STATES and the nation’s health industry were thrown into disarray after the Trump administration ordered Monday, January 27 that the government freeze nearly all federal grants at 5 p.m. ET Tuesday, January 28, a sweeping directive that at least initially appeared to include funding for Medicaid, the state-federal health insurance program that covers more than 70 million Americans.
By midmorning Tuesday, state officials around the country reported they had been shut out of a critical online portal that allows states to access federal Medicaid funding.
Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, said on the social media site Bluesky that the portals were down in all 50 states following the Trump administration’s order.
“This is a blatant attempt to rip away health care from millions of Americans overnight and will get people killed,” he wrote.
THE National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) on Thursday, January 30 said U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration policy changes have raised significant concerns within Filipino American and Asian American communities.
"NaFFAA unequivocally opposes any policy that may exacerbate fear, discrimination, or marginalization. Hate has no place in our communities, and we must remain vigilant against policies that may erode the rights and protections of Filipino Americans and other communities of color," the federation said.
The statement came as Trump unveiled a surprise plan on Wednesday, January 29 to detain thousands of undocumented migrants in Guantanamo Bay — distracting from spiraling confusion after the White House withdrew a shock order to freeze federal funds.
Trump said he had ordered construction of a detention camp to hold up to 30,000 of what he called "criminal illegal aliens" at
by alExis romEro Philstar.com
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss a number of issues, including Washington’s freezing of foreign aid and its intensified crackdown on illegal immigrants.
MANILA — A Filipino police colonel was among the fatalities in the deadly mid-air collision between an American Airlines jetliner and a United States Army helicopter over Washington D.C., the Philippine National Police confirmed on Friday, January 31.
“The Philippine National Police mourns the tragic loss of Police Colonel Pergentino N. Malabed, chief of the Supply Management Division, who was among those on board the American Airlines flight that collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter
near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., and crashed into the Potomac River on Wednesday night, January 29” the PNP said in a statement. PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Randulf Tuaño said Malabed was granted foreign travel authority and left for India on Jan. 22 to inspect armored vests bought by the PNP Directorate for Logistics.
The Supply Management Division chief travelled to the U.S. to visit the company that owned the vest to test them out, Tuaño said in a press briefing at Camp Crame on Friday. Malabed was then instructed
MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. clapped back at China’s criticisms of the deployment of the United States’ Typhon missile system to the Philippines, stating that he would be willing to have the military hardware pulled out of the country if Chinese aggression in the West Philippines Sea (WPS) stops.
In a media interview in Cebu City Thursday, January 30, Marcos addressed China’s objections to the missile system, emphasizing that the Manila had not commented on
Beijing’s much larger missile arsenal.
“I don’t understand their comments on the Typhon missile system,” Marcos said.
“We don’t make any comments on their missile systems and their missile systems are a thousand times more powerful than what we have.”
The president then proposed a deal with China: halt its aggressive actions and territorial claims over the Philippines, and in exchange, u PAGE A5
“I will meet with President Trump because I should, because there’s much that we need to discuss between the U.S. and the Philippines in terms of trade, in terms of defense and security, and now, the new policy on immigration,” Marcos said.
There is no definite date yet for the meeting of the two leaders. If the visit pushes through, it would be Marcos’ fifth visit to the U.S. as president. With regard to Trump’s campaign against illegal
Speaking to reporters in Cebu on Thursday, January 30, Marcos said he wants to seek clarification on the halting of fresh obligations and disbursements of foreign assistance and to u PAGE A4 influence Trump’s policy-making on immigration.
LOS ANGELES — Assemblymember Jessica Caloza, the very first Filipina to serve in the California state Legislature, has filed her first two
16 more undocumented Filipinos...
sought assistance from the Philippine Embassy.
“They are seeking transportation expenses for their return to the Philippines instead of waiting for U.S. federal funds,” Valera said.
He said one of his clients is a lawful permanent resident, or green card holder, with criminal convictions.
“He has decided to fight his case while in detention. After weighing all options, he made this difficult decision despite the significant legal challenges involved,” Valera said.
In an interview with Teleradyo Serbisyo, Ambassador Romualdez said 80 more undocumented Filipinos “have been processed for deportation.” But the Embassy later clarified
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2/1/25 CNS-3891069# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
that as of Jan. 16, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has 16 Filipino nationals in their custody.
“Out of the 16, 15 individuals have their deportation orders and are awaiting removal, while one individual has a pending case,” the Embassy reported.
“These cases were processed before the Trump administration.”
The Embassy also confirmed that the 24 Filipinos who have been deported were detained and processed for deportation under the Biden administration.
“Since the start of the Trump administration, we have not received reports of Filipinos arrested or detained by ICE,” the Embassy said. “However, three of the sixteen individuals in ICE custody, which were processed before the Trump administration, were scheduled for deportation between Jan. 21 and 23, 2025.”
Valera said he has been providing pro bono legal services to those three Filipinos, who were placed under expedited removal right after Trump took office.
Earlier this week, Ambassador Romualdez said the 24 deported Filipinos had been arrested and processed for deportation under the Biden administration.
“Bago pa naupo si President Trump, na process na yan (They had been processed for deportation even before President Trump took office),” Romualdez told Teleradyo Serbisyo
Valera said that while these 24 Filipinos were arrested and processed for deportation under the past administration, “their
deportation must be understood within the context of President Trump’s very strict enforcement policy of expedited removal.”
The Trump administration has broadened the scope of expedited deportations, issuing an executive order to expand the application of expedited removal –which allows authorities to deport undocumented immigrants through a streamlined process that bypasses the immigration court system.
Valera said those identified for expedited removal, who do not request asylum or fail to establish they may have a legitimate asylum case, can be deported without an opportunity to see an immigration judge.
Before this change, immigration authorities were only allowed to use expedited removal on those detained within 100 miles of an international border and who had been in the U.S. for less than two weeks.
Now, these expedited deportations will apply to undocumented immigrants anywhere in the U.S. who can’t prove they have been in the country for more than two years.
The president has also directed immigration officials to expand immigration detention facilities and allowed local law enforcement authorities to arrest and detain undocumented immigrants.
Trump has also rescinded Biden administration guidelines barring deportation officers from making arrests at “sensitive locations,” including schools and churches.
In an interview with dzBB on Sunday, January 26, Romualdez announced that 24 undocumented Filipinos have been deported “due to their involvement in certain criminal activities, although these were not classified as very serious offenses.”
Valera said he received information that two of the 24 deported Filipinos had been charged with traffic violations.
In a statement sent to Inquirer. net USA, the Philippine Embassy said their office and all the Philippine consulates in the U.S. “stand ready to assist all Filipinos in the U.S. regardless of their immigration status to ensure that their rights are respected.” n
Filipina Assemblymember Caloza holds community...
“Small businesses and nonprofits anchor our communities and they too, have been deeply impacted by the wildfires. Now is our time to help them,” Caloza said.
In an interview with the Asian Journal, Caloza said she would want to urge the Filipino American community to remain vigilant and always work together for the common good.
“For the Filipino American community, I hope you know that you are powerful,” the assemblymember said.
“Your voice is represented in Sacramento, she assured.
She said all those Filipino Americans affected by the recent wildfires could count on her for help. “We are here to help you. Please reach out to me and my team, we are here at your service," she said.
While emphasizing the importance of being able to provide fast and efficient public service, especially during difficult times, Caloza likewise expressed great appreciation to all those who dedicated time and effort during the crisis.
“To our first responders — our firefighters, public safety officials, and public works teams —thank you for your service, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting all of us. Thank you also to the countless workers who are uplifting our communities during this difficult time—our teachers, healthcare workers, childcare providers, education workers, custodians, public transportation workers, and so many more,” Caloza said.
“On the second day of the fires, my team and I were fielding calls, emails, and requests from all over the district from residents who needed help. Robert, a resident in Highland Park, was so kind and helped us deliver almost 40 cases of water to seniors who desperately needed it,” she recalled. Those seniors who were able to receive help were present during the swearing-in ceremony. She also commended the college students from UCLA and Occidental College who were helping deliver food to frontline workers.
“I saw small businesses that were already struggling before the fires, continue to dig deep and donate hot meals to shelters even though they were the ones who needed help,” she added.
Addressing hundreds
of supporters, dignitaries, community leaders, and special guests who attended the swearing-in ceremony, Caloza said, “These stories…they bind us and they are powerful. These last few weeks, we witnessed so much humanity and kindness that we were all literally willing to give the shirt off our backs to our neighbors and perfect strangers.”
She said, “I’ve dedicated my life to this work and to public service because simply put, I believe in the power of government and how it can transform lives when it works. That’s what it did for my family. I believe it works best when our government is grounded with everyday people, with the community. That’s what my parents, Gigi and, taught me— to care deeply, to fight hard to protect your values, and work even harder to pay it forward to others because it’s the right thing to do. This is the spirit I witnessed during the wildfires.”
She also called for unity in the community. “That’s the Los Angeles I am fighting for and that I believe in. Beyond labels. Beyond political parties. Democrat. Republican. Progressive. Moderate. Conservative. None of that mattered during this crisis because when faced with life or death decisions, we picked life. We picked each other. We picked community. Because we have so much more in common than what divides us.”
According to Caloza, she is grateful that similar efforts to help disaster victims are also being carried out on a larger scale.
“This was not just true in the community but also at the State Capitol. That’s why I’m so excited that my colleagues under the leadership of Speaker Robert Rivas and our Budget Chair Jesse Chair secured bipartisan support to pass a $2.5 billion dollar relief bill to provide emergency aid to help our communities rebuild, especially our neighbors in Altadena, Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades,” she noted. Rivas administered Caloza’s ceremonial community oath of office.
Aside from the two new bills she introduced, Caloza said she is also committed to passing more expedient bills in the near term that would address the needs of her constituents. “These
(two) bills are just the beginning. In the coming weeks, I will be introducing new legislation to address the ongoing needs of our district,” she added.
“I’ve talked to thousands of residents and people are ready for action and our community deserves solutions. Families want to live in affordable neighborhoods, not just for themselves but for their kids and their grandkids,” she said.
“People want more housing— both homeowners and renters alike. Every person I’ve talked to wants us to treat homelessness like the crisis it is and we want our unhoused neighbors to get the help they desperately need.”
Among the issues she aims to focus on are those concerning the youth, the seniors, and the working class. “Young people want more open space, more parks, and clean air and clean water. Our seniors and Veterans want safe streets and better access to government services. Working class people just want to be able to live off of one paycheck, have a safe workplace, and go to sleep at night knowing their job is safe,” she said, noting that
“I’ve listened to your stories. I want you to know that not only do I hear you and see you but I am committed to doing everything in my power to deliver real progress on these issues.”
“What you have is my commitment to representing you in the Assembly as someone who is going to work really hard for you,” said Caloza.
District 52 includes the southern portion of Glendale, Eagle Rock, Mt. Washington, Highland Park, Glassell Park, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Atwater Village, Lincoln Heights, Loz Feliz, East Hollywood, Cypress Park, Elysian Valley, Monterey Hills, Hermon, Montecito Heights, El Sereno and Unincorporated East Los Angeles. There are more than 13,000 Filipino Americans in this district.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Mountains Recreation Conservation Authority executive officer Joe Edmiston, who delivered the welcome remarks, commended Caloza for her vigorous efforts to providing assistance to the community during the crisis time.
“Thank you so much to our assemblymember who understands the needs of the community,” Edmiston said.
The ceremony also highlighted special remarks from LA County Board of Supervisors, Ist District Hilda Solis.
“We are witnessing history as Jessica Caloza becomes the first Filipina American to serve in the California State Legislature. And I hope more Filipinas and Filipinos follow her path and of course, not just for herm but for all women of colors... She is an example not just in our Filipino community but for all of us," Solis said.
Solis encouraged young Filipina Americans to emulate Caloza and see her as an inspiration. “To our young Filipina girls here today, you have to look at Assemblymember Jessica Caloza, you could be like her. Jessica has paved the way for you so it is easier for you this time,” Solis said.
The event also included community testimonials from Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network founder and CEO Marily Mondejar; Armenian National Committee of AmericaGlendale Chapter chairperson Lucy Petrosian; East Los Tacos owner Erika Armenta; and Environmental Justice
Ceci Dominguez.
The Posting of Colors
Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez Inquirer.net file photo
California state Assemblymember Jessica Caloza receives a recognition from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis during Caloza’s community swearing-in ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 26. Caloza represents the state’s 52nd District, which is home to South Glendale, East Los Angeles and Northeast Los Angeles.
Photos courtesy of the Office of Assemblymember Jessica Caloza
Trump
THE Trump administration has intervened in the release of important studies on the bird flu, as an outbreak escalates across the United States.
One of the studies would reveal whether veterinarians who treat cattle have been unknowingly infected by the bird flu virus. Another report documents cases in which people carrying the virus might have infected their pet cats.
The studies were slated to appear in the official journal of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
The distinguished journal has been published without interruption since 1952.
Its scientific reports have been swept up in an “immediate pause” on communications by federal health agencies ordered by Dorothy Fink, the acting secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Fink’s memo covers “any document intended for publication,” she wrote, “until it has been reviewed and approved by a presidential appointee.” It was sent on President Donald Trump’s first full day in office.
That’s concerning, former CDC officials said, because a firewall has long existed between the agency’s scientific reports and political appointees.
“MMWR is the voice of science,” said Tom Frieden, a former CDC director and the CEO of the nonprofit organization Resolve to Save Lives.
“This idea that science cannot continue until there’s a political lens over it is unprecedented,” said Anne Schuchat, a former principal deputy director at the CDC. “I hope it’s going to be very short-lived, but if it’s not short-lived, it’s censorship.”
White House officials meddled with scientific studies on covid-19 during the first Trump administration, according to interviews and emails collected in a 2022 report from congressional investigators. Still, the MMWR came out as scheduled.
“What’s happening now is quite different than what we experienced in covid, because there wasn’t a stop in the
MMWR and other scientific manuscripts,” Schuchat said. Neither the White House nor HHS officials responded to requests for comment. CDC spokesperson Melissa Dibble said, “This is a short pause to allow the new team to set up a process for review and prioritization.”
News of the interruption hit suddenly last week, just as Fred Gingrich, executive director of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, a group for veterinarians specializing in cattle medicine, was preparing to hold a webinar with members.
He planned to disclose the results of a study he helped lead, slated for publication in the MMWR later that week. Back in September, about 150 members had answered questions and donated blood for the study.
Researchers at the CDC analyzed the samples for antibodies against the bird flu virus, to learn whether the veterinarians had been unknowingly infected earlier last year.
Although it would be too late to treat prior cases, the study promised to help scientists understand how the virus spreads from cows to people, what symptoms it causes, and how to prevent infection. “Our members were very excited to hear the results,” Gingrich said. Like farmworkers, livestock veterinarians are at risk of bird flu infections. The study results could help protect them. And having fewer infections would lessen the chance of the H5N1 bird flu virus evolving within a person to spread efficiently between people — the gateway to a bird flu pandemic.
At least 67 people have tested positive for the bird flu in the U.S., with the majority getting the virus from cows or poultry. But studies and reporting suggest many cases have gone undetected, because testing has been patchy.
Just before the webinar, Gingrich said, the CDC informed him that because of an HHS order, the agency was unable to publish the report last week or communicate its findings. “We had to cancel,” he said.
Another bird flu study slated to be published in the MMWR last week concerns the possibility that people working
in Michigan’s dairy industry infected their pet cats. These cases were partly revealed last year in emails obtained by KFF Health News. In one email from July 22, an epidemiologist pushed to publish the group’s investigation to “inform others about the potential for indirect transmission to companion animals.”
Jennifer Morse, medical director at the Mid-Michigan District Health Department and a scientist on the pending study, said she got a note from a colleague last week saying that “there are delays in our publication — outside of our control.”
A person close to the CDC, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of concerns about reprisal, expected the MMWR to be on hold at least until Feb. 6. The journal typically posts on Thursdays, and the HHS memo says the pause will last through Feb. 1.
“It’s startling,” Frieden said. He added that it would become dangerous if the reports aren’t restored. “It would be the equivalent of finding out that your local fire department has been told not to sound any fire alarms,” he said.
In addition to publishing studies, the MMWR keeps the country updated on outbreaks, poisonings, and maternal mortality, and provides surveillance data on cancer, heart disease, HIV, and other maladies. Delaying or manipulating the reports could harm Americans by stunting the ability of the U.S. government to detect and curb health threats, Frieden said.
The freeze is also a reminder of how the first Trump administration interfered with the CDC’s reports on covid, revealed in emails detailed in 2022 by congressional investigators with the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. That investigation found that political appointees at HHS altered or delayed the release of five reports and attempted to control several others in 2020.
In one instance, Paul Alexander, then a scientific adviser to HHS, criticized a July 2020 report on a coronavirus u PAGE A4
NEDA sees bright side to Filipinos returning due to Trump’s immigration policies
by JEan mangaluz Philstar.com
MANILA — While the fate of many Filipinos remains uncertain under U.S. President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigrants, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) believes there are upsides—provided the government can reintegrate them properly.
NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said the agency has yet to fully discuss it with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) but there are already reintegration programs for overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in place.
“I think, syempre on the positive side, maganda kasi magsisibalikan sila and many of them have high level skills, so ang importante talaga dito is to be able to place them… parang mutually beneficial to them and to us,” Edillon said in an ambush interview in Quezon City.
(I think, of course, on the positive side, it will be good because they would come back and many of them have high level skills, so what is important here is to be able to place them … that is mutually beneficial to them and to us.)
There will likely be a transitory
impact, but Edillon hopes it will be temporary. However, she noted that the road ahead will not be easy, particularly in terms of real estate and space.
“Pero mayroon tayong glut sa real estate so okay lang,” she said.
(But we have a glut in the real estate so it is okay.)
But will returning OFWs take jobs from local workers? Edillon doesn’t think so.
“I think they have different skills, so I think it will be okay,” she said.
One of Trump’s promises was enacting a massive deportation of illegal immigrants. Philippine
Unahan ang magnanakaw ng identidad
that up
could be affected by the crackdown on illegal immigrants. Trump also announced a temporary suspension of foreign assistance, which has already affected organizations across the world.
There are other sources of official development assistance, but Edillon said the government is already preparing for the possibility that these funds will eventually dry up.
For now, public-private partnerships serve as a “very good source of funding” for the Philippines, Edillon said. n
Ginamit ba ng isang tao ang impormasyon mo — tulad ng pangalan, numero ng credit card o Social Security mo — nang walang pahintulot mo? Bumili ba sila ng mga bagay, nagbukas ng mga account, kumuha ng trabaho o medikal na paggamot, o ninakaw ang tax refund mo?
Kung gayon, ninakaw nila ang identidad mo.
Protektahan ang sarili mo laban sa magnanakaw ng identidad.
• Panatilihing naka-lock up ang mga dokumentong may personal na impormasyon
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• Suriin ang bills mo para tingnan ang mga hindi inaasahang singil
• Maglagay ng freeze sa mga credit report mo
NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon
PNA file photo
Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez initially estimated
to 300,000 Filipinos
JOBSEEKERS. Government agencies conduct “Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas” (Jobs in the New Philippines) at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila on Friday, January 31. The one-stop-shop job fair served some 12,000 graduating members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
Trump administration’s halt of CDC’s...
outbreak at a Georgia summer camp in an email to MMWR editors, which was disclosed in the congressional investigation. “It just sends the wrong message as written and actually reads as if to send a message of NOT to re-open,” he wrote. Although the report’s data remained the same, the CDC removed remarks on the implications of the findings for schools.
Later that year, Alexander sent an email to then-HHS
spokesperson Michael Caputo citing this and another example of his sway over the reports: “Small victory but a victory nonetheless and yippee!!!” Schuchat, who was at the CDC at the time, said she had never experienced such attempts to spin or influence the agency’s scientific reports in more than three decades with the agency. She hopes it won’t happen again. “The MMWR cannot become a political instrument,” she said. Gingrich remains hopeful
that the veterinary study will come out soon. “We’re an apolitical organization,” he said. “Maintaining open lines of communication and continuing research with our federal partners is critical as we fight this outbreak.”
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
ABISO NG SAN DIEGO COUNTY CONSORTIUM SA PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG AT ABISO SA PAGIGING AVAILABLE CONSORTIUM NG COUNTY NG SAN DIEGO
PINAG-ISANG PLANO PARA SA 2025-29
TAUNANG PLANO PARA SA 2025-26
BLOCK GRANT PARA SA PAGPAPAUNLAD NG KOMUNIDAD (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT, CDBG), MGA PAGSOSOSYO SA PAMUMUHUNAN PARA SA BAHAY (HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS, HOME), MGA GAWAD NA SALAPI PARA SA MGA SOLUSYON SA EMERGENCY (EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT, ESG), AT MGA PONDO NG PROGRAMA PAR SA MGA OPORTUNIDAD SA PABAHAY PARA SA MGA TAONG MAY AIDS (HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS, HOPWA)
Ibinibigay ang Abisong ito para ipaalam na magsasagawa ang Board of Supervisors ng pampublikong pagdinig sa Marso 11, 2025, nang 9:00 a.m. sa Room 310 sa County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA, para isaalang-alang ang Pinag-isang Plano para sa Taon ng Pananalapi na 2024-29 at Taunang Plano para sa Taon ng Pananalapi na 2025-26. Isasaalang-alang ng Board ang iminumungkahing paggamit ng tinatayang: $4,283,065 pondo sa Block Grant para sa Pagpapaunlad ng Komunidad (CDBG); $2,870,446 pondo sa Pagsososyo sa Pamumuhunan sa Bahay (HOME); $371,576 pondo para sa Gawad na Salapi para sa Mga Solusyon sa Emergency (ESG); at $6,369,845 pondo para sa Mga Oportunidad sa Pabahay para sa Mga Taong may HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) na matatanggap ng County mula sa Departamento ng Estados Unidos sa Pabahay at Pagpapaunlad ng Lungsod (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD). Isasaalang-alang din ng Board ang iminumungkahing paggamit ng tinatayang $2,000,000 sa mga kita ng CDBG at Programa ng HOME para sa Taon ng Pananalapi na 2025-26 at ang paglalaan ng tinatayang $9,400,000 sa mga entitlement ng HOME, ESG, CDBG at HOPWA sa mga nakaraang taon. Ang mga numerong ito ay batay sa mga antas ng pagpopondo sa nakaraang taon. Kasama sa Pinag-isang Plano ang 5-taon na mga layunin na may estratehiya na susuporta sa mga pangangailangan sa pabahay at muling pagbibigay ng buhay sa komunidad para sa mga residente at komunidad na mababa ang kita sa mga kwalipikadong pinaglilingkurang lugar. Inilalarawan ng Taunang Plano ang mga iminumungkahing aktibidad na dapat pondohan para sa Taon ng Pananalapi na 2025-26, na nilalayong matugunan ang mga layuning itinatag sa Pinag-isang Plano para sa 202526. Ang mga programa ng CDBG at ESG ay nagbibigay ng pondo sa unincorporated area ng County at ang mga lungsod ng Coronado, Del Mar, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Poway, at Solana Beach, kilala rin bilang Urban County. Ang mga pondo ng CDBG ay dapat: (1) mapakinabangan ng mga taong mababa ang kita; (2) iwasan/alisin ang mga squatter at mahihirap; o (3) matugunan ang mga apurahang pangangailangan para sa pagpapaunlad ng komunidad. Pinopondohan ng programa ng HOME ang mga aktibidad ng abot-kayang pabahay sa loob ng County HOME Consortium. Kasama sa HOME Consortium ang Urban County, at ang mga lungsod ng Carlsbad, Encinitas, La Mesa, San Marcos, Santee, at Vista. Pinopondohan ng programa ng HOPWA ang pabahay/mga serbisyo para sa mga taong may HIV/AIDS at ang kanilang mga pamilya sa buong San Diego County. Ang mga kopya ng mga draft na Plano ay available para makita ng publiko at komentuhan, sa 30 araw na panahon para magkomento mula Pebrero 7, 2025, hanggang Marso 11, 2025, sa website ng County sa www.sdhcd.com. Ang mga taong kailangan ng tulong para dumalo sa mga pagpupulong (halimbawa, hindi nagsasalita ng Ingles, may kapansanan sa pandinig, atbp.) ay dapat abisuhan ang HCDS limang araw bago ang pagpupulong. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, pakitawagan ang (858) 694-8724. Para sa tulong sa may kapansanan sa pandinig, pakitawagan ang (866) 945-2207. 2/1/25 CNS-3891716# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
Travis Kelce challenges Filipino American teammate to deliver at AFC Championship
by gavin martinEz Inquirer.net
FILIPINO American NFL player and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Nikko Remigio credits tight end Travis Kelce for pushing him to rise to the occasion in the AFC Championship Game.
Filling in for the injured Mecole Hardman as a return specialist, Remigio had already been making an impact in the postseason.
However, his first punt return of the AFC title game didn’t go as aggressively as Kelce expected. The veteran tight end didn’t hold back in letting him know.
Appearing on Wednesday’s (January 29) edition of Up & Adams, Remigio shared how a sideline exchange with Kelce motivated him to make a gamechanging play against the Buffalo Bills.
“I had fair-caught that first punt coming out the gates, and (Kelce) was like, ‘That’s not being great, bro,’” Remigio recounted to Up & Adams host Kay Adams. “Going into the next opportunity I had, I’m like, ‘I gotta make something happen.’”
Kelce’s words stuck with Remigio, and on his next
opportunity, he delivered in a big way.
The young receiver took a punt return 41 yards, shifting momentum for the Chiefs in their hard-fought win over the Bills.
Understanding the importance of his next opportunity, Remigio focused on making an impact. He glanced downfield and noticed the tight coverage, realizing it would be a quick play. Seizing the moment, he made his move and executed the return successfully.
Looking back on that first fair catch, Remigio admitted he
initially played it safe. “I was like, ‘Man, that’s my first time being in the AFC Championship Game, let me just get my feet wet a little bit.’”
The decision paid off, proving that sometimes, a little push from a teammate can make all the difference.
Remigio has been on the Chiefs’ reserve/injured list since August of 2023. Now set to return for his first pro season, the Filipino American receiver is eager to prove himself on the field. n
PNP official among fatalities in Washington...
PAGE A1
to pay a courtesy exit call to
PCOL. Moises Villaceran, the country’s police attaché in Washington, D.C.
He was traveling with a police non-commissioned officer and a non-uniformed personnel, Tuaño added, but he set out to visit Villaceran alone.
“Initially, in-identify ng Washington police based on documents, meaning yung pagkakakilanlan nila is unofficial. Ang sinasabi nila sa Estados Unidos, magiging official lamang siya kapag dumating na ang kanilang kin… upang i-identify yung cadaver,” Tuaño said.
(Initially, Washington police identified them based on documents, meaning their identities are unofficial. What they’re saying in the United States is that it’d become official
only when their kin arrives… to identify the cadaver.)
“Tinutulungan ng PNP yung kanyang asawa… Inaayos nila yung pagbili ng ticket papunta ng U.S. Aasikasuhin siya pagdating niya doon ng mga police attaché natin,” Tuaño explained.
(The PNP is helping his wife… They are arranging to buy her a ticket to the U.S. She will be assisted by our police attachés.)
The commercial jetliner was approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport late evening Wednesday (Thursday, January 30 in Manila time) when it figured in the mishap with the U.S. Army helicopter.
There were 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the jetliner, while three soldiers were aboard the helicopter.
At a White House press conference, U.S. President Donald Trump said there were
no survivors.
Tuaño said 30 bodies have been recovered, according to a report from Jaime Ramon Torre Escalon Jr., Deputy Chief of Mission at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his (referring to Malabed) bereaved family, loved ones, and colleagues. The PNP is committed to providing them with all necessary support during this difficult time,” the PNP said.
“Mayroon nang mga initial na pagpaplano kung ano yung mga karapat-dapat na pagpaparangal na gagawin natin kay Col. Malabed,” Tuaño said.
(There are already initial plans as to what the appropriate honors should be accorded Col. Malabed.)
Malabed was a member of the PNP Academy Class of 1998. n
Marcos wants to discuss immigration,
A1
immigrants, Marcos said Filipinos have become an important part of the U.S. workforce.
“So, this is something that we have to work through and hopefully resolve. Because the Filipinos in the United States, especially, have really formed a very important part already of their workforce. So, we’ll see how we can influence the policymaking in terms of immigration,” the Philippine leader said.
Twenty-four Filipinos have been deported from the U.S. before Trump assumed office, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Meanwhile, Marcos said the
order freezing foreign assistance is not yet clear.
“Because even the agencies in the U.S. government, they do not understand what it means. What will be affected? What aid funds will be reduced? So, well, this is what happens. These are the growing pains of a new administration,” he said.
“But I’m sure that with time, these policies will crystallize and will become clearer. And by which time, I will have a chance to visit with President Trump and we can discuss it with a better understanding of what the policies are.”
Earlier this month, Trump signed an executive order
aid...
to halt fresh obligations and disbursements of foreign assistance while reviews are being conducted for efficiency and consistency with U.S. foreign policy. Humanitarian food programs and military assistance to Israel and Egypt are exempted from the directive.
National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan has said the order won’t have much impact on the Philippines’ flagship infrastructure projects since many of them are funded by multilateral lenders.
The U.S. provided more than $151 million in assistance to the Philippines last year. n
Filipino Americans worry as Guantanamo...
the notorious military facility on the eastern tip of Cuba, used for holding terrorism suspects since the 9/11 attacks.
The plan intensifies the crackdown on illegal immigration that Trump has pledged in his second term, along with a parallel push to transform the U.S. government itself in his right-wing image.
That broader goal hit a road bump when the White House sparked confusion by withdrawing a memo ordering a halt on trillions of dollars in federal funds — only to insist minutes later that Trump's plan remained in "full force."
Speaking as he signed a bill at the White House ordering the pre-trial detention of migrants charged with theft or violence, Trump said the Guantanamo plan would "bring us one step closer to eradicating the scourge of migrant crime."
"We have 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people," said the Republican, adding that it would "double our capacity immediately" to hold undocumented migrants.
The Guantanamo Bay facility currently holds 15 detainees from the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and other operations triggered by the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. At its peak around 800 people were incarcerated there, drawing widespread condemnation from human rights campaigners.
Newly sworn Defense
Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News that migrants would not be kept where the remaining 9/11 detainees are and that a golf course could be used to build facilities.
Cuba slammed Trump's plan as an "act of brutality."
Numbers of migrants held in U.S. custody could rise dramatically due to the bipartisan bill that Trump signed on Wednesday, the first since his return to the White House.
The Laken Riley Act is named after a 22-year-old U.S. nursing student murdered by a Venezuelan undocumented migrant who was arrested twice before her killing but then released.
"Her name will also live forever in the laws of our country," Trump told the signing ceremony, which was attended by her parents.
Trump's headline-grabbing Guantanamo announcement came shortly after another White House plan descended into confusion.
As part of his crusade to shrink government — and eliminate entire segments — Trump had ordered the freezing late Monday of potentially trillions of dollars in grants and loans for programs including health care for millions of low-income Americans. The move — made in an order from White House's Office of Management and Budget — sparked instant alarm and
confusion before a U.S. judge issued a temporary injunction. Following the outcry, the White House's Office of Management and Budget issued a terse notification Wednesday saying the freezing of aid order had been "rescinded."
Soon after, however, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that only the memo from the budget office was rescinded — not Trump's plan. Other orders signed last week for departments to root out "woke" spending remained operative, she said.
"This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze" which remains in "full force," she said on X. She said in a separate statement that it had rescinded the memo to "end any confusion" the judge blocked it. Democrats accuse Trump of constitutional overreach by seeking to stop spending already approved by Congress, which has authority over the U.S. budget.
Trump's attempt to purge the workforce of officials deemed unsupportive saw another radical move Tuesday when he offered most federal workers the option to leave their jobs in exchange for eight months' severance.
Trump doubled down Wednesday, announcing that any government employee who fails to end work-from-home and appear in the office by Feb.
"will be terminated."
Trump’s funding ‘pause’ throws states, health...
Around midday Tuesday, as state health officials pressed the federal government for clarity, the White House Office of Management and Budget — which issued the Monday memo — put out new guidance clarifying that “mandatory programs like Medicaid” were not included in the freeze.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, declined to confirm that Medicaid was exempt when pressed by reporters during an early afternoon briefing.
But she later said in a post on the social platform X that “no payments have been affected” by what she described as a “portal outage.”
The possibility that federal Medicaid funding would be shut off overnight spooked advocates already on edge about the program’s future. President Donald Trump vowed on the campaign trail not to seek cuts for Medicare or Social Security, the nation’s major entitlement programs serving mostly retired people. But he did not make the same promise about Medicaid, which pays for health care for primarily low-income and disabled people — approximately 1 in 5 Americans.
On Wednesday, after a federal judge temporarily blocked the administration from proceeding with the freeze, OMB withdrew its memo altogether. But Leavitt said in another post on X that a series of orders Trump has issued on federal funding “remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.”
Kate McEvoy, executive director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors, said Wednesday morning that access to the Medicaid portals had been restored.
Separate from the freeze, congressional Republicans are discussing cutting the nearly $900 billion program, arguing costs have ballooned with enrollment, notably including the program’s expansion to cover more lowincome adults. Lawmakers are also eyeing ways to save money for Trump’s other legislative priorities — in particular, extending the tax cuts from his first term that expire at the end of this year.
The federal government pays most costs for Medicaid, which is operated by states. Medicaid pays for most long-term care for Americans and for about 40%
of all U.S. births, and together with the related Children’s Health Insurance Program covers about 38 million children.
Federal funding for Medicaid does not go directly to individual enrollees but to the states, which then distribute it to providers, health plans, and other entities that serve Medicaid enrollees.
State officials can access that funding through internet portals. Joan Alker, who is executive director of the Center for Children and Families at the Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy, said on X Tuesday that the portal lockout is “a major crisis.”
She pointed out that many states access their federal funding at the end of the month — “i.e. this week,” she wrote. The original freeze order came in the form of a vaguely worded two-page memo from OMB to all federal agencies directing them to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance.”
“This temporary pause will provide the Administration time to review agency programs and determine the best uses of the funding for those programs consistent with the law and the President’s priorities,” the memo said. The only programs explicitly noted as exceptions were Medicare and Social Security, which left it unclear how states would continue to pay doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, and private health plans to manage Medicaid.
Around the nation, health officials scrambled to make sense of the order, which was scheduled to take effect at 5 p.m. ET Tuesday. Even as OMB clarified that Medicaid was not included, the immediate impacts to other critical health programs were becoming clear, especially for community health centers and medical research centers.
Democrats in Congress expressed outrage at the Trump administration for pausing federal funding not only to Medicaid but also to numerous other programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, the WIC nutrition program for pregnant and postpartum women and infants, and school meal programs for low-income students.
“The Trump Administration’s action last night to suspend all federal grants and loans will
have a devastating impact on the health and well-being of millions of children, seniors on fixed incomes, and the most vulnerable people in our country,” Sen. Bernie Sanders (IVt.) said in a statement Tuesday. “It is a dangerous move towards authoritarianism and it is blatantly unconstitutional.”
The National Association of Medicaid Directors and the major nursing home associations were among those seeking clarification from the White House on Tuesday about the order’s impact on Medicaid funding.
Numerous state officials and groups said they were considering or had already filed litigation challenging the order.
One lawsuit was filed Tuesday against OMB in federal court in Washington, D.C., by the National Council of Nonprofits and the American Public Health Association, seeking a temporary restraining order to “maintain the status quo until the Court has an opportunity to more fully consider the illegality of OMB’s actions.”
Attorneys general in California, New York, and four other states announced Tuesday afternoon a joint lawsuit against the Trump administration over the order, which they said had already frozen systems for Medicaid, Head Start, and even child support enforcement across multiple states.
“There is no question this policy is reckless, dangerous, illegal, and unconstitutional,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. She added that she and other Democratic attorneys general would seek a temporary restraining order to halt the OMB policy from going into effect.
Leavitt defended the freeze during her White House briefing — the first of the new administration — saying it was critical to ensuring that federal funding was being used appropriately.
“This is a very responsible measure,” she said. (Phil Galewitz/KFF Health News with reports from Bram Sable-Smith, Jordan Rau, Renuka Rayasam, Brett Kelman, and Christine MaiDuc)
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
Marcos to China: Stop aggressive acts...
the Philippines would consider recalling the missile system.
“Let’s make a deal with China—stop claiming our territory, stop harassing our fishermen and let them have a living, stop ramming our boats, stop water-cannoning our people, stop firing lasers at us, and stop your aggressive and coercive behavior, and I’ll return the Typhon missiles,” Marcos said.
“Tigil nila yung ginagawa nila, ibabalik ko lahat ‘yan (Stop all their aggressive acts and I’ll return everything),” he added.
The remarks come amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, where China has continued its maritime assertiveness, including incidents of harassment against Filipino fishermen and coast guard personnel in contested waters.
The Philippines has repeatedly raised concerns over China’s military presence and actions in the region, which Manila deems as violations of its sovereignty.
The U.S. deployed the Typhon missile system to the Philippines in April last year as part of the Balikatan military exercises, and has reportedly stayed in the country since.
The move has drawn the ire of China which repeatedly called for its withdrawal.
Filipino soldiers will reportedly train on the U.S. military’s intermediate range missile system during unilateral army drills next month.
Call to remove missile system
It was Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning who made the call for the removal of the Typhon missile system in response to a Reuters report saying that the U.S. had deployed its Typhon missile launchers to a new location in the country.
“We once again call on the Philippines to heed the call from regional countries and their peoples, correct the wrongdoing as soon as possible, quickly pull out the Typhon missile system as publicly pledged, and stop going further down the wrong path,” Mao said in a regular press conference last January 24.
“Let me stress again that by bringing this strategic offensive weapon into this part of the world, the Philippines is essentially creating tensions and antagonism in the region and inciting geopolitical confrontation and an arms race,” she continued.
Mao further said, “This is a highly dangerous move and an extremely irresponsible choice for its own people, the people of the other Southeast Asian countries, and regional security.”
However, last December, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. had already addressed China’s objections, saying the missiles “are not targeted against specific countries.”
Filipino Americans worry as...
The administration is also continuing to strip Trump opponents of their security details.
Amid concern that a freeze on U.S. assistance would hurt the Philippines, Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez said the Philippines aims to be an equal partner of the United States and ensure that their alliance endures beyond administrations and even generations.
Romualdez said this on Jan. 27 when he spoke before the students of the American University School of International Service as part of its "Ambassadors Up-Close" series.
He cited the role of public diplomacy in enhancing PhilippinesU.S. relations during a fireside chat entitled "Public Diplomacy and the Future of U.S.-Philippine Relations."
"The message I convey remains consistent: it is in the interest of the United States to support the Philippines' interests — from our military modernization and economic development to the welfare and protection of Filipinos in this country," Romualdez said. (Aric John Sy Cua and Bernadette E. Tamayo/ManilaTimes.net with reports from Agence France-Presse)
The Typhon missile system arrived in the country from the U.S. in April and was first used during its bilateral war games with the country. The Philippine Army said the ground-based missile system was also used for the bilateral Army drills between Manila and Washington, which were already finished on Sept. 22, 2024. However, Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the missile system will remain in the Philippines until further notice as the U.S. and the Philippines assess its use in future drills. n
“Instead, it is targeted against security risks, threats, and challenges,” he said.
Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business. metro.net or for further information email Elizabeth Martin-Maldonado at martinmaldonadoe@metro.net.
2/1, 2/8/25 CNS-3891425# ASIAN JOURNAL
OpiniOn Features Fighting disinformation
WITH the start of the official campaign period soon upon us, the Commission on Elections is moving to fight fake news and disinformation. In its latest move along this line, the Comelec has forged a partnership with social media giant TikTok.
The short-form video sharing platform, which is the subject of partial or total bans in several countries because it is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, does not accept political advertising in the Philippines. How far TikTok is willing or able to go in policing its content during the election period in the Philippines remains to be seen. In the United States, President Donald Trump has suspended the ban that his predecessor Joe Biden, citing national security concerns, wanted to impose on TikTok. But Trump still wants the company to be sold to an American owner.
The Comelec has also been working with social media giants Meta and Google to battle fake news, disinformation and other malicious content that undermine the elections. As shown in previous electoral exercises, the effort has had mixed results.
The challenge starts with identifying the purveyors of malicious digital content. The enactment of Republic Act No. 11934 in October 2022, the SIM Registration Act, has helped reduce cyberscam attempts and SPAM messages, according to agencies battling cybercrime.
UPON direct instructions
of the president, we arranged for Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who flew into Washington D.C., to meet with newly appointed National Security Advisor Michael Waltz at the White House. After our short meeting with the National Security Advisor, we proceeded to have an expanded meeting with Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Alex Wong as well as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Andrew Byers and National Security Council Senior Director for Asia Ivan Kanapathy at the West Wing of the White House. Both meetings were extremely productive, where we focused on serious security issues and the reaffirmation of the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the United States.
Secretary Teodoro emphasized both nations’ shared commitment to peace, stability and mutual security interests in the IndoPacific region, and the paramount
Horizons
RichaRd
heydaRian
“THEY say that I was a terrible president of Cuba. That may be true. But I was the best president Cuba ever had,” remarked the exiled Cuban leader Carlos Manuel Prío Socarrás. In many ways, a similar narrative has undergirded the so-called “Duterte magic.” Time and again, former President Rodrigo Duterte has admitted to shortcomings, but just to claim that, at the very least, he did something about national crises no matter how incompetent or catastrophic. Whenever confronted with evidence of misdeed or misgovernance, Duterte supporters are quick to lean back their usual retort: “At least, he did something about drugs and criminality!” This ”cult of action,” the Italian philosopher Umberto Eco once argued, is central to both the ideology and appeal of authoritarian populist leaders.
Drenched in the awesome power of the state, and crowned with a decisive electoral mandate
Considering the number of SIM cards confiscated from cybercrime hubs, however, it looks like RA 11934 is barely making a dent and needs fine-tuning or additional legislation.
In eight operations nationwide from Jan. 20 to 26 alone, the police Anti-Cybercrime Group reported confiscating 2,289 subscriber identity module cards that were being sold illegally. Thousands of SIM cards have been seized in raids on Philippine offshore gaming operator firms used as cyberscam hubs across the country. There are proposals to restrict the sale of SIM cards to telecommunications companies, for proper registration of SIM ownership. This will work best if the telcos can access the database of the national identification system for proper verification of a SIM card buyer’s identity.
RA 11934 also does not cover over-the-top messaging platforms such as Viber, WhatsApp and Telegram. The National Telecommunications Commission has acknowledged this weakness and stressed that RA 11934 is no “silver bullet” against cyberscams. However, there are reforms that can be
undertaken to improve enforcement of the law and boost the battle against cybercrimes and the spread of fake news and disinformation. These
On the move with the new Trump presidency
importance of strengthening the bilateral defense ties between the Philippines and the United States to address emerging geopolitical challenges.
These meetings took place two days after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, making the Philippines one of the first countries to engage with the new administration – a very significant step in further advancing our longtime alliance, with both sides expressing optimism in deepening defense and security cooperation in the years to come. Additionally, there was also a telephone conversation between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ricky Manalo and State Secretary Marco Rubio in the morning (Washington D.C. time) on issues of mutual concern, among them the dangerous actions of China in the South China Sea that undermine regional peace and stability. They also exchanged views on advancing security cooperation and expanding economic ties for shared prosperity.
Secretary Rubio, who underscored the “ironclad” commitment of the U.S. to the Philippines under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, certainly
recognizes the importance of strengthening economic – not just defense or military – ties, for the bilateral relationship to be enduring.
“When your engagement with a country leads to economic development, whether it’s outbound U.S. investment in the Philippines or what have you, then that becomes enduring. Then it makes it difficult, no matter who’s in charge, to walk away from the alliance, because the alliance is more than just military and a military presence. It also involves jobs and businesses and investment and economic opportunity, and we need to look for ways to emphasize that. I think it would be a mistake to simply view it as a military or defense alliance,” Secretary Rubio stated during his confirmation hearing.
We are looking forward to working closely with Secretary Rubio’s team at the State Department in advancing shared priorities and strengthening U.S.Philippines ties even further.
As I have emphasized on several occasions, we have strong support from both Republicans and Democrats, and we will continue to work with them on issues that are mutually beneficial
– because this relationship is a two-way street. I also know that the U.S. sees the Philippines as an important ally, especially at this time. This bipartisan support from members of the U.S. Congress was evident during my meeting last Thursday (January 23) at the U.S. Capitol with Democratic Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii, who is a member of the Senate foreign relations committee.
“Ambassador Romualdez and I had a constructive discussion about opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific. We discussed how we can better coordinate and strengthen U.S. military and economic support to the Philippines and further elevate our alliance,” he shared in his website, adding, “We have a long, close relationship with the Philippines and the Filipino people, and our commitment to the U.S.-Philippine alliance remains ironclad.”
During the inauguration of President Trump and the social events that followed shortly thereafter, I also had the opportunity to engage with “old and new faces” who will be taking on important roles in the Trump administration for the next four years to bring our relationship
to even greater heights. We also hosted a reception at the Philippine embassy, bringing together representatives from the new government, the U.S. Congress and members of the media, among several other sectors.
In my interview with Karen Davila of ANC, I amply described how our relationship with the United States will be like under the new Trump administration. Naturally, an issue of great concern is the new immigration policy and its impact on the estimated 350,000 undocumented Filipinos in the United States. Clear instructions have already been given to all consulates general in the United States on what we can do to help our kababayans regardless of their immigration status. Early this month, we met with members of a group called Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF) to discuss the challenges faced by undocumented Filipinos and shared insights on how those affected can have access to legal counsel and how they can have a legal path to stay in the U.S. FALDEF representatives led by
their president Jose Teodoro Mallonga are also offering pro bono legal services and partnering with other Filipino community organizations to strengthen the support network for vulnerable groups.
The embassy and our consulates general all over the U.S. are likewise continuing efforts to disseminate information about the rights of all Filipinos in the U.S., regardless of their immigration status, through our websites and social media platforms, providing information from the U.S. Department of Labor, migration offices of states, immigration centers and various sources.
As always, the Philippine embassy will do what we can in assisting all Filipinos regardless of status. But as I told Karen, the bottom line advice to our fellow Filipinos is to follow a legal path – if one wants to have peace of mind. (Philstar.com)
* *
*
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
Have the Dutertes turned the tide?
and sky-high approval ratings, Duterte seamlessly inspired admiration and fear among the majority of Filipinos throughout his six years in Malacañang. But the past two years have seen a steady diminution of the notorious dynasty’s political capital, even as the Dutertes held onto the country’s largest urban center in terms of land area as well as the second most powerful office in the land. The reason was simple: They overreached by directly attacking their chief ally, the Marcoses, who have shown little interest in squandering their second shot at Malacañang. Blinded by hubris, the Dutertes thought that they could just bludgeon President Marcos into submission and, accordingly, become the ”power behind the throne.” That foolhardy plan, however, has catastrophically backfired. The upshot was the concatenation of multiple forces, which threatened the very political survival of the Dutertes: A dramatic series of exposes of the Dutertes’ multifarious wrongdoings went hand in hand with the real and present threat of impeachment against the vice president. By the end of 2024, the
once mighty dynasty was a cornered beast. And then, all of a sudden, the tide shifted in favor of the Dutertes. On one hand, it always helps to have a well-organized religious group behind you to muster a million-strong ”peace rally” to intimidate your opponents. More importantly, however, the Marcos administration seemingly failed to appreciate the perils of not reining in the greed of their legislative allies ahead of the midterm elections. And here enters the significance of the split within the genuine opposition.
In theory, the disintegration of the “UniTeam” should have provided an unprecedented opening for a progressive ”third force.” But lacking a core leadership and characteristically fractious and ideologically incoherent, genuine opposition forces failed to congeal into an autonomous force. If anything, the administration chose to piggy-ride on the “Never Duterte” camp, which took up the cudgels to expose the notorious dynasty, while the Dutertes wasted no time to piggy-ride on the “Never Marcos” camp, which assiduously exposed alleged
anomalies in the 2025 national budget.
The result is the fracturing of the national political discourse and, accordingly, a decisive halt to the anti-Duterte momentum steadily building up over the past year. And since the commander in chief happens to be a conflictavoidant individual, there is effectively no center of gravity in Philippine politics. Thus, it’s impossible to predict the outcome of the inter-dynastic conflict, which is steadily tearing the country asunder.
In this sense, the Philippines more exhibits Niccolo Machiavelli’s ”cyclical” conception of history in medieval societies than the characteristics of a modern democratic republic. When institutions are weak, and the rule of law is purely aspirational, political development gives way to indeterminate cycles of intraoligarchic struggles, institutional decay, and, worse, a political vacuum.
While undoubtedly entertaining, our Netflix-like politics is actually extremely dangerous, since it could ultimately produce a total crisis of legitimacy with dire
consequences. On one hand, more Filipinos could end up cynical and, accordingly, opt out of political mobilization altogether, thus dramatically diminishing chances of positive transformation for the foreseeable future. Worse, the emerging interregnum could strengthen the hands of more extreme forces, including proto-fascist advocates of a ”revolutionary government.”
Unless the genuine opposition crystalizes into a coherent force,
one that is capable of providing an alternative
and
the
* * * rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph
ManilaTimes.net photo
bastion of hope
leadership, the Philippines’ political fate will remain hostage to Mr. Marcos’ whims and
political death drive
the Dutertes.
Vice President Sara Duterte and former President Rodrigo Duterte PNA file photo
Dateline philippines
BSP: Peso seen to weaken further New EDCA fuel storage facility built in Cebu
by KEisha ta-asan Philstar.com
MANILA — The peso may weaken further in 2025 and 2026, settling slightly above the government’s foreign exchange rate assumptions, as the US Federal Reserve might take a slower approach to monetary policy easing.
In its latest Monetary Policy Report, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said the exchange rate could go beyond the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC)’s assumptions for 2025 and 2026.
“This projection is due to the slower pace of monetary policy easing by the U.S. Federal Reserve and recent near-term movements in the peso,” the central bank said.
As of December 2024, the DBCC projects the peso to hit 56 to 58 against the greenback for 2025 and P55 to 58 per dollar for 2026.
The peso depreciated by 4.3
by ghio ong Philstar.com
MANILA
— Hundreds of thousands of people welcomed the Lunar New Year in Manila’s Binondo district, home to one of the world’s oldest Chinatowns, according to the Manila Police District (MPD).
Most of the spectators gathered along and at the vicinity of Jones Bridge, where a stage was set up behind the China-funded BinondoIntramuros Bridge, venue of a fireworks and drone display.
In a speech read by his representative, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said China and the Philippines would welcome the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.
“We hope both China and the Philippines can take the 50th anniversary as an opportunity to renew regional commitment to diplomatic ties, overcome distractions, work together toward common goals and promote continuous health and steady development of our bilateral relations,” Huang said.
percent to 57.845 to $1 from the end-2023 level of 55.37 to $1. According to the BSP, the local currency depreciated in the fourth quarter last year as the dollar strengthened after the Fed signaled it was in no rush to ease policy rates further.
“Concerns about the inflationary impact of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s economic policies also weighed on the peso,” it said. The BSP anticipates the U.S. Fed to implement 75 basis points of rate cuts in 2025 and 25 bps in 2026. The U.S. central bank left policy rates unchanged on Wednesday, with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell saying that there would be no rush in cutting borrowing costs this year.
Domestically, the BSP said that the peso’s weakness was compounded by slower thirdquarter gross domestic product growth, a higher outstanding national government debt in September, a wider trade-in-
The relationship between China and the Philippines, he said, “maintained a steady trajectory of progress despite the twists and turns and ups and downs.”
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna thanked Filipinos of Chinese descent who set up and sustained their businesses in Manila over the years.
“May all of us extend mutual respect and high regard to our countries and let us all work hand-in-hand to make our world a better place to live in,” she said.
A 30-minute fireworks and drone show followed the program.
As day broke, thousands flocked to the streets of Chinatown, particularly Ongpin street, basking in the sights and sounds of the Lunar New Year, assigned to the Wood Snake. Some performers improvised their lion dance with plastic carts of fruits and plastic, while mascots paraded the crowded Ongpin street.
The city government and Chinese embassy also held their “Chinatown Golden Parade,” wherein Lacuna and
goods deficit and a larger balance of payments deficit in October. Heightened political uncertainty added pressure on the peso.
“Nonetheless, the peso’s depreciation was partly tempered by sustained structural forex inflows from foreign direct investments and foreign portfolio investments, and higher overseas Filipinos remittances,” the BSP said.
Analysts have been forecasting that the peso will breach the critical 60 to $1 threshold amid heightened volatility as Trump’s aggressive protectionist stance could exacerbate further depreciation.
The peso’s performance against the greenback reflects ongoing external pressures and market dynamics, which influence emerging market currencies.
The local currency closed at P58.28 to $1 on Thursday, January 30, strengthening by 14 centavos from its 58.425-to-$1 finish on Tuesday, January 28. n
Huang gave away ang pao or red envelopes containing coins.
The parade started at the Manila Central Post Office building and traversed Magallanes Drive, Jones Bridge, Escolta, Dasmariñas, Quintin Paredes, Ongpin, Alonzo, Soler and Reina Regente streets.
Peaceful celebration Lunar New Year celebrations in Metro Manila on Wednesday, January 29 were generally peaceful, police said. Except for a fire incident at a condominium in Binondo that killed two people, no other incidents marred festivities, Metro Manila police director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said. About 4,904 police officers were deployed to the capital to secure venues and manage traffic. Potential threats were monitored by 286 intelligence operatives.
In Quezon City, at least 314 police officers secured celebrations at Chinatown along Banawe street, according to city police director Col. Melecio Buslig Jr. (With reports from Emmanuel Tupas)
by Cristina Chi Philstar.com
MANILA
The facility — located at the Brigadier General Benito N Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City — features two above-ground storage tanks with a combined capacity of over 151,000 liters, according to a statement by the Philippine Air Force.
Commanders of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) attended the inauguration and turnover of the facility on Thursday.
Built by Himalayan Builders and Engineers Pvt. Ltd. and ACE Builders, the project includes a modern fuel handling system and a covered parking area for refueling trucks within a secured perimeter.
The construction of the facility was undertaken as part of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the U.S.
Ramil G Oloroso, commander of the PAF's Air Mobility Command. He attended the turnover ceremony alongside PACAF Commander General Kevin B Schneider.
The storage facility will support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, "strengthen national defense capabilities, and sustain a wide range of PAF flying missions," according to the PAF's statement.
This includes airlift, internal security, and territorial defense operations.
Construction of the facility began in June 2022 and was completed in September 2024.
The EDCA, signed in 2014, allows U.S. forces to construct facilities and preposition defense equipment within designated Philippine military bases. It also facilitates security cooperation exercises, joint military training, and humanitarian assistance activities between the two allies.
The Brigadier General Benito N Ebuen Air Base, formerly known as the Mactan Air Base, is a Philippine Air Force installation that shares facilities with the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
the PAF's 2nd Air Division and supporting both civilian and military aviation operations in central Philippines.
The base is named after Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen, a decorated Philippine military aviator. n
The new facility aids the PAF's ability to effectively carry out its missions, said Major General LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
Located in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, it serves as a vital military hub in the Visayas, hosting
conference will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Virtual Meeting: Online. This project is a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Set-Aside contract. To participate in this RFP, proposers
For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro. net or for further information email Manchi Yi at yim@metro. net. 2/1/25 CNS-3891651# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
Pinay superhero Pearl Pangan makes a splash as Peter Parker’s new crush
by MJ Marfori Philstar.com
THE Marvel Universe has always been a rich tapestry of heroes with diverse personalities, powers, and backstories. Among these, Spider-Man has always stood out as one of the most beloved, not just for his incredible abilities but also for his relatability and charm.
On Disney+, fans have had the chance to revisit Spider-Man in various animated series and liveaction films, and one of the most exciting recent additions is “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman,” which just debuted on the platform last Jan. 29.
The show not only reintroduces Peter Parker in a fun, fresh way but also introduces new, exciting characters from across the Marvel Universe, including our very first Marvel Filipina superhero, Pearl Pangan, also known as Wave, who makes her debut in the show.
Wave brings a unique perspective and powerful abilities to Spider-Man’s expanding universe of allies, and her inclusion is a significant step in broadening the representation of global heroes in mainstream superhero stories. That was exactly the goal of the series.
Showrunner executive producer and head writer Jeff Trammell, along with supervising director Mel Zwyer, had an online chat with us at around 5 a.m. Philippine time, just to know what’s up.
Jeff said that it was his initiative to ask Marvel to have Pearl in the storyline, “including Pearl meant a lot to me, even early on, I knew I
wanted to have this vast diversity since the setting is New York. Right now, I’ve already worked with so many Filipinos from my previous show, and I want
Filipinos to be represented. I said to Marvel, ‘Can I use Pearl?’ and Marvel said yes, so and it means a lot to me to have her in this show.
Pacific Jazz Orchestra
with Eva Noblezada
San Diego’s Eva Noblezada has taken Broadway by storm, with lead roles in Hadestown and The Great Gatsby, securing this young and multi-talented Filipina two Tony Award nominations. Her Los Angeles debut features a rousing mix of Broadway, pop, and jazz tunes that showcase her versatility and elegance. After a sold-out Soraya performance last May, heralded as LA’s “Best Jazz Performance” of the season, Pacific Jazz Orchestra returns with new big band arrangements made by Christopher Walden just for the occasion. The new generation’s Broadway diva will be crowned in this much-anticipated tour de force.
“Noblezada is utterly mesmerizing to watch. It feels like she’s every bit herself on
Citizen Pinoy presents: Kapihan with the Fil-Am Press Club of New York and Philippine ConGen Senen Mangalile
IN a groundbreaking episode of “Citizen Pinoy,” airing this Sunday, leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel joins the Fil-Am Press Club of New York (FAPCNY) and Consul General Senen Mangalile of the Philippine Consulate General in New York to address the urgent concerns of the Filipino community in the U.S. in light of President Donald Trump’s inauguration, executive orders and threats of mass deportations.
This special episode marks the first-ever press conference in “Citizen Pinoy’s” 20-year history, held a day after the president announced plans for mass deportation of undocumented immigrants.
Consul General Mangalile sheds light on the Philippine Consulate’s own measures to assist affected Filipinos, while prominent members of the
In Part 1 of this twopart series, Atty. Gurfinkel delves into the president’s proposed immigration strategies, highlighting their potential impact on millions of undocumented individuals, including Filipinos. He also offers valuable guidance on available legal remedies and actionable steps for the undocumented to prepare for what could be the largest mass deportation in U.S. history.
‘CITIZEN PINOY’ TACKLES IMMIGRATION CONCERNS IN HISTORIC KAPIHAN EVENT. This Sunday, “Citizen Pinoy” presents a groundbreaking episode featuring a special press conference with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (5th from left), the Fil-Am Press Club of New York (FAPCNY), and Philippine Consul General to New York Senen Mangalile (6th from left). Held the day after President Donald
Wave as seen in the comics by artist and creator Leinil Yu. Photo courtesy of Leinil Yu
Maymay Entrata slays in first US magazine feature
by Christina alpad ManilaTimes.net
SINGER-actress and model Maymay Entrata wowed fans with her first magazine feature in the U.S. On her Instagram account @maymay, the 27-year-old shared photos from her high-fashion shoot with "A Book Of."
"This has honestly been the most fun and fulfilling shoot I've had in such a long time! I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this magazine. It's truly an honor to work with a talented and creative production team.
"This is my very first m agazine feature in the USA, so I will never forget how special this experience has been. To everyone who made it possible, thank you so much!" Entrata wrote.
On its website, A Book Of is described as an arts and culture publication covering pop culture, fashion, art, film, TV and music. Among its Hollywood featured artists in the past were Oliver Stark ("9-1-1"), Dallas Liu ("Avatar: The Last Airbender"), Chace Crawford ("The Boys" and "Gossip Girl"), and Gillian Jacobs ("Community").
Entrata's feature appeared on the "Music Library" section of the website, which highlights emerging and established music artists.
Titled "Maymay is a Dream in Motion," the article, written by Jesse Zapatero, states, "As she prepares to release new singles, Maymay remains steadfast in her purpose: sharing kindness, positivity, and faith through her artistry."
Entrata — who has expanded her career into acting, singing and modeling following her victory on "Pinoy Big Brother" — has also graced the cover of Dubai-based magazine "Xpedition" and walked the runway at Paris Fashion Week.
Chinese New Year 2025: Celebrities in the ‘Year of the Wood Snake’
by arMin p adina Inquirer.net
A “WOOD” cycle in the lunar calendar started in 2024 with the “Year of the Dragon,” that brought with it some interesting twists and turns in showbizlandia. But what may our celebrities expect in the “Year of the Wood Snake” that started on January 29?
Renowned geomancer Marites Allen, dubbed by many as “Queen of Feng Shui,” gave a peek into what the new year may bring for the 12 animal signs in an intimate media gathering recently.
“Along with the Horse sign, the Monkey, Ox, and Rooster are the ‘superstars’ of 2025 who will enjoy exceptional fortune and opportunities,” Allen said.
But while those born in the Year of the Ox are in for a favorable year, financial and relationship challenges may still be in the horizon, Allen warns.
Judy Ann Santos, who was born in the Year of the Horse, had an early stroke of luck by rubbing elbows with famed international chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay, who also praised her cooking. Other Horse-born stars are Kim Chiu, and the now expectant mother Megan Young.
Heart Evangelista, Maris Racal, and Julia Barretto may be have been courting controversies in the past years, but as Ox-born ladies, they could look forward to an auspicious year ahead.
Kapuso leading man Alden Richards may also expect a streak in his luck after last year’s “Hello Love, Again” box-office success for he is born in the Year of the Monkey.
His fellow Kapuso star Dennis Trillo, Kapamilya primetime king Coco Martin,
and Nadine Lustre, all born in the Year of the Rooster, are also forecast to enjoy exceptional fortune.
Allen added that those born in the Years of the Rat and Dragon are also “stars” this the Year of the Wood Snake.
Among those born in the Year of the Rat are box-office queen Kathryn Bernardo, and the now-award-winning actress Marian Rivera, while Vice Ganda, Gary Valenciano, and the controversial Anthony Jennings are Dragon-born.
Those who may face challenges this year are people born in the Years of the Rabbit, Tiger, Sheep, Dog, and Boar, with troubles manifesting in their “health, wealth, career, and relationships,” Allen cautioned.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray was born in the Year of the Dog, while “Queen of All Media” Kris Aquino, who has been battling a rare medical condition, was born in the Year of the Boar. Young star Donny Pangilinan, Kapamilya star Angelica Panganiban, and Kapuso actress Carla Abellana were born in the Year of the Tiger, while “ Kapuso Ultimate Star” Jennylyn Mercado, Ian Veneracion, and Tom Rodriguez were born in the Year of the Rabbit. But what about those born in the year of the ruling animal sign for 2025? Allen forecasts great luck for them in different aspects of their lives, such as partnerships and career. Snake-born stars are Miss Universe 2015 and global fashion influencer Pia Wurtzbach, Kapamilya leading man Piolo Pascual, and “Diamond Star” Maricel Soriano.
But generally speaking, Allen said the new year will not be as “bold” as the previous one. “The Year of the Snake ushers in a more introspective and methodical energy, governed by the Yin Wood element,” shared Alen, who offers more detailed forecasts into each animal sign on her social media pages.
by hannah MallorCa Inquirer.net
ANOTHER television milestone is in the offing as the long-running ABS-CBN reality show “ Pinoy Big Brother,” for the first time, will open its door to GMA Sparkle talents to appear alongside Kapamilya celebrities under one roof.
This recent collaboration was announced by ABS-CBN in a press statement on Monday, January 27, to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the popular reality show.
Pinoy Big Brother’ marks its 20th anniversary with an exciting milestone as GMA Network and ABS-CBN collaborate for its newest season, ‘PBB Celebrity Edition Collab,’” the statement read.
The upcoming “PBB” edition will feature Star Magic and Sparkle stars “making unforgettable memories” inside the PBB house.
“For the first time, ‘PBB’
From left: Lambert Parong, Lindy Rosales, Don Tagala, Momar Visaya, Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, Philippine Consul General to New York Senen Mangalile, Marilyn Abalos, Marivir Montebon, and Cesar Loverita.
FAPCNY, including President Momar Visaya and journalists Don Tagala, Marivir Montebon, Lindy Rosales, and Marilyn Abalos, pose critical questions
the Philippines to the world — Maymay Entrata’s feature at US Magazine, ‘A Book Of.’ Photo
Marites Allen tells what the Chinese New Year has in store for Heart Evangelista, Alden Richards, and Marian Rivera.
Kathryn Bernardo, Dennis Trillo and Vice Ganda File photos
‘Queen of Feng Shui’ Marites Allen Inquirer.net photo
Remembering former Pres. Cory Aquino on her birthday
I SAW a Facebook post from Jose Ma. Montelibano that said: “Old friends gathered to reminisce about a great lady that they all served directly or indirectly from 1986, or 39 years ago. It was a different era but a proud one, and the memories remain strong and vibrant. May generation after generation never forget.”
He was referring to former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, whose birthday is January 25, a day before my birthday.
I vividly remember I was the Information Officer 3 at the Office of the Press Secretary. How I missed the late Fritzi Aragon and my good friends Margie Juico and Marisse Reyes.
Ballsy Aquino-Cruz was so kind to me and she even called me up at my home then.
*
* * February is the month of love. I will feature different stories of love. I asked each respondent: (1) How do you define love? (2) Are you in love with whom and why?
Their replies are as follows:
PX Ilano is happily married to She Ilano and has a child actress-daughter Elia: (1) “Love for me is an unshakable commitment to protect, provide and stand firm no matter what the storm is. It’s when you look at someone and know you’d face the world’s chaos just to see her smile.”; (2) Yes, I am very much in love with my wife every day. I love her because she gave meaning and direction to my life. She is incomparable and she is a blessing from God.”
Basketball coach and sportscaster Frederick Francisco is married to Hershelyn David Francisco and has a son Luka: (1) “True love is choosing to be with someone who can’t live without you.”; (2) “My wife and baby boy. I’m in love with life and the hope it brings with my family.”
Ping Diaz Fetizanan is
married to Robert RJ Fetizanan and they are in New York City celebrating their anniversary: (1) “Love after 30 years of marriage is not just a feeling — it is a legacy. It is a commitment built through the years, marked by struggles, joys, and the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Aging may bring physical and emotional challenges, but love at this stage becomes a testament to the promises you made long ago. Hormonal changes and irritability are natural, but they also offer the chance to redefine love. It becomes less about grand gestures and more about quiet acts of care. Love is brewing a cup of tea for your spouse when they’re too tired to ask, choosing to walk away instead of snapping back, or holding hands in silence when words feel too heavy. These small acts of kindness remind you both why you chose each other. This love is also a gift to your family — a reminder to your children and grandchildren of what true commitment looks like. It shows them that love is not fleeting; it is a constant effort to choose one another every single day, even when it’s hard.”; (2) “My husband because he is the one whom God chose for me, and in his, I find a partner who walks beside me through every high and low. When we stood before God and our loved ones on our wedding day, we made a commitment to love, honor, and cherish each other. That promise was not just for a season, but for a lifetime. It was a vow to embrace the good and the bad, to adjust to life’s changes, and to grow together in faith and love. My love for my husband goes beyond the things he does for me. It’s about the life we’ve built together, the family we’ve nurtured, and the shared dreams we continue to pursue. With him, I’ve found not just love, but purpose. He is my blessing, my strength, and my greatest gift from God.”
Comedian Roger Ocampo, hailed as the Filipino Mr. Bean, has lost his right foot and is blinded on the left eye: (1) “For me true love is unconditional, just how Jesus Christ loved us. Love is knowing how God really loves us by giving His one and only Son to die on the cross for
all of us. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, that whosoever believes in Jesus Christ will not perish.”; (2)
“I’m separated with my original wife and three kids for 24 years. They’ve left after I had an accident losing my middle finger on my left hand on board ship as I worked as a seaman. I lost my job and I couldn’t provide the needs of my family. My mother-in-law took away my wife and my three kids and I was left all alone. I was accused falsely, that’s why my three kids neglected me and they have forgotten me as their father until now...But I’m so in love with Jesus Christ and I’m happy walking on His side holding and leaning in His everlasting arms. Jesus Christ is everything to me. I’m so blessed that He never leaves me even in my hardest time.”
* * * It is very much appreciated that each year my very good friend Wick Veloso, De La Salle University alumnus and CEO of the Philippine National Bank, greets me an advanced birthday greeting.
Many thanks, Wick, you are always the first one to greet me a happy birthday. I turned 65 on January 26 this year.
*
* * Thanks to my mother Rosita Constantino Medina as well as to my sister Victoria Medina Isip and her loving husband Vicente Santiago Isip (they plan to spend this year their wedding anniversary in London) for treating me to Hibachi Grill and Buffet along Gateway Blvd., Fairfield, California for my 65th birthday after attending a Sunday Mass at Northgate.
Birthday cake was courtesy of my niece Aiko Kumano in Hawaii and my sister and brother-in-law surprised me with their birthday presents.
* * * The movie Mark Wahlberg’s “Flight Risk” is now showing in cinemas worldwide, including the Philippines.
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
How to obtain custody and visitation rights for unmarried dads
ESTABLISHING parentage rights for Moms is a lot easier than establishing one for unmarried Dads. Moms can establish this by simply showing proof of her having given birth to the child. Family Code §7610.
Establishing parentage rights, including custody and visitation rights, becomes more problematic with unmarried Dads because proving yourself as the biological father does not automatically make you the natural father of the child. Under the family code, there are competing presumptions of paternity which allows the non biological father to be deemed the natural father of the child.
A typical situation is when boyfriend gets girlfriend pregnant. Girlfriend for some reason decides to exclude boyfriend from baby’s life so she breaks up with boyfriend, does not give the boyfriend any information about her delivery, and does not state the boyfriend as the father in the birth certificate or decides to name someone else as the father. Girlfriend does this because her parents disapprove of the ex boyfriend.
One way a presumption of Paternity is created is by executing a voluntary declaration of paternity.
A Voluntary declarations executed before 1997 give rise to a conclusive presumption of paternity and can be overcome only by blood or genetic tests ordered on noticed motion by the mother or presumed father must be made within three years of the date of execution of the voluntary declaration
Family.Code. § 7576; Kevin Q. v. Lauren W. (2009) 175 CA4th 1119, 1133, 95 CR3d 477, 485
If the voluntary declaration of paternity is executed after 1996, it is not characterized as a conclusive presumption. Instead, it “shall establish the
paternity of a child and shall have the same force and effect as a judgment for paternity issued by a court of competent jurisdiction” and trumps §7611 presumptions discussed below. A post 1996 voluntary declaration of paternity “shall be recognized as a basis for the establishment of an order for child custody, visitation, or child support.” Family .Code §§ 7573, 7644; Kevin Q. v. Lauren W., supra, 175 CA4th at 1132, 95 CR3d at 485; In re J.L. (2008) 159 CA4th 1010, 1019, 72 CR3d 27, 33.
Another way of establishing presumed father status is if you fall under any of the categories listed (a) to (f) under family code §7611:
(a) He and the child’s natural mother are or have been married to each other and the child is born during the marriage, or within 300 days after the marriage is terminated by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce, or after a judgment of separation is entered by a court.
(b) Before the child’s birth, he and the child’s natural mother have attempted to marry each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and either of the following is true:
(1) If the attempted marriage could be declared invalid only by a court, the child is born during the attempted marriage, or within 300 days after its termination by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce.
(2) If the attempted marriage is invalid without a court order, the child is born within 300 days after the termination of cohabitation.
(c) After the child’s birth, he and the child’s natural mother have married, or attempted to marry, each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and either of the following is true:
(1) With his consent, he is named as the child’s father on the child’s birth certificate.
(2) He is obligated to support
the child under a written voluntary promise or by court order.
(d) He receives the child into his home and openly holds out the child as his natural child.
(e) If the child was born and resides in a nation with which the United States engages in an Orderly Departure Program or successor program, he acknowledges that he is the child’s father in a declaration under penalty of perjury, as specified in Section 2015.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure. This subdivision shall remain in effect only until January 1, 1997, and on that date shall become inoperative.
(f) The child is in utero after the death of the decedent and the conditions set forth in Section 249.5 of the Probate Code are satisfied.
An alleged biological father who does not meet any of the § 7611 conditions for presumed father status has no constitutionallyprotected “liberty interest” in establishing a parentage relationship with a child as against the rights of a presumptive father who has an extant parentage relationship with the child. Dawn D. v. Super.Ct. (Jerry K.) (1998) 17 C4th 932, 940–942, 72 CR2d 871, 876–877 The facts get even more complicated if the girlfriend, whom boyfriend gets pregnant is married to another man because the law provides a conclusive presumption of paternity to the husband of the girlfriend. Under Family Code §7540, the child of a wife cohabiting at time of conception with her husband, who is not impotent or sterile, is “conclusively” presumed to be a child of the marriage. This conclusive presumption may be challenged by showing that the husband was sterile. It may also be challenged by filing a motion for blood or genetic testing under Family Code §7541 but this has to be done within 2 years of the childs birth. In addition, only persons with standing can bring this motion which is limited to the husband, child, mother and a presumed father
Rogelio Constantino Medina
John Michael and Mercedes Gahol
Former Pres. Corazon Cojuangco Aquino and Rogelio C. Medina Frederick and Hershelyn Francisco with their son Luka
Robert and Ping Fetizanan
From left: Birthday celebrant Rogelio C. Medina, Victoria Medina Isip and Rosita Constantino Medina behind Kohl’s Sephora in Vallejo, California.
Photo above shows (seated, from left) Popoy and Margie Juico, Elfren Cruz, Maria Montelibano, Ball Dominguez, Mimi de Jesus, Mariasun Azcuna, Ballsy Cruz, and Neni Sta. Romana Cruz; (standing, from left) Dodo Dee, Cesar Sarino, Jose Ma. Montelibano, Eldon Cruz, Viel Dee, Tina Sarino, Sonny Dominguez, Ping de Jesus, and Adolf Azcuna.
Photos courtesy of Rogelio C. Medina
PX and She Ilano Wick and Cayen Veloso with their cute, talented grandchildren.
Adorable Roger Ocampo bringing cheers to children as Mr. Bean Pinoy.
Pinay superhero Pearl Pangan...
It is her first time to be in an animated series.”
What makes Wave’s presence in the series especially significant is the representation she brings to the screen. As one of the first Filipino superheroes in the Marvel Universe, Wave provides Filipino fans with a hero they can relate to and be proud of. In a landscape often dominated by Western superheroes and men at that, her inclusion in the show helps ensure that the diverse cultures of the world are reflected in the media of today. Wave’s character serves as a reminder that heroism knows no boundaries and that powerful stories can come from all corners of the globe.
Just a little backtrack, Wave first appeared in the comic book War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas back in 2019, and she was created by our kababayan Leinil Francis Yu.
After her debut, Pearl quickly became an important figure in the comics universe of Marvel. Pearl, a marine biologist from the Philippines who hails from Cebu, possesses the ability to manipulate water, making her not only an environmental champion but also a formidable force in battle. Her powers, which enable her to control the sea, create tidal waves, and shape water into weapons, are visually stunning and offer a fresh dynamic when paired with Spider-Man’s acrobatic and agile fighting style.
But in the series, as it is based on the generation of Spider-man’s youth, fans can expect this from Pearl: “Pearl is an upperclassman to Peter Parker,
as Wave, makes her
Spider-man,’ on
and he has a bit of a crush on her! She is a very smart capable person. She’s very good at swimming, too.” Catch Pearl break in on TV on the show “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-man” out on Disney Plus now.
opens the doors of the iconic ‘ Bahay ni Kuya ’ to welcome GMA Sparkle artists, alongside ABS-CBN’s Star Magic Talents. Together, Kapuso and Kapamilya stars will collaborate and create unforgettable moments inside the ‘PBB’ house. Maraming salamat, Kapuso and Kapamilya ,” the statement said.
The joint venture was also announced on GMA’s 24 Oras and its social media platforms on the same day.
“Hello, Philippines! Hello, World! And hello, mga Kapuso! Ang bagong season ng Pinoy Big Brother, mapapanood na sa GMA ( Hello, Kapuso! The new season of ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ will be aired on GMA ),” the post read.
A contract signing between ABS-CBN and GMA’s executives will be held on Tuesday, January 28, at 3:30 p.m.
Details on the premiere date and celebrities that will be in the “PBB” house are yet to be
announced. Sofia “Fyang” Smith is the current Big Winner after she was
Notice To The Public In compliance with Section 5 of RA. Act No.9048, a notice is hereby served to the Public that Alfonso Martin Tiano Garcia has filed a petition to change the first name from Alfonso to Alfonso Martin. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with the Philippine Consulate General, Los Angeles, California within the two weeks period of this publication.
named the winner of “Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11” in October 2024.
Manila International Film Festival sets new dates, March 4 to 7, and earmarks donations to LA fire aid
by ruben nepales
THE second Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), originally scheduled to be held from January 30 to February 2 and postponed amid the Southern California wildfires, will now be held from March 4 to 7.
However, with respect to the people impacted by the devastating wildfires, MIFF scaled back its plans. A portion of the proceeds from the MIFF events, including its screenings, will be donated to the Los Angeles fire relief efforts. All these events will have a fundraising aspect.
MIFF will still show entries plus special screening films at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and hold a simple closing night event, “A Tribute to Our First Responders,” at the International Ballroom of The
Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. MIFF will offer free admission to the first responders and their immediate families at all the screenings. “A Tribute Dinner to Our First Responders,” the closing night ceremonies, will honor the men and women who heroically battled the wildfires. The entries are Jun Robles Lana’s “And the Breadwinner Is….” Chito S. Roño’s Espantaho,” Zig Dulay’s “Green Bones,” Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Hold Me Close,” Crisanto B. Aquino’s “My Future You,” Kerwin Go’s “Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Hospital Killer,” Michael Tuviera’s “The Kingdom,” Richard Somes’ Topakk” and Dan Villegas’ “Uninvited.” Making its world premiere is “Song of the Fireflies,” a film from the team behind “Ang Larawan,” the acclaimed film adaptation of the stage musical
based on “Portrait of the Artist as Filipino” by Nick Joaquin, the Philippines’ National Artist for Literature.
MIFF’s other special screenings include Gene Cajayon’s “The Debut,” a landmark Filipino American film celebrating its 25th anniversary; FilAm Jonathan Eusebio’s feature directing debut, “Love Hurts”; Regina Aquino’s “Faith Healers”; Michele Josue’s “Nurse Unseen”; James Love’s “A Filipino in America”; and the return of Cathy GarciaSampana’s box office recordbreaking “Hello, Love, Again.” Tickets to “A Tribute Dinner to Our First Responders” and screenings are now available. The revised screening schedule, closing night dinner and ticket information are available on the MIFF’s website: https:// manilainternationalfilmfest. com/.
Eugene Domingo, Arielle Jacobs join Lea Salonga in ‘Into the Woods’ PH staging
by hannah MallorCa Inquirer.net
EUGENE Domingo and FilipinoAmerican Broadway star Arielle Jacobs are joining Lea Salonga in the upcoming Manila staging of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods,” where they will be portraying Jack’s mother and Cinderella, respectively.
Domingo and Jacobs’ casting was announced by Theatre Group Asia in a press statement where both actresses expressed their excitement about being part of the upcoming musical.
“I am so excited to be a part of this popular and critically acclaimed musical as Jack’s mother. I love that the material is inspired by fairy tales yet reveals a realistic twist we can all relate to. I love all the surprises that come after the characters are all put together. This one entertains as much as it teaches,” Domingo said.
Meanwhile, Jacobs said performing in front of a Filipino audience and working with Salonga, whom she referred to as her “hero,” is already a special experience in itself.
“I am filled with joy. I have long wished to perform in the Philippines. I feel so lucky to have this opportunity to bring my art back to where my family came from, for the Filipino people I love so much, and in a show that is very special and dear to my heart,” she said.
Salonga will portray the role
of The Witch, which is based on Dame Gothel in “Rapunzel” by the Brothers Grimm, in the upcoming staging. The Witch’s name won’t be revealed throughout the musical although her character traits are based on the character of Gothel.
In a previous statement by the theater company, the late theater director and producer Bobby Garcia played a role in bringing the cast of the upcoming musical together.
“Bobby was very instrumental in bringing together these great Filipino talents. The ensemble boasts a stunning assembly of Filipino performers, musicians, choreographers, and production stalwarts. It truly is a Filipino dream team,” said Theatre Group Asia.
Based on the book by James
Bela Padilla bids goodbye to UK as she returns to acting career in PH
by hannah MallorCa Inquirer.net
AFTER a four-year stay in London, Bela Padilla said she would be returning to the Philippines to focus on her full-time entertainment career.
Padilla took to her Instagram page on Sunday, January 26, to bid farewell to her life in London, while sharing glimpses of how her life went since moving to the European city in 2021.
“I am temporarily closing this chapter as I prepare to work full-time again. And yes, I should have taken more pictures. I should have kissed and hugged my loved ones as much as I needed,” she said.
The second Manila International Film Festival in Hollywood sets new dates – March 4 to 7. A portion of the proceeds from the MIFF events, including a tribute dinner to the first responders and the screenings, will be donated to the LA fire
Eugene Domingo and Arielle Jacobs join Lea Salonga in ‘Into the Woods’ Manila staging. Photo from Theatre Group Asia
Lapine, “Into the Woods” revolves around the characters of the fairytales of Brothers Grimm, as their respective fates intertwine after meeting a Baker and his wife who wanted to have children. The musical was first staged in 1986 until it was adapted into a movie musical in 2014.
The Philippine staging will be directed by Chari Arespacochaga while Clint Ramos will serve as the musical’s overall artistic director, stage, costume designer, and coproducer with John and Joanna Echauz, and Samsung Performing Arts Theater executive director Chris Mohanani. Ramos was previously the coproducer, creative director, and stage and costume designer of “Request Sa Radyo,” a 2024 silent play that starred Salonga and Dolly de Leon as the alternate leads. n
Bela Padilla
Photo from Instagram/@bela
reverend rodel G. BAlAGtAs
Friends, this Sunday, February 2, marks 40 days after Christmas. On this day, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord—a double celebration of the purification of Mary
Feast of the presentation of Our Lord
after childbirth and the presentation of the Child Jesus at the temple. This feast is also known as the Feast of the Purification of Mary and the Feast of Candlemas, an ancient tradition in which candles are brought to the church to be blessed for use throughout the year. This practice is embraced by many Christians, particularly Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and mainline Protestant denominations
such as Anglicans, Lutherans, and Episcopalians. The blessed candles symbolize Jesus Christ, whom we profess as the Light of the World. It is also referred to as the Feast of Encounter (Hypapánte in Greek) because, in this moment, the New Testament, represented by the baby Jesus, encounters the Old Testament, represented by Simeon and Anna. How appropriate it is that we ask the Church to bless these candles, which we will use throughout the year, especially in these difficult and challenging times when we seek to feel Christ’s presence in our lives as the Light of the World. Our lives have been overshadowed by natural disasters, such as the wildfires
in Los Angeles, leaving thousands without homes. We are also deeply concerned about the mass deportations of undocumented individuals in our country—some of whom do not fit the classification of hardened criminals—and the heartbreaking separations from their children. It troubles us to see how some fellow Christians do not consider this issue through the lens of the Gospel of Jesus. Just last Sunday, we were reminded of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in the Gospel of Luke, where He opened the scroll in the synagogue and proclaimed: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the
poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.”
If Mary and Joseph submitted to the Mosaic Law by presenting their newborn at the temple and Mary was cleansed after childbirth, must we not adhere to the mandate of the Gospel to care for the poor, the needy, and the strangers among us, while also ensuring that those who commit crimes—whether migrants or not—are brought to justice for the safety of our nation?
It may also be worthwhile to cultivate the steadfast faith
of Simeon and Anna, who remained patient and hopeful in their anticipation of the Messiah until their old age. Amidst the enduring sociopolitical challenges in our country—financial crises, racial conflicts, immigration reform, and deep political divisions—we must embody the enduring hope and patience of Simeon and Anna. In Christ’s love, Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas * * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
How to obtain custody and visitation rights...
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as listed in Family Code §7611 and 7612.
Even absent a recognized rebuttal, the court has discretion as a matter of due process not to apply § 7540 conclusive presumption of paternity when it would not further the statute’s underlying policies of preserving the integrity and stability of an extant marital family, protecting children from the stigma of “illegitimacy,” and promoting individual rather than State responsibility for child support ... as where the ostensible § 7540 presumptive father never developed a
parental relationship with the child and the only established parent-child relationship is with a third person. Brian C. v. Ginger K. (2000) 77 CA4th 1198, 1200–1201, 92 CR2d 294, 296; In re Kiana A. (2001) 93 CA4th 1109, 1115, 113 CR2d 669, 675.
Procedurally, the ex boyfriend should file a Petition for Parentage as soon as the child is born. While the case is pending, the ex boyfriend may seek temporary visitation order although this may be on a limited or even monitored basis. If successful in proving parentage, the ex boyfriend may be granted custody and
visitation rights. However, the ex boyfriend would also have the obligation of paying child support based on California guidelines.
* * * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC This article is not a solicitation.
Bela Padilla bids goodbye to UK...
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The actress said that while living in London “made [her] question everything she knew, forced [her] to square [her] shoulders, walk faster, and be more vigilant,” it was nonetheless a place that allowed her to “smell flowers.”
“On days when I forgot what I sounded like because I wasn’t talking to anybody, I had the flowers to remind me that God wanted me happy by giving me the most beautiful flowers just around my neighborhood,” she said.
“London made me embrace the sad colors of autumn so hard that it would crush my soul every time I swept my garden before winter. Always weeping for the big tree I have, dying temporarily… as did I, with every sad day, quiet room entered and moment of complete confusion,” Padilla continued.
Padilla said she’s thankful for her life in London as it made her instincts “sharper,” and it motivated her to stay healthier. “Because of London, my instincts are now
sharper. I stayed as healthy as I could while navigating my autoimmune disorder.”
“I very quickly learned to walk, ride my bike, and eventually drive cars on the left side. The education I got from in and out of the classrooms, [is] imbedded in me now,” she continued.
“London also gave me the best friends that one could develop in adulthood, abroad.”
In her post, Padilla admitted that she was sad upon leaving London, although she is hopeful that she will “call it
home again.”
“London is polite but shouts when you’re wrong. Beautiful but rough around the edges. Kind but has a darkness that could scare the tough… my friend, London,” she said. Before returning to the Philippines, Padilla was in the country for the launch of her makeup line and a hosting gig on “It’s Showtime,” among other activities. She is set to star in the upcoming drama “What Lies Beneath” and the film “100 Awit Para Kay Stella.”
Ang Tulong sa Kawalan ng Trabaho
Dahil sa Sakuna (DUA) ay magagamit na ngayon para sa mga manggagawa sa LA County na apektado ng mga sunog sa California at malalakas na hangin
SACRAMENTO – Ang mga
manggagawa sa County ng Los Angeles na naapektuhan ng matinding sunog at hangin ay maaari na ngayong magaplay para sa federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), o mga regular na benepisyo sa kawalan ng trabaho. Ang Employment Development Department (EDD) ang namamahala sa mga benepisyong ito. Ang DUA ay para sa mga manggagawa— tulad ng mga self-employed na tao, na hindi kwalipikado para sa regular na benepisyo ng kawalan ng trabaho at nawalan ng trabaho o nabawasan ang oras ng trabaho dahil sa sakuna. Ang Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ay nagpasiya na ang mga tao sa Los Angeles County na nawalan ng trabaho o self -employement bilang direktang resulta ng sakuna ay maaari na ngayon mag-aplay para sa mga benepisyo ng federal DUA . Ang bagong DUA availability ay sumusunod sa isang presidential Major Disaster Declaration (FEMA-4856-DR) na inilabas noong Enero 8, 2025. Bilang karagdagan, si Gobernador Gavin Newsom ay nagpahayag ng isang estado ng emerhensiya sa County ng Los Angeles at naglabas ng isang executive order na sumusuporta sa mga komunidad na apektado ng patuloy na sunog at tinatalikuran ang isang linggong panahon ng paghihintay para sa mga apektadong manggagawa na kwalipikado para sa regular na mga benepisyo sa kawalan ng trabaho. Pinapayagan din ng kautusan ng Gobernador ang mga employer na humiling ng hanggang 60-araw na extension upang magsumite ng mga ulat sa payroll ng estado o magdeposito ng mga buwis sa payroll. Ang mga benepisyo ng DUA ay naaangkop sa mga pagkalugi simula sa linggo ng Enero 12, 2025. Ang mga kwalipikadong full-time na manggagawa ay maaaring makatanggap ng pagitan ng $186 at $450 bawat linggo, hanggang sa 26 na linggo. Maaaring maging karapat-dapat din ang mga part-time na manggagawa para sa mga benepisyo. Ang mga karapat-dapat na indibidwal na walang trabaho noong Enero 12 ay maaaring humiling na simulan ang kanilang aplikasyon sa petsang iyon, kahit na mag-apply sila pagkatapos ng Enero 12. Ang huling linggong maaaring bayaran ng benepisyong ito ay magtatapos sa Hulyo 12, 2025. Ang mga benepisyo ng DUA ay tumutulong sa mga taong naapektuhan ng isang pederal na idineklarang sakuna na hindi kwalipikado para sa regular na benepisyo ng kawalan ng trabaho at nakakatugon sa alinman sa mga sumusunod na pamantayan:
• Nagtrabaho, o naging mayari ng negosyo o nagtatrabaho sa sarili, o nakatakdang magsimula ng trabaho o magtayo ng sariling negosyo, sa lugar ng sakuna. Kabilang dito, at hindi limitado sa mga nasa industriya ng agrikultura at pangingisda.
• Hindi makapunta sa kanilang lugar ng trabaho dahil sa sakuna o hindi na makapagtrabaho o makapagbigay ng serbisyo dahil sa pisikal na pinsala o pagkasira sa kanilang lugar ng trabaho bilang direktang resulta ng sakuna.
• Hindi makapagsagawa ng trabaho o self-employment dahil sa pinsala na direktang dulot ng sakuna.
• Naging pinuno ng kanilang sambahayan dahil sa pagkamatay na dulot ng sakuna.
• Ang trabaho o selfemployment na hindi na nila magawa ay dapat na naging pangunahing pinagkukunan ng kanilang kita. Dapat lagyan ng tsek ng mga apektadong manggagawa ang kahon sa aplikasyon na nagtatanong kung ang kanilang kawalan ng trabaho ay direktang resulta ng isang kamakailang sakuna. Dapat munang suruin ng EDD kung ang aplikante ay karapat-dapat para sa regular na benepisyo ng kawalan ng trabaho bago iproseso ang kahilingan para sa mga benepisyo ng DUA. Bilang bahagi ng prosesong ito, maaaring makatanggap ang mga aplikante ng liham na nagsasaad na hindi sila kwalipikado para sa regular na kawalan ng trabaho habang
ginagawa ng EDD na iproseso ang kanilang claim sa DUA. Ang lahat ng mga apektadong manggagawa ay dapat magaplay para sa mga benepisyo, at tutukuyin ng EDD kung ang DUA o regular na estado ng kawalan ng trabaho ang naaangkop. Ang mga claims sa benepisyo ng DUA ay dapat isumite bago Marso 10, 2025, maliban kung ang indibidwal ay may magandang dahilan upang magpasa ng huling aplikasyon. Ang lahat ng kinakailangang dokumenstasyon ay dapat isumite sa loob ng 21 araw mula sa araw na na-file ang aplikasyon para sa DUA. Ang kinakailangang dokumentasyon ay kinabibilangan ng pinakabagong pederal na porma ng buwis sa kita o mga tseke, o iba pang dokumentasyon upang patunayan na ang aplikante ay nagtatrabaho o sel employed nang maganap ang sakuna. Ang dokumentasyon para sa mga self-employed ay maaaring makuha mula sa mga bangko, mga ahensya ng gobyerno, o mga salaysay mula sa mga indibidwal na may kaalaman tungkol sa kanilang negosyo. Ang pinakamabilis at pinakamadaling paraan upang mag-aplay para sa mga benepisyo ay sa pamamagitan ng myEDD, at pagkatapos ay piliin ang UIOnline , na available sa Ingles, Espanyol, Armenian,Simplified Chinese,Traditional Chinese, Koreano, Tagalog, at Vietnamese. Kapag nagsusumite ng aplikasyon online, piliin ang direktang deposito upang ang mga bayad sa benepisyo ay awtomatikong mailagay sa isang personal na bank account, sa halip na sa pamamagitan ng ipinadalang debit card o tseke. Ang mga kinatawan ng EDD ay available upang tumulong nang personal sa mga Local Assisstance Centers, na kilala bilang Disaster Recovery Centers sa panahon ng emerhensiya. Nagbukas ang mga Disaster Recovery Centers simula noong Martes, Enero 14, 2025.
• Pasadena City College Community Education Center (3035 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107)
• UCLA Research Park West (10850 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064).
Para sa karagdagang detalye, kabilang ang mga oras ng operasyon, bisitahin ang California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) News (https://news.caloes. ca.gov/).
Maaari ring mag-apply ang mga tao sa telepono mula 8 a.m. hanggang 5:00 p.m., Lunes hanggang Biyernes maliban sa mga holidays:
• Ingles at Espanyol: 1-800300-5616
• Tagalog: 1-866-395-1513
• Armenian: 1-855-528-1518
• Cantonese: 1-800-547-3506
• Koreano: 1-844-660-0877
• Mandarin: 1-866-303-0706
• Vietnamese: 1-800-5472058
• Lahat ng Ibang Wika: 1-800300-5616. Ang mga serbisyo ng interpreter ay magagamit nang walang bayad.
• TTY: 1-800-815-9387. Ang webpage ng DisasterRelated Services ng EDD ay naglalaman ng higit pang impormasyon para sa mga indibidwal na naapektuhan ng mga sakuna. Maaaring bisitahin ng mga employers ang Emergency and Disaster Assistance for Employers o tumawag sa EDD’s Taxpayer Assistance Center sa 1-888745-3886 para sa impormasyon tungkol sa pag-uulat o pagpapalawig ng pag-file ng buwis.
Maaaring makahanap ang mga naghahanap ng trabaho ng pinakamalapit na lokasyon ng America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM para sa access sa mga mapagkukunan ng
Glendale YMCA gets new team leaders for Board of Directors for 2025-2026
GLENDALE – On to a great start! Congratulations to Elizabeth Manasserian, chair; Edith Fuentes, vice chair; and YMCA’s new team of Board of Directors.
At its first Board meeting of 2025 held at Oakmont Country Club, the Board went over and reviewed the mission of YMCA. Chair Manasserian did an overview of the Board roles and responsibilities, Board/CEO relations, by-laws, operations, and Board and CEO evaluation responses.
Committees, membership and work plans were also included. Financial report and 2025 budget was reported by Mary Joy Garcia, chair of the Finance and Facilities Committee together with Ben Henry, accountant. The budget was received and approved.
Resource and Community Development Committee Chair Nora Yacoubian, spoke about some plans and proposed projects. Fuentes reported the upcoming “Celebrate YOUniqueness Festival 2025” a FREE and OPEN TO ALL community event that will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the YMCA of Glendale, located at 140 No. Louise St., Glendale 91206. Fuentes is co-chairing this event with George Saikali, YMCA president/CEO, for the third year in a row. She is also co-chair of YMCA’s annual Gala Event held in November.
paghahanap ng trabaho, mga programa sa pagsasanay, at iba pa. Para malaman ang higit pa tungkol sa mga aktibong emerhensiya, bisitahin ang ready.ca.gov. Ang EDD ang namamahala sa pederal na programa ng benepisyo sa sakuna sa California para sa U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration, sa ngalan ng FEMA
Celebrate YOUniqueness committee members representing Armenian, Filipino, Korean, Latino, Italian, American communities are shown in photo: (seated, from left) Marisol Chianello, Elizabeth Manasserian; (standing, from left) T.C. Kim, Arnella Putzel, Nora Yacoubian, Catherine Yesayan, Edith Fuentes (co-chair) and George Saikali (co-chair).
From left: Tamar Kevonian, Board member; Elizabeth Manasserian, chair; Nora Yacoubian, committee chair; Edith Fuentes, vice chair; George Saikali, president/CEO; and Arnella Putzel, exec. assistant to CEO.
