USAP Coalition

PRJ3014

June 30,2014

No Special Treatment to Those Accused of Plunder, Let Justice Prevail!

Los Angeles —”Tulak ng bibig, kabig ng dibdib.”

For the US Action Against Pork Barrel or PDAF (USAP) Coalition and the Filipino-Community in the United States, the more the PNP and the Aquino  III Administration  declare, deny and says ,”there is no special treatment for the accused”, the more they show in actions that there is indeed a special treatment for the detained senators.

USAP wanders why until now Senator Juan Ponce Enrile is free and have not been arrested or as he said, have not turned himself or surrendered to the authorities. This is really the proof that there is different standard of justice for the poor and the oppressed and another for the ruling class and the rich privileged few.

USAP Alarmed with the Callousness of the Accused.

The USAP Coalition is alarmed at the temerity and the callousness of those who were charged wit plunder for  they flaunt their privileges and taunt the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan as well as the administration in their utter disregard of them law even in jail where they received different kinds of special treatment.

For USAP, President Aquino III shares the blame on this utter disrespect for the law of by those of the  accused .

By saying Enrile should receive “special considerations because of  his age,” Aquino is giving leeway to the former architect of martial law and is giving special treatment to those accused with plunder rendering inutile all efforts for them to remorse for their crimes.

Special Treatment

No wonder even those Senators who are now in jail and who can afford high caliber lawyers and bribe their jailors by turning blind on their violations inside their jail like abuse of their visitation rights and eating foods their buy instead of the food provided by their custodians.

The USAP Coalition again reiterate the call of the Filipino people in the Philippines and abroad; punish all those who are charged with plunder, speedy trial and exact justice; let justice prevail and let the guilty suffer.

Justice delayed is justice denied!

Let justice Prevail!

The United States Against PDAF (USAP) Coalition

Los Angeles

 

June 30, 2014

 

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JFAV UPDATES
June 29, 2014

Ms. Alkrizzia Villapando of San Diego Graduates at UCLA With Honors, June 15

Los Angeles- Congratulations and Mabuhay to Ms.Alkrizzia Villapando!

The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) celebrates the conferring of the degree Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology upon Alkrizzia Villapando of San Diego at UCLA and the Samahang Pilipino Student Graduation Celebration last Sunday, June 15, 2014 for the UCLA Class of 2014.

JFAV, her proud parents, her relatives from San Diego and Los Angeles and all of her friends celebrated her graduation at KAPISTAHAN GRILL in Historic Filipino town community also last Sunday. June 15.

Role Model of FilAm Youth Community Work

Ms. Alkrizzia Villapando is also the community coordinator for Samahang Pilipino at UCLA for 20013-14 and a member of the JFAV Steering Commitee of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) for Southern California.

As the JFAV leader in UCLA she lead the students and the Samahang Pilipino in the successful 13th Veterans Day March last Nov 11, 2013 in Hollywood, in the different KmB activities like the 22nd FPAC last Sept 2013 and the Sagip Tuluy-tuloy Tulong Pilipinas (STTP) 2013-14 Relief Drive during the Thypoon YOLANDA in the Philippines.

The STPP 2013-14 was able to raise more than $ 14,000 for the Thypoon Relief and have sent more than 100 Balik-Bayan boxes to the areas of Leyte, Capiz and parts of Mindanao that was affected by Thyppon HAIYAN/YOLANDA in November 2013.

She also does philanthropic work in feeding the homeless in the Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles aside from her helping in the STP relief drive for the Philippines.

She is also a leading member of ther Kabataang maka-Bayan Pro People Youth (KmB), a member organization of the Alliance-Philippines. KmB Pro People Youth is proud of her finishing her Psychobiolgy course in three years time.

JFAV and FACLA as well as People’s CORE extends our warmest felicitations and congratulations to Alkrizzia who is an epitome of a Filipino-American woman and youth leader of the community for the future.

For more information about jfav please call (213)241-0995 or email us at [email protected]

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EPCC NEWS

June 29, 2014

FILAM LEADERS CALLS FOR NO SPECIAL TREATMENT TO ACCUSED PLUNDERERS

Los Angeles—“No special treatment to accused plunderers in the Philippines, apply the force of the law equally to all.”

This was the consensus of Filipino-American leaders during the last TALAKAYAN sa FACLA discussions , Thursday, June 26 when the forum focused on the developments during the PDAF hearings and the detention of accused Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr and the propaganda circus during the so-called surrender last week in the Philippines.

FACLA Director Paul Julian emphatically called for the restoration of the death penalty in the Philippines. Julian said, “people like Estrada and Revilla are callous because they know that there is no death penalty in the Philippines. Even common criminals became more daring because the law is soft and have no teeth.”

Faith in Justice Restored

Meanwhile Atty. Terry Herrera said, “ Although Estrada and Revilla’s lawyer scored points on the weakness of the Ombudsman case, we are still hopeful that the law will take its course and justice will still prevail in our country.

It was the Sandiganbayan call not to grant the prosecution’s motion to amend the case, but the case is still strong as they said. If the Aquino III administration did not act on the plunder cases and those accused remained free, the people could have lost their trust in the justice system in the Philippines.” Herrera exclaimed.

Dr. Veronico Agatep said, “ we must brace our self for a long trial. The lawyers of the accused for sure will do all they can to delay and pounce on all the loopholes that they can see. We witness now their call for bail although the law said the case is non-bailable because as they pointed out, the evidence is weak and their case is strong.’

Special Treatment for Enrile Scored

On the other side, Dr. Orly Cagampan and Dr. Marc Caratao agreed on the general observations that the Senator Juan Ponce-Enrile is receiving special treatment like Janet Napoles with the statement of the President that  “the health situation of Enrile warrants special consideration.

Dr.Caratao said, “It is better for the President to have just keep quiet than to give Enrile special consideration.’”On the other hand, Dr Cagampan said, “ it is ironic that the lawyers and doctors of Enrile are the same lawyers and doctors for the deposed dictator Ferdiand Marcos.”

Dr. Agatep on the other said, “ It is only the expert doctors who can give opinions on the real health situation of Enrile’s doctors should be heard,”

Death Penalty Must be Restored

But everyone in the TALAKAYAN agree that the full force of the law must be applied to everyone specially to all accused. No special treatment should be given to these people who are asking special treatment and privileges like food, air-conditioning units, cable- tv and many more perks.

Almost everyone also agreed that capital punishment or the death penalty must be restored so criminality that is on the rise can be arrested and all criminal elements be rooted out and can be punished properly. And that includes those guilty of plunder and graft and corruption in the Philippines.

For more information about TALAKAYAN please call  or email us at  or visit our website at www.new facla.org.

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New FACLA News

June 26, 2014

FACLA MARKS FIL-AM FRIENDSHIP DAY, JULY 4^th  WITH A DANCE PARTY

Los Angeles- Mabuhay ang 4^th of July American Independence Day!

When Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal changed the date of the Philippine Independence Day from the usual July 4^th to June 12 every year, he also designated July 4^th as Filipino-American Friendship Day in honor of the enduring friendship between the two nations that was sealed in blood.

Thus, the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles, Inc (FACLA) led by its President Jun Baul announced that FACLA will hold a whole day of activity to honor the Fourth of July with a dance party that will last from 2:00 PM to Mid Night at the FACLA Social Hall.

July 4, 2014 Festivities

This year, July 4^th, FACLA’s 3^rd Vice President Letty  Acayan Reyes will be crowned as Ms. Fil-American Friendship Queen.

Her court of honor will be Ms. Helen Rodriguez as Ms. Philippine Independence and Ms. Virgie Webber as Ms. Mindanao during the dance party at FACLA.

Music will be provided by Maestro Buddy Reyes and his band while the ticket will be at $ 10.00 for the dance and the dinner party. The public is cordially invited.

Historic Four of July Parades

Since FACLA was founded in April 26, 1945 , the organization usually holds a parade in honor of the 4^th of July with a motorcade of its  crowned beauties from the chosen hotel in downtown LA to City Hall from 1945 to the early 1960’s .

That was until the Philippine Independence Day was changed to June 12 every year.

Since then FACLA still celebrates the 4^th of July , the American Independence Day with usual revelries  but without the July 4^th grand parade.

Meanwhile FACLA has led the successful Philippine Independence Day Parade at Historic Filipinotown for the past two years, 2013 and  every June of the year in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General of LA.

More than 30 organizations in Historic Filipinotown and Southern California joined the 116^th PH Independence Day Parade around Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles last June 07, 2014.

For more information please call Clarita or Cording at (213)484-1527 or email us at or visit our website at newfacla.org.

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ALLIANCE NEWS
June 25, 2014

Alliance-Philippines Condemns Potential Hate Crime that Claimed the Life of a Filipino in New York.

Los Angeles – The Alliance-Philippines vehemently condemns the tragic killing of a Filipino who died days after he was assaulted by a stranger in Woodside, New York. The victim, 56-year old Roberto Martires, died on Wednesday morning at the Elmhurst general Hospital.

The Alliance-Philippines and the Filipino-America community in the West Coast condole with the family and all Filipinos in the East Coast that suffered this senseless tragedy.

It is time for our compatriots in the East Coast to be united and led a hand to the bereaved family and fight this senseless potential act of racist violence in the community.

“Potential Hate Crime”

The Alliance believe this potential hate crime attack on Roberto Martinez is racially motivated. According to the police reports and Filipino-American media accounts, the Woodside police said Martires was leaving Filipino restaurant Krystal’s early Saturday morning when an unidentified man walked up to him and punched him in the face.

Witnesses said Martires fell down and hit his head on the pavement. He was taken to a nearby hospital.Another witness said that the attacker even asked Martires: “Are you Filipino?” before he was attacked. According to the police, investigators are treating this case as a potential hate crime.

The Alliance hopes that the New York authorities solve this violent crime against the Filipinos as soon as possible with dispatch.

For more information please call (213)241-0995 or email us at [email protected]

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USAP Coalition 

PRJ2614

June 26, 2014

PANAGUTIN ANG MGA MAY SALA, HUWAG BIGYAN NG ESPESYAL NA TRATO ANG MGA NAIKULONG ANG MGA KURAKOT NA SENADOR

JFAV UPDATES

June 25, 2014

COMMITTEE HEARING OF THE HOUSE  ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE LAST JUNE 26, ANOTHER GOP GRANDSTANDING

Los Angeles—“ Coming on the heels of the DVA Scandal on 100,000 American Veterans on DVA Hospital Waiting lists, the House Armed Forces Services Committee  held a hearing last  Tuesday, June 26, 2014 is another fishing expedition and a typical GOP grandstanding to blast the Obama Administration.”

JFAV National Coordinator Arturo Garcia, summed up the organization’s stand on the hearing on June 26 at the lower house of the US Congress.

Garcia also said, “  as we understand this hearing it is not about legislation. It is to investigate what is going wrong with the current program and why so many have been denied and have filed complaints and Appeals.

Thus JFAV believes it is just another GOP grandstanding in this coming 2014 mid-terms election and are just using the case of 25,000 denied Filipino World War II Veterans claims against the DVA to further their political ends.

Another Hearing for GOP Grandstanding

We must remember the GOP controlled the House of Representatives that consistently promised to give Filipino World War II a hearing but never gave them any since 2011.” Garcia exclaimed.

Some independent analysts on veteran issues believes, “This is not a legislative hearing we understand. It is an investigation and audit hearing committee looking into issues like funds spent, what is wrong and why our vets are not being recognized in this current program by this administration.

We need to hear on record why these agencies are not being open and fair and why we are told Filipinos are corrupt or enemy sympathizers as to excuses to deny them. “

Garcia ended; “ Enough is enough! Hearings  or no hearings at all, we are tired of lip-service from President Obama and the US Congress. We are sick and tired of hearing things like this as excuses for not honoring these veterans who served the United States Army and put their lives on the line.”

For more information about jfav please call or email us  or visit our website at newfacla.org.

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New FACLA News
June 22, 2014

KOR-HFT Commemorated The  153rd Rizal Day at FACLA by a Day of Service

Los Angeles—Mabuhay ang Pambansang Bayani ng Pilipinas,Dr Jose P. Rizal.

The Knights of Rizal, Historic Filipinotown Chapter  (KOR-HFT) and the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles, Inc (FACLA)  together with officials of the Philippine Consulate General of Los Angeles with different KOR Chapters held its traditional commemoration of the 153rd Rizal Day or the anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal birthday last Thursday, June 19, 2014 at FACLA.

Dr. Jose P. Rizal was born of June 19, 1861 in Calamba, Laguna and was executed by firing squad by Spanish authorities on December 30, 1896 at the Luneta, Manila. He is the national hero of the Philippines.

Rizal Day of Service

The whole day started with a wreath laying ceremonies at the foot of the Dr.Rizal Monument inside the FACLA Compound. Deputy Consul General Imelda Panolong and Cultural Officer Wilma Bautista, Consul Cezar Angeles and FACLA Directors .

Meanwhile, the  Knights of Rizal from different chapters from Southern California led by  FACLA President Jun Baul,  Dr. Marc Caratao, KCR of the Knights of Rizal, Historic Filipinotown Chapter, Chito Mandap and Tony Berango of the KOR-California also attended the festivities.

There was also free food and dancing at the social hall and a simple program. The TALAKAYAN sa FACLA , weekly community forum went  on and its discussions will focus on the relevance of Dr. Jose Rizal in the Filipino American community life.

A simple turn-over ceremony from KCR Fender Santos to KCR Dr. Marc Caratao  was held. The affair commenced on 8;30 in the morning of June 19, 2014 and lasted until the afternoon.

FACLA Director Bernie Ganon acted as the program emcee while the music was provided by Maestro Buddy Reyes with Ms. Letty Reyes and his band

For more information about the KOR  please call facla at (213)484-1537 or email us a [email protected] or visit our website at newfacla.org

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New FACLA News

June 18, 2014

KOR-HFT Celebrates 153^rd Rizal Day at FACLA by a Day of Service

Los Angeles—The Knight of Rizal, Historic Filipinotown Chapter and the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles will hold its traditional commemoration of the 153^rd Rizal Day or the anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal birthday on Thursday, June 19, 2014.

Dr. Jose P. Rizal was born of June 19, 1861 in Calamba, Laguna and was executed by firing squad by Spanish authorities on December 30, 1896 at the Luneta, Manila.  He is the national hero of the Philippines.

Rizal Day of Service

The whole day will start by a wreath laying ceremonies at the foot of the Dr.Rizal Monument inside the FACLA Compound. Deputy Consul General Imelda Panolong and Cultural Officer Wilma Bautista, FACLA Directors and Knights of Rizal from different chapters from Southern California led by Dr. Marc Caraao, KCR of the Knights of Rizal, Historic Filipinotown Chapter.

There will also free food and dancing at the social hall and a simple program. The TALAKAYAN sa FACLA ,  weekly community forum will go on and its discussions will focus on the relevance of Dr. Jose Rizal in the Filipino American community life.

There will be a simple turn-over ceremony from KCR Fender Santos to KCR Dr. Marc Caratao to be presided by KCR of the Western Region of the KOR California Tony Berango and Dr. Veronico Agatep, past KCR of KOR-HFT Chapter.

The public is invited for the affair that will commence on 8;30 in the morning of June 19, 2014  and will last until the afternoon.

Music will be provided by Maestro Buddy Reyes with Ms. Letty Reyes  and his band

For more information please call facla at (213)484-1537 or email us a  or visit our website at newfacla.org

 

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NEW FACLA NEWS

June 18, 2014

PHL CONSULATE GENERAL SHARES ITS THOUGHTS ON PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY AND JOINS PARADE AT HISTORIC FILIPINO TOWN, L.A. AND AT THE CITY OF CARSON

Los Angeles, 09 June 2013. – The Philippine Consulate General joined the Filipino community parade commemorating the 116th theAnniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on 07 June 2013 at the Historic Filipino town, Los Angeles.

The New FACLA (Filipino American Community of Los Angeles) organizers theme for the parade is “Santa Cruz De Mayo”. The Kalayaan 2014 Parade was participated in by various Fil-Am organizations ranging from civic to youth, business service and religious groups.

A short program was held after the parade at the FACLA Center to close the day’s
event. In his remarks, Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim urged the Filipino-American community to harness its untapped potential by actively participating in the political, economic and cultural streams of mainstream American society.

In an interview with Asian Journal, a widely-read newspaper in the Fil-Am community, Consul General Herrera-Lim gave his views on this year’s Independence Day. When asked about the National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ 116th

Theme of PH the 116th Independence Day

Independence Day theme, Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago (Following the Footsteps of Great Filipinos, Towards Widespread and Lasting Change), Consul General Herrera-Lim said that this year’s theme is “truly aspirational” for all Filipinos, whether they are in
the Philippines or in other countries. The Consul General quoted the words of Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III:

“Let this commemoration of our ancestors’ heroism be not just a portion of our country’s glorious and exciting narrative. May we remain united, like our forbears more than a hundred years ago, in working for an even more robust, equitably
progressive Republic. And as we move forward, let us ensure that no Filipino is left behind as we journey on the straight and righteous path.”

In the end, Philippine Independence Day is more than just a celebration of our sovereignty and culture. Consul General Herrera-Lim stressed that this is also a celebration of shared values with our host country. “Freedom, democracy, and right of self-rule are values that Filipinos share with Americans. It is essential that our communities continue to reflect these shared values and manifest our joys in harvesting the fruits of such values,” he said.

PH Independence Day Month

Independence Day celebrations will continue until weekend. The Consulate General will host a reception for the L.A. Consular Corps, officials of L.A. City and County, and leaders of the Fil-Am Community on 12 June 2014.

Three (3) events will happen consecutively on 14 June 2014. The City of Carson will hold a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument led by Senator Grace Poe, the City of Cerritos will organize an Independence Day program, and Kalayaan Inc. will cap the celebration with a Gala Dinner in the evening with Senator Poe as the guest of honor.

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