Pres. Biden nominates Fil-Am philanthropist to Millennium Challenge Corporation board
UNIteD states President Joe Biden has announced his intent to nominate filipina American community leader and philanthropist
Loida Nicolas Lewis to serve on the board of directors of the millennium Challenge Corporation (mCC).
Created by the U.s. Congress in January 2004 with strong bipartisan support, the mCC partners with the world’s poorest countries that are committed to just and democratic governance, economic freedom and investing in their populations.
the mCC is an independent agency separate from the state Department and UsAID. Lewis serves as Chair and Ceo of tLC Beatrice, LLC, a family investment firm. A lawyer by profession, Lewis made history as the first filipino woman to pass the New York Bar without attending law school in the United states. her landmark discrimination case against the U.s. Immigration and
What Trump’s immigration plans mean for the US
PresIDeNt-elect Donald trump has promised to launch the largest deportation program in U.s. history. this was estimated by Vice President-elect JD Vance to involve one million removals yearly. Can the U.s. afford these policies? What do these crackdowns mean for undocumented and legal immigrants?
Mass deportation
Based on Census data surveys, there are an estimated 11.7 million undocumented immigrants in the U.s. as of July 2023 — about 3.5% of the total population, and up 800,000 from the previous July. the all-time peak is 12 million immigrants, reached in 2008. the highest year of deportations from the U.s. interior is 238,000 immigrants, reached in 2009.
“Currently, most people we deport are already in detention. the government just picks them up … and figures out whether they’re allowed to be here and how to get them back, and if the country will take them back,” said Jeremy robbins, executive direc-
US backs Philippine forces in South China Sea with task
Nithya raman, eunisses hernandez, and hugo soto-martinez and adopted unanimously in 2023.
the ordinance bars city resources from being used for immigration enforcement and prohibits city departments from sharing personal information about individuals with federal agencies like Immigration and Customs enforcement (ICe). While Los Angeles already maintains policies limiting collaboration with immigration enforcement, tuesday’s vote codifies these protections into city law.
“I came to this country with my mother as an immigrant
mANILA — there is no word yet from U.s authorities if former police colonel royina Garma is indeed requesting for political asylum, according to Philippine Ambassador to the U.s. Jose manuel romualdez.
Justice secretary Jesus Crispin remulla also gave no confirmation of Garma’s reported asylum request. “No confirmation now,” remulla said. should Garma’s asylum request proceed, she must establish that her life is in peril due to political persecution.
“Under detention so far. No word on
asylum,” romualdez said in a text message to The STAr. “We are checking the delay in deportation.”
remulla noted that ongoing investigations on Garma’s alleged crimes will proceed regardless of her location, citing the Philippines’ mutual Legal Assistance treaty with the U.s the mLAt ensures both nations cooperate in preventing, investigating, and prosecuting criminal offenses.
remulla also cited the Global magnitsky human rights Accountability Act of 2016, u PAGE A2
US to provide $1M aid for typhoon victims
by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net
mANILA — President ferdinand marcos Jr. on monday, November 18 welcomed the additional $1 million humanitarian aid from the United states government for those affected by the powerful typhoons as he met with visiting secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III in malacañang.
Austin extended his “condolences, thoughts, and prayers to all those who’ve been disadvantaged by these six significant storms that have taken place in a very short
period of time.”
“mr. President, I have authorized U.s. troops and all the Philippine forces to provide life-saving aid to the filipino people. the U.s. has also secured another million dollars in urgent humanitarian aid and that will enhance the work of the UsAID (United states Agency for International Development) and the World food Program,” Austin told marcos. the U.s. official, who visited the country last July with U.s secretary of state Anthony Blinken, lauded marcos for his decision to utilize all nine enhanced Defense Cooperation
by heleN Flores Philstar.com
mANILA — President ferdinand marcos Jr. said he and U.s President-elect Donald trump discussed their countries’ alliance and their desire to further strengthen the relationship in a phone call on tuesday, November 19.
marcos told reporters the call with trump was “very friendly” and “very productive,” and said he planned to see trump as soon as he could.
“I think President-elect trump was happy to hear from the Philippines,” said marcos, whose two-year-old administration has strengthened manila’s defense relationship with Washington as both countries face common security challenges in the region.
“We continued to talk about the relations – the alliance between the United states and the Philippines. And I expressed to him our continuing desire to strengthen that relationship between our two countries, which is a relationship that is as deep as can possibly be
Photo shows President Marcos congratulating Donald Trump in his first phone call with the U.S.
president-elect on Tuesday, November 19. In his post, Marcos said ‘the overwhelming support of Filipinos in the United States on your triumphant win is a testament to the deep and enduring friendship between our nations.’ Malacañang photo
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (left) meets President Ferdinand Marcos during a courtesy call in Malacañang on November 18, 2024. Malacañang photo
US back Philippine forces in...
November 21 that the task force was composed of U.s. forces “providing our Philippines allies with enhanced cooperation and interoperability for their maritime operations.”
“this support includes planning and training with [the] Philippines’ Western Command (Wescom) for systems provided through U.s. security assistance, such as the unmanned surface vessels that secretary Austin observed during his stop in Palawan,” Nguyen said.
“U.s. forces have decades of close partnership with the Philippines. this task force is a continuation of that longstanding relationship in support of our shared security interests,” he added.
In a post on X on tuesday, November 19, Austin said he had met with members of the task force during a visit to Palawan province and “thanked them for their hard work on behalf of the American people and our alliances and partnerships in this region.”
Ayungin, a low-elevation feature some 200 kilometers off mainland Palawan, is guarded by a military outpost on the grounded World War II vessel
BrP sierra madre. Philippine resupply missions to Ayungin had been repeatedly harassed by Chinese vessels that swarmed the disputed waters.
In a statement late Wednesday, November 20, the Armed forces of the Philippines said U.s troops in Palawan “provide technical assistance through the information-sharing group” within the Command and Control fusion Center at the Wescom headquarters.
Purely PH operation this support enhances our capability in maritime domain awareness, a critical task that aids in planning and implementing programs and activities to protect our interests in the West Philippine sea,” the AfP said.
Kanishka Gangopadhyay, spokesperson of the U.s embassy in manila, said the task force was meant to enhance coordination and interoperability between manila and Washington “by enabling U.s. forces to support AfP activities in the south China sea.” the initiative, he said, aligns with multiple lines of cooperation between U.s. and Philippine forces, including the mutual Defense Board-security
engagement Board process and the Bantay Dagat framework. Under the 2014 enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (eDCA), American troops are allowed extended stays in select military bases in the Philippines.
But National security Adviser secretary eduardo Año on thursday said the United states had no “direct participation” in Ayungin resupply missions.
“they are providing support to us, for example, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, [and] maritime domain awareness, so they are helping by giving information,” Año told reporters at a security meeting in mabalacat, Pampanga.
Philippine and U.s. officials did not immediately answer questions as to when the task force was formed or whether it had been in operation at the time of recent Chinese harassment of Philippine vessels using lasers or water cannons.
Año said the matter was “internal to the side of the U.s.” reached for comment, American security expert ray Powell said, “my contacts tell me that this is not a new task force, but was just made public with secretary Austin’s visit.” n
provide $1M aid for typhoon...
sites for
“Prepositioning supplies, food, and other elements, other personal elements in
times of urgent need. It would enable us to serve the filipino people much faster, much more efficient. And that your vision has come true. so, we’re glad we’re a part of that,” he said.
marcos stressed “how important the eDCA sites have become” in the rollout of rescue and relief efforts in the wake of calamities.
“they served as staging areas when we know that a storm is coming, we prepositioned as many assets, material as we can, as close as possible so as not to damage the actual resources that we have. And the eDCA sites became staging areas because right after the storm, many areas can only be reached by helicopter. And many roads are closed because of landslides and therefore, even the main capital of provinces can only be reached by aircraft,” the chief executive said. n
No word on whether Garma seeking...
which sanctions individuals involved in human rights violations and corruption worldwide, as the reason for the cancellation of her visa.
“they’re actually after her properties which she stored there, her money laundering activities, and of course, the human rights violations that were part of the magnitsky Act,” remulla pointed out.
As Philippine authorities chart their next move to have Garma sent back to manila, the U.s embassy has made it clear her possible deportation “is a U.s law enforcement matter.”
Kanishka Gangopadhyay, U.s embassy spokesman, made the clarification as romualdez said manila’s consulate general in san francisco is doing what it normally can to assist Garma and her daughter.
Garma and her daughter are detained in the U.s. under the magnitsky Act for possible money laundering and human rights violations.
In the Philippines, she is being investigated for her role in extrajudicial killings and for the murder of retired police general Wesley Barayuga.
earlier, Garma’s lawyer stated that she had no plans of evading authorities and that she flew to the U.s. simply to visit her relatives.
At a briefing on thursday, November 21, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has not sought assistance from the Interpol or planned to send officers to the U.s. to retrieve Garma. she was reportedly detained by U.s. immigration over visarelated issues. We will have to wait for the U.s. authorities’ decision on her case,” PNP public information office chief Brig. Gen. Jean fajardo said. she clarified that no criminal charges have been filed against Garma in the Philippines, nor is she under a hold departure order. she was able to leave the country legally,” she said.
Garma, former general manager of the Philippine Charity sweepstakes office, earlier told the quad committee of the house of representatives of a reward system in the PNP for drug war kills during the Duterte administration. her possible role in multiple high-profile murders, including that of Barayuga, also emerged during the quad comm hearing.
During her tenure as Cebu City police chief, Garma allegedly perpetrated the killing of 198 individuals linked to the drug war. she also faces accusations of transferring illicit funds to the U.s., where her former husband, Col. roland Vilela, served as a
PNP diplomat in California. In an interview, remulla disclosed that Garma had been offered witness protection for her testimonies before the quad comm and is considered “a very important witness.” In affidavits submitted to investigators, Garma detailed alleged directives from Duterte, including setting killing quotas and offering monetary rewards for eliminating drug suspects and petty criminals. these affidavits form part of the evidence being compiled against Duterte in cases of alleged crimes against humanity. however, Garma herself remains a suspect. In addition to murder charges, she is accused of laundering cash through diplomatic channels to the U.s., a claim supported by testimonies from PNP officials.
Garma’s case bears similarities to other high-profile figures, such as Jocelyn Bolante and former elections chief Andres Bautista, who sought U.s. sanctuary amid allegations of corruption and human rights violations. Both were ultimately sent back to face charges in the Philippines.
In her quad comm testimony, Garma said the existence of the Davao Death squad and its covert operations were “common knowledge” among police officers in Davao City. n
PAGE A1
GRATEFUL. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. receives a giant parol (Christmas lantern) and poses with some of the
reform beneficiaries who received certificates of condonation and release of mortgage in Bacolor, Pampanga on Thursday, Nov. 21. The condonation of all unpaid principal amortizations, interest, and surcharges on agricultural lands were awarded under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.
PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Fil-Am siblings shot dead at scene of house fire in California
Siblings Javie Maquindang and Christine Asa-Ca were among four shooting victims in Lancaster, California
by Mary Villegas Inquirer.net
foUr people, including two filipino American siblings, were shot to death over the weekend at a residence in Lancaster, Calif., where there was also a house fire.
the Los Angeles County Department of medical examiner identified three of the shooting victims as 26-yearold Christine Asa-Ca, 21-year-old Javi maquindan and 24-yearold edwin Garcia.
Asa-Ca and maquindan are siblings. Garcia was Asa-Ca’s fiancé. the shooting victims were pronounced dead at the scene. the fourth victim has not been identified as of press time. the shooting occurred at 1:30 a.m. at a home in the 44500 block of North tabler Avenue, the Los Angeles County sheriff’s Department reported.
firefighters dispatched to the one-story home at 1:43 a.m. had the fire out at 2:20 a.m., according to a Los Angeles County fire Department dispatcher.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s Department (LAsD) officers responded to a 911 call from a teenager, a family member living in the same household at 44500 block of North tabler Avenue, reporting that individuals were shot, the LAsD bulletin stated. she called 911. she stayed in her room because she was scared, and that’s when the deputies were able to locate her, extract her from the home,” LAsD Detective steve DeJong told CBs News. she probably could have suffered some lifethreatening injuries.”
When the deputies arrived, they found the house engulfed in fire and heavy smoke.
Family appeals for help
Jasmine maquindang described Christine and Janvi in a social media post as “deeply caring, young individuals with a bright future ahead.”
the family of the filam siblings has launched a Gofundme campaign.
“We hope to cover their funeral expenses and to support our younger siblings as they try to heal and navigate this difficult time,” the page stated. n
Marcos, Trump discuss alliance in...
because it has been for a very long time,” marcos told reporters in Catanduanes where he inspected areas hit by super typhoon Pepito and distributed assistance to affected communities.
he also recalled telling trump of the “overwhelming” support filipino Americans gave him during the recent U.s. elections.
“so, I’m sure he will remember that when we meet…and I plan to meet him as soon as I can,” marcos said.
marcos followed up his remarks with a facebook post showing a photo of himself sitting at a desk between two Christmas trees and speaking into his smartphone. the chief executive has sought to rebuild ties that frayed under his predecessor, rodrigo Duterte, who was openly hostile to the U.s Last year, he made the first official visit by a Philippine leader to the U.s. in more than 10 years.
marcos is the son of the late strongman ferdinand and former first lady Imelda marcos, whom Washington helped flee into exile in hawaii during the 1986 “people power” uprising.
‘How’s Imelda?’
he said trump had asked about his 95-year-old mother.
he asked, ‘how is Imelda?’ I told him she’s congratulating you,” he said. the Philippines, a former U.s. colony, is seen as central to Washington’s efforts to counter China’s increasingly assertive policies in the south China sea and towards taiwan.
Also on tuesday, U.s. Defense secretary Lloyd Austin visited the Armed forces of the Philippines’ Western Command in Palawan, where he reiterated Washington’s commitment to the Philippines under their 1951 mutual Defense treaty.
“Americans are profoundly committed to the defense of the Philippines,” Austin said at a joint press conference with his manila counterpart Gilbert teodoro.
“I can’t imagine a day that the United states of America and the Philippines aren’t closely allied,” teodoro said.
Austin, meanwhile, reiterated his nation’s “ironclad commitment” to its mutual Defense treaty with the Philippines. “Let me say again that the mutual Defense treaty applies to armed attacks on either of our own armed forces, aircraft or public vessels, including our coast guards, anywhere in the south China sea,” Austin said.
the U.s. official said he also visited the Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, one of the nine enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (eDCA) sites in the country.
teodoro said tuesday’s activity wrapped up Austin’s two-day visit to the country, with the latter engaging in discussions with WesCom Commander rear Admiral Alfonso torres Jr. and personally witnessing “specific bilateral activities” between Philippine and U.s. soldiers in Palawan.
DND spokesman Director Arsenio Andolong said that in their earlier engagement, President marcos, teodoro, and Austin “celebrated the remarkable strides the United states and the Philippines have made to expand and modernize the alliance and reinforced their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
$1 million Pepito aid earlier, Austin announced the U.s. commitment to support the Philippines’ response to super typhoon Pepito’s devastation, including $1 million in additional humanitarian assistance from the U.s. Agency for International Development (UsAID).
u PAGE A5
PAUNAWA SA PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG
ANG PAUNAWA AY IBINIBIGAY sA PAmAmAGItAN NIto na ang Lupon ng mga superbisor ng County ng san Diego ay magsasagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig sa fallbrook sub-Area Plan sa ganitong paraan:
ImPormAsYoN NG PAGDINIG:
Petsa: Disyembre 11, 2024
oras: 9:00 a.m.
Lokasyon: County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific highway, room 310, san Diego, California 92101
APLIKANte: County ng san Diego
(mGA) NUmero NG ProYeKto/KAso: PDs-2020-PoD-003; PDs-2024-reZ-001
LoKAsYoN: Ang fallbrook sub Area Plan area ay matatagpuan sa 93 akre at 295 parsela sa core ng nayon ng fallbrook, na nakasentro sa paligid ng main Avenue. Ang hangganan ng proyekto ay halos tinukoy bilang east mission road - North, Brandon street - east, fallbrook street - south, North mission road – West. Ang mga parsela na iminungkahing i-rezone ay kinabibilangan ng mga APN: 103-221-27-00, 103-221-32-00, 103-221-33-00, at 103-221-34-00.
PAGLALArAWAN NG ProYeKto: Ito ay isang kahilingan para sa Lupon ng mga superbisor (Lupon) na suriin ang iminungkahing fallbrook sub Area Plan (Plan). Nakikipagtulungan ang mga tauhan sa mga stakeholder ng komunidad para makamit ang kanilang adhikain ng isang muling pinasiglang fallbrook. Kasama sa nagreresultang Plano ang tatlong pangunahing bahagi, 1) mga susog sa mga regulasyon sa Pag-zone ng fallbrook Village kabilang ang rezone ng apat na pribadong pag-aari na parsela sa core ng nayon mula sa s86 (Parking) hanggang fB-V1 (fallbrook Village 1) na nagbibigay-daan para sa pinakamataas na dami ng residente na 30 yunit/akre ng tirahan, 2) isang update sa mga Patnubay sa Disenyo ng fallbrook, at 3) isang streetscape Plan sa main Avenue. KALAGAYAN NG KAPALIGIrAN: Pinapayagan ng seksyong 15164 ng CeQA ang paghahanda ng addendum sa isang dati nang pinagtibay o pinairal na dokumentong pangkapaligiran kapag maliit na pagbabagong teknikal o pagbabago lang na hindi magdudulot ng mga bagong malaking epekto ang iminumungkahi sa isang proyekto. Inihanda ang isang Addendum sa Pag-uulat ng Programa sa epekto sa Kapaligiran (GPU eIr) para sa Pagbabago sa Pangkalahatang Plano ng County ng san Diego (Numero ng Pangkapaligirang Pagsusuri na 02-ZA-001; sch. 2002111067) para sa fallbrook sub-Area Plan at nauugnay na rezone (PDs-2020-PoD-003; PDs-2024-reZ-001).
tAtAWAGANG tAUhAN: Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa proyekto, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa tagapamahala ng proyekto: timothy Vertino (858) 505-6677; PDs.LongrangePlanning@sdcounty.ca.gov
PAKIKILAhoK NG PUBLIKo: maaaring lumahok ang mga miyembro ng publiko sa pulong nang personal o sa pamamagitan ng teleconference alinsunod sa mga regulasyon na ipinatutupad sa oras ng pagpupulong. Dapat bumisita ang mga nagnanais na lumahok sa pagpupulong at/o magkomento sa website ng Lupon ng superbisor sa: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cob/bosa. html#watch. Kung mayroon kang anumang katanungan, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa Klerk ng Lupon sa (619) 531-5434 o sa publiccomment@sdcounty.ca.gov. tULoNG PArA sA mGA tAoNG mAY KAPANsANAN: makukuha ang mga agenda at talaan sa mga alternatibong format kapag hiniling. makipag-ugnayan sa kalihim sa pagdinig sa (619) 5174193 para magtanong o humingi ng suporta para sa may kapansanan. Dapat makipag-ugnayan ang mga indibidwal na nangangailangan ng mga tagapagsalin ng senyas na wika sa ADA title II Coordinator sa buong County sa (619) 531-4908. hangga't maaari, dapat isumite ang mga kahilingan para sa suporta o tulong nang hindi bababa sa 72 oras nang mas maaga sa pulong upang maihanda pa ang mga kinakailangan para rito. maaaring italaga ang isang bahagi sa harapan ng mga silid ng pagdinig para sa mga indibidwal na nangangailangang gumamit ng silyang de-gulong o iba pang pantulong na kagamitan.
tANDAAN: Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa makukuhang Ulat ng tauhan, mga tagubilin ng tagapagsalita, at mga Pamamaraan sa Pangkalahatang Pagdinig, mangyaring basahin ang Impormasyon sa Pampublikong Pagdinig ng County ng san Diego na makikita sa website ng Lupon ng mga superbisor: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cob/bosa.html.
tANDAAN: Kung kinukuwestyon mo ang aksyon na maaaring gawin sa panukalang ito sa korte, maaaring limitahan ka sa pagpapaabot lang ng mga isyung inihain mo o inihain ng ibang tao sa nabanggit na pampublikong pagdinig sa itaas, o sa sulat na ipinadala sa Pangkat ng Pagdinig sa o bago ang pagdinig. maaaring may limitasyon o kahingian ang mga tuntunin ng Pangkat ng Pagdinig sa pagsusumite ng nasabing sulat.
11/23/24
CNs-3872692#
Young Fil-Ams invited to apply for 2025 IMPACT! internship program
The application deadline is January 31, 2025
WAshINGtoN – the U.s.-Asia Institute (UsAI) has opened applications for the 2025 ImPACt! internship program for filipino Americans.
the program, which will run from June 2 to Aug. 1, 2025, is a nine-week professional development initiative created by the UsAI in coordination with the Philippine embassy in Washington D.C. the application deadline is Jan. 31, 2025.
the internship program offers a unique opportunity for young filipino American adults to gain firsthand experience with the U.s. government and political system in Washington, D.C., engage civically and reflect on their potential role as future leaders in strengthening U.s.-Philippines relations.
ImPACt! provides young adults with the skills and knowledge to transform into leaders in the democratic and electoral processes, and civil society.
It offers a series of hands-on and interactive workshops, networking opportunities, placement in professional development and internship positions, one-on-one mentorship and the completion of a civic engagement project.
this program provides young people with the opportunity to intern on a national level in various offices of elected officials, public agencies or in organizations involved in the political, government and policy influencing arena.
this opportunity helps develop a stronger understanding of how government and the political system work by experiencing it from an insider’s perspective.
Not only is this program an invaluable professional experience, but also benefits the filipino American community by increasing the interest of filipino Americans in American politics and civic engagement in the future.
the program is open to all U.s. or dual U.s./Philippine citizens of filipino descent, aged 18 to 25, who are either full-time undergraduate or graduate students in good academic standing or recent graduates with an undergraduate degree.
selected participants will receive the “filipino American Youth Political Leadership Award” in the form of a $2,000 stipend.
Participants will be responsible for all other expenses, including travel, housing, food and additional costs. After acceptance into the program, participants must also provide proof of health insurance and sign a liability waiver. for more information, visit the UsAI website (https://www.usasiainstitute.org/impactprogram). Applications must be submitted by Jan. 31, 2025. (inquirer.net)
11/23/24
Photo from the US-Asia Institute website
Photo from GoFundMe
What Trump’s immigration plans mean...
tor of the American Immigration Council, at a friday, November 15 ethnic media services briefing on trump’s promised immigration policies.
“With mass deportations, however, we’re talking about finding people in their communities,” he continued. “the two branches of the Department of homeland security that specifically do that do not have the capacity. It’s extremely expensive … Nor do we have the detention capacity. You’d need a whole new set of asylum facilities and judges before even getting people home.”
Deporting all undocumented immigrants, which represent about 4.8% of the U.s workforce as of 2022, would cost about $315 billion and have between a 4.2% and 6.8% negative impact on GDP, by conservative estimates.
By comparison, the national GDP fell 4.3% during the Great recession, from 2007 to 2009.
“for most things Congress will fund, they’ll need 60 votes. Budget reconciliation needs 50. It’s far from clear they can fund these measures … but they can repurpose money from elsewhere,” said robbins. “It’s possible to use forms like the military, but our resources are already strained.” the existing Department of homeland security (Dhs) budget
$107.9 billion for fiscal year 2025 — exceeds all other federal law enforcement budgets combined.
the current daily detention capacity is estimated around 50,000.
Congress has provided approximately $3.4 billion to detain a daily average of 41,500 noncitizens in 2024, of which 60.1% have no criminal record.
for comparison, funds in 2023 were $2.9 billion to detain an average of 34,000 noncitizens daily.
Along with difficulties getting bipartisan Congressional support, “Biden has already maximally deployed existing resources for enforcement,” said Greg Chen, senior director of government relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association. “they don’t have the resources to do much more … and contracting with private facilities, or training state and national guards, will mean more expensive delays.”
Dhs data from 2023 shows that, in absolute terms, 3.5 times as many people were removed
under Biden than under trump. of the 1.4 million arrests made in the 24 months of 2019 and 2020 under trump, 47% were removed from the U.s In the first 26.3 months under Biden, Dhs made over 5 million arrests, of which 51% were removed.
Legal immigration
“trump has been talking so much about mass deportations that we rarely hear about impacts on the legal immigration system, meaning the hundreds of thousands of employment visas, family visas and humanitarian visas coming through every year,” said Chen.
Annual new legal permanent residents fell under trump from 1,183,500 in 2016 to 707,400 in 2020, according to Dhs data; the numbers have shot back up since then to 1,173,000 in 2023.
“During the first trump administration, we saw retrogression — meaning it took much longer to process these cases,” Chen continued. “for an employment or family visa that might typically take three to six months, we saw those times typically double.”
he added that these backlogs are often created by understaffing departments and by requests for evidence, which are “ways of asking for more information on a case to ferret out fraud. But if used unnecessarily, it simply becomes red tape … and if immigration is unavailable to people who are trying to come here through legal means, we’ll be seeing greater amounts of illegal migration.”
Currently, immigrants arriving at official crossing points on the border can make an appointment through the CBP one app and wait months to be processed into the U.s. with temporary humanitarian parole.
“People who try to enter between those points have a very hard time qualifying to begin the process towards asylum,” said Julia Gelatt, associate director of the migration Policy Institute’s U.s. immigration policy program. “Under trump, we can expect that the CPB one process at ports of entry will end, meaning that it will be very difficult for people coming to the border to access legal asylum proceedings,” she continued.
“Instead, we’ll likely see what we’ve seen before: people paying smugglers to sneak them into the United states, rather than to the border, where many people now present themselves to border authorities to ask for protection,”
she added. trump has also suggested that he’ll scale back the use of temporary status — which covers over one million immigrants, mostly Venezuelan, haitian and salvadoran — and eliminate Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), on which about 580,000 immigrants rely. the supreme Court ruled in 2020 that the president can terminate DACA, a policy which gives some people who came to the U.s. illegally as children the right to study and work in the country. most employers want to hire a legal workforce. If their workers lose authorizations like DACA and tPs, they’ll have to let them go,” said Gelatt. “We’re an aging country … and when we lose immigrant workers, it doesn’t necessarily create jobs for U.s workers. If an employer loses the immigrant workers they rely on, they might contract out their operation or close up shop altogether. Immigrants and U.s. workers are compliments in the labor force.”
Bureau of Labor statistics data shows that the unemployment rate for U.s.-born workers in 2023 was 3.6%, the lowest on record.
that year, the share of employed prime-age (25 to 54) U.s.born workers was 81.4%, the highest rate since 2001.
While mass crackdowns on these immigrants “will take more resources than the new administration will have, resulting in economic devastation across the country, they’re still counting on instilling fear in communities,” added Chen. “We have people with legal status calling our attorneys because they’re afraid that they’ll be rounded up because they’ll be profiled. those are legitimate concerns in this new environment.”
“What does it look like when that intimidation campaign is working? It looks like kids not going to school because their parents fear being deported, shortages of health care workers because people move to safer states or are removed from the country, like shortages of teachers here on tPs and DACA,” said elizabeth taufa, policy attorney at the Immigrant Legal resource Center.
“even if they can’t afford to enforce these policies, they’re unraveling the threads of our American communities,” she added. (Selen ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)
California Community Colleges celebrates Apprenticeship Week
sACrAmeNto — the California Community Colleges recognizes this week, Nov. 17th through the 23rd, as the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week by “Celebrating 10 Years of engagement, expansion and Innovation.” Apprenticeship programs offer a unique blend of hands-on training and classroom learning, providing learners with valuable skills and hands-on experience to prepare them for future careers.
the California Community Colleges is the largest workforce development and training system in the nation and uniquely positioned to create, pilot and expand apprenticeships across many different career pathways, including nursing, manufacturing and information and agricultural technologies. the system is playing a crucial role in Gov. Newsom’s goal of training 500,000 apprentices by 2029. to date, 94,000 registered apprentices and 2,200 registered pre-apprentices have stepped foot on one of our 116 California community colleges. this is about 20% of the goal.
“While we celebrate this milestone, we continue to identify student-centered approaches to learning and skills preparation. through the California Apprenticeship Initiative, the New and Innovative Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Grant Programs and the California op-
portunity Youth Apprenticeship Grant, among others, we are removing barriers and facilitating access to jobs in high-growth, high-demand industries,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor sonya Christian. the California Community Colleges apprenticeship training programs are working to achieve multiple goals of the system’s strategic plan, Vision 2030, including increasing the number of students who are acquiring degrees, credentials, certificates, or skills that prepare them for in-demand jobs; increasing the number of career education students who report being employed in their field of study; and
reducing, and fully closing, equity gaps across all career training and employment metrics. for more information, please see the recently released monograph series, on the California Community Colleges website, focused on the state of apprenticeships in California (https://www.cccco.edu/-/ media/CCCC o -Website/docs/ general/monograph-on-apprenticeships-at-california-community-colleges-october-2024-final-a11y. pdf?la=en&hash=A e1135439C15ef5923e762BCBD4DAD507AB2AA2f). the California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; and degree and certificate pathways. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports Vision 2030, a strategic plan designed to serve our students, our communities and our planet. for more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on facebook, Instagram and X (formerly twitter). (cA community colleges release)
TRAFFIC SANTA. Traffic enforcer Ramiro Hinojas directs traffic in a Santa Claus costume along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Hinojas said has wears the costume during the Christmas season to lighten the mood of motorists caught in heavy traffic. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian
Pres. Biden nominates Fil-Am philanthropist...
Naturalization service paved the way for integration within the agency, where she served as General Attorney from 1978 to 1988.
Lewis was Chair and Ceo of tLC Beatrice International, a $2 billion multinational food company with operations across europe, from 1994-2007. she assumed leadership of the company following the passing of her husband, reginald f. Lewis, a pioneering financier and the first African American to acquire a billion-dollar company through his leveraged buyout of Beatrice International foods.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lewis is deeply invested in philanthropy and advocacy. she chairs the reginald f. Lewis foundation, which supports institutions like harvard Law school, the museum of maryland African American history & Culture, and Virginia state University. A proud native of sorsogon, Philippines, she has also contributed to the Lewis College in her hometown. Lewis has co-founded numerous advocacy organizations, including the Asian American Legal Defense and education fund (AALDef), the National federation of filipino American Associations
(NaffAA), and U.s filipinos for Good Governance. her lifelong commitment to justice and equity has inspired generations of leaders.
In a statement, NaffAA celebrated and showed support for Lewis’ nomination.
“Loida Lewis’ nomination is a testament to her unparalleled commitment to service and justice,” said Brendan flores, NaffAA National Chairman. she has been a trailblazer throughout her career, inspiring countless individuals with her unwavering dedication to uplifting communities and fostering meaningful change.” (AJPress)
Marcos, Trump discuss alliance in...
Andolong said the leaders discussed defense cooperation activities as well as regional security concerns and highlighted the need for deeper coordination to address challenges in the south China sea, specifically acts of provocation by the Chinese.
At Camp Aguinaldo, Austin and teodoro signed a General security of military Information Agreement (GsomIA), which aims to enhance information sharing and deepen interoperability.
Andolong said the two defense chiefs also led the groundbreaking ceremony for a new bilateral Combined Coordination Center (CCC).
Andolong said Austin and teodoro also visited a bilateral C2 fusion Center – one of several built by U.s. Indo-Pacific Command in the Philippines to enhance information sharing. the two officials observed a demonstration of a t-12 Unmanned surface Vessel, one of several unmanned aircraft that the U.s. provided to the Philippine Navy through foreign military financing. Chinese naval and coast guard ships had repeatedly harassed Philippine vessels in the West Philippine sea, using water cannons and powerful lasers or engaging the smaller filipino boats in dangerous maneuvers. their frequent encounters at sea have turned the strategic
waterway into a potential flashpoint between Washington and Beijing.
China claims sovereignty over almost the entire south China sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion in annual ship-borne commerce, putting it at odds with its southeast Asian neighbors.
In 2016 the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the hague ruled that China’s claims had no legal basis, siding with the Philippines which brought the case.
China rejects that ruling, but Washington, which supports it, says that decision is binding. several other countries including Japan, Australia, Canada and those belonging to the european Union have voiced support for the arbitral ruling. n
Los Angeles passes ‘sanctuary city’ ordinance...
when I was six years old, arriving in the United states because we sought a better life, and I am so grateful for the opportunities this country has given me and my family,” said raman. “Immigrants make up the very fabric of Los Angeles and they deserve to feel safe and protected in the city they call home, no matter who is in power. Prohibiting the use of City resources for federal immigration enforcement shouldn’t depend only on executive actions that could be overturned by a future mayor or Police Chief. this is common sense policy for LA.”
mayor Karen Bass, a vocal supporter of immigrant rights, is expected to sign the ordinance, which would go into effect within 10 days of her signature. this moment demands urgency,” Bass said in a statement earlier in November ahead of the City Council vote. “Immigrant protections make our communities stronger and our city better... solidarity is an action, not rhetoric. Los Angeles stands together.”
more than 100 advocates rallied on the steps of City hall ahead of the vote, sharing personal stories of living under the constant threat of deportation. many highlighted the trauma experienced by families during trump’s first term and the chilling effect it had on immigrants reporting crimes or seeking city services.
the ordinance positions Los Angeles alongside cities like New York, Chicago, and san francisco, which have long-standing policies supporting immigrant communities. Yet, these measures remain politically divisive, with critics arguing they undermine federal immigration law and public safety.
During his first term, trump sought to penalize sanctuary cities by withholding federal funds, a move later blocked by courts. Now, with his return to office on the horizon, advocates fear he will intensify efforts to dismantle such protections.
With trump set to take office in January, immigrant rights organizations are bracing for renewed battles over federal immigration enforcement. In Los Angeles, the ordinance serves as both a shield for vulnerable populations and a declaration of the city’s values.
the City of Los Angeles is home to more than 1.35 million immigrants, comprising over 34 percent of the city’s population. In
fact, a majority of school children in the Los Angeles metro area, including both U.s. citizens and non-citizens, have at least one immigrant parent. more than one out of three people who live in Los Angeles, including my own parents, are immigrants. one in ten are undocumented,” said sotomartinez. “We refuse to stand by and let Donald trump deport our neighbors, family, friends, and coworkers.”
While the City Council had previously passed a resolution declaring Los Angeles a “City of sanctuary” in 2017, no sanctuary policies were codified into municipal law. the City’s current relationship with federal immigration agencies is shaped by an executive directive issued by former mayor eric Garcetti and internal LAPD policies. these policies are subject to change under future administrations and have yet to be enshrined as permanent protections for Los Angeles immigrants.
“We applaud the Councilmembers who voted today in support of a sanctuary ordinance that will defend immigrant Angelenos,” said shiuming Cheer, Deputy Director at the California Immigrant Policy Center. “With this important step, Los Angeles will no longer support the unjust and racist immigration detention and deportation system. Local resources should be put into supporting immigrant families, not tearing them apart.” n
the newly adopted ordinance permanently enshrines sanctuary policies into municipal law and prohibits the use of City resources, including property and personnel, from being utilized for immigration enforcement or to cooperate with federal immigration agents engaged in immigration enforcement. Critically, the ordinance also prohibits the direct and indirect sharing of data with federal immigration authorities – an important gap to close in our city’s protections for immigrants.
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President Joe Biden poses with Fil-Am community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis, whom he nominated to serve on the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s board of directors. Contributed photo
OPiniOn FeAtures
First step toward accountability
Now that the Department of Justice (DoJ) has called former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bluff to file cases against him, an invested public eagerly looks forward to how he would squirm his way out of this latest predicament of his own making.
on monday, November 18, DoJ
secretary Jesus Crispin remulla said the government was eyeing the possibility of charging Duterte with violating republic Act No. 9851 or the international humanitarian law (IhL).
signed into law on Dec. 11, 2009, the IhL defines and penalizes what is considered the most severe crimes of concern to the international community—war crimes, genocide, and other crimes against humanity.
Article II, section 2 of the country’s Constitution also states that “[t]he Philippines … adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land.”
Duterte had earlier challenged the government to do just that during his testimony at the house quad comm hearing on his war on drugs: “I have been killing people for a long time, but they have yet to file any case against me.” Crimes against humanity
In apparent response, remulla said: “our task force is doing that now (investigating Duterte).” earlier this month, the DoJ official created a task force to look into the extrajudicial killings (eJKs) committed during the previous administration. remulla also addressed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) charges of crimes against humanity against Duterte, saying that if the DoJ’s charges overlap with those of the ICC, the government would have to choose what charges to pursue.
“We want the charges to be separate from each other … even if we are not members of the ICC, the spirit of complementarity is still in place,” remulla said, referring to the country’s withdrawal from the ICC in 2018 on Duterte’s orders after it opened a preliminary examination on the drug killings.
oVer the past week, one of the main topics of discussion not only here in Washington, D.C. but in many parts of the globe is the immigration policy of President-elect trump. many of our media friends from the Philippines asked us how it will affect many undocumented filipino immigrants in the United states.
A report published by the Pew research Center estimates that the number of illegals in the U.s has grown to 11 million in 2022, although these numbers “do not reflect events since mid-2022” as the unauthorized immigrant population “has likely grown over the past two years based on several alternative data sources.”
Based on “Agenda 47” that outlines the policy plans of Donald trump as the 47th president of the United states plus his pronouncements, there will be mass deportation of illegal immigrants using federal law enforcement agencies and
WIthIN two-and-a-half years in malacañang, ferdinand marcos Jr. has practically gifted the United states its intent to reestablish a deeper and stronger military presence and influence in the Philippines. he did so under the aegis of the 2024 enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (eDCA), with U.s. Defense secretary Lloyd Austin’s persistent coaxing during four official visits to the country. In his last visit early this week, a military intelligence-sharing agreement called the General security of military Information Agreement (GsomIA) was signed by him and Defense secretary Gilberto
the ICC has said its prosecutors maintain jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed before the withdrawal. the spirit of complementary means that the ICC will only have secondary jurisdiction over national courts, and can only act if the national court cannot or refuses to prosecute Duterte.
Systematic killings As it is, the DoJ’s investigation should mine as evidence Duterte’s sworn testimony before the quad comm, which included admissions about ordering the police to kill suspects in “self-defense” after goading them to fight back. he had killed “a lot of crooked police officers” during his term as Davao City mayor, Duterte said, adding that he was assuming “full legal, moral responsibility” for the killings. such systematic killings are covered by rA 9851, former senator Leila de Lima confirmed before the quad comm hearing: “these acts include willful killing, extermination, torture, and enforced disappearance, among others,” she said, noting that these crimes are nonbailable and could be punished by reclusion perpetua, or life imprisonment.
she added that the law holds not just the direct perpetrators responsible, but also those in leadership positions who order or induce the commission of such crimes. rA 9851 does not exempt government officials, including heads of state, from criminal responsibility, the former chair of the Commission on human rights said. the law, too, is not subject to prescription, De Lima said. “the crimes penalized under this Act, their prosecution, and the execution of sentences imposed on their account, shall not be subject to any prescription. they can be
hunted for life.”
Prospect of justice
the DoJ’s action is a solid first step to making Duterte fully accountable for the thousands of drugrelated killings during his administration, of which only a handful have been officially investigated, and eight low-level cops have been convicted so far.
Government figures estimate that more than 6,000 people were killed in legitimate drug operations, but rights groups claim that as many as 30,000 were gunned down in shady police operations that often involved planted guns and drugs, as well as dubious claims of suspects fighting back.
Just as welcome is President marcos’ statement last week, saying the government would not stand in the way if Duterte wants to surrender to the
ICC. the government would be obliged as well to comply if his arrest was sought over his deadly war on drugs, mr. marcos added. While Duterte’s allies have described the DoJ’s action as mere propaganda and “political theatrics,” it is a much-appreciated manifestation of the government’s determination to join the community of nations that subscribe and maintain a “rules-based order,” a distinction the country’s leaders should aspire to. It is also a concrete—if belated—expression of solidarity with all the victims of unjust killings and other crimes abetted by the climate of impunity under the previous administration.
Above all, such explicit expression of cooperation with the ICC should offer healing to the families of eJK victims, for whom the prospect of justice finally beckons. (inquirer.net)
Anticipating the Trump immigration policy
the military. Undocumented immigrants will not receive benefits like public housing and shelter, food stamps, health care and welfare checks. the southern border will be closed to asylum seekers, while the “catch-and-release” practice of releasing migrants while they await immigration hearings will be suspended.
Birthright citizenship (acquiring citizenship by being born in the U.s.) for children of undocumented immigrants will be denied. tourists who give birth in the U.s. will no longer be allowed to extend their visa – and for the baby to acquire citizenship, one of the parents must be a U.s. citizen or resident. federal funding will also be blocked for sanctuary cities and counties that allow undocumented immigrants to stay. Under title 42, which is a public health rule that began in 2020 during the pandemic, border authorities can send back migrants, including children, to their countries of origin. experts also say that expedited removals could be conducted, which means U.s. Customs and Border Protection officials could swiftly
deport illegals.
But while the president-elect intends to crank up on mass deportation, he also says he wants people to “come in” to the U.s., but legally. Clearly, the top priority for deportation are those who pose a threat to national security and have criminal records. there’s no doubt, however, that the trump administration will be strict in its immigration policy, judging from the appointment of former Immigration and Customs enforcement deputy director thomas homan as the “border czar.” homan, a former police officer who became a U.s. Border Patrol agent, said workplace raids will be conducted to address labor and sex trafficking problems.
We certainly understand the worry and anxiety that our kababayans feel for friends and relatives who may be illegally staying in the Us. Which is why we have called all the heads of post at our Philippine consulates in the United states – from Chicago, honolulu, houston, Los Angeles, New York, san francisco as well as Guam – for a meeting in Washington, DC during the first
week of December to discuss prospects under the incoming administration and obviously, number one on the agenda will be the immigration policy of President-elect trump.
DfA Undersecretary ed de Vega will be meeting our consuls in Los Angeles end of November to see how DfA’s Assistance to Nationals can be of help to filipinos facing potential deportation after ascertaining what the new immigration policy will be and the guidelines on its implementation.
former National Border Patrol Council president Brandon Judd said it’s not as if immigration authorities will just round up people and haul them off – those facing deportation can go before the courts which will hear their cases and rule whether they should be deported or not. We hope to consult an immigration lawyer to help us navigate through this policy.
Long before I even came to Washington, I have been writing about the potential ramifications of evolving U.s. immigration laws and its impact on filipinos overstaying in the United states. I knew of so many people who
waited until they got deported – completely taking away all chances of ever legally returning to the U.s today, more and more countries are facing problems on illegal immigration. there are a number of countries that are now coming out with stricter immigration policies and tightening their borders. Canada, considered to be one of the most immigrant-friendly nations, has reversed its policy due to growing concerns about immigrants contributing to problems related to housing, health care and other social services.
our country is also facing serious problems with illegals coming into the country, which is overwhelming Immigration authorities. An alarming situation is the case of Chinese national Alice Guo using a fake birth certificate and getting elected to public office.
After my initial media interviews regarding undocumented filipinos in the U.s., there were a few clueless critics who have absolutely no idea of potential problems faced by victims of human trafficking
and those living with the “sword of fear” hanging over their heads. one example is the case of fedelina Lugasan who I met at our consulate in Los Angeles. she was rescued after being enslaved by her employers.
Nanay fedelina was recruited from Leyte to work as a domestic helper when she was a teenager and eventually brought to the U.s. – enslaved by a filipino family for 65 years, unpaid and abused, sleeping on the floor with just a thin blanket. her plight was discovered in 2018 when she collapsed due to hunger while taking care of her employer in the hospital, prompting the fBI’s Victim Protection Unit to investigate and rescue her. It was a heartbreaking story that is forever etched in my mind. I most certainly do not ever want that to happen to anyone, much less filipinos. (Philstar.com)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
Marcos Jr. gifts deeper military presence to US
teodoro Jr. the accord purports to enable the two allies to have “realtime classified intelligence and information-sharing for a common operating picture, and it will help boost interoperability for many, many years to come,” according to Austin. the two defense secretaries led the ground-breaking ceremony of the Combined Coordination Center (CCC) at Camp Aguinaldo, the AfP’s headquarters. the CCC, Austin pointed out, “will be a place where our forces can work side by side to respond to regional challenges.” he capped his remarks with the oft-repeated Us “iron-clad commitment” to the Philippines’ defense. expectedly, the progressive people’s organizations are highly critical. Bagong Alyansang makabayan (Bayan) immediately denounced the GsomIA as
“a blatant act of subservience [to the U.s.]” and accused the marcos Jr. administration of being “corrupt and treasonous” by surrendering the country’s security interests to the U.s Noting that the agreement does not have an expiration date, Bayan warned it could be a tool for the U.s. to exert indefinite influence in the country’s security policies. As a prerequisite to the signing of the agreement, American officials were allowed to inspect more potential eDCA sites. the GsomIA has yet to be approved by the president, but apparently it is already a done deal at the defense ministerial level. the U.s. embassy in manila came out with a statement, saying the ground-breaking for the CCC represents a significant milestone in the U.s.-Philippine alliance. the new facility, it
said, was designed to enhance interoperability through the Pacific multidomain training and experimentation Capability that will allow the AfP and U.s. armed forces to operate as a “combined command center for strategic planning, joint operations, intelligencesharing and rapid-response coordination.”
the CCC, the U.s. embassy further said, “symbolizes the deepening of ties, reflecting on the ironclad partnership that has evolved through consistent training like the Balikatan exercises (begun in 2002) and the multilateral marine Combined Activities, which emphasize cooperation and defense modernization.” moreover, the CCC is supposed to integrate new defense technologies and joint training, reinforcing the readiness of the U.s.-Ph alliance
to meet both conventional and nonconventional challenges.
Defense secretary teodoro remarked that the CCC is a unified picture of the shared areas of responsibility and common approaches to threats against the securities of both the U.s. and the Philippines.
Welcoming these developments, AfP chief Gen. romeo Brawner Jr. described them as “the dawn of a new era in collaboration and partnership between the Philippines and the U.s., particularly its armed forces.”
the CCC, he noted, would enhance the capabilities of the AfP and U.s. both in humanitarian assistance and disaster response and maritime security. It ensures that both forces “can act swiftly and effectively when the need arises,” he said. It would also
allow filipino and U.s. troops “to train as one, plan as one and respond as one.”
Is this really a desirable situation for the filipino people?
Acknowledging Austin’s “leadership and his impact” on the country’s defense department and the filipino nation, teodoro conferred on him an outstanding Achievement medal last monday, November 18. In part, the citation says:
“(Austin) has been instrumental in reinforcing the enduring partnership between our two nations and sharing our shared values of democracy, freedom and peace continue to guide our cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
“secretary Austin’s remarkable contributions have not only strengthened the PhilippinesU.s. defense relationship, but u PAGE A7
ManilaTimes.net photo
DAteline PhiliPPines
Indonesia says clemency for Veloso up to Marcos
by Pia lee-Brago Philstar.com
mANILA — Indonesia will fully respect whatever decision
President ferdinand marcos Jr. makes on the grant of clemency to mary Jane Veloso, the overseas filipino worker saved from execution on drug trafficking charges.
In a video statement, Indonesian Chief minister for Law and human rights Yusril Ihza mahendra said Wednesday, November 20 that Veloso would be transferred to the Philippines in response to manila’s request for pardon.
“We created a new policy that we had never done before. Not to release or give pardon to foreigners convicted by our court but instead we created a policy that is called transfer of prisoners,” Yusril said.
he said that the Philippine government or other countries that wish for the transfer of prisoners must acknowledge and respect the verdict of Indonesian court, and Indonesia can prosecute their citizens if they commit a crime.
the countries should respect and not to question the verdict of imprisonment, life sentence or the death penalty, and they must accept it.
“so for example, that is the case, then she (Veloso) will serve a life sentence in the Philippines instead based on the verdict of the Indonesian court. And we will fully respect the decision by the authority of President marcos in enforcing their law in their country,” Yusril said.
“the Philippines had abolished the death penalty in their law system, and when she (Veloso) had returned to the Philippines, it will be the authority of the president (marcos) to give pardon (from the Indonesian death penalty sentence),” he said.
Indonesia reduces Veloso’s sentence President marcos on thursday, November 21 said that Indonesia has lowered the death sentence of Veloso to life imprisonment and a clemency for her is “on the table.”
In a media interview, marcos said Veloso’s sentence was reduced because of the Philippines’ ties with Indonesia.
“since we have good relations (with Indonesia), they found a way. this is the first time they did this,” he said.
Asked if the grant of clemency for Veloso was possible, marcos replied: “We will see... this is the first time this has happened.”
“everything is on the table,” he added.
In a joint statement, the Department of Justice and the Department of foreign Affairs (DfA) said the Philippines is bound to honor the conditions that would be set for Veloso’s transfer, particularly the service of her sentence in the country, save for the death penalty which is prohibited under the country’s laws.
marcos thanked subianto and the Indonesian government for their goodwill, describing the outcome as a “reflection of the depth of our nation’s partnership with Indonesia,” countries that he said are “united in a shared commitment to justice and compassion.”
DfA Undersecretary eduardo de Vega clarified that Indonesia has not requested any payback for Veloso’s return.
“so when she gets here, if she gets here and when she gets here, she will not immediately be released – it means, we will commit to detain her until such time that we have mutual agreement that she could be given clemency. But at least, she would be here,” he said.
Veloso said that she was “elated” to be returning home and be with her family.
“I’m grateful and would like to thank everybody who keeps making efforts so I can return to my country,” Veloso said in a written statement read by the prison warden evi Loliancy on thursday.
Veloso’s legal counsel edre olalia said the president now has the power to grant an absolute pardon to Veloso on humanitarian grounds considering that Indonesia has already passed on the responsibility of resolving the case.
olalia noted that there are various forms of clemency and the highest of which is absolute pardon or amnesty.
“What we are pushing for is absolute pardon. Will we wait for 27 years to complete the 40 years? I hope not,” he said. he said Veloso had already suffered much during her detention, and Indonesia’s president should be convinced to grant her clemency.
Aside from humanitarian considerations, there are also legal grounds that marcos can cite to grant executive clemency to Veloso, National Union of People’s Lawyers president ephraim Cortez told “storycon” on one News said.
one of the possible reasons, he said, is the fact that Veloso is a
victim of human trafficking, which under Indonesian law, Philippine law, and in international conventions, should be exempted from criminal liability if they did an act because of trafficking.
once her custody is transferred to the Philippines, the Philippine government can consider that part of our law and treat her as a human trafficking victim and apply the appropriate protective measures under our domestic laws,” he said.
Cortez said they will immediately ask marcos to grant clemency to Veloso upon her return to the Philippines.
Cortez said Veloso’s return before Christmas is possible given that only paperwork and actual implementation is needed.
Charges of human trafficking, estafa and simple illegal recruitment are also pending against Veloso’s recruiters.
olalia said they intended to present Veloso as a witness against the illegal recruiters if she could return to the country in time for the hearing of the case.
meanwhile, senate President francis escudero said he is confident the president would grant clemency to Veloso either in the form of pardon or commutation of sentence.
however, it will have to go through the process, both legal and diplomatic, and with due courtesies to the Indonesian government,” escudero said.
During the Kapihan sa senado forum on thursday, sen. risa hontiveros thanked the governments of Indonesia and the Philippines for working to bring Veloso home after her stay of execution.
But she lamented that Veloso would still languish in jail in the Philippines if she is not granted executive clemency.
“Let us celebrate her homecoming first. But if the office of the President is studying the option of clemency, then that will be another reason to thank them,” she said.
Veloso was arrested in 2010 for smuggling 2.6 kilograms of heroin into Indonesia and sentenced to death under the country’s anti-drug laws. her execution was dramatically halted just hours before she was to face the firing squad, following an appeal from the Philippine government and the surrender of a recruiter whom Veloso accused of planting drugs in her luggage. (With reports from Alexis romero, Mayen Jaymalin, Marc Jayson cayabyab, Janvic Mateo, AFP)
Chavit Singson, Isko Moreno endorse each other’s candidacies in 2025 polls
mANILA — manila mayoral candidate francisco “Isko moreno” Domagoso and senatorial bet Luis “Chavit” singson shared the stage on Wednesday, November 20 at sm manila, publicly endorsing each other’s candidacies ahead of the 2025 elections.
Addressing a crowd of approximately one thousand senior citizens, moreno made it clear that the welfare of the elderly would be a top priority when he returns as mayor. he detailed his plans to enhance healthcare services, provide financial assistance, and expand social support programs for senior citizens, ensuring they are well cared for in his administration.
ChINA has reminded the United states and the Philippines that the General security of military Information Agreement (GsomIA) that they signed should not be aimed at any third party.
In a statement released by the Chinese embassy in manila on tuesday, November 19, Lin Jian, the spokesman for China's ministry of foreign Affairs, emphasized that the agreement should not target China or any other nation.
"No military agreement, or defense and security cooperation, in whatever form, should target any third party or harm the interests of any third party. Nor should it undermine regional peace or exacerbate regional tensions," Lin said during his regular press briefing in Beijing. safeguarding national security and regional peace and stability is the only right choice to uphold good neighborliness and friendship, and maintain strategic independence, he said.
the pact, signed on Nov. 18 by Defense secretary Gilberto teodoro Jr. and visiting U.s secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin
III at the Armed forces of the Philippines (AfP) Commissioned officers' Club.
It provides the framework for exchanging and sharing classified military information between the two allies. the agreement enables the Philippines to access advanced military capabilities and significant resources from the U.s., and it supports the pursuit of similar agreements with other like-minded nations.
China had earlier protested the maritime Zones Law and the Archipelago sea Lanes Law signed recently by President ferdinand marcos Jr.
Beijing asked manila to respect its territorial sovereignty and
maritime rights and interests, immediately stop taking unilateral actions that may expand disputes and complicate the situation, and earnestly maintain peace and stability in the south China sea. the longstanding dispute between China and the Philippines has intensified in recent years. In 2015, an arbitral tribunal rejected China's expansive claim over the south China sea in a case filed by the Philippines. China, however, refuses to honor the ruling. the Chinese coast guard and maritime militia have become more aggressive in intimidating Philippine vessels in the West Philippine sea, resulting in several incidents. n
singson endorsed moreno’s mayoral bid, praising his previous work in manila and expressing confidence in his ability to continue bringing positive change to the city.
singson also outlined his campaign priorities, including his push for the expansion of electric jeepneys as part of a
moreno also gave his full backing to singson’s senatorial bid, commending his longstanding commitment to public service. moreno then urged the people of manila to support singson, emphasizing his experience and dedication to governance.
broader effort to modernize the public transportation system and reduce pollution.
he then highlighted Banko ng masa, an initiative that aims to provide accessible financial services to underserved filipinos.
singson and moreno are positioning themselves to address key issues facing the country, with a shared focus on public service and improvement. n
Marcos Jr. gifts deeper military presence...
have also played a central role in advancing regional stability and security.” through the establishment of U.s. military facilities in nine socalled eDCA sites inside Philippine military bases, the U.s. now has two vital outposts in the country. Both are intended to strengthen U.s capability to confront China’s increasing military assertiveness in the region. one is the eDCA site at the Lal-lo Air Base in Cagayan, the one nearest to the taiwan strait, where both the U.s. and China stage military exercises. the other eDCA site is in the Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan. It faces the West Philippine sea (WPs), where Chinese naval vessels have been harassing Philippine ships on missions
to supply food and other necessities to AfP troops based on a grounded naval ship in the Ayungin shoal. Played up by the national media was Austin’s disclosure, during a visit to the Command and Control fusion Center in Palawan on Wednesday, November 20, of a task force Ayungin (tfA), composed of American soldiers. Austin said he had met with some of the U.s. soldiers and thanked them for “their hard work on behalf of the American people and our alliances and partnership in this region.” After ignoring a lot of questions about the task force, the U.s embassy and the AfP confirmed its existence. But it appeared that the AfP was trying harder than the U.s. side to justify the tfA.
the U.s. embassy said the task force has improved U.s interoperability with the AfP, particularly in securing the WPs. Its initiative, the embassy stressed, “aligns with multiple lines of cooperation between the U.s. and Philippine forces.” marcos Jr.’s national security adviser eduardo Año confirmed he knew about the tfA’s activities in Palawan, but nothing else. the unit is “internal” to the U.s., he said, asserting that all military activities or operations in the Ayungin shoal and the West Philippine sea in general were solely carried out by the Philippines. All these evasively general, vague statements are surely covering up something much bigger. the filipino people are entitled to know. (Philstar.com)
by Javier Joe isMael ManilaTimes.net
by antonio iñares Inquirer.net
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian ManilaTimes.net photo
Manila mayoral candidate Isko Moreno (right) and senatorial candidate Luis “Chavit” Singson. Inquirer.net photo
LOADING UP. Members of the Philippine Coast Guard load 12,000 family food packs at the BRP Teresa Magbuana at Pier 13 in Port Area, Manila on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The food packs will be distributed to families affected by Super Typhoon Pepito in Catanduanes. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
LOS ANGELES
Kathryn Bernardo, Alden Richards grace Asian World Film Festival red carpet
by Jessica ann evangelista Inquirer.net
ON-SCREEN partners Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards turned heads as they walked the red carpet of this year’s Asian World Film Festival in Culver City, California, to promote their latest film, “Hello, Love, Again.” Shared on the Instagram pages of Star Cinema and GMA Pictures, the duo stunned on the red carpet, with Bernardo donning a sleeveless light blue high-neck dress and Richards sporting a dark blue checkered suit. Upon the appearance of the pair, the hashtag KATHDENxAWFF2024 trended on X (formerly Twitter) alongside Bernardo’s name. Aside from the duo, the other cast members of the anticipated sequel attended the red carpet, including Valerie Concepcion, Ruby Rodriguez, Kevin Kreider, Mark LaBella Marc, and Marvin Aritrangco. Aside from the aforementioned, “Hello, Love, Again” also stars Joross Gamboa, Jennica Garcia, Lovely Abella, Kakai Bautista, and Jameson Blake.
“Hello, Love, Again” served as the closing film for the international festival that kicked off on Nov. 13. Other films in the lineup were “In the Mood for Love” (Hong Kong), “The Wrestler” (Bangladesh), “Meeting with Pol Pot” (Cambodia), “The Antique” (Georgia), “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” (Hong Kong), and “Lost Ladies” (India). The romance drama premiered in Philippine cinemas on Nov. 13 and has earned P520 million as of Nov. 18.
Success story: Lost petition is found and reinstated in a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy this Sunday
U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel saves the day by finding a mother’s missing petition for her daughter and reinstating it in time. Even when she was working as a domestic helper in Hong Kong, Nanay Nelfa has always felt sorry for leaving her youngest daughter Elyssa behind in the Philippines. For many years, mother and daughter missed out on celebrating special events like Christmas and birthdays together. So, when Nelfa immigrated to the U.S. in 2016 courtesy of her eldest daughter’s petition, she filed her petition for Elyssa immediately so they could all be together in the soonest time possible.
Three years passed. Nelfa and her family in the U.S. were wondering why she never received any notices from the USCIS. They called the agency to inquire about Elyssa’s petition and were told it was already with the National Visa Center (NVC). They called the NVC and were informed the file
CITIZEN
Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards at the Asian World Film Festival red carpet Photo from instagram/@starcinema, @gmapictures
Success story: Lost petition is found...
PAGE B1
was nowhere to be found. Nelfa would call every month, but every time she inquired, she got different answers. Adding to the frustration, Elyssa was close to aging out of the petition.
Atty. Gurfinkel took on the case in January 2020 and, to Nelfa and her family’s amazement, he was able to track down the petition and have it reinstated in less than a month. However, the celebration was short-lived because after a few months, COVID hit and all the immigration offices shut down. Despite this setback, the law office continued to work on Elyssa’s case. One major accomplishment was to ensure that Elyssa, who was about to turn 21, would not age out of the petition. The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) was able to preserve Elyssa’s eligibility for immigration. In August 2024, a mother’s long-time dream was finally fulfilled when Nelfa’s daughter Elyssa obtained her visa from the U.S. Embassy. Elyssa was
welcomed at the San Francisco International Airport in October 2024. The whole family is excited about the coming holidays because it will be the first time in more than 10 years that they will celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve together. Watch this success story on
a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, November 24 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)
Coleen Garcia: Billy Crawford’s international music career booming
by Deni afiniDaD-BernarDo Philstar.com
A CONCERT in France, 32 more shows in the pipeline, a new album in the works — Christmas is indeed going to be merry for Billy Crawford, Coleen Garcia and their son Amari.
At an exclusive interview with Philstar.com during last week’s Tiffany & Co. Christmas tree lighting in Makati City, Coleen shared that Billy’s international music career is in full swing, with his first solo concert since 2006 going to be held in France.
The Filipino singer has just finished doing 16 shows in France, and has been renewed to do 32 more. As such, Billy is also coming up with a new album, Coleen revealed.
Since Billy has been blessed with many projects, Coleen said that they have been open to many options, but they have not decided to move to France yet.
So far, their family has been staying in central Paris while Billy is busy with his projects.
Despite being busy, however, the couple takes turns in doing household chores because in Paris, they have no house help.
During Billy’s days off, the family bonds by exploring the outdoors.
“I pray and I hope that everybody gets to spend as
much time as they can with their family, friends,” Coleen said as a Christmas wish for everyone. She said that this Christmas, all that she wanted is to spend as much time with her family and
Gary Valenciano finds way to connect with new generation of fans
by Jessica ann evangelista Inquirer.net
HAVING been in the music industry for 40 years, Gary Valenciano has found a way to connect with his new generation of fans by being genuinely open to talking about mental health, which he admittedly was something that the older generations were deprived of.
In an intimate interview with select media on Nov. 14, Valenciano shared that he has been going to campuses not only to perform but to have heart-to-heart conversations with the students.
“When I come up there, they don’t really know me,” the singer admitted. “But it’s amazing how that word icon becomes so real to them when I’m able not to speak through them but to speak with them. I make sure that there’s a microphone that is reachable where they can ask me questions after I share my life and my music.”
Valenciano emphasized that he can be the “dad that those students never had” or a “brother that they missed” every time they are in need to someone to talk to.
Staying relevant
He shared a letter that he got from one of the students he recently engaged with.
“After my talk, she gave me a letter, ‘I changed my mind about this Saturday because this Saturday is the day that I was going to end it all,’ I was able to talk to her and found out what was going on. And it’s the same problem that many of the kids are going through, mental health,” shared the singer
“That’s the depth of the responsibility that an artist who has lasted for 40 years. If you were able to meet people at the point of their need without forcing anything down their
I think that’s partly the reason I can look forward to the next 20-30 years because that’s how I stay relevant,” continued Valenciano.
Mental health advocate
The 60-year-old singer admitted that young ones or artists have always been struggling with mental health, but not in the same level that this generation has.
“Maybe some are going through it but not at the depth of the people who are experiencing it today. They always say it’s because of social media and all. I must say that social media plays a major role, but it’s not the only reason why. I think many artists of before were struggling with mental health but not at the depth,” he said.
“It’s scary because sometimes when a person is struggling, especially an artist struggling with mental health issues, that actually can play a role in making that artist quite creative. You venture into sounds and music that you never adventured into before. You express things that you could only express through a song. It can certainly help in a certain way. But it’s sad,” continued the singer.
Valenciano shared the fears of some artists that he comes in contact with, as he admitted that
he also struggled with mental health before, especially during the time when he was 19 and became a center of controversy after his wife, Angeli Pangilinan, got pregnant.
“I’m not going to mention names, but it’s sad when you sit down with one and then they tell you that I don’t even know why this is happening. My life is so perfect as it is, but there’s something going on here and all, and I think it’s really part of it: the pressure of what’s tomorrow going to be like, you know, what if another artist appears or what if my song is not as big as the last one, right? And I know, because I’ve been through that, but it didn’t hit me like the way the young ones are being hit now,” he shared. Despite the plans to hold his last big concert, the “Sana Maulit Muli” singer, who’s battling Type 1 diabetes, also clarified that he’s not retiring from music but only retiring from performing in front of a big audience, as he said that he’s not getting any younger and does not want to give the fans less of what they paid for. After the first part last April, Valenciano’s “Pure Energy: One More Time” is set to return for an additional run on Dec. 20 and 22.
What to expect from Chelsea Manalo as 1st Miss Universe Asia
by Patricia Dela roca Philstar.com
MANILA — Chelsea Manalo may have finished as a Top 30 semifinalist in Miss Universe 2024, but she made history as the first Miss Universe Asia after the 73rd coronation night in Mexico. The Miss Universe Philippines organization celebrated the milestone by sharing a video of Chelsea greeting supporters on Instagram.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! We are making history as Miss Universe Asia,” the Bulacan beauty proudly declared in the video.
The other recipients of the four continental queen titles were Nigeria’s Adetshina for Africa and Oceania, Finland’s Matilda Wirtavuori for Europe and Middle East, and Peru’s Tatiana Calmell for the Americas.
The continental queens will be the ambassadors for their respective regions, a Philstar. com report said. As Miss Universe Asia, she is
Billy Crawford
Photo from instagram/@billycrawford
Gary Valenciano
INQUIRER.net photo Jessica Ann Evangelista throat,
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, Pechanga Resort Casino
announce partnership
benefitting guests of both sought-after brands
Collaboration marks first partnership with a Las Vegas casino/ resort for tribally owned, SoCal-based Pechanga Resort Casino
TEMECULA – Pechanga
Resort Casino and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas announced on November 8 that the two luxury resorts have signed a first-of-its-kind partnership for the Southern California Native American resort/casino and a Las Vegas casino operator.
Pechanga Resort Casino, owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Indians just outside of Temecula, Calif., and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas inked a deal to give guests of each resort access to the awardwinning benefits, amenities and casino club member rewards.
Guests of Pechanga Resort Casino and The Venetian Resort will receive exclusive invitations to events, promotions and special offers at each resort/ casino. The partnership gives Pechanga Resort Casino guests another opportunity to be uniquely rewarded with incomparable experiences for their loyalty patronage.
Pechanga Resort Casino features the most partnerships with major sports teams and venues among any resort/ casino in Southern California.
Pechanga’s guests receive access and invitations to attend Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers,
Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Wave games, as well as shows and events at Pechanga Arena San Diego, SoFi Stadium and the recently opened Intuit Dome. With the newly signed partnership with The Venetian Resort, Pechanga guests receive exclusive access to hotel rooms, shows, private parties and more of the amenities at the largest resort in North America. Guests of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas receive the same select access at Pechanga Resort Casino.
“Our team at Pechanga is always looking for unique and truly special ways we can deliver incredible experiences and luxury to our guests,” said Ken Perez, president of the Pechanga Development Corporation.
“We’re looking forward to this partnership with such a respected and sought after brand as The Venetian Resort in the Las Vegas hospitality and casino landscape.”
“We are excited to welcome Pechanga guests to The Venetian Resort and providing our Venetian Rewards guests to experience Pechanga, a top casino destination in Southern California,” said Danny Ruiz,
chief gaming officer of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. “Together we’re offering our guests exclusive perks seamless access to experiences at both destinations, and a chance to enjoy the best of both worlds like never before.”
Perez said he expects the innovative partnership to usher in more excitement, and ultimately, value to the guests of both The Venetian Resort Las Vegas and Pechanga Resort Casino. The properties’ management teams agreed to a one year first contract with option for renewal.
Pechanga Resort Casino and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas recently both were recognized by readers of Condé Nast Traveler.
Pechanga Resort Casino ranked as the only resort/casino on the esteemed publication’s list of Top Resorts in the country. The Venetian Las Vegas has ranked on the Readers’ Choice list of Top Las Vegas hotels every year since 2018.
Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the best casino outside of Las Vegas
Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA launches search for four scholarship recipients
PANGASINAN BrotherhoodUSA, a 501 C-3 public benefit and nonprofit organization founded in 1978, is launching its search for four scholars: two graduating high school or college-bound students from the class of 2025, and two undergraduate college students enrolled in a baccalaureate course from an accredited four-year college or university. This supplemental scholarship grant recipients must have parents or grandparents whose roots are from Pangasinan province.
The graduating high school student shall present an acceptance letter from that college or university. The recipient shall be based on their academic merits or with a minimum GPA of 3.0. A progress report or transcript of record is required.
The applicant shall fill out an application form which the PB-USA Scholarship Committee shall provide indicating vital information like their extra-curricular activities, awards and honors, volunteer work and community involvement. The applicant shall also submit a typewritten essay with 500 to 600 words on the theme, “How can I help uplift and
The four scholarship awardees who are currently residing in Southern California, is worth $500 each. “These can jumpstart or tied them over in their freshman year or career path,“ the PB-USA Scholarship Committee said.
empower my Filipino and/ or Pangasinan heritage to positively contribute to the community.”
The Google application link is on the PB-USA Facebook page or contact PB-USA President Sue Ann EstradaTumakay at 209-338-7474 or Past President Dan E. Nino at 562-508-8099.
The application deadline is on December 7, 2024. The four successful recipients will be recognized and presented with their plaques and monetary award on Dec. 14, 2024 at the Double Tree by Hilton on 7000 Beach Blvd., Buena Park during the Pangasinan Brotherhood’s Winter Inter lude Holiday Party in Buena Park. ( denino1951@ gmail.com )
Bobby Rimas elected to help lead UCLA Lambda alumni
ON November 18, 2024, California State University, Los Angeles Associate Professor and UCLA Fil-Am alumnus
Bobby T. Rimas was elected by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Lambda Alumni Association Board of Directors to serve as cochair of the UCLA Lamba Alumni Association with a term beginning in January 2025.
UCLA Lambda Alumni Association is one of the oldest and most well-established LGBTQ+ alumni organizations in the United States. UCLA Lambda Alumni Association has three mission pillars, which include social and professional networking where UCLA LGBTQ+ alumni and community members meet and support one another socially and professionally at various events.
UCLA Lambda Alumni is also actively involved with student support that comprises of raising scholarship funds for deserving students and external community outreach, which includes playing an active role in LGBTQ + activism beyond the UCLA campus – in Los Angeles, across California, and beyond.
Formally established in 1989 by Doug Walters and Corinne Lightweaver, the UCLA Lambda Alumni Association has a history of LGBTQ+ activism and is also home to the first-ever LGBTQ+ college publication.
“I am very humbled and honored to be elected to help lead the UCLA Lambda Alumni Association and hope that my service to the university, its alumni and students will make UCLA and my family proud,” said Rimas, born and raised in Palm Springs, California who has served on the UCLA Lambda Alumni Association Board of Directors since August 2018.
In addition to being an Associate Professor, Rimas is a Paralegal at the Larson LLP law firm. Rimas is also a Commissioner for the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission. He is the past chair and president of the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Association and past president of the Los Angeles Paralegal Association.
Rimas graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history from UCLA, a master of legal studies degree, cum laude, with a concentration in compliance and legal risk management from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law and a master of arts in education with a concentration in diversity, equity and social justice in education from The University of Texas at El Paso. n
UCLA Lambda Alumni’s 2025 co-chair Bobby T. Rimas, M.L.S., M.A.Ed. Contributed photo
Pechanga Resort Casino located just outside of Temecula, CA.
Ysabel Jurado: A daughter of the community achieves victory to represent LA’s Council District 14
by Prosy AbArquez-DelAcruz, J.D. AJPress
Prosy AbArquezDelAcruz, J.D.
“Today, I proudly endorse Ysabel Jurado for LA City Council District 14; Ysabel embodies the very essence of our shared struggle, recognizing the historic solidarity between Filipinos and Chicanos in the labor movement. In her, I see a beacon of hope, a leader who understands the importance of unity in the fight for equity and justice. She honors the legacy of our predecessors — Black, Anglo, Filipino, and Chicano — who stood side-by-side, shoulder-to-shoulder, demanding fair wages, dignity, and respect. The only way we achieved better living conditions for all workers and their families was to struggle together, as we must do now to gain just governance. I’m honored to join hands with Ysabel and march forward, knowing that our diversity is our greatest asset and our unity is our most potent weapon in the struggle for our collective liberation.” – Dolores Huerta, 2011 Medal of Freedom recipient CONSIDER for a moment, the impact of Huerta’s endorsement of Ysabel Jurado that comes from the wisdom of her heart? Isn’t it huge in effect?
Ysabel Jurado won many hearts in Los Angeles’ Council District 14, as over 80,000 homes were reached by the November 5 Election Day. Her campaign’s currency and formidable strength was listening. She listens intently to the constituents, ordinary families who wish to have better city services, to have lights in their streets, to protect them and to make the street services more visible.
Jurado captured 44,966 (or 57%) of the votes in the race against Kevin De León who got 33,634 (42%), a margin of over 11,000 votes. With that, Jurado was declared the new CD 14 representative, ushering in a new era of leadership and ending the curse of corruption.
She received grassroots donations only and still doubled her campaign balance than her opponent. Her opponent is now under investigation for money laundering.
The Los Angeles Times on August 3, 2024 reported that Jurado raised $123,807 while
My Point of View
ATHENS – As an ardent student of classical history and the ideals of democracy, I insisted that we include Greece as part of our family’s itinerary after Italy, particularly Athens, the capital of Greece where it all started. After all, Greece is the cradle of European civilization.
Greece has one of the longest histories in the world since 3000 BC (Bronze Age) that had its beginnings in the Minoan civilization on an island called Crete in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Athens became powerful because its fleet dominated the Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Seas.
We focused our tour around Athens particularly the world famous Parthenon as a monument to democracy on the rocky Acropolis Hill. There are smaller temples, sanctuaries and theaters within Acropolis. Make sure your legs are strong for the hike towards the summit. For a guided tour, visit the nearby Acropolis Museum for more masterpieces and see real excavation sights through glass floors. We also explored Delphi, which is about two hours by bus from Athens. Delphi is the holiest Greek shrine and sacred to the god Apollo and as the center of the ancient Greek world. Apollo is the Olympian god of light, knowledge and harmony. It is the home to the famous Oracle of Delphi located on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus. With a wealth of archeological treasures, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Athens is named after Athena, the daughter of Zeus and the patron goddess of war, wisdom and the crafts. She is also known as Athena Parthenos or Athena the Virgin.
The Acropolis where the Parthenon stood proudly is not far from our hotel or the cultural/
Kevin De León raised $292,460. Naomi Villagomez Roochnik, Jurado’s campaign manager, said: “We got outraised this time. We’re still going to come in first place, our money was raised by actually talking with the residents who want meaningful, material change in this community,” as reported by Boyle Heights Beat’s Alex Medina in August 2024. Just weeks before the election, De León started door knocking, and some residents were convinced by the food vouchers giveaway from his city council’s funds. Other council districts have similar giveaways. A Jurado supporter countered and persuaded a fellow voter by sharing facts: “The food giveaways will continue (as Jurado spoke about in the last rally), but our neighborhood will have direct access to CD14, when she wins.”
Access to politicians is a must. Resident voters are hungry to talk to them. Why? The majority of their complaints are about failure to deliver city services, on time. Imagine if these nuisance complaints were removed from their daily lives? Residents would feel safe and secure in their neighborhoods.
Jurado became a political candidate after seeing failure upon failure, that she needed to step up. The bar of political representation has been so low: 70% of the electrical poles had unmaintained streetlights, homelessness has spread from downtown Skid Row to CD 14, tenants displaced by landlords, public safety issues, parks and recreation services, and after George Floyd, a critical reckoning that was expected remediating the unequal distribution of city services has not quite occurred to the degree that folks wanted.
Seven to 10 years?
When they call the streetlights’ maintenance number, all they get is an unresponsive telephone line, Jurado said.
On Jurado’s website, she asserts that LA City Hall’s elected officials had failed CD 14. She described the backroom gerrymandering that was exposed by the Los Angeles Times on October 9, 2022.
The article described the involvement of then LA City Council President Nury Martinez, councilmembers Gilbert Cedillo and Kevin De Leon, and labor leader Ron Herrera. The leaked audio tape was described by LA Times to diminish the Black voters, denigrating Mike Bonin’s son as “parece changuito” as like a monkey, including and
putting down their own Latino communities of Oaxacans and Indigenous folks.
Does it really take seven years for lights to be replaced and 10 years for trees to be trimmed by LA City?
I agreed with Jurado’s observations regarding lights and trees, from my personal experiences of securing local city services at my former office address on Temple Street. The trees fronting our State of California Department of Health along Temple St. have not been trimmed for 20 years. The trees were trimmed on the 27th year of my public service to the State, after consistent follow-up in 2004.
This October 2024, Mayor Karen Bass signed her Executive Order #9, which encourages us all that an expedited timeline for infrastructure repairs will occur.
Co-governance and metaphor of dancing circles create momentum
Jurado gained supporters and volunteers through hard work, building consensus, and touching bases with students.
I was part of her rally on October 20, 2024 where she motivated the canvassers, the same day that the Dodgers won the National League Championship Game, qualifying them to be part of the World Series.
Her campaign accomplished participatory citizenship building, which includes roundtables on issues: housing for all, homelessness, labor rights, public safety, climate and environmental justice, transportation, empowerment and safety for LGBTQ+ and neighbors.
She has been widely endorsed by 45 organizations, including The Los Angeles Times, The Los Angeles County Democratic Party, Planned Parenthood, health care and workers’ rights unions, the Philippine Los Angeles Democrats, and many more progressive groups.
Over two dozen public figures endorsed her, some of whom are: Dolores Huerta, Jackie Goldberg, David Kim, Frank Yokoyama, Melissa Ramoso, and more.
Ancestral wisdom of the heart, love and continuity of intergenerational service
Equally impactful and quite deep is the support of Jurado’s father, Carlo Jurado, a DJ at various community events.
I asked Mr. Jurado if he foresaw his daughter running for City Council. “She was focused, disciplined and detail-oriented. Once she believes in something, she would pursue that,” he said.
“When I would fix cars and bicycles, she was always around. If I ask for a Phillips screwdriver, she knows how to hand me the precise tool, “habang nagkukutingting, at hindi nangangalatsutsi (while fixing and repairing, and not wasting time chasing women).”
“She [Ysabel Jurado] is my only daughter, one should be proud of one’s own daughter. Ysabel asked me ‘Sa tingin mo ba, Dad, okay lang na tumakbo ako? (In your point of view, Dad, is it okay that I run for office?)’ I am behind you all the way. Win or lose, the house is here. Come home, you are still my daughter. Nothing is changed.”
“My mother [the late Irene Jurado, who was lead counsel for The Evening Post] gave me life. My [late wife Jocelyn] showed me life. And now, my children [Raphael and Ysabel] are showing me how to love life,” he concluded in sharing of his ‘wisdom of the heart.’
Ysabel’s grandmother, Irene, ranked #5 in the bar exam and shattered the glass ceiling of an all-boys club of attorneys and judges, as the first practicing female lawyer in Iligan, a highly urbanized city in the region of Northern Mindanao.
Can you glean perhaps the continuity of public and community service in her family?
It spans generations from her feminist grandmother who fought on behalf of the residents of Iligan, to now granddaughter Jurado, fighting for the residents of CD 14. Her parents, too, gave temporary havens to relatives coming from the Philippines to follow their American dreams.
Her father and mother organized weekly gatherings for all to come and to dance and to sing karaoke, while barbecuing. Weary and tired from working, they renew themselves with a fiesta community culture of infusing joy in their dancing circles, creating a space for belonging for newcomers and residents.
Stephanie Uy, a former Search to Involve Pilipino Americans board member and a close friend of Jurado’s who volunteered for the campaign, shared her insights.
“I am a very good friend, we [Jurado and I] have been best friends since we met at a political campaign in 2013. We cut our political teeth together. I have seen her grow as a person, as a leader, as a mother. Her whole life has culminated in her running for this office. We have poor service in CD 14 and Ysabel saw it as a sign to step up. She is sincere and
financial center and parliament of Greece. Parthenon, which is now 6,687 years old, is a former temple which was constructed out of Pentelic marble on a 156 meter high hill in the 5th century (447438 BC) as tribute for the Hellenic victory over the Persian invaders and for the goddess Athena. It also served as the city’s treasury. The pre-historic Parthenon is 72 meters long, 25 meters wide and eight meters high. This oldest building on Earth is now being restored.
This stately edifice was ransacked and burned by the Persian Army and was also damaged by the Venetians when it fought against the Turks when the latter occupied Greece. The statues adorning the temple were beheaded.
Speaking of Greece, we’re also reminded of Panathenaic Stadium as the first venue of the modern Olympic Games in 1896 (although this stadium was first built in 776 BC as a racehorse track); Alexander the Great from Macedonia; Western philosophers like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Pythagoras, historian and geographer Herodotus; the mythical Trojan War; the 12 Gods of Olympus, the epics of Homer who wrote the Ilian and the Odyssey; Corinth that we read in the New Testament; Spartan King Leonidas in 480 BC led the 300 warriors against the Persians led
by its King Xerxes in the Battle of Thermopylae, among others.
The word demos (meaning, the people) is the precursor of the term democracy. Democracy is a Greek advocacy of fighting for the freedom against internal (as in the case of Macedonian Greece and other city-states) as well as external enemies like the Persian and Roman Empires. This was exemplified in the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC when Athens first defeated Persia.
When tyranny reigned in Athens as personified by tyrant Pisistratus, the people clamored for democracy. Cleisthenes (570508 BC), who was elected chief archon or magistrate, was credited as the founder of democracy in Athens. Led by charismatic statesman Pericles (495-429 BC)), he presided over Athens’ golden age by establishing Athenian democracy to its fullest form in the ancient Agora where democracy was born. With the world’s first democracy, Greece instilled its rule of law that power shall emanate from all the people through election of their leaders as opposed to aristocracy, dictatorship and absolute monarchy.
Before becoming a unified country, Greece was composed of clans and tribes like the Mycenaeans and Ionians and city-states ruled by kings or rulers and rich landowners thus creating an aristocracy like the
she is rooted in the community,” Uy said.
Steeped in Filipino culture of being a ‘person for others’ Her immediate family, steeped in love, did not only influence Jurado, she also got love from several aunts and cousins. She got pregnant at 17 years old and thought her future would be bleak. Instead, one of her aunts sat her down and offered to coparent her baby while she worked. She sent herself, by working, and earned two degrees from UCLA: a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctorate Degree. When we had a dialogue on how to describe her philosophy of co-governance, I offered a metaphor – a circle? “No, as that is closed,” Jurado said. Is it an ecosystem of spiral motions?
“No,” she said, “what comes to mind is dancing circles. It reminds me of my religion class at Immaculate Heart.” She quickly texted her teacher. Could she be referring to the ‘Dancing Sun,’ when the Virgin Mary appeared to the three young shepherds? It was described as a piercing beacon of light, a source of hope, but also country folks erupted into praying and dancing on October 13, 1917.
Dancing shows a balance of energy, one to the other, from the one leading the dance to the one following. It is a display of resilience, up and down movements, with flexibility and grace. The dancer has to stay balanced, focused, and committed to the Movement and the Moment.
Speaking of Movements and Moments, Jurado took a seminar on “Rebellious Lawyering” – a vision of problem-solving that collaborates well with others, to frame a problem from different vantage points, and to monitor the execution of the strategic
interventions and managing the organizations involved in the advocacy, such that active citizenship is a must. Gerald P. Lopez at UCLA taught it, and its content was driven by the radical practices and diverse array of social movements that arose in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and the 1980s. Ysabel’s run was not only about making history — it’s about shaping it. Her vision, compassion, and commitment are exactly what District 14 needs, especially as we accept the monumental challenges of housing and homelessness. Her bold, creative solutions, combined with her extensive professional experience, make her the right leader at this very moment to deliver the transformative change Los Angeles truly deserves in City Hall.
* * * 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.
* * * Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 16 years. She also contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 22 national parks in the U.S., in her pursuit of love for nature and the arts.
Philippines before the coming of the Spaniards. However, while Athens was thriving, Sparta was jealous and threatened, and that resulted in their constant conflicts.
This encouraged the interference of Persia now known as Iran. Athens fell apart. It was Macedonia that came to its rescue under King Philip 11 (359-336 BC). He took Athens under his wings in 338 BC and got recognized as the leader of unified Greece during their struggle against the Persians. While preparing an invasion of Persia, Philip was murdered. His son, Alexander III the Great, took over the leadership and extended his rule (336-323 BC) into Asia, including Persia, Gaza, Egypt and Syria.
In 146 BC, the Romans conquered Greece but Athens received favorable treatment. During this period, it became a resort for vacation and education that produced Cicero, Horace and Ovid. Greece became Christian. However, because of Turkish influence, its main religion became Greek Orthodox Christianity. Modern-day Turkey is now predominantly a Muslim country as a result of the Ottoman genocides.
In 1458, Athens was taken over by the Ottoman Turks and the Acropolis became a Turkish village. It was taken by the Venetians in 1687. In 1690, the Turks recovered the city until it was liberated in 1833. The first king of Greece is Othon (18151867), born in Salzburg, Austria but was eventually deposed. From Hellenic paganism to Western Catholicism, Greece has evolved to Eastern Christian Orthodox. Greece’s glorious and rich history is worth reminiscing.
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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.
* * * denino1951@gmail.com
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Guests must be 21 and older to enter the casino. Meanwhile, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas features allsuite accommodations across The Venetian and The Palazzo. The iconic resort’s experience is marked by a commitment to sophisticated play and lighthearted luxury, with world-class restaurants from celebrated chefs including Cote by Simon Kim, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, and Southern California favorite Gjelina; the rejuvenating Canyon Ranch spa + fitness; a five-acre pool and garden deck inspired by the Italian Riviera
including TAO Beach Dayclub, a Balinese-inspired tropical oasis; two landmark casinos and a poker room; Voltaire, a destination nightlife venue that
Venetian Resort Casino in Las Vegas, NV.
Ysabel Jurado, a tenants rights attorney and lifelong Angeleno, is the councilmember-elect for Los Angeles’ Council District 14. Photo courtesy of Prosy Delacruz
atty. KEnnEth URsUa REyEs
A PRESIDENTIAL election may
result in a new administration that is not friendly to non-U.S. citizens. As a legal permanent resident (green card holder), you are still considered a foreigner in the United States and may be subject to deportation. To most immigrants, obtaining their green card has been a long and challenging journey. However, it should not be regarded as the final destination. The real American dream is to become a United States citizen.
One way to avoid this risk of deportation is to apply for United States citizenship. As a United States citizen, one is afforded many privileges that are not conferred on persons who only have permanent residence status. A United States citizen is able to petition for the green cards of close relatives, pass on citizenship to existing children and children yet to be born, and vote in elections. Needless to say, naturalization is a very important step that requires familiarity of the requirements and procedures involved. The following is a brief overview of naturalization.
Pastor’s Notes
NVIDIA’S CEO, Jensen Huang, who leads a $2 trillion software and AI company, delivered an impactful speech at the CSPA 2023 Annual Conference. “Very few people know this,” he shared. “I don’t wear a watch. And the reason why I don’t wear a watch is that now is the most important time.” He further elaborated, “You’ll be surprised. I am not at all ambitious. I don’t aspire to do more; I aspire to do better at what I am doing. People who know people realize that Nvidia does not have a long-term strategy. Our definition of a long-term strategy is what we are doing today.” His words intrigued me. While
Why you might want to consider applying for US citizenship
You need to determine whether you qualify to seek United States citizenship. To qualify, one must have held his/ her green card and have been physically present in the United States for a sufficient amount of time. Generally speaking, one is required to have held his/ her green card for a minimum of five (5) years. In addition, one must reside or even better be physically present in the United States for at least half of those five years. Exceptions to the general rule having to do with, among other things, minor children and marriage do exist that cannot be fully explored in this article because of space limitations. In addition, local residency requirements mandate that the person seeking citizenship reside within the state or district in which the application is filed for at least three (3) months. In addition to determining eligibility to apply for naturalization, one should also consider the practical issues. To become naturalized, determination is made as to whether the applicant is of good moral character. Generally, one is deemed to be of good moral character when it can be shown that one has not committed a
crime of moral turpitude or has engaged in so-called “vice” crimes such as prostitution and illegal gambling. Other considerations, too many to go into detail here, exist in making the moral character determination. If one has done something that may adversely affect the determination of moral character, one must seriously consider whether to proceed with the application for naturalization. The application may bring such actions to the attention of the USCIS, which could result in possible denial of the application and deportation. Once one has hurdled over the residency requirements and considered the practical issues, the next issue to consider is the appropriate time to file the application. One can apply for naturalization in the three (3) months before the aforementioned required period of residency has been completed. The application is a multi-step process. First, necessary paperwork is required to be filed with appropriate fees. Thereafter, an interview is scheduled where further inquiry is made upon the applicant. Usually, inquiry is made into the applicant’s eligibility and knowledge of U.S. government
Now is the time
many of us are conditioned to have long-term plans and goals, here is a successful engineer leading a $2 trillion company who confesses that he does not believe in maintaining long-term strategies or goals. Yet consider what he said: “our long-term strategy is what we are doing today.” In other words, he advocates for the power of NOW. There is much to ponder regarding Jensen Huang’s insight. As I tried to relate it to this Sunday’s (Nov. 24) Solemnity, Christ the King, I see that it connects to the Gospel’s emphasis on the importance of living fully and attentively in our everyday lives. This is echoed in Jesus’ teaching not to worry about tomorrow and to learn from the lilies of the field and the birds of the sky. He wants us to focus on our daily lives, which does not mean doing nothing, but
trusting that, with our abilities, He provides for what we need.
The Solemnity of Christ the King is not about passively awaiting the triumphant return of Christ. It is about passionately living and fulfilling our daily lives by utilizing our gifts to create a better world. In doing so, we make ourselves worthy to welcome Jesus, the King of the universe and our hearts. Thus, as Jensen Huang suggests, we must focus on the present; we must engage in dialogue about how we can improve in what we are already doing. This applies to our personal lives, relationships, businesses, and church life.
As we reach the end of this liturgical year, which interestingly occurs just before Thanksgiving Day, we must ask ourselves and one another: What can we do better NOW? How can we live each day with a greater awareness
and history. Finally, if the application is approved, the applicant must take the oath of allegiance to the United States.
* * * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation.
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Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of the Family law section, Estates and Trust, and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail Kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com. Web: kenreyeslaw. com (Advertising Supplement)
of the importance of daily living and make the most of it?
I wish you and your families
a Happy Thanksgiving! May we all live passionately and kindly, remembering to live not just for ourselves but for others. May we work together to bring success to the endeavors we pursue in all aspects of life—family, business, government, and church. Here at our parish, may we listen to one another and strive to make our community welcoming, joyful, and faith-filled, journeying together as the Body of Christ towards eternal life with God.
Blessings!
Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
Lovi Poe pays tribute to talent managers
LOVI Poe exuded beauty, grace, and confidence during her recent guesting on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.” She takes good care of her health by running every morning despite her hectic schedule here and abroad.
It also helps that Lovi is now happily married to British movie producer and scientist Monty Blencowe because she glows from within. “I really admire him because he’s such an intelligent guy,” she said.
The couple met in Los Angeles through a common friend when the actress-singer took a side trip there after a show abroad.
According to Lovi, she saw Monty standing next to a vehicle that looked like a batmobile car when he came to pick her up. After a long-distance relationship, they finally tied the knot last year in an intimate ceremony attended by family and close friends at Cliveden House in Berkshire, near London.
Lovi shared, “I would like to consider myself an alpha female.
But with Monty, ‘pag kasama ko siya, I still am but I know how to be more of like a woman. He brings out that side of me which I never thought I had.”
Monty knows that Lovi is the daughter of Fernando Poe Jr., the King of Philippine Movies. She was acknowledged publicly by Tito Ron in 2004 when he ran for the presidency. Lovi admitted that she always misses her father.
“Sometimes you don’t move on from things. You just get on with your life. You get used to certain feelings but the scar will always be there. You move on. You carry on because that’s what life is all about.” It is easier for Lovi to enter showbiz because of her royal lineage but she wanted to carve a name for herself on her own.
She is now a Hollywood actor and has starred in films such as “Bad Man,” “My Sister’s Bones,” and “The Chelsea Cowboy.” Lovi was overwhelmed with the warm welcome she received when she visited the Kapuso Network during our interview. She suddenly felt a rush of emotions and happy memories flooded in. She acted on several GMA television series by Boy aBunDa Philstar.com
including “Beautiful Strangers,” “Bakekang,” “The One That Got Away,” “Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real,” “Little Star,” “Mistaken Identity,” “Legacy,” “Yesterday’s Bride,” “Akin Pa Rin ang Bukas,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” and “Owe My Love.” Her recent movie, “Guilty Pleasure,” was bittersweet for Lovi who played a lawyer torn between the responsibility of her profession and her integrity as a human being. Her manager, Leo Dominguez, is no longer around to see the film. She remembered how Leo asked her to return to the Philippines from abroad for the movie. “I’m so happy I flew back home because I got to see him. I didn’t know that this was gonna be the last project I had with him. You just don’t know talaga. Life is just fleeting. And my last message pa sa kanya was that I’m so happy I did this film and I worked with direk Connie (Macatuno).” “Guilty Pleasure” is also one of the last movies that Mother Lily Monteverde greenlit. Lovi is now an accomplished artist yet she knows how to pay tribute to talent managers. “You, guys, opened doors for us. We always have to show respect and pay tribute to our managers because, without that one person who believed in you, we won’t be here.” With
REvEREnD
RoDEl G. BalaGtas
Kathryn Bernardo receives Rising Star award at 10th Asian World Film Festival
by Kathleen a llemit Philstar.com
MANILA — Kathryn Bernardo was given the Rising Star award at the 10th Asian World Film Festival in Los Angeles, California on Thursday, Nov. 21 night.
The “Hello, Love, Again” star is currently in the United States to promote her sequel movie with Alden Richards.
Kathryn said that it felt “surreal” for her to receive the award for her achievements in the Philippine entertainment industry during her acceptance speech.
She also shared how she grew up in front of the cameras as a six-year-old child actress who eventually became one of the most-sought after actresses in Philippine film and TV today.
“It feels so surreal to be standing here tonight receiving this award. Thank you so much to the Asian World Film Festival board of directors for this incredible honor, not only for recognizing my body of work but for celebrating all the stories that we as Asian artists continue to share for the world,” Kathryn said while reading her note for her acceptance speech.
“I started at the age of six and over the years I’ve been fortunate to bring a variety of characters to life. Each one gave me something new not just as an actor but as a person. 22 years I am still here pursuing my first love and my passion which is acting. Yes I know it’s a tough job but moments like tonight make it all worth it. It is such an honor being here representing my fellow Filipinos and
my home network ABS-CBN,” she added.
“Hello, Love, Again” was the closing film at the 10th Asian Film Festival, which took place from November 13 to 20 in Culver City, Los Angeles, California.
The festival describes itself as a body that showcases a broad selection of Asian films in Los Angeles to introduce these films to the West and to strengthen the ties between the Asian and Hollywood film industries.
New Mr. and Miss Cardinal City royalty announced
SAN BERNARDINO — San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD) San Bernardino High School (SBHS) crowned the 2024-2025 Mr. and Miss Cardinal City and Court on Sept. 21.
“As a proud alum of San Bernardino High School, I know firsthand the deep-rooted pride and tradition that our flagship school represents for our entire District and our community at large,” said Superintendent Mauricio Arellano. “The Mr. and Miss Cardinal City pageant embodies that spirit by instilling a strong sense of community, leadership and service in our students. It’s a powerful reminder of the incredible potential within our students when they embrace their school’s legacy and rise to become leaders in their community.”
More than just a pageant, the event provides invaluable life skills to participants, helping them hone public speaking, poise under pressure and leadership abilities. The experience also encourages teamwork, goal setting and self-discipline –qualities that will serve all participants well in future endeavors both academically and professionally.
The Mr. and Miss Cardinal City pageant was conceived and founded by Bilingual School Outreach Worker Jaime Rios, who hopes to foster confidence and inspire positive values in the young men and women of SBHS through the promotion of civic engagement and personal development. Throughout the competition, contestants dedicate significant
time to rehearsals and mock interviews. They volunteer their free time to read to young children and help those experiencing homelessness. Even before the young men and women take the stage for the on-stage portions of the competition, they have all proven their dedication to SBHS and the broader San Bernardino community.
It is with pride that SBCUSD announces the Cardinal City Court and recognitions:
• Mr. and Miss Cardinal City and Court
Mr. Cardinal City 2024-2025: Robert Sanchez
Mr. Cardinal City 2024-2025
First Runner Up: Christofer Ramirez-Zuniga
Mr. Cardinal City 2024-2025
Second Runner Up: Charles Angelo Madrid
Mr. Cardinal City 2024-2025 Ambassador: Luis Montiel Verduzco
Miss Cardinal City 2024-2025:
Philippine Expressions Bookshop honors author of the year on its 40th anniversary celebration
SAN PEDRO — Philippine Expressions Bookshop, a beloved cultural treasure, proudly announces its 40th anniversary celebration. It will be highlighted by the Authors’ Day event and the 2024 Author of the Year Award ceremony, honoring Jocelyn Francisco, Ph.D., whose work as publisher and writer contributed to the promotion of Filipino language and culture to the youngest Filipino Americans. This significant milestone will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 1-5pm at the bookshop which is located at the beautiful Arcade Building on 479 W 6th Street, Suite 105, San Pedro, CA 90731. Awarding ceremony will be at 3Pm, to be followed by a merienda. Since seats are limited, please RSVP on eventbrite https://bit. ly/AuthorsDay_2024 or email lnl. philippinebookshop@yahoo.com
Jasmine Estrada
Miss Cardinal City 2024-2025
First Runner Up: Briana Arroliga
Miss Cardinal City 2024-2025
Second Runner Up: Krystal Castellanos
Miss Cardinal City 2024-2025
Ambassador: Emily Marquez.
• Special pageant awards
Mr. Cardinal Director’s Award: Luis Montiel Verduzco
Miss Cardinal Director’s Award: Emily Marquez
Mr. Photogenic: David GomezDe La Rosa
Miss Photogenic: Krystal Castellanos
Mr. Congeniality: Robert Sanchez
Miss Congeniality: Briana Arroliga
Mr. Cardinal People’s Choice: Robert Sanchez
Miss Cardinal People’s Choice: Krystal Castellanos
Mr. Cardinal Contestant with the Highest GPA: Christofer Ramirez-Zuniga (4.71 weighted G.P.A.)
Miss Cardinal Contestant with the Highest GPA: Jasmine Estrada (4.33 weighted G.P.A.)
Mr. Cardinal Contestant Best in Interview: Christofer RamirezZuniga
Miss Cardinal Contestant Best in Interview: Krystal Castellanos.
Mr. and Miss Cardinal City are eligible for college scholarships when they graduate from SBHS.
To donate to the Cardinal City Pageant scholarship fund, contact Student Services at (909) 384-1471 or visit https:// www.mightycause.com/SBCSA and designate “Cardinal City Pageant” when you complete the donation form.
The San Bernardino City Unified School District is California’s eighth-largest school district and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for college, career and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and empowerment, the District serves a diverse student population in the San Bernardino and Highland communities. For more information about SBCUSD, visit www.sbcusd. com and follow the District @SBCityUSD on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Meanwhile, San Bernardino High School (SBHS) is the oldest high school in the San Bernardino City Unified School District and currently educates students in grades 9–12. The school mascot is a cardinal and the colors are red, black and white. The school is also known as Cardinal City because it is an officially recognized charter city, which is why the student body elects a mayor every year instead of just a student council president. For more information about SBHS, visit https:// sanbernardino.sbcusd.com.
(SBCUSD Release)
The Author of the Year Award recognizes individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the Filipino American community through their writings. Dr. Jocelyn Francisco’s exceptional work exemplifies the values and mission of Philippine Expressions Bookshop, making her a deserving recipient of this honor. The San Diego-based Licensed Clinical Psychologist is a passionate advocate for cultural awareness, mental health, and lifelong learning. As Founder of Little Yellow Jeepney, an independent publishing company dedicated to make Filipino cultural resources accessible, she has written and published ten books including “Little Yellow Jeepney “ and the fun and colorful series of first word bilingual books in Filipino and English with themes of family, food, shapes, colors, body parts and feelings. These books give the Filipino American children their first taste of the Filipino language and a great introduction to Filipino culture. To support communities affected by natural disasters in the Philippines, Dr Francisco had raised funds through a digital book “Balikbayan Box: Journey to the Philippines.” Through her work as a psychologist and author, she empowers individuals to connect with their heritage, embrace their emotions, and
create positive change. Past recipients of the Author of the Year Award were Paulino Lim, Jr., Ph.D. in 2019, and Rhacel Salazar Parrenas, Ph.D. in 2021. Dr. Lim won the award for his contributions to the community through his notable literary works - novels, short stories, plays and his dedication in molding the minds of his students as professor (now Professor Emeritus) at California State UniversityLong Beach. As a criticallyacclaimed writer and professor of English literature, he was one of the twenty-three honored with the 2016 Presidential Award for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas—for his fiction and scholarly essays that are constructive criticisms of the political, social and religious problems in the Philippines. Also in 2016, he was honored with a lifetime achievement award for his significant contributions to Philippine literature from his alma mater University of Santa Tomas. Rhacel Salazar Parrenas, Ph.D. has done dedicated research on the plight of Filipino domestic workers which opened the eyes of the world to the plight of overseas foreign workers. (OFWs). She holds the Doris Stevens Professor of Sociology and Gender and Sexuality Studies at Princeton University. And have previously taught at the University of Southern California. Her research has been featured in NPR’s “The World”, Bloomberg News, The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, de Volkskrant, and the American Prospect. She has written five monographs, co-edited three anthologies, and published a number of peer-reviewed articles. Dr Parrenas holds a BA degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from UC-Berkeley where she also received her Ph.D. in comparative ethnic studies with a designated emphasis in women, gender and sexuality. She works on issues such as gender, migration, and globalization, particularly the international division of reproductive labor, also known as the care chain. Her work has inspired books and studies, including reports released by the United Nations. The idea of the care chain also inspired the production of the documentary “The Care Chain” by VPRO-TV in the Netherlands.
Authors based in CA who have done Book Talks at the bookshop
have been invited to the event and they will likewise sign their books. Our FilAM community has been blessed with talented authors and guests will have a chance to buy their signed books as Gifts of Culture this Christmas! Visit the FaceBook page of the bookshop for more details. Also visit their online bookshop: www. philippinebookshop.com
Philippine Expressions Bookshop, established in 1984, has been a cornerstone for Filipino writers and readers, fostering a community that cherishes the rich tapestry of Filipino literature and culture. With a wide selection of books, art, and cultural materials, the bookshop serves as a hub for literary and cultural exchange. Over the years, it has served as a vital platform for both established and emerging authors, bridging cultural ties and promoting the vibrant narratives of the Filipino diaspora. For four decades, the bookshop has been committed to providing a platform for Filipino voices and fostering a love for reading among people of all ages. Founder Linda Nietes-Little has received the 2022 Banaag Award, a Philippine Presidential Award conferred on overseas Filipino individuals or organizations for their significant contributions in the host country that have benefited and advanced the cause and interest of the Filipino diaspora/overseas FIlipino community. Banaag in Filipino translates to a “glimmer or ray of light, an inspiration.
Whether you are a long-time patron or a first-time visitor, Philippine Expressions Bookshop welcomes you to enjoy a day of cultural enrichment, inspiration, and community spirit. The event is free and open to the public but RSVP as needed. n
CHICAGO – The wait is finally
over. Starting Dec. 3, for a limited time, your favorite saucy sandwich – the McRib – returns to participating restaurants just in time to satisfy your holiday cravings. After all, ‘tis the season… McRib SZN, that is.
The sauciest time of the year
For the first time ever, we’re giving fans a chance to savor the McRib’s signature flavor.
Introducing: A Whole Lotta McRib Sauce, a half-gallon jug of the iconic McRib sauce – perfect for holiday parties, festive recipes or the ultimate stocking stuffer for McRib lovers.
“The McRib is more than a sandwich – it’s a part of culture, it’s a legend, it’s an event,” said Tariq Hassan, chief marketing and customer experience officer at McDonald’s. “McRib SZN is a holiday unto itself, so we wanted to embrace that spirit and give fans an even bigger way to celebrate this year with A Whole Lotta McRib Sauce.”
Whether you’re a die-hard McRib fan or looking to add the newest McDonald’s drop to your collection, you can buy A Whole Lotta McRib Sauce for $19.99 online only at www. wholelottamcribsauce.com. Jugs are available for purchase starting Nov. 25 at 10 a.m. ET, while supplies last. And if you can’t get your hands on this limited drop, you can still grab the sauciest sandwich of the year via the McDonald’s gets saucy this holiday season to celebrate the return of the McRib® sandwich
McDonald’s
Photo provided by McDonald’s
The San Bernardino High School students who were named to the 2024–2025 Cardinal City Court celebrate with pageant founder Jaime Rios (5th from left). With Rios in photo are (from left) Ambassador Luis Montiel Verduzco, second runner-up Charles Angelo Madrid, first runnerup Christofer Ramirez Zuniga, Mr. Cardinal City Robert Sanchez, Miss Cardinal City Jasmine Estrada, first runner-up Briana Arroliga, second runner-up Krystal Castellanos and Ambassador Emily Marquez. Photo by Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD
Kathryn Bernardo with her Rising Star award at the 10th Asian World Film Festival on November 21, 2024 in Culver City, Los Angeles, California. Photo from Instagram/ Sthanlee B. Mirador
April Boy Regino’s true-to-life story on the big screen
My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)
rogelio constAntino MeDinA
DIRECTOR and Associate
Producer Armando A. Reyes said that Efren Reyes Jr. knows what he is doing as a director, and that is very vital in order to have a successful film.
Efren Reyes Jr. is the directorwriter of “Idol: The April Boy Regino Story,” based on the life story of singer-songwriter April Bariso Regino (not Dennis Magloyuan Regino as what is mistakenly posted in Wikipedia) who passed away on November 29, 2020, and known for his songs “Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin,” “Umiiyak ang Puso,” and “Sana’y Laging Magkapiling.”
The father of Efren Jr. was Efren Ongpin Reyes Sr., the original Pedro Penduko in the film with the same title. The grandfather of Efren Sr., Severino Reyes, was the author of “Lola Basyang” and of zarzuela Walang Sugat.” Included in Water Plus Productions’ “Idol: The April Boy Regino Story” are John Arcenas (as April Boy), Kate Yalung, Tanya Gomez, Rey PJ Abellana, Dindo Arroyo, Irene Celebre, Jaden Yago, Jimsen Austria Jison, Migz Coloma,and JC Regino. Marynette Gamboa is the executive producer. It will be shown starting November 27 in different Philippine
cinemas.
* * * Atty. Bienvenido O. Benitez
Jr. is a former classmate at De La Salle University in Manila. Aside from being a gifted artist, he is the administrator of the Parole and Probation Administration of the Department of Justice. I am a witness to how kind he is. He has been quietly helping the kids with cancer at the East Avenue Medical Center and the CHILDHaus at Quezon City’s Mapang-akit Street in Barangay Pinyahan.
That is simply Bien, a man with a golden heart and a talented painter to watch for he explores the abstract possibilities of hues that remind the countryside of the archipelago.
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First Lady Louise AranetaMarcos expressed her support to Miss Universe 2015 and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific Pia Wurtzbach in spreading awareness on HIVAIDS through supporting a non-government organization, “LoveYourself.” She met with Pia in Bahay Pangulo in preparation for World AIDS Day.
“Thank you for creating safe, compassionate spaces and offering life-changing resources to empower those who need it most,” said the First Lady.
It should be recalled that the former beauty queen said this program aims to raise awareness on HIV-AIDS through social media campaigns, educational videos and training sessions, including online testing, resource centers, and
mental health services.
On December 3, there will be a LoveYourself Love Gala, dubbed as “Eternal Elegance: A Night of Timeless Love” at Marquis Events Place in BGC, Taguig.
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Congrats to my good friend, Andrew De Real, owner of noted comedy bar, The Library, for being one of the awardees in the 2nd Southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Award to be held on December 8, 2024.
“When I opened the first few pages of The Library Comedy Bar in 1986, I never knew that it would become a hit because my only intention then was to build a safe space for the LGBTQIA community and to make people happy with our brand of entertainment,” said the Godfather of Comedy Entertainment.
* * * I had a recent chat with my uncle Joselito Constantino, father of singer Yeng Constantino. He is now based in Unisan, Quezon.
My uncle worked at Ateneo de Manila University’s Rizal Library as library assistant for 34 years. He studied at Florentino Torres High in Gagalangin, Tondo, Manila and at the University of the East. He often updates me on my cousin Yeng, a good daughter who during her young age upon listening to her voice would be famous and it came true years after.
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GMA Network celebrates the Christmas season with its 2024 Christmas Station ID, “ Ganito Ang Paskong Pinoy : Puno ng Pasasalamat.” It embraces a culture of gratitude as Filipinos come together to celebrate the season with and give thanks to the Lord, family, friends, and loved ones. It also aims to express its gratitude by continuously giving back: through GMA Kapuso Foundation’s Christmas project “Give A Gift: Alay sa Batang Pinoy,” donors are encouraged to spread more cheer and hope during the holiday season with donations that will provide children and their families with noche buena food packs.
This station ID gathers its biggest stars and personalities, together with the executives, led by GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon and President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., showcasing the Kapuso family’s deep bond. Making it more festive are Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Alden Richards, Michael V., Dennis Trillo, Jennylyn Mercado,
Rayver Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Carla Abellana, Sanya Lopez, and David Licauco. Also joining them are some of the country’s most awarded broadcast journalists – Jessica Soho, Arnold Clavio, Vicky Morales, Howie Severino, and Mel Tiangco, together with other personalities from GMA Integrated News and GMA Public Affairs.
Other artists taking part in the celebration include 2nd Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers love team Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay, Gabbi Garcia, Khalil Ramos, Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista, Richard Yap, Michelle Dee, Rhian Ramos, Glaiza de Castro, Rabiya Mateo, Elle Villanueva, Derrick Monasterio, Megan Young, Mikael Daez, SB19’s Pablo and Stell, Billy Crawford, Rocco Nacino, Katrina Halili, and Kim Atienza, among many more. Helping to spread the spirit of gratitude further are other GMA Network officers and employees, plus members of the Kapuso Brigade.
The station’s ID was performed by Julie Anne San Jose, Aicelle Santos, Rita Daniela, Jessica Villarubin, Hannah Precillas, Mariane Osabel, Garrett Bolden, Anthony Rosaldo, Thea Astley, John Rex, and Cloud 7.
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* * Volunteerism, the practice of doing work for good causes, is alive in times of natural disaster. It is certainly the act of contributing free labor to conduct community service or support an NGO. Rather than receiving a financial reward, volunteers change the lives of their community members out of feelings of social responsibility and a desire to give back.
* * * Thanks to Cosmo Digest International Magazine, published by Global Asia Insider-USA-UKDubai, for featuring me in its November 2024 cover issue. Thanks also to Pradash M. Nanimba’s “The Heartbeat of a Journalist –The Inspiring Journey of Rogelio Constantino Medina.”
* * * Nirro Marcelo, Mariel Nicole Santiago and I will be guesting on November 28 at Rise and Shine Pilipinas at PTV.
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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
GMA Network recently unveiled its highly-anticipated Christmas Station ID, “Ganito Ang Paskong Pinoy: Puno ng Pasasalamat.”
Artist Atty. Bienvenido O. Benitez with some of his artworks. Photos courtesy of Rogelio Medina
Left photo shows (from left) John Arcenas, Armando Reyes, Marynette Gamboa and Efren Reyes Jr.; Right photo shows (seated, from left) Madelyn Regino, April Boy Regino, Marynette Gamboa, Efren Reyes Jr. and (standing, from left) Obette Serrano and Lyn Madrigal.
Clockwise, from bottom left: ATOM members at Museo ng Pag-asa; Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc attends to evacuees; Rogelio Medina at Biyaya Animal Sanctuary in Alfonso, Cavite; Former VP Leni Robredo at flooded Naga City.
First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos (left) and 2015 Miss Universe winner Pia Wurtzbach
Joselito Constantino with daughter, singer Yeng Constantino
Andrew De Real
Rogelio Medina at the cover of the November 2024 issue of Cosmo Digest.
Mariel Nicole Santiago, Rogelio Medina and Nirro Marcelo will be guests at PTV’s “Rise and Shine Pilipinas” on November 28.
