Canada's Defence Spending Strategy

Canada's defence procurement strategy is very complicated and problematic.

Case in point are our CH-124 Sea King helicopters, which have been on active duty since the 1960’s and are now at a point where the whole fleet needs to be decommissioned. The most recent crash at CFB Shearwater in 2014 grounded our entire naval helicopter capability until repairs and a full operational evaluation were made.

But where it really hurts the most is in the human costs. In 2004, Canada bought four Victoria-class diesel-powered submarines from the British Navy, and one, the HMCS Chicoutimi caught fire during the cross-Atlantic trip from England. One navy officer died and eight others were injured. The experience also traumatized several members. When I was still working at CFB Stadacona, a friend of mine, one of the non-commissioned officers who crewed the submarine, was deeply affected by the incident that it kept him from sailing for a few years. These are brave men and women, Canada's finest, and for them to experience these at a time of peace is completely unacceptable.

In a recent visit to Berlin, Trudeau made it clear that financial considerations aren’t everything when it comes to Canada's NATO commitment. 

But the problem cannot be fixed by simply finding replacements. The central consideration here is how to efficiently use the available monetary resources to maximize spending and capability, and reduce collateral damage on human lives to ensure that Canada's military capability is always at optimal readiness.

Based on an article from natoassociation.ca, which was published in 2015, Canada’s “Full Range of Threats” procurement strategy is emblematic of the current state of our military capabilities. While this strategy sounds good in theory, this has the potential to lead to poor prioritization and competition between the different uniforms in acquiring much needed hardware.

Another issue we are facing is the differing opinions on military spending between the Treasury Board and the Canadian Forces. Former-Commander Ken Hansen, who once co-chaired the Maritime Studies Programme at the RMC, was interviewed by CBC in 2015 and he expressed his concerns over the colliding viewpoints. The board, he says, is mandated to spend money effectively to ensure Canadians are getting the best value. This means that the Board prefers to buy in bulk, whereas the Department of National Defence believes that getting the best equipment, no matter how few that may be, is the right path. This is a serious question of quantity and quality, and which one should take precedence when it comes to our military spending strategy.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, there is a disconnect about the future of our Canadian Forces. While our military continues to play an essential role in defending the interest of all Canadians, the top branches of our government and the military will need to sit down and re-evaluate future expectations. When we bought our aging fleet of military hardware, it was at a time when we learned from the lessons of World War II and we are preparing for the possible escalation of the Cold War. Now, our military has progressed mostly to missions that are more in line with humanitarian and relief efforts such as stopping human trafficking, aiding during natural disasters, and fighting off the spread of drugs and weapons. However, the threat of terrorism is growing stronger each day and we should be prepared to protect and help.

Canada's defence spending fell to 0.98 per cent of its gross domestic product in 2015. NATO reported in 2016 that spending that year hit record lows despite Canada agreeing in 2014, along with other member countries, to stop cutting military budgets and allocate two per cent of its GDP on defence spending. Sadly, there seems to be no end to the problem in the foreseeable future. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's new Liberal government have yet to commit to the promise. In a recent visit to Berlin, Trudeau made it clear that financial considerations aren’t everything when it comes to Canada's NATO commitment.

This will have a long-term effect to our defensive capabilities and military top brasses are bracing for the worse. How long can Canada hold out before inflation kicks in?

To become more effective in our procurement strategy, we need to re-evaluate the direction of our military and adapt our strategies based on present circumstances, without forgetting the real reason our military exists in the first place.

The Troops Need Our Support

My father once told me that ‘the military is the noblest of all professions’. I still believe it so.


Recently, I had the rare opportunity to board the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar docked here in SBMA. Having been involved in the past with the Canadian Navy, this is one prospect I was very excited to be part of.


The tour gave me an opportunity to speak to our brave mariners. Over coffee served hospitably by the ship’s mess crew, stories of bravery and heroism poured out.


The ‘Goryo’ and his courageous crew did saw action last year against China in a standoff at the disputed Scarborough Shoal. Goryo scared away several Chinese fishing vessels in the island knowing that a fleet of Chinese Navy ships are close by for an encounter.


While that effort may have been nothing to some, it must have been a precarious position for a crew still learning to operate and navigate a relatively modern ship. With very little experience and limited training, the crew could have been easily overwhelmed given the fact that they are up against a formidable force just waiting for them to make the slightest mistake.


A ranking naval officer I interviewed told me that the crew was ‘the real heroes of the Philippine seas’. Their bravery and valor shall not go unappreciated. Thank you, guys.


The BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and his twin, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, which was personally welcomed by President Aquino recently, were part of the Excess Defense Article program that we share with the United States. The vessels are free but the cost of transferring them, the upgrades, and other extras such as armaments are paid for by our government in its armed forces modernization initiative. Both are decommissioned U.S. Coast Guard cutter-class ships known for their ability to handle rough seas and remain on patrol for up to 30 days.


The Goryo looks good. Its slender frame makes it perfect for speed. The ship is equipped with both Diesel engines and gas turbine (jet) engines, which aligns with our ‘anti-nuclear’ energy policies. It has enough weapons and surveillance systems to matter. While there are still much needed improvements and upgrades, it is a good looking ship that will get us eventually to our ultimate goals.


Comparing them to Canadian ships I boarded like the HMCS Ville du Quebec and the HMCS Toronto, I can tell that the Goryo has a longer shape, it is quite roomy and moving around inside is not as hazardous (I’ve knocked my knees a few times on Canadian day tours climbing those stiff hatches). Its massive size shows American standards unlike the British-designed Canadian warships that are more compact.


As I was talking to the crew, I can tell the dedication and willingness of these brave men and women. They are, after all, the crème de la crème of our navy and their commitment to defend our nation is simply inspiring to say the least. However, the unfortunate realization that our navy lacked necessary tools, machineries and experience makes their noble mission a challenge.


Our navy never had equipment like these before. Aside from a few small patrol boats, the navy is in dire need of modernization. The arrival of these ships marks an exciting yet turbulent era when we are engaged in building a fleet to protect our borders – a fleet that we can all be proud of.

A ranking naval officer I interviewed told me that the crew was ‘the real heroes of the Philippine seas’. Their bravery and valor shall not go unappreciated. Thank you, guys.

As the crew hurriedly learns the ins and outs of these twin vessels, more upgrades are on the way. Six riverine patrol boats capable of shallow and open water deployment arrived recently for the Philippine

Marines to further buff up our maritime lineup. We are also expecting our first frigates by 2019. After that perhaps our first destroyer-class ships will arrive shortly.


It takes time to modernize the armed forces especially for a country going through major socio-economic changes such as ours. It takes funds and know-how and both of which are in limited supply. Funds are also needed to recruit the manpower for this undertaking. Knowing well these challenges, I feel that the acquisition of these cutters for the first phase of our naval modernization is ‘tactically’ and ‘strategically’ advantageous to us.


Based on the discussions, I concluded that there is a real need for schools, more outreach programs, and heightened recruitment. We need to strengthen our tactical, operations, and engineering schools that teach our naval recruits the specific courses they require for their respective naval trades.

To do this, I believe that we need to start outreach programs to get the support of our local politicians and leaders who will lobby for investing in these schools. Outreach programs could also expose our youths to potential careers in our navy.


Manning the seas and protecting our borders from potential foreign threats take courage. The brave men and women of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar are few in number, but proud. To me, they are real-life heroes who put their lives on the line as a sign that our nation will not be bullied; that we will fight for the integrity of our borders.


This experience to me was an eye opener. There are certain realities exposed in our talks about the sort of cold war we have with China. There are certain realities and limitations articulated about the current relations of our country with our allies. Some of these realities are good but for the bad ones, it’s just heartbreaking.


In the end, it is still down to us Filipinos to defend our nation. If that time comes, are we ready?



A Great Time at Tropical Bay

My kid recently celebrated his sixth birthday at the newly-opened Tropical Bay Restaurant along Magsaysay Rd. I’d like to say hi and thanks to Ms. Lailani V. Strickland, her kids and her friendly staff for taking care of us that night.


We had a marvelous time. I tried their U.S. porterhouse steak, my wife had the tilapia, and the kid feasted on chicken wings. The food was simply amazing!


The acoustic set they had playing perfectly complements the light atmosphere and the overall dining experience. Finally, I appreciate the thoughtful birthday cards the kids prepared for our son.


You guys are simply awesome and I look forward to coming back someday soon.


For those looking for a wholesome family venue, you can contact Tropical Bay Restaurant at (047) 223 7777.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a marketing and public relations executive for a multinational company.

Should We De-Filipinize Or Start Caring?

For years, we Filipinos have been viewed negatively by foreign eyes. We’ve suffered ethnic slurs, racial profiling and more.

During the different periods of our history, colonizers, in an effort to demoralize us, called us “indios,” “monkeys,” and “baka.” Translated, these slurs mean just about the same thing --- “idiots”.

Some still continue to call us names in recent years such as the time when someone relegated us as a nation of nannies. Accusations of ignorance, incivility and opportunism have somewhat turned Filipinos into cheap artists offering cheap labor.

We swallowed our pride and allowed ourselves to be the so-called “bitches” of other countries because of poverty. And yet, we are also to blame for our own misfortunes.

Political minds at play met undignified words with their brand of verbal retaliation and nothing more. While we hurrah their efforts, not much has changed. After two EDSA revolutions, we are still the same old country basking in our perennial triumph of being the next tiger economy of Asia that couldn’t seem to shrug off the word “next.”

But how can this country jump to the next level when it’s in such a mess?

Dan Brown’s recent novel, Inferno, was quick to point out that Manila is “the gates of hell.” While he did not lambast the Philippines entirely, Manila, for all practicalities sake, is the Philippines. It is our nation’s capital and the city that represents everything that is our country to the rest of world. To describe it as filthy and evil says an awful lot about us Filipinos.

Criticism should be a catalyst for change. It’s funny that we’ve been so negatively criticized and branded before but remain numb and unwilling to change our selfish ways.

I don’t like Manila or my country being branded the gates of hell no more than the next guy. And yet, urbanization anywhere here leaves a trail of garbage and corruption unimaginable. And so, I would be a hypocrite not to agree that somewhere in this country, hell has an office.

Am I angry at Dan Brown? No. Am I angry with my fellow Filipinos? Not really. I’m just disappointed and amazed that despite years of negative branding, we’ve continued to tolerate the same. We haven’t grown, we got stunted.

But why would Mr. Brown call us that? For the uninitiated foreigner who enjoys a higher standard and quality of life, our country might as well be the gateway to hell.

The stench of rot, defecation and piss that greets you in Manila is probably as putrid as hell itself. Sadly, that’s just the first thing one has to face if they wish to acclimate themselves to our country.

I’ve had the opportunity to live in Canada for over a decade as a federal government public servant. I travelled to the U.S., visited Australia, and crossed the pond to Europe. Unfortunately, the Philippines is a far cry from the places I’ve seen.

I always had high hopes that there’ll be changes in our beloved country. But not much really happened. We are still a desperate nation ruled by selfish people who only want to enrich themselves. There’s poverty, corruption and kids who are undisciplined. Our nation’s future is secured. We will dejectedly endure more of the same.

Rich countries are prosperous for a reason. There are probably a hundred reasons why they’ve become powerful. I won’t elaborate on that. All I can say is that their leaders and their citizens are truly concerned and genuinely care in protecting their nation’s best interests. Unhindered by religious dogmas, they change constantly…for the better.

One example I observed is that they don’t mind the mess inside their homes but they freak out when someone throws garbage on the street when it’s not collection day. We Filipinos work the other way around. We are clean inside our homes but we are apathetic to anything outside of it.

We are a nation who is more interested in the cultures of other. Some foreigners even questioned our identity and authenticity citing our ability to embrace foreign cultures better than we do with our own. Thanks to our fascination to foreign media, we became culturally-savvy. And yet, we fail pick-up the very virtues that made them so great.

Nothing is wrong with taking inspiration from others or from going abroad to work. I did it and I think it was one of the greatest learning experiences of my life. And like most expatriates, I’d rather be here. But you can’t buy in completely to that notion when you see how our country is being panhandled.

We are a paradox. Despite our better points, we prefer to put the bad ones out on display. If that’s the case, then why are we so offended of being viewed so negatively? How do we expect foreigners to love our country when we ourselves can’t even stand it?

In my experience, Filipinos who go to these beautiful countries tend to adjust and abide by their rules. It stupefies me that we can’t muster any effort to do that here.

Truth hurts. It always does. But we’ve only resorted to countering with words. Too much talk, not much work. If we wish to be competitive, we have to take action.

Negative reactions will not change how the world sees us. We have to change how we think and start really caring if we want to gain the respects of outsiders. We can’t ride the coat tails of other Filipinos who became successful internationally. We have to do it collectively or risk sharing the downfall.

As for Mr. Brown, I think we should be thankful he pointed out our faults. He should even be commended. I haven’t read the book but I’m interested. I want to know how others view us as a people. And maybe everyone should have the same opinion on the matter.

Criticism should be a catalyst for change. It’s funny that we’ve been so negatively criticized and branded before but remain numb and unwilling to change our selfish ways.

Just my two cents…

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

NFL Tackles Brain Injury Lawsuits

For the players of the National Football League, the excitement and adulation of fans comes with a price. Injuries are synonymous to professional sports but in football, injuries can get very fatal and sometimes, can result in wrongful deaths.

Brain injury concerns are the hottest topic in the NFL today. With the deaths of several former players and long-lasting injuries to those still alive, many are questioning and suing the league alleging that money was more important than the health of players.

Last week, the lawsuit filed by the family of deceased former NFL star Junior Seau was consolidated with the rest of the more than 1,000 lawsuits filed against the NFL over concussion-related brain injuries. Players are trying to make a push to have the class action case tried.

A federal judge in Philadelphia is presiding and will decide if the class action can proceed. Her decision comes with huge financial repercussions for both sides. It is not expected that a ruling will come out immediately but the case is pretty strong against the league with a large possibility of actually going to trial.

One of the issues of concern contends that the NFL hid facts and failed to protect its players because the sport thrives from the amount of violence played. The NFL explains that they are not at fault and weren’t hiding anything from players who knew well the risks of playing the sport.

Despite the counter-claims, NFL has begun enforcing rules to ensure player safety from concussions and brain injuries, including investing on research to develop better gears. Experts see the moves to be connected to a recent study that ties concussions to brain injuries and caused the suicides and deaths of many former players including a few Hall of Famers.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

Paternity vs Adoption Rights

The recent case of an adopted American Indian child who was returned to her biological father has reached the courtroom of the nation’s highest judicial body. In it, a dispute that pits a father’s right as well as his heritage against the rights of adoptive parents who only wishes what they believe is the best interest of the child.

The law protecting the rights of aboriginal children and their adoptions are under the care of a federal act, the Indian Child Welfare Act, which was passed in 1978 to ensure that the heritage of American Indians are continued and protected from consequences of adopting and assimilating these children into non-Indian families.

It is difficult to measure such a case and one could only feel bad for the child caught in the middle. For the judges presiding, their decision will have a great impact in future decisions as well as possible federal laws covering the topic.

This act gives protection to a father who wants his daughter to grow within the confines of his racial and cultural heritage. But sympathy should also be directed towards the girl’s adoptive parents who have developed a deep bond with the child in hoped of providing a life believed to be better by our standards.

The adoptive parents have to prove to the courts that being with the child’s biological father is not beneficial to her. By law, in a case such as this, children are not to be taken from their Indian families unless if there is reasonable doubt that custody by an Indian parent will likely results in serious emotional or physical damage to the child.

Other underlying angles are also disputed. A court brief for the adoptive parents and for the guardians began to suggest that the ICWA might cause a racial preference which should be voided under the Equal Protection Clause. It was justified that the issue is more political than racial in nature to accommodate Indian tribes as a dependent nation and not a race.

It is difficult to measure such a case and one could only feel bad for the child caught in the middle. For the judges presiding, their decision will have a great impact in future decisions as well as possible federal laws covering the topic.


Keywords: father's rights, paternity case, Indian Child Welfare Act

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

The True Failures of Technology

Rehtaeh Parsons

The downside of cyberspace and cellular technology: Rehtaeh Parsons and Audrie Potts were victims of rape and cyber-bullying in what is a growing trend among teens. Maggots are being schooled to run the world someday.

For 21-year-old Texas college student Anna Combrink, the suicide of Rehtaeh Parsons, the Canadian teen who hung herself after allegedly being raped and cyber-bullied, hit very close to home.

At age 15, Combrink was raped by a boy she'd known since middle school, and when she told her friends what had happened, she says they turned on her, posting ugly messages online and sending texts accusing her of lying about the assault.

"I never actually attempted suicide, but there was a time when I considered it," Combrink told Crimesider. "I was so depressed and felt so hopeless. I felt like a zombie walking down the halls at school, with everyone staring at me, and judging me."

In just the last five days reports have surfaced of two teen girls - Rehtaeh Parsons and  Audrie Pott - who both committed suicide after allegedly being raped and then having pictures of the sexual assault distributed electronically among their peers.

The downside of cyberspace and cellular technology: Rehtaeh Parsons and Audrie Potts were victims of rape and cyber-bullying in what is a growing trend among teens. Maggots are being schooled to run the world someday. 

Their cases echo the recent Steubenville rape case, where two Ohio teen boys were convicted of rape after photos of the victim on the night of the assault went viral, with hashtags like #rape and #drunkgirl accompanying the shared images.

On Thursday, three teen boys were arrested for sexual battery against Pott, a California 15-year-old who was allegedly raped in September 2012, and then subjected to further shame and humiliation when photos of the assault reportedly went viral. She killed herself eight days later. 

Audrie Potts

Will the teens also be charged for sending photos of the alleged assault? Sexual cyber-stalking expert Danielle Citron doubts it.

"Law enforcement is behind the times on this," says Citron, a professor at the University of Maryland Frances King Carey School of Law and the author of the upcoming book "Hate 3.0: The Rise of Discriminatory Online Harassment and How to Stop It."

In an interview with Crimesider, Citron said that as it becomes easier to post or text or comment on a photo, sexual cyber-bulling and cyber-stalking is becoming "more pervasive, more common, and more acceptable."
"It's not getting better, it's getting worse," she said.

New York City high school junior Temitayo Fagbenle told Crimesider that when she and her friends talked about the social media postings that the Steubenville victim was subjected to after her assault, they said they were glad the case was getting attention because "things like this happen all the time."

Fagbenle is a member of WNYC's Radio Rookies and late last year produced a segment entitled "Sexual Cyberbullying: The Modern Day Letter A."

"It's so easy to just click and share on Facebook," says Fagbenle, 17. "People don't understand their part as a bystander. People think, 'I'll just comment but I'm not involved.' But in that interaction, you're becoming a bully."

Citron says that she believes law enforcement generally lacks understanding and training about the realities of how the old problem of so-called "slut-shaming" and blaming rape victims for things like how they dress or what they drank has evolved in the digital age.

That may, however, be changing. Trent Mays, one of the two teens convicted of rape in the Steubenville case, was also convicted of using a minor in nudity oriented materials and sentenced to an extra year in juvenile detention because he sent the photo of the victim in various states of undress.

"Calling it 'bullying' almost trivializes it," says Citron. "What happened to Audrie Pott is a profoundly serious crime."

Anna Combrink agrees. After her rape, she says she was depressed and struggled to rebuild her sense of self, and being attacked online made it so much worse.

"It broke my heart when I heard about Rehtaeh," she says. "I know exactly what she was feeling. It's such a dark hole to climb out of."

Sex is a good thing...but not like this...never like this.

Source: CBS News

Keywords: sexual cyberbullying among teens, teen suicides

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

Text Messages Can Wait

It can wait: Texting while driving can cause fatal accidents

Losing a loved one in an accident is a very painful experience especially if the accident is caused by something as mundane and easily avoidable as text messaging or texting. 

With our society’s dependence on communication gadgets, texting while driving has become an unwanted distraction that have caused several car accidents; and students from a local university wants to prove and send an important message across.

Students at the University of South Carolina had a simulated look at texting while driving and how it can lead to unnecessary car accidents when AT&T allowed students to try out their simulator recently. The effort is part of the telecommunication company’s “It Can Wait” campaign.

The three dimensional simulator lets students get behind the wheel while they interact with realistic text messages that appear on a smart phone hooked into the machine. It simulates what could happen as students attempt to read or message back to texts that appear as they drive. Many call the experience frightening after suffering simulated accident scenarios.

The campaign comes at a time when the National Safety Council reported that 100,000 crashes occur each year involving unfocused drivers who are texting. Many of these drivers cause life-changing injuries and wrongful deaths to themselves, their passengers and other motorists or pedestrians. 

According to experts, texting while driving has a 23 percent probability of causing accidents.

The best advice is to stop, pull over or wait until destination is reached before text messaging or replying to any messages. This also includes answering phone calls and surfing the internet. 

Currently, state legislators are considering proposed bills that could ban such activities with the growing cases of accidents resulting from texting while driving. While the legal process of putting a law takes a while, experts are asking the public to do the right thing, that is, to wait.

Keywords: texting while driving, it can wait campaign, life-changing injuries, wrong deaths

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

Ruling Throws Out Invalid Prenup

Marrying couples use prenuptial agreement as a document that outlines many legal aspects of the parties heading into marriage. Provisions for the fair division of marital assets and spousal support are commonly outlined and described. Although a prenuptial agreement is not a favorite conversation topic among couples, its popularity has become widespread in recent years.

There are unique cases however wherein a prenuptial agreement can be dismissed by the court. While most agreements are completely legal, there are a few exemptions in extreme cases such as one explained during a recent ruling.

The overturning, handed down in Brooklyn, New York, was the first of its kind in the country and legal experts are excited about it. Many are claiming that it sets legal precedent for prenuptial agreements which rarely gets overturned. 

After a year fighting what she believes is an unfavorable and aggravating alimony and marital asset distribution, a woman was finally given vindication by the local appellate court by overturning a prenuptial agreement she signed prior to her marriage.

Her husband, whose net worth is around $30 million, prepared the prenup which he promised to revoke once the couple has a child together.  It stipulates that the ex-wife is only entitled to $25,000 for each year they are married. It also adds that all marital properties earned during the time of marriage will go to the husband.

According to legal documents, the appellate court agreed that provisions for alimony and property division in the prenup, including the acts of coercion and failure of the husband to make good on his promise, were fraudulent and intends to cause undue hardship to the female spouse. The court felt that it can’t allow such an agreement to be enforced in any legal manner.

The overturning, handed down in Brooklyn, New York, was the first of its kind in the country and legal experts are excited about it. Many are claiming that it sets legal precedent for prenuptial agreements which rarely gets overturned.

Prenuptial agreements are effective legal tools that set provisions for alimony after a split and the separation of assets earned prior to marriage. However, it is only good as long as it’s not fraudulent in nature and does not set a spouse up to destitution.

Keywords: prenuptial agreement, marital assets, spousal support

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

Tax Season Is Identity Theft Season

Each year, around April, Americans are engaged in the annual tax rage. With tax season in its final month, Americans are hurrying to prepare their 1040 tax returns.

At the same time, several media outlets, including the government, are warning filers of identity thieves and scam artists on the prowl for their next victims. These individuals could face federal theft charges and serious penalties if proven and convicted of such crimes.

As theft activity rises, the Internal Revenue Service or IRS released their annual top 12 or “dirty dozen” list of tax-time frauds and scams for 2013. In it, identity theft and refund fraud once again led all other 11 listed crimes remaining as the most prevalent and common form of criminal activity this time of the year in the last few years.

There is big money involved and desperate criminals are known to dip their hands into that cookie jar risking getting caught. With the emergence of new technology, criminal minds have taken their business into cyberspace as well. They’ve invaded social media and cellular technology making it a global operation.

The list also includes other top criminal activities such as phishing, return preparer fraud, income hiding, false reporting, and social security scams just to name a few.

Identity theft, of course, remains to be a major problem. The IRS reportedly investigated more than 1,460 cases since October 2011. Last year alone, 12.6 million Americans were hit by identity fraudsters and over $21 billion were stolen including tax refund monies.

There is big money involved and desperate criminals are known to dip their hands into that cookie jar risking getting caught. With the emergence of new technology, criminal minds have taken their business into cyberspace as well. They’ve invaded social media and cellular technology making it a global operation.

Because of this, the IRS warns tax-filers to be cautious and careful of their identities this time of the year. Their website offers tools and other tips that might help individuals from falling prey to scam artists.

Keywords: tax season, identity thieves, federal theft charges

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

 

Dead-beat Wins Powerball Jackpot

Parents understand that it is expensive to provide for the needs of a child. There are thousands upon thousands of single parents struggling to provide the financial cost of living needs of their children relying heavily on government support through taxpayers when the other parent is not fulfilling their child support obligations. This is a very common problem and new remedies are being imposed to address the issue.

One such remedy is the garnishing of winnings in Casinos which is being run in many states in the country. Lottery winnings are also being held by the courts until child support payments owed are satisfied. Many states implement a lottery intercept program designed to get back child support owed when deadbeat parents win major prizes such as a recent jackpot winner in another state.

The winner of the recent Powerball jackpot was found to owe $29,000 in child support payments going back to 2009. The 44-year-old New Jersey father of five won the recent $338 million jackpot. He is claiming the lump-sum total of $152 million after taxes.

According to the local sheriff’s office, a warrant squad had been sent out to find the winner in hopes of resolving the matter. The state Lottery Division in that state generally satisfies child support judgments before cash winnings are issued out and that the winner is still subject to arrest until the warrant is satisfied. The dead-beat dad couldn’t be reached and his deli is now officially closed with a for sale sign.

Winning the lottery is a good life-changing event. With many buying tickets in the hopes of winning, it is quite an accomplishment to be one of the millions of people vying for perhaps one of the biggest jackpots in history. Unfortunately, not paying support obligations is more important and he might run the risk of not getting his winnings or possibly even seeing jail time.

We can not tolerate dead-beat parents. Lottery regulations are in place to ensure that payments in arrears can be claimed by the government. Those that struggle to pay and receive child support could find help from a legal professional who are knowledgeable in modifying child support rulings to make it fair for both parties.

Keywords: dead-beat parents, powerball jackpot, lottery intercept program

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

 

Tenants Left In The Dark For Days

Owners of apartment buildings are required by law to conduct yearly inspections and perform all necessary repairs to any damages and other issues in their property that could cause injuries to tenants.

There are cases however when landlords in  fail to meet these basic and required obligations to their tenants. Such failure to address pertinent issues could result in a premises liability lawsuit against bad landlords.

In Austell, Georgia, tenants in an apartment complex have recently reported that they’ve been neglected and deprived of electricity for several days now. At least two tenants complained about losing electricity in their apartment unit saying that it’s no longer acceptable.

Public housing buildings and apartments should be putting plenty of effort into ensuring the safety and well-being of their tenants and guests. There have been several cases in the past wherein lack of repair and hazardous conditions resulted in injuries and death. Victims of negligent property owners could consult with a legal professional who can explain their tenant rights in accordance to local laws.

One of the tenants without power told reporters that she had to get rid of $300 worth of groceries that only spoiled as a result of the blackout. The tenant also has an asthmatic granddaughter who relies on a nebulizer. With power out, her grandchild is at risk of complications, even death.

Another claim that she’s been without power for a week and that management moved her into another unit. The tenant however was forced to sleep on the floor and had to use a space heater to keep herself warm.

Other tenants also complained of garbage disposal in the building with trash overflowing from dumpsters and damaged rooftops with only patching work poorly done to address the problem.

The sources interviewed the building administration as well as Georgia Power. The administrators of the apartment building told reporters that issues are being addressed and will be resolved. Georgia Power, on the other hand, explained that they won’t restore power to the affected units until the apartment’s administration repairs the electrical issues. Tenants are getting impatient with some already looking to move out.

Public housing buildings and apartments should be putting plenty of effort into ensuring the safety and well-being of their tenants and guests. There have been several cases in the past wherein lack of repair and hazardous conditions resulted in injuries and death. Victims of negligent property owners could consult with a legal professional who can explain their tenant rights in accordance to local laws.

Keywords:  premises liability lawsuit, public housing buildings and apartments, negligent property owners

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

 

Nurse Charged in Penn Infant's Death

It is only human nature to care and attend to the needs of an infant. In today’s modern society, this basic philosophy of nursing hasn’t changed despite improvements in technology and advancements in medicine – we humans still prioritize the needs of a child.

So it came with great sadness when the state heard of the tragic news of a premature infant who died in a medical malpractice case involving his in-home nurse. The nurse is charged with child endangerment and an emotional preliminary hearing was held recently.

According to the criminal complaint which cited negligence, the 42-year-old nurse was caring for the 7-month-old baby at the infant’s home when the child began to experience breathing problems. Despite multiple alarms that sounded off, the nurse failed to provide the necessary medical aid. The baby was on a ventilator and died after suffering an interruption in the flow of oxygen.

The preliminary hearing in nearby North Union District Court saw the father stating his emotional testimony that we was awaken by a relative and informed of the problem. When he got to the boy’s room, the ventilator was disconnected and the nurse was already performing CPR on the child who he described as already blue in color when he arrived.

The mother also testified that the CPR was administered while the child was on his crib and that she had to take over from the nurse, lay the child on the floor and perform CPR herself.

The nurse contends that the alarms did not do its job of alerting her of the boy’s condition. A representative from the ventilator’s manufacturer testified with a printout that shows the alarms did go off audibly multiple times during that night. The machine has an audio pause mechanism or button that briefly silences the alarm if the problem was resolved.

This is truly an unfortunate and saddening incident. Tragic can’t even begin to describe the unimaginable loss suffered by the parents of a child who should be alive today to experience life. Punitive damages, financial compensation and criminal penalties could be awarded to victims who are encouraged to discuss possible claims with a trusted legal professional.

 

 

Keywords: medical malpractice case, flow of oxygen, financial compensation, punitive damages, trusted legal professional

 

 

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

 

NJ Ends Permanent Alimony

In a landmark move, a bi-partisan measure has been approved in the State Assembly that will finally put an end to laws considered by many as unfair and outdated. 

 

New Jersey’s legislators have unveiled legislation to eliminate the draconian permanent alimony and establish guidelines to determine the amount and duration of alimony in the state.

The current law allows the court to award any of four types of alimony – permanent, limited duration, rehabilitative and reimbursement -- without specific laws concerning its duration or amount. Alimony in New Jersey was designed to address different considerations when a marriage is dissolved.

The bill is looking to bring fairness by eliminating permanent alimony while establishing the basic guidelines. These guidelines will be used to determine length and amount of the spousal support to be awarded. The guideline is based off the length of the marriage or civil union.

The guideline starts alimony at a maximum of 50 percent of the total months together with an increase of 10 percent every five years for the number of months together. For couples that lasted longer than 20 months, the court will have the discretion to award alimony for an indefinite length of time.

The bill would also set the amount afforded to a limited duration alimony award. The amount should generally not exceed the recipient’s need or 30 to 35 percent of the difference between both parties’ gross incomes. The courts are allowed not to use this if it determined that a deviation is necessary. The court is also allowed attribute income to a party it found to have voluntarily underemployed or unemployed itself.

The new law is seen as a major step forward to what many have complained about as unfair alimony provision of the state that hurts mostly men in a divorce. It will be implemented later in the year.

Keywords: New Jersey permanent alimony, limited duration alimony award

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.