030624 - Southern California Midweek Edition

WITH anti-Asian hate skyrocketing in recent years, helping AAPI communities respond to discrimination is more crucial than ever.

In response, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) have created the Asian Resource Hub — a searchable national directory of AAPI community data, incidents of anti-Asian hate and AAPI-serving organizations offering social services, legal aid, mental health support, civic engagement and policy advocacy.

How the hub started

“In the height of the pandemic, we did a community survey of anti-Asian hate here in the San Gabriel Valley area of LA, and we discovered that the majority of AAPI community members did not feel there was support for those experiencing racial discrimination and harassment,” said AJSOCAL Chief Executive Officer Connie Chung Joe at a Thursday, February 29 Ethnic Media Services briefing where

America

Marcos: We must defend PH territory

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday, March 4 that he had no choice but to defend his country's territory in the South China Sea against what he called Chinese aggression, and he might even "push back ties" if Beijing continues to trample upon Philippine interests.

"It is unfortunate that despite the clarity provided by international law, provocative, unilateral and illegal actions continue to infringe

upon our sovereignty, our sovereign rights and jurisdictions," Marcos told the Lowy Institute international policy think tank in the Australian city of Melbourne.

China claims sovereignty over virtually the entire South China Sea, one of the world's most crucial waterways for shipping. That has put it at odds with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei, which all maintain claims to islands, reefs and undersea resources in the region.

Marcos, who is attending a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Melbourne, said standing up to China in the South

PRESIDENT Joe Biden is counting on outrage over abortion restrictions to help drive turnout for his reelection. Former President Donald Trump is promising to take another swing at repealing Obamacare.

But around America’s kitchen tables, those are hardly the only health topics voters want to hear about in the 2024 campaigns. A new KFF tracking poll shows that health care tops the list of basic expenses Americans worry about — more than gas, food, and rent. Nearly 3 in 4 adults — and majorities of both parties — say they’re concerned about paying for unexpected medical bills and other health costs.

“Absolutely health care is something on my mind,” Rob Werner, 64, of Concord, New Hampshire, said in an interview at a local coffee shop in January. He’s a Biden supporter and said he wants to make sure the Affordable Care Act, also known as

MANILA — In another first, the annual war games between the United States and the Philippines will test the Israeli-made air defense system during their drills in Central Luzon.

Col. Michael Logico, executive agent of the Balikatan 2024, confirmed on Tuesday, March 5 that Spyder (Surface-to-air Python and Derby) air defense missile system will be used in that military exercise.

“We will also be doing integrated air missile defense exercises in Central Luzon,” Logico added during the regular

Lowy Institute Executive Director Dr. Michael Fullilove on Monday, March 4 said that the President' Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s address delivered before the Australian Parliament last week emphasized his crucial role as a regional leader in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Malacañang photo

China Sea was not a policy choice.

"We simply have no choice. We must defend the territory of the Republic. That is a primordial duty of a leader," Marcos said. "The territorial integrity of the Philippines cannot be threatened, and if threats are made, then we must defend against those threats." After his speech at the Lowy Institute, the President said he would be compelled to "push back ties" with China if the Philippines' sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea were questioned or  PAGE 2

MANILA - The Philippine Coast Guard said one of its ships was damaged on Tuesday, March 5 in a collision with a China Coast Guard vessel during a rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission in the South China Sea.

Chinese coast guard and other vessels undertook "dangerous maneuvers and blocking," leading to a collision that resulted in "minor structural damage to the PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) vessel," PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela said.

Tarriela said the "reckless and illegal actions" led to a collision between BRP Sindangan, one of two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships that escorted the mission, and the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) 21555 that resulted in minor structural damage to the PCG vessel. The mission is still ongoing as of posting time.

system

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) press conference. But he did not disclose more details.

“We will be utilizing our own newly acquired weapon systems from the AFP modernization and we are going to test the interoperability between our weapon systems and that of the United States,” he likewise replied after being asked to expound on Spyder. The Department of National Defense signed a deal with Israel’s Ministry of Defense and manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for three batteries of the Spyder in 2019. The

MANILA - The Lowy Institute of Australia named President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as "one of the most interesting, influential and closely-watched leaders" in Southeast Asia.

Lowy Institute Executive Director Dr. Michael Fullilove on Monday, March 4 said that the President's address delivered before the Australian Parliament last week emphasized his crucial

role as a regional leader in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

"In the period since his election in 2022, President Marcos has emerged as one of the most interesting, influential, closely watched leaders in Southeast Asia," he said at the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia.

"If there's anyone who thinks individuals don't matter in politics, I'd invite them to look at

MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the filing of sexual abuse and qualified human trafficking cases in separate courts against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, founder and leader of the Davao City-based Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) religious sect.

At a press briefing on Monday, March 4, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the DOJ had granted the petition for review filed by Quiboloy’s accuser, a former follower who claimed he raped her.

The Office of the Davao City Prosecutor was subsequently

directed to file a case against the self-proclaimed “Son of God” for sexual abuse of a minor in violation of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Anti-Child Abuse Law.

Aside from Quiboloy, five other individuals would also be charged with other acts of child abuse, cruelty or exploitation under RA 7610.

On the other hand, the charges of qualified human trafficking under Section 4(a) of RA 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking Persons Act of 2003, would be filed in the Pasig Regional Trial Court.

“We have studied this and investigation showed that Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and

Marcos: We must defend PH...

ignored.

He said that while centuries of friendship and kinship bind the Filipino and Chinese people, he would "push back ties" if China continued to trample upon the interest of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.

"We pursue with the People's Republic of China a comprehensive strategic cooperation founded on mutual respect and mutual benefit," Marcos said.

"Our independent foreign policy compels us to cooperate with them on matters where our interests align, to respectfully disagree on areas where our views differ, and to push back when our sworn principles, such as our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and our jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea — are questioned or ignored," said.

Marcos emphasized that his administration is taking a very strong position on the issue because it cannot allow a unilateral decision made by a foreign entity to amend or change the definition of the country's territory.

"If threats are made, then we must defend against threats. It wasn't a matter of policy choice; it is the duty that I took on when I came into office, and that's — I continue to see it that way, and I think that every Filipino sees it that way," he said.

The president said that "this pattern of aggression" by China obstructs the path toward Asean's vision of the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and prosperity.

Standing together

Earlier on Monday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo urged regional neighbors to stand together more strongly in upholding the rule of law in the South China Sea, where China has constructed garrisons on several artificial islands in a bid to fortify its claims.

The Philippines has accused China of deploying coast guard ships and civilian vessels to block fishermen's access to reefs and corals and prevent resupply of its troops.

Both Marcos and Manalo

referred to the Philippines' legal victory over China in a 2016 arbitration ruling in The Hague, Netherlands, that invalidated Beijing's vast territorial claims in the South China Sea. China did not accept the ruling.

"The shared stewardship of the seas and oceans in the region behooves us to unite in preserving the primacy of international law so we can ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes for all," Manalo said. "It also calls for us to stand firmly together in opposing actions that contradict or are inconsistent with international law."

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said in a statement Sunday that "China has always been committed to properly handling the South China Sea disputes with relevant parties through dialogue and consultation while firmly safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and its maritime rights and interests."

The statement accused the Philippines of using the South China Sea to launch a "malicious smear campaign against China."

Australian support Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed Manalo's comments, saying the nine Asean member states represented at the Melbourne summit need to "nurture and protect agreed rules, uphold international law, prevent conflict and build strategic trust."

"We know that a major conflict in our region would be devastating to our communities and economies, as the terrible conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have shown," she added. She announced that Australia would spend AU$40 million (US$26 million) on enhancing its maritime partnerships in the region aimed at both security and prosperity.

Australia and the Philippines conducted joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea for the first time in November.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Manalo in December that China will maintain military pressure on the Philippines in the South

China Sea.

Government's duty

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), however, said it is the duty of Philippine authorities to support and protect Filipino fishermen in the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) since it is an integral part of Philippine territory.

"These actions are not provocative and do not violate the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," the DFA said in a statement on Monday.

China's Ministry of National Defense earlier said the Philippines' recent actions in the South China Sea violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the region and undermined regional peace.

Zhang Xiaogang, China's Ministry of National Defense spokesman, on February 29 said the Philippines "has enticed countries out of the region lately to stir up the situation in the South China Sea, organizing socalled 'joint military exercises' and 'joint patrols' and publicly hyping them up."

These actions have "seriously violated the principles of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and jeopardized regional peace and stability," Zhang said.

In response, the DFA said the Bajo de Masinloc "is an integral part of Philippine territory over which the Philippines has sovereignty and jurisdiction."

It is also within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, it added.

Bajo de Masinloc is a high tide feature and is "a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos, which means that Filipino fishers have all the right to fish there, its 12 NM (nautical mile) territorial sea and the surrounding seas within the Philippine EEZ," it said.

"It is the duty of Philippine authorities to support and protect them in the exercise of this right," the DFA said.

'Stop harassing us'

Earlier, Manalo said the Philippines wants to solve maritime disputes with China peacefully — but delivered a PAGE 4

Philippine ship on resupply mission to troops...

It was another cat-and-mouse game in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal as Philippine vessels carrying supplies to Filipino troops stationed on board BRP Sierra Madre tried to evade the blockading force of more than a dozen Chinese maritime militia vessels.

Col. Ray Powell said at least 15 Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels that were visible on automatic identification systems (AIS) have established blockade positions and "appears ready to contest" the arrival of the Philippine ships. Powell said there were likely

other CMM ships, including China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, in the vicinity of Ayungin but were running "AISdark." "As noted on Monday, at least one to two large CCG ships were spotted in the area but are running dark and are likely involved in the blockade," he said. As the RoRe mission got near Ayungin, around 13 to 16 nautical miles (nm), shortly after 6 a.m., the BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan that were escorting two civilian contracted ships –the Unaiza May 1 and 4 – were each shadowed by four Qiong

Sansha Yu militia ships, said Powell.

At one point, BRP Sindangan appeared to be closely engaged with CMM ship Qiong Sansha Yu 00116.

The two PCG ships were later monitored to be "swarmed" by 10 CMM ships while another group was clustered together around 8.5 nm from the shoal, "likely indicating one or both resupply boats are surrounded there," Powell said.

"Multiple unofficial reports confirm [the] mission [was] very aggressively contested by China," he added. (With reports from Agence France-Presse)

President Marcos among most influential...

the changes in the Philippines in the past 18 months, in particular the way that Manila has become so much more determined to defend its sovereignty," he added.

Marcos was applauded when he spoke at the Lowy Institute for standing his ground on the West Philippine Sea dispute. "We shall never surrender even a square inch of our territory and our maritime jurisdiction," the chief executive said.

He said his government continues to upgrade the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"Our forces must be able to guarantee, to the fullest extent possible, Filipino nationals, Philippine corporations, and those authorized by the Philippine Government, unimpeded and peaceful exploration and exploitation of all natural resources in areas where we have jurisdiction,"

Marcos said.

"We are on the frontline of international efforts to preserve, defend, and uphold the rulesbased international order -the same platform from which the postwar Asian economic miracles took off, and upon which the continued prosperity of countries like Australia relies," he said. "We, in the Indo-Pacific, cannot ignore the existential impact of great power rivalries upon the survival of our peoples and our communities." g

America worries about health costs...

Obamacare, is retained and that there’s more of an effort to control health care costs.

The presidential election is likely to turn on the simple question of whether Americans want Trump back in the White House. (Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, remained in the race for the Republican nomination ahead of Super Tuesday, though she had lost the first four primary contests.) And neither major party is basing their campaigns on health care promises.

But in the KFF poll, 80% of adults said they think it’s “very important” to hear presidential candidates talk about what they’d do to address health care costs — a subject congressional and state-level candidates can also expect to address.

“People are most concerned about out-of-pocket expenses for health care, and rightly so,” said Andrea Ducas, vice president of health policy at the Center for American Progress, a Washington, D.C.-based progressive think tank.

Here’s a look at the major health care issues that could help determine who wins in November.

Abortion

Less than two years after the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion, it is shaping up to be the biggest health issue in this election.

That was also the case in the 2022 midterm elections, when many voters rallied behind candidates who supported abortion rights and bolstered Democrats to an unexpectedly strong showing. Since the Supreme Court’s decision, voters in six states — including Kansas, Kentucky, and Ohio, where Republicans control the legislatures — have approved state constitutional amendments protecting abortion access.

Polls show that abortion is a key issue to some voters, said Robert Blendon, a public opinion researcher and professor emeritus at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He said up to 30% across the board see it as a “personal” issue, rather than policy — and most of those support abortion rights.

“That’s a lot of voters, if they show up and vote,” Blendon

said. Proposals to further protect — or restrict — abortion access could drive voter turnout. Advocates are working to put abortion-related measures on the ballot in such states as Arizona, Florida, Missouri, and South Dakota this November. A push in Washington toward a nationwide abortion policy could also draw more voters to the polls, Blendon said. A surprise ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court in February that frozen embryos are children could also shake up the election. It’s an issue that divides even the anti-abortion community, with some who believe that a fertilized egg is a unique new person deserving of full legal rights and protections, and others believing that discarding unused embryos as part of the in vitro fertilization process is a morally acceptable way for couples to have children.

Pricey prescriptions

Drug costs regularly rank high among voters’ concerns.

In the latest tracking poll, more than half — 55% — said they were very worried about being able to afford prescription drugs.

Biden has tried to address the price of drugs, though his efforts haven’t registered with many voters. While its name doesn’t suggest landmark health policy, the Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, which the president signed in August 2022, included a provision allowing Medicare to negotiate prices for some of the most expensive drugs. It also capped total out-of-pocket spending for prescription drugs for all Medicare patients, while capping the price of insulin for those with diabetes at $35 a month — a limit some drugmakers have extended to patients with other kinds of insurance.

Drugmakers are fighting the Medicare price negotiation provision in court. Republicans have promised to repeal the IRA, arguing that forcing drugmakers to negotiate lower prices on drugs for Medicare beneficiaries would amount to price controls and stifle innovation. The party has offered no specific alternative, with the GOP-led House focused primarily on targeting pharmacy benefit managers, the arbitrators who control most Americans’ insurance coverage

for medicines.

Costs of coverage

Health care costs continue to rise for many Americans. The cost of employer-sponsored health plans have hit new highs in the past few months, raising costs for employers and workers alike. Experts have attributed the increase to high demand and expensive prices for certain drugs and treatments, notably weight loss drugs, as well as to medical inflation.

Meanwhile, the ACA is popular. The KFF poll found that more adults want to see the program expanded than scaled back. And a record 21.3 million people signed up for coverage in 2024, about 5 million of them new customers.

Enrollment in Republicandominated states has grown fastest, with year-over-year increases of 80% in West Virginia, nearly 76% in Louisiana, and 62% in Ohio, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Public support for Obamacare and record enrollment in its coverage have made it politically perilous for Republicans to pursue the law’s repeal, especially without a robust alternative. That hasn’t stopped Trump from raising that prospect on the campaign trail, though it’s hard to find any other Republican candidate willing to step out on the same limb.

“The more he talks about it, the more other candidates have to start answering for it,” said Jarrett Lewis, a partner at Public Opinion Strategies, a GOP polling firm.

“Will a conversation about repeal-and-replace resonate with suburban women in Maricopa County?” he said, referring to the populous county in Arizona known for being a political bellwether. “I would steer clear of that if I was a candidate.”

Biden and his campaign have pounced on Trump’s talk of repeal. The president has said he wants to make permanent the enhanced premium subsidies he signed into law during the pandemic that are credited with helping to increase enrollment.

Republican advisers generally recommend that their candidates promote “a market-based system that has the consumer much more engaged,” said Lewis, citing

DOJ orders multiple raps to be filed...

his companions really need to be held accountable to a complainant who was 17 years old when the crime happened,” Remulla said.

“I know Pastor Quiboloy. I consider him a friend but I have to do my job. I have a duty to the Filipino people; I have to do my job,” he added. According to the justice secretary, they will ask the Supreme Court for permission to move the trial for the cases to courts in the National Capital Region once these are filed.

“Because of problems in Davao …, there were threats being made, we will be asking the Supreme Court to transfer the cases to Manila and appoint a special panel of prosecutors to handle them,” Remulla said.

Lookout bulletin signed

He added that he had already signed an immigration lookout bulletin against Quiboloy and with the filing of the charges, prosecutors would secure a hold departure order to prevent him from leaving the country.

In 2020, the Davao City Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the complaints of rape and child abuse under RA 7610, trafficking in persons through forced labor, and trafficking in persons through sexual abuse filed against Quiboloy and five other

individuals. This prompted the complainant, a former KOJC member who alleged that she was raped by the televangelist in 2014, to file a petition for review with the DOJ.

Another case under review by Remulla’s office is a cyberlibel case in which Quiboloy is the complainant.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have issued subpoenas for the televangelist after he skipped separate investigations.

The Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality, which is looking into allegations that he sexually abused female members of the sect, earlier summoned Quiboloy to appear at the hearing on Tuesday, March 5.

‘Huge victory’ Sen. Risa Hontiveros, the committee chair, said the DOJ move was a “huge victory for every woman abused and taken advantage of by Quiboloy.”

“This positive development is a gift to every woman this Women’s Month,” she added as she thanked Remulla “for finally acting decisively on this matter.”

“This is a welcome first step toward the victim-survivors’ cry for justice, peace and healing,” said Hontiveros, adding that the Senate would continue with its

mandate to investigate, in aid of legislation, into abuses allegedly perpetrated by Quiboloy.

“We will ensure that these inquiries will result in strengthened laws for our women, our children and the most vulnerable among us,” she added.

The House of Representatives is also requiring Quiboloy’s presence on March 12 before the committee on legislative franchises, which is investigating the KOJC-owned Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) for alleged violations of the terms for its franchise.

Quiboloy, a close friend and spiritual adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, did not say whether he would honor or ignore the subpoenas. But he denounced the proceedings, which he said were meant to “demonize me and destroy my reputation.”

Remulla said the victim in the case was among those presented before the Senate inquiry. He said the DOJ had asked the victim’s lawyer first if they intend to pursue the case against Quiboloy.

“When I learned that they wanted to pursue the case, we pushed for the filing of the charges,” he said, adding that they would also offer protection to the victim. g

Marcos: We must defend PH...

simple message to Beijing:

"Stop harassing us."

Manalo defended the government's policy of publicizing Chinese maneuvers in contested maritime territory — including the recent passage of warships near Scarborough Shoal.

"It's merely trying to inform the people of what's going on," Manalo said. "And some countries or one country at least has some difficulty with that."

"But our simple explanation is if you would stop harassing us and, and perhaps, performing other actions, there wouldn't be any news to report," he added.

"The Philippines is committed to a peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomatic means, or peaceful means,"

Manalo said while insisting that "this will not be done at the expense of our national interest." "We are reaching out to partners in like-minded countries with similar issues and similar concerns." Chinese buildup An American maritime security expert, meanwhile, said in just two days, China was able to substantially boost its blockading force around the Philippine outpost of BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea from six to 15 Chinese maritime militia ships. Col. Ray Powell said from March 2 to 4, China deployed nine Qiong Sansha Yu maritime militia ships from Gaven/

Johnson Reefs west to Mischief Reef.

At the same time, Powell said a 90m China Coast Guard (CCG) ship had been previously identified near Ayungin Shoal, where it was joined by two more Qiong Sansha Yu militia ships.

"We can also identify at least one more CCG ship (4103), docked at Panganiban (Mischief) Reef among the militia," said Powell, founder and director of SeaLight, a maritime transparency project that monitors and reports activities in the South China Sea.

He said the ship went AIS-dark on February 29 while on its way south, "but now we know it is at Mischief Reef and available for Second Thomas Shoal blockade duty." g

America worries about health costs...

short-term insurance plans as an example. “In the minds of Republicans, there is a pool of people that this would benefit. It may not be beneficial for everyone, but attractive to some.”

Biden and his allies have criticized short-term insurance plans — which Trump made more widely available — as “junk insurance” that doesn’t cover care for serious conditions or illnesses.

Entitlements are off-limits

Both Medicaid and Medicare, the government health insurance programs that cover tens of millions of low-income, disabled, and older people, remain broadly popular with voters, said the Democratic pollster Celinda Lake. That makes it unlikely either party would pursue a platform that includes outright cuts to entitlements. But accusing an opponent of wanting to slash Medicare is a common, and often effective, campaign move.

Although Trump has said he wouldn’t cut Medicare spending, Democrats will likely seek to associate him with other Republicans who support constraining the program’s costs. Polls show that most voters oppose reducing any Medicare benefits, including by raising Medicare’s eligibility age from 65. However, raising

taxes on people making more than $400,000 a year to shore up Medicare’s finances is one idea that won strong backing in a recent poll by The Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Brian Blase, a former Trump health adviser and the president of Paragon Health Institute, said Republicans, if they win more control of the federal government, should seek to lower spending on Medicare Advantage — through which commercial insurers provide benefits — to build on the program’s efficiencies and ensure it costs taxpayers less than the traditional program.

So far, though, Republicans, including Trump, have expressed little interest in such a plan. Some of them are cleareyed about the perils of running on changing Medicare, which cost $829 billion in 2021 and is projected to consume nearly 18% of the federal budget by 2032.

“It’s difficult to have a frank conversation with voters about the future of the Medicare program,” said Lewis, the GOP pollster. “More often than not, it backfires. That conversation will have to happen right after a major election.”

Addiction crisis

Many Americans have been touched by the growing opioid epidemic, which killed more

than 112,000 people in the United States in 2023 — more than gun deaths and road fatalities combined. Rural residents and white adults are among the hardest hit.

Federal health officials have cited drug overdose deaths as a primary cause of the recent drop in U.S. life expectancy.

Republicans cast addiction as largely a criminal matter, associating it closely with the migration crisis at the U.S. southern border that they blame on Biden. Democrats have sought more funding for treatment and prevention of substance use disorders.

“This affects the family, the neighborhood,” said Blendon, the public opinion researcher.

Billions of dollars have begun to flow to states and local governments from legal settlements with opioid manufacturers and retailers, raising questions about how to best spend that money. But it isn’t clear that the crisis, outside the context of immigration, will emerge as a campaign issue.

(Julie Appleby and Phil Galewitz/ KFF Health News)

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.

US-Philippines war games to test Israeli-made...

agreement worth P6.8 billion is part of the AFP modernization program’s Horizon 2.

The first two missile batteries arrived in September 2023

while the third would be delivered this year. The Spyder air defense missile system is designed to protect critical installations, land-based fixed assets,

mobile platforms, and friendly forces from aerial threats such as combat aircraft, attack helicopters, drones, incoming missiles, guided munition, and rockets. g

First digital resource hub targets...

PAGE 1

panelists explained how the hub works.

Even where counseling and other aid did exist, many community members weren’t aware of how to find or use them due to language barriers. While the Asian Resource Hub is the first of its kind as a free national digital resource, as of this month it’s also available in Korean, Vietnamese and simplified and traditional Chinese.

Throughout 2024, Asian Resource Hub staff hope to expand its current language offerings to include translations in languages including Hindi, Teymur and Tagalog.

“Over the past few years, as our community has suffered the collective trauma of the Atlanta spa shootings, the Indianapolis shooting, the back-to-back Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay shootings and so much more violence, we knew we could not wait for the next tragedy to occur without addressing this gap” through the hub, Joe explained.

Between 2020 and 2021 alone, reported anti-Asian violence in the U.S. increased by 339%, according to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism. Furthermore, most hate crimes and incidents are never reported.

AJSOCAL and AAJC came together with leaders from Microsoft to create the hub not only as a culturally and linguistically accessible place for AAPI community members to turn to “amid surging hatred,” but as “an exploration of anti-Asian hatred that uniquely combines data from FBI-reported and locally-reported hate crimes, as well as public and nonprofit sources, to bring the impact of hate on Asian populations to life through visualizations, graphics, charts, photographs, maps and pop-up text stories,” said Joe.

Visualizing the impact of anti-Asian hate “To talk about the hub is

to remember what we all witnessed in 2020 and beyond, as the surge in COVID led to a surge in anti-Asian violence. It felt like a constant barrage of stories of Asian people being attacked verbally, physically or mentally,” said Merisa Heu-Weller, General Manager of Innovation and Society at Microsoft.

“Personally as a thirdgeneration Japanese American, the hub epitomizes my vision of using data and technology to protect fundamental human rights,” she added.

“Too often these stories of the impact of Asian hate went untold or were not told with our communities’ perspectives in mind,” said AAJC President and Executive Director John C. Yang.

“In the face of dramatically increased anti Asian hate incidents since 2020, when we are seeing our elders attacked, we’re seeing our peers hurt. We’re seeing our community members afraid to walk outside. We wanted to allow people to understand our community in a different way through this directory,” he continued.

This directory took the form of “storytelling medium to better illustrate the facts about the AAPI population and the hate they face,” said AJSOCAL Senior Research Analyst Steven Zhang.

Timelines in the directory, for instance, examine key policies, events and personal narratives related to antiAsian discrimination — from the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, to inflammatory rhetoric by policymakers throughout history, to more recent instances of and responses to anti-Asian hate such as pandemic-era violence, the Hate Crimes Act and Stop Asian Hate community protests in cities nationwide.

Community resources

“We always make a distinction between hate crimes and hate incidents,”

explained Zhang. “Because a crime is defined as a crime in the criminal statutes as an Assault or Battery, or in the worst cases, murder, many incidents we see in the Asian American community might not rise to the level of a crime in the legislative definition. However, that doesn’t minimize the impact on our community.”

Alongside narrative data highlighting the historical impact of hate on AAPI communities across the U.S. is a national directory of “community-based organizations that offer either free or low-cost direct services to support those experiencing anti-Asian discrimination,” he said.

“Right now, about 100 organizations are listed,” continued Zhang. “Each one has been personally vetted by us or by one of our close partners, to make sure that it’s legitimate and active. We don’t want to send people down a closed door. But it’s an evergreen site intended to be continually built up, so if you know of an AAPI resource or organization that’s missing, please nominate it.”

“What stuck out most to me as I was working on this hub was how innovative and resilient our communities have been in the face of unspeakable hate and violence,” he added. “Most hate crimes and incidents go unreported, and the hub will provide much-needed help to fill that gap during an incredibly difficult time.”

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate. (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)

Innovation Leads Financial Production Development & Collaboration

In today’s rapidly evolving financial era, banking and wealth management companies are encountering unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The trust crisis and the lack of unified regulatory standards have emerged as two major obstacles to the development of the industry. Against this backdrop, Mr. Jiang Sen, with his visionary perspective and innovative methods, has led his cooperative institution, SX, to create a series of breakthrough solutions that not only provide a new management model for the banking and wealth management industry but also earn widespread acclaim within the sector.

First and foremost, Mr. Jiang and his team have introduced SX cooperative institutions, establishing a comprehensive risk control system and robust risk management capabilities. The core of this system lies in using advanced technical means to reduce investment risks, thereby better ensuring the safety of customer funds. In the financial industry, trust is one of the most precious assets. Mr. Jiang is well aware of this and thus dedicates his efforts to resolving the trust crisis within the wealth management industry through this system. This approach has not

only enhanced customer confidence in banking wealth management products but also laid the foundation for the healthy development of the entire industry.

In addition, the introduction of the SX financial practitioners’ assessment system also highlights Mr. Jiang’s innovative spirit. This system scientifically evaluates the performance of financial practitioners, significantly improving service quality while also effectively reducing the corresponding human resource management costs. More importantly, this digital management approach greatly enhances the company’s core competitiveness, making SX stand out in fierce market competition.

Mr. Jiang’s two systems, due to the significant changes they have brought to Su Yin Wealth Management, have been referenced and studied by many companies, achieving remarkable effects. These systems have not only changed the management models and working methods of the banking wealth management industry but also provided unique ideas and references for the entire industry. On this basis, the financial products developed by Mr. Jiang’s team, cleverly combining data analysis from digital systems, have not only brought significant economic benefits to Su Yin Wealth

by T ony W ang

Management but also won numerous industry awards.

Mr. Jiang’s success is no coincidence. As a manager with foresight and an expert with professional knowledge in the financial industry, he deeply understands that only through continuous innovation can the sustained development

of enterprises and the healthy growth of the industry be ensured. His work has not only solved the current dilemmas faced by banking and wealth management companies but also provided a new direction for the future development of the entire financial industry.

As the leading

individual in financial product development, Mr. Jiang’s leadership and innovation have paved a new path for the development of the banking and wealth management industry. By introducing efficient risk management systems and digital management methods, he has not only resolved

the industry’s trust crisis and inconsistencies in regulatory standards but also improved service quality and economic efficiency. Mr. Jiang’s success story proves that in the face of challenges, innovation, and reform are the only ways for the banking and wealth management industry to thrive.

MANILA — The United Nations has issued a global alert over a shortage of teachers, with the lack greatest in secondary education.

The UN alert was issued last week at a meeting of the International Task Force on Teachers for Education in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Seven out of 10 teachers at the secondary level will need to be replaced by 2030, along with over half of all teachers who will have left the profession by the decade’s end, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said.

The agency said the effect of a worldwide teacher shortage is profound, creating larger class sizes, overburdened educators, educational disparities and financial strain on school systems, impacting educational quality and access.

According to a UNESCO report, the world needs 44 million teachers by 2030 in order to make the Sustainable Development Goal of quality and equitable education a reality.

The high-level panel’s recommendations are focused on core aspects: dignity, humanity, diversity, equity and inclusion, quality, sustainability, innovation and leadership.

Responses to the challenge include recommendations to cultivate an environment where teachers can drive educational change, foster critical thinking and promote modern learning skills.

The UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession advocates for teachers

business leaders and two letters of intent (LOIs) from Australian business leaders who intend to invest in the Philippines. Among the MoUs are the development, design, construction, commissioning and

to be collaborative partners rather than mere purveyors of knowledge.

Adequate funding for education systems and technology integration are key, with a focus on supporting the use of digital learning and other technology.

Attrition rates among primary teachers almost doubled from 4.62 percent globally in 2015 to 9.06 in 2022, with teachers often leaving the profession within the first five years, the report revealed.

According to recent estimates, financing additional teachers will cost $12.8 billion for universal primary education and $106.8 billion for universal secondary education.

The annual additional financing needed to cover salaries at primary and secondary levels by 2030 is estimated at $120 billion.

‘Drop K-12 curriculum’

With only 20 percent of the country’s senior high school graduates landing employment, the Marcos administration should treat this as an indicator to abandon the K-12 curriculum instead of integrating skills training into the curriculum, according to the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT).

In a statement, the group said President Marcos’ order to increase SHS graduates’ employability through the integration of skills training would only replicate the program’s failures as it “only aims to produce cheap and docile labor force for foreign employers that is bound to be underpaid, contractual or unemployed.”

“There is no point in continuing

funding of a Tier-3 Data Center with a capacity of 30 MW-40 MW in the Poro Point Freeport Zone with a land area of approximately 16 hectares and the Expansion of Next-Generation Battery Manufacturing in the Philippines. An MoU was also signed for the deployment of decarbonization solutions comprising orchestration of renewable energy, storage, and e-mobility to New Clark City Stadium and other BCDA sites to reduce energy costs, reliance on grid power, improve sustainability and achieve progress on the decarbonization journey. 

a program that not a single study has found to be effective. K-12 only aims to make the Philippines competitive against underdeveloped countries in producing a steady stream of semi-skilled labor force for foreign capital. These jobs are largely contractual in nature and the lowest paying in different industries,” ACT chair Vladimer Quetua said over the weekend.

During an education sector meeting led by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte at Malacañang last month, Marcos ordered concerned state agencies to work closely with industries to align skills and education with companies’ demands.

Marcos had also ordered the creation of a technical working group to study the proposed embedding of technical vocational education and training or TVET into the K-12 curriculum.

The proposal would strengthen the K-12 program by adding a practicum component, according to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Citing a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, TESDA said the measure would address the low employability rate of SHS graduates.

Quetua said the majority of K-12 graduates “only add up to the huge number of unemployed.”

“TESDA itself admitted the starkly low employment rate of our K-12 graduates and attrition rate of those employed is high,” he added. (Mayen Jaymalin, Pia Lee-Brago, Neil Jayson Servallos/ Philstar.com)

MANILA — Senator Jinggoy Estrada belied speculations that he would replace Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, saying he is not ready to take over.

“To quell all speculations, there’s no truth to it,” said Estrada when he was asked by reporters in an ambush interview.

He was asked whether or not there’s truth to rumors that he would replace Zubiri as the Senate chief. The senator simply said, “No.” “So what if I am a senior senator? I have high respect [for] Senate President Zubiri,” he emphasized. He also denied rumors that he is instigating an ouster plot against the Senate leader.

“Me? Talaga? Instigador na ako ngayon!” a baffled Estrada told reporters.

(Me? Really? I am an instigator now!)

Asked if there’s truth to these rumors, he shook his head

Senator Jinggoy Estrada Inquirer.net file photo

from left to right as a sign of disagreement. But Estrada admitted that his chairmanship of the Senate committee on national defense and security, peace, unification and reconciliation is in danger. Reporters asked Estrada whether or not it is true that he would be removed as the chair of the panel. He responded, “Daw. (That’s

what they say.) In case they remove [me], I’ll ask the leadership what the reason [is].”

In a separate ambush interview on Monday, March 4, Senator Bong Revilla said Estrada is not interested in heading the chamber.

“He’s not interested. Wala namang kakumpitensya eh,” said Revilla. 

EVEN

can eradicate an infestation of bed bugs,

video has gone viral, this time showing a large rat scurrying on the ceiling of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. The rat video,

taken early Friday, March 1, worsened the eww factor of other video footages showing close-ups of bed bugs moving in the holes of metal seats at the NAIA, and of the skin rashes suffered by passengers who were bitten this week by the creepy-crawlies.

The bed bugs looked unusually large and might have been brought into the country, according to the pest control provider, which spritzed NAIA seats with stronger insecticide. Some officials recalled a serious infestation of bed bugs that hit Paris beginning in October last year. The French capital is still grappling with the problem, with the infestation reported even in private homes and public accommodations. Paris, one of the world’s most visited cities, is preparing to host the Summer Olympics from late July to August this year.

Editorial

Bed bugs, however, are also common in the Philippines, and typically infest rattan, the material used in several pieces of furniture used at the NAIA to give the airport a tropical look. All rattan seats have been pulled out of the NAIA-2. As video footage showed, however, even the metal seats

Horizons

THE long-standing friendship between our two great nations transcends the 78 years of our formal diplomatic relations,” declared Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his spirited address before the Australian Parliament last week.

“These bonds trace their roots as far back as the 1860s when Filipino pearl divers, known to you then as the Manilamen, found their way to your shores as early purveyors of globalization,” he continued, tracing the depth of bilateral relations to the dawn of modernity in the Asia-Pacific region.

Crucially, not only Mr. Marcos rightly emphasized the Filipino migrants’ contribution to the “Australian economy” and “Australian life,” but also the Philippines’ role in preserving a rules-based international order.

“We must protect the peace that we fought for during the war and have jealously guarded in the decades since,” he argued, underscoring the need for expanded bilateral cooperation.

that are fastened to the floor have bed bugs.

The scurrying rat also could not have stowed away on an international flight; surely it must have been born and bred in the Philippines. The existence of vermin all over the country is the reason why there are pest control services. And pest control is of paramount importance particularly in an international airport. That rat caught on video looked like it was enjoying the attention and preening for the cameras, like the star of movie animation hit “Ratatouille.”

Unfortunately for travelers and Filipinos’ national pride, it looks like the pest control service at the NAIA, like its electrical system last year, has suffered a breakdown. As the rat video went viral, officials of the Manila International Airport Authority said they were reviewing the contract of the NAIA pest control service providers, which

could be canceled if lapses are established. The bed bug infestation is happening as the Holy Week travel rush approaches.

Will the NAIA ever stop being a national

embarrassment? NAIA maintenance is being privatized, but this is still six months away. Airport officials must deal decisively with this problem long before that. (Philstar.com)

IN American jurisprudence, a fugitive from justice forcibly or violently abducted in a foreign territory cannot invoke such irregularity to escape criminal prosecution in a United States court. The Ker-Frisbie doctrine upholds the jurisdiction of federal courts over criminal defendants kidnapped in countries that have extradition treaties with the U.S.

In the 1886 Ker v. Illinois case, the Supreme Court ruled that the forcible abduction of a convicted U.S. citizen in Peru presented no valid objection to his trial. The Court applied the landmark doctrine in the Frisbie v. Collins case (1952). It upheld the conviction of a defendant who was kidnapped by Michigan authorities in Chicago and tried in Michigan.

In the United States v. Alvarez-Machain (1992), the High Court overturned the Court of Appeals’ decision that dismissed the indictment of the Mexican national. Against his will, the defendant was seized in Mexico and flown to Texas. He was arrested for the murder and kidnapping of a Drug

“We must oppose actions that clearly denigrate the rule of law,” he added, referring to China’s aggressive behavior in the South China Sea. The 17-minute speech, at once passionate and parsimonious, rightly reflected the depth of our bilateral ties to Australia. My own grandmother—who saved her father from getting buried alive by Japanese imperial forces by spontaneously reciting the occupying forces’ national anthem, just to be forced into exile in mountains shortly after—once told me about how Australian soldiers saved her community in the Ilocos region toward the end of World War II.

Lest we forget, Australian forces suffered their single deadliest day in World War II during their joint operations with Filipino patriots against Imperial Japan. But it was during the past decade that bilateral ties entered a new phase.

First came the Comprehensive Partnership deal signed during Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s visit to Manila in 2015. This paved the way for decisive assistance by Canberra during the Marawi

Enforcement Administration agent and the latter’s pilot. Citing the landmark Ker judgment, the Court said the forcible abduction did not prohibit his trial for violating American criminal laws. It also held that the extradition agreement between the U.S. and Mexico “says nothing about either country refraining from forcibly abducting people from the other’s territory or the consequences if an abduction occurs.”

In short, the American legal system is more concerned about putting a defendant to trial. How he came under court jurisdiction is of secondary importance. The above-mentioned cases bring to mind Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who faces a federal warrant in America. The charismatic evangelist founded the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name (KJOC) in 1985. The megachurch has grown to six million members worldwide. It is common knowledge that the embattled pastor is a close friend and spiritual adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte. I have also personal and professional ties with the politically influential leader. FPRRD and I host separate public affairs programs in Sonshine Media Network International

crisis as well as expanded bilateral maritime security cooperation with an eye on the South China Sea disputes. Then came last year’s Strategic Partnership pact during Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Manila, which aims to bring about a new “golden era” in bilateral ties.

Six years ago, I had the privilege of attending a track II event on the sidelines of the inaugural Australia-Asean Summit in Sydney, where I ended up explaining why our then pro-Beijing President Rodrigo Duterte was the only no-show leader from Asean. Last week, however, we saw a Philippine president setting the tone for the latest iteration of the Australia-Asean Summit by delivering a spirited speech before the Australian Parliament.

This represents nothing short of a “sea change” in PhilippineAustralia ties, especially with both countries vowing to step up their joint naval drills and military cooperation in light of Beijing’s bullying behavior in adjacent waters. But this time around, my fear is that the

(SMNI), which Quiboloy used to head. The SMNI rose to national prominence for its highly incisive presidential and senatorial debates. It was the only broadcast network that openly supported the candidacy of President Bongbong Marcos in 2022. A dedicated news team even covered the BBM-Sara UniTeam campaign trail across the Philippines. In the 2016 and 2022 general elections, almost all presidentiables, vicepresidentiables and senatoriables made a beeline to the Tamayong Prayer Mountain to get Quiboloy’s endorsement. I am not ashamed to admit that I was among the candidates. Local politicians in Davao Region and the rest of Mindanao also sought his support.

State-sanctioned abduction

In November 2021, a Sta. Ana, California district court indicted Quiboloy for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, sex trafficking of children, fraud and coercion, conspiracy and bulk cash smuggling. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has included him in its wanted list.

Recently, the President urged Quiboloy to air his side in the ongoing congressional investigations. The Lower House is looking into SMNI’s supposed

Philippines may end up as an outlier for completely opposite reasons.

During his state visit to Down

Under, Mr. Marcos not only highlighted China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, but also sought to rally traditional partners such as Australia to jointly hold the line for a rules-based international order. The problem, however, is that I doubt other Asean leaders will follow suit.

Malaysia’s current leadership seems more interested in bashing the West’s doublestandards in the Middle East than pointing out China’s atrocious treatment of its own Muslim minority groups. Ironically, it’s the “old guards” in Putrajaya who are now taking up the cudgels for Malaysia’s claims in the South China Sea.

Both Singapore and Vietnam, meanwhile, have adopted an increasingly Beijing-friendly diplomatic language in recent years in order to reap economic rewards.

As for Indonesia, we are yet to see how the incoming Prabowo administration will exercise regional leadership, if at all.

As for majority of continental

franchise violations. Meanwhile, the Senate is probing allegations that he sexually abused former KOJC members. For the record, a witness in the Senate hearing was among those who filed rape, child abuse and human trafficking charges against Quiboloy in 2019. The Davao City Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the charges in 2020 on the ground of false statement and accusation. The alleged victim has appealed the case before the Department of Justice. I believe that her presence in the Senate hearing is nothing but a trial by publicity to further demonize Quiboloy and his church.

In a Feb. 21 statement, Quiboloy said his life and liberty are under serious threat. He has accused the Marcos administration of surrendering him to the U.S. government in blatant contravention of his constitutional and human rights. With 11 of his local compounds reportedly under surveillance by U.S. authorities, he does not want a repeat of a 2020 incident in America. He disclosed that law enforcers forcibly entered and destroyed his house in the U.S. The evangelist said the government has colluded with the U.S. State Department, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and FBI to order his

Southeast Asian nations, they seem more invested in their bilateral relations with China than standing up for so-called “Asean centrality.”

Nevertheless, the only way forward is for a constructive form of “Asean minilateralism,” whereby key Southeast Asian states steadily yet subtly coordinate a more robust position against China’s hegemonic excesses in tandem with middle powers such as Australia. Otherwise,

extraordinary rendition or statesponsored kidnapping (similar to the Alvarez-Machain case). Even worse is the possibility that they might murder or assassinate him during the rendition process. PBBM has dismissed the accusation. Based on Quiboloy’s intel, the FBI has reportedly put a $2-million bounty on his head. The U.S. bureau has also denied this.

Extradition request

Strangely, it has been three years since the district court issued an arrest warrant for Quiboloy. However, the U.S. government has yet to file an extradition request.

Based on our treaty with America, we agree to extradite persons charged with or convicted of an extraditable offense – punishable by more than a year of deprivation of liberty or higher penalty – to the U.S. And vice versa. Moreover, the Contracting Parties cannot deny any extradition request on the ground that the person sought is a citizen of the Requested State. I recall that in the case of the late Manila congressman Mark Jimenez, our government immediately surrendered him to America for charges of tax evasion and illegal campaign contributions to the Democratic Party. A U.S. district court sentenced him to

either Asean fades into geopolitical irrelevance and/ or the Philippines continues its quiet drift away from fellow Southeast Asian nations in favor of traditional Western partners. (Inquirer.net)

* * * 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.

* * * rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph

27 months in prison in 2003. Like the pastor, I have not seen any evidence that the prosecution and the police presented to the Grand Jury. Since it is a sealed indictment, Quiboloy must surrender first before he and his legal team can gain full access to the evidence leveled against him by accusers and witnesses. His battery of lawyers has been gearing up for the legal battle but the trial has been postponed several times. I can only surmise that the evidence presented by the prosecution team might not be compelling enough to secure a conviction. Hence, the case is in danger of being dismissed before trial. Otherwise, America would have requested our government for the pastor’s extradition right away. Despite Quiboloy’s misgivings about the Marcos administration, I hope PBBM would continue to reassure the pastor that his life and fundamental rights would remain protected and respected. I pray that Pastor Quiboloy remains safe and well while he exhausts all legal avenues to defend himself. (Philstar.com)

* * *

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.

Marcos denies family’s ill-gotten wealth anew, accuses critics of ‘propaganda’

MANILA — President Ferdinand

Marcos Jr. has again denied his father’s plunder of billions of public funds during his two-decade rule, calling as “propaganda” the campaign for the Marcos family to return their ill-gotten wealth to the government.

In an interview with Australiabased ABC News published on Monday, March 4, Marcos sought to downplay well-documented evidence that former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. had stripped government coffers of at least $5 billion and that his family acquired millions-worth of stolen loot that they even took with them to exile in Hawaii.

Asked to explain why he initially laughed at a question on the billions of money reportedly plundered by his father, Marcos immediately appeared to sober up and said that he “takes exception” to the “assertions” that have been made about his family.

“Since cases were filed, the government failed. Cases were filed against me, my family, the estate etc. Up to now we have ... the assertions that were made were shown to be untrue,” Marcos said.

Marcos also claimed during the interview that a thorough investigation has proved that the ill-gotten wealth acquired by his family was “propaganda.”

“I think that having seen the facts - as they have been slowly reviewed - with true investigation and not propaganda, actual investigation, court cases, investigations by all kinds of NGOs (non-government organizations) and agencies, that has changed. People can see that it was propaganda,” he said.

Shortly after Marcos Sr. fled the country in 1986, the newly created Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) uncovered evidence of Swiss bank accounts, secret international deposit accounts set up on their behalf and extensive global assets owned by the Marcos family. Well-documented evidence of such, including diaries, was recovered when the Marcoses left Malacañang on Feb. 25, 1986. Estimates of the amount the Marcoses reportedly amassed in the last few years of Marcos Sr. presidency range from US$5 billion to $13 billion. This sizeable loot far exceeds the yearly salary that Marcos Sr. was earning as president, which was about $4,700 or P100,000.

In 2003, the Supreme Court ordered the forfeiture of $658 million worth of frozen Swiss bank deposits belonging to Marcos Sr.

In 2019, a division of the Sandiganbayan dismissed a P200 billion civil forfeiture case against the Marcos family due to lack of evidence. However, the decision on the case, penned by Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Alex Quiroz, acknowledged the “atrocities committed during Martial Law under the Marcos regime and the ‘plunder’ committed on the country’s resources.”

In response to calls for the Marcoses to return their illgotten wealth, the president also claimed that his family went empty-handed and that “nothing was left” when they sought exile in Hawaii in 1986.

“We have signed - this family has signed quit claims where any money that you find is yours.

Everything was taken from us. We were taken to Hawaii. Everything. Everything was taken from us. We had nothing left,” Marcos said. The president also previously claimed this during his visit to Hawaii in November 2023.

However, evidence has shown that the Marcoses brought crates of cash, hundreds of jewelry and freshly printed Philippine notes valued at P27 million, among others, when they fled to Hawaii in 1986.

The Marcoses also brought P397 million worth of bank certificates from the now-defunct Traders Royal Bank, which was confirmed as ill-gotten wealth by a 2021 Sandiganbayan decision ordering its return to the Philippine government.

Marcos' claims in the ABC News interview appear to be his most public denial of his family's corruption since he took office in 2022, spouting the same narratives that his supporters typically echo but which local and international media, civil society and democracy watchdogs have long debunked.

During the campaign trail for the 2022 presidential elections, Marcos, who was frequently absent in debates and refused to be interviewed, said that he and his father were the biggest "victims" of disinformation. This, however, was another false claim, as a study by factchecking coalition Tsek.ph in the same year showed that several falsehoods that were spread before the polls were in his favor and against his closest rival to the presidency, former Vice President Leni Robredo. (Philstar.com)

PH hopes to launch EU free trade negotiations ‘very soon’

THE Philippines hopes to launch formal free trade agreement negotiations with the European Union "very soon", Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo told AFP in an interview on Monday, March 4.

The Southeast Asian nation, which depends heavily on trade with China, wants to expand its economic relations with other countries to achieve greater "resiliency", the minister said.

"We're hoping... to very soon begin free trade negotiations

with the EU," Manalo said. The Philippines has been in preliminary talks about a free trade deal with the 27-nation bloc for months. A previous effort almost a decade ago stalled amid EU concerns about then president Rodrigo Duterte's deadly drug war.

"What we're really aiming for is the notion of greater economic resilience," the minister said, underscoring the importance of being able to adapt to "sudden

changes", whether man-made or natural.

The Philippines is focused on creating "greater economic security and economic resiliency, which in turn contributes to your own national security", Manalo said.

The EU and the Philippines would seek to establish greater cooperation in the area of critical minerals, the minister said, using existing supply chains but with more processing activity in the Philippines. (Philstar.com)

House inquiry into ‘compounded issues’ at NAIA terminals pushed

MANILA – OFW party-list Rep. Marissa "Del Mar" Magsino on Monday filed a House resolution, calling for a congressional inquiry into the “compounded” issues affecting the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals.

In her House Resolution (HR) 1615, Magsino urged the appropriate committees of the House of Representatives to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the reported presence of pests and vermin in the premises and facilities of the NAIA terminals.

Magsino also wants to investigate the traffic congestion within the airport complex and adjacent areas, and the long queue of passengers in immigration checking counters.

“We recognize that the officials of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) immediately addressed the complaints on bed bugs, rats, and cockroaches in NAIA. However, given the repeated problems in NAIA and its tag as one of the world’s worst airports, we have to look into the compounded issues, more so, since NAIA has revenues to address basic operational concerns such as sanitation and congestion,” she said.

The call for the investigation came in the wake of viral videos and complaints highlighting cases of bed bug bites, and sightings of rats and cockroaches within NAIA terminals.

While these incidents initially highlight the inefficiency with the airport's pest control and maintenance systems, they raise more significant concerns regarding public health safety.

Adding to the compounded problems at NAIA is its negative reputation globally, which in turn affects the nation's honor and tarnishes the country's image on the international stage, causing serious damage to the Philippine tourism industry.

“Bugbog na yun imahe ng ating bansa bilang tourism destination dahil sa paulit-ulit na isyu sa NAIA na siyang main gateway ng ating turismo, at isa ding mahalagang susi sa ating labor migration bilang pinto ng migration corridors sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at mga host countries (The country’s image as a tourism destination has been greatly damaged due to recurring issues at NAIA which is the main

gateway of our tourism, and also an important key in our labor migration as door to the migration corridors between the Philippines and host countries),” Magsino said.

Based on records, the increasing passenger traffic at NAIA has led to congestion within the airport complex and surrounding roads.

The airport's passenger volume also reportedly exceeds its design capacity by 40 percent, leading to runway congestion and delayed flights.

These result in travel inconvenience, fuel wastage, and risks of missed flight schedules, especially for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have to comply with strict deployment schedules and return-to-work orders.

For the Fiscal Year 2023, MIAA reportedly amassed a whooping PHP3 billion net income from terminal fees, concession privileges and aeronautical fees.

“Kaya’t tayo’y nagtataka kung bakit ang sanitation at traffic congestion sa palibot ng NAIA ay malaking isyu kung may pondo naman sa maayos na pagpapatakbo ng ating paliparan. Nais lamang natin malaman ang puno’t dulo nito upang magkaroon ng komprehensibong solusyon (So we are wondering why the sanitation and traffic congestion around the NAIA has become a big issue despite having enough fund for the proper management of our airports. We just wanted to know the reasons behind this for us to have a comprehensive solution),” Magsino said. She added that the sought inquiry hearing would give the MIAA officials a chance to explain the steps they are taking and to discuss their plans of action to address the issues at hand.

“In the end, we all just want to push for NAIA's competitiveness as an international gateway and safeguard the interests of passengers, especially our OFWs.” Magsino said.

While plans for the establishment of a new international airport and the privatization of NAIA are underway, she said immediate measures must be taken to address maintenance and housekeeping deficiencies, streamline immigration processing, and enhance traffic routing within the airport premises. (PNA)

BUGGED. Passengers wait for their flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Monday, March 4. Lawmakers want to probe the “pest” issues hounding the country’s main gateway. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE

Wednesday MARCH 6, 2024

Arjo Atayde surprises wife Maine Mendoza in ‘Eat Bulaga’

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

ACTOR Arjo Atayde

surprised wife Maine Mendoza in “Eat Bulaga” last Saturday. Maine was shocked upon seeing Arjo in the show to greet her a happy birthday.

Arjo was the mystery contestant in the “Peraphy” segment of the noontime show.

Ang maglalaro ngayon ay mula sa pelikulang may forever!” Vic Sotto said while Arjo appeared. Arjo then hugged Maine, to the delight of the crowd.

“Sorry, sorry! Mali pala ‘yung title. Dapat ang title ‘Your Forever!’” Vic said. Arjo then thanked the show for welcoming him.

Maraming salamat din po of course, ‘no… Bossing, the whole ‘Eat Bulaga’ fam, Tito Sen, Boss Joey, for allowing me to be with my wife today.

Celebrity couple Arjo Atayde and Maine Mendoza Photo from Instagram/@mainedcm

Maraming salamat po!” he said. “Welcome to ‘Eat Bulaga,’ Cong!” Maine replied. Before Arjo appeared, he greeted Maine via a video message.

“Hi, Baba. Happy, happy birthday. Surprise! I hope you’re having a great time

with the Dabarkads today. I hope you enjoy your day. I’ll see you later. Let’s celebrate, my love. I’m just so grateful for you. And thank you for being such a great wife,” he said.

“And more blessings to you. I’ll always be right behind you. I love you. Happy, happy birthday!” he added.

Patrick Garcia looks back on his ‘heartthrob’ image in the past

By JeSSiCa ann evangeliSta Inquirer.net

PATRICK Garcia said he wasn’t aware that he was such a “heartthrob” during his early years as an actor, and only realized it when fans went crazy over him during shows.

Sitting down on “Toni Talks” on Sunday, March 3, Garcia had the faintest idea that he was being admired by fans for his looks as he was busy enjoying his role as an actor.

“I didn’t know it back then… I just felt it during the out-oftown shows,” he said. Despite winning the Best Child Actor award at the FAMAS Awards in 1996 for the film Madrasta,” Garcia underscored that it was only when he starred in “Tabing Ilog” that he got to enjoy the industry more.

“You don’t expect that when you’re a child. You don’t act to

win. ‘Yung award parang ano na lang ‘yan icing on the cake,” he remarked. “I enjoy it also, especially during the Tabing Ilog days. I was working with serious actors. That’s when we were diving into the craft.”

The “Ang TV” star said that what he disliked most about being in the limelight is the lack of privacy. “Wala kang privacy masiyado, during those times. But after a while, nasasanay ka. Kailangan matibay rin loob mo,” he said.

The 42-year-old actor reflected on the online bashing and shared that he never engages with his detractor.

“Kahit mag-explain ka may iba pa rin dyan who will just bash you just because they wanna bash you, regardless if you’re correct or not… When it comes to bashing online, mga nagmemessage sa Instagram.

Continued on Page 9

Andi Eigenmann on late mom Jaclyn Jose: ‘Her life itself was her greatest obra maestra’

By leah C. Salterio Philstar.com

BRINGING home the much-coveted acting trophy from the Cannes International Film Festival in 2016 was a major career highlight in the life of the late multi-awarded actress Jaclyn Jose (Mary Jane Guck in real life).

Jaclyn became the first Southeast Asian talent to win at the prestigious filmfest for her portrayal of a resilient matriarch in Brillante Mendoza’s “Ma’ Rosa.” She went to Cannes to personally receive her award, accompanied by her daughter Andi Eigenmann.

At the time of her death, Jaclyn was playing prison warden Dolores Espinas in the Coco Martin-led “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.”

Her passing was first confirmed in an official statement from Perry Lansigan’s PPL Entertainment, Jaclyn’s talent management company, in the early hours of yesterday morning.

“The Guck and Eigenmann families are requesting for everyone to please pray for the eternal repose of Miss Jaclyn Jose and for them to be allowed the respect and privacy to mourn her passing and navigate these difficult times.”

In a press conference yesterday afternoon, an emotional Andi delivered the family’s official statement, laying to rest speculations surrounding her mother’s shocking demise.

“It’s with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of my Nanay at the age of 60 on the morning of March 2nd, 2024 due to a myocardial infarction or a heart attack.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has since extended their prayers and condolences to us. As our family is trying to come to terms with

this unfortunate incident, please provide us the respect and privacy to grieve and we hope this would put all speculations to rest.

“Just like to say that her undeniable legacy will definitely forever live on through her work, through her children, grandchildren and the many lives she has touched. She herself, her life itself was her greatest obra maestra,” Andi said. On Sunday, March 3, Jaclyn was reportedly found lifeless by her actress-sister, Veronica Jones, in the former’s home in Quezon City. It was her sister who checked on her when the latter was not responding to calls and text messages for quite some time.

Jaclyn’s two children — Andi and Gwen Garimond Guck — were not with her at the time of her death due to heart attack. Andi was in Siargao, where she is based with her family, while Gwen was in the US, where he is studying.

Social media was flooded with fond recollection and remembrances of Jaclyn whom they all worked with at one time or another.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines said it mourned the passing of Jaclyn, noting her contributions to Philippine cinema and television for four decades.

Alden Richards, who worked with Jaclyn in such GMA dramas as “Mundo Mo’y Akin,” “Carmela,” “The World Between Us,” wrote: “My heart aches like a son who lost his mom… You will be with me always, I love you my Tita Jane.”

Coco, who was Jaclyn’s co-star in several Brillante Mendoza films, including the 2022 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Apag,” posted a picture with the late actress on the set of their last film together. “Isa pang mahalaga sa buhay ko, nawala ka

Continued on Page 9

STARTING February

Jaclyn Jose

Jaclyn with daughter Andi and grandchildren Ellie, Lilo and Koa Photos from Instagram/@jaclynjose

Patrick Garcia looks back on his ‘heartthrob’ image in the past

Photo from Instagram/@onlypatrickgarcia

Bankruptcy: When life doesn’t go as planned

Minding Your Finances

Atty rAymond

BUlAon

LIFE happens. Sometimes even the best laid plans can go wrong. How do you respond when this happens to you? Do you easily give up when you’re overwhelmed? Remaining calm can be difficult when things are chaotic and so the usual reaction is panic.

Bankruptcy can be a lifesaver for people who are at the end of their financial rope.

Since the pandemic started, a lot of people have been struggling to just keep up with their bills. The pandemic may have caused job instability; for business owners affected by the pandemic, the government did what it could to help mitigate losses by offering financial assistance and loans.

People who couldn’t pay their mortgage were allowed forbearances. Renters who couldn’t pay their landlord were protected with eviction suspension laws. Unfortunately, all the above are no longer

available to most families who are still under a tremendous financial burden.

Real estate values surprisingly shot up during the pandemic but once the Feds started raising interest rates, people who could otherwise refinance their mortgage and squeeze out some of their equity from their home are no longer able to do that because of the high cost of borrowing. Buying has also slowed down and according to a recent article, mortgage applications have plunged to a 28-year low. People with little credit card debt had no other choice but to borrow, hoping that “when things get better,” they can just pay it all back slowly. Of course, this is nothing more than a temporary solution that could backfire if the additional debt is not paid back. At some point, the credit lines are exhausted, and they are in a deeper financial hole that is hard to get out of. I know this sounds discouraging when you’re clueless about where to turn once you have exhausted your resources. But there is hope.

If you are currently facing a financial crisis, it may be tempting to just throw in the towel and give up all hope for

a better financial future. But let me tell you that instead of getting frustrated and angry about things that you cannot control or change, your energy will be better spent focusing on finding a solution. Stop analyzing everything that happened and quit being too hard on yourself. In life, things will not always go your way but keep your head up and focus on putting the pieces of the puzzle back together. In the meantime, seek legal counsel about your situation especially if important assets or legal rights are at risk. It’s better to know your options now so you can plan before your situation becomes a financial emergency.

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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.

* * *

None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation.  Atty. Ray J. Bulaon has successfully helped over 6,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE  1-866-471-8272.

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Andi Eigenmann on late...

From Page 8

pa,” Coco wrote. Jaclyn made her big-screen debut in 1984 in William Pascual’s “Chicas,” after which she was cast in director Chito Roño’s “Private Show,” although she earlier shot Lino Brocka’s “White Slavery” but that was shown the following year (1985).

When direk Chito was looking for a lead to audition for “Private Show,” written by National Artist for Broadcast and Film Ricky Lee, Jaclyn was highly recommended.

“We scheduled an audition then at New Frontier, which is now Kia Theater,” Ricky told The Philippine STAR. “There was one artist who was scheduled to be there, but didn’t make it. We mentioned to Chito that Jaclyn was highly recommended by Lino after ‘White Slavery.’

“Jaclyn was requested to come for the audition. I remember, pupungas-pungas pa siya when she arrived. Ginising yata siya to go to the audition. She was really young at that time. But she was really good and she got her first lead role in ‘Private Show.’”

After that, Jaclyn and Sir Ricky worked

in many other films. She was in Lino Brocka’s “Macho Dancer” (1988), Joel Lamangan’s “The Flor Contemplacion Story” (1995) and “Aishite Imasu Mahal Kita 1941” (2004).

Jaclyn also starred in Ricky’s first theater play, “Pitik-Bulag sa Buwan ng Pebrero” (2009), directed by Joel Lamangan. It was also Jaclyn’s first theater venture.

“She was really nervous at that time, but she turned out to be very good and natural,” Ricky recalled. Jaclyn also did director Laurice Guillen’s teleplay, “Desaparecidos” (2014), also written by the National Artist.

“I did many films with Jaclyn,” Ricky proudly said. “She became my friend through the years with our projects together. She was very simple. Hindi siya artista. Taong-tao. Madali mong makasundo.”

When Jaclyn watched her last film with Ricky, Mac Alejandre’s “Call Me Alma,” shown at the Cinemalaya Film Festival last year, she was in tears while watching. “Taong-tao siya,” Ricky said. “She was

Continued on Page

the noncustodial parent may be credited towards their child support obligation for the amount of benefits that the child would have received. The noncustodial parent must provide evidence to the local child support agency indicating the amount of benefits the child would have received.

This credit is intended to help ensure that children receive the financial support they need from both parents, even if one parent is deceased or disabled. It can also help to reduce the financial burden on the custodial

• The credit may not be available if the noncustodial parent is already receiving a credit for child support payments from another source.

• The amount of the credit may be limited.

If you have any questions about California Family Code section 4504, you should speak with an experience family law specialist attorney.

* * *

If you are a noncustodial parent who is receiving federal government payments on behalf of your child, you may be eligible for a credit towards your child support obligation.

parent.

If you are a noncustodial parent who is receiving federal government payments on behalf of your child, you may be eligible for a credit towards your child support obligation. You should speak with an experienced family law attorney to discuss your specific case. Here are some additional things to keep in mind about California Family Code section 4504: • The credit is not available for all types of federal government payments.

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.

* * * Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH

REYES, APC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

Patrick Garcia looks back on his...

From Page 8

Never did I react. I never replied to any basher. Kapag nag-engage ka, nanalo na sila, so block,” Garcia said.

When asked if he’s okay with her children entering showbiz at a young age like him, the

Pangako Sa’Yo” actor remarked “not yet, not this time.” Garcia married Nikka Martinez in March 2015. They have one son and three daughters. He previously dated Jennylyn Mercado, with whom he shared a son, Jazz.

Andi Eigenmann on late...

watching her film at umi-iyak pa rin siya at nagre-react siya.”

When Ricky became the president of FAMAS, she got Jaclyn as juror. That was after she won for “Ma’ Rosa” at the Cannes Film Festival.

“She had a keen eye for detail,” he noted. “She remembered the details about what she saw in the movie that we discussed. She had a very sharp eye.”

In 2022, Jaclyn essayed the role of a killer mom for the first time, a real challenge for her, in director Bobby Bonifacio Jr.’s dark, psychological and sexy thriller, “Tahan,” written by Quinn Carillo. The latter coined the title from a mother’s plea to her child.

“It was really difficult,” Jaclyn said then about her role. “I got to take out innards of the guys I kill. Then I throw them away. But my director helped me a lot in every detail of this project.”

Being a killer mom was totally shocking and unbelievable for Jaclyn. “I never thought a mother could do everything I did in this film,” she asserted.

The multi-awarded actress found it hard to say “no” when “Tahan” was offered to her. As

the domineering mother, Nora, Jaclyn didn’t initially have qualms about tragically throwing her daughter into prostitution. Nora went on a killing spree to save her daughter from the latter’s abusive clients.

“You can’t say no to a good project,” Jaclyn insisted. “I believe in the project. Very mysterious. When I talk to new stars, I always tell them, I was once there. I will never terrorize the newcomers. “The young stars are the next generation who can continue in this industry. We need to make their job easy so they can do well in showbiz. We should be nice to them. They are the future of this industry. They will continue the work. So, let’s not intimidate them.”

Jaclyn agreed that “Tahan” was a mother’s longing for her children. “If you are a mother, you will not stop crying,” she explained. “You can’t stop a mother when she cries.

“When a mother misses her children, you just have to control and keep on loving. A mother cannot stop. She is consistently on the look out. Even when she’s sleeping, you cannot stop a mom when she cries.” Jaclyn is survived by her son Gwen, daughter Andi, and grandchildren Ellie, Lilo, and Koa.

Party Party People celebrates 2nd anniversary

FRIDAY, February 25 saw a packed hotspot at The Noypitz in Downtown Los Angeles for Party Party People’s 2nd Anniversary.

Longtime DJ Jerome Sto. Domingo with special guest DJ Garth Santayana from Manila thrilled partygoers and dance music connoisseurs alike with their selection of popular music from ‘70s through ‘90s reminiscing the heydays of the clubbing scene in Manila.

Party Party People, also known as PPP, is a social media group that was founded a couple of years ago by Michelle Sto. Domingo Advincula with the purpose of featuring local Pinoy DJs that specialize in various genres aside from disseminating information about parties and events in Southern California. PPP president Zigmond Yee adds that they are selective in that matter.

The group has participated in two fundraisers — one with event organizer Michelle Aldanese where DJ Dee Buen donated his services, and a dance party in Las Vegas for the Arnold Manaog Foundation.

Led by Michelle Advincula, Party Party People administrators Dee Buen, Zigmond Yee, Jerome Sto. Domingo, Jesse Pacleb and Mackie Catt, along with their friends, support events and productions by other groups such as House of Disco led by legendary Faces DJ Boyet Almazan, Club Manila Los Angeles (CMLA) led by DJ Jake Martin and Mobile Rhythm Live led by Ben Montemayor.

Notable local Filipino DJs

George Garcia, Dee Buen, Dean Andrew Pantilo, Mackie Catt and Randy Trinidad were present to cheer on their fellow DJ Jerome Sto. Domingo. Rapper and DJ Butch Tracer Velez of Mastaplann, former Vicor dancer Katrina Llanes, Dancesport (Ballroom Dancing) champion Aya Talampas, singer Hazel Velasco, host Robby Rob, local business owners and community leaders such as Noypitz owners Larry and Kai Calonzo, Fast Fix Jewelry and Repairs owner Javier Suarez, Los Angeles County

Filipino American Employee Association (LACFAEA) president Edwinn Martinez were in attendance.

Dedicated PPP members

Jing Sto. Domingo, Bel Domingo, Mona Sto. Domingo Santos, Regi Libre, Carlo and Liza Lopez, Lemuel and Rachelle Pia, Peaches Eligir, Robbie Salvador and Tin Cabrera-Fontanilla, among others, filled the dancefloor and danced the night away. In its 2nd year, PPP hopes to continue sharing information about future events to the local Filipino community and to promote new talents in the field of DJing while giving venues and their businesses a boost.

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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.

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micdiazpresents@gmail.com

PPP founder Michelle Sto. Domingo Advincula (left) with Mic Diaz

Lemuel Pia and Rachelle Gatchalian Pia

DJ Jerome Sto. Domingo Katrina Llanes (extreme right) with friends

From left: Robby Rob, Hazel Velasco and Mic Diaz Photos by Michelle Sto. Domingo Advincula/Lemuel Pia/Mic Diaz From left: Robbie Salvador, Aya Talampas and Mic Diaz

PPP members with DJ Jerome to. Domingo (center)

PPP members with DJs Garet Santayana, George Garcia and Dee Buen

PPP members

PPP founder Michelle Sto. Domingo Advincula and members