Procession held to honor Fil-Am cop killed in pursuit crash
Community mourns death of San Diego police officer Austin Machitar
SAN DIEGO – A procession was held Friday, August 30 to honor Filipino American police officer Austin Machitar, who was killed in a fiery crash while pursuing a suspect in San Diego.
First responders from the San Diego FireRescue and the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) stood with their vehicles on the bridges near the State route 52 interchange to pay tribute to SDPD Officer Michitar, who was on his way to his final resting place, FOX 5 reported.
Machitar’s body was being moved from the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office to El Camino Memorial in Sorrento Valley ahead of his funeral.
Community members have been mourning the loss of Machitar, bringing flowers and candles to the scene of the crash.
Others brought cards and flowers to the Northern Division police station where the FilAm officer was assigned.
The American flag was flown half-staff at the station in honor of Machitar, who served with the SDPD for about five and a half years.
SDPD Chief Scott Wahl described Machitar
PAGE 4
Fil-Am swimmer wins gold at 2024 Paris Paralympics
FOLLOWING the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the city seamlessly transitioned into hosting the 2024 Paralympics, where Filipino athletes have been making significant strides in the medal race.
Among the standout performers is Gia Pergolini, a Filipino American swimmer who captured gold at just 20 years old. Competing in the 100-meter backstroke S13, Pergolini secured her victory with an
US condemns China’s aggression, reminds defense treaty covers attacks
by Ian LaquI Philstar.com
MANILA — The United States has condemned the recent aggression by Chinese maritime forces
VP Sara apologizes anew for asking Quiboloy followers to back Marcos in 2022 polls
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte reiterated her apology for asking the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) to support Ferdinand Marcos Jr. when he ran for the presidency in 2022.
“I was on the mistaken belief that we were together on the platform of unity and continuity. I made a mistake and I ask for your forgiveness,” said Duterte, who ran with Marcos under the UniTeam ticket.
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy endorsed the tandem of Marcos and Duterte in the 2022 elections.
MANILA — Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo has been arrested in Indonesia, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
on September 4.
“This development has been verified by our counterparts in Immigration, who have confirmed u PAGE 2
MANILA — The Department of Education’s finance unit is not aware of how Vice President Sara Duterte spent the department’s P112.5 million in confidential funds in 2023. DepEd Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla told the House appropriations committee on Monday, September 3, that the finance department was not involved in the “process of utilization and liquidation” of the secret fund.
After releasing three-quarters of the P150-million confidential fund lodged in the agency’s 2023 budget, Sevilla said the finance unit “recorded [the confidential
funds] as liquidated because we were given a copy of the cover letter only of the liquidation.” DepEd did not release the remaining confidential funds for the fourth quarter of 2023 because no request was made.
Sevilla explained that DepEd adhered to the Commission on Audit’s 2015 joint circular that governs the release of confidential funds through cash advances.
“There is a three-month requirement, that it (the confidential fund) should be released on a quarterly basis. The next is liquidation, which should be upon the head of the agency to the Commission on Audit,” she added.
What’s the process?
Confidential funds, as the name implies,
MANILA — A total of 13 people have so far been reported to have died following nonstop rains brought by Tropical Storm Enteng on Sunday, September 1 and Monday, reports from disaster response agencies and local governments showed.
Malacañang on Monday, September 2 ordered the continued suspension of classes at all levels as well as work in government offices in Metro Manila and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) region on Tuesday due to the projected rains expected to be spawned by the combined effects of the southwest monsoon (“ habagat ”) and Enteng (international name: Yagi).
In Antipolo City, seven people were killed due to landslides and drowning. Relly Bernardo, head of the Antipolo City Disaster Risk
Secretary Sara Duterte File photo
by The InquIrer STaff Inquirer.net
by neIL JaySon ServaLLoS Philstar.com
by Cristina Chi Philstar.com
navigation and overflight of all nations,” the U.S. statement read.
U.S. reiterated its call for China to align its claims and actions with international law and to desist from “dangerous and destabilizing conduct.”
also reaffirmed the 73-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty, stating that it covers any attacks on Philippine assets.
by John erIc Mendoza, LuISa cabaT Inquirer.net
SHIP WRECK AT NAVOTAS. Residents of Barangay Bagumbayan North in Navotas City walk past
the barge ASC Regine, which ran aground the village coast on Monday morning, September 2 as heavy rain and severe winds brought by Tropical Storm Enteng (international name: Yagi) and the enhanced southwest monsoon battered Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon. Inquirer photo by Grig C. Montegrande
Gia Pergolini delivers the U.S. team’s first gold at the Paralympic Games
as storm Enteng causes...
Reduction and Management Council, said three people died from landslides, while the other four died from separate drowning incidents.
The landslide victims included a 27-year-old pregnant woman and two children, he said in a radio interview.
Four people—Jemimah Ibuña, 17, and Claire Dosdos, 27, of Cebu City, and Federico Sabangan Sr., 76, and his son, Federico Jr., 29, of Biri town in Northern Samar—died in separate landslides in Cebu City and Northern Samar.
In the Bicol region, the Naga City police said an 8-month-old baby girl was pronounced dead on arrival in a local hospital after she was found unconscious and floating in the flooded bedroom of their house in Barangay Calauag on Monday morning.
A second fatality, identified only as “Juancho,” was electrocuted while checking his shop in the flooded street of Barangay Concepcion Pequeña in Naga on Sunday.
Injured, missing Rescue operations were also ongoing to look for three missing fishermen—Fidelino Amboy from Borongan City and Ernesto Ayaton, 63, from Taft in Eastern Samar; and Lorenzo Gasque, 62, from Kawayan town in Biliran.
According to their families, the three have not returned to their homes since Saturday, August 31, when they separately went out to the sea to fish.
According to Rei Josiah Echano, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Northern Samar, four residents of the village were also injured and were all taken to the Biri District Hospital for treatment.
At least 1,395 families were affected by the floods after Enteng brought an extraordinary amount of rainfall.
“Based on the climatological analysis of Pagasa, around 230 millimeters (mm) of rain was expected for September 2024. However, in just the first day of the month, and in less than 18 hours, Enteng dropped that entire projected rainfall volume, flooding 60 percent of the affected local government units,” he said.
Seaports closed According to the partial report from the Office of the Civil Defense, Enteng has affected 4,155 residents in Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Masbate.
The heavy downpour also forced more than 900 people to evacuate on Monday after massive floods submerged low-lying areas in the provinces of Albay and Camarines Norte.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council also said on Monday that 14 seaports in the Calabarzon and Bicol regions were nonoperational due to bad weather and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said more than 2,400 people were stranded in ports in Eastern Visayas and Bicol.
Critical areas
National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said 434 police personnel have been deployed to critical
areas to secure vital installations and to assist in traffic management, while another 597 police personnel were on standby to respond to emergencies, including search and rescue.
Bad weather also forced the suspension of the siphoning operation for sunken motor tanker Terranova that sank off Bataan province in July, according to the PCG.
A passenger vessel also caught fire off Navotas City on Monday following an allision with a cargo vessel amid heavy rains, the PCG said. MV Kamilla was stationary when it was hit by cargo vessel LCT GT Express at the Navotas anchorage area.
The 18 crew members abandoned the distressed vessel and were later rescued.
In Marikina City, Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said 1,617 families or 4,587 people were in evacuation centers.
Power outage, canceled flights
More than 28,000 consumers of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) also suffered power interruptions on Monday due to heavy rains and strong winds brought by Enteng.
In an advisory as of noon on Monday, Meralco said the bulk of the affected customers live in Metro Manila and Cavite, with the rest in Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Batangas, and Quezon provinces.
The Department of Energy said four electric cooperatives in Calabarzon, Bicol, and Eastern Visayas faced outages and restoration efforts were ongoing.
Meanwhile, at least 67 domestic flights on Monday in different airports in Luzon were canceled due to the inclement weather.
According to the Manila International Airport Authority, which operates Ninoy Aquino International Airport, 29 flights were canceled going to and from Manila, Daraga, Calbayog, Busuanga, Zamboanga, Masbate, Virac, Caticlan and Iloilo.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) said 38 flights of Caap-operated airports were suspended, leaving more than 300 passengers stranded as of 5 p.m. on Monday.
New cyclone coming
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that Enteng made its first landfall over Casiguran, Aurora province, at 2 p.m. on Monday.
Enteng, which is forecast to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing gale-force gusts in several parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by Thursday.
However, state meteorologists also pointed out that there is a possibility of another tropical cyclone to develop in the next two weeks.
Pagasa said that this might develop within the eastern portion of the monitoring area covered by the weather bureau and is expected to enter PAR within the weeks of Sept. 9 to 15. (with reports from Melvin Gascon, Frances Mangosing, Nestle Semilla-Dakay, Joey Gabieta, Ma. April
Mier-Manjares, Rey Anthony Ostria, Carmela Reyes-Estrope, Lisbet K. Esmael, Carla P. Gomez, Dexter Cabalza and Dempsey Reyes)
Alice Guo arrested in Indonesia...
that Ms. Guo is currently in the custody of the Indonesian Police at Jatanras Mabes Polri,” the statement read.
The arrest was also confirmed by NBI Director Jaime Santiago in a radio dwPM interview.
“Yun ang report sa amin, it looks like na hawak na ng Indonesian police,” Santiago said when asked to confirm Guo’s arrest.
( That is the report to us, it looks like she is now under Indonesian police custody .) Guo is expected to be returned to the country soon.
Santiago said Guo will first be taken to the Bureau of Immigration before being handed over to the NBI.
He added that charges would be filed against Guo before she is brought to the Senate.
“Syempre pa-file-an namin sya ng charges, criminal charges before turning her over to (the) Senate,” Santiago said.
( Of course, we will file charges against her, criminal charges before turning her over to the Senate .)
Guo’s sister, Sheila Guo, and
Tarriela shared on X (formerly Twitter). The incident marks the seventh instance of aggression by Chinese forces in the West Philippine Sea. Before this, multiple Chinese vessels fired water cannons simultaneously on a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel on August 25.
Three of the seven incidents involved Chinese multi-role fighter jets harassing BFAR survey planes. n
PNP starts probe of drug war ‘quota’ system
THE Philippine National Police has initiated an indepth review of the allegations made by former lieutenant colonel Jovie Es-penido on the supposed existence of a “quota” and “reward” system during the PNP’s anti-drug campaign known as Oplan Double Barrel, implemented during the previous administration.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil emphasized the seriousness and gravity of these allegations, which have raised sig-nificant public concern.
He assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted as part of an ongoing comprehensive assessment and evaluation by the PNP’s oversight bodies.
“We take these allegations with the utmost gravity. The review panel, which is led by the Office of the Deputy Chief PNP for Operations and
composed of the PNP Quad Staff, the Internal Affairs Service, and the Human Rights Office, has been tasked to thoroughly assess and evaluate Oplan Double Barrel, including Lt. Col. Espenido’s disclosures,” Marbil said.
The review panel’s mandate includes a detailed scrutiny and examination of all facets of the anti-drug campaign, particularly those related to human rights, operational protocols, and accountability mechanisms that were previously in place.
Marbil pointed out the importance of the review in ensuring that past operations adhered to legal standards and ethical guidelines.
“Our objective is to address any concerns, ensuring that the PNP’s anti-drug operations are conducted in a manner that up-holds the rule of law and respects human dignity,” Marbil said. n
VP Sara apologizes anew for asking...
After two years, the vice president broke free from the UniTeam, saying it was only good for the elections. Shortly after, she resigned from the Cabinet as Department of Education secretary.
Duterte said she would reveal her reason for seeking the vice presidency.
“In another forum, I will thoroughly explain myself on what happened and what led me to decide (to run as vice president),” Duterte said.
She disclosed that she had been discouraged from making an appearance at the KOJC celebration due to its political implications, but said she chose to ignore them as she believes the sect is facing an “assault.”
She explained why she did not come sooner to them as police raided their compound last week.
“The assault on the Kingdom Nation has been going on for nine days. I could not come earlier because there was also an assault on the Office of the Vice President and I could not leave my co-workers at the Office of the Vice President,” Duterte said.
The Office of the President is facing scrutiny from Congress and the Senate over its proposed 2025 budget. Duterte is also being questioned for the P10million budget for the book she authored titled “Isang Kaibigan.”
She said that even if she is not always present, she will always be with KOJC members in their “darkness.”
“As vice president and as a Davaoeño, I will be there to comfort them. I have a moral
obligation to assist them if they see that they are persecuted, even if there are so few of them.
That’s my duty as vice president,” she said.
Duterte encouraged the KOJC members not to fear the thousands of police in their compound, and to refrain from violence.
“It is wrong to fear. Why? Because you were sent 5,000 police that you can talk to and enlighten on what’s happening in our country, and ask where the rule of law now is,” she said.
“This is about Kingdom of Jesus Christ and the assault on the Kingdom Nation. Always remember that you are not to be pitied. If they come from a place of violence, the Kingdom
of Nation is the expert on peace. Davaoeños are peace-loving Filipinos,” Duterte added.
She said that the operations to find Quiboloy are an “abuse of power and an assault on freedom of religion.”
Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte said the police should state how long they plan to stay at the KOJC property, saying their presence has been causing inconvenience to the public.
The younger Duterte said while he respects the implementation of the arrest warrant on Quiboloy, it should adhere to the law.
“We have observed that the PNP personnel led by General Marbil and General Torre are no longer following proper
in the dark on how VP Sara spent...
cover expenses linked to confidential surveillance tasks within government agencies.
Auditing confidential and intelligence funds mostly depends on the transparent and accurate submissions of government agencies with these funds.
However, state auditors’ 2015 joint circular requires agencies to present a detailed physical and financial plan when requesting such funds. This plan should include estimated amounts for each project, activity, and program.
In DepEd’s own words
DepEd’s then-spokesperson Michael Poa said in January that the agency’s confidential funds are used for gathering information or intelligence to prevent the alleged participation of students in “illegal activities” by terrorist groups.
In 2022, DepEd defended the insertion of the secret
funds in its budget by citing several “threats to the learning environment, safety and security of DepEd personnel.” Using the funds, DepEd personnel and students were to be protected from sexual abuse, violence, corruption, drug involvement, child pornography and other unlawful issues that “require surveillance and intelligence gathering.”
Duterte’s renewed request for confidential funds for DepEd in the 2024 budget drew criticism from lawmakers, who pointed out that DepEd and other civilian agencies have “no business” engaging in surveillance activities.
After facing public backlash, the House of Representatives decided to strip Duterte of her request for confidential funds and realign this to agencies focused on maritime defense.
For 2025, Duterte did not request any confidential and intelligence funds for the Office of the Vice
President. There was also no insertion of confidential funds in DepEd’s proposed spending plan, which was submitted to the Department of Budget and Management prior to Duterte’s resignation on June 19.
Duterte was replaced by former Senator Sonny Angara on July 19.
Reason for resignation
Duterte said the government’s “mishandling” of DepEd’s 2024 budget was among the reasons why she stepped down as the department secretary, according to her interview with GMA News in August.
The vice president did not substantiate her statement but implied she could not handle DepEd’s budget again in 2025 for this reason.
When asked about Duterte’s remarks in an interview, Angara said he is leaving it up to state auditors to determine if there was any mishandling of the budget. n
procedure in implementing the warrant, especially the use of excessive force against innocent citizens, and their unauthorized occupation at the KOJC compound,” the mayor said in a social media post. “This situation has already caused inconvenience to motorists, businesses and the public. The public seeks clarification from the PNP, how long do you intend to stay at the KOJC property,” he said. (Diana Lhyd Suelto, Edith Regalado)
disabled, veteran-owned, and women-owned businesses are strongly encouraged. Consultants are encouraged to subcontract with and/or participate in joint ventures with these firms. The City is committed to equal opportunity and will not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, gender expression, gender identity, religion,
https://www.planetbids. com/portal/portal. cfm?companyID=17950. Claudia Abarca, Director Purchasing & Contracting Department Thursday September 5, 2024 9/6/24 CNS-3849146# ASIAN JOURNAL
business associate Cassandra Li Ong were arrested last month and are now detained in the country.
Shiela said she and Alice left the Philippines by boat. The former mayor has been the subject of scrutiny over her alleged ties to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator firms in Bamban. n
Procession held to honor Fil-Am cop killed...
as a “San Diego kid” who “was the kind of guy you want on your team.”
“He was athletic,” Wahl said. “He was a competitor. He had a passion for training. … Austin had a very infectious smile and a character that made him one of a kind.”
Machitar was killed Tuesday, August 27 following a fiery traffic crash in San Diego that also killed a motorist, who allegedly fled from an attempted late-night traffic stop. The crash sent Officer Zach Martinez, who was in the police car with Machitar, through the windshield of the police vehicle, which then caught fire. Martinez, 29, remains in serious condition.
A fundraising campaign set up by the San Diego Police Officers Association to assist the families of Machitar and Martinez has raised more than $173,000 as of press time.
Machitar, the son of a retired San Diego County deputy sheriff, grew up in Chula Vista. He was a 2012 graduate of Otay Ranch High School, where he played varsity baseball, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
“As a graduate of Otay Ranch High School, and a dedicated
member of our community, Officer Machitar’s contributions will be remembered,” the Sweetwater Union High School District said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.”
State Sen. Steve Padilla (D-San Diego), a friend of the Machitar family, described Austin as “warm, thoughtful, gentle and kind.”
“Austin had a bright, milliondollar smile that put everyone at ease. He was always willing to help and find ways to help,” Padilla said in a statement.
“I knew him in the dawn of his young adult life, when he was searching to find his calling, while never letting go of his youthful sense of adventure and zest for life. He found that calling as an officer for the San Diego Police Department, and no doubt he served with distinction.”
The Fil-Am mayor of San Diego, Todd Gloria, released a statement honoring Machitar.
“Our city mourns the tragic loss of one of San Diego’s finest, Officer Austin Machitar. His distinguished service to our city makes him a hero. I offer the deepest condolences of the city to Austin’s family and loved
ones,” Gloria said.
“San Diego is grateful to our brave police officers who put themselves in harm’s way every single day to keep us safe. Your sacrifices are appreciated and will never be forgotten.”
Flags are at half staff at the state capitol in honor of Machitar.
“Jennifer and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Officer Machitar,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “His loved ones, friends and colleagues at the San Diego Police Department are in our hearts during this difficult time. Our thoughts are also with his fellow officer who was seriously injured.”
(Inquirer.net)
Kuzma visits creatives house in Poblacion, gives back to Quezon City youth
MANILA – The “Kuzmania” fever went high as Kyle Kuzma of the NBA’s Washington Wizards made his first visit to the Philippines the past week for his KuzManila tour.
The 29-year-old, 6-foot9 Wizards forward received a warm reception from his Filipino fans in a series of activities, including an event hosted by a local coffee shop chain, a press conference, back-to-back media interviews, and a visit to the NBA store in SM Mall of Asia immediately after landing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Amidst his hectic schedule, Kuzma visited the Navitas Learning Haus — a hidden oasis located in Poblacion, Makati City, which provides a space for creatives, designers, artists, project visionaries, hobbyists, and interest-based clubs to promote immersive learning. Navitas was founded during the pandemic by a former preschool teacher, Elo Coronel-Quiambao, with the goal of reframing learning beyond traditional boundaries.
Coronel-Quiambao toured Kuzma, a self-confessed art enthusiast and a known fashion icon, inside the renovated 50-year-old house, particularly its renowned spaces such as the common room used for creative meetings and workshops, the kitchen used for small cooking classes, the story room used for storytelling sessions, and the “Quriocity” which is used for lectures and exhibits. Kuzma was also briefed about the various programs offered by Navitas such as Math is Not the Villain, Auntie’s Artnest, and Teacher Jack, which are related to mathematics, arts, and counseling, respectively.
Kuzma lauded the importance of having a learning home such as Navitas. He shared his stories, on the value of play, community, gratitude, creativity, non-linear thinking, and childhood as vital foundations for one’s core.
After visiting Navitas, the NBA star went to Belarmino Sports Complex, where he led a basketball clinic for 80 young athletes from Quezon City. Kuzma, who averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and shot 33% of three-pointers in the most recent NBA season, played with young athletes and displayed his savvy basketball moves. The
participants also performed offensive and defensive drills with the help of local coaches.
The activity ended with Kuzma signing some of the participants’ sports items.
In a media interview, Kuzma emphasized the value of giving back by fulfilling his mission to help others elevate their games and themselves to the next level. He stressed that helping
Fil-Am swimmer wins gold at 2024...
impressive time of 1:04.93. And it’s her second time around.
Reflecting on her achievement, Pergolini shared with USA Today , “I’m just so happy to be here and representing one of the greatest countries in the world and getting its first gold medal at the Paralympics. It’s just unreal, especially after watching the Olympians dominate the Olympics, I wanted to do that here and I’m so glad I got to do that and end up achieving my goal.”
Pergolini’s triumph in Paris echoes her previous success, as she also claimed gold in the same event at the Tokyo Paralympics when she was just 17. She once held the world record for the 100-meter backstroke S13 with a time of 1:04.64, a mark she narrowly missed by just 0.3 seconds in Paris.
As a member of the U.S. team, the Florida International University student delivered USA’s first gold medal at the Paralympics. In an interview with the LA Times , Pergolini recalled her mindset before the race: “I just kept telling myself,
Filipino American police officer Austin Machitar Contributed photo
SERVICE CARAVAN. Tingog party-list conducts the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers payout for emergency employment in Davao City on Tuesday, Sept. 3. It is part of the MindaNOW: Serbisyo Para sa Mindanao service caravan that will start on Sept. 5. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.
NBA star Kyle Kuzma (center, top photo) joined Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto and Stradcom Corp. CEO Anthony Quiambao in a basketball clinic sponsored by Navitas for 80 young athletes at the Belarmino Sports Complex. He also met with Elo Coronel-Quiambao, founder of Navitas Learning Haus in Poblacion, Makati City (bottom photo). Philstar.com photos
somebody improve is a true sign of a great player.
The basketball clinic cosponsored by Stradcom Corporation CEO Anthony Quiambao was also graced by Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, Quezon City Sports Action Officer Benjamin Afuang, and SK Federation president Councilor Sami Neri. (Philstar.com)
Dateline PhiliPPines
No guarantee Quiboloy won’t be handed over to US – DOJ exec
by Franco Jose c. Baroña ManilaTimes.net
MANILA — The government is unlikely to grant the request of fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy for a written declaration that he will not be turned over to the United States, where he is also a wanted man, as it would mean reneging on Manila’s obligations under its extradition treaty with Washington.
This was according to Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, he said the request of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder was “a legal issue that needs to be carefully studied.”
In a media forum in Quezon City on Saturday, August 31, Vasquez said he did not want to preempt the high-level decision on the matter, but took note of Philippine commitments under the 1994 pact “regardless of whoever is in the leadership.”
“We have an extradition treaty. So no one in that government can give that guarantee, strictly speaking. It’s just optics,” Vasquez said.
“In the first place, no government official would want to violate the law. Our treaties have the force of law once they are signed and concurred in by the Senate. That’s part of our legal obligation,” Vasquez said.
“You can just imagine if we would renege on our international obligations in favor of an individual. That is a matter that we will carefully study and focus on.”
‘Extraordinary rendition’
Vasquez made these points in response to a statement from KOJC lawyer and spokesperson Israel Torreon on the possible steps to be taken by Quiboloy, currently the target of a massive, weekold police manhunt inside the sprawling KOJC compound in Davao City.
Torreon said the pastor would agree to face charges of human trafficking and child abuse in the Philippines if President Marcos would issue a written declaration that Quiboloy would not be “extraordinarily rendered” to the U.S. without being given a fair chance to prove his innocence in the country.
The KOJC lawyer also expressed fears of Quiboloy being subjected to “extraordinary rendition” or kidnapped and taken to another country.
The Department of Justice said it had not received any request from the United States to extradite Quiboloy, the spiritual adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Aside from his criminal cases filed in Philippine courts, Quiboloy is facing an arrest warrant in California on charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, coercion, sex trafficking of children, conspiracy and cash smuggling.
Denying the charges, he had accused the U.S. government of plotting to “eliminate” him once he is turned over to American custody.
Best option
According to Vasquez, still the best option for Quiboloy would be “to come out, present himself and his evidence, and address the charges. He will be given a fair and impartial trial.”
“If there’s an extradition request, that could be the subject of legal processes. He can still question that and claim that he still has pending cases here. But we cannot give a guarantee to him because it’s a matter that is outside of our prerogative because the U.S. will be requesting it, not us,” Vasquez said.
A personal guarantee from the President or Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla is a “personal act that won’t be given much weight” in view of the country’s treaty obligations. n
Hontiveros warns of Pogo ‘rebranding’ amid Marcos ban order
by Charie Mae F. abarCa Inquirer.net
HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to bring China’s “concerning actions” in the West Philippine Sea before the United Nations.
In a statement on Sunday, September 1, Romualdez said it was time “to consider stronger measures” as he condemned the ramming by the China Coast Guard (CCG) of a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel Saturday.
“With a heavy heart and unwavering resolve, I strongly condemn the recent acts of aggression by the China Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea. The ramming of the BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of our largest and most modern patrol vessels, is a troubling incident that raises serious questions about respect for international law and our nation’s dignity,” Romualdez said.
“This event, the fifth of its kind this month alone, represents a significant escalation in tensions over the Escoda (Sabina) Shoal — an area clearly within the Philippines’ 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” he said.
Romualdez said the CCG’s actions “are cause for serious reflection” and prompt the Philippines must reassess how it protects its maritime rights and interests.
“It is time for us to consider stronger measures. We should enhance our presence in the West Philippine Sea, reinforce our alliances, and ensure that our capabilities are sufficient to protect our sovereign rights,” he said.
Romualdez said the global community, including the United Nations, “should be made aware of these concerning actions.”
Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers condemned what he described as “bullying” by the CCG.
“While our PCG still practices
maximum tolerance, we should all stand our ground against the China Coast Guard’s brazen bullying and violence against our sailors,” Barbers said in a statement on Sunday.
In a statement on Saturday, August 31, U.S. Department of State spokesman Matthew Miller said the “United States stands with its ally, the Philippines.”
Miller reiterated the U.S.’ call for China “to comport its claims and actions with international law and to desist from dangerous and destabilizing conduct.”
The U.S. condemned Beijing’s “dangerous and escalatory actions ... against lawful Philippine maritime operations in the vicinity of Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea on August 31.”
China’s “unlawful claims of ‘territorial sovereignty’ over ocean areas where no land territory exists, and its increasingly aggressive actions to enforce them, threaten the freedoms of navigation and overflight of all nations,” Miller said.
“On multiple occasions throughout August 2024, the PRC (People’s Republic of China) has aggressively disrupted lawful Philippine aerial and maritime operations in the South China Sea, including at Sabina Shoal,” he said.
Japanese Ambassador to Manila Endo Kazuya said Japan stands with the Philippines in upholding the rule of law as he expressed concern over China’s repeated dangerous actions in the South China Sea. Endo on Sunday said as a stakeholder of the South China Sea, Japan was seriously concerned over the repeated incidents, including the collision by a CCG vessel against a Philippine vessel.”
“Japan opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion,” Endo posted on X.
He said Tokyo would “continue working in coordination with the international community to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law.”
The envoy said the issue “with regard to the South China Sea is directly related to the peace and stability of the region and is a legitimate concern of the
He said that a China Coast Guard vessel “deliberately collided three times with a Philippine Coast Guard vessel exercising its freedom of navigation in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, causing damage to the vessel and jeopardizing the safety of the crew onboard.”
Fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy
SEA PROTEST. Fishermen from Batangas, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Laguna and Cavite gather in Calatagan, Batangas, on Sept. 1, 2024, to condemn the recent collision between a China Coast Guard vessel and the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Teresa Magbanua.
Photo by Ismael De Juan
Not a blank check for Sara
A YEAR, indeed, is an eternity in politics.
Twelve months ago, no less than President Marcos’ son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, shielded
Editorial
Vice President Sara Duterte from hostile questions during the House appropriations committee’s discussions on her office’s 2024 spending program.
Opposition lawmakers had hoped to quiz her on the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) share of confidential funds in prior fiscal years, including in 2022, when it spent P125 million of the hard-to-audit allocation in 11 days. But on the strength of the young Marcos’ intervention, all questions were torpedoed in the guise of parliamentary courtesy, and it took 15 minutes for Duterte to hurdle the hearing.
Had the panel allowed former President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter to be interrogated on the secret appropriations earmarked for her office, along with those for the Department of Education (DepEd), which she headed concurrently until she quit in June, perhaps the issue would have been sufficiently ventilated and put to rest. Alas, that was not the case.
Spoiling for a fight
One year later, the vice president faced a House panel that was much less friendly than in 2023. This time, no Marcos relative was present to back her up, as she presented the OVP’s budget for next year. But it was obvious, too, that the country’s No. 2 official
ON Aug. 26, 2024, the Senate of the Philippines did something monumental, if not unusual. The 24-member chamber unanimously paid tribute to five-term speaker of the House of Representatives Jose de Venecia Jr.
In sponsoring Resolution 1142, Sen. Loren Legarda called JDV “a towering figure in Philippine politics and governance. Hailing from Dagupan City, JDV’s journey in public service is marked by steadfast dedication, results-driven leadership and a relentless pursuit of peace and lasting progress…a stalwart of legislative leadership and political acumen.”
“JDV’s coalition-building efforts during the post-Martial Law era were instrumental in promoting unity and stability. Economic, political and social reform laws were passed under his stewardship during President Fidel V. Ramos’ administration, laying the groundwork for the country’s growth. It is worth noting that, if
had come spoiling for a fight, hackles raised and bristling with non-answers. Setting aside the testy exchanges that have become fodder for impeachment talk, the questions asked during the Aug. 27 hearing — to which Duterte had no useful responses — betray a systemic problem that extends beyond her office: the lack of rigorous oversight mechanisms for confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) in civilian agencies.
The heart of the matter may lie in the nature of CIF itself. By design, these funds are meant to be used discreetly to protect national security interests. However, the ambiguity in the guidelines governing the funds has given non-security-related offices, such as the OVP, an undeserved access to them.
Confidential expenses are for surveillance operations to thwart illegal acts and prevent harm to an agency, while intelligence expenses are for gathering information with a direct impact on national security, often by military and police.
Prone to abuse
Under a joint 2015 budget and audit circular, agencies must present plans and submit a quarterly accomplishment report on CIF use, while the Commission on Audit (COA) performs a post-audit of the liquidation of disbursements based on the offices’ own submissions.
Except for internal controls and auditing protocols,
JDV
I may, my own political journey began under the guidance of JDV,” the famous broadcaster turned legislator added. In November 2019, at its 18th anniversary, the business weekly BizNewsAsia honored JDV with a “Visionary Public Service Excellence Award.” He is the epitome of the Global Filipino. My good friend Joe turns 88 this year (he was born after Christmas Day). So his saga encompasses more than eight decades. I like JDV and feel close to him because he began his professional life as a newsman. He went on to become an excellent diplomat, a pioneering labor exporter to the Middle East and North Africa (which opened jobs for millions), our very own first billionaire oil baron with his Basic Petroleum and Landoil Resources and a statesman of great vision and excellent execution.
As the longest-serving postwar speaker, JDV was a visionary legislator, authoring many of the greatest pieces of political, social and economic legislation of his time. He held the notion that any major problem could be solved by legislation. That practice is still
in vogue.
To me, the biggest contributions JDV has to nation-building are two: 1) he conceived and implemented the remittance program for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), today numbering 12 million in over 130 countries, from Algeria to Zimbabwe, with the biggest share, 40 percent, coming from the US; and 2) peacebuilding. After centuries of conflicts, if the country has not been torn asunder, credit should go to JDV in many ways. The OFW remittances dramatically enrich the Bangko Sentral foreign exchange reserves, killed the once rampant black market and financed the economy and countless homes for Filipino overseas worker families nationwide. The program became a model for many Third World countries.
In the past four years alone, remittances totaled over $128 billion, four times the foreign direct investments during the same period. The $128 billion is 100 percent value added, unlike FDIs for which the government absorbs costs in the form tax incentives, concessions and even land grants.
how agencies use CIF is generally kept secret. But as the OVP’s case makes evident, such opacity in the system is not only vulnerable but prone to abuse. In fact, it took a subpoena by the House committee to compel the COA to release — to lawmakers and
Also, the $128 billion could pay for the entire $128-billion foreign debts of the Philippines. One of every three households in the Philippines has an OFW. Were it not for the remittances, the Philippines would be in deep s**t today.
As an inveterate peacemaker, JDV has no peers. He has this unbridled optimism in the goodness of man and nations, and an unceasing passion in his diplomacy to find pathways to compromise to nagging age-old problems, like territorial disputes and extended rebellions.
He proposed joint exploration by claimant nations in the South China Sea. He also conceived a “Third Route” to complement China’s great “Belt-and-Road” initiative.
JDV negotiated ceasefire with the RAM-YOU rebel leaders Col. Gregorio Honasan, then in the underground, General Abenina, Commodore Calahate, both in prison, which led to the final peace agreement, ending RAM’s many coup attempts; he crossed the Sahara Desert twice, with wife Gina, for peace talks with Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi and MNLF leader Nur Misuari in North Africa, ending in the 1996 peace pact. JDV was the first Christian leader to enter the MILF mountain lair
not the public — its audit reports on the OVP’s and DepEd’s respective confidential funds spending under Duterte. At last week’s hearing, ACT Teachers Rep. France
at Camp Abubakar for initial talks with MILF chair Hashim Salamat and his deputy, now MILF chairman Gen. Ebrahim Murad. He was accompanied by Deputy Speaker Simeon Datumanong. Final peace with the MILF is still pending.
A 30-year diplomat, minister and economic counselor during the Vietnam War, then based in Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City, JDV pushed the creation of the first Philippine Helicopter Squadron and first Armalite Battalion in the AFP with his friendship with the then famed U.S. Military Commander, Lt. Gen. Creighton Abrams, after whom the U.S. Abrams Tank was named.
In UN speeches, JDV pushed the Christian-Muslim and Inter-faith Dialogues approved by the United Nations to reduce politico-religious tensions and conflicts in various parts of the world. This was a breakthrough because inter-religious issues were, before, taboo in the UN system. Today an Inter-Faith unit functions in the Office of the UN Secretary General.
As a Pangasinan congressman, JDV designed and authored the conversion of the U.S. military bases Clark Field, Subic Naval Base, Camp John Hay in Baguio City, Camp Wallace in San Fer-
Digong’s conversion
RATHER than mock former President Rodrigo Duterte for his unflinching support for his bosom friend and spiritual adviser, the fugitive Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, I think we should praise and congratulate him for finally seeing the light and acknowledging the importance of human rights.
It must be age, or the reflection afforded by retirement, but the Digong Duterte we heard from last week in the wake of the massive police raid on Quiboloy’s lair was worlds apart from the apoplectic and coarse-tongued person we used to know. It took some time – likely aided by a sobering reversal of political fortunes – but gone is the swaggering Mussolini of the past, prone to profanity and what his apologists liked to call “hyperbole,” replaced by the pained and measured indignation of the aggrieved.
Of course, his statement could have been crafted by one of his former spokespersons, who must therefore take responsibility for
the minor grammatical and stylistic infelicities in the text – but how can we even complain about language when gross human rights violations are on the table?
For those of you who missed it because you were wasting your time deploring Caloy Yulo’s filial impiety, here’s what PRRD said, in full:
“Our country has never been in a more tragic state as it is today. Rights have been trampled upon and our laws, derided.
“Early today, elements of the Philippine National Police Regional Office, led by Gen. Nicolas Torre III, forced their way into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound which resulted to (sic) a violent confrontation and the unfortunate death of one KOJC member and the requiring of (sic) immediate medical attention of many others.
“We sympathize with the members of the KOJC for having become victims of political harassment, persecution, violence and abuse of authority. This certainly puts a dark stain on the hands of those involved in today’s incident, led by no less than the top police official of the region.
“We call on the remaining decent and patriotic members
of our government not to allow themselves to be used and to be abusive and violent in enforcing illegal orders.
“We call on all Filipinos, regardless of political persuasion, to offer prayers for peace and justice, and to spare our people of the unwarranted tension brought about by the reign of fear and terror by people sworn to uphold the law and protect the citizens of this country.
“Again, let us ask this administration how it can guarantee the preservation of the constitutional rights of our fellow Filipinos when even the most fundamental of these rights are being blatantly violated? (sic)” Why, minus the edits, this could have passed for something that PRRD’s arch-nemesis, former senator Leila de Lima, could have said a few years ago, before she went off to prison. Or it could have been mouthed by the late Chito Gascon, whose Commission on Human Rights PRRD sought to abolish for meddling in police investigations into dastardly drug deals, even getting Congress to pare its budget down to a more suitable P1,000.
That Rodrigo Duterte could now speak so eloquently and
convincingly of the need to uphold human rights is a testament to the possibility and power of redemptive conversion, which such famous miscreants as Paul of Tarsus and Ignatius of Loyola underwent. Gazing out on the horizon on the beaches of Davao (or in the Quiboloy compound, in his new job as its administrator), the former president must have felt a pang of remorse for all the lives that were needlessly lost under his administration – all because his followers in the police failed to understand, as his spokesmen were at pains to emphasize, that he was “only joking” and was given to “exaggerating” for rhetorical effect. How in heaven’s name could they have taken him literally when he told a controversial police officer whom he assigned to a southern city in 2019, “Go there and you are free to kill everybody. Son of a b****, start killing there. The two of us will then go to jail!”
The following year, at another event in another province, PRRD was quoted by the newspapers as saying, in Filipino, “All addicts have guns. If there’s even a hint of wrongdoing, any overt act, even if you don’t see a gun, just go ahead and shoot him.
You should go first, because you might be shot. Shoot him first, because he will really draw his gun on you, and you will die…. Human rights, you are preoccupied with the lives of the criminals and drug pushers. As mayor and as president, I have to protect every man, woman and child from the dangers of drugs. The game is killing.... I say to the human rights, I don’t give a s**t about you. My order is still the same. Because I am angry!”
Now, there’s every possibility that the president may have been misquoted by journalists hungry for incendiary news. But even granting that PRRD did say horrible things like that – perhaps in a fit of desperation over the fact that the drug menace he promised to eradicate in six months was still very much around toward the end of his presidency –that allegedly murderous despot is a ghost in the past. Today’s Digong is a sensitive soul with a nuanced sensibility that understands and will not countenance “abuse of authority” and “illegal orders,” especially when these are implemented by ingrates in the police force whose base pay he doubled (shame on the 2,000 cops who apparently forgot this
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection
nando, La Union, into free ports or special economic zones, and simultaneously converted the Filipino military camps in Fort Bonifacio and Nichols Air Base into major business cities under one classic law, a dramatically successful “game changer” for the Philippines, the Bases Conversion Law. JDV also initiated the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) and is president of the Centrist Asia Pacific Democrats International (CAPDI) and co-chairman of the International Ecological Safety Collaborative Organization (IESCO), based in New York and Beijing, and which enjoys Consultative Status in the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). In 1998, JDV exhausted most of his lifelong earnings for an ambitious attempt at the presidency. He lost, to Erap Para sa Mahirap, Joseph Estrada, by a wide margin. Ever the statesman, Speaker JDV quickly proclaimed Estrada as the duly elected president.
* * * 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.
* * * biznewsasia@gmail.com
in their brazen assault).
Indeed, if Rodrigo Roa Duterte can undergo and manifest such a miraculous conversion, then hope yet exists for the rest and the worst of us, who wallow in unproductive cynicism. Indeed, it might even be that his resistance to the idea of yielding Pastor Quiboloy to the authorities stems from the deep debt of gratitude he feels toward his spiritual adviser, with whom he must have read and parsed many a Bible story. If there’s anything we Filipinos and especially the Dutertes understand and respect, it’s the value of friendship –right? Something in me already misses the old Digong, but I’ll gladly march with this new one in defense “of the constitutional rights of our fellow Filipinos.” I hope Sen. Leila can find it in her heart to forgive and forget, and link arms with Lady Justice’s latest convert.
*
* * 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.
* * * Email me at jose@dalisay.ph and visit my blog at www.penmanila.ph.
ManilaTimes.net
Jose Dalisay
Gov’t urged: Prioritize flood control master plan
by CeCille suerte Felipe Philstar.com
MANILA — Sen. Bong Go has urged the government to prioritize the development of a flood control master plan amid heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Enteng and the enhanced southwest monsoon.
“We need to have a comprehensive plan for flood control. We can no longer wait for the next storm before taking action,” Go said.
Ten deaths and 10 injured were reported by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, based on its 8 a.m. bulletin on Tuesday, September 3.
Go earlier urged the Department of Public Works and Highways to efficiently utilize its budget and ensure the effectiveness of the government’s flood control initiatives.
The senator had asked the DPWH for its accomplishment report, given that billions of pesos have been allocated for flood management since 2019.
Flood control projects will corner almost a third of the DPWH’s 2025 budget, but some riverside provinces like Bataan and Bukidnon will get none of
this, raising concerns from a think tank.
For flood management, the DPWH allocated 32 percent, or P254.29 billion, of its proposed P898.8-billion budget under the 2025 National Expenditure Program.
Of the amount, P90.5 billion would be allotted for the construction and rehabilitation of flood mitigation structures in areas close to rivers.
The highest allocation from this budget is outlined to go to Oriental Mindoro, P12.5 billion, and Occidental Mindoro, P9.2 billion.
The Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) said these provinces account for some of the smallest areas at risk of flooding, begging the question of why they are obtaining the biggest budgets.
Only nine percent of Oriental Mindoro and seven percent of Occidental Mindoro are prone to flooding.
Some provinces sitting near river basins, like Bataan and Bukidnon, will receive no funding at all, the CPBRD noted.
“It is puzzling that Bukidnon and Bataan have zero budgets in 2025 considering that four
major river basins pass through Bukidnon, namely, Rio Grande de Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Tagoloan River Basins and Pampanga River Basin for Bataan,” the CPBRD said.
The CPBRD also raised alarm on the P1.5-billion budget that Metro Manila would receive under the subprogram for flood control projects in provinces near rivers.
The region is susceptible to flooding, given that its interior is traversed by the PasigLaguna River Basin.
President Marcos, in his July 22 State of the Nation Address, reported that the government finished 5,521 flood control projects between 2022 and 2024.
This claim was challenged when Typhoons Butchoy and Carina consecutively hit the Philippines in July, killing 46 people and affecting 1.6 million families.
The country sustained infrastructure and agricultural damage of P4.3 billion and P1.3 billion, respectively.
In response, the DPWH said it is building 5,000 more flood control structures nationwide.
(With reports from Elijah Felice Rosales)
Lawmaker hopes Duterte, de la Rosa will attend House probe
SANTA Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez on Sunday, September 2 said he hoped former President Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Ronald de la Rosa, a former Philippine National Police chief, and Sen. Bong Go would attend the hearing being conducted by the House of Representatives’ quad committee.
Fernandez chairs the Committee on Public Order and Safety, part of the quad panel.
“It has come to public attention that serious allegations have been made against former President Rodrigo Duterte and Sens. Bong Go and Bato de la Rosa in the Quad Comm probe, and given the gravity of these accusations, we hope they attend the hearings
international community.”
De la Rosa had alleged that Espenido’s affidavit was “concocted.”
Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, which is also a part of the quad committee, said Duterte, Go and de la Rosa should take the opportunity to defend their reputations. (Reina C. Tolentino/ManilaTime.net)
to address these claims directly,” Fernandez said. In the quad committee’s hearing last August 22, a prisoner, Leopoldo Tan Jr., linked Duterte to the 2016 killing of three Chinese drug convicts in the Davao Prison and Penal Farm. Police Col. Jovie Espenido also exposed what he said was a reward system in the implementation of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. Espenido, a key figure in the drug war, claimed that funds were funneled through Go. De la Rosa, who led the Philippine National Police during the early years of the drug war, has been accused of instructing police officers to neutralize drug suspects, which has been interpreted as an order to kill. Fernandez said the attendance of Duterte, de la Rosa and Go “would provide them a crucial platform to defend themselves and clarify their roles in the previous administration’s antidrug policies.”
Hontiveros warns of Pogo ‘rebranding’...
“The issue is also an important matter of interest for Japan, which depends on sea transport for most of its resources and energy,” he said.
Japan raised the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in July 2016 ruled that the “historical rights” based on the “nine-dash line” claimed by China were found to be contrary to Unclos and were clearly denied.
“Regrettably, China has not changed its position of not accepting the Arbitral Tribunal’s award to the Philippines and China and has continued to assert maritime claims that are inconsistent with the Unclos,” he said. n
Endo said Unclos “sets forth the conditions for the application of baselines in a specific and exhaustive manner, whereas China has failed to invoke the relevant provisions of Unclos in asserting the lawfulness of the baselines in question.”
Not a blank check for...
Castro gave a breakdown of how the OVP’s P125 million in secret funds were spent in 2022: P14 million in purchase of information, P10 million in payment of rewards, P16 million in rental of safe houses, P35 million in purchase of supplies, P40 million in food aid, and P10 million in travel expenses. It was further revealed that the COA ordered the OVP via a notice of disallowance to return P73 million of the amount, as the office had failed to document its purported surveillance operations.
A double violation
But as constitutional law expert Michael Henry Yusingco noted, Duterte’s office had no inherent mandate to engage in such activities. “In the first place, it
was not appropriate to give the vice president confidential and intelligence funds,” he said.
“And now, we find that it wasn’t even spent on intelligence gathering and law enforcement operations. So, it’s a violation twice over, a double violation,” Yusingco said. It took political headwinds to force lawmakers to confront Duterte about her secret funds, which shows how the system was built on a house of cards. Consider this: If the Dutertes were still in the good graces of the administration, would these matters have been raised at all?
Granted, the OVP withdrew its request for CIF last year and made no new request for CIF in its proposed 2025 outlay, but what
about when the political tides shift yet again?
Which brings us to the crux of the issue: The CIF is not a blank check for any public office, let alone civilian ones with zero security-related mandates like the OVP. The revelations at the House are a wake-up call for lawmakers to revisit the rules governing CIF. Their challenge is to strike a balance between the demands of secrecy and transparency, and ensure that the funds are serving their lawful purpose— protecting the nation from security threats. This is not only about holding Duterte accountable, but more critically, safeguarding the integrity of taxpayer money. (Inquirer.net)
LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES
NOTICE OF INITIAL PETITION FOR PROBATE ESTATE OF SANDY PECK
CASE NO: 24PE001806C
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: SANDY PECK
A Petition for Probate has been filed by ADIL ABDULAHAD in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN DIEGO
The Petition for Probate requests that ADIL ABDULAHAD be appointed as personal representative to administer with will annexed the estate of the decedent.
The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)
The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:
Date: 08/28/2024
Time: 01:30 P.M. Dept.: 502 Address of court: 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Branch Name: Central, Probate
If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor.
You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Evane K. Abbassi, Esq. (SBN 335491) Abbassi Law Firm c/o Estate of Sandy Peck 6320 Canoga Ave, Suite 1610 Woodland Hills, CA 91367 818-463-2329 Publication Dates: 08/23, 08/30, and 09/06/20224 AJ 1494 AJSD 1494
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9016186 Therapy With Tracy located at 14340 Minya Lane, Poway, CA 92064. Registrant: Tracy Sharbaugh Aronlee, 14340 Minya Lane, Poway, CA 92064. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/13/2024. Signature: Tracy Sharbaugh Aronlee. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/08/2024. AJ 1482 08/16, 08/23, 08/30, and 09/06/2024. AJSD 1482
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9015110
Tanika’s Cleaning located at 1683 Coolidge St Apt B, San Diego, CA 92111. Registrant: Tanika Natosha Edwards, 1683 Coolidge St Apt B, San Diego, CA 92111. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Tanika Edwards. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/24/2024. AJ 1487 08/16, 08/23, 08/30, and 09/06/2024. AJSD 1487
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017268
Paradise Spa Massage located at 6919 Paradise Valley Road #2, San Diego, CA 92139. Registrant: Yuzhen Sun, 3875 Vista Campana S 3, Oceanside, CA 92057. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/23/2024.
Signature: Yuzhen Sun. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/23/2024.
AJ 1495 08/30, 09/06, 09/13, and 09/20/2024. AJSD 1495
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9016273 a. Escondido Combat Academy located at 300 S. Escondido Blvd. Ste 104, Escondido, CA 92025. b. ECA located at 300 S. Escondido Blvd. Ste 104, Escondido, CA 92025. c. Combat Academy located at 300 S. Escondido Blvd. Ste 104, Escondido, CA 92025. d. Escondido Combat located at 300 S. Escondido Blvd. Ste 104, Escondido, CA 92025. e. ESCO CA located at 300 S. Escondido Blvd. Ste 104, Escondido, CA 92025. f. ESCO Combat Academy located at 300 S. Escondido Blvd. Ste 104, Escondido, CA 92025. g. ESCO Combat located at 300 S. Escondido Blvd. Ste 104, Escondido, CA 92025. Registrant: Escondido Combat Academy, 118 W 8th Ave, Escondido, CA 92025. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/22/2024.
Signature: Dominique La Darryl Eugene Chise. Statement filed with Recorder/ County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/09/2024. AJ 1483 08/16, 08/23, 08/30, and 09/06/2024. AJSD 1483
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9016494
One-Stop Commercial Equipment Services located at 981 E. J St, Chula Vista, CA 91910.
Registrant: One-Stop Commercial Equipment Services, 981 E. J St, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/13/2024.
Signature: Kristina Balderrama. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/13/2024. AJ 1488 08/16, 08/23, 08/30, and 09/06/2024. AJSD 1488
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017352
DERMA BESTIE located at 1730 Monroe Ave, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92116.
Registrant: DERMA BESTIE, 6551 Zena Drive, San Diego, CA 92115. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Alice Mai Lei. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/26/2024. AJ 1496 08/30, 09/06, 09/13, and 09/20/2024. AJSD 1496
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017673
Jays Auto located at 11530 Paseo Vista, Lakeside, CA 92040. Registrant: James Lnu, 11530 Paseo Vista, Lakeside, CA 92040. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/29/2024.
Signature: James Lnu.
Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/29/2024. AJ 1500 09/06, 09/13, 09/20, and 09/27/2024. AJSD 1500
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9015706
Carbix Auto Detailing located at 475 Woodlawn Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910.
Registrant: Yorbis Jose Rivera Carrero, 300 S. Escondido Blvd. Ste 104, Escondido, CA 92025. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Yorbis Jose Rivera Carrero. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/01/2024. AJ 1484 08/16, 08/23, 08/30, and 09/06/2024 AJSD 1484
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9016174
Inti Multi Services located at 568 Palmwood Dr, San Diego, CA 92139. Registrant: Jessica Paola Guerra, 568 Palmwood Dr, San Diego, CA 92139. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Jessica Paola Guerra.
Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/08/2024. AJ 1489 08/16, 08/23, 08/30, and 09/06/2024. AJSD 1489
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017046
Top Gun Junk Removal located at 4215 Haines St, San Diego, CA 92109. Registrant: GSL Elite LLC, 4215 Haines St, San Diego, CA 92109. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Guillermo David Sanchez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/20/2024. AJ 1497 08/30, 09/06, 09/13, and 09/20/2024. AJSD 1497
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017517
ITS CAFE THAI located at 2184 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113.
Registrant: Thai Food Station LLC, 3423 Via Beltran, San Diego, CA 92117. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/26/2024.
Signature: Ahmed Albatat. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/27/2024. AJ 1501 09/06, 09/13, 09/20, and 09/27/2024. AJSD 1501
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9016037
Mahshid Boutique located at 602 Verdin St, El Cajon, CA 92019.
Registrant: Fatima Nedeem, 602 Verdin St, El Cajon, CA 92019. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Fatima Nedeem. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/06/2024. AJ 1485 08/16, 08/23, 08/30, and 09/06/2024. AJSD 1485
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9016749
Spirits Of St. Germain located at 3251 Holiday Ct, #101, La Jolla, CA 92037.
Registrant: a. Kevin Song, 3251 Holiday Ct, #101, La Jolla, CA 92037. b. Chom Ae Sharp, 3251 Holiday Ct, #101, La Jolla, CA 92037
This business is conducted by A Married Couple.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Kevin Kyongho Song. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/15/2024. AJ 1492 08/23, 08/30, 09/06, and 09/13/2024. AJSD 1492
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017123
Grow Your Practice located at 12636 High Bluff Drive #400, San Diego, CA 92130. Registrant: Leverage Group LLC, 12636 High Bluff Drive #400, San Diego, CA 92130. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/16/2024. Signature: Sameer Kumar. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/21/2024. AJ 1498 08/30, 09/06, 09/13, and 09/20/2024. AJSD 1498
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017930
Jack Taylor located at 4933 Cape May Ave #9, San Diego, CA 92107. Registrant: Christopher Jack Taylor, 4933 Cape May Ave #9, San Diego, CA 92107. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/17/2024. Signature: Christopher Jack Taylor. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/04/2024. AJ 1502 09/06, 09/13, 09/20, and 09/27/2024. AJSD 1502
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9016388
Nordahl Pharmacy located at 740 Nordahl Rd Unit 120, San Marcos, CA 92069. Registrant: Nordahl RX, INC, 16226 Avenida Suavidad, San Diego, CA 92128. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Casey Long Hoang. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/13/2024. AJ 1486 08/16, 08/23, 08/30, and 09/06/2024. AJSD 1486
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9016840
Arevalo Painting located at 3241 Franklin Ave, Apt C, San Diego, CA 92113.
Registrant: Israel Arevalo, 3241 Franklin Ave, Apt C, San Diego, CA 92113. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/06/2024.
Signature: Israel Arevalo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/16/2024. AJ 1493 08/23, 08/30, 09/06, and 09/13/2024. AJSD 1493
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9016893
E.Z. Keys Locksmith located at 2801 B St #583, San Diego, CA 92102. Registrant: Best Price Solutions Inc., 2801 B St #583, San Diego, CA 92102. This business is conducted by A Corpration. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Eduardo Burgos. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/19/2024. AJ 1499 08/30, 09/06, 09/13, and 09/20/2024. AJSD 1499
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018031
a. TDYP located at 862 La Senda Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910. b. tilldeathdoyoupart located at 862 La Senda Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Registrant: Kyle Nevan Abeysinghe, 862 La Senda Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 6/01/2019. Signature: Kyle Nevan Abeysinghe. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/05/2024. AJ 1503 09/06, 09/13, 09/20, and 09/27/2024 AJSD 1503
SAN DIEGO
Born to actor parents, Olympic gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar enters showbiz
by charMIe Joy PaguLong Philstar.com
FILIPINA American Olympic gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar is thrilled to explore acting, modeling and endorsement opportunities after inking a deal with Viva Artists Agency.
Levi always had a passion for the entertainment industry since both of her parents are actors, Anthony Ruivivar (“Third Watch,” “Banshee,” “Criminal Minds,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) and Yvonne Jung (“Third Watch,” “ER”).
“I don’t know if that’s just the way I was born or it had to do with my parents being actors. But I was actually really pushing both my parents to be able to get more involved in the entertainment industry,” she told the press during a contract signing at Viva’s office.
Now that she’s part of Viva, she’s keen on projects related to acting, modeling, brand deals and social media content. “Since I was like a younger gymnast, I really made it (a point) to be able to post more consistently and kind of like put myself out there. And I felt that starting with Viva was gonna help me more in that field. And that I would be able to achieve more of my higher goals by working with Viva,” she maintained.
“’Cause there’s always so much that you can do on your own through things like social media. So I was really hoping that by signing with Viva I will be able to reach a larger audience and the audience, specifically in the Philippines as well.”
Right after the presscon, the 18-year-old, L.A.-born athlete left to catch her flight to the United States where she will pursue her college education at Stanford University. She will also be busy training for the 2028 Los Angeles (L.A.) Olympics. The youngest Filipina athlete of the Philippine Centennial Team represented the Philippines at the 2024 Paris Olympics and is looking forward to doing it again in the 2028 Olympics. On how she will balance her
school, Olympic preparations and Viva projects, she said, “If there are little projects that come up here and there, and then that work in my schedule that would be something that I will discuss with Viva and try to kind of figure out how that would be possible.”
“But bigger projects would have to be after L.A. because I do train almost 34 hours a week sometimes. But now that I’m going to college, I will have a little bit more time because the training hours are a little bit less,” she added.
The actors she looked up to in the industry are her parents and comedian Jack Black. But she would love to collaborate with Julia Barretto, given the chance.
“In terms of filming, movies and stuff like that, I would have to do more research. But a lot of people say that I look like Julia Barretto, which is, I guess, my ‘long-lost sister.’ So it would be incredible to really work with her actually.”
Does she also have plans of venturing into music since her grandfather, Tony Ruivivar, was a founding member of the musical group Society of Seven?
“I wish I could say yes but
Why Heart prefers to keep charity work ‘under the radar’
by aLLan PoLIcarPIo Inquirer.net
IF she could have it her way, Heart Evangelista would continue keeping most of her charity and advocacy work under wraps.
“If there was anything I needed to do and be an instrument of help, I would always do it under the radar. I like things that way. If I can only cover myself with a blanket, keep my face and head hidden, I would do it,” she told the Inquirer in a recent interview.
But as president of the Senate Spouses Foundation Inc. (SSFI), the actress and fashion influencer realizes that she will have to be more “out there,” because the projects the group initiates require “transparency” and could benefit from public awareness.
“I’m very sensitive with these things, because I don’t want people misinterpreting, questioning my sincerity,” pointed out Heart, who assumed the said position after her husband, Sen. Chiz Escudero, was named Senate president last May.
Creating awareness
Composed of spouses of incumbent senators, the SSFI takes part in projects like medical missions, home-building for the elderly, relief operations and feeding programs. Other celebrity members of the SSFI include Mariel Padilla (Sen. Robin Padilla) and Rep. Lani Revilla (Sen. Bong Revilla).
“But now, it has to be out there because we need a platform to create awareness for our advocacies. I love it so far. I have even more purpose,” Heart said. “We will continue what they have started and tap different companies I work with for livelihood packages.
“I don’t know how much time I have, so I’m rushing and doing as
many things as I can,” she added.
“You just try to give as much as you can. There’s no measure. Give what you can give. When it comes to helping, there’s no such thing as big or small.”
The responsibility came unexpectedly, she said, so she found it daunting at the beginning. “It wasn’t something that I asked for. It landed on my lap, but I realized: ‘Why be daunted if you have so much
to give?’ It has turned out to be really fulfilling,” she said. How was she welcomed by the rest of the group? “It didn’t come with a brochure on how I should be, or what I needed to be,” he said. “But it’s all good.”
Asked if she would ever consider entering politics, Heart said she would rather stay where she is. “Politics isn’t for me. Whatever platform I have now is all I need,” she said.
unfortunately, my voice is not the best. It’s not very good at all,” she told The STAR . “So I’m gonna say no to that. Well, I scream in karaoke though. Even though it’s not the most beautiful thing to hear.”
Levi, nevertheless, is a fan of Billie Eilish and Martin Nievera.
The latter is also good friends with her dad.
Meanwhile, she appreciated the apology issued by Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion to her, along with other Filipino gymnasts, for missing the Aug. 14 homecoming parade for Filipino athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Levi’s dad explained that the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and GAP have been “incredibly supportive and helpful” to his daughter.
“Levi wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them. So don’t get this wrong,” he stated.
“I think she’s specifically talking about a very specific thing. But the POC, the PSC, the President’s office, GAP all in different ways have been incredibly supportive. Again, she wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them. So just to clarify, it’s not that in general. It’s not across the board. I think she was asking that question (about) something very specific that happened.”
Levi, meanwhile, didn’t comment on the issue surrounding Filipino gymnast and Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo and his mother, but she went on to praise her fellow athlete.
“I don’t know exactly what is going on with that issue. But I do know that Caloy is an incredible gymnast and worked really, really hard to get where he was and he had an incredible performance at the competition,” she said.
“I think everyone in the Philippines is celebrating his success and is very supportive of him — what he was able to do or he was able to bring to the Philippines. So, I think… I mean, everyone should be celebrating his success and his ability to compete with such high-level pressure and then win two gold medals at the Olympics. That’s just amazing!”
Levi Jung-Ruivivar
Heart Evangelista
GMA photo
Jose Mari Chan and the ‘Ber’ months
WHEN the “Ber” months come, OPM icon Jose Mari Chan’s “Christmas In Our Hearts” is in vogue in Philippine AM and FM radio stations.
I remember I was the one requested by Mr. Chan each year to help him distribute the presents he would give to the different radio stations in Metro Manila during the yuletide season.
For years, the songs of Jose Mari Chan have served as landmarks of original Pilipino music because he has been a consistent hitmaker. Perhaps, much of the blessings he has now in life must have come because there was a time that his wife Mary Ann and he served in Japan as lay missionaries.
“God expects you to do your best... Life is short, and we cannot always just think of ourselves. The quality of our lives will be measured by how much we have shared with others and by what we have contributed to society,” said Joe, who enjoys what he does and gets a great deal of satisfaction from it.
Asked what he would want his legacy to be, Jose Mari Chan, promptly said, “As a businessman, to substantially improve the lives of all those who work for me. As a father, to bring to this world responsible citizens who will constructively contribute to our society. As an artist and songwriter, to be able to write songs that not only touch lives but will live on long after I’m gone.”
* * *
DZRH’s Radyo Balintataw host Cecile Guidote-Alvarez joined with Volt Bohol of ATOM, Atty. Chel Diokno of Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation, Patrick Claudio of Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission, Karl Patrick of Project Gunita, Rebecca Quijano (the lone witness who saw Ninoy Aquino shot by a soldier), National Historical Commission of the Philippines officers Alvin R. Alcid and Gina Batuhan, and MIAA officials Arnel B. Atis and Feliciana Santos in laying wreaths of flowers to observe Ninoy Aquino’s death anniversary at the Ninoy Aquino International
Airport
Other
who joined were the Spirit of EDSA Foundation and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation.
* * * Gymnastics had molded a Filipino Canadian athlete, Anna Gamelo, to be hardworking. “I’ve developed the need to persevere through the challenges presented in gymnastics.”
At 11, she won her first international medal (bronze) in 2008 at the International Gymnix Cup competition in Montreal, Quebec. Years later, she placed 3rd at the Canadian National Championships. As a national senior, she moved to Gemini Gymnastics under the guidance of her two coaches, former Olympic all-around gold medalist Elena Davydova and Valery Yahchybekov, who honed her to win 4 All-Around National Open Championship Titles, specifically at the Ontario Provincial Championships and at the Canadian National Championships in 2014.
As a scholar at USA’s Michigan State University, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree major in Experience Architecture and minor in Chinese, and graduated with honors in 2019, the year she retired from gymnastics.
Since then, she has been hiking in places across Canada with her big sister. She did some jujitsu, kickboxing, swimming, and ran 5K/10K races with the family to stay active.
She is proud of her Filipino heritage. “I’m proud that Filipinos are known for their talents, being innovative, hardworking and humble. And I love Filipino foods and desserts...I’ve been to Manila for a couple of weeks with my family.”
* * *
House Speaker Martin Romualdez described Carlos Yulo as a “once-in-a-century Filipino athlete” following his exceptional double gold victory in France.
“Carlos’ achievements have not only brought glory to the Philippines but have also highlighted the potential of our athletes to excel in the international arena... We will continue to support and invest in our sports programs to nurture and develop more world-class athletes like Carlos. His success is a shining example of hope and a source of inspiration for all of us,” said Romualdez.
* * * The recent 1st Sovereign
Seal of Business Triumph and Remarkable Achiever awards ceremony at Dusit Thani Manila was well-organized with a press conference attended by some media persons, like Peps Bernardo of Malaya Business Insight, Cheska Itable of Amazing Manila Journal, blogger Mac Vasquez, Yuan Santos of Business World, Queenie Ostulano of Philippines Graphic Magazine, Carlo Abalos of Business Mirror, Vivian Yjares and Cha-Cha Bantug of People’s Television Network, blogger Rain de Ocampo, James Humarang of Tech and Lifestyle Journal, and Guia Cruz Buenaventura of Media House Express.
Video messages of congrats for SSBTRA awardees came from Sen. Jingggoy Estrada, former Sen. Bam Aquino and Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.
My heartfelt thanks to La Visual Corp., Ms. Lalaine Geronimo, awards chairman Nirro Marcelo of Sirbisu Channel, the awards production staff as well as to singers Lae Manego with her supportive daughter Mica Chely and RTU Himig Rizalia, entrepreneur Salvie Collado Paparon (with the support of her hubby Raymond Pedroso and children Sheanne Marie Faye and Shawn Raymond Lue), and Wej Cudiamat of Net 25 Radyo Agila 1062 KHZ.
* * * Thanks to Australia-based Blarneystine Serrano and Ms. OJ Arci for the kindness they extended to this columnist and child actress Elia Ilano (co-host of People’s TV Network’s Artsy Craftsy show every Saturday) during the 50th birthday celebration of Vince M. Tanada in Tagaytay City.
All guests were ready for “The Golden Shindig: A Masquerade Ball.” As my friend Ymman Biaco wrote: “Vince made a grand entrance on horseback before entering the hotel’s grand ballroom. Everyone dressed in their finest white outfits for this royal and Greek mythologyinspired event.”
To brings joy to the night, Generation Z singers Pia Caduyac and Regin Lanz entertained the guests with their powerful voices that caught my eyes’ cynosure. Later, Vince made an address that night that left an indelible mark in my mind. Despite being a “renaissance man,” he remains humble and knows how to look back to thank people, from his parents Emy and the late Tony and his siblings Anna, Elaine and Cocoy, his son Peter Parker, to the members of Philstagers who have been with him through thick and thin.
Celebrities like former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Dindo Arroyo, Mon Confiado, Eric Quizon, Mercedes Cabral, Ynez Veneracion, Snooky Serna, Gazini Ganados and overseas Philstagers sent him video birthday greetings, and some friends from other sectors greeted him and presented gifts. As a highlight, everyone sang the happy birthday song to the golden boy who still looks young and strong. Members of Philstagers continued to make splendid performances that evening of continuous music, dance, food and drinks. OJ Arci was the person in
expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
Include pets, animals in your disaster plan
AHEAD of peak wildfire season, County Animal Services is offering pet preparedness information to the public and is working with community volunteers who can assist in the event of an emergency.
Animal Services staff have participated in three emergency response and preparedness fairs to offer guidance and resources on pet disaster preparedness. Additionally, staff have hosted six comprehensive trainings for a dedicated group of about 70 volunteers. Trainings cover essential skills such as large animal handling, loading and unloading, scouting, trailer driving, and overall management during a disaster.
County experts suggest you prepare your family by making a plan to evacuate and gathering food and other supplies (go to https://www.alertsandiego.org/en-us/preparedness.html). The same can be done with family pets, even livestock. Planning is key to emergency preparedness for all.
The County Emergency and Animal Services departments recommend that you prepare and practice a disaster plan with all of your family members and assemble emergency supplies ahead of time. Household pet necessities include a supply of food and water, a crate or carrier, leash, medicines, copy of
current veterinary records, and several recent photographs of your furry, feathered or scaly friend. See the full list of items that should be in each of your pets’ emergency kits by visiting https://www.sddac.com/content/sdc/das/adopt/care/ pet_disaster_plan.html.
If you have to evacuate your home during an emergency, do not leave your pets. You may not be able to return to your home or animal enclosure for an extended period. In addition, structural damage to your home or animal enclosure may allow your pet to escape or to permit other animals or the natural elements to enter and hurt your pet.
Be prepared to quickly evacuate with your pets. If an evacuation seems possible, do it earlier rather than later. Do not wait until the last minute.
Animal Services has emergency preparedness recommendations for livestock owners (https://www. countynewscenter.com/sharpies-hooves-make-greatcombination-during-disaster/). Moving horses and other large animals takes time and practice.
Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with identification and an emergency contact. Having an ID on your animals may help reunite you if you are separated. Another safeguard is microchipping in case your pet loses its collar. Microchipping is available at the Animal Services’ shelters (see: https://www. sddac.com/content/sdc/das/adopt/care/microchip.html).
With these simple preparation steps, your entire family can be ready for the unexpected, including wildfires, earthquakes, flooding or other emergencies.
(Yvette Urrea Moe/County of San Diego Communications Office)
County Probation launches fire service training program for youth
COUNTY Probation and County Fire have introduced a comprehensive education and training program to help justice-involved young people at Probation. The Fuel Crew training program provides handson experience in vegetation and fuel management, preparing participants for careers in the fire service.
Those who successfully complete the program will become eligible for positions with County Fire as Seasonal Firefighters or Forestry Technicians. They may also have the opportunity to join the California Conservation Corps in a paid role, further expanding their career prospects. The oneyear training will also support young people interested in working in land management or resource conservation jobs for private companies.
For this program, County Fire Training Captains provide classroom instruction, physical fitness instruction, medical training, and training on fuel management. Participants then apply what they’ve learned in the community, working to mitigate wildfire risks.
At the program’s inauguration celebration on August 28, Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas acknowledged the achievements of the first two groups of trainees. “We believe in you, and we know that these types of programs will give you the skills that you need to continue to move forward.”
San Diego County Probation is committed to supporting youth on their journey to restore their lives, families and communities
through this and other programs.
In speaking to the program’s broader goals, Chief Probation officer Tamika Nelson said, “Probation and County Fire developed this program to bring opportunities to young adults where they can learn and develop skills, build a connection to the broader community and empower them to use their knowledge to serve their communities.”
“This program helps to break down barriers and build diversity, equity and inclusion opportunities for those who have been justice-involved, while also helping to protect our communities from disasters and other emergencies,” she continued.
Participants in the program earn certification in wildland firefighting operations and gain experience in brush clearing, urban landscaping and removing wildfire fuels throughout San Diego County. At the celebration, County Fire Director Jeff Collins underscored the program’s long-term benefits, stating, “Your hard work is why we’re doing this. There is a lot of opportunity for you in the fire service or something else, and the life skills gained in the Fuel Crew program are tools you can use throughout your career.” The Fuel Crew program is based at the East Mesa Juvenile Detention Center in
From left: Rogelio Medina, Salvie Paparon, Nirro Marcelo and Lae Manego.
Celebrant Vince M. Tanada, the golden boy Blarneystine Serrano and child actress Elia Ilano
House Speaker Martin Romualdez with U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson Photos courtesy of Rogelio Medina
The Gamelo family members – (from left) Angela, Anna, mom Maria, Marco, dad Michael and Alyssa – at the Oasis Zoo Run in Toronto in 2023.
DZRH Radyo Balintataw host Cecilia Guidote-Alvarez (center, in multicolored dress) at a recent Ninoy Aquino death anniversary observance.
Jose Mari Chan (left) and Rogelio Medina at the former’s Forbes Park home in Makati City.
From left: Rain de Ocampo, James Humarang, Mac Vasquez, Yuan Santos, Peps Bernardo, Rogelio Medina, Guia Cruz Buenaventura, Queenie Ostulano and Cheska Itable.
Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas speaks to program participants on August 28. File photo/www.countynewscenter.com
Terminal 1 in Pasay City.
groups
Applications open for a new Environmental Justice Workgroup
THE county’s Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice (OSEJ) is looking for people who would like to be part of a new Environmental Justice Workgroup.
Participation in the Workgroup is an opportunity to help shape sustainability policies, programs and services with a social equity focus.
The group will advise County of San Diego departments, along with other jurisdictions on climate justice topics like air quality, healthy food, and access to safe, clean and green outdoor spaces.
This group is intended to give all people, including those from communities most impacted by environmental injustices, a say in advancing the regions climate efforts.
“The most equitable and informative way to shape climate action in the region is with direct participation of the people facing daily climate challenges in their communities,” said the county’s Chief Sustainability Officer Eden Brukman. “Our team is eager to learn and share with this group to improve livability and long-term resiliency in San Diego County.”
The Workgroup will be made up of 21 members selected through an application process. Members must live in San Diego County or within a Tribal nation in the San Diego region and meet at least one of the following criteria:
• Resident with lived experience with environmental injustices
• Member of a local Tribe
• Be between the ages of 16-24
• Leader from communitybased or Tribal organizations working in health, social, economic, or environmental fields that focus on equity
• Academic or researcher with expertise in addressing the underlying causes of health, social, economic, or environmental disparities in communities impacted by unjust systems.
• Other self-identified characteristics will be considered to strengthen diverse representation particularly for groups often marginalized or under-represented in public participation processes (i.e., people who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color; LGBTQ+; youth; immigrants and refugees; unhoused; low-income; or live in an unincorporated or rural area).
The group will include people who have formal education and experience in eco-friendly and social justice subject areas.
Members will receive a $150 stipend per meeting for their participation. Applications are open from Sept. 3 to Nov. 11. OSEJ will host two virtual information sessions, one on Sept. 24 and another Oct. 24. Both will be from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
For more information, visit the Environmental Justice Workgroup website at https://engage. sandiegocounty.gov/ejworkgroup/ surveys/application.
(Shauni Lyles/County of San Diego Communications Office)
City of San Diego makes cool zones available, issues safety reminders during heat wave
Residents
SAN DIEGO – With extreme heat in the forecast this week, the City of San Diego is reminding residents about available Cool Zones in city libraries and recreation centers, and is calling on hikers to use caution when visiting Open Space trails. Hikers are encouraged to go with a friend, limit outdoor activity to early morning hours and pack plenty of water.
Extreme heat is responsible for more annual deaths than any other weather-related hazard. In these hot conditions your body
Bill to free California’s worst murderers is dead for the year
Opposition movement led by law enforcement, victim families, Republican lawmakers
SACRAMENTO – On August
29, after a relentless battle led by California Senate Republicans, Democrats officially shelved Senate Bill 94 (D-Cortese), which would have released the state’s most heinous murderers. This public safety victory comes after mounting pressure from Republican lawmakers, victims’ rights groups, law enforcement, and the public.
“The radical SB 94 was a direct assault on the rights of California families who have suffered the unimaginable loss of a loved one at the hands of violent criminals,” said Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego). “Thank you to Californians for standing up for justice, victims’ rights, and public safety. Together, we’ve ensured that when violent murderers brutally take a life, they lose their right to freedom—forever. Their punishment is in the name: life without parole. While I’m relieved that this dangerous legislation is finally dead for the year, we’re ready to continue the fight if it comes back. Californians will not stand for letting heinous murderers roam our streets.”
Legislative Republicans held a press conference recently to expose the dangers of SB 94. The measure specifically would have allowed violent murderers sentenced to life without the possibility of parole to seek
release from prison, rather than serving out their life sentences. Murderers covered by the measure included those who tortured their victims, those who killed jurors and judges, murderers for hire, and those who killed for money or racial reasons.
“The outcome of SB 94 would’ve been disastrous for public safety and victims’ rights,” said Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta), vice chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee. “We know that when voters come together and demand to be heard, even the supermajority has to take it seriously and listen to the will of the people. That is what we saw happened today, a victory of the people over dangerous proposed policies.”
In an opinion article published recently, Leader Jones and Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) said that Democrat lawmakers pay “no mind to the will of the people or the well-being of victims and their families.” They argue that Democrat politicians have been “speaking out of both sides of their mouths,” regarding public safety in California. The week prior, Leader Jones and Senator Seyarto also exposed the dangerous legislation in a publicly released analysis.
(CA Senate Republicans Caucus Release)
has to work hard to stay cool. During extreme heat, everyone is encouraged to avoid overexertion and to stay hydrated. Never leave people or pets in a vehicle. Also, assist those at higher risk of heat-related illnesses, including children, pregnant people, older adults, outdoor workers and those with pre-existing health conditions.
The following Cool Zone locations will be open when the outside temperature hits 85 degrees. Service animals will be allowed entry. Please note, regularly scheduled programs and recreational activities may be taking place in these locations.
• All San Diego Public Library locations during open hours
• Azalea Recreation Center, 2596 Violet St.
• Balboa Park Activity Center, 2145 Park Blvd.
• Canyonside Recreation Center, 12350 Black Mountain Rd.
• Kearny Mesa Recreation Center, 3170 Armstrong St.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 6401 Skyline Drive
• Montgomery Waller Recreation Center, 3020 Coronado Ave.
• Mountain View Community Center, 641 S. Boundary St.
• Nobel Recreation Center, 8810 Judicial Drive
• Pacific Beach Recreation Center, 1405 Diamond St.
• Ranch Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center, 18448 West Bernardo Drive
• San Carlos Recreation Center, 6445 Lake Badin Ave.
To view a full list of Cool Zones in the City of San Diego with hours and more information, visit the Places to Cool Off webpage at https://www.sandiego.gov/cool-zones.
San Diego continues to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Research shows by the 2040s, the average daily high temperature could be 5 degrees Fahrenheit higher than it is now. By 2100, the number of heat wave days is projected to increase by 20% to 50%.
To help communities adapt and recover from these extreme heat events and other climate change-driven hazards, the city developed the Climate Resilient SD plan. To see how the city is working to adapt to extreme heat and for more resources on how to prepare for the hot days ahead, visit the Climate Resilient SD Heat webpage at https://www.sandiego.gov/climate-resilient-sd/ heat. (City of San Diego Release)
