New Chief Justice de Castro vows independence
Newly appointed Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro promised to instill independence as she took her oath of office on Tuesday, August 27, at the Supreme Court. De Castro said that…
Read More
McCain and Trump: A study in contrast between true and faux leaders
AMERICA mourns the passing of Senator John McCain — war hero, six-term senator, a true statesman, patriot and public servant. Amid all the tributes to McCain’s heroism and dedicated service…
From family-style meals to desserts, Filipino cuisine shines at LA Food & Wine Festival
THE Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival (LAF&W) this past week brought together dozens of renowned culinary personalities from across the country for five days of events. From Wednesday, August…
Do I have a community property interest in a house which my spouse acquired before our marriage?
GENERALLY, in California, property acquired by a spouse prior to marriage is considered separate property under family code section 770 while those acquired after marriage are considered community assets under…
What’s new: Tax cuts and jobs act (Part 2)
1. BLENDED Federal Income Tax Rate: For Corporations tax elected to use a fiscal year will pay a blended tax rate and not the 21% flat rate. The new rate…
The bucket list: Ride that blast from the past
(12th of a series – conclusion of 2 parts) ”…Someone said that reunions are like masquerade balls. No one comes as his genuine self. Many try to hide the scars behind a…
New study: taking aspirin daily does not reduce chance for heart problems
A LONG-standing theory that taking a low-dose aspirin every day will cut the chances of a heart attack, stroke or other heart problems has been debunked by a new major…
California confronts environmental threats in new climate change assessment
BEING a harbinger for environmental policies, California on Monday, August 27, published a comprehensive assessment outlining the risks of global warming that are threatening the state. Titled as California’s Fourth…
Bill to curb school bullying heads to Gov. Brown’s desk
Legislation comes as studies show divisive rhetoric in national politics has filtered down to schools SACRAMENTO — Legislation by Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco) to prevent bullying and harassment in California…
California lawmakers to vote on net neutrality legislation
Big Telecom attempts to slow down support for net neutrality by spreading “misinformation” After the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to slowly reduce net neutrality protections, Democratic lawmakers have promised…
US blacklists three IS recruiters including Filipino
All three had connections to Philippine terror group A 28-year-old Philippine national was among the three men from Southeast Asia to be added to the U.S. Treasury’s sanctions blacklist on…
Foreign Travel Agents And Philippine Sellers Converge For Phitex 2018
More than 200 buyers and over 220 sellers are set to participate in this year’s Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) – organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing arm…
Which has less chances of IRS audits – paper or e-file?
BEING audited by the IRS is dreaded by most taxpayers. My clients constantly asked which method increase their chances of getting audited. Let’s compare two methods of filing your tax…
Seniors rely on Chapter 7 and son for debt relief
THE clients are seniors who just stopped working two months ago. The husband is 75 and the wife is 71. They own a house with $140,000 in equity. Their unmarried…
AC 21: Changing the employer of your employment-based green card application
DEAR Attorney Tan, I have an approved I-140 immigrant petition which was filed by Company A on my behalf. Company A would like to employ me as a bookkeeper. …
Are you getting paid less because of your gender?
THE California Fair Pay Act (a.k.a. the Equal Pay Act), enacted in October 2015, prohibits employers from paying employees less than those of the opposite sex for “substantially similar work,”…
Do I need a premarital agreement before getting married?
IN the absence of a premarital agreement, the general community property presumption under California family code section 760 controls which provides “all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by…
Jesus, our spirit and life
IN this Sunday’s Gospel, Peter remarked to Jesus, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Such is Peter’s testament of unwavering faith and fidelity…
If you are in debt, this is probably what you’re afraid of
I KNOW we’ve never met. But there’s a common fear that everyone shares when they’re in debt. As a bankruptcy attorney, I hear it from people who consult with me…
Lorna Tolentino: What being ‘single and happy’ looks like
EVERY time the “Ber” months are about to start, I get a sense of nostalgia and astonishment on how fast the year goes by. This year has been bittersweet for…
Beyond the Marcos name: Matthew Manotoc on his budding political career, promoting Philippine basketball talent
Coming from such a prominent Filipino family — with grandparents Ferdinand and Imelda, mother Imee as Ilocos Norte governor, and uncle Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. who was a senator and…
Following a successful opening week for ‘Crazy Rich Asians,’ sequel already in the works
Screenwriters Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim and director Jon M. Chu are in talks to return for development on “China Rich Girlfriend” IN the opening scene of the wildly popular…
Philippine Chamber Singers give their all to Original Pilipino Music at the Walt Disney Concert Hall
Part I of II “I AM with you wherever you are. I am with you forevermore. There is no other love more than my love for you. I am with…
Trump intensifies rhetoric demonizing undocumented immigrants with the murder of Mollie Tibbetts: How this affects us all — with or without “papeles”
WHAT happened to 20-year-old Mollie Tibbetts —a beautiful college student from Iowa who was killed by multiple sharp force injuries by an undocumented immigrant when she was on her usual…
Filipinos on cruise ships
On a visit to Baguio a few months ago, the hotel we stayed at had several young people working at the front desk, in the restaurant, and as bellhops. What…
Is Assemblymember Phil Ting only for the crazy rich Asians, or will he fight for the crazy poor ones, too?
Last week, the movie “Crazy Rich Asians” opened in theaters nationwide to long lines and critical acclaim, especially here in Daly City, California, where a lot of Asians reside. Of…
Seven Supreme Court justices face impeachment complaints
SEVERAL members of the Philippine House of Representatives this week filed impeachment complaints against the seven associate justices of the Supreme Court (SC) who voted to oust former Chief Justice…