Axe to grind
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…
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Does online libel curtail freedom of expression?
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…
Misrepresentation of debtor’s true income leads to denial of bankruptcy discharge
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….
Panagbenga: Baguio in full bloom
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…
Heavy Rain Forecast for Southern California Areas
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…
‘Fast for Families Across America’ kicks off nationwide tour for immigration reform
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…
For the love of art
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…
What About Slam Dunk Legislation
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…
What you need to know about online libel in PH Cybercrime Law
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…
How to avoid IRS audits in 2014
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. …
Republicans continue Asian American outreach
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….
DHS to discuss TPS with Pinoy groups on Feb. 27
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…
Ranillo tipped off PH gov’t on Napoles in 2007, no one listened – lawyer
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…
LA City Council to consider $15.37 per hour min. wage at big hotels
LOS ANGELES – Three Los Angeles City Council members proposed a motion that directs the city to study the economic impact of a $15.37/ hour living wage for employees in…
Is it wrongful termination if you’re forced to quit?
JORGE Vasquez worked as a maintenance technician for Franklin Management Real Estate Fund, Inc. He was paid $10 per hour for 40 hours per week. Jorge’s supervisors regularly instructed him…
Marker, infrastructure improvements unveiled in Historic Filipinotown
LOS ANGELES – On February 20, the Filipino-American community in LA saw the unveiling of the latest infrastructure improvements to Historic Filipinotown (HiFi), which included elements that improve pedestrian safety,…
ConGen De La Vega administers oath of PH Honorary Consul in Texas
LOS ANGELES – Consul General Ma. Hellen Barber De La Vega swears in Ms. Ethel Mercado as the Philippine Honorary Consul to Dallas, TX at the Philippine Consulate General in…
The many faces of love
Love’s vistas are inexhaustible. But for all the ardency of love’s idealism and romance, it can only be taken as an act of faith. To be ruled under the spell…
To love when it seems impossible!
IN HIS homily on Valentine’s Day, Pope Francis reminded all that love is “not a mere emotion, a psycho-physical state…it is a relationship, a growing reality.” May I also say…
Cecile Azarcon: Her music pulsates and lingers
“Should we stay or should we say goodbye Walk away or give it one more try What a waste to let our dreams just fly And as the days go…
EB-2 (Second Preference) employment immigration
Due to the significantly shorter processing times than other categories, the EB-2 classification is highly sought after by talented immigrants. In comparison to the EB-3 immigrant category, which currently takes…
Real smiles versus fake smiles
THERE’S a big difference between a real smile and a fake smile. And while a polite smile can help smooth over some social situations, a sincere, honest, from-the-heart smile can…
US Senators urge DHS and DOS to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and work authorization to Filipinos in US
In previous articles, I wrote about the possibility of Filipinos being granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), as a result of the devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda. Although the Philippines has…
Celebrating new beginnings
IT’S still the love month, and although Valentine’s Day has passed, we want to feel love not just during February but also throughout the year. We also welcome new beginnings…
Reduce your wrinkles!
What are wrinkles? Also known as rhytides, wrinkles are folds or creases in the skin, resulting from loss of elasticity and skin turgor associated with aging and with years of…
Notice of registration and election to Filipino citizens
Notice is hereby given that under Republic Act No. 9189, otherwise known as “The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003”, as amended by Republic Act No. 10590, all citizens of…
Repressive law
SINCE its introduction to Filipinos in 1994, the Internet has provided boundless channels for people to exercise their right to know, express and be heard. Article III Section 4 of…
Martinez highlights need for more PH gov’t support in sports
17-YEAR-old Michael Christian Martinez has put the Philippines in the spotlight during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia — ranking 19th in the figure skating competition during his Olympic…
Can trustee force debtor to turnover money that no longer exists?
WHEN debtor filed his Chapter 7 petition, he had $10,000 in his checking account which was used to cover checks issued before bankruptcy was filed. On schedule C, debtor claimed…