Hawaii Filipino Chronicle - March 19, 2022

MARCH 19, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  1

MARCH 19, 2022

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

We Know Evil in America Too

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

Gov. Ige Appoints Fil-Am Community Leader to Fill Seat in State House

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

Collateral Damage: Praying for Families in Ukraine

FEATURE

Felicing Marquez Celebrates 101 Years

2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  MARCH 19, 2022

EDITORIAL

Has A Second Cold War Just Begun?

T

he Russian invasion of Ukraine, even if it were to end suddenly tomorrow, will have already altered the world’s outlook in a kind of “second” cold war setting.

With or without President Vladimir Putin at the helm in Russia, Russia will be seen once again as a global threat. Perhaps not as menacing (at least not yet) as it were in the Cold War, but sufficiently enough for the U.S. and EU-NATO to strengthen their alliance and renew priorities in resources dedicated to military and security threats (i.e. cyberwarfare).

End of Peace Dividend Era Essentially, the “peace dividend” period -- beginning with the fall of the Berlin Wall and break up of the Soviet Union up until this very significant invasion -- is over. It’s unfortunate because during this period, the world (Russia included) experienced economic growth, confidence in security to invest most resources into nation-building. For the most part, it was a period of prosperity.

This is not to say that prosperity will cease, but the two major global threats of late (pandemic and this war), economists say, will lessen full economic globalization as it is for more domestic building (more balance between both). Why? Because both events have affected critical supply chains and spiked energy prices to where national security has been threatened. And more importantly, like in the case of oil-gas prices (Russia as a major exporter), the U.S. and Europe realized how vulnerable they are to world market trading.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

N

o longer than six months since the peaks of the coronavirus strains (Sept. 2021 Delta, Jan. 2022 Omicron) have gone by and here we are again finding ourselves in yet another global crisis. This time it involves the outbreak of a major war where a world military superpower in Russia invades its neighbor, Ukraine, the second largest country in Europe. The sheer size of the military operation -- something unseen in Europe since World War II – and the potential for a regional conflict to expand and draw in the U.S. and West are what make this war such a serious matter. Remember WWII also started when a European dictator invaded his neighboring country.

For our cover story this issue associate editor Edwin Quinabo gives us a comprehensive analysis of the war, first setting the stage of events that were in motion before its actual outbreak – details even overlooked by most media. For example, that the Feb. 24 invasion a month ago was actually the expansion of a proxy war between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. and NATO that already existed and fought (de facto war is the technical term) for the past eight years known as the Donbas war. Another critical detail hardly emphasized by most press is that the war is largely driven by the expansion of NATO moving further east, and not just the making of a mad dictator suddenly hellbent on rebuilding an old, lost empire as popularly portrayed. Little is known that the U.S. has already been deep into this war even before its eruption this year, helping to finance and train Ukraine’s military since 2014 when Russia first invaded Ukraine and annexed a part of it in Crimea. Also in the cover story three people in our community – UH Manoa Professor Emeritus Dr. Belinda Aquino, Serafin “Jun” Colmenares Jr., Ph.D., and Brien Hallett, Professor at the Matsunaga Institute for Peace, University of Hawai’i-Manoa – give the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle a critical perspective on the U.S. role in this conflict, how President Biden’s sanctions are affecting Americans, and their take on what needs to be done going forward.

Also in this issue, HFC columnist Emil Guillermo addresses a de facto war (liberally used here) of our own, the terrorizing and killing of Asian Americans in the U.S. for the last two years.

He evocatively summarized this in the title of his article, “We Know Evil in America Too.” In local news, Filipino American Luella Costales has been appointed by Governor David Ige to fill the open seat in the state House of Representatives, District 39. Former Representative Ty Cullen resigned the position last month after being charged with a bribery scheme. Costales is a long-time leader in the community and serves as a community and resource manager for the Oahu Economic Development Board. Also in local news, Hawaii’s indoor mask requirement is set to end March 25, 2022.

HFC contributor Renelaine Bontol Pfister submits a feature on Felicidad Bautista Marquez who celebrated her 101st birthday. HFC contributor Rose Cruz Churma gives us a book review on “Filipino Woman Writing – Home and Exile in the Autobiographical Narratives of Ten Writers” in observance of March as International Women’s History Month.

Lastly, we’d like to remind all our Filipino organizations to submit to us a press release on your upcoming events. With the mask requirement about to be lifted and the pandemic is well on its way out the door, finally, we know that more community functions are starting up again. Thank you for supporting HFC. Until next issue, warmest Aloha and Mabuhay!

What a second cold war could look like Entering a second cold war, we will not only see increased reallocation of resources into security by the multi-millions even billion (Germany announced it will invest 2% of its national budget into defense), but international geopolitical relations will once again be extremely sensitive. *Led by the U.S., NATO overnight has suddenly become relevant again. Investments into NATO will only get larger, and thus, stronger. Ironically, one of Putin’s justifications for invading Ukraine was the overexpansion of NATO and his perceived threat of NATO at his doorstep. His invasion just fulfilled his fear, of a stronger NATO. *Even though Russia looks to be a pariah by the West, Russian relations with other countries outside of the West will continue and perhaps even strengthen with China, the world’s future biggest economy. China is playing the neutral role in this Russian invasion and has not participated in EU-NATO sanctions against Putin. India, the Gulf countries, rising emergent world economies, will most likely continue their relations with Russia. In fact EU nations are still dependent on Russian oil and have not followed the U.S. lead in cutting Russian imports.

One silver lining, as it were when foreign threats seemed urgent and real to Americans, the political divide in the U.S. will not be as acrimonious and toxic. We saw a glimpse of this in President Joe Biden’s 2002 State of the Union where bipartisan applause erupted when Biden spoke of the Russian invasion. Days later, there was bipartisan agreement on providing billions more in aid to Ukraine.

This sudden “coming together” and spirit of goodwill could be temporary as soon as the midterms start to heat up. Still, just refocusing energy and paying less attention to our differences ed that chaos and anti-Putin resistance will soon mount interpolitically and looking to world matters (the war) alleviates the nally. But as Putin has showed, he is capable of ruling with a heavy hand, iron fist. thick tension we’ve been having .

Economic hardship due to foreign sanctions could also have the opposite effect and build nationalism within Russia.

Russia without Putin As Russians, both oligarchs and average citizens, begin to No one knows how this will be played out. But even with Putin feel the pains of the sanctions exacted by the West, it’s expect- out and as Russia remains a military power with nukes, the

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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

MARCH 19, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  3

EDITORIAL

Some Closure Reached in Opioids Crisis with Billions Dollars Settlements, But Epidemic is Far from Over

A

ccountability finally came, and long overdue for the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma makers of the painkiller OxyContin which played a central role in the opioid epidemic.

Close to 150,000 people involved in an opioids civil lawsuit -- for some of them having two decades of suffering, dependency, drug-abuse treatment, financial ruin and death – recently received some closure as a judge overseeing Purdue Pharma’s bankruptcy approved a $6 billion opioid settlement.

The settlement over time could be worth more than $10 billion and will protect the family from further civil lawsuits, but does not shield members of the family from criminal charges.

Some $750 million will be divided among some 150,000 people who have struggled with addiction or who lost loved ones from OxyContin.

The rest of the money will be going toward fighting addiction.

While the settlement serves as accountability for the devastating harm caused

by OxyContin, it is justice that will not bring back those loved ones families have loss to death and the (Has A Second....from page 2)

West is shaken and old Cold War fears already aroused.

Putin’s removal from power (the best scenario for the world) is far from certain, particularly if he is able to fill the lost economic gaps from the West with China investments. Just days ago, U.S. Intelligence reported that Putin has asked China to help Russia during this time of war.

And China appears emboldened by Putin. Any country supporting Taiwan militarily, China warned this week, would face the “worst consequences.” Sounds familiar?

Expected but unexpected For years foreign policy experts and diplomats have

Hawaii to receive settlement In another earlier $26 billion settlement with drugmaker Johnson & Johnson and distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson, Hawaii will receive about $73 million as its share of the landmark

settlement, according to the state attorney general General Holly T. Shikada.

Funds for that settlement will begin to be released to a national administrator starting on April 2, 2022. Most of the $73 million allocated for Hawaii will go to support treatment, recovery, and harm reduction programs, and other strategies to address the opioid epidemic.

It hasn’t been announced if Hawaii will get funds from the Purdue settlement, but at the time of the earlier $25 billion settlement, Atty. Gen. Shikada said “these settlements do not complete our fight against those who created and fostered the nationwide opioid problem.”

The $25 billion settlement is the second largest multi-state agreement in U.S. history, second only to the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.

In a 2018 study, Hawaii had among the lowest rates in the U.S. prescribing opioids, Hawaii providers wrote 33.4 opioid prescriptions for every 100 persons, compared to the average U.S. rate of 51.4 prescriptions.

Purdue filed for bankruptcy in 2019 after facing thousands of lawsuits, but the Sackler family has not admitted to any legal wrongdoing.

Purdue pleaded guilty to mis-

been warning the world of Putin, of his shadow side, the side where he controls Russian media, allegedly eliminates his political enemies, and his autocratic tendencies and desire to extend that power by rebuilding Soviet empire-style reach and world prominence.

Russian Putin critics have said that the West actually enabled Putin to power and to be in a position to be so bold as to invade Ukraine (he’s already invaded Georgia and Crimea) by opening up their western financial markets to him and his oligarchs.

It could be argued if the west had imposed harsher sanctions years ago during those invasions, perhaps this

Ukraine invasion would not have occurred.

The unexpected had just happened in spite of warnings and signs (even from Putin’s own words as he has been threatening NATO expansion for years). Ukraine has been invaded. World security is threatened.

The U.S. .and NATO must continue to take prudent, cautious steps during this world crisis. Give sanctions time to play out. Expanding the military conflict is the last scenario the world wants.

We should continue to help Ukraine, offer not just military and humanitarian aid, but offer direction toward finding working, lasting peace in the region.

grief they must endure over a lifetime.

Hawaii victims from OxyContin logged in to the virtual court hearing where over two dozen victims had a first time opportunity to address three members of the Sackler family in court.

A victim who gave birth to a baby born addicted to opioids addressed the Sacklers: “the screaming will haunt you for the rest of your life — and what it’s been like to raise him.” At 11, the child still uses a sippy cup and diapers, his mother said.

OxyContin, a pioneering extended-release prescription painkiller, hit the market in 1996. It was prescribed for a wide-range of pain conditions that was previously thought to be medically safe and appropriate.

There have been nearly 500,000 U.S. opioid overdose deaths over two decades, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

branding and fraud charges related to its OxyContin marketing in 2007 and 2020.

The Sackler family released a statement saying they had acted lawfully but “regret” that OxyContin “unexpectedly became part of an opioid crisis that has brought grief and loss to far too many families and communities.”

Purdue claimed that far fewer than 1% of people prescribed opioids developed addictions, but studies have not been furnished to back up those claims.

Illegal trade The legal victories do not cover millions of others who became addicted to opioids in the illegal trade. Many who’ve obtained opioids originally by prescription for a short period of time but were taken off the regiment have resorted to illegal channels to maintain their addiction.

And today, fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid originally developed as a pharmaceutical pain management treatment of cancer patients, is now one of the most popular illegal drugs available on the streets that is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths.

University of Hawaii for-

mer star quarterback Colt Brennan obtained fentanyl illegally and died from an accidental overdose.

Crisis far from over The recent court settlements will go a long way to assist patients led to addiction.

The opioids crisis will go down as one of the most harmful, irresponsible, abusive chapters in modern medicine and treatment. But unfortunately the opioids crisis via illegal trade is far from over.

The medical community must remember the root causes of this crisis and ensure that the steps that led to it are not repeated. A few of the root causes to learn from: misleading ads not properly warning of addictive qualities of pain killers, overprescribing of opioids, lack of adequate education among doctors on the harmful effects of pain killers, lack of public education on pain killers.

In order to prevent future drug prescription crisis like the opioids epidemic from happening, the billions in settlement won in the courts system may not be enough of a deterrence. Clearly a powerful message has been sent to the pharmaceutical industry with regard to civil fines and accountability. But again is it enough? Perhaps criminal prosecution must follow.

4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  MARCH 19, 2022

COVER STORY

Billions in Aid For Ukraine, Russia Hit With Severe Sanctions - US Fulfilling Its Role As A World Superpower

by Edwin Quinabo

O

n Feb. 24, 2022, Russia launches a massive 150,000 troops invasion into Ukraine, a former Soviet Republic which voted for independence upon the dissolution of the Soviet Empire in 1991.

The historic attack triggers global fears initially for two reasons: Europe hasn’t seen a military mobilization and invasion of this magnitude since World War II; and the attack was launched by an old Cold War superpower led by a dictator in President Vladimir Putin.

By three weeks into the war, the world is shocked by the extent to which Russia’s war campaign has been escalating. A few cities are almost completely razed by shelling.

Missile attacks are directed on innocent civilians that include targets Putin’s first attack on Ukraine, invasion of Crimea Putin’s now month-old war on Ukraine is not the first time Russia invaded Ukraine in modern times. In 2014, already Russia’s most powerful leader as a two-term president, two-term prime minster and reelected in 2012 as president for a third term – Putin orchestrates the invasion and annexation of Crimea, back then a Ukraine territory, It was a strategic military move for Russia to have complete access to the Black Sea, historians say.

Two triggers that pushes Putin to invade Ukraine in 2022 By 2021 after winning his fourth term as president, Putin is the uncontested, unchallenged supreme leader of Russia. He even manages to change the Constitution to enable him to potentially stay in power until 2036.

where children are known to be, at a maternity hospital, at a bomb shelter marked on its rooftop “children.” The world is witness to a refugee exodus of millions. Again, of historic magnitude and not seen since World War II. The inhumanity, the entire war itself actually could have been avoided if Ukraine, as the second most powerful Republic in the old Soviet, had not relinquished its nuclear capabilities, which amounted to one-third of the Soviet’s inventory of nuclear weapons. At the time, Ukraine ranked third internationally in having the largest stock of nukes.

But three years after Ukraine gained its independence, its leader, along with leaders of Russia, Britain and the United States signed the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances.

The agreement was that the U.S. and Russia (the twin superpowers then)

At his command are his handpicked top military brass who stood with him for years, all of them loyal to him without question. Putin is driven once again by military ambition (primarily in his own words, a defensive one) to secure control over Ukraine before NATO-influence arrives in Russia’s backyard.

Putin sees the pro-westerner, anti-corruption crusader Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky as the threat who could bring NATO to Russia’s doorstep.

While not officially made a NATO member, Ukraine has already been receiving U.S. and NATO high-tech military equipment; the Ukraine military also getting training from western troops. Official NATO-member or not, Ukraine has already been dressed the part, playing the role as member.

Adding to Putin’s fear of Russia’s neighbor Ukraine

turning too “Western” is another fear developing in yet another neighbor country, Belarus. Putin’s longtime ally Belarus strongman Aleksandr Lukashenko (Europe’s longest serving leader; Putin is second) suffered a near overthrow in 2021.

Georgia president Salome Zourabichvili, whose own country was invaded by Russia in 2008 that resulted in two break away states, said on CNN that Lukashenko’s near ouster probably gave Putin a sense of urgency to launch an attack on Ukraine now rather than a too-late-later when potentially Putin himself could be in a similar situation.

Lukashenko blamed foreigners for inciting rebellion in Belarus. Over two decades in power Putin has consistently expressed xenophobia, like Lukashenko. While having all the power in Russia, his rhetoric against the West, of the

would recognize Ukraine’s sovereignty and guarantee that they would not attack Ukraine in exchange for Ukraine giving up its nuclear weapons.

Besides the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances, three other similar agreements were signed safeguarding Ukraine’s future security. But Putin’s attack on Ukraine violated all three of those agreements.

West’s dominance at the world stage since the breakup of the Soviet, revealed characteristics of an insecure man.

Lukashenko’s near ouster happened at a time during the world pandemic which gave Putin lots of alone time to stew fantastical scenarios after fantastical scenarios and to feast on his fears.

While U.S. Intelligence believe Ukraine’s invasion had been planned potentially years in advance. These three triggers could have set such plans into action.

Where US enters RussoUkraine conflict, the Donbas war For all the western media’s criticisms of the Russian press, U.S. and western media have underreported the most critical prelude to the February attack – the Donbas war.

When Russia invaded and annexed Ukraine’s Crimea, a

then ill equipped Ukraine military could not engage in direct military combat with Russia.

That takeover went largely uncontested with six reported deaths.

Also happening that same year – this is the part hardly mentioned by the American press – was the start of a pro-Russian separatist war (instigated by Russia) in the Donbas region against Ukraine’s central government.

Crimea had already fallen and potentially more parts of Ukraine was in jeopardy.

Military analysts believe the thought of more Ukraine territory being lost to Russia was not in the West’s best interests. It’s at this time that the U.S. and NATO sprang into action, helping to build up Ukraine militarily and in essence, began their participation of fighting a proxy war on the side of backing Ukraine’s (continue on page 5)

MARCH 19, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  5

COVER STORY (Billions in Aid....from page 4)

central government against its Donbas, pro-Russian, population.

The U.S. and NATO allies poured billions into beefing up Ukraine’s military technology and training soldiers in advanced combat. .The Donbas war started in 2014 and has been ongoing to the present. It was the first sign of a return of the Cold War to Europe. The 2022 Ukraine invasion expands on the Donbas war in a far grander scale.

The International Crisis Group, a transnational non-profit, NGO, think tank analyzing global crisis, said to better understand today’s wide-scale war, it’s important to know that Russia and Ukraine have been in an ongoing de facto war (actual ongoing direct conflict but not officially declared) since 2014.

The Crisis Group said over 14,000 people were killed in the Donbas war. It has been a classic trench warfare involving thousands of troops. The war tanked the region’s economy and there were widescale intense suffering as what happens in direct armed combat.

Besides the West’s portrayal of a megalomaniacal Putin intent on recapturing old Soviet Republics (a premise some veteran diplomats like former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch disputes in the New Yorker) there are other considerations that led to today’s war.

Importance of Ukraine as a buffer country Both the Crimean invasion and the Donbas war, their importance collectively, has to do with Ukraine being a buffer that separates Russian borders from NATO-member countries.

In Putin’s address to Russia immediately after its invasion of Ukraine, he spoke extensively on the security threat of NATO’s expansion. He accused the U.S. of bringing the security threat to Russia’s vicinity and justified his action as a responsible action for Russia’s own protection.

Serafin “Jun” Colmenares Jr., Ph.D. M.P.H, Hawaii State administrator, told the Filipino Chronicle “Russia’s invasion

of Ukraine is a threat to Europe and Europe is important to the US. It could be that Ukraine is not Russia’s end game. Ukraine is not the only buffer state and it is therefore possible for Russia to be interested in these other buffer states as well (the Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia), especially if there are Russian-speaking populations living in those areas.”

Colmenares believes Putin wants to go back to the status quo prior to the USSR break-up and is eyeing both former Soviet Republics and other eastern European states. “Fortunately, the Baltic States and these other countries are already part of the NATO alliance. Just too bad that Ukraine’s admission into NATO was delayed,” he said.

U.S. Commitment to Ukraine Since 2014, the U.S. has committed more than $5.4 billion in total assistance to Ukraine (military and non-military). The U.S. (Ukraine’s largest humanitarian donor to Ukraine) also provided three sovereign loan guarantees totaling $3 billion, according to the U.S. Department of State website.

On Feb 26, President Joe Biden instructed the U.S. State Department to release up to an additional $350 million worth of weapons from U.S. stocks to Ukraine.

Most recently a $13.6 billion emergency package of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine and allies passed both chambers of Congress with bipartisan support. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill that includes this emergency package.

Dr. Belinda A. Aquino, Professor Emeritus of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Professor of Political Science and Asian Studies, told the Filipino Chronicle Biden is correct on his pledge and follow through with billions extended to Ukraine.

“The beleaguered Ukraine nation is like David against Goliath [Russia] in the familiar biblical story. Here is a poor, innocent and defenseless country constantly bombarded

by Russia’s Vladimir Putin,

who is incurably suffering from unbridled MEGALOMANIA. I put that word in capital letters to emphasize the main cause of Putin’s cancer that is gradually eating up its prey next door which is unable to defend itself. Putin is obsessed with power and violence and he will go on and on until he is stopped by another superpower with the help of other nations.”

What the U.S. will not commit to President Biden has repeatedly said that the U.S. will not send ground troops to Ukraine and will not agree to a No-Fly Zone which could bring the U.S. into direct conflict with Russia.’

Outside of the theater of war Beyond Ukraine’s border where nearby NATO-member countries are situated, Biden and allies are obligated to engage if a member is attacked.

The NATO Response Force (up to 40,000) has been activated and is on standby.

Economic sanctions against Russia The U.S. State Department said the U.S. and NATO-EU allies and partners have imposed severe sanctions designed to exact economic costs on Russia. Some measures include sweeping financial sanctions that will have an immediate impact on its export controls that will cut off Russia’s access to vital technological inputs and atrophy its industrial base.

Brien Hallett, Professor Matsunaga Institute for Peace, University of Hawai’i-Manoa, told the Filipino Chronicle, “Whatever critics may say about President Biden’s actions before the fighting began, since February 24, his response has been effective. He and our European allies have responded forcefully without triggering a larger war. They have imposed economic sanctions, provided supplies, and such, but not gotten directly involved in the fighting on the ground.”

Hallett adds, “The U.S./ NATO should continue the policies they have started,

“The Ukranians cannot and will not be pushed around. They are a very proud people who will not give up their homeland. They are correct in protecting their own country.

They continue to pledge their own language and own culture. Such determinations are hard to beat even with Russia’s superior power of guns and bombs. Such staunch determination will triumph over the fragile basis of Putin’s power, which is based solely on his own megalomania and supreme arrogance.”

— Dr. Belinda A. Aquino, Professor Emeritus of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Professor of Political Science and Asian Studies while supporting every diplomatic opportunity possible.

Behind the scenes diplomacy with China might be the most productive, given how dependent Putin now is on China.”

Colmenares, Jr. said, “The US should continue what it is doing, providing military material as well as humanitarian assistance. There is no denying the fact that what is going on in Ukraine right now is a humanitarian disaster. The US and the whole world should find ways to address the ongoing human suffering. Perhaps the US can rehash what it did during the Berlin blockade in the 1950s by providing much-needed humanitarian and economic help which saved West Berlin from the Russian siege at that time.”

One of the U.S.’s harshest sanctions is aimed against Russia’s central bank. It prohibits Americans from doing any business with the bank as well as freezes its assets within the United States. Analysts say it will cause extra hardship on Russian oligarchs.

Some sanctions have never been imposed in the past like going after a head of state’s personal assets in the U.S. like what Biden is doing now with Putin.

Colmenares, Jr. said he agree with Biden’s handling of the U.S.’s commitment to

this war. “It was a bit late but it was quite understandable given the need to have the support of the European countries first in order to have a united front against Russia.”

Economists say the sanctions imposed on Russia essentially amounts to economic warfare. War cannot just be looked upon as physical military conflict in today’s global market and high technology.

There is tremendous power in economic warfare.

Putin says sanctions against Russia is like a declaration of war.

Economic warfare is particularly effective in blockstyle, coalition-coordinated sanctions. And vital to this is having strong allies, which the U.S. historically understood.

Former President Donald Trump failed to understand the benefits of this during his term when he basically was dismissive of the EU and NATO.’

The controversial ban on Russian oil The most controversial sanction imposed is the US oil-gas ban on Russia which is the world’s largest exporter of oil. Some believe because the U.S. receives less than 3% of oil-gas imports from Russia, this ban is more symbolic (continue on page 6)

6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  MARCH 19, 2022

COVER STORY (Billions in Aid....from page 5)

messaging and will not be effective.

The likelihood that it could bring Russia to its knees could only have happened if European allies joined in this U.S. ban.

European allies are largely dependent on Russia as a major source of their oil and couldn’t commit to a ban.

Besides not being effective, the ban is controversial because it’s contributing to the rise in gasoline prices, which are already at historic highs.

Economists say gasoline hikes will lead to other price hikes like utilities, grocery and most products that require long distances for delivery. It’s a ripple effect.

In a time of already record high inflation, many Americans believe the ineffective ban is not worth the cost-benefit when severe austerity is required.

And that hardship calls into question fairness as Americans are historically asked to take on the highest burdens even as Europe, in this case, stands to benefit most in Putin’s containment and withdrawal of troops in Ukraine. The inequitable burden ratio is particularly bothersome to Americans who see their standard of living having had slipped below parts of Europe in recent years.

Aquino said, “The U.S. over its history has been involved in various wars and conflicts in many parts of the world - Afghanistan, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Iraq, etc. which has used up much of American military economic and political resources. As some pundits have put it, ‘Ameri-

ca cannot and should not continue being the policeman of the world.’ In the end, if such militarily oriented activities continue, it is the American people themselves who suffer.”

She said of the Russian oil import ban, “It is a difficult problem because it will affect the American economy in terms of the American people who will be confronted by rising prices of oil and other products imported from Russia if the ban is prolonged.

“The US is in close touch with NATO and other allies in the world which is a good idea. As a united front they can render Russia vulnerable if they persist in their killing and persecuting of Ukrainians.”

Much of the West’s economic warfare against Russia is directed at Russian oligarchs. Throughout Europe from the U.K. to Italy, Russian oligarch property are being confiscated.

Aquino suggests, “The U.S. should explore its own products that it is exporting to Russia like vodka, caviar and other necessities that the Russian oligarchs relish.”

She says Russian oligarchs themselves and members of the Russian elite are responsible for propping up and keeping Putin in power.

“This is like a case of psychological warfare. Once that basis of Russia’s elite power is undermined by denial of the goods that they need and relish most, Putin might reconsider his hardline approach to dealing with the U.S. and allies who have

the ability to contribute to the gradual erosion of Putin’s power.”

Colmenares Jr.’s take on the oil ban, “I think the oil ban, as well as the other economic sanctions, are the best way to pressure and punish Russia, short of war. It will initially have an adverse economic impact on the US and other countries but, in the long run, this will ease up as other sources of oil is found and other alternative energy sources are expanded.

“For example, the decision of the UAE to increase oil production can help alleviate the situation. The US is also trying to get Saudi Arabia to do the same, as well as talking to Argentina which is a major oil producer. I think most, if not all, European countries would follow suit eventually as alternative sources become available,” Colmenares, Jr. said.

Attempts at peace talks, what’s already on the table to see There have been four attempts at peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. But only the most recent meeting involved high-level cabinet members. Near a month into the invasion, it’s becoming clearer what the limits of engagement are. Experts believe the longer the war extends this clarity will lead to more productive peace talks.

Ukraine already knows its capabilities of defending itself and the growing refugee crisis.

It’s currently about two million and is expected to grow to 5 million. Ukraine does not have

the resources to sustain its refugees abroad.

In turn Russia must have a better understanding that shelling targets alone will not break the will of the Ukrainian people who will resort to guerrilla warfare if needed.

Putin knows sanctions will begin to hurt Russians who will eventually grow tired of the war and could threaten his leadership.

Already at the outbreak of war, Russians took to the streets to protest Russia’s aggression. The number of anti-war protestors arrested have surpassed 14,000 and keeps growing.

With an inhumane 15-years prison penalty for a protestor in Russia, the thousands willing to risk so much takes passionate conviction. That kind of conviction doesn’t go away and could only intensify.

Time is against everyone connected to war. The U.S and NATO’s support for Ukraine will also have a practical diminishing date which is why some Americans believe given the U.S. mammoth financial commitments, at some point it and possibly another NATO founding member should be invited to the peace talks table.

Anger directed at Putin mounting higher As of press time, close to 650 Ukraine civilians have died and the refugee crisis is rising by the hour, by the day. is rising by the hour, by the day. The more human suffering, the more intense vitriol is directed at Putin who most believe is the one-man dictator pushing this war.

“Putin is the personification of evil and should be removed. I admire Ukraine’s president and its people for standing up against the Russian bear to defend its freedom. I just saw a movie (Kruty 1918) which showed the heroic stand of about 300 Ukrainian volunteers (mostly students, the youngest of which was only a 6th-grader) against the attack of 4,000 Russians on Kyiv in 1918 and how they were able to stall them - indeed a testament to the Ukrainian fighting spirit that is on display right now,” Colmenares Jr. said.

Personal accounts of the war have been heart-wrenching. Aquino warned, “Millions of innocent Ukrainians have already been slaughtered as they tried to flee from their homeland. And many more people will be killed in the process by Russia’s military as each day passes during this war.”

At the same time, Aquino recognizes the Ukrainians fighting spirit. “The Ukrainians cannot and will not be pushed around. They are a very proud people who will not give up their homeland.

They are correct in protecting their own country. They continue to pledge their own language and own culture.

Such determinations are hard to beat even with Russia’s power of guns and bombs.

Such staunch determination will triumph over the fragile basis of Putin’s power, which is based solely on his own megalomania and supreme arrogance.”

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

2022 Elections Candidate Filing is Now Open

I

ndividuals interested to serve the community in a governmental level can now file their candidacy for the 2022 Elections.

The candidate filing opened on March 1 and will run through June 7, 2022.

Interested elective office candidates must complete and file their nomination form to

appear on the ballot.

To be eligible to file candidacy, one of the requirements for the individual is to collect signatures from a minimum number of voters in the district office they are running for.

Candidate filling is open for the following offices: - U.S. Senate • Governor • Lieutenant Governor • Office of Hawaiian Af-

• • • • •

fairs Trustee, Hawaii Resident Trustee, vacancy Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee, Maui Resident Trustee Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee, Oahu Resident Trustee Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee, At-Large County of Hawaii, Councilmember County of Maui, Mayor

•

County of Maui, Councilmember • County of Kauai, Mayor • County of Kauai, Councilmember • City & County of Honolulu, Councilmember To access the application and nomination forms and learn more about the process of candidate filing, visit elections.hawaii.gov.

The 2022 Primary Election will be held on August 13 and the General Election on November 8, 2022. 

MARCH 19, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  7

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

We Know Evil in America Too

By Emil Guillermo

E

vil. It’s the opposite of Aloha. It’s evil we’ve witnessed these past few weeks. Russia denies it, but we can see for ourselves.

A maternity hospital shelled. Then another. Nuclear power plants attacked.

Residential neighborhoods targeted. Innocent civilians killed.

Before our eyes, we see Russia’s war in Ukraine unfold. Russia’s lies about its military actions only make this the world’s first “global gas-lit war,” pure evil.

But we know and have seen evil too, within our own borders. Asian Americans know it all too well—at least on the mainland.

For the last two years, there has been what amounts to a de facto war of terror against Asian Americans.

It was on March 19, 2020, when the twice impeached former president was first asked about his use of the phrases “Kung Flu” and “China Virus” to describe the pandemic.

The scapegoating remarks from the White House essentially gave the public a signal that translated into a public animus against Asian Americans for way more than just the origins of the pandemic.

The group #StopAAPIHate first started logging instances of hate transgressions and found it grew from a modest 700 cases to nearly 3,000 by the end of 2020. To date, they’ve logged more than 10,000 instances ranging from verbal abuse and spitting to physical violence, including murder.

Early on, the group could see a dangerous trend emerge.

Women were victimized at rates three times that of men among all the instances logged.

And so, the historical

marker for this era of Asian American pain will always be March 16, 2021.

This year will mark one year since the killing of six Asian American women of Korean descent in what has become known as the “Atlanta spa killings.”

The homogenized phrase hides the real pain. We should know March 16, 2021 by the lives claimed.

Xiaojie “Emily” Tan, 49.

Tan owned Young’s Asian Spa in Cherokee County, Georgia, where the first part of the day’s shootings occurred.

Tan also owned another spa, Wang’s Feet and Body Massage in Kennesaw, Georgia. She met her husband, Michael Webb, in Asia, and they came to America in 2006. The couple adopted a daughter, then divorced. Tan died a day before her 50th birthday.

Daoyou Feng, 44, worked at Young’s Asian Spa for just a few months.

In Atlanta’s Fulton County, there were four more Asian American women killed.

Hyung Jung Grant, 51, worked at the Gold Spa and was a single mother of two sons. She had been a school teacher in South Korea.

Soon Chung Park, 74, made food for the employees at the Gold Spa. She had lived in New York before moving to Atlanta.

Suncha Kim, 69, worked at the Gold Spa and came to America in the 1980s. She was close to her family and worked several jobs to support them. A grandchild described her as a “fighter” and a “rock,” for the family.

Yong Ae Yue, 63, worked at the Aromatherapy Spa. She came to the U.S. in the 1970s from Korea where she met her husband, Mac Peterson, who was in the US military.

These are the names of the six Asian American women.

But let’s not forget the other victims: Delaina Ash-

ley Yaun, 33, who had gone to Young’s for a couples massage. Her husband, Mario Gonzalez, was in another room hiding. Married less than a year, they have a teenage son and an 8-month-old baby girl.

Paul Andre Michels, 54, moved from Detroit to Atlanta in the ‘90s. His brother told reporters that he was considering opening a massage business of his own after working as a maintenance person at Young’s.

John Michels described his brother as a military vet, a gun owner, a Catholic, and a staunch Republican. He was the eighth fatal victim on March 16.

The lone survivor of the day was Elcias R. Hernandez-Ortiz, 30, a Guatemalan immigrant who worked as a mechanic and has a wife and nine-year-old daughter.

He was shot in the forehead, lungs, and stomach at Young’s Asian Spa. The person alleged to have committed all eight murders was convicted last July of the four deaths at Young’s in Cherokee County.

Robert Aaron Long, 21, took a plea deal to the four murders at Young’s and was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus 35 years.

It is said it is easier to buy a gun in Georgia than it is to vote. Long purchased a 9 mm handgun, then went to a liquor store to buy alcohol, where he parked outside Young’s Spa for an hour.

That’s when he decided to walk in.

Long has said the shootings weren’t about race, but rather his sex addiction overcome by Christian guilt over premarital sex. He told the court when he went into Young’s he received a “service.” He gave into temptation, then took his sense of moral justice into his own hands.

He went to the bathroom and came out shooting at people.

Long said he did not know or recognize any victims, including Tan and Feng.

The shooting took less than five minutes.

Long is then alleged to have driven to the two other spas, Gold’s Spa and Aromatherapy Spa in northeast Atlanta’s Fulton County, where he killed four other Asian Americans: Grant, Park, Kim and Yu. While the Cherokee County DA did not seek hate crime enhancements, the Fulton County District Attorney is seeking the death penalty and hate crime enhancements. Long has pleaded not guilty. His next court appearance is in April.

And that’s where we are one year later. The legal proceedings and whether it’s a hate crime or not will be discussed in a subsequent column.

For now, it’s worth it just to understand how the day came to be.

A young white man, angered and confused by religion and his sexuality, lashed out at six innocent Asian American women: Xiaojie “Emily” Tan, Daoyou Feng, Hyung Jung Grant, Soon Chung Park,Suncha Kim, Yong Ae Yue. They were living their lives freely in America. In the case of Tan, we have a thriving entrepreneur. The others were working class people, who by all accounts in the media were happy, providing for loving families.

They were doing what our society allows for immigrants with limited means.

But they were more than just surviving, despite living in a world with issues of racism, sexism, and white supremacy.

Far from where they came from. They had made new lives in America.

They were alive.

And then all of it was taken away in an instant, gunned down in an act of zealous evil. 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.

8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  MARCH 19, 2022

HEALTHLINE

Know The Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome

M

any office places have switched their meetings and communication to be almost exclusively online. Unsurprisingly, many work-from-home and virtual employees have found themselves encountering a host of eye-strain issues, a continuing trend that Cornea Specialist, Dr. Steven Rhee of Hawaiian Eye Center warns to take precautions for.

“Computer vision syndrome isn’t a specific set of symptoms, it’s an umbrella term to describe the varying discomfort and symptoms to the eyes caused by screen-related issues. It is almost impossible to avoid progressive eye strain from regular computer use for work, so adding some basic tools and improvements to your home office is

vital to continue working from a screen regularly”, suggested Dr. Rhee.

Studies have estimated that between 70 to 90 percent of workers worldwide who use computers regularly experience symptoms related to computer vision syndrome (CVS). March is designated Workplace Eye Wellness Month by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) to help raise awareness about this common and treatable condition.

CVS, also known as digital eye strain, can occur from extensive use of any device with a digital screen. Symptoms include light sensitivity, dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, as well as neck and shoulder pain.

And combination of the following factors can lead to CVS: uncorrected refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism),

poor lighting, screen glare, and poor workstation setup for posture and viewing.

Fortunately, there are multiple protective measures that people can take to avoid CVS by simple changes to their office setup and computer habits.

Furthermore, Dr. Rhee noted that CVS is an easily treated issue with no scientific evidence of it causing permanent damage to a person’s eyes, regardless of prior screen use in the past.

The first step in protecting yourself from CVS is to correct any refractive error by visiting your eye care professional. According to a report by the AAO, it’s estimated that 8.2 million people in the U.S. suffer from a vision impairment because of an uncorrected refractive error. Having the proper glasses, contact lenses, or surgery to correct these issues will decrease any added strain on your eyes.

Next, make sure to improve your workstation by: - Positioning your monitor between 20 to 28 inches away from your eyes.

- Adding anti-glare filters over your computer screens and applicable eyeglasses.

- Adjusting your chair to view the screen’s center, just below eye level at a 15 to 20-degree downward angle.

- Changing screen contrast and brightness to a level comparable to the surrounding light.

- Using lower lighting and curtains or blinds to reduce

glare in finished surfaces throughout your office.

Finally, follow these simple tips and exercises: take a break from the computer every couple of hours; every 20 minutes, focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds (20/20/20 rule); and try over-the-counter lubricating eye drops.

“If CVS symptoms become chronic or difficult to manage, speak with your eye care professional to see if special computer glasses are needed or treatment for dry eyes is recommended,” says Dr. Rhee. 

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

Gov. Ige Appoints Filipino American Community Leader to Fill Seat in State House

F

Board. She also held posiilipino American tions at the Rehabilitation Luella Costales has Hospital of the Pacific and been appointed by Kupu.

Governor David Ige to fill Moreover, she serves as the open seat in the state a member in multiple comHouse of Representatives, mittees: the FBI Honolulu District 39. Former RepCitizens Academy Alumni resentative Ty Cullen reAssociation, WWII Filipisigned the position last Rep. Luella Costales no Veteran Congressional month after being charged Gold Medal Committee, Filipino Veterwith a bribery scheme.

District 39 covers jurisdiction on ans Recognition and Education Project Royal Kunia, Village Park, Waipahu, as well as the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation.

Makakilo and West Loch.

“I’m honored by Governor Ige’s ap“Luella has over 35 years of experience serving her community through the pointment to represent State House District 39 and am grateful for his efforts to non-profit sector,” said Ige. “One of her main goals is to restore ensure our district has representation for public trust in the legislative process and the remainder of this legislative session,” I believe she’s the right person to help said Costales.

“District 39 is made up of resilient ensure honesty, clarity, and integrity in her role serving the people of Hawaiʻi. I people from diverse backgrounds and wish her all the best and look forward to experiences and I’m honored to represent them during this time.” working with her.”

Once the state House qualifies CosCostales is a long-time leader in the community. She currently serves tales and takes her oath of office, she will as a community and resource manager serve the rest of Cullen’s term until Nofor the Oahu Economic Development vember 2022. 

MARCH 19, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  9

FEATURE

Felicing Marquez Celebrates 101 Years

By Renelaine Bontol Pfister

O

n March 5, 2022, Felicidad Bautista Marquez celebrated her 101st birthday surrounded by family from Hawaii and all over the US. They celebrated her birthday at a community center, where everyone danced and sang together, and even sang her favorite song when she turned 18, “Cheek to Cheek”

by Fred Astaire.

Prior to the celebration, Senator Glenn Wakai presented Felicidad with a certificate from the Hawaii State Legislature to honor her milestone birthday.

Most people call her Felicing or Nanay (the Filipino word for Mother). Born in 1921, she grew up in Metro Manila and is the fourth of thirteen siblings.

When she was 12, she was chosen the “Healthiest Student” among a thousand students in

her elementary school.

During the war, she worked as a hospital aide and nurse assistant and had to walk seven miles each day to go to work. She walked in the dark to lessen her chances of encountering war-related violence.

F e l i c i n g l a t e r Nanay Felicing with Senator Glenn Wakai worked as a clerk and Gardening, cooking, and met her husband, Serafin. He traveling were among Felicworked in Guam on and off for 10 years while she raised ing’s passions in her younger their five children in the Phil- years. The garden in her Pearl City home was much admired ippines.

In 1967, Felicing and her and praised and called an oasis family immigrated to Hawaii by visitors.

She also loved cooking. from Caloocan City, Philippines. When she first arrived, Her famous dishes were lumshe helped family members piang sariwa, escabeche, adoand friends by babysitting bo, kare kare and pochero.

Finally, traveling was their children. It was a role Fesomething she enjoyed with licing was familiar with, being an older sister and taking care her family. They would take of her younger siblings when trips to the mainland and the Philippines. they were growing up.

She always kept busy and helped others. After her husband passed away, Felicing volunteered her time to make crafts for St. Francis Hospice, Louis Pohl Gallery and Downtown Art Center.

Felicing currently lives with her youngest daughter, Felicia and Felicia’s husband.

She spends her time engaged in art such as collaging, painting, and making floral arrangements.

Though there are challenges at her age such as needing extra time to eat, walk, and get in and out of cars, Felicing feels grateful when she wakes up every day.

She enjoys connecting with people and believes in simply having fun. Felicia keeps her Nanay engaged each day by playing cards, exercising, dancing and writing letters. Felicia takes videos of

her Nanay to send to family members.

“I enjoy every day,” Felicing says.

What is her secret to a long life? Felicing believes in staying healthy and happy.

Her happiness is attributed to her children. Having them is her proudest achievement.

Over the years, her family has expanded to include nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She wishes for her great-granddaughter Malia to study hard and for her great-grandson Enrique, who is about to receive his MBA, to continue pursuing more endeavors.

When asked for the wisdom she’d like to impart to everyone, Felicing said: “Stay healthy, be nice, and care for others.”

It’s seemingly simple, yet not as easy to do. These are the things Felicing has aimed to do in her 101 years. Because one may live long, but not all live meaningfully.

10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MARCH 19, 2022

AS I SEE IT

Judge Jackson: The First Black Woman Nominated to Sit in the Supreme Court

By Elpidio R. Estioko

P

resident Joe Biden just made history by nominating a Black woman to join the United States Supreme Court. He nominated 51-year-old Ketanji Brown Jackson, a judge in DC’s federal appellate court.

Jackson had been considered the front-runner for the Supreme Court vacancy since Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement. In a White House press conference, Biden introduced Jackson in a moving speech: “For too long, our government, our courts haven’t looked like America. I believe it’s time that we have a court that reflects the full talents and greatness of our nation with a nominee of extraordinary qualifications, and that will inspire all young people to believe that they can one day serve their country at the highest level.”

Fifty-five years ago in 1967, we had the first Black justice in the Supreme Court with Judge Thurgood Marshall, a passionately progressive attorney who helped

end school segregation. He was also known as Mr. Civil Rights because he was one of the architects of the civil rights movement.

Jackson’s confirmation hearings will start on March 21, 2022. Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono will conduct the hearings as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

In a private meeting with Jackson, Hirono said they discussed “One of her strengths would be her willingness and desire to listen to the perspectives of the other justices,” said Hirono.

“There’s no reason to wait around, in my view, because there is going to be a vacancy and it should be filled. She is someone who wants to reach out to the other justices and be as persuasive as she can.”

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also met with Jackson recently. During a speech on the Senate floor, McConnell called Jackson a “sharp lawyer” with an “impressive resume,” but he did raise concerns of a partisanship.

“Our citizens need Justices who treat all parties fairly, apply our laws and Constitution as written, and leave legislating to us here in Congress,” McConnell said.

Ketanji Brown Jackson

The Associated Press reported that Republican Senator Susan Collins had words of praise for Jackson. She said that her discussions with the Supreme Court nominee were “productive and that her credentials are impressive.”

Collins said: “[Jackson] takes a very thorough, careful approach in applying the law to the facts of the case, and that is what I want to see in a judge.”

However, she mentioned that she will wait to make a final decision whether to support Jackson after the confirmation hearings.

Collins, along with Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski and South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham, were the only three

Republican senators who voted to confirm Jackson to the appeals court last year.

Murkowski said in a recent statement that her previous vote did not mean she would be supportive this time. For Graham, he said he won’t vote for Jackson after he pushed Biden to pick a different candidate from his home state, federal Judge J. Michelle Childs.

Reports say that though historic, the choice of Jackson will not change the ideological makeup of the Supreme Court.

The court currently has six conservative justices and three liberal justices with the retiring Breyer comes from the liberal camp.

Biden’s choice may somehow provide the much-needed push for his party and a chance for him to ignite the Democratic base that is less excited to vote in this year’s midterm elections than it has been over the past several elections.

The nomination process will now turn to the full Senate, where Biden’s Democratic Party holds the thinnest possible majority.

Unlike for most major pieces of legislation, however, Democrats do not need Republican help this time to confirm a Supreme Court justice and can do it with their 50 votes and Vice President Kamala Harris breaking a deadlock.

Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio, Congressional Black Caucus Chair, said “the nomination is something that I will remember forever.”

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey also commented that “Jackson will bring a new, necessary perspective to the court and will also be an inspiration to Black women and girls everywhere.”

Rep. Frederica Wilson of Florida, said she “never dreamed that, in my lifetime, I would see a Black woman nominated” to the Supreme Court.

Congratulations to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson! 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.

MAINLAND NEWS

Tips to Avoid Fake Ukraine Charities

W

ith the ongoing war on Ukraine by Russia, thousands of Ukranian civilians have traveled to the country’s border hoping to flee to safety of neighboring countries such as Poland, Belarus and Moldova.

Multiple charities have offered their services to help Ukranian refugees flee the country and tend to those who chose to stay and fight. However, fraudsters have also used this conflict to their advantage.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network, Better Business Bureau and the FBI advises the public to beware of fake charities looking to take your donation money without the intention to help those displaced by war.

“Scammers follow the headlines and take advantage of them when they can,” said Keali`i Lopez, AARP Hawai`i State Director. “Public desire to support

Ukraine in this critical time of need is no exception.”

According to the FBI, “criminals often use tragedies to exploit you and others who want to help.”

To effectively avoid charity scammers, here are tips to identify them.

How scammers work They would communicate with you through text, email, call, social media or even in person, asking for donation money to help the people of Ukraine.

Scammers like using names of a charity that sounds familiar to the pulic. When communicatin with you, they may pressure you to act quickly by directing you to donate the money through a payment app, via text, buying gift cards or asking you the card numbers.

What you should know Fake charities may use

names similar to existing charities to legitimize themselves.

If the charity is forcing you to give money immediately, consider it a big red flag. Real charities will take your donation when you are ready to provide it. Moreover, less common payment options are also a red flag, especially those that seek checks or cash.

What you should do If you are looking to help the people of Ukraine, research for legitimate charities that have a proof of their charitable works in Ukraine. It’s important to do your research before donating. A good place to start searching is on sites such as give.org or charitywatch.org.

When it comes to fraud, vigilance is our number one weapon. You have the power to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams.

MARCH 19, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  11

PERRYSCOPE

Thirty Seconds to Midnight

By Perry Diaz

S

ince 1947, when the Science and Security Board (SSB) of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists met for the first time to perform its annual ritual of setting the time on the “Doomsday Clock,” the scientists initially agreed to set the clock to 11:53 PM or seven minutes to midnight.

The SSB is a select group of globally recognized leaders with a specific focus on nuclear risk, climate change, and disruptive technologies.

They hang the clock on a wall in the Bulletin’s office at the University of Chicago to remind everybody how close we were to the threat of global nuclear war.

Since then, the clock has been set as close or as far as midnight. In 1972, the clock was set to 11:48 PM or 12 minutes to midnight when the US and the Soviet Union signed the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I) and the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.

In 1984, the clock was set once again to 11:57 PM when tensions escalated between the U.S. and the Soviet Union when the arms race intensified. The US deployed Pershing II medium-range ballistic missiles and cruise missiles in Western Europe.

In 1991, the clock was set to 11:43 PM or 17 minutes to midnight, the earliest setting since its inception, when the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty and the collapse of the Soviet Union thereafter.

In January 2015, the clock was set to 11:57 PM or three minutes to midnight, the closest we were to doomsday since 1984. It was due to the modernization of nuclear weapons in the US and Russia, the specter of a new Cold War, the problem of nucle-

ar waste, and the danger of global climate change.

In January 2020, the minute hand was moved 30 seconds forward from two and a half minutes to two minutes before midnight. But the worst has yet to come.

“Humanity continues to face two simultaneous existential dangers — nuclear war and climate change — that are compounded by a threat multiplier, cyber-enabled information warfare, that undercuts society’s ability to respond,” the SSB said.

Ukraine invasion On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “illegal and dangerous” invasion of Ukraine and placing Russia’s nuclear armaments on high alert, which the SSB considers to be the gravest danger to humanity, has set the Doomsday Clock to 100 seconds to midnight, the closest it ever been to apocalypse.

By threatening to use nuclear weapons or launching a “First Strike” nuclear attack against the US and her NATO allies if war breaks out between Russia and the NATO alliance, it has brought a nightmare scenario to life, which sets the Doomsday Clock to 30 seconds to midnight.

Biden’s mental paralysis But the problem is that President Joe Biden has encouraged Putin – by vowing not to get involved in the Ukraine war – to flaunt using his nuclear weapons if the US and her NATO allies would send troops to Ukraine.

By playing the threat of “World War III,” Putin has disarmed Biden and tied his hands behind his back.

Biden, the other day even said, “Don’t kid yourself, but once we enter the war, it will be World War III,” which makes one wonder: If Russia attacks the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – which would be next after Ukraine – would

U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin

America and the NATO countries send their troops to fight the Russians? How about the two non-NATO countries of Moldova and Georgia?

The other day, the Moldovan Prime Minister requested joining NATO because they know they’re next on Putin’s crosshairs.

Taken aback, Secretary of State Antony Blinken didn’t respond. He could at least reassure the Moldovan Prime Minister that he’d relay the request.

It would seem that the entire Biden administration – Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, four-star General Mark Milley – had succumbed to a debilitating mental paralysis, unable to act when threatened with nuclear annihilation.

But the truth is: America’s leadership’s amnesia has its provenance since Biden hastily withdrew American troops from Afghanistan last year.

It gave Putin the go-signal that he could do anything he wanted to and Biden would just play possum, unmindful of whatever the consequence will be. But doesn’t Biden realize that he had just pulled the MAD auto-mechanism?

Now, all Putin has to do is threaten “First Strike” and Biden would just stare blankly at the nuclear football held by his aide-de-camp… and do nothing.

And suddenly, his semi-senile mind goes into a paralytic state, unable to respond to the nuclear crisis,

which he inadvertently and unconsciously abetted by vowing that he would never send the army of the most powerful nuclear power and richest country in history to fight the bankruptcy-bound invading Russians in Ukraine.

What a shame!

American history Biden needs to study American history from the time the US entered World War I to the victorious conclusion of World War II. Never in those two world wars did America ever flinch in the face of defeat, only to emerge the victor who would rule in peace and prosperity until… today.

Today, the great American nation is facing extinction only because she allowed a mad genius to roll his tanks into Ukraine and laid waste to a beautiful and proud country.

Ukraine is bound to lose her sovereignty because America allowed Russian war planes to ravage their land and refused to send NATO warplanes to defend the besieged Ukrainian people who are fleeing – helplessly and hopelessly – amid the attacking Russian tanks and aerial bombardment.

But even if Russia launches a “First Strike” attack against the US’s Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) based in the continental US, it would take 30 minutes to reach their targets.

It would give the US a “Second Strike” counterattack using her fleet of 14 ballistic missile submarines – known as “boomers” – that are positioned anywhere in the open seas as close as the Baltic Sea and Mediterranean Sea, which would reach their targets in Russia within five minutes.

Each submarine carries 24 Trident missiles and each missile can carry up to 14 warheads. That’s a total of 4,704 nuclear warheads, more than enough to counter any attack with devastating nuclear power, which would erase Russia from the Earth’s map.

Together, the 14 Ohioclass submarines carry approximately 50% of the to(continue on page 12)

12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MARCH 19, 2022

BOOK REVIEW

FILIPINO WOMAN WRITING

– Home and Exile in the Autobiographical Narratives of Ten Writers

By Rose Cruz Churma

T

his March, we celebrate Women’s History Month, and it is therefore appropriate to review a book by a woman on women.

Although published close to three decades ago, the book offers a glimpse of how “these writers handled common concerns of women such as selfhood and identity, marriage, career, and motherhood.”

In 1987, The US Congress expanded the commemoration from a week to a month and has passed a resolution designating March as Women’s History Month.

The theme for Women’s History Month changes annually but the foremost goal of the month remains the same: to show how women shaped the nation.

The 2022 theme is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope” that honors the tireless work of caregivers and frontline workers

during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also women of all backgrounds and ethnicities – including Filipinas, who have provided compassionate healing and hope for the betterment of patients, friends, and family.

This publication is an analysis of autobiographical narratives also known as memoirs (although the word is not mentioned at all in this book) of ten Filipina writers in English, but one of them, Paula Carolina Malay, has also published books in Filipino.

To some extent, I believe that writing these autobiographical narratives provide some self-healing for the authors, and to readers who can be empathetic to the issues discussed.

This book was based on the author’s dissertation on autobiographical writing.

She was always interested in this genre and was delighted with the “immense richness and variety of autobiographical works by women, and their new significance for cultural studies in the societies which had produced

them, a significance emphasized by feminists everywhere.”

The author provides critiques on the writings of the women writers, and although key phrases of their works are included in the book, it is assumed that the reader has read the writings being analyzed. The reader is at great disadvantage if one is not familiar with the subjects’ works.

Of the ten women writers, the youngest (a baby boomer) is Cecilia Manguerra-Brainard. Unlike the other nine writers, she writes as an expatriate and is “triply mar-

ginalized as a Filipino writer writing in English, as a woman in a man’s world, and as an ethnic minority person in a First World country.”

The author observes that Manguerra-Brainard projects an idyllic quality at her childhood home in the Philippines (in this case, Cebu), and writes with nostalgia at past events with her family, and describes these as “sentimentalizing of what are obviously the author’s links with the home left behind…” a trait I find in fellow expats when they talk of the homeland they left behind.

The author also notes the “gaps” provided in the narratives, and an evasiveness or perhaps an unwillingness to confront issues but in the most superficial manner. The author opines that it is in gaps and silences that women’s real texts lie and contains volumes.

As aging baby boomers (and those older) scramble to get their memoirs done, this book provides food for thought in how to structure

one’s autobiographical narrative – what to include and what to delete.

Should it be a rewriting of the past to suit our present needs? Should it be perceived as a way of affirming our identify and experience – rescuing our past from oblivion?

In the last chapter, the author summarizes her observations and notes about the “large areas left out” such as on sex and sexuality (in contrast with the contemporary Western women’s explicitness in dealing with the subject) – which certainly invites further analysis.

The author’s final paragraph states that there are the unpublished works of Filipino women in all classes who have refused “the graceful obligation of silence.”

It is time for them to be heard. It is time for them to be read. 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: Thirty Seconds....from page 11)

tal U.S. active inventory of strategic thermonuclear warheads.

Putin is crazy Needless to say, Putin knows that he cannot win a nuclear war against the US. He might be crazy but he’s not stupid to realize that once he presses the “doomsday button,” it will lead to MAD – Mutually Assured Destruction.

That means it will destroy the entire mankind, his coun-

try first, and possibly blow the planet Earth into zillions of radioactive meteorites. Only a stupid madman will do that.

But as long as the leaders of America and Russia are aware of the consequences of MAD, they’ll never dare bring MAD to fruition. And such, no one would ever start World War III. It’s unthinkable.

But it would take a sane and calculating world leader to stop this stupid madman from even thinking of pressing the “doomsday button”

that would turn his beloved “Mother Russia” into a radioactive nuclear wasteland for the next 1,000 years.

Putin’s descendants would long remember him as the madman whose stupidity would be etched in every Russian’s mind that he once ruled the biggest empire on Earth only to lose it because he became too ambitious.

At the end of the day, Putin may only have 30 seconds to midnight to blow the world into radioactive smithereens. PERRY DIAZ is a writer, columnist and journalist who has been published in more than a dozen Filipino newspapers in five countries.

MARCH 19, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  13

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

Collateral Damage: Praying for Families in Ukraine

By Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

A

stack of clothes for laundry, a pile of dishes for washing, a never-ending change of diapers, a load of toys for cleaning, a million questions to answer inquisitive minds – these are what I wake up to every single day as a housewife and mother of two young children.

It’s never easy. Every single day poses extra challenges: children who disobey and siblings who always fight with each other. My patience gets depleted, and my temper rises.

But seeing the news about the ongoing invasion of Ukraine

by Russia, I have learned to be grateful for the mess in my home, the noise of my children, the freedom we have in the nation we are in, and every privilege we get to enjoy.

As I see and hear the stories of million Ukrainian mothers fleeing their nation, with their children in tow, their husbands left behind, and a future unknown, my heart break into pieces and my eyes swell with tears.

I look at my life with contentment, I gaze at my children with gratitude and I set my eyes to the one who grants mercy and comfort to the brokenhearted.

There are even stories of parents sending off their children to safety while they stay behind, to fight for their country and to care for other family members who have no strength for the long journey to neighboring countries.

Oh, how this breaks my heart. Not being able to see my children even for just a while and not knowing what they are up to brings so much anxiety to my heart, how

much more letting them go on a journey of hundreds of miles by themselves, amid all the dangers out there.

Just like us, they are ordinary families living their lives.

But because of the geographical location of their nation, their dark history and their desire for freedom and peace, they have become collateral damage to a ridiculous war fueled by selfish ambitions and heartless aspirations.

They don’t deserve this atrocity. No one does. But in the course of human history, millions of people have

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

Governor Ige to End Hawaii’s Indoor Mask Requirement

L

ast week, Governor David Ige announced that the Hawaii indoor mask requirement will end on March 25, 2022.

State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char said they have been tracking data and studying trends in order to support the drop of the indoor mask requirement.

“Masks are still an important tool in preventing transmission of COVID-19,” said Dr. Char.

“We strongly recommend people over age 65, people with compromised immune systems, people who aren’t vaccinated, and those who care for people at risk of severe illness still wear masks indoors. This is especially important in crowded settings.”

With the importance of wearing masks in crowded settings, State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble highly rec-

ommend masks to be worn in classrooms.

“We continue to recommend masks be worn in classrooms, at least for the time being. Masks provide a layer of protection as we amend the school quarantine guidance,” said Dr. Kemble.

Masks are still recommended indoors to those who are in schools, hospitals, healthcare facilities, longterm care facilities, shelters, correctional facilities and other congregate living settings.

In a press release, Gov. Ige said Hawaii’s low COVID-19 cases and high vaccination rate made it safe for most residents to be masks-less indoors.

“Right now, hospitalizations are trending down.

Case counts are falling. We are better at treating people who are infected. Booster shots are savings lives. And the CDC has rated the state’s

COVID-19 community as “low,”” said Ige. “However, the state will be ready to reinstitute the mask policy if COVID case numbers surge.”

Even though the indoor mask requirement is being lifted on March 25, it’s still important to consider wearing masks when the vaccination status is unknown.

It is also important to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines to keep yourself safe from the virus.

Stay up to date on vaccinations and booster shots.

Getting tested if you feel sick or became a close contact to someone who is infected. Stay home if you’re sick. Frequently wash hands and sanitize items and surfaces when out and about.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations, tests and safety guidelines, visit hawaiicovid19.com.

suffered and have lost their lives because of senseless conflicts.

They did not choose this.

They did not want this.

Wars are started by a few people hungry for power but suffered by many innocent lives starving for peace. All I know is that justice will be served for them.

It may not be in this lifetime, but in due time, there will be vindication.

And wars will cease. Every tear will be wiped away, death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore. (Revelation 21:4) In a war, no one wins. In this ongoing battle, there are countless casualties on both sides. And most of the time, civilians and innocent citizens suffer the most.

This senseless war also leaves Russian mothers and wives heartbroken and empty. They will go on with life, knowing that their loved ones have been sent as ‘cannon fodders’ to fight a battle which they have not chosen.

And because of the sanctions imposed upon their nation brought about by the decision of their oppressive leaders, they will have to move forward in a nation going backwards. A bleak future awaits them. I pray for comfort upon the people of

Russia, too.

The difficult things happening around the world compel me and my family to utter prayers without ceasing.

Let us all remember and pray for our brothers and sisters all around the world, especially those in war-stricken nations.

We pray that they will experience God’s supernatural strength, overwhelming grace, overflowing provision, incomprehensible peace and comfort and inexplicable joy despite the pain, hardships, oppression and heartaches they are experiencing right now.

A dim and uncertain future, a life that’s possibly led without a partner to raise her children, a home without walls and roof, an ounce of strength she will try to muster to face each waking hour, a million pieces of her life she will try to put together and a gazillion questions she will find answers to.

These, aside from the daily grind of motherhood, will be what a mother and a wife in war torn nations like Ukraine will endure each day.

But this gives me hope and comfort, the truth that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and He saves the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18) He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wound. (Psalm 147:3) One day, Ukraine, her mothers, and her people will rise up again, victorious.

14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MARCH 19, 2022

PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE

Sika Ken Siak Iti Panagdaliasat Iti Biag Iti Labes Iti Sagrado Ti Balikas: I Do ILOKO By Amado I. Yoro

AGYAMANTA:

Umay ti agsapa kas met iti yaay ti malem Ti malem yegna ti sardam iti salinong ti rabii Sagut, wen, sagut ti Naindaklan Unay Namarsua Ta impagtengna manen a kas Maysa a kari, iti karit ken pannubok Duata laeng nga agdaliasat iti dana Iti pannakigasanggasat iti sangatan Ken Salogan ti derraas a dadduma umay ti pannakatnag Iti kinalupoy Subaenta dagiti dalluyon duprakenna a kinatao Iti atab-linak ti dumald-

alinesnes a taaw Iti sirok ti langit, agur-uray ti kaibatoganta.

AGKIBINTA:

Iti hardin ni ayat agpayakpak latta ti kulibangbang sabong arbis agek arakup lua arbis ulep tangatang sonata tedted ti tudo awan man trahe de boda ngem iti nawatiwat a panagkuyog sika pay la ti ayatko daydi ayat nga insagutko iti umuna a panagdaton, no baliwan ti agbiag, sika pay laeng daydi a kari a kaduaka kadagiti pagnaak a dalan ti pannakigasanggasatko, saan a nataltalged ti baro a panagbirok, nabirokankan

iti riniwriw a panagsakripisio ken pannakigasanggasat ken pannakaawat, uray iti sagpaminsan a pasugnod Dagiti pasidumri, pauyo ken panagikay-rikna Ngem patiem ken saan, isuda ti mangtenneb Iti kinatibker, kinapudno ken pannakaawat.

AGSURSUROTA: kunak koma a natennebtan ngem kunak latta nga agpadata nga agdadamo kadagiti baro a takuat a mangpatalged kadagiti naminribun a balikas ni ayat baliksek latta ti ayat ken agsur-

suro iti adu pay a panagpadas a mangitunda iti sabali nga anibersario iti kinasimpli, kinasudi ken kinasadia ti biag iti baro nga agsapa iti ibabangon iti sabali pay a panagtangkayag ti init sarabuenta ti kinadayag ti nakaparsuaan iti Kinamanagayat ken KinamanagParabur ti Naindaklan a Mannakabalin.

AGDANGGAYTA:

Kadagiti amin a panagsala iti musika iti biag agdanggayta kas iti gumintang, ling-i ken kuratsa aglalo no kasdiay man a matokar ti tinikling

wenno makansion ti dandansoy ngamin musika met ti biag, maysa nga arte, maysa a drama iti entablado itoy a lubong Iti amin a paggibusan, Maymaysa laeng Ti mangeddeng iti uged daytoy a panagdaliasat Ta umayto ti panawen A panagrikep ti telon iti drama naibugasen Ti kaipapananta iti naimaldit a kaibatogan Daytoy nagraip ken naglantip a kari Dagiti limapulo nga Enero: daytan ti sagrado a balitok!

Kaduaka latta a mangtunton ti diamante Iti labes ti imbalikasko: I Do!

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

Senate Passes Legislation to Reform US Postal Service Last week, the US Senate passed a sweeping bipartisan legislation that will reform the US Postal Service (USPS).

Senator Brian Schatz in-

cluded a provision in the legislation that will provide USPS with financial relief that will ensure that mail services can continue uninterrupted.

According to its press release, the provision will remove the defaulted pre-funding payment from USPS’s financials.

“It would not alter the USPS’s future retiree health liabilities payments from the Retiree Health Benefit Fund (RHBF). USPS may continue to pay its contributions for retiree health benefit premiums from the RHBF until it is depleted,” the press release stated.

Moreover, the Postal Service Reform Act will provide Medicare Integration for USPS retirees.

Under the new legislation, the mail service will also provide a permanent six-day delivery service, enhanced

service standards, and transparency to protect and improve USPS moving forward.

“Everyone relies on mail service. It’s how we connect with each other, vote, pay our bills, and get medication or other things we need in life… so it needs to work,” said Sen. Schatz.

“This is an easy fix that will dramatically improve USPS’s finances and ensure mail delivery can continue uninterrupted.”

The legislated is now heading to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. 

PHILIPPINE NEWS

‘A Pittance’: Senators Criticize P200 Monthly Ayuda for PoorFamilies Angelica Y. Yang Friday, March 16, 2022

M

ANILA, Philippines — Two senators on Wednesday criticized the Department of Finance’s (DOF’s) proposal to dole out P200 in cash assistance to poor families every month for a year,

saying that the amount is not enough to help Filipinos cope with the sustained fuel price hikes.

In a televised meeting aired on state-run channels on Wednesday, DOF Secretary Carlos Dominguez III proposed (continue on page 15)

MARCH 19, 2022  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  15

COMMUNITY CALENDAR HAWAII TRIENNIAL 2022 | Hawaii Contemporary | Open until May 8, 2022.

Hours vary per venue | Bishop Museum, Foster Botanical Garden, Hawaii Theatre Center, Hawaii State Art Museum, Iolani Palace, Honolulu Museum of Art and Royal Hawaiian Center | HT22 celebrates the unique cultures in Hawaii through contemporary art.

Visit multiple art galleries and installations from 43 artists and collectives from Asia Pacific, Hawaii and beyond, including Filipino artist Leeroy New’s Taklobo art installation at Foster Botanical Garden.

ASK A DIETICIAN ABOUT FOOD, HEALTH AND DIETS | AARP Hawai`i |

March 24: The Mediterranean Diet March 31: Plant-based Diets April 7: Low Cholesterol Diets April 14: Pre-diabetic DietsT | The webinars of Caroline Hamatake, a registered dietician/ nutritionist are on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m | Register for a Zoom link by going to aarp.org/HI or the AARP Hawai`i Facebook 2022 WOMEN’S BUSINESS SUMMIT | U.S. Small Business Administration | March 29 - 30 at 9am–5:30am to 11:00am HST | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center | The virtual conference will feature chats, keynotes, panels and Ask An Expert sessions that will help women entrepreneurs build and grow business-

es. The registration for the summit is free. | To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/womens-business-summit-registration-253276836837 SBA RESOURCE DAY | U.S. Small Business Administration | March 30 at 9am–2:30pm | First Hawaiian Bank, 1580 Kapiolani Boulevard | SBA continues to empower small business owners with its free resource day. Small business owners can ask SBA about loans for working capital, long-term financing options for business renovations and government contracting certifications and assistance. In addition, 30-minute confidential consultations will be available for free. Appointments are required while walk-ins may be accepted if time allows. | To attend, contact FHB’s Douglas Okamura at sdokamura@fhb.com.

MAINLAND NEWS

SBA Announces 2022 Women’s Business Summit

M

arch is International Women’s History Month and to honor this celebration, U.S. Small Business Administration has cosponsored the 2022 Women’s Business Summit.

In cosponsorship with Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, the virtual summit celebrates women in business in a two-day event on March 29 to 30, 2022 from 5:30am to 11am HST. The virtual conference will

feature chats, keynotes, panels and Ask An Expert sessions that will help women entrepreneurs • build and grow businesses. The topics covered includes: • • Innovation and investment • Building an equitable •

recovery framework for women entrepreneurs Economy entrepreneurship opportunities Contracting opportunities for women-led firms Exporting and e-commerce

•

The changing landscapes for entertainment and hospitality industries The registration for the 2022 Women’s Business Summit is free. To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/womens-business-summit-registration-253276836837.

(PHILIPPINE NEWS: A Pittance....from page 14)

to roll out a P200 monthly subsidy which will cover 12 million poor families for an entire year, a program that can cost the State P33.1 billion.

This is already on top of the government’s P5 billion fuel subsidy program for public utility vehicle drivers.

“Coming in after 11 weeks of successive oil price increases, the government’s P200 per month cash assistance to poor

families is a pittance,” Sen. Grace Poe said in a statement on Wednesday.

“At P6.66 per day, it can’t even get one a jeepney ride to the minimum distance,” she added.

The lawmaker said that the government should not scrimp on financial assistance if they want to help Filipinos and encourage economic activity.

She said the government

should look at increasing the P200-per-month cash aid or seriously consider suspending fuel excise taxes, which other senators have also been calling for.

Under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, the excise tax for gasoline is now at P10 per liter, P6 per liter for diesel, and P5 per liter for kerosene.

Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said that the proposed

subsidy will not help the affect- this year. ed households, adding that the Local pump prices regisdaily amount is not enough to tered the largest increases to answer for a bus ride or buy a date this week. Starting yespiece of egg. terday, gasoline rose P7.1 per Citing DOF statistics, he liter; diesel jumped P13.15 per said the government was able to liter and kerosene increased by collect P143.9 billion in petro- P10.5 per liter, based on advileum excise taxes in 2021 and sories from several oil firms. an excess of P3 billion in val- (www.philstar.com)  ue-added tax in the two (Sagot sa Krosword Blg. 16 | March 5, 2022) months of

KROSWORD ni Carlito Lalicon

Blg. 18

PAHALANG

1. “Ina ko!”

5. Plantsadung-plantsado 10. Isang lalawigan sa Eastern Visayas 11. Lugi 14. Sulsol 15. Sariwain 17. Kilit 18. Inkompatible 19. Papurihan 23. Abat 24. Isagot 26. Banda 27. Paragala 28. Luto sa mantika 30. Paglilipat-tanim ng

PABABA

1. Angkop 2. Tagulaminin 3. Apog 4. Kalidad 5. Pangangalunya 6. Pagputol sa pamamagitan ng gunting 7. Pagkabigo 8. Ninong 9. Halahab

binhi; 34. Sabi ko 36. Manga 37. Himaymay na ginagawang lubid, binatok, pinukpok, sinamay at tayod.

38. Amag 39. Bilit 41. Gagapang 42. Aba 44. Umedo 46. Ingat 50. Magnanakaw 51. Obsesyon 53. Kalagayan ng mga babaing 55. Ipinid malapit nang magbuntis 57. Kalingain 54. Dinusta 58. Buyon 10. Lilo 12. Ardel 13. Daluyong 16. Pantukoy na ginagamit sa pangngalang pambalana 17. Ipiit 20. Bintad 21. Buti 22. Pamantayan

25. Lipos 29. Gulok 31. Katantuan 32. Ipagsumbong 33. Panahon ng pag-aani 35. Kadalian 37. Di-pagkagusto 39. Abuhan 40. Esperansa 43. Pagbibili sa murang

CLASSIFIED ADS 59. Batang babae 60. Pangitain

halaga kaysa pagkabili 45. Baysan 46. Idea 47. Aleli 48. Paungul-ungol 49. Hintayin 52. Apetito 55. Iri 56. Yero (Ang sagot ay matutunghayan sa susunod na isyu ng Chronicle)

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MARCH 19, 2022