Trump signs executive order declaring English as official US language
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a historic policy shift, President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring English as the official language of the United States, marking the first time in the nation’s nearly 250-year history that a national language has been formally designated at the federal level. The order will direct federal agencies to prioritize English in official government communications, documents, and public services. While it will not ban the use of other languages, it rescinds Executive Order 13166, signed by former President Bill Clinton on August 11, 2000. That order, titled
“Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency,” required federal agencies and recipients of federal funding to provide language assistance to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) to ensure meaningful access to government services.
“America has always welcomed people
Non-citizens
‘between a
rock and a hard place’ as Trump pushes for national registry
by Peter Schurmann
Ethnic Media Services
THERE’S a video circulating on social media of a Latino man walking into a Target store with a U.S. passport glued to his forehead. “Me walking around with my passport to avoid ICE questioning me,” the caption reads, a laugh track in the background.
It’s dark humor, for sure, and the comedy only works because it’s true. Now more than ever. On February 25, the Trump administration issued its latest guidelines on immigration enforcement, creating a national registry requiring the estimated 13 million undocumented immigrants now living in the country to register or face criminal prosecution.
“They are reanimating a provision of US immigration law that has been dormant for decades that requires certain groups of noncitizens to register with the government,” said Nayna Gupta, policy director with the
Filipinos up for deportation from US now at 80
MANILA – At least 80 Filipinos have received deportation notices from United States authorities as the new administration pushes through with its plan to kick out illegal aliens.
The Filipinos are not detained and still have the opportunity to legalize their stay, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez said in an interview Tuesday, March 4.
“So far, they have just received the notice (that they are up for deportation) and some of them, if I’m not mistaken, already departed
voluntarily,” he said.
The U.S. government’s crackdown on undocumented migrants began immediately after President Donald Trump was sworn into office in Jan. 20.
Earlier this month, the U.S. deported illegal aliens from Africa and Asia, some reportedly from China and Vietnam, to Central American nations that are acting as third-country stopovers.
Romualdez said none of the Filipino deportees have been put on
similar deportation flights to another state so far.
“It only goes to show that, for me, many of those Filipinos in the U.S. have the chance to be able to have a legal path. That is my hope, that they will look into what status they can work on,” he said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said it is ready to extend necessary assistance to Filipinos who may be affected by the immigration crackdown. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/ PNA)
House to educate public on VP Duterte impeachment amid trial delay
by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net
MANILA — House lawmakers supportive of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment will help the prosecution team prepare and educate the people about why the process is necessary if the trial remains delayed, a legislator said on Tuesday, March 4. Assistant Majority Leader and Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre admitted in a press briefing that they have no other option as the proverbial ball on the impeachment
proceedings is now with the Senate, as the House of Representatives has finished its task of sending the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate.
“For us, our choice is only to prepare well for our prosecutors. As of now, the pre-trial preparations on the part of the prosecution is the best way to go for us, but we are also happy to see that there are steps taken by ordinary Filipinos, like the people’s impeachment calls made earlier,” he said in Filipino. “I hope this becomes an avenue to relay to
u PAGE 2
BI still clueless on Alice Guo escape details
by cecille Suerte FeliPe Philstar.com
MANILA — Almost seven months after dismissed Bamban mayor and suspected Chinese spy Alice Guo escaped to Indonesia, immigration officials are still clueless about how she left the Philippines to evade an arrest order of the Senate. At the Senate hearing on Tuesday, March 4, Sen. Risa Hontiveros expressed frustration with the Bureau of Immigration (BI)’s dismal performance in figuring out the details of Guo’s escape in August last year.
“We are inutile as a country.
It’s been four months and we still don’t know how fugitives got past our borders undetected,” Hontiveros lamented.
BI Intelligence Division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. agreed with the senator.
Ports or sub-ports used by Guo and her siblings to escape also remain unknown, Manahan said.
“How did they manage to escape? Or was there a government official who helped them? Which port or coast of our archipelago did they flee from?” Hontiveros asked.
Counterparts of the BI across Asia have not replied to inquiries about the Guo
PH envoy: Defense is
each country’s
call
MANILA — Amid concerns triggered by a contentious meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that put Kyiv’s future uncertain in the absence of fresh security assurances from Washington, the Philippines should be ready to beef up its own defenses, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said on Monday, March 3.
The high-profile meeting at the Oval Office that unfolded in front of the media turned into a tense exchange as the two leaders clashed over the future of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Zelenskyy left the meeting without signing a mineral deal in exchange for additional U.S. military support to help Ukraine. “We have to all be ready for that type of situation. It may be some other president in the future, but at the end of the day, each country now has to be ready to be able to beef up its own defense, beef up its own economic security. And that’s always been what we have been doing …
Philippines reaffirms stance vs use of nuclear weapons
MANILA — The Philippines has reaffirmed its stance against the proliferation of nuclear weapons in a key United Nations conference that one of its major defense partners has snubbed for the third time.
Speaking at the third meeting of signatories to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in New York on March 3, the Philippines’ representative to the United Nations underscored the dangers posed by nuclear weapons.
“We gather at a critical moment where the universalization of the [treaty] has never been more urgent,” Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo said in his address. Nuclear weapons “pose an unacceptable risk to humanity and our environment — a reality that has been repeatedly validated by scientific research and historical evidence,” he added.
“The Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to work collaboratively with all States toward the realization of a nuclear-weapon-free world,” Lagdameo said.
The ambassador outlined the Philippines’ concrete actions
supporting the anti-nuclear treaty, which include the launching the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty Friends initiative and hosting an event on the consequences of nuclear weapons use.
The Philippines has also been actively advocating for the ratification of the treaty and cosponsoring key resolutions on victim assistance and research on the effects of nuclear war, Lagdameo said. The ambassador also welcomed Indonesia, Sierra Leone, São Tomé and Principe, and the Solomon Islands as new states parties to the treaty, noting that their participation reinforces the global consensus against nuclear weapons.
The Philippines “fully supports the intersessional work and continued dialogue to implement the [treaty], ensuring a safer, more secure future for all,” the Philippine ambassador said.
Japan, one of the Philippines’ key defense partners in the region, announced last month that it would once again not attend the U.N. meeting as observer. It also snubbed the last two meetings held in June 2022 and November 2023.
Former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo Senate file photo
Philippine Ambassador to U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez PNA file photo
House to educate public on VP Duterte...
PAGE 1 the people, to ordinary Filipinos to study the importance and merits of the impeachment case that will be tackled at the Senate trial. So I think if the Senate would not start a trial immediately, I think for many of us in the House and with many more advocates, we would bring the discussions to the people,” he added.
According to Acidre, there are many ways of making the people informed about the impeachment procedures aside from staging rallies.
He said the signature campaign launched by religious groups and other non-government organizations calling for the immediate start of the impeachment trial is “a good way to show the Senate what is the true sentiment of our people.”
“Many schools are conducting forums about the impeachment; that is an important step as we can explain to the people the matter, which would allow them to have a deeper understanding of these issues,” he added.
Duterte was impeached after 215 House of Representatives members filed and verified a fourth impeachment complaint,
citing several issues like alleged misuse of confidential funds lodged within her offices, threats to ranking officials including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and conduct unbecoming of a vice president.
Under the 1987 Constitution, a trial should start forthwith if at least one-third of all House members — in this case, 102 out of 306 — have signed and endorsed the petition.
Trial however has yet to start because the Senate did not discuss the Articles of Impeachment at the plenary before the session adjourned on February 5.
Recently, Senate President Francis Escudero said that the trial would start on July 30 with the new set of lawmakers sitting as senator-judges.
There have been concerns, however, with the trial being set as late as July. Acidre said Duterte would benefit the most from the delay as it may be indicative of a culture of impunity, where observations made by different House committees are not given much weight.
In September 2024, the House committee on good government and public accountability started
the hearing on fund use anomalies involving the Department of Education (DepEd) under Duterte and the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
The committee found several glaring concerns, like a high likelihood that fake identities were used in signing the acknowledgment receipts (ARs) for confidential fund (CF) disbursements.
At one point, Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop said the name Mary Grace Piattos, which was used to sign off the ARs, bears a first name similar to a coffee shop, and a surname that is a famous potato chip brand.
Later on, Lanao del Sur 1st
District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong showed two more ARs — one for OVP and another for the DepEd — which were both received by a certain Kokoy Villamin. However, the signatures and handwriting of Villamin differed.
Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua, a member of the prosecution team, also warned about the possibility that evidence crucial to the impeachment case may be tampered with, while witnesses may be threatened if trial continues to be delayed. n
PH envoy: Defense is each country’s...
PAGE 1
that we would like to put up our own resources to be able to modernize our armed forces and to be able to bring our economy to where we want it to be,” Romualdez told foreign correspondents in a forum in Manila.
Defense agreements
He remained optimistic, however, that Washington’s support for Manila would continue and there were no indications that what happened to Ukraine could happen to the Philippines.
“I think all of that will remain. I am confident that it will,” Romualdez said when asked whether defense agreements and military aid would continue under the Trump administration.
He confirmed a Reuters report that Washington exempted $336-million worth of military assistance to Manila from its foreign aid freeze and said he was hopeful that “succeeding monies will be made available to us in the next couple of years.”
Both U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio and defense chief Pete Hegseth have reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad commitment” to the Philippines during their respective engagements with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. last month.
The Philippines has also carried out a number of joint patrols with the United States
since January under the new Trump administration in the West Philippine Sea, part of the South China Sea that China claims almost entirely.
Manila has a Mutual Defense Treaty with Washington in effect since 1951 that calls for each side to come to the other’s defense in case of an armed attack.
The Philippines is also the biggest country recipient of U.S. military assistance in the region.
Marcos-Trump meeting
“The Philippines faces an existential threat in the South China Sea, and our desire to develop our defense capabilities to address this threat aligns closely with U.S. interests to maintain peace and stability in this part of the world,” he said.
Plans are already underway for a possible meeting between President Marcos and his American counterpart, likely in the spring, Romualdez said.
“I believe that an in-person meeting with President Marcos would be crucial in further bolstering the U.S.’ continued support for the Philippine-U.S. relations and continued presence in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.
“It’s really a matter of timing. But President Marcos has clearly said that when President Trump is available, he would definitely like to fly to Washington and meet with him,” Romualdez said.
Mr. Marcos, who took office in 2022, moved the
Philippines closer to the United States since replacing Rodrigo Duterte, who pivoted the country’s foreign policy away from Washington and toward Beijing.
Alliances
On Monday, the Philippine Army launched a large-scale exercise to test and improve its ability to quickly deploy in response to a potential conflict.
The Combined Arms Training Exercise (Catex), set from March 3 to 22, will highlight the Army’s efforts to shift to external security operations.
The exercises will simulate the defense of northern and Central Luzon from an invasion and test newly delivered light tanks and artillery, such as Sabrah light tanks and Pandur 8×8 wheeled armored vehicles.
Around 6,000 Army troops will take part in the Catex.
During the weekend, top Army officials from the Philippines, United States, Japan, and Australia also gathered in Manila to discuss collective approaches to deter shared threats amid rising tensions with China.
The meeting of the “CORE 4 Technical Working Group” on March 1 and 2 focused on “enhancing interoperability and aligning military exercises among regional partners and allies,” which aimed to reinforce “collective defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region,” Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said. n
BI still clueless on Alice Guo escape...
PAGE 1
siblings’ escape, Manahan said.
“We will check with the office of the commissioner if any reports have been submitted from November to this year,” he said.
No BI personnel helped Guo escape, Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.
Guo’s most probable mode of exit was through a backdoor in the southern part of the country, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) said.
Aside from wanted criminals, human traffickers are using this
backdoor to transport victims who end up working in scam hubs abroad, the BI previously reported.
Private coastlines and airstrips are not manned by the BI, Viado noted. Viado has thanked the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for its efforts to curb illegal backdoor exits.
Guo is currently detained and facing charges of qualified human trafficking, among others, stemming from her involvement in Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
Roque’s whereabouts
Hontiveros pressed the BI about the whereabouts of former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, who is also being probed for his reported involvement in POGOs.
“Where, for God’s sake, is Harry Roque?” she asked.
Roque had served as legal counsel for Whirlwind Corp., which leased a property to a raided POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.
Hontiveros said she received a tip that Roque – who is allegedly hiding in Dubai – flew to Shanghai, China on Dec. 8 last year and stayed there for a day before flying to Macau. n
Philippines reaffirms stance...
PAGE 1
Tokyo said its decision not to participate as an observer to the conference stemmed from its policy of nuclear deterrence amid a challenging security
environment. In 2017, the Philippines signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which bans the development, testing,
production, acquisition, possession and stockpiling of nuclear weapons. The Senate unanimously approved its ratification in 2021.
(Philstar. com)
Vice President Sara Duterte
Photo from Facebook/@MayorIndaySaraDuterte
SECURITY TALKS. The Philippine Army hosted a meeting of senior military leaders from the Philippines, United States, Japan and Australia over the weekend to discuss measures to deter shared threats amid rising tensions with China. Photo from the Philippine Army Facebook page
Egg prices soar: How Filipino families and businesses are coping with the surge California extends financial aid deadline for college students
LOS ANGELES
– The rising cost of eggs has hit Filipino households and small businesses hard, as prices continue to climb due to supply shortages and inflation. Once an affordable kitchen staple, eggs are now among the most expensive items in grocery stores, with prices soaring over 50% in the past year, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This sharp increase is forcing families and businesses to make difficult adjustments.
Why are egg prices rising?
The primary driver behind the price surge is the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, which has led to the loss of millions of egg-laying hens across the country. With fewer hens producing eggs, supply has dwindled while demand remains high, driving up costs.
In addition to bird flu, higher feed prices, increased fuel costs, and persistent supply chain disruptions have further contributed to the spike.
Impact on Filipino food businesses
For many Filipino restaurants and bakeries, eggs are a core ingredient in countless dishes, from baked goods to traditional meals. The price increase has put a strain on small business owners, forcing them to make tough choices — whether to raise prices, reduce portion sizes, or find ingredient alternatives.
“We use eggs in so many of our baked goods and main dishes,” shared a Filipino bakery owner in Los Angeles. “We’re trying to absorb some of the cost, but we’ve also had to slightly increase our prices. It’s tough because we know our customers are also struggling with rising grocery costs.”
Filipino bakeries have been especially impacted, as eggs are essential for many traditional pastries and desserts like ensaymada and leche flan Some have turned to smaller farms or wholesalers to manage expenses, but balancing affordability with sustainability remains a challenge.
How Filipino families are adjusting For many Filipino households, eggs are a versatile and reliable protein source, making them a staple in daily meals. With prices skyrocketing, families have adapted with creativity and resourcefulness. They buy in bulk when prices drop, explore local Asian markets for better deals, and substitute eggs with alternatives in recipes. Some families have even reserved eggs for special dishes, carefully balancing tradition with practicality.
These inventive cooking adjustments allow families to stretch ingredients without compromising on taste or cultural heritage. By sharing tips and insights within their communities, they help preserve beloved dishes
and strengthen their collective resilience in the face of rising costs.
Government response and possible solutions
To address the crisis, the USDA has announced measures such as increasing biosecurity protocols to prevent further bird flu outbreaks, providing financial aid to poultry farmers to help repopulate egg-laying flocks, and exploring egg imports from other countries to stabilize supply and ease domestic shortages. However, experts warn that it may take several months before production normalizes and prices begin to stabilize. In the meantime, consumers can help mitigate the impact by supporting local farms, joining community co-ops, or exploring alternative protein sources to ease reliance on eggs.
Navigating the challenges ahead
Filipino small businesses are responding to rising costs with resilience, leaning on community support to navigate these tough times. They are adjusting with creativity and determination, while families carefully manage their meals and budgets to make ends meet.
Despite the challenges, families are embracing resourcefulness, discovering new ways to sustain themselves, and holding onto hope for relief as they continue to make the most of every meal.
(AJPress)
by Selen ozturk Ethnic Media Services
WITH Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) delays and plummeting applications, California is extending financial aid access for all students who need it.
The California Student Aid Commission reports a 25% fall in high school senior FAFSA applications — a decrease of 48,000 students — compared to February of last year.
Overall, FAFSA applications statewide have dropped by 14%, while California Dream Act (CADAA) applications have dropped 38%.
In response, the state has extended this year’s FAFSA and CADAA application deadline by 30 days, from March 3 to April 2. Around 55% of California students receive federal grants, close to the national rate of 56%.
While FAFSA problems aren’t new — rollout delays and technical glitches during last year’s cycle led to a 9% decline in applications as of August 2024 — many experts and students attribute much of this year’s decline to fears that undocumented students will have their information targeted for deportation.
The share of financial aidapplying students with at least one parent who’s undocumented has fallen 44% this February compared to last, from about 30,000 Californians to 17,000.
“Things like eliminating the U.S. Department of Education, freezing federal funding and increasing immigration enforcement is leading many students to ask themselves whether it’s safe or even possible to apply for financial aid … with their future in question,” said Dr. Daisy Gonzales, executive director of the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), at a Thursday, February 27 Ethnic Media Services briefing on the state deadline extension.
“While we can’t speculate on how the federal administration may use the information collected through FAFSA,” she continued, CADAA application information “is held by the state of California, and will only be used to determine eligibility
for state and institution-based financial aid.”
“I’m the daughter of immigrants, and grew up in foster care in LA County. I wouldn’t be who I am today if I weren’t able to access financial aid at the age of 17, go to community college and eventually transfer to a UC,” Gonzales added. “Extending this deadline means extending hope and support like this in real time.”
For students needing help applying, CSAC — which administers public higher education state aid — has free online and in-person Cash for College workshops, and phone and email hotlines.
“The hit in financial aid applications we’re seeing right now is even worse than what we saw during a global pandemic,” said Catalina Cifuentes, CSAC chair and executive director of college and career readiness in the Riverside County Office of Education.
“At least during the pandemic, many of those students came back,” she continued. “I’m worried that by the time these students and families realize they could have gotten tuition and fees covered, It’s too late. They may have full time jobs by then, children, spouses, and coming back to school is so difficult for working adults.”
In Riverside County, which serves over 420,000 K-12 students across 23 school districts, “we have one of the lower college educated adult populations in California … and a high volume of students that are first in their family to go to college,” Cifuentes explained.
“What we tell them is: Apply. See what happens. You have plenty of time to decide if you want to pursue post-secondary, but you only have this window to get the maximum aid available.”
“With two younger sisters to think about, it was a really tough decision to figure out whether college was even an option for me, and whether I was ever going to be able to make it,” said Keiry Saravia, a CSAC commissioner and a junior English teaching major at California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
“I’m a first-generation student born and raised in Los Angeles to two immigrant parents from
El Salvador,” she continued. “I hope to go to law school after this and become an immigration and criminal lawyer … if I wasn’t able to get financial aid through a Cal Grant, I wouldn’t have even considered going to law school. I would have been more committed to helping my family and ensuring that my sisters could go to college.”
“Right now, even here at CSUN, where a lot of us have already submitted our our FAFSA, we’re still getting a lot of misinformation about whether we’ll be eligible again, whether it’s even feasible, whether our information will be safe, because we’re a predominantly Hispanic community, and a lot of undocumented students are scared,” explained Saravia.
“But it just takes students continuing to push for help. More students need to know that they don’t have to stop after one application. They can keep applying until they’re eligible … because without these opportunities, many wouldn’t be in the positions that they’re in now, me included,” she added.
“We hear a lot these days about student debt, rising tuition, skepticism about the value of higher education,” said Shawn Brick, associate vice provost of student financial aid at the UC Office of the President.
“We need to focus not just on return on investment, but the value in terms of understanding the options it gives you for the rest of your life, educationally and employment-wise.”
The UC system, which includes 10 campuses, has extended its own financial aid priority filing deadline to April 2, matching the state.
In the 2022-2023 academic year, nearly 70% of UC undergraduates received financial aid and over 50% paid no tuition.
Over 75% of California State University undergraduates received aid; over 60% paid no tuition.
“Financial aid is about more than covering tuition. It can help students cover other costs while enrolled in school — that includes food, housing, transportation, books and supplies,” added Brick. “You can afford college. We’ll make sure that’s a reality.” n
Filipino desserts heavily rely on eggs as a key ingredient. The egg shortage significantly impacts the cost of these beloved treats. Unsplash.com photo by Jacob Kapusnak
Non-citizens ‘between a rock and a hard place’...
PAGE 1
American Immigration Council.
That provision, the Alien Registration Act of 1940, passed on the cusp of WWII and the onset of the Cold War, targeted with a broad brush any non-citizen for suspected ties to communist or fascist groups. It cast a shadow of fear in immigrant communities across the country.
“This will force many people… to make a very hard choice between two options that carry serious risk,” Gupta explained. “Either register as required and be subject to removal, or don’t register to avoid mass deportation and then be subject to criminal prosecution.”
She added, “It leaves noncitizens between a rock and a hard place.”
Gupta spoke during a virtual press briefing hosted by the immigrant advocacy group America’s Voice looking at the latest steps taken by the Trump administration as it pursues its campaign of mass deportations.
Under the new requirements, all individuals who entered the country without a visa— regardless of how long they have lived here—will be required to register and carry proof of that registration at all times.
Immigrant rights groups say the language of the current measure is a draft and that further amendments or changes could be made. In the meantime, Gupta warns it will likely lead to cases of racial profiling.
“If you are a federal agent and asked to find people in violation of this requirement, you are being incentivized to profile,” she said. “And that will be targeted toward citizens, non-citizens with status and the undocumented.”
Carlos Guevara, senior director of policy at the Immigration Hub, described the measure as a “nationalization of the ‘Show Me Your Papers’ laws,” first passed in Arizona and Texas in 2010, authorizing law enforcement to check the immigration status of anyone they suspect of not being in the country legally.
While the ACLU and others sued to block implementation of the Arizona law, known as SB1070, arguing it violates the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable search and seizure, the Supreme Court has largely left it and similar legislation untouched.
Any litigation around the current measure would come
once the language is finalized and issued, explained Gupta, noting several organizations are already considering filing suit.
According to Guevara, children are increasingly vulnerable under these new regulations.
“We have six million American kids who live with an undocumented loved one,” he noted, adding the “climate of fear and uncertainty” is driving families to keep their kids home from school, the hospital, church, all places no longer seen as off limits to federal immigration agents.
Reporting out of San Diego recently noted the presence of ICE vehicles outside a local clinic, with health care providers attesting to a subsequent drop in the number of patients they are seeing.
Guevara said these moves are in sync with Trump’s broader “deportation agenda,” including a reduction in the number of immigration judges and a recently passed house bill that threatens to strip public funding for vital health care programs.
The goal is to make conditions such that migrants will opt to self deport, said David Leopold, former president and general counsel with the American Immigration Lawyers Association, an unlikely option for many, if not most migrants here.
“We are dealing with folks who have been here for decades. They’ve raised their families here. Self-deportation or just going back to a country you have no memory of, is not as easy as it sounds.”
An estimated 80% of undocumented immigrants in the US have lived here for 15 years or longer, data show.
Pointing to the economic harm Trump’s policies could inflict given the pivotal role immigrants play across a number of vital
Photo from Picryl
sectors, he adds, “This policy is about self-deporting our own economic advantages.”
The number of deportations during Trump’s first month in office are in fact lower than numbers seen during former President Joe Biden’s final months in office. But the panelists agreed the administration is actively taking steps to bolster infrastructure—including through the expansion of private detention centers—to house an expected increase in the number of migrants detained.
“The administration is trying to rapidly expand its infrastructure to carry through on its threat of mass deportation,” Gupta said. “They are asking congress for money to set this up, to expand detention capacity.”
With the new registry, the government can also now rely on federal prisons. “They can prosecute someone and put them in federal prison for 6 months before initiating a removal process.”
With that expansion into private prisons comes a loss of accountability, transparency, and access by legal aid providers, something Gupta said is already being seen in places like Maryland, where lawyers struggled to meet with clients detained for a prolonged period.
According to Leopold, when it comes to immigration, the media needs to help the public better distinguish fact from fiction, including the fact that being undocumented is not a criminal act warranting imprisonment but a civil violation.
“Pick any term you want from 1930s Germany and replace it with immigrant,” he said, describing the current atmosphere. He added, “It is going to get much worse than we see today… This is just the beginning.” n
Nevada judiciary expands free legal resources with self-help website
Enhanced legal self-help resources, including multilingual AI-powered support and step-by-step guides, assist self-represented
CARSON City — The State of Nevada Judicial Branch is proud to announce that the state-wide legal self-help website selfhelp. nvcourts.gov now includes features aimed at providing free resources to empower individuals who are navigating the legal system.
The Supreme Court of Nevada Administrative Office of the Courts enlisted the help of technology company CiviLaw.Tech to develop innovative online tools including instructional step-by-step guides and informative videos. These resources address many common topics including divorce, custody, paternity, child support, separate maintenance, annulment, guardianship, adoption, termination of parental rights, name changes, and more.
“Access to justice is, and always will be, of paramount concern to the Supreme Court of Nevada and I am confident that our efforts to increase the resources available to the people of our state through our Self-Help website will be tremendously impactful,” said
Supreme Court of Nevada Chief Justice Douglas Herndon. “I am grateful to everyone involved in our Administrative Office of the Courts for their innovative efforts to bring this tool to all Nevadans.”
The Self-Help Center features an AI-powered chatbot offering multilingual support. As legal self-help resources become increasingly vital nationwide, the Supreme Court of Nevada is at the forefront, utilizing an artificial intelligence chatbot that provides tailored legal information and resources based on an individual’s needs, available in more than 50 languages.
Guided interviews, similar to those used in tax preparation software, are available to assist users in navigating legal processes.
Additionally, the Self-Help Center offers a portal to file protection orders, information on court basics, finding legal assistance, and selfrepresentation in court. A list of resources for individuals experiencing issues such as domestic violence, child support
enforcement, missing children, and senior services is also available.
“Everyone deserves access to justice and the resources necessary to navigate the legal system,” added State Court Administrator, Katherine Stocks. “This portal reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting Nevada residents in their legal needs, regardless of their ability to pay.”
Visitors can access information on court fees and fee waivers in various languages, along with details on free and low-cost legal assistance. Legal Aid providers throughout Nevada are hosting Ask-A-Lawyer events in which members of the public can consult with a licensed attorney. The
Trump signs executive order...
PAGE 1 from all over the world, but a common language unites us,” Trump stated. “This order ensures that English remains at the heart of our national identity and government operations.” Policy and practical implications
The executive order represents a significant departure from language access policies that have accommodated the nation’s linguistic diversity. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 350 languages are spoken in American households, with 21.7% of individuals aged five and older speaking a language other than English at home. Additionally, about 25.1 million individuals in the U.S. are considered LEP, comprising approximately 8% of the population. Many LEP individuals rely on multilingual services in government, healthcare, and legal sectors to access critical information.
By rescinding Executive Order 13166, the new directive eliminates federal requirements for language assistance, giving agencies the discretion to provide translations or multilingual services but
no longer mandating them.
This shift could significantly impact non-English speakers, particularly in communities where government-provided translations are essential for accessing voting materials, healthcare services, emergency response, and legal aid.
Critics argue that the order will create barriers for immigrants and non-English speakers, making it harder for them to participate fully in civic life.
Vanessa Cárdenas, executive director of America’s Voice, expressed concern, stating:
“This isn’t just a symbolic move — it will have real consequences. Removing language assistance means millions of people will struggle to access critical services, from healthcare to the justice system.”
State and local impact
Although more than 30 states already recognize English as their official language, the federal directive may create tensions with state and local governments that have extensive language-access programs.
In California, New York, and Illinois, for example, where local laws mandate multilingual services, officials are assessing
whether the executive order conflicts with existing policies. Education officials are also reviewing its potential effects on English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in public schools, particularly in districts with high numbers of nonEnglish-speaking students.
The road ahead As the executive order is signed and implemented, its legal and practical ramifications remain uncertain. Advocacy groups are expected to challenge the measure in court, arguing that it disproportionately harms immigrant communities and non-English speakers by restricting access to government services. Meanwhile, federal agencies will need to determine how to implement the directive while navigating existing state and local language-access policies.
The decision reignites longstanding debates over language, identity, and inclusion in American society. Whether the order stands or faces legal challenges, it signals a shift in federal language policy that could reshape the country’s approach to multilingualism.
(AJPress)
President Donald Trump signed a historic executive order declaring English as the official language of the United States, marking a significant policy shift in the nation’s history. This order directs federal agencies to prioritize English in government communications and services, while rescinding a Clinton-era Executive Order that required language assistance for individuals with limited English proficiency.” Photo from X/ @WhiteHouse
Dateline PhiliPPines
PSA: Top 10 causes of death in Philippines in 2024
MANILA — Heart diseases, neoplasms and stroke were the top three causes of death in the country from January to August of 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
In a March 3 report, the PSA said ischemic or coronary heart diseases topped the list, with 67,856 cases accounting for 19.7 percent of the total deaths nationwide.
The latest ranking was consistent with the top causes of death for the same period in 2023, the PSA said.
Ischemic heart disease, also called coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease, is caused by narrowed heart (coronary) arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
Neoplasms followed as the
second leading cause, with 38,132 deaths representing 11.1 percent of the total.
The U.S. National Cancer Institute defines neoplasm as “an abnormal mass of tissue that forms when cells grow and divide more than they should or do not die when they should.” It may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).
Cerebrovascular diseases ranked third, with 34,464 recorded cases, constituting 10.0 percent of the total deaths.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, a cerebrovascular accident, or stroke, is an emergency medical condition characterized by an acute compromise of the cerebral perfusion or vasculature. It added that the leading cause of ischemic stroke is hypertension, whereas clotting disorders, carotid dissection, and illicit drug abuse are common causes in younger populations.
Pneumonia emerged as the fourth leading cause of death with 22,525 cases (6.5 percent), while diabetes mellitus ranked fifth with 21,736 deaths or 6.3 percent share. (Doris DumlaoAbadilla/Inquirer.net)
by Ian CIgaral Inquirer.net
transportation, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Wednesday, March 5. The latest reading was better than the median estimate of 2.6 percent in an Inquirer poll of economists last week. It was likewise lower than the 2.2 percent to 3 percent forecast range of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). That price hikes had stayed within the 2 to 4 percent official target means the BSP has enough room to continue with
its gradual easing cycle, which would help support economic growth.
Key indices soften
The downtrend in the overall inflation was primarily influenced by the lower year-onyear growth rate of the heavilyweighted food and non-alcoholic beverages at 0.8 percent during the month from 2.4 percent in the previous month, the PSA reported.
Likewise, the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels index rose at a slower pace of 1.7 percent during the month from 2.4 percent in January.
The transport index also eased to 0.2 percent from 1.7 percent in the previous month.
Commodity groups
The PSA also noted lower annual rates in the indices of the
following commodity groups:
• Clothing and footwear, 1.9 percent from 2.3 percent;
• Furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance, 1.9 percent from 2.4 percent;
• Health, 1.8 percent from 2 percent;
• Recreation, sport and culture, 4.2 percent from 4.5 percent;
• Restaurants and accommodation services, 3 percent from 3.4 percent; and
• Personal care, and miscellaneous goods and services, 2.7 percent from 3 percent.
In contrast, higher annual growth rate was noted in the index of alcoholic beverages and tobacco at 4 percent in February from 3.9 percent in January. n
criStina chi Philstar.com
MANILA — The Philippine Air Force confirmed Wednesday, March 5, that search teams have located the wreckage of the FA50 fighter jet that went missing Tuesday night, with both pilots found dead at the crash site in Bukidnon province.
The wreckage was discovered in the vicinity of the Mt. Kalatungan Complex in Bukidnon on Wednesday following a fullscale search and rescue operation that involved over 100 personnel, according to the PAF.
“With deep regret and profound sadness, the PAF announces the loss of the two pilots aboard,” the PAF said in a statement.
The FA-50 fighter jet with tail number 002 lost contact with the rest of the flight involved in its mission “several minutes before they reached the target area of operations” past midnight on Tuesday, March 4.
The jet was part of a flight providing air support for ground troops engaged in an operation in Bukidnon. An earlier PAF statement said it was engaged in “tactical night operations.”
The crash marks the first recorded accident involving the Philippines’ FA-50 fleet since the aircraft were acquired between 2015 and 2017.
Following the incident, all 11 remaining FA-50 jets have been grounded pending a thorough investigation.
PAF Spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said they cannot “conclusive say anything” about the cause of the accident.
“This will have to undergo thorough investigation. There could be various reasons why this happened,” Castillo said. “Hopefully, through the investigation, we will know the real reason why this happened.”
The crashed FA-50 fighter jet was located using signals from the aircraft’s emergency locator transmitter and locator beacons.
The aircraft was “totally wrecked,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Eastern Mindanao Command commander Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante at a
press conference on Wednesday.
The remains of the two pilots were found inside the aircraft, Bergante said.
According to the PAF, the search and recovery operation faced significant challenges due to the mountainous terrain and weather conditions. Over 100 rescuers, including special forces teams from the Philippine Army and civilian volunteers, were deployed to locate the crash site.
Information from the crash site was described as “intermittent” due to weak signals in the area, which complicated initial assessment efforts.
“We can’t provide specific statements about the condition of the wreckage or details about the pilots yet, as we’re still gathering all the facts,” Castillo explained during the press conference.
Well-trained pilots
While the PAF spokesperson declined to reveal the identities of the pilots, she said they were welltrained members of the Air Force.
Castillo explained that to reach the level of flying an FA-50, pilots typically start with the S-211 trainer aircraft first, building up experience before being upgraded to the more advanced fighter jet.
“Our pilots are well-trained, especially if you are detailed to fly the FA-50 aircraft. Remember, this is our most prime fighter jets,” Castillo said.
The PAF spokesperson said the investigation into the crash will be comprehensive and will examine multiple factors, including the aircraft’s wreckage, maintenance records, pilot profiles, weather conditions during the mission and flight procedures.
Grounding of FA-50 fleet
Officials acknowledged that the grounding of the FA-50 fleet will have a big impact on Air Force operations, “especially if we don’t have [other] fighter aircraft available.” Castillo said besides the FA-50, the Air Force has the S-211, which is used for training.
“We are committed to completing the investigation as soon as possible so that our fighter aircraft can get back to the air,” the PAF spokesperson added. In its official statement, the PAF requested “the nation’s prayers for the eternal repose of our fallen pilots, whose service and heroism we deeply honor,” and committed to providing all necessary support to the bereaved families during this difficult time. n
The Chinese Cemetery in Manila Photo by Ramon FVelasquez
How did they escape?
THE story has faded from the headlines, but Filipinos would still want to know how Alice Guo and her purported siblings Shiela and Wesley managed to flee the country in July last year.
Finding out how the Guos escaped could expose the weaknesses that allowed it to happen, and identify and hold accountable those who helped them escape.
At a hearing of the Senate committee on justice and human rights on Tuesday, March 4, Sen. Risa Hontiveros raised a valid point: seven months after the three escaped, the government still has not validated Alice Guo’s story, as told to the Senate on Sept. 9 last year.
Guo, facing the committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality, said she and her siblings traveled to Manila where they boarded a small white boat, which seemed to be a yacht. They transferred to a bigger vessel that appeared to be a fishing boat, and again transferred a few days later to a smaller boat that brought them to Malaysia.
Multiple government agencies have offices around the Port of Manila. There are supposed to be patrols by state forces around Manila Bay, including the Manila Yacht Club where the yachts dock. How hard is it to find out where the Guos
Babe’s Eye View
BaBe Romualdez
The bold immigration plan of President Donald Trump that offers foreigners a pathway to U.S. citizenship through a “gold card” visa is now a hot button topic, opening up discussions and debates on whether it can spur the U.S. economy or if it will further drive inequality.
Dubbed the “golden visa” program that allows individuals to be granted permanent U.S. residency by investing $5 million, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the proposal will replace the current visa program for foreign investors known as the EB-5 which grants “green cards” (permanent resident cards) to foreigners (plus their spouses and children under 21) who will invest $1 million in a business or company with 10 employees at the very least.
Created in 1990 by the U.S. Congress, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is administered by the U.S.
NOW that the Philippines, after missing its deadline, finally managed to get out of the gray list of countries under tighter monitoring by the Financial Action Task Force or FATF, the global dirty money watchdog may want to take a look at one of the biggest financial laundromats in this country: campaign finance.
Pressure from the Paris-based anti-money laundering FATF compelled the government, among other things, to tighten supervision of casino junkets and strengthen its framework for combating terrorism financing.
The complete ban on Philippine offshore gaming operations and the local POGO copycat IGL or internet gaming licensee also helped.
While Philippine officials are patting themselves on the back, several nongovernment organizations are lamenting that the exit from the gray list was achieved partly at their expense, with their assets frozen and restrictions imposed for
boarded the “white boat” and who facilitated the escape?
The Bureau of Immigration could only tell Hontiveros that BI personnel had no hand in the escape. At the same hearing, Hontiveros lamented the escape of three Chinese POGO bosses wanted in their country. Lyu Xun, Kong Xiangrui and Wang Shangle reportedly escaped during a layover in Hong Kong en route to China following their deportation from the Philippines.
Authorities are also still trying to piece together how former presidential spokesman Harry Roque ended up in the Middle East as the House of Representatives ordered his arrest and detention for contempt. Roque has reportedly been spotted in Macau and Japan. The BI said he tried to leave for the U.S. from Japan.
The nation must find out how people wanted in the Philippines and in other countries manage to slip past border controls. Uncovering what happened will allow the leaks in the system to be plugged. This can prevent impunity and more escapes. (Philstar.com)
Citizenship and Immigration Services and aims to “stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors.” Green card holders including those who have EB-5 visas have to live lawfully in the U.S. for five years before they can apply for U.S. citizenship. According to Secretary Lutnick, the new “gold card” initiative would not have the job creation requirement under the EB-5 program which he described as “low priced” and full of “nonsense, make believe and fraud.” In a recent interview, the U.S. Commerce secretary said there are already 250,000 individuals now “waiting in line” to get one of the gold cards, giving the assurance that everyone will be “deeply vetted.”
“Wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card; they’ll be wealthy and they’ll be successful, and they’ll be spending a lot of money and paying a lot of taxes and employing a lot of people, and we think it’s going to be extremely successful,” said President Trump, disclosing that they can offer as many as 10
being classified as supporters of terrorist groups.
Several of these NGOs have been linked by government security officials to the Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army. The CPP and NPA are designated as terrorist organizations not only in the Philippines but also in the United States and the European Union.
The exit from the FATF gray list means the country is seen to have made significant progress in strengthening measures against money laundering and financing of terrorism.
Officials have stressed that exiting the list does not mean money laundering has been eliminated. Which is just as well, since Filipinos will laugh if told that the exit means the country is no longer a money laundering haven.
Some quarters are even hoping that the FATF will also exert pressure on the government for the passage of legislation for genuine campaign finance reforms and easing of bank secrecy laws.
Members of all Congresses since the restoration of democracy in 1986, with their powerful self-preservation
President Trump’s ‘golden visa’
million “gold cards” to raise $50 trillion to pay off the $35-trillion U.S. national debt and still have a $15 trillion surplus. There are those, however, who are concerned that the initiative could promote divisiveness and inequality as it would allow the very rich, or the “ultra-high net worth individuals,” to “buy their way” into U.S. citizenship and, unlike the EB-5 visa, will not be required to create jobs or put up businesses. On the other hand, those who approve of the new “golden card” initiative say it will boost the U.S. economy. Critics of the EB-5 program also say it is rife with loopholes and has been prone to abuse, such as alleged backroom deals that have not benefitted rural and distressed urban areas which are supposed to be the intended beneficiaries of the investor visa program. The 10,000 annual limitation in issuing the investor visas has also resulted in long waiting times that turn off potential investors.
The fact is, a lot of other countries are also luring investors by offering “golden visa” programs for wealthy individuals who can obtain
citizenship by purchasing real estate or investing money, with the amounts varying in each country.
According to Henley & Partners, a leading investment migration consultancy firm based in London, golden visa acquisition is a “process whereby qualified, vetted candidates are granted residence rights in exchange for a defined economic contribution to the host country.”
Data from the British firm says the golden visa legislation is now in place in over 100 countries all over the world, among them Greece, Portugal, Italy, the UK, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Spain, Singapore, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates and Malta.
One of the most popular golden visa countries is Spain that is also popular among tourists because of its natural beauty, rich history and diverse culture. Under the Spain Residence by Investment Program, a foreign individual and his immediate family members can become permanent residents after five years of continuous residence in the country and
may become Spanish citizens through the acquisition of real estate with a minimum value of €500,000; investment funds, bank deposits or listed company shares in Spanish financial institutions with a minimum value of €1 million; or a government bonds investment with a minimum value of €2 million.(Unfortunately, Spain is suspending its golden visa program effective April 3, 2025 due to concerns about rising property prices and housing affordability for citizens.)
The Golden Visa Program of Greece is also much sought-after with its diverse qualifying options that include a specialized real estate investment of €250,000 to convert commercial buildings into residential use; €400,000 for the purchase of a single property with a minimum size of 120 square-meters and $800,000 for the purchase of properties in certain cities and islands with more than 3,100 residents.
Even young Filipino professionals are showing increased interest in the EU’s golden visa programs, says an article from Schengen News
Still a dirty money haven
instincts, have tossed out all proposals for regulating election campaign finance and lifting of the world’s toughest bank secrecy laws.
Defanged by lawmakers and the judiciary, all that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has managed to impose is a requirement for all candidates, win or lose, to file statements of contributions and expenditures or SOCE within 30 days after election day.
While verification of the accuracy of the financial declarations can be challenging for the understaffed Comelec, Chairman George Garcia has announced plans to upload the SOCE for public access, in hopes that interested parties particularly the candidates will be checking each other for possible lying in the statements. The Comelec can then act on complaints.
The Comelec also oversees compliance with spending limits set under the Omnibus Election Code – currently at P10 per voter for the races for president and vice president, P3 for other positions and P5 per voter for political parties.
Comelec officials have said the spending limits set under the Code passed in 1991 have
become unrealistic and must be increased. This will be welcomed by moneyed candidates, who can then openly spend more for their campaigns without worrying about breaking the rules and facing sanctions. But raising the spending limit may be frowned upon by those with limited resources.
For candidates who are flush with cash from illegal activities, the sky’s the limit in campaign spending.
* * *
Alice Guo is under investigation on charges of faking her Philippine citizenship to run for mayor of Bamban, Tarlac. POGOs are believed to have bankrolled her campaign for election.
Offshore gaming and the crimes linked to POGOs, such as cyberscams, kidnapping for ransom and human trafficking, aren’t the only illegal activities that have financed election campaigns in this country.
Other forms of illegal gambling such as jueteng have been laundered for successful career shifts to politics. If the jueteng lords don’t seek public office themselves, they bankroll the campaigns of candidates and even contribute heavily to the war chests of presidential bets.
Anti-crime watchdogs had previously noted that moneyraising criminal activities such as kidnapping for ransom and daring robberies of banks and armored vehicles tended to spike during election season.
Apart from gambling barons, among the biggest donors to election campaigns are smugglers and drug traffickers.
When the candidate backed by such lowlifes wins, the campaign donors become untouchable, intensifying their criminal activities with impunity.
Some of the offenses are international criminal activities that transcend borders, so the FATF should be interested in the opportunities for money laundering related to such crimes.
Even groups designated as foreign terrorist organizations –the targets of the FATF focus on combating terrorism financing – engage in criminal activities to raise funds. The Abu Sayyaf, one of such organizations, has a long track record of lucrative fund-raising through ransom kidnapping and extortion.
Security officials say the New People’s Army is among the biggest maintainers of marijuana farms around the country.
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection
that quoted a recent report by an international property marketing consultancy, with Portugal and Greece as top choices.
The golden visa program is something that we should also try to do in the Philippines to attract quality investors to come in as this will help boost the economy. While the Philippines has the Special Investor’s Resident Visa that allows foreign visitors to stay indefinitely and then apply for citizenship after 10 years of continuous residency, the minimum required amount of $75,000 is “too cheap and too low,” said a local businessman.
I certainly agree with him. The Philippines has become a very attractive investment destination with the government offering various incentives to investors and a skilled, educated and English-proficient work force who are worth their weight in gold. (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
There’s a legally binding United Nations Convention Against Corruption, adopted by the UN General Assembly in October 2003 and which entered into force on Dec. 14, 2005. Corruption has been one of the biggest hindrances to the elimination of poverty and the achievement of UN development goals. The global campaign against money laundering is a critical component of any battle against corruption. The FATF should be interested, for example, in the laundering of slush funds and kickbacks by politicians and other government officials worldwide. It can set up a black or gray list of countries and territories that are money laundering havens for crooks in government and their cohorts in the private sector.
Exiting the FATF gray list is a step forward. With pressure from the FATF, perhaps Philippine lawmakers will finally be compelled to legislate campaign finance reforms and relax bank secrecy laws. (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.
PCO chief decries ‘demolition job’
MANILA — Nothing but a “demolition job.”
This was how Presidential Communications Office (PCO)
Secretary Jay Ruiz described the allegation that he benefited from a P206-million deal with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Speaking to Malacañang reporters on Tuesday, March 4, Ruiz branded as “fake news” a Politiko report stating that he is a co-owner of Digital8 Inc., which entered into a joint venture with state-run Intercontinental
Broadcasting Corp. (IBC-13) last year for the production and broadcast of PCSO’s lotto draws and other games. “Actually, I did not want to dignify the story because it’s fake news. First of all, I don’t own a share. I’m not a stockholder. I am not an owner of Digital 8. I represented Digital8 in the joint venture agreement between IBC13 and PCSO. I never owned that company,” Ruiz said. As PCO secretary, Ruiz said his goal is to crack down on fake news, not knowing he himself
would be victimized by it. He urged the media to check the owners of Digital8 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Asked what could be the motive behind the publication of the story, Ruiz cited the reorganization in the PCO.
In Congress, House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V and Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman backed President Marcos’ stand against fake news. (Jose Rodel Clapano/ Philstar.com)
Marcos: Supporters of admin’s candidates are real people, not trolls
by
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. once again warned the public about fake news, pointing out that supporters of the administration’s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas are real people and not trolls.
On his official YouTube vlog uploaded on Sunday, March 2, Marcos said fake news is among the challenges faced by Alyansa especially amid the campaign season.
“Fake news is everywhere. That’s why we, as citizens, must be careful. As we always say, the new generation of Filipinos knows how to discern between
true and false information.
Now that fake news and disinformation are spreading again, we must be extra cautious about what we read online,” he said in Filipino.
“One of the things that makes me happy about the rallies we attend is that I get to see our supporters in the Alliance firsthand. They are real people, real Filipinos—not just keyboard warriors or trolls. They are real individuals whom we shake hands with, talk to, and check in on,” he added.
Marcos also said the testimonies from Alyansa’s supporters, whom he claimed thanked them for various government initiatives and programs, cannot be faked.
“That is why we must continue what we have started. Whether it’s a campaign or not, fake news is always there. Campaign or not, nothing will stop our government from serving,” he added.
Although it was unclear why Marcos released such a statement, netizens posted photos of Alyansa bets interacting with a crowd of supporters.
This is not the first time Marcos addressed an issue related to troll farms during campaign season.
In the 2022 polls, Marcos revealed that he was offered to use online troll farms to boost his campaign, but he rejected the offer and even urged his critics to find even just one of his supposed trolls. n
Hontiveros rebukes elusive Roque
by CharIe abarCa Inquirer.net
MANILA — “Kung talagang travel lang yan, bakit iligal ang pag-alis mo sa bansa – at bakit ayaw mo nang bumalik dito, Harry Roque?”
(If that’s only for travel, why did you leave the country through illegal means and why don’t you like to go back, Harry Roque?) Sen. Risa Hontiveros couldn’t help but blurt this question on Wednesday, March 5 after former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that he is not fleeing from Philippine authorities because he is not a fugitive and he has a right to travel. In a post on Facebook, Roque argued that there was no warrant of arrest issued against him.
Citing Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Roque said he is only “being pursued not as a criminal but as a resource person.”
This, however, did not sit well with Hontiveros.
“Travel lang ba talaga yang ginagawa ni Atty. Harry Roque, o paglabag na sa batas ng Pilipinas? Hindi ba pagtakas iyan?” said Hontiveros in a statement on Wednesday.
(Is that only for travel or is that a violation of Philippine laws? Isn’t that fleeing?)
“In his own words, he explains his extended disappearance as flight from a congressional contempt. That is a clear admission of his liability for the crime of disobedience to summons by Congress under Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code,” she emphasized.
According to the opposition lawmaker, it is extremely ironic that Roque is talking about his right to travel, when the Bureau of Immigration has declared that it is studying the filing of cases against him for leaving the country via illegal means.
“Ayon nga sa BI, malamang ay gumamit si Roque ng falsified immigration clearances para makapasok sa
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iba’t-ibang bansa, o di kaya ay tinutulungan ng masasamang indibidwal,” said Hontiveros. (BI said Roque most likely used falsified immigration clearances or he was helped by erring individuals in order to enter various countries.)
“That is on top of the qualified human trafficking complaint he is already facing in connection to his ties to the massive, crime-ridden POGO complex in Porac, Pampanga,” she added.
During the Senate subcommittee on justice and human rights’ hearing on Tuesday, March 4, Hontiveros questioned Roque’s whereabouts.
The Bureau of Immigration, during the inquiry, said Roque attempted to go to the United States, but failed to do so after being held in Japan.
Apart from this, BI Intelligence Division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said they have no other information at present as to where Roque and his wife Mylah are. n
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FaIth argosIno Inquirer.net
BACK TO GUO. Senator Risa Hontiveros chairs the Committee on Justice and Human Rights hearing on the cancellation of passport of former
Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo at the Senate in Pasay City on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Guo is detained due to qualified human trafficking,
nonbailable offense.
PNA photo
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the senatorial candidates of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES
a.k.a Alex Adame, a.k.a Alejandra Adame, a.k.a Alejandra M. Adame filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Maria Alejandra Adame Hernandez, a.k.a Alex Adame, a.k.a Alejandra Adame, a.k.a Alejandra M. Adame to Alejandra Maria Adame. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 04/14/2025 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: FEB 20, 2025 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Maureen F. Hallahan Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1633 02/28, 03/07, 03/14, and 03/21/2025 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required. A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 1633
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9002296
AK Painting located at 2466-B Van Ness, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: ANAUAK INC. , P.O. BOX B02, Imperial Beach, CA 91933. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/12/2024. Signature: Salvador Verastegui. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/03/2025. AJ 1625 02/21, 02/28, 03/07, and 03/14/2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9003319
Proper HVAC Inc. located at 839 First Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant: Proper HVAC Inc., 1111 6th Ave Suite 550, San Diego, CA 92101. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/16/2025. Signature: Luis B Rasmuzzen. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/18/2025. AJ 1631 02/28, 03/07, 03/14, and 03/21/2025. AJSD 1631
CASE NUMBER: 25CU010238C TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Huang Hsien Elbaz filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Huang Hsien Elbaz to Linda Lee Elbaz. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 04/17/2025 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101
A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: FEB 26, 2025 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT
Maureen F. Hallahan
Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1635 02/28, 03/07, 03/14, and 03/21/2025 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.
If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 1635
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9003090
a. Crest Home Care located at 3916 Limber Pine Rd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028. b. Crest Care located at 3916 Limber Pine Rd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028.
Registrant: a. Frank Douglas Dowden, 3916 Limber Pine Rd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028. b. Katherine Mary Dowden, 3916 Limber Pine Rd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028
This business is conducted by A Married Couple. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/01/1994. Signature: Frank Douglas Dowden. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/13/2025. AJ 1626 02/21, 02/28, 03/07, and 03/14/2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9003776
CERTIFIES located at 12004 Calle Naranja, El Cajon, CA 92019. Registrant: Alexander Mcclung, 12004 Calle Naranja, El Cajon, CA 92019. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/01/2024. Signature: Alexander Mcclung. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/24/2025. AJ 1632 02/28, 03/07, 03/14, and 03/21/2025. AJSD 1632
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9001966
MabuHi Food Truck located at 2034 Campo Verde Ct, Escondido, CA 92026.
Registrant: MabuHi Enterprises LLC, 2034 Campo Verde Ct, Escondido, CA 92026. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Alyssa Ordonez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/28/2025.
AJ 1615 02/14, 02/21, 02/28, and 03/07/2025. AJSD 1615
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9001866
College Grove Apartments located at 244-A Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911.
Registrant: PW INC General Partner Of PW Holdings LP, 244-A Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by A Limited Partnership.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2012.
Signature: Robert E Pennell. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/28/2025. AJ 1618 02/14, 02/21, 02/28, and 03/07/2025. AJSD 1618
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9001721
Linda View Services located at 6456 Tooley St, San Diego, CA 92114.
Registrant: Gerardo Lopez Burgoa, 6456 Tooley St, San Diego, CA 92114. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Gerardo Lopez Burgoa.
Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/24/2025. AJ 1621 02/14, 02/21, 02/28, and 03/07/2025. AJSD 1621
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9003091
Crest Home II located at 35822 Bay Sable Ln., Fallbrook, CA 92028.
Registrant: a. Frank Douglas Dowden, 3916 Limber Pine Rd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028.
b. Katherine Mary Dowden, 3916 Limber Pine Rd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028
This business is conducted by A Married Couple.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT
BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/27/2010. Signature: Frank Douglas Dowden.
Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/13/2025. AJ 1627 02/21, 02/28, 03/07, and 03/14/2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9003410 K G Designs located at 1939 Corte Verbena, Chula Vista, CA 91914. Registrant: K Shoes Corp., 524 E San Ysidro Blvd #A, San Diego, CA 92173. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/22/2023. Signature: Carol Kang. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/19/2025. AJ 1634 02/28, 03/07, 03/14, and 03/21/2025. AJSD 1634
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9000198
VAS AH VER located at 4916 Imperial Ave #2, San Diego, CA 92113.
Registrant: a. Cesar Ricardo Fimbres Jr, 4916 Imperial Ave #2, San Diego, CA 92113. b. Cindy Irasema Espindola, 4916 Imperial Ave #2, San Diego, CA 92113. This business is conducted by A Married Couple.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/06/2025.
Signature: Cesar Ricardo Fimbres Jr. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/06/2025. AJ 1616 02/14, 02/21, 02/28, and 03/07/2025. AJSD 1616
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9002886
DANIELS PARTY RENTALS located at 4554 Moraga Ave, San Diego, CA 92117.
Registrant: a. Jose Antonio Becerra, 4554 Moraga Ave, San Diego, CA 92117244-A Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. b. Angelica Morales, 4554 Moraga Ave, San Diego, CA 92117. This business is conducted by A Married Couple.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/08/2023. Signature: Jose Antonio Becerra. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/11/2025. AJ 1619 02/14, 02/21, 02/28, and 03/07/2025. AJSD 1619
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9003104
Treasure Listing located at 17028 Garden Walk Way, San Diego, CA 92127. Registrant: Sullaway Solutions, P.O. 28789, San Diego, CA 92198. This business is conducted by A Corporation.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Keaton Sullaway. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/13/2025. AJ 1623 02/21, 02/28, 03/07, and 03/14/2025. AJSD 1623
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9003092
Crest Home III located at 4791 Marblehead Bay Dr., Oceanside, CA, 92057
Registrant: a. Frank Douglas Dowden, 3916 Limber Pine Rd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028.
b. Katherine Mary Dowden, 3916 Limber Pine Rd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028
This business is conducted by A Married Couple.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/25/2003. Signature: Frank Douglas Dowden. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/13/2025. AJ 1628 02/21, 02/28, 03/07, and 03/14/2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9003459 Sunset Breeze Apartments LLC located at 3721-3727 Sunset Lane, San Ysidro, CA 92173. Registrant: W And M Properties LLC, 244-A Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/13/2004. Signature: Dennis H Pennell II. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/19/2025. AJ 1636 02/28, 03/07, 03/14, and 03/21/2025. AJSD 1636
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9002766
CACIO SAN DIEGO located at 41 E 8th St #105, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Natalia Angelica Corradino, 41 E 8th St #105, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Natalia Angelica Corradino. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/07/2025. AJ 1617 02/14, 02/21, 02/28, and 03/07/2025. AJSD 1617
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9002738
California Produce Market LLC located at 1736 E Plaza Blvd, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: California Produce Market LLC, 1736 E Plaza Blvd, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Jovy Darwin Mina. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/07/2025. AJ 1620 02/14, 02/21, 02/28, and 03/07/2025. AJSD 1620
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9002748
ISTINA FIAMMA located at 9324 SanFrancisco Street, Spring Valley, CA 91977. Registrant: Kendal Davis, 9324 SanFrancisco Street, Spring Valley, CA 91977. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Kendal Davis. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/07/2025. AJ 1624 02/21, 02/28, 03/07, and 03/14/2025. AJSD 1624
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9003354
Cruz Consulting located at 895 39th St, San Diego, CA 92102. Registrant: Juan Samuel Cruz, 895 39th St, San Diego, CA 92102. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/12/2025. Signature: Juan Samuel Cruz. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/18/2025. AJ 1629 02/28, 03/07, 03/14, and 03/21/2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9002560
San Diego E-Bikes located at 1189 E Main Street, El Cajon, CA 92021.
Registrant: Wissam Gibo, 1189 E Main Street, El Cajon, CA 92021. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/05/2025. Signature: Wissam Gibo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/05/2025. AJ 1637 03/07, 03/14, 03/21, and 03/28/2025. AJSD 1637
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9002254
EVK Empire located at 3 Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant: Rebekah Lombrozo, 3 Palomar St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/29/2025. Signature: Rebekah Lombrozo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/31/2025. AJ 1630 02/28, 03/07, 03/14, and 03/21/2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9004301
247 Royal Movers located at 720 Edgewater Dr #F, Chula Vista, CA 91913. Registrant: 10X Estate Movers, LLC, 720 Edgewater Dr #F, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/01/2024. Signature: Anthony Octavio Jimenez JR. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/28/2025. AJ 1638 03/07, 03/14, 03/21, and 03/28/2025. AJSD 1638
SAN DIEGO
Hollywood star Hailee Steinfeld honors her Filipino roots
The Filipino American actress graces the cover of Vogue Philippines
by GAvin MArtinez Inquirer.net
STEPPING into the spotlight with Filipino pride, Filipino American singer and actress Hailee Steinfeld is honoring her Filipino roots as she graces the cover of Vogue Philippines for its March issue, “The Wonder Years: The Fashion Issue.”
The “Pitch Perfect 2” and “Bumblebee” star stuns in a metallic ocean blue and silver mini dress paired with clear heels, with additional looks showcasing designs from Saint Laurent, Prada, Gucci, Max Mara, Et Ochs and Cong Tri.
Beyond the fashion, Steinfeld’s cover story highlights her connection to her heritage and the values instilled in her by her family.
She reflects on how her Filipino background has shaped her character and further emphasizes resilience, kindness and the importance of family bonds.
“I carry my Filipino heritage with so much pride. And I feel like [it’s] deeply rooted in the values that my parents have instilled in both my brother and I: resilience and kindness and a deep sense of family,” she shared with Vogue Philippines.
The “Hawkeye” actress also teased her upcoming film, “Sinners,” hinting at its personal significance.
‘It’s Showtime’ hosts lament educational crisis in
by Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net
THE “It’s Showtime” hosts expressed concern over the “systemic and educational problem” in the Philippines, which was apparently highlighted after a show contestant admitted being unknowledgeable about the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
It can be recalled that during the Feb. 28 episode of the noontime show, Heart Aquino, one of the contestants of the “Sexy Babe” segment, was asked to give a message to the Comelec.
Aquino answered that she was unfamiliar with the government agency — a response that the show hosts found “bothersome.”
During the “It’s Showtime” episode on Monday, March 3, the TV hosts — led by Vice Ganda — then spoke about their realizations after the finale of their “Sexy Babe” segment.
Dalawang bagay ang narealize ko —napakarami talagang magagandang nilalang sa Pilipinas Yung pangalawa, may systemic and educational problem sa Pilipinas May educational crisis sa
Pilipinas na dapat natin i-address,”
Vice Ganda said. Jugs Jugueta nodded in agreement, “I think we have to find the right balance, parang maganda at matalino.”
Vice Ganda stressed that the public should be alarmed and ask the necessary questions: Saan kaya nagsisimula ‘yung educational crisis sa Pilipinas? Sino ang naaapektuhan nito? Ano ang dapat nating gawin, at paano kaya dapat natin ito harapin? Ito ba ay dapat pagtawanan lang natin?
Ito ba ay dapat pagchikahan lang natin sa Twitter nang one day then tapos na?”
Karylle shared the same sentiment as she pointed out how the instance with the segment contestant gave a temperature check on the youth.
‘Yung malaman mo ‘yung totoong temperatura ng mga kabataan ngayon, na hindi pala alam ng karamihan yung COMELEC, ang sakit. Hindi ko alam kung anong gulat ‘yung naramdaman ko,” she stated.
Vice Ganda further underscored that the youths make up a huge percentage of voters, and lamented how a part of the group might be
PH
uninformed. Ogie Alcasid stressed that aside from the youth, parents should also be informed as voters. May mga bagay kagaya no’n na napakahalaga na dapat may pakialam tayo,” Amy Perez added.
Vice Ganda chimed in, “Even COMELEC dapat ma-alarm din ang COMELEC na baka kailangan meron din silang gawin na pagdidisseminate ng impormasyon — the government in general.” Kaya siya tinawag na systemic kasi hindi lang isa, kundi marami ang may kinalaman,” he continued. “Lahat tayo bahagi ng krisis na ito.”
After unanimously agreeing that they should have more educational content, the hosts then went to have a quiz bee about Philippine history among the studio audience. Meanwhile, the Comelec said it extended an invitation to Aquino to their event to brief her about the duties of the poll body.
“We fully understand her,” COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia said. “It is our solemn duty to explain who we are and what we are doing.”
“It is our failure,” he added. “We have to immediately rectify.”
“I find that with what I do, there’s always something to learn about yourself. But when you get to learn about yourself and your family, that’s something that can be really special,” she said, adding that the film will make her sentiments clearer to audiences.
from Panglao, Bohol – a family history that has kept the Philippines close to her heart.
Even though she’s born and raised in the U.S., Steinfeld has her Filipino lineage to back her up. Her maternal grandfather, Ricardo, hails
As she juggles multiple projects, she thrives on a busy schedule and finds excitement in a packed calendar.
For her, the thrill of working on different ventures, from acting to music and beyond, keeps her passion alive.
Hailee Steinfeld Photo from Instagram/@voguephilippines
(From left) “It’s Showtime” hosts Ogie Alcasid, Vice Ganda and Kim Chiu.
CARLA Pulido Ocampo, daughter of indefatigable Leah Pulido Ocampo (executive director of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade, Expositions and Missions), is a film editor, screenwriter, documentary filmmaker, and cultural worker residing in the indigenous territory of Bontoc, in the mountainous region of the Philippine Cordilleras. She is a co-founder of groups that are purveyors of alternative cinema culture in Northern Philippines: Habi Collective, Balay Habi Studio, and Pelicula Union.
She started out in film by composing theme songs and guitar-based scores for her classmates’ shorts, at the then Film Department of the College of Mass Communication, University of the Philippines – Diliman, where she graduated cum laude in 2005 (Bachelor of Arts in Film and Audio-Visual Communication).
As tourism officer of Sanchez Mira Municipality in Cagayan, she is best known for her filmography centering on the culture and lore of the indigenous Bontok Igorot people. She is writer, researcher and editor for the seminal documentary “Walang Rape sa Bontok” (2014), which won the 38th Gawad Urian award for Best Documentary in 2015, and which was shown in the Festival Internacional Signos da Noite in Portugal for two consecutive years (2016 and 2017) as well as in film festivals in the United States, Thailand and France.
Her short film “Tokwifi” (she’s the director, screenwriter, editor and colorist) won the Special Jury Prize at the 7th QCinema International Film Festival in 2019. It also won the Best Short Film in the 16th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, 43rd Gawad Urian, and 68th FAMAS Awards. It was shown in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Spain, Myanmar, Chile, and Taiwan film festivals. Tokwifi (pronounced “tok-weefee”) is a short film that explores the what-ifs of differing love languages. But more than that, it is also a parable reflecting two significant issues in Philippine media – (1) how women characters are “boxed” within men-dependent stereotypes throughout the history of local television; and (2) how famous Philippine personalities –labeling our indigenous mountain people as “primitive”, “uncivilized” or perennially unkempt – has time and again broken the indigenous heart.
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During the last Sunday of February, Pastor Ken Jensen at non-denominational Northgate Church on Lake Herman Road in Benicia, California talked about Matthew 26:31-32 which states that “Tonight you will all desert Me; for it is written, ‘I shall strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up I will precede you to Galilee.” He mentioned about our flaws and failings are no surprise to God. Our pride can blind us to our flaws.
There is the portion in a song that has ingrained into my mind: “Who else is worthy? There is no one. Only Jesus.”
After the church service, I happened to see at Northgate my niece Angela Valdez with her hubby Jose and her talented daughter Tali as we had a little talk.
* * * Even though I am here in the U.S., I extended my birthday greeting to Senator Jinggoy Estrada (February 17). I asked him about his three wishes on his birthday.
“Good health especially for my parents. Enact more bills that can help our marginalized sector of our society. To have a REAL UNITED country,” he said. I hope and pray there will be real unity in the Philippines.
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Deanne Marie Mate, or Dia, from Cavite was crowned recently as Miss Reina Hispanicoamericana 2025 in Bolivia. She is the granddaughter of Justice Secretary Boying Remulla.
A singer-songwriter, Dia is in a relationship with OPM singer Juan Karlos Labajo.
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* * President Donald J.Trump signed an executive order to protect all women and end the war on female athletics.
“From now on, women’s sports will be only for women,” said the president who wants to keep men out of the women’s sports.
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The late Au Kumano was a member of the famous Vicor Dancers and Solid Gold Dancers. She appeared in a Dolphy produced movie with Alma Moreno and Rolly Quizon. She was also seen in rapper-comedian Andrew E and Queen of All Media Kris Aquino’s films. She was a choreography instructor of the defunct German Moreno’s That’s Entertainment show on GMA7 and was a part of a dance group at Eat Bulaga noontime show. Singer Yeng Constantino used to call her “Ate Au” as a sign of respect.
Au came from a family of artists.
Among them were National Artist for Dance Leonor OrosaGoquingco, Father of Philippine Glass Sculpture Ramon Gahol Orlina, and LVN Director Felicing Constantino.
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* * * Paulo Xavier Ilano from the Philippines recently attended Alorica’s 2025 kickoff event in Las Vegas, Nevada, where company leaders gathered to celebrate achievements, discuss the future of the organization, and strengthen partnerships. The event brought together more than 120 leaders from across Alorica, led by coCEOs Michael Clifton and Max Schwendner. Pictured in a group photo
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When I interviewed Kris Aquino during the taping of her show directed by Jose Javier Reyes some years ago, she was kind, accommodating and humble. I was then working during the day at Malacañang Palace and at night as a freelance journalist in a broadsheet.
Years have passed and Kris Aquino remains strong and and firm to go on with life. I am praying for her recovery.
City of San Diego invites residents to learn more about proposed trash, recycling services
Community meetings aim to help San Diegans better understand proposed cost model and service options for new trash fees
– On Monday, Feb.
SAN DIEGO
24, the City of San Diego kicked off a third round of community open houses to give San Diegans the opportunity to learn more about proposed costs and service options for waste collection. The proposed fees come as a result of the voter-approved Measure B (2022), which allows the city to charge a cost-recovery fee for trash and recycling collection for the first time since the city began providing these services 100 years ago.
The city provides waste collection services to approximately 233,000 residential properties. Currently, these properties do not directly pay for trash and recycling collection, whereas residents in apartment complexes and those with homeowner associations, for example, do pay private waste collection companies for these services.
Last year, the city initiated a cost-of-service study to determine the costs of establishing a new solid waste management fee.
The results of the cost-of-service study, and proposed financial assistance options for eligible properties, will be presented to the City Council in March, and city staff will ask the Council to schedule a public hearing for a final vote in June. If approved, the new fee would reduce the city’s dependency on the General Fund to collect trash and recycling from only a subset of San Diego residents and instead allow the city to allocate those freed-up General Fund dollars to city projects and services that benefit all city residents.
“If the new fees are approved, the City of San Diego will join every major jurisdiction in California in recovering costs for the waste collection services provided to residents,” said Kirby Brady, Interim Director, Environmental Services Department (ESD).
“By repealing the century-old People’s Ordinance, San Diegans signaled that they want a more equitable system where everyone who receives waste management services – whether from the city
or from a private company – pays for those services.”
“Since last summer, we have connected with nearly 10,000 San Diegans who shared with us what kind of waste collection services they would like to receive,” said Jeremy Bauer, Assistant Director of ESD. “We now encourage folks to come back and join us during our third round of community engagement to better understand the new services proposed, how the fees would apply, the timing of next steps, and how to stay involved.”
Proposed fees starting in the first year (FY2026) include increased service reliability, bin replacements and repairs at no additional charge and a missed collections crew to address service issues day-of. By year three (FY2028), curbside bulky item pickup and increased recycling pick-up frequency would kick in as the fee would increase.
As part of the cost-of-service study, the city evaluated comparable jurisdictions in California. San Diego’s proposed fee for service at the 95-gallon service level (at $53 per month) is closely aligned with Sacramento at $57.79 and Long Beach, which recently proposed a fee of $67.63 per month. Oakland and San Jose have by far the highest fee, at $160.27 and $160.35 per month, respectively.
While the City of San Diego is proposing a new fee, other cities within San Diego County have long charged their residents for collection services. If approved, the trash fees would be charged using a tax roll billing system administered by the county.
During a series of open house events that kicked off last summer, city staff surveyed residents about the services they would like to see as the new waste collection fee was being evaluated. Key takeaways from the open houses include:
• Two-thirds of respondents expressed interest in curbside bulky item pickup.
• Half of the respondents were interested in increased recycling
frequency.
• 40% of survey respondents were interested in container repairs and replacements being built into the fee.
• Other priorities included more consistent service and smaller trash container options.
• Participants were also interested in additional options for the drop-off of household hazardous waste and electronics, a service ESD plans to continue to provide with other sources of funding.
San Diegans are invited to attend a third series of open house meetings during February, March and April to learn details about the proposed fees and services. The first in-person meeting took place at the Otay Mesa-Nestor Library on Monday, Feb. 24. A calendar of events and more information is available at cleangreensd.org.
Residents are invited to any of the scheduled events:
• Monday, March 17 – City Heights/Weingart Library, 3795 Fairmount Ave., 92105
• Monday, March 24 – Balboa Park, Casa del Prado Room 101, 1650 El Prado, 92101
• Tuesday, March 25 – Linda Vista Library, 2160 Ulric St., 92111
• Tuesday, April 1 – Skyline Hills Library, 7900 Paradise Valley Rd., 92139
• Friday, April 4 – Virtual meeting (English and Spanish) - 9 to 11 a.m.
• Monday, April 7 – San Diego College of Continuing Education, 3249 Fordham St., 92110
• Tuesday, April 8 – North University Community Library, 8820 Judicial Dr., 92122. The Environmental Services Department ensures that City of San Diego residents have a clean and safe environment. The department pursues waste management strategies that emphasize waste reduction; recycling and composting; and environmentally sound landfill management.
(City of San Diego Release)
somewhere in this column are Alorica’s Co-CEOs Max and Michael, alongside company leaders Anastasia Bellos, Jesse Rodriguez, Alexandra Spredemann, Cielito Merriam, Carlos Tala, Sarah Le Blanc, Ricardo Cantú, Annette Tucker, Luis Morales, Paulo Xavier Ilano, Lauren Cox, Maddie Kunik, Grace Chiu, Scott Karlin, Alejandro Vela, Lourdes Gallero, Michelle Fernando, Ross Ong, Eduardo Heart, and Austin Levine.
* * * I was fortunate to be inside the office of Philippines’ First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos in the Bahay ng Pangulo (Presidential Residence) in Manila.
* * * 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
Clean California program accepting multimedia art contest submissions until Mar. 24; Cash prizes awarded for winning entries
SACRAMENTO — A statewide multimedia contest led by the Clean California program is accepting entries from K-12 students through Monday, Mar. 24. The contest calls on students to create either a 30-second video or an 8.5″ x 14″ (or smaller) handmade poster to illustrate how litter impacts California communities.
“At Caltrans, we take pride in our communities we call home, and we encourage all Californians to be responsible stewards of our great state,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “We hope this contest helps students understand that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can make a difference and help keep California clean.”
“The youngest Californians have some of the most creative solutions for big challenges, including environmental issues and sustainability,” said Barry Edwards, president of Keep California Beautiful. “This is a great opportunity for students to showcase their creativity. By addressing one of the state’s most pressing issues — mitigating litter and beautifying community spaces — students can help
educate others across the state on the importance of keeping California clean.”
Using the Clean California initiative’s tagline “Just One Piece of Litter Can Ruin [fill in the blank],” students can submit a video or poster that depicts how even one piece of litter can ruin a picture, be it a water bottle in front of a historical building or a fastfood bag in a community garden. Students are encouraged to be creative in their entries. Students in grades 3-12 will be required to share a summary of their project (in 500 words or less), including sources used and any additional ideas for reducing litter at their school and in their community.
One winner will be selected from each of the following grade groups: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Each winner will receive a $500 gift card. The K-12 Multimedia Contest is open to California students attending public, private, charter, or home schools, to express their creativity while inspiring others to keep California clean. Parental permission is required to enter. Visit CleanCA.com/Education to review the complete rules and instructions and enter for a chance to win.
Learn more about projects building your community at build. ca.gov.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s Clean California initiative is a sweeping, $1.2 billion, multiyear cleanup effort led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs, and join with communities throughout the state to reclaim, transform and beautify public spaces.
Since launching Clean California in July 2021, Caltrans and its local partners have picked up more than 2.9 million cubic yards or litter — enough to cover nine lanes of Interstate 5 from San Diego to the Canadian border. Caltrans has hosted more than 500 free dump days in communities throughout the state — resulting in the collection of more than 12,000-plus mattresses and 50,000 tires. The initiative has drawn roughly 60,000 community clean-up volunteers and created more than 18,000 jobs, including positions for individuals who were formerly incarcerated, on probation, or experiencing housing insecurity. For more information, visit CleanCA.com.
(Clean CA Release)
25th anniversary of ‘The Drawing Show’ features the works of 10 San Diegans
SAN DIEGO – A new exhibit at the San Diego Public Library (SDPL) celebrates the art and expression of drawing. “The Drawing Show” is currently on display until May 4, 2025 and showcases the skills of San Diego artists.
Started in 2000 at the Pacific Beach/Earl & Birdie Taylor Library, this year marks the 25th anniversary of “The Drawing Show” exhibition at SDPL. The Visual Arts program founder, Mark Elliot Lugo, curated the first show to raise awareness and foster appreciation for drawing and highlight the versatility of drawing techniques. Nearly 100 artists have been featured in
exhibitions over the last 25 years. This year’s show features the work of local artists Celeste Byers, Hugo Crosthwaite, Steve Gibson, Amanda Kazemi, Neil Kendricks, Joshua Moreno, Annalise Neil, David Peña, Melanie Taylor and Eden de la Vara. The works include traditional figure drawings, landscapes and abstract pieces. For gallery hours and more information, visit the SDPL’s visual arts webpage at https:// www.sandiego.gov/publiclibrary/visualarts. San Diego Public Library’s Visual Arts program is dedicated to providing access and connection to the arts and culture landscape in San Diego while providing visible opportunities to local and regional artists. With a vision of being the place for opportunity, discovery and inspiration, the San Diego Public Library is a hub for knowledge and lifelong learning. As the largest library system in the region, it serves a population of more than 1.4 million people. Learn about events at the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Irwin Jacobs Common and 35 community branch libraries, find links to programs and resources or search for materials in the online catalog at www. sandiegolibrary.org.
(SDPL Release)
Kris Aquino
PX Ilano (standing, extreme left with long hair), representing Alorica-Philippines.
AJ columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina inside the office of First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos; behind is her office desk.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada
President Trump signs an executive order that keeps men out of the women’s sports.
The new Miss Reina Hispanicoamericana 2025 is Dia Mate, a Filipina singer-songwriter, who was recently crowned in Bolivia.
Promising filmmaker Carla Pulido Ocampo of ‘Tokwifi’ and ‘Walang Rape sa Bontok’ fame. Photos compiled by Rogelio Medina
Au Kumano of the Vicor Dancers and Solid Gold Dancers.
Six-year-old Tali with her parents, Jose and Angela Valdez at Northgate Church in Benicia, California.
SDCCD Governing Board reiterates support for most vulnerable students
THE San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees is doubling down on protecting and serving its diverse student population in response to threatening actions being undertaken by President Donald Trump since his January 20 inauguration.
The SDCCD Board of Trustees, at its February 20 meeting, reaffirmed its longstanding practice of supporting vulnerable populations when it approved a resolution pushing back against new executive orders and directives to federal agencies “which target and harm members of the District’s communities based on immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, color, religious beliefs and customs, ability status, and are designed to erode civil rights protections for all residents of the District’s communities.” The resolution directs SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith and the presidents of San Diego City, Mesa, Miramar, and Continuing Education colleges to support and assist any student or employee targeted by any government agency
acting under such orders. “We are navigating a dangerous period when it comes to civil rights and the protection of people who have been discriminated against throughout our nation’s history,” said Board of Trustees President Geysil Arroyo. “Our actions are about supporting every student, regardless of their race, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation.”
In January, the SDCCD took quick action when the Trump Administration declared that schools, churches, hospitals, and other public spaces would no longer be off limits for immigration enforcement activity. The SDCCD clarified its policy which says that no district employee can assist any federal enforcement efforts and that only Chancellor Smith and the SDCCD’s general counsel would interact with federal authorities requesting access to facilities, records, information, or people on SDCCD property.
“Our district unequivocally supports the fundamental belief that every person should be treated with dignity and respect and has a right
to exist and be who they are without fear of reprisal,” said Chancellor Smith. “We believe — and data clearly shows — that every student is capable of succeeding when they feel they belong and benefit from culturally-responsive teaching, learning, and support services.”
As one of the largest of California’s 73 community college districts, the San Diego Community College District serves approximately 90,000 students annually through its four colleges. San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, and San Diego Mesa College offer associate degrees and certificates in occupational programs that prepare students for university transfer and goodpaying careers. The credit colleges also offer bachelor’s degrees in high demand fields such as Health Information Management and Cyber Defense and Analysis. San Diego College of Continuing Education, a statewide leader in noncredit education, offers free, adult education programs at seven campuses throughout San Diego.
(SDCCD Release)
Spring into STEAM and ‘Solve It!’ with SDPL
Free annual program invites kids to crack mysteries and learn investigative techniques
SAN DIEGO – From March
1 through May, the City of San Diego Public Library (SDPL) encourages young people to become detectives and “Solve It!” by exploring the world of forensic science and uncovering clues to decode cases.
For the ninth consecutive year, Spring into STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) creates a unique educational space for children to learn the exciting ways science can be applied to problem-solving. This year, STEAM workshops are funded by Friends of the Library and are a collaboration between SDPL and local science experts and organizations, including Mad Science, Toshwerks, LKW Stem Foundation and Fleet Science Center. The program is offered in afternoons and on weekends, to encourage STEAM learning opportunities for young San Diegans. This year, Spring into
STEAM invites kids to use their detective and mystery-solving skills during four workshops:
• Ages 6-9: Detective Science –Use science to crack a case. Learn about the science techniques used to investigate and analyze crime scene evidence.
• Ages 6-9: Solve It: Mystery Reveal Puzzle – Create and solve a Customized Mystery puzzle with a bit of ingenuity and the help of science.
• Ages 9-12: The DNA Academy – Explore DNA mysteries through hands-on labs and challenges with tools like VR, electronics and forensics.
• Ages 9-12: Forensic Investigators – Use chemistry, physics and observation skills to piece together evidence and crack the case.
Workshops run after school and on weekends from Tuesday, March 4, through May 31, and are free to youth ages 6-12 with advanced registration required. All participants will receive an
Invisible Spy ink pen with a builtin UV light and a journal to record secret messages and hidden clues. For more information and to register, visit sandiego.gov/ steam or any of the city’s 37 SDPL locations.
The 2025 Spring into STEAM program kicked off at the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering at Petco Park last March 1. With a vision of being the place for opportunity, discovery and inspiration, the San Diego Public Library is a hub for knowledge and lifelong learning. As the largest library system in the region, it serves a population of more than 1.4 million people. Learn about events at the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Irwin Jacobs Common and 35 community branch libraries, find links to programs and resources or search for materials in the online catalog at sandiegolibrary. org. (City of San Diego Release)
City of San Diego celebrates success of Mattress Recycling Program
Nearly 17,000 mattresses and box springs were diverted from the landfill last year
SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego is celebrating the success of its Mattress Recycling Program, with an impressive 16,921 mattresses collected for recycling in 2024. In fact, if you lined up all of the mattresses recycled and kept out of the landfill (each about 80 inches long), they would stretch the 21 miles from Old Town to Tijuana! San Diegans can drop off their unwanted mattresses and box springs for free at the Mattress Collection Site just outside the Miramar Landfill entrance. The city collects the units and sends them to a processing facility in Ontario, where they are broken down into four main components (steel, foam, fiber and wood), which are used to make new products such as construction rebar, carpet padding, insulation and mulch. Mattress collection hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
Monday through Friday. Mattresses and box springs must not be severely damaged, wet, twisted, soiled or infested with bedbugs. Recycling mattresses has many benefits: bulky items are diverted from the landfill; hundreds of new products are created; San Diego gets closer to achieving Zero Waste Plan and Climate Action Plan goals; and illegal dumping of mattresses in the public right of way goes down. In fact, in 2024 the city saw a 25% decrease of mattress dumping over 2023. The city’s Mattress Recycling Program is made possible thanks to the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), which recycles 1.4 million mattresses per year statewide. As the MRC enters its 10th year of operation, the piles of recycled mattresses continue to grow. In California, MRC has recycled a
Motorists now may be cited under California’s new ‘Daylighting’ law
State law that took effect Jan. 1 aims to protect pedestrians in intersections
SAN DIEGO – The City of San
Diego is reminding drivers that beginning Saturday, March 1, they could be cited for parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk, marked or unmarked, under California’s “Daylighting” law. Since the law took effect on Jan. 1, 2025, the city has been issuing warnings during a 60day grace period focused on educating San Diegans about this new state law.
“It is important for San Diegans and visitors to be aware of this new state law so they can comply with it and avoid being ticketed,” said Transportation Department Director Bethany Bezak. “It may take some time for San Diegans to get accustomed to it, but together we can make our roadways safer for all users.”
Starting in March, the grace period will end, and motorists may be ticketed if they are parked in violation of the law.
Citations will cost $65, plus a state-mandated administrative fee of $12.50, for a total of $77.50. This is also the current fine for parking at a red curb in San Diego.
State of California Assembly Bill (AB) 413, passed by the
California state legislature, pertains to all intersections throughout the City of San Diego and across California. The intent of the law is to improve visibility for drivers in vehicles approaching intersections, so they are better able to see other motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders and others, with the goal of preventing crashes that could cause serious injury or death.
As of Jan. 1, 2025, vehicle parking is not allowed within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk. This rule applies whether or not there is a red curb or no parking signage at the intersection.
Studies have shown that if drivers have greater visibility at crosswalks, crashes involving pedestrians can be more easily avoided. The law prohibits stopping or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present. This applies across the state and every applicable intersection, whether in an urban or suburban area, residential or commercial neighborhood.
Since AB 413 passed, city
teams have evaluated more than 1,000 of the busiest intersections in the densest areas of San Diego, installed red curbs at approximately 200 locations, and removed 97 parking meters within the 20 feet. The city will continue to routinely evaluate the thousands of intersections across San Diego to install red curbs as appropriate and will be a stand feature of any city work in the roadway moving forward. Nationwide, 43 states already have daylighting laws, and most prohibit parking within 20 feet of an intersection. The average length of an automobile in the United States is approximately 14 feet. To help estimate 20 feet, it may be helpful to envision about one car length and a half’s worth of distance. The new law will also help move the city toward its Vision Zero goals. Vision Zero, a concept adopted by many cities worldwide, aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries for all road users. For more information, please view the city’s Daylighting webpage at https:// www.sandiego.gov/parking/ enforcement/daylighting.
(City of San Diego Release)
Luck flows both ways! Spin for a discounted adoption fee
CONSIDER this your lucky month if you’re looking to adopt a pet. County Animal Services is putting fate in your hands with its own Wheel o’ Fortune for pet adoptions. Give the wheel a spin to see your discounted pet adoption fee. This promotion runs through all of March. The adoption fee can range from free to $17, puppies and kittens excluded, at both the South Shelter in Bonita and the North shelter in Carlsbad.
total of 13 million mattresses. Counting the units in all the states where the program exists (Connecticut, Rhode Island and Oregon), more than 500 million pounds of materials have been recycled, saving 14.9 million cubic yards of landfill space. An added bonus of mattress recycling: the city gets reimbursement from the MRC, which in 2024 amounted to approximately $46,000.
More information is available at sandiego.gov/mattress.
The Environmental Services Department (ESD) ensures that City of San Diego residents have a clean and safe environment. The department pursues waste management strategies that emphasize waste reduction; recycling and composting; and environmentally sound landfill management. (City of San Diego Release)
To adopt, you just need a photo identification card. Adoptions are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Adoption fees are always waived for:
• Pets who have been at the shelter for 30+ days • Pets aged 8 years and older • Adopters 60 years and older.
“In our opinion, the luck flows both ways with this deal. The person and the pet both gain an enduring friend,” said Vaughn Maurice, County shelter director. Walk-in hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday at the South Shelter, 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita and the North Shelter, 2481 Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad. All adoption fees include spaying or neutering, a microchip, updated vaccinations and a one-year dog license for those in the service area.
Not ready to commit? Try fostering a pet to see if it is a good fit, or just to give him or her a break from the shelter environment. All supplies such as food, leash, and bedding, are provided. Plus, fostering helps pets get comfortable in a home environment, increasing their chances of adoption.
Want to help in other ways? The shelter always welcome foster families, volunteers, and pet food donations! Call (619) 767-2675 or visit the Animal Services main website to learn more. Come spin the wheel, find your perfect match, and let luck lead you to your new best friend.
(Yvette Urrea Moe/County of San Diego Communications Office) File photo/www.countynewscenter.com
City of San Diego’s newest and largest park downtown set to open by end of year
East Village Green will give residents and visitors a place to play, relax and attend community events
SAN DIEGO – In partnership with Civic San Diego, the City of San Diego continues construction work on the highly anticipated East Village Green park and expects to open it by the end of this year. Once finished, the park aims to attract people to live, visit and play downtown.
“As more people choose to live downtown, and visitors from around the world come to explore our beautiful city, the need for park space in this community continues to grow,” said Andy Field, Parks and Recreation Department director. “East Village Green will provide a place to get outdoors, participate in a variety of special events, exercise, play and gather with a host of amenities. We can’t wait for the community to ‘find their happy space’ at this park.”
The park comprises 2.1 acres, with the largest portion bounded by 13th, F, 14th and G streets. This section will help bring the area to life with a two-story community center, a central lawn area, a children’s playground with an interactive water feature, a game and reading area, and public restrooms with an attendant booth.
A smaller area is located at the northeast corner of 14th and G streets and will provide an off-leash dog park for small and large dogs. Another portion of the park is along the south side of F Street between 14th and 15th streets and
houses the relocation of two historic buildings. Construction crews are also finishing the park’s new 185-space parking garage, and the city is currently seeking a contractor to operate and maintain the facility. The parking garage has two underground levels and is expected to be used by park visitors and monthly users, as well as night, weekend and special event parking. Interested qualified contractors can visit PlanetBids to submit their proposals. Proposals must be submitted by March 31.
“Parks like East Village Green not only provide community members a destination to connect and play, but they are essential for a downtown economy and revitalization effort,” said Economic Development Director Christina Bibler. “Parks encourage a sense of place, attract leisure and enhance the community’s quality of life, not to mention increase the value to the neighborhood.”
The park is part of a larger effort to create more green space and places for community events in Downtown. A key component of East Village Green will be the extension of the 14th Street Greenway through the park. Once completed, the Greenway will run 11 city blocks, from C Street to Commercial Street and feature passive and active recreation
activities, children’s discovery areas, local art displays and play areas. The blocks between L and K Streets and G and Market are already complete and feature historical artifacts and greenery.
“East Village Green embodies our vision of Downtown Parks and Public Spaces in San Diego. We want to invite everyone to explore Downtown through new open spaces and a more vibrant, active urban core,” said Development Services Department Deputy Director and Urban Innovation Division lead Brian Schoenfisch.
“Through parks like this and planned promenades and greenways, we’ll continue to establish our city center as America’s Outdoor Downtown.”
The park’s funding came from a combination of a handful of downtown-specific funds and a San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) grant. Planning for this project has been in the works since 2004, when it was first envisioned. This was followed by a community-driven design process, which resulted in the City Council’s approval of the park’s General Development Plan in 2015. Since then, residents have been eagerly awaiting the park’s opening as it has gone through the design, permitting and construction process.
(City of San Diego Release)
The SDCCD Board of Trustees includes (from left) Craig Milgrim, Maria Nieto Senour, Geysil Arroyo, Marichu Magaña, and Mariah Jameson. SDCCD photo
