Notebook

By: Elsie Sy-Niebar

 

*FBI Director Comey, on Hilary Clinton: ‘She is extremely careless’ tampering classified government communication, but ‘not guilty.’ Is Mrs. Clinton above the Law?

*CHICAGO: No. 1 in Crime; has the highest homeowner property tax; a Topnotcher in Home Healthcare MediCare fraud, co-starring some Filipinos in Home Healthcare business

*The FACC: ‘All out to revive the original Beauty Queen pageant which includes beauty and brain qualifications. Campaign for Membership is going on

*’Filipino Americans and Filipinos in Chicago, fragmented’ –observes PhilippineAmbassador Jose Cuisia

*AFIRE celebrates approval of Domestic Work bill, offers free immigration services; opening for full-time Community Organizer

HILARY RODHAM CLINTON, ‘careless but not guilty!’This was the verdict given by FBI Director James Comey, when he finally did a national media blitz, recently– about how the former First Lady, then, Secretary of State, used her personal email and server to send out classified information endangering the United States government and the American people. Comey assured everyone that his FBI office did not find “clear evidence of criminal intent” which can cause an indictment for Mrs. Clinton — a Democratic Party’s candidate for the next President of the United States of America IF she wins… she will also make history as the First Woman President of this Great Country!

The Big Question is: We, the People – starting from our very own State of Illinois – have witnessed several political dignitaries going inside the “Big House” for committing crimes on the “local level”. And, here, another Illinoisan, former First Lady Hilary Rodham Clinton who endangered the whole USA via her private email server– can go indictment-free? Is Hilary Clinton above the law?

I admire Mrs. Clinton and her guts to stand up to the name-calling from her opponent, Billionaire Donald Trump! But, how could she take for granted the SAFETY of her fellow American people she now wants to serve by playing email games on the “classified information” — which, according to media report, had already affected some people in government — like losing their jobs. Hopefully, Hilary Clinton will not use or Ab-USE her “victory” IF she gets elected as the First Lady President of this Great USA, this coming November!

Yes, political-experience-wise — Mrs. Clinton has edges over Trump: she was former First Lady, former US Senator and Secretary of State. Mr. Trump has nothing, nada experience in government. Except, of course, his expertise to raise billion$! On the other hand…nowadays there’s a showing of hands: Voters who are tired of Traditional Politicians are moving towards The Donald. They like him for “calling a Spade a Spade,” particularly on the issues against illegal immigrants. GOD BLESS AMERICA! The Land of the FREE. And HOME of the BRAVE. *****

FILIPINO AMERICANS INDICTED IN MEDICARE FRAUD: One day, perhaps a couple of years ago, I stopped at the Pilipino American Social Services (PASS) on Irving Park Rd., Chicago. During the Bingo session of the Senior citizens, the only “community service done there” — a Filipino nurse was taking the blood pressure of the seniors. Every now and then — she would yell at the seniors saying: “come on, let me take your blood pressure. I still have other places to visit.” Thinking that the nurse was doing volunteer work at PASS, I approached her and said: “Can you also check my blood pressure?”

Her immediate response was: “Sorry, you are not my patient. If you want, let me take your personal information with your SS (Social Security) number.” I was appalled! So, I said: “Are you telling me that these seniors here are you patients?”

“Yes”, she said. I am their Home Visiting Health Nurse sent by a Home Health Care facility.”

I was appalled. Nicely, I told her: “Don’t you know that what you’re doing is against the law? As a ‘Visiting Nurse,’ you are supposed to do this at their homes. Did your Home Healthcare employer explain this to you?” Of course, the nurse just turned her back to me. Like telling me. “Wala kang paki-alam. (Back off). It’s none of your darn business.”

YEARS BACK, in Chicago or in America in general – the Filipinos were at the top of the medical profession. When I was working for the Chicago Dept of Human Services, one day, the Chicago Tribune, interviewed me about the “income” level of the Asian American immigrant-communities.” In my research, I found out that the Filipino American professionals topped the scale. I told the reporter about our Filipinos in the medical profession, with special reference to Drs. Nunilo and Elenita Rubio and their three boys, then medical students. I also proudly told the reporter: “Without the Filipino American doctors, nurses, and other professionals in the allied medical fields, Chicago hospitals would close shop.”

Then, came in the most money-making business: HOME HEALTH CARE! Soon we saw the fast-rising-successful Filipino Americans in this business! Their success is shown by their mansions in the suburbs, expensive cars, etc. Then, few years later, we learned that some of them, by order of the Court – were moved out of their mansions to a “Room without Windows” in the “Big House” (jail).

The government caught them committing MEDICARE FRAUD billing! But this Medicare scam did not stop other wealthy Home Healthcare owners from chasing the sound of money… as shown by the indictments of more Filipinos. Lately, according to reports, 10 FilipinoAmerican Home Healthcare owners in the suburbs, were among the 243 individuals “indicted in the largest takedown of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, figured at $714 million in false billings.”

“The indictment was announced by Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell last June 18, a nationwide takedown by Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations in 17 U.S. districts including 46 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals” the press release stated.”

According to the same source, last June 18, nine Filipino Americans (names withheld) from three home health care offices around Chicago, were among those charged “with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, false statements and money laundering…

The indictment alleges a $45 million fraud at these three home health care companies… allegedly…paying illegal bribes and kickbacks to obtainMedicare beneficiaries; ignoring doctors who refused to certify beneficiaries as ‘homebound’ and eligible for care; enrolling patients who did not need or want the care; subjecting patients to pre-planned cycles of discharges and re-enrollments, regardless of their medical needs; and falsifying medical records to make patients appear to be homebound or sicker than they actually were.”

According to reports, the Filipino healthcare defendants include a doctor, nurses, and patient recruiters. The 10th Filipino American nurse, who is not connected with these three companies, is a 78-year-old woman; “she was charged with health care fraud for allegedly billing Medicare for home health services for patients who were not homebound — and for services that were not rendered.” Charges against Home Healthcare company owners included Medicare allegations of enrollment non-homebound beneficiaries (patients) and fabricated medical records. “

Health care fraud extracts a huge toll on our nation’s health care system,” stated Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois in announcing the indictments. “We will continue to aggressively pursue those health care providers that take advantage of not only the system, but the patients they are entrusted to care for.” Falsified billing has caused Medicare over $7 billion dollars since 2007, the report said. *******

GOODBYE… AMBASSADOR JOSE CUISIA:

For the week-long celebration of the 118th Philippine Independence Day in Chicago this year, last June 14, the Consulate General of the Philippines in Chicago hosted a reception for the Filipino-American community in Chicago with Philippine Ambassador to the United States of America, His Excellency Jose L. Cuisia Jr., as special guest speaker. The occasion also served as a “Despedida Party” for the very amiable Ambassador who shared the memories of his six-year tour-ofduty in the U.S., highlighting the strengthened PHILIPPINE-UNITED STATES ties through the establishment of the US-Philippines Friendship Society, and Filipino American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPro), among others. He gave credit to the competence, dedication and commitment of the men and women of the Philippine Embassy and the six (6) Philippine Consulates General in the US, in supporting him achieve the objectives under the three pillars of Foreign Policy namely: economic diplomacy, national security and assistance to nationals.

Ambassador Cuisia expressed his gratitude to the immediate past Philippine President, Benigno S. Aquino III for the opportunity to serve as Ambassador to the U.S., cited the importance of the Filipino community in Chicago and their engagements in community programs to empower themselves and become a potent and influential ethnic group in the US.

This columnist asked him: “Mr. Ambassador, how do you find the Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the Midwest, particularly in Chicago?” His immediate response: “They are very professional, engaging and welcoming in the true sense of being Filipinos. Except that, they are kind of… very divisive. I would like to see them work together …”

My explanation: “Filipinos in Chicago, sir, maybe ‘divisive’ but WE become One and Together for a good cause like helping a fellow Filipino in need. With due respect to All Filipinos in the United States, Filipino Americans in the Midwest are usually looked up to by the mainstream as ‘mostly professionals’ specially with the huge number of Filipinos in the medical profession.

Why, WE in the Midwest are kind of fragmented? Yes, We have so many organizations … all for a good cause to HELP others. Not only our KABABAYANS back Home, but the local poor like the homeless in Chicago. I used to do that with the Quezonian Foundation of the Midwest.” He smiled and thanked me for my positive “divisiveness justification” among Filipinos in the Midwest.

For all those Consular receptions, we’ll all stand and say “MABUHAY to our Great CONSUL GENERAL GENE CALONGE!” Indeed, ConGen Calonge is one very friendly Consul General like most of his predecessors. *******

CHICAGO HOMEOWNERS hit by highest real estate tax in the nation! Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel raised property taxes by another $250 million to pay for teachers pensions, police and fire pensions and school construction. And for PAYOFFS to the lawsuits filed by aggravated parties caused by “police brutality” which in some cases are sprinkled by racial color Blame Game. That’s Chicago. Our Kind of Town? Will Mayor Rahm have a third chance as Mayor? Maybe not… if former Illinois Pat Quinn would run against him. ***

AFIRE doing a great job in community Service. Job opening available! Last June 25, AFIRE celebrated a Victory Party for the passage of the Illinois Domestic Work Bill (1288) in the House and Senate! Illinois is close to becoming the 6th state with comprehensive domestic worker rights signed into law. The bill now awaits the support of Governor Bruce Rauner.

Pro Bono Legal Consultation: AFIRE or Alliance of Filipinos For Immigrants Rights is located at 7315 N Western Ave. in Chicago. Following the retirement of Founder/Executive Director Jerry Clarito, the current Executive Director is a young attorney, Michael Aguhar.

Each month, AFIRE offers free legal consultation on issues pertaining to immigration, including citizenship, family petitions, deferred action and adjustment of status. Please plan to arrive early! Space is limited and consultation is on first come, first serve basis. Call Sally at 773-541-1725 for more info.

AFIRE is also holding a community gathering with promigrant undocumented and ally students, teachers, staff, and AAAACDA (Asian American Arab American Collaboration for Deferred Action). We would like to open this space to undocumented Asian Pacific Islander community and pro-migrant allies interested in supporting.

We are co-creating a safe space for our community to gather, get to know each other, and start conversations about our capacity and interests in collaboration. Please contact Stephanie Camba at scamba@ afirechicago.org to RSVP and for the gathering location.

Join our staff! FULLTIME COMMUNITY ORGANIZER, starting August 1. And jobs through Americorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) may be a good fit for you. We’re currently hiring for 2016-2017 VISTA Community Outreach Coordinator to support programs and organizing efforts through multimedia communications! See job description and qualifications on the Americorps Portal. Contact Yvonne at ybermas@afirechicago with any questions related to this position. Please submit an application to be considered for interview. ——–

The FILIPINO AMERICAN COUNCIL OF CHICAGO (FACC) INVITES FIL-AMS to become members of the FACC, “Once Upon a Time” the FILIPINO AMERICAN’s CITY HALL in Chicago. According to Atty. Alfonso Bascos, legal consultant and past president, all members are eligible to run for officers’ position including the presidency, during elections.

For membership info, call Bobby Luna at 773) 524-9798. One “Big Dream” of the current FACC administration under Dr. Juanito Crisostomo and his VP, Thelma Bascos – is to revive the “true-toform” original FACC annual Beauty Pageant for “Miss Philippines”; “Mrs. Philippines” and “Little Miss Philippines”, wherein, winning of the crown is not only measured by the number of guest-tables and the number of pages of advertisements but will include interviews, beauty and brain category. “Under these categories, there will be more fun and anticipation among the candidates,” Thelma Bascos said, during the FACC’s fundraiser last Sunday, June 11, held at the Lone Tree Manor.

Guests included a few diehard FACC supporters and the Joy Dance Club group, an “affiliate” to the FACC which keeps the FACC “alive” with its Family Fun dancing “every Saturday, except when the FACC ballroom is rented by a group,” said Malou Tabo, Vice President of Joy Dance. She added: “For a small donation we share with the FACC, everyone is invited every Saturday, specially on July 23 is “Polynesian Night” and August 20 “Western.” For more info call Malou at (773) 816-8439.

Enjoy our beautiful Chicago Summer. However, watch out what time and where you’re going. The World around us had changed. BE SAFE. Always ask Him for Protection. Amen. ###

Hillary Rodham Clinton

The Donald Trump

(1)Ambassador Jose Cuisia, at his Despidida party hosted by the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, poses with Edward Brotonel, past president of the Filipino National Historical Society, Midwest Chapter. (esnphoto)’ (2) Hon. Jose Cuisia, former Philippine Ambassador to the United States, at one of his group poses with guests who attended his Despedida Party hosted by the Philippine Consulate in Chicago last June. Seated in front from left to right are: Tess Hernandez, this columnist, Elsie Sy-Niebar; Amb. Cuisia; and Consul General Generoso D. Calonge. Standing at back, left to right: some community leaders that include CPRTV Producers Veronica Leighton & Joe Mauricio.

(1) Ambassador Jose Cuisia, so thrilled by the Philippine Consulate souvenir for him: a “Cuisia” Chicago Bulls Tee-shirt, presented to him by ConGen Generoso Calenga while Consul Alena Borra enjoys the scene. (ESNphoto); (2) Father’s Day celebration at Faith Comm. Presbyterian Church (FCPC) backyard (Elsie’s church) featuring the church “Hula Dancers”led by Girlie Oliva, shayne Rickert, Kristine Abad, Luwind Ricker, Laila Villegas and Joanne Gonzales. (esnphoto)

(1) Cherylyn Miranda Opina’s (front) Baby Boy Shower, Sunday, July 9. With her are her Mom Irma, brothers Jun Jun and Sim Miranda. (esnphoto) (2) Bert Fernandez, competing in “Going to the Market” game contest at the Father’s Day celebration at Faith Comm. Presbyterian Church in Chicago.(esnphoto)

Yvette Francisco Vo with daugher Faith and her Brod Allan Francisco, a professional chef who volunteered to serve his mouth-watering beef, pork and chicken BBQ at the FCPChurch Father’s Day celebration. (esn); (2) The “White Teenie-Bopper Dancers” who performed at the combo Birthday and Wedding Anniversary of Chaz and Jhun Patron, in the middle, pose with the Honorees, from left are: Precy Jaravath, Jane Cannon, Alicia Monk, Chaz and Jhun Patron, the Celebrants/Honorees, Elsa Castillo and Neneth Miranda, (esnphoto)