EPCC NEWS
August 30, 2015

SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE?

By Atty.Arnedo Valera

Washington DC –If INC truly believes in the principle of Separation of Church and State, then more so that they should respect the State’s prerogative to investigate allegations of criminal acts committed by INC members.

The law and the criminal processes equally apply to all. It is not the function of INC church to investigate criminal charges and in the process impedes the investigation, even if it involves their members.

The issue here is not freedom of religion or the exercise of your religious freedom. Your religious freedom is not violated by the DOJ criminal investigation process. No one is above the law.

When members of a religious sect or a church is charge of criminal offense, then under the Principle of Separation of Church and State, the State through the DOJ must perform its governmental function to equally enforce the law.

Politicians , candidates who are riding on the crest of this issue should stop using this incident to court INC for “block voting ” which they have been known for years . They have to stop political footsies to score political points.Shame on you who are exploiting this incident.

All our Presidential aspirants must show political maturity and be objective and recommend the right thing i.e let DOJ do its job.

Those running for public office should instead help explain to their Los constituents, who are members of INC what the Principle of Separation of Church and State is all about instead of engaging in political posturings.

To all the INC members, I have full respect in the exercise of your freedom of religion, the same applies to all kinds of religious beliefs.

But all faiths including INC subscribe to the human notion and long life saying,that “The truth will set as Free”.

And I call on INC members to be the purveyors of truth and justice.

Rev.Atty Arnedo S. Valera
Executive Director, Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC)
JFAV Legal Counsel

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For Immediate Release
ALLIANCE PHILIPPINES
August 27,2015

ALLIANCE HAILS OVERSEAS FILIPINOS VICTORY ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES

Los Angeles—Mabuhay ang Tagumpay ng mga Mangagawa sa Labas ng bansa laban sa paninikil ng BOC!

The Alliance-Philippines thank all individual and groups who worked for the reversal of the unjust policy of the Bureau of Customs to tax and ramdomly open Balikbayan Boxes from abroad,

We joined the jubilation the Filipino-American Community in North America and all over the globe over the decision of PH President Aquino reversing the decision of the BOC against the very annoying and unfair scheme of the Bureau of Customs.

The PH President ordered the BOC to stop opening and pilfering the Balikbayan boxes from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and Overseas Filipinos (OF) .

Stay Vigilant, Fight for Our Rights

Arturo P. Garcia, Alliance Coordinator said,”Vilgilance is the price of liberty. The loud and united protest of the OFW’s and OF”s over social media made a dent on the President.

Additionally the more 87,000 petition on line added to the protest and frighten the authorities. They have to step back especially the national elections is coming.”

The Alliance find it interesting that the Balikbayan Boxes have been inspected by the US authorities. And yet, on the case of double inspection, the BOC find its happiness in opening at random Balikbayan Boxes(BB) to prove that there is smuggling.

BOC- The Most Corrupt Government Agency

Garcia also said,” I find it funny when the BOC, the most corrupt agency of the government find it pick on BB’s as a source of loss of income when everybody knows smuggling is so rampant and a way of life at the BOC.

And to pick on $ 50 Million loss on BB’s being send by OFW’s when multi-billions are lost everyday and even toxic trash enters the country on the very doors of the BOC.

Despite this tactical victory, we ask our community and all OFW’s all over the world to be vigilant and fight for our rights.” Garcia ended.

TAMA NA ANG PAHIRAP! TAMA NA ANG KURAKOT!!!

IPAGLABAN ANG INTERES NG MGA PILIPINONG MANGGAGAWA SA LABAS NG BANSA!

ALLIANCE PHILIPPINES
LOS ANGELES

Arturo P. Garcia
National Coordinator

August 26, 2015

END

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Commission on Elections
Filipino American Community of Los Angeles, Inc.
1740 W.Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026
Tel. No. (213)484-1527

August 24,2015

ANNOUNCEMENT:

TO ALL MEMBERS OF FACLA

Pursuant to Article V; Section 2 of FACLA By-laws, an election shall be held on November 15, 2015 for fifteen (15) Directors who will compose the new Board of Director or 2016-2019. Members who intend to run must meet the following qualifications.

1. Be at least twenty-one years of age, a legal resident, and resides in the County of Los Angeles for at least one (1) year prior to the elections:
2. BE a member of good standing for at least one (1) year prior to the election;
3. Have held an elective or appointive position from any refutable or accredited organization for at least one(1) year prior to the election.
4. Have never been convicted of felony or any crime involving moral turpitude.

Every candidate must complete, sign and file a certificate of candidacy and apy a fee of $200.oo to hel cover the cost of the election.

Candidacy forms are available in the office of the manager. Forms must be accompanied by proof legal residency in the United States.

Deadline of submission of certificate of candidacy is August 31, 2015.

COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS July 31, 2015

Signed:
Avalyn Tapia, Chairperson
Sally Jomarambon, Commissioner
Emily Roberts, Commissioner

***

EPCC NEWS
August 22, 2015

ON THE PH SC DECISION ON ENRILE;” WALANG TUWID NA DAAN SA PILIPINAS”

Los Angeles- “ Walang Tuwid Na Daan sa Pilipinas” (There is No Straight Path In the Philippines)

This was the consensus of the majority of FilAm leaders at the TALAKAYAN SA FACLA last Thursday, August 20, 2015.during the discussion about the recent ruing of the PH Supreme Court that granted the bail and temporary liberty of Senator Juan Ponce- Enrile , community leaders reached this consensus.

Dr.Orly Cagampan said, “What the Philippines really need is systemic change. As long as the Supreme Court, the supposed to be the court of last resort for the poor and downtrodden favors the rich and the powerful, we cannot achieve justice.”

Larry Pelayo said, “ we can call the Supreme Court decision as selective justice. One brand of justice for the rich, another for the poor.

Besides the political color of Arroyo majority appointed justices in the Supreme Court shows.”

Contrary Views

But not all community leaders hold this view. Dr.Leo Pandac hold the contrary view.

Dr.Leo Pandac said, “ The Supreme Court decision only shows the Philippine justice system is alive and well.

The high court only gave Enrile temporary liberty for the reason of his age, He is 91 years old, his health because he was sick and because he voluntary surrendered.”

Robert Abraham agreed, “ The Supreme Court is just making sure nothing will happen while he is in jail in the hospital. We cannot blame them for releasing him (Enrile). They might be afraid if something happens to him while he is in jail. He is their responsibility.”

But Dr.Cagampan argued, “Then if he sick and old, why assume his work as a Senator. I think its only a “palabas”. ( sideshow).

I still believe it’s a travesty of justice just like what Justice Leonen argued in his dissenting opinion.” Cagampan added.

About GOP’s Donald Trump

Meanwhile Rotarian Macky Fortu said, ” Americans like Donald Trump because he says what the American people want to hear. And what he says cannot be said by other candidates.”

Al Garcia added, Trump is a rich guy. He is not beholden to anyone especially to lobbyist. And he is the only candidate who talks about the veterans.”

Dr.Pandac cautioned,” That’s what he says now.But when he becomes President he will say something else. And that is sure.”

TALAKAYAN SA FACLA, is a weekly discussion round table at FACLA every Thursday of the week at 11:00 AM. It’s FREE COFFEE/ DONUT AND POTLUCK.

For more information please call Al at (213) 241-0995 at FACLA at (213) 484-1527 or email us at [email protected]

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EPCC NEWS
August 20, 2015

JFAV/ PINOY MINISTRY FOOD DISTRIBUTION/FEEDING PROGRAM AT FACLA ON AUGUST 29, 2015 AT 11:00 AM, MARKS V-J DAY.

Los Angeles–After celebrating the First Year Anniversary of the Feeding and Food Distribution Program of the Pinoy Ministry , it will hold its regular monthly program on August 29, 2015 at 11;00 AM at FACLA.

According to JFAV Coordinator Arturo P. .Garcia, “ The Pinoy Ministry of the Wilshire United Methodist Church with the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the HIFI CALI EXPO LLC in cooperation of the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) will hold its feeding and food distribution on Saturday, August 29, 2105 at 11:00 AM.

The feeding program and food distribution is held at every last Saturday of the month at FACLA. it has feed hundreds of indigent people, veterans, widows and seniors in Historic Filipinotown since last year.

Honoring the Veterans

At the same time, JFAV will also honor the Veterans and mark the Philippine National Heroes Day on August 29, 2015 with memrial rites during its program during the feeding and food distribution program.

JFAV usually commemorate the PH National Heroes Day (PNHD) especially this year marks the 70th Victory over Japan Day on August 15, 2015.

It is also known as Victory Over Japan Day (V-J DAy) usually celebrated by the united States on September 2, every year. it was on September 2, 1945 when Japan formally signed the surrender aboard the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, japan.

Free Info /IT Seminar

At the same time, Sid Balatan, FACLA Director for Information and Technology will again hold his FREE workshop on email, iphone and tablet literacy and technology.

This technology literacy seminar is FREE for people especially for seniors who want to learn about this gadgets. This workshop is FREE. Especially for senior adults, using their phones and tablets should not be troublesome.

It only shows that age does not matter when it comes to technology. It is not to late or we are not to old to learn.

Please come to this FREE high tech seminar.

For more information please contact Sid at (213)3995042 or Al Garcia at (323)253-1818 or email us [email protected]

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Commission on Elections
Filipino American Community of Los Angeles, Inc.
1740 W.Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026
Tel. No. (213)484-1527

August 19, 2015

ANNOUNCEMENT:

TO ALL MEMBERS OF FACLA

Pursuant to Article V; Section 2 of FACLA By-laws, an election shall be held on November 15, 2015 for fifteen (15) Directors who will compose the new Board of Director or 2016-2019. Members who intend to run must meet the following qualifications.

1. Be at least twenty-one years of age, a legal resident, and resides in the County of Los Angeles for at least one (1) year prior to the elections:
2. BE a member of good standing for at least one (1) year prior to the election;
3. Have held an elective or appointive position from any refutable or accredited organization for at least one(1) year prior to the election.
4. Have never been convicted of felony or any crime involving moral turpitude.

Every candidate must complete, sign and file a certificate of candidacy and apy a fee of $200.oo to hel cover the cost of the election.

Candidacy forms are available in the office of the manager. Forms must be accompanied by proof legal residency in the United States.

Deadline of submission of certificate of candidacy is August 31, 2015.

COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS July 31, 2015

Signed:
Avalyn Tapia, Chairperson
Sally Jomarambon, Commissioner
Emily Roberts, Commissioner

***

For Immediate Release
Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV)
Contact Person: Arturo P. Garcia
Phone;(213) 241-0995
August 15, 2015

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 70th YEAR OF AUGUST 15, 1945, AMERICA’S VICTORY OVER JAPAN IN WORLD WAR II

Los Angeles-- TODAY ON AUGUST 15, 1945, THE REAL VICTORY OVER JAPAN DAY HAPPENED 70 YEARS AGO.

On August 15,1945, the Emperor of Japan, Hirohito announced that Japan’s surrender to the Allies. This happened after the United States dropped two Atomic bombs on August 6 in Hiroshima and on August 9 at Nagasaki that obliterated the two cities and killed hundreds of thousands of people.

For many Asian countries like Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia and China, its freedom day for countries colonized by Japan. Actually, they made it their day of Independence.

The Significance of the 70th Anniversary of August 15, 1945

But in a country like the Philippines where fighting was still going on, it will be September 6, 1945 when Japan officially surrender that is why it is called V-J Day or “Victory over Japan Day.” But for many Asians the real V-J Day is August 15, 1945.

But for the remaining 25,000 Filipino World War II Veterans and thousands of their survivors, they cannot rejoice for this day of liberation. For more than 70 years, they remained unrecognized American Veterans. They are still denied of their rights, privileges and benefits as American Veterans.

Although the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) acknowledged the fact that greater problem that more than 600,000 American Veterans are denied of their benefits, we highlight the plight of the Filipino WWII Veterans.

Justice and Equity For Filipino World War II Veterans

Even the current DVA Secretary Robert MacDonald accepted to the JFAV in June 29 meeting and as even US President Obama acknowledged, “The Filipino World War II Veterans have waited too long for their recognition and benefits to be denied.”

We honor the 70th Year of America’s Victory Over Japan on this day by continuing the struggle of our community and nation for equity and justice for Filipino World War II Veterans and their 60,000 survivors in the America and the Philippines.

Last June 12,2015. Rep. Jackie Speier filed for the third time the Filipino Veterans Recognition Act of 2015 or the H.R. 2766. with 34 co-sponsors. We have been filing this bill for the last 22 years in the US Congress.

JFAV as the lobby group for the Filipino WWI Veterans and their 60,000 survivors in the US Congress will not let up until justice and equality prevailed against systemic racism and institutionalized discrimination.

Baby Steps

Last June 29, JFAV and ACFV has a 30-minute meeting with the DVA Secretary Robert MacDonald and he promised to expedite the 4,000 appeals of denied Filvets.

In the latest move, POTUS Obama last July 15, 2015 has issued the “Memorandum on Streamlining and Modernizing the US Immigrant Visa System” to the Department of Homeland Security that expedited the “parole system “ for 25,000 Filvets “ who can now petition their children to the United States sans the Comprehensive Immigration Reform law.

While we in JFAV acknowledged that this is not real “family reunification” but we feel that this baby steps or palliatives has its valuable effect. It can be measured with the reality on the grounds until a true comprehensive immigration reform law can be realized in the future.

Salute to Filipino WWII Men and Woman Veterans

Lastly, we honor the more than 500,000 Filipino Men and Woman patriots who fought during World War to defend the Philippines . Those who and served under the Filipino and America’s flag and the very many of them who did not ask for a single centavo as a remuneration for their wartime services during the war.

We salute the 250.000 recognized Filipino- American Veterans under the US Army and the Commonwealth Army, the USAFFE and all the guerilla forces and their survivors but who were unrecognized and disenfranchised under the unjust Rescission Act of 1946 . Now, there are only 25,000 living Veterans both in the Philippines and the United States.

We in JFAV and the Filipino American community in the United States make this solemn promise:

We will fight for you until justice and equity is achieved. You fought for us and gave your all, now are our turn to fight for your recognition, justice and benefits.

MAGITING NA PAGPUPUGAY SA INYONG KABAYANIHAN!

MAKIBAKA TUNGO SA TAGUMPAY!

Arturo P. Garcia
Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV)
National Coordinator

August 15, 2015
Los Angeles, CA

END

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For Immediate Release
Grace Poe For President Movement (GPM)
Contact person: Al P.Garcia
August 16, 2015

SOCAL FILAM LEADERS REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR SENATOR GRACE POE

Los Angeles—More than ten Southern California Filipino-American community leaders reaffirmed their support for Senator Grace Poe if she decides for President this coming May 2016 Presidential Elections.

During the weekly TALAKAYAN SA FACLA last Thursday, August 13, 2015 at FACLA, in one way or the other the community leaders expressed their belief that Senator Grace Poe has the integrity and is capable of leading the nation.

They reaffirm the fact that Grace Poe can improve the accomplishments of the “Tuwid Na Daan” of President Noynoy Aquino III whose term ends on June 30, 2016.
Dr.Orly Cagampan of the Knights of Rizal-HFT said, “ Grace Poe has integrity and I prefer integrity over experience. Experience can be learned but integrity must be inherent on a person in order to properly lead.”

Reaffirmation for Grace Poe For President

Robert Abraham also said, “ I am not familiar with Grace Poe but for me VP Binay has insulted the intellect of the Filipinos. He defied and does respect anyone. Not the Courts, the Senate and any branches of government. For me its anyone but Binay.”

FACLA President Austin Baul Jr. framed the question “Who do you prefer to be the next President of the Philippines?” thus it elected different point of views from
the community leaders.

RVNC Leader Macky Fortu said, “ I go for Grace Poe not because she is popular among voters but because she has proven that she is a capable leader in the Senate. Mar (Roxas) although is a good technocrat, is a little bit too stiff.”

GPM Consolidates Its Forces

For Al P. Garcia said, “ Even Sen. Grace Poe has admitted she is in the cross. But she admitted that “ the candidacy of her dad, FPJ and the cheating on 2004 has an effect why she is running for President on May 2016.”

The Grace Poe For President Movement or the GPM was launched last August 06, 2015 in a Press Conference attended by 15 FilAm Community leaders at FACLA and vowed to support the candidacy of Senator Grace Poe for President of the Philippines on May 2016.

Plans are in motion to expand to other major cities like San Francisco, New York and Washington DC and other states of the United States to broaden the base of the GPM’s machinery in preparation for the May 2015 Philippine Presidential Elections.

Al Garcia of Bantay-Pilipinas-USA; Jun Caringal of Pangasinan Brotherhood ,Lissa Pacheco Chow of SMR and Sid Balatan of AYUYANG were some of the Grace Poe For President Movement (GPM) convenors in The United States.

For more information about the GPM please call Al Garcia at (323)253-1818 or email us at [email protected]

END

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Commission on Elections
Filipino American Community of Los Angeles, Inc.
1740 W.Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026
Tel. No. (213)484-1527

August 16, 2015

ANNOUNCEMENT:

TO ALL MEMBERS OF FACLA

Pursuant to Article V; Section 2 of FACLA By-laws, an election shall be held on November 15, 2015 for fifteen (15) Directors who will compose the new Board of Director or 2016-2019. Members who intend to run must meet the following qualifications.

1. Be at least twenty-one years of age, a legal resident, and resides in the County of Los Angeles for at least one (1) year prior to the elections:
2. BE a member of good standing for at least one (1) year prior to the election;
3. Have held an elective or appointive position from any refutable or accredited organization for at least one(1) year prior to the election.
4. Have never been convicted of felony or any crime involving moral turpitude.

Every candidate must complete, sign and file a certificate of candidacy and apy a fee of $200.oo to hel cover the cost of the election.

Candidacy forms are available in the office of the manager. Forms must be accompanied by proof legal residency in the United States.

Deadline of submission of certificate of candidacy is August 31, 2015.

COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS July 31, 2015

Signed:
Avalyn Tapia, Chairperson
Sally Jomarambon, Commissioner
Emily Roberts, Commissioner

***

EPCC NEWS
August 09,2015

FASGI HOLDS COMMUNITY DAY AUGUST 08, 2015

Los Angeles— “It’s like a homecoming/ reunion and we are coming back to our old home”

The Filipino American Service Group Inc (FASGI) in celebration of “Buwan ng Wika” and Historic Filipinotown 13th Anniversary held its Community Day last Saturday, August 08, 2015

More than 300 people mostly community resident veterans and widows attended the FASGI OPEN HOUSE that featured a pre-launch of FASGI’s new programs for the community.

Brief Program

New FASGI Executive Director Yey Coronel explained FASGI’s programs like the Veterans Center, FILVOTE, Community Gardening, Senior Coffee Club, Transitional Housing and Basic Computer Literacy that caters to the needs of the FilAm community.

During the brief Program, Albert Bataclan, FASGI’s communications director introduced the new FASGI Executive Director Yey Coronel-Alcid.

Also present were FASGI Asst, Executive Director Bernie Ganon and FASGI’s Board President Cris Liban.

Partnership

There were performances by GALA, the Silverlake CBAS, The FASGI Cultural Group, Aida Santos, Chato Bueta, recognition of Filipino World War II Veterans, widows and relatives,parlor games and dancing.

The Community Day was held in partnership with KALAYAAN Inc, United Bicolandia of Los Angeles (UBLA), PINOY MINISTRY, PEOPLE’S CORE, Philippine Institute of Language and Arts (PILAC), Philippine Scouts Heritage Society (PSHS) , Justice for Filipino American Veterans(JFAV).

The Filipino American Library (FAL),Pilipino Workers Center (PWC), LAMBINI NG KALAYAAN/FILAM INTERNATIONAL, Knights of Rizal (KOR)-Historic Filipinotown, Rampart Village Neighborhood Council (RVNC), Sapphire Media Regency (SMR), and Temple-Westlake Neighborhood Development Corporation (TWNDC) .

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