051024 - Northern California Edition

California oats extending health insurance subsidies to all adult immigrants

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

US House weighs bill that would add citizenship question to 2023 Census

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 boots-onthe-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 in-

Law enforcers

urged to locate Pastor Quiboloy for legal proceedings to start

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

Majority of Filipinos see red tape, restrictive rules as top barriers to foreign investments -

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.

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

President

Biden honors contributions of Asian Americans and Paci c Islanders

WASHINGTON

In

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.”

“Hate must have no safe harbor in America — that is why I signed the bipartisan COVID-19 Hate Crimes

MANILA — For the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is hoping to draw on the magic of the Uniteam — his election alliance that helped cinch him the presidency in 2022.

During the alliance signing of Lakas-CMD and Marcos’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the president reiterated his goal of ending hunger in the Philippines.

Marcos said that the key to achieving such aspirations is to remain united.

“If we stay united, if we look at the successes and the progress that we have made in the past two years, I am confident that if we maintain that unity, not only for election purposes, but all throughout the work of service that we have taken an oath to do for our people, if we continue to do that, then we will continue

‘No Cabinet-level official’ in...

However, the DFA said, "As far as the Philippine government is concerned, no such document, or record, or deal exists as purported by the Chinese Embassy."

The DFA on Sunday, May 5 said it was "not aware" of any "model arrangement" being referred to by the Chinese Embassy in Manila with regard to Ayungin Shoal.

The DFA reiterated its firm position that the Philippines has "not entered into agreement abandoning its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, including on the Ayungin

Shoal."

It added that on issues of such importance, "any agreements or arrangements would be made only if authorized at the highest level of government."

The DFA said the Secretary of National Defense and National Security Adviser have both "denied the existence of any informal arrangements on the Ayungin Shoal, which shows the untruthfulness of China's narrative."

"China should desist from disseminating such disinformation or insinuations against Philippine officials, which create confusion among the Filipino public and

distract from the real issues created by China's unfounded claims, and illegal and aggressive actions in our waters," the DFA said.

The Philippines has been "earnest in seeking ways to reduce tensions with China through established diplomatic channels," it added.

"If China is serious about properly managing the differences at sea, we urge China to favorably consider the standing Philippine invitation to convene the next meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea as soon as possible," the DFA said. g

President Joe Biden honors contributions of...

Act, which makes it easier for Americans to report hate crimes, and I also hosted the first-ever 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)

Marcos to revive Uniteam for 2025 midterm...

to be met with success, we will continue to be met with the progress that we dream of,” said Marcos in his speech.

“Kagaya ng ating ginawa sa nakaraang halalan ay bubuoin ulit natin, hindi naman… we have to formalize it, kasi may political cycle so bubuoin ulit natin,

i-formalize natin and Uniteam,” added Marcos.

(Like what we did in the past election, we will form again — not that, we have to formalize it because there is a political cycle so we will form it again, we will formalize the Uniteam.)

While Marcos has insisted that the Uniteam is still intact,

his alliance with Vice President Sara Duterte has been called into question after the latter’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, accused Marcos of being a drug user back in January. The vice president has remained mum on the status of the Uniteam since her father’s accusations. g

Law enforcers urged to locate Pastor...

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.”

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.

US House weighs bill that would

clusive and accurate census.”

“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.

icans 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.

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.

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 non-citizens alike.”

To ask or not to ask

“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.

“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 right-leaning think tank The Heritage Foundation, in a statement. Heritage Action played a key role in pushing the bill before lawmakers.

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

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 Amer-

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 Medi-Cal.

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.

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 then-President 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

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.

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 Post-Enumeration 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)

“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 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 the California Health Care Foundation.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

GREEN ENERGY. Clear skies and unobstructed view of the windmills of Pililla, Rizal on Monday, May 6. The farm has 27 wind turbines, each with a height of

PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

Gets namin ang aming customer mga

Pilipino

May magagandang rate, guaranteed delivery, at walang hidden fee, samahan ang milyon-milyong nagtitiwala sa Remitly kapag nagse-send ng pera sa mga kaibigan at pamilya.

California-based Fil-Am Marine leads classroom construction in PH

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. 

Majority of Filipinos see red tape, restrictive...

1

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)

Support.

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.

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.” 

Photo from Facebook/@ExerciseBalikatan

RICE PRICES. Workers unload sacks of rice at a warehouse in Tondo, Manila, on Tuesday, May 7. Congress and the Department of Agriculture are finding measures to reduce the price of rice to below PHP30 per kilo by July.

PNA

photo by Yancy Lim

OPINION FEATURES

Honoring the heroes

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 marched again on Tuesday, May 7 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.

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.

On Tuesday, a special working holiday in honor of their sector, thousands of health workers marched 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 were unable to join the mass actions reportedly because the health facilities where they work are understaffed.

The pandemic highlighted the serious

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,

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

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

security of tenure and unsafe working conditions.”

Beyond creating a special day and heaping praise, the government can show its appreciation

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

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

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.

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

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

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, May 1 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

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)

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

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.

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.

Fr. Joel Sulse CBCP photo

On the other hand, Fr. Lino Gregorio Redoblado, the minister provincial of the OFM

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.

“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. 

Tumulong sa Paghubog sa Kinabukasan ng iyong Komunidad!

Ang Contra Costa County Consortium, na kinabibilangan ng mga lungsod ng Antioch, Concord, Pittsburg, Walnut Creek, at County ng Contra Costa (sa ngalan ng lahat ng iba pang bayan at lungsod sa Contra Costa) ay tumatanggap ng pederal na pagpopondo ng HOME, Block Grant para sa Pagpapaunlad ng Komunidad (Community Development Block Grant, CDBG), at Grant sa Mga Solusyong Pang-emergency (Emergency Solutions Grant, ESG) bawat taon. Sa loob ng limang taon, aabot na ang kabuuan ng mga pondong ito nang higit sa $60 milyon!

Ang mga pondong ito ng pederal na pamahalaan, na pinangangasiwaan ng Departamento ng Pabahay at Pagpapaunlad ng Lungsod (Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD) ng U.S. ay maaaring gamitin para magtayo ng bagong abot-kayang pabahay, mapahusay ang imprastruktura sa mga kapitbahayan na may mababang kita, magbigay ng tulong sa trabaho sa mga may-ari ng maliliit na negosyo, tulungan ang mga taong nakararanas ng kawalan ng tirahan, at MARAMI PA!

Gusto naming marinig ang saloobin mo….Bawat limang taon, IKAW, ang iyong mga kaibigan, iyong mga kapitbahay, at iyong komunidad ay may pagkakataong tumulong sa pagtukoy ng pinakamalaking pangangailangan ng iyong komunidad, at matukoy kung paano ginagastos ang mga pondong ito at para tumulong sa pagtugon sa mga pangangailangan na ito. Mangyaring maglaan ng ilang sandali para kompletuhin ang aming mga online na survey sa pamamagitan ng pagpunta sa www.ccconplan.org at sa ilalim ng Survey ng Komunidad, piliin ang “Pabahay at Walang Tahanan” at “Hindi Pabahay”. Magtatagal ang mga survey ng humigit-kumulang 15 minuto, kaya mangyaring maging handa at bigyan mo ito ng maingat na pagsasaalang-alang.

Bilang karagdagan, mangyaring dumalo sa aming virtual na pampublikong pagpupulong: Pagtatasa sa Pangangailangan ng Komunidad – Virtual na Pagpupulong

Petsa: Miyerkules, May 22, 2024

Oras: 6:00pm PST Lokasyon: Virtual na Pagpupulong https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/86331050411

Meeting ID: 863 3105 0411

O Telepono:

I-dial ang: USA 214 765 0478 US Toll USA 888 278 0254 US Toll-free Conference Code: 841892

Bahagi ng proseso ang iyong feedback para lumikha ng Pinagsama-samang Plano ng Consortium sa 2025-2030 para sa paggamit ng mga pondong natanggap mula sa HUD. Salamat sa pagtulong na idirekta ang pagpopondo ng mga pederal na programa sa susunod na limang taon!

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa limang taong proseso ng pagpaplano at iba pang pagkakataon na lumahok, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa Departamento ng Konserbasyon at Pag-unlad (Department of Conservation and Development) ng Contra Costa County sa (925) 655-2708 o bisitahin kami sa web sa www.ccconplan.org.

Magbibigay ang Consortium ng live na interpretasyon sa wikang Espanyol sa panahon ng pagpupulong, at gagawing available ang isang na-transcribe na recording sa website.

Zubiri ags 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.

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 president noted that guilt must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

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

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)

Senator Ronald Dela Rosa (left photo), 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, with resource persons former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency agent Jonathan Morales (center), actress Maricel Soriano (upper right) who was linked to cocaine use, and (lower left photo) PDEA Director General Moro Virgilio Lazo (holding paper) and Director Martin Francia who said the documents are false. Dela Rosa said the Senate owes it to the public to find out how confidential documents, like those belonging to the PDEA, end up in the hands of private citizens.

PNA photos by Avito Dalan

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.

Alden wants to keep it ‘personal’ with Kathryn

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.

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 Carrie-Anne Moss, who will play Indara, a proficient Jedi master.

Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards Photo from Instagram/@niceprintphoto

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

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

SACRAMENTO – Recently, California has seen two firsts related to zero-emission vehicles: the nation’s first solar-powered electric truck charging depot and Amazon’s largest electric truck fleet in any country.

The two milestones illustrate Governor Gavin Newsom’s commitment to building more, faster to achieve California’s world-leading climate goals. In recent years, the state has ramped up its work to build a bigger, better electric vehicle (EV) charging network to support both light-duty and heavy-duty ZEVs.

The work is critical to achieving the state’s goals of 100% ZEV new car sales by 2035 and 100% ZEV medium and heavy-duty trucks by 2045. Find more ZEV projects in your community at build.ca.gov.

“California continues to lead the way in setting world-leading climate goals. No other state has created the kind of environment where Amazon and WattEV and other businesses can lead on sustainability and take major steps forward like deploying electric trucks and charging infrastructure. California’s climate action continues powering our economy and creating jobs,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement released by his office.

Nation’s first solar-powered EV truck charging depot opens in Bakersfield California officials helped celebrate the grand opening of WattEV’s third and largest electric truck charging depot in Bakersfield on Monday, May 6. This will be the nation’s first electric truck stop featuring a solar-powered microgrid with a battery energy storage system.

The truck depot will serve heavyduty electric trucks with routes connecting the San Joaquin Valley’s agricultural sector and growing distribution warehouse region to the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, and inland destinations throughout Southern California and the West. The depot was supported by a $5 million grant from the California Energy Commission – part of the Governor's multibillion-dollar California Climate Commitment.

California Air Resources Board Chair Liane Randolph highlighted this project’s significance in the drive to zero-emission truck transport and helping meet California’s climate goals.

World’s largest fleet of Amazon electric trucks hit Los Angeles roads

California officials joined Los Angeles Mayor Bass and partners from the Biden Administration and the Port of Los Angeles to launch Amazon’s largest fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks in the world on Tuesday, May 7. The company is rolling out nearly 50 heavy-duty electric trucks in Southern California, adding to

hundreds of electric vans already deployed throughout the state.

The heavy-duty trucks are part of the company’s first- and middle-mile delivery operations – moving goods from where they’re first manufactured into the company’s fulfillment network. Amazon already has deployed hundreds of electric vans throughout the state that serve the last portion of delivery operations – delivering goods from fulfillment centers to people’s homes.

“We’re proud to launch our largest fleet of electric heavy-duty vehicles yet in California,” said Udit Madan, vice president of Worldwide Amazon Operations. “Heavy-duty trucking is a particularly difficult area to decarbonize, which makes us all the more excited to have these vehicles on the road today. We’ll use what we learn from deploying these vehicles as we continue to identify and invest in solutions to reduce emissions in our transportation network, and to impact sustainability in the trucking industry more broadly.” (CA Gov. Newsom’s Office Release)

California increases groundwater supply

SACRAMENTO – California achieved 4.1 million acre-feet of managed groundwater recharge in 2023, with an overall increase in groundwater storage of 8.7 million acre-feet – equivalent to 26.1 million households' usage over an entire year.

Governor Gavin Newsom and the state took action to help local communities during last year's wet season, expanding groundwater recharge by 1.6 million acre-feet:

• Executive orders and legislation to capture more water. Governor Newsom signed executive orders to expand groundwater recharge by 400,000 acre-feet, as well as signing legislation to build more infrastructure.

• Fast-tracking groundwater recharge projects. The state streamlined groundwater recharge permits to allow for 1.2 million acre-feet of groundwater recharge, as well as investing in groundwater recharge projects.

• Maximizing stormwater capture. Investing millions for 67 stormwater projects to take advantage of major storm events.

• Ambitious goals. Setting the statewide goal to expand average annual groundwater recharge by at least 500,000 acre-feet as outlined in the Water Supply Strategy.

However, there is still a lot of work to do, as longterm groundwater storage remains in a deficit of nearly 40 million acre-feet over the past two decades. Recharging groundwater is key to California's strategy for expanding water supplies and defending against hotter and drier conditions. Last month, Governor Newsom highlighted the state's plans to protect water supplies for all Californians.

California's other actions to boost future water supplies include:

• Billions of dollars in water investments over the last three years. Track water projects in your community at build.ca.gov.

• Expanded water supply and storage through groundwater recharge and other projects by over 400 billion gallons.

• Streamlining projects and limiting litigation delays to spur new and improved water infrastructure.

More is needed to expand California's water supplies. During this year's storms alone, the Delta Conveyance Project could've captured enough water to supply 9.6 million people; the streamlined Sites Reservoir Project could hold enough water for 32 million households' yearly usage. (CA Gov. Newsom’s Office Release)

Sky River Casino’s spectacular May promotions:

AS the calendar turns to May, Sky River Casino is set to dazzle members with a host of promotions that promise excitement, luxury, and a touch of elegance. Get ready for a month where every moment at the casino offers a chance at winning something extraordinary, from dream cars to designer handbags.

Drive away with a dream car

Feel the energy on the casino floor spike every Saturday night from May 1 to July 27, between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. with the "Road to Glory" giveaway, as members are presented with the chance to win the ultimate prize: a brandnew car.

SAN FRANCISCO – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, in collaboration with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Silicon Valley and Asian Consulting Group (ACG), hosted the launch of the 2024 ACG International Tax and Investment Roadshow in the United States.

In his welcome remarks, Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer commended ACG’s founding chair and chief tax advisor Raymond “Mon” Abrea for his latest book, “Why Invest in the Philippines?” “This book is very timely and helpful, as the Philippine Government is actively seeking foreign investments into the country,” Consul General Ferrer said.

“The administration of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. places a high priority in promoting trade and investments, improving infrastructure, ensuring energy security and creating more jobs,” Consul General Ferrer said. “The government encourages and welcomes research and development, innovation, and growing the digital economy.”

“Now is the best time to invest and do business in the Philippines,” Consul General Ferrer emphasized.

Abrea delivered a comprehensive presentation covering investment opportunities in the Philippines, such as government incentives for foreign investors in

the Philippines, as well as tax and policy reforms. He underscored the government and the private sector’s collaboration in improving the ease of doing business in the country on top of major policy reforms.

“We in the private sector work closely with the government and policymakers to help enhance business and investment opportunities in the Philippines, including following through the implementation of recent tax and ease of doing business reforms,” Abrea said.

Abrea and PTIC Silicon Valley Trade Commissioner Celynne Layug held a fireside chat addressing questions from the participants around market entry strategies, regulatory compliance, investment incentives, operational challenges, and business growth opportunities in the Philippines.

Over 40 participants attend-

ed the event, including representatives from various organizations like the San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce, and the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Utah, as well as members of the academe, Filipino American community leaders and business owners, startup founders, and travel agencies.

The event concluded with the launch of Abrea’s book, “Why Invest in the Philippines?,” which provides a comprehensive guide to investing and doing business in the country. Participants were given a complimentary copy of the book.

Business-to-business (B2B) meetings were held the following day at Dynamico Space to address specific questions of business owners and offer in-depth consultations with Abrea. (PCGSF Release)

From the sleek lines of the Lincoln Nautilus to the muscular contours of the Ford Mustang GT, and the commanding presence of the GMC Sierra, there’s a perfect match for every winner’s taste. Beyond the allure of these stunning vehicles, members can rev up their winning potential with 100 bonus entries for every 100 Tier Credits accumulated every Monday and Tuesday.

And the chance at winning doesn't end there – cash and Free Play are also on the prize roster. Don't forget to secure your free daily entry with a swipe at the promotional kiosk, because every visit offers a new opportunity to turn the key on a new luxury ride.

London Fog handbag collection giveaway

Adding a dash of British sophistication to Sky River’s May lineup, the London Fog Handbag Collection Giveaway on Thursdays or Fridays from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. allows members to accessorize their wardrobes with timeless elegance. By earning 500 Tier Credits, members can walk away with a distinguished new accessory each week, from a sleek Wallet

to a stylish crossbody bag, a classic satchel, or a versatile tote.

OCEAN Restaurant: A voyage to Vietnamese delicacies

Adding to the enchantment of May, OCEAN restaurant at The Market proudly presents a new traditional Vietnamese menu. Delight in the authentic flavors with steaming bowls of pho, freshly made banh mi, and succulent Shrimp Spring Rolls. Open every day to satisfy your culinary cravings, visit OCEAN

from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and extend your gourmet journey from 11 a.m. through 12 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Discover more about this dining jewel at https:// www.skyriver.com/dining-anddrinks/the-market-at-sky-river/ ocean-bar.

Make your way to Sky River Casino this May for a gaming experience that transcends the tables and slot machines.

Whether it’s the thrill of the game or the delight of a gourmet meal at OCEAN, the potential to win – and dine – in style is boundless. For the full rundown on May’s promotions and the sumptuous offerings at OCEAN, visit Sky River Casino.com.

Sky River Casino was built by the Wilton Rancheria in partnership with Boyd Gaming Corporation, which is building and managing the property for the tribe. The casino opened in August 2022 and includes 100,000 sq ft of gaming, 2,100 slot machines, 80+ table games, and 18 bars and restaurants. To learn more, visit www.SkyRiver.com. (Advertising Supplement)

From Makati to Houston: The culinary...

that originated form the Ilocos region in the Philippines –while he was only 10 years old. At 17, Bhogz was a working student, determined to pave his way through school, and at 21, he was a husband and father, working tirelessly to provide for his growing family.

Bhogz's culinary journey led him to a bakery, and then, to an American-Italian restaurant, honing his skills and passion for cooking. In 2001, he applied at Gerry's Grill in Makati and cooked his signature blue marlin recipe for the practical test and was instantly hired. Through the years, Bhogz rose through the ranks until he became head cook.

As Gerry's Grill expanded their business in the United States, Bhogz's talents caught the attention of the company, leading to an offer to manage the kitchen at the Gerry's Grill branch in Houston, Texas, which included being petitioned for a

the I-140 petition (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers) for Bhogz, which culminated in the attainment of his green card in September 2023.

Bhogz's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the pursuit of excellence, and the enduring belief in the promise of a better future. He now eagerly

Banh Mi

Shrimp Spring Rolls During

Mon Abrea with

anticipates the next chapter of his American Dream, as he plans