Hawaii Filipino Chronicle - February 5, 2022

FEBRUARY 5, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  1

FEBRUARY 5, 2022

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

Former Sen. Espero Announces “Passion In Paradise” Book Signing NEWS FEATURE

Former Governor Ben Cayetano to Receive Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award for Peace and Social Justice

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

Filipino Chief Justice Would Have Been Perfect, But Not Now Paradise” Book Signing

FEATURE

Millennials Share What Being Filipino Means to Them

2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  FEBRUARY 5, 2022

EDITORIAL

Welcome and Aloha Consul General Fernandez, We Wish You Much Success

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s many Filipino organizations and the U.S. government at all levels (federal, state and county), the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle has had a long working relationship with the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu.

Just last May given that vaccines were rolling out in our state, many Filipino-Americans in Hawaii were contemplating if it would be safe to go to the Philippines for summer to visit family and friends. We did a cover story informing our community that only a select group of people would be allowed to travel to the Philippines at that time, in accordance with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration’s latest Travel Advisory. We worked with the Consulate staff to relay to our community accurate, timely information on travel and ongoing safeguards implemented by the Philippine government at the time.

Andrea Christina Caymo, vice consul, Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu, said then, “Due to the high number of active cases in the Philippines, travelers are advised to defer their travel to the country.”

In the following month, June 2021, we worked with the Philippine Consulate General once again by helping to promote their second annual Filipino Food Week. Caymo told HFC, “As the official representative of the Philippine government in Hawaii, it is the mandate of the Consulate to promote Filipino culture and cuisine. By organizing Filipino Food Week, it is able to help showcase the rich culinary diversity of the Philippines, and at the same time, promote ingredients and products made from the country.”

2021 was the 75th year of the establishment of the bilateral relations between the Philippines and the United States. So the theme of Filipino Food Week -- ways Filipino cuisine has enriched Hawaii’s culinary landscape -- was in part in commemoration of the two countries relationship over decades, which could be characterized as one of goodwill and cooperation.

Besides promoting our ancestral culinary dishes to mainstream Hawaii, clearly a project such as Filipino Food Week also had as a goal to bolster potential business between Philippine-based companies involved in exporting Filipino food products and ingredients and Hawaii restaurants and eateries.

Goals Strengthening US-Philippine business relations and trade actually is one area that newly appointed Consul General Fernandez said he would like to accomplish here. “I have a special interest in economics as I took my doctorate and MBA in Tokyo and I also had my master’s in Public Policy at the University of the Philippines. I know that this will help me with my work in Hawaii and is good for our country,” Fernandez said.

He mentioned improving consular services, promoting COVID-19 vaccination and encouraging Filipinos who are qualified to vote in Philippines elections to register to vote and cast their ballot.

No doubt Consul General Fernandez is assuming this very important post at perhaps one of the most challenging times. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs must have full confidence that he is the right career diplomat with the skills, knowledge and experience to be successful here.

We trust that the DFA made the right selection and we look forward to working with Fernandez and consular staff during his tenure.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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ith Hawaii having the second largest Filipino-American population and a steady influx of immigrants from the Philippines, it’s no surprise that the Philippine Consulate General of Honolulu is considered one of the most active and important of the Philippines’ many consulates worldwide. Its history in our state and connection to our community run deep. Not only is it a place where Filipino nationals go to for important documents and services, but the Consulate building in Nuuanu also has been a gathering place for many Filipino organizations and their events since its opening in 1948.

For our cover story this issue, HFC columnist Carlota Ader interviewed the newly appointed Consul General to Honolulu Emil T. Fernandez. He is a career diplomat whose career with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs brought him to many countries throughout Asia, Europe and South America. His last immediate foreign assignment was as Deputy Consul General at the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, Germany. Fernandez is originally from Pangasinan, Philippines. His educational background in economics and public policy makes him an ideal diplomat to increase trade activity between the State of Hawaii and the Philippines – which he said is one of his goals during his tenure here. We join our community in giving a warm welcome to Consul General Fernandez. We wish you much success.

In Fernandez’s short time here, one of the Filipino organizations he already has met with is the Knights of Rizal-Aloha Chapter. Interestingly, in this issue we have news that this non-profit civic group has chosen former Gov. Ben Cayetano to receive the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award for Peace and Social Justice.

HFC contributor Jun Colmenares writes Gov. Cayetano will be honored at the Knights award gala, March 6, 2022, at the FilCom Center. Of note, our very own co-publisher and executive editor Dr. Charlie Sonido and HFC’s contributing editor Belinda Aquino, Ph.d. are two of the nine past recipients to receive this prestigious award. Congratulations Gov. Cayetano.

Speaking of pioneering role models, Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye is the first Asian American Filipino and the second woman to serve as chief justice of California. HFC columnist Emil Guillermo writes about her in his article “Filipino Chief Justice Would Have Been Perfect, But Not Now.” Also in this issue, we have a feature from our most recent HFC Journalism Scholarship recipient Jasmine Sadang. In her article “Millennials Share What Being Filipino Means,” Sadang interviewed five millennials who had mixed interpretations of what being Filipino means. See how their responses match up with your own understanding of being Filipino.

Be sure to read our other interesting columns, two of them relating to Omicron written by HFC columnists Elpidio Estioko and Seneca Moraleda-Puguan. “Is Your Company Prepared for a Disaster?” HFC contributor Sheryl Bonilla, Esq addresses this topic in our Legal Notes section. We also have the latest in news affecting our community.

Lastly, we’d like to wish all our supporters a very Happy Valentine’s Day. Life begins with love; and hopefully is filled with love throughout your lifetime. Enjoy the celebration and stay safe.

Remember that our complete issue is available on our website; and for your convenience you have complete access without a paywall. Until next issue, warmest Aloha and Mabuhay!

History As the new head of the Consulate General in Honolulu, Fernandez joins a group of stellar diplomats who’ve helped to shape, build and move forward our local Filipino community.

The Philippine Consulate here was established in 1948, even be(continue on page 3) fore Hawaii became a state on Aug 21, 1959.

Publisher & Executive Editor Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D.

Publisher & Managing Editor

Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Associate Editors

Edwin QuinaboDennis Galolo

Contributing Editor

Belinda Aquino, Ph.D.

Design

Junggoi Peralta

Photography Tim Llena

Administrative Assistant Lilia Capalad Shalimar Pagulayan

Editorial Assistant Jim Bea Sampaga

Columnists

Carlota Hufana Ader Elpidio R. Estioko Perry Diaz Emil Guillermo Melissa Martin, Ph.D. Seneca Moraleda-Puguan J.P. Orias Pacita Saludes Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. Charlie Sonido, M.D. Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq.

Contributing Writers

Clement Bautista Edna Bautista, Ed.D. Teresita Bernales, Ed.D. Sheryll Bonilla, Esq. Rose Churma Serafin Colmenares Jr., Ph.D. Linda Dela Cruz Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand Amelia Jacang, M.D. Caroline Julian Raymond Ll. Liongson, Ph.D. Federico Magdalena, Ph.D. Matthew Mettias Maita Milallos Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. Renelaine Bontol-Pfister Seneca Moraleda-Puguan Mark Lester Ranchez Jay Valdez, Psy.D. Glenn Wakai Amado Yoro

Philippine Correspondent: Greg Garcia

Neighbor Island Correspondents: Big Island (Hilo and Kona) Grace LarsonDitas Udani Kauai Millicent Wellington Maui Christine Sabado Big Island Distributors Grace LarsonDitas Udani Kauai Distributors Amylou Aguinaldo Nestor Aguinaldo Maui Distributors

Cecille PirosRey Piros Molokai Distributor Maria Watanabe Oahu Distributors Yoshimasa Kaneko Jonathan Pagulayan

Advertising / Marketing Director Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Account Executives Carlota Hufana Ader JP Orias

FEBRUARY 5, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  3

EDITORIAL

Preserve Ag Lands, Support Local Ag Industry, More Small Local Farms Needed

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he pandemic and the current high inflation have shown us how vulnerable Hawaii’s food security can be. Not only have we’ve seen food prices spike considerably. At times, grocery shelves were near-cleared or completely out of stock on essential items in part due to sharp disruptions in supply chains on the mainland and panic buying.

A whopping 85-92% of our food are shipped into the state, according the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Considering that we are an isolated chain of islands, that statistic alone should be convincing enough that something must be done to change the course on our overreliance of imported food.

On the mainland where much of our food come from, those states themselves have been experiencing food shortages for the same reason, disruptions in supply chains; and a second reason unique to the mainland, job shortage in the trucking industry.

Such shortages there, sources of our food supply, should be sounding alarm

bells to our lawmakers that they must take action, take a serious look at boosting local food production as a priority.

What to do?

Specifically what needs to be? First and foremost start preserving existing agricultural land and stop converting them for residential or business development. And secondly, we must start putting those existing acres to good use for farming of both crops and livestock.

Farming must once again become a viable economic opportunity in our islands and be made a part of the “future” jobs sector when we talk about sustainability in our state.

The state loves to talk about diversifying our economy. Here is one industry that lawmakers should be pulling out all the stops and making it happen. We could envision and realize new higher-tech farming that utilizes methods to maximum land space.

for export, as well as coffee and macadamia nuts. These are massive acres of our existing agricultural land being used for export, not to feed our local population.

Clearly we could do both farming for export and local consumption. But the latter needs a lot of catching up to do.

There is a demand for it among local residents and businesses.

And from an eco-friendly perspective, the go-green trend around the world is to emphasize locally grown food to cut down on transportation (and its incidental harm to the environment).

Much of our existing ag lands are not even being utilized for ag purposes. The state has about 1.93 million acres of zoned agricultural land of which only 39% of that land (761,000 acres) is used for grazing. The rest is used for growing crops or not being used for agriculture, according to a Department of Agriculture 2105 study.

An update to this study was released in 2020 that shows some improvements in the expanded use of ag lands for ag purposes.

“Our administration continues to focus on increasing local food production throughout the state,” said Gov. Da-

vid Ige. “The events over the past year have made our entire community realize how critical our mission is to raise the level of our food security.”

Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, chairperson of the Hawai`i Board of Agriculture, said “the data is an indicator of growth through many diverse crops and it emphasizes the importance of preserving and protecting agricultural lands for future cultivation and improving the state’s economic growth.”

But again, how much of those expanded acreage for farming are being used to feed our people locally and not exported?

Smaller farms What we need to see more of is smaller local farmers being able to own their own land and turning their fruits of labor into successful small businesses. Why small? Because smaller farmers end up selling their fruits and vegetables locally at farmer’s markets, to local restaurants and eateries and to their neighbors, family and friends.

For local consumption For our Filipino commuBut what’s important is to nity in particular, farming of incentivize farming to be unsmall parcels will be an ecodertaken for local consumpnomic opportunity that to tion. Sugarcane and pineapple some will also be culturally still are the leading crops in fitting, particularly those who Hawaii. But they are mostly are recent immigrants from ru(Welcome....from page 2) From Modesto Farolan in the 1940s munity, even though it belonged to the Philippine ral Philippines or our neighbor islands. to Fernandez’s predecessor Joselito government.

Jimeno (2018-2021), consul generEncouraging news als have not only provided services to Our legacy Toward this end, recentA close, tight-knit bond, mutual respect, mutual Philippine nationals, dual citizens, immigrants in transition of becoming per- confidence in each other, professional working rela- ly developer Peter Savio anmanent U.S. residents and U.S. citizens, tionship, and family – these are all fitting descriptions nounced that he purchased Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and of the relationship between the Philippine Consulate 280-acres of agricultural land visitors, but Consulate leaders main- General in Honolulu and our communitained healthy and productive relations ty.

Our special relationship is an instituwith U.S. government officials, our local tional legacy that former consul generals Filipino community and organizations.

The names of past consul gener- and our local leaders have established als like Juan Dionisio, Trinidad Alcon- and passed down in a line of continuity. cel, Tomas Gomez III, Solita Aguirre, This legacy is what Fernandez has inheramong many others, are well known to ited, and hopefully, will leave behind intact and solid for his successor. our community.

We welcome you Consul General So is it also familiar to many of us the beautiful colonial white palace-like Fernandez with open hearts and open Consulate with expansive lawn and minds. We wish you much success in roads– a location that has played host to your new leadership role.

Let’s all work together to minimize countless events over decades. the effects of the worldwide pandemic, Before the construction of the FilCom Center, there was the Philippine open doors for economic opportunities, Consulate in Nuuanu that was the sym- preserve our culture, traditions and sense bolic center of our local Filipino com- of Filipino identity. 

from Dole Plantation and will divide that land up (one to 10 acres each) and sell them to about 100 individual farmers who intend to use it for ag purposes.

He says it’s his way of helping to preserve agriculture. “It’s absolutely going to save the little farmer. Right now large farmers can survive, mainland farmers can survive but the hard-working local guy -- the immigrant farmer --they’re having a tough time,” Savio said.

“But if they can own their own land, they will be successful and they will stay and will raise good food for all of our families for generations.”

He said land dedicated to this project will prohibit homes to be built on these ag parcels.

Savio should be commended for this project.

Going forward all major developers who stand to directly profit from ag to residential conversion should in some way be promoting ag use. In fact, Hawaii’s State Legislature should codify this into law, as well as our City Councils.

In the meantime, for many of those immigrant farmers in Waialua who have been leasing land to farm, this Savio project is a golden opportunity for them; and one that our local communities and businesses can benefit from.

More similar projects should be encouraged. It’s time that talks and action on Hawaii’s sustainability include the strengthening of our food security.

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4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  FEBRUARY 5, 2022

COVER STORY

Up Close and Personal With New Consul General Emil T. Fernandez

by Carlota Ader

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any adventurous young Filipinos dream of traveling abroad. To make this a reality, some will become a flight steward or work aboard an international cruise ship. A less common route attached to a social cause would be to volunteer for the Peace Corps.

To an even smaller group there is another avenue to see the world and experience different cultures through joining the Philippine Consular Services. Emil T. Fernandez is one of those fortunate few.

Consul General Fernandez has been appointed on Oct. 2021 to become the new Philippine Consul General to Honolulu which jurisdiction covers the entire state and American Samoa.

He will replace former Consul GenHFC: Congratulations on your new appointment to Hawaii! How does it feel to be here?

EMIL FERNANDEZ (EF): I’m certainly excited and honored to have been appointed to this position and I’m humbled to be of service for our constituents in the state of Hawaii.

HFC: Have you been to Hawaii before?

EF: Yes on three occasions – first, when I was about 10 years old on a family vacation; second, was when Hawaii hosted the APEC Summit in 2011 during the administration of former U.S. President Barack Obama; and third was during a stopover on our way to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC. I was among consular staff who accompanied the late Philippine President Benigno Aquino.

eral Joselito A. Jimeno who has returned to Manila and is awaiting his next assignment.

Fernandez is a career diplomat.

He has traveled throughout Asia, Europe, the US and South America. His previous foreign assignments include Frankfurt, Germany; Washington, DC; Santiago, Chile; and Caracas,Venezuela. In his most recent post he served as Deputy Consul General in Germany.

He has also served as Executive Director of the Office of Asian & Pacific Affairs, as Director for Southern Europe of the Office of European Affairs, Special Assistant to the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, and as Acting Director of the Office of ASEAN Affairs.

Consul General Fernandez earned his bachelor’s degree in Management Economics from Ateneo University in

good relationship with the Filipino community?

EF: It is because the Filipino community is the Consulate’s partner when it comes to pursuing the interests of the Philippines and its people.

HFC: What skills do you have that will help you with your new assignment in Honolulu?

EF: As a career Foreign Service officer, we have special training for our positions- diplomatic skills, people skills and other skills that promote the Philippines’ cultural and economic interests.

I have a special interest in economics as I took my doctorate and MBA in Tokyo and I also had my master’s in Public Policy at the University of the Philippines. I know that this will help me with my work in Hawaii and is good for our country.

EF: My priorities are to further improve the provisions of the consular services to our clients. Secondly, I aim to increase the level of trade here with the State of Hawaii [and the Philippines]. Thirdly, I hope to continue the advocacy of my predecessor urging Filipinos to be vaccinated to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this pandemic, and to encourage those Philippine nationals who are qualified and registered to vote to cast their ballots in order to have their say in the Philippines’ future.

HFC: Tell us about your background. Where did you come from? What college did you attend? What did you study?

EF: My parents are from Pangasinan. My father was born in Dagupan HFC: What are your City and my mom is from HFC: Why is it important top 3 priorities as new Calasiao which is a city in for the Consulate to foster a consul general?

Pangasinan. I graduated

Consul General Emil T. Fernandez

Manila and has completed post-graduate courses in Commercial and Trade Diplomacy, International Relations, and International Trade Law & Policy.

Fernandez recently met with the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle for an interview. In it he shared his priorities at his new post and took the opportunity to introduce himself to our community. The following interview has been edited for space and clarity.

with a bachelor’s degree in travel around the country to Management and Econom- see its beauty and more of ics from Ateneo de Manila its people.

University in 1989.

HFC: Which assignment HFC: What attracted you was your most memorable to work for the Depart- one? ment of Foreign Affairs?

EF: I really cannot pinEF: I wanted to be able point which assignment was to travel, to experience other most memorable because cultures and to be of service each one had its own special to the public, especially our qualities and characteriskababayans. tics. After Venezuela, I was transferred to Santiago, Chile HFC: Where was your first which is one of the largest citassignment? How did that ies in South America and the turn out? home of many multi-national EF: My first assignment corporations. Santiago is also was in Caracas, Venezue- known for its beautiful scenla from 2002 to 2005. It’s ery, especially the pathogena beautiful country bless- ic region, emerald lakes and ed with much natural re- majestic mountains. sources. However, I was I spent six years in there during the brief coup Washington, DC where I enagainst Venezuelan pres- joyed the Smithsonian Muident Hugo Chavez. The seum and traveling to nearsecurity and political situa- by states. Prior to arriving tions were very challenging in Honolulu, I was in Frankand the economy tumbled furt, Germany which is cento its worst but when it was trally-located in Western over, I made many good Europe. From there, you can (continue on page 5) friendships and was able to

FEBRUARY 5, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  5

COVER STORY (Up CLose....from page 4)

travel by train or short flight Now, they are hoping to other nearby countries that they can better cope which are also eye-openers. with the crisis and that jobs will be more secure so that HFC: What are the top they can fulfil their obligaconcerns of Filipino na- tions to support their famtionals who live and work ilies and others in need of overseas? help. Filipinos are known EF: Their top concerns for their perseverance and include being able to pro- willingness to work to survide for their loved ones vive and render assistance back home but during the to one another. pandemic, some were laid off because there were busi- HFC: If you could be asnesses that closed and there signed to any consulate in was no job stability. the world, where would you

want to be?

EF: For me, I don’t have any preference. I’ll go wherever I’m needed. The Department of Foreign Affairs sends someone who matches the qualifications needed for that position, so I really have no say in where I am assigned.

HFC: What are your future plans?

EF: I have 10 more years before I reach my retirement. Until then, I want

to see to it that my assignments have been productive, that we have adhered to the so-called Five Pillars of Security, promoted economic diplomacy and ensured the welfare and well-being of Filipinos overseas.

Urdaneta City Community Alliance and the Knights of Rizal, Aloha Chapter.

I look forward to meeting many more Filipinos and their organizations and hearing their stories of how they have prospered. I’m honored, excited and humbled HFC: What message do to be here in Hawaii. If the you want to say to Hawaii’s community has any quesFilipino community? tions or concerns regarding EF: Since I am begin- consular matters, please do ning my post here, I have at- not hesitate to call me and tended two events hosted by I’ll be more than happy to Filipino organizations – the lend my assistance.

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

Former Senator Will Espero Announces “Passion In Paradise” Book Signing Events

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former state senator, Filipino American Will Espero served in the Hawaii legislature for almost two decades.

Now in retirement, Espero is a first-time novelist with his debut novel titled “Passion In Paradise.”

To celebrate this milestone, Espero announced two in-person book signing events on Feb. 19th, 2-5 pm, at The ARTS at Marks Garage, 1159 Nu’uanu Ave., and Mar. 4th, 5:30-8 pm, at Downtown Art Center.

The novel follows two men campaigning in the gubernatorial

election: Jarod Wong, homelessness, and a conservative hotel tythe police system. coon, and his chief rival, “Ambition, powThomas Henderson who er, greed, hypocriis a Navy veteran and a sy, lust, hope, and Honolulu councilman. dreams are found in Espero says that the the land of Aloha,” Wong and Henderson Espero says about families are competing his debut novel. in “modern-day Hawaii “Passion In Parpolitics, business, and adise” is available in Former senator Will Espero paperback, hardcovlove.”

The novel also tacker, and eBook and les various issues in Hawaii such as can be purchased online at Amazon cannabis legalization, prostitution, and Barnes & Noble.

Gov. Proposes A State Tax Refund, to Expand UH’s Doctor’s Residency Program and Boost Broadband - in State of State Address

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refund to go to each taxpayer and dependent, support for broadband infrastructure, universal preschool, and expanding the University of Hawaii’s doctor’s residency program are priorities outlined in Gov. David Ige’s recent State of the State Address.

“We want to issue refund checks of $100 for every taxpayer and for each of their dependents. For a family of four, that would mean an extra $400. In this way, we’ll also inject $110 million back into our economy,” said Gov. Ige. He said the state is working to maximize federal funding for Broadband, a project called Apakau Ka La (spreading of

the sun’s rays). Ige is proposing the largest investment in technology in state history – a total of more than $400 million.

Ige urged lawmakers to work with him to create universal preschool in Hawaii, a plan he says had been delayed due to the pandemic.

“Research tells us that early learning is crucial in prepar-

ing our children for school and life in general. We will continue to nurture our early learners through our community-based centers.”

Ige said expanding the UH’s doctor’s residency program will help to address the physician shortage in Hawaii.

He also wants the State Legislature to provide funding to

add more clinical instructors at community colleges to handle the rise for nursing programs.

In a separate news conference, the governor said all $1.6 billion (Hawaii’s share

of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act) was allocated. He said these federal funds put off layoffs and furloughs, as well as provided funding to critical programs.’

6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  FEBRUARY 5, 2022

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

Filipino Chief Justice Would Have Been Perfect, But Not Now

By Emil Guillermo

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f you’re an Asian American Filipino, you don’t stand a chance. Such is the case when it comes to SCOTUS politics.

On President Joe Biden’s Supreme Court shortlist is Leondra Kruger, a justice on the State Supreme Court of California.

It’s Kruger and not the actual chief justice of that court in California, Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye, the first Asian American Filipino and the second woman to serve as chief justice in the most populous state in America for the last 12 years.

Is Cantil-Sakauye qualified? Yes. But also, sadly no.

Not in these times when justice is more political than not and a

matter of perspective.

Trump had his three picks and now with the announced retirement of Justice Stephen Breyer, Biden gets a turn to pick a Democrat of his choice.

That’s definitely not Cantil-Sakauye, who was appointed by a former moderate Republican, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. She would have been a perfect nominee for one of Trump’s three court picks but Trump was hellbent on politicizing the high court.

Cantil-Sakauye is the kind of moderate any American would have liked to see sitting on today’s 6-3 conservative court now.

But for this vacancy she is the wrong party, the wrong ethnicity, and in the wrong era, when the court is being engineered to advantage a political side.

Last Thursday, Biden officially reaffirmed what people had assumed all along. He made a campaign promise to appoint an African American woman to the Supreme Court, and that’s what he’s going to do now.

So instead of the Asian American Filipino Chief Justice of California, her junior, Leondra Kruger gets on the short list.

Kruger, 45, American Jewish on her father’s side and Jamaican on her mother’s side, has served on the court since 2015. She’s a graduate of Harvard College and Yale Law. Qualified? Yes.

As is the other top name, Ketanji Brown Jackson, 51, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals in DC. She’s a double Harvard, college and law school. A member of the school’s board of overseers.

And she served as a law clerk to Justice Breyer.

Kruger and Jackson both have impressive credentials, as do all the women you’ll see mentioned on any of the media “short lists.”

But why keep the list short and exclusive?

Why not diversify the list to showcase the emerging generation of legal talent that, as they say, looks like America?

The court doesn’t yet.

There’s an African American: Clarence Thomas. A Hispanic: Sonia Sotomayor.

Asians? Any Asian Americans of any stripe? Zero. None.

There has never been an Asian American on the Supreme Court. Ever.

Here’s the killer diversity fact to remember: Of 116 Supreme Court Justices, only six were not white men in more than 230 years of the court, according to CNN. Diversity? SCOTUS? NOTUS. Or simply, Not Us. At least, not yet.

But here’s something that could be helpful.

In a show of solidarity, instead of a “short list” of all African American women, why not show the full range of qualified legal talent from all BIPOC communities?

Let Biden make his own private short-short list. It will be

known soon enough. He said he’ll consult Republicans and have a name by the end of February. In the meantime, Biden should let the public in on the generation of diverse legal minds waiting for the gavel.

And yes, there’s more Asian American talent than anyone knows.

On my “Emil Amok’s Takeout,” (E.231), the micro-talk show of the AAPI, I mentioned a name that came up after canvassing some legal eagles.

The name? Neal Katyal.

Other names came up, such as federal appellate judges Denny Chin and Lucy Koh. All of them Democrats. But Katyal, the son of Indian immigrants has a special edge. He’s argued before the Supremes more than any other BIPOC lawyer, according to the ABA Journal.

And there he was on the eve of the official Breyer announcement serving as a legal commentator on MSNBC’s “Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell.”

Katyal praised Breyer, for whom he clerked after graduating from Yale Law. Breyer was “brilliant and humble at the same time,” said Katyal.

“Fundamentally decent, and also brilliant, and he was a fighter.”

A fighter for all the things that are endangered now like reproductive rights, voting rights, environmental protections, affordable health care.

Said Katyal: “Justice Breyer led the fight for ordinary Americans.”

Frankly, I have a soft spot in my heart for Breyer. We graduated from the same San Francisco high school, Lowell.

So how would the Breyer legacy continue, asked O’Donnell.

And this is where Katyal said the magic phrase.

“I think we have to take, the president has to take the time and make the right choice,” Kaytal said. “And you can’t be looking for patronage or reward of political, you know, or politics or something like that.”

Can’t be looking for patronage? Nor political reward?

Does that mean forgetting

about things like a campaign “pledge”?

“You’ve got to get someone who knows what the Supreme Court game is, who can go toe-to-toe with Justice Alito, with Justice Kavanaugh, etc.

And you know, as someone who practices in the court all the time, I can tell you that the more Democratic-leaning or liberal- or progressive-leaning side is not as represented at the court, and we need someone who can fight and who knows how to talk to other people.”

OK, Katyal did go on to praise both aforementioned African American women, whom he knows well.

But I thought when I heard him, he was describing himself. He’d be a good choice.

So far, however, Biden is holding to his pledge of an African American woman. It was a pledge made when Biden was under duress. His campaign was floundering, and he needed a win in the South Carolina primary. He went to Rep. James Clyburn in that state, and Clyburn delivered. That’s politics.

So here’s Biden coming through on a promise. The lesson? When will someone on the next campaign ask a candidate if they will pledge to appoint an Asian American? A Filipino American?

Because there has not been one on the high court ever.

The need to diversify the Supreme Court is real. Replacing Breyer does nothing to help rebalance the 6-3 conservative tilt And it doesn’t do enough for diversity. We’re still at zero AAPI. To remedy the broad diversity issue, there should be more serious discussion about increasing the number of SCOTUS members. Nine may be too few. Why not 11? 13 the sweet spot? 15 too many? A new court is needed and why not? The talent is out there that not only reflects a new America, but a true sense of justice in this country. EMIL​ GUILLERMO​ is a veteran journalist and commentator. He was a member of the Honolulu Advertiser editorial board. Listen to him on Apple Podcasts. Twitter @ emilamok.

FEBRUARY 5, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  7

WHAT’S UP, ATTORNEY?

By Atty. Emmanuel S. Tipon

S

upreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, a fellow Yale Law School graduate, concluded his dissenting opinion in Biden v. Missouri, 595 U.S. ___ (01/13/2022) with the warning that the administration was putting “more than 10 million healthcare workers to the choice of their jobs or an irreversible medical treatment.”

The case arose when Secretary of Health and Human Services which administers the Medicare and Medicaid programs that provide health insurance for millions of elderly, disabled, and low income Americans, announced in November 2021, following President Biden’s earlier announcement, that in order to receive Medicare and Medicaid funding, participating facilities must ensure that their staff – unless exempt for medical or religious reasons – are vaccinated against COVID-19.

Two groups of States – one led by Louisiana and one

by Missouri – sued to challenge the rule. The federal district courts found the rule defective and issued preliminary injunctions against its enforcement. The Government moved to stay the injunctions but the Courts of Appeals denied it. The Government appealed to the Supreme Court.

Five justices granted the stay of the injunctions while four justices, including Justice Alito, dissented.

In a per curiam opinion (nobody wanted to sign it), the majority said that Congress has authorized the Secretary to impose condi­ tions on the receipt of Medicaid and Medicare funds that “the Secretary finds necessary in the interest of the health and safety of individuals who are furnished services.” 42 U. S. C. §1395x(e)

Vaccination “Irreversible” and “Cannot Be Undone at the End of the Workday,” Warns Supreme Court (9). COVID–19 is a highly contagious, dangerous, and— especially for Medicare and Medicaid patients—deadly disease. The Secretary of Health and Hu­ man Services determined that a COVID–19 vaccine man­date will substantially reduce the likelihood that healthcare workers will contract the virus and transmit it to their patients.

Justice Thomas along with Justices Alito, Gorsuch, and Barrett dissented, saying that the statutes provide for carrying out the “administration” of Medicare and Medicaid but says nothing about imposing a vaccine mandate.

The rule compels millions of healthcare workers to undergo an unwanted medical procedure that “cannot be removed at the end of the shift.” It requires millions of healthcare workers to choose between losing their liveli­ hoods and acquiescing to a vaccine they have rejected for months.

Vaccine mandates also fall squarely within a State’s police power, see Zucht v.

King, 260 U. S. 174, 176 (1922), and, until now, only rarely have been a tool of the Federal Government. If Congress had wanted to grant CMS authority to impose a nationwide vaccine mandate, and consequently alter the state-federal balance, it would have said so clearly. It did not.

These cases are not about the efficacy or importance of COVID–19 vaccines. They are only about whether CMS has the statutory authority to force healthcare workers, by coercing their employers, to undergo a “medical procedure they do not want and cannot undo”.

Justice Alito said that under our Constitution, the authority to make laws that impose obligations on the American people is conferred on Congress, whose members are elected by the people, but

today most federal law comes in the form of rules issued by unelected administrators.

However, Congress required these agencies to provide public notice of proposed rules and to give the public an opportunity to comment. But in these cases, the government agency did not do it.

OSHA cannot issue vaccine mandate Another COVID-19 vaccine opinion released the same day by the Supreme Court, also per curiam, is National Federation of Independent Business v. Department of Labor, 595 U. S. ____ (01/13/2022).

The Secretary of Labor, acting through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), issued a regulation requiring that covered workers re­ceive a COVID–19 vaccine, except workers who obtain a medi­cal test each week at their own expense and on their own time, and also wear a mask each workday. Employers must enforce the mandate. It applies to roughly 84 million workers, covering virtually all employers with at least 100 employees. The regulation otherwise operates as a” blunt in­strument.” It draws no distinctions based on industry or risk of exposure to COVID–19. Thus, most lifeguards and linemen face the same regulations as do medics and meat-packers.

Many States, businesses, and nonprofit organizations challenged OSHA’s rule in Courts of Appeals. The Fifth Circuit initially entered a stay. But when the cases were consolidated before the Sixth Circuit, that court lifted the stay and allowed OSHA’s rule to take effect. The Supreme Court stayed the rule, saying that the challengers were likely to prevail in their argument that OSHA’s mandate exceeds its statutory authority and is otherwise unlawful.

The Court said: “Administrative agencies are creatures of statute. They accordingly possess only the authority that Congress has provided.” The law does not authorize the Secretary’s mandate. The law empowers the Secretary to set workplace safety standards, not broad public health measures. It is a significant encroachment into the lives—and health—of a vast number of employees.

“We expect Congress to speak clearly when authorizing an agency to exercise powers of vast economic and political significance.”

The Court pointed out that although COVID–19 is a risk that occurs in many workplaces, it is not an oc­cupational hazard in most. COVID–19 can and does spread at home, in schools, during sporting events, and everywhere else that people gather. That kind of universal risk is no different from the day-to-day dangers that all face from crime, air pollution, or any number of communicable dis­eases. Permitting OSHA to regulate the hazards of daily life—simply because most Americans have jobs and face

those same risks while on the clock—would significantly ex­ pand OSHA’s regulatory authority without clear congres­ sional authorization.

The Court rejected the dissenting opinion’s contention that OSHA’s mandate is compara­ble to a fire or sanitation regulation imposed by the agency, saying that a vaccine mandate is strikingly unlike the workplace regulations that OSHA has typically im­ posed. A vaccination “cannot be undone at the end of the workday.”

ATTY. TIPON was a Fulbright-Smith Mundt scholar to Yale Law School where he obtained a Master of Laws degree.

He has a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines. He was the Dean and a Professor of Law of the College of Law, Northwestern University, Philippines. He has written law books and legal articles for Thomson Reuters and columns for Filipino-American newspapers. He and his son Noel, principal attorney of Tipon Law Office, co-host “The Tipon Report,” Honolulu’s most witty, informative, and useful radio show. He practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, focusing on immigration, criminal defense, and other federal laws. Tel. 808-2252645. E-mail: filamlaw@yahoo. com. Website: tiponlawoffice.com, hawaiiimmigrationattorney.com, courtmartiallawyer.com

8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  FEBRUARY 5, 2022

FEATURE

Millennials Share What Being Filipino Means to Them

By Jasmine Sadang

H

awaii is a mix of different cultures, making the state a unique place for people of diverse ethnic back-

grounds.

According to the 2010 US Census data, the Filipino community surpassed the Japanese as the second largest ethnic group in the state.

Like other ethnic groups, many Filipino immigrants have been able to retain their knowledge and sense of culture, customs, and pride. Five millennials shared their experiences of growing up as Filipino-Americans in Hawaii and what being Filipino means to them today.

The 26-year-old Judith Bernaldez grew up in Waipahu, which is one of the most Filipino-populated cities in Hawaii. She described the

community and Filipinos in general as “very family-oriented” and “welcoming,” values that make her proud to represent her cultural heritage.

In her experience, she said that “the younger generations would take care of the older ones and vice versa. For example, instead of sending elderly family members to a care home, family members would take care of them at home.”

Bernaldez also realized the Filipino community is composed of very hardworking people.

“They work hard to provide for their families back home if they emigrated from the Philippines. I still see really old ‘nanas’ and ‘tatas’ working hard to provide for their families,” she said.

Just like Bernaldez, fellow 26-year-old Nicasia Paulo also grew up in Waipahu. She lived

(Clock-wise from left) Nicasia Paulo, Cassity Ilog, Judith Bernaldez, Charmaine Magbaleta and Deion Quiambao

in a neighborhood called Ota Camp, which she described as having a heavy Filipino influence.

“Waipahu in itself has a large Filipino population, to the point where they even started offering Ilocano classes at the high school as a foreign language credit,” Paulo said. She attended St. Joseph School, an elementary and intermediate private school that

has a large population of Filipinos.

“I would say about 8095% of the entire student body was at least part-Filipino, if not full,” she said.

The large community helped many Filipino children feel comfortable in their cultural heritage and most say they had not experienced negative issues with being Filipino.

“I think growing up in a heavy Filipino city sort of desensitized me. There’s a lot of things that you kind of either take for granted or you don’t realize you do or say differently from everyone else,” Paulo said.

She recalled a moment where she accompanied her great grandmother to the emergency room and had to translate from Ilocano to English for the attending ER nurse.

“It was at that point I was reminded that not everyone around me speaks Filipino or even understands the basic terms of endearment that the older generations say to the younger ones,” Paulo said.

“If I was to grow up not surrounded by other Filipinos, I think I would be more aware of the cultural differences.”

Not all Filipino-American millennials in Hawaii were (continue on page 14)

FEBRUARY 5, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  9

NEWS FEATURE

Former Governor Ben Cayetano to Receive Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award For Peace And Social Justice

By Jun Colmenares

T

he Knights of Rizal-Aloha Chapter is proud to announce that former Hawaii governor, Benjamin J. Cayetano, has been selected to receive the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award for Peace and Social Justice during the award gala on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu.

He will also be conferred an honorary Knights of Rizal third degree medal with the rank of Knight Commander of Rizal.

The Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award for Peace and Social Justice was instituted in 2011 and is given annually by the Knights of Rizal in Hawaii to celebrate Rizal’s life and to honor his memory and his achievements. It is awarded to a person who exemplifies the ideals and teachings of the

Philippines’ foremost hero.

Dr. Jose Rizal was a polymath and excelled in many fields.

Rizal is known for his literary works, his keen scientific mind, his devotion to an educated citizenry, his vision of an ideal community, but most of all, for his dedication to and struggles for peace, freedom, and social justice.

Past awardees include Dr. Belinda Aquino, the late Dr. Jorge Camara, Dr. Amefil Agbayani, Dr. Ramon Sy, Eng. Anacleto Alcantra, Dr. Charlie Sonido, Beatrice Ramos-Razon, Dr. Mark Silliman, and Justice Simeon Acoba, Jr. Gov. Cayetano will be the tenth Rizal awardee.

Cayetano, who prefers to be called “Ben,” is the first and, so far, the only Filipino American governor in the United States. Born and raised in Ho-

Former Gov. Benjamin Cayetano

nolulu, Ben grew up in Kalihi and was raised by his father.

After graduating from Farrington High School, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science from University of California in Los Angeles. He received his law degree from Loyola University Law School in 1971, while working his way through school as a draftsman on the Apollo spacecraft project.

He began his career in

government in 1972 when he was appointed to the Hawaii Housing Authority by then Governor Burns. He then served for more than two decades in public office, winning eight elections. He served in the Hawaii House of Representatives from 1974 to 1978, in the Hawaii State Senate from 1979 to 1986, as lieutenant governor from 1986 to 1994 and as governor for two terms, from 1994 to 2002.

The event will also feature Dr. Vina Lanzona, associate professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, as guest speaker, who will talk on the topic: Rizal’s Ideas on Peace and Social Justice, as well as the awarding of Distinguished Service Medals and Life Membership Awards to deserving members of the Knights of Rizal-Aloha Chapter.

Tickets to the award gala are available at $60 per person. Sponsorships and advertisement opportunities are also available.

For more information, please contact Jun Suela at 808-228-0665 or suela-arch@ hawaii.rr.com, Rodgie Mark Bucsit at 808-542-3196 or rodgie@hawaii.edu, Eric Barsatan at 808-783-8591 or barsataneric@gmail.com, or Jun Colmenares at 808-838-9775 or juncolme@yahoo.com.

The Knights of Rizal is a global, non-profit, civic organization that was established in Manila in 1911 and subsequently chartered by law under Republic Act 646 in 1951.

Its purpose is to spread the ideals and teachings of Dr. Jose P. Rizal especially among the youth who Rizal considered as the “fair hope of the Fatherland.”

Buoyed by its lofty universal principles, the Order has spread not only in the Philippines but to other countries as well. (continue on page 10)

10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 5, 2022

AS I SEE IT

Mask Mandates Differ Across The Nation

By Elpidio R. Estioko

T

he federal government, with the advice of science through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has been issuing mandates in order to contain the pandemic and eventually win the war against the virus.

Efforts to contain COVID-19 have been defining moments for President Joe Biden met with ups and downs.

While most local governments are abiding with Biden’s mandates, some local officials are defying them and issuing their own version of safety protocols based on whim and political opportunism.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, for instance, is against vaccination and wearing of masks.

He has been very visible, in public forums defying mandates throughout the pandemic. But right now, during the surge of the omicron, he is reportedly nowhere to be found.

According to thehill.com, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings slammed Gov. DeSantis’s handling of the state’s recent COVID-19 outbreak of the omicron.

During a press conference, he said that counties have not received funding from the state for COVID-19 testing and questioned why DeSantis has been largely absent as the omicron variant has quickly become the dominant strain in Florida.

“We have not received any assistance from the state of Florida at our testing sites,” Demings said.

“Our residents, all Florida residents, should be outraged and they should ask the question, ‘Where is our state?

Where is our governor? Where is Ron DeSantis now?’”

Contrary to the governor’s mandate, Demings reinstated a mask mandate for all county employees working in person and announced the opening of a third county COVID-19 testing site.

In November 2020, De Santis signed four bills into law curtailing both mask and vaccine mandates.

In the case of Hawaii, Gov. David Ige is complying with CDC protocols by declaring a Hawaii statewide mandate on mask wearing.

The statewide face-covering mandate requires all individuals to wear a mask that covers their mouths and over their

of Rizal chapters: the Hawaii Chapter and the Aloha Chapter.

The Aloha Chapter was established in 2019. Among its officers and members are distinguished members of the community, Filipinos as well as non-Filipinos.

delta and omicron variants, the CDC has extended or tighten their mandates to control the spread of the virus.

“Just a few weeks ago, Hawaii saw a record high COVID-19 cases in our communities,” said Ige in a Jan. 26 press release.

“While we believe we may have hit the peak, we must continue to remain vigilant. Mask wearing and asking travelers to get vaccinated or tested before they fly to Hawaii are among some of the measures that have helped keep COVID-19 case numbers manageable for our limited resources here.”

But what people don’t know is whether masks are mandated or not, the pandemic needs to be contained and stopped! ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist in the US. For feedbacks, comments… please email the author @ estiokoelpidio@gmail. com.

ON THE MOVE

(NEWS FEATURE: Former Governor....from page 9)

At present, there are over 20,000 members and hundreds of chapters in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Britain, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic, and other parts of Asia. In Hawaii, there are two Knights

noses in public settings.

Currently, states have different versions of implementing mask wearing and vaccination. Some mandate wearing of masks, others don’t!

Just like Hawaii, few other states are requiring most people to wear masks regardless of vaccination status such as California, Delaware, Illinois, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Washington.

Mask mandates in some states already expired last year.

Alabama’s mask mandate expired on April 9. While Ohio’s on June 2.

According to AARP, so far, 29 states have lifted its mask mandates while 11 states didn’t even impose mandates at any point during the pandemic.

The CDC announced last year that fully vaccinated people can safely forgo wearing masks in most public settings.

It is still highly advisable to wear masks indoors.

But with the recent surge of COVID-19 cases due to the

Two FilAm Executives Are Making Moves In Hawaii Business Landscape

P

atti Ponimoi and Pete Castillejos are two Filipino American executives currently making big moves in Hawaii companies.

Ponimoi has been promoted from Local Sales Manager to SummitMedia Honolulu’s President last month. She’s a veteran sales and communications executive with a career of more than 20 years. She also held previous positions at Hawaii News Now, iHeartMedia and Hawaiian Airlines.

SummitMedia CEO Carl Parmer said he’s excited for Ponimoi to lead the Hawaii SummitMedia team.

“She has a deep personal commitment to Hawaiian culture which is vital to our principles as well as our success,” he said.

Ponimoi says she’s honored to be part of SummitMedia.

“Continuing the tradition of Hawaiian music and perpetuating the culture of our local

2021, he has brought seven employees: loan officers, an underwriter and a processor.

With 17 years of experience in the Honolulu mortgage industry, Castillejos told PBN that he has plans Patti Ponimoi and Pete Castillejos to grow the company’s stations is very personal to me market share and open and I understand its importance offices on neighboring islands. to everyone,” she said.

“The strategy for a national In January 2021, Hawaii company opening up in a new Filipino Chronicle featured market is to hire a veteran and Castillejos as he was named as an experienced team. The team the new president of Mortgage I hired has several years of exBankers Association of Hawaii. perience, locally, already. We’re Five months later, he took almost entirely referral based,” up the position Regional Man- he said in an interview with ager at USA Mortgage, an em- PBN. ployee-owned home lender “We have a huge network based in St. Louis, as he opened of realtors and clients who its first Hawaii office on the were already referring us busiground floor of Pacific Guardian ness, so we’re not starting from Tower in Kapiolani Boulevard. scratch. They know my team According to Pacific Busi- more than they know our comness News (PBN), as of July pany name.” 

FEBRUARY 5, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  11

PERRYSCOPE

Sinema and Voting Rights cise their freedom from federal control.

By Perry Diaz

I

n an attempt to institute sweeping changes to rules regarding voting and campaign finance, the Democrats passed the House version 220-210 with no Republican support.

But when it went to the Senate, it stalled – like a car about to run out of gas – with two votes short of the minimum number of senators to pass the voting rights bill.

If the 50 Democratic senators would vote for it, then a 50-50 split would result. But Vice President Kamala Harris who presided over the Senate would break the tie; thus, delivering a win for the Democrats.

But two maverick Democrats – Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema – have indicated that they are not going to support it, therefore killing what a majority of Americans was hoping would equitably level the playing field in the forthcoming elections.

Proponents of the bill say it is necessary to protect access to the polls, especially for minority voters.

They also said that it is crucial now because many Republican-controlled state legislatures are considering passing their own laws to tighten voting rules, claiming they would “improve election security.”

But the Republicans argued that the bill would amount to a partisan, federal takeover of elections that would make voting “less secure.”

Also, Republicans argued that states should “retain flexibility” on how they run elections, claiming that the proposal would be tantamount to a federal takeover of voting rules.

This was precisely what “states rights” was all about: to diminish the role of the federal government and give more latitude to the states to exer-

Voting rights legislation Every state would be required to provide at least 15 days of early voting.

The bill would also require every state to allow voting by mail and mandates online and same-day voter registration.

The bill would restore voting rights to felons who have already served their sentences.

It would also loosen state voter-identification requirements by providing a workaround. If a state requires an ID, a voter who lacks the proper ID could instead sign a statement that attests to his or her identity.

The bill would mandate drop-off boxes for mail ballots and would allow voters to designate another person to drop off their mail ballots on their behalf.

Democrats say that allowing third parties to transport ballots can help vulnerable voters. But Republicans call the practice “ballot harvesting,” saying it invites fraud.

The bill would also create independent panels to draw voting districts in each state to end partisan gerrymandering.

Nuclear option But what would ensure the death of the bill is the Senate’s antiquated filibuster rule that requires at 60 votes to muster passage.

With the Senate split 5050 between Democrats and Republicans, the bill would fail to pass unless ten Republicans cast their votes with the Democrats.

The only way to pass the Voting Rights bill is to eliminate the filibuster or create a carve out for civil rights or voting rights legislation, a procedure known as the “nuclear option.”

The nuclear option is a parliamentary procedure, which allows the Senate to override a standing rule by a simple majority, rather than the two-thirds supermajority normally required to amend Senate rules.

The way it works, the Senate Majority Leader – in this case, Sen. Chuck Schumer – would raise a point of order that contravenes a standing rule, meaning the 60-vote filibuster threshold.

The presiding officer – Vice President Kamala Harris – would then deny the point of order based on Senate rules and precedents; which would then be appealed and overturned by a simple majority vote, thus establishing a new precedent.

The problem is that Senators Sinema and Manchin would vote against it; thus, failing to get a majority vote.

In other words, any way you look at it, there is no way out of this dilemma unless the Democrats are united.

In 2017, it was invoked by a Senate Republican majority led by Mitch McConnell, which eliminated the 60-vote rule for Supreme Court nominations; thus, confirming then-President Donald Trump’s three Supreme Court nominees.

Had the Democrats stood firm against creating a carveout for Trump’s appointees, Democratic appointees would have controlled the Supreme Court today.

It’s interesting to note that two Democrats – Manchin and Sinema –wouldn’t support eliminating the filibuster “under any circumstances,” which begs the question: Why is it that they were hell-bent on opposing their fellow Democrats’ attempt to pass the voting rights bill?

To maintain a fair and equitable democratic institution, Americans need to fully – and without exception – exercise their right to vote.

Sinema dooms Biden agenda Last January 13, Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema stoically stood before the Senate floor – as President was on his way to the Capitol to meet with Democrats to push for the Voting Rights Bill – and to everybody’s surprise reiterated that she is not backing off her position to uphold the filibuster.

Biden lost her vote before Biden could pitch to Democrats on eradicating it. She said removing the filibuster would not guarantee “that we prevent demagogues from being elected” and that getting rid of it would merely be treating the “symptom” of partisanship and not the underlying problem.

But she is the “symptom” of an incurable disease called “egotistical attitude.” She said that while she continues to “strongly back Democrats’ elections legislation” she would not support “separate actions that worsen the underlying disease of division infecting our country.

There’s no need for me to restate my long-standing support for the 60-vote threshold to pass legislation.” Doesn’t she realize that her opposition would further propagate the “disease of division” that she herself abhors?

“When one party needs only to negotiate with itself, the policy will inextricably be pushed from the middle towards the extremes,” she added, noting that she does not support that outcome, and she knows “Arizonans do not either.”

Is supporting voting rights legislation for the benefit of all Americans an extremist viewpoint?

Arizona Democratic Party chair Raquel Terán criticized Sinema, saying the party was “disappointed, to say the least, that she has chosen to protect an antiquated rule over her constituents.”

Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego said that he has not ruled out running against Sinema in the 2024 Senate primary.

“We won’t shrink from protecting our democracy and the voting rights of all Americans,” he said. “It’s past time for the US Senate and Senator Sinema to do the same.”

Sinema’s wish list Sinema acknowledged that she would support voting rights bills coming from the House. However, she is not going to support a change to the filibuster rule.

She argued the country needs a “sustained robust effort to defend American Democracy.”

Isn’t it that voting rights (continue on page 12)

12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 5, 2022

BOOK REVIEW

MONDO MARCOS: Writings on Martial Law and the Marcos Babies

By Rose Cruz Churma

T

his book is an anthology consisting of fiction, essays and poetry of the best Filipino writers, some now based outside of the Philippines. However, all have experienced living in the home country during the dark days of Martial Law. The book’s editors note that they use the term “Marcos Babies” because the writers included in this collection were born from 1964 to 1986, the time frame of the rise and fall of the Marcos regime. Some of the contributors were already in school in 1972 when Martial Law was declared, while others were about to be born.

In essence the time frame coincides with the term “Generation X” as coined by Canadian writer and artist, Douglas Coupland, with that term referring to the generation born during those years.

But as the editors noted “… we had a more arduous but definitely more interesting journey.”

There were only six entries in the fiction category. The most interesting is the excerpt from Leche, a novel written by R. Zamora Linmark. Linmark, who divides his time between

Honolulu and Manila, came to the reading public’s attention with his best-selling novel Rolling the R’s (where its stage adaptation had its world premiere in Honolulu at the Kumu Kahua Theater).

The excerpt titled “When Dovie Moans” had this as its opening sentence: “Ferdinand Marcos was the first Filipino to ejaculate over the air-waves,” an attention-grabbing opening sentence.

The excerpt expands on the Dovie Beams scandal that erupted in the post-election era of 1970 when radio stations across the archipelago broadcasted contents of the cassette tape that had the reelected president carousing with his American mistress Dovie Beams who taped most of their amorous encounters The author notes that the scandal served as “comic relief” to those times – that the scandal that was “intended to destroy him ended up working on his favor…for nothing can distract a country on the verge of a revolution better than S-E-X”.

But of course, his wife Imelda reacted differently, but that is another story.

On the group of personal essays, the article that grabbed

my attention was the piece written by Wilfredo Pascual Jr. entitled simply “1976.”

The essay is a requiem to his grandfather who made the crucial decision to immigrate to the United States at the height of Martial Law, sell his properties in Nueva Ecija and start all-over again in a new land “to bear these sacrifices to bring (the children” to the United States) for the sake of their future…”.

The feelings of uncertainty and the urgency to leave were common during those years – which was surprising for the author’s family since his grandfather was a land-owner who also was the longest serving mayor for more than two decades and a staunch ally of Marcos when he first run for office – “successfully campaigned and delivered the northern Nueva Ecija votes” and has Ilocano ancestry.

But with the declaring of

Martial Law, his grandfather grew disillusioned and opted to start anew in another land.

This story is a common one. During those years, folks were leaving—some for economic reasons (no jobs, skyrocketing inflation, the value of the peso plunged compared to the dollar) or fear for their lives or incarceration if they were critical of the regime.

In fact, the so-called Filipino Diaspora had its start in the early 70s when Filipinos looked elsewhere to earn a living and the country’s leaders needed their remittances to prop up its economy.

There were a dozen poems in this collection. Virginia’s poet-laureate Luisa Igloria wrote about the visit of the pope (when he was almost assassinated, circa 1970); Alma Anonas-Carpio’s “Martial Law Baby” recalls that she was born during Martial Law: “Came into the world screaming/ Waving balled fists and kicking feet. / Somewhere inside they knew / They would face a monster as they grew.”

But the one that stayed with me longest was Frank Cimatu’s “Three Septembers.”

“Three Septembers” as the title suggests consists of three parts.

The first part, titled “Blue Sky” talks about the signing of Martial Law on September 21, 1972. The second part chronicles Marcos’ death in Hawaii on September 28, 1989, while

the third part describes September 11, 1993 when his widow had him entombed in a glass encasement on his birthday in his hometown of Batac, Ilocos Norte after a birthday mass: “I watched as Manila’s four hundred waltzed in the white mansion / Death’s metaphor now filled with cultists from Leyte and Pangasinan. / One gave me a scapular with Marcos as the fire-hearted Jesus.”

This year 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. This book (and its companion piece of the same title but in Filipino) is worth revisiting. It provides space for introspection of the Marcos years, as one of the editors note in the epilogue.

The impact of the Marcos years on the country – the destruction of its basic institutions, the plunder of much of its wealth and the erosion of integrity and sense of self of its citizens – is immeasurable.

What this book provides is the personal stories, insights, and nostalgia of those who experienced those years.

Never forget.

Never again. ROSE CRUZ CHURMA established a career in architecture 40 years ago, specializing in judicial facilities planning. As a retired architect, she now has the time to do the things she always wanted to do: read books and write about them, as well as encourage others to write.

(PERRYSCOPE: Sinema and Voting Rights....from page 11)

are the foundation of American Democracy? Didn’t the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 open the way for all Americans – regardless of race, religion, political belief, and sexual orientation – to avail of their 14th Amendment and 15th Amendment rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution?

Does Sinema have a problem with that?

She then recited a litany of issues such as “supporting state and local candidates who represent the values enshrined

in our Constitution,” ensuring that “we have a judiciary that is less lopsided in its political leanings,” and “confront and combat the rise of rampant disinformation.”

It’s amazing how Sinema could come up with a lot of “wishful thinking ideas” to put on the front burner but at the same time put voting rights and civil rights legislation on the back burner.

Simply put, it’s not going to work because if Congress needs to address Sinema’s “wishful thinking list,” she

should – nay, must – cast her vote to eliminate filibuster or carve-out it out and then cast her vote to pass the voting rights legislation.

She needs to put just these two items on her “to-do list.”

It’s as simple as that. She doesn’t have to go through the rigmarole of chasing unrealistic goals on her long “wish list.” PERRY DIAZ is a writer, columnist and journalist who has been published in more than a dozen Filipino newspapers in five countries.

FEBRUARY 5, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  13

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

Oh My, Omicron!

By Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

I

am Covid-positive.”

These words shook me to the core when I received this message from my 67-year-old mother who lives in Florida just a few days after we said hello to the new year. And the very next day, my youngest brother in Canada along with his youngest daughter, aged 7, also contracted the virus.

We entered 2022 with so much expectation and anticipation for a better year but we were all battered with waves of sickness brought about by the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Months before 2021 ended, we have already seen the steep increase in positive cases in the region of Africa, Europe and the United States. When 2022 came,

Asia followed suit.

And we all saw it coming. The Omicron variant is very contagious. It’s spreading. And it’s spreading fast.

In the Philippines, travel from one place to another had already been tolerated. Gatherings and reunions have already been allowed.

Just a few days after the holiday season, the cases rose from almost 200 to more than 20,000 per day.

Here in South Korea where there have been no lockdowns ever since the pandemic started but strict social distancing and contact tracing have been enforced, the cases increased from 4,000 per day to more than 17,000 active cases as of this writing.

Every single day from the very beginning of the year, I have been receiving messages from loved ones and friends, asking for

prayers because their families have caught the virus.

Yes, not just one member, but almost every member of the family are exhibiting symptoms and have tested positive. I even have friends who got infected with the past variants and got infected again by the Omicron.

Oh my, Omicron! What a way to start the year, isn’t it?

The Omicron may have caused thousands upon thousands of families, including the people I love, to feel weak, sick and quarantined

from the world, but there’s a silver lining amid a very dark and difficult season, bringing so much hope and encouragement to me.

Many have survived and are now recovering.

All my friends and family members who got the virus are now well and healthy again. My mother experienced runny nose and headache, and after several days, she’s now back to work as a nanny.

My brother suffered from slight headache and loss of taste, and his daughter had a low fever for one night.

They are now back to normal. My brother doing multiple jobs and my niece is back to school. Some of my friends have exhibited worse symptoms but eventually they recovered, by God’s grace.

They say that the Omicron variant is milder than the previously dominant variant, Delta, but we should still stay vigilant and careful.

As for our family here in Korea, we have refrained from dining in restaurants and going to crowded places. Despite being fully vaccinated, my husband and I have cancelled our plans to travel out of town for the Lunar New Year holiday, Valentines, and our 8th year Wedding Anniversary to protect ourselves, especially our very young children, from catching the very contagious Omicron.

It’s just the second month of the year and it’s a long way to go before we see the end of the tunnel.

Our pandemic journey is still dark and long, but we must keep moving forward with perseverance, faith and hope. Things are going to get better. Everything will be fine.

We will see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Our bodies may be weakened but our spirit will continue to fight. The virus may be overpowering us at the moment, but the human race will continue to stand victorious.

HEALTHLINE NEWS

Boost Your Health: Four Reasons to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster

By HFC Staff

W

e’re now starting 2022’s second month, did you already take important steps in your New Year’s Resolution pledge for better health? Why not start by getting vaccinated against COVID-19?

COVID vaccines and boosters can go a long way to making 2022 healthy for everyone. Here are the top reasons to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster early in 2022: Boosters provide increased protection over time and against new variants.

COVID-19 vaccines continue to work very well at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death. A

booster shot is another dose that boosts—as the name suggests—immunity to the virus as time passes, and it offers additional protection against variants like Delta and Omicron.

Vaccinated people who have also had a booster are less likely to get sick; but if they do catch the virus, the illness is usually less severe, even with the variants.

Everyone ages 12 and up should get a booster.

Viruses tend to spread more quickly in winter months. As the temperature drops, people tend to spend more time inside. Crowded indoor spaces are perfect places for COVID and other viruses to spread, even sometimes among people who are

fully vaccinated. In addition to masking in public indoor spaces, make sure you get a booster on the CDC-recommended schedule.

Limiting the spread of COVID-19 through boosters can help control the pandemic. The more a virus spreads, the more likely it is to mutate, increasing the chances of the development

of more contagious and dangerous variants.

As more people get COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, the spread of the virus will be limited, reducing the chance of new variants emerging.

Fully vaccinated people continue to be protected against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Boosters provide extra protection from cases that can lead to wider spread of the virus and the development of future variants. The best way to control COVID-19 and prevent variants is for more vaccinated people to get boosters.

Boosters are easy to get

and available to all vaccinated people age 12 or older. Just like the vaccines, booster shots are available at no cost to anyone living in the U.S. Anyone who got the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine should get a booster in five months, and those vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should get a booster two months after initial vaccination.

Vaccinated adults 18 years and older may choose any available vaccine as a booster, regardless of the type or brand of vaccine received previously; only the Pfizer vaccine is available as a booster for those ages 12 to 17.

Boosters are safe and easy to get and are a great first step to a healthy 2022.

For more information and to find a vaccine, visit www. vaccines.gov.

14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 5, 2022

LEGAL NOTES

Is Your Company Prepared for a Disaster

By Sheryll Bonilla, Esq.

E

valuate Your Company’s Risk What kinds of emergencies happened in the past? What could happen because of your location, design or construction of your facility, or a system or process failure? Will you be affected if your neighbor is hit by a disaster?

In New Mexico, an arsonist broke into a second-floor business and set two fires within six minutes. The water sprinklers put out the fires, but also accumulated six inches of water in the financial! office downstairs

Assess Your Company’s Critical Business Functions Which staff, departments, and resources are most important for recovery? To maintain your market share and reputation? To keep cash flow? To fulfill your financial or legal obligations? What are your irreplaceable assets?

How long can you withstand an interruption to those functions?

In the Midwest, a meatpacking facility lost power after a storm, jeopardizing $10 million in frozen inventory. Securing recovery meant buying a tractor-trailer-sized 640KVA generator to keep meat frozen

while utility companies were restored to power.

Prepare Your Supply Chain Ask your key suppliers about their recovery plan and if they have tested it. Have alternate vendors to eliminate failure at a single point. Educate your clients about being prepared. Insure what you cannot protect.

Write Out Your Emergency Management Plan Design a program to efficiently respond to an event, minimize its impact, protect your customers, and prepare for recovery. Make sure you have access to the information you need to make important decisions and get information to the right people. This includes notifying and managing your staff, clients, vendors, and suppliers.

What is the company evacuation plan? Do you need to safeguard your IT equipment?

Establish duplicate facilities?

Institute a fail-safe phone system? Will you recover in mobile offices rather than lay off or transfer employees?

Plan for An Alternate Location An alternate site can minimize the disruption. Mobile recovery is a portable building delivered to a specific location and is ideal for small to me-

dium-sized businesses. It is a cost-effective solution with a high level of flexibility. Another option is using a different site within the same company.

Back-Up Your Data Most IT professionals recommend automated, daily, data back-ups. Secure, off-site, locations (“cloud”) for storing data is a good idea. Test your data back-up regularly to make sure it works properly On testing its disaster recovery plan, an Arkansas bank found that critical telephone contract information was missing for its employees. It updated its plan to include redundant contacts and have information stored in multiple locations.

Prepare a Crisis Communication Plan How will you manage communications with your employees, key vendors, suppliers, clients, and the community?

Have an emergency con-

tact list (cell, landline, other) that is also stored remotely for easy access. Consider a 24-hour phone tree; password-protected web page for centralized emergency status; a call-in recording system; e-mail alert system; Or text/ data alert system.

Set up an alert notifications program by explaining its purpose to your staff, updating it regularly, and routinely testing it. Use social media/online communications to post status updates on recovery, direct clients, or staff to alternate locations, and provide emergency contact information and instructions. Test your website to make sure it doesn’t crash in case of a spike in internet visits.

How will you let customers know you are open after a disaster? One Midwest credit union lost its signs during a tornado. It knew a sig vendor that could accommodate its need for banners and signage after the storm, to let customers know it was still open.

Put Together Your Emergency Supply Kit and Review Your Insurance Coverage Include paper money to buy critical supplies in case electronic systems are down.

Ensure coverage for all potential risks. Keep photos of your building, equipment lists, and policy information stored in a safe and secure offsite location.

Consider business interruption insurance and added expense insurance. A burst pipe flooded a Louisiana office, requiring the relocation of 20+ employees. Their insurer approved the cost for a mobile recovery in their parking lot, mitigating company losses.

Test Your Plan Test as an annual exercise, change it to ensure it will work if needed and update as necessary. Re-train employees when changes are made.

Data Restoration. Can you restore with information available? How long will it take? Can you recover to new/ different hardware? Do you have the needed software?

Alert Notification, can you activate the system remotely? Can more than one person access the system?

Vendors’ Resilience. Involve your suppliers in your tests. Know their recovery plans and integrate them into your plans. Make sure you have alternate power to recover operations.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as offering legal advice. Please consult an attorney for your individual situation. The author is not responsible for a reader’s reliance on the information contained here.

(FEATURE: Millennials....from page 8)

able to have the experience of growing up in places heavily rooted in their culture.

Charmaine Magbaleta, 28, immigrated with her family to Hawaii when she was a child.

She went to Waimalu Elementary School in Aiea, where she found herself facing a couple of challenges, such as language barriers and cultural shock.

“Growing up was not really easy for me to represent my Filipino heritage because the school that I went to was

almost all Caucasians, African Americans, Latinos and a few Asians. There were only six Filipinos including me,” Magbaleta said.

Although she had her family at home to remind her of her Filipino culture, she found it challenging to fit in with the people who were very different from what she was used to.

“It took some time for me to actually make friends but eventually I mustered the courage to interact and make

friends with my fellow classmates,” she added. Having Filipino friends helped Magbaleta adapt to the cultural change as well.

As a second-generation Filipino millennial, 27-yearold Cassity Ilog found herself in a similar yet different challenge where she couldn’t fully grasp her cultural heritage. Born in Hawaii and raised in Ewa Beach, Ilog had to learn about her culture through her family.

“Growing up in America and being surrounded by others who don’t know much about it makes it difficult to truly understand what it means to be Filipino,” Ilog said.

She added that being

surrounded by friends who weren’t Filipino made it challenging to sink in her family’s cultural language.

“Having to constantly speak English made me forget the words that I would have learned from my grandparents when I was little,” Ilog said.

Despite having to face challenges that pushed her away from her culture at times, Ilog’s cultural heritage is something that she holds very dear to her heart.

“I like that the heritage embodies family, generosity, and dedication. [Some of these descriptions include] teaching me to have kindness for others, that family is always there

for you and believing in hard work pays off. Learning these things from my family affected my motivation of becoming a nurse,” Ilog said.

As for 25-year-old Deion Quiambao, he noticed in the schools that he attended in Ewa Beach that “being too Filipino would get you ostracized” and ostracism was “most prevalent in the group of students who immigrated from the Philippines.”

“It was the first generation Filipino-American students who were the harshest towards the newly immigrated students,” Quiambao explained. “It was mostly for (continue on page 15)

FEBRUARY 5, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  15

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MAINLAND NEWS

DOL Announces Funding Opportunity for At-Risk Vets to Return to Workforce

T

he US Department of Labor (DOL) announced on Jan. 12 a funding opportunity for organizations to provide training and employing services to veterans combating homelessness.

Through the department’s Veteran’s Employment and Training Service, the grants will fund projects across the nation at a maximum of $500,000 annually, a total of up to $1.5 million over the three-

year performance period.

In the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for the homeless population of veterans, states DOL. The grant will assist military veterans to overcome obstacles that have led them to homelessness, and to reenter

the workforce as a means to reducing homelessness.

Through the services provided, veterans experiencing homelessness may learn occupational skills, attain apprenticeships or on-the-job training opportunities and receive job search and placement assistance.

The award will be granted on a competitive basis to state and local investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, tribal governments and faith-based and community organizations.

To learn more on Homeless Veteran’s Reintegration Program, visit dol.gov/agencies/ vets/programs/hvrp.

PHILIPPINE NEWS

PHL Suspend Mandatory Quarantine for Incoming Vaccinated Travelers

T

he Philippines is currently suspending its mandatory quarantine for vaccinated travelers arriving in the country.

The new Inter-Agency Task

(FEATURE: Millennials....from page 14)

things like speaking Filipino, mocking their accent and how they dress. Basically, anything that signaled they were from the Philippines.”

He also added: “Whether the bullying came from a sense of superiority due to their place of birth or some

Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Resolution requires fully vaccinated international arriving passengers to present their proof of vaccination and nega-

tive RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure.

The resolution went effective on Feb. 1.

Those who bypassed the mandatory quarantine are still required to self-monitor for any sign or symptom for 7 days. If

symptoms are manifesting, they are required to self-isolate, medicate and report their case to the local government unit.

For unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals arriving in the Philippines, they are required to present a negative

RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure from country of origin.

They will undergo the required facility-based quarantine until the release of their negative RT-PCR test on the 5th day. Once at home, the individual must still continue the mandatory quarantine until the 14th day. 

subconscious desire to assimilate into Western culture that felt threatened by the presence of or association to newly immigrated students. I never figured it out, though I hope that’s changed.”

Despite the negative observations, Quiambao said he

personally enjoys embracing and exploring Filipino culture.

Being born in Hawaii did not stop him from learning about his culture and traditions.

“I think that for a lot of people, being a Filipino-American can give them a sense of pride in knowing the

sacrifices your parents, grandparents, etc. made to immigrate here,” he said.

“For the most part, it was easy for me to proudly represent my Filipino heritage because I grew up in Hawaii

where our culture is quite diverse, and Filipinos aren’t exactly a rarity. I think it would be way different had I grown up in the mainland where my status as minority would have been more pronounced.”

(Sagot sa Krosword Blg. 14 | January 22, 2021)

KROSWORD ni Carlito Lalicon PAHALANG

Blg. 15

1. Yakap-yakap 9. Alimuos 15. Tsokolate 16. Binya 17. Sabihin 18. Matudla 19. Matapat 20. Halimbawa 21. Ang pinili 23. Naaaninaw 27. Sunog na sunog 28. Atraso 29. Ngayon lamang 33. Iyak ng ilang hayop 34. Ibang salita sa ‘lamang’

PABABA

1. Asido 2. Sinaing na hinaluan ng mais kamote o iba pa 3. Hikayat 4. Pangkalabit sa paggigitara 5. Maulap, 6. Kalso 7. Pagtulong sa pagbuhat ng isang kargadang isusunong sa ulo o ipapasan sa balikat

35. Isang anyo ng bumaba, pinaikli at gamit sa tula 36. Balisawsawin 38. Kalmen 39. Lagak na panagot sa tinanggap na halagang inutang 40. Inay 41. Maingat 45. Halakhak 46. Kalamnan ng braso 51. Bakbak 52. Pawikan 53. Gawain 54. Tulungan, hawakan o

8. Alagang hayop 9. Natuto 10. Pihitin 11. Instrumento 12. Ipinid 13. Bala 14. Aniya 20. Panlilinlang sa pamamagitan ng mga salitang pandaya 22. Bastos 23. Pinuno ng monasteryo

dalhin nang buong 55. Ugma ingat 56. Biktorya

24. Pinaikli ng salitang ‘sumagi’ 25. Matingkad na kayumanggi 26. Sakbat 29. Kobransa 30. Marahil 31. Hurno 32. Noon 34. Lagyan ng langis 37. Pampalubag-loob 38. Pati

40. Pangalan 41. Malay 42. Nara 43. Kasayahan 44. Gambala 47. Umupo sa silya 48. Tantiya, 49. Animo 50. Balisungsong 52. Puwang (Ang sagot ay matutunghayan sa susunod na isyu ng Chronicle)

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