IMPOSTER scams are rising at alarming rates, thanks to sophisticated new tactics; here’s how to protect your money. Of the millions of scam reports the Federal Trade Commission gets each year — 2.6 million in 2023 — the most common type by far are imposter scams, where scammers impersonate an entity, usually a business or government agency.
The first half of 2024 alone saw 360,000 impersonation scam reports, with $1.3 billion in reported losses and a median loss of $800. Less than 5% of scam victims report at all, according to FTC and Better Business Bureau estimates.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Emma Fletcher, senior data researcher at the FTC at a Friday, September 20 Ethnic Media Services briefing about imposter scams.
“Behind those numbers are people who’ve lost tens and hundreds of thousands of
Expanded healthcare brings hope, healing for women exiting prison or jail
Recently expanded Medi-Cal services are helping women access a wider range of support as they work to regain their footing post-incarceration
SAN FRANCISCO — Eighteen months ago, Margeret Wilson walked out of jail. A mother of five and legally blind, she faced the unimaginable challenge of rebuilding her life and that of her family post-incarceration.
Recently expanded Medi-Cal services mean women like Wilson can now access a wider range of support as they work to regain their footing.
“In 2021 I was arrested,” says Wilson. “After I got out on bail, I came into this program,”
3
Poll: Harris leads over Trump among Asian American voters
by AJPress
that allegedly hosted a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Misamis Oriental.
Testifying at the Senate committee hearing on crimes associated with POGOs, Yang Jian Xin, also known as Tony Yang, admitted that he was born in China, but was able to obtain a Philippine birth certificate through the problematic and graft-laden system of late registration of birth.
Fielding questions from Sen. Risa Hontiveros, he said that he arrived in the Philippines in 1998 allegedly to help his grandfather manage their family’s businesses.
Tony, the elder brother of Duterte’s special economic adviser Michael Yang, was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last week.
“You have been deceiving this country for the last 26 years,” Hontiveros, who has been presiding over the Senate hearing, told Yang.
Denial Speaking through an interpreter, Yang denied u PAGE 2
by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net
The approval on the third reading came just hours after the bill was approved on the second reading.
The House was able to approve the GAB on the third and second reading on the same day after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday certified HB No.
MANILA — House Bill (HB) No. 10800, which contains the P6.352 trillion proposed budget for 2025, was approved by the House of Representatives on the third and final reading on Wednesday, September 25. During the plenary session, 285 members voted in favor of HB No. 10800 or the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), while three voted in the negative, and none abstained.
‘I’m a victim,’ Alice Guo says as she denies masterminding POGOs
by Jean Mangaluz Philstar.com
MANILA — Former Bamban Mayor
Alice Guo claims to be a victim.
In what was supposed to be the final hearing on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), Guo deviated from her usual responses to assert her innocence—and to hint at a bigger boss.
“Your honor, hindi ako mastermind.
Masasabi ko po is isa akong victim ( Your honor, I am not a mastermind. I can say that I am a victim .) ,” Guo said.
For most of her appearances in the Senate since being detained by Indonesian authorities in September, Guo has typically given one of three responses: she either claims ignorance, invokes her right against self-incrimination or cites a death threat.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada then asked Guo if she was a pawn of an international criminal syndicate.
Guo responded that she was not exactly used, but acknowledged that she has a reputation for being helpful.
“Hindi naman po sa ginamit, if ever po, kung meron man akong naitulong, ano po akong tao, helpful akong tao, kung mayroon man po, yun lang po. Pero sa mga activities na ginawa, o sa mga allegations, wala akong kinalaman ( Not that I was used, if ever, if I ever helped anyone, it is just because I am a helpful person. But the activities done, the allegations, I had nothing to do with it ),” Guo said. Estrada asked if she believed there was someone more culpable than her. Guo reiterated that she was not guilty. She added that, given the length of the Senate investigation, they
Fil-Am cop killed in pursuit crash honored at memorial service
Filipino American police officer Austin Machitar, 30, was killed in the line of duty
SAN DIEGO — Filipino American police officer Austin Machitar, who was killed in the line of duty last month, was honored Saturday, September 21 at a memorial service in El Cajon. He was 30.
“Our city stands united in grief over the death of this brave soul,” said Todd Gloria, the FilAm mayor of San Diego, who paid a special tribute to Machitar during the service at Shadow Mountain Community Church.
“He lived a life by the code of service, courage and sacrifice. For five-and-a-half years, he served our department knowing the risks yet never hesitating to protect and serve.”
Machitar was killed in a fiery crash in San Diego while pursuing a suspect, who allegedly fled from an attempted late-night traffic stop. Gloria said Machitar was known for having an “extremely positive attitude” and for his infectious smile that was “as bright as San Diego’s sunniest day.”
“That smile, his charisma and movie star good looks landed him in the department’s brochures and videos, helping our City to fill the ranks of our police department with some of
Vice President Kamala Harris White House photo
Fallen Fil-Am police officer Austin Machitar was honored at a memorial service. Screencap from Shadow Mountain Community Church video
Former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo Philstar.com photo
Duterte aide’s brother faked PH identity...
PAGE 1
that he was involved in POGO but acknowledged that he had secured documents issued only to Filipinos, such as a gun license, a tax identification number and a Philippine birth certificate.
He also admitted that he had assumed the Filipino identity Antonio Maestro Lim in setting up his companies and in transacting business with the government.
“During that time, it was my grandfather who helped me come up with this birth certificate. Maybe he did this for the convenience of (running our) businesses here,” Yang said in Mandarin.
He, however, said that he had no Philippine passport and that he was using his Chinese passport in his travels.
“The initial intention of my grandfather is for me to start a business here. That’s why I use my English name so that I can also apply for business permits and for other documentation that will be needed for the business,” Yang added.
His explanation on how he got hold of his birth certificate and other government-issued documents was similar to that of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who had insisted that she was a naturalborn Filipino despite the biometric evidence showing she was a Chinese citizen named Guo Hua Ping. Wide network
Hontiveros, chair of the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality, said Yang and Michael were both connected with other fellow Chinese nationals previously linked to POGOs.
She also presented photos showing that Yang had been rubbing elbows with senior government officials, among them former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda. Yang and his supposed business associates were seen attending private functions with Acorda when the latter headed the regional police office in northern Mindanao.
In another photo, Acorda was also photographed with Guo’s brother Wesley Guo and Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Liseldo
Calugay, who is suspected to be the manager of Guo’s Pogo company. Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) senior vice president Raul Villanueva had earlier claimed that a retired PNP chief regularly received protection money from Pogos, but it was not clear if he was referring to Acorda. Hontiveros also showed documents showing that Yang was the president of OroOne Inc., a registered provider of Pogo company Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd. Inc.
Xionwei, she said, is owned by Lin Weixion, also known as Alan Lim, who was previously linked to the Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. mess.
‘Architect’ of illegal operations
Appearing at the Senate hearing, Philippine AntiOrganized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said Yang had built their own “kingdom” in Misamis Oriental to cover up their alleged unlawful activities.
“Tony Yang is the silent, but thinking (member) among the Yang brothers,” Cruz said in response to a question from Hontiveros. “He’s the one running the businesses of the Yangs, including a Pogo, a big steel company, hotels, and rice mill.”
According to him, individuals who want to put up their own business in Cagayan de Oro should first get the blessing of the Yangs. The PAOCC official said Yang had employed more than 1,000 Chinese nationals to work in his Pogo inside the Philippine Veterans Investment
Development Corp. (Phividec) compound.
Yang, he noted, practically controlled the sprawling Phividec industrial complex in Tagoloan town, where his Philippine Sanjia Steel Corp. is located.
“While Michael is more prominent, the truth is Tony is believed to be the real architect of the operations of the Yangs,” Hontiveros noted.
Guo adjusting well in jail
In Pasig, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology spokesperson Jayrex Bustinera said Guo did not get any special treatment after her transfer to the city’s jail on Monday, September 23.
Guo, who is facing graft, money laundering, and qualified human trafficking charges, was moved from the PNP custodial center at Camp Crame following an order from a Pasig court.
The former mayor was “mostly compliant” during her first night behind bars but she was initially “shocked” at the condition of her cell, Bustinera said in a television interview.
“I think she was expecting a different cell… but there was no tantrum, no violent reaction. I think she has adjusted pretty well,” he said.
Bustinera said they have encouraged her six cell mates to talk to her “so she won’t feel isolated,” but she has so far not engaged much with them as of Monday.
The former mayor will be served the same P23 per meal as other inmates, although her visitors can bring cooked food consumable for the day. (with a report from Frances Mangosing)
Poll: Harris leads over Trump among...
PAGE 1
significant growth in voter turnout since 2016. In the 2020 election, this group played a decisive role in Biden’s victory, particularly in key battleground states.
Findings of the survey include Harris’ favorability among Asian American voters has increased by 18 points since the spring, with 62% now viewing her positively. Meanwhile, 70% of Asian American voters have an unfavorable view of Trump.
The survey shows a boost in voter engagement, with 77% of Asian American voters saying they are “absolutely certain” to vote in the 2024 election—up from 68% earlier this year.
In terms of party outreach, 62% of Asian American voters reported being contacted by the Democratic Party, compared to 46% by the Republican Party, signaling a greater effort from Democrats to engage this community.
The survey also indicates that Harris’ identity as a woman
10800 as urgent. Under the rules, a bill certified as urgent by a sitting president can be considered for third reading without observing the requirement of waiting for three session days after the second reading approval.
resonates more strongly with Asian American voters than her heritage as an Asian Indian or South Asian.
Christine Chen, co-founder and executive director of APIAVote, emphasized the growing political influence of Asian American voters, stating, “They are reenergized and poised to play a decisive role in the 2024 election.”
Karthick Ramakrishnan, executive director of AAPI Data, added, “We now have nationally representative, in-language survey data that show AAPI voters and volunteers are highly engaged in this election.”
Asian Americans are the fastestgrowing segment of eligible voters in the U.S., expanding by 15% in the last four years. As campaigns ramp up for 2024, both parties are increasingly aware of the importance of courting AAPI voters—a group that could once again shape the outcome of the presidential race.
The 2024 AAPI Voter Survey
Earlier, the House adopted proposed amendments raised by the House committee on appropriations, including the reduction of the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) budget to P733 million.
was conducted between September 3-9, 2024 by NORC using NORC’s Amplify AAPI® Panel for the sample source. The survey was offered in English, Chinese dialects of Mandarin and Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Korean and was administered in two modes depending on the preference of the respondent provided during panel recruitments: 1) self-administered by the respondent online via the Web; or 2) administered over the telephone by a live interviewer. The surveys with a live interviewer were only conducted in English. Survey respondents are Asian American voters, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders 18 years of age or older, with oversamples of citizens and registered voters. The data have been weighted by ethnicity, education, Census Region, age by gender, ethnicity by gender, and ethnicity by nativity. The overall margin of error is +/- 4.7 percent. n
The OVP was originally allocated a P2.037 billion budget under the National Expenditures Program (NEP), but lawmakers from the panel proposed to slash this due to Duterte’s behavior and revelations that some OVP programs suffered from low budget utilization.
‘I’m a victim,’ Alice Guo
should already know who the real mastermind is.
“It is known, especially by our Madame Chair, who is really [behind] everything,” Guo said, referring to Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the panel leading the inquiry.
Next step: A closed-door session
Estrada suggested that Guo could reveal who the “most guilty” party was in a closeddoor executive session. Guo initially agreed but hesitated as her lawyers were not present.
Once the public hearing was suspended and the proceedings went off-air, Guo’s camp huddled opposite the senators. Sens. Hontiveros, Sherwin Gatchalian, Francis Tolentino, Bato dela Rosa and JV Ejercito waited for a response, as Guo vacillated on whether to accept the offer for an executive session. Dela Rosa and Hontiveros, in particular, grew increasingly impatient as they tried to persuade her to agree. Guo eventually agreed, on the condition that her lawyer, Stephen David, could join via
During the budget deliberations, it was also revealed that some OVP programs suffered from low utilization, like in the case of Magnegosyo Ta Day where only 0.04 percent of funds — P600,000 out of P150 million — as of December 2023 were used. n
video conference.
The former Bamban mayor has become the central figure linked to illegal POGO activities, her name almost synonymous with the issue.
The Senate investigation into Alice Guo and POGOs has exposed a range of other illegal activities, from human trafficking in gambling hubs to the issuance of fraudulent birth certificates to foreign nationals.
Guo faces a slew of cases, including money laundering, human trafficking, graft and misrepresentation. n
SIBLINGS IN HIGH PLACES. A photo of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte with his economic adviser Michael Yang (right of frame) is flashed during Tuesday’s (September 24) Senate hearing that focused on Yang’s elder brother Tony (inset), the arrested Chinese national whose real name is Yang Jian Xin.
Photo by Richard A. Reyes
How to fight rising imposter...
dollars. We’re really concerned about the volume of reports we’re getting on scams that take it all. People have emptied their bank accounts, even their retirement accounts.”
Over the past few years, reported losses to business and government impersonation scams have skyrocketed nearly fourfold.
$175 million was lost to government impersonators in 2020 compared to $618 million in 2023, and $195 million was lost to business impersonators in 2020 compared to $751 million in 2023.
Scam tactics and stories
“This tremendous increase in reports from people who’ve lost enormous sums of money is tied to very concerning changes in the tactics these scammers are using,” said Fletcher.
These scams often involve bank transfer methods like Zelle, or cryptocurrency payment methods like Bitcoin ATMs, which are referred to by many scammers as “federal safety lockers.”
One reporter attending the briefing, Sunita Sohrabji, shared a personal example.
“My daughter tried to sell her bike via Facebook Marketplace,” Sohrabji said. “It was her first time selling anything, and someone messaged her saying they wanted to buy the bike, and that they’d pay through Zelle, but that she first had to establish a Zelle business account and put $400 in an account they’d sent her, which would be refunded once the transaction was made. Of course, that never happened.”
“With the endless daily timesensitive messages, emails, deliveries, due dates and service invoices we already get, especially in the media, there are so many you have to resist and double-check nowadays,” added Elena Kuznetsova, a reporter for Slavic Sacramento.”
“There have been congressional hearings about Zelle and the role of financial institutions when fraud occurs,” said Kati Daffan, assistant director of the FTC Division of Marketing Practices. “It’s an open question right now. We encourage people to report it to us and their bank. If they’re unhappy with how their bank handles it, they can also file a report with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.”
Per a new FTC Impersonation
Rule in effect since April, pretending to represent or be endorsed by a government or business is explicitly a violation, enabling the FTC file federal court cases seeking to return money to victims and enact civil penalties against scammers.
“In our first case using the new rule, somebody pretending to be affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education would tell people: ‘This is a time sensitive notice, and you can get tax-free loan forgiveness,’ to entice consumers to call them,” said Daffan.
“Then the telemarketers, claiming to be affiliated with the government, would convince people to sign up for a debt relief program and collect hundreds of dollars in illegal upfront fees,” she continued. “Our case is ongoing.”
Daffan added that telltale signs of a scammer include urging the victim to act immediately; asking them to lie to someone, like a bank teller or broker; threatening them with arrest or deportation; and telling them not to hang up before money is withdrawn or transferred.
Also trending are “tag-team” scams blurring the line between business and government impersonation.
“These scams typically start out impersonating a business; say, your bank saying there’s suspicious charges on your account,” said Fletcher. “But when you respond, the situation escalates rapidly. Your accounts are at risk, so they connect you with a government agency. The aim is to create a sense of heightened alarm, to make it difficult to think clearly, recognize the scam, and hang up the phone.”
Furthermore, many scams now involve victims who believe they’re protecting their money from entities who want it.
“If you believe you’re paying someone, you’re going to be cautious about giving all you have. But if you believe you’re protecting your money, you’re more likely to empty your account, and these scammers will position themselves as someone informing you of this problem and helping you resolve it,” Fletcher continued. “They’re not necessarily posing as the aggressor anymore.”
There are many misconceptions about who’s impacted by scams,” she added. “They’re not, say, less intelligent or greedy. It’s really
Expanded healthcare brings hope, healing for...
PAGE 1 she continues, referring to Cameo House, a residential program for reentry women and their children located in a non-descript apartment building in San Francisco’s Mission District.
“This place shows that not every person who is incarcerated is just a piece of paper or just someone who has no worth,” she adds.
Currently enrolled at Chabot Community College in Oakland, Wilson is now working toward her bachelor’s degree in sociology. She’s also employed as a transitional housing ambassador with the non-profit Five Keys, which operates shelters and homeless navigation centers in San Francisco and Alameda counties.
important to put those ideas to rest, because they’re barriers to people being receptive to messages about how to avoid scams … It’s people of all ages, people you know in your community.”
The FTC found in 2021 that adults aged 18 to 59 were 34% more likely to report losing money to fraud than older adults, with a median loss of $500.
However, older adults reported much higher median losses: $800 for those in their 70s, and $1,500 for those 80 and over.
“I’m always telling my audience: please be aware. Don’t do this. I’m 69 with 43 years of experience in journalism, and I fell in their hands completely,” said Celina Rodríguez, a journalist who got a call two years ago from scammers impersonating Bank of America.
“They said I bought an iPhone, and was it really me? It was so embarrassing having to explain ‘No,’” she said. “I was in a rush, I had to do a radio program, and I was panicking. I let them into my computer and sent money to them … Fortunately, Bank of America helped me shut my computer down, had IT come turn it on in a safe way and I changed my passwords.”
“The way they get you involved is amazing,” Rodriguez added. “We’re so vulnerable now. Even though we’re on top of things every day, we are human beings and any of us can become psychological targets.”
Those experiencing fraud can report it and find next steps at reportfraud.ftc.gov. (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)
Wilson, who has resided at Cameo House with her youngest son since her release, joined a gathering here Wednesday of representatives from communitybased organizations, ethnic media journalists, as well as other formerly incarcerated women who shared their personal stories of trauma and pain but also of hope and healing.
The event, organized by Ethnic Media Services in partnership with the Department of Healthcare Services, highlighted the range of newly available health services under Medi-Cal for reentry women, children and families.
Nearly one million women in the United States are currently under the criminal justice system, around 10% of them behind bars with the rest either on parole or probation. A majority are women of color.
In California, there are some 3,900 women currently serving time, according to the latest figures. It is less clear how many women are currently out on probation or parole. Statewide, some 458,000 individuals are either behind bars or otherwise under the criminal legal system.
Health data on women caught in the justice system paint an alarming picture: a majority have at least one child and are survivors of childhood abuse or trauma themselves. Many also face the ongoing threat of domestic partner violence. Women in jail also report higher rates of mental health and substance use disorder than their male counterparts.
“I am working on my recovery,” says Shannen Curlin, a single mom and current resident at Cameo House. “I am a couple
of weeks shy of two years. I’m just trying to get my priorities in order, go to school, get my record lifted and just trying to straighten up and fly right.”
Curlin lives with her 10-yearold son.
“They took me in and allowed my son to come here with me. They supported me with graduating high school and starting college. They helped me clear my DUI and my record. They pressed me to make sure I go to my groups and that I am participating in my mental health and in my recovery.”
Starting in 2023, California became the first state in the nation to offer federally subsidized healthcare services to incarcerated youth and adults up to 90 days prior to their release.
The Justice-Involved Initiative, aimed at easing the reentry process, is part of a broader expansion in Medi-Cal services built on a “vision of healthcare that is not stuck in hospitals but goes to the communities to close the gap,” says EMS Director Sandy Close. “Especially for people who have never had access to healthcare.”
For the women at Wednesday’s event, housing was the number one issue, one not typically linked to public health. And yet MediCal enrollees can now receive housing navigation services covered as a benefit under the program.
“My doctor referred me to a case manager,” explains Wilson.
“And they help with housing. So, I met the gentleman… and he let me know that my Medi-Cal was inactive, and that I had to get this taken care of because it’s what pays for all the services.” Wilson shared that she’s since
continued to meet with her case manager as she prepares to transition out of Cameo House. Tina Curiel runs communications for the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice, which operates Cameo House. “It is one of San Francisco’s only alternative sentencing housing programs that women and children can live in and for that long. It is unique in that way.” Residents –around 15 women and their children currently – can remain for up to 18 months.
“To hear statistics of women and children, there’s like a few thousand per each bed available in San Francisco,” notes Curiel. “So, it’s ridiculously underfunded, these types of programs.”
Other speakers included Janelle Buccat, program manager with the Occupational Therapy Training Program in San Francisco, and Michelle Alvarez, program director with Instituto Familiar de la Raza.
Alvarez described how her organization uses MediCal dollars to fund “wellness activities” for low-income families, including kayaking trips on the San Francisco Bay and visits to nearby Muir Woods. For families and kids “struggling with anxiety, depression, or worrying about how to pay rent,” she adds, such activities are a balm for their mental well-being.
Charity Harris is program director with Cameo House.
“This is a second family for me,” she told the gathering. “This work gave me purpose at a time in my life when I lost purpose.”
She continued, “Seeing the impact of the criminal justice system on these families inspired me to come forward.” (By Peter Schurmann/Ethnic Media Services)
payment methods like Bitcoin ATMs, which are referred to by many scammers as “federal safety lockers.” Pexels.com photo by Sora Shimazaki
Nomx Olisi Ndzumo (at right), originally from South Africa, came to San Francisco after meeting a man who she says later abused her. After a brief time in jail she entered Cameo House. She joined other women to share her story. Ethnic Media Services photo by Peter Schurmann
Marcos vows to double efforts to protect journalists
by Helen Flores Philstar.com
MANILA — The government is “doubling down” on its duty to protect Filipino journalists and uphold press freedom in the country, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday, September 20.
In his speech at the 50th anniversary of the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc., Marcos acknowledged the role of the organization as “vigilant” vanguards of communities and “tireless” defenders of press freedom.
“We celebrate not just the pages that you have printed, but the values you upheld with every word, every story and every truth you fought hard to tell,” the president said.
“After all, the true measure of journalism is not just about telling stories and writing headlines, it is about standing firm even when the ground beneath you begins to shake,” he said.
Marcos also paid tribute to Filipino journalists who were killed in the last two years, including Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa, Juan “DJ Johnny Walker” Jumalon and Cresenciano Bundoquin.
“They are not just names in a report; they are faces with families, colleagues and communities that grieve their loss,” Marcos said.
“All our efforts to bring them
justice are a testament to the belief that no story, however dangerous, is too small or too insignificant to be told,” he said.
The Philippines slipped two places on the World Press Freedom Index for 2024 by Paris-based organization Reporters Without Borders, ranking 134th out of 180 countries and territories.
Marcos also emphasized the crucial role played by journalists in the fight against “a different kind of enemy.”
“Misinformation, cyber libel threats, the relentless pressures of the digital age have added layers of complexity in ensuring press freedom. Every post, every share, every careless click – these are the new battlegrounds,” the president said.
“From the anonymous troll farms to the deliberate spread of conspiracy theories, this fight has evolved far beyond the newsroom, it is now in the palm of every hand that scrolls through social media,” he said.
Marcos said journalists have the duty to protect the sanctity of facts even as he urged media workers not to waver in the face of challenges.
“Let us stand together for truth,” he said.
The government, he said, has initiated the media and information literacy campaign to equip the public, especially u PAGE 7
Vance rewrites history about Trump and Obamacare
Donald Trump could have destroyed the Affordable Care Act, but “he chose to build upon [it].”
by Julie appleby Ethnic Media Services
SEN . JD Vance (R-Ohio) on Sept. 15 told viewers of NBC’s “Meet the Press” that former President Donald Trump built up the Affordable Care Act, even though Trump could have chosen to do the opposite.
“Donald Trump had two choices,” Vance, Trump’s running mate, said. “He could have destroyed the program, or he could actually build upon it and make it better so that Americans didn’t lose a lot of health care. He chose to build upon a plan, even though it came from his Democratic predecessor.”
The remarks follow statements the former president made during his Sept. 10 debate with Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia. Trump said of the ACA, “I saved it.”
The Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, has grown more popular as Americans have increasingly used it to gain health coverage. More than 20 million people enrolled this year in plans sold through the marketplaces it created. That makes the law a tricky political issue for Republicans, who have largely retreated from their attempts over the past decade to repeal it.
Both Vance’s and Trump’s statements are false. We contacted Vance’s campaign; it provided no additional information. But here’s a review of policies related to Obamacare that Trump pursued as president.
So What Did Trump Do With the ACA?
Most of the Trump administration’s ACA-related actions involved cutting the program, including reducing by millions of dollars funding for marketing and enrollment assistance and backing the many failed efforts in Congress and the courts to overturn the law.
In June 2020, for example, the administration asked the Supreme Court to overturn the law in a case brought by more than a dozen GOP states. The high court eventually rejected the case.
“The fact the ACA survived
the Trump administration is a testament to the strength of the underlying statutory framework, and that the public rallied around it,” said Sabrina Corlette, codirector of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University.
Most ACA provisions took effect in 2014, during Barack Obama’s presidential administration.
Average premium costs, already rising when Trump took office, jumped for some plans in 2018, before beginning a modest decline for the rest of his term, according to statistics from KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News.
Some of those increases were tied to a 2017 Trump administration decision to stop making payments to insurers, which was intended to reduce deductibles and copayments for people with low to moderate incomes. By law, though, insurers still had to offer the plans.
Two months earlier, the Congressional Budget Office warned that stopping the payments could cause some insurers to leave the ACA marketplace — and that premiums would rise by 20% in the first year.
Most states, however, let insurers make up for the lost payments by increasing monthly premiums. That had the unintended effect of boosting federal subsidies for people who buy Obamacare plans, because the subsidies are tied to the cost of premiums.
“By accident, that gave people cheaper access to better coverage in the exchange plans,” said Joe Antos, a senior fellow emeritus with the American Enterprise Institute.
Some Republicans think Trump deserves credit for this inadvertent improvement.
But Larry Levitt, KFF’s executive vice president for health policy, said that wasn’t the Trump administration’s intention.
“The one time when Trump improved the ACA, it was an unintended consequence of an attempt to weaken it,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration expanded access to
u PAGE 7
Fil-Am cop killed in pursuit...
San Diego’s finest,” he said. Gloria said Machitar came from a family of public servants who were passionate about helping others, citing his grandfather, who was a member of the U.S. Navy, and his father, retired San Diego Deputy Sheriff Chris Machitar.
Addressing Chris Machitar, SDPD Chief of Police Scott Wahl said, “You raised one heck of a young man and an exemplary police officer. He was such a good kid and had unlimited potential.”
The memorial service opened with a prelude by pianist Michael Sanchez, and a welcome and opening prayer by San Diego Police Department Chaplain Chuck Price, who described Machitar as “funny, humble, charismatic, generous, genuine, dependable, respected and respectful.”
Special tributes were also paid by Sgt. Andrew Schidecker, Sen. Steve Padilla, cousins Julian Chanfreau and McKenzie Holt and sister Asia Machitar.
“You were meant to make a difference and you did just that. It’s amazing seeing how much of a positive impact you left on everyone, you’re so missed. Thank you for always checking in, thank you for the encouragement, thank you for the laughs, thank you for the friendship, and thank you for the memories. We have the watch from here Austin, rest easy, you’re so loved,” San Diego Sheriff’s Office Deputy Crystal Corona said.
The service concluded after nearly three hours with a flag folding and presentation by the SDPD Honor Guard, and a 21-
gun salute.
On Aug. 26 at 11:30 p.m.,
Officer Machitar was killed in a vehicle crash at the intersection of Doliva Drive and Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. Machitar and his partner, Officer Zachary Martinez, 27, were responding to the area of the fleeing suspect when the fleeing car broadsided Officer Machitar’s patrol vehicle at 90 mph, causing the police cruiser to be engulfed in flames.
Officer Machitar was pronounced dead at the scene. Officer Martinez was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital in critical condition, but survived the crash and was present and also honored at Machitar’s service. Officer Martinez was released from hospital care on Sept. 3.
The driver of the pursuit vehicle died in the crash.
“We all miss you tremendously, Austin. It is so tragic, angerinducing, and cosmically unfair what happened to you and Zach. I remember when you first started at Northern Division years ago. You were so eager to get involved and learn and you were always helpful and positive. Truly in it for all the right reasons. The radio calls and arrests come and go in the tides of our memories, but it’s the little things that we’ll remember forever. The department, the city and our community has lost someone truly irreplaceable,” SDPD Officer Nick Marino said.
Officer Machitar had served with the San Diego Police Department for over five years. He is survived by his parents and sister. (Inquirer.net)
LOCAL ECONOMY. Raymart Dahang, a 25-year-old boatman, makes a living out of transporting tourists to and from the Sunken Cemetery, photographed on Saturday, Sept. 21 while waiting for his guests. The tourist attraction with the giant cross is also a site for snorkeling. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
Dateline PhiliPPines
Lawmakers to VP Sara: Step down if you can’t fulfill your duty
by DoMinique nicole Flores Philstar.com
— House lawmakers
MANILA
on Tuesday, September 24, said that Vice President Sara Duterte should resign if she has no intention of fulfilling her duties as the official holding the second highest position in government.
“Kung hindi na po siya interesado sa kanyang pong duties and functions as the vice president, we can ask the vice president to step down,” Rep. Jil Bongalon (Ako Bicol Party) said at a press conference.
(If she is no longer interested in her duties and functions as vice president, we can ask her to step down.)
This is the response of lawmakers to Duterte’s refusal to attend the proceedings for the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) proposed 2025 budget. No authorized representative was also present at the OVP’s scheduled plenary debate on Monday, September 23.
Asked about their reaction to Duterte’s alleged vacation at a beach in Camarines Norte over the weekend, Bongalon said there is no problem with that.
However, the lawmaker said that if Duterte is serious about her
duties as vice president, she should have returned to Manila by Sunday, September 23 or coordinated with Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur, 1st District). He added that this would have allowed Adiong to prepare for questions during the plenary.
“In other words, this means she really has no intention to attend the plenary hearing to sponsor and defend the OVP’s budget,” Bongalon said in Filipino. Shared sentiment Rep. Jay-Jay Suarez (Quezon, 2nd District) also said the sentiments
expressed by lawmakers at the press conference on Monday are also shared by other House members because it is a government official’s job to show up.
“This is not about her, this is about the Office of the Vice President, the second highest position of the land. And you have to show respect and due courtesy to that office and to simply show up and do your work. I think it’s the least that she can do for the Office of the Vice President,” Suarez added.
Setting a ‘bad precedent’
While Duterte provided a letter dated September 11 to Adiong, Rep. Ramon Gutierrez (1-Rider Party) said the letter did not specify that she would be absent, the reason for it or indicate that there would be an official representing the OVP at the plenary.
“It will set a bad precedent because other departments or government agencies might follow suit, thinking, ‘It’s okay not to attend plenary debates. We can just send a representative or any highranking official from the agency,’” Bongalon said in Filipino.
Why agencies need to be present Lawmakers emphasized that
Duterte-Robredo meeting ‘personal,’ says former vice president’s spokesman
by Red Mendoza and aRic John Sy cua ManilaTimes.net
MANILA — The Office of the
Vice President has confirmed a report that Vice President Sara Duterte met with her predecessor, Maria Leonor Robredo, during the Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City on Friday, September 20 but a spokesman for Robredo described the meeting as "personal."
The report by an online news website claimed that Duterte met with Robredo to seek her support amid challenges in her office.
In a statement issued on Friday night, the OVP said that Duterte
was "excited to experience her first ever Peñafrancia Festival," upon the invitation of an unnamed Bicolano "friend."
The friend, the OVP said, was the one who arranged the meeting with Robredo, which was described as "casual."
It also said that Duterte met with prominent Bicol personalities and heard mass with regular Bicolanos.
"She neither looked desperate nor distressed," the OVP said to belie reports about how Duterte looked during the visit.
Robredo's spokesman, Ibarra Gutierrez, confirmed the meeting between the two on Friday, but described it as "personal" and not
"political."
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, September 21, Gutierrez said Duterte's visit to Robredo's home in Naga City was "sudden."
"She [Duterte] suddenly went to her [Robredo's] home all of a sudden. She was politely accepted. They talked, but not about politics. It was just a simple conversation and not a meeting. Then she left. End of conversation," Gutierrez said in Filipino.
He said while he disagreed with the politics of Duterte, he thought it was right that her predecessor welcomed her politely.
"Hindi tayo bastos," (We are not rude.) Gutierrez added. n
MANILA — President Ferdinand
Marcos Jr. has certified as urgent House Bill (HB) No. 10800 or the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), which contains the proposed 2025 budget, allowing for the immediate passage of the measure.
During the plenary session on Tuesday, September 24, the House confirmed the receipt of Marcos’ letter addressed to House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Article VI, Section 26 (2) of the 1987 Constitution, I hereby certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of House Bill No. 10800,” Marcos said in his letter.
“[…] To ensure the uninterrupted operation of critical government functions, guarantee the allocation of fiscal resources for vital initiatives, and enable the government to adeptly respond to emerging challenges,” he added.
This allows the House to approve HB No. 10800 on the second and third reading on
the same day, doing away with the requirement of having three session days before a bill that was approved on the second reading is considered for the third reading. According to House leaders including Romualdez, they are targeting to approve the GAB, which contains the Houseamended P6.352 trillion 2025 National Expenditures Program, by Wednesday, September 25. It is unclear, however, what the final budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) would look like, as neither Vice President Sara Duterte nor any OVP representative attended the
plenary debates on Tuesday.
This marks the second straight day that no official OVP representative showed up to the plenary debates. Earlier though, House leaders maintained that even if the OVP is causing delays to the budget process, a reenacted budget is out of the options. Under a reenacted budget, the government will be forced to use a previous year’s allocations because a new appropriations bill was not signed into law before the preceding fiscal year ended. This means the delivery of programs, which would require new funding, can be delayed. n
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. FILE PHOTO: Official Facebook page of PCO
The 44th inmate
AS of the close of regular office hours in government late Monday afternoon, September 23, Alice Guo remained in a cell with 43 other inmates at the Pasig City Jail. The dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac was transferred to the city jail female dormitory from the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Police at Camp Crame on orders of the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 167, where Guo faces trial for qualified human trafficking, a non-bailable offense.
Guo’s camp, claiming threats to her life, wants her to stay at the PNP Custodial Center. Her transfer to the Pasig jail, which is under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, was briefly stalled when she was tested for suspected tuberculosis infection in her left lung. When the test result came out negative, she was moved to the BJMP facility.
Editorial
BJMP officials have given assurance that inmates are safe in the local jails and Guo need not fear for her safety in the Pasig female dormitory. Both the BJMP and PNP are under the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Their detention facilities should be sufficiently secure to prevent escapes, while allowing for the humane treatment of inmates.
There’s no guarantee that Guo would be safer or more secure at Camp Crame, headquarters of the PNP, even if its chief and the DILG secretary posed for a selfie with her in Indonesia. Highrisk detainees including kidnappers and drug traffickers have broken out of Camp Crame
detention in the past years. In 2012 following a string of jailbreaks from police detention facilities around the country, a memorandum from the PNP chief at the time, Nicanor Bartolome, had noted that the Custodial Center at Camp Crame was already congested due to a rising number of high-risk inmates committed there. The memorandum pointed out that the Custodial Center is used only as “a temporary lock-up facility for persons under custodial investigation…”
In being cleared of TB, Guo lost an excuse to seek detention in her own cell, or better yet, “hospital arrest” – a favorite tack of VIP inmates who want to avoid incarceration in a crowded regular jail. She might yet complain of pain in her other lung. And she still has a long string of body parts that can be tested for illness requiring long hospital confinement. To foil attempts at special jailbird treatment, the PNP and BJMP must ensure that their regular jails are sufficiently equipped to keep all inmates secure. (Philstar.com)
BaBe Romualdez
THERE is that old saying “curiosity can kill a cat” – and in our country, too much politics could ultimately kill all of us. As the May 2025 midterm election draws near with the filing of certificates of candidacy just around the corner, we can expect shifts in the political landscape with new party coalitions or alliances, realignments and even defections to happen.
While Senate and congressional hearings continue to take centerstage with Filipinos riveted to the TV or the screens of their smart gadgets waiting for the latest episode of the Alice POGuo story, let’s not lose sight of the fact that we are faced with so many serious challenges that can potentially impact the future of our country and people.
In the 2024 World Risk Report published two weeks ago by the Germany-based Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft and the Ruhr University Bochum-Institute for International Law of Peace and
Commonsense
maRichu VillanueVa
PUBLIC confessions dished out right in the halls of Congress as testimonies made under oath – even from self-proclaimed whistleblowers brought out of their jail cells – have been hogging the headlines. Adding to these scandalous revelations was information culled from unfiltered sources in media interviews. These whistleblowers suddenly found themselves no longer fearful or timid to come out with what they believe was the truth. Or did they have an epiphany when they suddenly realized what they failed to understand in the past and have become conscious of only now, or something that they finally realized is the right thing to do. Or it is just an after-thought to tell all?
While these sworn testimonies at the congressional hearings were not exactly the gospel truth, it is more difficult to discern the “he said, she said” stories being peddled openly. For us in media, it becomes doubly hard work to do fact checking. It is not just for
Politics could ultimately kill the cat
Armed Conflict, the Philippines topped the list of countries that are most at-risk to extreme natural events and negative climate change, followed by Indonesia, India, Colombia, Mexico, Myanmar, Mozambique, Russia and Bangladesh with Pakistan at number 10. This is the third time in a row that the Philippines has topped the report’s “World Risk Index” that breaks down the disaster risks of 193 United Nations member-states based on their “exposure to natural hazards, the vulnerability of the population and the coping and adaptive capacities of societies.”
According to the report, climate change is “increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme natural events, leaving less and less time for regeneration. As soon as one disaster is overcome, the next threat is already looming.”
With the Philippines getting hit by an average of 20 typhoons every year that also result in massive flooding in many parts of the country, the impact has been devastating, with the displacement of hundreds of thousands of families, damage
to infrastructure and agriculture worth billions of pesos that could ultimately affect the economy.
A recent example was Super Typhoon Enteng (international name Yagi) that cut a swathe of destruction in its wake, causing massive flooding and landslides, cancellation of classes and disruption of power supply and telecommunication services. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, damage to infrastructure across six regions in the country is estimated at P700 million, with agricultural losses estimated at over P650 million.
Seeing the devastation caused by Typhoon Enteng and the bare forests in many areas, the President said government must have stricter implementation of laws against illegal logging because this has become a matter of “life and death.”
Another cause for concern is a recent study made by the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute titled “Ground subsidence in major Philippine metropolitan cities from 2014 to 2020” that highlights the threat of “gradual sinking or sudden collapse” faced by Metro
Manila and other urban areas due to “excessive groundwater extraction, rapid urbanization and natural sediment compaction, exacerbated by climate change through rising sea levels.”
A major result of the study reveals the significant ground subsidence in Iloilo with rates reaching as high as nine millimeters per year – no doubt exacerbated by groundwater extraction.
In a business column over a decade ago, I remember writing about the excessive extraction of groundwater that is causing cities to sink slowly, with overpopulated areas like Metro Manila at high risk due to the overwhelming demand for water for drinking, bathing and other needs. The situation was also aggravated by the construction of deep wells by private subdivision owners and businesses whose operations require large amounts of water.
As early as then, several areas aside from Metro Manila were identified as water critical; among them are Baguio, Davao, Metro Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Angeles in Pampanga and Iloilo.
Aside from climate change and natural disasters, one other
problem that impacts future generations is quality education.
This was highlighted in a U-Report survey conducted by the UNICEF that showed climate change, natural disasters and education being the top concerns among the 3,000 survey respondents.
The very low ranking of the Philippines (bottom four among 64 countries) in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) that tested the creative thinking abilities of students underscores the need to improve the country’s educational system, with Filipino students ranked as among the world’s weakest in math, science and reading which are considered basic or fundamental competencies.
A lot of hope is riding on the shoulders of Education Secretary Sonny Angara who, I’m glad, is on the right track, starting with an increase in the salary of teachers, with plans to incorporate coding in the curriculum and utilize technology that would allow teachers to concentrate on the job of teaching instead of being burdened by administrative work.
“We are working to incorporate coding into our curriculum and are utilizing educational
technology, such as analytics, to assess learners in real-time. This will allow teachers to focus more on teaching and less on administrative tasks, ultimately improving the quality of education,” Secretary Angara said during the most recent Philippines-Singapore Business and Investment Summit.
Externally, the Philippines is facing the most serious challenge to our sovereignty and existence as a free country – not because of climate change or rising sea levels – but by force coming from a foreign country claiming large portions of our territory. Climate change, defense and security, low quality of education – these are just a few of the issues that our political leaders must seriously tackle as these could impact the future of our country – because undoubtedly, too much politics could ultimately “kill the cat.” (Philstar.com)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com
the sake of fairness and balance but for accuracy and the truth to prevail.
Via zoom interview last week over dzRH radio, a former member of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) echoed accusations against KOJC leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. A certain Arlene Stone, who claimed to be speaking in behalf of other former KOJC members now residing in the United States, volunteered the “information” that Quiboloy allegedly had “gifted women” to former President Rodrigo Duterte and other officials.
“Based on my information, (some members of the pastoral) were being offered to (persons) very close to Quiboloy, like for example President Duterte. If he (Duterte) likes one of the members of the pastoral, Quiboloy would grant it,” Stone declared. As a matter of fact, she further claimed, one of those purportedly offered to Mr. Duterte is still at the KOJC compound in Davao City, from where it took two weeks for our police authorities to flush out Quiboloy from hiding.
Quiboloy has been charged with sexual assault and human trafficking cases here in our
country and in the U.S. as well, not to mention the string of other criminal charges filed against him. Moreover, there are ongoing parallel congressional “inquiries in aid of legislation” that involve ex-president Duterte, Quiboloy, et.al. “A fake witness. Ms. Stone is a certified ‘Marites,’ a pathological liar to the bone,” Mark Tolentino, one of legal counsels of Quiboloy, countered in a text message to The STAR.
Naturally, loyal defenders of Mr. Duterte were likewise irritated over the latest narratives about women “gifted” by the former president’s spiritual adviser. “Nakakatawa mga storetelling a lie nila,” former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea quipped with disgust. Mr. Duterte, on the other hand, has publicly admitted to being a womanizer. He still lives with his partner, Honeylet Avanceña, with whom he has a grown daughter. His wife, Elizabeth Zimmerman, is the mother of Vice President Sara Duterte, Davao City Rep. Paolo “Polong” Duterte and Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte. Another “Marites” was outed by former Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña, who revealed
http://www.asianjournal.com
Tels: (818) 937-9981 • (818) 937-9982
(213) 250-9797 • (213) 313-8600
Fax: (818) 502-0847
in a TV interview last Friday, September 20 that he was bluntly told: “Don’t touch the president’s women.” Without disclosing his source of information, Osmeña claimed he received the off-limits warning from an unnamed official to whom he complained in 2018 about then police colonel Royina Garma being assigned as Cebu city police chief.
Methinks, the 79-year-old exPresident Duterte is tickled pink over talks on his much touted machismo and virility for women thrown his way. His closest friend and ally, who requested confidentiality, described his “Boss” as a man who wants to be “challenged” when it comes to trying to woo women he takes a liking to.
“He abhors being offered a partner. That I have known from the beginning,” the loyal Duterte ally intimated, adding: Yung bang liligawan niya ang gusto hanggang sa nababasted para may rason siyang kumanta ng romantic songs.”
Our Davao City-based correspondent Edith Regalado laughed and could not agree more. Edith knows Mr. Duterte inside out. After all, she has been covering him for the past
four decades already, since he was a struggling prosecutor to his being mayor of Davao City for several terms.
She would not be persuaded though to name all the girls Mr. Duterte loved before.
As of this writing, the usually foul-mouthed Mr. Duterte has kept quiet at his retirement residence in Davao City. At the PDP-Laban convention held in his home city last Friday night, Mr. Duterte did not mention anything about his supposed peccadilloes even while he was still in public office. Or is he trying to appear as a gentleman not to dignify talks that involve women’s honor?
But Mr. Duterte could be as repugnant to the point of being called “misogynist” at the height of his quarrel with former Senator Leila de Lima, who was chairman then of the Commission on Human Rights. She haled him to court first for human rights violations in the alleged Davao Death Squad killings when he was still mayor. During her term as senator, De Lima led the Senate investigations into the reported extrajudicial killings (EJKs) of suspected drug addicts and druglords. She got detained for
more than six years, beyond the term of Mr. Duterte, for illegal drugs cases filed against her. All cases were subsequently dismissed by the courts, one after the other.
The EJK cases, however, hang in the balance at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Mr. Duterte, VP Sara, et. al. are accused of crimes against humanity and are awaiting formal investigation by the ICC.
Then here comes former Iloilo Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who was among those in Mr. Duterte’s “narco” list. Arriving after seven years of self-exile in the U.S., Mabilog announced his readiness to testify against Mr. Duterte before the ICC at The Hague. Since his daughter VP Sara broke away from the present administration, Mr. Duterte has ostensibly stopped his public rants at President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Amid the “Marites” about all the president’s women, he seems to be just relishing it. (Philstar.com) * * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
Babe’s Eye View
Jinggoy denies link to ‘coup plot’ vs Escudero
by JavieR Joe iSMael ManilaTimes.net
MANILA — Senate President
pro-tempore Jinggoy Estrada on
Monday, September 23 admitted
hearing "rumors" of a coup plot against Senate President Francis Escudero but said he was not involved.
Estrada emphasized that he continues to support Escudero. Escudero denied that the senators were plotting to oust him.
Estrada denied being the mastermind of the coup plot and refuted reports that he would replace Escudero. The senator said that nobody approached him to sign a manifesto to oust Escudero, and none of his fellow senators were advocating for it.
Senator Cynthia Villar clarified that she was not "involved" in the coup plot, while Senator Loren Legarda insisted that she had no idea about it. n
Some senators questioned the supposed coup against Escudero, with Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa saying that the issue only disturbed their "quiet life." He said no one is circulating a resolution for the senators to sign to expel Escudero from the Senate leadership.
DFA prepares for possible mass repatriation of Filipinos in Lebanon
by charie abarca Inquirer.net
MANILA — Preparations are being made for the possible
“mass” repatriation of Filipinos in Lebanon, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed to INQUIRER.net.
In a text message on Wednesday, September 25, Foreign Affairs
Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said a mass repatriation might not be necessary, but they are still preparing for any eventuality.
“It might not be necessary but we are acting as if it would eventually be necessary to mass repatriate our citizens from
Lebanon. So preparations are being made and the embassy is regularly meeting the Filipino community,” said de Vega.
According to the foreign affairs official, an estimated 11,000 Filipinos are still in Lebanon. Of this number, 1,247 have so far signified their intent to be brought back home.
Earlier, the Philippine embassy in Beirut reminded Filipinos residing in Lebanon to remain vigilant and stay informed following recent hostilities in South Lebanon.
“Your safety is our primary concern. It is essential to take these communications seriously while exercising caution and judgment,”
said the embassy in an advisory.
“The Israeli army has initiated significant military operations in the region, which may pose risks to civilian safety. The Lebanese Ministry of Health has reported casualties from recent strikes, highlighting the importance of being alert to your surroundings. The Embassy recommends that you regularly check the local news regarding the latest information on safety and security,” it added.
Concerning this, Filipinos in South Lebanon were advised by the embassy to “stay put and remain indoors until the bombing subsides” and wait for the situation to stabilize. n
Lawmakers to VP Sara: Step down...
the budget sponsor is not the one who will be spending the agency’s budget, which is why a representative from the agency should be present to help explain its expenditure program.
“The congressman defends the budget, but we are not the disbursing officer. We are not the ones spending the budget. We justify the budget, we defend the budget, but we are not the ones spending it,” Rep. Jefferson Khonghun (Zambales, 1st District) said.
When the agency is present at the plenary, Bongalon said the budget sponsor has the opportunity to consult with the agency head to ensure that they accurately convey its perspective when answering questions from other lawmakers.
Since the House budget proceedings are scheduled to end on Wednesday, September 25, Gutierrez said the lower chamber “will be extending maximum leniency” to the OVP.
The House will only determine how to handle the agency’s 2025 budget once the OVP has exhausted all its opportunities to attend, Khonghun said. What will happen if OVP doesn’t show up?
During the press conference, reporters asked lawmakers whether a reenacted budget for 2025 would be possible if the House fails to pass the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) on time due to further potential delays caused by the OVP. According to Section 25 (7), Article VI of the 1987 Constitution, a reenacted budget refers to the budget of the previous fiscal year that remains in effect until Congress passes a new General Appropriations Act (GAA).
This occurs only when the GAA for the following year has not been approved before the current year ends.
For Khonghun, a reenacted budget will not happen because lawmakers will not allow the vice president to sabotage the House
of Representatives’ schedule in passing the GAB for 2025.
Suarez added the OVP is the only agency that “has not fully complied with the requirements of the law,” noting that all other agencies and departments have been fulfilling their duty in the process of having their respective budgets approved.
Bongalon also said that a reenacted budget would harm other departments and agencies as they might not receive the necessary budget increase to fund their programs.
The OVP’s proposed 2025 budget was rescheduled for Tuesday, September 24, but may be postponed to Wednesday, September 25, if no authorized representative appears at the session hall for its plenary debate.
The OVP has requested a P2.026 billion budget for 2025, but this was slashed to P733 million by the House appropriations committee on September 11 due to issues surrounding the agency’s alleged misuse of funds. n
some kinds of less expensive health coverage that aren’t compliant with ACA rules, including shortterm plans that generally have more restrictions on care and can leave consumers with surprise medical bills. Democrats call the plans “junk insurance.”
Brian Blase, president of the Paragon Health Institute, a conservative health research group, said broader access to cheaper, less comprehensive plans helped more people get coverage. The plans’ critics say that if they had attracted too many healthy people from ACAcompliant insurance, increases could have spiked for people who remained.
Trump also supported congressional repeal-and-replace efforts, all of which failed — including on the memorable night when Sen. John McCain
(R-Ariz.) helped kill the effort with a thumbs-down vote. The Trump administration never issued its own replacement plan, despite the former president’s many promises that he would.
Trump, during the debate with Harris, said that he has “concepts of a plan” to replace Obamacare and that “you’ll be hearing about it in the not-too-distant future.”
On “Meet the Press,” host Kristen Welker asked Vance when Trump’s plan would be ready. He didn’t answer directly but said it would involve “deregulating the insurance market.”
Critics say that’s code for letting insurers do business as they did pre-ACA, when sick people could be denied coverage or charged exorbitant premiums based on preexisting conditions.
Our Ruling Vance’s assertion that Trump as president took steps to build upon
the ACA and protect the health coverage of 20 million Americans is simply not supported by the record.
Trump administration policies, for example, didn’t buttress the ACA but often undermined enrollment outreach efforts or were advanced to sabotage the insurance marketplace. Also, Trump vocally supported congressional efforts to overturn the law and legal challenges to it. By the numbers, Affordable Care Act enrollment declined by more than 2 million people during Trump’s presidency, and the number of uninsured Americans rose by 2.3 million, including 726,000 children, from 2016 to 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That includes nearly three years of Trump’s presidency. We rate Vance’s statement False. n
the youth, with the skills to critically evaluate the information they consume to help fight misinformation and disinformation.
“Together, let us foster responsible journalism, for we know that more than a democratic ideal, it is a necessity for an informed and empowered citizenry
to make the proper, intelligent, well-informed decisions about their leaders, about their situation, about their condition,” the chief executive said.
“As we mark this golden milestone, I urge you to keep pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a journalist. Innovate. Adapt. But never compromise your principles,” he said. n
LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017673
Jays Auto located at 11530 Paseo Vista, Lakeside, CA 92040. Registrant: James Lnu, 11530 Paseo Vista, Lakeside, CA 92040. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/29/2024.
Signature: James Lnu. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/29/2024.
AJ 1500 09/06, 09/13, 09/20, and 09/27/2024. AJSD 1500
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018280
a. El Kafecito located at 2455 Otay Center Dr, San Diego, CA 92154.
b. El Kafecito Otay located at 2455 Otay Center Dr, San Diego, CA 92154. Registrant: Denisse Melgoza, 553 Oxford St, Apt #1, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by An Indivdual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Denisse Melgoza. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/09/2024. AJ 1505 09/13, 09/20, 09/27, and 10/04/2024. AJSD 1505
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017663
TT Fashions Shop & Alterations located at 5360 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105. Registrant: Thi Diem Thuong Nguyen, 5360 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Thi Diem Thuong Nguyen. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/29/2024. AJ 1510 09/20, 09/27, 10/04, and 10/11/2024. AJSD 1510
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018734
Cyrstal located at 857 W San Ysidro Blvd #14, San Ysidro, CA 92173. Registrant: Samira Dawood Oshana, 857 W San Ysidro Blvd #14, San Ysidro, CA 92173. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/16/2024. Signature: Samira Dawood Oshana. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/16/2024. AJ 1516 09/20, 09/27, 10/04, and 10/11/2024.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9019129
Aging Gracefully Care Of Tri-City located at 3218 Mira Mesa Ave, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant: Aging Gracefully Care Homes LLC, 1895 Avenida Del Oro #6605 , Oceanside, CA 92052. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/11/2024. Signature: Irene Palad. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/20/2024. AJ 1517 09/27, 10/04, 10/11, and 10/18/2024.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017517
ITS CAFE THAI located at 2184 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113.
Registrant: Thai Food Station LLC, 3423 Via Beltran, San Diego, CA 92117. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/26/2024.
Signature: Ahmed Albatat. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/27/2024.
AJ 1501 09/06, 09/13, 09/20, and 09/27/2024. AJSD 1501
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018229
Total Wireless Connection located at 8365 Paradise Valley Rd Unit 11, Spring Valley, CA 91977. Registrant: Total Wireless Connection, 1836 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/09/2024.
Signature: Changmin Oh. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/09/2024. AJ 1506 09/13, 09/20, 09/27, and 10/04/2024. AJSD 1506
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018641
Restempt located at 654 Jay Ct, San Marcos, CA 92069.
Registrant: a. Octovio Scott Friz, 3360 Avenida Nieve, Carlsbad, CA 92009. b. Noeh Angel Provencio, 654 Jay Ct, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is conducted by A General Partnership.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/06/2024.
Signature: Noeh Provencio. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/13/2024.
AJ 1511 09/20, 09/27, 10/04, and 10/11/2024. AJSD 1511
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018973
Realtime Garage located at 7847 Dunbrook Rd Suite #B, San Diego, CA 92126. Registrant: Rexone Productions INC, 7847 Dunbrook Rd Suite #B, San Diego, CA 92126. This business is conducted by A Corporation.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Rex Guevarra. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/18/2024. AJ 1518 09/27, 10/04, 10/11, and 10/18/2024.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017930
Jack Taylor located at 4933 Cape May Ave #9, San Diego, CA 92107.
Registrant: Christopher Jack Taylor, 4933 Cape May Ave #9, San Diego, CA 92107. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/17/2024.
Signature: Christopher Jack Taylor. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/04/2024.
AJ 1502 09/06, 09/13, 09/20, and 09/27/2024. AJSD 1502
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017745
Mission Gorge Auto Repair located at 6045 Mission Gorge Rd, San Diego, CA 92120. Registrant: CarLot Inc, 6075 Mission Gorge Rd, San Diego, CA 92120. This business is conducted by A Corporation.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/01/2024.
Signature: Zamir Sultani. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/30/2024. AJ 1507 09/13, 09/20, 09/27, and 10/04/2024. AJSD 1507
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018693
Nails By Tony located at 5063 Federal Blvd, San Diego CA 92102. Registrant: a. Huong Thi Phan, 153 San Jacinto Dr, San Diego, CA 92114. b. Tony Nguyen, 153 San Jacinto Dr, San Diego, CA 92114.
This business is conducted by A Married Couple.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/01/2021. Signature: Huong Thi Phan. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/16/2024.
AJ 1512 09/20, 09/27, 10/04, and 10/11/2024. AJSD 1512
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017819
Comfort Mavericks Heating and Air-Conditioning located at 1163 Via Sandia, Oceanside, CA 92056. Registrant: Comfort Mavericks LLC, 1163 Via Sandia, Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/21/2024.
Signature: Travis Hanna. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/30/2024. AJ 1519 09/27, 10/04, 10/11, and 10/18/2024.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018031
a. TDYP located at 862 La Senda Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910. b. tilldeathdoyoupart located at 862 La Senda Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Registrant: Kyle Nevan Abeysinghe, 862 La Senda Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 6/01/2019.
Signature: Kyle Nevan Abeysinghe. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/05/2024.
AJ 1503 09/06, 09/13, 09/20, and 09/27/2024 AJSD 1503
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017615
Invisi-Shield LLC located at 4114 Swift Ave Apt 1, San Diego, CA 92104. Registrant: Invisi-Shield LLC, 4114 Swift Ave Apt 1, San Diego, CA 92104. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/28/2024.
Signature: Jeremy Stoetzel. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/28/2024. AJ 1508 09/20, 09/27, 10/04, and 10/11/2024. AJSD 1508
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018575
El Sorullo Paletas y Mas located at 3306 Stockman St, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: David Figueroa, 3306 Stockman St, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: David Figueroa. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/12/2024. AJ 1513 09/20, 09/27, 10/04, and 10/11/2024. AJSD 1513
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9019217
Troy’s Trusses located at 8936 Troy St, Spring Valley, CA 91977. Registrant: a. Kevin Ariel Morales, 8936 Troy St, Spring Valley, CA 91977. b. Paulino Morales-Solis, 8936 Troy St, Spring Valley, CA 91977 This business is conducted by A General Partnership.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/20/2022.
Signature: Kevin Morales. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/23/2024. AJ 1520 09/27, 10/04, 10/11, and 10/18/2024.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9017915
KEM COFFEE AND BOBA located at 600 East 8th Street Ste 7, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Chan Dong Inc., 600 East 8th Street Ste 7, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/01/2024. Signature: Linh Du. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/03/2024. AJ 1504 09/13, 09/20, 09/27, 10/04/2024. AJSD 1504
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018602
Captured by Nate and Nicole located at 8684 New Salem Street Unit 163, San Diego, CA 92126. Registrant: Captured by Nate and Nicole LLC, 8684 New Salem Street Unit 163, San Diego, CA 92126. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Nathan A Cespedes. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/13/2024. AJ 1509 09/20, 09/27, 10/04, and 10/11/2024. AJSD 1509
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018737
SK Bakery House located at 710 Camino De La Reina, Apt 129, San Diego, CA 92108. Registrant: Silvia Fiorentini, 710 Camino De La Reina, Apt 129, San Diego, CA 92108. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Silvia Fiorentini. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/16/2024. AJ 1514 09/20, 09/27, 10/04, and 10/11/2024. AJSD 1514
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018760
Riri’s Kitchen located at 815 Hal St, San Diego, CA 92102.
Registrant: Lan Tuyet Nguyen, 815 Hal St, San Diego, CA 92102. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/20/2024.
Signature: Lan Tuyet Nguyen.
Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/16/2024. AJ 1521 09/27, 10/04, 10/11, and 10/18/2024. AJSD 1521
SAN DIEGO
Heart Evangelista wants Anne Curtis to attend more fashion events
by Jessica ann evanGelista Inquirer.net
IF there’s any local celebrity that fashion maven Heart Evangelista wants to grace more fashion events, it would be Anne Curtis, who the former said deserved to have her own “moment” in the high-stakes fashion scene.
On Tuesday, September 24, Evangelista uploaded a mini vlog on her “Day O” in Paris, showing her fittings with luxury brands, campaign photoshoots, and inbetween conversations with her team.
In one of the clips, the fashion influencer was seen scrolling through her Instagram feed when she saw Curtis’ post on her attendance at one of the shows in this year’s Milan Fashion Week. Ang cute, cute ni Anne,” expressed Evangelista. “Anne, I want you to have the moment… Dalian mo na, Anne, rampa ka na dito (Hurry up, Anne, come and grace the runway here).”
Evangelista also complimented the “It’s Showtime” host’s fashion week outfit, pointing out that they
Anne
have more in common than their having grown up under the show biz spotlight almost at the same time — they also have the same tastes in fashion that it felt like they were “twinning.”
On top of that, Evangelista said she admired Curtis “pure heart.”
“I really appreciate Anne; you know, when we were growing up, we were both in showbiz, and it was a little bit stressful,” she said.
“But then, as you age, you really discover she has such a pure heart so it’s so nice that we are okay, and we became good friends.”
“I should spend time with
Anne. She’s very nice; she’s very supportive; she’s a girl’s girl,” concluded the Kapuso star.
Curtis previously left a comment in one of Evangelista’s photos from Paris Fashion Week, simply writing, “Love!” followed by a red heart emoji, which received more than 1,000 likes from netizens as of writing.
In June, Evangelista and Curtis landed fourth and ninth spots, respectively, in the Top 20 Global Celebrities for all Fashion and Sportswear based on Launchmetrics Insights’ report on fashion marketing.
Alexa Ilacad reflects on motherhood in upcoming Unitel film ‘Mujigae’
POPULAR "Pinoy Big Brother"
host and actress Alexa Ilacad could not escape taking a closer look at what motherhood is all about while shooting the family drama "Mujigae," which opens in cinemas on October 9.
A cross-cultural narrative, Ilacad plays Sunny in the film, a woman tasked with caring for her half-Korean niece named Mujigae after the child's mother passes away. The 24-year-old celebrity admitted at a media conference that she could relate to her role's u PAGE 10
‘He should be heralded first’: Lea Salonga says Dolphy deserves to be National Artist
by Kathleen llemit Philstar.com
THEATRE star Lea Salonga emphatically said no when she was asked about her being named as a National Artist. Salonga, who recently had her own Madame Tussauds wax figure in Singapore, would instead like to champion Dolphy as one of the country's National Artists.
"No, no, no. No, there are folks who are far more deserving and whose National Artist Awards are long overdue," she said during the ambush interview with the press including Philstar. com after the award ceremony of the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining 2024 held on Friday, September 20 in Samsung Theater in Circuit Makati. Salonga was feted for her body of work and accomplishments in theater. The Broadway star
is a Tony- and Laurence Olivier awardee, as well as a nominee of the Grammy Awards. Beyond theater, Salonga was named a Disney legend in 2011 for work in some of Disney's well-loved titles, including "Mulan" and "Aladdin."
"I would love to see somebody like Dolphy, for example, it is because we have to judge him as an artist for his body of work," the Broadway legend said.
"And he has contributed so much, even the movies where he's crossdressing, it lends so much tolerance and so much acceptance for the LGBT community," she added.
The late Dolphy started his career as early as the Bodabil (vaudeville) days during the Japanese occupation in the country in the 1940s. He also dabbled into radio and transitioned to making films and TV shows.
Dolphy was known as the "King
Spotted in Singapore, Liza Soberano, Jeffrey Oh fuel new romance rumors
by Jan milo severo Philstar.com
ROMANCE rumors between Liza Soberano and James Reid's ex-business partner Jeffrey Oh sparked anew after they were seen together in Singapore recently.
Indonesian actress Raline Shah posted on her Instagram story her brief encounter with Liza.
“It was nice meeting you, most beautiful girl in the Philippines and the world for sure,” Raline told Liza.
At the end of the video, Jeffrey was seen at the back.
The video trended online as social media users speculated that Liza and Jeffrey are in a relationship.
Recently, Careless Music Chief Executive Officer James Reid revealed why he terminated Jeffrey from his company.
Reid said that they terminated Oh because Oh was arrested and detained by Bureau of Immigration because he had no legal documents to work in the country.
“There were many grounds, but the most basic, the most urgent was that, Jeff is a foreigner. At the time of the audit that we did, he did not have complete papers to be able to work in the Philippines. This was the reason why the immigration filed a complaint against him,” James' legal counsel Rodel De Guzman said.
Heart Evangelista (left) and
Curtis Photos from Instagram/@iamhearte, @annecurtissmith
Lea Salonga Photo from leasalonga.com
Liza Soberano and Jeffrey Oh Philstar.com photo of Comedy," starring in the movie
"Facifica Falayfay" and TV shows and their spin-offs of the same name, "Home Along Da Riles" and "John en Marsha." Comedy was Dolphy's strength,
Alexa Ilacad and child actress Ryrie Sophia Photo courtesy Of Unitel Straight Shooters
GMA Network’s ‘Firefly’ wins silver in Content Asia Awards ‘24
My P.E.P. (People,
BROADCAST media giant
GMA Network earned top honors for the Philippines at the Content Asia Awards 2024.
“Secret Slaves: The Jessica Soho Special Report on Human Trafficking” won the gold award in the Best Current Affairs Program Made in Asia for Regional Asia and/or International Markets category. Produced by GMA Public Affairs, the documentary examined the global issue of human trafficking through survivor testimonies and investigative reporting. The program was presented by the Philippines’ most awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho.
The critically acclaimed film “Firefly” added another win to its growing list of accolades with a silver award in the Best Asian Feature Film/Telemovie category. Produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, the film is about a young boy who searches for the mythical island of fireflies described in his mother’s bedtime stories. It stars Euwenn Mikaell and Alessandra de Rossi and is directed by Zig Dulay. Winning the bronze award in the Best Variety Program category is “All-Out Sundays.” The musical variety show is known for its non-stop entertainment every Sunday, giving Kapuso viewers dynamic musical performances and fun games led by various Kapuso talents.
* * *
Excerpt from a review by Robert Manuguid Silverio of “Juan Luna: Isang Sarsuela”: “No doubt about it, Vince Tanada and Johnrey Rivas once again stole the show in their great performances... And a writer who watched gave them both a standing ovation.
“Vince gave a very sensitive and enduring performance as the ‘alter-ego’ of Juan Luna. His delivery of the character was multi-dimensional, offering a wide variety of scopes and interpretations which was very hard to do, and a writer who watched gave him a solid salute. His character’s own version of killing his wife Paz and his mother-in-law was the one that the audience
believed. Thus, he was more credible than the ‘real Luna’ himself in that certain scene of violence. But Johnrey Rivas, who portrayed the real Luna, was so perplexing in many of his scenes, challenging the hearts and minds of the viewers, with his juicy angst, superb attacks and proper nuances. Johnrey was indeed a wonder.
“Malena Leonard as Nellie Bousted, coming from GMA Sparkle Artist Center, somehow convinced the followers of independent-minded people that mainstream artists, given a chance to perform in an independent performance setting, could also awe and impress. Her singing prowess was exquisite, like a nightingale singing at Berkeley Square.”
Soon, the Philippine Stagers Foundation will stage “San Vicente: Isang Sarsuela ,” written and directed by Atty. Vince M. Tanada and music by Pipo Cifra on September 24, 25 and 26, 2024 at Adamson University Theater.
* * *
Metropop, or the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival, was held every year from 1978 to 1985. It was the country’s pioneering songwriting competition which launched the careers of many Filipino singers and songwriters, including Freddie Aguilar, Ryan Cayabyab, and Odette Quesada, among others. Its main objective was the advancement of Filipino music, and its main proponent was Sen. Imee Marcos who steered the competition together with the late Teodoro “Ka Doroy” Valencia.
Many of the songs featured during the Metropop years are now considered Filipino music classics. “It is said that music can evoke emotional responses to relax or stimulate people or help them heal. During difficult times, people take refuge in music that brings back happy memories and raises their spirits,” says Senator Marcos, who hosts “At the Moment with Imee” every Sunday at 5 p.m. over One PH, Cignal TV Channel 1, SatLite TV Channel 1 and Cignal Play App.
*
* * At classy Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotel in Boracay’s Station 3, some celebrities who have been there are Ron Poe, Tom Taus, Antoinette Taus, Rita Avila and director FM Reyes. I was fortunate to meet some of their kind staff (Christy Reyes, Alden Moralda, Benjie Doydora, Gio Emmen, Razel Penaroyo, Drigs Oquendo, and supervisor Paul Panagsagan) who attended to my brief stay there. I will surely return to this place.
Guia Cruz Buenaventura, host of Coffee Tea on MHE, represented the Media House Express, the first internet TV in the Philippines.
* * * Peoples Television Network’s Audrey Gorriceta won as the best male host/anchor in the recent 2nd Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achiever 2024, while Jamin Lim won as the best event photographer.
* * * Awards Committee Chairman Nirro Marcelo said that the recent Sovereign Seal of Business Triumph & Remarkable Achievers Award 2024 at luxurious Dusit Thani Hotel Manila, was organized to recognize exceptional achievers and business leaders.
Likewise, he also emphasized that the 2nd Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers at The Hexagon Events Place in Quezon City was to celebrate the finest in the Philippine business community and acknowledge their exceptional contributions.
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
On December 8 at the Winford Resort and Casino in Manila, the 2nd Southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Awards will be held to recognize the accomplishments and contributions to the business sector, which will honor deserving individuals as well as companies.
* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
Ria Atayde gives birth to first child with Zanjoe Marudo
by hannah mallorca Inquirer.net
RIA Atayde is officially a mom with the birth of her first child six months after tying the knot with husband Zanjoe Marudo in March.
Marudo announced on Facebook that Atayde gave birth to their first child on Monday, Sept. 23. He didn’t disclose any more details about his wife’s birth, save for a video clip of a baby in a carriage being pushed by a nurse at an undisclosed hospital.
The video also contained the text, “09.23.24,” referring to the birth date of their child.
“Eto na! Officially Zaddy ka na Z (Here you go! You’re officially a Zaddy, Z),” he wrote.
The actor also shared the same video on his Instagram Story. Atayde reposted her husband’s short video on her Instagram Story as well.
While details on the couple’s first child are yet to be disclosed to the public, an ABS-CBN News report said the actress gave birth early morning of Sept. 23.
Atayde and Marudo said “I do” in a civil ceremony witnessed
hesitation to look after a kid, confessing that she was not particularly fond of children in real life for the longest time.
"That was until I had my own nieces. Honestly, they changed my life," Ilacad said in Filipino.
Working closely with child actress Ryrie Sophia further helped her get comfortable with little ones.
"After working with Ryrie, I realized that children are actually cute and fun to be around. I especially like Ryrie; I find her so fun to be with. She's so mature and were like friends on set," she added.
Reflecting on her experience filming the movie, Ilacad said she realized the many challenges of motherhood.
"My main takeaway is that it's really hard to be a mother. It takes so much selflessness. It made me ask myself, 'Could I ever do this?'" she pondered.
However, Ilacad emphasized that becoming a mother has yet to be part of her immediate plans.
"It's not something I'm thinking about right now. I want to focus on my career. I have big dreams, like saving more money and achieving stability. But maybe one day, if I'm stable enough and have the right partner, I will consider having a family," she noted.
Joining Ilacad in the cast of Mujigae is Korean actor Kim Ji Soo, who plays Ji Seong, the father of five-year-old Mujigae. Kim, who is signed with GMA Network's Sparkle Artists Center, adds a cross-cultural dimension to the film with his portrayal of a struggling single father in Korea. It also stars comedian Rufa Mae Quinto in a special role. Mujigae is directed by Randolph Longjas and produced by Unitel Straight Shooters, the same makers of the award-winning 2003 Sharon Cuneta-starrer, "Crying Ladies." The film will be released exclusively in SM Cinemas on October 9. (ManilaTimes.net)
Paul Panagsagan (behind the counter) and Rogelio Medina.
This year’s FAMAS best child actress Elia Ilano of “Ghost Tales” and best child actor Euwenn Mikaeli of “Firefly.”
From left: Christy Reyes, Alden Moralda, Benjie Doydora, Rogelio Medina and Gio Emmen. Not in photo are Razel Penaroyo and Drigs Oquendo.
Sen. Imee R. Marcos (right) with son Matthew Joseph Marcos Manotoc.
Guia Cruz Buenaventura (left) of Coffee Tea on MHE and Rogelio Medina. Photos courtesy of Rogelio C. Medina
From left: Rogelio Medina, Jamin Lim and Audrey Gorriceta.
Nirro Marcelo (standing, 5th from right) with the production staff during the 2nd Philippine Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers ceremony.
Vince M. Tañada’s “San Vicente, Isang Sarsuela” will be staged at Adamson University on Sept. 24-26.
Zanjoe Marudo and Ria Atayde Photo from Happy Folks Studio Inc. via Instagram/@ria
Philippine real estate market poised for growth: A prime opportunity for overseas Filipinos
shaRon ann Bathan-san PedRo
DESPITE a slower-thanexpected recovery in the early part of the year, the Philippine real estate market is now showing promising signs of growth for 2024. For overseas Filipinos looking to invest back home, this could mean better opportunities and returns in the coming months.
Demand drivers: What fuels growth?
The resurgence in demand for office spaces, particularly within the Metro Manila area, is being driven by key sectors: (data source: inq7.net)
• Business Process
Outsourcing (BPO): This sector remains a strong player, contributing 38% of the demand for office spaces in the metro.
• Online gaming: Another significant player, online gaming companies account for 19% of office space demand.
• Other industries: The remaining 43% comes from various industries, showing diversity in growth.
For investors, this trend highlights the importance of identifying properties near major business hubs, as demand for office spaces directly impacts nearby residential areas.
Township locations: The rise of areas outside Metro Manila
An interesting trend is the growing prominence of real estate developments outside of Metro Manila. In fact, 60% of township locations are now concentrated in provinces like Laguna, Cebu, Pampanga, and Cavite. These areas are rapidly urbanizing, offering potential investors a chance to tap into emerging markets with less competition than Metro Manila. With the growth of township developments and business centers in these regions, overseas investors should
consider properties in key provinces. Not only do they offer competitive pricing, but they are also positioned for long-term value appreciation.
Resilience amid global challenges
Even with global economic uncertainty, the Philippine real estate market remains resilient.
Using the metrics set by the McKinsey Report, the country has achieved what is referred to as a “soft landing,” avoiding severe economic pitfalls that could have impacted growth.
In 2024, the real estate sector is expected to maintain this upward trajectory, buoyed by favorable conditions such as controlled inflation and sustained economic expansion.
For overseas Filipinos looking to invest, this resilience is a key factor. The Philippine real estate market, especially in residential, township, and mixed-use developments, has proven to weather financial downturns better than many other regions.
The rise of residential prices and opportunities
As noted in recent data, residential property prices, particularly for housing units and condominiums, have been on the rise. This is a positive indicator for potential investors, as rising property values often signal strong demand and a thriving market. For 2024, analysts expect further increases in housing prices due to limited supply in key urban areas like Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
With this continued upward trend, now could be the ideal time for overseas Filipinos to consider investing in the Philippine housing market.
Whether it’s for personal use or rental purposes, properties bought today are expected to yield higher returns in the future.
Better prospects for investors
The Philippine government’s focus on improving infrastructure and developing smart cities further enhances the outlook for real estate.
With better transportation, accessibility, and services, areas
Next phase of construction at Mira Mesa Community Park kicks off $55M project includes new aquatic complex and all-wheel plaza
SAN DIEGO – On Wednesday, September 25, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and City Councilmember Kent Lee joined City staff and community members to celebrate the start of construction on the second phase of a major improvement project at Mira Mesa Community Park.
“The Mira Mesa community has waited more than 20 years for these park improvements, and I’m proud to say that we are finally getting it done,” said Mayor Gloria. “Today, we are breaking ground on the next phase of the Mira Mesa Community Park improvements, bringing long-overdue amenities like an aquatic complex, a plaza designed for bikes, skateboards, scooters and wheelchairs, and upgraded recreation facilities. We are delivering on our promise to ensure every San Diegan has access to quality parks and recreational facilities.”
The project will redevelop the existing park space to include a new aquatic complex, an allwheel plaza, two children’s play areas, two multi-use sports courts, open grass areas, a public art piece, a parking lot, ADAaccessible walkways, lighting, landscaping and irrigation. The aquatic complex will have a 14-lane competition pool, an activity pool and a splash pad and the all-wheel plaza allows access for skateboarders, roller skaters and riders of scooters, bikes and wheelchairs.
With a total cost of $55 million, the park project also includes renovations to the existing Mira Mesa Recreation Center, like installing new heating ventilation and air conditioning, replacing damaged wood and finishes, and repainting the building’s exterior.
“Our community has been looking forward to these park upgrades for so long, and now we can finally see progress being made,” said Councilmember Lee. “From a new competition-sized aquatic complex and much-needed renovations to the recreation center to upgraded playgrounds and ball fields as well as new public plazas, Mira Mesa is receiving the investments it has long deserved. I am grateful for the work and advocacy of
outside traditional city centers are expected to become more attractive for homebuyers and investors.
For Filipinos abroad, this represents a unique opportunity to secure properties at a time when prices are still on the rise, but before they reach their peak. Properties in emerging areas, such as Pampanga or Laguna, might provide the best balance between affordability and growth potential.
At SAB Realty, we understand the challenges and opportunities of investing from abroad. Whether you’re looking to buy a family home, diversify your investment portfolio, or prepare for retirement, we provide expert guidance to help you make informed decisions.
For more information and personalized assistance, contact SAB Realty. We're here to help you navigate the evolving landscape of Philippine real estate with confidence.
* * *
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.
* * * Sharon Ann Bathan-San Pedro, a licensed real estate broker in the Philippines for nine years, is also a member of NAR (National Association of Realtors in America). For inquiries, questions, or are interested in buying or selling a property, please feel free to reach out via email at sab.sanpedro@gmail. com or call PH 0917-8237796 (Whatsapp and Viber) USA (909) 4131480 (Viber).
County Animal Services reports for animal heroes duty
AT the height of the now 95 percent contained Airport Fire, County Animal Services answered a mutual aid request to help evacuate animals and work at a shelter where families with animals had been evacuated in Riverside County.
“We are deeply committed to supporting both animals and the people who love them during challenging times. By coming together as a community, we ensure that no one faces these crises alone. Just as we are here to help when others are in need, we know they would extend the same care and support to us in our time of need,” said County Animal Services Director Vaughn Maurice. The department sent both animal control officers and animal care attendants. Two officers helped evacuate and transport animals from affected areas, so their owners could focus on their own safety.
Meanwhile, animal attendants Manny Salazar and Portia Peters were stationed at a Red Cross Shelter at Temescal Canyon High School providing care for the displaced pets and their distressed families.
Salazar, who has worked for the county for 15 years, reported to the Lake Elsinore shelter on Sept. 12 where he lived and worked for the next three days. He helped people with their pet care and did his best to keep animals feeling calm and safe.
“The (evacuated residents) looked tired, worried and
devastated. The last thing they wanted to do was to worry about their pets,” Salazar said. “I wanted to do anything to help.”
He worked the graveyard shift helping take dogs for walks, feeding them and letting them socialize when possible.
“I was dealing with scared dogs. They would eventually go to sleep, but the cats were the most upset,” he said. “At one point, the cats were keeping the dogs up at night crying. I’m a huge cat person so I felt so bad for the cats.”
Salazar moved their crates into his tent and “positioned them so they could see me and put on an audiobook for them. I would keep my fingers in their
crate
He started with 15 dogs and cats, and when Salazar was released from his duties on Monday, Sept. 16 they were down to 8 and were getting ready to close the shelter in the next few days.
Wildfires are a year-round threat in San Diego County, visit County Animal Services for information on pet emergency preparedness. County Animal Services’ top priority is to protect the health, safety
local community leaders and excited to break ground on this important project.”
Mira Mesa Community Park is more than 28 acres and is divided into two areas by New Salem Street. An approximately 11-acre park sits north of New Salem Street and was improved as part of Phase I of the Mira Mesa Community Park Improvements project. The work was completed in 2018 and included new baseball fields, a children’s play area, a comfort station and a parking lot.
The remaining 17-acre park south of New Salem Street is being redeveloped in Phase II of the project. A third phase of this project is being planned and is expected to focus on expanding the size and amenities of the Mira Mesa Recreation Center. There’s currently no timeline for Phase III as a funding source has not yet been identified.
“We are thrilled to get the second phase of the Mira Mesa Community Park Improvements project under construction and move one step closer to delivering these much-needed upgrades to this community,” said Luis Schaar, Acting Director of the Engineering and Capital Projects Department. “This project couldn’t have reached this stage without significant community support and input during the design phase. We can’t wait to bring their vision to life with amenities for all ages, like the aquatic complex and all-wheel plaza, which will serve residents for decades to come.”
Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026. For additional information regarding the Mira Mesa Community Park Phase II project, visit sandiego.gov/ MiraMesaCP.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department manages over 40,000 acres of park assets, including more than 400 parks, 26 miles of shoreline, 60 recreation centers, 15 pools, 13 skate parks and plazas and three golf courses. For additional information regarding the city’s park system, visit the Parks and Recreation webpage at https:// www.sandiego.gov/parks-andrecreation.
(City of San Diego Release)
(Yvette Urrea Moe/County of San Diego Communications Office)
Supervising Animal Care Attendant Manny Salazar poses with an evacuated husky after taking him for some exercise at a shelter in Riverside. Photo courtesy of County News Center
