what it was, just a preparation. I did not know what the future holds, I knew there would be challenges ahead but I have my husband, family and friends willing to support and do

anything and everything. That support and assurance alone helped overcome any first time mother fears.”

She takes cue from her hardworking mother to become a better mom to Sophie. With this, she only has one wish for her daughter.

“There will come a time when she will face her own challenges in life. I wish she can embrace and be passionate of the good values my husband and I will instill in her. I hope that she will decide and choose her paths based on those values. “

“I was full of gratitude, and I said my prayer of thanks to God, that after more than five years of wishing and praying for a child we have now received His blessing, as we have now my child in my arms.”

- Maria Lourdes Nitro-Puzon, mother to Aldrei Mateusz Puzon (born September 16, 2015)

For Maria Lourdes or Marie Nitro-Puzon, nothing could really have prepared her and her husband, Aldrin, to see their son come out of this world. The couple had been through years of

trying to have a child.“It was just overwhelming. It

was the most surreal experience,” she shared. “[I} still couldn’t believe that I was able to push that baby out of me. My husband and I were tearful for a moment, then we posed for the picture to have our first family photo and we were all smiles.”

As a nurse working at a government birthing facility in Makati City, Philippines, Marie does counseling about breastfeediing with mothers. Ironically, it was the same thing that she faced during the first days after Aldrei was born.

“I did not know that it was going to be that painful until I experienced it myself. I was struggling during the first few days, feeling pained and lacking sleep; as it was a round-the-clock job,” she shared. “It was discouraging as I was producing very little milk at first. I almost thought of giving up, but I can’t. I just continued breastfeeding and my milk supply increased.”

With the difficulties in breastfeeding, being sleep deprived and tired; Marie always reminds her of her mother’s advice.

“[My] mom told me that when you are tired, it’s ok to ask for help so that you can rest.

“My mom is a woman of prayer. She tells me that despite those fatigued moments from diaper change and long nursing sessions, I still and should find time for prayer, seek help, ask for blessings and to guide me through motherhood,” she said. “I am teaching my son to pray and call on God to bless him and the people around him. I want him to be God-fearing, morally upright and a responsible man.”

“Your child does not need the latest of most expensive toys/clothes to be happy and healthy, they only need your love and your attention.”

- Marge Maceda, mother to Maktan Maceda (born March 2015)

When asked what they felt when their child first came out, Marge Maceda said, “Sobrang saya at takot, mga magulang na kami (Overwhelming joy and fear, [because] we are now parents!”

Just like any other first-time mother, Marge shared that not getting enough sleep is one of the major challenges she faced especially during the first few days. Still, this does not stop her from doing everything so that her son, Maktan, gets everything he needs to be healthy and happy.

Marge also looks to her own mother in raising Maktan. Through her mother’s actions, she shared that materials things are secondary in making your children happy. What’s important is giving your love and attention to them.

“When she was in my tummy, I have been longing to hold, hug, smell, and kiss her. She finally arrived. It was so surreal.”

- Nina Berroya-Carlos, mother to Andi Mireille Carlos (born March 7, 2016)

Overwhelmed with happiness, Nina Berroya-Carlos and husband Dino Carlos were finally holding their first-born, Andi. And just like any other first-time mother, she went through the challenges, such as breastfeeding and balancing their time.

“Even I want to purely breastfeed Andi, I cannot [do it] since I do not have enough milk. I still try by diligently doing breast

pump,” she shared. Nina added they struggle at times trying to understand Andi’s needs and wants as a newborn. Also, getting ready is a balancing act.

“We need to allot more time in dressing up since we need to prepare [about] Andi too,” she said.

Still, she sees Andi as a blessing and only wants the best for her.

“I wish that she may continuously to grow healthy,” Nina said and then added, “I also wish that she grows to be kind, smart, responsible, patient, obedient, diligent [and a] God-fearing woman.”

“I have always wanted to be a mom. So for me, it was a dream come true. I’ve always loved being around kids and taking care of them, but it’s true what they say that the feeling is different when you have your own child.”

- Mae Ermita-Manubay, mother of Mason Manubay (born November 10, 2015)

As a person, Mae Ermita-Manubay likes to be organized and on time for everything. This is a must for her life, especially in her work as an assistant to the Deputy Consul General at the Philippine Consulate in New York. However after giving birth to her son, Mason, she realized that she has to let things go.

“Time is no longer my friend. I feel like it goes by so fast. In the beginning we (with husband, Robby) found ourselves late for everything until I realized that I just have to give myself an extra hour (or two) to get everything ready before we’re out the door just to make it on time for an event,” she said. “I also had to accept that baby things will take over the house no matter how organized you try to be. Sleep will be a thing of the past, but I’m thankful that I have a supportive husband who takes turns with me during night shifts. Every minute counts! At the end of the day, no matter how sleep deprived, how unorganized you get, or how time will sometimes get the best of you, just seeing Mason smile and knowing that he’s happy is all worth it.”

Yes, Mae reaffirms that her perspective on life has changed, as everything now revolves

Nina Berroya-Carlos with baby Andi Mireille Mae Ermita-Manubay with baby Mason

Marie Nitro-Puzon with baby Aldrei Mateusz

Marge Maceda with baby MaktanLuchelle Del Rosario- Tartaglia with baby Luana

OF the joys and challenges women face in life, none is more extraordinary than having their first baby. From the moment they find out about the pregnancy to the day they give birth, women will experience many changes and learn new ways to take care of their life and their growing baby.

In this Mother’s Day special feature, we asked a first-time mothers about their experiences, emotions and how they deal with their life now with their first born.

“Holding her for the very first time was when I knew that life was going to be so much brighter and happier.”

- Aileen B. Castañeda, mother to Sophie Nicola Castañeda (born March 3, 2016)

Aileen said she was overwhelmed with mixed emotions when the labor and delivery nurse informed her that she was going to be admitted.

“I was very happy that I would be meeting our baby girl soon. It was exciting since I was exactly 40 weeks into pregnancy—baby

Continued on Page 6

may 6-12, 2016 3www.asianjournal.com

Comcast promotes diverse film and TV line-up in celebration of Asian-Pacific

American Heritage MonthContent includes movies from Center for Asian American

Media, Well Go USA Entertainment, Eros Now and TV JapanCONTENT Includes Movies

from Center for Asian American Media, Well Go USA Entertainment, Eros Now and TV Japan.

In recognition of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, Comcast will promote a collection of Asian-American content across Xfinity On Demand platforms, highlighted by a selection of new films from the Center for Asian American Media such as “Am I American,” “American Arab,” “Off the Menu” and “Someone Else.” The collection will also feature Asian Action films from Well Go USA Entertainment such as “IP Man 3” and “The Assassin.”

“We are thrilled to bring this year’s remarkable stories that represent the diversity of voices of the Asian American community to our customers,” said Javier Garcia, SVP and GM of Multicultural

Services, Comcast Cable. “This curated collection of programming once again underscores our commitment of offer prime international programming to Xfinity On Demand viewers all year round.”

Additional programming that will be featured this month includes:

• The new collection of on demand programming from TV Japan

• Best of Interpretations from “Fast & Furious” director Justin Lin’s YOMYOMF

• A collection of films from Eros now including “Singham Returns,” “Raanjhana,” and “Grand Masti”

• Programming from Filipino On Demand, GMA Network, MyX Network and TV K-Pop Music Videos.

• A collection of free films from

HI-YAH! including “The Thieves,” “New World” and “A Simple Life.”

• A free month-long preview of GMA Pinoy TV including its latest program launches ‘“Yan Ang Morning,” “Once Again,” “Magkaibang Mundo,” and “Juan Happy Love Story”—and its anticipated coverage of the upcoming Philippine presidential election.

Select programming will be featured on Xfinity’s Asian website (www.xfinity.com/asia) and all programming will be available under the “Multicultural” section on Xfinity On Demand, under Asian Heritage Month or Asian American Heritage Month. Most content will also be available on mobile devices via the Xfinity TV Go website and app.

Learn more at xfinity.com/Asia. � (Advertising�Supplement)

Zsa Zsa Padilla: We tried, it didn’t work outZSA ZSA Padilla made a short

statement about her split with architect Conrad Onglao.

“We tried. It didn’t work out,” was all the Divine Diva said about their breakup, Philippine Entertainment Portal reported.

The report about the breakup came out Tuesday, May 3, although Zsa Zsa’s daughter, Karylle doesn’t know the reason behind the split.

It was Karylle who confirmed the breakup of her mom with Onglao.

“It’s very sad kasi she called off the engagement,” Karylle said about the couple’s split.

“She’s back home and ‘yun siguro, let’s just give her to time to just really process things and heal,” she added.

“I don’t know... I don’t think so, but that’s not really for me to say,” replied Karylle when asked about the possibility of Zsa Zsa and Conrad getting back together.

Although she’s very protective of her mom, Karylle said she’s not holding any grudge against Onglao, and all that matters is her mother’s welfare.

She then tells her mom’s fans “for your prayers and also siguro the time to be alone and private about it.”

Meanwhile, on her time off,

Zsa Zsa seems to draw strength from her friends.

On Tuesday, Kris Aquino posted a photo of Zsa Zsa with her sons Josh and Bimby during the singer-actress’ visit to her that day.

The Queen of All Media said she’ll always love Zsa Zsa, who was her friend for 20 years now. (Philstar.com)

Zsa�Zsa�Padilla�on�breakup�with�architect�Conrad�Onglao:�We�Tried,�it�didn’t�work�out.

Gary Kelly

Ian Nguyen

Ian Nguyen

Jason Rivanis

Maritza Lizarraras

Rosa Baer

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Traveling to Asia? Fly China Airlines and enjoy a free half-day tour courtesy of Taiwan Tourism Bureau

The thought of flying halfway across the world for more 12 hours is sometimes too daunting for many people. Understandably, long haul flights do not hold any appeal even to the most seasoned travelers. Long haul flights are intimidating if you travel infrequently. The journey could be very exhausting. Not only does it wreak havoc to your body but affects your sleeping pattern as well.

And for us Asians who had made America our home, taking long haul flights had been the norm rather than the rule if we are to maintain our close relationship with our families and friends back home. When travelling halfway across the globe to see family and friends or attend some important business engagement, the last thing you want is to arrive at your destination dragging yourself due to exhaustion.

Surely there are ways to address this. Fortunately, airlines are constantly upgrading their services to address and meet the needs of their passengers – especially their loyal customers. And the good news is that some flights are certainly better than others because some airlines have fine-tuned the long-haul experience to make it as comfortable and pleasant to the passengers as possible.

One such airline is China

Airlines, which operates twice weekly flights between Los Angeles and Taipei. The airline is one of a handful of carriers that are really reinventing their passenger experience from the ground up.

Among China Airlines’ many innovations is the Family Couch, which it launched in 2014. It is a cost-effective and new alternative to business class’ 180-degree flat bed seats. Available on all its B777 routes, China Airlines’ Family Couch is a row of three economy Class seats that together adapt to create a flat flexible space to stretch out and relax in, giving the passenger the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable sleep inflight. The Family Couch is perfect for those travelling with small children because the seats are specially designed to convert into a sofa.

China Airlines, Taiwan’s largest airline, is reported to be the first airline other than Air New Zealand to install the Family Couch seats, which are not only revolutionary but also provide comfort and ease to those flying long haul. What could be more appealing than arriving at your destination well rested, refreshed and eager to plunge into the day’s activities?

China Airlines’ Premium economy cabin also offers a pleasant comfortable flying experience. China Airlines Premium economy Cabin features wider seats perfectly

suited for sitting in pairs, and a lot more passenger space that increases your personal space from your neighbor. Other features include enhanced dining options compared to economy, improved amenity kits, inflight entertainment is extensive with an excellent range of current blockbusters and classic films which can be viewed on individual 12.1” touchscreen monitor. Plus, there’s Wi-Fi onboard.

And if you are a transit or transfer passenger with 7- to 24-hour layovers before your next connecting flight, who have a valid visa, or from a country eligible for visa-exempt entry to Taiwan, you can avail of the Free half-Day Tour offered by China Airlines in partnership with the Taiwan Tourism Bureau.

Passenger can choose from two tours that are available depending on your arrival in Taiwan: the morning tour or the afternoon tour. The morning tour will give you an opportunity to visit Taiwan’s Shou Sin Fang Creativity Wagashi and Cultural Center, a pastry factory in Taipei, which showcases Taiwan’s local cakes and pastries. here visitors experience the production process, see artifacts displays, and experience other services, which provide them a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s culture and customs. From there, the

A product presentation seminar jointly conducted by Taiwan Tourism Bureau and China Airlines features the Free Half-Day Taipei Tour. Filipinos traveling to the Philippines who are in transit or have a layover of at least 7 hours in Taipei can participate in the Free Half-Day Tour courtesy of Taiwan Tourism Bureau. Photo courtesy of Taiwan Tourism Bureau

hall towers over 25 hectares of landscaped gardens, pavilions and ponds. here you will find the statue of the late president looking out over the city from the main building. Another highlight of the afternoon tour is a visit to Longshan Temple, located in Taipei’s Wanhua District. The temple was founded in 1738 and is dedicated to Guanyin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. The temple houses hundreds of statues of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian deities. Paintings of various creatures grace the temple walls, while stone statues of mystical creatures stand guard on the temple grounds.

Citizens from India, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia who have a valid visa or hold a permanent resident certificates from US, Canada, Japan, UK, Schengen countries, Australia or New Zealand are also eligible to avail and participate in the Free half-Day Tour. Remember, however, that you must have a valid travel documents, such as your passport and a completed immigration disembarkation card.

The Taiwan Tourism Bureau and China Airlines make it easy for passenger to participate in the Free half-Day Tour. All you have to do is book a tour upon your arrival at the airport at the designated Tourist Service Center in the Arrival Lobby. One thing to keep in mind: passengers can join only one tour during each stopover. It is also worth nothing

that the tour is offered on a first come, first serve basis, with each tour limited to 18 passengers. For group application of four passengers or less you may email your application to the airport at cks@tbroc.gov.tw within 10 to 5 working days prior to your departure date. however, for bigger group of five passengers or more, the application must be sent directly to Taiwan Tourism Bureau’s head office at tinghung@tbroc.gov.tw within one month or 14 days prior to departure date.

Filipino-Americans who plan on traveling to the Philippines for the coming Christmas season may want to consider taking advantage of the comfort offered by China Airlines’ Family Couch seats or its Premium economy Cabin. Promotions are ongoing right now, so you may want to contact your travel agents as soon as possible and avail of the free half-day tour in Taipei courtesy of Taiwan Tourism Bureau during your layover before continuing on your onward journey to the Philippines.

* * *Manny V. Ilagan is a Tourism Specialist with

over 23 years experience in the tourism and travel industry. He provides travel consultancy services to some of the biggest wholesalers and tour operators in the country as well as to some airline companies. He is the former Tourism Director-OIC of the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles, where he worked for over two decades. As a writer, he has written numerous articles about travel and tourism, which have been published in various Filipino-American newspapers in Los Angeles and San Diego.

The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is an impressive monument built in commemoration of the late President Chiang. Photo courtesy of Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Zushi Temple, one of the destinations featured in the free half-day Taipei tour, was built in honor of Song Dynasty loyalist Chen Chao-ying, a famous general who was deified as “Protector of the Country” for his achievements and valor.

tour takes the visitor to Sanxia, about 22 kilometers southwest of Taipei. It is a bustling town with narrow, winding streets and brick buildings, many of them over a century old. The main attraction here is the Zushi Temple, which was built in honor of Song Dynasty loyalist Chen Chao-ying, a famous general who was deified as “Protector of the Country” for his achievements and valor. The temple is known for its intricately carved stone and bronze columns and statues, and especially for its unique bird art. There are also carved stone lions, camphor woodcarvings, and exquisite bronze bas-reliefs.

The afternoon tour, meanwhile, features the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial hall, an impressive monument built in commemoration of the late President Chiang. The majestic

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GRAND OPENING FIESTA AT ISLAND PACIFIC RANCHO CUCAMONGAIsland Pacific Supermarket unveils its 16th location in California

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA - Island Pacific Rancho Cucamonga’s Grand Opening celebration held on Friday, April 29, 2016, was a huge success! Present to celebrate with the Island Pacific team were Honorable Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim from the Philippine Consulate, Rancho Cucamonga City Mayor L. Dennis Michael, Mayor Pro-Tem Sam Spagnolo, Bank Executives from Banc of California, Robert Rodriguez and John Chung, Vendors & Suppliers, Filipino Community Leaders, as well as church parishioners of Sacred Heart Church and St. Anthony Church.The store blessing was led by Rev. Fr Chris Subosa, Parish Priest of St. Anthony Church in San Jacinto and Spiritual Director of the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino.Reminiscent of Filipino fiestas, guests and customers were welcomed with a festive ambience of lively music and festival décor. And just like in any fiesta, copious amounts of free food were provided to all attendees. They were treated to a lavish spread of delectable Filipino food, courtesy of Philhouse, Island Pacific’s signature in-house deli, which offers authentic meals inspired by traditional home-cooking. One of the main highlights of the celebration was the 1940 original vintage Sarao Jeepney provided by the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) from the Historic Filipino Town in Los Angeles. Esteemed guests and valued customers were able to take a free jeepney ride around the vicinity in this authentic Sarao Jeepney - a real treat for Filipino US residents!This store in Rancho Cucamonga is Island Pacific’s 17th branch since it was established in 2000. It is currently Island Pacific’s 16th store in California. Island Pacific recently began extending its reach outside California, by opening a store in Seattle, WA. And continuing with its expansion throughout the year, next in line is Las Vegas, which is scheduled to open on May 14, 2016. With the various underserved Filipino communities in the United States in mind, Island Pacific still plans to open more stores this year, and believes that they owe it to the community to provide access to affordable Filipino food that are otherwise not available in mainstream supermarkets.

Island Pacific Seafood Market Rancho Cucamonga is located at 12188 Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739. It is situated near Victoria Gardens and is close to 210 and 15 freeways. Open daily from 8:00 am – 9:00 pm.

Grand Opening

may 6-12, 2016 6www.asianjournal.com

Monette

AdevA MAglAyA

ImmigrantLiving: 101 and Beyond

Let’s get together: 8th Maniquiz/Maniquis/Maniquez/Manikis family reunion

“The darkest hour of any man’s life is when he sits down to plan how to get money without earning it.” — Horace Greeley

BECAUSE times have been so tough for an extended length of time, many are looking for ways to cope financially. Job growth in many US industries has ground to a halt. Yet in good and bad times, there are many offers of opportunities to make money in multilevel marketing and direct sales organizations that depend on a network of people (bodies) to push their products or services.

Properly and ethically done, multilevel marketing can work for some. One caveat: If you don’t like selling or dealing with people and all that it entails, you would do well to look elsewhere. Here’s an article that may shed some light on this practice should you decide to go this route.

For some reason, multilevel marketing organizations find ethnic communities fertile ground for their recruitment campaigns. The promise of riches to the unsuspecting immigrant is a bait that works nearly all the time. Know that there are legitimate companies who operate this way and may be worth your while and a host of others on the pyramid scheme that operate bordering on the illegal and/or unethical.

Here is how it works. A company sells different products ranging from such mundane products as household cleaners; vanity products such as cosmetics or health and diet formulas as well as financial products such as travel, insurance or securities.

There are supposedly two ways to make money. You generate revenue as a direct retailer and salesperson of the product yourself buying products from the company and reselling them to your own customer base initially consisting of a circle of relatives and friends. As you run out of family and friends to sell to, you eventually expand to other prospects, including strangers by using cold calling and other prospecting techniques.

Note that the company will stress that the more lucrative way to make money is to recruit people as your downline into the company. You earn override commissions from the sales of those you have recruited who in turn, can recruit others for their

downline. On and on it goes with recruitment providing the lifeblood of the multilevel marketing organization that suffers eventually from the natural law of attrition as members often lose interest or bail out.

The one who recruited you, your upline, earns a commission off of you. The company’s structure resembles a pyramid of hundreds or thousands of other pyramids. This concept feeds on the dream of most immigrants that with a minimum of investment on their part and a consuming desire to succeed, the organization can help them become rich quickly.

Multilevel marketing companies spend tons of money to produce slick and smooth presentations replete with testimonials—very often emotional—of people within the organization claiming that being in the company, doing everything the company does, has done a tremendous difference in their lives with tremendous wealth and a quality of life beyond imagining. The websites of successful multilevel marketing organizations gush in florid, emotional language claiming individual success. A few of these stories may be true; others however, may have been spun by spin doctors. Recruits: BEWARE!

Before you give up your regular job or sign up to do this on a part time basis, ask yourself this question: Do you like to sell? This is a nonstop selling job and for you to realize your dreams of wealth, you have to sell prodigiously and tirelessly because no product, no matter how excellent and necessary, ever sells itself.

Do you believe in the product? Does it have value and merit and is it fairly priced? Is this something that is really up along your alley, something you can do for long periods of time and from which you can really make a good living and be happy with what you do? How reputable is the outfit? Are there pending lawsuits and of

what nature? Has it been around for a considerable length of time or is it a company that is merely riding high on current hype—here today and gone tomorrow? How many of your friends and relatives are already part of it and how are they faring with their sales efforts?

Here is a caveat for those embarking on a multilevel marketing career. To be good at selling something, you must believe in it with passion. And because you want to succeed so much, you then have a tendency to talk about nothing else but the product you are selling. If you are not careful, you will transform yourself to a boring, predictable person to your friends and relatives who will tend to scamper in all directions when they see you, thinking up all sorts of excuses to avoid being sold to. Keep your balance even as you try to succeed in a multilevel sales career.

An early warning flag that the organization may not be what it claims to be is if you are asked to pay an up-front fee just to get in on the ground floor—in exchange for a starter kit consisting of some brochures, a video and sample products. You might as well kiss that money good-bye. Organizations with good solid reputations in existence for some years with no major lawsuits might be your best bet.

Regard with deep suspicion any group that pushes recruitment with very little emphasis on the product or service it is selling. It could be an outright scam. On the other hand, if the product, just by word of mouth, gets great reviews from ordinary people who have nothing to gain by pushing it, it is likely that the company is a good one worth looking into if you are truly a salesperson at heart and you feel strongly that a sales career is where your talents lie.

* * *Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

I HAD a wonderful time exchanging notes with the participants of my Family Business Talk last Friday, April 29 at the Holiday Inn in Makati. It was a sold out event with whole families coming in droves and occupying several tables armed with loads of questions related to governance.

To those who attended, many thanks! It is my sincere desire that the key learnings highlighted in the talk can translate into actual application and pocket wins leading to harmony and growth in your respective family businesses.

Family feuds in the Philippines, and elsewhere in the world, have always been about money -- lots of money. However, although estate fights are commonly perceived to be just about money, there is almost always more to a family war than just the money. Many estate disputes are sewn by the seeds of jealousy, greed, thirst for control, bitterness, hatred, and hurt feelings resulting from real or perceived preferential treatment by a parent.

The infighting becomes more intense if the patriarch or matriarch had another family on the side or children from previous marital relationships. A significant number of inheritance disputes also involve testators and beneficiaries who come from dysfunctional families, are mentally ill or addicted.

According to lawyer P. Mark Accettura, author of the book “Blood & Money: Why Families Fight Over Inheritance and What To Do About It,” the combatants can always trace their problems

Prof. EnriquE M. Soriano

The KiteRunner

Family feuds and shattered familiesback several years, if not all the way back to childhood. It is clear that inheritance conflict doesn’t come out of nowhere; it is a continuation of long-term relationship problems that resurface upon the illness or death of a loved one. And they aren’t just about money or greed; they are about more, much more. But what is it that so often drives people to wage war against their own flesh and blood over a loved one’s estate?

There are five basic reasons why families fight in matters of inheritance. Author Mark Accettura accurately points to the following:

1. First, humans are genetically predisposed to competition and conflict;

2. Our psychological sense of self is intertwined with the approval that an inheritance represents, especially when the decedent is a parent,

3. We are genetically hardwired to be on the lookout for exclusion, sometimes finding it when it doesn’t exist;

4. Families fight because the death of a loved one activates the death anxieties of those left behind; and finally,

5. In some cases, one or more members of a family has a partial or full-blown personality disorder that causes them to distort and escalate natural family rivalries into personal and legal battles.

Accettura cites that these sources of family conflict are not mutually exclusive; in most cases, some combination of the five elements present themselves in a combustible cocktail of family rivalry and conflict. Case in point: The bitter family squabble over the estate left by Lawyer and businessman Potenciano “Nanoy” Ilusorio, which included shares in Philippine Communications Satellite Corp. (Philcomsat) and the Baguio Country Club, valued at between one and two billion pesos at the time of his death in

2001.Pitting one set of siblings

against another, the Ilusorio family feud has dragged on for more than 15 years now, clogged the court system with more than 300 legal suits and counter-suits, and entertained the idly curious as it played out in the media over the years. To quote media covering the conflict...

“It’s not the first “prominent/wealthy family” inheritance battle waged nor will it certainly be the last, but the on-going estate litigation of Potenciano ‘Nanoy’ Ilusorio’s heirs has emerged as one of the longest, nastiest, most public, no-holds-barred litigious family feuds in Philippine history or in the annals of jurisprudence.”

Far from easing tensions, the death last Feb. 17, 2016 of Potenciano’s widow, Erlinda “Nena” Kalaw-Ilusorio, in New York City, seems to have raised the simmering bad blood between the rival family factions back to boiling point.

In a newspaper article that came out two months ago, the rival factions are now said to be fighting over the ashes of the dearly departed, a weird echo of the tug-of-war they played over the custody of their aged and non compos mentis father just before his death in 2001, and quite possibly, a prelude to renewed fighting on the legal front over her estate, on top of the pending tussle over other Ilusorio assets. (To be continued)

* * *Prof. Soriano is an ASEAN Family Business Advisor, Book Author and Executive Director of ASEAN-based Consulting group, Wong + Bernstein Advisory. He is slated to deliver a series of talks in the US this May. Grab Prof Soriano’s book as he shares his insights and offer solutions to Family Businesses through his second book entitled “Ensuring The Family Business Legacy.” For those interested, please call Marianne at +639255224713 or email her at mrevilla@wongadvisory.com. Prof Soriano’s business articles can also be accessed at www.Faminbusiness.com.

ErniE D. DElfin

The Metamorphosis Random thoughts on

the Philippine election (First of a series of columns on my

recent Philippine work-vacation visit) IT is the best of times and

the worst of times in Philippine politics this year. It will be the best, if the Philippines can continue to progress as a nation, but it can also be the worst, if the country loses its momentum to become more progressive with a more moral, decent and transparent governance. (Coincidentally, what is happening in the Philippines is also happening in the United States).

After four decades in America, I found myself in the Philippines again, this time for almost two months during the height of a highly polarized presidential campaigning equaled only by the unusual degree of hot weather. Amidst many Rotary, school, church and personal businesses on my plate, I have had the chance to observe and talk to many people — from taxi drivers to business people, from employees and employers, from very rich people to poor people.

After that very hectic but exhilarating trip, I am now back to “normal” at our Southern California home that welcomed me with the best weather possible. With that as the backdrop, let me start this series of articles, sharing and expatiating my own personal insights (that may include the writer’s own biases based on his values, experiences and hopes) about the Philippine elections that will happen in less than a week!

With the impact of social media and the usual campaign propaganda on TV and newspapers, millions of voters have been bombarded with many opposing points of view or complimentary affirmations of their personal choices for their next set of leaders. The surveys indicate that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is still leading the pack, followed by Sen. Grace Poe, DILG Sec. Mar Roxas, VP Jojo Binay and Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago. In the VP contest, Sen. Bongbong Marcos, leads the contest followed by Cong. Leni Robredo, Sens. Chiz Escudero, Sonny Trillanes and Gringo Honasan.

Like in the NBA games, it is often normal to just join and cheer for the winning bandwagon of Duterte, (based on the surveys) whose meteoric rise is phenomenal, as he became the voice of suppressed electorate. Duterte has emotionally connected with the angry and hungry electorate whose lives have been going down the economic ladder. VP survey frontrunner Marcos, on the other hand, just simply ignores the accusations of those who have suffered during his father’s dictatorship, banking on the short memories and forgiving culture of Filipino Catholics, as well as the unflinching support of the Marcos loyalists, especially in the Solid North. Unlike Poe, who could not wait for the “right” time, Marcos exhibited prudence and intelligence by not aiming for the presidency as part of his “testing the waters” strategy. If he wins the Vice Presidency, his timing strategy is proven excellent and he will just be one heartbeat away from the presidency of the Philippines.

During these last few weeks, the Presidential contest now boils down to be a fight between a “Daang Matuwid” (aka “continuity” of the Aquino administration) candidate Roxas and the nationwide clamor for change in the person of Duterte. Their qualifications, experiences, education, communication skills or personal attributes seemed secondary to that subjective word “change,” a powerful and synonymous word for “hope.”

I predict that it is now down between Roxas and Duterte. If Roxas loses (a 50-50 scenario), it is not because he has no solid experience nor integrity, rather it is simply because he has been an unthinking extension of the “yellow” color. He advocated “continuity” of the “Daang Aquino” against the noisy but formidable clamor for change as demanded by the hungry and angry voters that catapulted the rise of Duterte, and in some respects also for Poe, who was just banking on his adopted father’s last name.

My observation and my random talks (especially with

the AB class of businessmen and more educated voters) tell me that there is a silent majority of voters who are not as vocal and noisy. These are thinking people who will vote for what is best for them and their businesses. Although a Filipino multi-millionaire employer’s vote has the same value as of the poor, unemployed person; it is also true that the millionaire’s preference can extend to his employees, and may balance or even outweigh the so-called bobotantes’ (ignorant) votes.

Such spirited and intellectual political discourse with progressive and successful businessmen, has led me to believe that Roxas and Robredo will eventually win due to the “silent” voices, who will prefer to be more “comfortable” with this Ro-Ro team versus an unknown or unpredictable Duterte-Cayetano team, Poe-Escudero team, the Santiago-Marcos team, or the Binay-Honasan (BiHon) team. Furthermore, the experience, education and decency of the Roxas-Robredo team objectively appear to be more acceptable in the eyes and ears of foreign investors.

In the global community, there are many summit meetings where leaders of the world meet face-to-face. Most countries send their best leaders to discuss common concerns to be able to come up with logical solutions. The most basic use of commonly accepted words of respect, intelligence and proper decorum without resorting to gutter language or inappropriate acts is absolutely necessary to gain respect and cooperation from other world leaders. These intangible qualities must be taken into serious consideration in electing the next president.

With as much objectivity as I can muster, I fearlessly predict and pray that the Roxas-Robredo team will become the top two leaders.

May the best candidates win so they can lead the Philippines to achieve more for the common good. May the God above guide and bless the Philippines as it elects her next set of leaders next week!

MEMBERS of the Maniquiz/Maniquis/Maniquez/Manikis family are scheduled to get together for their 8th biennial family reunion on May 28, 2016 at the Gold Coast Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Hosted by the Santiago clan, the program of activities starts with registration at 11:00 am, followed by a delicious Asian lunch buffet. Rewind to the 1950’s and 1960’s era, and enjoy an afternoon of dancing, games, prizes, and family talent shows, while reconnecting and sharing stories with the family members in your favorite poodle skirt, or your James Dean jackets.

The family’s history dates back to 1730’s, when a young Spanish-Mexican trader named Carlos Agustin Maniquiz arrived in San Bartolome, now Tartaro, San Miguel, Bulacan, and started a family with a local lady named Juana Puno. Together, this union produced five sons. With the exception of the youngest son Agustin, who died at an early age and had no known descendants,

Members of the Organizing Committee (L to R) Michael Maniquis, Lourdes Maniquis Contreras, Corry Maniquis Painter, Tess Zamora Manikis, Veronica B Maniquis, Luisa Maniquis, Joselyn Maniquis, and Juanito Maniquis, Jr.

What you need to know

around her family, especially Mason. She does acknowledge the same challenges first-time moms go through — the lack of sleep, getting ready, traveling with their son and planning for the future.

“Cutting down on expenses to prepare for the future is important. Budgeting has definitely changed in terms of buying more thing I need as oppose to more things I want,” she said.

Although no amount of preparation will be enough, Mae believes that some sort of plan will help new and future moms after their baby is born.

“Have a plan for childcare. Be prepared! It can get expensive if you don’t have family to help,” she shared and added, “Read/sing to your baby! it’s [a] great bonding

The first of everything: First-time mothers...From Page 2

the family are all descendants of the four older sons (Dionisio, Alejandro, Miguel and Santiago). The family’s genealogical chart has now expanded to 10 generations.

The seven previous reunions were all successful and well-attended by family members coming from all over the US,

and as far as New Zealand, England, Canada, Dubai and the Philippines.

Family members interested in attending this event may preregister by contacting Corry M. Painter at (925) 577-9939, or Tess Zamora Manikis at (209)815-0985. See you all there!

time. Record your milestones, take all the pictures you want.”

Lastly, she also would like to impress the importance of keeping a healthy marriage.

“Still go out and have a date with the hubby. You’ll feel guilty at first but it’s important to continue to nourish your relationship as a couple as well!”

“Honestly, I still can’t believe that I brought this human life out into the world. Yes, there are sleepless night and it get tough sometimes…but when I see her smile at me, it’s all worth it.”

- Luchelle del Rosario-Tartaglia, mother of Luana Tartaglia

Motherhood has indeed changed Luchelle del Rosario-Tartaglia, a Risk Management director for a banking institution in the East Coast. Her perspective in life was directed into wanting

to do better for her daughter, Luana.

“Like I wanted to be healthier so I can live longer for her,” she shared. “I’m extra careful on my decisions in life whether it is driving above speed limit or investing because I have her in mind and to consider. “

Like most mothers, she had difficulties in producing enough breast milk for her child. In fact, when the pediatrician said that Luana’s dehydrated, Luchelle cried non-stop for 10-15 minutes.

Still, she saw this hurdle as part of learning, along with other challenges. Luchelle shares this advice to fellow first-time mothers: “Patience. There would be days na mahirap talaga (There would be days it would really be hard), but it would get better. And sleep whenever you get the chance!”

by Nestor U. torreInquirer.net

may 6-12, 2016 7www.asianjournal.com

Vice Ganda is the exception to the ruleAfter our initial review of

“Magandang Buhay” came out, we’ve continued to watch ABS-CBN’s new morning show and have these follow-up observations to share:

In general, our key point that the program is too slow and thin and needs more features has been borne out by succeeding telecasts—with the sole exception of the show that focused exclusively on Vice Ganda and his “close in” friends and relatives!

that particular telecast was so full, tight and eventful that it needed nothing else to keep viewers interested and entertained for a full hour.

Vice was a standout guest because he was candid, forthright, colorfully articulate and not just willing but eager to share his stories and feelings with viewers. Not many show biz personalities can do this, so the whole hour was a special treat.

In addition, the program was creatively structured, with different people making sequential entrances, so a feeling of “accumulation” and progression was sustained.

Best of all was the portion in which Vice’s two “sister-brothers” were featured.

they turned out to be

and edit the conversation.We hope that hosts Karla

estrada, Jolina Magdangal and Melai Cantiveros will quickly learn to do that—and the production itself would also help a lot by (most of the time) inviting two main guests with separate topics per telecasting day.

to end on a brighter note, we did appreciate Alex’s “tips” on love, dating and “moving on,” when she talked about her latest “Dear Alex” book for teens.

She may still be quite young, but her “from-actual-experience” advice is sound and insightful.

interesting people in their own right, and the anecdotes they shared about their famous sibling were especially insightful and choice.

After that standout show, however, many other telecasts have left us occasionally bored, and hoping for more.

to illustrate, on April 25’s full focus on Alex Gonzaga ended up as a chatty but tedious viewing experience.

Alex may be ditzy and antsy, but she’s also a bit too full of herself and loves to prattle on and on about her likes and dislikes, etc.

Unfortunately, the show’s hosts didn’t know how to rein her in, or perhaps they weren’t even aware that all that prattle and tattle was getting to be a drag and sag.

A particularly testy moment was the really long “sharing” in which Alex recalled how she accidentally ended up wounding Luis Manzano—all about how she was flossing and he was trying to get her attention, and there was a smelly t-shirt involved, and she hit back, and her nail bruised his arm—etc.

Yes, it was that detailed!that’s what happens when

a show has too much time on its hands, its main guest is excessively talkative and the hosts don’t feel that there’s a need to shape, pace

Claudine’s tV5 soap to be axed“thAt’S the way it looks,” is

what the Manila times’ insider at tV5 and Viva’s co-production texted back when asked to confirm whether Claudine Barretto’s return to the small screen, “Bakit Manipis ang Ulap” is facing an abrupt end.

Picking up on website LionheartV.Net’s report, “Bakit Manipis Ang Ulap” was smashed by its rival, ABS-CBN’s “Dolce Amore” on its premiere telecast on february 1, and from then on, the show continued to register low ratings versus its counterparts.”

the series, despite bringing back together Barretto and former onscreen partner Diether Ocampo

in a project, failed to make an impact on viewers nor make the slightest dent on the prime time landscape of free tV.

evidently, the return of

young stars Liza Soberano and enrique Gil in “Dolce Amore” had the bigger pull in ratings, what with their first team-up for prime time highly successful in 2015’s forevermore.

Based on AGB Neilsen and Kantar Media, “Bakit Manipis Ang Ulap” garnered 1.8 percent ratings for tV5; while “Dolce Amore” raked in 22.8 percent for ABS-CBN.

GMA Network’s “that’s My Amboy” placed second.

Ocampo’s poor acting was cited as one of the reasons for the series’ failure, even with a strong support cast in Cesar Montano and Meg Imperial. (ManilaTimes.net)

Nora Aunor fulfills ‘dream’ to work anew with ABS-CBN

NOrA AUNOr is back to work with ABS-CBN.

“Talagang pinangarap ko na makabalik ulit sa dos,” said Nora in an interview on Wednesday, May 4 at the press conference for her “Maalaala Mo Kaya” Mother’s Day special episode on Saturday, May 7. “Pagkatapos ng napakatagal na panahon na hindi ako nakalabas, unang-una sa dos, lalong lalo na ang ‘MMK.’”

“Ang makalabas lang sa ‘MMK’ masayang-masaya na ako,” she added.

the Superstar didn’t work with the network since 2011 since the rift between her and some of the network’s executives namely Charo Santos Concio and Malou Santos.

however, Nora clarified: “Kung ano man ang pagkakamali ko, sa mga boss natin, ito ay ihiningi ko ng

by Joyce JimeNez Philstar.com

tawad at hindi ko ikinahihiya. Kung nagkamali ako, kailangan humingi ako ng tawad sa kung sino ang namumuno.”

She also noted that being tapped to star in the Mother’s Day special of “MMK” is sign enough that the network’s bosses have already forgiven her.

the Superstar cannot say yet if her return will mark the series of projects she’ll do with the Kapamilya network.

She said she is open to star in a teleserye if the material is worthwhile.

“Maganda ang materyal siguro at kung magkakasundo sa oras ng trabaho. Kasi may cut-off ako, kahit sa ibang estasyon may cut-off ako,” she said.

Nora also mentioned being open to work with John Lloyd Cruz. Some of Cruz’s fans have also wished for him to star alongside the Superstar.

Nora Aunor is back with ABS-CBN, and she’ll star in a “Maalaala Mo Kaya” episod for Mother’s Day Special on Saturday, May 7. Philstar.com photo by Joyce Jimenez

Rica Peralejo: My family is my priority

by raoUl J. chee KeeInquirer.net

the DeCISION to focus on her family was an easy one for actress and tV host rica Peralejo. Shortly after finding out she was pregnant three years ago, she decided to take on less work, particularly on long-running teleserye.

“Drama is very taxing,” she told lifestyle reporters recently. her last acting gig before becoming a full-time mom to Philip Nathaniel and wife to Pastor Joseph “Joe” Bonifacio was in a Mother’s Day special on ABS-CBN’s “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (MMK) in 2014.

She admits to missing the craft—singing, acting, hosting—which is understandable, as she has been doing it since she was 12.

Peralejo started out as a child star on ABS-CBN’s youth-oriented variety show “Ang tV” before moving to GMA 7 as part of the teen show “tGIS.”

A year later, she returned to ABS-CBN to join the cast of “Gimik,” another teen show. this led to more tV work and movie roles—which she has now temporarily put on hold to devote her attention to her 2-year-old son.

At the photo shoot for GSK’s Ambrolex (Ambroxol), a cough remedy that comes in syrup and tablet form, Peralejo admitted to giving the blackcurrant-flavored syrup to Philip whenever he has a cough.

“even before GSK approached me to be one of their ‘expert Moms,’ I was already a customer,” she said.

When allergy strikes, she uses Virlix (Cetirizine), the antihistamine trusted for 20 years.

“As a mom, I want to make sure that summer would become a memorable time for the whole family. My husband and I always make sure we take care of ourselves first so we can in turn take care of

the actress would also need to leave by July for US to undergo a throat operation.

“Ang operasyon sandal lang, ang pagpapagaling,” she replied when asked if she’ll be gone for long.

She would like to recover fast to be able to sing again.

“Kailangan ko magkaroon ako ng kakanta ulit na eensayuhin ko ang sarili ko sa pagkanta,” she said. “Gusto ko ngayong taon na ito. Kasi madalas ko narin sabihin ‘yan pero hindi natutuloy. Gusto kong matuloy this time ang pangako ko sa sarili ko.”

Rica Peralejo and 2-year-old son Philip

our son. Our priority is to keep Philip healthy so we always make sure we are prepared with the necessary medications when we travel just in case he gets sick,” Peralejo added.

Despite her new focus in life, fans haven’t seen the last of her yet, as she is active on social media. to date, she maintains a blog, occasionally uploads webisodes (web episodes) with her sister Paula, and has over 400,000 followers on Instagram.

“I think being an expert Mom is all about ensuring that the whole family is happy, healthy and free from disease,” Peralejo said. “I’m very happy to be part of the campaign because I think it’s exciting to meet other moms who are keen on keeping themselves healthy in order to take care of their families.”

Vice Ganda

Claudine Barretto

may 6-12, 2016 8www.asianjournal.com