MANY Filipinos in America prefer to fly Philippine Airlines (PAL) when visiting the Motherland, not only because of the shorter travel time, but also because they feel at home flying the flag carrier of the Philippines. One kababayan felt so at home, he might just spend the next 20 years of his life in jail….
DEBTOR filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief to discharge $150,000 of unsecured debt. Creditor who holds a state court judgment for $50,000 on a signature loan files an adversarial case asking the court to deny discharge to debtor on the ground that his bankruptcy schedules are grossly inaccurate with intent to defraud the court. After…
HERE are 12 tips to help you choose your correct filing status: 1. There are five filing status options to choose from: single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household and qualified widow/widower with dependent child. 2. Your marital status on the last day of the year determines your marital status for the…
Q: I AM an hourly employee at a skilled nursing facility working 12-hour shifts, three days a week. I usually work more than 12 hours per shift finishing up paperwork but we are not paid for the extra time. There are times when I am asked to work a 4th day during the week for…
LOS ANGELES – On Tuesday, February 25, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles celebrated the 28th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. In an intimate gathering with members of the Filipino community, consulate officials led the commemoration of the peaceful revolution, which toppled the Marcos dictatorship in 1986. “Twenty-eight years ago, the Philippines…
This little piece takes us, not just to a place, but into the minds and hearts of those, who are in their twilight years, in a society that glorified youth. At the Culver City Community Center for Seniors, the tangible atmosphere was of bustle and contentment. The big room was filled with light from the…
WHEN Jesus said in the Gospel that he came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, he meant it well. In fact, he wants this Law of Love to come to fruition in many concrete ways, to penetrate and to affect our lives deeply. For following this Law makes us holy, which means…
In celebration of its 10th anniversary this year, the CCP Pasinaya Open House Festival on March 16, Sunday, “goes the extra mile” and extends its reach and boundaries beyond the CCP Complex to include other cultural sites such as the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, National Museum, Bahay Tsinoy, Casa Manila, Museo Pambata and 1335 Mabini….
Today’s social set-up has considered women’s equality and noteworthy roles vital in forming the solid foundation of society. The current breed of women has gradually established their notable participations and enduring accomplishments that leave lasting impressions and incredible marks. The Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL) has been consistently known for annually recognizing…
The employment-based path to US Permanent Resident Status for Filipinos in the “EB-3” and “EB-3 Other Workers” categories can require a wait of up to seven years under current processing estimates. As such, in the years after an employer starts the petitioning process by filing a Labor Certification with the Department of Labor, the employment…
Facing serious debt problems can be depressing to a lot of people. It may seem like the end of the world. You may feel angry, depressed, guilty- or a combination of all three. You may even be blaming yourself for making the decisions that led you to your present situation. I’m here to tell you,…
YOU and your spouse may have gone through a lengthy and contentious divorce proceeding. This is usually the most difficult period of a person’s life. Finally, time heals all pain. You and your spouse get tired of bickering and being mean to one another that you both decide to compromise each other positions and resolve…
USCIS has defined “nationals” as persons born in American Samoa, certain former citizens of the former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and certain children of noncitizen nationals born abroad”). Dear Atty Gurfinkel: Years ago, when I applied for a job, the employer asked me to fill out several documents, including an I-9 (Employment Eligibility…
DAN Duggan, president of Duggan’s Serra Mortuary located in Daly City, heads the list of birthday celebrants this March. Dan will celebrate another year on Thursday, March 27. Other prominent personalities celebrating their birthdays in March are: March 1 – Royal Dynasty Foundation founder Nellie Cojuangco Tuazon, and Premiere Appliances owner Tony Premiere; March 3 …
Deadline to Apply for Financial Aid is March 3rd LOS ANGELES – Monday, March 3rd at 10pm (PST) is the state deadline for students to apply for financial aid for college. The Free Applications for Student Aid (FAFSA) needs to be submitted along with a GPA verification form to allow access to financial aid opportunities in…
On January 24, 2014, USCIS issued guidance on the adjudication of Form I-601A waivers in cases involving applicants with criminal history. To understand the significance of this guidance, let us first review the rules on Form I-601A waivers. On January 3, 2013, USCIS published the Final Rule on Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers of Inadmissibility for…
THE principles behind international law are based upon universally accepted values and moral standards. Today, more and more aspects of regional relations are regulated by international legal norms. They involve issues such as security, trade, finance, the environment and communication. Quoting the late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Aquino said that the country will protect…
IT IS the 28th anniversary of the People Power Revolution — a proud moment in the history of the Filipino people. We commemorate how we toppled the Marcos dictatorship and reclaimed our fundamental rights to a democracy: freedom of speech, freedom of the press and freedom of expression. Fast forward to 2012. Pres. “PNoy” Aquino…
THE new bankruptcy law requires debtors to calculate their gross and net incomes using the means test form B22. Differences in the calculation of income can result from many factors. A debtor intermingling business and personal expenses must be precise in the classification of expenses because a personal expense paid by the business actually results…
Lush, towering pine trees and greens, an interesting culture, an abundance of flowers, fresh strawberries and delectable dishes – Baguio radiates a perfect blend of country and modern feel like no other and draws a large number of locals and tourists no matter what season the country is in. Aside from these, people come to…
SCE Reminds Customers to Stay Away From Downed Power Lines ROSEMEAD, Calif., Feb. 25, 2014 — With heavy rains forecast through the weekend in most of the Southland, Southern California Edison (SCE) reminds its customers that outages may occur and to never approach or touch downed power lines. SCE will take steps to position additional personnel, which…
LOS ANGELES – Early Monday morning on the steps of the City Hall in Los Angeles, hundreds of people of faith, immigrant rights leaders and Congresswoman Judy Chu, joined together to launch the “Fast for Families Across America” tour. The two-bus, nationwide tour will make seven of its more than 75 district visits in California…
Artists are those whose gifts set them apart — their talent, wisdom and integrity are superior. They make beauty, unlock mysteries, serve the truth, make life out of the matter of their visions — between pokes of arrogance and humility, between failure and triumph. They walk alone, listen to voices unheard by others. They have…
I sat through a streaming video coverage of the testimony of Ruby Tuason at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the pork barrel scam. I soon realized that the spectacle was less in aid of legislation than in aid of political vendetta and media posturing. In this regard, Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Miriam…
THIS year’s commemoration of EDSA People Power will be different from past celebrations. The tone will probably be less celebratory and grand. President Benigno S. Aquino III prefers to spend the 28th anniversary of EDSA 1 with the victims of calamities in the Visayas and has requested that the celebrations be held in Cebu, instead…
THE Supreme Court (SC) of the Philippines just upheld the constitutionality of most parts of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, including the contentious provision that punishes online libel. The execution of the law was suspended in October 2012 by a temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court, following criticisms and protests among the…
1. E-FILE. When you e-file, your chance of getting an error notice from the IRS is significantly reduced. Besides, it’s faster. Your refunds also arrive sooner. 2. Check your occupation. Your occupation must be consistent with your income and expenses. It does not make sense for a waiter or hairdresser not to report any tips….
FULLERTON – Republican National Committee Co-Chair Sharon Day met with Asian and Pacific Americans earlier this month, continuing the GOPs strategy to strengthen their ties in the Asian American community. The Washington DC-based Republican Day hosted a roundtable with Asian American women and a small press conference at the Grace Ministries in Fullerton. In attendance…
LOS ANGELES – According to a Filipino community leader, two officials confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is now looking to meet with Filipino groups regarding the Philippine’s request for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). During a designated period of TPS for the Philippines, eligible Filipino nationals in the will be protected from removal…
LOS ANGELES – According to his lawyer, seven years ago, actor Mat Ranillo III had already tipped off the Philippine government about the alleged illegal activities of businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles, but nobody bothered to listen to him. “As early as 2007, Mr. Ranillo had informed our lawmakers about the activities of Mrs. Napoles, but…
