PNEWS 11.9-11.15,2023

1 November 9-15, 2023

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

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EX-GENERALS IN PLOT TO UNSEAT MARCOS? THE PREMIER FILIPINO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN THE U.S. SINCE 1961

Vol.63 No.13 November 9-15, 2023

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

Arroyo, Ungab ousted as Deputy Speakers

AFP chief dissuades soldiers, then denies destabilization plan

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor in Chief and BETING L. DOLOR, Manila Editor

QUEZON CITY – In what observers claim as aligning of political forces in a prelude to the 2025 national and local elections, the House of Representatives led

by Speaker Martin Romualdez removed former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as Page 9

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. has exposed an alleged plot by retired generals and military officers to destabilize and unseat President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. but immediately denied there was such a plot while admitting grumblings by some retired military officers. Page 9

Ethnic hate intensify in spillover of ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict

dreds died in what was described as most powerful typhoon to hit the country.

By Claire Morales True Marcos vowed to speed up rehabilita�on and award of benefits to vic�ms and SAN FRANCISCO/MANILA – rela�ves. (Rey Baniquet//NIB-PNA) President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is in readiness for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, California next week. Page 9

By Jun Nucum OAKLAND, California policies, includfornia - Just before the ing DVRO, save lives, Supreme Court hears and prevent gun violence oral arguments in a case after examining data ilchallenging federal dolustrating the impact of mestic violence restrainfirearms-related domestic

By Gilda P. Balan, Correspondent ing order (DVRO) law, violence, including both CULVER CITY - Unlike most the California (Departfamily and intimate part- hate crimes against Asians or Asian ment of Justice) Office ner-related violence with Americans that are perpetrated by of Gun Violence unfirearms. one person attacking another indiveiled its second data The report document- vidual, this one had a single person General Rob Bonta report on the ties of doed California’s long-term attacking a large group who were mestic violence with firearms. progress in reducing domestic vio- only demonstrating against Asian The report pointed out that Cali- lence involving firearms Page 7 hate. Page 5

CA justice dep’t cites links of guns to domestic violence

Brian Levin

Estee Chandler

Marcos set for APEC in SF, visiting also TYPHOON YOLING. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the commemora�on LA and Hawaii of the 10th anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City, Leyte. Hun-

FBI continues crack down on CA hate crimes

Fa�n Jarara

SAN FRANCISCO - The ongoing bloody conflict between Israel and Hamas militants has caused and is still causing horrible troubling and unknowable ramifications and is even being felt strongly even in campuses and places of

Jamal Dajani

protests here in the United States.

This surfaced during an Ethnic Media Services briefing as shocking gruesome images, videos of the violence and exchanged fuming words inundate

Page 6

AFP ups capabilities vs emerging threats Poll to replace Teves in Negros scrapped VIEWS & COMMENTS

A single crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT) may cause you to be removable and inadmissible

By A�y. Lozano

Page 12

SHOWBIZ

SPORTS

‘Here Lies Love’ to close due to low ticket sales

Pacquiao confirms talks for rematch with Mayweather

Page 15

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 NATIONAL NEWS

November 9-15, 2023

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China spy and ‘sleeper cells’ has infiltrated Philippines? Alunan says signs clear, airs warning MANILA – Has the Philippines been invaded by active Chinese military spies or what experts call “sleeper cells”?

Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Rafael Alunan III claimed in a newspaper column that signs seemed clear that the China “sleeper cells” are very much around.

This may have been confirmed, Alunan said, when last October 16, a National Bureau of Investigation raid in a house in Valle Verde 5 in Pasig City resulted in the arrest of six Chinese nationals and two Filipino security personnel with military-grade high-powered firearms marked “From People’s Republic of China,” and several badges such as “blasting team,” “recon team,” :machine gun team” and “sniper team.”

“The discovery indicates China’s malevolent intentions by prepositioning clandestine forces for future action,” Alunan wrote.

As this developed, the Philippine National Police assured that the PNP is taking steps to protect the nation’s interests amid reports of the alleged presence in the country of clandestine forces from China.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. gave the assurance when asked about the assessment of former interior and local government chief Rafael Alunan III that China has prepositioned its sleeper cells in the country.

“What it is doing to us in West Philippine Sea is directly related to its infiltrattion made easy by corruption government officials, government personnel and unpatriotic citizens,” Alunan stated.

“How many more communities are harboring sleeper cells without the striking distance from our centers of gravty around the country?” Alunan asked.

Alunan added: “There ought to be a persistent campaign to sanitize our communities of Trojan horses and sleeper cells nationwide.

China’s supporting most probably proxy organizations like rebel groups, friendship societies, business conglomerates and united fronts to advance China’s core interest of “indisputable sovereignty” in our maritime domains and to take effective control of the country.

How wide and deep is our problem? What we can’t afford is to still have them in our midst when our worst national security nightmares come true.”

“What we’re experiencing with China is connected to its 10-dash line. A 1946 map published by the Republic of China under Chiang Kai-shek showed a U-shaped elevendash line. It claimed the Paracels, Pratas and Spratly Islands after Japan’s surrender based on the Cairo and Potsdam Declarations. However, the terms did not specify ROC sovereignty over the archipelagos and surrounding waters. It was Mao Zedong’s People’s Republic of China that did when it took over in 1949. In 1952, the PRC removed two of the dashes amid warming ties with North Vietnam,” Alunan stated..

“Today, the ROC government still uses the 11-dash line while the PRC changed its 9-dash line to 10 dashes as early as 1984 which it applies to this day. It claims “indisputable sovereignty” of the all the waters and islands within that arbitrary boundary that violates the sovereignty and sovereign rights of various claimants within their respective Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) granted by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China considers all claimant countries “squatters” in their own legally recognized maritime domains.”

Senate starts work on P5.678-trillion House-approved 2024 General Appropriations Bill QUEZON CITY – The Senate is ready to work the proposed P5.768 trillion national government budget for 2024.

This as the House of Representatives on Saturday turned over to the Senate the Houseapproved General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for 2024.

The amended measure includes P194.5 billion in realigned funds to boost national security, protect Filipinos from global inflation, and ensure food security.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez thanked all members of the House for the exhaustive and transparent budget proceedings

that led to the approval of the appropriations bill.

In line with the Supreme Court ruling, Romualdez said reforms have been instituted to ensure the complete abolition of the pork barrel system.

“The House remains firm in its commitment to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance. We have taken stringent measures to ensure that every peso is allocated judiciously and in accordance with the law,” he said. “Our reforms stand as a testament to our unwavering dedication to serve the Filipino people with integrity.”

2024 BUDGET. Speaker Ferdinand Mar�n Romualdez (5th from right) turns over to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (5th from le�) the final copy of the approved 2024 General Appropria�ons Bill at the House of Representa�ves in Batasan Hills, Quezon City

3 November 9-15, 2023

 NATIONAL NEWS

AFP ups capabilities vs. ‘emerging threats’ CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military will beef up its capabilities to deal with “emerging threats” as the military formally opened its joint exercises among its major services.

“In this exercise, we will fortify our territorial defense posture, sharpen our external security capabilities and respond to emerging threats with unparalleled precision,” Brawner said during the opening rites of the seventh AFP Joint Exercises ‘Dagat-Langit-Lupa” (AJEX DAGIT-PA) at the AFP headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

More than 1,500 active and reserve personnel from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Special Operations Command and Cyber Group will take part in the AJEX DAPIT-PA staff, command post, cyber defense, and field training exercises in the Northern Luzon Command area which runs from Nov. 6 until Nov. 17.

“I always tell our AFP, the members of the AFP and the other uniformed services that at this point we have to take this very serious because we can face a formidable competitor or adversary anytime in the future, it could be in the near future, it could be in the far future but it is important that we prepare today,” Brawner said.

He added that the military “unwavering resolve, unparalleled skill and unwavering unity” will help it prevail over adversities.

“Every step that we take here, every decision we make will reverberate across our armed forces and the other uniformed service with the very (soul) of our nation,” Brawner said.

Through the AJEX DAGIT-PA, he said the AFP will show the world that it is a force to be reckoned with.

He added that the drills will also help the military in identifying gaps and addressing them.

DA unveils $920-M WB-funded projects to boost agricultural productivity

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda QUEZON CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched three new projects funded with $920 millon from the World Bank (WB) as part of government efforts to achieve food security.

Newly installed DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the unveiling of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-Up, Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project, and Mindanao Inclusive Agricultural Development Project (MIADP) in a ceremony held at Novotel hotel in Quezon City on November 6.

The MIADP has a P6.625 billion ($120 million) budget, of which P5.3 billion will be funded under WB loan assistance, P863 million as counterpart of the government, and

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DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. The Department of Agriculture officials open an exhibit showcasing various World Bank-funded projects at Novotel Manila Araneta City in Cubao, Quezon City P461 million as equity from the participating local government unit.

PRDP Scale-Up will get $600 million and will be implemented in 82 provinces while FishCoRe has an outlay of $200 million and will be implemented in 24 provinces in 11 regions.

Dr. Ndiamé Diop, World Bank country director for Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, emphasized the importance of the three projects in building greater resilience into agriculture.

She said the goal of the three projects is to promote the DA’s strategy priorities to improve national food security through investment in critical infrastructure.

The DA said PRDP ScaleUp will help farmers and fishers increase their production, and boost participation of women in agriculture.

Laurel underscored the significance of the three projects, noting that these are in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s thrust to strengthen the capabilities of farmers and fisherfolks through climateresilient policies and innovations.

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 METRO NEWS

November 9-15, 2023

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MRT-7 63% complete, operational by 2025 – DOTr SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan – The Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) is almost two-thirds complete and is on track to be fully operational by November 2025, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

In an update, the DOTR said the MRT7 project which starts at the North Triangle Common Station on EDSA and North Avenue in Quezon City is 63.28 percent complete as of October and training of its workforce is ongoing.

Earlier, San Miguel Corp. (SMC) which

is building the project secured a P100-billion loan deal to finance the completion of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7.

The 22-kilometer overhead rapid railway line will have 14 stations and connect Quezon City to San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan province. The 14 stations are at the Quezon North Avenue Joint Station; Quezon Memorial Circle; University Avenue; Tandang Sora; Don Antonio; Batasan; Manggahan; Doña Carmen; Regalado; Mindanao Avenue; Quirino; Sacred Heart; Tala; and San Jose del Monte.

Once operational, it aims to reduce the present two-hour drive from end-to-end to a 35-minute train ride. SMC added the train system can accommodate 300,000 passengers during its first year of operations. This will go up to 850,000 passengers per day in its 12th year.

The MRT 7 will be complemented by a 19-km highway from San Jose del Monte to Bocaue, Bulacan, said SMC President and CEO Ramon Ang. During the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida from Nov. 3 to 4, DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez assured that the Philippine Rail Institute (PRI) is already training the “critical mass” of engineers, technicians, and operators to ensure that the MRT-7 would be ready to serve the public once completed.

He highlighted the “pivotal role” of Japan in the PRI through the expertise of its professors, instructors, and other personnel who all benefited from Japanese training.

The core of the PRI’s professionals, he said, received specialized training in Japan.

He also thanked Kishida for Japan’s donation of a state-of-the-art train simulator room.

During his visit, Kishida was given a hands-on experience with the train simulator and inspected the Japan-made tunnel-boring machine at the Metro Manila Subway depot in Valenzuela City.

To date, nine big-ticket transport projects in the country are funded through official development assistance from Japan amounting to 1.315 trillion Japanese yen.

These consist of two aviation, two maritime, and five railway projects

Metro Manila subway to reach airport, partial operations eyed by 2028 MANDALUYONG CITY - Good news to daily commuters tired of traffic jams in Metro Manila.

The Department of Transportation announced that it is eyeing partial operation of the Japan-funded Metro Manila Subway Project, the country’s version of the famous New York Subway, before the end of President Marcos’ term in 2028.

“Maybe not the whole 33 kilometerss,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview, according to an ABS-CBN report.

Work on the subway, billed as the “Project of the Century” estimated to cost

over P350 billion, is picking up speed as the government brings in more boring machines, Bautista said in the report..

Bautista said the current boring machine is scheduled to reach President Quirino Avenue in Quezon City from Valenzuela City by the end of the year.

Two more boring tunnel boring machines to be used to bore a tunnel from Metrowalk in Pasig City to Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City are also set to arrive.

“By February, we will have 6 boring machines so the work will go faster,” Bautista said.

5 November 9-15, 2023

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Poll to replace Teves in Negros scrapped AROUND THE NATION

COC FILING. A ba�le is looming between former Negros Oriental Governor Pryde Henry Teves (le�) and Pamplona town Mayor Janice Degamo, widow of slain Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, for the third district of Negros Oriental special polls on Dec. 9.

DUMAGUETE CITY/MANILA - In a sudden twist, the Commission on Elections has scrapped the special elections to replace expelled congressman Arnulfo Teves Jr. upon advice of the House of Representatives.

In the meantime, the House designated Speaker Martin Romualdez as caretaker for the district of Teves and also the district of the late Palawaan congressman Edward Hagedorn.

The Comelec earlier set the December 9 polls.

Chairman George Garcia said they received a copy of the Resolution of the House seeking the cancellation of the special elections which the Comelec readily approved.

“Special election for the third legislative district of the province of Negros Oriental is deemed recalled and abandoned upon passage of House Resolution No. 154. Therefore, in recognition of the legislative power of Congress, the Law Department and the en banc decided to cancel the conduct of the special elections in the third legislative district of the province of Negros Oriental, and for the Commission to discontinue its ongoing preparation for the said special elections,” Garcia explained.

“Ang Congress ang may kapangyarihan magpatawag ng special elections, ang Congress din ang may kapangyarihan na huwag din magpatawag ng special election,” he added Resolution 154 signed by House Speaker Martin Ro-

FBI..

(From page 1) interference with federally protected activities.

A resident of Diamond Bar, Dominguez admitted to a federal court of disrupting a “Stop Asian Hate” rally in March of 2021. He ran through a red light and drove through a crowded crosswalk of peaceful demonstrators. As he plowed through the crowd, he shouted racial slurs and epithets.

As such, he faces a federal criminal civil rights charge.

Luckily, no serious injuries were reported. But because it had all the hallmarks of a hate crime, the FBI took charge of the case.

Said Donald Alway, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office: “The FBI safeguards the civil rights of all Americans, including the constitutionally protected right of free speech. But that right ends where violence begins.”

According to US Attorney Martin Estrada, “Mr. Dominguez’s decision to attack a peaceful rally meant to raise awareness of anti-Asian hate was both unlawful and unAmerican.”

The right to political expression “is a bedrock principle of this nation,” he also said.

According to the plea agreement filed in federal court, a Stop Asian Hate rally was taking place on March 21, 2021 in Diamond Bar. The peaceful gathering was meant to raise awareness on the rise in hate crimes and hate incidents against members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. The gathering happened five days after the murders if six Asian American women in Atlanta.

During the rally at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue, Dominguez was driving a black Honda Civic and was stopped at a red light. He then yelled, “Go back to China!” at the rallyists, shouted various profanities including the ‘n’ word, then intentionally drove his vehicle through the intersection’s crosswalk. He made an il-

mualdez cited three reasons for the recall: Pending disqualification cases in Central Visayas against winners in the recent Village and Youth Council polls; Former Negros Oriental Arnolfo Teves Jr who is still questioning his expulsion as member of the House of Representatives; The possible negative impact of the special elections on the peace and order situation in the area.

Prior to the cancellation of the special elections, the third district of Negros Oriental was expecting a possible “battle” between two controversial political names during the special poll on Dec. 9.

This as the widow of slain Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, was expected to submit her certificate of candidacy (COC) within the filing period Nov. 6 to 11.

Likewise, former governor Pryde Henry Teves, younger brother of expelled Arnolfo Teves Jr., may file the same.

Two other potential candidates for the third district are incumbent Siaton Mayor Fritz Diaz and retired Philippine Navy colonel Rey Lopez, both known allies of the Degamos, have filed their COCs. Diaz and Lopez have been openly talking on social media about their possibility to seek election next month.

Lopez, a retired Philippine Navy officer and an ally of the slain Governor Roel Degamo filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Tuesday with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office in Negros Oriental, the first candidate to contest the third district Congressional seat in the province.

Rey Lopez submitted his COC and other documents to the Comelec and completed all requirements with no issues before noon, said lawyer Eliseo Labaria, acting provincial election supervisor of Negros Oriental.

Lopez, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1992 and who hails from Siaton, Negros Oriental, is running as an independent but is a close ally of the former deceased governor and his widow, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo.

In the May 9, 2022 national elections, Lopez ran under the Nacionalista Party for the third district under the Degamo ticket but lost to Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., who was expelled this year for a variety of reasons such as continued absence from the Lower House and his refusal to return to the country after his official leave had expired. legal U-turn into oncoming traffic, and cut off the route of several rally participants, mostly women and a young child.

Among the victims was an Asian woman, a minor Black female, and a nine-year-old child.

Dominguez then pulled his car over, got out and continued to curse the rallyists, then called the police. He identified himself as John Doe and said the rally participants were blocking his way and that they were “about to trample my car.”

The truth came out in his trial.

US District Judge Otis Wright ll scheduled Dominguez’s sentencing hearing for May 6, 2024. Dominguez faces up to one year in prison pursuant to the terms of the plea deal.

The FBI is asking any member of the public who has information related to this incident or any other hate crimes to call the Bureau’s LA Field Office at (310) 477-6565. Tips may also be reported online at https://tips.fbi.gov.

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to https://www.cavshate.org/.

P7.8-B water plant for Rizal ANTIPOLO CITY – Manila Water Company, Inc. (MWCI) is set to launch Phase 1 operations of its East Bay Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in December. Kim Monis, MWCI corporate communications manager, said that if all goes according to schedule, the P7.8-billion plant located in Pakil, Laguna can start supplying running water to the towns of Jalajala, Pililla, Baras, Cardona, Morong, and Binangonan in Rizal province under its Phase 1 program benefitting an estimated 390,000 individuals in Rizal.

Batangas guv appeals to solons BATANGAS CITY – The provincial governor here has appealed to lawmakers to be more generous in appropriating funds to local government units (LGUs) during the next budget deliberations given their growing financial needs. Governor Hermilando Mandanas said that LGUs need a “fair share” of tax revenues to enable them to extend a more effective public service, citing the Supreme Court (SC), through its 2018 MandanasGarcia Ruling, which has effectively strengthened financial decentralization in government, affirming that LGUs should have a just share of the tax collection of national government agencies (NGAs).

Aid for OFW killed in Israel BINMALEY, Pangasinan – The bereaved family of Angelyn Aguirre, the 32-year-old overseas Filipino worker who was killed while protecting her elderly ward during the Hamas attack in Kibbutz Kfar Aza Israel on Oct. 7, will receive financial assistance from the governments of the Philippines and Israel. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrator Arnaldo Ignacio said the family will get P220,000 in death and burial benefits. As an active member of OWWA, the family will also get P15,000 in educational and livelihood support from the agency, Ignacio added during the start of Aguirre’s wake at her residence here.

Slain Negrense OFW laid to rest BACOLOD CITY – Loreta Villarin-Alacre, the 49-year-old caregiver from Negros Occidental who died during the Hamas attacks in Israel, was laid to rest Sunday during a sendoff befitting a heroine at her hometown of Cadiz City. The funeral mass and interment were preceded by the unveiling of the marker for the Loreta V. Alacre Evacuation Center (LVAEC) in the compound of her alma mater, Cadiz Viejo National High School. Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. and Department of Migrant Workers Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac attended the rites.

C. Luzon cops net 20 wanted persons CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – At least 20 wanted persons were arrested in Central Luzon during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. , Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., regional director of the Police Regional Office-Central Luzon (PRO-3), said the 20 individuals, two of whom were considered “most wanted”, were nabbed while attempting to return to their homes to visit their departed loved ones. He said the two-day operations also led to the arrest of a 43-year-old tricycle driver from Angat, Bulacan, who is a top 2 regional level most wanted person and is wanted for the crime of murder with no bail recommended; and a 20-year-old resident of Baliwag City, who is listed as top 5 provincial level most wanted person and top 1 city level most wanted person for two counts of rape with no bail recommended.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

November 9-15, 2023

PHL... (From page 1)

social media, much of it designed to inflame anger and to cast blame on one side or the other.

But the horror is real, according to experts, as more Israelis died during Hamas’ initial assault than on any previous day in Israel’s history, including all of its wars as presently there are an estimated 1,400 Israelis who died mostly during the initial October 7 Hamas attack at a concert while around 10,320 deaths were reported in Gaza and the numbers continue to rise while bombardments continue even as 240 Israeli hostages Israelis are still believed to be held hostage by Hamas militants.

The destruction currently being inflicted on Gaza and its civilian population is described to be staggering ground invasion by Israeli Defense Forces with calls for ceasefire and even a pause in the attacks seem to fall on deaf ears as there are

only few places of refuge for Palestinian civilians continue to be under siege.

All of this comes as acts of hate and bigotry targeting Jews and Muslims have reached record highs in recent years, particularly here in the US, where antisemitic and Islamophobic rhetoric have become almost “mainstream,” according to experts who study the far right.

As latest figures show, there was a 25% increase in antisemitic hate crime in the U.S. last year way before the current conflict started and recently the New York Attorney General announced there’s been a significant increase in threats against Jewish and Muslim communities and college campuses are seeing it from coast to coast.

Some of the recent reports that illustrate volatility on campus where hate crimes against Jews and Muslims are both on the rise nationwide traced to the ongoing conflict include that of a Las Vegas man who is charged with leaving a series of antisemitism threats for senator Jacky Rosen, that

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anti-Semitism incidents documented by the AntiDefamation League since October 7th vandalism harassment assault where there’s been a nearly 400% increase in anti-Semitic incidents reported, a justice department statement saying Cornell JR Patrick Dy has been charged with making threats to Jewish students on Cornell campus, the stabbing of Hanan Shaheen and her six-year-old son Wandea Al-Fayoume in Chicago by their 71-yearold landlord Joseph Czuba who was accused of attacking them because they were Muslim and Palestinian resulting to the death of son who was stabbed 20-26 times and the death of Southern California Jewish Paul Kessler following a confrontation with a pro-Palestinian demonstrator over the Israel-Hamas war. Kessler reportedly had fallen backward and struck his head on the ground Thousands Oaks, a suburb northwest of Los Angeles.

In an Ethnic Media Services briefing, experts discussed the conflict’s roots, what it means for Jewish and Muslim U.S. communities confronting increased hate, and how inter-ethnic U.S. violence is deepening in response to the international violence, the roots of the current conflict in Israel, what it portends for communities here in the US already confronting the impacts of hate, and whether the violence in the Middle East could ultimately deepen fault lines between and among communities here.

Among the guest speakers were PalestinianAmerican journalist Jamal Dajani, PalestinianAmerican Journalist, Jewish Voice for Peace Lose Angeles chapter organizer Estee Chandler, founder of Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, Professor Emeritus Brian Levin, Esq. and New York-based Palestinian community organizer Fatin Jarara.

In his message, Dajani explained that what’s happening now is not happening in a vacuum.

“For the past 75 years, Palestinians have not seen any advancement in negotiations, they have not realized their aspirations, and they are living under apartheid,” Dajani believes. “Domestically, the U.S. has witnessed a rise in white supremacy, antisemitism and Islamophobia since the Trump administration and white supremacists are opportunists. They can take advantage of any international event, be it between Russians and Ukrainians or Palestinians and Israelis, to foment their hatred. Across the board, most of the hate crimes here — attacks on mosques, attacks on synagogues — are perpetrated by white supremacists.”

Dajani added that Palestinians’ aspiration for freedom and independence, they have a lot of Jewish supporters, like from Jewish Voice for Peace expounding that this is not a religious conflict nor an ethnic conflict but rather a territorial conflict.

6

“It’s a colonial conflict. If you have any ethnic group — whether Jewish, or from Afghanistan or China — drive you out of your home to refugee camps, Palestinians will see them as invaders,” continued Dajani.

For his part, founder of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism and criminal justice Professor Emeritus at CSU San Bernardino Brian Levin cited that the U.S. has seen an increase in hate crimes over recent years hitting a record reported number of 10,840 in 2021 with a population representation of 91.1% per the FBI but was surpassed again with the FBI’s release of 2022 statistics recently with a whopping 11,463 reported hate crimes with a slightly raised population representation of 91.7%. Over 56% of these crimes were racially or ethnically motivated, while over 17% were religiously motivated.

“Hate crimes are not only spiking, but are more elongated in in their spikes,” and “There is massive underreporting. The most recent Bureau of Justice Statistics studies show that a bare minimum of overall hate crimes are reported by victims … and certain populations, like immigrants or foreign-language communities, are far less likely to report.”

While white supremacists are very often involved in these attacks, he added “Not everybody who attacks Jews are white supremacists. We have different types of offenders: thrill offenders with shallow prejudices, acting on stereotypes; defensive or reactive offenders; mentally ill offenders; and mission offenders.”

Organizer of Jewish Voice for Peace, Los Angeles chapter Estee Chandler reminded that “Gaza has been under nearly 16 years of Israeli military blockade and the war on Palestinians started over 75 years ago with occupation and systemic apartheid … and though much of the media is reporting that Israel has now left Gaza, that’s not true. They just moved their defenses to the perimeter.”

“What we are seeing now is a mass expulsion,” Chandler continued, “where half of the over two million people in Gaza have been asked to leave their homes … because Israel says that they will bomb them. They’ve given over a million people 24 hours to try to move amidst all the bombing and rubble and roads that have already been destroyed … and the mainstream media isn’t reporting on these incidences … there is much misinformation that drives this.”

Nor is the mainstream media reporting on the effect in U.S. communities, Chandler added — and particularly on college campuses. “Locally on the UCLA campus, we’re seeing that members of Students for Justice in Palestine are being doxed on social media. Their ability to organize and secure spaces to do teach-ins has been suppressed,” and this is seen on campuses nationwide, she said — for example, at Harvard.

Palestinian community organizer working with Al-Awda New York: The Palestine Right to Return Coalition for 20 years Fatin Jarara clarified that what is going on is not an issue between a whole nation of people and a militant group “This is an issue of occupation imposed on indigenous people … In one week of bombardment on Gaza, more have been killed than in a year of bombardment on Afghanistan.”

Describing U.S. responses, she said the push for support of Israel “is already very high.

The talking is done for you,” often without verification, she said, offering as example President Biden’s claim of having seen photos of babies decapitated by Hamas; the photos never surfaced and the White House later walked back this claim.

“As Palestinians, we see all lives as worthy of living a dignified life,” she concluded.

Those in the U.S. who support the Palestinian cause “don’t want to see violence” and “don’t want to see people losing their lives,” but “want to see my people live a dignified life too. They want to see my people liberated.”

7 November 9-15, 2023

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

VP Sara commemorates Yolanda, bats for more disaster mitigation

Vice President and Educa�on Secretary Sara Z. Duterte

CA...

(From page 1)

and recent challenges arising during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the report highlights California’s efforts to empower and protect survivors by providing a range of support services, offering crisis intervention and safety planning options, providing for Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs), and enforcing laws to protect against gun violence.

“The data is clear: Domestic violence abusers should not have firearms,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “When an abuser has access to a firearm, it endangers the safety and lives of those around them. Violence is not an accident. It is also not inevitable, and it can be prevented. Removing dangerous weapons from people who pose a danger to others is key to that goal.” “ I am proud of the work we are doing at the California Department of Justice to uphold, defend, and enforce our state’s vital domestic violence and gun safety laws and policies, including Domestic Violence Re-

MANILA – Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte called on Wednesday for more proactive steps to prepare for disasters as Filipinos commemorate Typhoon Yolanda, which struck Eastern Visayas and other parts of the country 10 years ago.

In a video message, Duterte said this 10th year commemoration is an important reminder of disaster risk reduction, climate change mitigation, and disaster preparedness.

“By investing in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and education on disaster preparedness, we can safeguard our

communities and mitigate the impact of future calamities,” she said.

“Today, as we remember the lives lost.

Let us unite in solidarity and recommit ourselves to creating a safer, more resilient future defined by sustainable development.

Together, we can build communities that are better prepared to face the challenges posed by natural disasters and climate change,” she added.

Duterte also honored those whose lives were taken by the typhoon and acknowledged the first responders, volunteers, and humanitarian organizations who worked

hard to provide aid and support to the Yolanda victims.

To stay environment-friendly and learn from the lessons of the past, she asked the public to support the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) “PagbaBAGo: A Million Trees” project that is eyeing to plant a million trees by 2028.

In partnership with the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources and Education, as well as private organizations, the OVP implements the project in support of the government’s National Greening Program.

straining Orders and other court protection orders that remove firearms from people who should not have them,” Bonta said. “This report gives an in-depth look at the ties between domestic violence and firearms, shining a light on the problem at hand, and illuminating the path to safety before us.”

Other highlights of the report include: California has made substantial longterm progress in reducing the incidence of domestic violence involving firearms and in reducing gun homicide rates for women and children, who are disproportionately impacted by domestic violence-related homicides.

From 1993 to 2019, California recorded a 63% reduction in per capita rates of domestic violence-related calls for law enforcement assistance involving firearms, a 61% reduction in domestic violence-related gun homicides, a 67% reduction in female-victim gun homicide rates, and an 80% reduction in gun homicide rates for children aged 14 and under.

California’s gun homicide rates for women and children have been much lower than rates recorded for the rest of the nation. From 2018-2022, California’s female-victim gun

homicide rate was about half (46% below) the rate recorded for the rest of the U.S. For children aged 14 and under, California’s gun homicide rate was less than half (57% below) the rate for the rest of the nation. However, over the past decade, a majority of all female homicide victims in California were killed by a current or former intimate partner or family member, and a majority of child homicide victims between the ages of one and 14 were killed by a family member.

California also experienced substantial increases in domestic violence-related calls for law enforcement assistance involving reported use or threatened use of firearms during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, court records also showed a 17% decrease in the number of cases filed seeking the protections of a DVRO in California.

County-level analysis also shows that some counties reported much higher rates of firearm-related domestic violence incidents than others.

While California continues to make significant progress to address gun violence through strategies such as DVROs to protect

survivors of domestic violence, the states’ ability to protect citizens using these effective strategies is under threat, it was repported.

On November 7, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in U.S. v Rahimi, a case involving a Second Amendment challenge to a federal law disarming individuals subject to certain DVROs. In the lower court’s decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated the criminal conviction of a defendant who had possessed a firearm after being subject to a DVRO, which had been issued by a state court in Texas because the defendant had allegedly assaulted his exgirlfriend.

Bonta joined a coalition of 25 attorneys general in submitting an amicus to the Supreme Court arguing that the lower court’s decision that the DVRO violated the constitutional right of the defendant puts individuals at risk of being harmed or killed by their abusers, curtails the rights of states and the federal government to protect residents’ safety, and is inconsistent with a historical tradition of disarming individuals who are not law-abiding, responsible citizens.

9 November 9-15, 2023 Ex-General... (From page 1)

At the same time, he reminded active troops to follow their oath to protect the people and uphold the Constitution.

Formed AFP Chief of Staff now National Security Adviser Eduardo Año also said there is no destabilization plot against the President but confirmed that some former troops are displeased with some of the Marcos administration’s policies.

“There is no truth that there are active plans to unseat the president,” Ano stressed in a statement.

“There were healthy and passionate exchanges/debates among some retired or former military officers and even some criticism against certain policies of the current administration, but they are within the bounds of our democratic space. Although oftenly [sic] abused, they are part of the freedom of expression where most are academic discussions or politically motivated,” Ano added.

Ano said the AFP and the rest of the security sector are loyal to President Marcos, who is the AFP commander-in-chief ,and will not be influenced to join any destabilization plot against the government.

AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar assured the public there are no attempts to overthrow the administration of President Marcos and that AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. was merely misquoted in the media when speaking about destabilization plots.

“Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., the Chief of

Staff, AFP, was simply misquoted. In his message to the troops during the change of command ceremony of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) yesterday, Nov. 3, 2023, he merely mentioned the reported efforts by certain individuals to upset the peace and stability that the country is enjoying right now under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” Aguilar said in a statement.

In that ceremony, Brawner presided over the change of command between Wesmincom chief, Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo, and AFP Inspector General, Lt. Gen. William Gonzales.

Aguilar said Brawner merely reminded all AFP personnel to remain professional and loyal to their oath to protect the people and the state.

Aguilar said there is no credible threat, when asked if there is an active plan to overthrow the government through violent means.

“Wala kaming nakikitang ganun (we see no such thing),” he said.

The AFP, Aguilar said, sees no such threat at this time or even in the near future.

“I think that has been settled, kumbaga sa kwan, tapos na yung kwento na yun. Wala kaming nakikitang threat, so just to assure the public that we see no threat, security threat at this time or even in the near future,” he told defense reporters.

Retired officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), disgruntled with the

current Marcos regime, are seriously considering mounting a mass action not onlike the two Edsa revolts that saw the unseating of two presidents.

The warning came from no less than Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. Brawner reported the unrest in the military to local media over the weekend during the change of command ceremony of the Western Mindanao Command.

In his address, the AFP chief said he had been hearing a lot of calls for the destabilization of the Marcos regime.

Speaking in the vernacular, Brawner said “many” were calling to change the President “because of many reasons.”

He added that “some are saying there will be a coup d’etat again.”

Without naming names, Brawner continued in a mix of English and Tagalog that “some if them were former officers of the AFP.” He said he had spoken to some of them, and he said: “Sir, you have the right to do that because we are in a democracy, but please do not involve the active personnel” of the AFP. Brawner added that the unnamed retired officers had been encouraging individual members of the AFP to join the movement, but that he had called on the officers and enlisted personnel not to entertain such calls.

After his blockbuster revelation, Brawner appeared to have regretted his words.

Marcos...

(From page 1)

Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the US and Vietnam.

US President Joe Biden will lead the summit which is expected to be attended by China’s President Xinping. A Biden-Xi dialogue is expected to smoothen the relationship of the two countries.

Marcos confirmed his attendance during his meeting with members of the United States (US)-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business Council at Malacañan Palace in Manila. It will be his second attendance to an APEC Leaders Summit, the first was in Bangkok, Thailand.

“I look forward to joining fellow APEC Leaders in California later this year. This will be my third trip to the US since I assumed office,” Marcos told the US-ASEAN Business Council.

The APEC is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific.

This year, the US will chair the forum which will be held on Nov. 14 to 16 at the

Moscone Center West in San Francisco, California.

Focusing on “Creating Economic Opportunity,” the APEC Summit will feature a lineup of dynamic and diverse speakers who will highlight the potential of collaboration to build a future that is centered on sustainability, inclusion, resilience and innovation.

Marcos is among the economic leaders who are expected to speak at the summit, according to APEC’s official website.

Marcos said he would advance the country’s energy security interest when he joins his fellow APEC leaders during the economic bloc’s gathering.

“With energy security high in the economic agenda, we are particularly interested in sustainable land, water, and ocean solutions that align with our climate goals and support our plans to transform the Philippines into an upper Middle-Income Country by the year 2025,” he said.

“All efforts to increase the number of power sources lean towards clean energy.

That being the case, I am interested in the

potential of nuclear energy, especially in light of new technologies and innovations that allow the use of smaller scale, modular, nuclear reactors, and other advanced [reactors] technologies that we see as being safer and more efficient than the more traditional designs of nuclear power production,” Marcos added.

Marcos noted that there are ongoing discussions with the US on the 123 Agreement which will provide the legal framework for civil and nuclear-related investments, particularly nuclear power, in the Philippines.

He expressed optimism that partnerships with the US and other countries, especially the private sector, would lead to the establishment of the necessary infrastructure for the planned transition to clean and renewable energy.

“We recognize the rule that we have set for ourselves that is the slow transition and it is slow. We all have great hopes that the transition to renewables will be easy or simple.

It turns out that is not going to be the case and we have to be realistic in this regard,” he said.

Arroyo...

(From page 1)

Marcos Jr. Despite her recent removal as deputy speaker, Arroyo said she accept the House decision and would continue to support Speaker Romualdez.

In a statement, Arroyo said she has always supported Romualdez’s leadership as speaker from the time that she learned that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. preferred him for the position.

“I took the position that I will support him as Speaker. I had advised the President of this in writing,” she said. “But even as ordinary Congress(wo)man, I will remain true to my word to President Marcos Jr. – I will continue to support his preferred man for House Speaker, and that is Speaker Martin Romualdez.”

Arroyo explained that she was unable to sign House Resolution 1414 because she was abroad.

“In any case, that resolution does not contain anything new for me, because I have always supported his leadership as Speaker,” she added.

Arroyo also noted that she has never taken or supported any ouster moves against Romualdez.

“The House leadership, in its collective capacity and after careful deliberation, has

made the decision to relieve Deputy Speakers Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Isidro Ungab of their leadership positions,” Dalipe said in a statement.

Dalipe said House Resolution 1414 was of “paramount importance” as it manifested the collective intention of the House leadership to rise in unison in defense of the institution.

“This resolution was a response to certain quarters that have recently levied criticisms and scurrilous attacks against the House and its leadership. The unity and strength of the House are crucial in these challenging times, and the leadership believes in the importance of standing together as one cohesive body,” he said.

He said that while the House leadership respects the right of each member to their individual opinions and decisions, leadership positions come with certain responsibilities and expectations.

Dalipe said one of these expectations is to be aligned with the collective decisions of the leadership, especially on matters of “significant importance” to the institution.

“By choosing not to sign the resolution, Deputy Speakers Macapagal-Arroyo and Ungab have demonstrated that their perspectives differ from the collective stance of the leadership. While their contributions to the

House are appreciated and respected, the leadership believes that it is in the best interest of the House to have leaders who fully support and uphold the collective decisions and directions set forth by the leadership,” he said.

Dalipe committed that the House will continue to “work diligently on behalf of the Filipino people” and ensure that its leadership would reflect the “unity and direction” needed to effectively serve the citizens.

Ungab said he accepts the decision of the House leadership to remove him from his post as deputy speaker.

“I have been in Congress long enough to understand the dynamics and interpersonal relations among its members. I would like to thank all those who were instrumental in making my tenure as deputy speaker meaningful, memorable and worthwhile,” Ungab said.

Ungab said despite his removal, he would remain supportive of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and its programs “in the belief that it can bring a better hope and future for the Filipino people.”

“I accept my fate without any rancor nor bitterness. I leave the deputy speakership’s position assured that I have performed my duties well, with the best intentions and great love for my country,” he said.

In a turnabout, Brawner said he only heard rumors about alleged destabilization efforts, but acknowledged that some retired military officers might be disgruntled because of “various” issues, including changes to the pension system of military and other uniformed personnel.

Earlier, Brawner, as reported by ABSCBN and other media, urged soldiers during the Western Mindanao Command change of command program between Wesmincom chief, Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo, and AFP Inspector General, Lt. Gen. William Gonzales not to entertain the “infiltration that is happening in the country, including Zamboanga City and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao” for destabilization efforts against the government.

In the report, Brawner said active members of the AFP should not pay attention to the group but instead focus their efforts in the fulfillment of the AFP’s transformation roadmap.

Later, Brawner clarified his statement.

“I did not mention about destabilization plot.

Kasi pag sinabi nating plot, parang plano na ito na i-eexecute na lang. Ang sinabi ko during my statement was that may mga naririnig tayo na mga ugong-ugong ng mga destabilization efforts,”

Marcos also announced he will meet the Filipino community in the San Francisco Bay Area and later will fly to Los Angeles for more business meetings and interaction with Filipinos there.

Marcos has also accepted an invitation to visit the Indo Pacific Command of the United States in Honolulu, Hawaii where he is also expected to interact with the Filipino community in that state.

The APEC meeting hosted by San Francisco and the state of California will push through despite concerns on security, traffic, homeless citizens on the streets and others.

State, city and APEC officials have been in frenzied activities for several weeks now to ensure the success of the big event to be attended by heads of 21 APEC member countries and thousands of ministerial, business and economic leaders, including tourists.

APEC’s 21 member economies are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong

Deputy Speaker weeks after she was demoted from Senior Deputy Speaker.

Also removed was Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab as deputy speaker. He was replaced by Lanao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Yasser Alonto Balindong.

Deputy Majority Leader Ramon Nolasco Jr. moved for the revamp in the House leadership during the plenary session. Nolasco defeated Katrina Ponce Enrile, daughter of former Senate President now Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile in the 2022 election in Cagayan.

There were no objections and the motions were approved with Deputy Speaker Roberto Puno presiding over the session.

Arroyo and Ungab were removed from key positions for not backing and signing a “pivotal House resolution,” which upholds the integrity and honor of the House and expresses solidarity to the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez, according to House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe.

Romualdez is known to have started preparing for a possible presidential run in 2028 to replace his cousin, President Ferdinand

 OPINION

November 9-15, 2023

10

Caring visionaries behind Got Wheels!

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“

I

A sad day indeed

t’s a very sad day for America.”

No truer words were spoken regarding the events of this week. Not in the war-torn areas of Ukraine and Gaza, but here in the place we call home.

Those words were spoken by one Donald Trump, who was speaking of himself as if he were a microcosm of these United States of America.

It was sad for him because he has been forced to testify, to defend himself (and his family) against some very real accusations that the Trump Organization had been toying with the values of the real estate properties it controls, bloating then understating their true worth depending on their needs.

Those fluid valuations were determined to be illegal, as they gave the family of the 45th POTUS unfair advantage in many of its dealings, specifically in the state of New York.

So while we can all agree that the first working day of this week was indeed a sad day for America, it is because of what Trump continues to do.

He continues to show his utter lack of respect, not just for the court which will soon determine how much in penalties the former president must pay, but for the entire US judicial system.

Only Trump and his blind followers believe that he is not getting a fair trial.

But because everything he says and does is widely covered in mass media, it may be argued that Trump is weakening the very foundation of our democracy.

In his world view, his weltanschauung, he has done no wrong and is being tormented by his political enemies whose sole purpose is to stop his inexorable march back to the White House.

The tragic part is that there is a very real possibility that it could happen.

This is so because he not only has an iron grip on the Republican Party, but also because millions of Americans have fallen for his lies, blatant as they may be.

When he lost the last elections to Joe Biden, he immediately began to repeat the mantra that it was rigged. He did so at every opportunity. And strangely enough, millions also began to parrot his line.

As the saying goes, repeat a lie often enough and the people will come to accept it as true.

Trump also likes to say that what is happening to him is a witch hunt, perpetrated by a Justice department that has been weaponized by the Biden government.

But no. The elections were not rigged, and there is no witch hunt meant to figuratively burn the Trump family at the stake.

What is happening is the wheels of justice moving forward, with an end destination that is clearer by the day.

The guilty will be punished, while the innocent will be set free.

Anyone of sound mind would not be willing to bet that Donald J. Trump’s story will have a happy ending.

Deep inside of him, Trump knows where it ends – tragically. Histrionics in court notwithstanding, he will lose. Everything.

C

aring visionaries put their hearts and heads together in 2018 to bring accessible and affordable transportation, a top unmet need everywhere and even more so in populous but remote pockets of the 744 square miles composing picturesque San Mateo.

Canepa, then a sophomore on the County leadership and the board liaison to the County Commission on Aging, concurred with Heather Cleary, CEO of Peninsula Family Service, on the urgency to respond to the challenge.

“Mobility is key to enjoying independent and healthy lives as we grow older, and I’ve seen the need for it in my own life as both of my grandmothers are now in their 90s. CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO I do not want them or any older adult to live in isolation but rather for them to thrive and have a support system that values them,” the grandson of LiliaTorres Canepa and Dolores Calero shared the source of his inspiration to prioritize the needs of older adults. “This is my vision, and the partnership with Peninsula Family Service has improved the quality of life for so many in our communities.”

Founded in 1950, Peninsula Family Service is a private nonprofit whose mission is to strengthen the communities in San Mateo, Santa Clara, and San Benito Counties by providingchildren, families, and older adults the support and tools to realize theirfull potential and lead healthy, stable lives.

“PFS founded Got Wheels! in recognition that reliable, affordable transportation is crucial for olderadults to lead meaningful lives, reducing isolation and loneliness,” Cleary affirmed her organization’s steps in alignment with both the California Master Plan for Aging and US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s call to action forsocial connection.

Got Wheels! is a 24/7 taxi service providing up to 6 one-way rides a month for $5 each one-way ride. It is a no-cost membership; members pay only when they take a ride. The program is open to individuals 70 and older living in 12 cities in the service area.

“Got Wheels! is an invaluable service that I was proud to kickstart with a $100,000 grant from San Mateo County a few years ago. What started as a pilot program in Daly City to provide affordable taxi rides for our older Americans has now grown to serve 12 cities in the county with 500 participants, which shows the need for this service,” stressed Canepa, 48.

The program gets Colma resident Aurea Cruz, 92, to her meetings as president of the local Holy AngelsParish Legion of Mary or to visit her husband, Ros, at a rehab facility in Burlingame.

Members gain motivation to rise daily with a sense of purpose as they see their health concerns and engage in the community. They are empowered to make doctor’s appointments, shop, socialize, or enjoy the outdoors, among many activities.

Former PFS VP-Older Adults Susan Houston, now retired, developed the program in partnership with Serra Yellow Cab with an eye toward distant municipalities, starting with Daly City, the county’s most significant. With 15 percent of 110,000 residents 65 years and older, the “Gateway to the Peninsula” became ground zero for the Got Wheels! test run in 2019.

In the fall of 2020, CalTrans executed funding to extend the program service area beyond Daly City to Colma, Brisbane, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Moss Beach, and Montara. Service includes rides to and from San Francisco International Airport.

“It’s a wonderful gift,” raves Daly City Personnel Commissioner and co-founder of Pilipino Bayanihan Center Perla Ibarrientos, 86. The 50-year resident of Daly City used (Continued on page 19) to be squired by her husband, Mig Ibarrientos, until he suf-

T

Upside

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My Fil-American grandson, Matthew

oday, my grandson, woodrow Matthew Reyes Johnston, turns a year older.

I have not seen him for some time now, and had expected him to be present at my birthday celebration in Benicia, California lasy May. I think of him every year, though, when his birthday comes around. He is my first Fil-American grandson, after all.

Matthew only child of my daugther, Aisha grew up partly under the care of his grandpa, Karim Kiram, who bought him to the Philippines to visit when he was a young lad.

Matt bonded with his firat cousin, Kevin, during his stay in the Philippines. He was curious about many things in the Philippines, loved pizza and memorized the telephone number of the pizza place, accompanied his yoyo everywhere, including the shooting of a film, where he was given a bit part.

I saw little of Matthew, once he was an adult. I know he moved out of California and eventually lived and worked in Las Vegas where he found his love life, Cristina, a teacher and a Catholic, they now have a lovely daugther, nicknamed, Gigi.

I was privillaged to attend their wedding with his mother in a Catholic chuch in Las Vegas. The ceremony was so beautiful and touching.

I don’t know if our paths will cross again and if so, when and where.

Despite time and distance, Matthew remain close to my heart and today, I wish him God’s blessings for peace, prosperity and happiness.

Happy, happy birthday, Matt!

11 November 9-15, 2023

 OPINION

T

Apostille of notarized documents by Secretary of State s an accredited and com-

A

Health & Wealth

Offline

his little bit of news is missioned Notary Public something that the Marand founder of Mobile cos regime had better take Signing Services (MSS), I connote of, if it knows what’s good tinue to receive calls from old for it. and new clients asking if we still A recent survey conducted do authentication (red ribbon)

by Meta and Gallup found that follow of notarized documents the Philippines has one of the with the Philippine Consulate in highest levels of self-reported San Francisco, California. loneliness among all of the I explained to them that as countries of the world. of May 14, 2019, the Philippine ART GABOT MADLAING The country may not be at Consulate in San Francisco, Calithe very bottom of the list, but BETING DOLOR fornia no longer authenticate (red it’s close. Too close for comfort, ribbon) notarized documents, but in fact. must now be submitted to the Secretary of State, Notary Public SecSaid The Global State of Social Connections, a lot more than half of Filipinos say they are tion in Sacramento, California, for apostille.

For guidance and information of our readers and the general pubfeeling lonely. How much more? How about 57 percent?

That’s a lot of our kababayans, huh? It is more than double the lic, I would like to share excerpts of the Special Notice from the Philippine Consulate, Legal Section, in San Francisco, California on the global average of 24 percent.

You all know the saying that a man is judged by the company “ Accession of the Philippines to the Apostille Convention, as follows: “Philippine Consulate shall no longer issue Authentication Cerhe keeps? Well a country can also be judged the same way. In the case of the state of sadness, our Philippines is down there with the tificate (red ribbon) for documents notarized or apostilled in the States likes of Uganda, Botswana, Lesotho, and Afghanistan. All ranked under its jurisdiction namely: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington State, Northern Nevada, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming and 50 percent and over.

I don’t know about you folks, but I’m suddenly feeling very Northern California.

If you notarized documents before 14 May 2019, the Philippine sad now. Depressed almost.

Consulate will (1) still accept it for authentication (red ribbon) or (2) The study covered a total of 142 countries, by the way. And it seems that sadness or loneliness – is there a difference between you may advice the applicant to secure an Apostille. On the other the two? – is a worldwide phenomenon. Maybe it’s part of the hu- hand, if you notarized documents from 14 May 2019 onwards, we man condition, or maybe it’s the modern world which is moving will no longer authenticate said documents. The applicant should it to the issuing State/Competent Authority for the issuance of an Apostille too fast for most of us.

I suspect too much technology may also play a part, as we Certificate.

Please note that apostilled document/s no longer need additional have all become too dependent on our gadgets.

Imagine spending a week or even just a weekend at a desert authentication by the Philippine Consul General. Once apostilled, it island. No cellphones, no internet, no Facebook or X. It would already has legal validity and can be sent to the Philippines for use.

APPRECIATION AND COMMENDATION TO THE SECREdrive a lot of “normal” people like you and me nuts, no?

I remember one time when I went out of town and forgot to TARY OF STATE As an accredited and commissioned Notary Public in California bring my charger. It was panicville for me, folks. It was only since 1981, I would like to express my personal appreciation and comwhen I was at the airport waiting for my flight home that charging mendation to Dr. Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., our new Secretary of State stations were available. For free even.

I felt like some kind of addict in need of a fix. It was when in California.

She responded to my series of requests to open the Front Desk at my phone was partially charged enough that I was able to phone the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, in Sacramento, Califorhome, just like ET said.

In a recent TV interview, a psychologist and relational life nia for faster processing of submitted notarized documents for aposcoach said it was actually a good thing that we Pinoys acknowl- tille. When the Front Desk was still closed the apostille processing of submitted notarized documents needed in the Philippines was 5-10 edge our sadness. Or loneliness. Whatever.

I have no idea what a relational life coach does except to be- days.

Now that the Front Desk at the Secretary of State, Notary Public come characters in romantic comedies (I detest the word romcom, ok?) Didn’t Will Smith play one in a movie not too long Section in Sacramento, California finally opened the apostille proago? This was before he decided to show the world that he could cessing of submitted notarized documents is very fast. Today, my beblindside a guy much smaller than him and slapping him in the loved wife and I normally drive to Sacramento from our home in San Francisco, California in the morning to submit notarized documents face, in full view of millions of viewers. needed in the Philippines for apostille at the Front Desk of the SecreHe’s lost much of his popularity, hasn’t he?

And all because he was supposedly defending the honor of his tary of State, Notary Public Section. We’ll wait for the release of the wife, who recently said they were, in fact, in an open marriage. apostilled documents in the afternoon, which is one-day turn around.

I would like also to express my personal thanks and appreciation Meaning she could have sex with anyone she chose, including her son’s best friend if rumors are to be believed. Not-so-good old to the very friendly, hospitable and efficient staff at the Front Desk of the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento, CaliforWill could do the same thing. nia. Last week I met Alfred Lopez, a Filipino staff at the Front Desk, Boy did I just digress, si?

Anyway, this psychologist says it’s a good thing to acknowl- who completed the apostille processing of the notarized documents I edge and validate one’s feelings. Good for mental health and all submitted efficiently and promptly.

We, at Mobile Signing Services (MSS), are committed and dedithat. Good even for Will Smith. cated to assist and help old and new clients (particularly the elderly Incidentally, my current life partner is a licensed psychologist, so maybe she can explain to me why so many people are sad and veterans) in the signing, notarization and apostille follow-up of Affidavits, Special Power of Attorney, Proof of Life, Parental Travel and lonely.

Now the other psychologist I refer to – the one who’s not my Permit (PTP), DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, Deed of Extrajudicial life partner and whom I don’t know from Eve if I ever ran into her Settlement and other documents needed in the Philippines. Here are – likewise said that a large part of the loneliness we feel is “the some advantages and benefits with MSS: 1, AVOID TAKE OFF FROM WORK – You don’t need to lack of communication with other people.”

So there. That’s why I was going crazy when I had my phone take off from work and drive to Sacramento just to submit notarized with me when I was alone in a far off city (on business) but documents to the Secretary o State, Notary Public Section, for apostille. MSS will take care everything for you. couldn’t use it because it was zero batt.

2. DISCOUNTS FOR THE ELDERLY AND VETERIn order to combat loneliness, says Ms. Psychologist, people ANS – We offer special discounts to the elderly and veterans. should talk to others who are positive and open minded.

3. VERY FLEXIBLE APPOINTMENTS - We offer flexWhat about pets, I want to ask her. Can a guy just talk to his dog or cat instead? My answer is a probable yes, because pets can ible appointments for old and new clients during regular office hours, after office hours and weekends except on Sundays. often be better company than hoomans.

4. FREE PARKING – When we had our Office at the But I shall refrain from taking part in the Dogs Are Better Philippine Center near the Philippine Consulate, our old clients were Than Cats debate, for the simple reason that the answer has always been dogs. As proof, I ask cat people: When was the last complaining for the expensive parking fees. With our home office, old and new clients now have FREE parking in our driveway and street time your cat ever wagged its tail when you get home?

Madame Psychologist ended by stating the obvious. Kindness parking spaces nearby.

5. SAVINGS ON GAS AND MILEAGE FEES – We enshould always start with us, she said.

So what does the Marcos regime have to do with all this? For courage our old and new clients to come to our home office in San Francisco to save on gas and mileage fees ($60 to $130). me and many of my friends, everything.

6. FLEXIBLE LOCATION OF APPOINTMENTS – For I remain permanently sad because I do not for one second bethose who can’t come to our home office in San Francisco, we can lieve that Bongbong Marcos won last year’s presidential elections fairly. I have serious doubts that he had 15 million votes more do signing and notarization of documents in the privacy of homes, offices, schools, restaurants, BART lobby, hospitals, USPS lobby and than Leni Robredo.

I can barely accept that the son of the vile dictator who took other locations.

7.MULTIPLE DOCUMENTS AND MULTIPE SIGNAthe country to the brink of ruin is now running the show. I see that TURES DISCOUNTS- We offer 5% to (Continue on page 20)

T

Developments around Us: K of C Thanksgiving, Fremont new center

here’s a lot of developments going on in the Bay Area we need to know aside from what’s going on nationally and internationally with the Israel vs Hamas war, Russia vs. Ukraine war, the Speakership issue, presidential candidates for 2024, and the legal battles being faced by former US President Donald Trump.

Foremost of which is CA Assembly member Alex Lee se- ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO curing a $1 million funding for Fremont’s multi-use community center at Central Park. Residents from Fremont will surely rejoice knowing this.

In his mailer to residents, Lee mentioned the center will replace the 50-year old Teen Center and the Fremont community Center buildings. With over 34,000 square feet of space, the new facility will include a multi-sport gymnasium, dance and fitness room, event center, and more.

Funding from this fiscal year’s state budget adds to the $8 million that was secured in the 2023-2023 state budget for the multi-use community center, according to Lee. “In total, I’m proud to have secured $15.5 million for Fremont in the past two years, with funding in the last fiscal year’s state budget to build a landmark bicycle and pedestrian path on the 1-680 Sabercat Bridge & Trail and support he operational costs of the Fremont Housing Navigation Center to provide a clean and safe environment for unhoused residents,” Lee said.

The Knights of Columbus (K of C) St. John’s Council 5796 and St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish, on the other hand, will hold its 45th Annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 23, 2023 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Pavalkis Hall, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church located at 279 S. Main St., Milpitas, CA 95035, according to Grand Knight Ray Maglalang in an interview. He said all are invited especially seniors, homeless, and low-income people, in line with K of C’s theme: “In service to one. In service to all!”

Maglalang said “Your donation helps Knight of Columbus (K of C) St. John’s Council 5796 fund important charitable projects like our “Thanksgiving dinner.”

On Thursday, November 16, 2023, the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Silicon Valley (FACCSV) is holding the chamber’s Community Thanksgiving Business Mixer which will be held at Care Indeed, 358 Redwood Ave., San Jose, CA 95128 (next to Santana Row, across from Valley Fair), according to Nell Capistrano Messersmith. The event will start at 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm sat the Care Indeed, a thriving leader in the home health care and home health industries.

The event is sponsored by the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Silicon Valley in cooperation with small business community advocates NorCal Kabataan Community Group and FilAm South Bay Community. NKCG and FASB re two of the most successful online community groups in the Bay Area that connected the consumers and the vendors during the recent pandemic.

The Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) is excited to announce a new pilot program at the Milpitas Library. “The Library of Things” offers patrons the opportunity to borrow variety of items including kitchen equipment, hobby kits, health and wellness items, technology items and cool things for kids. All these “things”, according to Jennifer Weeks and Mariana Walker from SCCD, are free to borrow with SCCLD library card.

“The Library of Things” allows patrons to discover new tools and devices to help them learn, Create and connect, said Milpitas Community Librarian Kelly McKean, “Perhaps, you only want to try something once, or you want to try something d before you buy, these things can save you money and space,” she added.

Some of the popular items include a hot spot with grill, sous vide equipment, Go Pro 11, Tonieboxes, and kits for bird watching, sewing and making music. The “Library of Things” is a new and creative project which we need to patronize, right?

The next one is the 3rd Trade Mission to the Philippines which is ongoing (November 2 – 14, 2023) sponsored by The Filipino American Real Estate Professional Association of Silicon Valley (FAREPA SV), according to FAREPA-SV President and head of mission Anne Orozco-Ramirez who left from SF International Airport to Manila two days before the 21-member delegation arrived in the Philippines on November 2.

The FAREPA-SV trade mission is co-sponsored by Ayala Land International, Megaworld International, and Bahay sa Pinas.

Orozco-Ramirez said, in her departure statement: “The primary objective of the trade mission is to meet top real estate developers and listen to first-hand information about ongoing projects as well as have field tours of the properties selected development sites.”

The trade mission, according to Orozco-Ramirez in a telephone interview, will promote the interests of Filipino American Real Estate Professionals by elevating the level of professionalism within the global community through education, networking, and partnership.

To accomplish this mission, Orozco-Ramirez said “…by creating a unified voice within the real estate industry, advocating for policy position at the national level that will reduce barriers to home ownership for the Filipino-American com- (Continue on page 20)

As I See It

PHL is home to some of the loneliest people in the planet

 BUSINESS | IMMIGRATIONS A single crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT) may cause you to be removable and inadmissible A crime involving moral turpitude can make you inadmissible and deportable. DHS will find inadmissibility when you travel outside the U.S. and then return. You will be sent to second interview where they will ask you questions about the crime committed. To be safe you should consult an immigration attorney before travelling outside the U.S. Traditionally a CIMT involves intent to commit fraud, commit theft with intent to permanently deprive the owner, or inflict great bodily harm, as well as some reckless or malicious offenses and some offenses with lewd intent.

A noncitizen is Deportable for One Conviction of a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (“CIMT”) if: a) Convicted b) Of one CIMT c) That has a potential sentence of one year or more d) And was committed within five years after date of admission In you have a criminal case, you should ask your lawyer to prevent deportability for a single CIMT by asking to: a) Avoid a “conviction” by getting pre‐plea diversion or treatment in juvenile proceedings; or b) Plead to an offense that is not a CIMT; or c) Avoid a potential one‐year sentence by pleading to a misdemeanor with a six‐month maximum sentence.

Or in California plead to attempt to commit either a one‐year misdemeanor or a felony that can be reduced to a misdemeanor, for a maximum possible sentence of six months; or d) Plead to an incident that happened more than five years after the “date of admission.” This is usually the date the person was first admitted into the U.S. with any kind of visa or card.

Or, if the person entered the U.S. without inspection – i.e., never was admitted on any visa – it is the date that the person became a permanent resident by “adjusting status” within the U.S. If the person left the U.S. after becoming inadmissible for crimes, or for more than six months sentence, get more advice from your attorney.

A noncitizen is Deportable for Conviction of Two or More CIMTs After Admission if: a) Both convictions must be after the person was admitted to the U.S. in some status, or adjusted status b) The convictions may not spring from the same incident (“single scheme”) A noncitizen is INADMISSIBLE FOR MORAL TURPITUDE, 8 USC 1182(a)(2)(A) if: Inadmissible for One or More Convictions of a CIMT There is an exception which is Petty Offense Exception automatically means the person is not inadmissible for CIMT To qualify for the exception: a) Defendant must have committed only one CIMT ever b) The offense must have a potential sentence of one year or less. Here a one‐year misdemeanor, or a felony wobbled down to a misdemeanor, will qualify for the exception. c) Sentence imposed is six months or less. For example, suspended imposition of sentence, three years probation, six months jail ordered as a condition of probation will qualify. Youthful Offender Exception applies rarely, but benefits youth who were convicted as adults.

A noncitizen is not inadmissible for CIMT if he or she committed only one CIMT ever, while under the age of 18, and the conviction or resulting imprisonment occurred at least five years ago.

Note: This is not a legal advice and presented for information purposes only. If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family separation.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 1.

PETITION FOR NURSES LVN AND CAREGIVERS Our Law Firm entered into agreement with nursing facilities in the U.S. to process applicants for Nurses, LVN and Caregivers in the US You may qualify if you have RN or LVN license. Caregivers will need six months of caregiving experience.

Applicants Inside or outside the United States may qualify.

Bankruptcy Basics We also process Bankruptcy cases.

1. Bankruptcy will actually improve your credit within one year because your unsecured debts are discharged. Although the bankruptcy will be in your records for 10 years, not filing bankruptcy will make your credit even worse until most your debts are paid.

2. If you are being sued by your creditors, most money judgment can be eliminated in bankruptcy.

3. Collection actions continue and you can be sued if you are in debt settlement.

4. Chapter 7 will eliminate all unsecured debts. If you are near retirement age, you must eliminate most of your debts.

CAR ACCIDENTS Our Law Firm successfully settled a car accident for $675.000.

FAMILY LAW We also handle uncontested DIVORCE. ITIN and INCOME TAX PROBLEMS We can help you if you need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer ID number) We also prepare income tax returns and if you are under IRS audit, and need a representation with IRS, need to reduce your DOJ SELLER OR TRAVEL # 2025230-40 tax liability or need to offer a payment plan to IRS, we can help you with that.

November 9-15, 2023

12

Maharlika Investment Fund IRR finalized; appointment of key officials expected

By Jennifer T. Santos MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has announced that the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) have been finalized after it was temporarily suspended last month.

With the IRR, the organization of the MIF’s corporate structure and the appointment of officers will “proceed at pace” as the government aims to make the controversial state-owned investment fund operational before the end of this year.

“The Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Maharlika Investment Fund have been finalized. Upon approval, we’ll swiftly establish the corporate structure, getting the MIF up and running,” President Marcos said.

Last month, a Malacanang memo signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin suspended the IRR of the Maharlika fund’s enabling law, citing a need to study the policy further.

Later, Marcos announced that many foreign leaders and businesses were interested in investing in the MIF, bouying hopes that the controversial MIF will work well. The Development Bank of the Philippines and the Land-

bank of the Philippines have deposited their initial capitalization to the MIF. Senior Undersecretary Elaine Masukat and Undersecretary Rodolfo John Robert Palattao IV of the Presidential Management Staff; Undersecretary Leonardo Roy Cervantes of the Office of the Executive Secretary; Government Service Insurance System General Manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso; and Office of the Presidential Adviser for Investment and Economic Affairs Raphael DC Consing Jr. were present during the finalization of the IRR. Representatives from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for General Administration and Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs also witnessed the finalization.

Last month, President Marcos ordered a further review of the Fund’s IRR. In an Oct. 12 memorandum signed

by Bersamin by the authority of the President, the BTr, in coordination with the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines, was directed to initially hold the implementation of the IRR of Maharlika “pending further study thereof.”

 ENTERTAINMENT

November 9-15, 2023

14

Stars, Filmmakers in LA for Manila International Film Festival Launch Hilda Koronel is First MIFF Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement Awardee

Hilda Koronel

Stars and filmmakers, including Romnick Sarmenta, Enchong Dee, Kaladkaren and Eisel Serrano, are in Los Angeles for the launch of the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) last

Thursday, November 2.

In a press conference at the Andaz West Hollywood Hotel, MIFF announced that actress Hilda Koronel will be the first recipient of the Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement Award.

Named after the late Manibog, the first Filipino American to become an elected official in Southern California and the first FilAm mayor in the continental United States, a humanitarian, lawyer and an Olympian, the award honors Koronel, one of the Philippines’ finest actresses.

The stars from Manila joined filmmakers Jun Robles Lana, Perci Intalan and JP Habac Jr., Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) overall chairman, Atty. Romando Artes, and Executive Director, Atty. Rochelle Ona, MIFF President Ebradu Udarbe, Chairman Omen Ortiz and Executive Producer Lisa Lew, in the press conference attended by members of the FilAm media.

MIFF, the first overseas edition of the MMFF, will be launched at the DGA with a screening of three films chosen from the eight entries in the inaugural summer edition of MMFF (Metro Manila Summer Film Festival – MMSFF) held last April in the Philippines.

These three films and their screening times on Nov. 2 are Chris Martinez’s “Here Comes the Groom,” starring Enchong Dee, Kaladkaren, Miles Ocampo and Gladys Reyes, MMSFF special jury prize winner, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm; JP Habac Jr.’s “Love You Long Time,” starring Carlo Aquino, Eisel Serrano and Ana Abad Santos, 2:00 – 4:00 pm; Jun Robles Lana’s “About Us But Not About Us,” starring Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas, which won several MMSFF awards, including best picture, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, including a Q & A, moderated by journalist Ruben V. Nepales, with star Romnick Sarmenta and filmmakers Jun Robles Lana and Perci Intalan.

The LA launch also featured a VIP reception and a meet and greet with the stars and filmmakers behind these three films, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm.

The MIFF founders are Omen Ortiz, chairman; Ebradu Udarbe, president; Lisa Lew, executive producer; Ruben Nepales and Janet Nepales, media relations consultants; and Celia Abaya Dy, ticketing manager. Also on the MIFF team are Leo Dela Cruz, chief financial officer; Erickson Ilog, chief operations officer; Ron Ramores, chief marketing officer; Cindy Sison, consultant; and Meriden Angeles, coordinator.

For MIFF launch and festival sponsorship inquiries, contact Erickson Ilog (eilog@ manilainternationalfilmfest.com) and Ron Ramores (rramores@manilainternationalfilmfest. com).

Ten entries in the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival this December will be screened in Los Angeles on January 30 and 31 and February 1 and 2, 2024. With the lineup of star-studded MMFF entries, MIFF in LA promises to be an exciting one as well.

ABS-CBN Global Anti-Piracy Head Elisha Lawrence to speak at Parks Associates’ 6th Annual Future of Video Conferencethis November in Marina Del Rey LOS ANGELES, November 8, 2023 – Piracy continues to pose a multi-billion-dollar challenge to the streaming video industry today. ABS-CBN Global Anti-Piracy and Content Security Head Elisha Lawrence will be among the speakers at the 6th Annual Future of Video Conference, November 14-16, at the Marina Del Rey Marriott. The event is organized by Parks Associates, an internationally recognized market research and consulting company specializing in emerging consumer technology products and services.

Lawrence will be a panelist in the session called, “Piracy: The Billion Dollar+ Challenge”. Other panelists include: Ken Gerstein, VP, NAGRA Anti-Piracy & NexGuard, NAGRA; Lisa Spencer, VP, Marketing, Irdeto; and Jan van Voorn, EVP & Chief of Global Content Protection, Motion Picture Association (MPA). The session moderator is Elizabeth Parks, President & CMO, Parks Associates.

From Parks Associates’ website, “the Future of Video brings together senior leaders to share insights on new trends in the video and connected entertainment industries, with insights on consumer adoption, churn, and spending. The event provides insight into successful OTT strategy deployments, challenges for pay-TV providers, the role of connected CE in the growth of video viewing, new content formats, and the overall impact

A

KIM CHIU LOVES THE HATE MESSAGES

ctress, Kim Chiu she loves the “hate” messages she is getting for her role of Juliana in the suspense-thriller series Linlang.

The tale of deceit and betrayal follows boxer-turned-seaman Victor “Bangis” Lualhati (Paulo Avelino) in his quest of uncovering the truth behind his wife Juliana’s (Kim) infidelity.

It turns out that Juliana’s lover is Victor’s half-brother and lawyer Alex (JM de Guzman).

Produced by ABS-CBN and Dreamscape, Linlang became the most-watched TV show on Prime Video Philippines upon its debut in October. New episodes drop every Thursday.

Kim doesn’t mind being called “the most hated” character in the show. In fact, she is “grateful” to be labeled as such.

“This is what I can call the hate that I love,” stated Kim during a thanksgiving media conference for the 14-part series.

“Yung mga hate messages that I love.”

“Because, of course, in my career, in social media platforms, hindi naman malabo na nababash ka eh,” shared the Kapamilya actress as she recalled her Bawal Lumabas viral meme in 2020. “Ngayon pwede na ako lumabas.”

“I’m really happy with the kind of ‘hate’ that I’m receiving (in Linlang),” she reiterated.

“I’m thankful to my director dahil pinapaulit nila sa akin kapag kumi-Kim Chiu levels yung (acting), ‘That’s Kim Chiu, let’s do it again.’ They were very patient with me to become Juliana,” she added, also commending the series’ writers, creatives and the entire team.

“Keep them coming,” she went on, referring to the hate messages. “I love it!”

Even Kim was surprised to pull off such a meaty role. At the same time, she also gets annoyed with Juliana.

“I’m also irritated by her. While portraying her, kalaban ko lagi sarili ko. Kasi ‘pag umaarte, ‘Here we go again. Mali ka na nga, anuhin mo pa, ganyan. Nakakasakit ka na pero itutuloy mo pa rin.’

“But, of course, I had to believe sa ginagawa ni Juliana so that when I would act her out, you’ll really get mad just like I did. As Kim Chiu, naiinis din talaga ako sa kanya.”

Linlang is the second series of Kim on Prime Video after Fit Check: Confessions of an on the video market.”

Ukay Queen.

Aside from piracy, among the session topThe former Pinoy Big Brother housemate had been playing teeny-bopper roles in the past, ics at the event are: which are a sharp contrast to her dark and daring role in Linlang.

Kim admitted in an earlier media conference that she had apprehensions in taking on the AVOD (Advertising Video On Demand) character.

“I said I had fears because I thought people might not support it. That’s what I’m reand FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV): Making Sense of the New Hybrid Mod- ally afraid of… Because it was my first time to do a gray character or dark role, which I don’t usually do. It was my first time to take that risk, and I said, ‘I will try (it) since I’ve been in the els industry for so many years.’

The New Sports Video Experience “Whatever the results, siyempre resulta gusto ko maging maganda. And I prayed to all Tracking FAST and AVOD Bundles & Aggregation: Revenues and the saints. I was very happy and I was surprised na napaghiwalay nila si Juliana at Kim Chiu.

They would say, ‘I love you (as Kim Chiu) but galit na galit ako kay Juliana.’ And I was like, Reach Discovery and Personalization: Creating a ‘Oh, thank you.’”

She would also read comments on Instagram. “My comment box on Instagram has become Better Viewing Experience a group chat for Juliana haters na kahit (for example) nag-roller coaster lang ako, (I would Smart TVs: Platforms and Integration Streaming TV: New Life for Premium read comments such as) ‘Hoy, pasyal ka ng pasyal diyan sa ibang bansa, si Victor, si Abby (Juliana’s child), napapabayaan… Kasama na naman si Alex.’ I’m glad that they have that kind Linear Content Navigating Market Saturation and Next of experience with the show.

Kim also believes that if Juliana were to choose between Victor and Alex, she would pick Stage of Growth the latter. The actress explained, “Maybe Alex. Kasi siyempre asawa niya na si Victor tapos Immersive Experiences, Web 3.0, and nandiyan na sa harap niya, they are living together in one house. She would still see Alex. So Meta New Revenue Streams: T-Commerce, siguro bet niya talaga si Alex. Maybe because iba yung nabibigay ni Alex kay Juliana na security and love because you will not go the other way if you are contented with who you’re with.”

Gaming and More Given its successful run so far on Prime Video, will Linlang have a Season 2? Co-director Future of Streaming: Insights from WomFM Reyes said, “That is if they will survive what’s going to happen next. Brace yourselves for en Industry Executives Speakers come from major companies like what’s about to happen in the next few weeks.”

He quipped, “Bukod sa tumigil sa pag-inom ng kape, maghanda ng garlic oil sa tabi. Mas Google, TikTok, ESPN, Paramount, Comcast, malalim, mas unexpected, mas ako nininerbyos sa sarili ko.”

Verizon, Samsung TV, LG, Sling TV & DISH Meanwhile, Kim has clarified breakup rumors circulating with longtime boyfriend Xian Network, Vevo, REVOLT Media & TV, Tubi, FilmRise, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Cinev- Lim. The speculation arose from the actress’ recent solo travels.

“Baka nalilinlang lang kayo,” she said and added that they are OK. erse, AMC Networks, VIZIO, QVC+/HSN+, “Malinlang ang showbiz pero maayos naman, masaya naman po (kami),” she briefly anamong many others. swered.

15 November 9-15, 2023

 ENTERTAINMENT

A Joeyful Christmas Night Music with Joey Albert on Dec. 1 at St. John of God Church, Norwalk

By Dan E. Nino In a bid to upgrade the existing College Seminary and House of Formation for theology students of the Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross (MMHC) in Marikina and Silay City, the combined forces of the Holy Family Church in Artesia and St. John of God in Norwalk, are spearheading “A Joeyful Christmas, a night of music with renowned recording artist, Joey Albert on Dec. 1 (Friday) at 6:30 p.m.

The concert venue will be the St. John of God Church on 13819 Pioneer Blvd., Norwalk, CA. Miss Albert, a songwriter and recording artist who is now based in Vancouver, Canada, will be backed up

by Filipino American Symphony Orchestra with luminary conductor and musical director Bob Shroeder. She was an original mainstay of the iconic New Minstrels Band.

Guest Fil-Am singers: Jane Provido, hailed as most outstanding and versatile vocalist in 2023 and Marilyn Batino, an accomplished singer, will also be on hand to warm up the audience.

Ms. Joey Albert is the daughter of the foundress of MMHC, the late educator Leticia Tordesillas Albert. Although a laywoman, Mrs. Albert was regarded as God’s instrument in giving birth to this new religious congre-

Superior and Pastor of Holy Family Catholic Artesia said that 2023 is the 14th year that the congregation had established its religious communities to serve the Archdiocese of Los Angeles starting with Holy Family in Artesia in 2010 and then expanding to St. John of God in Norwalk in 2016. “We have dedicated ourselves to faithfully serve the churches we were entrusted with as well as the greater people of God, especially those in the Federal prisons within the Archdiocese.”

“As missionary priests, we have been sent by our religious congregation which is based in the Philippines to help in the training of more missionary priests. We have discerned that we need to upgrade our existing seminaries; to help in raising awareness as well as the initial funds to begin these essential projects, we are organizing this benefit concert,” he emphasized Both Rev., Fr. Raymund Decipeda, the pastor of St. John of God Church (562-863-5721) and Fr. John Ernesto Ma. Cordero of the Holy Family Church (562865-2185 are in the thick of preparation for this musical concert.

According to organizers, ticket prices range from $30 to $100. Interested parties may reach out to Veekee Eugation in the Catholic church in 1997 in the Diocese of genio @ 949-395-7536; Lita Vicente @ 562-402-4496; Bacolod which started as a Catholic youth group known Lucille Parisho @ 562-331-4012; and Mary Sanchez @ as Youth Marian Crusade in 1976.

562-822-1289.

Rev. Fr. John Roxas Ma. Cordero, MMHC, Regional

‘Here Lies Love’ winding up its Broadway run NEW YORK – “Here Lies Love,” a Broadway musical on The musical’s producers earlier addressed criticisms, exthe rise and fall of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, featur- plaining that the show “offers a creative way of re-information ing Filipino talents and producers is reportedly winding up its — an innovative template on how to stand up to tyrant.”

Broadway run.

“We cannot tell the modern history of the Philippines withThe reason as reported by Variety: lackluster ticket sales.

According to Variety, the final performance will be a Sunday matinee on November 26 after 33 previews and 149 regular performances.

The show, co-written by David Byrne and veteran DJ Fatboy Slim started previews at the Broadway Theater on June 17 before opening on July. 20 The show narrates the former First Lady’s rise and fall from power after the EDSA People Power Revolution by transforming the theater “into a dance club where the audience is immersed in the story.”

“Here Lies Love” features Filipino talents as actors and producers.

They included award-winning singer-actress Lea Salonga, award-winning Filipino-American singer H.E.R. in the production team.

Directed by Tony and Golden Globe awards recipient Alex Timbers, the groundbreaking show is choreographed by Olivier Award nominee Annie-B Parson.

It’s produced by Hal Luftig, Patrick Catullo, Diana DiMenna (Plate Spinner Productions), Clint Ramos, and Jose Antonio Vargas.

The Here Lies Love all-Filipino cast, a first in Broadway history, is led by Arielle Jacobs (In the Heights, Aladdin) as Imelda Marcos and Jose Llana (Rent, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) as Ferdinand Marcos.

Conrad Ricamora (How to Get Away with Murder, The King and I) plays the role of assassinated opposition senator Ninoy Aquino. Tony Award winner Lea Salonga, meanwhile, portrayed Aurora Aquino, the latter’s mother, in a special fiveweek-only guest engagement from July 11 to Aug. 13.

Other cast members include Melody Butiu, Moses Villarama, Jasmine Forsberg, Reanne Acasio, Jaygee Macapugay, Julia Abueva, Renée Albulario, Aaron Alcaraz, Carol Angeli, Nathan Angelo, Kristina Doucette, Roy Flores, Timothy Matthew Flores, Sarah Kay, Jeigh Madjus, Aaron “AJ” Mercado, Geena Quintos, Shea Renne, and Angelo Soriano.

“Filipinos are a global people. We come in all colors and build bridges across cultures. I am beyond excited to produce my first Broadway musical and forge a unique and meaningful partnership with Here Lies Love,” the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter said.

“Here Lies Love” was conceptualized by award-winning singer-songwriter David Byrne and DJ-producer Fatboy Slim.

out the United States. They’re intertwined. Here Lies Love is an Anti-Marcos show. It is a pro-Filipino show, being told in a quintessential American form: the Broadway musical,” the producers said in a statement last January.

 SPORTS

November 9-15, 2023

16

Pacquiao confirms working on a rematch with Mayweather MAKATI CITY - Former eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao has confirmed his camp is working on a possible rematch with American rival Floyd Mayweather Jr. in an exhibition targeted for December in Japan.

In an interview with Fight Hub TV and reported by GMA News, Pacquiao revealed that his camp is currently negotiating with the Mayweather camp. They first met inside the ring in 2015 in a fight that has been the richest in boxing history where the Filipino lost by way of unanimous decision.

“I am still active and training. I have an exhibition match this December in Japan. We are working on it, the opponent. We are working with Mayweather,” Pacquiao said.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao has sold their family’s Mediterranean-style home in Los Angeles for $2 million or P111.5 million, lower than what he bought it for in March 2009 at $2.17 million “(Pacquiao) is finally finished with his fight in the bruising world of SoCal real estate. And we’ve gotta say, the champ lost on points in this bout,” listings website realtor.com said in an article reporting the sale.

Records show that Pacquiao has tried unsuccessfully to list his LA property at a higher price several times. He listed it for sale in 2013 and 2014 at $2.7 million and again in October 2021 for $4.5 million.

Analyn Jusay, reporting for Manila Bulletin, wrote the Pacquiaos’ five-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom house has been featured in several Philippine magazines and on “ MTV Cribs.”

“This is a stunning 2-story celebrity home built in 2008 and located in the highly desirable area of Hancock Park.

It features a luxurious entry with 22-foot high ceilings and an extravagant kitchen with Grand Ceaserstone Isle, Miele & Bosch appliances, a floating glass hood, and a built-in coffee bar. With a spacious master bedroom and a balcony overlooking the pool,” another realty website noted in its description.

The home was reported in January 2019 to have been burglarized by unidentified men after it was left unattended. The series of burglar attacks was reportedly why the Pacquiaos wanted the house sold. They are also selling their Forbes Park mansion for more than P2 billion.

In July 2022, Pacquiao shot down the idea of a rematch with Mayweather, GMA News reported.

Another fighter that came up during the interview was Gervonta “Tank” Davis, GMA News reported.

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Pacquiao said that he is willing to share the ring with the young American prizefighter if Davis is willing to move up to the welterweight division.

“Davis is a good fighter. If he wants, if he comes up to 147 [pounds] we can fight. 145 maybe,” Pacquiao said, according to the report.

Siargao local wins back-to-back int’l surfing tourney crowns

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CONQUERING THE WAVE. John Mark Tocong of Siargao Island emerged victorious a�er capturing the crown of the 27th Siargao Interna�onal Surfing Cup during its final heatat the Cloud 9 Surfing Site in General Luna, Surigao del Norte.

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BUTUAN CITY – It’s a back-to-back win for John Mark Tokong of Siargao Island after capturing the championship crown of Men’s Category of the 27th Siargao International Surfing Cup on the final day of the competition on November 1 at the Cloud 9 Surfing Site in General Luna, Siargao Island.

Tokong garnered 16.2 points in the final round, defeating his closest rival in the competition Joh Azuchi of Japan, who reaped 10.95 points, PNA reported.

Tokong also captured the crown of the 26th Siargao International Surfing Cup last year.

The international surfing tourney opened on Oct. 25 with more than 100 professional surfers from different countries participating. It is categorized as Qualifying Series (QS) 3000 and sanctioned by the World Surf League (WSL).

The Women’s Category of the competition was also captured by Anon Matsuoka of Japan with 12 points in the final round, defeating Nilbie Blancada of Siargao Island.

In a statement on Thursday, the WSL said Tokong moved up to 12th in ranking in Asia after winning the Siargao tourney.

Tokong’s win went ahead of the upcoming Taiwan Open of Surfing QS 5000, which will start next week.

In a separate statement on Thursday, Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas II said Tokong’s victory “made our island and country proud. Thank you for showing to the world the competence and skills of Siargao surfers.”

 COMMUNITY NEWS

November 9-15, 2023

18

Celebrate 10 Great Years with Graton Resort & Casino this November, And Exciting Games Await You! Graton is the Premier Sponsor of APEC SF! ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – Graton Resort & Casino Come to Graton Resort & Casino in November for luxury and entertainment, everything you could expect! Saturdays in November, 7pm - 10pm, Win big at the $300,000 LEXUS & CASH ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY! Drawings every hour. 1 Lexus winner at 10pm, plus, 60 winners of $500 cash every Saturday! On Saturday, November 25 at 11pm, there is Grand Finale Drawing, all cars & cash prizes not claimed during the pro-

motion will be given away guaranteed! Also, come get your free Commemorative Anniversary Rewards Card!

In addition, Graton Resort & Casino recently introduced a mobile app, which allows guests instant access to personalized offers and rewards and tracks funds for slot play. Guests can download the free app on Google Play or the App Store.

All guests must be at least 21 years of age to qualify for a Rewards Card or the Graton App. Complete Graton Rewards information is available here.

Get ready for an exciting lineup of upcoming events that will surely light up your en-

tertainment calendar! Tickets for each of these can be purchased online at www. gratonresortcasino.com.

• 11/10 – Lui Fong Concert • 11/18 – Margaret Cho • 12/9 – Chris Janson Graton Resort & Casino is dedicated to helping our community in Northern California.

To show support, Graton Resort & Casino is the Premier Sponsor of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in San Francisco from November 11-17, 2023.

The APEC conference will shine a light on all the important attributes of the Bay Area – in-

cluding our diverse population and history of innovation. Graton Resort & Casino supports the conference’s core themes of resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity for all.

About Graton Resort & Casino Located in Sonoma County, Graton Resort & Casino has a commanding presence among the rolling hills of Northern California’s wine country. Owned and operated by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Graton Resort & Casino features table games, the latest slot machines, upscale and casual dining, plus entertainment options for visitors and locals alike. For more information, please visit www.gratonresortcasino.com or call 707-588-7100.

County, Partners Accept $7.2M Grant for Emergency Preparedness & Community Resiliency Improvements

Redwood City – A $7.2 million state grant will help the San Mateo County Event Center serve as an evacuation center and safe zone during earthquakes, fires, flooding and other disasters, state and local officials announced today.

The funding was announced during a news conference at the Event Center, home to the San Mateo County Fair, private shows and conferences and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, drive-through testing and vaccine clinics.

The grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture will improve the center’s ability to shelter up to 600 people when needed. Samaritan House, a San Mateo-based nonprofit, is slated to receive a share of the grant to upgrade kitchen and pantry service, pending approval by its board of directors.

“The Event Center and Samaritan House have proven themselves as invaluable partners over and over again during times of crisis that we have faced, as well as in nonemergency times. This grant, coupled with the matching funds allocated by the Board of Supervisors, lets us become even more resilient to keep our community protected. I’d like to thank the CDFA, the local staff who worked so hard to apply, and our representatives who supported our efforts,” said County Executive Mike Callagy.

The state grant, part of $89 million the CDFA awarded statewide to build resiliency at California fairgrounds, especially in response to climate change, will be matched by $4 million from the County of San Mateo and $1 million from the San Mateo County Event

Center. The grants are meant to improve existing community facilities and programs, particularly for economically vulnerable and food-insecure residents.

The San Mateo County Event Center is a 48-acre event facility in the city of San Mateo with more than 200,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space located in seven buildings. The facility is a designated Emergency Operations Center — proving itself invaluable as such during the COVID-19 pandemic, CZU Lightening Fires and other large-scale events — and these state funds will increase its ability to respond to future disasters.

CDFA Michael Flores called the Event Center “an intentional and great example of what a fairground can do to serve their community.”

Specifically, the collective funds will be used at the Event Center to: • Build 20 new restroom stalls and nine showers; • Update broadband and back-up Internet; • Update Fiesta Hall, the primary shelter site for up to 600 people; • Relocate and update RV sites with solar canopies; • Potentially expand Samaritan House’s year-round food services by adding a 6,700 square foot commercial kitchen and renovating the 14,000 square foot Redwood Hall into dining space that can serve up to 2,000 meals daily; • Upgrade to current seismic standards.

Construction is projected to begin in June

2024.

County officials said the grant clearly aligns with the state’s goal of preparing for climate change-related disasters. Over the past three years, the county has experienced wildfire, pandemic, flooding and severe weather. The county is also at risk for earthquakes, landslides and dam failures, according to the San Mateo County Multijurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.

“As it becomes clearer and clearer that climate change impacts are more frequent and severe, this resiliency grant is a timely investment in infrastructure, both during times of crisis and in order to sustain our most vulnerable families right now,” said Supervisor Noelia Corzo, whose District Two includes the Event Center.

Event Center CEO Dana Stoehr said the grant illustrates the long-standing partnership between the three co-applicant entities.

“The resiliency grant acknowledges the outstanding work of San Mateo County, the San Mateo County Event Center and Fairgrounds, and Samaritan House. It is also a

testament to the collaboration and dedication that signifies the unwavering commitment to making San Mateo County inclusive and safe for all residents,” Stoehr said.

Stoehr also credited Event Center masterplan architect and grant writing project director Jane Gray for helping bring this resiliency vision to fruition.

Besides serving clients sheltering at the Event Center during a disaster, Samaritan House will also serve meals year-round.

Within a year of the project’s completion, the nonprofit says it will potentially be able to nearly double its ability to feed families and distribute food. The project will connect to a parking lot, adding the ability to allow driveup food distribution. CEO Laura Bent said the organization is grateful to be part of this significant grant.

“Samaritan House takes prides in our long partnerships with the County through our role as a lead core agency and the San Mateo County Event Center. We are grateful to be considered for this opportunity to support our community’s most vulnerable,” Bent said.

November 9-15, 2023

MEDIA ADVISORY WHAT: WHEN: WHERE:

Veterans Day Celebration Saturday, November 11, 2023; 10:00 am. – 12:00 p.m.

Veterans Park 22400 Moneta Ave. Carson, CA 90745

The City of Carson is hosting a Veterans Day Celebration on Saturday, November 11, 2023 in support of the national holiday. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. and will be hosted by Master of Ceremonies, Manuel (Nick) da Silva. This year’s keynote speaker is the highly awarded Navy Commander Virginia R. Kingston. All are invited to attend and pay homage to our Veterans, who have made countless sacrifices and contributions to protect and serve our country. A special presentation will be made to those who will be newly inducted onto the Veterans Wall. Admission is free.

For more information, please call (310) 847-3570

As I See It

(From Page 11)

munity; increasing business opportunities for mortgage and real estate professional that serves this growing community; hosting national and local event; to educate and inform member about housing issues and developments affecting the Filipino American; and conducting trade missions throughout the Philippines to develop business partnerships and increase brand.”

In addition, Orozco-Ramirez said: “FAREPA-SV provides advocacy and resources to its members and affiliates…” The association proudly represents the “bayanihan” spirit which means communal unity, work, and cooperation to a achieve a particular goal. “We will continue to empower our members in creating a unified voice in the real estate industry,” she concluded.

FAREPA – SV is the largest Filipino-American real estate in the US. It’s a non-profit 501c (6) organization founded in 2002 which promotes professional networking, educational workshops, and community outreach in the Silicon Valley. Its global trade mission presents opportunities to invest in the Philippines.

Health & Wealth...

(From Page 11)

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Offline...

(From Page 11)

he just likes to give speeches on a daily basis, even at the most inconsequential of events. In the meantime, the majority of the people are sad. And lonely.

Pardon my fantasy, but under a President Robredo the Philippines would soon hit developed world status by the time her term ended.

Instead, we have another Marcos regime which is committing the same mistakes as the first one.

And as the years pass, I honestly feel that the percentage of Filipinos who are permanently sad can only grow. Moreso if the supposed vice president-cum-education secretary succeeds Junior.

If I’m still around when that time comes, kindly look for me at the National Mental Hospital. I’ll be the one wearing a straightjacket inside a padded cell.

I hope that the straightjacket is a Versace or Versace.

Even an Armani would be fine.

20

Newsom to U.S. Supreme Court: Uphold law prohibiting domestic abusers from possessing guns

By Claire Morales True WASHINGTON D.C. – Ahead of oral arguments in United States v. Rahimi, Governor Gavin Newsom urged the Supreme Court to uphold a federal law prohibiting individuals under domestic violence restraining orders from possessing firearms.

The governor issued a statement that follows an amicus brief the Governor filed in the Supreme Court earlier this year in the case.

In his brief, the Governor argued that the lower court incorrectly interpreted the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision and that the government’s ability to enact gun regulations to

protect families from dangerous individuals is supported by a longstanding historical tradition.

“My message to the Supreme Court is simple: Gun safety laws save lives -- and keeping guns out of the hands of domestic abusers is consister with longstanding historical tradition and the Second Amendment,” Newsom stressed in a statement sent to Philippine News Today.

“The Supreme Court mus reverse the lower court’s outrageous decision,” Newsom added. � California is ranked #1 in the nation for gun safety, according to the Giffords Law Center.

� California has a 43% lower gun death rate than the national average and according to the CDC, California’s gun death rate is the 44th lowest in the nation, with 8.5 gun deaths per 100,000 people – substantially lower than states like Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. � California’s red flag laws helped prevent at least 58 potential mass shootings since 2016, according to the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California, Davis. � California’s gun homicide rates for women and children are substantially lower than the rest of the nation, according to the California Department of Justice. From 2018 to 2022,

California’s gun homicide rate for female victims was 46% below the national average — and 57% below the national average for children victims aged 14 and under.

Since 2019, California has strengthened its nation-leading gun safety laws by making it easier for Californians to sue manufacturers of illegal assault weapons and those bringing them into our communities, allowing lawsuits against irresponsible members of the gun industry, strengthening prohibitions on ghost guns, and restricting marketing to minors.

California is the first state in the nation to call for a Constitutional Convention for gun safety.

Committed to promote health through education

Note: Following was delivered at the 20th anniversary celebration of ALLICE Alliance for Community Center Oct. 24 in Colma.

By Consul Gen. Neil Frank Ferrer to Claire Joyce, but also that no one will ever suffer the same ON behalf of the Philip- tragic fate again.

It remains an unfortunate pine Consulate General in San Francisco, I warmly congratu- reality that many of those who late the Alliance for Commu- experience harm or violence nity Empowerment or AL- would rather stay in an abusive LICE on your milestone 20th relationship or keep silent about anniversary. I am honored to their ordeal, for fear of further be in the company of leaders, retribution from their partners disruptors and changemakers or family members or judgin government, business and ment from other people. They society, who banded together often hold the mistaken belief to end the cycle of discrimina- that staying in such a toxic and tion, exploitation and violence unhealthy relationship would against women, children and keep their families together.

Violence against women, chilthe elderly.

Your anniversary is aligned dren and the elderly become with the observance this Oc- a public health issue—a contober of Domestic Violence cern for each and every one of Awareness Month across the us—when it affects a person’s United States. Your event also attitudes, behaviors and sense coincides with the commemo- of self, when it limits an indiration of Filipino American vidual’s potential and personal History Month, which gives us growth, and when it impacts a an opportunity to recognize the person’s family and the wider vital contributions of Filipino community.

We know that the probAmericans to the history and progress of America, and to re- lem of domestic abuse and flect on the struggles and sacri- violence will not be solved fices of the Filipino women and overnight. Many Filipinos men who have come before us and Filipino Americans in the United States continue to sufhere in the United States.

An inerasable part of fer at the hands of the people our community’s history in who are supposed to love, rethe United States is the story spect and protect them. The of Filipino American single recent case of Fil-Am single mother Claire Joyce Tempong- mother Frances Kendra Luko who, on October 22, 2000, cero, who was shot to death was stabbed to death at her San by her partner in front of her Francisco home by her for- two small children at her mer partner in front of her two Daly City home last March, children. Upon learning more not only shares the same story about Claire Joyce’s gruesome as Claire Joyce Tempongko’s murder, I am equally outraged albeit 23 years apart, but also by the circumstances that led to serves as a reminder for us all her senseless death. For about that there will be more Claire a year and a half, Claire Joyce Joyces and Frances Kendras had called law enforcement if we do not act as a united authorities, filed police reports, community.

Furthermore, the spate of and secured stay-away court orders to protect her family anti-Asian hate and attacks and herself from her abusive over the last three years has partner. The society’s collec- put into spotlight the need to tive failure to save Claire Joyce protect one of the most vulnerfrom meeting her untimely able groups in our community: demise has sprung our com- our lolos and lolas. A report munity into action ensuring not by the Stop AAPI Hate Coalionly that justice will be served tion report suggests that Asian

and Asian American elders are most likely to face discrimination on public spaces and businesses, and that an alarming number of reported incidents against seniors involved physical assault. Caught in the crosshairs of racism and ageism in society, our elders feel that their personal safety is in constant danger, causing higher levels of fear, stress and anxiety among them. It is, thus, important to incorporate elder care and abuse prevention in efforts that will keep Filipino and Filipino American homes free from abuse and violence.

For 20 years now, the Filipino American volunteers of the Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse or CORA— now known as the ALLICE Kumares and Kumpares—has been at the forefront of destigmatizing domestic abuse, of creating a safe environment for those who have found the courage to unshackle themselves from abuse, and of ending the cycle of violence within Filipino American homes. The Consulate has been a partner of ALLICE since its inception in 2003 beginning with thenConsul General, Ambassador Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez.

For the next 20 years and beyond, the Consulate commits itself to remain an ally of ALLICE in promoting healthier relationships, homes, and communities through education and civic engagement. The Consulate looks forwards to working with ALLICE as well as other Filipino American groups in projects such as the annual “Free from Violence” resource fair, and a directory of domestic abuse helplines which the Consulate plans to publish on its website early next year.

Following the mantra of the late Alice Peña Bulos who said, and I quote, “To achieve empowerment, we must reach

out and empower the community,” close quote, I believe that the Filipino American Community in the Bay Area should also contribute to women empowerment efforts in our homeland, the Philippines, including initiatives that will generate employment, increase socioeconomic opportunities, and improve the quality of life for Filipino women. Living and working in the Bay Area place many of you in a unique position to develop the business acumen and the technological know-how of Filipino women back home.

The Consulate and its partner government agencies, namely the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley, which currently has a development program for startup companies, and the Philippine Department of Tourism Office in San Francisco, stand ready to assist you as you lend your expertise, experience and resources in our shared mission of bringing about economic prosperity and equitable progress for our people, especially Filipino women. We are open to working with you for economic and investment briefings, financial literacy seminars, mentorship sessions, and other events that target our women-led small and medium enterprises as well as startups in the Bay Area and in the Philippines.

Again, my warmest greetings to the kumares and kumpares of ALLICE on your 20th anniversary. May you foster unity and cooperation among your members and peers, and may you elevate the profile of the Philippines and of the Filipino people in the United States through your trailblazing leadership and exemplary service.

Thank you for your kind attention. Mabuhay ang ALLICE! Mabuhay ang kababaihang Pilipino!

21 November 9-15, 2023

 COMMUNITY NEWS | HEALTH

COVID-19 Medications Questions & Answers

FilAm Professional Real Estate 3rd trade mission to the Philippines set

We have new, effective tools to take good care of ourselves if we get COVID-19.

COVID-19 medications are safe, free, widely available, and highly effective at preventing COVID-19 illness from becoming serious. They can stop the virus from multiplying in your body, may help you test negative sooner, and may reduce the risk of developing long COVID symptoms.

WHAT are COVID-19 treatments?

WHEN should I take COVID-19 treatments?

Medications that can stop COVID-19 illness from getting serious.

Treatments must be taken within 5-7 days of when symptoms begin. So if you start to feel sick, act fast to get a COVID-19 test and free medication.

They are free, widely available, and highly effective.

WHO should take COVID-19 treatments?

All Californians 12 years and older who test positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms should seek evaluation for COVID-19 treatments, which are free regardless of insurance or citizenship status. COVID-19 treatments are recommended for those who have certain experiences and conditions that put them at higher risk for worse COVID-19 illness, such as being 50 years and older, not being up-todate with COVID-19 vaccinations, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, asthma, diabetes, mental health conditions like depression, being of a racial/ethnic minority, and more.

Get medications while your illness is mild – don’t wait until your illness gets worse.

WHY should I take COVID-19 treatments?

COVID-19 treatments are effective for stopping COVID-19 illness from getting serious. Scientific evidence shows they can cut the risk of serious symptoms, hospitalization, and death in half or more.

Early evidence also suggests they may lower the risk of developing long COVID symptoms.

COVID-19 treatments can also prevent the virus from multiplying in your body and infecting more of your cells, which can help you test negative sooner.

In fact, most adults and some teens are eligible and should take COVID-19 treatment.

January 2023 • © 2023, California Department of Public Health

By Elpidio R. Es�oko Milpitas, California - The Filipino American Real Estate Professional Association of Silicon Valley (FAREPA SV) will hold its 3rd Trade Mission to the Philippines on November 2 – 14, 2023, according to FAREPA-SV President and head of mission Anne Orozco-Ramirez who left this morning from SF International Airport to Manila before the 21-member delegation arrives on November 2.

The FAREPA-SV trade mission is cosponsored by Ayala Land International, Megaworld International, and Bahay sa Pinas.

Orozco-Ramirez said, in her departure statement: “The primary objective of the trade mission is to meet top real estate developers and listen to first-hand information about ongoing projects as well as have field tours of the properties selected development sites.”

The trade mission, according to Orozco-Ramirez in a telephone interview, will promote the interests of Filipino American Real Estate Professionals by elevating the level of professionalism within the global community through education, networking, and partnership.

To accomplish this mission, Orozco-

Ramirez said “…by creating a unified voice within the real estate industry, advocating for policy position at the national level that will reduce barriers to home ownership for the Filipino-American community; increasing business opportunities for mortgage and real estate professional that serves this growing community; hosting national and local event; to educate and inform member about housing issues and developments affecting the Filipino American; and conducting trade missions throughout the Philippines to develop business partnerships and increase brand.”

In addition, Orozco-Ramirez said: “FAREPA-SV provides advocacy and resources to its members and affiliates…” The association proudly represents the “bayanihan” spirit which means communal unity, work, and cooperation to a achieve a particular goal. “We will continue to empower our members in creating a unified voice in the real estate industry,” she concluded.

FAREPA – SV is the largest Filipino-American real estate in the US. It’s a non-profit 501c (6) organization founded in 2002 which promotes professional networking, educational workshops, and community outreach in the Silicon Valley. Its global trade mission presents opportunities to invest in the Philippines.

Where is my America?

Heart of Hope

In 1936 when I was born, my parents knew I was a boy and that I was a he, for people then had common sense and accepted natural order.

Today, there is a debate about he and she, him and her, amidst confusion on when and what to say, where even a Supreme PHILIP S. CHUA Court Justice was ignorant of her gender.

Indeed, the vulture of wokeism has so infected the radicals, spreading havoc and chaos to society.

And there are revisionist calls for historical monuments to fall, a movement to defund the Police and abolish ICE, an insanity of cancel culture and Asian hate, infanticide abound as barren couples wait in despair, and mutilation of children behind their parents’ back.

Racism, sexism, inequality, and injustice in our midst abridging our amendment rights, creating a dangerous and tilted world for all, hampering progress and making peace impossible.

Sadly, we have a liberal president in physical and mental decline

who purposely keeps the borders agape and invites millions of unvetted immigrants, some criminals, cartel drug dealers, maybe terrorists, to enter the country illegally, at the taxpayers’ expense and at the nation’s peril – only to gain more voters for his party.

There is wanton murder of policemen, senseless killings on the streets, mugging of old ladies, destruction and looting of stores and burning of private properties in various cities, as justice looks the other way and continues its slumber in woke and liberal quarters.

The thunderous chants of misguided, history-anemic ivy-league students and other ignorant bigots “Death to America, death to the Jews!,” the provocative cry to annihilate all the Jews and erase Israel, and singing praises no less to those barbaric monsters who behead babies, rape women, burn people alive, and shoot innocent seniors and children are deafening, gruesome, nauseating.

Can anyone think of any justification for these diabolical acts?

Chaos and stupidity grip our nation and its people confused, scared, and on their knees.

This is insanity at its height that threatens our very existence.

This madness must stop!

Where is my America of yesteryears,

where Godliness, compassion, respect for the elders, love of fellowmen, tolerance, kindness, and common sense values prevailed, and where integrity, dignity, and honor were sacred, sometimes deemed more valuable than life itself?

I miss America, land of the wise and noble free, in its golden years of greatness and the wonders of all its people.

On my knees in supplication, I pray for God to wake us up from this repulsive and horrifying nightmare, and bless us with space and time to fulfill our aspirations and dream for our best eons yet to come.

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

23 November 9-15, 2023

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Lechon Macau Ingredients: 1 kilo pork rasher, pork belly 2-3 pcs. star anise 1/2 head garlic, crushed 2-3 pcs.bay leaf Chinese five spice powder salt and pepper Cooking procedure: In a pot place the pork and add water to cover the meat up to about 1”. Add the star anise, garlic and about 1 tbsp. of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes or until just tender. Remove from pot drain and let cool down. Using a fork prick the pork skin all the way down to the meat layer. The skin should be pricked as close as possible. Rub the skin with salt while the meat and sides rub with mixture off Chinese five spice powder and pepper powder. Arrange the pork in a baking tray or aluminium tray, skin side up and enough space between the pork rashers. Let marinate with the salt and Chinese five spice rub for 30 to 45 minutes. Pre heat the oven at 250°C when the oven is hot place the baking tray at the center. Roast for 30 to 45 minutes. Check periodically if is the skin changes color suddenly, reduce the oven temperature to 200°C. Let it roast till the pork skin is blistered and turned to golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest the meat for at least 8 to 10 minutes. When ready to serve chop in into serving pieces with your favorite dipping sauce.

Heaven on earth: Palawan most desirable island in UK travel award LONDON/PUERTO PRINCESA CITY – Palawan continues to reap world recognition, this time as the most desirable island by the 21st Wanderlust Travel Award in the United Kingdom.

“The scenery here is heaven on earth with sparkling waters and white sand beaches. One of the most photographed sites is Kayangan, a dazzling freshwater lake with spectacular rock formations above and below the surface,” Wanderlust wrote.

“Elsewhere on the island you can explore one of the world’s longest underground rivers, enjoy a spot of twitching, or fuel up with some delicious cuisine in the island’s capital of Puerto Princesa,” it added.

The country, through the Department of Tourism-Central Visayas Office, also placed 6th among hundreds of special entries in the Wanderlust Sustainability Initiative Category for its Dive7 Program.

The awards were given on Nov. 9 by the prestigious Wanderlust travel magazine, one of the United Kingdom’s longest running publications that has been at the forefront of sustainable travel for 29 years.

Cebu was also nominated this year as Most Desirable Region (Rest of the World) by the award-giving body.

“These awards reflect the efforts to revive the tourism industry that are well underway especially because of the Marcos administration’s thrust towards prioritizing tourism development. Rest assured that we will continue with our mission to herald the Philippines and the Filipino brand to the world, and to ensure the continued sustainability of our islands” Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.

Frasco led the Philippine delega-

tion to the World Travel Market recently held in London.

These new awards add to the long list of recognitions the country has earned even at the height of the Covid-19 crisis.

In June this year, Conde Nast Travel also named the Philippines as part of the 40 Most Beautiful Countries in the World, specifically citing the remarkable cave system of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, the mysteriously uniform Chocolate Hills of Bohol, and the panoramic views of the Banaue and Cordilleras Rice Terraces.

The following month, the renowned Travel + Leisure magazine also named the country’s tourist magnets Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu part of the 25 Best Islands in the World.

Since February 2022, foreign tourists have been traveling to the Philippines, which have reached over 1.9 million as of posting.

TIME Magazine also lauded Boracay as one of the 50 World’s Greatest Places of 2022.

In September, the Philippines won Asia’s leading dive and beach destination, and the historic Walled City of Intramuros as Asia’s leading tourist attraction at the World Travel Awards in Vietnam.