Based on Corona’s 2010 Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN) turned over by Supreme Court Clerk of Court Enriqueta Vidal, Corona bought a condominium in Makati in 2003 worth P1.2 million, a condominium in Taguig in 2004 worth P2.3 million, and another condominium in Taguig in 2010 worth P6.8 million.

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Lead prosecutor IloIlo Rep. Niel Tupas Jr.

WHO says the Corona impeachment trial would be boring with all the legal gobbledygook, a classic quote by then Sen. Rodolfo Biazon during the Estrada impeachment trial in 2000, that we expect would dominate the trial?

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Unless the necessary steps are taken to speed up the ongoing trials of the accused in the killing of journalists as well as the masterminds , and to investigate, arrest, and try those involved in the killing of Guarin, as well as that of six other journalists in 2011, the killings are likely to continue in 2012 and the coming years.

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Guarin, a block time radio broadcaster with Radyo Mo Nationwide and publisher of Tatak News, was shot and killed by unidentified motorcycle-riding assailants on Thursday evening while driving home with his wife, Lyn Guarin, and nine-year-old daughter in General Santos City on the southern island of Mindanao, according to local andinternational news reports.

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Ethical and professional issues so beset the Philippine media that hardly a month passes without some controversy erupting over how a media organization covered or commented on an event, and/or discharged its entertainment function.

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As we wind up 2011, we find some grounds to be guardedly optimistic that in 2012 our people’s long-hobbled quest for justice can gain momentum on two fronts: against graft and corruption in high places, and against impunity from wanton human rights violations.

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been arrested for the non-bailable electoral sabotage case, in connection with the 2007 senatorial elections, filed at the Pasay City Regional Trial Court by the Comelec and the Department of Justice.

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MANILA – Farm workers of the Hacienda Luisita warned President Benigno S. Aquino III against his “continuing manipulation” to reverse the Supreme Court decision ordering land distribution.

In a press conference this morning, Rodel Mesa, secretary general of Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (Uma) said that while they support the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona, they would not allow Aquino to control the Supreme Court and get a favorable ruling on the disputed land owned by Aquino and family.

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BAGUIO CITY – Members of the Beaconsfield Initiative, an exposure mission comprised mostly of Canadian church members, visited the Cordillera Region last week. Focusing on areas where Canadian Mining Companies operate, they found out that there is an ongoing “legal terrorism” victimizing the community people.

Reverend Patricia Lisson, directress of the St. Columbia House in Canada, defined “legal terrorism” as the use of law over the rights of the people. This is being done, she said, to favor the big corporations and investors over the interests of the community.

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Many predict 2012 to be a dynamic, innovative year. Individuals are encouraged to make bold moves and leave humble behind. Across Asia, artificial insemination has been on the rise since May. In Taiwan, a 20% increase in births is expected this year. In Korea and China, people are planning weddings and having babies. Supposedly dragons are the luckiest and wealthiest people and everyone wants in on the dragon’s legendary rewards.

Many millions of households are busily preparing for the New Year. In Japan, China, Korea and other Asian countries, houses are being swept clean. Windows are opened to let in good luck and flush out stuck energy. Special flowers are placed carefully to invite and impress good luck and opportunity. This happens every year to get ready for Lunar or Chinese New Year. But this year is very special. On January 23, 2012, half the globe will celebrate and welcome the Year of the Dragon. The dragon is the luckiest and most powerful sign.

The dragon is the only sign in the Asian zodiac that is mystical; the others are all real animals — the rat, dog, pig, horse, tiger, snake, monkey, rabbit, ox, chicken and sheep. Asian dragons are benevolent, charismatic and powerful. They are known for their sincerity and trusting natures. They are often free spirits who are passionate, creative and self-centered. In China, Japan and Korea, throughout time many believed the emperors had descended from dragons.

The power of the dragon is undisputed in Asia and its image is pervasive. Bruce Lee’s stage name was Li Xiaolong or little dragon. In Japan, one often sees the seahorse, which is a baby dragon, as well as dragon emblems everywhere. And the dragon is the symbol of the emperor in China and Korea. Dragons are beloved and admired across Asia and this year there will be massive celebrations.

If nearly half of the globe’s population believes in and will celebrate this phenomenon, should the average person try to win the attention and empathy of the Black Water Dragon?

Five ways to embrace the energy of the dragon, just in case…

1) Seriously de-clutter your home or a part of your home like your office. You need to make room for good fortune to settle. The extra space will become filled with new, exciting things. If you can find a sweet pea plant, put it out prominently or by a door or window.  This is the favorite flower of the dragon.

2) No matter how cold, open your windows for a period of time each day leading up to the New Year and then throughout January 23rd. The stale air of the past will exit and new opportunities will be swept in. On New Year’s night if you are awake at midnight open every door and window briefly.

3) Black is back as “the new black.” The Dragon loves Black this year and feel free to accessorize with bright colors. The dragon loves extravagance. Take a walk on January 23 in your black outfit, accessorized with bold colors and breath fresh air.

4) On New Year’s Day, share a meal with someone and talk only about the future and its possibilities. This is a year for innovation and big projects. Do not talk about the past at all. For your meal on the 23rd, eat at a table adorned with lit candles. The food should be well spiced and if possible include seafood and pumpkin.

5) Give a gift. The Dragon can be self centered and impetuous but it is also very generous and benevolent. Give small gifts to people (love is a gift) and it will be returned in some form with greater richness. Since it is a water dragon, some gift ideas are– a dragon pen, dragon cup, game or anything to do with water. Little pouches with small money are also lucky for children. These gifts bring luck to the recipient as well as the giver. Donate items as you de-clutter; these are gifts to others as well.

Do not confuse the dinosaur with the dragon. Dinosaurs are negative where dragons are wealthy, lucky and smart. So no dinosaur gifts to little boys this year!

And remember to wish your Asian friends and neighbors a successful dragon year. They will appreciate your sentiment and be impressed with your cultural prowess. When we lived in Korea, we observed and then started to participate in these wonderful New Year’s customs. If a billion people believe there is something to this, why not join the festivities and see what luck the water dragon may bring in 2012? The dragon has survived and evolved as even more powerful today, so many covet its charm, charisma and prosperity.  Embrace your inner dragon and celebrate a second “Happy New Year” on January 23rd.

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Eileen Wacker lives in Honolulu, Hawaii, with her husband and four children. She is the author of the new children’s book, Black Tortoise Samurai and the Dynasty Dragon (Feb. 2012), the fifth installment of the award winning Fujimini Adventure Series. For additional information on the series, please visit www.oncekids.com.

• The alliance held its first Leaders’ Gala on April 2 where Flor Marcelino, Manitoba Minister of Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sports and Minister of Multiculturalism was guest speaker. Some 270 guests graced the occasion held at the Rembrandt Banquet Hall in Scarborough.

• In collaboration with the Philippine Press Club-Ontario, and Kamalayan, CASJ sponsored a public forum on Aug. 19 to discuss the Spratlys issue in relation to the Philippine extractive industries and sovereignty. Titled, “China vs. the Philippines: The Spratlys Issue and Philippine Natural Wealth,” the forum was held at the OISE on Bloor St. West, attended by almost 60 people that included students, representatives of various organizations, the Consul General of Toronto Pedro Chan, and former Consul General Clemencio Montesa.

• On Sept. 16, at the gathering “Pinoy MPP Candidates Speak” on Sept. 16 at the Filipino Centre-Toronto, CASJ and other community leaders called for Filipino-Canadians to start a wave of support for Filipino candidates in the Oct. 6 provincial elections. Nerissa Cariño, NDP candidate for Scarborough East, and Cheryll San Juan, Green Party candidate for Etobicoke Centre, shared their platforms with dozens of Filipino community leaders.

• Dozens gathered to share and hear testimonials from the Philippine martial law era in “An Evening of Music and Poetry, Solidarity and Memories of Struggle” on Bloor St. West on Friday, Sept. 23, the 39th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines. Organized by CASJ, Migrante Ontario, Anakbayan, Filipino Migrant Workers Movement and Philippine Advocacy through Arts and Culture at Trinity-St. Paul United Church, the event featured stories of detention, torture, struggle and survival, songs and poetry of that period in Philippine history.

* On Nov. 23, 2011, two years after on the same day in 2009, after what has come to be known as the deadliest day for journalists in modern history shocked the Philippines and the world, CASJ joined the Philippine Press Club of Ontario at St. Luke’s Church in Toronto to observe the first International Day to End Impunity. This was attended by some 80 people of diverse backgrounds and representatives of various organizations that included the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada, BAYAN and Migrante Canada formations in Toronto, Anakbayan, and the United Youth for Peace and Development.

In the field of research:

• CASJ participated in two panels in the 2011 Biennial Conference of the Canadian Council for Southeast Asian Studies in October – the panel on Experiences of the Filipino-Canadian Second Generation and the panel on Transnational Connections and Local Development

• CASJ is involved in an ongoing collaborative venture with Dr. Philip Kelly of York University – with research teams in Toronto, Hamilton, Winnipeg and Vancouver – in Filipino Youth Transitions In Canada (FYTiC), the first nationwide study of Filipino youth experiences in Canada. On Sept. 19, the project launched an online survey of Filipino-Canadians. A questionnaire has been distributed nationwide. To ensure a diverse representation of respondents, CASJ established partnership with grassroots organizations through Migrante Canada and GABRIELA Ontario.

• More recently, it facilitated links between GABRIELA Ontario and Migrante on the one hand, and Ryerson University on the other, for a study on women in the live-in caregiver program.

CASJ undertook these activities in coordination and alliance with progressive organizations and social justice-oriented individuals in the community. This year, the alliance plans to hold an event to commemorate the anniversary of the EDSA people’s uprising against the Marcos dictatorship. It is also gearing for its Second Leaders’ Gala to be held in the Spring. For more information, visit http://casj.wordpress.com/

(PRESS RELEASE)