San Diego first responders, community leaders honor Fil-Am police officer who was killed in car chase
THE San Diego community is mourning the loss of a Filipino American police officer who was killed last week while on high-speed pursuit.
On Friday, Aug. 29, the San Diego FireRescue and San Diego Police Department (SDPD) honored 30-year-old Austin Christopher Machitar in a vehicle procession near state route 52.
The procession took place while Machitar’s body was being moved from the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office to El Camino Memorial in Sorrento Valley.
Machitar had been an officer with the SDPD for five years. He was born and raised in the Chula Vista area of San Diego, and his father was a San Diego County deputy sheriff.
After graduating from Otay Ranch High School in 2012, he attended and graduated from the University of Hawaii in 2015, according to his Facebook page. He had recently celebrated his 30th birthday on July
Years into historic efforts to close health disparities, how is Medi-Cal doing?
OVER the last few years, Medi-Cal — California’s version of Medicaid — has been on the national front lines of reducing health disparities impacting Californians of color.
Palav Babaria, deputy director of quality and population health management at the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), spoke with EMS about some of the state’s more glaring health disparities, and how the historic transformation of Medi-Cal has helped bridge the gap.
Reducing inequity
“There are two major ways we’re approaching health equity,” said Babaria. “One, we’ve been tracking disparities, especially by race and ethnicity, for over a decade now, and setting bold, measurable goals to reduce them. But reporting on inequity is not enough to change it, so we’ve also been expanding access through CalAIM.”
CalAIM, short for California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal, is a multi-year effort to reduce health disparities through new services like street medicine, home accessibility
Marcos to Alice Guo: Being evasive won’t help
by Zacarian sarao Inquirer.net
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Friday, September 6 told dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo (Guo Hua Ping) to stop being evasive and address all the allegations against her, including her ties to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Marcos made the call in an interview with Palace reporters where he was asked what he wanted to
hear from Guo, who was arrested in Indonesia and arrived in Manila via a chartered flight early Friday morning.
“I just hope she answers it better than her cohorts, sina Casandra Ong at si Sheila [Guo] very evasive makasagot,” said Marcos.
He warned Guo that not doing so would only make her situation worse.
“Sana naman mabuti-buti ang sagot ni Alice Guo as compared doon sa mga kasamahan niya because it will not help her at all to be evasive. Mas bibigat ang magiging problema niya kung hindi siya magsabi ng totoo,” he added. (I hope Alice Guo’s explanations are better compared to her colleagues because it will not help her at all to be evasive. Her problems will worsen if she doesn’t tell the truth.)
gerMelina lacorte Inquirer.net
DAVAO CITY—The Court of Appeals in Cagayan de Oro City has declared as “null and void” the temporary protection order (TPO) issued on Aug. 27 by a court here based on a writ of amparo filed by members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC), whose leader, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, has been in hiding after he was ordered arrested on charges of sexual abuse, child abuse, and human trafficking.
Law enforcers have been searching for the past 13 days for the fugitive televangelist within the compound, the latest attempt by authorities to arrest the pastor. In July – or a month after the June 10 police raid that followers claimed to
be excessive – followers filed the writ of amparo, prompting the Davao court to issue a protection order on the third day of the ongoing standoff at the KOJC compound.
Associate Justice Ana Marie Mas of the appellate court’s Second Division ruled that Judge Mario Duaves of the Davao Regional Trial Court Branch 15 had no authority to issue the TPO since the case against Quiboloy was already moved to a Quezon City court in May.
The appeals court issued the resolution after a petition for certiorari, prohibition, and mandamus was filed by Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and top officials of the Philippine National Police, through the Office of the Solicitor General.
The court said the writ of amparo case u PAGE A4
Marcos says he has not talked with Sara since she
draws thousands of supporters at their campaign rally in Cagayan de Oro City in 2022. File photo
Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, September 4 shrugged off
Vice President Sara Duterte's recently apologizing to Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KoJC) members for urging them to support him, saying "that's her prerogative."
Although still baffled by Duterte's remarks, Marcos said there was nothing else he could do about it.
"That's her prerogative. I still don't understand why. That is her wish; we can't do anything about that," he said.
The vice president's apology
came during the anniversary celebration of KoJC in Davao City last weekend.
Duterte condemned the earlier police operation at the KoJC compound to arrest its leader, fugitive evangelist Apollo Quiboloy, who is wanted for sexual abuse of minors and human trafficking.
Quiboloy is a close ally and spiritual adviser of the vice president's father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Sara Duterte then apologized to KoJC members for enticing them to vote for Marcos as president when she ran as his vice president.
Among the things Marcos said he wants to know from Guo is how exactly the POGOs in Bamban expanded into being a large criminal enterprise, and how she allegedly didn’t know about it. u PAGE A2
MANILA — Following her arrest in Indonesia, dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo was flown back to Manila last Thursday night, September 5. Guo was accompanied by a top-level Philippine delegation led by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil. Also present were officials of the National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Immigration and other government agencies. Col. Jean Fajardo, the PNP’s public information officer, said Guo and the officials were on a chartered flight from Indonesia, which was expected to arrive late Thursday night at the Royal Star Aviation Hangar in Pasay City.
A holding area for medical examination and booking procedures awaited Guo.
“She will be brought to Camp Crame for temporary detention,” Fajardo said in a news briefing. She said they are eyeing to turn over Guo to the Senate sergeant-at-arms on Friday, September 6. Abalos said Guo feared for her life and this forced her into hiding, and she even felt relieved when caught by
A Filipino American businesswoman from Sacramento is facing federal charges and a complaint from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) after she allegedly defrauded investors in a Ponzi scheme.
Maria Dickerson, 47, also known as Dulce Pino, was charged in a federal indictment on Tuesday, September 3 with 32 counts of wire fraud, security fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors said Dickerson
was behind a fraud scheme that left approximately 140 investors, including Filipino Americans, in financial ruin. The SEC filed a separate civil case accusing Dickerson of violating antifraud and registration provisions of federal security laws through her California-based companies, the Creative Legal Fundings and Ubiquity Group LLC. In addition, the SEC alleged that Dickerson raised around $7 million by deceitfully promising high investment returns to her victims. However, these promises
The UniTeam alliance of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte-Carpio
Marcos to Alice Guo: Being...
“It’s very difficult to believe because as a former local government executive, it seems impossible that an operation that is what, a hundred meters away
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9/7/24 CNS-3848179# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
from my own office? [Tapos] hindi ko alam ‘yung nangyari doon, iligal na ganitong kalaki na operation? Sana maipaliwanag niya kung bakit hindi niya alam,” said Marcos. (It’s very difficult to believe because as a former local government executive, it seems impossible that an operation that is, what, a hundred meters away from my own office? [Then] I don’t know what is happening there, such a large illegal operation? I hope she can explain how she wouldn’t know.)
“Paanong bilang isang mayor na hindi niya malaman kung
ano nangyayari sa bayan niya na ganyan kalaki ang problema,” he added.
(How can a mayor not know that such a big problem is happening in his or her town?)
Marcos said he also wanted to know how Guo became wealthy and how she became mayor.
Guo left the Philippines with her supposed sibling Wesley Guo, along with Sheila Guo— previously tagged as her sister— and her business associate, Cassandra Li Ong in July.
In August, Sheila and Ong were arrested and detained in the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively. n
San Diego first responders...
26. California State Sen. Steve Padilla (D-San Diego), also a Chula Vista resident, was close to Machitar and shared his thoughts on the young police officer’s passing in a statement.
“Foremost, I had the honor of knowing the man that he was, but moreover, loved the person. He was warm, thoughtful, gentle, and kind. Austin had a bright, million-dollar smile that put everyone at ease. He was always willing to help and find ways to help,” Padilla said.
On the evening of Monday, August 26, Machitar and fellow SDPD officer Zachary Martinez were pursuing a speeding vehicle down Clairemont Mesa Boulevard.
At around 11:30 p.m. the suspect — a 16-year-old unlicensed driver named Edgar Oviedo — collided with Machitar’s patrol car at Doliva Drive at 90 mph, the SDPD reported. Oviedo was also killed in the collision.
Martinez, 27, survived the crash and sustained injuries.
The San Diego Police Officers Association shared a tribute to Machitar and organized a “Fund a Hero” fundraiser to assist the Machitar and Martinez families.
“In this time of grief, we honor the memory of a hero who gave everything for our safety,” the association wrote on Facebook. “His integrity, dedication, and heroism will never be forgotten.”
A memorial service for Machitar is scheduled for Sept. 21 at the Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California.(Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
Guo in PH custody, faces laundering...
authorities.
“When I talked to Alice, there seemed to be a sigh of relief. She recalled the hardships of hiding. Relief that it’s finally over,” Abalos said, adding that all steps are being taken to ensure Guo’s safety.
Officials on Wednesday, September 4 announced Guo’s arrest in a hotel in Tangerang City in Indonesia’s Banten province – ending a monthslong manhunt after the Senate issued an order for her arrest for skipping hearings on Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs).
Fajardo said Indonesian authorities turned Guo over to Philippine officials led by Abalos Thursday following a meeting on deportation procedures.
The police spokesperson added there is no problem should the NBI file a case against Guo for violation of immigration laws after an investigation found she escaped through the country’s backdoor.
Guo facing arrest over graft case
Apart from an arrest order from the Senate, Guo is facing a warrant of arrest for violation of Republic Act 3019 or the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The Capas, Tarlac Regional Trial Court Branch 109 has ordered the arrest of Guo for allegedly violating Section 3 (E) and 3 (H) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Judge Sara Vedana delos Santos set the bail at P90,000 for each charge.
The case is connected with allegations that Guo used her position as mayor to give favors to Baofu Land Development, which owns the property where an illegal POGO hub was raided by law enforcers. It means Guo has to first post bail before she is turned over to the Senate to appear at hearings.
Aside from the graft case, Guo is expected to face complaints for violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act in connection with the raided Bamban POGO hub.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue also filed a tax evasion case against Guo for her reported failure to pay P500,000 in capital gains tax on the purported sale of her shares in Baofu Land.
Guo, along with Whirlwind Corp. incorporator Cassandra Ong and 34 others are also facing money laundering charges before the Department of Justice in relation to their alleged links to illegal POGOs.
The beleaguered mayor is also facing a quo warranto petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General before a Manila trial court, which is seeking to remove her as Bamban mayor on the ground that she is a Chinese
national and has misrepresented herself as a Filipino citizen “to advance her fraudulent schemes.”
The Office of the Ombudsman earlier ordered Guo’s dismissal from public office for grave misconduct.
In early July, the OSG also filed a petition before a Tarlac trial court seeking to cancel Guo’s birth certificate on the grounds of her failure to comply with the legal requirements of late birth registration.
According to DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano, Guo may also face charges of violation of immigration laws as well as charges of disobedience to summons for snubbing the Senate arrest warrant.
Wesley wants to surrender Meanwhile, the Guos’ lawyer Stephen David said the alleged brother Wesley Guo is willing to surrender.
He refused to confirm information that Wesley may be hiding in Hong Kong.
“I cannot discuss the details. But he wants to surrender already. He doesn’t see the essence of hiding anymore,” David said.
Escape by boat questioned Senators cast doubt on the story of Shiela Guo that they fled the Philippines for Malaysia by a series of boat rides last July.
During the Senate’s resumption of its investigation on Guo’s alleged illegal offshore gaming activities, Shiela stood by her story that she, Alice and Wesley Guo took three boat rides to get to Sabah. From Sabah, Shiela said they took two more airplane rides from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, and then to Indonesia where they went into hiding before being arrested by authorities.
But the senators took note of the perilous journey to go to Sabah, Malaysia by boat in July, when sea waters would have been too rough to allow a safe journey.
“It is difficult to believe that you will expose yourselves to a dangerous journey during monsoon season when the sea is rough,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros said she has credible information that the Sabah stamp in Shiela’s passport was fake.
It is more believable that the three boarded a private plane to escape to Malaysia, according to Sen. JV Ejercito. “I had doubts on Shiela’s narration that they used small boats to Sabah with choppy waters during monsoon season,” he said.
Lawyer Jerome Bomediano, National Bureau of InvestigationOrganized and Transnational Crime Division chief, told senators about initial information
that the three fled through the “southern backdoor.”
Pressed to identify their accomplices, Shiela said she does not know who helped them escape. She denied that they took a private plane.
Hontiveros scored the Bureau of Immigration for its failure to prevent the Guos from exiting the country’s ports to flee to Malaysia.
President Marcos has also scolded the BI for keeping him in the dark about the Guo’s escape.
BI intelligence chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. admitted the bureau may have been “compromised,” which allowed the Guos to escape.
Alleged links with Pangasinan mayor Sual, Pangasinan mayor Liseldo Calugay was dragged in the controversy involving Mayor Guo after his name was mentioned in the Senate investigation on Wednesday, September 4 on Guo’s alleged illegal offshore activities.
Shiela Guo admitted that Alice had introduced her to the Pangasinan mayor at a restaurant in Dagupan before the pandemic.
But Shiela denied owning a certain “Alisel Aqua Farm” in Baquioen, Sual, despite a business certificate under her name shown during the hearing by Hontiveros.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian pointed out that the farm name “Alisel” is a conjugation of Mayors Guo and Calugay’s name. During the hearing last May, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada hinted that Mayor Guo has a romantic relationship with a certain Pangasinan mayor who also operated his own POGO. Mayor Guo denied it, saying she is single.
Calugay was invited to the hearing but he sent a letter instead saying he could not attend because he has dengue. No job displacement from POGOs
There is still no mass displacement among POGOs despite the presidential directive to ban their operations, according to Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma.
Laguesma noted the Department of Labor and Employment is closely monitoring reports of displacement particularly in National Capital Region, where most internet gaming licensees are operating.
So far, Laguesma said the DOLE has already profiled over 20,000 POGO workers, most of which are employed in the administrative, finance and human resource departments and as encoders. (With reports from Mayen Jaymalin, Mark Ernest Villeza, Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Daphne Galvez, Romina Cabrera)
Photo shows Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil with dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo, who was turned over by Jakarta police following her arrest. Philstar.com file photo
Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo (Guo Hua Ping) speaks to the members of the media upon arrival from Indonesia on Friday, September 6, 2024. Inquirer.net photo by Arnel Tacson
LOWER FOOD INFLATION. Buyers check out the fresh produce sold at the San Andres Public Market in Manila on Friday, September 6. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority,
PNA photo by Yancy Lim
Multilingual poll of Asian American voters in California reveals critical insights for 2024 election
New poll reveals that Asian American voters in California overwhelmingly plan to vote in this year’s election, but nearly half are not being contacted by either political party
ON Friday, September 6, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Civic Empowerment Education Fund (AAPI FORCEEF), AAPI Data, and Asian American Futures released the 2024 California Asian American Voter Insights report — publishing findings from a comprehensive multilingual survey shedding light on the political attitudes, voter intentions, and policy priorities of Asian American voters in California ahead of the 2024 election. California is home to a rapidly-growing Asian American electorate, with over 4 million eligible voters across the state — and this information is critical to understanding the motivations and needs of this increasingly influential population of the electorate.
The report was highlighted during a virtual press briefing on Friday. Topline findings include:
• 88% of California Asian American voters say they plan to vote for President, Congress and other offices this November. Almost three-quarters (73%) say they are absolutely certain they will vote this year.
• 85% of young voters (ages 18-34) said they are planning to vote, with 64% saying they are absolutely certain they will vote this year.
• Nearly half of Asian American voters in the state (46%) say they have not been contacted by either the Democratic or Republican parties, including 51% who say they have not been contacted by the Democratic Party, and 59% who say they have not been contacted by the Republican Party.
• Asian American voters in California named jobs and the economy (87%), health care (83%), and inflation (83%) as the top three issues that would get them to the polls on Election Day, regardless of how they felt about any particular candidate.
• Almost half of Asian American voters surveyed (49%) agree that local governments should shift spending from
law enforcement to programs that address economic and social issues for minorities/ disadvantaged communities.
• 86% favor programs designed to help Black people, and other people of color, including Asian Americans and Latinos, get better access to educational opportunities.
“This report highlights a critical need — we must increase our outreach efforts to Asian American voters across California. To achieve this, we urgently need more funding to ensure our communities are fully engaged and represented in the political process,” said Timmy Lu, executive director of AAPI FORCE-EF. “Once again, the data in this report confirms what we’ve long known: Asian American voters in California support policies that benefit working-class people. Leaders seeking the support of our communities would do well to prioritize housing and comprehensive solutions to homelessness.”
While nearly 9 in 10 Asian American voters in California say they plan to vote this November, nearly half say they have not been contacted by either Democratic or Republican Party. The results suggest that there has been a lack of meaningful engagement from political party organizations with Asian American voters across the state.
According to the survey, Asian American voters highly endorse policies addressing economic and social issues for minorities and disadvantaged communities, in line with socially progressive priorities.
An overwhelming majority of California Asian American voters support wraparound strategies to address homelessness in their communities, with a majority indicating they approve of providing more affordable housing (81%), providing more mental health and drugtreatment programs (80%), and providing more shelters (72%).
Focusing on young Asian American voters (ages 18-34) in California, the survey finds they
are concerned about basic needs.
A vast majority of those polled said that the cost of housing (86%); health care (85%); inflation (81%); jobs and the economy (81%); and education (81%) are “very” or “extremely important” to them in deciding how to vote in November.
“This report shows that young Asian Americans strongly support progressive values on important issues, but highlights a challenge in bridging the gap between political values and civic action. It also shows that political parties aren't doing enough to reach out and engage with young Asian American voters, which may be contributing to this valuesto-action gap,” said Eunice Kwon, Director of Programs & Partnerships of Asian American Futures. “We need to create outreach strategies that connect with young Asian Americans and address the barriers they face in getting involved. Their voices deserve to be heard and respected.”
In terms of the presidential candidates, Asian American voters in the state viewed Vice President Kamala Harris more favorably than Donald Trump: 43% said they have a “very” or “somewhat favorable” impression of Harris, compared to 32% who said the same about Trump. It should be noted that the survey was conducted in April and May 2024, prior to President Joe Biden’s resignation from the presidential campaign. It is likely that the favorability gap between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump has widened in the time since, based on the surge in Asian American volunteer and civic efforts for Harris in the month after her candidacy as president.
“With a critical election just months away, data-informed insights of key voter blocs, like Asian Americans, will play a crucial role for political campaigns and nonpartisan organizations seeking to elevate and engage our communities in November,” said Karthick Ramakrishnan, Executive
Years into historic efforts to close health...
modifications, medically tailored meals, sobering centers and housing support including rent aid, tenancy navigation, transitional housing and daily living skills training.
Medi-Cal is also providing waivers for many of these services to Californians who may not otherwise qualify for them.
To reduce maternal death and illness from conception through 12 months postpartum, Medi-Cal has developed a Birthing Care Pathway coordinating services across various areas of members’ lives; for instance, doula care, nutrition aid and mental health screening.
“We’ve been centering members themselves in how we design these programs,” Babaria said. “As of 2024, all our medical plans in each county are required to have an Advisory Committee that includes community members and MediCal members, and we kicked off a quarterly state-level Member Advisory Committee in 2023 … so the people experiencing health disparities can tell us how the system needs to change to better meet their needs.”
“Our health care system is good when you’re urgently sick and you show up to the emergency room or the hospital;
people generally have their needs met. What our general health care system is really bad at is preventing people from getting sicker,” said Babaria.
“Many people, for example, may not have a regular primary care provider screening them for diabetes and counseling them before they develop diabetes or have an amputation,” she continued. “The purpose of our tracking is to identify who’s at risk of getting sick before that happens to keep them well with preventive visits, and the purpose of these new programs is to address the social drivers of health, to improve the overall outcome of interrelated needs like diabetes, high blood pressure and depression.
“Altogether, that’s called population health,” said Babaria.
“The concept has been a focus for Medicaid nationally for the last decade or so, but the data to be able to look at how we’re doing at a statewide level has sometimes been lacking,” said Babaria. “Nationally, we’re definitely on the leading edge.”
Medi-Cal is tracking much of its progress through its 50×25 initiative, a CalAIM campaign launched in 2022 to reduce disparities and improve care by 50% in three areas: children’s preventive health, maternity care and behavioral health, which
includes mental health and substance use disorder.
Disparities in these areas vary between counties and races, but some goals like Asian and Hispanic or Latino youth preventive care visits and immunizations are already met, while other goals like maternity care for Black and Native American women are nearly met.
The goals where disparities remain high include prenatal depression screening, which has a statewide rate of 10% against a goal of 15%, although some regions like southeastern and far northern California have rates as low as 3%, or are unreported altogether.
Disparity also persists for substance use disorder engagement and follow-up for an emergency department substance use disorder visit, with a statewide rate of 7% against a 14% goal for treatment and a 16% statewide rate against a 24% goal for follow-up. However, these metrics were last reported in 2021 and 2022. An update with more recent data measuring the progress of MediCal since then is expected this August.
Listening sessions
“There’s a common saying in the healthcare world that every system is perfectly designed to u PAGE A4
CA voids Davao court’s protection order...
was closely intertwined with the case pending against Quiboloy, considering that “what is at stake is the implementation of the warrants of arrest against him” and four of his co-accused.
Covered by SC order
“Hence, such a case is within the coverage of the … Supreme Court resolution,” it added. On May 27 this year, the high tribunal ordered the transfer of the sexual abuse and child abuse case against Quiboloy in Davao City to a Quezon City court, citing his position of power in the area that could cause “local biases” and the “strong possibility that witnesses cannot freely testify because of fear” and his influence.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
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LACMTA will receive Bids/ Proposals for OP1096958370 - VENDING MACHINES AND ASSOCIATED SERVICESat the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. A Pre-Bid conference will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 2:00 p.m., at One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Virtual Meeting: Online. All Bids must be submitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/ CM Department, on or before 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Bids received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each Bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. OP1096958370. For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro. net or for further information email Ricardo Narvaez at narvaezr@metro.net.
9/7/24 CNS-3849232# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
Lawyer Israelito Torreon, Quiboloy’s lead counsel, said they received the court’s order on Wednesday, September 4.
“We are filing a motion for reconsideration if only to emphasize the fact that the individual members of the KJC and the officers and students of the Jose Maria College (JMC) are not covered by the Supreme Court order transferring the venue of the cases against Pastor Quiboloy,” Torreon said.
“They are third persons not affected by the SC order and entitled by law to seek immediate and inexpensive judicial relief in cases of violations of their constitutional rights,” he added.
Torreon said their members, including students and other citizens, should not be made to “go to Quezon City just to obtain judicial relief.”
Senators arriving Friday
This developed as the police and KOJC camp prepared for the arrival of senators here on
Friday, September 6 to continue an investigation into the police’s alleged use of “excessive” force in their ongoing search for Quiboloy.
On Thursday, September 5, the city’s building official and city legal officer tried to enter the basement of the JMC building to check if there were really diggings going on, following Torreon’s request for a “cease and desist order” to stop the supposed tunneling activity. But they were denied entry by the police.
Davao City’s building official also earlier turned down the police’s request to get a copy of the building plans and layout of structures within the KOJC compound.
Police Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the police had been encountering stiff resistance from Quiboloy’s followers and lawyers every step of the way in their search for him. “We work under those challenges,” he added. n
Filipino American charged in... Marcos says he has not talked with Sara since...
turned out to be part of a Ponzi scheme that preyed on investors in a fake litigation fund for personal injury attorneys.
Investment fraud charges
According to the press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, a federal grand jury has charged Dickerson with 24 counts of wire fraud, one count of securities fraud and seven counts of money laundering.
“Dickerson took money from investors and collected millions of dollars in investment funds solicited with her false promises and representations,” the SEC’s press release stated.
The SEC’s complaint stated that between 2020 and 2024, Dickerson had orchestrated fraud by convincing investors that her shell company Creative Legal Fundings was a legitimate firm.
She assured the investors their money was safe and secure as they were backed by substantial capital. But in reality, Dickerson made Ponzi-like payments, using new investor funds to pay earlier investors while funneling money into her lavish lifestyle, including purchasing a new home in Sacramento and Mercedes Benz vehicles.
However, in May 2023, she ran out of money to continue paying the investors. When her first company Creative Legal Fundings failed, she launched a new business, The Ubiquity Group LLC, where she continued soliciting money under false pretenses.
Monique C. Winkler, director of the SEC’s San Francisco Regional Office, stated, “As alleged, Creative Legal Fundings’ operations were neither creative nor legal. This was nothing more than fraud perpetrated against retail investors, many of whom were members of the Filipino American community.”
Legal repercussions
On top of the SEC’s complaint, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California has also filed criminal charges against Dickerson.
If convicted, Dickerson could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of wire fraud.
She could also face an additional 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of money laundering.
The securities fraud charge could lead to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $5 million. n
The president said he has had no contact with the vice president since she resigned as education secretary in July.
"No, none at all. None at all. The last time I spoke to her was when she handed me her resignation. We haven't spoken since," he said.
Multilingual poll of Asian American voters in...
Director and Founder of AAPI Data. “The findings from this survey reflect key trends and insights from national data on Asian American voters: our communities are ready to be civically engaged and mobilized — we’re just waiting for the call.”
(The full results from the survey was presented during a virtual press and community briefing on Friday, and is available at https:// drive.google.com/file/d/1HbJs7I DeuAgLK7WLcFyskT0eeHzEDs cs/view).
The survey of 1,253 Asian American voters in California was conducted using mixed modes, self-administered responses via an online panel and telephone interviews of respondents selected from a classified list of Asian American voters for the six
largest ethnic groups (Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Korean, Vietnamese, and Japanese) — which collectively represent 85% of the eligible voter population of Asian Americans in California.
Surveys were offered in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, and Vietnamese and were fielded from April 4 to May 26, 2024.
Respondents qualified for the survey if they indicated on a screener questionnaire that they were currently registered to vote at their present address.
The data were weighted using a post-stratification ranking method based on: 1) key demographic factors (age, education, gender, and nativity) by Asian ethnicity, and 2) the party distribution of registered voters by Asian ethnicity.
The survey has a 4% margin of error, which incorporates sample
size, the design effect of the study, and the survey's post-stratification weights.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Civic Empowerment Education Fund (AAPI FORCEEF) is a statewide network that builds progressive Asian American and Pacific Islander governing power in California through integrated voter engagement, policy advocacy, and narrative change. Learn more at aapiforce-ef.org. AAPI Data is a national research and policy organization producing accurate data to support community narratives that drive action toward enduring solutions for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Learn more at aapidata.com. (AAPI FORCE-EF Release)
Years into historic efforts to close health...
get the results that it produces, and we know that our current system isn’t working for some of our members,” said Babaria.
To hear directly from members experiencing this inequity, MediCal also launched its three-phase, five-year Health Equity Roadmap Initiative.
For the first phase, begun in November 2023 and now complete, DHCS staff held 11 listening sessions hosted by community-based organizations statewide, to listen to hundreds of Medi-Cal members about the challenges that prevent them from getting the health care they need — particularly for members from communities of color, those with disabilities, those in rural areas and those with behavioral health issues like substance abuse disorder.
“The most resounding, consistent piece of feedback we got is that it’s really hard to navigate and access all of the different Medi-Cal programs,” she added. “Sometimes it’s because there are weeks- or months-long wait times for appointments, or members haven’t updated their contact information and we don’t
know how to reach them, or sometimes it’s because we just have a very complicated health care system and our members don’t know that dental, maternal or behavioral health services are even available.”
“We got a lot of requests for more behavioral health services, and that’s a nationwide phenomenon,” said Babaria. “We don’t have as much capacity as the demand, especially after the pandemic, when we saw a lot more people having issues with mental health or substance use needs … and we experienced provider shortages, especially those who could speak members’ native language, and often in rural areas and smaller counties.”
To expand information accessibility, Medi-Cal has set translation and interpretation requirements in 18 threshold languages for health plans in all counties in California.
Threshold languages — including Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese — are the primary language of 3,000 members or 5% of the member population in a county, whichever is lower.
As of March 2024, nonenrolled Californians newly eligible for Medi-Cal spoke mostly English (197,469) and Spanish (125,722), with the next-highest being unreported (10,834) and Russian-speaking members (3,893).
“In Phase 2, we’re taking what we’ve heard from members in the listening sessions and figuring out what solutions look like,” said Babaria. “Often, state health care policy is developed with providers and advocates, but members getting these services are not at the table. We want to do a co-design process where members themselves identify our biggest priorities,” said Babaria.
“In Phase 3, we’ll turn those priorities into a timeline of goals we can measure.”
“If you want to close health disparities, you can’t do that without the people most affected by it being at the table and having a voice in the process. We’re at the beginning of that journey,” she added. “Having these communities guiding our process at the local level is how we’re going to make sure that we see measurable changes down the road.” (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)
COA to DepEd: Return P12.3-B misused budget
by Kathleen de Villa Inquirer.net
MANILA
— The Commission on Audit (COA) has ordered the Department of Education (DepEd) to immediately remit to the government some P12.3 billion from its 2023 budget that was suspended and disallowed due to the agency’s failure to adhere to certain bidding processes and meet its targets for various projects.
Based on its audit report on DepEd for 2023, the last full year of Vice President Sara Duterte as head of the agency, state auditors issued notices of suspension amounting to P10.1 billion; notices of disallowance totaling P2.2 billion, and notices of charges worth P7.38 million due to “noncompliance with existing laws and regulations” in the implementation of several banner projects.
Its review on the enforcement of the notices of suspensions, disallowances, and charges found that the total flagged amount, which accounted for only 1.7 percent of the P710.6billion budget allocated to DepEd last year, “remained unsettled,” despite an acknowledgment from DepEd officials that it would turn over the funds in question.
Unliquidated advances
“We recommended, and the management agreed, to cause the immediate settlement of the suspensions, disallowances, and charges in accordance with the revised RRSA (Rules and Regulations on Settlement of Accounts),” state auditors noted in the report.
Under the COA’s RRSA, a disallowance refers to the audit of disbursements and transactions that were thumbed down “in whole or in part.”
Suspensions, on the other hand, are “temporary disallowance” of transactions presenting “doubtful legality, validity or propriety,” until the liable agencies can justify or meet the requirements in the course of auditing.
Specific agency officers, meanwhile, receive notices of charge when there is an amount assessed, billed, or collected that is “less than what is due the government.”
State auditors also found “lapses” in the handling, recording, and reporting of cash transactions in various regional offices, and the accumulation of unliquidated cash advances that were either not authorized or had no specific purpose, amounting to nearly P7 billion in violation of COA rules. They had recommended— and management had agreed— that concerned DepEd officers halt the practice of granting additional cash advances, especially when the liquidation of past transactions is not yet completed.
The COA said the salaries of the concerned accountable officers should also be withheld, among other penalties, “until such time that they have fully liquidated or settled their [liabilities].”
Failed projects
Among the projects tagged by the COA for noncompliance were the DepEd’s computerization program, which had only a 23.3-percent budget utilization rate; the “Last Mile Schools” program, where the construction of classrooms in far-flung schools had a completion rate of only 3 percent, and the delay and inefficiencies in the implementation of the Basic Education Facilities Fund and the School-Based Feeding Program.
According to the COA report, DepEd also had a “zeroaccomplishment rate” in its computerization project “due to the (central office’s) inability to complete the procurement process for 2023.”
These “deficiencies,” it added, took a hit on the DepEd’s program to enhance the Filipino students’ information and communication technology competencies.
For its Last Mile Schools program, the COA cited a status report of DepEd’s education facilities division that showed only three out of the 93 intended classrooms were completed in 2023, 69 were ongoing, and the remaining 21 were still under bidding.
Last Mile Schools are makeshift classrooms in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas that were revamped into “standard” ones to ensure quality learning for students. From 2018 up to 2023,
DepEd’s program for the repair and rehabilitation of school buildings called the Basic Education Facilities Fund, also suffered from “poor implementation, deficiencies in the electrification” of facilities, and “lapses” in the inspection, delivery, and safekeeping of procured school furniture.
For DepEd’s School-Based Feeding Program, the COA said that the agency’s “commitment to providing good nutrition to learners was not optimally achieved” because of the delays in the “regular and milk feeding components” in 21 schools division offices, failure to abide by the technical requirements of the project, and the “nonprogramming of unutilized funds.”
Finding accountability
A congressional probe into the supposed mishandling of DepEd’s budget has gained traction in the Lower House.
Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas on Tuesday, September 3 backed proposals for Congress to look, for instance, into the DepEd’s bidding processes from 2022 to 2024, the duration of Duterte’s stint, for the procurement of some P9.17 billion worth of 20,000 laptop computers.
Brosas noted that Monday’s (September 2) briefing for DepEd’s proposed P793.18billion 2025 budget revealed that 12,022 laptops for teachers and 7,558 for nonteaching staff remain undelivered, “making it nearly impossible to effectively implement e-learning systems that are vital for student learning.”
For her part, Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday warned officials who used the P112 million in confidential funds of DepEd for 2023, saying they cannot escape accountability.
“Some officials of the agency cannot just wash their hands regarding the issue involving the use of confidential funds. If it was not used correctly and properly, those who participated in its use should be held accountable,” the senator said.
Her remarks were in response to the earlier statement of Education Undersecretary for u PAGE A7
by Dianne Sampang Inquirer.net
MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has received over 5.8 million new voters’ applications as of August 31, a month before the registration deadline for new voters.
Data released by Comelec Chairman George Garcia to the media on Wednesday, September 4 showed that the election body has processed 5,831,291 applications (3,004,233 females and 2,827,058 males.)
Region IV-A Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) had the most number of new registrants with 974,655, followed by Metro Manila (782,838) and Central Luzon (662,246.)
Registration deadline
The registration period for new voters will end on September 30, 2024.
Eligible voters can register at the office of the election officer or satellite registration office in their area from Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Applicants need to bring one of the following:
• PhilID
• Postal ID
• PWD ID
• Student’s ID or library card, signed by the school authority
• Senior citizen’s ID
• Land Transportation Office
Driver’s License/Student Permit
• National Bureau of Investigation clearance
• Philippine Passport
• Social Security System/ Government Service Insurance System or other unified multipurpose ID
• Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID
• License issued by the Professional Regulatory Commission
• Certificate of Confirmation issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in case of members of ICCs or IPs
• Barangay Identification/ Certification with photo
• Any other governmentissued valid ID.
Last week, Garcia said the Comelec is planning to improve its “Register Anywhere Program” for the next elections by tapping more municipalities to participate in the initiative.
The program ended on Saturday, Agust 31, with over 170 malls and other institutions nationwide participating in making the voting registration process easier and more accessible.
Deactivated Comelec also reported that the election registration board deactivated a total of 5,376,630 registered voters.
The deactivation stemmed from such cases as being sentenced to imprisonment, having committed any crime involving disloyalty to the duly constituted government or crime against national security, failure to vote in two succeeding polls, loss of Filipino citizenship, exclusion per Court order, and failure to validate. A total of 714,035 voters’ registrations have been deleted due to cancellation of registration records by reason of death, transfer of registration to another city or municipality, double registration, double entries, and application for overseas absentee voting. n
OpiniOn Features
Fighting fake news in the media
“TRUTH is not always the most viral, but it remains to be the best story to tell.”
This statement, by GMA Network chair Felipe Gozon, sums up the vision of a landmark coalition of major media organizations and academic institutions launched last week, to combat fake news and disinformation as the 2025 midterm elections draw closer.
Around 60 partners signed up for the GMA Network-led “Panata Kontra Fake News” (Pledge Against Fake News), including the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) and several print, broadcast, and online news organizations. GMA Network and PDI are the most trusted media brands in the country, according to the 2024 Reuters Digital News Report which tracks the media landscape and the latest trends in media consumption across the world.
Among the other signatories are the Commission on Elections (Comelec) led by its chair George Garcia, and the tech giant Google.
The proliferation of fake news and disinformation in a social media-crazy country like the Philippines has been an ongoing concern, but more so as we brace for the midterm elections next year which are expected to heighten partisan tensions among allies of the country’s warring powerful leaders.
As succinctly pointed out by Gozon, the problem of disinformation has become “so wide and deep” that it needs a “massive undertaking to fight it.”
Serious concern Statistics bear out this observation. A Pulse Asia survey in September 2022 found that nine out of 10 Filipino adults believe that the proliferation of fake news is a problem. This was validated by another survey by the Social Weather Stations in 2021, which showed that 67 percent of respondents believe that fake news on the internet is a serious concern.
Moreover, more than half of the respondents said it was difficult for them to spot fake news.
This difficulty becomes even harder as most Filipinos access their news from online and
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
social media platforms, not all of which are necessarily produced by professional media organizations trained and skilled in verifying, analyzing, and contextualizing information and critical issues affecting public interest.
According to the latest edition of the Reuters Digital News Report, online news, including social media, was the top source of news for 82 percent of Filipinos, followed by social media at 63 percent, television at 46 percent, and print at 13 percent. The study also said that Facebook, YouTube, Facebook Messenger, TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) remain the top sources of news in the Philippines.
Lonely voice Yet these top tech companies have been criticized for failing to regulate harmful content on their platforms, including fake news, disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda, and constantly bombarding users with content based on algorithms that track their preferences and biases. Against such a backdrop, fighting disinformation is truly a formidable endeavor.
Without a shift in people’s discernment and behavior, such campaign against fake news will remain a lonely voice in the (social media) wilderness. It is thus noteworthy that GMA Network vowed to offer content that will educate the public about fake news and how to fight it. The rallying cry “Magkaisa tayong labanan ang fake (Let us be united in fighting fake news)” comes as a timely call for collective action.
On top of indifferent social media platforms comes now the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled disinformation, such as deepfake or manipulated videos, a bigger concern among netizens who may not be tech-savvy enough to discern such sophistry.
In the United States, for instance, researchers have raised concerns that tech-fueled political
JDV
is worth noting that, if 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, conces-
disinformation could be used to manipulate voters, and stoke tensions as the country heads to a showdown between Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican bet Donald Trump in November.
Ambitious proposal
On Wednesday, September 4, President Marcos described as fake news rumors that he had a medical emergency while a manipulated photo earlier showed him supposedly doing drugs.
Aware of the possible use of deepfakes in the coming 2025 polls, Comelec’s Garcia has proposed a ban on the use of AI technology by candidates in their election campaign. While some sectors have warned that the Comelec proposal could infringe on freedom
sions and even land grants. 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
AT the rate that the Marcoses and their allies have been tormenting the Dutertes, the former will need to ensure that the latter won’t have any chance to return to power because if they do, hell has no fury like the Dutertes scorned. The Dutertes have consistently shown that they have zero tolerance for anyone who defies them, more so anyone who crosses them. We’ve seen this from how Rodrigo Duterte had threatened and bamboozled anyone who opposed him when he was president; how then Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte publicly mauled a court sheriff, and how impetuous she was with House representatives during the recent budget deliberations on her office; how current Davao
City Mayor Sebastian Duterte had lashed out at his family’s detractors, and how Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte had scorching words for those who denied him access to pork barrel funds. The Duterte genes simply have no tolerance for defiance and have an oversized propensity for vengeance. The genes have no doubt evolved and were nurtured to unruly growth during the years of the Dutertes lording it over Davao City, with every act of defiance crushed. It’s not difficult to imagine that in the minds of the Dutertes, the biggest defiance and the most serious treachery that they’ve experienced have been in the hands of the Marcoses. In their minds, the Marcoses are enormous ingrates: the Dutertes granted their dream of a Libingan ng mga Bayani burial for the Marcos patriarch, and Sara’s decision to give way to Ferdinand Marcos Jr. paved the way for the Marcoses’ return to Malacañang. It’s also not difficult to imagine
that the Dutertes must be raring to get back at the members of Congress for their ongoing multiple investigations: fleshing out Rodrigo Duterte’s links to extrajudicial killings during his bloody drug war; unearthing VP Sara’s illegal use of public funds as vice president and former education secretary; linking Davao City Rep. Duterte and Manases Carpio, husband of VP Sara, to a huge “shabu” smuggling episode during the Duterte presidency, and exposing the role of close Duterte allies in the many crimes attributed to Philippine offshore gaming operators. The strong desire for revenge must surely extend to officials who have been helping dig out evidence against the Dutertes such as those from the Commission on Audit, the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Department of Education, among others. With the Dutertes’ appetite for revenge
whetted, many government officials have staked their future, even their survival, on ensuring that this family won’t be able to return to power. For the Marcoses and the various officials helping them, the die is cast. There’s no turning back.
But how are the Marcoses and their allies shutting out the possibility of the Dutertes’ return to power? So far, the accusations and investigations are merely aimed at demolishing voters’ adulation of the Dutertes. Will these be enough? Will the Marcoses stop at these efforts? There’s unpleasant news for the Marcoses. Merely linking the Dutertes to killings, corruption, China, and other irregularities, will not be enough. These issues were not enough ammunition for the “Pinklawan” forces, and they will not be enough for the Marcoses. These issues are middle class concerns that are not pivotal in the minds of the masses.
of expression, others have wondered how the election body could prohibit the use of such techdriven content. Garcia remains unfazed, with the Comelec expected to release guidelines on this ambitious proposal soon, including the penalty of disqualification for candidates violating the ban. But no matter how difficult and challenging, these efforts by the Comelec and members of the Panata Laban sa Fake News alliance must be pursued vigorously to protect the integrity and necessity of truthful discourse in these polarized times. Ultimately, the success of this fight lies in the hands of the public who choose what information they want, and where to get them. Advocates of truth can only hope that they would choose to be enlightened. (Inquirer.net)
to enter the MILF mountain lair 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 Fernando,
The gut issues that resonate the most with the masses are high food prices, the lack of jobs, and peace and order. The Marcoses should have their ear to the ground because even in their own Solid North bailiwick, some local politicians have been heard saying that they received better largesse during the Duterte years, while rural folk are complaining that food prices were lower and peace and order better during the previous administration.
The disappointment with the Marcos administration is made worse, no doubt, by the fact that so many local politicians spent their own funds to help President Marcos get elected and are expecting so much in return. Voters meanwhile are still banking on the promise of buying rice at P20 per kilo, and even a share of the Marcos wealth. Most likely, sentiments like these can explain why VP Sara continues to get high approval ratings (decreasing but still high), despite
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
all that vilification. If the Marcoses and their allies miscalculate their actions, three fate models await them should the Dutertes get back in power: the prison fate of former Senator Leila De Lima, the asylum fate of former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog, and a similar attempted assassination as had happened to former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, according to a self-confessed Duterte henchman. Will the Marcoses up the ante by filing nonbailable criminal charges against the Dutertes? Will VP Sara be impeached? Will they work to hasten the issuance of warrants of arrest by the International Criminal Court? Extra large popcorn, please!
* * * 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.
* * * Comments to fleamarketofideas@gmail.com
Joel Ruiz Butuyan
Flea Market of Ideas
ManilaTimes.net photo
Sen. Risa Hontiveros warns of POGO
‘rebranding’
amid Marcos ban order
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveors flagged on Monday, September 2 what she dubbed as possible “rebranding” of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) following President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s pronouncement to completely ban such firms in the country.
In a statement, Hontiveros said Senate hearings have established that POGOs are run by organized and syndicated criminal groups complicit with some public officials.
“Kaya tayo nagsusumikap sa ating mga hearing sa Senado ay upang makahanap ng mabisang solusyon para tuluyan na ngang mapasara ang mga POGO sa Pilipinas,” she said.
(That’s why we are working hard in our hearings in the Senate to find an effective solution so that POGOs in the Philippines can be shut down.)
“Kaya determinado rin tayong panagutin ang mga opisyal na nagbigay-daan at patuloy na nagpapatakbo sa mga ito,” she added.
(That’s why we are also determined to hold accountable the officials who allowed and continued to operate them.)
Hontiveros proceeded to lament the “continuous underground operations” of POGOs in the country, prompting her to call on law enforcement agencies to step up in acting on the total ban ordered by Marcos. “Dapat hindi na maulit pa ang mga ganitong modus, kabilang na ang pagsulpot ng iba’t ibang ‘rebranding’ ng POGO. Andyan ang mga balitang magiging call center daw ang mga POGO o itatago sila sa special economic zone, at iba pang mga hocuspocus na hindi dapat mapahintulutan,” she said.
(Such modus operandi should not be repeated, including the apparent rebranding of POGO. There are reports that the POGOs will be called call centers or they will be hidden in the special economic zone, and other hocus-pocus that should not be allowed.)
Hontiveros’ remarks came following the discovery of Visayas’ first illegal POGO hub in Cebu. Authorities said 162 foreign nationals were rescued from the POGO firm, including six Indonesians the authorities were initially searching for.
For the opposition senator, the rescue of these individuals highlights the urgent need to enforce Republic Act No. 12010 or the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA).
Hontiveros said the government should not allow the country to become a headquarters for scammers.
“These cunning scam hub operators are transnational. Sa mga hearing sa Senado, nabanggit na nabubuhay ang mga hubs na ito dahil sa forced labor ng mga biktima ng human trafficking, Pilipino man o dayuhan. Under AFASA, this is economic sabotage,” Hontiveros pointed out.
(It was mentioned in Senate hearings that these hubs survive because of the forced labor of victims of human trafficking, whether Filipinos or foreigners. Under AFASA, this is economic sabotage.)
In a separate statement also issued Monday, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said the presence of a POGO hub in Cebu proves that there is a lot more to be done to combat such firms.
“The presence of former POGO workers from Bamban and Porac at the recently raided POGO hub in Cebu suggests that we may have only scratched the surface of the issue. A deeper probe is clearly necessary,” said Gatchalian.
Similar to what was stated by Hontiveros, Gatchalian said POGO operators and agents appear to only “flout the law” by only shifting from one location to another.
“We need stricter enforcement and more comprehensive measures to ensure that these operations are permanently shut down,” he said.
(Inquirer.net)
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 Pasig-Laguna 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
Lawmaker hopes Duterte, de la Rosa will attend House probe
by Reina C. TolenTino ManilaTimes.net
SANTA Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez on Sunday, September
1 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 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.
projects.
Finance Annalyn Sevilla during the House deliberations on the agency’s proposed budget that the department was unaware of how the confidential funds were used.
control structures nationwide.
Unperturbed While Duterte has yet to issue a response to queries from the media about the recent COA findings, she thanked her supporters on Tuesday for their willingness to pitch in for the 2025 budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to fund her
“I am thankful for your kindness and desire to give a donation to the Office of the Vice President as your support. Aside from this effort being heartwarming, this also shows your dedication to our aspirations [in the OVP],” Duterte said in a statement addressed to her supporters in Filipino.
Social media users supporting Duterte began posting about an effort to contribute to the OVP’s budget, with one saying that 32 million of them can donate at
MONSOON RAINS. A woman braves the rain as she walks along Quirino Highway
Jeannette I. Andrade, Tina G.
(With reports from Elijah Felice Rosales)
Sen. Ronald de la Rosa
Former President Rodrigo Duterte
LOS ANGELES
Born to actor parents,
Olympic gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar enters showbiz
by Charmie Joy Pagulong Philstar.com
FILIPINA American Olympic gymnast Levi JungRuivivar 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
with Viva Artists Agency. Photos from Viva Artists Agency Facebook page 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 PAGE B4
Michael J. Gurfinkel is joined by both Jean Valerio, production manager of Valerio’s Tropical Bakeshop, and Elaine Valerio, manager of the Seattle branch.
Citizen Pinoy brings ‘Your Tanong, My...
can obtain work permits and if her granddaughter can become her caregiver.
Romeo asked about his brother’s 2004 petition for his married daughter, wondering why there has been no update from USCIS.
Carmen was there to ask a question on behalf of her friend, Dionisia. Dionisia’s husband petitioned their children in 2015. However, the petitioner died in May 2020. After his passing, all the children have been denied.
Dionisia wants to know what else can be done for the children to come to the U.S.
Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions and more in “Your Tanong, My Sagot” at the Seattle branch of Valerio’s Tropical Bakeshop. Watch this encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, September 8 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET through select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.
Kris Aquino shows jolly self, makes mention of PH return
by anne Pasajol Inquirer.net
KRIS Aquino’s fans were delighted after seeing the Queen of All Media in good spirits and looking forward to coming home to the Philippines.
In a video shared by one Kimora Bernabe on her Instagram page on Sunday, Sept. 1, Aquino dedicated a message to a certain Jelly. Jelly is apparently a jeweler who was introduced to Aquino by the video uploader.
“Is it Jelly as in jelly beans, or is it Jelly as in jealous?” Aquino
quipped. “No, I’m sure Jelly because you are generous and loving.” “Ako naghahanap ng bracelet pero as you can see, super teenytiny [ng wrist ko] so give me a good price when we go home,” she continued. Fans then flocked to the comments section to admire Aquino and thank Bernabe as well for sharing the video. Aquino’s ex-boyfriend, Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, also gushed over the Queen of All Media by sending heart-eyes emoji.
“I’m happy you are getting better now. [Good] to see you. I’m always waiting for your post,” Instagram user @mhel_villa50 commented.
“Kris is still one of a kind. [Her] kakikayan is positive in all aspects. Kris will always be Kris. She is [an] icon,” one @lakbaywithnikki said. Aquino is currently in the United States for her medical treatments for her autoimmune diseases. She earlier disclosed that she might be cleared to return to the Philippines before Christmas 2024 if her medical tests yield favorable results. n
Lea Salonga pays homage to Christmas classics with new album ‘Sounding Joy’
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
LEA Salonga is welcoming the holiday season with a merry note as she announces her new album “Sounding Joy,” to be released on Nov. 1. Salonga announced the upcoming album on her Instagram account on Tuesday, Sept. 3, which is a celebration of the Christmas season. It also includes a duet with “American Idol” alum Clay Aiken.
“I’m so excited to celebrate the holidays this year with a brand new album, Sounding Joy! This very special release includes some of your favorite Christmas classics, a few new tunes, and a very special duet with my talented friend @clayaiken,” she said.
The theater actress-singer also said that she will embark on a “holiday tour” in North America in December.
The second half of 2024 is a busy time for Salonga as she’s set
to be the alternate lead of “Request Sa Radyo” with Dolly de Leon.
The play, which will run from October 10 to 20 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, is a Filipino adaptation of German playwright Franz Xaver Kroetz’s masterpiece “Wunschkonzert/
with the new album ‘Sounding Joy’.
from Instagram/@msleasalonga
Request Programme.” Salonga will also stage her “Stage, Screen and Everything In Between” concert on Nov. 4 and 5 at The Theatre in Solaire, Parañaque. Her brother Gerard will take part in the show as the musical director. n
Racal and a poster of her new film
Maris Racal still hoping to attend Toronto film fest for
MARIS Racal may not be able to attend the 2024 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which will begin this Friday, Sept. 6 in Ontario, Canada, to promote her movie, “Sunshine.”
On X, Racal addressed queries if she would be able to attend the screening of her movie on the TIFF stage, but said that she still isn’t sure, citing a conflict in her schedule due to previous work commitments. She, however, remained hopeful that another opportunity will come along to be able to represent the Antoinette Jadaone-helmed film.
“Alam ko, alam ko sino mga nandun iiyak na ako. Please may conflict lang talaga sa schedule. Next time ko nalang siguro mameet asawa ko huhu. Love you Cate Blanchett,” she said, she said of the Australian Hollywood
‘Sunshine’
actress. “Ilalaban pa rin natin ang mga Filipino movies! Marami pang chances!! (This is what I tell myself para mawala yung inggit huh).”
(I know who will be there. I feel like I want to cry. It’s just that there was a conflict in the schedule.
Hopefully, I’ll meet my wife soon. I love you, Cate Blanchett. We will still fight for Filipino movies. There are still a lot of chances. This is what I tell myself so I wouldn’t be too envious.)
“I am grateful to have played this important role especially since abortion is such a sensitive topic in the Philippines,” she was quoted as saying. “I learned the weight that you carry when you are an athlete, the things that you have to give up, and the hours that you have to
“Sunshine” tells the story of a teen gymnast named Sunshine, played by Racal, who’s having a dilemma of whether to continue carrying her unborn child or resort to abortion so as not to derail her flourishing career. In a separate post, the actress hinted to one @tiabloomonsoon that discussions are being made concerning her schedule. It remains unknown, however, if she will have a chance to attend the festival. The aforementioned X user, who asked Racal if she would attend the festival, set their account to private, as of press time. In an interview with entertainment platform Variety Philippines, Racal hoped the film would spark conversations about abortion, as it’s a “sensitive topic” in the country.
Maris
“Sunshine.”
Photo from Netflix Philippines, Instagram/@mariesteller
Inaugural Art Phair showcasing Fil-Am contemporary artists debuts at 30th annual Festival of Philippine Art and Culture
SAN PEDRO – FilAm Arts’ 30th
Annual Festival of Philippine Art and Culture (FPAC) presents its inaugural Art Phair, an alternative art fair designed to provide communities with an opportunity to view and collect artwork by Contemporary Filipino-American visual artists.
Filipino and FilipinoAmerican artists have long been underrepresented in museums and galleries, remaining largely unknown to the FilAm community and the public at large. The mission of the Art Phair is to foster new fans and patrons of Filipino-American visual art.
The eight artists in the Art Phair comprise a diverse group from Northern and Southern California, with influences stemming from their backgrounds as Filipino Americans, but who do not create solely from this space.
Nica Aquino is a Los Angelesbased visual artist, curator, & cultural producer. She primarily experiments with 35mm analog photography, documenting life as she sees it using an everyday point-and-shoot camera.
Edmund Arevalo is a firstgeneration Filipino-American painter and sculptor who lives and works in Los Angeles. His work tells the stories of colonial histories, familial narratives, and the Filipino diaspora.
Nicanor Evangelista, Jr. practices Batok and Kali to
honor his ancestors and express his animistic approach to life. He creates sacred geometric mandalas that are embedded with animistic Filipino culture.
John Yoyogi Fortes is a Sacramento-based painter whose work explores physical and psychological landscapes of self, culture, and identity through a bicultural lens. His paintings depict an obscure world of artistic styles, dark humor, and wordplay.
Carol Anne McChrystal is a visual artist based in Los Angeles whose material-driven works take the form of the traditional plaited mats of her two island homelands, Ireland and the Philippines.
Elyse Pignolet is an American of Filipino heritage living and working in Los Angeles. Elyse works primarily in ceramics and her work is inspired by and deals with themes such as the dialectic between feminism and misogyny, inequality, and cultural stereotypes.
Based in San Francisco, Carlo Ricafort’s paintings pepper western-style Expressionism with notions of primitivism, giving license to aesthetic naiveté and serving as selfconscious takes on what might be thought of as “modern primitivism.”
Rodolfo Samonte is a distinguished Filipino artist known for his mastery of reductive and minimalistic art
Peeping, monotype by Carlo Ricafort
forms. With a rich academic background in Fine Arts and printmaking, Samonte’s works have garnered recognition and accolades locally and internationally. Art Phair programming will include an Artist Talk beginning at the Discovery Stage and followed by an artist-led walkthrough, a “sala space” (sala means “living room” in Tagalog) featuring a Banig-influenced installation, and short video segments about established Contemporary FilAm Artists such as Pacita Abad, Santiago Bose, Paul Pfeiffer, Stephanie Syjuco, and Carlos Villa, among others. FilAm Arts welcomes you to the first Art Phair at the Festival of Philippine Art and Culture and looks forward to continuing this event in the future.
Rocili set for 2024 debut on CBN card, Sept. 21
LONG BEACH – Blazen Rocili
(6-0, 5 KOs), the undefeated 22-year-old Filipino middleweight star on the rise, is ready to make his highly anticipated return to the ring on September 21, 2024, at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, CA, on CBN Promotions’ next card.
Standing at 6’3”, Rocili, a towering southpaw from Waipahu, Hawaii, has been turning heads with his rare size and power and is now training in Las Vegas under the watchful eye of respected boxing coach Richard Barrientes.
Rocili’s return to the ring marks the end of a year-and-a-half layoff, and fans can expect an electrifying performance from the towering Filipino fighter, who is looking to follow in the steps of his favorite fighter, Manny Pacquiao.
“I’ve been itching to get back in the ring,” said Rocili. “After a long layoff, I feel stronger, more focused, and ready to show everyone the improvements I’ve made. I’m determined to carry the torch for Filipino boxing. Following in the footsteps of legends like Manny Pacquiao is a dream, and I believe I have what it takes to be the next big star. This fight will be worth the wait.”
Having a presence in California is something that Rocili has envisioned since turning professional in 2021. His goal is
to build a fanbase with the Filipino community in Los Angeles, and around the world.
“Fighting in California, especially for the first time, is an honor,” concluded Rocili. “I want to personally invite all my Filipino brothers and sisters to come out and support. Having the Filipino community behind me means everything. I’m excited to perform in front of a new crowd and I plan to make them proud. A win here will push me closer to where I need to be. It’s just the beginning of a long journey, and every victory brings me one step closer to my ultimate goal.”
Alex Camponovo, president of CBN Promotions, also sees Rocili’s unique potential. “The Filipino community in Los Angeles should absolutely come out to see this kid fight. It’s rare to see a Filipino boxer of Blazen’s size, and he’s an absolute talent. He’s someone you don’t want to miss,” Camponovo said.
Rocili’s manager, Andrew Bocanegra, president of Boxing VIP, believes Rocili has the potential to follow in the footsteps of Filipino boxing greats. “Blazen Rocili is a southpaw and has all the tools to become the next Manny Pacquiao. His immense size, his power, and his work ethic are why I signed him. He brings an exciting
4th Golf Tournament For A Cause hosted by USHF
BURBANK – In an effort to alleviate temporarily the dire condition of the underserved especially indigents in some barangays of Guinsiliban, Camiguin, an island province off the northern coast of Mindanao, Philippines, the United Specialist Healthcare Foundation (USHF) will unveil its 4th Golf For A Cause on Sept. 21 at the Debell Golf Course on 1500 E. Walnut Ave. in Burbank.
USHF, founded on Sept. 9, 2014 will host this annual golf tourney. As a charitable and public benefit nonprofit organization, it is engaged in wellness, medical missions and livelihood projects in far flung rural areas in the Philippines as well as relief programs for natural calamities like what occurred during the flood in Bangued, Abra in 2023. Registration with a fee of $120 per player will take place at 8:30 a.m. while tee off starts at 10:30 a.m.
Par busters will vie for Class A, B, C and Overall Net Championship as well runners-up, Closest to the Pin and a Hole-In One cash prize of $10,000. Sponsorship levels are $1,000 for Gold which could sponsor four players in the tournament, Silver sponsorship of $500 for two players, while a hole sponsor of $200 will be given to one golf player. Sponsoring companies or individuals will have a signage displayed on the tee box and will be acknowledged during the tournament’s reception and awards ceremony. Deadline for registration is September 10, 2024. Sponsors and players can mail their check payable to USHF c/o J. Babaran, MD at 12160 Crystal Ridge Way, Porter Ranch, CA 91326-3800 or send payments via zelle
Naguilian (La Union), photograph by Nica Aquino
by Dan E. niño Contributor
“AS a fellow Kapampangan,
I am truly proud of Chef Jo Dijamco’s culinary talents and accomplishments. His extensive experience as a chef enables him to craft a delightful menu that resonates with many. Serving as the chef at the renowned [1917 Restaurant] in San Antonio Winery in Los Angeles, he is a source of pride for Filipinos!”Fr. Rodel G. Balagtas, Pastor of Incarnation Church, Glendale
“Everything that Chef Jo prepared for us was beyond our expectations from the lamb chops to the bone marrow, from the salads to the desserts! Delicious, Michelin-star quality and definitely one of the best cuisines in my book! Paired with San Antonio Winery’s Proseco and wines, everything was perfect!” -Janet Susan Rodriguez Nepales, co-founder of Manila International Film Festival in Hollywood, CA
“I absolutely love Chef Jo, He’s amazing! Every time I take my family and friends to the winery, their tummies are genuinely happy.” – Jennifer Lorenzana, distributor of Stella Rosa wines in the Philippines.
Diosdado “Jo” Dijamco was the opening chef who trained line cooks to prepare the Italian dishes at La Bella PinseriaRomana in Glendale, California. He developed the restaurant’s opening salvo of menu offerings. The dishes convey memories of what we tasted in Italy, but with something extra. Could it be the morsels of love from Chef Jo and his line staff, recalling what I read about Chef Raymond Oliver in his book, “La Cuisine: Secrets of Modern French Cooking?”
Like the fruit of great love
“Cooking is like the fruit of great love: a strong and slightly egotistical love on the part of the men, altruistic and sensitive on the part of the women. Be it one of the other, it is always present, demanding its share of gratitude and recognition. Isn’t this natural?” Chef Raymond Oliver wrote in his introduction to his book.
Chef Jo seems to have the same mindset, saying, “a line cook is an artist, but a chef manages the team and the business side. I never settle, I just want to be better every day. Each time I cook a dish, I feel like my mother, Aurora Dijamco, is standing beside me.”
When my goddaughter, Nicole David Yalong — a Kapampangan cook, a great singer, and mother
A spotlight on Chef Diosdado ‘Jo’ Dijamco
of twins — came with me, she said: “My personal favorites among the dishes we were served were the citrus salad & the steak & potato paste. The citrus salad was refreshing and beautifully tangy that I couldn’t stop thinking about it after. It was my first time to have steak with bone marrow and veal sauce and it was a wonderful combination. He instructed our server to pace the serving of each dish.”
Cultural roots behind the ‘heart of his cooking’ from Pampanga, France, Italy, Spain and Southern CA Jo was named after Diosdado Macapagal, a lawyer, poet and the 9th Philippine president. He was born to his mother, Aurora, his foundational teacher in cooking. His father is Marcelino, a businessman. His grandparents were businesspeople, pioneering in grocery stores and rice stores.
Jo recalls the excellent example of his mother, Aurora, whose daily dishes met high marks of satisfaction in his hometown, Pampanga. It is a province where talented cooks and housewives take pride in preparing high-quality meals. It is a province where generations upon generations have passed down their cooking styles and flavor profiles, preserving the flavor standards of their dishes: tocino, buro and sisig, among many.
“She was magic!” Unlike my cooking, her cooking was spot on, he said. “I can’t remember na sumablay ang pagluluto niya.” [I can’t remember her cooking missed the mark]! Each time I cook now, it feels like she still stands next to me.”
His father, Marcelino Dijamco, Jr, a businessman and distributor of Shellane (liquid propane gas) in Tarlac, Central Luzon, went to the U.S. in 1986.
“Like many businessmen who panicked following the assassination of Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. and went abroad, my father did, too,” Jo shared. The family emigrated, opening up an opportunity for Jo to obtain more knowledge in culinary arts at Orange Coast College. It was experience and taking risks that honed his culinary skills. He joined Hilton hotel as a prep cook, and under the chef’s guidance, developed the “heart of cooking”, the foundation of making batch recipes: batch cooking of chicken, lobster, and veal stock. He acquired the skills of preparing demi-glace, a halfbrown sauce and half-brown stock reduced in half. Quick to learn, he was
promoted to a line cook and a saucier, making small batches of sauces that when combined with other ingredients, became the signature entrée.
He methodically shared how to make a signature dish, Chilean sea bass with the sauce made from slowcooking of tomatoes (first blanched to remove skin and seeds), mixed with herbs, olive oil, and garlic, the triad of ingredients that make up the basic Provencal sauce, and baked at low temperature for three hours to form the fish stock and later finished with cream.
He traveled to France, Italy and Spain to broaden his knowledge about these countries’ finest cooking methods. In the South of France, he was influenced by seafood and sauces found in Marseilles. In Spain, he was influenced by Basque cooking — the use of high-quality, seasonal ingredients from local farms and seafood caught in the Cantabrian Sea. In Italy, he learned how to make pesto, including homemade pasta, gnocchi and tomato sauces.
Jo prepared dishes on August 4, 2024 for a very dear friend, Carol Ojeda-Kimbrough, a discerning foodie and a retired professor of Asian American Studies at Cal State Fullerton, and her spouse, David Kimbrough who turned 65 years old, a water quality systems expert.
“I chose for summer birthday celebrations this year at the 1917 Wine Bar and Bistro because my family deserves the following: (1) the quality of the food prepared by Chef Jo Dijamco; and, (2) the professional and friendly staff of this place. I have had the pleasure of previously dining here when my good friend, my Biyaya (Grace) sister Prosy de la Cruz invited me.
We celebrated the birthdays of our 3 Leos - my husband David (65), son Andrei (50) and son Daniel (39). While waiting, San Antonio Winery Chairman Santo Riboli walked by and saw the kids waiting patiently. He asked them if they wanted sparkling grape juice, and they had a resounding “yes.” He got them each a glass. Spaghetti or noodles are traditional dishes served in Filipino birthday celebrations to wish the celebrants’ long life. I tried it and I found the sauce (or “sugo”) to have that beautiful tangy taste of tomato without being overly acidic.
We had the Creekstone Farms Rib Eye with Bordelaise Sauce with bone marrow; steak was perfectly seasoned and cooked.
We had sides of Yukon potato puree and the broccolini that provided a balance.
The catch of the day was the Seabass with basil sauce, potato puree, capers and had blueberry brioche pudding and tiramisu for dessert.
Chef Jo greeted our party, a surprise. He was unassuming and humble, and a superstar when you taste his creations.”
Jo described his goal to cook more Filipino dishes. “Our gift to the world is braising, a form of slow cooking of caldereta, karekare and mechado. I did not learn those in my job experiences, instead, I learned more about French cooking,” he said.
He worked as sous chef of Chante Claire, which is no longer in business, before he got promoted at the age of 26. From there, he became executive chef, or chef de cuisine, at Pascal Restaurant in Newport Beach, California, where he had 12 staff under him.
“This is where Provencal cooking was refined for me,” he added.
Three years later, he became the executive chef to Constellation Concept with multiple restaurants consisting of California Café in Mission Viejo, a sushi bar, and Vugo which shut down during the 9/11 period of frozen travels.
He was the chef of Café D’Rey in Admiralty Way and the opening chef of The Sunset in Malibu and Zuma Beach where Japanese cooking has a twist of French cooking. He has also been fusing Thai cooking with Japanese influences at The Cannery in Newport Beach for seafood cooking.
When I asked Jo who he looks up to as masterful chefs, he named: Thomas Keller of French Laundry, a three-star Michelin restaurant; Charlie Trotter, who for 25 years, ran his namesake restaurant in Chicago; Daniel Boulud, who runs Michelinstarred Daniel, a pillar of French cooking in New York for 31 years; and Claude Tayag, a Filipino artist, restaurateur and writer, who operates Bale Dutung, serving the rich heritage of Kapampangan dishes in Angeles, Pampanga.
Jo has been the opening chef to successful restaurants: La Bella Pinseria Romana in Glendale, California and 1917 Restaurant in San Antonio Winery in Downtown Los Angeles. His daily theme: ”You never settle. Basta na lang is not. (Mediocrity is not to be). The crescent is there – find that –
Born to actor parents, Olympic gymnast...
a founding member of the musical group Society of Seven?
“I wish I could say yes but 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!”
tatagos sa utak (seared in one’s memory), because of cooking, people will not forget you.” Much like Mother Aurora who is kept alive by Chef Jo’s cooking daily.
* * * 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.
* * * Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 12 years. She also contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership
parks in the U.S., in her pursuit of love for nature and the arts.
(L-R) Mike Zuniga, Don Sagarbarria, Prosy Delacruz, Chef Jo and Ana Burog at a 2022 dinner gathering.
Photo by Enrique Delacruz
Chef Jo’s meatballs
Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz
Hamachi Crudo Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz Wild mushroom pizza and a citrus salad AJPress photo
Chef Jo’s branzino with orange segments
Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz
Levi with her dad, Hollywood actor Anthony Ruivivar, at the Viva office in Ortigas.
Levi Jung-Ruivivar
atty.
Do I need a premarital agreement before getting married?
Kenneth URsUa Reyes Barrister’s Corner
IN the absence of a premarital agreement, the general community property presumption under California family code section 760 controls which provides “ ….all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.” Family Code §760
This becomes a problem if you are the spouse that has the substantially higher income or the one who accumulates the majority of the assets during the marriage. You are called in family law lingo “the in spouse.” The other spouse (or in our lingo also called the “out spouse” gets a half interest on everything accumulated during the marriage even if the asset is under your name alone or it was accumulated solely due to your sweat and hard work. The out spouse, who stayed at home most of the marriage, gets a one half interest on all the accumulations during the marriage under California community property law. For example, if you opened a savings account during the marriage under your name alone for which you religiously and diligently stash away 25% of your earnings during the marriage while your spouse blows away his/her salary during the marriage, your spouse still gets a half interest in the money you saved in your savings account. Another example would be if you purchase a piece of real property during the marriage under “your name alone” and have your spouse sign a “quit claim” deed, your spouse may still have a claim for a half interest in your real property. Another example would be if you owned a business prior to marriage, but due to your hard work, long hours of labor, and efforts, the business grew exponentially during the
marriage, your spouse may still have a claim for an interest in the business.
Signing a premarital agreement may serve as added protection to the future “in spouse” and a hurdle for the future “out spouse” by avoiding or altering the applicability of California community property law to assets 1) already owned by each and 2) to property and income to be acquired or earned during their marriage. Marriage of Dawley (1976) 17 C3d 342, 349, 131 CR 3, 7; Marriage of Grinius (1985) 166 CA3d 1179, 1186, 212 CR 803, 807 Premarital agreements may validly provide that the earnings and accumulations of each party during marriage will remain that party’s separate property, free of any claims, community property or otherwise, of the other party. Marriage of Dawley, supra, 17 C3d at 350, 131 CR at 8; Cheney v. City & County of San Francisco Employees Retirement System (1936) 7 C2d 565, 569, 61 P2d 754, 756. Premarital agreements may also serve to preserve a person’s estate for his or her heirs, free of the other party’s inheritance claims. Estate of Wamack (1955) 137 CA2d 112, 115, 289 P2d 871, 872. Pursuant to Family Code §1612(c), “Parties to a premarital agreement may contract with respect to all of the following:
(1) The rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either or both of them whenever and wherever acquired or located;
(2) The right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or otherwise manage and control property; (3) The disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, death, or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event; (4) The making of a will, trust, or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of the agreement;
(5) The ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy; (6) The choice of law governing the construction of the agreement; (7) Any other matter, including their personal rights and
obligations, not in violation of public policy or a statute imposing a criminal penalty. However, the right of a child to support may not be adversely affected. Family Code §1612(b) Premarital agreements that are entered into voluntarily by parties who are each represented by independent counsel and aware of the effect of the agreement, a post 1985 premarital waiver of post dissolution support does not offend contemporary public policy and is not per se unenforceable. Fam.C. § 1612(c); Marriage of Pendleton & Fireman (2000) 24 C4th 39, 53–54, 99 CR2d 278, 288–289; Marriage of Facter (2013) 212 CA4th 967, 981, 152 CR3d 79, 90 Under both the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act and prior law, the spouse claiming the agreement is invalid or not enforceable bears the burden of proof on that allegation. Family Code. § 1615(a); Marriage of Bonds, supra, 24 C4th at 27, 99 CR2d at 269; Marriage of Iverson (1992) 11 CA4th 1495, 1502, 15 CR2d 70, 74–75; However, the UPAA (as amended effective 1/1/02) deems that a premarital agreement was not executed voluntarily unless the court makes five prescribed findings provided for under Family Code.
§ 1615(c):
(1) The party against whom enforcement is sought was represented by independent legal counsel at the time of signing the agreement or, after being advised to seek independent legal counsel, expressly waived, in a separate writing, representation by independent legal counsel. The advisement to seek independent legal counsel shall be made at least seven calendar days before the final agreement is signed.
(2) One of the following:
(A) For an agreement executed between January 1, 2002, and January 1, 2020, the party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the final agreement and advised to seek independent legal counsel and the time the agreement was signed. This requirement does not apply to nonsubstantive amendments that do not change
The gift of ‘seeing’ and ‘hearing’
the terms of the agreement.
(B) For an agreement executed on or after January 1, 2020, the party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the final agreement and the time the agreement was signed, regardless of whether the party is represented by legal counsel. This requirement does not apply to nonsubstantive amendments that do not change the terms of the agreement.
(3) The party against whom enforcement is sought, if unrepresented by legal counsel, was fully informed of the terms and basic effect of the agreement as well as the rights and obligations the party was giving up by signing the agreement, and was proficient in the language in which the explanation of the party’s rights was conducted and in which the agreement was written. The explanation of the rights and obligations relinquished shall be memorialized in writing and delivered to the party prior to signing the agreement. The unrepresented party shall, on or before the signing of the premarital agreement, execute a document declaring that the party received the information required by this paragraph and indicating who provided that information.
(4) The agreement and the writings executed pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (3) were not executed under duress, fraud, or undue influence, and the parties did not lack capacity to enter into the agreement.
(5) Any other factors the court deems relevant.
A premarital agreement may be unenforceable if found to be unconscionable when it was executed and the requisite disclosures were lacking and not waived Additionally, a spousal support provision in a premarital agreement executed under the UPAA, whether before or after January 1, 2002, is not enforceable if found to be unconscionable at the time of enforcement. Family Code § 1612(c). If you are the higher earning spouse and have assets to protect, it is important to seek the representation of experienced
Pastor’s Notes
ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas
“BE strong, fear not! Here is your God; he comes with vindication; with divine recompense, he comes to save you.
Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing.” (Isaiah 35:4-6)
We all need to hear these words during times of affliction. We seek relief from fear and discomfort, along with reassurance of hope and protection to soothe our spirits.
The “seeing,” “hearing,” and “leaping” that we yearn for ourselves and others may not necessarily pertain to physical healing, but rather to an enlightenment from God that helps us understand, accept, and endure our suffering and pain. It entails the ability and wisdom to let go of control and fear, surrendering to God’s will.
The phrase “Be strong!” is not intended to deny or overlook our human weaknesses and emotions; instead, it encourages us to continue fulfilling our mission and
counsel in drafting a premarital agreement to make sure that all statutory requirement are met which increases the likelihood that your premarital agreement will be deemed enforceable when attacked in court in case of a divorce.
* * * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC.
purpose in life, preventing us from succumbing to pessimism and despair.
In a similar vein, the words of this Sunday’s (September 8) Gospel, “Ephphatha!”—which means “Be opened!”—are meant to assure us that God desires to cleanse our minds and hearts of worldly delusions that leave us feeling empty and troubled.
This is why our Christian faith is such a gift—not because it always provides answers to life’s questions but because it grants us perseverance and hope.
This gift is one that our children and youth need to cherish and embody in their own experiences of pain, suffering, confusion, and failure. We must equip them with a strong faith in God and a robust hope for their future. Let us pray that each of us receives from God this gift of “seeing” and “hearing.” May we all cultivate the disposition to understand God’s will and find the strength to lead a purposeful, joyful, and faithfilled life!
* * * 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.
* * * Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
A HUGE congratulations to Biyaya Animal Care and Biyaya Animal Sanctuary on its 2nd Anniversary. Its unwavering dedication to spreading love and hope to fur babies across the Philippines is inspiring. This year’s goal of providing 2,000 + free spay and neuter services to dogs and cats shows the power of compassion in action. Sen. Grace Poe has been supportive of Biyaya, an organization that aims to make a positive change in companion and street animal welfare.
* * * Slay Model Management director Cece Asuncion has created a Filipina-led reality show, “Manila Matriarchs,” starring singer Karylle, Myrza Sison, Joanna Preysler-Francisco and Trisha Bantigue-Tsao. He was in Manila recently to do some shots. The LA-based Fil-American filmmaker said to me that fashion is fickle and really not glamorous:
“What goes on behind the camera is more interesting to me. I’ve learned not to take things personally and that rejection is part of life. Sometimes, you’re on the receiving end of it and sometimes you’re the one who rejects. It all evens out, so enjoy the journey that is life.”
On weekends, he leads a quiet life and is lucky to have a tight circle of friends that he can be “unapologetically myself with.” He likes to cook as it takes his mind away from his day-to-day worries, but most importantly, he spends time with his dog, Kenzo.
I asked him what he misses about the Philippines. He responded, “The beaches and the hospitality, however, it would be the kindness people have.”
And his advocacy? “I am an advocate for shedding positive light on communities that may not have the platform to do so. I am a proud ally to the trans community and of course, to my Filipino community,” he revealed.
He concluded the brief interview with his personal philosophy:””When you’re in a position to help, do so.”
* * * Pet TJ was the recent cynosure during visual artist Joy Rojas’ 8th solo exhibition in ArtistSpace in Makati City.
His “Japan’s Cherry Blossom,” “French Riviera Summer,” “Winter Solace,” and “New England’s Foliage” mixed media works based on his travels in different countries have caught the attention of art enthusiasts. Likewise, his three “Historica Filipinas” mixed media works based on Philippine history and “Metanoia” series drew rave reviews.
In his latest show, Rojas delves into the intrinsic nature of objects. He uses mixed-media creations, canvas-shaped pieces and sculptures.
During the Ipso Facto art show at Ayala Museum Annex, I saw People Asia Magazine’s editorin-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, Aliw Broadcasting Corp. chairman Edgard Cabangon, and former Press Secretary Ignacio “Toting” Bunye.
* * * Through the years I’ve been doing writing as a mission. I gave up my comfortable, glamorous, social life in the U.S. and my rising journalism career in The Japan Times. I’m accustomed to living simply. Perhaps, the nature of my work as a writer requires freedom from mental, emotional and physical stress and pressure.
I know you will agree that the “real well of ideas” is the subconscious, which is the storehouse of facts, observations, impressions and other memories. But there comes a time when thinking becomes clogged, when errors pile up and when no significant insights occur. At this point, a writer stops for the moment and turns to something entirely different.
I was associated with the late French priest who turned Filipino, Fr. Pierre Tritz, SJ, a Mother Teresa awardee and a Ramon Magsaysay awardee, in volunteering to the Foundation for Assistance to Hansenites, to help our leprosy patient brethren and to the Samahan ng mga Batang Nananambakan, to help in the education of former child scavengers in Tondo, Manila.
My life story is just a tip of the iceberg of the many interesting stories to hear from the recipients of the 2nd Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers.
* * * Mrs. Philippines 2016 Dr. Fritzie Lexdy Noche graced the recent artist reception of “Batangan: Batangueño Art at its Finest,” a special exhibition at Museo Orlina
in Tagaytay City from September 1 to October 30, 2024.
The exhibit showcases the rich and diverse talents of 6 award-winning visual artists from Batangas (artists Lino Acasio, Jorge Banawa, Nante Carandang, Yelcast, Zorrick Enriquez and Ramon Orlina), bringing together a curated selection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works by the Dangal ng Batangan Awards recipients. Their unique artistry reflects the region’s unique cultural heritage and artistic expression. Each piece tells a story of Batangas, from its vibrant landscapes to its deep-rooted traditions, captured through the eyes of its most celebrated artists. The exhibit honors the individual achievements of these
artists and highlights the collective spirit and creative potential of the Batangueño community.
* * * Thanks to Sam Azurel and to the Amerika Prestige Awards for the Inclusive Media Excellence Award to be given on November 17, 2024 in North Hollywood, California. Other awardees are Ludivina Lelim Nacionales, Thelma Calabio, Benny Uy, Roland Abante, Lourdes Oliva, Sonia Bermejo, Dr. Elvis Mopera Verzo, Agnes Gonzalez, Yamani Caliwara, Saira Bunny Paras, Gina Faucher, Chef Heikichi Racuya Allida. Kimberly Carter, Carmen Cordero, Dr. Peter Morante, and Henry Bio. Guest speaker will be Ricardo Brown of PBA Legend RB23. Congrats too to some Amerika
Music Awards recipients on October 27 (Comm. James Baker II, Yannie Rumbaoa, Joym Msantiago, Michael Luke, Kevin Ray Amores, Matt Relox, David Bustamante, Dakila, Khaye Rodriguez, Rod Navarro Jr., Prince Capucino, Claire Isabel Wong, Sam Richey, Genous Band, John Mirisch, Hagibis USA, Sol Glass, Vynz VS, Wala ng Iba (Live), Marissa Pascual, Pedro Leguro, Jameson Juliander, Madz Johnson, Haven Richey, Heather Richey, Sam Richey, George Umali Nalapo, Henry Lopez, Yuhgirlfran, Imelda Bosing Wood, Malou Zagala Toler, DJ Arnold, Ricardo Brown, Prescious Cejo, Queen Corazon Ugalde Yellen, Sab Baker, Didi Caneda, Mekong Bistro, PHLV Radio, Tina Cruz, Paulette Mouquet, Serenity Entertainment, Dr. Rica Silbol, Caren Mempin, Jenny Taimanao, Violeta Martin, Jenor Zapanta Maniti, Lito Nuqui, Klique, Millie Cadag, Renato de Jesus Jr., Rhea Tan, Angel Cheryll Klein, JC Garcia, Romm Burlat, Rose Lucier, MJ Saragoza, Jane Magan Chang, and Imogen Atangan) and to the event hosts Louie Roa, Shekinah Austria and Naiia Lajoie and director Jules Graeser.
* * * Asian TV Heritage Network News UK and Global Asia InsiderInternational correspondent Chino Hansel Philyang, a jiu-jitsu master and a paralegal advocate, is the author of 12 books, including the new children’s book series,
“Manila Matriarchs” director and cast members (from left) Karylle, Myrza Sison, filmmaker Cece Asuncion, Joanna Preysler-Francisco and Trisha Bantigue-Tsao.
Amerika Prestige Awards take place on Nov. 17, 2024 in Burbank, CA.
Rina Ortiz with Sen. Grace Poe
At the recent Rojas solo art exhibition: (from left) Sharon Tan, Joy Rojas, TJ, Trisha Bunye, and Edgard Cabangon.
Glass sculptor Ramon Orlina and Mrs. Philippines 2016 Dr. Fritzie Lexdy Noche at the Museo Orlina in Tagaytay City.
Journalist-author Chino Hansel Philyang with
fan who reads Chino’s “The Book of Zeno.”
Visual artist Joy Rojas (5th from left) with his father-in-law Toting Bunye (3rd from left), wife Trisha Bunye and TJ and guests during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Photo above shows Raymond Pedroso & PFBA awardee Salvie Paparon with kids Shawn & Sheanne, awardee Rogelio Medina, awardee Lae Manego, Mica Chely Manego, awardee Wej Cudiamat, Miller Daniolco and Nirro Marcelo (at the back).
AADAP celebrates 52 years with Showtime 2024: Honoring founders and advancing community mission
LOS ANGELES – The Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP) is excited to celebrate its 52nd anniversary with “Showtime 2024,” a highly anticipated benefit event that pays tribute to the pioneers who laid the foundation for this landmark organization. This year’s event will be held on September 21 at the JACCC Aratani Theatre, featuring an impressive lineup of performers and special guests. All proceeds from Showtime 2024 will directly support AADAP’s ongoing efforts in providing critical communitybased addiction treatment and prevention services.
AADAP’s rich history is marked by the contributions of several key figures who played pivotal roles in its development. Ester SorianoHewitt, a distinguished Filipino American civil rights activist, was instrumental in stabilizing AADAP during its formative years. Known for her role as the jury foreperson in the Rodney King civil damages trial and her work with the County of LA, Ester was the first chair of AADAP’s Board of Directors. Her mediation skills and leadership were crucial in navigating the complex landscape of grassroots activism in the 1970s.
Other Filipino Americans that were influential in AADAP’s development were: Royal Morales, also known as Uncle Roy, who was a prominent UCLA lecturer and Filipino American community leader; the late Al Mendoza who headed a County agency working with Southeast Asian Refugees; Lillian Tamoria who was on staff and a close friend of Ester; and Amado David who staffed Pakagahisa, AADAP’s outreach center for the Pinoy community.
Today, AADAP continues to thrive and expand its impact thanks to a diverse and dedicated team. Joel Jacinto, a long-time advocate for the Asian American, Native
Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, has been with AADAP since 2020. With over 32 years in the nonprofit sector, Joel played a crucial role in establishing the Nursing Expansion Program funded by the U.S. Dept. of Labor, which aims to increase career opportunities in nursing for diverse individuals. This historic program marked the completion of the first year in July 2024 with dozens of graduates, and collaborates with organizations such as Kaiser Permanente, CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center, and the Philippine Nurses Association of Southern California. Angela Perez Bartolome, LCSW, serves as AADAP’s clinical director and brings nearly 15 years of psychotherapy experience, along with 20 years as a community organizer and advocate. Angela holds an MSW and EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership from USC. Her expertise in providing care to low-income communities, systeminvolved youth, trauma survivors, and LGBTQ individuals is reflected in AADAP’s comprehensive treatment services. AADAP has doubled the number of clients served in its treatment programs from 2023 to 2024 to nearly 1000 individuals, and is preparing to launch a new 16-bed Women’s Residential Program. AADAP remains committed to advocacy and public safety. Richard Bis, a dedicated community organizer with over 20 years of experience, has been a prominent advocate for the Filipino community in Carson, focusing on prevention efforts. Nelson Nailat, a Community Organizer and Prevention Education Trainer with 14 years of experience, has educated thousands on current
drug trends and prevention strategies.
Currently, AADAP is actively campaigning against AB 3206, a bill that proposes extending bar service hours from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.
AADAP’s prevention director, Jeanne Shimatsu, has expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts on public safety, including increased risks of inebriated driving and the resulting burden on local communities.
Showtime 2024 promises to be an unforgettable evening with performances from funk/soul artist Leo Mercedez, “The Voice:
and
For more information about Showtime 2024, including ticket purchases and sponsorship opportunities, please visit aadapinc. org or contact Paulina Hong at phong@aadapinc.org. A portion of ticket purchases may be taxdeductible to the extent allowed by law.
Philippines” semifinalist Janice Javier, international sensation 4th Impact making their L.A. debut, and two-time Grammy winner Tia Carrere. Actor, writer, producer, and director Mark Dacascos will host the event, bringing his charisma
