050824 - Southern California Midweek Edition

MARISOL Pantoja Toribio found a lump in her breast in early January. Uninsured and living in California without legal status and without her family, the usually happygo-lucky 43-year-old quickly realized how limited her options were.

“I said, ‘What am I going to do?’” she said in Spanish, quickly getting emotional. She immediately worried she might have cancer. “I went back and forth — I have [cancer], I don’t have it, I have it, I don’t have it.” And if she was sick, she added, she wouldn’t be able to work or pay her rent. Without health insurance, Pantoja Toribio couldn’t afford to find out if she had a serious condition.

Beginning this year, Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, expanded to include immigrants lacking legal residency, timing that could have worked out perfectly for Pantoja Toribio, who has lived in the Bay Area city of Brentwood for three years. But her application for Medi-Cal was quickly rejected: As a farmworker earning $16

proclamation, Biden said AA and NHPI heritage “has long been a part of the history of our great country and a defining force in the soul of our Nation.” Biden commended the diverse talents of individuals from these communities, highlighting their significant roles in various sectors including arts, journalism, healthcare and technology.

The president said he is proud that some of them are serving at the highest levels of his administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Ambassador Katherine Tai, Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Arati Prabhakar.

Addressing current challenges, Biden condemned racism, harassment and hate crimes against AA and NHPI communities – “a tragic reminder that hate never goes away; it only hides.”

ALL eyes are on Capitol Hill over the coming days as lawmakers weigh the pros and cons of H.R. 7109, a controversial bill that many say could negatively impact the future of representation and census integrity nationwide.

H.R. 7109, dubbed The Equal Representation Act, has sparked intense reactions among civil rights advocates and census experts alike.

“Fair and balanced representation is essential for ensuring that every community receives the resources and services it needs to thrive,” says Rebecca Briscoe, a bootson-the-ground partnership coordinator for the U.S. Census Bureau during the 2020 Decennial, supervising efforts in Greater Houston and Southeast Texas.

She continued, “As someone who has worked closely with local communities, I’ve seen firsthand the vital importance of an inclusive and accurate census.”

by CRISTINA CHI Philstar.com

MANILA — A ranking lawmaker at the House of Representatives has urged the country's law enforcers to locate and arrest controversial pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who continues to be in hiding pending his two warrants of arrest.

In a press conference on Monday, May 6, House Deputy Speaker Rep. David Suarez (Quezon, 2nd District) said he is putting out a "gentle call out" to the country's law enforcement agencies.

"We’ve been on a manhunt for how many months already," Suarez said, adding that Quiboloy is facing a warrant issued by

the Senate, while the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is also looking for him. "This is also a gentle call-out to our law enforcement agencies to implement, look for him and put him in proper custody so that we can fully progress into the legal proceedings when it comes to the cases that he is now facing," Suarez added.

Suarez, Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon (Ako Bicol) and Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur, 1st District) also expressed support for the Department of Justice's request to transfer Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s court cases from Davao City to Pasig City to ensure "neutrality."

MANILA — More than half of Filipinos identified complex business regulations and restrictive foreign ownership rules as significant barriers to foreign investments in the Philippines, a survey suggested.

In March, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading the proposed economic charter changer, which aims to lift restrictive provisions in public utilities, education, and advertising to attract more foreign investments.

MANILA — Several members of the House of Representatives have pointed out that linking President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to drug use is part of politics and an attempt to destabilize the government.

A survey conucted by Pulse Asia from March 6 to 10, 2024 found that 56% of Filipinos cited complicated rules and regulations such as red tape and changes in government policies and regulations, while 55% identified restrictive rules on foreign ownership as the most significant factors that hinder foreign investment in the Philippines.

Nearly half or 46% saw corruption in the public sector as a major

During a briefing on Tuesday, May 7 at the Batasang Pambansa complex, Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson Khonghun said that the public needs to understand that the accusations are only

meant to shame the president, which is why Senate hearings on the matter should stop. Marcos’ name, and that of actress Maricel Soriano were floated during a Senate hearing as personalities supposedly linked to illegal drug use, according to former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent Jonathan Morales. Morales claimed that he prepared a pre-operation report involving Marcos and Soriano, but PDEA has denied the authenticity of this document.

From the Front Page

Majority of Filipinos see red tape, restrictive...

hurdle for foreign investment. It was followed by inadequate transportation infrastructure (40%) and high electricity costs (37%).

Inadequate telecommunication infrastructure (32%) and insufficient investor incentive (21%) were also seen as significant hurdles.

The Pulse Asia survey also revealed that 64% of Filipinos believe that removing restrictions on foreign investors will create more high quality jobs with high salaries and better benefits.

Fifty-five percent said that easing foreign investment regulations will lead to better services to stakeholders, while

55% said it will result in foreign capital dominating local investors and businesses.

Fifty-four percent, on the other hand, said that opening up the economy to foreign businesses will decrease the price of goods and services and 43% said it will put national security at risk.

A survey released by Pulse Asia last March 27 showed that

88% of Filipinos opposed moves to amend the 1987 Constitution.

The poll also found strong opposition to foreign ownership in the Philippines. For example, 86% disapproved of foreign individuals exploiting the country’s natural resources, and 81% opposed foreign ownership of residential and industrial lands.

Amending the Constitution to loosen restrictions on foreign investments could heighten the risk of environmental degradation and pose a greater threat to local communities, especially indigenous peoples, groups warned.

The Constitution limits the stake of foreign nationals and corporations in businesses at 40%.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has expressed his support for liberalizing the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, said he wants the charter change plebiscite to be held simultaneously with the midterm elections in 2025. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/Philstar.com)

Law enforcers urged to locate Pastor...

The Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder hails from Davao and is also a close ally of former president and Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

"For us to expect fair play and impartiality during the entire course of the legal proceedings, we need to change venues," Bongalon said.

"Can you imagine victims of human trafficking will go to Davao City, where the incidents they experienced took place? ... Maybe out of fear, they might not be able to testify," Bongalon said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Aside from the charges lodged before the courts, Quiboloy also has a warrant of arrest from

the Senate following his nonappearance to the investigation concerning the alleged abuses of his “church” the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. On March 7, Central District of California Judge Terry Hatter Jr. in the United States ordered the unsealing of arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his coaccused. g

Philippines won’t use water...

City.

“What we are doing is defending our sovereign rights and our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. And we have no intention of attacking anyone with water cannons or any other such offensive… I would have to call them weapons as these were causing damage already,” Marcos pointed out.

One of his ranking security officials said Beijing should accept the Philippines’ standing invitation to hold the next bilateral consultation meeting if it really is committed to defusing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

In an interview with “Storycon” on One News on Monday, National Security Council assistant director Jonathan Malaya said China should sit down and talk with the Philippines regarding the recent incidents in the West Philippine Sea.

“We already sent an invitation to China. We urge China to favorably consider the standing Philippine invitations. We ask China: to defuse tension, we are inviting you to the bilateral consultation mechanism,” Malaya said.

The last such meeting was hosted by China in Shanghai last January.

The latest water cannon attack caused severe damage to vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal – located 220 kilometers off Zambales – is a traditional fishing ground of Filipinos, Vietnamese and Chinese, according to the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague.

The same ruling invalidated China’s massive claims in the South China Sea and reaffirmed Philippines’ maritime entitlements.

The shoal is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS, which sets an EEZ at 200 miles or about 370 km from a country’s coast.

Some quarters have proposed allowing Philippine vessels to retaliate against Chinese water cannon attacks by using their own water cannons. The president is against such proposal.

“Because it is not the mission of the Navy, our Coast Guard to start, or to increase tensions. Their mission is precisely the opposite – it’s to lower tensions,” the chief executive said.

Marcos maintained the Philippines would continue to resort to diplomacy to assert its sovereignty over its territorial sea and sovereign rights in its EEZ.

“That’s why, all we do is when our vessels were being hit with water cannons, we send demarche to China and other stakeholders,” the president said.

A démarche is a diplomatic gesture to state a government’s position on an issue or subject.

By ruling out the use of water cannon against the Chinese, Marcos has effectively debunked the pro-China narrative that he is for an escalation of the West Philippine Sea row, according to PCG-WPS spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela.

“How can the pro-China trolls explain why President @ bongbongmarcos Marcos will not allow the PCG to use water cannons if they claim that he wants to engage in war and escalate tension in the West Philippine Sea?” Tarriela said on X.

He pointed out that the mission of the PCG ships is to maintain presence in Philippine waters and assert the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction.

“The pro-China narrative of threatening the Filipino people with the possibility of war is simply another example of the lies and misinformation they are spreading to confuse and mislead the Filipino people,” Tarriela said.

“Their true intention is to make us submissive and silent in the face of the illegal presence, provocative actions and bullying tactics of the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia against the Filipino fishermen, the PCG and even the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” he added.

Disinformation

In his interview with Storycon, Malaya said China’s claim of a “new model” arrangement for resupply missions to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal is a disinformation tactic to divert attention from its recent activities in the West Philippine Sea.

He noted that the embassy made the claim over the weekend following the release of a report regarding the degradation of Sandy or Pagasa Cay, a group of sand bars within territorial waters of Pagasa Island.

“This is all part of the Chinese propaganda disinformation operations because this came at the heel of the revelations by the biologists from the UP Institute of Biology that they are doing something in Sandy Cay,” said Malaya.

“They are doing this to hide the environmental degradation that they are doing in Sandy Cay,” he added.

Last Saturday, May 4, Jonathan Anticamara of the UP Institute of Biology revealed that the Pag-asa Cays 1, 2 and 3 are “in a degraded state.”

Malaya raised the possibility that China was transforming the maritime feature into another artificial island that it could use as basis for claiming “maritime entitlement” or even challenge the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated its expansive claim in the region.

Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Francis Tolentino, meanwhile, voiced their approval of Marcos’ position against the use of water cannon.

“Our Navy and Coast Guard have a crucial duty of safeguarding our territorial integrity and maritime rights. Instead of resorting to retaliatory measures, we will assert our rights through diplomatic means. We have consistently filed diplomatic protests to address China’s aggression within our territorial waters,” Estrada, chairman of the Senate committee on national defense, said.

“We must focus our efforts on ensuring the protection of our territorial and maritime interests by adhering to the principles of the rule of law. This entails the use of diplomatic channels and peaceful means of conflict resolution,” he said.

“By adhering to these principles, we can successfully safeguard our sovereign rights and protect our territorial integrity while maintaining a peaceful and stable environment in the region,” he added.

Tolentino called Marcos’ stand “pragmatic and responsible” and that it was “calculated to maintain the current moral high ground of the Philippines. Whether said decision is ephemeral, only the president could decide.” Senate Minority Leader

water cannon attack by the Chinese.

Pimentel said President Marcos should not have brought in military allies or increased the number of sites for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation if he was really wary of escalating tensions. The Philippine military is engaged in Balikatan exercises with the U.S. and allies Australia and France.

Unconstitutional

Meanwhile, lawmakers said China’s “new model” or an arrangement for resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal is a violation of the 1987 Constitution.

“If ever there is indeed a secret agreement or any type of agreement, assuming for the sake of argument that this is true, I think this will have a constitutional issue,” Rep. Joel Chua of Manila’s third district told a news briefing.

“If indeed there is an agreement that didn’t pass through the Senate, or which the Senate had rejected, then this simply means this is illegal and unconstitutional,” he added.

“This is what has been stated in our Constitution – that it should be concurred with twothird votes in the Senate. If they discussed this only between and among themselves, then there will definitely be a constitutional issue – this is unconstitutional and therefore void,” Chua pointed out.

Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon of party-list Ako Bicol raised the same position. “I fully agree that this has serious legal implications. If this secret deal with China is not embodied in a written agreement or treaty, then therefore it is void for being unconstitutional,” Bongalon said.

“As mentioned in the Constitution, any international agreement or treaty must be embodied in a written agreement and must be ratified by the Senate. So, if this arrangement is not ratified by the Senate or concurred in, therefore it is not valid,” the lawyer-legislator argued.

“Why? Firstly, because the Filipino people were not properly informed of the details of such. This amounts to gross inexcusable negligence, and it is also tainted with evident bad faith because it is only they who know about it. We are not properly informed,” Bongalon stressed. He said Filipino fishermen would be affected most if the government allowed the Chinese some form of official control over Panatag Shoal.

“There are serious legal implications and therefore we have to act on it. That’s why we have to know the details, considering that this is a temporary special arrangement. At any time, President Marcos can rescind this because it is not binding to us, it is not binding to the present administration.”

Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, of Lanao del Sur’s first district, said the issue goes beyond territories.

“I think beyond the legal issues we can see here that this is just one of the tactics of China part two of the propaganda PR of China. I think the Chinese is resorting to different kind of tactics like bullying,” he told reporters covering the House.

“It’s because they (Chinese) understand the importance of propaganda because it puts legitimacy to their illegal claim,” Adiong said. g

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo and Commodore Arnaldo Lim inspect the damages on BRP Bagacay at Pier 13 in Manila South Harbor on May 2.

Philstar.com photo

RICE PRICES. Workers unload sacks of rice at a warehouse in Tondo, Manila, on Tuesday, May 7. Congress and the Department of Agriculture

finding measures to reduce the price of rice to below PHP30 per kilo by July. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Aquilino Pimentel III and Sen. Robin Padilla earlier said PCG ships should be equipped with water cannons so that they can fight back in the event of another

Fil-Ams in Hawaii concerned over West Philippine Sea issue

by IRIS GONZALES Philstar.com

WAIPAHU — Filipinos in Hawaii are concerned over the growing tensions in the West Philippine Sea given the island state’s proximity to both the Philippines and China.

Some are also worried about their families and friends in the Philippines, a government official said here.

Consul General Emil Fernandez said that Filipinos or those with Filipino ancestry in the island state have been monitoring developments back home.

“Yes, of course Filipinos here keep abreast of developments back home because they still have relatives and friends living there,” Fernandez told visiting Filipino journalists when asked if the WPS issue was a concern for Filipinos in Hawaii.

Hawaii, strategically located in the Pacific, is the seat of power of the United States Indo-Pacific command, its oldest and largest combatant command.

It’s also no stranger to wars with Japan’s 1941 historic attack on Pearl Harbor, located west of Honolulu, plunging the U.S. into World War II.

However, Fernandez was quick to add that the government is doing what it can to address the situation.

“We’re confident the government is doing the right thing,” he told reporters who are part of the United States’ Friends, Partners, Allies program.

Leaders of the Filipino Community Center or FilCom, a community center for Filipinos or those with Filipino ancestry in Hawaii, also said that Filipinos are indeed concerned about the increasing tensions between the Philippines and China.

Edmund Aczon, chairman of FilCom said that it’s a reality that cannot be ignored.

“There’s always a possibility (of war) and if there is a war, the first target is the Philippines. It’s a concern for Filipinos here,” Aczon said.

Eva Washburn-Repollo, vice chairman of FilCom, shared the same view.

“Filipinos in Hawaii are very concerned about that,” she said.

She said that the 2018 Hawaii false missile alert has “brought a strong awareness of Hawaii’s proximity to China and what’s happening in the Philippines.”

“So even if we’re just watching

TV and just hearing the news, the geographical reality is that this is a state that has all the military power of the U.S. facing the Pacific,” she said.

Washburn-Repollo was referring to the Jan. 13, 2018 advisory in Hawaii which instructed citizens to seek shelter due to an incoming ballistic missile. It was accidentally issued and officials attributed it to miscommunication during a drill.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige apologized for the erroneous report.

The false missile advisory came amid escalating tensions between North Korea and the U.S.

On the social media website and forum Reddit, individuals from Hawaii also posted questions on the possibility of China attacking Hawaii, Guam, Micronesia, Philippines and Taiwan.

The new commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific command, Navy Admiral Samuel Paparo said in a change of command ceremony on Friday that “we will be ready to fight any adversary that threatens the peace, security and well-being of the nation and all our allies and partners.” 

Several solons say linking Marcos to...

“We need to face the truth that this is just part of a bigger plan to destabilize the government.  We know that this is meant to tarnish the reputation or shame our president,” Khonghun said in English and Filipino.

“So I hope they stop such hearings because these do not help the economy.  So for example, in hearings like these which do not go anywhere, it might be better for them to just stop this and help in the aspiration of the government to improve the lives of our people,” he added.

Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, meanwhile, said that President Marcos’ reaction to the issue — laughing it off — was merited because the allegations cannot be serious.

Flores also reminded the public that evidence can only be admitted when it is credible and if it comes from a credible source.

The lawmaker was referring to PDEA officials’ statements

questioning Morales’ credibility, as the former PDEA agent was supposedly dismissed from service.

“The president’s reaction is only correct, right?  If allegations like that are thrown at him and it’s not a serious allegation, then he just laughs at it.  Because seriously, for evidence to be believed and be credible itself and must also come from a credible source,” Flores said.

“The source here has already been discredited and in fact he is facing charges so, why make it a big issue pa, right?” he added.

Earlier, Soriano appeared before the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, to clear her name regarding the issue.

Soriano, however, admitted that she owns the condominium unit, which was linked by the former PDEA agent to illegal drugs. This is not the first time that the Senate hearing on the issue was questioned.  Last Wednesday,

May 1, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers asked why Morales’ testimonies were needed in a hearing that should have focused on the drug bust in Alitagtag, Batangas last April 16.

Marcos has been linked by some figures, including former President Rodrigo Duterte, to illegal drugs use.

In November 2021 — even before the campaign period for the 2022 elections — Duterte linked one of the candidates for president to cocaine use which many believed was Marcos.

Marcos, however, has denied this, submitting himself to a drug test days after Duterte’s assertion.

Last January, the president also refused to give weight to the former president’s accusations, noting that it might be the fentanyl acting up.

Duterte previously admitted to using fentanyl, a strong painkiller that is said to be more potent than morphine and heroin. 

This is what it takes to take on Alzheimer’s.

It’s not easy to accept that memory loss that disrupts daily life could be a sign of Alzheimer’s. Or that two-thirds of people diagnosed are women, including Asian American and Pacific Islander women.

But we can watch for signs in ourselves and others. And reduce our risk by staying active and lowering blood pressure.

Because we have what it takes to take on Alzheimer’s.

Learn about signs and screening

California oats extending health insurance...

an hour, her annual income of roughly $24,000 was too high to qualify for the program.

California is the first state to expand Medicaid to all qualifying adults regardless of immigration status, a move celebrated by health advocates and political leaders across the state. But many immigrants without permanent legal status, especially those who live in parts of California where the cost of living is highest, earn slightly too much money to qualify for MediCal.

The state is footing the bill for the Medi-Cal expansion, but federal law bars those it calls “undocumented” from receiving insurance subsidies or other benefits from the Affordable Care Act, leaving many employed but without viable health insurance options.

Now, the same health advocates who fought for the Medi-Cal expansion say the next step in achieving health equity is expanding Covered California, the state’s ACA marketplace, to all immigrant adults by passing AB 4.

“There are people in this state who work and are the backbone of so many sectors of our economy and contribute their labor and even taxes … but they are locked out of our social safety net,” said Sarah Dar, policy director at the California Immigrant Policy Center, one of

two organizations sponsoring the bill, dubbed #Health4All.

To qualify for Medi-Cal, an individual cannot earn more than 138% of the federal poverty level, which currently amounts to nearly $21,000 a year for a single person. A family of three would need to earn less than $35,632 a year.

For people above those thresholds, the Covered California marketplace offers various health plans, often with federal and state subsidies, yielding premiums as low as $10 a month. The hope is to create what advocates call a “mirror marketplace” on the Covered California website so that immigrants regardless of status can be offered the same health plans that would be subsidized only by the state.

Despite a Democratic supermajority in the legislature, the bill might struggle to pass, with the state facing a projected budget deficit for next year of anywhere from $38 billion to $73 billion. Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders announced a $17 billion package to start reducing the gap, but significant spending cuts appear inevitable.

It’s not clear how much it would cost to extend Covered California to all immigrants, according to Assembly member Joaquin Arambula, the Fresno Democrat who introduced the bill. The immigrant policy center

estimates that setting up the marketplace would cost at least $15 million. If the bill passes, sponsors would then need to secure funding for the subsidies, which could run into the billions of dollars annually.

“It is a tough time to be asking for new expenditures,” Dar said. “The mirror marketplace startup cost is a relatively very low number. So we’re hopeful that it’s still within the realm of possibility.”

Arambula said he’s optimistic the state will continue to lead in improving access to health care for immigrants who lack legal residency.

“I believe we will continue to stand up, as we are working to make this a California for all,” he said.

The bill passed the Assembly last July on a 64-9 vote and now awaits action by the Senate Appropriations Committee, Arambula’s office said.

An estimated 520,000 people in California would qualify for a Covered California plan if not for their lack of legal status, according to the labor research center at the University of California-Berkeley. Pantoja Toribio, who emigrated alone from Mexico after leaving an abusive relationship, said she was lucky. She learned about alternative health care options when she made her weekly visit to a food pantry at Hijas del Campo, a Contra Costa PAGE 4

TRIBUTE. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (center) leads a tribute for their late former colleague Rene Saguisag during the Tuesday, May 7 plenary session. Saguisag’s son, Rebo, received from Zubiri the Senate Resolution of profound sympathy and condolences on the death of the human rights lawyer on April 24 at the age of 84. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

California-based Fil-Am Marine leads classroom construction in PH US House weighs bill that would add citizenship...

by Mary Villegas Inquirer.net

ENLISTING in the U.S. Armed Forces as his tribute to his family’s arrival in the United States, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Tyrone Barrion holds his head high and says, “I’m very proud to be Filipino American.”

Reflecting on his journey during the groundbreaking ceremony last March 26, Barrion adds, “I am a direct product of the Philippine-American alliance.”

Many Filipino Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces have ascended to high positions and Barrion stands out with his passion for honoring his roots by serving the Filipino people, including students in Lasam, Cagayan in the Philippines. He is leading a classroom construction project in Lasam.

Forging connections between Filipino communities and the U.S. military, this eightweek project is a collaboration between the U.S. Marine Corps’ 9th Engineer Support Battalion and the Philippine Army’s 513th Engineering Construction Battalion.

A combat engineer stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, Barrion spearheads this initiative as part of Exercise Balikatan 2024. They are constructing two new classrooms at Alannay Elementary School to provide better learning conditions for second graders in the municipality.

A Facebook post by the Philippine Information Agency in Cagayan provided school’s construction updates: “Ceiling and exterior walls are currently under construction, including concreting Persons with Disabilities (PWD) railings.”

Supported by the Civic Assistance Program and the 2024 Balikatan Exercise, this initiative includes other projects, including health center construction, no-cost medical missions and technology donations to schools.

A legacy rooted in service and tradition

This Fil-Am Marine’s story is woven with a shared legacy. “This is not my story alone,” Barrion remarks, underscoring the U.S.-Philippine relations based on strong historical and cultural ties and a shared commitment to democracy and human rights.

The U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty provides a strong foundation for post-World War II security partnership.

Barrion, born in San Diego to immigrant Filipino parents, is one of the many Filipinos who have been an integral part of the many branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

His father, retired Chief Petty Officer Frank Barrion, entered the U.S. Navy in 1965, devoting 27 years to service as a ship

line cook. Looking back, Barron acknowledges the efforts that paved the way for his military career. “I joined because it’s my way of honoring how my family got here,” he says.

As the Exercise Balikatan’s Joint Task Force Advanced Echelon Officer-in-Charge, Barrion bridges the language barriers through his fluency in Tagalog, which helps him connect with AFP officers and local residents.

“Being able to speak Tagalog has put a lot of them at ease,” he says. “One of the benefits of knowing the language is allowing folks to speak freely and openly about their plans and thoughts.”

Immersed in Filipino culture and culinary tradition while growing up, the Fil-Am Marine also embodies the industrious spirit his parents had instilled in him.

With almost 20 years of experience serving in U.S. military stations worldwide, Barrion cherishes this chance to serve his parents’ homeland. g

President Joe Biden honors contributions of...

“Hate must have no safe harbor in America — that is why I signed the bipartisan COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which makes it easier for Americans to report hate crimes, and I also hosted the firstever White House summit against hate-fueled violence,” he said.

Biden urged all Americans to commemorate AA and NHPI Heritage Month through educational programs and activities.

Meanwhile, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center have unveiled their joint 2024 theme for AA and NHPI Heritage Month: “Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future.”

The White House and WHIAANHPI will use this theme to foster discussions during their May activities, including a landmark celebration on May 13,

2024, at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC. This historic convening, uniting over 1,000 AA and NHPI leaders spanning five presidential administrations, will mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the White House Initiative and the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders during the Clinton Administration. (Inquirer. net)

PAGE 1

“Is this person a citizen of the U.S.” At the heart of the matter lies the proposed inclusion of a citizenship question in the decennial census and the subsequent exclusion of noncitizens from the count used for congressional apportionment.

Supporters of the bill, championed by Rep. Chuck Edwards (R. N.C.), argue that incorporating a citizenship question into the census questionnaire is essential for upholding the integrity of electoral processes and ensuring accurate representation.

“Congressional apportionment and electoral votes should be based solely on the needs of American citizens,” argued the conservative advocacy group Heritage Action, part of the rightleaning think tank The Heritage Foundation, in a statement. Heritage Action played a key role in pushing the bill before lawmakers.

On the other side of the debate stand vocal critics, civil rights organizations among them, who vehemently oppose the bill’s provisions, arguing in part that it would violate the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which dictates that congressional seats be apportioned based on the “whole number of persons in each state.”

The 14th Amendment was enacted to repeal earlier provisions in the U.S. Constitution that treated slaves as three-fifths of a person.

“H.R. 7109 evokes this shameful legacy by treating noncitizens as less than a person,” warned The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights in a letter to the House Oversight Committee, adding, “H.R. 7109 would undermine 2030 Census accuracy in every state and every community by creating a climate of fear among all immigrants.”

The April 9 letter is co-signed by 74 national civil rights organizations, including Asian Americans Advancing Justice

and the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) Education Fund. Critics also warn that the bill could jeopardize the equitable distribution of federal resources, essential for supporting vital services across communities.

The non-partisan Texas Census Institute released a public statement that read, in part, “the addition of a citizenship question and the exclusion of noncitizens from congressional apportionment fundamentally alters the constitutional mandate of apportionment, creating imbalances in representation that impact states, congressional districts, and citizens and noncitizens alike.”

To ask or not to ask

This is not the first time the citizenship question loomed over America. In late 2017, the Department of Justice under Attorney General Jeff Sessions requested that the Census Bureau incorporate a citizenship question into the 2020 census. Previous census counts from 1820 to 2000 included a citizenship question.

The question was scrapped from the census in 2010 under thenPresident Obama.

The DOJ argued that more detailed citizenship data would aid in enforcing Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, aimed at preventing discrimination in voting based on race, color, or language minority status.

The proposed question, “Is this person a citizen of the United States?” with various response options, sparked immediate controversy. Opposition swiftly arose from local governments and advocacy groups representing ethnic minorities, citing concerns that the question’s presence would deter noncitizens and legal immigrants from participating in the census out of fear of government repercussions.

As discussions intensified, fear and mistrust of the federal government reached unprecedented levels. Experts

warned that the citizenship question could lead to nearly 9 million people, especially immigrants and people of color, not completing their 2020 census forms, potentially skewing demographic data and allocation of resources.

In 2019, the controversy reached its climax when the Supreme Court intervened. In a landmark ruling, the Court blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to include the citizenship question on the 2020 census. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, criticized the administration’s rationale, stating that its use of the Voting Rights Act as justification “seems to have been contrived.”

Then-Commerce Secretary Wilbur L. Ross, who was nominated to the position by President Donald Trump, expressed disagreement with the Supreme Court’s ruling. The count went on as planned despite various challenges, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Skewed census counts

Key findings from the PostEnumeration Survey (PES), which measures the accuracy of a census count, reveal that several states exhibited notable undercounts, including Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas, a fact opponents of the bill say highlights the need for widespread participation of all residents, without fear of intimidation or exclusion.

“It’s imperative that we prioritize the integrity of the census process and focus on counting every individual once, only once, and in the right place, regardless of political considerations,” says Briscoe. A companion bill, S 3659 is making its way through the Senate. The House version currently has 114 sponsors, all of them Republican. Lawmakers in the House are scheduled to consider the proposal as early as Monday. (Nakia Cooper/Ethnic Media Services)

California floats extending health insurance...

PAGE 3

County farmworker advocacy organization, where they told her she might qualify for a plan for low-income people through Kaiser Permanente. Pantoja Toribio applied just before open enrollment closed at the end of January. Through the

plan, she learned that the lump in her breast was not cancerous.

“God heard me,” she said.

“Thank God.” (Jasmine Aguilera/ KFF Health News)

This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of

Photo from Facebook/@ExerciseBalikatan

Filipino Franciscan priest called to serve congregation in Rome

MANILA — A Filipino Franciscan priest will soon assume his new role as general bursar of his congregation in Rome. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website reported on Tuesday, May 7 that Fr. Joel Sulse has been appointed to head the Order of Friars Minors’ (OFM) general curia, the administrative center of the congregation.

Philippines who presided a send-off Mass for Sulse, asked the faithful to pray for him as he takes on his “very unique kind of mission”.

“He is going to be the general treasurer of the Order,” he said in his Homily during the May 5 Mass held at the Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Makati City.

Zubiri flags hearsay, lack of evidence in Bato’s ‘PDEA leaks’ hearing

MANILA — Senate President

Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday, May 7 reminded his colleagues to be careful in the conduct of public inquiries, which he said should not be used for political persecution.

president noted that guilt must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

information, as well as the time when he was dismissed from police service before his stint in PDEA.

Fr. Joel Sulse CBCP photo

Sulse left for Rome on Tuesday. He will formally assume his new position on Aug. 1. As the general bursar or the new general oeconomus, Sulse will oversee the financial management of the entire OFM, one of the main Catholic orders tracing its roots to St. Francis of Assisi. On the other hand, Fr. Lino Gregorio Redoblado, the minister provincial of the OFM

“We bring our wishes and prayers as you serve the Order and the whole Church,” Redoblado said in his message to Sulse.

Before his new assignment in Rome, the Catholic priest’s last assignment was at St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Malabon City.

He has served as Secretary for Formation and Studies and chairperson of the Committee on Promotions for Clerical Ministry of the OFM in the country. (PNA)

ICC warrant vs Duterte expected by June - Trillanes

by Ian LaquI Philstar.com

MANILA — Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV anticipates that a warrant for the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte and others linked to the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation will likely be handed in by the international tribunal by June.

The former senator said this in a press conference in Mandaluyong, saying that the warrant may be issued through the Interpol.

“Kung idadaan sa Interpol 'yung warrant of arrest, kahit na hindi tayo miyembro ng ICC pero miyembro tayo ng Interpol. May international agreement tayo,” Trillanes said.

(If the warrant of arrest goes through Interpol, even if we are no longer a member of the ICC, we are still a member of Interpol. We have an international agreement.)

“Ang ICC naman may cooperation agreement kay Interpol kaya pwede silang magpasa ng red notice diyan,” he added.

(The ICC has a cooperation

agreement with Interpol so they can pass the red notice to them.)

According to Trillanes, the said warrants of the ICC are expected to be issued in “batches” wherein the first batch is for former President Duterte, and the following batches will be for the other officials being investigated by the international tribunal, which include now-senator and former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald Dela Rosa. Trillanes also claimed that there were personnel from the PNP who already cooperated with the ICC probe, implicating Duterte on the extra-judicial killings which saw thousands of deaths during his administration’s drug war.

Duterte's intensified anti-drug campaign has resulted in 6,000 deaths, based on the records of the government.

However, local and international human rights organizations estimate the actual number of victims to be between 12,000 to 30,000.

On April 15, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reiterated that the ICC has no jurisdiction

to investigate the previous administration’s drug war, a position also being echoed by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Concerning the cooperation of government officials and law enforcement personnel, the DOJ previously said that individuals who will cooperate with the ICC “will be held accountable”.

Arrest warrant execution

According to Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, assuming that an arrest warrant from the ICC pre-trial chamber is issued, its execution can only be done through PNP or other Philippine law enforcement agencies.

“The Interpol cannot intervene without coordinating with the PNP. So if the Philippine government will not cooperate, the ICC warrants of arrest cannot be implemented in Philippine territory,” Guevarra said in a Viber message to Philstar.com.

DOJ, on the other hand, has yet to respond to Philstar. com's request for comment on the former senator’s pronouncements. This will be updated with the department's response. g

Zubiri issued the reminder during a press briefing after monitoring the public hearing conducted by the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs chaired by Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa where, the senate president noted, "very serious accusations have been made" without evidence.

"While certain claims were made, documentary evidence is yet to be presented. There were no pictures, no corroborating testimonies. In other words, this was solely based on the testimony of one person based on what appears to be hearsay evidence," he said.

Zubiri noted that former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent Jonathan Morales presented a document, "which he claims to have seen, by virtue of his former position, although he did not personally witness any wrongdoing."

In a recent Senate hearing, Morales provided testimony on the purported “authenticity” of leaked 2012 documents allegedly implicating then Senator Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and actress Maricel Soriano to illegal drug use.

"The drug test of the President is being brought up, even though it does not appear to be germane to the subject of the motu proprio investigation," Zubiri said.

Under a court of law, the senate

He said while legislative inquiries are very liberal in terms of adhering to rules of evidence, hearings should be aimed at “ferreting out the truth using evidence and facts.”

"Otherwise, the faith of people in inquiries in aid of legislation may be diminished, especially when it causes reputational damage to other parties," Zubiri said, noting that it could lead to the Senate losing its credibility as an institution.

In a separate press briefing, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said he is convinced that Morales is a "liar" and might be the one who leaked the supposedly confidential documents of PDEA allegedly containing the names of President Marcos and other wellknown personalities.

"Wala siyang ebidensya. Ewan ko kung sino ang naglagay ng pangalan ng Presidente, and other well-known personalities in show business and politics. Wala namang makakapagpatunay, pati PDEA, na sangkot yung mga personalidad na sinasabi ni Morales (He has no evidence. I don't know who put the name of the President, and other well-known personalities in show business and politics. No one, not even PDEA, can prove that the personalities Morales is talking about are involved)," he said.

During the hearing itself, Estrada put into question the credibility of Morales who had been dishonorably dismissed from service and could not recall the identity of his source of

Last Tuesday, House of Representatives Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Partylist Rep. Jude Acidre, Isabela 6th District Rep. Faustino “Inno” Dy, and Assistant Majority Leader and Taguig City 2nd District Rep. Amparo Maria Zamora said the former agent’s testimony is part of a “larger effort to discredit and destabilize” the current administration. (PNA)

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION

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All proposals must be received on or before 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at the email address listed above, sent to the attention of Victor Zepeda. Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the proposer unopened. For a copy of the Proposal/Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Victor Zepeda at zepedav@metro.net. 5/8/24 CNS-3809414# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, presides over the hearing and investigation on the so-called “PDEA leaks” at the Senate in Pasay City on Tuesday, May 7. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

OPINION FEATURES

Cooperating with the ICC

MURALS were painted in recognition of their sacrifices and they were hailed as heroes of a pandemic that has killed over seven million people and infected 775,364,261 between Jan. 5, 2020 and April 21 this year, based on official data. Yet health professionals will be marching again today to press for higher pay including an entry pay of P33,000 for both public and private sector workers, release of benefits and job security.

Even before COVID-19 rampaged around the planet, the country has recognized the valuable service rendered by health professionals. Republic Act 10069, signed in April 2010, declared May 7 as Health Workers Day. But over a decade later, and even after the horrific death and misery unleashed by SARSCoV-2, health workers still feel underappreciated. Many are still waiting to receive their emergency allowance from the pandemic days. Today, a special working holiday in honor of their sector, thousands of health workers will be marching in different parts of the country to press for their long-standing demands for better pay and working conditions. Still mindful of the nature of their service, however, many members of organized health professionals’ groups will be unable to join the mass actions reportedly because the health facilities where they work are understaffed. The pandemic highlighted the serious

Editorial

inadequacies of public health care in the Philippines. Because they were the frontliners in a battle where the weapons to fight back became available only after a year, the ranks of health professionals – and their household members – bore the brunt of the initial onslaught of COVID. Yet the health workers soldiered on, fashioning personal protective equipment out of garbage bags and packing tape and living away from home to minimize infection risks.

Even with the pandemic over, the country remains in dire need of health workers, as many continue to be lured by jobs overseas with better pay and working conditions. On the eve of Health Workers Day, the Alliance of Health Workers released this statement to describe their plight: “Health workers are getting depleted, demoralized and burned out. So, many have resigned, filed early retirement because of low wages, non-payment of benefits, no

Authenticated

security of tenure and unsafe working conditions.” Beyond creating a special day and heaping praise, the government can show its appreciation

IN the forthcoming ‘Hakbang ng Maisug’ prayer rally in Dumaguete City, will former President Rodrigo Duterte corroborate the explosive Senate testimony of an ex-law enforcer on the alleged drug use of President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. in 2012? My erstwhile boss has publicly linked the sitting chief executive to illegal drugs since 2021.

As Davao City mayor, Digong recounted seeing a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) report documenting PBBM’s supposed addiction. Was it related to the leaked classified information that recently surfaced online? Vlogger Maharlika, a close supporter-turned-worst enemy of the Marcos family, was responsible for exposing the PDEA documents. Her onewoman crusade to unmask the corruption, insipidness and irregularities in the current dispensation puts the entire Dilawan-Pinklawan and Leftist bloc to shame. She is doing what the current Opposition, probably the most inutile in Philippine

IN strongest words ever yet, our Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officially demanded from the People’s Republic of China to get out of our maritime territories around the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In behalf of the Philippine government, the DFA – headed by Secretary Enrique Manalo – issued this demand following the latest water cannon attacks involving Chinese Coast Guard vessels at the Panatag Shoal last April 30. In the same vein, our DFA again cautioned Filipinos from the ongoing misinformation and manipulation of the WPS issue. The DFA Secretary underscored these calls before the Bagong Pilipinas National Security Cluster Communications Media Workshop held last week at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) in San Narciso, Zambales.

“The South China Sea is shared by many coastal states, and our portion of it is what we call the West Philippine Sea,” Manalo pointed out. The other countries that also claim isles,

political history, should be doing. Breaking silence Thus, my social media followers and Diehard Duterte Supporters (DDS) would like to hear from FPRRD. After all, the right of the Filipino people to information on matters of public concern is enshrined in our Bill of Rights. They are also waiting for PBBM to come out in the open. He has been disturbingly silent on the issue. The president can no longer sidestep it since former PDEA agent Jonathan Morales has authenticated his 2012 preoperation and surveillance reports at the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs hearing. Under oath, Morales certified the documents as genuine. Once authenticated, the existence of a document is deemed incontrovertible, according to our rules of court. In the interest of public transparency and accountability, the president should clarify if he was a cocaine user 12 years ago. And whether he is addicted to the substance until now. I seem to recall that former congressman Arnie Teves Jr., in an interview, named an individual who allegedly facilitated the President’s confinement in a drug rehabilitation center in

Southern Spain before the 2022 national elections. Perhaps the beleaguered lawmaker can further shed light on this matter once the authorities bring him back to the country.

To be fair, the PDEA reports alone cannot conclusively determine if Marcos Jr. was a confirmed substance abuser then and now. However, a drug test that follows stringent government protocols can do that. For instance, a hair follicle test can determine an individual’s drug use within 90 days. According to OneNews. PH, the test is considered more reliable than urinalysis since it can detect the presence of drugs in a person’s hair cells and the sebum and sweat of the scalp. So, the ball is in PBBM’s court. If he was willing to undergo a drug test in the last campaign season, I do not see why he should avoid another. I encourage PBBM to settle the issue once and for all. The people cannot entrust the welfare of the nation to a leader suspected of being perennially addled by dangerous drugs. For instance, the lives and well-being of Filipinos will hang in the balance if the president pursues a more belligerent foreign policy against China. The country is not militarily

Gentlemen’s row

islands, atolls, shoals, reefs and rocks around the South China Sea are, namely, Brunei, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

“For far too long, the narrative surrounding the WPS has been obscured by misinformation and manipulation,” the DFA Secretary deplored.

“Disinformation campaigns run rampant, seeking to distort the truth and sow discord amongst nations and amongst our people,” Manalo warned.

This obviously includes the persistent narratives from Beijing about our country’s reneging on a supposed “gentlemen’s agreement” between the two highest leaders of the Philippines and China. In fact, the Chinese Embassy in Manila has repeatedly referred to this purported “special arrangement” between the Philippines and China. Under this “special arrangement” claimed by Beijing, the Philippine government vessels and aircraft are forbidden to enter within 12 nautical miles of Scarborough Shoal. Locally called Panatag Shoal, the rich fishing grounds located at Bajo de Masinloc in Zambales supposedly also bars our Filipino fishermen from entering the shoal lagoon

under the same “special arrangement.” The shoal lies within our country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around the WPS.

Likewise, Beijing has also been insisting for the Philippines to comply with its “official commitment” to tow away BRP Sierra Madre out of our Ayungin Shoal, also located at the WPS. These “special arrangements” were reportedly made in 2016 coinciding with the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping. Not officially acknowledged, expresident Duterte’s pro-China bias during his administration has given credence to Beijing’s claim on the questioned existence of such “gentlemen’s agreement.”

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM), however, swore he is not aware of any such “special arrangements” on the WPS between Manila and Beijing. PBBM declared he is “rescinding” it effectively, if there’s any. In his latest public declaration on the same issue, PBBM admitted he was even “horrified” just thinking about such kind of deals if indeed expresident Duterte agreed to but failed to inform him before

prepared to go on an armed confrontation with the Middle Kingdom. The Philippines cannot forever rely on the assistance of America and other Western allies. It will be a fool’s errand, as I have said in the past. Meanwhile, the chief executive has failed to address the country’s inflation problem. Most Filipinos are getting hungry and remaining poor due to the skyrocketing prices of prime commodities. Around 14.2 percent of Filipino families experienced hunger and not having enough to eat at least once in the past three months. The hunger figure rose by 1.6 percent (Social Weather Stations). The same pollster found 46 percent of families rating themselves as poor while another 30 percent said they are borderline poor. Right now, the focus of his administration should be lifting most Filipinos out of inflation-driven hunger and poverty.

In a nutshell, PBBM must offer unassailable proof that he is the healthy president – physically, mentally and emotionally – that every Filipino can trust a hundred percent.

Probing I am relieved that the Senate committee chaired by Senator Bato dela Rosa pushed through with the hearing last Monday, May 6. I must applaud the reelectionist lawmaker for risking

or after the transition of their administrations on June 30, 2022.

Although no details were provided, the existence of the Duterte-Xi “gentlemen’s agreement” was attested to by former presidential spokesman Harry Roque. However, three other former Duterte Cabinet officials belied the claims of Roque. These were, namely, former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, ex-Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and ex-Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo. Roque subsequently clarified that he actually referred to the “modus vivendi” arrangement that Lorenzana testified to before a House committee public hearing several years ago.

At the resumption of sessions of the 19th Congress last week, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez announced in a press conference they will invite these former Duterte Cabinet officials to shed light on the alleged “gentlemen’s agreement.” Romualdez declared the Lower House intends to exercise its congressional oversight functions to ferret out the truth on this very sensitive national security issue on the WPS.

Romualdez, a maternal first cousin of PBBM, disclosed the House national defense committee chaired by Rep. Raul Tupas called for public hearing

his political career. He could have chosen to ignore the socalled ‘PDEA Leaks’ case to remain in the good books of the Malacañang powers that be. While some DDS and exMarcos loyalists are sorely disappointed with the conduct of the hearing – focusing on the leakage itself instead of the drug use allegations against then-senator Marcos Jr. and an award-winning actress – I credit Bato for soldiering on. As part of the Lower House that once conducted congressional inquiries, I understand that Bato must observe fairness and impartiality to arrive at a credible resolution.

For now, I am glad Dela Rosa believes in the authenticity of the documents. The senator is also unconvinced that Artificial Intelligence generated the documents (ABS-CBN News).

It contradicts the claims of PDEA officials, who vehemently asserted that the case folder against Marcos Jr. does not exist in official records.

I was able to interview agent Morales at my “Pulso ng Bayan” program days ago. He struck me as a credible resource person.

He spoke with authority over the case. The agent candidly admits to facing several cases in court.

But Morales was acquitted in previous charges. Moreover, he has not been convicted of a

on this controversy. It was after Zambales Rep. Jefferson Khonghun filed a House Resolution seeking legislative inquiry into the controversial “gentlemen’s agreement” on the WPS. The Speaker cited he is also as “horrified” as PBBM to be told there is an official deal secretly done but nobody in the Philippines is privy to except the former president.

Romualdez noted even these former Duterte Cabinet officials have differing versions of the truth. “Baka nabubudol na tayo nila,” the Speaker quipped.

(Roughly translated: “We are as if gullible.”) We know where the Speaker is coming from. After all, he also has a running feud with ex-president Duterte and daughter Vice President Sara Duterte.

From the highest office of the land, let us take this issue down to the lower level of the chain of command in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Philippine Navy spokesman for the WPS Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad during our Kapihan sa Manila Bay last Wednesday publicly declared the AFP never received at their level any order – in verbal or in writing – to execute and implement “special arrangements” with China on WPS.

Trinidad, from Class 1991 of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), recalled his particular

criminal offense. Morales admitted to preparing and signing the case files against Marcos Jr. and a TV and movie personality, based on the sworn testimony of a confidential informant (CI). He said the CI presented five stolen shots of the two personalities snorting cocaine, which were taken in different dates and places. The informant was obviously a part of this exclusive group of highly-influential and powerful individuals.

Morales claimed the agency top brass aborted the drug surveillance against Marcos Jr. allegedly upon the orders of then executive secretary Jojo Ochoa. This is why the documents cannot be found in the agency’s web-based data system. The case file against Marcos Jr., which contained the printed or hard copies of the photos, preoperation report, surveillance reports and the deposition of witness, are in the custody of the PDEA Intelligence and Investigation Service. Morales has no idea if the informant is still alive. The last time he saw the CI was in 2012. (Philstar.com) * * *

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

stint as head of the Philippine Navy Staff Operations Group from 2016-2017 that handled the resupply missions to Ayungin during those years. “We in the military move on orders. There is no such official order not to conduct patrols or resupply missions,” Trinidad averred. Trinidad stressed the AFP fully adheres to its Constitutional mandates to carry out the instructions of their incumbent Commander-in-Chief and act according to the guidance of the Chief Executive as the country’s principal foreign policy architect.

Trinidad explained the BRP Sierra Madre in particular remains a commissioned ship of the Philippine Navy and is considered an extension of the Philippine territory. Thus, he stressed, the AFP would continue to ensure the comfort and habitability of the BRP Sierra Madre for the military personnel on board. Before ex-President Duterte bowed out of office at Malacañang Palace, the last resupply mission to Ayungin was carried out on June 20-22, 2022. So what’s the gentlemen’s row all about? (Philstar.com)

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

for the heroes of the health sector by addressing their demands for better working conditions. (Philstar.com)

ManilaTimes.net

The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE

Wednesday MAY 8, 2024

An ode to Floy Quintos

By Ronnie CaRRasCo ManilaTimes.net

FEELING slightly recharged from siesta in the afternoon of April 27, I woke up to a message that came with an obituary: “RIP, direk Floy Quintos.” In disbelief, I replied: “’Di nga (Really)?”

For a stroke patient battling Parkinson’s disease at the same time, it has become “normal” especially in my case to experience bouts of palpitation.

But on that day, it felt like I was having a heart attack as I frenetically scrolled Google for any details, praying fervently that I only fell victim to a prankster or fake news purveyor.

Around that time in the afternoon is usually my early dinner, which I fetch from a neighbor. Walking toward the door to get it packed in styrofoam that time meant heavy steps. So did bringing in the food back to my stuffy room to wolf it down.

The food just lay on my bed, gazing at me for nearly an hour. The day’s weather was at its hottest yet my trembling hands felt coldest. All throughout I couldn’t shake Floy’s sudden passing off my mind. Well, even his niece posted on Facebook her entire family was in a state of shock.

That didn’t exclude me from wondering myself. My former “Startalk” creative directorhead writer gone? How could it have been possible when I even sent him a message of love on his 63rd birthday last April 17, as much as he did when I turned just a year younger 10 days ahead?

No, it couldn’t be possible: I repeatedly told myself. I had known Floy for more than 20 years, including several months of brainstorming sessions for Startalk that was to pilot in October of 1995.

Not once did he fall ill, let alone complain about minor health discomforts.

I barely knew Floy’s creative background except he had a long-standing friendship with Boy Abunda since their Metropolitan Theatre days. Floy had always been (Kuya) Boy’s go-to artistic director in many an Ai Ai de las Alas comedy concert.

In fact, it was Floy who was the brains behind Ai Ai’s Cheenee Lachica’s sketch on GMA’s now-defunct “Show & Tell” which Boy hosted.

The succeeding years opened up to my profound discoveries and realizations about Floy, his works from TV to film and theatre in between most of the time.

But underneath the veneer of a polymath — who walked with an air of gravitas that commanded a great deal of respect and admiration — lay a good-hearted, compassionate, at times irreverent person who was never afraid to go downright “cheap” and

luka-luka” if occasions called for it. Fun to be with, I knew exactly what would make Floy easily burst into attention-getting laughter — jokes or tales using gutter language. Jologs,” if I may put it.

But Floy’s response to such could be way, way above it.

His academic wit and urban “kasosyalan” were not without it, which set him apart from me/us, deprived of the finer things in life.

On most Saturdays during the airing of Startalk, it was always me and Floy on the studio floor.

As such, he bore witness to the program hosts’ movements, on- and off-cam.

It was either one of the hosts was doing pretty well or was doing way below his expectations.

As Startalk director, I witnessed Floy’s patience with “pasaway” hosts (I won’t name names), particularly those who insisted they do what they believed was right but was actually the other way around.

“Tell me, Ron, how am I supposed to deal with that cantankerous host?! That host won’t simply toe the line! Hay, naku!” Floy would often whisper to me as he sighed in frustration.

Floy’s theatrical discipline ingrained in him through the years was understandable.

Yet for all his artistic quirks and temper, Floy was always delightful to work with, joke around with and swap naughty, if raunchy stories with, with nary a whiff of condescension. With direk Floy, it had always been work at play. If only for this — yes, Floy — I will sorely miss the fun times you wrote and directed yourself with so much gusto and cheerful spontaneity.

May you rest in God’s embrace.

Xian Lim flexes new girlfriend on social media

By Jan Milo seveRo Philstar.com

AFTER confirming his relationship with the Viva producer, actor and director Xian Lim flexed Iris Lee on social media.

In his Instagram account, Xian posted behind-the-scenes photos of his upcoming movie.

In one of the photos, Xian and Iris were seen chilling.

Xian recently revealed that he is now in a relationship with Iris.

In his interview with Esquire, Xian said that he wanted to clear things out that’s why he is now speaking about the issue.

“Yes, I’m seeing Iris,” he said.

“Just to clear everything, to clear all the speculations. We are seeing each other and we are very happy,” he added.

Xian, however, said that Iris was not the reason for their breakup. He added that he began dating Iris after breaking up with Kim.

“There’s no third party. That’s it. That’s plain and simple,” he said. “Kuman Thong,” Xian captioned his post.

At 48, Geneva Cruz feels younger and stronger than before

By Jan Milo seveRo Philstar.com

SINGER-ACTRESS Geneva Cruz may be 48 now, but she amazingly feels stronger than when she did in her 20s and 30s.

“I believe that it’s never too late to improve one’s health and strength,” admitted Geneva. “When it comes to fitness, there are no shortcuts; you only get out what you put in.”

For somebody who used to dislike running, it is surprising that Geneva is now setting her sights on joining the 2024 Clark Triathlon Classic this coming June, a first for her. Joining a triathlon was never in Geneva’s bucket list. “I had

never experienced the ‘runner’s high’ many runners talk about,” Geneva said.

“However, that pushed me to want to know what it feels like, so I started participating in more fun runs including 5k, 10k and 21k races, as well as a duathlon (run-bike-run) and cycling races.

“I continued to join more races until I finally felt the runner’s high, which only happened recently. Last year alone, I completed 14 races and last April was my 17th race.” Geneva is excited to see how far she can push herself and what she can achieve through the experience. She likes to challenge herself because it

helps her grow. She is preparing for the June triathlon and even learns how to swim.

“For me, the race is not only about winning, but also about the journey of training and the challenges that come with it,” Geneva admitted. “I believe overcoming the challenges will make me physically and mentally stronger and help me become a better version of myself.”

“But I never do those challenges without preparation, so I always incorporate cardio and endurance training, strength and conditioning under coach Kelvin Labrador of Fit Twenty-One Gym. I also

First ‘home-grown’ Filipino priest in Orange County to be ordained on June 8

By BeCky TaMondong DOSJFM

THE Filipino Catholic community in Orange County is a-buzz with the forthcoming ordination of Deacon Cole Buzon. He is on record the first full-blooded Filipino born and raised in Orange County to be ordained a priest. This is significant considering the dearth of Filipino vocations to the priesthood, which has been an interesting topic of conversation: why, compared to other Asian nationalities, Filipinos produce the least number of vocations in Orange County. Finally, one priestly vocation has come to full fruition, with hopes of more to follow in the coming years. Bishop Kevin Vann is delighted with this significant milestone of ordaining a Filipino priest for the first time in the Diocese of Orange, but quips, “I want more!” June is a special month for Cole Christian Buzon. He was born on June 5, 1995, baptized on June 11, 1995, ordained a transitional deacon on June 24, 2023, and will be

ordained a priest on June 8, 2024. He was born in Whittier, raised in La Habra, and moved to Brea where he went to Brea Junior High School and Brea Olinda High School. For his college education he enrolled at West Coast University where he finished a bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene and a Master’s Degree in Health Administration. Cole’s grandfather and mother are both dentists. Cole worked

for 1 1/2 years as a dental hygienist and was involved in youth ministry work in his parish before he entered St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo at the age of 22. After seven years of theological studies, which includes an internship at St. Polycarp in Stanton, he will be ordained a priest in the Diocese of Orange. Currently, his home parish is St. Angela Merici Church in Brea. Additional information on Deacon Cole can be found via google.com; search for Cole Buzon. In addition, videos on reflections that he has given the past two years are available on the RCBO website. The ordination Mass and ceremonies to be held at the Christ Cathedral on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 10 a.m. is open to all who want to attend. Please join the Filipino community in the Diocese of Orange on this momentous occasion that the Diocese of Orange San Jose Filipino Ministry (DOSJFM) is proud to support. If you have any questions or need further information please call Tess Pabalan at 714-213-4715.

Alden Richards wants to keep it ‘personal’ with Kathryn Bernardo

By HannaH MalloRCa Inquirer.net

ALDEN Richards remained tightlipped on the real score with “Hello, Love, Goodbye” co-star Kathryn Bernardo, as he pointed out that he wants to keep the details of their friendship “personal.”

In his cover story with fashion magazine Preview, Richards spoke about the reported budding romance between him and Bernardo. “Whatever is happening between Kath (Bernardo) and I, I really want it to be personal,” he said.

The actor also touched on his onscreen partnership with Bernardo in the hit 2019 film, in which he admitted that he was surprised they earned support the support of viewers as it was their first time working together.

“I was actually surprised [with] how people reacted to [us]… I don’t want to be the first person to say a lot of things about it, but I’m glad that it’s being received well,” he said of the KathDen craze.

Richards shared that he, Bernardo, and the “Hello, Love, Goodbye” cast built a “solid” friendship, which lasted until

today. He also said its success, which is currently the second highest-grossing movie in the Philippines, still overwhelms him up to now.

“The friendship never ended. Naging solid din talaga yung samahan naming lahat [during filming]. And right now, I’m just quite overwhelmed,” he said.

In a recent interview with GMA’s 24 Oras, the actor also chose to keep mum on the status of his relationship with Bernardo, saying “what you see is what you get.” Richards said he would rather keep it “personal.”

Richards and Bernardo’s friendship remained a topic of interest after the actor was first seen at the Kapamilya actress’ birthday party in Palawan, before surprising her with a bouquet of flowers and a Bacarrat box at another surprise celebration for Bernardo. He also made an appearance at the actress’ housewarming party last month.

In a report from entertainment insider Ogie Diaz, Richards is said to have been courting Bernardo, but the actor has not addressed this directly, as of writing.

Luis Manzano cleared of cancer after undergoing biopsy

By Jan Milo seveRo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA host Luis Manzano revealed that he’s cleared of cancer.

In his latest vlog on his YouTube channel, Luis said he underwent biopsy because of a mole on his head.

“Akala ko dati pa, nunal, kaya niloloko ko ‘yung mga tao na matalino ako, may nunal ako dito. Bata pa ako, alam kong may ganyan na ako.

“So, noong nag-attend kami ‘yung party kay Mr. M [Johnny Manahan]... inaayusan ako ng make-up artist, ‘yung hairstylist ko na si Jo Garcia, kunsaan alam naman niya na may nunal ako sa [ulo]. Noong nakapa niya, sabi niya, ‘Kuya, parang lumaki ang nunal mo.’ E, hindi ko naman nakikita.

“Kaya biglang napaisip ako, kasi iba nga kapag may lumalaking mga nunal. Isa sa mga puwedeng... ay melanoma or skin cancer.

“Kaya kako, ang pinakamaganda as always, ipapa-check ko siya sa doctor. Kasi kadalasan ‘yung mga nunal na suspected for whatever, na

nakikita mong nagkakaroon ng ibang growth, ibang color.” Luis then said that he booked an appointment to have the mole checked.

“Nagpa-check ako sa Belo sa Alabang. ‘Yung una, si Doc, sa derma na tumingin, sabi niya, it looks okay. Sabi niya, it seems okay naman pero ang pinakamaganda is ipa-check sa surgeon,” he said.

“Nagpa-check din naman ako sa surgeon. Noong pagkacheck niya, same thing ang

unang sinabi ni Doc ay ‘yung history naman, e, ‘Dati pa ‘to. Hindi naman ito sudden growth.’ So, sabi niya, ‘It looks okay naman but if you want to be

celebration ako, nagpaikli ako ng buhok. Paminsan-minsan may mga ganu’n tayo, ‘no, small joys sa buhay. At ako, isa sa small joys ko, kapag bagong

sa buhay na hindi rin biro ang ngiting naibibigay sa atin.

The author had known the award-winning director and writer for over 20 years. Photo from Facebook/Celina Quintos

Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards

Photo from Instagram/@niceprintphoto

Luis Manzano Photo from Instagram/@luckymanzano

Xian Lim and girlfriend Iris Lee

Photo from Instagram/@xianlimm

Dcn Cole Buzon

Fil-Canadian Manny Jacinto joins Star Wars series ‘The Acolyte’

By KAthleen A. llemit Philstar.com

IT is the fourth of May weekend, and in true “Star Wars” fashion, Filipino-Canadian Manny Jacinto invites viewers to watch his upcoming starrer “The Acolyte.”

The upcoming Disney+ series is a prequel to the popular main “Star Wars” films or the Skywalker saga.

Manny plays a former smuggler named Qimir.

He joins a cast that includes Korean star Lee Jung-jae, who plays the vital role of Jedi master Sol; Amandla Stenberg as Mae, a former Padawan learner turned into a dangerous warrior; and Dafne Keen, the breakout star in “Logan” and stars as Sol’s apprentice in the series.

The trailer also teased the inclusion of “Matrix” star CarrieAnne Moss, who will play Indara, a proficient Jedi master.

Judy Ann Santos reunites with ‘Gimik’ co-stars: Real friends stay forever

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

JUDY Ann Santos drew excitement and cheers from ’90s fans after she held a get-together with her fellow “Gimik” stars Jolina Magdangal, Marvin Agustin, Mylene Dizon and Dominic Ochoa.

During the reunion, the group filmed for a vlog for Santos’ YouTube channel, Judy Ann’s Kitchen. The actress shared a sneak peek into their

gathering on her Instagram page on Tuesday, May 7.

The group was seen cooking together, exchanging banters while reminiscing moments from the 1996 show, and enjoying a drink in an outdoor area.

“That one fine day. Friends come and go but the real ones, they stay. They stay with you forever,” Santos captioned her post. Dizon, Agustin and Ochoa also showed moments from their gathering through their

respective Instagram pages. May reunion na naganap!” Dizon exclaimed. “Best Sunday ever!” Agustin, meanwhile, said.

Fans were ecstatic upon seeing the group together again, and some couldn’t help but remember the late Rico Yan, one of the cast members.

Gimik” aired from 1996 to 1999 on ABS-CBN. Other celebrities who were part of its cast include Giselle “G” Töngi, Patrick Garcia, Kaye Abad and Diether Ocampo.

At 48, Geneva Cruz feels younger...

From Page 8

do some mobility and flexibility (yoga and dance) on my own at home.”

Two years ago, it will be remembered that Geneva constantly wanted to challenge herself. During the pandemic, she signed up as a reservist of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), recruited by her Smokey Mountain friend, 2nd lieutenant Tony Lambino, in 2022.

“We went to the mountains where we had our PAFR (Philippine Air Force Reserve Command) FTX (Field Training Exercises) for four days,” Geneva shared. “That’s what excites me because I’m learning a lot with my training in the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

“I joined the reservist because I want to help without entering politics. We go on medical missions, join the manpower and assist in many places around the Philippines and encourage more Filipinos.”

When she became an army reservist, Geneva struggled with her scoliosis because they all had to carry a heavy backpack and the M16 while doing their basic citizen military training,

“I knew I had to learn how to manage my thoracic scoliosis better and that came with physical therapy treatment combined with chiropractic therapy, strength and conditioning, and now, swimming.

“Being in the military reserve grew me a stronger backbone and I am willing to use it to assist others and my loved ones in times of need.”

As an Aries-Dragon, Geneva remains very agile and active more than three decades after she joined the entertainment industry as a female soloist of Smokey Mountain quartet, with Lambino, Jeffrey Hidalgo and James Coronel.

“It’s not just dancing with me now,” Geneva said. “I ran. I do marathons. At 48, I have become this strong woman. Strong not just on the inside, but even on the outside.”

Participating in a triathlon is a personal challenge for Geneva. It didn’t just start out with a dare. Nor did anyone challenge

her in any way. She didn’t just wake up one day and say, “I want to join a triathlon!”

“It just seems more fun than just running in itself because you get to do more than just running,” Geneva maintained. “I also want to prove to myself that with proper training, people in their 40s and 50s can achieve the same physical feat as younger individuals.”

Losing her mom to COVID-19 in 2021 prodded Geneva to step up her fitness game. “My sisters started training with me and our cousin Glenda (Cruz Bayona) at the gym, joining us at fun runs only this year, which has been very exciting,” Geneva shared. “I stay in training mode and have more fun with my friends and family.”

Her male, pro-athlete friends inspired her and also her cousin Glenda. Inevitably they became Geneva’s inspirational pegs in fitness. Her cousin, Glenda, likewise enlisted for the triathlon.

“Glenda encouraged me to get into weightlifting and running and she also became my gym buddy,” Geneva offered. “She introduced me to Fit Twenty-One Gym two years ago and they showed me that it could be done. Since then, I never looked back at my old

self.”

That made Geneva say to herself, “Yeah! I want to be like them! I want to be lean and mean! I want to be a winner!” Geneva acknowledges her weakness — swimming — and knows she needs to work harder at it.

“I have mighty long fingers and feet (laughs). Kidding aside, all thanks to my fantastic coach, Al Gonzales, who was introduced to me by my triathlete BFF Jeffrey Hidalgo.”

With just a month away, Geneva observes a proper diet (clean eating and no junk foods or sweets), swim classes, fun runs, cycling, weights, yoga, pilates, even dance, and of course, recovery in between.

“After realizing that the fire inside me needed to be balanced by more graceful activities, I decided to stop taking taekwondo lessons and chose to learn how to swim, instead,” Geneva said.

“Joining an event like this triathlon, I know I will gain strength both mentally and physically and even become a better swimmer. I will be able to use it to finally join the Philippine Air Force Search And Rescue Auxiliary Training (SARAT), so I can serve my country better,” Geneva asserted.

Manny Jacinto as Qimir in ‘The Acolyte’ Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm

(R-L) “Gimik” stars Dominic Ochoa, Mylene Dizon, Judy Ann Santos, Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin. Photos from Instagram/@missmylenedizon,

judyannskitchen

Geneva says being in the military reserve grew her a stronger backbone. Photo from Instagram/@genevacruzofficial

Ogie Diaz says no ill feelings vs Liza Soberano over liking, sharing of cyber libel post

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

after the actress liked and reposted a report related to Bea Alonzo filing cyber libel complaints against him. In the latest episode of “Ogie Diaz Showbiz Updates,”

Ogie said he is not taking it against his former talent.

“ Nakita ko nga ‘yun.

Marami ring nag send sa’kin ng screenshots ng pag- repost ni Liza Soberano,” the showbiz columnist said.

Sa’kin, walang problema ‘yun. Okay lang . Twitter account niya ‘yun eh. Karapatan niya ‘yun ,” he added.

Ogie’s co-host Mama Loi asked him what’s his reaction to Liza’s father John resharing the news about the cyber libel raps.

“ Hindi ko na siya pinapansin. Ganyan na siya sa’kin ever since. Hayaan mo na siya ,” Ogie said.

Ogie then said that he and Liza knew what really happened when they separated ways. He still hopes for Liza to succeed in the Hollywood.

Alam namin ni Liza kung ano ang truth sa amin. Kapag may maling nasabi si Liza, cino- correct ko lang ,” Ogie said.

“ Hindi naman ako nagtatampo. Hindi ko alam kung siya nagtatampo sa’kin or whatever. Kasi naghiwalay kami nang maayos. Ang pinagdadasal ko lang na sana makuha niya ang goal sa Hollywood,” he added.

Do

Barrister’s Corner

GENERALLY, in California, property acquired by a spouse prior to marriage is considered separate property under family code section 770 while those acquired after marriage are considered community assets under family code section 760. How do you characterize real property purchased prior to marriage but with the mortgage principal paid down using community income or funds during the marriage? The community in this situation acquires a pro tanto interest in the ratio that the payments on the purchase price made with community funds bear to the total payments on the purchase price and any appreciation should be apportioned accordingly.

Marriage of Moore (1980) 28 C3d 366, 371, 373, 168 CR 662, 664, 665. Other expenses associated with the property are not considered in the calculation such as mortgage interest, taxes, and insurance. In essence, the real property would accumulate both a separate property and a community property component by the date of separation. The appropriate remedy in this situation where separate property is subsequently paid with community funds is “apportionment.”

The process of apportioning between the separate and community property component is laid out in the Marriage of Marsden . In that case, the court determined the ratio or percentage in which the mortgage loan principal was reduced during the marriage and applied that percentage to the appreciation of the real property during the marriage. The community

property component would then consist of the reduction in the mortgage loan principal during the marriage plus the portion of appreciation during the marriage applying the ratio discussed above.

In the Marriage of Marsden , the real property was purchased by the husband for $38,300 prior to the marriage. The original mortgage was $30,000. By the time the husband got married, the house was now worth $65,000 while the mortgage has gone down by $7,000. Both the appreciation of $26,700 and the mortgage reduction of $7,000 would be separate property since it occurred prior to marriage.

Marriage of Marsden (1982) 130 CA3d 426, 181 CR 910

During the marriage until the time of trial, the property has appreciated another $117,500 (property now valued at $182,500) while the mortgage has further declined by $9,200 up to the date of separation. The ratio at which community funds paid down the mortgage ($9,200) during the marriage to the original purchase price ($38,300) amounts to 24.02%. This percentage of the property appreciation during the marriage of $117,500 ($28,223.50) plus the reduction in mortgage balance during the marriage ($9,200) would constitute the community component of the real property. The rest was the husband’s separate property. The husband in that case was awarded his separate property component of the real property plus one half of the community property component. The Marsden apportionment method is also applicable to situations where a community real property is later transmuted into one spouse’s separate property through execution of a quit claim by the other spouse but is subsequently paid using community funds. Marriage of Broderick (1989) 209 CA3d 489, 257 CR 397. In litigation, the community interest in the

situations mentioned about is proven through expert witness testimony typically by a forensic CPA.

Since California case law allows the creation of a community interest in real property acquired prior to marriage, one has to consider vehicles to protect themselves if you own property and you are contemplating of getting married. There are several ways of avoiding the creation of a community interest on your separate real property. One, you can sign a prenuptial agreement. Two, the parties can execute a postnuptial agreement if the parties are already married. Three, the parties can execute a transmutation agreement with a waiver of any family code section 2640 reimbursement claim. If your divorce case involves complex issues of asset distribution, it is best to retain the representation of competent counsel.

VETERAN showbiz reporter

Ogie Diaz revealed that he has no ill feelings to Liza Soberano

Ogie Diaz with Liza Soberano, his most popular talent Photo from Instagram/@ogie_diaz

4th Historic Illipinos celebrates Fil-Ams in hip hop

SATURDAY, April 20 saw

a packed Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) headquarters office in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles.

Now on its 52nd year, the recently completed new HQ of SIPA serves as the venue and backdrop for this year’s 4th Historic Illipinos, which was organized by Justin Foronda, chef and owner of HiFi Kitchen, a local neighborhood restaurant dedicated to bringing visibility to Historic Filipinotown (HiFi). Designed to celebrate the impact Filipinos have had on hip hop, the first Historic Illipinos event that happened on October 15, 2021 commemorated the 25th anniversary of Radiotron’s Style Elements vs. Renegade Rockers, a historic B-Boy Battle located in the heart of what we now know as HiFi.

The second Historic Illipinos events celebrated Fil-Am B-Boys, while the third event, which was held last year, honored Fil-Am B-Girls.

This year’s unprecedented event aptly called “Moving

The Needle” brought some of the best Fil-Am hip hop DJs to HiFi. The day-long event showcased several resellers of vinyl records, hip hop artists selling paintings, prints and merchandise, delicious food from HiFi Kitchen, a workshop that presented students from the Beat Junkies Institute of Sound along with an opportunity for the audience to try a hand in spinning and an informative and entertaining panel that talked about the journey and experiences of special guest DJs.

DJ Bella Fiasco who is a native of Long Beach and Lakewood known for her impeccable style and taste in her music selection, DJ Babu who is a member of Los Angeles-based hip hop trio Dilated Peoples, DJ Rhettmatic who is a producer, member and

part creator of California’s first turntable band Beat Junkies, DJ Icy Ice of the legendary DJ crew The World Famous Beat Junkies and DJ in several radio stations in Los Angeles joined the panel of DJs and DJ Dynamix who is a finalist on several DJ competitions and an official instructor at the worldfamous Beat Junkies Institute of Sound moderated the panel.

According to event organizer Justin Foronda, there is a need to celebrate the contributions of Fil-Ams to hip hop to empower the community to recognize their ability to change the world.

SIPA Executive Director Kimmy Maniquis stated, “I’m reminded that art will always

be central to who we are, and be a powerful carrier of our stories, memory and history.”

Justin Foronda further expressed, “I think that says it best. Hip hop is just the vehicle, whether you listen to it or not, you have a shared cultural experience with these folks, and the journey is something anyone can relate to. Fil-Am or not.”

In laying the foundations of Historic Illipinos, Justin shares, “Hip hop, through Breakin’, gave me a lot of the tools I use to be successful in all my endeavors including dance, nursing, music, food and business. I learned about the world through a microcosm. Dance was a recreation or re-

creation of the world. Through Historic Illipinos, I want to stress the importance of being creative — having hobbies and doing what you love — because it helps us learn about ourselves and life. Also, doing something you love only creates more love.”

The chef and owner of HiFi Kitchen demonstrates the same passion for doing what he loves in the kitchen and sharing it with others. Justin affirms this through his purpose, “to share my bicultural experience and create a space for bicultural folks to feel seen. Most importantly, to thank my mom for all her hard work. She provides an abundance, not just for me but for the people around her, and the only way I know how to pay her back is to be successful in what I’m doing, and not take advantage or be complacent. Her love overflows from me into the community.”

Justin Foronda sets his sights to highlight Filipino communities beyond Los Angeles through the dance space, workshops… Sky’s the limit.

* * *

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.

* * * micdiazpresents@gmail.com

Photos courtesy of Ervin Arana Photography

Photos courtesy of Ervin Arana Photography