$1.6M grant paves way for new Filipino American community hub in Queens
Congressmember Grace Meng presents check to NaFFAA New York in Little Manila
IN a symbolic gesture marking a significant investment in New York’s Filipino American community, United States Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) presented a $1.6 million federal grant designated to establish a community center for Filipino Americans in Queens. The announcement, celebrated by local leaders, advocates, and members of the community, took place in the heart of Little Manila in Woodside, highlighting the promise of a dedicated space for unity, culture, and support.
As the event unfolded, Meng underscored the importance of the Filipino American community in New York and beyond. “Thank you so much for the love and care of our Filipino American community, not just here
Rep. Andy Kim makes history as first Korean American elected to the US Senate
by MoMar G. Visaya AJPress
IN a historic victory, Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ) was elected to the U.S. Senate on November 5, becoming the first Korean American to serve in the chamber. Kim’s victory, after a fiercely contested campaign against the Democratic establishment, is seen as a powerful call for political reform, transparency, and inclusivity. Speaking to supporters in Cherry Hill, New Jersey on election night, Kim acknowledged the profound significance of his win. “This moment isn’t about me,” he said. “It’s about this moment in America and what we each individually tried to do to meet that moment.”
The 42-year-old Kim launched his campaign in September 2023, a day after Senator Bob Menendez was indicted on bribery charges. Kim, the son of Korean immigrants, entered the race with a pledge
u PAGE 3
Trump clinches US presidential victory as VP Harris concedes
by AJPress
DONALD Trump has clinched the United States presidency in a tightly contested election against Vice President Kamala Harris, marking a dramatic return to the White
Peso caught up in US election frenzy
by ian niCoLas P. CigaraL Inquirer.net
UNCERTAINTIES over the U.S. presidential elections would unlikely sink the peso to the record-low 59 level, regardless of the winner of the tight race to the White House, analysts said, although the local currency is still bound to feel some weakness this week.
The peso finished the first trading day of November at 58.34 against the greenback, 24 centavos weaker than its previous closing of 58.1.
Noel Reyes, chief investment officer
for Trust and Asset Management Group at Security Bank Corp., said that the performance of the peso this week would depend on the U.S. election results, adding that a victory for former U.S. President Donald Trump might drag the local unit beyond the 58.50-mark.
But if Vice President Kamala Harris wins, Reyes believes that the greenback would weaken, a development that could stabilize the peso.
“The market has priced in a Trump win that [will lead to U.S. Dollar] strength given his expansionary policies. A
Fil-Am mayor of San Diego takes lead over challenger in early results
Mayor Todd Gloria takes an 11-point lead over San Diego police officer Larry Turner
SAN DIEGO – Mayor Todd Gloria looks poised to serve a second term after taking an 11-point lead over San Diego police officer Larry Turner in Tuesday, Nov. 5, night’s initial election results. With a voter turnout of 43.1 percent and an unknown number of ballots left to count, the incumbent Gloria holds a 55.7 percent share of the vote compared to Turner’s 44.2 percent. Retired Marine lieutenant
colonel Turner was running a well-financed campaign, but a significant cohort of undecided voters appear to break for Gloria — who pulled in 50 percent of the vote followed by 23.1 percent for Turner and 15.9 percent for Geneviéve Jones-Wright in March’s primary election.
Gloria, a Democrat, faced off with independent Turner for the nonpartisan office. However, the SDPD officer
expressed eagerness to work with Trump on
variety of issues that interest both the
and the U.S.
has won, and the American people triumphed, and
congratulate them for their victory in an exercise which showed the world the strength of American values,” Marcos said. “We look forward to working with President Trump on a wide range of issues that will yield mutual benefits to two nations with deep ties, u PAGE 2
A new chapter of representation in California
of Eagle Rock, Echo Park, south Glendale and more — Caloza’s priorities include economic equity, education reform, and immigrant rights—issues critical to her diverse constituency. In her campaign ad, Caloza promised to “fight to lower the rising cost of living, protect reproductive rights,
by Luisa Cabato Inquirer.net
Mayor Todd Gloria FILE PHOTO
Pres. Marcos extends congratulations to...
shared beliefs, common vision, and a long history of working together,” he added.
Marcos further said: “I am hopeful that this unshakeable alliance, tested in war and peace, will be a force of good that will blaze a path of prosperity and amity in the region and on both sides of the Pacific.”
Additionally, he affirmed the Philippines full commitment to its “durable partnership” with the U.S., as it is founded on “freedom and
democracy” that the both countries share.
“I have personally met President Trump as a young man, so I know that his robust leadership will result in a better future for all of us. Congratulations, President Trump!,” Marcos concluded.
In an Agence France-Presse report dated November 6, it said that Trump already claimed victory and pledged to “heal” the U.S., as results place him on the brink of defeating Kamala Harris in the presidential post. n
Peso caught up in US election...
confirmed win could break
58.50 but will hold at under 59 since much of this event is already considered in the recent movement,” he said.
“On the contrary, a Harris win will be weak [U.S. Dollar] and will reverse the trend, correcting to 57 handles,” he added.
Since she entered the race in July, Harris has had a narrow lead over Trump in the national polling averages, according to reports. But the leads in the so-called swing states were so tight that markets are still not ruling out the possibility of another Trump presidency.
Voters in the United States went to the polls on Nov. 5.
As it is, the U.S. election frenzy is adding fuel to a rallying dollar that is already enjoying safe-haven inflows driven by expectations of slower rate cuts by the U.S.
Federal Reserve. Domestic factors
The U.S. central bank’s benchmark rate now sits between 4.75 and 5 percent following a jumbo half point cut in September. However, a slew of strong economic data releases in the past weeks had led market watchers to believe that the Fed might have to take it easy on the rate cuts. For the rest of the week, Security Bank’s Reyes said the string of key economic data releases at home would have varying impact on the peso.
The government will release the October inflation figure today, while the third quarter gross domestic product (GDP) performance will be out on Nov. 7, Thursday.
“Local CPI (consumer price index) for October should not be a market mover as this is unanimously expected to come out higher than September with
a 2%+ handle,” Reyes said. “GDP may only have an influence if it comes out significantly weaker than consensus 5.7 percent. This would suggest that the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) may need to cut faster than the Fed and add to the upward pressure on USD-PHP direction,” he added.
For John Paolo Rivera, senior research fellow at Philippine Institute for Development Studies, a state-run think tank, the BSP has ample reserves that it can use to arrest a sharp peso slide that can stoke inflation.
“PHP performance may be affected by the upcoming U.S. elections. However, I do not see it weakening to as low as 59 or 60 as the BSP is capable enough to manage forex since we have sufficient reserves to manage forex movements,” Rivera said. n
Trump clinches US presidential...
Trump, who previously served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021. His path to reelection has been marked by a turbulent political journey, including an impeachment, a highly polarized presidency, and a narrow defeat in 2020. Undeterred, Trump mounted a fierce 2024 campaign, tapping into voter frustration with the current political landscape and positioning himself as a champion for change.
Trump’s resurgence reflects a divided yet determined political base, especially in swing states where his message of “America First” resonated. His campaign emphasized economic renewal, immigration reform, and restoring American manufacturing, rallying voters who feel left behind by globalization and economic shifts. This electoral win underscores Trump’s ability to mobilize populist sentiment and renew his core themes of economic nationalism. Global reactions to
Fil-Am
Trump’s victory Trump’s win has elicited varied reactions from world leaders. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated him, reaffirming the strong U.S.-Philippines alliance, particularly in defense and trade. While leaders in Asia and the Middle East welcomed Trump’s stance on national sovereignty and bilateral ties, European leaders expressed reservations, voicing concerns over his skepticism toward multilateral agreements and potential shifts in trade, climate policy, and defense commitments. Trump’s agenda: Domestic and foreign policy challenges As Trump prepares to return to the White House, his “America First” approach is expected to influence both domestic and international policies. The international community is closely monitoring his stance on alliances and existing agreements, with allies and adversaries alike anticipating potential changes in U.S.
foreign policy. Domestically, Trump’s supporters expect a renewed focus on economic growth, tax reform, and immigration policies. Critics, however, are concerned about potential rollbacks on environmental protections and healthcare reforms. Trump’s commitment to deregulation and revitalizing American industries will be a focal point of his administration as the transition begins.
A new chapter in American politics
Trump’s return to the presidency signals a shift in the U.S. political landscape, with major implications for both national and global issues. As he prepares to navigate his second term, the world will be watching closely to see how he addresses ongoing challenges, from economic disparities and climate change to shifting global alliances. His approach in the coming months will set the tone for what promises to be a defining era in American and global politics. n
mayor of San Diego takes lead...
received financial support from Republicans throughout the past six months.
In September, local attorney Steven Richter donated $1 million to the conservative Lincoln Club of San Diego’s political action committee. Much of that went toward Turner’s campaign.
Democrats responded by raising several hundreds of thousands of dollars in a political action committee of their own, led by Stephen Cushman, one of the biggest champions of and consultants for Gloria’s proposed “megashelter” at Kettner and Vine.
Gloria was initially elected in 2020, in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic downturn. He earned the endorsement of then-Senator Kamala Harris in 2020.
His term has been a challenging one, as San Diego faced a slew of problems, including increasing rates of homelessness and housing costs, the rising threat of fentanyl, questions about the city’s infrastructure following the Jan. 22 storms and the worsening of the ongoing Tijuana River Valley sewage pollution crisis.
Many of these issues are out of Gloria’s direct control, but as the face of the city, he has borne the brunt of the criticism. Last year, former unofficial city ambassador Bill Walton made news by calling out Gloria’s response to homelessness as inadequate. Walton died in May.
Gloria has touted his administration’s efforts to build more housing, repair the city’s aging infrastructure and provide more shelters for the homeless.
“Mayor Gloria understands that tackling this crisis requires a balanced approach — one that treats those experiencing homelessness with dignity and compassion, while also ensuring that public spaces are safe and accessible for everyone,” a statement from his campaign reads.
Gloria has also pivoted to taking a tougher stance on crime and being less forgiving to the homeless unable or unwilling to stay in shelters.
In September, he joined residents and business owners in downtown San Diego’s East Village neighborhood to endorse a plan seeking to completely ban homeless encampments and tents downtown, as well as having faster police response times, stronger sentences for smash-and-grab crimes and forcing people with addiction and mental health issues into state conservatorship.
“Gloria’s approach balances smart investments in public safety with efforts to build trust and transparency between law enforcement and the community,” reads his campaign website. “The result couldn’t be more clear: San Diego is now one of the safest major cities in the U.S., and we’re headed in the right direction.”
Turner, self-described as a “lifelong independent” who is not “beholden” to the two
major political parties, does not have elected experience. As a result, he has centered his campaign not necessarily touting his own plans but blasting Gloria’s efforts.
`I will be an independent voice that represents the citizens of San Diego, not a political party or soft-on-crime ideology,” reads Turner’s campaign site. “I’m here to deliver solutions only, to save the lives of our homeless struggling to survive (and our businesses alike), to return safety and dignity to our streets.”
He has previously said the homelessness crisis will be handled “in the first 180 days of my tenure,” by immediately directing the construction of 5,000 shelter beds — particularly focused on those addressing mental health and addiction.
How he intends to do this is made less clear, but he has blamed Gloria for lack of action and then attacked his choices when the mayor has tried to get something off the ground, such as the Kettner and Vine project.
Turner has also put an emphasis on improving infrastructure, using the San Diego Convention Center year-round as an economic engine, keeping small businesses in San Diego, focusing less on bike lanes in transit and an expedited route for undocumented people to become Americans. Turner’s candidacy was challenged in a quickly dropped lawsuit in the run up to the primary election, contending he was not a resident or registered voter in the city of San Diego 30 days prior to filing his nomination papers, as required.
Turner denied the allegations. A statement from his campaign stated that he lived in Bonsall in parts of 2016 and 2017, and between 2020 and early 2023, his family stayed in Alpine, but he otherwise has lived in San Diego.
Turner said that during the period in question he was living in East Village, but has since moved to Ocean Beach.
The police officer has also faced pushback from his own union. He has said he would consider cutting police benefits and putting a freeze on new hires as a way to balance the city’s budget, but has since walked that back. Gloria too made the San Diego Police Officer’s Association bristle during the pandemic by at first requiring all city employees to be fully vaccinated. This was met with outrage and worries about keeping the SDPD fully staffed. The mayor ultimately backed down, allowing for significant numbers of police officers and other city employees to have exemptions.
The SDPOA only endorsed Gloria on Oct. 10, following Turner’s statements above in a televised debate. Gloria also has the endorsements of the state and county Democratic party, Gov. Gavin Newsom, the city’s firefighters and Planned Parenthood. Turner’s website does not list endorsements but has received one from La Prensa. The San Diego County Republican Party has not endorsed either candidate. (Inquirer.net)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Malacañang file photo
Trump’s White House return poised to tangle health care safety net
by stePhanie amour
FORMER President Donald Trump’s election victory and looming return to the White House will likely bring changes that scale back the nation’s public health insurance programs — increasing the uninsured rate, while imposing new barriers to abortion and other reproductive care.
The reverberations will be felt far beyond Washington, D.C., and could include an erosion of the Affordable Care Act’s consumer protections, the imposition of work requirements in Medicaid and funding cuts to the safety net insurance, and challenges to federal agencies that safeguard public health. Abortion restrictions may tighten nationwide with a possible effort to restrict the mailing of abortion medications.
And with the elevation of vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Trump’s inner circle of advisers, public health interventions with rigorous scientific backing — whether fluoridating public water supplies or inoculating children — could come under fire.
Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris with 277 Electoral College votes, The Associated Press declared at 5:34 a.m. ET on Wednesday. He won 51% of the vote nationally to Harris’ 47.5%, the AP projected.
Trump’s victory will give a far broader platform to skeptics and critics of federal health programs and actions. Worst case, public health authorities worry, the U.S. could see increases in preventable illnesses; a weakening of public confidence in established science; and debunked notions — such as a link between vaccines and autism — adopted as policy. Trump said in an NBC News interview on Nov. 3 that he would “make a decision” about banning
some vaccines, saying he would consult with Kennedy and calling him “a very talented guy.”
While Trump has said he will not try again to repeal the Affordable Care Act, his administration will face an immediate decision next year on whether to back an extension of enhanced premium subsidies for Obamacare insurance plans. Without the enhanced subsidies, steep premium increases causing lower enrollment are projected. The current uninsured rate, about 8%, would almost certainly rise.
Policy specifics have not moved far beyond the “concepts of a plan” Trump said he had during his debate with Harris, though Vice Presidentelect JD Vance later said the administration would seek to inject more competition into ACA marketplaces.
Republicans were projected to claim a Senate majority, in addition to the White House, while control of the House was not yet resolved early Wednesday.
Polls show the ACA has gained support among the public, including provisions such as preexisting condition protections and allowing young people to stay on family health plans until they are 26.
Trump supporters and others who have worked in his administration say the former president wants to improve the law in ways that will lower costs. They say he has already shown he will be forceful when it comes to lowering high health care prices, pointing to efforts during his presidency to pioneer price transparency in medical costs.
“On affordability, I’d see him building on the first term,” said Brian Blase, who served as a Trump health adviser from 2017 to 2019. Relative to a Democratic administration, he said, there will be “much more focus” on
Caloza, Cabaldon break new ground...
Works and her work with the U.S. Department of Education under the Obama administration, Caloza is poised to drive significant legislative efforts on issues such as healthcare, housing, and environmental protection.
Christopher Cabaldon –California State Senate Cabaldon’s victory marks another milestone as he becomes the first Filipino American to serve in California’s State Senate. Representing District 3, his platform focuses on economic growth, sustainable development, and small business support.
Cabaldon captured 61.2% (175,827) of the vote, beating Thom Bogue who got 38.8%, according to results from the California Secretary of State as
of November 6. His two-decade tenure as Mayor of West Sacramento, coupled with his leadership roles in the California Community Colleges System and the California State Assembly Higher Education Committee, have equipped him with a deep understanding of policy and community needs. As a tenured professor at Sacramento State University, Christopher has taught California government, design thinking for public policy, state and local budgeting, urban economics, and the political environment of policymaking. Cabaldon’s commitment to inclusive development and workforce support positions him to address key challenges for his district’s nearly one million residents.
A new chapter of representation in California Together, Caloza and Cabaldon’s historic wins bring the Filipino American community’s perspectives into the heart of California’s decision-making. Their roles in both legislative chambers build on a legacy of representation established by leaders like Attorney General Rob Bonta and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, who highlight the growing impact of Filipino Americans in shaping policies that reflect the state’s diversity.
California is home to approximately 1.6 million Filipino Americans, according to Pew Research Center, with the highest concentrations in the Los Angeles and San Francisco metropolitan areas. (AJPress)
Rep. Andy Kim makes history as first Korean...
to restore public trust in government. Despite facing opposition from New Jersey’s Democratic machine, including a primary challenge from Tammy Murphy, the governor’s wife, Kim’s grassroots campaign grew in strength, focusing on the need for transparency and accountability in politics.
During his victory speech, Kim reflected on his personal journey and his family’s immigrant experience. He recounted how his parents, who immigrated from South Korea, lived temporarily in a New Jersey hotel while his father started his career as a cancer researcher in Camden. “For my parents, this hotel was an important step in achieving the American dream,” Kim said, underscoring the values of service and sacrifice that guided him into public life.
Kim’s message resonated with voters who, like him, are frustrated with the status quo in American politics. He noted that people he met on the campaign trail frequently voiced distrust in public institutions. “People tell me they simply didn’t trust their public servants,” Kim said, addressing the erosion of faith in government. “We need to recognize that we face significant challenges… The divisions we face are deep to the bone. They will not be fixed by any single election.”
Looking ahead, Kim emphasized the importance of national unity as the United States nears its 250th anniversary. He proposed efforts to foster civic engagement and revitalize a sense of shared purpose, suggesting investments in community groups and initiatives to bolster patriotism rooted in giving back. “The greatness of America is not what we take from this country, but what we give
back,” he said. Kim also acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family during the campaign, addressing his two young sons directly. “I know this hasn’t been easy,” he said, “but I hope you’re proud of me, and I hope that you’d come to understand why I did what I did.”
As the first U.S. senator from South Jersey in over 50 years, Kim pledged to serve all New Jerseyans, regardless of political affiliation. “I hope to represent everyone in this state, whether you voted for me or not,” he said, vowing to prioritize service over self-interest.
Kim closed his speech with a challenge to supporters: “Our time here should be about what we contribute, not what we take. Thank you for being with me on this journey. Are you proud of what we built? Are you ready to keep fighting for our country?” n
FDIC | Est. 1890
United States Senator-elect Andy Kim with his wife and two sons at his campaign’s victory party in Cherry Hill. AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya
United States Senator-elect Andy Kim AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya
$1.6M grant paves way for new Filipino
in Queens, but all throughout the state and country,” Meng said. “The Filipino American community continuously and constantly gives its heart to our city, our state, and our country, and it has been through a lot in the last few years with the COVID-19 pandemic.” She went on to acknowledge the sacrifices made by Filipino Americans, especially frontline workers during the pandemic, and recognized the historic election of Assembly Member Steven Raga, New York’s first Filipino American in the state legislature. Meng shared how the idea for a community center came about. “A little over a year ago, we got notice of this opportunity, and I texted Steven, our newest Assembly Member, saying we may have some money. Tell me what to do with it. Steven said, ‘The community doesn’t have a center.’” Reflecting on this need, she continued, “It’s a symbol that we are standing outside. It’s a beautiful mural, but we are on a sidewalk, outdoors, because our community doesn’t have a place to meet. Our next generation, our children, our future leaders— they deserve more.”
This investment comes not only as a financial commitment but as a deeply symbolic gesture, underscoring the importance of a permanent gathering space for the community. Rachelle Ocampo, President of NaFFAA New York, spoke to this vision as she addressed attendees alongside her executive team and her young daughter. “This $1.6 million in federal funds is not just a financial investment. It
represents hope, growth, and the promise of a brighter future for Filipino Americans in New York,” Ocampo said. “Together, we are building a vibrant, multicultural community center that will serve as a source of empowerment, unity, and cultural pride for generations to come.”
Ocampo emphasized that the center is intended to be a safe haven for resources, education, and community—a longoverdue space where Filipino Americans and their neighbors can connect, share, and thrive. She acknowledged the support of local and national leaders, including NaFFAA’s national president-elect Ryan Namata, Vice Consul Cathe Aguilar, and a host of community leaders spanning sectors such as health, education, business, and the arts.
Assembly Member Steven Raga also addressed the crowd, expressing pride in the community’s resilience and the broader support shown by Queens’ diverse populations. “We’re here because the power of community came together—not just within the Filipino community, but also from the AAPI community and other communities here who understand the need for a shared space,” Raga said. “This investment shows that we are not being ignored, we are not being left behind, and we are a community that deserves a place to gather.”
The $1.6 million grant was heralded as a victory for the Filipino American community, which has long sought a dedicated community center in Queens. Leaders at the
event highlighted the broader implications of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, legislation aimed at addressing the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during the pandemic. Meng, a key advocate for this legislation, emphasized that a community center would be a haven against such adversities and a space where Filipino Americans can proudly showcase their heritage and history.
“We are grateful for the leadership of Congress Member Meng and the vision of NaFFAA New York in advancing equity for Filipino American communities,” said Ryan Namata, Presidentelect of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations.
“We believe that this historic investment sets a precedent of a blueprint for state and federal government officials to follow in diversifying how resources are allocated to the over 4.3 million Filipinos across the country.”
The event culminated with calls for continued collaboration among local leaders, federal representatives, and community advocates. “Our children, our future leaders, they deserve more,” Meng said. “We need a place for the Filipino American community to come together— not just to congregate, but to share their culture, to share their heart—not just among themselves, but with the entire community.”
This historic investment will provide a physical space where Filipino Americans can celebrate their heritage, find support, and continue building a legacy of unity and cultural pride in New York City. n
Trump’s White House return poised...
PAGE 3
“minimizing fraud and waste.”
Efforts to weaken the ACA could include slashing funds for enrollment outreach, enabling consumers to purchase more health plans that don’t comply with ACA consumer protections, and allowing insurers to charge sicker people higher premiums.
Democrats say they expect the worst.
“We know what their agenda is,” said Leslie Dach, executive chair of Protect Our Care, a health care policy and advocacy organization in Washington, D.C. He worked in the Obama administration helping to implement the ACA.
“They’re going to raise costs for millions of Americans and rip coverage away from millions and, meanwhile, they will give tax breaks to rich people.”
Theo Merkel, director of the Private Health Reform Initiative at the right-leaning Paragon Health Institute, which Blase leads, said the enhanced ACA subsidies extended by the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022 do nothing to improve plans or lower premiums. He said they paper over the plans’ low value with larger government subsidies.
Other Trump supporters say the presidentelect may support preserving Medicare’s authority to negotiate drug prices, another provision of the IRA. Trump has championed reducing drug prices, and in 2020 advanced a test model that would have tied the prices of some drugs in Medicare to lower costs overseas, said Merkel, who worked in Trump’s first White House. The drug industry successfully sued to block the program.
Within Trump’s circles, some names have already been floated as possible leaders for the Department of Health and Human Services.
They include former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Seema Verma, who ran the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services during the Trump administration. Kennedy, who suspended his independent presidential run and endorsed Trump, has told his supporters that Trump promised him control of HHS. Trump said publicly before Election Day that he would give Kennedy a big role in his administration, but he may have difficulty winning Senate confirmation for a Cabinet position.
While Trump has vowed to protect Medicare
and said he supports funding home care benefits, he’s been less specific about his intentions for Medicaid, which provides coverage to lowerincome and disabled people. Some health analysts expect the program will be especially vulnerable to spending cuts, which could help finance the extension of tax breaks that expire at the end of next year. Possible changes include the imposition of work requirements on beneficiaries in some states. The administration and Republicans in Congress could also try to revamp the way Medicaid is funded. Now, the federal government pays states a variable percentage of program costs. Conservatives have long sought to cap the federal allotments to states, which critics say would lead to draconian cuts.
“Medicaid will be a big target in a Trump administration,” said Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. Less clear is the potential future of reproductive health rights.
Trump has said decisions about abortion restrictions should be left to the states. Thirteen states ban abortion with few exceptions, while 28 others restrict the procedure based on gestational duration, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization focused on advancing reproductive rights. Trump said before the election that he would not sign a national abortion ban.
State ballot measures to protect abortion rights were adopted in seven states, including Missouri, which Trump won by about 18 points, according to preliminary AP reports. Abortion rights measures were rejected by voters in Florida, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
Trump could move to restrict access to abortion medications, used in more than half of abortions, either by withdrawing the FDA’s authorization for the drugs or by enforcing a 19th-century law, the Comstock Act, that abortion opponents say bans their shipment. Trump has said he generally would not use the law to ban mail delivery of the drugs.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF— an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
U.S Congress Member Grace Meng (D-Queens) met with the executive team of NaFFAA New York and various community leaders to present the historic $1.6 Million in federal funds she secured to build a multicultural community center in the heart of Little Manila on Friday, November 1, 2024.
AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya
Rachelle Ocampo
Rep. Grace Meng
Assembly Member Steven Raga
SANTA CLAUS MOMENT. Father and daughter marvel at life-sized Santa Claus displays at NCCC Mall VP in Davao City on Tuesday, November 5. The interactive Santa features sensors that allow it to move and play music, adding a festive touch to holiday shopping. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.
Dateline PhiliPPines
Senate adopts P1.3-billion House cut in OVP budget
by CeCiLLe suerte FeLiPe, DeLon PorCaLLa Philstar.com
MANILA — The Senate adopted the House of Representatives’ P1.3-billion cut in the 2025 budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), as the Upper Chamber formally started discussions on the proposed P6.352-trillion 2025 national budget.
The 14-page Senate finance committee report posted on its website indicated that the senators retained the House version of the OVP budget with P733.198 million, from the initial proposal of P2.037 billion, while the Office of the President retained its P10.446-billion proposed allocation.
In a chance interview with Senate reporters, Sen. Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate finance committee, admitted that the Senate adopted the House version of the cut on the OVP budget.
“Yes, the Senate adopted the House version of the OVP budget cut. We reached out several times to the Office of the Vice President, requesting they submit documents to clarify issues regarding their budget, but they have not submitted them as of today. So we decided to retain the GAB (General Appropriations Bill) amount pending submission and review of these documents.”
“While we cannot account for movements in the figures on an apples-to-apples basis, we can say that we retained the original budget for the relevant item in DSWD while we increased further the item under the DOH budget,” Poe noted, referring to the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health.
Poe said the proposed 2025 national budget emphasized significant priorities in social services, health, education, jobs, technology and infrastructure and human development. She underscored the imperative for accountability in every peso spent in the budget.
“This budget isn’t just a series of numbers. It’s a blueprint of our priorities, the most important investment of our government and the heartbeat of our nation’s future,” Poe said in her sponsorship of the GAB containing the P6.352-trillion proposed budget.
“Under this Senate committee report, every peso has been accounted for. With each line item, we asked all agencies, ‘What do we want to happen here?’” Poe said. “Accountability is not just a choice; it is our duty.”
Meanwhile, the Senate has also started discussions on the budget of each department in the executive branch.
VP’s aide in U.S.
One of the seven officials under the Office of the Vice President (OVP) whom lawmakers wanted to be included in the Bureau of
to leave for the United States last Monday, November 3.
Based on immigration records sent by the BI to the House of Representatives’ committee on good government and public accountability, Vice President Sara Duterte’s chief of staff Zuleika Lopez left Monday night at 7:30 p.m. via Philippine Airlines flight PR 102 to Los Angeles, California.
However, it could not be ascertained by the BI whether one of the OVP’s special disbursing officers (SDO), Gina Acosta, was able to leave the country on the basis that she has “multiple namesakes” as her name is very common, thus making the search for her difficult.
The rest of the OVP staff were also able to travel overseas, as reported by the BI to panel chairman Manila Rep. Joel Chua. Nonetheless, they have come back, like Edward Fajarda, another OVP’s SDO, and former Department of Education (DepEd) assistant secretary Sunshine Charry Fajarda, who both arrived last June 25.
Rep. Bienvenido Abante, chairman of the House committee on human rights, noticed that the OVP officials seem to be well-off, owing to the fact that they travel a lot based on immigration records.
“If I may issue a warning, please don’t challenge us to issue contempt orders for you (OVP officials) to attend our next hearing. We have been very lenient with you. The next hearing will be our fifth,” Abante said.
Upon the motion of Abante and Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano of Abang Lingkod partylist, the Chua committee decided to re-issue another subpoena to the seven OVP officials “with the stern warning that refusal to do so will be dealt with accordingly.”
The Chua panel wanted to summon Lopez, Acosta, the Fajarda couple, chief accountant Julieta Villadelrey, assistant chief of staff and bids and awards committee chairman Lemuel Ortonio and administrative and financial services director Rosalynne Sanchez to the House hearings.
The OVP officials have snubbed the House hearings in connection with the office’s utilization of its budget.
“The Office of the Vice President maintains that the ongoing congressional inquiry by the House committee on good government and public accountability is unnecessary and plagued with irregularities in the conduct of the proceedings,” the OVP said in a press statement on Tuesday, November 5.
Marcos: Quick response funds depleted as cyclones hit Philippines
by Jean mangaLuz Philstar.com
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, November 6 said the government has spent all of its quick response funds (QRF) following the string of cyclones that have hit the Philippines.
In October, Severe Tropical Storm Kristine tore through Luzon, dumping a record amount of rain on the island. Some areas experienced two months’ worth of rains in a matter of days. Shortly after Kristine, Super Typhoon Leon and Typhoon Marce followed.
Marcos said the Department of Budget and Management has been told to redirect the proper funding for this.
“Our QRF, in truth, has been exhausted because of the numerous cyclones. So, we set aside funds once more to replenish the QRF for local governments and to address your needs,” Marcos said in Filipino a speech to victims of Kristine in Albay.
Marcos did not specify where the funds will come from. Reporters have sought
further clarification from the Presidential Communications Office, and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
In a separate statement, the DBM said that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund can be used to replenish the QRF.
However, this fund is limited, said the DBM.
“The DBM is looking to tap other sources of funds to support the continued relief and rehabilitation of vulnerable areas,” the agency said.
The QRFs can also be replenished from the Contingent Fund, as well as available funds from the regular budgets of other agencies.
The 2024 General Appropriations Act allotted P7,925,000,000 for QRFs.
However, the damage from Kristine and Leon easily trumped this amount.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said that damage to infrastructure is estimated at P8,470,632,508.53 while damage to agriculture is at P6,368,052,277.8.
Preparing for
‘Marce’
The president reported that all government agencies are on high alert as Marce continues to whip up rain and winds in the northern part of the Philippine area of responsibility.
Marce is forecast to make landfall in the Babuyan Islands or the northern parts of the mainland Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Apayao by Thursday, November 7.
Marcos has ordered streamlined communications, as well as the 24-hour monitoring of all rivers, lakes and coasts. He left the management of dams to local experts and leaders.
Rescue equipment and vehicles must already be in place, while relief goods should also be prepared.
The Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Transportation have also been tasked with road clearing.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gives a speech to farmers, fisherfolk and families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine on November 6,
Where foreigners must not tread
THE capture of three men involved in the kidnapping of American vlogger Elliot Eastman in Mindanao is one of those rare occasions that prove Philippine authorities can take swift, decisive action when it counts, especially with a little prodding from the United States.
In a country where crime victims could go missing for years — from vanished activist Jonas Burgos to the disappeared “sabungeros” (cockfight aficionados) — it’s a little jarring to see such a quick breakthrough in one foreigner’s case, with six suspects already charged in court, half of them the subject of a manhunt.
Editorial
But the lack of a ransom demand for Eastman or even proof of his life more than two weeks after his disappearance casts a pall on efforts to save him and bring the perpetrators to justice. As his fate remains a mystery, the American’s abduction has blackened further the reputation of Mindanao, or a large swath of it, as an unsafe destination.
Many might reproach Eastman for not heeding travel advisories and repeated verbal warnings against staying in Sibuco town, Zamboanga del Norte, where he was residing with his Filipino wife — and they would not be wrong to do so — but the blame for the absence of peace and order should not fall on the shoulders of clueless foreigners. What’s clear is Eastman’s abduction on Oct. 17 was the consequence of lawlessness in that region and the government’s failure to protect residents and travelers alike.
Shot in the leg for resisting
Based on news accounts, Eastman was abducted at gunpoint by men disguised as police operatives and wielding M16 rifles from his coastal home in Sitio Tungawan, Barangay Poblacion. His abductors reportedly shot him in the leg when he resisted, forcing him aboard a motorboat that headed toward open water.
Only 13 days later, the Philippine National Police announced that three suspects were in
WHAT I term “Dutertismo” goes beyond the populist, authoritarian approach typically associated with former President Rodrigo Duterte. More specifically, it refers to a form of presidential rule that seeks sweeping exceptions from the standard application of the law, under the premise that extraordinary measures are needed to address urgent threats to the nation. In essence, it is the wielding of exceptional powers without the constitutional checks that would normally accompany a formal declaration of a state of emergency.
Duterte wove his presidential campaign around the idea that the rampant spread of illegal drugs was devastating Filipino lives and that the
THE six-year term granted elected presidents of the Philippines, is truly short for a good one, but very long for a bad one. That a Philippine president cannot be reelected is truly sad for a good one, and necessary for a bad one. All this came to mind with the reelection of Donald Trump as president of the United States of America; it should not really bother us except that it seems to be history repeating itself. A recent incident of repeating history was when a Cadillac SUV, sporting a “7” plate ignored a legitimate traffic stop for using the exclusive Edsa bus lane. Thanks to social media, people want accountability. The buck stops with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) that should be obliged to issue a statement regarding the use
the custody of its Zamboanga command. Along with three others being hunted down, the suspects will face kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges, the PNP said.
“But until now we have not received any information about the demand for ransom. Sadly, we still don’t have any proof of life,” the PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, said.
The PNP Zamboanga command said the suspects in custody had “direct participation in the kidnapping.”
Lt. Col. Helen Galvez, PNP Region 9 spokesperson, said two of the three suspects had turned themselves in, while the third was arrested in an operation, all of them confessing to have acted as lookouts and spotters during the abduction.
“We are still optimistic that he (Eastman) is still alive,” she said. All six suspects belong to crime groups operating in the Sibuco area as “common criminals … who only worked together after seeing a vulnerable victim,” Galvez said.
U.S. travel advisory No wonder Washington continues to advise its citizens to steer clear of Mindanao.
Based on its latest travel advisory dated May 16, the U.S. Department of State asks Americans not to travel to the Sulu archipelago and Marawi City. U.S. nationals are also advised to reconsider travel to other parts of Mindanao, except Davao City, Davao del Norte province, Siargao Island, and the Dinagat Islands, “due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.”
“Terrorist and armed groups in Mindanao have historically engaged in kidnappings for ransom, in addition to bombings and other attacks. These
country needed a resolute leader unafraid to use drastic measures to halt this scourge. “I am your last card,” he would tell his audiences, casting himself as the final hope in a grim struggle against a powerful enemy. This message resonated with a wide swath of the population who felt unsafe in their own homes and on the streets, having lost faith in the police’s ability to protect them. Coming from behind better-funded, well-known rivals, Duterte won the 2016 presidential election. He viewed this remarkable victory as a mandate to replicate nationwide the “killing” model he had used in Davao City to root out crime and drugs.
What Duterte was cryptically referring to in the awkward phrase “a level of governance that is consistent to our mandate” was, in fact, a carte blanche—an open pass to bypass legal constraints that he believed were justified by his
and abuse of protocol plates.
LTO should come clean and publicly state how many of these plates they have issued and to whom.
I presume only one set of protocol plates are issued to one vehicle used by a high government official. Its use should not be transferable, if the high official is not on board, and on official business, the vehicle should take them off and use its regular plates.
LTO should let the public know if government officials issued more than one set of protocol plates for their many vehicles, the ones used by immediate family, relatives, and friends who are not entitled to them.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo’s move to look into this, in aid of legislation, should clear the streets of entitled government officials and their minions who forget they are servants of the people.
To deter private trips on government vehicles, these used to be clearly marked with the name of the government
incidents often target foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, as well as civilians, local government entities, and security forces,” it states.
A day before Eastman’s kidnapping, there had been yet another reminder of the myriad security challenges facing Mindanao: A Taguig court found 17 members of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group guilty of the abduction of 21 individuals from the Malaysian island resort of Sipadan in 2000, holding them hostage for months in Sulu province. Held back by conflict
The alleged bandits were sentenced to reclusion perpetua, or between 20 and 40 years of imprisonment, for each count of kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom. The crime happened in April 2000, when the Philippines had yet to enact a law on terrorism. Mindanao, of course, has come a long way since
the wave of kidnappings in the 1990s and 2000s. Over the years, peace agreements with insurgents that led to the creation of a self-governing Bangsamoro region have quieted much of the unrest among the locals, while relentless military operations have weakened smaller armed groups operating in the southern Philippines, like the Abu Sayyaf. But Eastman’s case shows that there is still much work to do in stomping out crime and terrorism in Mindanao, which boasts of a natural beauty and bountiful resources but is being held back by conflict and widespread poverty. Until and unless the government restores order and gains control of lawless elements, including Eastman’s abductors, on the island, much of Mindanao will remain a place where foreigners must not tread.
(Inquirer.net)
Duterte vs the rule of law
unexpected presidential victory. Yet, he (or maybe his editor) tried to soften this message with a comforting assurance: “As a lawyer and a former prosecutor, I know the limits of the power and authority of the president. I know what is legal and what is not.” He followed this with a guarded remark:
“You mind your work, and I will mind mine,” implying, “I’ll do my job as I see fit; it’s up to you to stop me if you can.”
The veiled rhetoric that characterized Duterte’s early pronouncements surfaced again at the recent Senate hearing, only this time eclipsed by his bold, repeated assertion that he was taking “full legal responsibility” for the drug war he had set in motion. In response to questions about whether he had directly ordered police to kill drug suspects, he confirmed unequivocally that indeed he had, adding that he even told the police to goad suspects into fighting
back (nanlaban) so they (the police) could easily invoke selfdefense.
This was not the stance of a former president bracing for a legal showdown. This was the posture of a battle-hardened general rallying his remaining forces in one last stand for political survival. Duterte understood that he was in a political arena, not a courtroom. What he therefore needed to project was defiance and selfassuredness, not deference or contrition. He wasn’t speaking to his accusers; he was addressing his troops.
To my mind, his Senate appearance was a brazen taunt aimed at the nation’s lawmakers and those responsible for upholding justice. In language dripping with expletives and insolence, he was in effect daring them: “Go ahead— charge me or throw me in jail if you wish. But do not expect me to offer apologies or excuses for doing what I believed was
necessary.”
By appearing before the Senate to defend his drug war policy and the brutal campaigns that led to thousands of deaths, Duterte hijacked a platform he desperately needed. This was his opportunity to rekindle the aura of fearlessness and invincibility that had so endeared him to his followers during his presidency.
He was fully aware that, apart from the unyielding Sen. Risa Hontiveros—the lone opposition figure who was willing to confront him with tough and sensible questions— other members of that chamber were either too reluctant or too cowed to challenge him.
The fact that next year is an election year was surely not lost on the former president. We can assume this was factored into his calculation. It cannot be denied that Duterte still commands a sizable following that he could mobilize to aid his allies or hurt his enemies.
Repeating history
agency and the words “For Official Use Only.” When people saw these on the road on weekends and outside office hours, they would snicker, “For Official Use Also.” Government vehicles used to be issued plate numbers in red, with a sequence of letters that began with “S” but then some government agencies or officials did not want to be marked by these government plates, leading to the issuance of “security plates.” These looked like ordinary plates but police and LTO could identify them as being government vehicles. Traffic is so bad that some people use detachable markings that make their vehicles out to be police cars or even ambulances. On this point again, the buck stops with LTO. The abuse of protocol plates is not new, it goes all the way back to Oct. 1, 1934 when The Philippines Herald published a statement from Sen. Jose Clarin explaining his use of the No. 2 plate issued to Senate President
Manuel Luis Quezon:
“With regard to the ParedesZulueta incident it has been cited as a precedent that I, as president pro tempore of the Senate, has been using plate No. 2 even when the president of the Senate, Mr. Quezon, was in the Philippine Islands.
“Just to correct a misinformation, I wish to state that this is not true. I have only used said number when I am acting president of the Senate and even then I do not use No. 2, as I have the right as acting president, but only No. 2-C.”
This bit of news I found in a scrapbook of clippings compiled by Joseph Ralston Hayden (1887-1945) who served as vice governor to Frank Murphy and secretary of Public Instruction from 1933 to 1935 and later as adviser on the Philippines to Douglas MacArthur during World War II. Hayden was a pack rat who compiled a lot of Philippine material, both official and personal, that are now preserved in the Bentley
Historical Library at the University of Michigan. His scrapbooks show the challenges and concerns that came to his attention, much of it we still have today. A clipping from the Bulletin dated June 26, 1935, was on the opinion of Justice Secretary Jose Yulo that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office was “the only legalized gambling in the Philippines.”
Other lotteries competed with the sweepstakes were tolerated because these were allegedly engaged for charitable causes like hospitals and civic clubs.
Didn’t the Philippine offshore gaming operator problem stem from the fact that we were not clear about legalized gambling in the country? There were clippings on various land disputes, including a Baclaran property claimed by the Roman Catholic archbishop of Manila. There were clippings on a proposal for the fingerprinting of all inhabitants of the Philippines during the census with the data centralized in
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection
But there isn’t much else the aging patriarch can realistically do to support his embattled successor. He is no longer president, and the 2028 presidential election is still over three years away. So, what prompted Duterte to appear before the Senate and engage in what may, at first glance, look like a selfsabotaging performance? My brief answer: He is fighting a crucial political battle that his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, is losing. The vice presidency remains her last stronghold, yet she risks losing even this if Congress, with the Palace’s backing, decides to pursue impeachment. (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.
* * * public.lives@gmail.com
Manila, not with the police or military. Reading this reminded me of the national ID I have been expecting for years. There were many clippings on “colorums” that we understand as illegal transport today but in the 1930s referred to various uprisings led by or influenced by folk religious sects. Colorum comes from the Latin prayers with the phrase, “In saecula saeculorum” (For ever, and ever).
When asked why I do history, I reply that historians are essential so that the present will stop reading like the past. History does not repeat itself, it has no power, no will of its own. It is people that repeat history because they don’t learn from it. (Inquirer.ne)
* * * 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.
* * * aocampo@ateneo.edu
Ambeth R. OcAmpO Looking Back
RAndy dAvid
Public Lives
DOJ to review ‘cold cases’ of EJKs
by zaCarian sarao Inquirer.net
MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) will look into
“cold cases” of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte to check if these were rightfully dismissed, newly appointed Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon said on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
“Cold cases” refer to crimes yet to be resolved but not being investigated.
“There’s nothing which will prevent us from looking into cold cases; cases which were probably filed as complaints before law enforcement but never reached the prosecution office,” Fadullon told reporters in a chance interview after his oath-taking as prosecutor general.
“So these are cases that we can possibly look into together with the current leadership of the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) and our prosecutors will be there to help go over the view and screen these cases to find out if these should really be dismissed because there is insufficient evidence or if there are cases that deserve to be submitted,” he added.
Fadullon admitted that it would be a “very big task” for the National Prosecution Service as it would require prosecutors to review a number of records involving past operations.
But he expressed optimism that the DOJ can resolve the cases by starting with the smaller ones.
“We will start with small cases and if we succeed in gathering evidence in small cases, well chances are, we persevere — we will be able to help develop cases for filing in court,” Fadullon said.
This developed after the recent bombshell of retired police colonel Royina Garma, linking Duterte and other government officials to the EJKs that occurred during drug war. It prompted cases related to the drug war to be reopened as directed by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, for his part, said no personalities would be spared from the DOJ’s investigation into the unresolved cases of EJKs, even Duterte himself. n
Senate adopts P1.3-billion House...
is not valid. The subpoena document dated Oct. 17, 2024 issued for the hearing on Oct. 28, 2024, was only transmitted to the agency on Nov. 4, 2024,” the OVP said.
The office pointed out that since the subpoena issued to its officials was for the hearing scheduled on Oct. 28, it can “no longer be legally served nor obeyed” thus its officials refused to receive it upon serving at the OVP office in Mandaluyong City on Monday.
The OVP cited Sec. 8 of the Rules Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation, which states that a subpoena shall be served to a witness “at least three days before a scheduled hearing in order to give the witness every opportunity to prepare and to employ counsel, should the witness desire.”
“With due respect to the members of the honorable committee, service of a subpoena must be proper in order not to violate the right to sufficient notice of the persons invited in the hearing,” the OVP said.
In a position paper submitted to the House committee on Tuesday, Nov. 5, the OVP also reiterated its earlier position that the ongoing inquiry is no longer “in aid of legislation.”
“While the OVP recognizes the power of the Lower House to conduct such an inquiry ‘in aid of legislation,’ the ongoing congressional probe, which stemmed from Privilege Speech (P.S.) No. 379 of the Hon. Rolando Valeriano last Sept. 3, 2024, is not in aid of legislation,” the office said
“P.S. No. 379 as well as the motu proprio inquiry based on the manifestation of Hon.
Gerville Luistro both lack clear legislative objectives or contemplated legislation that is expected as an outcome of the deliberations,” the OVP further stated.
The OVP pointed out that the issues on utilization of its budget for 2022 to 2024 have already been extensively tackled during the House appropriations committee’s deliberation on the OVP’s proposed budget for 2025.
“Considering that budget utilization is a matter directly and principally relating to the expenditures of the national government and that the appropriate committee has already terminated its deliberations, no other committee can take up the same subject matter appropriately belonging to it,” OVP said.
Lastly, the OVP said there is already ongoing audit proceedings by the Commission on Audit (COA) in connection with its budget utilization and that “the OVP is fully cooperating with the COA.”
Poa contract ‘preterminated’
Meanwhile, Michael Poa, former spokesman of the OVP, said his contract with Duterte has been “pre-terminated.”
He told the Chua-led panel that contrary to the lawmakers’ impression, he is no longer connected with any of Duterte’s offices.
“I would like to inform the committee that I am no longer connected with the OVP. My consultancy contract (was) already pre-terminated,” he told Chua and the panel members.
The panel also asked Poa if he personally knew OVP
officials who snubbed the hearing anew.
“When I was still there, yes, they were connected with the OVP. Although as of today, I can no longer say that they are, factually, if they are still connected or not. I would assume, because of the position paper with the letterhead, that they’re still connected,” he retorted.
In effect, he confirmed that the seven officials may still be connected with the OVP.
The former OVP and DepEd spokesman pointed out that his function and exposure were just limited to “upper management” on the basis that he was responsible for addressing media queries.
Poa clarified, however, that he had no involvement in the decision-making processes around confidential fund disbursements of the OVP and DepEd.
Earlier, he made his statements before the House committee where he confirmed that Duterte and Edward held the sole authority over DepEd’s confidential funds.
The revelation came as a surprise to committee members, as Poa testified on the structure of authority governing the use of these confidential funds, which have been a focal point of legislative scrutiny and public concern.
‘Malversation’
The Chua committee is investigating a total of P612.5million potential misuse of confidential funds managed by the OVP and DepEd, with the latter being led by Duterte for two years from July 2022 to July 2024. Of the P612.5 million, P500 million pertains to the OVP’s confidential fund allocations while P112.5 million went to DepEd.
“We’re very much dismayed at what we have discovered here in the House Blue Ribbon committee. We have seen how much has been spent by the OVP and DepEd on the use of confidential funds that have been issued to them in fiscal years 2022 and 2023,” Chua disclosed.
The OVP received P625 million in confidential funds for late 2022 and all of 2023, with COA reviewing P500 million and noting significant irregularities.
BACK TO WORK. The Senate of the Philippines resumes sessions in Pasay City on Monday, Nov. 4, after a month’s break. Senate President Francis Escudero said they will prioritize the 2025 budget and proposal to postpone the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections following the Supreme Court decision to separate Sulu province from the region. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9019804
Cleaning Services Lucy’s Clean Touch Co. located at 963 Gillispie Dr, Spring Valley, CA 91977. Registrant: Fatima Gonzalez, 963 Gillispie Dr, Spring Valley, CA 91977. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/01/2024. Signature: Fatima Gonzalez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/01/2024. AJ 1534 10/18, 10/25, 11/01, and 11/08/2024. AJSD 1534
STATEMENT OF WITHDRAWAL FROM PARTNERSHIP OPERATING UNDER FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9020904
a. Troy’s Trusses THE STATEMENT OF THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME(S) REFERRED TO THE ABOVE WAS FILED IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY ON 09/23/2024, and assigned File on. 2024-9019217
LOCATED AT: 8936 Troy St, Spring Valley, CA 91977. THE FOLLOWING PARTNER HAS WITHDRAWN: Paulino Morales Solis, 8936 Troy St, Spring Valley, CA 91977. Signature: Paulino Morales Solis. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/17/2024. AJ 1540 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, and 11/15/2024. AJSD 1540
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9021596
Elegance Hair Boutique located at 3030 Plaza Bonita Road Unit 1336 Ste 114, National City, CA 91950.
Registrant: Maria Elena Camarena Fierro, 1915 Avenida Del Mexico Unit 261, San Diego, CA 92154. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/07/2024.
Signature: Maria Elena Camarena Fierro. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/29/2024. AJ 1545 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, and 11/22/2024.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9020633
a. CALI DISCOUNTZ located at 1014 Coolidge Ave, National City, CA 91950.
b. THE NEXT DEAL located at 1014 Coolidge Ave, National City, CA 91950.
Registrant: Francisco Garcia Zazueta Jr, 1014 Coolidge Ave, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Francisco Garcia Zazueta Jr. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/14/2024.
AJ 1535 10/18, 10/25, 11/01, and 11/08/2024. AJSD 1535
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9021005
TA’SEA LLC located at 8026 Hummingbird Lane, San Diego, CA 92123. Registrant: TA’SEA LLC, 8026 Hummingbird Lane, San Diego, CA 92123. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Marisa Bell. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/18/2024. AJ 1541 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, and 11/15/2024. AJSD 1541
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9021035
House Of Hope located at 1101 Camino Del Mar, #C, Del Mar, CA 92014.
Registrant: a. Jai Jun Yang, 1101 Camino Del Mar, #C, Del Mar, CA 92014. b. John Young, 1101 Camino Del Mar, #C, Del Mar, CA 92014
This business is conducted by A General Partnership. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/18/2022.
Signature: Jia Jun Yang. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/18/2024. AJ 1546 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, and 11/15/2024.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9020521
P E C Services located at 1436 E 16th St, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Celedonio Espinoza Polanco, 456 J Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/10/2024.
Signature: Celedonio Espinoza Polanco. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/10/2024. AJ 1551 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, and 11/22/2024.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018448
a. BUNSKETCHES located at 11261 Spitfire Road, San Diego, CA 92126.
b. BUNNY BUSINESS located at 11261 Spitfire Road, San Diego, CA 92126. Registrant: Yehleen Antonio Cerezo, 11261 Spitfire Road, San Diego, CA 92126.
This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Yehleen Antonio Cerezo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/10/2024.
AJ 1536 10/18, 10/25, 11/01, and 11/08/2024. AJSD 1536
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9019572
Christina’s Boutique located at 456 J Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910.
Registrant: Christina Alaniz, 456 J Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/27/2024.
Signature: Christina Alaniz. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/27/2024. AJ 1542 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, and 11/15/2024. AJSD 1542
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9021126
Lasting Automotive Protection Company located at 1409 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91911.
Registrant: LAPCO Enterprise LLC, 3400 Cottage Way, Ste G2, Sacramento, CA 95825. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Linberg Pelarion. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/21/2024. AJ 1548 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, and 11/15/2024.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9021338
Point Loma Dog Salon N Spa located at 4011 W Ponit Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110.
Registrant: EJ Pet Enterprise LLC, 614 Sipes Circle, Chula Vista, CA 91911.
This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Byoung Cheol Lee. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/23/2024. AJ 1552 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, and 11/22/2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9020756
El Presidente Backflow Co. located at 590 G St, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Registrant: Jose De Jesus Ramirez Reyes, 590 G St, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/24/2019. Signature: Jesus Ramirez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/15/2024. AJ 1537 10/18, 10/25, 11/01, and 11/08/2024. AJSD 1537
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9020326
DRP Leasing located at 244 Palomar St, STE A/ Office, Chula Vista, CA 91911-4200.
Registrant: PW INC, 244 Palomar St, STE A/Office Chula, Vista, CA 919114200. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/20/2014.
Signature: Robert Pennell. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/08/2024. AJ 1543 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, and 11/15/2024. AJSD 1543
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9018671
a. Bite and Bark Wild Snacks located at 1340 Hemlock Ave Apt 18, Imperial Beach, CA 91932. b. Bite & Bark located at 1340 Hemlock Ave Apt 18, Imperial Beach, CA 91932. Registrant: Carlos Humberto Pecovich Castro, 1340 Hemlock Ave Apt 18, Imperial Beach, CA 91932. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/13/2024. Signature: Carlos Humberto Pecovich Castro. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/29/2024. AJ 1549 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, and 11/15/2024.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9021045
Lady Diana Cleaning Services located at 160 Boomer Place, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Registrant: Diana Carolina Ariza Pulido, 160 Boomer Place, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/25/2024.
Signature: Diana Carolina Ariza Pulido. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/21/2024. AJ 1553 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, and 11/22/2024.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9020659
Butter Mochi SD located at 11319 Spica Dr, San Diego, CA 92126. Registrant: Mahalu LLC, 11319 Spica Dr, San Diego, CA 92126. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/04/2024. Signature: Kurt Antonio. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/14/2024. AJ 1538 10/18, 10/25, 11/01, and 11/08/2024. AJSD 1538
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9020311
Park Vista Apartments located at 49-45 4th Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910.
Registrant: West Grawyler Associates LTD, 244 Palomar St, STE A/Office Chula, Vista, CA 919114200. This business is conducted by A Limited Partnership.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/11/1979.
Signature: Dennis H Pennell. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/08/2024. AJ 1544 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, and 11/15/2024. AJSD 1544
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9019176
DHARMA BIOCONSULTING located at 7895 Via Belfiore Unit 1, San Diego, CA 92129. Registrant: Supurna Chowdhury, 7895 Via Belfiore Unit 1, San Diego, CA 92129. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Supurna Chowdhury. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 09/2/2024. AJ 1550 10/25, 11/01, 11/08, and 11/15/2024.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9021722
a. Diego Style Car Club located at 1727 Euclid Ave, National City, CA, 91950.
b. Diego Style Bike Club located at 1727 Euclid Ave, National City, CA, 91950. Registrant: a. Henry Llamas, 1727 Euclid Ave, National City, CA, 91950. b. Eva Llamas, 1727 Euclid Ave, National City, CA, 91950. This business is conducted by A Married Couple.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/30/2024. Signature: Henry Llamas. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/30/2024. AJ 1554 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, and 11/22/2024.
SAN DIEGO
The ‘rebirth’ of Julie Anne San Jose
by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net
JULIE Anne San Jose
embodies the title “Asia’s Limitless Star” thanks to her incredible range as a singer, songwriter, actress, host, instrumentalist, and television personality.
From her beginnings in the reality singing competition
“Popstar Kids” in 2005 to her present-day status as a highly sought-after recording artist and performer, she has continually reinvented herself by staying true to her artistic vision and thriving with unwavering passion in a competitive industry.
However, the 30-year-old is ready to embark on a new chapter — a “rebirth,” as she puts it — following her announcement as the 2025 Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl.
“I haven’t done anything like this before, so I want to try something new. I want to show a different side of me — a more confident, stronger, braver Julie Anne. This is the start of something new for me,” San Jose shared during the launch.
The Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl tradition dates back to 1988, showcasing beauty queens, TV and movie actresses, and models who have made their mark. Notable names include
Marian Rivera (2009 and 2014), Anne Curtis (2011), Solenn Heusaff (2012), Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach (2019), Sanya Lopez (2020), Christelle Abello (2021), Chie Filomeno (2022), Yassi Pressman (2023), and Heaven Peralejo (2024).
“It feels like a rebirth for someone like me. I’m proud to be chosen alongside past calendar girls because they’re all remarkable in their own right. I’m honored to be part of this family,” she added.
“It’s overwhelming. I can
hardly believe it. Today is a big day for me, and maybe, it’s a surprise for you all. Actually, it’s even a surprise for me — this moment feels surreal,” San Jose continued.
To prepare for this new role in her career, the singer-actress focused on staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“I try to do cardio when I can, but a busy schedule also helps me keep in shape. I’m naturally slim, and with performances involving dancing and lots of
movement, my routines help too. As much as possible, I aim for eight hours of sleep and eat plenty of vegetables,” she explained.
According to San Jose, her new image may surprise fans who used to watch her portray the demure “Maria Clara” on TV, a character rooted in Jose Rizal’s novels.
“People might see this as a complete change — a 360-degree shift from Maria Clara to Ginebra San Miguel’s calendar girl. It’s a totally different world,” she remarked.
“But as an artist, I love taking on different roles. I like to innovate and grow in my craft. I hope that as a calendar girl, I’ll reach out to different people and, in some way, touch their lives,” San Jose added.
She emphasized that her new role doesn’t diminish her role as an inspiration to youth and women.
“To me, being sexy isn’t just physical. It’s in a person’s character, in how they carry themselves, voice their opinions, and inspire others through their craft or talents,” she said.
With Obra Maestra (Masterpiece) as the 2025 calendar’s theme, the San Jose brings to life six stunning visual compositions, capturing her various personas in a series of timeless masterpieces.
“I love being able to portray different personas. The artworks resemble me as a singer, dancer, performer, host, actress, and influencer. I get to be whoever I want to be in my craft,” San Jose, currently a judge on “The Voice Kids Philippines” and host of “The Clash,” shared.
‘Hello, Love, Again’ to close 10th Asian World Film Festival
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
“HELLO, Love, Again” — the sequel to the hit 2019 film
“Hello, Love, Goodbye” starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards — was announced as the closing film of the 10th Asian World Film Festival.
This was confirmed in the festival’s official website, where the romantic drama will be screened on November 20 at the Culver Theater in California, United States.
Bernardo and Richards, as well as filmmaker Cathy Garcia-Sampana, will grace the screening where they will hold a question-and-answer segment for the audience.
“The strength of [Ethan and Joy’s] love is tested by distance, time, and unforeseen circumstances, they decide to part ways. Years later, they unexpectedly say their hellos once more. They rediscover each other, they navigate the
complexities of their new lives, finding romance and rekindling their connection amidst the changes,” its synopsis read.
The Asian World Film Festival is described as a “cross-cultural collaboration” and celebration of Asian filmmakers in hopes of “strengthening ties between the Asian and film industries,” per its website.
“The festival is supported by patrons from the diverse Asian communities in Los Angeles as well as general audience members who are passionate about foreign and independent cinema,” it added.
Opening the festival is the South Korean film “A Normal Family” starring Sul Kyung-gu, Jang Dong-gun, Kim Hee-ae, and Claudia Kim on November 13.
Among the full-length films included in the event are Cambodia’s “Meeting with Pol Pot,” Hong Kong’s “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In,” India’s “Lost Ladies” (India),
the
Short
Star
“‘Hello, Love, Again’ to cap 10th Asian World Film Festival— Los Angeles’ annual celebration of Asian filmmakers,” its post read.
The Cathy Garcia-Sampanahelmed film will premiere on November 13 at the Philippines, and will also be screened at theaters in Asia, Middle East, and North America.
Aside from Bernardo and Richards, “Hello, Love, Again” also stars Joross Gamboa, Jennica Garcia, Valerie Concepcion, and Kevin Freider.
In December 2022 alone, the OVP spent P125 million in just 11 days – from Dec. 21 to 31 – averaging P11.364 million daily, with the COA disallowing P73.3 million of this for irregularities and ordering repayment from Duterte and two other OVP officials.
Additionally, COA issued three audit observation memorandums in 2023, highlighting adverse findings on OVP’s quarterly confidential funds use up to the third quarter.
One of the confidential funds’ expenditures raising significant concerns involved P16 million reportedly spent by the OVP on 34 safehouses over an 11-day period in 2022.
Batangas 2nd district Rep. Gerville Luistro discovered on Tuesday, November 5 that on top of other irregularities
Duterte may have committed, she can also be held liable for malversation of public funds, among others, over an unaccounted P10.4 million in confidential funds.
“So, where is this amount now? In conclusion, I wish to believe that the confidential
fund of the Department of Education was not properly recorded at its best, or misspent or misappropriated at its worst,” she said.
According to the lawmaker, only the two P2-million confidential fund allocations – or a total of P4.2 million – have been liquidated by the former education secretary while there were no acknowledgment receipts for the rest.
Luistro said the liquidation covered only one of the four DepEd programs which is anti-insurgency. In contrast, programs about “abuse prevention and control within schools, anti-illegal activities operation, anti-extremism/ terrorism programs” remained unaccounted for.
The confidential and intelligence funds issued to Duterte at the time amounted to P15.5 million.
“What is consistent, with respect to their location, is equivalent only to the amount of P4.2 million. So there remains an unexplained amount of P10.4 million,” she said during Tuesday’s hearing. These were among the agency’s confidential
programs, which were in the form of “payment and rewards for informants” when, in fact, it should be the other way around, according to Luistro.
“It is the humble submission of this representation that there is a prima facie case of malversation and, in addition, an apparent case of breach of public trust. For us to be able to know whether there is malversation, four elements must be present,” she stated.
“First, the person should be a ‘public official,’ second, the person is the ‘custodian of fund,’ third is the ‘fund must be for public purpose’ and last but not least, that the public official ‘took, appropriated, misappropriated or consented or negligence permitted another person to take them,’” she added.
“If the four elements are present, which I believe they are, there is prima facie case of malversation. With respect to the breach of public trust, this is violation of public’s confidence in a public officer’s ability to serve with integrity, impartiality and in accordance with law,” she further explained. (With reports from Elizabeth Marcelo)
South Korea’s “12.12: The Day,” and Thailand’s “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies,” among others.
films from Palestine, Turkey, Iran, Lebanon, Kazakhstan, Syria, South Korea, China, and Vietnam will also be screened in the festival.
Cinema also confirmed
screening of the Bernardo and Richards starrer on its Instagram page on Saturday, November 2.
Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards in a poster for “Hello, Love, Again.” Image courtesy of Star Cinema
THE first time I met Kuh Ledesma, a popular Filipino pop and jazz singer, it was in Boracay years ago when we were invited by then Tourism Undersecretary Ramona Lopez-Ty. I was a writer for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and my late editor-in-chief Letty Jimenez Magsanoc congratulated me later for a balanced article on the said island. At that time, I also saw in the island then presidential daughter singer Jo Ramos (I really miss my good friend who was vacationing and at that time I didn’t know she was sick).
Dubbed as the Philippines’ Pop Diva, Kuh has not changed since our days in Boracay island. We met again recently at the NobleLife International’s 18th year celebration at Quezon City’s New Frontier Theatre, with Dr. Romeo Orteza, Nancy Deocareza, NLI Pres. Lila Baylon-Macapinlac with her husband Ron, Rudy Aquino and Alexander John Fong. In her dressing room, she gave me a leaflet on “The Power of Prayer” that I will treasure forever, with special dedication from her.
I remember when I invited her to bring cheers to kids with cancer at East Avenue Medical Center’s Tahan-Tahanan. She went there with my friend Malo Cruz, and the kids and their parents were very happy. Meanwhile, she will have on November 9 a benefit concert in Cebu for the Kalipay Negrense Foundation, a nonprofit foundation working for the causes of disadvantaged children.
* * *
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has given her support to the QCinema International Film Festival with “The Gaze” as its theme, inviting audiences to explore diverse perspectives through film. From the masculine and feminine gaze to new ways of seeing the world, this year’s festival showcases 77 titles, including 22 short films and 55 full-length films, across 11 sections. Featuring a mix of Asian competition films, world cinema, genre works, and arthouse gems, “The Gaze” offers a rich and immersive experience that opens new insights into politics, gender, race, and more.
Kuh Ledesma Cebu concert benefits disadvantaged children
The festival will take place from November 8 to 17 across Gateway Cineplex 18, Ayala Malls Cinema at Trinoma, Red Carpet at Shangri-la Plaza, and Powerplant Mall.
* * * Blessie K. Cirera, Police Files Tonite entertainment editor, received recently her Entertainment Editor of the Year award from the Philippines Distinct Men & Women of Excellence. It is a well-deserved recognition. Thanks to director Romm Burlat.
* * * The Philipines topped the Science Journalism Forum (SJF) 2024 Whova Leaderboard held virtually last 28th to 31st of October and participated in by renowned science journalists, communicators, editors, professors and doctoral students worldwide. Next year it will be conducted in hybrid, a mix of in-person (in UAE) and online activities. Trailing behind the Philippines were Bouda Brahim (Algiers, Algeria), Pauline Nasimiyu (Kenya), Aleem Ahmed (Pakistan), Amal Magneez (Yemen), Sana Jaballah (Tunisia), Kennedy Kariuki (Nairobi, Kenya), Marc Gbaguidi (Cotonou, Benin), Nina Portolan (Belgrade, Central Serbia), and Metwally Hamza (Red Sea Governorate, Egypt).
*
* * I remember I was the editor of the CITEM Trade Update and I reunited with persons from CITEM’s communications division during the recent Manila FAME at World Trade Center. I saw Luz Burgos-Soriano, Froilan Miranda and Lhen Visperas.
* * * I interviewed recently Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Marcos Manotoc at the provincial capitol in Laoag City. He invited us to join in Himala sa Buhangin (miracle in the sand) on November 16 during the Himala Arts and Music Festival (which was started by his mother Sen. Imee R. Marcos) at the Paoay Sand Dunes.
Enjoy the indie vibes, rock anthems and soulful tunes of the local bands Peach, Magrus, and Kaizen. Listen to singers Shanti Dope and Zack Tabudio, watch performances of Alab Poi Fire Dancers, LED Dancers and Belly Dancers, Batosay and Migs, comedians Fhukerat, Queen Dura and Ernalyn, Kimpoy Feliciano and John Bonifacio, DJ Emman Radovan, Hype Man Mc Fame, couple Baninay Bautista and Bont Bryan Oropel, and young stars Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz. Residents of Ilocos Norte have FREE entry, while VIP tickets for those who want to have upgraded experience. You can buy tickets and contact the himala.ilocosnorte.ph. For the non-locals, they can buy tickets to SM Tickets at smtickets.com/ events/view/13766.
*
* * Congrats to newly-wed couple Michelle Lomboy-Galit and Arby Galit of Palapag, Northern Samar.
* * * 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
Voters support SDCCD $3.5B bond
SAN Diego voters have endorsed a proposal to provide $3.5 billion to upgrade, repair and renovate classrooms and facilities at the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD). Measure HH secured support from nearly 60% of voters (55% required to pass), positioning the district to better serve students and the community for decades to come.
According to SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith, Measure HH will provide state-ofthe-art facilities and technology to prepare students at San Diego City, Mesa, Miramar, and Continuing Education colleges for successful careers and contribute to the growth of our regional economy, for which the SDCCD has a $5.8 billion annual impact.
“For more than 100 years, the colleges in the San Diego Community College District have provided the foundation for building better futures in the San Diego region,” said Smith. “The district sincerely appreciates voters for supporting Measure HH, which will enable us to keep that foundation strong and vibrant.”
Measure HH will provide training facilities for goodpaying jobs; upgrade classrooms
and labs for nurses and other healthcare workers; upgrade instructional technology for science; engineering, arts and math programs; and upgrade facilities for first-responder public safety programs.
It also will include community enhancements such as public meeting spaces, recreational facilities, and green space.
Among the most needed projects are repairs and upgrades to outdated facilities, training facilities for veterans and activeduty military, renewable energy upgrades, affordable housing, and childcare facilities.
SDCCD Board President Bernie Rhinerson, who led the campaign in support of Measure HH, says there is urgency to begin repairs.
“It’s been 18 years since our last bond measure, and despite major infrastructure improvements, facilities have continued to age, and facility needs have evolved,” said Rhinerson. “We are now at a point where upgrades and replacement of outdated facilities is urgent if we are to continue to serve the community.”
Among the district’s next steps will be to convene an independent Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee to oversee Measure
County urges residents to get disaster ready, 10 steps to get started
DUE to the high winds forecast and wildfire potential, County Emergency Services offers this quick checklist of things to do in preparation for any emergency or disaster.
• Do not attempt to use power tools to clear away brush during a red flag warning because it could spark a fire. Instead, clear away flammable debris by raking or trimming vegetation with hand tools only.
• In the event of a wildfire, just evacuate if conditions worsen and you feel unsafe. Do not wait for an official notification.
• Be ready to evacuate in 15 minutes or less. This means you should have a bag pre-packed that you can grab on your way out the door.
• Check on elderly or neighbors who might require assistance evacuating.
• Have a plan to shelter large animals or livestock and if possible, evacuate them early. And take household pets with you whenever possible.
• Be sure your cell phone is registered with AlertSanDiego, the county’s regional notification system to receive the warnings directly to your mobile phone. People may also register their VoIP phone numbers or emails as well.
• You may also download the County’s SDEmergencyApp which also provides emergency information such as incident updates, shelter locations,
City of San Diego seeks community input on ways to improve street safety
‘Safe Streets for All’ program launches interactive website and online survey
SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego is launching its Safe Streets for All virtual open house and seeking feedback on what steps can be taken to ensure safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, drivers and all who use the city’s roadways. The goal of Safe Streets for All is to improve street safety in the city and support the goal of zero severe traffic-related injuries or fatalities.
Those who are interested in shaping our city’s transportation future are invited to participate in a virtual open house taking place online through Dec. 2, 2024.
This interactive website provides information on the initiatives included in the program and gives users the opportunity to take a survey and weigh in on their priorities for street safety.
Safe Streets for All strives to reduce harm from crashes, slow traffic and create more family-friendly neighborhoods. Having walkable and bikefriendly streets will also ensure San Diego is a healthier, more sustainable city. The online survey asks users to identify places and projects to support these goals. If you can think of a street or intersection that can be made safer for walking, biking and skateboarding, please participate in the virtual open house at your convenience and provide your feedback.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping us advance our Vision Zero goals and make our streets safer for everyone, whether they’re walking, biking, rolling, driving or using public transportation,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “I encourage all San Diegans to share their insights on what changes in their communities will help us create safer, more accessible streets citywide.”
This project is funded by a $680,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grant was made possible thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that was approved by Congress
in 2021.
“I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which established the Safe Streets and Roads for All program,” said U.S. Rep. Scott Peters. “By working together with federal support, we can make significant progress toward achieving the goal of zero roadway injuries or fatalities.”
“Everyone deserves to be safe while traveling in our communities. It’s great to see the City of San Diego use Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to launch this new initiative and help make that a reality for residents in every ZIP code,” said U.S. Rep. Juan Vargas. “If you know of a street or intersection that could be improved with a safety project, you’re invited to participate in this virtual open house and share your feedback.”
The Safe Streets for All project has three parts:
• Historically Disadvantaged Community Quick Build, which will evaluate and identify safety improvement projects in underserved communities.
• A Comprehensive Speed Management Plan, which aims to evaluate opportunities to reduce speed limits citywide.
• A Slow Streets Program, which will identify streets where traffic calming initiatives may be used to create safer spaces for walking, biking, and community activities.
“The city is committed to pursuing its Vision Zero goals, which call for eliminating traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries,” said Heather Werner, Interim Director of the city’s Sustainability and Mobility Department. “Making San Diego safer for residents and visitors using any mode of transportation will improve the
of
and enjoyment of our communities for
From left: Rogelio Medina, Froilan Miranda, Luz Burgos-Soriano and Lhen Visperas
From left: Pop Diva Kuh Ledesma, Rogelio Medina and Alexander John Fong
Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Joseph Marcos Manotoc (right) being interviewed at the provincial capitol in Laoag City. Photos courtesy of Rogelio Medina Rogelio Medina with Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte
Newlywed couple Michelle and Arby Galit
Police Files Tonite entertainment editor Blessie K. Cirera
From left: Ron and Lina Macapinlac, Dr. Romeo Orteza and Rogelio Medina
The Philippines tops the SJF 2024 Whova Leaderboard. The country is represented by journalist Rogelio Constantino Medina.
Dallas PD to host recruitment event in San Diego for aspiring officers
SAN DIEGO
When:
Where:
County urges residents to get disaster ready...
evacuation areas and hazard perimeters.
• Review or create a personal disaster plan in English, Spanish or 10 other languages. The guide includes disaster preparedness and immediate safety tips that can be used in any emergency. Among the tips are what you need to know about evacuations and suggestions on what you can take with you. You may also consider various
routes to take to leave the community, know more than one in case one is not safe to use due to the emergency.
• If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.
• Visit County Emergency Services’ preparedness website AlertSanDiego.org.
(Yvette Urrea Moe/County of San Diego Communications Office)
Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport now offers climate-friendly fuel option
SAN DIEGO – In a step toward
creating a healthier future for everyone, the City of San Diego announced on Friday, November 1 that its Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport is now offering aircraft owners the opportunity to fuel up with unleaded gasoline. The move underscores the city’s commitment to sustainability, the safety of residents and the advancement of general aviation.
“All San Diegans deserve to live in clean, safe, and healthy neighborhoods, and that starts with the air we breathe,” said Councilmember Raul Campillo, who represents District 7. “I’m proud to have partnered with grassroots community organizations like the Montgomery-Gibbs Environmental Coalition to deliver this long-awaited quality of life and public health improvement for the entire neighborhood.”
Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport is the third busiest general aviation airport in the nation, and as a leader in climate action, the city recognizes the need for more environmentally friendly fuel options. Leaded aviation fuel raises concerns for community
PAGE 10
members and pilots due to the potential harms of lead exposure.
Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport is the first public airport in San Diego County to offer unleaded aviation fuel to aircraft owners. This introduction also aligns with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) ongoing efforts to promote the use of unleaded fuels in general aviation by 2030.
“The Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport plays a vital role in our local economy, serving thousands of pilots and passengers a year,” said Economic Development Director Christina Bibler. “Supplying various fuel options will help continue stimulating economic activity, and the use of unleaded fuel will provide a safer environment for all.”
This unleaded aviation fuel, referred to as UL94, is a highoctane fuel designed for use in various aircraft, particularly those with piston engines. In addition to the environmental benefits, the availability of unleaded aviation fuel can help reduce aircraft owners’ maintenance costs. To
To bring
to the airport, the city purchased a state-of-the-art towable
that operates on solar-powered batteries, which reduces the airport’s carbon footprint. This modern fuel tank will support the seamless integration of UL94 into existing fueling operations.
“By offering UL94, we are taking a significant step toward a greener future for general aviation,” said Jorge Rubio, A.A.E., Economic Development Deputy Director and Chief of Airports. “We are dedicated to providing pilots with
Voters support SDCCD...
HH spending. Mandatory audits will be conducted annually and no funds would be spent on administrator salaries or employee pensions.
Examples of projects to be funded by the bond measure include a new City College student commons that will replace an outdated student center; a new Mesa College early childhood education center; a renovation and upgrade of the Miramar College Aviation and Aeronautical Sciences program facilities that will allow for expansion of job training for careers in the aviation industry; and the renovation and modernization of College of Continuing Education’s career training areas for welding, HVAC and other building trades at the Educational Cultural Complex in the southeastern San Diego community. The 5,600 district
students who are active military personnel, military veterans or military dependents also will benefit from new and expanded campus veterans service centers.
Consistent with its educational mission, the SDCCD will require contractors and vendors to provide student internships and other appropriate participation associated with Measure HH projects.
Previously, San Diego taxpayers overwhelmingly approved Propositions S and N in 2002 and 2006, respectively, which the bond rating agency Standard & Poor’s in February gave its highest rating possible – AAA – and cited the district’s steady financial profile, balanced operations and financial resources supported by favorable enrollment trends. The district’s stewardship has led to six bond re-funding, or refinancing, processes that have
saved taxpayers a total of $339.1 million. As one of the largest of California’s 73 community college districts, the San Diego Community College District serves approximately 90,000 students annually through its four colleges. San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, and San Diego Miramar College, offer associate degrees and certificates in occupational programs that prepare students for university transfer and good-paying careers. The credit colleges also offer bachelor’s degrees in high demand fields such as Health Information Management, Cyber Defense and Analysis, and Public Safety Management. San Diego College of Continuing Education, a statewide leader in noncredit education, offers free, adult education programs at seven campuses throughout San Diego. (SDCCD Release)
