WIth the presidential elections just three weeks away, voters and election officials nationwide are facing historically high threats to voting access. these threats include new state voting restrictions, misinformation, voter roll purges and political violence.
Political violence
“You’d have to go back to the 1960s and ‘70s to see anything like the hotbed of political violence we’re in now,” said Dr. robert Pape, political science professor at the University of Chicago, at a friday, october 18 ethnic media services briefing about voting access threats.
As director of the Chicago Project on security and threats (CPost), Pape and his colleagues found that since 2001, the average number of Department of Justiceprosecuted threats increased fivefold to 19.5 under President trump, and even higher to
WheN Pam mcClure learned she’d save nearly $4,000 on her prescription drugs next year, she said, “it sounded too good to be true.” she and her husband are both retired and live on a “very strict” budget in central North Dakota.
By the end of this year, she will have spent almost $6,000 for her medications, including a drug to control her diabetes.
mcClure, 70, is one of about 3.2 million people with medicare prescription drug insurance whose out-of-pocket medication costs will be capped at $2,000 in 2025 because of the Biden administration’s 2022 Inflation reduction Act, according to an Avalere/AArP study.
“It’s wonderful — oh my gosh. We would actually be able to live,” mcClure said. “I might be able to afford fresh fruit in the wintertime.”
the IrA, a climate and health care law that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala harris promote on the campaign trail as one of their administration’s greatest
Biden, Harris honor Fil-Am History Month
UNIteD states President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala harris extended their greetings for filipino American history month, recognizing the contributions of filipino Americans to the country. Biden acknowledged that “since our founding, filipinos and filipino Americans have enriched the very essence of who we are as a people.” they are the
concluded that “Dreamers and doers like you embody the possibilities of this great Nation—and that is a big part of the reason why I have never been more optimistic about our future.” for her part, Vice President harris said during this month, "we uplift the stories of filipinos and filipino Americans — an integral part of the story of America.”
senate preference survey
seN. Bong Go led a recent senate preference baseline survey conducted by Publicus Asia Inc. with 5 percent of the votes.
In a statement, Publicus said while certain candidates have gained early support, a significant portion of voters remain undecided and open to change.
It said the "unaided test was part of the survey where respondents were asked to name their top-of-mind senatorial candidate."
the survey was conducted from october 16 to 17 with 1,500 respondents randomly
drawn from the market research panel of over 200,000 registered filipino voters. the survey firm said sen. risa hontiveros "emerged as the most prominent name in the survey due to her leadership in the senate investigation into illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations." however, she is not running for reelection in 2025 since her term ends in 2028.
Go was followed by a four-way tie among cardiologist and health advocate Doc Willie ong, former senators manny Pacquiao and Vicente sotto III, and sagip party-list rep. rodante marcoleta, who all got 4 percent. Go was the top pick in mindanao with 12 percent, while Pacquiao followed at 8
to appear before Senate panel
e tamayo
and Bernadette
ManilaTimes.net
former President rodrigo Duterte will attend the senate hearing on his administration's bloody war on drugs on monday, october 28, senate President francis escudero said tuesday, october 22.
In a press conference, escudero assured the former chief executive that he would be accorded the utmost courtesy as a former president of the country and as a former member of Congress. escudero did not say,
however, if mr. Duterte could be cited in contempt if he refuses to answer questions from any of the senators, but he said he doesn't want this to happen. on friday, october 18, escudero declared that the hearings on the drug war would be handled by the senate Blue ribbon Committee rather than the senate Committee of the Whole, as proposed by sen. risa hontiveros.
Pimentel on tuesday rejected a call to have senators ronald Dela rosa and Bong Go — who were alleged to have played a part in the war on drugs — inhibit themselves from the senate investigation next week. the Akbayan Party-list had called on Dela rosa and Go to take an indefinite leave amid the scheduled senate probe. retired police colonel royina Garma testified during the house of representatives' quad committee hearings on Duterte's anti-drug campaign that Dela rosa and Go had a role in the reward system for policemen by Javier Joe ismael
senate minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III is scheduled to preside over monday's hearing, even though sen. Pia Cayetano is the chairman of the panel.
Based on the 2020 U.s.
filipinos make up the third largest Asian-American group with a 4.4 million population. on monday, october 21, the White house Initiative on Asian Americans, Native hawaiians and Pacific Islanders held a fil-Am history month celebration, which featured Nani Coloretti, deputy director of the office of management and Budget, who is the highest-ranking fil-Am in the Biden-harris administration; rep. Bobby scott (D-VA), who is of fil-Am descent; and former U.s. Undersecretary of u PAGE 2
mANILA — President ferdinand marcos Jr. smiled and walked away when asked about Vice President sara Duterte’s accusation that he does not know how to be president. reporters tried to get marcos’ comment on Duterte’s accusation at the celebration of the Philippine Coast Guard’s 123rd anniversary in Port Area, manila on tuesday, october 22. In a press conference last friday, october 18, Duterte said the Philippines was on the “road to hell” as marcos does not know how to do his job. she also said she was blamed several times for the country’s current situation because she chose not to run for president in the 2022 elections. Duterte also claimed she had a list of impeachable offenses that could remove marcos from office, but she did not disclose what these offenses were. reporters also sought comment from the office of the President but received no response. n
mANILA — the Department of foreign Affairs (DfA) has not yet received any request from the United states government to extradite televangelist Apollo Quiboloy who is wanted in the U.s. for alleged sex trafficking. the U.s.’ federal Bureau of Investigation in 2022 placed Quiboloy, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader, in its wanted list. he was indicted in November 2021 by a federal grand jury
U.s. district court in California for "conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion." Quiboloy on Wednesday, october 23, attended, upon orders from the Pasig and Quezon City courts, the senate inquiry on his alleged abuses against some KoJC members. several of his alleged victims – mostly women – faced him, personally and through online, during the public hearing. foreign Affairs secretary
Against access threats, ensuring votes...
21.6 under President Biden. most of this violence revolves around support or criticism of Donald trump, and mass support and publicity is nudging volatile would-be attackers to act out,” he explained. “much of it is also motivated by the ‘Great replacement’ theory that the country’s white population is being replaced by other ethnic groups.”
recent political violence includes assassination plots and attempts against major political figures like supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in may 2022, house speaker Nancy Pelosi in october 2022, President Joe Biden in June 2023, former President Barack obama in september 2023 and former President trump in July and september 2024.
Alongside these are politically motivated mass shootings like the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting in september 2018; the el Paso, texas Walmart shooting in August 2019; and the Buffalo, New York supermarket shooting in may 2022.
A september 2024
CPost survey of over 2,200
demographically representative
Americans found 5.8% saying political violence was justified to restore trump to the presidency and 8% saying it was justified to prevent him from being president — amounting to 15 million and 21 million Americans on the national scale, respectively.
“If trump loses, the violence could actually get worse,” said Pape. “A third of respondents already own guns … While election Day itself is a danger point, it may get worse afterward because of state vote counting and certification schedules, especially in swing states where losing even 3% of ballots could throw the outcome into chaos.” however, the CPost survey also found that 84% of Democrats and 76% of republicans — collectively amounting to 200 million Americans on the national scale — supported a bipartisan Congressional coalition against political violence.
the political violence prevention strategy we’ve been seeing the most traction with is not to have our political
leadership become therapists getting people to talk out their anger, but helping people redirect their anger away from violence and toward voting,” added Pape.
Voter suppression
“Voter suppression doesn’t involve states putting up giant signs that say you can’t vote. It involves less overt ways to make it just a little too hard for some people to get to the ballot box, like a death by 1,000 cuts,” said Andrew Garber, a voting rights and elections counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice. these measures include laws that shorten deadlines for voter registration, early voting and mail ballot requests; laws that make it harder for organizations to help people register to vote; understaffing or closing polling centers; and limiting the ability of local election administrators to help voters use ballots.
Between 2020 and 2024, at least 30 states have passed an unprecedented 78 restrictive voting laws — nearly double the laws passed in the prior eight years. the years between 2016 to 2020 saw 27 such laws, while 2013 to 2016 saw 17. the most common type of voting restriction law in recent years involves mail voting.
“2020 saw an explosion of people voting by mail due to the pandemic, and these restrictions have particularly fallen on communities of color,” Garber explained. “In Georgia, for instance, previously, primarily white voters voted by mail. In 2020, that flipped toward voters of color … In January 2021, the Georgia legislature reconvened and, as one of its top priorities, passed a law that made it harder to vote by mail.”
to justify these restrictions, the claim legislators make over and over is that our elections have widespread fraud — and that’s untrue,” he added.
A 2016 Brennan Center survey of 44 election administrators overseeing 23.5 million votes across 42 states saw 30 incidents of suspected noncitizen voting, or .0001% of all votes. the U.s. has some of the most secure elections in the world. It’s not the actual infrastructure
apparatus. It’s more about people’s ability to access it,” said Celina stewart, Ceo of the League of Women Voters (LWV).
Ensuring voter access
What can voters do?
first and foremost, register to vote,” continued stewart.
“With voter roll purges, it’s important to update and check your registration, especially if you move or change your name to get around potential long wait times on election Day, learn about early and mail in-voting opportunities in your state.”
Local polling locations, voter registration, mail-in and early voting resources, candidate information, campaign finance information and ballot guides are available in english and spanish through the LWV hub Vote411.
LWV chapters also hold question-and-answer forums with local candidates in jurisdictions nationwide.
“Nothing is better than being able to hear directly from a candidate answering your questions about the issues you care about,” said stewart. “When we vote for our leaders, we’re choosing the people who will make decisions that impact how we engage in the world day-today, whether that’s health care, jobs or climate change — like the impact of the recent hurricane in the south.”
Fighting voter restrictions in Arizona
“Arizona has the most extreme requirements in the country for providing proof of citizenship when registering to vote in state and local elections,” said may tiwamangkala, advocacy director at Arizona Asian American Native hawaiian and Pacific Islander for equity (AZ AANhPI), the only AAPI civic engagement organization in the state. they passed this requirement back in 2004. this year, the fact that registrants who registered before 2004 did not provide citizenship led to 98,000 people being taken off the voter roll,” she continued. of these people, one was found to be a non-citizen — 0.00001% of the 98,000 — and they had never voted. “the ‘non-citizens voting’ u PAGE 5
Biden, Harris honor Fil-Am...
the Air force Gina ortiz Jones. other prominent fil-Am personalities and community leaders were present at the celebration, such as former White house chef Cris Comerford, social media influencer and beauty entrepreneur Patrick starr, and Carlyle Nuera, mattel designer who released a second filipina Barbie for this year’s filAm history month celebration. filipino American history month is celebrated every october, commemorating the first recorded presence of filipinos in what is now the United states in 1587. the filipino American National
historical society (fANhs) first established october as filipino American history month in 1991 to honor the contributions of filipino Americans and to raise awareness about their history, culture, and experiences. Congress formally recognized the observance in 2009. this year’s theme announced by fANhs is “struggle, resistance, solidarity, and resilience.” the theme serves as a reminder of the challenges that filipino Americans have faced, from labor exploitation and racial discrimination to political marginalization, and their enduring spirit in overcoming these obstacles.
some historic events include 100 year-anniversary since the 1924 hawaii sugar strikes and hanapepe massacre, 50 years since the election of thelma Buchholdt, the first fil-Am legislator in the U.s., and 25 years since the murder of Joseph Ileto, a postal carrier who was killed by a white supremacist in the Los Angeles area. "from the painful to the triumphant, all of these moments contribute to a cumulative filipino American history. We encourage our communities to reflect on our history and celebrate our collective love and joy,” fANhs said in a statement. n
Medicare drug plans are getting better...
accomplishments, radically redesigned medicare’s drug benefit, called Part D, which serves about 53 million people 65 and older or with disabilities. the administration estimates that about 18.7 million people will save about $7.4 billion next year alone due to the cap on out-of-pocket spending and less publicized changes.
the annual enrollment period for medicare beneficiaries to renew or switch drug coverage or to choose a medicare Advantage plan began oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. medicare Advantage is the commercial alternative to traditional government-run medicare and covers medical care and often prescription drugs. medicare’s stand-alone drug plans, which cover medicines typically taken at home, are also administered by private insurance companies.
“We always encourage beneficiaries to really look at the plans and choose the best option for them,” Chiquita Brooks-Lasure, who heads the Centers for medicare & medicaid services, told Kff health News. “And this year in particular it’s important to do that because the benefit has changed so much.”
Improvements to medicare drug coverage required by the IrA are the most sweeping changes since Congress added the benefit in 2003, but most voters don’t know about them, Kff surveys have found. And some beneficiaries may be surprised by a downside: premium increases for some plans.
Cms said sept. 27 that nationwide the average medicare drug plan premium fell about $1.63 a month — about 4% — from last year. “People enrolled in a medicare Part D plan will continue to see stable premiums and will have ample choices of affordable Part D plans,” Cms said in a statement.
however, an analysis by Kff a health information nonprofit that includes Kff health News, found that “many insurers are increasing premiums” and that large insurers including Unitedhealthcare and Aetna also reduced the number of plans they offer.
many Part D insurers’ initial 2025 premium proposals were even higher. to cushion the price shock, the Biden administration created what it calls a demonstration program to pay insurers $15 extra a month per beneficiary if they agreed to limit premium increases to no more than $35.
“In the absence of this demonstration, premium increases would certainly have been larger,” Juliette Cubanski, deputy director of the Program on medicare Policy at Kff, wrote in her oct. 3 analysis.
Nearly every Part D insurer
agreed to the arrangement.
republicans have criticized it, questioning Cms’ authority to make the extra payments and calling them a political ploy in an election year. Cms officials say the government has taken similar measures when implementing other medicare changes, including under President George W. Bush, a republican.
In California, for example, Wellcare’s popular Value script plan went from 40 cents a month to $17.40. the Value script plan in New York went from $3.70 a month to $38.70, a more than tenfold hike — and precisely a $35 increase.
Cubanski identified eight plans in California that raised their premiums exactly $35 a month. Kff health News found that premiums went up for at least 70% of drug plans offered in California, texas, and New York and for about half of plans in florida and Pennsylvania — the five states with the most medicare beneficiaries.
spokespeople for Wellcare and its parent company, Centene Corp., did not respond to requests for comment. In a statement this month, Centene’s senior vice president of clinical and specialty services, sarah Baiocchi, said Wellcare would offer the Value script plan with no premium in 43 states.
In addition to the $2,000 drug spending limit, the IrA caps medicare copayments for most insulin products at no more than $35 a month and allows medicare to negotiate prices of some of the most expensive drugs directly with pharmaceutical companies.
It will also eliminate one of the drug benefit’s most frustrating features, a gap known as the “donut hole,” which suspends coverage just as people face growing drug costs, forcing them to pay the plan’s full price for drugs out-of-pocket until they reach a spending threshold that changes from year to year.
the law also expands eligibility for “extra help” subsidies for about 17 million low-income people in medicare drug plans and increases the amount of the subsidy. Drug companies will be required to chip in to help pay for it.
starting Jan. 1, the redesigned drug benefit will operate more like other private insurance policies. Coverage begins after patients pay a deductible, which will be no more than $590 next year. some plans offer a smaller or no deductible, or exclude certain drugs, usually inexpensive generics, from the deductible.
After beneficiaries spend $2,000 on deductibles and copayments, the rest of their Part D drugs are free. that’s because the IrA raises the share of the bill picked up by insurers and pharmaceutical
companies. the law also attempts to tamp down future drug price hikes by limiting increases to the consumer price inflation rate, which was 3.4% in 2023. If prices rise faster than inflation, drugmakers have to pay medicare the difference.
“Before the redesign, Part D incentivized drug price increases,” said Gina Upchurch, a pharmacist and the executive director of senior PharmAssist, a Durham, North Carolina, nonprofit that counsels medicare beneficiaries. “the way it is designed now places more financial obligations on the plans and manufacturers, pressuring them to help control prices.”
Another provision of the law allows beneficiaries to pay for drugs on an installment plan, instead of having to pay a hefty bill over a short period of time. Insurers are supposed to do the math and send policyholders a monthly bill, which will be adjusted if drugs are added or dropped.
Along with big changes brought by the IrA, medicare beneficiaries should prepare for the inevitable surprises that come when insurers revise their plans for a new year. In addition to raising premiums, insurers can drop covered drugs and eliminate pharmacies, doctors, or other services from the provider networks beneficiaries must use. missing the opportunity to switch plans means coverage will renew automatically, even if it costs more or no longer covers needed drugs or preferred pharmacies. most beneficiaries are locked into medicare drug and Advantage plans for the year unless Cms gives them a “special enrollment period.”
“We do have a system that is run through private health plans,” Cms chief Brooks-Lasure said. But she noted that beneficiaries “have the ability to change their plans.”
But many don’t take the time to compare dozens of plans that can cover different drugs at different prices from different pharmacies — even when the effort could save them money. In 2021, only 18% of medicare Advantage drug plan enrollees and 31% of stand-alone drug plan members checked their plan’s benefits and costs against competitors’, Kff researchers found.
For
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10 Actions to Take Charge of Your Personal Finances
W
ith the holiday season around the corner, now is an opportune time to take stock of your personal finances and get ahead of your New Year’s resolutions for 2025. No matter what turn the economy, elections and markets take, there are actions you can take to help optimize your personal finances.
Here are ten actions to help you take charge of your personal finances, assessing your current standing and taking the right steps toward setting yourself up for success in 2025.
1. Create a Wealth Plan: Develop a comprehensive wealth plan to ensure your personal and financial goals are well-aligned with your available resources. Tools like J.P. Morgan’s propriety planning tool, Wealth Plan, can help clearly see your risk exposure and cash flows to achieve your goals.
2. Hold the Right Amount of Cash: With expected interest rate cuts, ensure you have the right amount of cash on hand, and consider yield opportunities that match your time horizon and liquidity needs.
3. Maximize Investment Opportunities: Volatility may resurface during election season. Stay invested for your long-term goals and evaluate opportunities to invest excess cash.
4. Complete the annual “to-dos”: This includes funding retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s, taking RMDs, and making annual exclusion gifts to take advantage of tax benefits.
5. Review your life insurance policies: Ensure your life insurance coverage is adequate to protect your loved ones. Update beneficiaries and consider whether additional coverage is needed.
6. Increase your portfolio’s tax efficiency: Implement strategies to minimize taxes on your investments, such as tax-loss harvesting and utilizing tax-advantaged accounts.
7. Review Your Asset Ownership Designations: Ensure your assets are properly titled to reflect your current wishes and potentially provide tax benefits.
8. Plan your charitable giving: Develop a charitable giving strategy that aligns with your values and maximizes tax benefits. Consider donor-advised funds or charitable trusts.
9. Host a Family Meeting: Discuss money and family values with your family members. Align on values, disclose age-appropriate information, and build financial literacy skills.
10. Be Cybersafe in a Changing World: Enhance your cybersecurity measures to protect against scams and deepfakes. Verify contacts, use safe words, and be cautious with links and attachments.
By taking these steps, you can better navigate the uncertainties of the economy and markets, and set yourself up for financial success in 2025. For more personalized advice, consider consulting with a financial advisor who can help tailor these actions to your specific situation.
In North Central Luzon, ong held a 7 percent lead. In the National Capital region, returning senators Paolo Benigno Aquino IV and francis Pangilinan were the respondents' "top of mind
with 7 percent and 6 percent, respectively."
the Publicus said the survey showed that five to seven out of 10 voters who named candidates such as Go, ong, sotto, marcoleta, Pangilinan, Aquino, returning senator Panfilo Lacson, and sen. ronald
Dela rosa were "unlikely to change their votes."
however, Pacquiao, sens. Imee marcos and Bong revilla, as well as senatorial aspirant erwin tulfo, "have a larger number of supporters who are still undecided and could potentially shift their choices as the election approaches."
Publicus also said that when respondents were shown a list of senatorial candidates, newcomers ong (41 percent) and tulfo (40 percent) topped the survey, along with Ben tulfo (33 percent) and Aquino (27 percent).
these new faces were joined by eight in the top 12, including sotto (38 percent), Lacson (38 percent), Go (35 percent), Pia Cayetano (33 percent), Pacquiao (32 percent), Pangilinan (30 percent), marcos (30 percent), and Dela rosa (26 percent), it added.
"Despite the strong early showings for several candidates, the survey reveals that 45 percent of voters remain undecided and are likely to change their preferences in the lead-up to the may 2025 elections," Publicus said. n
SEN. Bong Go led a recent Senate preference baseline survey conducted by Publicus Asia Inc. with 5 percent of the votes. ManilaTimes.net file photo
NOT LOOKING GOOD. Dark clouds seen from the Ortigas Central Business District, located within the joint boundaries of Pasig, Mandaluyong and Quezon City, on Tuesday afternoon, October 22. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
DAteline PhiliPPines
Comelec urges lawmakers: Overhaul party-list system
by rhodina ViLLanuEVa Philstar.com
mANILA — the Commission on elections called on lawmakers to push for the complete overhaul of republic Act (rA) 7941 or the Party-List system Act to address the concerns of different sectors, especially the marginalized.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said amending the law would make it more responsive to the requirements of party-list representation.
“In my opinion, it should be given a complete overhaul so that it can reflect the decisions of the supreme Court, concerns on marginalized and underrepresented would be reflected, address qualification of nominees and even (check) how to compute their representation in Congress,” Garcia said on friday, october 18.
“We really hope that it will be updated, revised, amended and fixed, this party-list system, especially since it was passed way back in 1995,” he added.
Garcia said the overhaul is necessary since all the partylist groups, their nominees and even the Comelec are facing numerous criticisms.
by ELizabEth MarCELo Philstar.com
mANILA — education
secretary sonny Angara has admitted that the Department of education (Deped) does not have enough funds to address the classroom shortage nationwide.
In an interview with reporters on the sidelines of the 50th Philippine Business Conference and expo in Pasay City tuesday, october 22, Angara admitted that he cannot give a timeline on the Deped’s target to construct 165,000 classrooms in public schools nationwide to address the shortage, saying the agency is still looking for potential sources of funds.
“We are not sure because we are still fully developing our PPP (public-private partnership) proposals,” Angara said.
he said it is harder to attract investors for classroom construction as compared to
by Catherine s valente ManilaTimes.net
PresIDeNt ferdinand marcos Jr. on Wednesday, october 23 ordered the activation of the enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (eDCA) sites across the country for the relief and rescue operations in areas affected by tropical storm Kristine.
Armed forces chief romeo Brawner Jr. said that the United states was ready to deploy its planes to the eDCA sites to help in the relief operations.
"In terms of the airlift capability, we already have alerted most of our aircraft. But yesterday (tuesday, oct. 22), we also coordinated with our U.s. counterparts, and they are ready to send in their aircraft using our eDCA sites," Brawner said. the AfP is ready to "establish our multinational coordinating centers" to accommodate other countries willing to help in disaster response efforts, he added.
“the issues, the problems and the criticisms being thrown to party-list organizations are all rooted in this law that is being implemented by the Comelec,” Garcia said. rA 7941 was signed into law by then-president fidel ramos in march 1995. the law aims to promote proportional representation in the house of representatives through a party-list system of registered parties or organizations of filipinos belonging to marginalized and underrepresented sectors.
investors for other infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges, which are seen as more profitable investments.
“What is clear to us right now is that we can’t do it under the General Appropriations Act (for 2025) and under our current budget,” Angara said. of the Deped’s P793.17billion recently approved budget for 2025, a huge chunk will be allocated to maintenance and other operating expenses of elementary and secondary schools (P49.76 billion); government assistance and subsidies (P40.51 billion) and creation of new school personnel positions (P34 billion). only P29.3 billion will be allocated for basic education facilities, which includes the construction of classrooms. meanwhile, Angara said Deped is also looking into the possibility of allowing the use of artificial intelligence and even including lessons on its proper
Critics of the law argue that it is being exploited by political aspirants who do not genuinely represent the marginalized and underrepresented sector. n
shortage’
utilization under the mAtAtAG basic education curriculum.
In another development, Kabataan party-list rep. raoul manuel yesterday rejected the proposal of the Deped to exclude affluent students from the free college education program. he said what needs to be done is to strengthen the public education system “rather than limiting beneficiaries.” meanwhile, the Department of science and technology has opened the application for the 2025 Dost-science education Institute (seI) undergraduate scholarships. the deadline for submission is on Nov. 22, with in-person pen and paper qualifying examination tentatively scheduled on April 5-6, 2025 at various test centers. the Commission on higher education has urged higher education institutions in Australia to offer programs or set up schools in the country. n
Rodrigo Duterte to appear before...
who killed drug suspects during operations. Both senators have denied the accusation.
Pimentel, chairman of the senate Committee on Justice, said their presence should not affect the credibility of the probe. they are not going to preside.
And we have to encourage other senators to show interest in the probe," Pimentel said in a text message on tuesday.
Asked what role Dela rosa and Go could play in the hearing, Pimentel said, "they will be given time [to ask questions]." he said the senators could anticipate the issues against them and answer these allegations.
Dela rosa has said Duterte would attend the senate hearings, but Pimentel said he would not be called first. he said Duterte "can give his immediate reaction after hearing first the issues raised against his administration's war on drugs."
Pimentel wanted to allow first
the families of the drug war victims and Garma to testify. "We should first hear the issues against the war on drugs. Because the only reason why we conduct hearings was because there must be some issues. If it's a perfectly run government program, then we will have no issues."
Last week, escudero said the nature of the issues to be raised makes the Blue ribbon Committee the logical choice. he added that he would prefer the hearing begin during the congressional break so that the senate can give its full attention to the debates on the 2025 national budget when it is back in session.
"this timing is important because Congress must pass the proposed national budget for 2025 before the year ends to prevent a reenacted budget," he said.
he said the Blue ribbon Committee has the authority to conduct motu propio
investigations even while Congress is in recess.
escudero said Duterte's presence on monday would be significant because this would be the first time he attended any hearing related to his actions while in office.
escudero, meanwhile, ruled out a joint hearing with the house quad committee, saying congressional rules do not provide for the conduct of a joint investigation by two separate houses.
on monday, october 21, house quad committee lead co-chairman rep. robert Ace Barbers proposed that the senate and the house of representatives conduct a joint investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration's war on drugs.
No extradition request yet from US...
sister agencies in government."
speaking to reporters after the situation briefing at the National Disaster risk reduction and management Council (NDrrmC), the president said that eDCA sites must be used by the Armed forces of the Philippines (AfP) to airlift relief goods, personnel and equipment, especially in areas with impassable road networks.
"Again, we included all of the different agencies, of course, the NDrrmC led by the DND (Department of National Defense). And they are prepared to provide, number one from the AfP, airlift kasi 'yung mga kalsada hindi pa madaanan (because roads are impassable)," marcos said.
"And number two, they are continuing — the AfP is also continuing to monitor the situation so that we will be able to activate the eDCA sites, which were put there specifically for this purpose," he added.
the president assured the public that government personnel would be deployed as soon as possible to areas severely affected by the inclement weather.
marcos also pointed out that all departments "seem to be well prepared" to address the storm's impacts.
"We have some budgeting issues simply because we have so many storms passing us. ... It's okay, but that's not something that we should worry about because we will be able to remedy that," he added.
signed in 2014, the eDCA provides for filipino and American soldiers to train together and allows the U.s. to build facilities and preposition military supplies, and equipment inside strategically located bases in the country.
During the same briefing,
Defense secretary Gilberto teodoro Jr. said that the Philippine government was coordinating with southeast Asian neighbors such as singapore "to marshal their capabilities for airlift and other manpower assistance that they can pitch in.
the defense chief said he plans to talk to "traditional partners" in anticipation of the need for assistance in airlift and rescue efforts.
"We have to establish first the protocols before the actual deployment of military assets. With singapore, I already talked to Ambassador (Constance) see, and then we are reaching out to Brunei, Indonesia, and malaysia as the closest neighbors, in addition to partner nations," teodoro said.
meanwhile, the Department of social Welfare and Development (DsWD) assured marcos and the public that it has enough family food packs prepositioned to augment local government relief efforts.
social Welfare secretary rex Gatchalian said regions have "very high stockpiles" of aid to help residents affected by the storm.
he told the president that the agency retained the 2-million mark in terms of national stockpile, or the total number of stockpiled goods nationwide.
"this was pre-(typhoon) Carina level. We had a very good run [of] production this past couple of weeks, mr. President, NroC (National resource operations Center) is our Pasay hub. so, we have
around 176,000. our Visayas hub has around 250,000. that's family food packs," Gatchalian said. for the Ilocos region, there are more than 93,000 available food packs; Cagayan Valley region with over 109,000; Central Luzon with more than 170,000; and over 101,000 for both Calabarzon and mimaropa, he said. At the tail end of typhoon Carina's onslaught, Bicol region had close to 162,000 available food packs, Gatchalian added. the DsWD will also work with the metropolitan manila Development Authority to help provide more than 100 water filtration kits to the Bicol region. each kit filters out bacteria and provides clean water for around 100 people a day. to prevent logistical problems in the delivery of essential supplies, teodoro said he would recommend suspending work and classes in key areas to keep roads clear for large trucks needed for disaster relief.
"I'll be working closely with the [executive secretary] to recommend suspension of work and classes in areas where we need to marshal our logistics," he said.
During the situational briefing, marcos also told Interior secretary Jonvic remulla to be ready to immediately respond to calls for help from local government units, who, he said, are the "first responders" during times of calamity.
"Let's be prepared to give assistance. there are certain problems that local authorities may not be able to handle or may require additional support for. It's important that we maintain good coordination with the local governments," he said.
marcos said the government already has its regular standard operating procedures in place, with departments ready to address specific needs across the country, particularly in the Bicol region, which was heavily affected by the storm. that's what we're waiting for now. We are at the mercy of the weather as we always are, so we just have to wait for the true effects of typhoon Kristine," he added. n
enrique manalo reported to sen. risa hontiveros, chairman of the senate Committee on Women, Children, family relations, and Gender equality, that as of october 23, the DfA "has not received a formal extradition request from the United states." on the other issue I want to focus on the request by any filipino nationals in the United states who may have been victims of human trafficking in relation to this case. As of this date none of our foreign service posts in the United states have reported receiving [any] request
"if we do receive a formal request [for extradition from the U.s.] the DfA will study it and see if it is consistent with the agreed procedure pertaining to extradition. And so we would have to study that," Domingo said. "And then after we are satisfied with the request we will of course refer it to the Department of Justice for relevant action. so, we will have to study any extradition request. It is quite a detailed approach but that is the general approach if we do receive such [a] request," he added. n
After discussions with escudero, however, the senators agreed that the senate Blue ribbon Committee would hold its own hearings. n PAGE 1 for assistance," he said. the DfA is ready to assist in providing any information that we may receive from this date relevant to today's legislative inquiry. I'm also joined today by UndersecretaryJesus Domingo who can add any input needed for this morning," manalo added. Domingo said, "We have also not received any request [for assistance] with respect to [victims of] human trafficking. But all our foreign service posts and all our offices in the Department of foreign Affairs stand ready and we have been in informal consultations with our
Against access threats, ensuring votes...
certain elected officials and media outlets use to divide our state … and this election year, the rampant anti-immigrant narrative is making it easier for lawmakers to pass laws that target immigrant communities,” said tiwamangkala. AZ AANhPI is currently involved in a lawsuit against the
the defense against harmful bills like these that impact citizens, rather than advancing bills that actually address the issues we face,” she added. (Selen ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)
OPiniOn FeAtures
Election e-fraud
It’s good to hear the Commission on Elections banning the use of troll farms for the May 2025 midterm polls. such troll farms have been used by certain candidates in recent elections to malign their rivals and influence public opinion. Whether the Comelec can enforce the ban effectively, however, remains to be seen.
the Comelec said it would get help from social media platforms in going after troll farms. social media giants tiktok and Google recently announced that they are banning paid political advertisements on their platforms in the runup to the may 2025 midterm elections, in support of Comelec initiatives for clean and honest polls. meta announced a similar ban, but only during the official campaign period, to give candidates and parties with limited resources a chance to promote themselves and their advocacies on its popular platforms including facebook and Instagram. meta said it was also instituting measures to curb troll accounts on its platforms. Worldwide in previous years, meta has removed numerous accounts found to be violating its policy against coordinated inauthentic behavior and “foreign interference” – referring to CIB done in behalf of a foreign or government entity. most of those removed were linked to “commercial entities and individuals associated with political campaigns and political offices,” meta said. “Domestic campaigns like these raise
WIth just a little over two weeks left before the Nov. 5 presidential elections in the United states, never in the history of the world has so much attention been focused on this election. Poll results show the race to be so tight that it could be anybody’s game, with the winning margins projected to be “razor-thin.”
Unlike other countries where the candidate who wins the popular vote is declared the winner, the United states has a unique system called the electoral College where a state is allocated electoral votes based on the number of their congressional representatives and two more from the senators. the winner will need 270 electoral College votes out of the total 538, and with this system, it’s possible for a candidate to win the popular number of votes nationally but still lose the election.
swing states or battleground states are those where results have not been predictable for each election cycle, with the support for candidates split rather evenly. this year, the battleground states include Pennsylvania, michigan,
Editorial
a particularly complex challenge by blurring the line between healthy public debate and manipulation,” meta pointed out. the social media giants have the technical savvy and other resources to prevent the use of digital technology for undermining free elections. the Comelec doesn’t have such resources, so it will need to coordinate with the internet-based platforms to go after troll farms. the Comelec will also need sufficient tech support for enforcing its requirement, imposed on all candidates and party-list groups, to disclose all campaign paraphernalia using artificial intelligence.
Last month, the Comelec issued a resolution, giving all candidates, party-list organizations and their campaign teams until Dec. 13 to register their official social media accounts, pages, websites, podcasts, blogs, vlogs and other internet-based campaign platforms.
Poll fraud is going digital. the Comelec – and the nation – must be prepared for the many ways by which technology is being used to subvert the people’s mandate in elections. (Philstar.com)
All eyes on the US elections
Wisconsin, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada –which is why both the trump and harris camps are doubling down on their campaign activities to shore up support in these critical states and convince undecided voters across race, age and gender lines.
however, a report from the Pew research Center on the results of a survey conducted from Aug. 26 to sept. 2 shows that majority of Americans “continue to favor moving away from electoral College,” with 63 percent indicating they would “prefer to see the winner of the presidential election be the person who wins the most votes nationally,” while 35 percent favored retaining the electoral College system. I also came across an interesting report published at the website of National Public radio titled, “In an election race this close, Asian American voters have become a force” about members of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community – which includes filipino Americans – emerging as the “fastestgrowing voting group” in the United states.
In Pennsylvania for example, “the number of eligible voters from this demographic group grew by a whopping 55 percent
between 2010 and 2020,” the report said, explaining that while their number may be just a narrow slice of eligible voters, the AAPI vote can turn the tide and help determine who will win in a critical state like Pennsylvania. According to AAPI data, there are “over 2.14 million filipino-American adults eligible to vote” and that “when considering battleground states, filipino Americans are one of the three largest groups of eligible AAPI voters” at 15 percent. With more filipino Americans getting involved and increasing their participation in U.s. politics, they can become a potent force in the elections and undoubtedly play a major role in strengthening the relationship between the Philippines and the United states.
Without a doubt, every diplomat in Washington, D.C. is closely monitoring the developments and carefully watching the twists and turns in the campaign. In fact, all eyes will practically be riveted on America on election day, knowing fully well that the outcome will have tremendous global impact in most every aspect, particularly in terms of the foreign policy direction that the U.s. under a new administration will take.
As noted by Dr. Victor Cha, president of the Geopolitics and foreign Policy Department and Korea chair of the Center for strategic and International studies (CsIs), in his foreword to a major new report titled “the Global Impact of the 2024 U.s. Presidential election,” the audience is global, with the choices of Americans having “ramifications for the world.”
Calling it “an election of global consequence,” Dr. Cha says the next U.s. president will, “upon entering office, contend with not only two wars in europe and the middle east, but also growing cooperation among autocratic powers as a disruptive force in the global order,” highlighting that “China’s assertiveness and coalitions of autocratic leaders are putting unprecedented stress on the rules-based international order.”
Not surprisingly, europe seems to be slightly on edge, considering that the war in Ukraine continues to rage. As International Crisis Group president Dr. Comfort ero has put it, it’s a “highstakes election for NAto and Ukraine,” noting that “in all the biggest conflicts in and around europe, the U.s. is playing a central role. It is a critical supplier of military aid to Ukraine as Kyiv fights to fend
off russian aggression. It has taken the lead in attempting to end the Gaza war and contain spillover elsewhere in the middle east. Washington has also been out front seeking a settlement to the civil war in sudan.”
It is, therefore, quite “jarring” for many european leaders to think about “the erosion of a partnership on which the eU relies to manage the crises that plague its neighborhood,” Dr. ero says. from what we are told, the foreign policies of the two candidates may differ on europe, but when it comes to the Indo-Pacific region, the policies would more or less be the same regardless of who the next occupant of the White house will be.
During my discussion with the board, advisory council and members of Asia society Northern California, I conveyed that majority of filipinos strongly support the current trajectory of our relationship with the United states. With strong bipartisan support for the Philippines by members of the U.s. Congress, I am confident that whichever way the U.s. elections will go, our alliance, friendship and partnership will remain strong, anchored on the mutual Defense treaty – which
remains a tool for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (Philstar. com)
* * * 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.
* * * Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
It s no secret that many families in California today have overwhelming financial barriers. We are drowning in debt and forced into a rental market that grows more unaffordable by the day. many young people have already given up on the American dream of owning a home and starting a family. meanwhile, long-time residents — the very people who have helped build and sustain this city — are being driven out of their homes. somCAN understands how critical rent control is to protect tenants in our community, which is why we are encouraging Californians to vote Yes on Proposition 33. even though the measure may involve some challenges, such as reducing home values of current residents, voting Yes on Prop 33 is still the best choice as it will assist
California’s residents both now and in the future.
Under the current law, the Costa hawkins rental housing Act of 1995 imposes strict limitations on how cities can regulate rent control. specifically, it prohibits rent control on single-family homes, condos, and any buildings constructed after february 1995. this law also prevents cities from capping rents once a tenant vacates a unit, allowing landlords to raise rents to market rates. Proposition 33 seeks to eliminate these restrictions, empowering cities and counties to apply rent control to a broader range of properties, including newer buildings, and to limit rent increases even after tenants move out. this change is aimed at providing local governments with more flexibility to address the growing housing affordability crisis.
residents in metro cities across California, especially in areas like san francisco, san Jose and Los Angeles, are feeling pressure from these high expenses. While the influx of new jobs has attracted new people who can afford these rising prices, long-term residents are increasingly being priced out of their homes. If Proposition 33 is passed, several positive outcomes could impact the state as a whole.
• Preservation of long-term residents: expanded rent control would help protect long-term residents from displacement due to rising housing costs, allowing them to stay in their homes and communities.
• Increased rent control protections: tenants living in 30- and 40-year-old buildings would be protected under rent control, preventing unexpected and potentially devastating rent hikes.
• Support for low-income and working-class families: expanded rent control would make housing more affordable for low-income and workingclass individuals who are struggling to keep up with the area's high cost of living.
• Reduced gentrification: With more housing included under rent control protections, California neighborhoods would be less vulnerable to gentrification, helping to maintain the cultural and economic diversity of the neighborhoods.
• Mitigation of homelessness: With more renters protected from exorbitant rent hikes, the risk of falling into homelessness will decrease, especially among vulnerable populations.
• Community stability: more affordable housing options would allow community members to continue living in the city where they work and attend school.
opponents of Proposition 33 contend that repealing the Costa hawkins rental housing Act will deter developers from constructing new buildings, arguing that the potential for rent control will discourage investment in housing projects. however, this perspective overlooks a crucial reality: the new developments currently being constructed in California are primarily aimed at the luxury market. these highend apartments often cater to wealthier residents, further exacerbating the affordability crisis for working-class families and low-income individuals.
* * * 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.
* * * Established in 2000, SOMCAN is a multiissue and multi-strategy organization that uplifts the lives of youth, families, individuals, and workers. We work on a wide range of issues – from tenant rights to community planning to Filipino language access to worker's rights –and provide culturally competent direct services ranging from tenant counseling, family support, youth empowerment, employment, and health and wellness activities SOMCAN believes in uplifting the voices of immigrant, people-of-color, and low-income communities so that they will be heard in local policy-making decisions and so that government officials are accountable to their needs.
Voting Yes on Prop 33 isn’t just about rent control. It’s making sure that the Bay Area and California remains a place for everyone to thrive. It’s about sending a message that we prioritize people over profit. Whether you're a new kid on the block or a born-andraised san franciscan like us, your vote on this proposition matters. Let’s keep both the Bay Area and California more affordable and accessible for all residents.
"QUeeN of All media" Kris Aquino revealed that she will make her ABs-CBN comeback before the year ends.
In her Instagram post, Kris gave an update on her health condition as well as her showbiz comeback.
Para hindi kayo magsawang magdasal. Sabi nyo, you miss watching me. I want to thank my former ABs-CBN bosses for allowing Jasmin and Darla to work with me on a show which will launch before 2024 ends,” Kris said.
secret muna ‘yung concept, but you will get to see my present day journey and as much as possible the reality of Kris, Bimb, and my ‘through the years” best friends (my extended family) and definitely my team of doctors who are now among my most trusted friends,” she added.
In the same post, Kris said that she's cancer-free but have lifethreatening multiple autoimmune diseases.
“I now have 5, possibly 6 autoimmune conditions. But the scary part is that 3 of the diagnosed ones are life threatening in other words - pwedeng ma-damage my vital organs or my blood vessels, specifically my artery connecting my lungs to my heart- to the extent na I can die immediately from a stroke or aneurysm or cardiac arrest,” Kris said.
by Christina alpad ManilaTimes.net
ANtICIPAtIoN is building as box office sensations Kathryn Bernardo and Alden richards gear up to captivate audiences with their upcoming film, "hello, Love, Again."
fans can hardly contain their excitement for this romantic sequel to the 2019 mega-hit "hello, Love, Goodbye." Proof is in the staggering numbers: its initial teaser has ammassed over 30.2 million views across various social media platforms, while its official trailer has hit 21.5 million views and counting.
the follow-up sees Bernardo and richards reprising the roles of international workers Joy and ethan.
In the first installment, they meet and fall in love in hong Kong, where ethan has already settled, as Joy continues to pursue her dream of moving to Canada. the sequel picks up five years
later, with the couple now living separate lives. When their paths cross unexpectedly in Canada, will they rekindle their romance and finally get their chance to be together? or, despite their sacrifices and the loneliness of living in a foreign land, will they remain star-crossed lovers?
Undoubtedly, the onscreen partners known as #KathDen will provide the excitement their fans are anticipating.
But beyond returning to their love story, Bernardo and richards are proud to shine a light anew on the heartwarming stories of overseas filipino Workers (ofWs), celebrating their joys and honoring their sacrifices as they strive for a better future.
"the main focus of 'hello Love, Goodbye' and this sequel is really our ofWs. the team created this film to tell their story and what happens in their lives. In hong Kong, we now have that awareness about them there, and this time, [with the movie taking place] in Canada, we will see
that their lives and struggles are different too," shared Bernardo at the movie's grand media conference.
the actress also revealed how the creative team arrived earlier in Canada before the shoot to do interviews and gather more ofW stories ahead of the rest of the cast.
this was essential to ensure that our story is delivered in the truest possible with many scenes inspired by these ofW stories," she explained. "It's all very real, and you will be amazed to see just how resilient we filipinos are. We have a great deal of respect for them, and I hope this movie shows them just that."
richards further conveyed how else the sequel will differ from the original.
"In the first film, we focused on Joy's struggles. this time, the story highlights ethan's hardships more, showing the sacrifices ofWs make for their families.
the film then explores whether these sacrifices are worth it as it portrays the lives of international workers as honestly as possible and what they give up to provide a better life for their loved ones."
Another collaboration between star Cinema and GmA films, hello, Love, Again" is directed as before by blockbuster rom-com director Cathy Garcia-sampana.
Joining #KathDen in the cast are new and old faces, among them Joross Gamboa, Valerie Concepcion, Jennica Garcia, Kevin Kreider, Jobert Austria, mark Labella, marvin Aritrangco, ruby rodriguez and many more.
Besides showing in the Philippines, the film is set to
be shown across the globe on the following dates: Australia (Nov. 14), New Zealand (Nov. 14), Guam (Nov. 15), saipan (Nov. 15), singapore (Nov. 28), malaysia (Nov. 28), the middle east (Nov. 28), Cambodia (Nov. 29), and hong Kong. on the other hand, the U.s. and Canada run begins on Nov. 15 and will see the widest North American release to date for a filipino film. In the Philippines, the film will mark annother first with a midnight opening set to take place in 72 cinemas nationwide beginning Nov. 13. meanwhile, #KathDen will carry on with their jam-packed nationwide mall tour at KCC mall of Gen san and KCC mall of Koronadal on oct. 27, sm City Jmall (mandaue), sm City Cebu, and sm seaside City Cebu on Nov. 9, and market! market! in taguig on Nov. 10. the film's premiere night will be held at sm megamall on Nov. 12.
Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards ABS-CBN photos
Here they go again. The team behind the sequel: (from left) Valerie Concepcion, Bernardo,
Garcia-Sampana, Richards, Joross Gamboa and Jennica Garcia.
Registration period ends for PH elections
sAN frANCIsCo – With the official closing of the 22-month-long overseas voting (oV) registration for the 2025 Philippine national elections last september 30, 2024, the Philippine Consulate General in san francisco’s resident election registration Board (rerB) approved 3,046 oV registrations filed from July to september 30, during its hearing on october 21, 2024. this brings the Consulate’s total number of new overseas voters to 17,137, who registered with the Consulate from December 9, 2022 to september 30, 2024.
“I thank the Commission on elections and the Department of foreign Affairs for the support they provided, enabling the consulate to register more filipino citizens across our jurisdiction. the large number of new overseas voters reflects our vibrant democracy, allowing overseas filipinos to take part in our national elections,” Consul General Neil ferrer said in a message.
the rerB is composed of Consul rowena PangilinanDaquipil as rerB Chair, and Vice Consul Adrian Baccay and Genevieve ferrer as rerB members. manuel Gamboa and myla Capuno served as observers during the proceedings.
Among the new overseas voters are filipino citizens who registered during the Consulate’s consular outreaches in salt Lake City, Utah; Colorado springs, Colorado; Bellevue, Washington; salinas, California; and Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska.
sAN Jose – the “Capital of silicon Valley” joined the nationwide celebration of filipino American history month on october 11, 2024 with the lighting of the san Jose City hall with the national colors of the Philippines, and a Philippine flag-raising ceremony.
the Philippine Consulate General in san francisco, represented by Vice Consul Adrian Baccay, participated in the occasion, which was also graced by san Jose mayor matt mahan.
san Jose’s yearly filipino American history month celebration was organized by the offices of san Jose City Councilmembers David Cohen and Peter ortiz, filipino Americans Coming together san Jose (fACt-sJ) Coalition, and LeAD filipino.
In his speech, Vice Consul Baccay thanked LeAD filipino for co-spearheading with south Bay Assemblymember Alex Lee, a California state Assembly resolution proclaiming october 2024 as filipino American history month in the state of California.
the Philippine Vice Consul said that the month-long commemoration should also be devoted to highlight the contributions of overseas filipinos and filipino Americans to Philippine progress.
“We laud the filipinos and filipino Americans in silicon Valley who are now active partners in Philippine development, sharing their expertise, experience and resources with emerging filipino startups, entrepreneurs and innovators. We take pride in the achievements of young filipino Americans — including the south Bay’s very own Jarod hatch of morgan hill and emma malabuyo of mountain View & milpitas, who competed under team Philippines at the recently concluded olympic Games in Paris,” Vice Consul Baccay said.
“We commend the efforts of filipino American communities to create direct people-to-people linkages and exchanges through sister city cooperation,” Vice Consul Baccay added, noting that “it is not too late for san Jose
the ComeLeC has previously announced that it will not extend or reopen the oV registration worldwide, which ran for almost
two years. the ComeLeC has also announced that online or Internet voting will be the mode of voting in the United states for the 2025 Philippine elections. Advisories on this will be released to the public in due course. (PcGSF release)
to establish ties with its very first Philippine sister city.”
“[sister city cooperation] is a community-driven effort, meant
to address challenges in the community as well as create opportunities that benefit the community. I believe that there is a broad support within the filipino American community of san Jose for the sister city initiative,” Vice Consul Baccay said. to cap off the occasion, filAm Pinole Vice mayor Cameron sasai then led the raising of the Philippine flag while, for second time this year, the san Jose City hall was lit up with the colors of the Philippine national flag. Previously, the City hall was also illuminated in blue, red and yellow in celebration last June of Philippine Independence Day. the organizers of the san Jose City hall event are spearheading fAhm Jam, touted as “silicon Valley’s Largest filipino American Celebration of food, music, Art and entrepreneurs,” at the Berryessa flea market in san Jose on october 18, 2024. (PcGSF release)
U.s. Immigration Attorney michael J. Gurfinkel takes on one of the most challenging cases in the show’s 19-year history. Judy was petitioned by her father in 1993, but a series of tragic events complicated her case: Judy fell into a coma in 2002, and her father, the petitioner, passed away shortly after. Adding to the challenge, one of her daughters was close to aging out of the petition.
Judy remained in a coma for years while her family held on to the hope that her daughters would eventually have a chance at a better future in the U.s. By 2008, Judy’s priority date for her visa had become current, but her medical condition and the death of her petitioner left her case in limbo.
Judy’s family eventually sought the help of Atty. michael J. Gurfinkel after watching “Citizen
major legal
allow a
(fingerprints) and
and
Pinoy.” Despite the odds stacked against them, Judy’s brother, Jasper, made a promise to his comatose sister: he would do everything he could to make sure Judy’s daughters could immigrate to the U.s Atty. Gurfinkel faced three
hurdles: reinstating Judy’s petition after her father’s death, convincing UsCIs to
biometrics appointment
interview for a comatose beneficiary at her home,
ensuring that Judy’s daughter
throUGh the efforts of first Lady Louise Araneta-marcos, Bahay Pangulo (during Pres. Bongbong marcos’ term), formerly named Bahay Pangarap (during Pres. Noynoy Aquino’s term) or Bahay ng Pagbabago (during Pres. rodrigo Duterte’s term), has been completely restored. It was open recently to selected media entitities for the first time.
In the past I used to visit this place when I worked as presidential message writer or information officer under Press secretary teddy Benigno. this is the same rest house where then-presidential son Noynoy Aquino (I was called by him to go there) and I were together while watching his cousin actress Jackie Aquino on tV. During the terms of Presidents of fidel V. ramos and Joseph ejercito estrada, I was often invited to Bahay Pangarap. But it was only during the term of my fellow Kapampangan, former Pres. Gloria macapagal-Arroyo, I was able to visit the entire malacanang Park alone reaching up to an apartment (I remember it cost only P500 a month) for families of soldiers.
But never did the late Pres. Noynoy Aquino and former Pres. rodrigo Duterte (I first met him when he was a congressman at the house of sonny Dominguez in Ayala Alabang Village on December 25, 1998) invite me to the Presidential residence just across the Pasig river overlooking the malacañan Palace.
I felt nostalgic seeing again some members of the Presidential security Group, an elite force that is tasked to protect the president of the republic of the Philippines at all cost, who are close to my heart. It is now only during the term of President Bongbong marcos (I interviewed him years ago for the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s New Year’s issue) that I am able to see the new Presidential residence near a golf course.
Bahay Pangarap was originally designed in the 1930s by architects Juan Arellano and Antonio toledo as a rest house of the malacañang Park for informal activities and social functions of
A visit to the presidential residence of the First Family
the president. the malacañang Park itself was converted from a rice field south of the malacañan Palace during the administration of Pres. manuel L. Quezon. the resthouse underwent refurbishment in the early 1960s initiated by former fL eva m macapagal, wife of former Pres. Diosdado “Cong Dadong” macapagal (I had a chat with former fL eva in forbes Park after Cong Dadong was buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani and she told me to take good care of her daughter Gloria).
During the term of Pres. ferdinand e marcos, it was the residence of his mother, Doña Josefa edralin marcos.
During the administration of Pres. fidel V. ramos, the house was repurposed as a clubhouse (known as malago) for the malacañang Golf Club (thanks to fVr for often accompanying him to the plane in visiting mindanao). In 1996, it was made as an alternative venue for official government functions, in addition to social and recreational events.
As I made a reflection on its brief history, 3 women, Pariseducated social secretary Bianca Zobel, Deputy social secretary Dina Arroyo-tantoco (daughter of my former boss in Congress, the late Cong. Iggy Arroyo whose birthday is on october 24), and fellow La sallian Vivian recio (member of the Board of Directors of PtV) explained to us about the private tour of Bahay Pangulo (Presidential residence) at PsG Compound, manila.
While we had a private tour of the Bahay Pangulo surroundings, I listened to the explanation of Architect Conrado onglao, husband of singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla. It was Architect onglao who did the renovation of the Presidential residence upon the initiative of first Lady Liza Araneta-marcos (thanks to her consistent initiatives and tireless efforts for the Bahay Pangulo restoration).
I really liked the guest house, Pres. Bongbong’s gym (I stayed longer here), the paintings, the Pac-man video game machine, the chess board, the black piano, the long table, and fL Liza Araneta-marcos’s office (I love it!).
After the private tour, we returned to Pangarap Golf Club for some refreshments.
* * * Carissa Cruz evangelista represented her mom, Gina
de Venecia, during this year’s fAmAs Awards. her mom received the Presidential Award from fAmAs President francia Conrado at manila hotel. she had a photo with another Presidential awardee Pempe rodrigo. she recently participated as an exhibitor at CItem’s manila f.A.m e. at World trade Center.
*
* * When I met Ilocos Norte Gov. matthew Joseph marcos manotoc in the provincial capitol in Laoag City, I knew he could be the Philippine leader in the future. I dreamed about him in 1990s and I mentioned in BulongPulungan at defunct Philippine Plaza sofitel hotel as an invited person with esP. I dreamed he is tall, has a good body, belongs to millennials/Generation Z, must be born in other country, is humble, respects the elderly, and serves as a unifying factor to unite the Philippines.
* * * Atty. Vince m tanada’s “Juan Luna: Isang sarsuela” of the Philippine stagers foundation will be performed on october 26 and 27 at san sebastian College in manila. Juan Luna, born in Badoc, Ilocos
Norte, was a filipino painter, sculptor and political activist of the Philippine revolution during the late 19th century. his famous works were spolarium (1884) and the Parisian Life (1892).
* * * fL Louise Araneta-marcos was the guest of honor during the CItem’s Katha Awards at the World trade Center last october 17. the Katha Awards is a hallmark of Philippine design excellence through the recognition of product design and innovation that combine the ideals of form and function. since its launching in 1983, Katha Awards has sought to inspire and challenge Philippine exporters and designers to constantly innovate and develop designs and products for export. this year’s winners include: major product design for furniture (finali-Zulu Bench), lamps and lighting (Azcor Lighting systems-fauna), home decor and houseware (Bon AceAchite Chess Board set), fashion (Bon Ace-PIsA hand Bag), holiday decor and gifts (P & B Valises et Compagnie-Nutcracker ornaments), and eco-design award (Buttons ‘N things PAeA table runner). special citations were for best booth design (P & B Valises et Compagnie) and best sustainable booth design (Zarate).
Mayor Breed celebrates acquisition of new senior center in SOMA neighborhood
sAN frANCIsCo — mayor London
N. Breed joined city officials, community leaders, and local dignitaries on tuesday, october 22 to celebrate the acquisition of 616 minna street by Bayanihan equity Center (BeC) to serve as a new dedicated senior center to support san francisco’s older adults and adults with disabilities. the new space will serve as a supportive, safe community space designed to reduce social isolation and serve as an access point for other home and community-based services. the acquisition of the $1.75 million property was supported by a $1.5 million grant secured through a competitive request for proposals process through the mayor’s office of housing and Community Development (mohCD). supporting our most vulnerable residents, including our seniors and people with disabilities requires collaboration, vision, and the appropriate funding. We are proud to have provided the financial support for the acquisition of 616 minna street because we know what this space means for so many people who will be able to access the services they need, stay close to home, and remain connected with their community,” said mayor Breed. “I thank the staff at Bayanihan equity Center for all they do for residents across san francisco and look forward to seeing the great work they will continue to do for years to come.”
“for providing welfare to filipino World War II veterans and their families, and for
educating younger generations of filipino Americans about our proud history, the Philippine Consulate expresses its profound gratitude to the Bayanihan equity Center for keeping the flame of our veterans’ heroism alive and well into the modern times,” Philippine Consul General Neil ferrer said.” my sincerest appreciation also goes to mayor London Breed and the city government for their support to the BeC and other filipino American organizations in san francisco.”
once open in January 2025, 616 minna street will serve as Bayanihan equity Center’s new centralized facility providing clients with community outreach and education programming, as well as case management services in areas related to affordable housing, immigration, transportation, and food assistance. BeC’s expects its client base to increase by 30%.
“there was a time when it would seem impossible for small nonprofits to acquire a space for their services. today, we have a strong partner with our local government that understands that stable nonprofits are better positioned to sustain their programs and services especially to the growing population of seniors in san francisco,” said Luisa m Antonio, BeC founding member & executive director. “BeC has been a proud contractor for the city for a quarter of a century, and we are thrilled to move into our new home to serve the community for decades to come.”
Located in the south of market neighborhood between 7th and 8th street, 616 minna street is a 6,490 sq. ft. two-story vacant building with an ADA compliant entrance that allows individuals in wheelchairs and walkers to conveniently enter and exit the building. the building is located in a transit-oriented corridor, and conveniently located within a short walking distance to the social security Administration, Gene friend recreation Center, Victoria manalo Draves Park and a number of community-based organizations.
“the Bayanihan equity Center’s acquisition of 616 minna street is a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of our filipino and API communities,” said District 6 supervisor matt Dorsey. “this new facility will not only provide essential services for older adults and adults with disabilities, but will also create a vibrant space where culture, connection, and community care thrive. the city’s investment through the API Nonprofit Acquisition fund reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that south of market remains a place where everyone, especially our most vulnerable, can live and flourish.” the san francisco fiscal Year (fY) 202223 budget included $30 million for acquisition and tenant improvements of community facilities. mohCD has issued three rounds of requests for Proposals (rfPs) for the API Nonprofit Acquisition fund. to date, $29.5 million has been awarded to 11 organizations. (SF Mayor’s Office Release)
* * * miss Aura Philippines 2024 Isabelle De Los santos represented the country in the miss Aura International in turkey. she is the daughter of beauteous oly sason-De
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