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Language Access a Barrier to Elections for Communities Nationwide

A new report finds that gaps in election legislation including the Voting Rights Act excludes many Limited English Proficient communities across the country.

NEARLY 70 million Americans speak a language other than English at home. With election day less than two weeks out, this population — nearly one in four Americans — continues to face significant barriers to voting.

That’s the conclusion of a new report, Language Access and Voting Rights: An Overview of Federal, State and Local Policies, published Oct. 23 by the think tank Dēmos.

“While a patchwork of federal, state, and local laws provides for some language assistance in elections, thousands of voters who prefer a language other than English remain without a real opportunity to cast a ballot,” the study notes.

Latinos and Asian Americans, two of the nation’s fastest growing demographic groups with high rates of Limited English Proficiency (LEP), are among those most impacted, though other groups — including Native Americans and U.S. born Latinos — are also affected, according to the report.

Such barriers also help explain consistently lower turnout rates among these groups, with multiple studies showing a clear link between language assistance and voter participation.

Defining language minorities

“From the literacy tests of the Jim Crow era to the English-only voting materials imposed by states in the modern era, language

Historic Filipino Roundtable at City Hall Spurs Hope for Change

by MoMar G. Visaya AJPress

THE New York City Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit held the first Filipino roundtable discussion at City Hall last week, convened by Mayor Eric Adams and First Deputy Mayor Maria TorresSpringer. The event, organized in recognition

of Filipino American History Month, brought together city officials and Filipino leaders to address pressing issues facing the Filipino American community, focusing on ways to support Filipino businesses, community health centers, and community-based organizations.

First Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer, known for her commitment to inclusive policies and economic resilience, emphasized the administration’s dedication to improving New York City for all communities.

PH to lead next year’s World Health Assembly

by Dexter Cabalza Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) said the Philippines will lead the World Health Assembly (WHA), the world’s highest health-policy setting body composed of health ministers, next year as president-nominee.

The decision to nominate the Philippines came during the 75th regional committee meeting of the 37 member-states of the

World Health Organization (WHO) in the Western Pacific region, the DOH said in a statement.

The 78th WHA or WHA78 is set in May 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.

“Filipinos are recognized as bridgebuilders in the international community. Our nomination by the Western Pacific memberstates as ‘WHA78 president’ is a recognition of our collective contribution and leadership in international health,” Health Secretary

“This is the first time that the Filipino community has gathered in this format in this building,” Torres-Springer said. “It's been really important to Mayor Adams that we not only

House members hit leeway given to Bato, Go in Senate hearing

MANILA — The review from the House of Representatives of the Senate’s turn to scrutinize the six-year drug war waged by former President Rodrigo Duterte was far from flattering.

For two members of the House quad committee, which for the past two months had conducted hearings on the

Senate urged to send Duterte

‘confession’ to ICC

by GILLIAN VILLANUEVA, JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE, MARLON RAMOS Inquirer.net

MANILA — Makabayan bloc lawmakers on Tuesday, Oct 29 urged the Senate to submit to the International Criminal Court (ICC) its records on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s admission of urging policemen to “encourage” suspects to fight back as a pretext to kill them during the previous administration’s brutal war on drugs.

House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene u PAGE 4 u PAGE 2

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO

OFFERING. A man stops by a stall selling flowers

by Krixia SubingSubing, Tina g. SanToS Inquirer.net

Pope prays for Kristine victims in Philippines

by EvElyn Macairan Philstar.com

MANILA — Pope Francis has offered prayers for Filipinos affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

At Sunday’s (Oct. 27) Angelus address at the Vatican, the 87-yearold pontiff reportedly mentioned praying for the victims of Kristine.

“I am close to the population of the Philippines, struck by a powerful cyclone. May the

Lord support those people, so full of faith,” the pope said, from his window overlooking St. Peter’s Square.

Floods and landslides led to 116 casualties, 109 injured and 39 missing people, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said on Monday, Oct. 28.

Kristine affected 6.7 million people or 1.6 million families in 10,147 barangays nationwide. It also displaced 980,355

people in 6,286 evacuation centers.

Damage to agriculture and infrastructure was estimated at P2.5 billion and P1.5 billion, respectively.

Two more areas were placed under a state of calamity, bringing to 160 the total number of cities and municipalities that declared a state of calamity.

Caritas Philippines has appealed for food donations, potable water, hygiene kits and other relief supplies.

Senate urged to send Duterte ‘confession’...

Brosas also asked the Marcos administration to stop blocking the ICC probe following Duterte’s “brazen and unapologetic” admission during Monday’s Senate blue ribbon subcommittee inquiry, taking full responsibility for the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in the drug war.

Brosas argued that the Philippines should cooperate with the ICC to give justice to the thousands of innocent victims of the antidrug campaign.

‘Damning confession’

According to House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro, Duterte’s testimony is a “damning confession that confirms what human rights advocates have been saying for years,” pointing out that “his admission of encouraging police to provoke suspects to fight back as a pretext for killing them is not just disturbing; it’s a clear violation of human rights and due process.”

The ACT Teachers party list representative stressed that the “nanlaban” (fought back) narrative was systematically used to justify thousands of drug war deaths, lamenting that “many innocent lives were lost under the guise of ‘nanlaban,’ even when victims clearly did not resist. Now we have direct confirmation that this was indeed official policy.”

Historic Filipino Roundtable at City Hall...

1

open this building, which is the people's building, to our diverse, beautiful communities across the five boroughs, but that we also open up government in ways that may not have been accessible before.”

The conversation covered unique challenges faced by Filipinos in neighborhoods like Little Manila, where concerns include public safety, such as issues related to the sex trade, and the need for stronger connections to communityhealth programs.

Rachelle Ocampo, co-host of Makilala TV and the president of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) New York, highlighted the challenges faced by New York’s Filipino American community during the roundtable.

She shared that approximately 146,000 Filipinos reside in New York State, with around 89,000 living in New York City, making Filipinos the fourth-largest Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) group in the region. Despite these numbers, Ocampo pointed out a lack of government investment and support for Filipino-led organizations, which creates significant service gaps. She emphasized that, to date, only one Filipino organization in

New York State has a single full-time paid staff member, and fewer than three received new funding in New York City’s latest grant cycle.

Ocampo called for critical changes to support the Filipino community in meaningful and sustainable ways. She advocated for immediate funding to hire staff for a dedicated community center—a resource the community currently lacks. Additionally, she stressed the need for resources to educate Filipino leaders on grant access and financial management to help these community organizations grow.

Community members expressed that while resources are available, they are often hard to navigate. Filipino business owners, particularly women- and minority-owned businesses, also spoke about difficulties in accessing city certifications and connecting to larger projects, which impacts their economic opportunities.

“Our Filipino American community called attention to the need for funding directed toward our community through nonprofit organizations, as well as the inclusion of our womenowned and small businesses in development projects like the Citifield parking area,” said lawyer Lara Gregory. “We're hoping to have specific small business seminars and

nonprofit workshops on grant acquisition and other ways to ensure that available resources are easily accessible to our community.”

“The meeting helped us to air out some of the issues that the Filipino community is facing, making us feel heard. Seeing a Filipina leader, the top AAPI-appointed city official, First Deputy Mayor MTS, was a sign of hope for more serious changes,” Ocampo told the Asian Journal. “Let’s see if they’ll follow up on all the points they said they’d look into.”

She hopes that Filipino groups will learn how to build capacity with city resources so the community can establish more organizations with paid staff to provide direct services. “I hope the Mayor will stay true to his word and match the funds we get from the federal government to build a brick-and-mortar community center, so we have a place we can trust to receive critical resources and referral services,” Ocampo added.

The roundtable emphasized actionable outcomes beyond symbolic representation. Torres-Springer committed to ongoing dialogue, aiming to implement initiatives that directly benefit Filipino American families. n

World Health...

“With Duterte’s own admission of responsibility, there should be no more delays in pursuing justice. His confession demands full cooperation with the ICC because as it is, justice is still hard to come by in our country especially when one is dealing with the former president,” Castro noted.

Public record

Senate President Francis Escudero on Tuesday said the ICC may get a copy of the hearing’s official transcript and other related documents since these are regarded as public documents.

However, he noted that there was no “formal communication or letter from the ICC for me to actually make an educated evaluation of what they will do or where they are right now in the current situation.”

At the Kapihan sa Senado media forum on Tuesday, Escudero also said that Duterte could not conveniently claim that he was just cracking jokes when he made several incriminating admissions under oath during Monday’s Senate hearing on his deadly war on drugs

“Most of the things he said were not actually new, right? The only difference now is that he uttered those words under oath,” Escudero said.

Teodoro Herbosa said. ‘Historic nomination’

The DOH called the nomination “historic,” as it is the first time that the Philippines will be the president of WHA since the WHO was founded in 1948.

According to the DOH, Western Pacific member-states chose the Philippines “by consensus, in recognition of the country’s leadership in the region and its important voice in the international health arena.”

The DOH stressed the “nomination comes at a pivotal time for the Philippines, as the country is pursuing numerous health initiatives on the global stage aimed at strengthening the health workforce to address gaps in health-care delivery, championing the implementation of the universal health care through primary health care, and leadership in global tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and patient safety initiatives.”

Functions, responsibilities

Its main tasks are to determine the policies of the WHO, appoint the WHO directorgeneral, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed program budget.

Member-states traditionally elect a president from each of the six WHO regions, rotating every year. For the 78th session of

the WHA, the president will come from the Western Pacific.

The last time a WHA president came from the Western Pacific was when the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was elected in 2019.

The WHA president oversees the conduct of the WHA and guides the Assembly in its critical discussions and decisions on global health policies and initiatives.

He may appoint the five vice presidents to act in its place during meetings or parts thereof. The vice presidents can also be selected at the session where the election takes place. n

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa Inquirer photo/Richard A. Reyes

THERE GOES DECORUM. The nation had a fresh dose of the expletive-laden rants of Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, as the former President appeared at the Senate and faced, for the first time since the end of his term, an official body revisiting his bloody war on drugs.

Photo by Grig C. Montegrande

House members hit leeway given...

PAGE 1

brutal crackdown, the Senate blue ribbon committee allowed two loyal allies of the expresident to ”influence the proceedings.”

They were referring to senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go, who joined the hearing that marked the first appearance of former President Rodrigo Duterte in an official body revisiting his campaign that left thousands dead.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Oct. 29, Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante and Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez said the way the two senators conducted themselves “diminished the credibility” of Monday’s opening hearing led by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko Pimentel.”

Of Dela Rosa, Abante said: “The way he sounded, he was more of a senator-suspect or senator-respondent. There was nothing wrong with that, but he should have seated himself with his former boss (Duterte), who wanted to be called a witness instead of a resource person. That would have been more appropriate than sitting with the investigating panel in order to defend his actions.”

Before entering politics, Dela Rosa served as the first Philippine National Police chief appointed by then-President Duterte, the earliest enforcer of the antinarcotics campaign that left thousands dead.

“The validity of what seemed to be (Dela Rosa’s) interminable explanations and defenses was also not subjected to questioning. No one questioned him, no one challenged his version of those facts nor his assertions,” Abante added.

Fernandez noted that Dela Rosa ended up “interrogating resource persons” when “common sense dictates (that you) cannot be part of any investigation that you yourself are involved in.”

“He is one of the accused, but he is also part of the jury?” he added.

‘Neutralize’

In the Senate eight-hour hearing, Dela Rosa often interrupted some of the resource

Language access a barrier to elections...

barriers have a long history of leaving voters, particularly voters of color, without adequate access to the ballots,” study author and Dēmos Senior Researcher Angelo Ancheta told Spanish-language news outlet La Opinión.

persons, including families who lost members in the drug war.

At one point, he also butted heads with human rights lawyer Chel Diokno over the wording of a PNP memo—particularly on the use of the term “neutralize”—that he issued in 2016 to lay the groundwork for the crackdown.

Dela Rosa, along with Duterte, is among the former PNP top brass being investigated by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for their roles in the drug war.

Go, meanwhile, had also been mentioned in an earlier House quad comm hearing for allegedly facilitating a rewards system for drug war killings using intelligence funds and state lottery revenues during his years as a close Duterte aide.

In his turn to speak at Monday’s Senate hearing, Go maintained that Duterte’s “only desire was to clean up our country and fight those who sow terror, especially when it comes to illegal drugs.”

“As far as I know, he has never implemented any system in exchange for anybody’s life,” he said.

Duterte curses

But Abante and Fernandez also noted how Duterte got away with repeated curses and foul language during the Senate probe.

“It seems the Senate is not used to a calling point of order,” Abante said, referring to rules of parliament. “We should not allow any vulgar statement in this hearing.”

The House quad comm has a standing invitation for Duterte to attend its hearings.

Risa draws praise

Also on Tuesday, former Sen. Panfilo Lacson remarked that the Senate hearing was practically “invaded” by the 79-yearold former leader, but only one senator “consistently and steadfastly stood up to preserve the dignity” of the chamber.

“She happens to be a woman who answers ‘present’ during a roll call. Her name: Risa Hontiveros,” Lacson said in a post on X.

Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV agreed,

In 1975, Congress amended the Voting Rights Act to explicitly prohibit discrimination against “language minority” groups, mandating, among other things, that state and local election officials provide written translations of ballots and election materials.

The move came following Congress’ recognition of the challenge to voting faced by Spanish-speaking Puerto Rican voters who are U.S. citizens.

Under the amended rules, jurisdictions where more than 5% or more than 10,000 voting-age citizens are limited-English proficient, are considered language minorities and are therefore covered under Section 203 of the VRA.

Yet, Ancheta writes, the definition of what constitutes a “language minority” has remained limited, meaning “the vast majority of non-English languages that are spoken in the U.S. are categorically excluded from group-based coverage under the VRA.” That includes languages such as Arabic, Armenian, Farsi, French, Haitian Creole, Polish, Russian, Somali, and Ukrainian, among others.

Moreover, the VRA’s numerical benchmark excludes communities that fall just short of the 10,000 number required under the law.

“One hundred five language minority groups in 30 states had relevant populations of between 7,500 and 9,999 or between 3.9 and 4.99%,” according to the study.

“For example, in Arizona’s Pinal County, Latino LEP voting-age citizens numbered 9,865, which was fewer than 150 citizens short of meeting the 10,000 benchmark, while in Virginia’s Fairfax County, Korean LEP votingage citizens numbered 9,934, which was fewer than 70 citizens short of meeting the numerical benchmark.”

Filling in the gaps

The study, which examines current federal, state and local laws, notes numerous states and localities across the country have moved to fill in the gaps, providing in-language outreach literature, registration forms and sample ballots in languages not covered by the VRA.

Other efforts include lowering the minimum threshold, thereby expanding the number of voters receiving assistance.

The battleground state of Pennsylvania earlier this month moved to make voting documents

available in nine additional languages not covered by the VRA, potentially enfranchising up to 251,701 eligible Pennsylvania voters. Lawmakers in California, home to the largest number of LEP households in the country, are considering a similar bill.

Yet issues remain, including underinvestment as well as poor and even mistranslation leading to ballot errors in some cases, even in regions supportive of greater language access.

There are also jurisdictions where “backlash against the provision of bilingual or multilingual ballots is also not unusual; criticism from many voters and public officials is often vocal and severe, even openly nativist or racist.”

Such attitudes have been enshrined in public policy in a number of jurisdictions where opponents of language assistance argue that English is and should be the dominant language and that any provision of assistance undermines incentives for LEP communities to become more proficient.

An issue of ‘racial equity’

“Language access is an issue of racial equity,” Dēmos Director of Democracy Phi Nguyen told La Opinión. “As they currently stand, federal language access laws often fail to protect voters and leave out thousands of voters of color due to their level of language proficiency.”

Among the study’s recommendations are: – The creation of electoral materials in languages other than those required by federal law.

– Lowering thresholds for language assistance offered below federal triggers to expand the number of voters receiving assistance.

– The use of clear compliance mechanisms that are based on both sufficiently funded government policies and strong community participation.

Civic organizations and non-profits, meanwhile, have also been active in producing in-language election material, including the website Guides.vote, which offers non-partisan voter information on candidate races both at the state and national level in 12 languages. The group also produces popular social media campaigns like this one that has garnered over 1 million views.

“As we have already seen in many states and localities across the country,” noted Nguyen, “enacting policies to better address the diverse linguistic needs of American voters can address inequities in ballot access and ensure our democracy works for our communities.”

(By Peter Schurmann)

Sen. Risa Hontiveros

Senate PRIB

Features OpiniOn

Waiting for indictment

a

Duterte’s main message was that he was taking full legal and moral responsibility for the policy pursued during his presidency in dealing with the illegal drug scourge, which led to the killing of over 6,000 drug suspects in law enforcement operations. Human rights groups say the actual number of fatalities, including those killed apparently by vigilantes, could reach around 20,000.

Editorial

Duterte, however, along with his aide-turned-senator Bong Go, denied maintaining a cash reward system for police officers who killed drug suspects. Duterte dismissed as a “liar” the source of this story, former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Royina Garma, a retired police colonel.

The former president was unapologetic, saying, “I did what I had to do… I did it for my country.” He shielded the Philippine National Police from blame, even when he admitted having a “death squad” that he said was composed of “gangsters” and wealthy civilians who wanted to kill criminals when he was mayor of Davao City. Pressed to identify the death squad members, he said at age 73, his memory fails him. “Thousands” were killed in Davao at the time, he said, but they were criminals.

Former Senator Leila de Lima, who attended the Blue Ribbon hearing, had investigated Duterte over the Davao Death Squad when she was chair of the Commission on Human Rights and later the secretary of justice. Asked by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada why she did not press criminal charges against Duterte in her previous official capacities, she said witnesses were fearful to come out and there was “no real evidence yet at my disposal.”

Duterte’s testimony, as noted by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, could bolster criminal charges against him related to his bloody war

drugs. Having lost his presidential immunity from criminal prosecution, Duterte can now be indicted and tried.

The Marcos administration has maintained that the International Criminal Court, which is investigating Duterte and several of his former officials for possible murder as a crime against humanity, need not exercise

jurisdiction over the Philippines because the pillars of justice in the country are working. The Marcos administration can prove this by pursuing cases in court against Duterte and his former officials. It can be done parallel to the ICC probe, and it will be a test of the strength of the Philippine criminal justice system. (Philstar.com)

Testing America’s political stability

IF the United States can hold peaceful, orderly elections on Nov. 5 and inaugurate a new president without prolonged legal or political battles, it will mark a major success for American democratic

institutions. Such an outcome would send a powerful message to the world: that free elections, even in highly polarized climates, remain a credible source of political legitimacy. Political legitimacy is the foundation of strong institutions, and strong institutions are the barriers that prevent autocrats from hijacking democracy.

Unfortunately, this scenario seems increasingly uncertain as America gears up for what could be its most consequential presidential race in history. The final national poll from The New York Times and Siena College shows Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump tied at 48 percent of the popular vote.

This seems to leave just 4 percent of American voters with the power to decide the next president.

The US electoral system is complex. The presidency isn’t awarded to the candidate with the most popular votes nationwide but to the one who secures the majority of the Electoral College votes from the 50 states. In most states, the candidate who wins the

popular vote claims all that state’s electoral votes. This winner-take-all rule applies everywhere except in Maine and Nebraska, where electoral votes are partly distributed based on congressional district results.

Historically, “blue” states vote Democratic, while “red” states tend to go Republican. However, about six or seven states,

known as “battleground” or “swing” states, can vote either way, ultimately determining the election outcome. Key among these are states with large electoral votes: Pennsylvania (19), North Carolina (16), Georgia (16), Michigan (15), Arizona (11), and Wisconsin (10).

The Electoral College has 538 votes, and a candidate

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Freedom, opportunity, and a new way forward for Filipino American families

the past. I represent a new, optimistic generation of leadership and will chart a New Way Forward—one that ensures you can not just get by, but get ahead.

v ice P R esident K amala H a RR is

FOR generations, people of Filipino heritage have come to America in search of hope and opportunity. The earliest Filipinos arrived at Morro Bay, California, in the 16th century. Today, more than four million Filipino Americans call this country home, and your values of hard work, family, and faith make America stronger.

This October, as we honor Filipino American History Month, I join you in celebrating this incredible community. From the manongs and manangs who organized to improve labor conditions in the Delano Grape Strike, to the Filipino and Filipino American soldiers who fought against tyranny in World War II, to frontline health care workers during the pandemic, you have been a part of our greatest triumphs and struggles. I was proud to welcome the return of in-person Filipino American History Month celebrations at the White House, and I am inspired by your stories and aspirations for a better future.

My mother was 19 when she crossed the world alone, traveling from India to California with an unshakable dream to be the scientist who would cure breast cancer. She worked tirelessly to raise our family and taught me to never complain about injustice, but do something about it. At a young age, I decided I wanted to do the work of fighting for people, and that has been the story of my entire career. As a courtroom prosecutor, I stood up for women and children against predators. As Attorney General of California, I took on the big banks and delivered $20 billion for families who faced foreclosure. As Vice President, I have stood up for workers and seniors. Now, I am running for president—because I believe Americans want and deserve a leader who will fight for all the American people.

This election is about two very different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, the other on

I grew up in a middle class household, and I remember my mother’s sacrifices and the long hours she spent to make things work for our family. As president, I will build an Opportunity Economy where every American has the opportunity to own a home, to build wealth, to start a business. I will cut taxes for 100 million Americans, hold companies accountable for price gouging on food and groceries, and work to lower the costs of essentials.

I will build three million affordable homes and provide up to $25,000 in down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers. I know what homeownership means to the American people, not to mention what it meant to my mother. We were renters growing up, and she saved up for years to buy our first home. She was so excited when that day came, and I want all Americans with dreams of achieving homeownership to feel that same excitement.

Small businesses and Filipino American entrepreneurs are the engines of our economy, and I will support these essential businesses by boosting access to capital and increasing the startup expense deduction 10-fold, from $5,000 to $50,000.

Filipino Americans are also at the heart of our healthcare system. I will protect the Affordable Care Act, which has reduced the uninsured rate among Asian Americans to record lows. President Biden and I worked to lower the price of prescription drugs and cap the cost of insulin at $35 for seniors, and I will go further to reduce costs for all Americans. My plan will also strengthen Medicare to cover home care for seniors, easing the financial and emotional burden many Filipino Americans face when caring for their elders. I took care of my mother when she was sick with cancer—I know that caregiving is about dignity.

I have spent my career fighting crime, and as Vice President, I have helped to secure $15 billion for law

“During Filipino American History Month, we honor the ways Filipinos and Filipino Americans have helped bring our nation closer to fulfilling the promise of America.

In a democracy, while we can hold on to it, our vote is the power that each of us as an individual has. It is an extraordinary power, and we will not give it away.”

enforcement and public safety and enact landmark legislation to combat antiAsian hate crimes. While Donald Trump’s failures during the pandemic put Filipino American health care workers at risk and fueled anti-Asian violence, I will work to keep you safe, including from gun violence. Our safety is also dependent on fixing our broken immigration system. I will sign the bipartisan border security bill that Trump sabotaged, and I reject the false choice between securing our border and creating a system of immigration that is orderly and humane. We can and must do both. Finally, I will work to strengthen America’s global leadership. While Trump cozied up to dictators and tyrants, I have traveled to 21 countries, met with more

than 150 world leaders to advance our interests, and deepened our ties with the Philippines. In my visits to Manila and Palawan, I strengthened our economic and investment ties, reaffirmed our mutual defense commitments, and reiterated our commitment to upholding international rules and norms in the South China Sea and around the world.

This election, the stakes could not be higher. Donald Trump intends to “terminate” the Affordable Care Act, strip away health care protections from millions, and raise drug prices. His policies would cause inflation to skyrocket, lead to a recession by mid2025, and increase costs for families by nearly $4,000 a year. He and his allies would devastate the middle class and cut Social Security and Medicare.

Donald Trump is an unserious man, but the consequences of him ever getting back into the White House are brutally serious. Trump has vowed to be a dictator on “day one,” and speaks openly about using the military against Americans. His own national security officials warn he is unhinged and unstable, and out for unchecked power.

Consider what he intends to do if we give him power again, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled he would be immune from criminal prosecution. He would wield the powers of the presidency not to improve your life, not to strengthen our nation, but to serve himself.

It is time to turn the page on the chaos and divisiveness of Trump. America is ready to chart a

new way forward.

During Filipino American History Month, we honor the ways Filipinos and Filipino Americans have helped bring our nation closer to fulfilling the promise of America. In a democracy, while we can hold on to it, our vote is the power that each of us as an individual has. It is an extraordinary power, and we will not give it away.

I will always fight for the American people. And together, we will build a brighter future for our nation.

* * *

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.

* * *

Kamala D. Harris is the Vice President of the United States.

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks at a campaign rally in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 10, 2024.

Photo by Christopher Dilts/Harris for President

Dateline philippines

Pope prays for Kristine victims...

Bishops in the hardesthit Bicol region had also appealed for aid as many families remained in evacuation centers.

Caritas Manila executive director Anton Pascual reported they have donated an initial P1.2 million to six dioceses in Bicol, namely the Archdiocese of Caceres in Camarines Sur and the Dioceses of Libmanan, Legazpi, Daet, Virac and Sorsogon.

Pascual said they are preparing to send assistance to affected dioceses in Southern Luzon and Central Luzon, as well as donations to help repair churches.

Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera reportedly asked for prayers and help in Batangas.

In a situation report, the Lipa Archdiocesan Social Action Commission said 43 people died and 22 are missing in the province.

Meanwhile, three Philippine Postal Corp. trucks are being utilized by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to deliver essential supplies to communities in Bicol.

Two trucks carried 720 shelter tarpaulins and a third truck was stocked with

3,500 hygiene kits.

Humanitarian aid In Pampanga, the police regional office on Saturday deployed 62 personnel – specializing in search, rescue and retrieval operations – to provide humanitarian assistance to

Senate urged to send Duterte ‘confession’...

Preference for ICC

Lawyer Romel Bagares, executive director of the advocacy group Center for International Law, said on Tuesday that the EJK victims’ families may also prefer to seek help from the ICC due to possible hurdles to a fair prosecution here.

Those responsible for the drug war killings can be prosecuted for crimes against humanity under Republic Act (RA) No. 9851, or murder under the Revised Penal Code, he added.

However, he pointed out that families of the victims of EJKs may have “hesitations” when filing complaints against Duterte, “given how politics tend to get in the way of an honestto-goodness prosecution of cases.”

“So the ICC may be the best option for them,” Bagares said.

Although the government has refused to work with the ICC in its investigation of the war on drugs, Bagares said the Philippines still must assist since the ICC has ruled that it will retain jurisdiction over crimes that happened while the country was still a member state.

This covers the period from Nov. 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019, when the government pulled out of the ICC. Duterte became president in 2016 and finished his term in 2022.

Under Article 93 of the Rome Statute, state parties have to comply with requests from the ICC to provide assistance in its investigations and prosecutions, such as the provision of official records and documents, Bagares pointed out.

Should the government refuse to comply with the ICC, Bagares said families of EJK

victims may file for a petition for mandamus, which can be issued when “any tribunal, corporation, board, officer or person” unlawfully neglects their duties, according to the Supreme Court.

DOJ action

For the House quad committee probing crimes related to the drug war, it is now up to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file criminal charges, including crimes against humanity, against Duterte.

The chairs of the quad committee said Duterte’s own words could provide the evidence needed to hold him accountable under RA 9851.

“Duterte has committed to take responsibility and face the consequences of these acts as mandated by our laws. It is now up to the proper authorities to consider this statement carefully and ascertain the criminal liability of the responsible individuals, whether under the concept of command responsibility or conspiracy,” said Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, chair of the human rights committee that forms part of the quad committee.

“When a leader knowingly permits the slaughter of civilians under his watch, and when he admits that he bears responsibility, it is an inescapable truth: he is criminally liable,” he pointed out.

Abante stressed that the systematic killings in Duterte’s war on drugs could fall under Section 6 of the law, which includes acts such as willful killing, torture, and enforced disappearance as crimes against humanity. Those crimes are nonbailable and could be punished by life imprisonment. (with a report from Krixia Subingsubing)

SAFE TO EAT. Green mussels, locally known as tahong, return to the Toril Public Market on Wednesday, October 30 after being off the shelves for nearly two months due to paralytic shellfish poison. Dr. Cory Sepulveda, OIC of the City Veterinarian’s Office, confirmed the mussels are now safe to consume, priced at PHP120 per kg. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Pope Francis addresses the crowd from the window of the apostolic palace overlooking St. Peter's square during the Angelus prayer on October 27, 2024 in The Vatican. AFP / Tiziana Fabi

Roque faces human trafficking charge over POGO links

by Daphne GalVez Philstar.com

MANILA — Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque is facing a complaint for qualified human trafficking before the Department of Justice (DOJ) over his alleged links to the raided Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.

The Presidential AntiOrganized Crime Commission (PAOCC) as welll as the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Monday, Oct. 28 filed a supplemental complaint, which included Roque in the human trafficking case earlier lodged against Lucky South 99 authorized representative Cassandra Li Ong and 53 others.

The PAOCC and CIDG alleged that Roque “participated in the furtherance of the illegal activities” of the POGO firm by representing Lucky South 99 when it applied for a gaming license with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) in 2023.

Citing the judicial affidavit of Pagcor assistant vice president Jessa Mariz

Fernandez, Roque allegedly made several follow-ups on the status of the online gambling permit of Lucky South 99.

The PAOCC and CIDG rejected Roque’s statement that he only lawyered for Whirlwind Corp., which leased a property to Lucky South 99.

The agencies said Roque’s involvement with Lucky South 99 is “further bolstered” by

the fact that his executive assistant Alberto Rodulfo dela Serna, who has a joint bank account with the former presidential spokesman, lived inside the POGO compound for almost nine months for free.

Deputy City Prosecutor Darwin Cañete said this is an opportunity for Roque to clear his name by submitting his counter-affidavit.

In a statement, Roque

described the complaint as “nothing but a trumped-up charge,” adding that the evidence against him was “manufactured.”

Roque has denied involvement in the illegal activities of Lucky South 99.

He said he would face “the lies” peddled against him and “vowed to hold those responsible for this miscarriage of justice in due course.” n

prays for Kristine victims in Philippines...

communities in the Bicol region affected by Kristine.

The Police Regional Office 3 also sent essential relief supplies.

“In times like these, extending help to the hardest-hit communities is vital. This mission is made possible with the strong support of the OCD, whose resources have been instrumental in enabling our response,” said PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Redrigo Maranan.

Mental health

Aside from leptospirosis, the Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring cases of stress and other mental conditions among those affected by Kristine.

“In evacuation centers, it is important to give assurances and have a few minutes of conversation with people,” Health Assistant Secretary Alberto Domingo said on Monday.

At Monday’s public briefing, Domingo said the Code Blue alert is still in effect in the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley and Bicol region.

Code Blue, he said, means around-the-clock monitoring and field reports so that immediate action can be undertaken if necessary.

The DOH has deployed two augmentation teams to Bicol, he said. All DOH-run hospitals are operational.

The agency has not monitored an increase in illnesses in evacuation centers.

New underwear

Almost a week into their ordeal, evacuees affected by Kristine have one common request: underwear.

Former vice president Leni Robredo, who is leading relief efforts in her hometown Naga, shared the appeal

of evacuees after she visited the city’s largest evacuation center on Sunday.

Angat Buhay , the non-government organization that Robredo founded, started accepting donations of new underwear to support victims.

New underwear may be dropped off at Angat Buhay ’s headquarters in Quezon City and Naga City.

Angat Buhay executive director Raffy Magno also appealed for canned goods, which will be donated to evacuees in Bicol.

According to Angat Buhay, it has provided relief goods, hygiene kits and hot meals to over 95,000 families and people.

As of Monday, the organization received in-kind donations worth almost P26 million and raised more than P34 million in cash donations.

Meanwhile, 604 families from Barangays Mabolo and Triangulo received 5,040 gallons of purified water, which came from the water purification system of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

The OCD has deployed its rapid deployment team to Naga to oversee the distribution of relief goods.

OCD Assistant Secretary Hernando Caraig Jr. attended a briefing with President Marcos in Naga.

PNR restores routes

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) has restored its route in Laguna and Quezon, which were battered by Kristine.

The state-owned railway reopened the Lucena-CalambaLucena route on Monday. Its routes in Bicol remain closed. (Ric Sapnu, Mayen Jaymalin, Janvic Mateo, Pia Lee-Brago, Ghio Ong)

Testing America’s...

needs a majority of 270 to win. This system can create situations where a candidate wins the nationwide popular vote but loses the electoral count—as happened in 2016 when Hillary Clinton lost to Donald Trump. It’s not surprising therefore that in the last few weeks of the current presidential campaign, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump and their major celebrity endorsers—for example, former president Barack Obama for Harris and the multibillionaire Elon Musk for Trump—have focused their campaign efforts on the battleground or swing states.

In the final NYT-Siena College poll, Harris leads by less than 1 percentage point in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Trump holds a similarly narrow lead in North Carolina, Georgia, and Arizona. These tight margins underscore how the winner-take-all rule can make even the smallest fraction of votes pivotal. In 2020, Biden narrowly won Georgia with 49.47 percent of the popular vote to Trump’s 49.24 percent—a margin of just 0.23 percent or 11,779 votes.

The margin in Georgia was so close that Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger ordered a hand recount, which confirmed Biden’s win. Nevertheless, Trump leaned heavily on Raffensperger to “find” the 11,780 votes he needed to win. To his lasting credit, Raffensperger stood firm.

Until the final moments of the 2020 electoral process, Trump pressured then-Vice President Mike Pence, who oversaw the congressional certification of electoral votes, not to certify Biden’s win. The events culminating in the Jan. 6 Capitol assault by Trump supporters remain fresh in Americans’ minds. Trump has yet to acknowledge his 2020 loss.

As though to test, once and for all, the limits of America’s deeply fractured politics, this year’s election pits one of the most racist and misogynistic of America’s politicians against an American woman of South Indian and African-Jamaican ancestry. Few candidates could be more different in personality, demeanor, and background than Trump and Harris.

This rare matchup brings to the fore the issues that have polarized Americans in recent years: immigration policy, abortion and women’s rights, racial equality, wealth distribution, the role of the state, and the autonomy of government institutions, particularly law enforcement and the judiciary.

The choice American voters make on Nov. 5 will definitely shape not only their future but also America’s role on the world stage. (Inquirer.net)

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.

AFTER THE STORM. Taal Lake is as calm as it can be, photographed from Laurel, Batangas on Tuesday, October 29. It is hardly indicative of the devastation left by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in the town and the entire province, which is under a state of calamity.

Former presidential spokesperson and congressman Harry Roque Jr. answers questions at the House of Representatives Quad Committee hearing on August 23, 2024. House of Representatives

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

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 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 major legal hurdles: reinstating Judy’s petition after her father’s death, convincing USCIS to allow a biometrics appointment (fingerprints) and interview for a comatose beneficiary at her home, and ensuring that Judy’s daughter Joyze, who was about to turn 21, would not age out of the petition.

Against all odds, Atty. Gurfinkel was able to navigate these challenges. He successfully reinstated Judy’s petition under Obama’s Survivor Law, arranged for USCIS agents to conduct the necessary home visit for Judy’s green card despite her coma, and used the Child Status Protection Act to preserve Joyze’s eligibility for immigration.

In February 2024, Judy's long journey to provide her daughters with a brighter future in the U.S. finally came to fruition. Both Joyze and Mitzi were granted their immigrant visas at the U.S.

PAGE 12

THE BENEFICIARY IN A COMA AND THE PETITIONER DYING, ATTY GURFINKEL

WHOLE FAMILY, IN A BRAND-NEW EPISODE OF CITIZEN PINOY. In this week’s episode of “Citizen Pinoy,” leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) tackles a complex and difficult case. 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. Despite these obstacles, Atty. Gurfinkel used his expertise to reinstate Judy’s petition, ensure a home-visit by USCIS for her fingerprints, and apply the Child Status Protection Act to prevent Judy's daughter from aging out. Judy’s brother, Jasper, (left) also promised her that he will do everything he could to make sure her daughters could immigrate to the U.S. Thanks to Atty. Gurfinkel's perseverance, Judy's daughters, Joyze (center) and Mitzi, were granted green cards in February 2024, fulfilling their mother’s dream of giving them a brighter future in the U.S. Be sure to watch this incredible success story on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, November 3 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

PHiliP s . cHua, md, Facs , FPcs

FRAUD, scams, hacking, and fake news are victimizing the unsuspecting and uninformed public. The perpetrators are not limited to criminals only; there are professionals, medical clinics, even physicians on their own, who have forgotten the Hippocratic Oath they took because of the blinding flash of silver and gold. Indeed, there are snakes in every forest.

In 2010 alone, there were 33,000 health care providers who were barred from federal healthcare programs due to fraud, license revocation, convictions for felony drug crimes, patient abuse and neglect, or other issues.

One area in medicine where abuse is rampant is in the realm of stem cell therapy. Some of these morally impaired physicians and nurses market stem cell therapy for “cosmetic rejuvenation, overall strength, as a cure of arthritis and many other illnesses,” all misrepresentation of the truth and just for financial gains.

Correct information is vital to any issue, so let’s review the current data we have for stem cell therapy.

Stem cell scam

The building block, the foundation of every cell, tissue, and organ in the body is the stem cell. Stem cells are undifferentiated, with no “specific assigned task as yet.” This has been likened to a blank computer microchip that could be “programmed to perform any number of special tasks.” Subjected to proper conditions, stem cells will develop into specialized tissues and organs (heart, liver, kidneys, etc.). Also, stem cells are “self-sustaining and can replicate themselves for long periods of time.”

Scientists, working on mouse models, have discovered that stem cell therapy could SOMEDAY possibly help cure many common diseases that afflict man today. Some of these include stroke, spinal cord injury, heart diseases, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, osteoarthritis, retinal degeneration and blindness, rheumatoid arthritis, liver and kidney diseases, burns, type 1 diabetes, and muscular dystrophies. While the goal of stem cell research is unquestionably laudable, and its potential benefit to mankind tremendous, the controversy centers on its efficacy and safety today, ethical, moral, religious, legal, and social ramifications.

Basically, the grave concerns are (1) The hype and

claims are too premature and untrue; (2) Where the stems cells will be harvested from (adult, fetus, or embryo); and (3) The possible misuse and abuse of this new technology. As I have stated in my talk before the Rotary Club some time ago, this evolving science merits more randomized, double-blind, and voluminous clinical studies in various medical centers around the world before it becomes standard in medical care. It also requires a deep soulsearching introspection, and a serious, intense and thoughtful deliberation to arrive at a morally, ethically and medically sound stem cell treatment protocol that will also ensure the protection of the unborn, besides healing the sick, and at the same time preserve the dignity of humankind it seeks to serve.

With its unique characteristics, stem cells can provide the cells to replace damaged or diseased tissues with new living cells that will regenerate into healthy, young, normally functioning tissues, in the treatment of conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. as listed above, where specific parts of the organs have been damaged and rendered “nonfunctioning” leading to the development of the disease. Research is still ongoing.

House members hit leeway given...

saying Hontiveros was “the only bright spot in the Senate hearing (for) standing up to the evil Duterte.”

“That’s the leader! Brave! Intelligent! Excellent!,” Trillanes said of the Senate deputy minority leader in a social media post.

Senate President Francis Escudero, who was not in the hearing, shared the view that Hontiveros “handled (the situation) well” when she and Duterte had heated exchanges.

“I agree when Senator Risa pointed out and reminded the former president and the committee to maintain order in the Senate, stressing that cursing is not normal and foul language should not be part of any proceedings,” he said in a forum.

“We should not be numb to it and accept it as normal and part of everyday life,” he added. “The former president said he was just narrating past incidences where he was cursing. But that may not be true for all the expletives he uttered during the hearing. And it was good that Senator Risa pointed it out.”

Chiz: Koko was fair

Escudero also commended Pimentel for the “fair” handling of the hearing.

“I think Senator Koko did a good job more than what I have expected. The role he played yesterday was not easy, and for me,

There is no scientific clinical evidence that stem cell can do any of those yet. It is still not part of the standard medical care.

Organ donation is available today but the organ supply is very limited, and the procedure is expensive, arduous and usually complicated by rejections of the transplanted organ(s). This is where stem cell therapy has a great advantage over transplantation of organs. But we are not there yet for stem cell.

Indeed, the last word is not in yet. Anyone or any clinic who claims otherwise, and offers stem cell therapy for many other diseases, is bordering on fraud and criminality. The only evidencebased clinical data showing stem-cell therapy is effective today is in the management of blood dyscrasias, leukemia, and some lymphomas, with wonderful results. These are the only diseases approved by the CDC as legal medical indications for the use of stem cell therapy.

Outside of the above accepted indication where stem cell therapy has been proven to be beneficial, there is no scientific evidence for all the other claims. And remember, stem cell therapy has potential serious complications also. Some

deaths from this therapy have been reported.

In spited of this, there are some rogue physicians and clinics offering to make one look and feel younger, cure their illness, with “stem cell injections,” for a hefty fee per session, sometimes in the thousands of dollars.

The patient may not even know exactly what infusion he/she is getting. And even if the source is the person’s own blood serum, centrifuged and processed, there is still no clinical evidence that the therapy works, except for those indications listed above. Anything else is a scam.

So, if you are being offered this “miracle stem cell treatment” to improve your looks or cure your arthritis, diabetes, etc., or make you healthier for “only a thousand bucks,” give me a call. I can sell you an 8-oz bottle of snake oil for only $80, free shipment. This oil could also double as skin moisturizer and laxative. Better than stem cells.

Let this serve as a warning against fraudulent claims about stem cell therapy, chelation therapy, any unapproved drugs or medications, including supplements and herbals, which could be toxic to your brain, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.

Our life and health are precious. As always: Caveat Emptor!

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.

* * *

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle, to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation, or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable to or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, U.S. senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom, scientists, and educators. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888. com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Amazon.com (“Where is My America?”); Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

Success story: Comatose mother’s petition...

he did his best to preside over that hearing and gave everyone a chance to speak, which is the most important thing,” the Senate leader said.

“The subcommittee was able to give all resource persons the venue to air their views and positions, especially that it was the first time Duterte testified, under oath, on extrajudicial killings and anti-drug war during his administration. That alone is a big thing for me,” he added.

For lawyers’ review

Sought for comment, Pimentel explained that it was just an initial hearing, noting many of the invited resource persons did not show up on Monday.

“(Duterte) was personally present, hence he got to speak… We need those with something to say to appear before the subcommittee because, as I’ve said, we will follow the evidence,” said Pimentel, who was the Senate president in the early years of the Duterte administration, from July 2016 to 2018.

Pimentel said he would like lawyers, whether in the government or not, to go over what Duterte said under oath.

“All those interested in the issue should act now. The Senate committee is only a venue or avenue to gather other forms of evidence. The former president’s words will have to be analyzed by experts in criminal law as to their overall value as evidence,” he added. n

Embassy in Manila and were able to enter the U.S. While Judy remains in a coma, her love and determination have opened the door to the American Dream for her children.

Watch this success story on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, November 3 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

Jasper (left) with his niece and Atty. Michael Gurfinkel (right)

Jasper and Joyze

PAGE 11

‘HARD WORK, HUMILITY, AND OPTIMISM’ Maria Torres-Springer Reflects on Leadership and the Importance of Filipino American History Month

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

MARIA Torres-Springer, the recently appointed First Deputy Mayor of New York City, is a trailblazer whose Filipino heritage and personal experiences growing up have profoundly shaped her leadership capabilities. At a recent event sponsored by the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce New York celebrating Filipino American History Month, Torres-Springer shared her journey from growing up between California and the Philippines to holding one of the highest positions in the city’s government.

Born to Filipino immigrant parents—her father Manny from Pampanga and her mother Elsa from Batangas— she shared that her formative years were marked by challenges and perseverance.

Born in Los Angeles, she lived in the Philippines from ages nine to fourteen after her mother passed away. Her father, a single parent struggling to raise three children, moved the family back to his hometown in Pampanga.

This decision provided her with the unique opportunity to grow up surrounded by extended family and to connect deeply with her Filipino roots. She also shared that her dad was the youngest of 23 siblings. “I had the wild fortune of growing up with, literally, it felt like hundreds of cousins. But my

time in Pampanga was really valuable because it allowed me to understand where I came from, and it allowed me to connect not just to my family, but to the rich and deep history of Filipinos,” she recalled.

Her time in the Philippines, as well as her return to the U.S., where her family faced economic struggles, had a lasting impact on her understanding of the role of government in people’s lives.

“We relied on food stamps, we relied on Section 8, and I say all of that because I know firsthand what it means… we experienced it when government works, and we also experienced what it was like when government didn’t work,” she said, reflecting on her family’s reliance on government assistance during tough times. These

experiences fueled her desire to enter public service and ensure that government programs truly help those in need.

Torres-Springer became the first in her family to attend college in the U.S., a milestone her parents supported by giving her all their savings. She earned a bachelor’s degree in ethics, politics, and economics from Yale University, followed by a master’s in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. Throughout her career, Torres-Springer held influential roles under Mayors Mike Bloomberg, Bill de Blasio, and Eric Adams, shaping New York City’s economic and housing policies. She was instrumental in citywide projects like the Coney

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer led the roundtable meeting with Filipino community leaders. Photos courtesy of @nycimmigrants

First Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer looks at the poster of the Filipino American community produced by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs led by Commissioner Manuel Castro.

Mayor Eric Adams and First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres Springer convened Filipino leaders and organizations and discussed a wide range of issues impacting the community, such as public safety, mental health, and economic opportunities. While recognizing the importance of cultural representation, Torres-Springer emphasized the need for action: “Recognition and representation are important… but what’s even more important is that we actually address the issues facing Filipinos.”

Rachelle Ocampo pointed out that the Filipino community remains historically underserved, leading to the closure of three physical spaces for Filipinos over the last decade. Her remarks underscored the urgency of building capacity to better serve and support the Filipino community across New York City.

Island renovation

Maria Torres-Springer at the Filipino American History Month event of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce New York in midtown Manhattan.

AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

Isabelle de los Santos, ‘24 Miss Aura Int’l 1st runner-up; Elia Ilano, future super actress

MISS Aura International 2024 first runner-up Isabelle Delos Santos was oozing with charisma and confidence even after the coronation night.

Days before the coronation, Delos Santos became the early favorite among the candidates as she won the fan favorite category and secured her spot to be part of the top 11 finalists of the competition.

She appeared in some films such as “Ano‘ng meron kay Abok” (2022), Becky and Badette (2023) and “May for Ever” (2024). She has been a volunteer for Special Olympics Pilipinas, providing sports and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities in communities across the Philippines.

I have a strong feeling that beauteous Isabelle Delos Santos, possessing an auratic presence, will

capture an international title in the near future.

* * *

Boy Lizaso III, a fashion designer and owner of Lizaso Haute Couture, has produced prestigious fashion shows in Hollywood, California benefiting charitable organizations. He recently celebrated his 75th birthday, with a dinner gala, fashion and awards night and performances from Pocholo Malillin’s Club Mwah, attended by glitterati at Manila Hotel’s Maynila Ballroom.

I was about to leave Manila Hotel when actor Roger Calvin (her daughter used to be my neighbor in a condo at Wack-Wack) and actress Imelda Ilanan (mom of actress Maricel Laxa and grandma of actor Donnie Pangilinan) told me not to leave yet and enjoy the night but I had to since it was already late evening. They were so caring. I hope to see Roger and Imelda again.

* * *

Multi-awarded, talented child actress Elia Ilano will appear in Viva Films’ “Nanay, Tatay” film, to be shown on October 30 exclusively at SM cinemas. It also stars Andrea del Rosario, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Aubrey Caraan, Heart Ryan, and Xia Vigor.

“Nanay, Tatay” is the first Filipino movie together with “Pasahero,” to be part of the Sine Sindak Film Festival which is now on its 5th year.

Elia Ilano will be playing the role of Malena in the said horror film. After the blockbuster and awardwinning movie, “Deleter,” and her accolade-filled performance in “Pinoy Ghost Tales,” Elia is set to be part of another horror movie. According to Elia, Malena is her dream role

and the most difficult role she ever played to date.

* * *

A recent mini-reunion of CITEM (Center for International Trade, Expositions and Missions) employees happened during the Manila FAME, a bi-annual trade show organized by CITEM, the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, at World Trade Center.

* * *

GMA Pinoy TV, the home of Global Pinoys, proudly joins the celebration of Filipino American History Month this October, embracing the theme “Struggle, Resistance, Solidarity, Resilience.” Through its participation in various events and activities, GMA Pinoy TV honors the history, achievements, and legacy of Filipinos in the United States.

Global Pinoys can participate in various celebrations across the United States, which include concerts by popular Filipino bands such as Ben&Ben and Side A, as well as special programs and shows, enlightening talks, and fun markets. The Ben&Ben Autumn Tour 2024 will thrill Global Pinoy fans on October 27. Known for its heartfelt lyrics and unique musicality, the nine-piece band from the Philippines is set to deliver a performance that will showcase the fine elements of contemporary Filipino music. Watch Ben&Ben at the California’s San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 S Almaden Blvd.

A special episode of “Becoming Pinoy” will air on October 26, featuring Filipino-American rapper Talilo (Tala and Ilog). Known for his powerful storytelling through rap and hiphop, Talilo sheds light on

social issues, poverty, and personal struggles through his original compositions and music videos filmed in the Philippines, where he showcases local icons like Apo Whang-od, the Ilonggos, and popular tourist destinations.

“Becoming Pinoy,” GMA Pinoy TV’s multi-awarded original series, profiles successful and influential global Pinoy individuals of Filipino descent.

* * *

Many thanks for featuring us in New York City billboard for the 2nd Southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Award. Thanks to La Visual Corp. and to Janice Israel Delima.

* * *

Biyaya Animal Sanctuary was thrilled recently when Krishnah Gravidez, a Filipino youth advocate and an Ilocana beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss World Philippines 2024 (she will compete in Miss World 2025 in February), participated in “FUR-ever Yours” Weekend Adoption Event at Quezon City’s Ayala Malls Vertis North Atrium to give these fur babies the chance to find their fur-ever homes. Every pet deserves quality care.

* * *

I made it to the 12/23/2022 Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Knight Science Journalism Advanced Fact-Checking Workshop. During the Science Journalism Forum (SJF) 2022, the Philippines (I represented) topped the Whova Leaderboard, followed by Bangladesh (female journalist Farhana Nila) and Pakistan (male journalist Satram Sangi).

In 2023, I emerged No. 3 (Philippines) in the SJF 2023 Leaderboard, after 1st placer Hassan AbouSeada (head of Frequency Coordination Department of the Egyptian Space Agency) from Cairo, Egypt and 2nd placer Bouda Brahim,

freelance journalist from Algiers, Algeria. Another Filipino, Marshall Asis (No.10) from the Philippine Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering, made it to the Top 10. Hailed as the virtual multilingual and most diverse global event for science journalists, the October 28-31, 2024 SJF predicts to be a huge success.

* * * 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.

* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com

Rogelio constantino medina

Former CITEM Executive Director and Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor (seated, right) with Oly delos Santos (seated, left) and current CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo (standing, 2nd from right).

GMA Pinoy TV celebrates Filipino American History Month on October 2024.

Krishnah Gravidez with an aspin at Ayala Malls Vertis North Atrium. Multi-awarded, talented child actress Elia Ilano

Columnist Rogelio Medina predicts that the 2024 SJF will be a huge success.

Isabelle Delos Santos, Miss Aura International 2024 first runner-up

At Boy Lizaso’s birthday celebration: (from left) Carlito Pocholo Malillin, Nick Legaspi, Fernando Pando Manipon, Rogelio Medina and Cris Nicolas.

From left: CITEM’s Kate Pineda, Rogelio Medina, Marjo FactoraEvio, Froilan Miranda and Lhen Visperas.

Clockwise, from bottom left: Rogelio Medina with Dr. Fritzie Lexdy Noche; FAMAS president Francia Conrado (seated) with Roger Calvin and Imelda Ilanan; celebrant Boy Lizaso III (extreme left)

‘HARD WORK, HUMILITY...

PAGE 13

and led significant positions, including Commissioner of Housing Preservation and Development. Before rejoining city government in 2022, she directed U.S. programs at the Ford Foundation, advocating for racial justice and workers’ rights.

Now, as the First Deputy Mayor, Torres-Springer oversees strategic direction, operational and budgetary matters, and spearheads initiatives in housing and economic development.

One of her primary focuses is advancing Mayor Eric Adams’s ambitious goal of creating 500,000 new homes over the next decade. “We believe, and I believe, that we can take a great leap forward as a city, because we have to, because that’s what New Yorkers deserve,” she emphasized.

Treasuring Her Filipino Values

Throughout her speech, Torres-Springer repeatedly attributed her success to the values instilled in her by her Filipino heritage, particularly hard work, humility, and optimism.

“No one works harder than I do, because no one works harder than the Filipino,” she proudly stated. This work ethic, rooted in her cultural background, is a key driver behind her leadership style and commitment to public service.

Humility, another deeply Filipino virtue, also shapes how she approaches her responsibilities. “I didn’t get here all by myself. I stand on the shoulders… of Filipinos who were strivers and doers and believers and survivors,” she said. This acknowledgment of the community and ancestors who paved the way for her success informs her sense of duty to open doors for others, especially underrepresented groups. She sees her position not just as a personal achievement but as an opportunity to uplift other Filipinos, the broader Asian Pacific Islander (API) community, and all New Yorkers struggling for a better life.

Despite the challenges faced by the city and the nation, TorresSpringer maintains a sense of optimism—a quality she believes is inherently Filipino. She spoke about the turbulent political and social climate, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it can be easy to fall into cynicism. However, she chooses to approach these difficulties with hope, believing in the city’s ability to overcome them. “Filipinos are endlessly optimistic,” she remarked, “and I try to keep that too, because it keeps me going.”

Celebrating History

For her, Filipino American History Month serves as both a celebration and a call to action. With over 89,000 Filipinos in New York City alone, the month offers an opportunity to highlight the community's contributions while tackling the everyday challenges they face. “It’s a month to celebrate, to recognize, to represent, and it’s also a month to act,” she stated. These actions, she believes, must focus on key issues that matter to Filipino American families, from economic development to health care.

Torres-Springer also called for more Filipino representation in leadership roles across public and private sectors. She stressed the importance of seeing Filipinos not only in government but also in corporate settings and other decision-making spaces. “It’s critical in my mind that you see Filipinos in all aspects of leadership… that we are at the table helping make decisions, shaping policy,” she remarked.

Looking ahead, she is committed to ensuring that Filipino Americans—and all New Yorkers—are represented and heard in city government. She believes that fostering dialogue between communities and the government is essential to addressing the specific needs of Filipino Americans, such as issues surrounding small businesses, health care access, and public safety in areas like Little Manila. “We have to get the basics right,” she said, emphasizing the need for ongoing engagement with the community to ensure their voices are consistently heard.

As Maria Torres-Springer embarks on this new chapter as First Deputy Mayor of New York City, she remains driven by the values instilled in her by her Filipino heritage—hard work, humility, and optimism. Her commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and ensuring that government works effectively for everyone reflects her belief in the power of public service.

Torres-Springer envisions a New York where all voices are heard, and where communities like Little Manila receive the support they need to thrive. "It’s a privilege and a responsibility," she said, "to use my role to open doors for others and make a lasting difference." For Torres-Springer, this isn’t just a job— it’s a mission to honor her roots, celebrate her community, and pave the way for a more inclusive city for future generations. n

Fil-Am stunt coordinator Jonathan Eusebio

directs 2 Oscar winners in directorial debut

Back to Me Now" blasts through the trailer, and Rose shows up to save Marvin.

ACADEMY Award winners

Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose lead the cast of "Love Hurts," the directorial debut of Filipino-American stunt coordinator Jonathan Eusebio.

A trailer for the film sees Quan as Marvin Gable, a successful regional realtor who in the middle of work receives a letter bearing the movie's title, the message "hiding ain't living," and a cracked heart.

The words were what Marvin told Ariana DeBose's Rose, his former partner before he parted ways with her seemingly for good.

Two men arrive to capture Marvin, informing him they work for his brother Knuckles played by veteran Hong Kong actor Daniel Wu.

The two begin to beat Marvin up around the house, but Marvin fights back just as Celine Dion's "It's All Coming by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

Rose says she needs Marvin's help to go up against Knuckles even though Marvin vowed to leave his past life behind.

More fight scenes ensue inside Marvin's offce and in one of the houses he's trying to sell, he quipped he knows people who can fix the rummaged location.

The trailer ends with a fight between Marvin and Knuckles, with Marvin once again repeating the movie's title.

"Love Hurts" is co-produced by 87North's David Leitch, another stuntman-turnedfilmmaker who helmed films like "John Wick," "Deadpool 2," "Hobbs & Shaw," "Bullet Train," and "The Fall Guy" after extensive stunt work on "Blade," "Fight Club," "Ocean's Eleven," "Troy," two "Matrix" movies, and more. Eusebio worked with Leitch on "Daredevil," "300," "The

Bourne Ultimatum," "The Fall Guy," and "John Wick," also becoming a stunt or fight coordinator on "Black Panther," "Doctor Strange," "The Fate of the Furious," and "The Matrix Resurrections."

The Filipino-American was also the second unit director on "Deadpool 2," "Birds of Prey," and "Violent Night," the latter also co-produced by Leitch and his wife Kelly McCormick through 87North.

Quan won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in "Everything Everywhere All At Once," his huge comeback role after child star outings in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" and "The Goonies."

He left acting after struggling to find work, becoming a stunt choreographer on various films and was inspired to become an actor again following the success of "Crazy Rich Asians" which led to starring in "Finding 'Ohana" and "Everything Everywhere All At Once."

Following his Oscar win,

Quan starred in "Loki," "American Born Chinese," and "Kung Fu Panda 4," and is set to appear in "The Electric State" and "Zootopia 2" next year. "Love Hurts" will be his first film in a major lead role. Singer-actress DeBose appeared on Broadway productions like "Hamilton," "Bring It On," "Motown: The Musical," "A Bronx Tale," and "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical," before breaking out on film in Netflix's adaptation of "The Prom."

DeBose won her Oscar for Steven Spielberg's take on "West Side Story," which made her the first AfroLatina person and first openly queer woman of color to win an acting Oscar.

For portraying Anita in the film, DeBose and Rita Moreno — who won an Oscar for playing Anita in the original "West Side Story" film — became the third pair of Oscar-winning actors for portraying the same character in two different films.

Kathryn Bernardo no regrets after failed 11-year relationship with Daniel Padilla

MANILA — Kapamilya star Kathryn Bernardo revealed that she has no regrets after her failed 11 years of relationship with ex-boyfriend Daniel Padilla.

In her guesting with "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda," the host asked Kathryn what's her advice to her younger self for her not to experience the pain with her breakup with Daniel.

"You know, nothing. I don’t regret anything.

"Ayoko siyang pangunahan. I want you to experience all the happiness, all the pain. Feeling ko maraming magkukuwestiyon nu'n, but it was 11 beautiful years.

"Kung ano 'yung nakikita niyo sa akin ngayon, ang laking part ng 11 years na 'yon

"So, kung nandiyan si little Kath, sasabihin ko, 'You know, ayaw kitang pangunahan. I want you to experience all these emotions, all these things, kasi it’s gonna be a big part of your growth.'"

Kathryn and Daniel announced their breakup November 30 last year. (Jan Milo Severo/ Philstar.com)

Filipino-American stunt coordinator Jonathan Eusebio Photo from Instagram/@official_jonathan_eusebio

Daniel Padilla at Kathryn Bernardo Instagram account of Daniel Padilla

Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose in “Love Hurts”. Contributed photo