
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…

19 senators pressure White House-Kerry for Philippines’ TPS
IN November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan tore across the Philippines, resulting in at least 6,000 confirmed deaths and the displacement of at least 4 million people. While the Philippine Government continues…
Living the Olympic dream
His flexibility, artistic moves, and incredible stunts (rarely performed by other figure skaters) captivated the whole world. At age 17, he has just established his presence in the prestigious Olympic…
PhilDev Launches IDEA Global Entrepreneurship Symposium
SAN FRANCISCO—Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev) is hosting an international symposium with the aim of further developing the nation’s economy through the advancement of science and technological innovation. The conference is…
The splendor of moonlight
I admire a contented mind — one that reveres enlightenment of simple things. Yet, in quiet meditation, the one emotion that’s hardest to fight against is a longing for all…

Will Aiza Seguerra and Liza Diño challenge the definition of marriage in PH?
IN the midst of debates about the Obama administration’s policy to grant federal benefits, protection and services to all married same-sex couples in America (equal to those accorded to their…
Phenomenal
Michael Christian Martinez’s may not be bringing a medal home, but in the eyes of his kababayans, he has already achieved a milestone — being the first Filipino-born, the first…

Gov. Brown appoints Fil-Am to CA Volunteers Commission
LOS ANGELES – Another Filipino has been named to the California Volunteers Commission. On Monday, February 10, Ted Benito was appointed to the California Volunteers Commission by Gov. Edmund G….

PCG-LA launches 9th ACGTDT
LOS ANGELES- Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles (PCG-LA) launched the 9th Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) to the Philippines on Thursday, February 13. The launching event began…