Philippine News Today

PROTECT PHL INTERESTS IN S. CHINA SEA: MARCOS

Japan, Australia set to join US, Philippines in patrols

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor in Chief

Coast Guard admits hiding Chinese ‘invasion’ from public

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

MANILA – Intrusions of Chinese vessels in Philippine waters are worse than previously believed.

Upside

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CEBU CITY — Visiting Cebu again, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered government troops to continue protecting the Philippines’ interests in the South China Sea as tensions continue to arise in the strategic waters.

ALLICE kicks off 20th year

By Cherie M. Querol Moreno

CA lawmaker blames GOP for Asian American hate

By Gilda Balan, Correspondent

SAN FRANCISCO - A lawmaker from California blames the last Republican president for fostering Asian-American hate. This after another GOP lawmaker questioned her loyalty to the US because of her Asian roots.

ALLICE Alliance for Community Empowerment, the Filipino American community’s all-volunteer education team dedicated to promote healthy and safe relation-

ships through shared resources from individuals and organizations, kicked off its 20th anniversary last week at its first in-person meeting in almost three years.

Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) said in an online interview that former president Donald Trump “put a target on the backs of all Asian Americans in this country.”

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She said during MSNBC’s Alex Wagner Tonight that Trump caused serious harm to her community at the

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The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) admitted over the weekend that the numbers and frequency of intrusions into the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) – from the

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Filipinos celebrate Warriors win on first 2023 Filipino Heritage Night

By Jun Nucum

SAN FRANCISCO - In only the second Filipino Heritage Night (FHN) since the COVID-19 struck, putting many activities onhold and/or restrictions, spectators and Filipino trooped once more to

Chase Center in San Francisco in droves back to where they usually converged to show their adoration and loyalty to the champion team they love, the Golden State Warriors.

From le� to right: Golden State Warriors Public Affairs Coordinator Miguel Guerrero; Golden State Warriors Vice President for Ticke�ng Maria Serrano Valdehueza; Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer; Mrs. Miriam Ferrer; Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil; Vice Consul Adrian Baccay; San Francisco Entertainment Commissioner and Filipino American Arts Exposi�on (FAAE) President Al Perez; and FAAE member Fa�ma Yusuf-Wright. (Al Perez photo)

MALAYSIAN GUESTS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos welcome Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañan Palace. The leaders affirmed good �es between Manila and Kuala Lumpur and the ASEAN.” (Photo by Rey Baniquet/PNA)

SMC Supervisor David Canepa swears in ALLICE 2023 leaders, from le�: secretary Malou Aclan, vice president Jen Jimenez Wong and president Flor Nicolas, Mayor of South San Francisco. TONY BAYUDAN photo

House OKs reso calling for con-con to change charter, some senators nix plan

proposal calling or a constit tional convention con-con to amend the onstit tion inched closer to final approval a ter the o se o epresentatives approved it on second reading on e r ary 2

enators however were reported reecting the o se proposal thro gh a hyrid constit tional convention saying it is too e pensive

“This will surely eat up what little nds we have or other government programs and pro ects and may also prevent s rom achieving o r goal o having less than 0 de t-to- gross domestic prod ct ratio y 202 enate a ority eader mman el oel illan eva said ongress sho ld take into acco nt the cost which co ld reach 2 illion he said citing the ational conomic and evelopment thority

enator an dgardo ngara who heads the enate finance committee called the hy rid con-con the most epensive and la orio s option to revise the onstit tion e also said the salaries are too high hose c rrently seated sho ldn t e eneficiaries especially in the e tension o one s term sho ld there e any he

said in a statement ring the plenary session the chamer approved the esol tion o oth o ses o thro gh voice voting nder the resol tion the enate and the o se o epresentatives with a vote o two-thirds o all its mem ers shall vote separately to call a constit tional convention or the p rpose o proposing economic amendments to or revision o the onstit tion

The resolution also stipulates that the election and appointment o delegates shall e held on ct 0 202 sim ltaneo s with the arangay and angg niang a ataan lections

he con-con will e composed o appointed and elected delegates rom all legislative districts o the co ntry

agayan de ro ity ep s odrig e said the con-con mode wo ld e the most transparent e ha stive democratic and least divisive means o implementing constit tional re orms

e said the onstit tion needs to e reviewed claiming it is the third most restrictive in the world and the most restrictive in o theast sia

nder the proposal convention mem-

ers will oth e elected and appointed elegates o the convention which will r n ov 2 to ne 0 202 will get a 0 000 daily salary and will e entitled to travel allowance he government needs illion to amend the harter agayan de ro ep s odrig e told a hearing last week a ter talking to election o cials he election o delegates will cost illion i done sim ltaneo sly with village elections while the dget or the convention itsel will cost illion he said he ple iscite will cost illion

Citing a graph from the Organization o conomic ooperation and evelopment in 2020 odrig e noted that the hilippines is the most restrictive in terms of foreign equity capital which is enshrined in the onstit tion

“Although the restrictions on foreign ownership are designed to prioriti e ilipino citi ens it is noted however that the country sorely lacks the requisite capital to oost o r economy and develop o r nat ral reso rces t is high time to li erali e s ch restrictions in order to enco rage the ree ow o capital in the co ntry and pave the way to glo al competitiveness odrig e said

odrig e said the whole e ercise s rro nding con-con may cost at least 0 illion t the amo nt is a small price to pay” to open up the economy to more oreign direct investments s enior inority eader and orthern amar st istrict ep a l i a a voted against con-con saying constittional assem ly con-ass is more practical e pedient and transparent a a said con-con is a ree or all which opens p the possi ility o a complete onstit tional overha l e said con-ass has minimal or no cost to the government adding that the 0 illion to illion that wo ld e spent or con-con wo ld e etter spent or scholarships and medical assistance t wo ld go a long way to help the average ilipino he added a a also said con-ass will oster less controversy

he process o choosing the representative delegates to this con-con may ecome another opport nity or divisiveness he said hile appreciate the good intentions a potentially divisive and costly e ercise at this point may do more harm than good

4 new EDCA sites for US troops not yet identified

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City

– The Department of National Defense has clarified to the enate ommittee on Foreign Relations that the four new hilippines - nited tates nhanced e ense ooperation greement sites have yet to e identified and anno nced his was a ter enator mee arcos chairperson o the committee mentioned that the news said the o r new sites wo ld e esta lished in the provinces o agayan sa ela and am ales he o r sites are still in negotiations e might change the locations depending

on the agreement that we might e having with the sec rity sector e ense ecretary arlito alve r told the committee hen we had the agreement to have the o r sites we st agreed on the n m ers not on the act al sites hen asked a o t the criteria on choosing a site alve said it sho ld primarily cater to the ilateral e ercises etween the hilippines and the and co ld also e sed as a contingency on the co ntry s de ense mechanism yo look at the different sites that we had these are logistics ased wherein when we have the alikatan e -

ercises which are s ally done in on we normally deploy o r troops in these areas he said arcos incl ding the local government nits in orthern Luzon, are questioning the new sites saying their provinces co ld not afford to e involved in the tensions etween the nited tates and hina agayan overnor anny am a who was virt ally present d ring the hearing oted resident erdinand arcos r who said in the ace o regional tensions, “the solutions are not going to e military they are going to e military then they are not sol tions eca se it will end adly i it goes that way t will end adly to those involved and even to those who are not involved agree with the resident 00 percent o ody no one wins in war he solutions to the regional tensions is not military he sol tions to the regional tensions will only end adly or s who are not involved in this show o might etween two s perpowers he only military forces we want in Cagayan are mem ers o the rmed orces o the hilippines am a said he governor also confirmed that he has not yet een ormally in ormed y anyone a o t having an site in agayan enator arcos said her concern which is shared y am a locos

orte overnor atthew anotoc and other local o cials is that orthernon seems to have een chosen already y oth the and the as the new sites alve said it is not necessarily or t or alikatan e ercises he reported that as o arch 202 there are 2 e isting proects in five sites located in the hilippines in which five were already completed nine are still ongoing and seven have yet to start he was concl ded on pril 2 20 and its constit tionality was pheld y the preme o rt on an 2 20 epartment o oreign ffairs ecretary nri e analo said is a key pillar o the hilippine- alliance which s pports com ined training e ercises and inter-opera ility etween the hilippine and the orces

Co e e ffir s dis iss of D se s Sen tor fo

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has dismissed the dis alification case filed against enator a ael affy l o d ring the ay 2022 national and local elections.

n an eight-page resol tion dated e 2 the ommission en anc o nd no valid reason to reverse the decision o the omelec st ivision which dismissed the arch 2022 petition filed y lieta ic p earson

ter a care l review o the records the ommission en anc finds no cogent reason to reverse and set aside the r ling of the Commission (1st Division dismissing the etition the resol tion states itho t any valid gro nd or the reversal o the ssailed rder the otion sho ld e dismissed

he poll ody noted that it was esta lished that the motion neither arg es that the evidence on record is ins cient to sti y the ssailed rder nor that the r ling arrived pon y the Commission (1st Division) is contrary to law in accordance with the gro nds set orth nder ection le o the omelec les o roced re

S oot o e yin nd Se in

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Monica explained everything very pa�ently that a rst �me home buyer should know regarding the process and steps in ge ng the nancing. She helped me in ge ng a loan that worked with our down payment. I was extremely happy

and sa�s ed with them. a eev s exper�se made my rst �me experience of home buying very smooth.

ow in 20 , he helped me sell my home. e prepared the home for lis�ng and his contractors did the ooring, pain�ng and other items to make the home ready for sale. e got our home staged with expert stager. A�er everything was done, my wife and I couldn t recognize our own home.

Rajeev removed all the stress related to the sale of the home for us. Due to his years of experience, he tells you things you can only look back and appreciate. e is the best realtor and you can trust him completely.

--- Ron Lollie

Adamson eng’g student dies in hazing, frat members nabbed

By Jennifer T. Santos

MANILA – A chemical engineering student of Adamson University in Manila is the latest fatal victim of fraternity hazing.

atthew alilig 2 s ffered d ring the hazing and when he died, he was buried by fraternity members in Imus, Cavite.

Salilig, who had been reported missing since Feb. 18, was found buried and decomposing at a pit in Imus on Tuesday.

According to initial police investigation, Salilig attended the initiation rites of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity in Laguna province before he went missing.

Several members of the fraternity involved in the fatal hazing have been identified and arrested

The fatal hazing has been denounced by schools and various sectors of the country, including lawmakers who had outlawed fatal hazing years ago.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sympathized with Salilig’s family and gave

the assurance that justice will be met.

“I extend my sympathies to John Matthew Salilig’s family during this extremely di c lt time and ass re them that justice will be served,” Marcos said in a Facebook post.

Marcos lamented that hazing rites continue in pursuit of brotherhood.

He said hazing is never an option, as it only incites violence.

“John was a child, a brother, a friend, a classmate and a son of this nation, with a bright future ahead of him. It is not through violence that we can measure the strength of our brotherhood,” Marcos said.

“There should be no room for violence in our student organizations which our children consider family, and in our schools which they consider their second home,” he added.

According to initial police investigation, Salilig attended the initiation rites of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity in Laguna province before he went missing.

stice ecretary es s rispin em lla directed the ational rea o

nvestigation to cond ct a parallel investigation into Salilig’s death allegedly due to hazing.

ep lic ct 0 or the ntia ing aw passed in reg lates initiation rites and prohibits physical harm and violence against applicants.

The law mandates that no hazing or initiation rites shall be allowed without prior written notice to the school authorities or head of organization a week before the event where at least two representatives of the school or organization must be present.

0 states that i the person subjected to hazing or other forms of initiation rites s ffers any physical in ry or dies as a res lt thereo the o cers and members of the fraternity, sorority or organization who actually participated in the in iction o physical harm shall e liable as principals.”

ased on the law li e imprisonment will be imposed on individuals involved, if initiation rites result in death, rape, sodomy, or mutilation.

Another airport screener nabbed for alleged theft

PASAY CITY – Authorities arrested a screening personnel for allegedly stealing a watch from a passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.

he ce or ransportation ecrity (OTS) said at around 2:30 a.m., Sec rity creening cer aleriano icaplaza Jr. allegedly took the watch of a foreign passenger while undergoing the security screening procedure.

he added that icapla a initially denied the act when asked by the passenger owever ootage showed that icapla a took the item the OTS said.

icapla a was arrested and is c rrently under the custody of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group for further questioning.

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Cesar Chiong said the management strongly condemns such unscrupulous, illicit and selfish act

“Theft violates the trust and integrity required of public servants, and has serious negative consequences for the airport, its stakeholders, and the country as a whole,” he said.

On Monday, the OTS reported that six cases involving erring personnel are being looked at. These include violation of the “No Tipping” policy, violation of the proper disposal of intercepted prohibited items, extortion, among others.

The recent alleged extortion from a Thai passenger went viral on social media.

Makati defers plan to remove Ayala Avenue bike lanes

MAKATI CITY After protests by bikers and supporters, Ayala Land and a private group have backed out from their plans to convert bike lands along Ayala Avenue into shared lanes.

“After a series of conversations in the past two weeks, all parties agreed that it is to everyone s enefit that yala Avenue remain a safe, convenient and inclusive transport corridor for all road users - including pedestrians, commuters, cyclists, and motorists,” the groups said in a joint statement.

A technical working group will be formed by stakeholders and the groups involved to jointly study and implement solutions on issues - including the bike lane widths.

The local government of Makati had planned to convert the bike lanes into shared lanes - or “sharrows” - to accommodate other road users like public utility vehicles.

The move, however, was deferred following protests from cyclists and advocates.

Manila archbishop turning 71, blood letting drive set

MANILA – A bloodletting activity is set to be conducted by the Archdiocese of Manila next month in celebration of Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula’s 71st birthday on March 30. he man eso rce evelopment epartment o the oman Catholic Archbishop of Manila would like to appeal to you and to your relatives and friends, to donate blood on March 30, 2023, to commemorate the 71st birthday of our Archbishop, Jose ardinal dvinc la said r anny de laro director o the he loodletting event titled go na egalo mo hay para sa apwa o will e held at the o rth oor o the Arzobispado de Manila building on March 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The event was organized in cooperation with the hilippine ational ed Cross.

In the past years, the Manila archdiocese also held such bloodletting drives as a birthday gift to Advincula’s predecessor Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. agle is now assigned as the atican s ro- re ect o the icastery o Evangelization.

Carmona now a component city of Cavite

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda

CARMONA, Cavite - This progressive town is now the newest component city of Cavite, the most populous province of the Philippines.

This as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos r signed into law a meas re converting the first class municipality of Carmona into a component city of the province of Cavite.

The residents and leaders of Carmona headed by Mayor Dahlia A. Loyola and Rep. Roy Loyola welcomed the move, saying this will further boost the

growth of their town.

The new law, Republic Act No. 119381 or “An Act Converting the Municipality of Carmona in the Province of Cavite into a component city to be known as the City of Carmona” was signed by the chief executive on February 23, 2023.

This will mandate holding a plebiscite within days from the approval of the law. Meanwhile, unless otherwise provided by the law, the City of Carmona shall continue to be part of the 5th legislative district of the Cavite province.

The city shall have the following corporate powers:

To have continuous succession in its corporate name;

To sue and be sued;

To have and use a corporate seal;

To acquire, hold, and convey real or personal property;

To enter into contract agreement; and

To exercise such other powers, prerogatives, or authorities granted to corporations, subject to the limitations provided under the Local Government Code of 1991.

Occidental Mindoro bishop installed

oro, appointed by Pope Francis in December last year, was canonically installed over the weekend.

Archbishop Charles John Brown, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, led the installation rites for Bishop Pablito Tagura, SVD, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Worker in San Jose on Saturday.

during the live-streamed rites.

He thanked Bishop William Antonio or his sacrifices as apostolic administrator of the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose while also serving as bishop of the Diocese of Ilagan in Isabela province.

Bishops from other provinces, clergy, the SVD (Society of the Divine Word) community, nuns, religious, laity and government o cials witnessed the occasion.

Tagura cited Tagle’s homily during his ordination where he talked about “vigilance and constant look at the Good Shepherd.”

“What makes Jesus’ teaching special is that it is a way of life of sharing which comes from an experience of the love of Jesus,” he said.

CITY OF CALAPAN, Oriental Mindoro – The third bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose, Occidental Mind-

“Now, I’m being honored, served, and respected not according to my merit but all is God’s will. Let us thank, glorify Him, the Good Shepherd. He must increase, I must decrease,” the 61-year-old Tagura, a native of Abra province, said at the start of his homily

Tagura reminded them to ”love the ock entr sted to s

ag ra was first consecrated ordained bishop on Feb. 17 by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization at the Christ the King Mission Seminary in Quezon City, where Tagura was rector and dean of studies.

Touching on the vision of the vicariate, Tagura said “we become the change and difference we are praying and hoping for.”

The bishop took his Philosophy and Theology studies at the SVD Seminary in Tagaytay City.

e pro essed final vows on ay 1988 and was ordained priest on Dec. 17, 1988 in Bangued, Abra.

For the last years, he spent his priestly life teaching in the seminary.

NEW BISHOP. Pablito Tagura, SVD, is canonically installed as bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan, Occidental Mindoro on Feb. 25, 2023. Tagura is the third bishop of the vicariate appointed by Pope Francis.

Escudero wants audit of jeepney modernization program as drivers set strike

PASAY CITY – Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the government should evaluate and study the physical condition of modern jeepneys saying his personal experience shows that they are good only for two years.

This surfaced as drivers and operators of traditional jeepneys, UV express and other transport groups have set a weeklong strike to protest the phase out of the old jeepneys and their replacement by expensive modern jeepneys.

Following the call for strike, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other leaders said the old traditional jeepneys should be allowed to ply the roads for sometime but expressed the need for modernization.

The Land Transportation Franchising Board, meawhile, agreed to extend the phasing out of old jeepneys up to December.

Escudero cited his experience in Sorsogon when he was still the governor, where modern jeepneys “spoon-fed by the government to cooperatives have become unusable after two years.”

As such, Escudero said there’s a need

to study the jeepney modernization program amid reports that some vehicles are breakdown-prone and have been grounded for lack of spare parts. he only enefit according to sc -

dero, is that spare parts from the broken modern jeepneys were taken to be used in other units.

The Senate is set to hear the modernization program on Friday (March 3) af-

ter several transport groups called for a weeklong transport strike

The evaluation, according to Escudero, should also be a “welfare check” on the participating drivers and operators if they have been able to meet amortization payments on units whose price tags had been assailed as higher than SUVs.

“We have been sold lemons. So how can these be modern jeepneys when they conk out after a few years? How can they be better replacements of sturdy 30-yearold jeeps?” the senator said in a statement.

He also cited the lack of mid-implementation assessment needed and a lack of checklist such us, Route Rationalization Plan saying the jeep replacement is only a part of modernization .

“We are badgering drivers to enroll in eet moderni ation ero kam sta naman kaya ang ang gawain na nakatoka sa go yerno t lad ng reg latory re orm financing, at iba pa?”(But, what about the government, such as the regulatory reorm financing and others what are they doing),” Escudero said.

Marcos to study calls to delay jeepney phaseout plan

MANILA – The week-long planned strike by drivers and operators of traditional jeepneys and other transport groups may yet be averted.

This as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has disclosed he would look into the growing calls to postpone the planned phaseout of traditional jeepneys by June 30.

Earlier, the Senate unanimously adopted the resol tion filed y enator Grace Poe urging the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to postpone the planned phaseout of old jeepneys.

Various transport groups have announced their plan to stage a weeklong strike starting March to contest the impending phaseout of traditional jeepneys.

Marcos hoped that the public transport groups would reconsider their planned strike.

“We’ll talk about it,” Marcos told reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Rizal Park in the City of Manila, when asked if the scheduled phaseout of traditional jeepneys on June 30 will push through as part of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization.

This, as he admitted that the PUV modernization program needs to be implemented in a different way Marcos said he would study the appropriate timeframe to introduce electronic jeepneys (e-jeepneys), adding that it is “still not urgent” to mandate the use of modernized vehicles.

e have to implement it in a different way. ‘Yung modernization siguro, ‘yung (On the implementation of the modernization program), we have to

look properly at what the real timetable is for the introduction of electric vehicles, kung talagang kailan, kung puwede na ngayon (When should we introduce it? Is it necessary now),” he said.

“Kailangan pag-aralan natin ang timetable, hindi ganoon kasimple. Ito’y nakita namin sa pag-uusap natin sa mga car manufacturers na sinasabi nila kasi nage-encourage tayo electric vehicles.

Sabi nila puwede tayong gumawa ng electric vehicles pero aayusin niyo muna ‘yung source of power (We have to review the timetable. It’s not that simple. Car manufacturers are saying that we are encouraging electric vehicles but we still need to fi o r so rce o power arcos added.

While Marcos acknowledged that it is necessary to implement the PUV modernization program, he noted that there are several issues that need to be addressed, including the country’s apparent lack of capability to depend on electronic vehicles (EVs).

Marcos said he would also consider the condition of the traditional jeepneys.

He said the passengers’ “safety” will be factored into the review of the imple-

mentation of the PUV modernization program.

“At the same time, to keep the vehicles safe, sa aking palagay dapat ang puwedeng gawin ay inspeksyunin ‘yung mga vehicles kahit luma. May luma naman na maganda pa rin. May luma naman na puwede pang gamitin (Perhaps, we could inspect the old vehicles and check if we could still use those),” Marcos said. “So, ‘yan ang mga issue na kailangan pag-aralan (these are the issues that we need to study).”

Earlier,”It’s not that simple but I’m hoping na dito sa mga initiatives na iniisip natin eh makumbinsi naman natin ang mga transport groups na huwag na munang mag-strike dahil kawawa talaga ang tao at marami pang naghihirap at mas lalo pang maghihirap ‘pag hindi makapasok sa trabaho (that our initiatives would convince transport groups not to stage a strike because commuters will s ffer especially those who need to go to work),” he said.

Marcos, nevertheless, ensured that the government wo ld offer ree rides to commuters, in case the seven-day transport strike push through.

Possible defects

At the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker and Batangas 6th District Rep. Ralph G. Recto has urged the government to reevaluate the PUV modernization program to trace and correct possible defects.

ecto likened the eepney eet replacement program to a car that needs to undergo regular checkup, “so that if factory defects are found, then these can be corrected.“

“Di ba yung kotse nga may (Isn’t it that a car has a) preventive maintenance schedule, kaya dapat ganun din ang (the same goes to the) jeepney modernization program There is no harm in looking under the hood of the program. A tune-up is not a bad thing,” he said.

He said the government should look into the “catalogue of complaints” -rom financing to roadworthiness to afordability -- before proceeding with the program.

ecto also called or a eet inventory” to determine how many modern jeepneys are still running.

He said this should include an assessment on the maintenance expenses of modern jeepney operators, the availability of spare parts and the durability and roadworthiness of modern jeepneys.

He also urged the government to take “a dipstick reading” of the income of drivers and cooperatives, “if they are able to amortize the units.”

By January 2020, the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines had already approved loans for the purchase of 2,122 units worth P4.46 billion.

US boosts PNP counter-terrorism with $3-M equipment

CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has received US$3.3 million (P181 million) worth of state-of-the-art equipment from the ce o ntiterrorism ssistance Program of the Diplomatic Security Services of the United States Embassy to help boost its counter-terrorism capability.

US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson led the turnover of the donated equipment at Camp Bagong Diwa, in Taguig City, which includes 31 bomb suits, Digital SCANX units, X-ray Sources, 10 EOD bomb suit batteries, high-risk search techniques kits, 13 seeker-e kits, and seven Ford Ranger pickup trucks.

“This equipment with a total value of over US$3 million will enhance the capability of the PNP-Explosive Ordnance Disposal and K-9 unit to search, identify and render safe improvised explosive devices and facilitate collection of evidence to use for prosecution,” Carlson said.

Carlson stressed Washington D.C.’s commitment to supporting Manila in its fight against terrorism

“The United States remains steadfast in its friendship and commitment to the Government of the Philippines, and we are very proud of our continuing partnership in the fight against terrorism am confident that working together we will be able to deter, interdict, and prevent acts of terrorism,” Carlson said.

Maj. Gen. Ronaldo Olay, PNP director for logistics, said the equipment would enhance the PNP’s capabilities in detecting, preventing and responding to terrorist threats in the country.

“All of this state-of-the-art equipment will significantly enhance o r capa ilities

to prevent and respond to terrorist threats and other high risk situations, ultimately helping us to better serve and protect the Filipino people. We will ensure that this equipment is put to good use and will contri te significantly to o r efforts in maintaining peace and order in this part of the world,” said Olay, who received the donations on behalf of PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr.

Olay thanked the US government for the donation, which he said “will undoubtedly be a game changer in our ability to lfill o r mission to keep o r communities safe from terrorism and other forms of criminality.”

“We are extremely grateful for this donation, which will undoubtedly be a gamechanger in o r a ility to lfill o r mission to keep our communities safe from terrorism

MANILA – Customs authorities padlocked a storage facility in Binondo, Manila after it was found to contain about P10 billion worth of counterfeit signature bags, shoes, and other products during a raid.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said a raiding team headed by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service - Manila International Container Port (CIISMICP), implemented the letter of authority signed by Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio after receiving derogatory information on the same day.

Upon inspection of the warehouse, the team found imported assorted clothing apparel, shoes, general merchandise, kitchenware, electronics, and beauty products.

These counterfeit items have infringed trademarks, such as Nike, Coach, Adidas, Guess, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Gucci.

The team then proceeded to temporarily padlock and seal the warehouse.

r o cials sed all availa le reso rces and tools to thwart this attempt to enter such a huge amount of counterfeit items into our market. Imagine what this could do to our local producers and the foreign brands that invest in us,” Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Juvymax Uy said.

An inventory of the goods will be conducted by a Customs examiner, to be witnessed by agents of the CIIS and Enforcement and Security Service.

The BOC added that the owners of the goods would be asked to present importation documents or proof of payment.

and other forms of criminality. This donation also highlights the strong partnership between the Philippine National Police and the American Embassy, and we are deeply appreciative of this gesture of support from our American allies,” he added.

The turnover ceremony was attended y ranking o cials rom oth the and the US Embassy, wherein they emphasized the importance of the donation in strengthening the partnership between the two countries in addressing security concerns.

Carlson, meanwhile, said the US State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security - ce o nti- errorism ssistance has provided training and equipment to the Philippine government since 1986, and has since provided the PNP with over USD100 million (around PHP5.4 billion)

in assistance.

While the relationship started with initial investments centered on providing core competency training to the PNP units in Manila, the US assistance now also provides technical, tactical and investigative training and equipment to PNP units all throughout the country.

This year, Carlson said the US government’s Antiterrorism Assistance Program has invested more than USD5 million (PHP275 million) in the PNP for the development of its EOD/K9 crisis response, digital forensics and investigation and intelligence fusion.

Col. Albert Magno, acting director of PNP EOD/K9 Group, the end-user of the donated equipment, assured the public that the equipment will be put to good use in serving the Filipino people and protecting them from the threat of terrorism.

During the event, the PNP EOD/K9 ro p e hi ited their proficiency in handling explosive devices and identifying prohibited substances through the utilization of expertly trained K9s and other operational robotics machinery.

The Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) provides antiterrorism equipment and training to law enforcement agencies of partner nations globally. With its establishment in 1983, ATA has trained over 0 000 first responders and law enorcement o cials rom more than 0 countries in counterterrorism tactics.

The ATA support to the PNP began in 1986 when the program was created by the US government to provide antiterrorism training and equipment to law enforcement agencies of partner nations throughout the world.

P10-B fake signature goods uncovered in BOC warehouse

Coast guard...

(From page 1)

hinese oast ard to fishing oats to militia vessels – were much higher than had been announced to the p lic in recent months may e even years

The revelation came in the wake of Foreign Secretary nri e analo telling a sec rity con erence in Munich, Germany last month that cases of harassment took place in the West Philippine Sea on a regular basis

hina re ses to recogni e the est hilippine ea and the claiming that the area is part o the o th hina ea

PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela said they had failed to p lici e previo s incidents in the and had only been exposing China’s aggressive actions in Philippine territory recently

arriela said he was not a thori ed to disclose the

CA lawmaker...

(From page 1)

onset of the pandemic when he referred to the coronavir s as the hina vir s or even k ng

Chu said, “This anti-Asian hate which did result in 11,500 anti-Asian hate crimes over these last three years has to e stopped

“I hope every decent American will call out these conspiracy MAGA Republicans on this and tell them that they have to stop this for the sake of this country she added

agner asked h what needed to e done differently as a society nd what do we do we need to tell the purveyors of this hate, some of whom sit in the US Congress?”

The California congresswoman replied: “We have to tell them to stop these aseless conspiracy theories They have to stop perpetuating the foreigner in their own land stereotype

It was because of the stereotyping of Asian Americans that some mericans want to kill sia acific Islanders – Filipinos and FilAms are considered APIs eca se o their anger at -

Meanwhile, Chu’s partymates in the House are demanding an apology rom ep ance oodenTX-5) over what they said were his “racist” remarks

past incidents e did not disclose the n m er o s ch incidents, but news reports frequently mention large n m ers o hinese oats entering hilippine waters

ven the laser-pointing incident involving the and the alapasc a was not the first time that the Chinese had taken such an overly aggressive act, although Beijing claimed that what was pointed at the Philippine ship which temporarily blinded some crewmen was harmless and only sed as a directional g ide

Tarriela told local media that their new tack of exposing all questionable actions by China within the contested waters was necessary to “expose” the powerl neigh or s llying ehavior

Manalo had told the Munich conference that “there are still many events” that take place in the WPS on a daily asis

Not only were Chinese vessels harassing Philippine

estioning the loyalty o h

Gooden said in an interview over Fox News that h the first hinese- merican woman elected to ongress needed to e called o t

Gooden said during Jesse Walters Primetime last week that he questioned Chu’s loyalty or competence because the Democrat was “totally out of touch with one o her core constit encies

He added that Chu was not entitled to security riefings nor get a secrity clearance because she had defended banker Dominic Ng, who has been accused of working with the Chinese Communist arty in ei ing

Ng was appointed as chairman of the Asiaacific conomic ooperation Business Advisory Council by President Joe iden

Chu issued a statement referring to Gooden’s remarks as racist

She said Gooden’s comments questioning her loyalty to the US “is a sol tely o trageo s

Those comments, she said, were based on “false information spread by an extreme, right wing we site

ep an el ene

- - head o the Democrats’ campaign arm, said their colleagues should be accountable for anti-Asian rhetoric

DelBene said that at a time when anti-Asian hate continues to threaten communities, “it’s critical that we condemn these racist and enopho ic attacks

The leader of the Democrats in the House, akeem effries called out Gooden for his “disloyalty” to the country for voting to overturn the presidential elections in avor o r mp ook in the mirror

ships they were also preventing ilipino fishermen from plying their trade in the waters which they and their forefathers knew as Philippine territory not just or decades t cent ries

The country had taken the case of China’s refusal to recogni e the to an international tri nal in 20 and emerged victorio s ost o the world accepts the 200 na tical mile and all its reso rces as eing part o the hilippines

It was former National Security adviser Clarita Carlos who advised the PCG to make public all of the s aggressive actions

As a result of the laser-pointing incident, renewed calls from various quarters asked the Marcos administration to consider inviting the US, Japan, and Australia to hold joint naval exercises with their Philippine co nterparts

ance said the o se inority eader o have ero credi ility

ooden replied y saying effries and h were playing the race card

What cannot be denied is that more Democrats have spoken out against Asian hate than their Republican co nterparts

CEBU PROJECT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the groundbreaking of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) Project Package 1 along Fuente Osmeña Circle in Cebu City. (Rey S. Banique/PNA)

(From page 1)

Protect...

The Philippines needs the commitment and service of its Armed Forces now that the country is confronted by a “more complex foreign situation,” Marcos told the Philippine Air Force in Cebu.

Last week at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City, Marcos said in the presence of top military and de ense o cials the hilippine will not give up an inch of its territory in the West Philippine Sea.

This developed as the Philippines started talks to include Australia and Japan in planned joint South China Sea patrols with the United States, as the countries showed concern over China’s activities in the strategic waters as well as at the West Philippine Sea.

The President also boosted the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard in conducting patrols in West Philippine Sea by approving hiring of more personnel and purchase of more

vessels and equipment.

“Meetings have already been set and probably we may have the Japanese and the Australians join in,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez was quoted by Reuters in its report as saying.

“They would like to join in for joint patrols to make sure that there’s the code of conduct and there’s freedom of navigation,” adding it was still “an idea under discussion,” Romualdez said in the report.

If the plan materializes, this will e the first time the hilippines has joined multilateral maritime patrols in the South China Sea, a move that would likely anger Beijing, which claims most of the sea as its territory.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) lauded President Marcos . for augmenting its personnel immediately a ter ass ming o ce which greatly boosted its capability amid increased geopolitical tension.

n the first year o the presidency of President Bongbong Marcos, he

added an additional 4,000 that’s why we now have 26,000. Before the year ends this year, we’re also expected to have an additional 4,000 which will make the Philippine Coast Guard 30,000 strong,” PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said.

The PCG, meanwhile, stressed that the Ayungin Shoal is part of Philippine territory and must be protected always.

Tarriela shed light on the laserpointing incident by the Chinese coast guard and its dangerous maneuvers toward PCG vessels patrolling the West Philippine Sea.

The support extended by the resident to the significantly enhanced its capability and complemented the initiatives carried out by previous administrations aimed at building its capacity and personnel, the o cial added

In his speech during the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Alumni Homecoming in Baguio City last week, President Marcos said the country will not cede an inch of its territory amid the current geopolitical tension, promising to work with the nation’s allies to ensure the safety of Filipinos.

Aside from hiring more personnel, Tarriela raised the need for the Philippine Coast Guard Modernization Law to enable the PCG to program its asset ac isition s ch as offshore patrol vessels, additional aircraft, as well as enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness capability like building more radars, IAS and lighthouses in different coastal areas o the co ntry

The PCG also needs a coast guard response base, as well as berthing spaces for its vessels, Tarriela said, noting that right now, PCG vessels are dependent on the Philippine Port Authority’s berthing area.

With its current P23-billion budget, Tarriela said the PCG is more than willing to accept the increase in funds.

“I’m saying that your mission in the AFP has changed,” Marcos told the troops, referring to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in Cebu.

“For many, many years, we were able to maintain that peace and maintain that understanding with all of our neighbors. Now things have begun to change and we must adjust accordingly,” he stressed.

He said that the country’s boundaries were being put into question, “and there are many things that are happening so the air force has a very big mission to fully secure the Philippines.”

e also cited the intensification of the competition between the superpowers.”

“If the legislators themselves would choose to realign some of the dget rom different so rces not just in one particular source that you mentioned, of course the Philippine Coast Guard, will also be happy to receive those realignment,” he said.

The PCG spokesperson also welcomed the possibility of conducting joint patrol with the United States Coast Guard although it is still in its infancy stage, noting the need to build a credible Philippine Navy to protect the country’s territorial integrity.

arriela told ilipino fishermen operating in contested waters to feel free to report to the PCG any untoward incident, assuring them that the PCG is always ready to respond and s pport their fishing activity

He said that despite the dangers in the West Philippine Sea, the PCG will continue to do its mandate and comply with the President’s directive.

“Naiintindihan po namin ang danger na nakaatang sa aming balikat, and we still have that commitment that we are going to comply with the directive of the President that no square inch of our territory will be surrendered to any foreign power,” Tarriela added.

MALAYSIAN GUESTS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos welcome Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malaca an Palace. The leaders affirmed good �es between Manila and Kuala Lumpur and the ASEAN.” (Photo by Rey Baniquet/PNA)

DOH warns public against summer diseases as Covid cases taper off

MANILA – Heatstroke and dehydration are two of the most common conditions during the dry season a health o cial warned

Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, epartment o ealth o cer in charge made the warning as they are waiting for the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration to declare the o cial start o the hot dry season t it wo ld e wise to watch o t or symptoms

s ovid- cases are tapering off Vergerie noted that heatstroke and dehydration are more common among the elderly

pop lation ealth e perts define heatstroke as a condition where the ody overheats a ter prolonged exposure or activities when the temperat re is high

Meanwhile, dehydration is a heat-related condition that may e ca sed y e cessive sweating and lack o ids apag l mala as po tayo lagi po natin tatatandaan na magdala po tayo lagi ng tuig na pang-hydrate natin agdala tayo ng som rero para po matakpan natin ang lo saka magsuot po tayo ng (When going out,

always ring drinking water or hydration Bring hats to cover your heads and wear) light clothing so we will not really e affected y this she said Visiting tourist destinations and resorts to cool down during summer could also lead to ear infections, eye diseases such as conjunctivitis and diarrhea ergeire e plained that diarrhea co ld e ca sed y nsa e drinking water or spoiled ood

She warned that food easily gets spoiled d ring the s mmer months so it is advisa le

to check on cooked meals e ore eating and to oil water or at least three min tes e ore drinking i it is rom an nsa e so rce

Skin diseases are also prevalent due to re ent sweating

“Maligo po tayo as often as we can and also kapag may nangagati na sa ating alat magpatingin na sa ating health center para malunasan na agad at hindi na po makapanghawa et s take a ath as o ten as we can hen itchiness occ rs visit the nearest health center for treatment to prevent transmission she said

NLEX-SLEX Connector’s España section to open before Holy Week

from NLEX to España Boulevard once the section is opened

“We are targeting to open the España ection e ore oly eek to help decongest vehic lar tra c in etro anila especially to and from the Caloocan, ala on avotas and alen ela amanava area he said

Once completed, it will connect NLEX Segment 10 to the end of Metro Manila Skyway Stage at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in ta esa anila

It will reduce travel time from SLEXla ang to - alintawak rom two ho rs to st 20 min tes

Polytechnic University of the Philippinesta esa is eing ast-track to provide trucks with an alternative route from the ports to the south and improve connectivity etween inoy ino nternational Airport (NAIA) and Clark International irport added onoan

MANILA – Good news to thousands

o comm ters

he epartment o lic orks and Highways (DPWH) has scheduled the opening of the Caloocan to España section in Manila of the North Luzon Expressway-South Luzon Expressway - onnector e ore the oly eek

Secretary Manuel Bonoan said motorists will e en oying seamless access

Bonoan and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista, together with NLEX Corporation President and General Manager Jose Luigi a tista and etro acific ollways Corporation President Rodrigo Franco, inspected on ednesday the first -kilometer section of the four-lane NLEXSLEX Connector Road extending from the end of NLEX Segment 10 in C3 Road, Caloocan City to the España Interchange along spa a o levard

he 2 2- illion - onnector Road is a joint implementation pro ect y the hilippine overnment through DPWH and Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) under the lic- rivate artnership rogram

The project alignment has mostly utilized portions of the Philippine National ailways road right-o -way “Construction of the second section stretching from España Boulevard to

Also present during the inspection were DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina a ral r ndersecretary or egal ffairs einier a l e ra PPP Service OIC Director Pelita Galvez, DPWH Planning Service Director Alex Bote, Toll Regulatory Board Executive Director Alvin Carullo, DMCI President and orge ons n i and o cials and representatives of MPTC and NLEX orporation his year s oly eek o servance wo ld all rom pril 2 to

EDITORIAL

Marcos Jr still conflicted by Edsa

Perhaps he cannot be blamed for feeling the way he does about the Edsa People Power Revolution of 1986. After all, Ferdinand Marcos Jr was still a young man when his family was expelled from the country through a peaceful revolt that inspired other countries to take the same route in ridding themselves of their unwanted despots.

Last week, which was the 37th anniversary of the historical event, Marcos Jr. showed that he remains con icted y what happened to his amily ack then

He had shown this earlier when he appointed one of the prime movers of that revolt, Juan Ponce Enrile, to his Cabinet. This, despite Enrile now being all of 99 years old. Marcos Jr. also paid his respects to the other leader of that mass action, the late president Fidel Ramos, who received full military honors when he passed away last year.

Over the weekend, Marcos Jr also spoke somewhat glowingly of the Edsa People Power Revolution.

He, however, did something that confounded both his supporters and critics when he declared Friday, Feb. 24, as a non-working day. To put it frankly, the wording of his executive order did not make much sense. Marcos Jr. turned Friday into a holiday, but Saturday, Feb. 25, into a regular working day.

This contradicted his order stating that Filipinos would be given a chance to enjoy a long holiday, which usually results in a small boost to the economy.

Worst of all, the declaration came out late Thursday afternoon, and was disseminated in the early evening of that day. This gave both the public as well as the private sector little time to prepare.

For one, banks were closed on Friday, which is usually the busiest day of the week. Schools were likewise stumped at the order, as it gave them precious little time to inorm st dents teachers and staff

Critics also surmised that the odd schedule was intended to dampen the celebration of what is also known as Edsa 1, as would-be attendees would either be at work or attending classes.

Marcos Jr’s message of unity and reconciliation were not exactly warmly received either, as he was reminded that there can be no true reconciliation unless he apologized and made amends for the sins of his family.

At the very least, Marcos Jr. should settle his family’s tax obligations, which has ballooned to several hundred billion pesos.

It is doubtful that all the actions vis-à-vis Edsa that Marcos Jr. took last week were his ideas. They smacked of a desperate public relations ploy meant to mask his administration’s failures.

Under his term as both president and Agriculture secretary, prices of various essential oodst ff have gone thro gh the roo n ation has also reached peaks nseen in decades.

A recent survey – the results of which were releases last week – stated that for a majority of the Filipino people, the spirit of the Edsa Revolution remains alive and well, and relevant.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr should be reminded that words are cheap. What the country needs is action to lift it out of its morass. Enough of the political gimmickry. i the economy as most ilipinos have s ffered eca se o the administration s inability to give them the better quality of life that they deserve, and which was one of the promises of Edsa.

Do not wait for public anger to again rise because they perceive a presidency that serves itself rather than the people.

The consequences of such anger are obvious. It will be called Edsa 3.

(From page 1)

San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa swore the milestone year leadership team comprising South San Francisco Mayor Flor Nicolas as president, Fred Find Children’s Services Clinical Supervisor Jennifer Jimenez Wong as vice president and retired Kaiser Permanente Care Manager RN Malou Aclan. The ceremony highlighted the reunion of Kumares and Kumpares, as members call themselves, at Colma City Hall hosted by Kumare Mayor Joanne del Rosario.

“Intimate partner violence is an important topic that everyone should know about to be able to help prevent and stop,” said Nicolas, who joined the organization in 2019. Her engagement enhances her post as her town’s Racial Social Equity guru and her personal role as daughter, mother and grandmother. “I’m excited to stage our family-oriented Our Family, Our Future presentation in June and our Free from Violence event in October this special year,” she hinted at upcoming grand celebrations.

Jimenez Wong was a marriage and family therapist intern when she joined ALLICE in 2006. The 2017 president with a private practice in San Mateo, she facilitated trainings on the dynamics of abuse at a Skyline College class and Colma City Council meeting last year. Her three daughters make her volunteer work more meaningful, she often says.

Malou Aclan leads the group’s Resource Provider Committee tasked with producing the - ist the first ilipino merican reso rce g ide o providers vetted or c lt ral and linguistic competency to serve LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities. The 2010 president retired from nursing to care for her two young grandchildren.

COMMITMENT

ALLICE has been espousing healthy interpersonal interaction since 2003. Its diverse membership commit to sharing their resources and represent their individual organizations to advance the team mission. This year they will welcome South San Francisco resident and community advocate Lydia Pomposo as a Kumare amid departures of previous members to focus on new priorities.

The milestone team is composed of the following: pastry chef/entrepreneur Bettina Santos; massage therapist Edna Biscocho Murray; Family Nurse Practitioner Elsa Agasid; South San Francisco Mayor Flor Nicolas; San Mateo County Human Services Agency Assistant Director Dr. Jei Africa; Licensed Marriage Family Therapist Jen Jimenez Wong; Colma Mayor Joanne del Rosario; First Republic Bank Vice President Jose Antonio; AARS-Healthright Program Director Junior Flores; retired Kaiser Permanente RN Malou Aclan; Kaiser Permanente an antiago enton s aw cees paralegal ellie i on and retired Paulita Lasola Malay, who resides out partly in the Philippines and the US.

ALLICE’s twice-yearly events are all free and open to the public through the generosity of allies from diverse sectors of society. The Philippine Consulate General is a founding member as is Philippine News Today. Seton Medical Center, Lucky Chances and Moonstar Restaurant were among pioneer partners later joined by Kuya’s Asian Cuisine and Hapag Pilipino.

Positively Filipino and Inquirer.net have consistently covered the subject and the organization s efforts

aly ity was the first m nicipality to host an event at its ity o ncil ham ers South San Francisco is set to host the group this year.

olma was the first town to mandate a domestic violence workshop or its city leadership and police department that was open to the community. For the past two years, the town leadership has awarded grants for the organization’s outreach programs.

Allies or “Kaakbay” span the cross-section of the Filipino American community and beyond, mirroring the issue’s prevalence in all levels of society.

(Continued on page 25)

FRANCIS ESPIRITU

Publisher/President

MARILYN B. KING

Vice President for Sales and Marketing

ANGELO LOPEZ Cartoonist

ELEANOR SMITH

THELMA L. CRUZ

Vice President for Operations & Promotions

NEIL GONZALES Chief Correspondent Northern California

LYDIA SOLIS Chief Correspondent Southern California

Manager GILDA PASION BALAN

NICK SAGMIT

GEORGE GANGE

RENE AVENIDO Photo Correspondents

ALFRED G. GABOT Editor-in-chief

FRANCO G. REGALA

ALI MACABALANG

JEANNE MICHAEL PENARANDA

Manila Correspondents

VAL G. ABELGAS, HOMOBONO A. ADAZA, PERRY DIAZ, JOJO LIANGCO, JO ERLINDA G. NEBRES, ROY C. MABASA, ART G. MADLAING, FR. JOEPEL PADIT, RODEL E. RODIS, LOURDES TANCINCO ESQ, MELANDREW T. VELASCO, DANTES & CYNTHIA VELUZ, CRISTINA OSMENA, LUDY ONGKEKO. COLUMNISTS

Maynilad’s one million trees and more

When a group of environmentalists founded the Million Trees Foundation, Inc. (MTFI) in 2021, their primary objective was to ensure the sustainability of the Annual Million Trees Challenge (AMTC) initiated by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage ystem to reha ilitate si critical watersheds.

Lessons from World War II

In 1939, Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany marched into European capitals with ease, precipitating a glo al con ict that lasted si years because of two main reasons France and Great Britain’s appeasement policy and the United States’ isolationist policy.

IN THE TRENCHES THE OUTSIDER

Beyond this however, is MFTI’s commitment to support the government’s Enhanced National Greening Program to arrest a major environmental concern in the country—deforestation. imply defined as the clearing o orests y h mans deforestation destroys the habitats of important species, disrupts weather patterns and the water cycle, and contributes to climate change.

An average of 20 typhoons enter the Philippine area of responsi ility ann ally and the co ntry has witnessed ooding, mudslide, destruction of property, and even loss of lives because of these tropical cyclones.

Tree-planting has become more urgent to address deforestation. When tropical storm Paeng (international name Nalgae) battered the country in November last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pushed for tree-planting to prevent t re ooding e added it is not st to save the environment but also to save lives.

side rom its environmental enefits s ch as decreasing air pollution, improving soil and water conservation capacity, increasing forest coverage and enhancing forest ecosystems, re orestation also has economic and health enefits rom 2015 to 2020, forest cover increased by 3.03 percent.

For a successful reforestation program, collaborative effort between the government and private sector is essential. And, being an environmentalist, I am happy that many from the private sector are committed to help re-green the country. has orged ties with different agencies incl ding the concessionaires of MWSS to reforest denuded watersheds essential to the water supply of the metropolis and neighboring provinces.

In 2007, West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) was re-privatized. Its concession area consists of the cities of Manila (certain portions), Quezon City (certain portions), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon all in Metro Manila; the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all in Cavite Province.

In the same year, it launched its Plant for Life watershed reforestation program. Plant for Life is Maynilad’s environment stewardship program originally aimed to reforest the watersheds in Angat, Ipo and La Mesa. When AMTC was launched in 2017, Maynilad actively supported the program. Today, it has evolved into a multi-site reforestation and afforestation program whose coverage includes the areas along the coastlines of Laguna Lake and Manila Bay in Cavite and Muntinlupa.

“One of the best steps we can take to protect our water sources is to plant trees on denuded lands. Trees help with the soil’s water retention, thus preventing the soil erosion that causes high turbidity levels in our raw water supply,” Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez said.

Maynilad’s watershed monitoring activities were also intensified there y oosting the s rvival rate o the planted trees. Recently, Maynilad planted its one millionth tree at the La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City. The activity was witnessed by MWSS Administrator Engr. Leonor Cleofas and Maynilad President Fernandez along with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) NCR Assistant Regional Director for Technical Engr. Ignacio Almira, Jr.

Through Maynilad’s Plant for Life program around 755.3 hectares have been planted with indigenous trees to include narra, cupang, acacia, alibang, bang, apitong, and mangroves. Likewise, it enabled Maynilad to reduce its carbon emissions by around 25,000 tons per year.

Maynilad and the other companies in the MVP Group are ramping up their reforestation ini- (Continue on page 27)

Real Estate & You: Lasting gift for all occasions

There was tremendous pressure at home in the United States, Great Britain, and rance to avoid con ict a ter World War I and the economic collapse in the late 1920s added more reason for Washington to stay o t o the con icts in rope and sia

The lack of US interest to intervene emboldened Germany taly and apan to anne more territories itler took the German-speaking Austrian region, Japan invaded China’s Manchuria, and Italy went to Abyssinia, now the modern day Ethiopia in Africa.

The US only watched as Germany, Italy, and Japan took aggressive actions while Great Britain and France did nothing t appease itler hoping he wo ld e satisfied a ter uniting all German-dominated regions in Europe.

The United States, France, and Great Britain tolerated Hitler and Benito Mussolini’s ambitions as the League of Nations, which was created after World War I, was a toothless organization.

The US was not part of it and later, Germany and Japan left the League, weakening the organization further.

Looking back at the events that led to World War II, the United States has taken a more proactive approach to prevent another Hitler from rising in Europe and another country in sia rom replicating apan s hegemony in the first hal o the 20th century.

President Joe Biden is coming out again on the world stage to assert dominance in glo al sec rity affairs a ter years o onald r mp s merica first policy

iden made a visit to kraine promising to po r an e tra $460 million in military aid to help repel Russia’s invasion into its eastern and southern regions.

In the same way, Washington has taken a strong stance against Beijing’s coercive and aggressive behavior in the ndo- acific region iden also gave firm ass rance ashington would not allow Beijing to take over Taipei.

China considers self-ruled Taiwan as a renegade province, and vows to nite the two co ntries hina said re nification with Taiwan was non-negotiable.

It also has ambitions to dominate the world economically and militarily y 20 e actly 00 years a ter the hinese Communist Party ascended to power after a bloody civil war with nationalist Chinese.

Great Britain, France, and Germany have also dipped their fingers in the ndo- acific region n act rance anno nced an ndo- acific strategy to ens re a ree and open South China Sea.

ike ssia which so ght to create a ffer one y invading Ukraine, China also wanted to push out the United States, Australia, Japan, and other allies from the South China ea to create its own ffer one

The Philippines, which has the weakest military in the region, has been at the receiving end of China’s aggressive behavior.

Its coast guard and militia vessels have controlled the Scarborough Shoal and Spratlys, moving closer to territorial waters and blockading features occupied by the Philippines.

This week, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin talked again by phone to Carlito Galvez, his Filipino counterpart, to reassure the Philippines of US support under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) after China’s laser incident near Second Thomas Shoal, or Ayungin Shoal, early this month.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also warned China against sending weapons to Russia, the largest army in Europe.

Washington and its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies must not give in to Russia’s and China’s ambitions to e pand their spheres o in ence to avoid a repeat of the disastrous World War II where more than 50 million people were killed.

In Europe, Western allies have stepped up their support to Ukraine with tanks, artillery, and

(Continue on page 27)

Delia, one of my old clients, received by mail an autographed copy of my book “REAL ESTATE YOU” subtitled “You Basic Guide Information for Successful Investing in Home, Land and Income Property” which I gave her as lasting gift and as my way of appreciation for her patronage to our Mobile Signing Services.

Health & Wealth

The following day, Delia called me early in the morning and told me that she is ordering two copies of REAL ESTATE YOU” as her gift to her brother and one of her close friends. She requested me to autograph the two books and she will pick them up in our home in San Francisco, California later in the afternoon.

Delia, who owned homes in Millbrae and San Bruno, California, drove to our home in San Francisco to pick up the two ooks y 2pm that day he i th rinting copies o ESTATE YOU” just arrived so I gave the two autographed copies to elia who noticed the difference rom the i th Printing copy I mailed to her earlier. Instead of ordering two copies, she ordered two more copies for a total of four copies ordered.

“Why are you ordering more copies?, I asked Delia.

“You know Art, I’ve read your “REAL ESTATE YOU” book which is unique and very informative. I have attended so many real estate classes and workshops but there are many items and guidelines mentioned in the book not covered by those real estate classes and workshops elia e plained

“Thank you for your appreciation. Instead of four copies. m giving yo five a tographed copies o the latest edition o “REAL ESTATE YOU, “ I told Delia.

he i th rinting copies o are now available through Amazon (in Hardcover, Paperback E-book). Foreword was written by Atty Cesar Fumar, practicing lawyer licensed both in California and in the Philippines.

Here are some comments and reviews of the latest edition of “REAL ESTATE YOU” -- “Yes, this book is understandable for folks who haven’t spent years stdying real estate laws and practices. It can save you money, “ wrote Patrick Andersen, Editor, Asian Week, San Francisco, California.

“This book is a must reading for anyone deciding and planning to invest in real estate anywhere in the world,” echoed Henry T. Bravo, Elder, SURREY CHURCH OF CHRIST, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

r adlaing is highly alified to write on his chosen subject. We recommend his work to anyone interested in real estate,” said Oscar L. Jornacion, MBA/CPA, Los Angeles, California.

“Very readable and easy to understand, which should be a o t right or my a ility e plained ernice owen an Francisco, California.

“Art Madlaing’s book on real estate is very informative. have to commend him or his pioneering efforts in writing this book,” echoed Hon. Ronald E. Quidachay, Superior Court Judge, San Francisco, California.

“I salute and commend Art Madlaing for writing this book. Every Christian couple and family must order copy, read it and ollow as g ide ook or financial sta ility said eli Olidan, Jr. Evangelist Minister, WANCHAI CHURCH OF CHRIST, Wancbai, Hongkong.

his ook is e cellent and m st reading or irst- ime Homebuyers. I personally recommend it to anyone interested in real estate,” wrote Josie Lewis, mother grandmother who retired at Laguna Honda Hospital, San Francisco, California.

“The concepts shared by Art Madlaing in his book, particularly his updated real estate columns, are very helpful to first-time home yers home sellers and prospective land investors a rmed ris illan eva ormer ice ayor, Vallejo, California.

“I personally recommend this very informative book on real estate or necessary g idance first-time home yers sellers and prospective land investors must order a copy, read it and ollow the g idelines e plained tty i aldy errer Real Estate Broker Appraiser, Lawyer Minister, TANZA CHURCH OF CHRIST, Tanza, Cavite, Philippines.

rder yo r i th rinting copies now o YOU” ( pages, in Hard-

ART GABOT MADLAING

MANNY MOGATO

MELANDREW T. VELASCO

Strong signs of a breakdown in law and order

In a span of one week, three elected government o cials were targets o assassination ne attempt s cceeded while in the two other cases the o cials were in red t s rvived he same co ld not e said o the companions o two o cials who were killed

lso last week a to rist from New Zealand was shot and killed a ter he o ght a g nman who was attempting a hold p in akati ity t least in that case the s spect was ca ght e act ally t rned himsel in a ter his ace was ca ght on cameras and he wo ld have een the s ect o a silent shoot-to-kill order i he had not s rrendered hat s spect denied eing the g nman t at least five witnesses pointed to him as the killer he crime may have een solved t it le t a h ge lack eye or hilippine to rism or one the s spect was already wanted or a previo s violent crime hy then was he allowed to move a o t scot ree he act that he was so a raid o what the police wo ld to do him or his latest crime says that he co ld have een arrested e ore nder pain o eing another tokhang victim or those who may have orgotten tokhang re ers to the operations o the police d ring the terte regime wherein dr g s spects were mercilessly g nned down witho t eing given the chance to peace lly s rrender he series o violent crimes sends a strong message to the p lic that no one is sa e riminal elements are everywhere and g ns are easy to proc re not st legally t illegally elative to the seeming reakdown o law and order is that act that an innocent person ormer senator eila de ima remains incarcerated or crimes she did not commit he ormer stice secretary has een nder arrest or si years even as most witnesses against her have retracted their testimonies and implicated o cials o the terte regime or the tr mped p dr g charges she still aces and ropean lawmakers and organi ations have consistently pointed to e ima s arrest as proo that the dicial system in the co ntry is arely working i at all here s an old saying that says there are two systems o stice in the co ntry one or the rich and power l and the other or ordinary people n the latter case stice is a hit-ormiss proposition

here are stories told o very poor inoys stealing something as inconse ential as a loa o read and eing sentenced to years in prison or what sho ld e a orgiva le offense n act lawlessness has practically ecome a way o li e or many ilipinos

ome decades ago a ter a government o cial was shot a high-ranking o cial amo sly asked eneral what is happening to o r co ntry

he answer to that is it s gotten rom ad to worse nd there is no indication that it will improve any time soon

he ma ority o ilipinos are aware that the likes o ormer first lady melda arcos sho ld e in prison he was convicted with finality et she has not spent a single min te o incarceration

ne past hilippine ational olice chie said he co ld not and wo ld not order the arrest o melda arcos eca se o her age

he same reason was sed to allow an once nrile to e ree and even serve as a inet secretary e didn t even have to wear a neck race or e p shed aro nd in a wheelchair to try and earn some sympathy like loria acapagal- rroyo

melda s high priced lawyers were a le to take all known delaying tactics to prevent her eing arrested and imprisoned

echnicalities have always een the first resort o lawyers de ending the o vio sly g ilty

y all acco nts rap and inggoy strada along with ong evilla sho ld e inmates at the ew ili id rison here they can at least live in l rio s s rro ndings st like the inmates who still manage to p rs e their criminal enterprises while inside

asn t happened has it

hat there can e no real stice or co ntless ilipinos can e gleaned rom the c rrent and previo s administrations reecting the nternational rimi-

(Continue on page 27)

Arare ird is hard to find t not in the hilippine irlines where had a first hand e perience with one take my hat off to s ielo illal na the spokesperson o

he s a rara avis ith her in the organi ation o r co ntry s ag carrier airline is l cky and in good hands

hile in the hilippines d ring a recent visit my wi e and were a eneficiary o s illalna s good-heartedness

he air are covering o r ret rn ight to the was saddled y penalty ees and related charges a ter several re ookings

n my calc lation with the penalty and re ooking ees slapped on the n sed portions o o r ro ndtrip tickets it wo ld have een cheaper ying new ret rn tickets or each o s t s ielo heard a o t o r predicament and she responded

he ormer - primetime anchor readily came to the aid o a o rnalist in distress thank my old riend olly akay on alo ormer ational ress l o the hilippines pre y or ringing my case p to s ielo ge thanks to s ielo illal na and her colleag es she worked with - hi i de la erced sst ales and ervices manager or etro anila and on and her staff assistant arren ogado- to make the air are price eara le eara le is in act an nderstatement as we were in my estimate act ally charged a minisc le o what stomer ervice previo sly came p with

t was like getting a slap on the wrist or a violation

arlier had a series o email engagements with c stomer service t the ack and orth was r itless

was a o t to give p and egan sco ring the we or dget ares offered y other airlines o nd several pretty good ones incredi ly lowpriced t the ig is yo got to hi ernate at stopover airports or ho rs or more

e t thing know was with olly on alo olly in whose roadcasters media or m s illal na occasionally g ested called her p and he let her know o my plight ter a ew min tes he passed the phone to me and to say the least was impressed how ast s ea ti l rontline lady in her mellow and sympathetic voice grappled with my pro lem and assessed it while e plaining how air ares go p that she said are o ttimes occasioned y events eyond the airline s control aside rom penalty ees as in my case

really appreciate s illal na s efforts along with hi i and arren that res lted in saving a lot rom o r wallet or what s le t o it ct ally the wallet was near depletion eca se o o r e tended vacation that made o r dget stretched o t y wi e who was always on g ard e pense-wise was on her toes

In response to so many actors emanating rom organi ational str ct res staff development partnership with the comm nity diversified staff and st dents environmental actors internal developments and coping p with many policy changes the an ose

o orps enter contin e to develop its own positive normative c lt re ni e to its st dents and staff and the center in general

t s a long and complicated process which started so many years ack t the center is moving as planned coming p with its own c lt re the an ose way he positive normative c lt re had evolved rom the core val es o respect sa ety responsi ility and goals

n the evol tion emphasi ed that in order to have respect one m st remem er this - give it to get it t s something we need to nderstand that it sho ld e given in order to get one like saying respect yo yo respect me s to sa ety it m st e the center s priority sa ety first n all its operations whether in the classroom on camp s and off camp s we need to prioriti e sa ety y all means s to responsi ility st dents and staff wo ld e o nd y can e responsi le y eing prepared eing acco nta le or my actions and always doing my est nd o co rse or goals oth st dents and staff sho ld always aim or it is a -r n program giving to 2 -year-old marginali ed yo ths a chance to earn their high school diploma get a certificate and trade skills certificates certifications to e a le to ecome contri ting mem ers o society ast week enter irector avina ernande awarded its staff who were selected as arterly awardees or 202 d ring it s ll taff raining at the school s gymnasi m in an ose he awardees were essy ohn ditor dministrative epartment herine oseph ight hi t pervisor ocial evelopment epartment errie orrow rade nstr ctor areer evelopment epartment elvin ancap and r na yer specialist or the enter irector s epartment he sa ety ward or the month o an ary was awarded to onathan inga eekend hi t pervisor ongrat lations to all the awardees ter the awards ceremony an all-day staff training was held on vario s mandatory training topics needed y the staff in the discharge o their d ties and responsi ilities he a ety wareness training was presented y a ety cer ekyll adrogane icide revention 0 y r anet agley h odeling entoring and onitoring y o nseling anager neha ao and the topic on ater a ety y ecreation anager ictor orceg in he topics are asic inp ts or the staff to know to help them carry on their o s on center n her welcome address ernande emphasi ed the center s priorities in p rs ing the program in providing the stdents asic skills earning their high school diploma getting their certificates and ac iring trade skills and providing opport nities or the st dents so they will e e ipped with asic skills and core val es they needed when they leave o orps he said the center will e oc sing on its partnership with the comm nity and providing o development opport nities or the st dents and will e strengthening its ork- ased- earning or st dents he center will also make it a point to cond ct o airs on center to e participated y companies which will give st dents the chance to meet with prospective employers and ndergo on-the-spotinterviews d ring the o air

the 2 o orps enters all over the co ntry an ose o orps enter is n m er 20 in the ranking hank yo or all yo r help re erring to the staff in making o r center a top-per orming center in the co ntry ernande said n addition to academic training an ose o orps provides career technical training in the ollowing vocational trades to ody aint and efinishing ec rity and rotective ervices to rakes and lignment to ransmission and ngine to ne- p lectrical ystems arpentry omp ter echnology linary rts stomer ervices and ales acilities aintenance

San Jose Way: SJJC continue to develop its unique culture in various ways

BETING DOLOR

ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO

TEDDY P. MOLINA

Are you missing a big IRS refund as self employed

The Family First Coronavirus Response Act provides for big refundable tax credit for Sick Leave and Family Leave for certain self employed individuals. It is not too late to avail of this refundable tax credit even if you have already filed yo r ta ret rns e can help yo amend your tax return to avail yourself of this credit. You may be able to claim a refundable tax credit of an average of or a maximum of $32.000 depending on your net earnings.

o fig re re nda le alified sick and amily leave e ivalent credits i yo were na le to per orm services as an eligi le sel -employed individ al d e to certain - related circ mstances etween an ary 202 and eptem er 0 202 yo need to se orm 202 his credit is availa le i yo are an eligi le individ al who was na le to work or had to care or amily memers d e to the coronavir s -

he orm is roken down into two portions alified sick leave and alified amily leave or sel -employed individ als

he alified sick leave e ivalent amo nt is the lesser o the ollowing

o 00 o the average daily sel -employment

o Income or o

o a payer can elect to se 2020 sel -employment income to calc late average daily sel -employment income

o he ma im m n m er o days that this credit can e taken is 0 min s any days already claimed in 2020 d ring the first enefit period and 0 d ring the second enefit period

2 he alified amily leave e ivalent amo nt is the lesser o the ollowing

o o the average daily sel -employment income or o

o s with sick leave a payer can elect to se 2020 sel -employment income to calc late average daily sel -employment income

o he ma im m n m er o days that this credit can e taken is 0 min s any days already claimed in 2020 d ring the first enefit and 0 d ring the second enefit period

ote yo are a sel employed and need more in ormation a o t this enefit yo may sched le a cons ltation with o r and ttorney he above information is for educational presentation only and not a legal advice.

BSP forecasts February in tion t

MANILA – The Bangko Sentral ng ilipinas orecasts e r ary 202 in ation rate at range o to percent citing the pside risks rom higher prices of cooking gas.

n a statement the central ank said elevated prices o key ood items s ch as pork fish egg and s gar are also epected the additional drivers of the rate of price increases this month.

hese actors however are seen to e co ntered y the lower prices or domestic petrole m r its and vegeta les chicken and ee he peso appreciation co ld contriute to easing price pressures during the month the said his a ter the peso strengthened to -level against the dollar in recent weeks

n ation rate last an ary accelerated rther to percent rom month-ago s percent ts rise do sed hopes that domestic in ation rate likely peaked last December.

he will contin e to ad st its monetary policy stance as necessary to prevent the further broadening of price press res as well as the emergence o additional second order effects the central bank said.

Its key policy rates have been hiked by a total of basis points to help address the elevated in ation rate he will also contin e to monitor closely emerging price developments in accordance with the s price sta ility mandate the central ank added eanwhile man act rers and retailers of key commodities are calling for the instit tion o creative new meas res to ease price press res as the angko entral ng ilipinas e pects last month s in-

ation to likely hover aro nd the to percent range teven a president o the hilippine malgamated permarkets ssociation said local ood prod cers need s pport to lessen the country’s dependence on imported produce.

e said an over-reliance on ood that is shipped in from abroad inevitably translates to higher retail prices.

e really have to develop o r own food production capabilities to protect the p lic against in ation he said a whose gro p is composed mostly o medi m-si ed s permarkets nationwide agreed that the s orecast acc rately re ects act al price changes at the store front in February.

hile vol mes eing sold y s permarkets remain largely nchanged despite price increases he said cons mers are noticea ly inclined towards lower cost or sale items.

cito have president o the sosasyon ng anaderong ilipino appealed to the administration to offer so t loans and other afforda le financing options to struggling community bakers.

e said many small akeries are ecoming victims o economies o scale and are na le to compete with large corporate bakeries. have said ig aking corporations some o which are oreign owned are a le to lk p rchase raw materials at preferential prices.

mall akeries cannot price themselves out of the competition despite their higher cost or the same raw materials so they are forced to moderate their price increases to the point of only breaking even he added

PHL dollar reserves at $99.7 B, expected to

MANILA – An economist forecasts continued increase in the country’s dollar reserves which improved to 2 illion last an ary compared to the previous month’s level.

Data released by the Bangko Sentral ng ilipinas night showed that the an ary 202 gross international reserves o the co ntry however was lower than the 0 illion in the same period in 2022.

i al ommercial anking orporation chie economist ichael Ricafort said the country’s dollar reserves can get a lift from continued resiliency of the in ows rom overseas ilipino workers s the reven es o the siness process o tso rcing sector oreign investment in ows oreign to rism and hilippine offshore gaming operators reven es hese in ows he said co ld still cover the yearly trade deficit net imports that reached a record illion or

improve

2022

oreover the contin ed increase in nd-raising and other investment anking activities y the co ntry s iggest companies conglomerates in view o the recent rising trend in glo al local ond yields in recent months nding preparations amid more decisive new investments and expansion plans as the economy reopens rther towards greater normalcy co ld entail some increase in oreign investment in ows that co ld add to the co ntry s and on a cash ow asis he said

Ricafort said the current GIR level o the co ntry remains ade ate as it is e ivalent to months o imports higher than the three to o r months international standards.

He said the dollar reserves to date wo ld contin e to provide str ct ral s pport ffer c shion or the peso e change rate especially greater protection vs any spec lative attacks going orward

Vilma on burnout, disrespectful newbies, return to movies

With topics like career burnout, creative freedom and respect for elder colleagues dominating show biz discourse these days, Vilma Santos cited three things that helped her get past the inevitable slumps: “Hard work, smart work and grace from God.”

“There should be hard work because you really have to do the work; smart work because you need to think about where you want to be and plan your career; and grace from God because, somehow, you also need to pray for some guidance,” Vilma said at a recent press launch as the new celebrity endorser of the motorcycle ride-hailing platform Angkas.

“So for these newbies our soonto-be stars and superstars love your career and it will love you back,” the acclaimed artist and former politician added.

As illustrious her career has been for the past 60 years or so, it was never without hardships and challenges. Like many artists today, she also felt tired, burned out, and boxed in at certain points in her journey in the industry. But it’s about how you pull yourself out of a rut.

“There came a point in my career when I wanted to quit. I felt boxed in. I grew up in the biz; it was all I knew. Whenever I picked up a newspaper, I would skip the front page and head straight to the entertainment section,” the 69-year-old star said. “We will all go through challenges. But you have to learn to face and carry them.”

And then politics beckoned. After sitting as Lipa City mayor from 1998 to 2007, Vilma went on to serve the province of Batangas as a governor (2007-2016), then as a house representative (2016-2022).

“It was meant to be. That’s when I realized the realities of life that you grow up, that you mature and continuously evolve as you face new challenges in life—it never stops,” said Vilma, who’s now enjoying life as a private citizen after 24 years of public service. “Interesting things continue to come my way and I entertain them.” As for young celebrities who disrespect their seniors and more established actors, Vilma stressed that how you interact with people and coworkers off-screen can e st as important as the talent you display on-screen.

‘Respect your colleagues’

“To those who don’t show respect to their seniors, please don’t be like that. You won’t last long in showbiz, where longevity is valued. You might

be a star for a year or two, but how long can you sustain that? With so many new aspiring actors coming out, you need to stand out by having the factor, and at the same time, respecting your colleagues,” she said.

“Every two months or so, a new face comes out. If you don’t have the factor and don’t respect your colleagues, I don’t think you will go anywhere. Show biz is such a small world,” she said.

Indeed. Scanning the people who attended the conference, Vilma saw lots of familiar faces and writers who have been chronicling her journey since her teens.

“I guess 60 years is no joke! I feel elated. Not everyone gets a blessing like this. I’m very thankful,” said Vilma, who has been dabbling in vlogging recently. “As you can see, I’m continuously evolving or trying out new things. Learning never stops.”

Future projects

Vilma is expected to do a special project with Angkas in the future. Will it be a movie? That’s for the fans to find o t t or now she will e s pporting the motorcycle taxi app’s goals of providing jobs and giving people a safe and faster commuting alternative. he first thing asked when this was offered to me was ow sa e is this?’ You know how our roads and tra c sit ation is t was ass red that the riders are well-trained. The passengers will have safety gear. I’m all for supporting organizations that provide jobs. And I was told that Angkas was able to do that for 30,000 people,” she said.

Now that she has fewer responsibilities and a much lighter workload, Vilma is willing to do more movies something that had to take a backseat

to politics for the past six years.

“Now I have more time to sleep! I don’t need to wake up at a.m. because I have to visit an island, and then head off to another engagement she said. “I’m enjoying my private life.”

Immediately forthcoming is a

romantic drama film with hristopher de Leon. The movie’s working titles are “I’m So in Love With You” and “True Love in Kyoto.” She’s also set to collaborate with Erik Matti on an action ick

“Boyet will be co-directing, so I’m also excited about that. It’s a love story, but age-appropriate. It will be shot in Japan, so it’s new to my fans’ eyes. After six years, I will be doing movies again. I had to give that up for a while because I was so busy with my duties as a House representative,” said Vilma, whose last movie was “Everything About Her” in 2016.

She also looks forward to working with the current generation of stars.

“I heard that Nadine Lustre and some other artists want to work with me. And I’m elated by that. I look forward to working with them, really. As long as it’s for a good story, or something different have done so many movies, so a lot of them start to look the same to me st want to offer the audience something new,” she said.

BUMUO NG MGA KAHUSAYAN TUMULONG SA IBA

KUMITA NG PERA

Juliana Gomez is UAAP fencing champion, Richard and Lucy Gomez are proud parents

Meanwhile, Congressman Gomez and wife Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez have been commissioned in the army reserve force with a rank of lieutenant colonel.

o o r honorees yo have o r admiration or all yo r hard work sel ess dedication and ntiring commitment to serve,” said Army Chief Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner Jr., who presided the commissioning ceremony at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Andres Bonifacio, Manila on Thursday, February 23, 2023.

o are not only e emplars o pro essionalism but you are also instrumental in the accomplishment of our vision of becoming a world-class, multimission ready, and cross-domain capable Army,” Brawner added.

he military o cial cited the achievements o the Gomez couple as public servants and accomplished individuals.

rawner said the two government o cials will help rther esta lish the ace o the hilippine Army in the eyes of the public.”

Like father, like daughter.

This may well be the slogan of congressman, actor and athlete Richard Gomez as he disclosed how proud a dad he is after his daughter, Juliana Gomez, won a fencing gold medal at the UAAP.

Juliana represented the University of the Philippines and beat Cyrra Vergara of De La Salle University in the final o the women s individ al epee

On Instagram, Richard posted a video of his da ghter s win and wrote am so pro d o yo

gomezjuliana You are now [UAAP] champion!” ard work and nderstanding o the game has set in. I love you ‘day!” he added.

Juliana replied in the comments section, writing, hank yo or everything dad ove yo Celebrities like Regine Tolentino and Charlene Gonzalez also congratulated Juliana. Dingdong Dantes commented with applause emojis.

Juliana also previously won a fencing competition in Thailand.

rmoc ity s power co ple has always een the epitome of love for service. Not only they lead Ormoc City and the whole 4th District of Leyte to reach its full potential, they also are strong advocates for peace and order, and security that the couple consider as the o ndation o progress the city government of Ormoc said in a statement.

Earlier, the Gomez couple also thanked the 8th Regional Community Defense Group (8RCDG)Reserve Command, headed by Colonel Castor Bahin or their ntiring efforts and s pport or them to be part of the reserve force.

Philippines 2023

erlene dol has confirmed that she will e joining the upcoming Miss Grand Philippines pageant as a way of giving back to her manager, Wilbert Tolentino, who had helped her through the years.

he ini ining ilipinas 2022 first r nner- p made the announcement on the Feb. episode of the talk show ast alk with oy nda a ter she was asked by the host Boy Abunda on her plans of returning to pageantry.

ng ako tatan ngin g sto ko y ng g sto ng manager ko naman. So, sasali po ako,” she replied. (If ever you would ask me, I would like to follow what my manager likes this time. So, I will join.)

Budol revealed that joining the pageant is a form o e pressing her gratit de to olentino as she noted that she was hesitant to join the Binibining Pilipinas pageant back then.

o ra po akong mahal ni il ert oong Binibini po, totally hindi ko po gustong sumali. Siya lang po ‘yung nag-motivate sa akin at nakita daw niya ‘yung potential ko po. This time, tinupad niya ang mga pangarap ko na magkaroon ng bahay, sasakyan, mapagamot ‘yung lolo ko, pati ‘yung burol ng lola ko, sinagot niya. So, ‘yung kaligayahan naman ni Sir Wilbert ang gagawin ko which is kaligayahan ko din po ngayon she e plained

ir il ert loves me so m ch initially didn t want to join Binibining Pilipinas 2022. But he was

the one who motivated me and saw my potential. This time, he made my dreams come true such as having a house, car, bringing my grandfather back to health and even my grandmother s interment he handled them all o ir il ert s happiness is now my priority, which also makes me happy.)

Abunda then asked Budol about her greatest asset for Miss Grand Philippines 2023, to which she said is her confidence apal ng m kha she said in response yan po ang number one kong puhunan sa buhay. Wala po akong kahit anong talent, kapal lang po ng mukha. Bihira po ‘yung talent na ‘yun.” onfidence his is my n m er one asset in li e don t have any talents st confidence ot everyone has that kind of talent.)

he ea ty een also showed her s ammy walk d ring the episode which she e plained is an ode to her roots dol s walk started with a t rn then she moved around with her hands on both hips, then ended with another t rn ammy is a slang for trashy or classless.

aling po ako sa hirap m aga k ng kaya ko, kaya rin ng mas maraming kapitbahay ko. Walk to success, mino-motivate ko sila na kayanin ang mga kinaya ko,” she said. (I came from a poor family. In other words, if I can do it, other people can do it too. Walk to success, I am motivating them to persevere what ve also persevered

Herlene Budol to join Miss Grand

SAN FRANCISCO – Three years ago, Pope Francis said, “Women make the world beautiful; they protect it and keep it alive”, as part of his remarks on International omen s ay on arch he pontiff also urged women to build peace with love.

Leading global Filipino streaming platform iWantTFC brings that spirit of authentic womanhood alive by celebrating Women’s History Month with thoughtful curation of movies and series this March.

In the special selection titled “In Celebration of International Women’s Day,” viewers can follow the inspiring journeys of how the loving and strong female

characters played by acclaimed actresses Cherry Pie Picache, Angel Aquino, Lovi Poe, and Janine Gutierre e empli y their womanhood grit sel essness and resiliency in series such as “Call Me Tita” and “Sleep with Me,” and in movies “Glorious” and “Malaya.”

Some of the most remarkable performances of stellar actresses Bea Alonzo, Angelica Panganiban, Bela Padilla, and Angel Locsin are also featured in the “Queens of Philippine Movies” selection. Learn how to mend a broken heart or how to be independent in love by streaming “The Unmarried Wife,” “One More hance amp awi and no cially o rs

among others.

Additionally, the “Movies by Female Directors” collection highlights the acclaimed work of the likes of Olivia Lamasan, Antoinette Jadaone, Mae CruzAlviar, and Cathy Garcia-Molina. Among their wellloved movies available on iWantTFC are “Milan,” “That Thing Called Tadhana,” “She’s The One,” and “Hello, Love, Goodbye.”

Choose from the full list of movies and series this Women’s Month and stream them all on the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) and website (iwanttfc.com), available with a Standard or Premium subscription. Get all-access entertainment for as low as US $4.99 or its equivalent in your local currency.

Watch iWantTFC on a larger screen with select devices, including VEWD, ROKU, and Amazon Fire streaming devices, Android TV, select Samsung Smart TV models, Telstra TV (in Australia), and VIDAA. Visit https://bit.ly/iWantTFC_TVDevices for a complete list of compatible devices, sign-in instructions, and account activation.

For updates, follow www.facebook.com/iWantTFC, @iwanttfc on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantTFC. For inquiries and concerns about the service, users can also send an e-mail to support@iwanttfc.com.

Liza Soberano creates stir as she reintroduces herself as ‘Hope,’ bares goals

Filipino American actress and model Liza Soberano, in hibernation for some time after vacationing in California, has created quite a stir as she introduced herself as “Hope” and unveiled her showbiz goals.

She said in a GMA Network report that she is now entering a new era in her career as a creative behind the scenes while still being the star of the show.

In her latest commercial Liza co-created for a digital banking app Maya, the actress reintroduced herself to the public as Hope, proving that she can do so much more than just being “Liza” the actress.

n the short film i a who is ope Elizabeth Soberano in real life, was seen brainstorming with the executives of Maya behind the scenes, presenting her big and out-of-this-world ideas while still being the star in front of the camera.

“I just want to show people that I can do everything,” Liza said in the commercial.

“I want to give the people Liza like they’ve never seen Liza before,” she added.

side rom co-prod cing a short film ad, Maya also introduced Liza as its newest hie dvocacy cer

Earlier this month, Liza opened up about her past struggles in the showbiz industry and shared the development of a new career path she’s currently working on through a vlog on YouTube.

Meanwhile, Liza’s former manager Ogie Diaz responded to Liza’s recent statements, saying that at the end of the day i a will still have the final say on what she plans to do about her life.

Published reports showed Liza on YouTube opening up about her past struggles in the show business industry and share the development of a new career path she’s currently paving the way for,triggering controversies.

Last Sunday, the actress posted a 14-minute vlog about her life updates.

According to the 25-year-old celebrity, she has been working as an actress and an endorser since she was 12 years old, and during the pandemic, Liza got to

re ect on her li e and her t re plans ve sacrificed mysel ve sacrificed my reedom ve sacrificed my happiness to present Liza Soberano to the world, and think ve earned the right to finally e me she said o finally e a le to do things for myself as Hope Soberano.”

Liza added that she has embarked on a new chapter where she has the final say about everything she engages in.

“I’ve embarked on a fresh new chapter and m finally taking control o my life, pursuing dreams that I’ve always had to hold off she said

“It’s exciting, terrifying, anxietyfilled and con sing t what know or s re is that or the first time m finally living my life for me,” she added.

Liz also announced that she has cut down her endorsements, but is currently working on a new brand which will mark her first a at directing

Previously, during an episode of “Fast alk with oy nda oy confirmed that Liza’s social media pages weren’t hacked, but undergoing rebranding.

Meanwhile, her father addressed Liza’s bashers who are calling the actress ungrateful following her “This is Me.” vlog

John Castillo Soberano said that “everybody [blows] everything out of proportion” in response to critics of his daughter’s vlog.

“So sometimes, you have to sit back and relax and rewatch what she said and really understand what she’s saying,” he said in a video uploaded by entertainment journalist MJ Marfori on TikTok.

“Since you guys are all hurt, I’m very sorry for what you guys didn’t understand,” John said in another video uploaded on Marfori’s Instagram account.

His daughter previously opened up about her thoughts and experiences in the showbiz industry as a former Kapamilya talent and how she is now finally a le to do things for herself as “Hope Soberano.”

Liza in her “This is Me.” vlog on Febr ary 2 said that she has sacrificed her childhood, freedom, and happiness “to present Liza Soberano to the world.”

“I had always been told what to do, what to wear, what to say and what not to say. I know this was for my own good. It was to protect me and my career, but it was a career that I had no say in. A career that in many ways wasn’t mine,” she added.

Liza said that she was not coming from a place of bitterness or regret.

“In fact, it’s the opposite. It’s a story about growth and gratitude. At years old was finally given the choice to decide my own path,” the actress added.

She also mentioned that she stuck with James Reid‘s team since she “loves” how they “respected” her vision and intelligence as she did theirs.

According to her, Careless was the only one that had asked her what she wanted for herself, instead of the other way around.

“I asked them what the plan was for

me and they said I don’t know. You tell us. We’re here to support whatever your dreams are. That’s when I knew I had found my team,” Liza said.

Her vlog was released after her former talent manager, Ogie Diaz, shared concern about her current status following her transition.

“Siyempre, nahu-hurt ako bilang former manager na nakakabasa ako ng ‘Ano nang ginagawa ni Liza sa sarili niya?

Bakit nag-iiba na siya ng direksyon?

Bakit noong nandoon pa siya sa ABSCBN o kay Ogie Diaz maganda naman o maayos naman ang palakad sa kanya?

Bakit nagiging fan na lang ng K-pop si Liza?’ ‘Yung mga ganoon,” he said on February 23.

In response to his former talent’s vlog, Ogie said that he wishes her “good luck” as she treads a new direction in her career.

“Nung naghiwalay tayo bilang manager-talent, sabi ko sa’yo basta may concerns ka, problema o tanong ka, nandito lang palagi ang Tito Ogie mo, maghihintay lang ako ng tawag o text mo,” he said in his February vlog.

“Tandaan mo anak, narating mo ang fame hindi lang sa akin at sa suporta ng Star Magic at ABS-CBN at ng production staff dahil din yan sa dedication mo sa trabaho,” Ogie added.

“Dahil yan sa’yo, kaya palakpakan mo rin ang sarili mo ha, lahat ng ito, ng narating mo, pinaghirapan mo ‘yan, anak, para bigyan ng magandang buhay ang pamilya mo. Sila ang inspirasyon mo kaya minahal mo rin ang career mo,” he continued.

When Liza uploaded her “This is Me.” vlog, some Filipinos called her out and perceived her to be “ungrateful” to her former network.

“Number 1 fan ako nito, kaso parang nadismaya ako konti… ‘di siya sisikat if ‘di dahil sa management [ng] ABS-CBN at Tito Ogs… pasalamat na lang sana siya na pinasikat siya, pasalamat na lang sana siya na ‘sumikat ako dahil sa kanila,’ sana sinabi niya na lang na ‘gusto ko rin magexplore nang walang mag-manage… at pasalamat ako sa ABS-CBN at Tito Ogs na sila ang way na sumikat… HAHAIST TSK TSK,” an Instagram user said be-

fore.

ag-take off a career ni i a k ng sa ibang genre [siya] nilagay, eh ni hindi nga [siya] makapag-Tagalog [nang] diretso. Lol. IMO [In my opinion], she is a mediocre actress, magaling pa mga Goin’ Bulilit kids. She could have said things better without sounding ungrateful,” a Twitter user said.

“Be a Humble Queen like @bernardokath in this world full of ungrateful Liza Soberano (A management decision regarding her screen name.),” another Pinoy tweeted.

A former Kapamilya head writer who has worked with Liza in some teleseryes before said he wasn’t hurt, but “more excited” for the actress.

“What I got from the vlog was a person trying to fig re hersel o t o e air she’s only ‘starting to dip her toes into writing,’” Mark Duane Angos tweeted.

“I’m actually more excited about what she will become. And I’m rooting for her with all my heart,” he added.

Liza on February was introduced as a brand ambassador and a chief advocacy o cer o the digital anking plat orm Maya. The latter role will enable her to champion advocacies or financial inclsion with the platform and lead key initiatives.

The actress said that moving forward, she will be more hands-on with her advertisements and projects.

Reports said Liza co-created the banking app’s new marketing campaign seen on their Facebook page.

During her launch as a brand ambassador, Liza reiterated her gratitude to her former Kapamilya colleagues after detailing her career transition in her vlog.

“I’m in constant communication with my Star Magic family. I’ve never lost touch with them,” she said, referring to ABS-CBN’s talent management arm.

“Some of my directors from ABSCBN who I worked closely with throughout the years, I’ve always been supportive and grateful towards everyone. Thank you to everyone,” Liza added.

Coco Martin-starrer lead 8 films in Metro film festival summer edition

ing actor Coco Martin, Sen. Lito Lapid, Gerald Anderson, Alex Gonzaga and Kylie Padilla, among others, were selected based on the following criteria: artistic excellence, commercial appeal, Filipino cultural sensibility, and global appeal.

he eight films are

1. Apag (Center Stage Production)

Director: Brillante Mendoza

Starring: Coco Martin, Lito Lapid, Jaclyn Jose, Gladys Reyes

2. Singlebells (TINCAN)

Media Productions, Inc.)

Director: Joven Tan

Starring: RK Bagatsing, Meg Imperial

5. Unravel: A Swiss Side Love Story (Mavx Productions, Inc.)

Director: RC Delos Reyes

Starring: Gerald Anderson, Kylie Padilla

6. Here Comes The Groom (Quantum Films, Cineko Productions, Brightlight Productions)

Director: Chris Martinez

Starring: Enchong Dee, Keempee De Leon, Awra Briguela, Xilohuette, Maris Racal, Kalad Karen

7. Yung Libro Sa Napanuod Ko (Viva Communications, Inc.)

Director: Bela Padilla

Starring: Yoo Min-Gon, Bela Padilla

8. Love You Long Time (Studio Three Sixty, Inc.)

Director: JP Habac

MAKATI CITY After the successful revival of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) during the holidays netting over P500 million in its two-week run in theaters, a summer edition will be held starting this April.

The MMFF executive committee which includes actress Boots Anson Roa last week anno nced the eight o cial entries or the first s mmer edition in April.

he final film picks which eat res top draw-

Sarah Geronimo marks 20th anniversary in show biz, drops new song

In celebration of her 20th year in show business, Sarah Geronimo treated Popsters to a new song, “Habang Buhay,” which was released on Wednesday, March 1.

The singer-actress marked her milestone with a message of gratitude to her fans through her Twitter page, also on Wednesday. Geronimo received greetings from fellow musicians and fans which she shared on her page.

“Happy 20th to us Popsters! Forever thankful for all of you!” she said.

Geronimo, meanwhile, dropped her new single through streaming platforms YouTube and Spotify. “Habang Buhay” is written by Marielle Belleza and produced by Civ Fontanilla under Viva Records and G Productions.

“Pagod na ang mga paa / Mabigat na ang mga mata / Ngunit paglingon ay biglang / Andyan ka na pala / Ang hinihintay / Ang magbibigay / Ang gagabay sa buhay kong puti at itim ang kulay,” Geronimo sings in the track.

Geronimo made her musical comeback with “Dati-Dati” in October last year. Prior to this, she released the studio album “This 15 Me” in 2018, marking her 15th anniversary in show business.

Director: Fifth Solomon

Starring: Aljur Abrenica, Alex Gonzaga, Angeline Quinto

3. About Us But Not About Us (Octoberian ilms he deafirst ompany and ant m Films)

Director: Jun Robles Lana

Starring: Romnick Sarmienta, Elijah Canlas

4. Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko (Saranggola

Starring: Carlo Aquino, Eisel Serrano he entries were chosen rom film s missions o which 2 are new films and 0 were resubmitted from the last MMFF in December. he first ever s mmer edition was s pposed to be held last but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The inaugural Summer MMFF will run in cinemas nationwide from April 8-18.

‘Habang Buhay’

Dep’t of Housing accountability unit marks first year, cites gains

SACRAMENTO – One year ago, Governor Gavin Newsom launched the Housing Accountability Unit at the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) with the goal of increasing stringent enforcement and oversight at the local level to create more housing, faster in California.

Since 2020, HCD has helped to clear the way for nearly 3,500 new homes, with about half of those as a result of the Housing Accountability Unit’s work in the last year.

“The housing crisis we are experiencing in California was decades in the making, but we are taking aggressive steps with an all-of-the-above approach, which includes unprecedented actions to bring about accountability at the local level,” said Governor Newsom in a statement sent to Philippine News Today. “Understanding that we have no time to waste, in just one year, the Housing Accountability nit has moved with a fierce intensity to reak the status quo and remove bureaucratic roadblocks.”

nder overnor ewsom or the first time in state history, local governments are being held accountable to meet their housing targets, with a statewide goal of reaching 2.5 million new units y 20 0 million o which m st e afforda le

To help reach this goal, the Housing Accountability Unit has worked with local jurisdictions to provide technical assistance and review of policies that often hinders the building of housing throughout the state n their first year the nit opened the door to nearly 1,700 new homes, with over being affordable housing.

“California is removing barriers to housing development and preservation, streamlining permitting, and, most importantly, holding local jurisdictions accountable for meeting the housing needs of their communities,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Lourdes Castro Ramírez. “By prioritizing enforcement of state housing laws, we are working toward the day that all ali ornians will have access to an afforda le place to call home.”

Among other key accomplishments over the past year, the Housing Accountability Unit launched a first-o -its-kind olicy and ractice eview into San Francisco’s legal, planning, and political barriers to housing production at all income levels. The unit also formally absorbed enforcement of the Surplus Land Act, unlocking hundreds of affordable housing units through its review of state surplus land.

Why Seniors should move to Improve their quality of LIFE

When conversations begin between a senior and their family about moving to a retirement community, the topic is often met with several objections. The most common objections to making a lifestyle change and the emotions involved with the entire process.

Generally, if the topic of making a lifestyle change comes up, something has been going on that is predicating the conversation. Maybe it is becoming apparent that the home is becoming too much to care for. Although it was the perfect size for raising a family, it is now too large for just one or two people. It may be that the senior themselves can no longer manage on their own. They are having di c lty managing their medications or making meals. Things like showering or going down the basement stairs to do laundry just aren’t safe anymore.

How do you determine whether its time for your to move to a Retirement Community:

1. If you are considering a Low Maintenance Living?

Even in retirement, the never-ending battle against laundry, grocery shopping, bills, and that lawn (that seems to grow twice as ast each year gets more di c lt o r household responsibilities can get in the way of your bigger goals, like long-term travel or spontaneous road trips.

2. Do you want an Upscale Living?

Living in a community tailored to creating the good life has its advantages. Many retirement communities have upscale amenities you would never dream of owning in your own home. Staying active as you age can help you maintain your independence longer and prevent falls or in ry sel -motivation is an iss e the fitness classes and o tdoor activities offered in many retirement commnities may appeal to you.

3. Are you ready to actually have a social life?

It’s always a challenge to make new friends, but it can ecome increasingly tricky in retirement yo re finding your schedule a little empty, but want an engaging social li e a retirement comm nity may e the per ect fit Usually you go to one that you already know someone, then you can know and have more friends with the same interest.

4. Would you like to start Eating Healthy?

Sometimes it’s hard to go to the trouble of cooking a nutritious meal. It’s tempting, as one blogger put it, to “Bread. Wine. Cheese. Repeat.” Choosing a retirement community can help you opt back into daily meals that nourish the body and satisfy the soul.

5. Time to be Learning, Growing, and Traveling for Fun?

Aging doesn’t put a stop for the need to grow and explore the world around us. Retirement communities can make it easier to get out and discover exciting new experiences through planned excursions and travel.

o will need ersonal are ervices

As we age, there are daily tasks that just aren’t as easy as they once were. It’s not embarrassing or something to fear, it’s just the facts.

Whether you need help with housekeeping or personal hygiene now, or are cognizant that one day you might, retirement comm nities offer the opport nity to know when that transition happens, you will be in good hands.

7. Safety and Security should be important for you?

o may not need any help with yo r daily personal care, but that doesn’t mean that accidents don’t happen. Household accidents and falls do occur, and if you live alone, the thought of not receiving the help you need can be daunting. In a retirement community, you can be sure there is always someone there to

(Continue on page 27)

Weightlifting to get special honor at SMC-PSA awards night

MANILA – Drawing strength from another banner year, the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas will be presented with a special honor during the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Annual Awards Night on March at the Diamond Hotel ballroom in Manila.

The federation once more is going to be the recipient of the National Sports Association (NSA) of the Year award from the country’s oldest media organization following its successful campaigns in the Southeast Asian region and other international competitions anchored by Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz.

The 32-year-old Diaz stamped her class last October in the 88th IWF World Weightlifting Championships in Bogota, Colombia with a three-gold sweep of the women s kg class in a fitting ollowup to last year’s historic milestone when she gave the co ntry its ever lympic gold during the Tokyo Games.

For her back-to-back golden triumphs, the pride of Zamboanga City will be the recipient of the PSA Athlete of the Year award for the second straight time.

Can the SWP be far behind?

In the wake of Diaz’s Olympic feat, the federation was likewise named NSA of the Year in 2021 along with the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP), a special award it will receive y its lonesome in the arch gala night at the grand ballroom of the

Diamond Hotel.

The PSA awards night is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and Cignal TV, with able support from the Philippine Olympic Committee, Mayor Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino, MILO, Smart, MVP Sports Foundation, Rain

or Shine, 1Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero, Philippine Basketball Association, OKBet, ICTSI, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

The weightlifting association led by president onico entevella however is more than just Diaz.

Although Diaz successfully retained her gold in the women’s 55kg in the Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam, Vanessa Sarno began to make her presence felt as a force to reckon in the sport.

The 18-year-old lass blew the competition away in the SEA Games with a dominant victory in the women s kg event where she set new records o 104kg in the snatch, 135kg in the clean and jerk, and 239kg total lift.

Diaz and Sarno accounted for the two gold medals the country bagged in the biennial meet.

Two months later in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sarno anchored the Philippine team’s campaign in the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships.

he ohol native scored another sweep of the junior women’s 71kg class by topping the snatch (100kg), clean and jerk (130kg), and total lift (230kg) to spearhead the 15 golds won by the Filipino lifters.

SAN PEDRO CROWNED NEW LIGA LAGUNA CHAMPION

SAN PEDRO –

In the end, San Pedro, the No.1 team in the elimination round, also wound up on top in Liga Laguna Season 3.

The Data Forcebacked San Pedro outlasted KDL Calamba, 89-84, in a gripping Game finale that served as a fitting c lmination of this exciting provincial-wide to rnament at the San Pedro Sports Complex.

John Abis, a pl;yer coming out of niversity o erpetual Help, went two rebounds away from posting a double-double performance as he wound up with 17 points, including two three-point shots.

Guards Allan Mangahas and MJ Homo kept a hold of their team as they added 12 apiece for San Pedro, which led three fourths of the way before repulsing a late charge by Calamba.

Calamba, which took Game 2, 100-91, at home, outscored San Pedro, 24-15, in the fourth period of their decisive game t ran o t o time in completing a comeback.

Mario Bonleon paced Calamba with a doubledouble showing of points and 13 rebounds while Alex Junsay also had a solid game, ending up with markers on -o - shooting rom the field while

Reynald Quinto, a Mythical Team member, had 18.

But John Lester Maurillo, last seaosn’s Most Valuable Player, was the missing link for Calamba.

After erupting for markers in Game 2, Maurillo had a measly three-point production.

For Mangahas, an experienced campaigner who had played in the PBA, MPBL, D-League and ABL, winning a championship and seeing your team as the est o the est in the entire province is a great recognition.

“Ngayon lang ako nakasali sa Liga Laguna and madalas noon sa mga inter-town or inter-commercial, hindi ako nakakasali so ang sarap ng feeling na part ako ng champion team ng niri-represent kong lugar na San Pedro,” added Mangahas.

Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz with former world bowling champion Bong Coo.

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Located in Sonoma County, Graton Resort Casino has a commanding presence among the rolling hills of Northern California’s wine country. Owned and operated y the ederated ndians of Graton Rancheria, Graton Resort Casino features table games, the latest slot machines, upscale and casual dining, plus entertainment options for visitors and locals

Social Security Update

SOCIAL SECURITY CELEBRATES WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

By G. Samson Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in the Bay Area

FACCTC Strategic Planning Workshop. As a forward-looking and pro-ac�ve Chamber of Commerce in metro Los Angeles, the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce Tri-County (San Bernardino, iverside and Los Angeles coun�es), recently conducted a strategic planning workshop among its officers and board members in the City of iverside. Led by facilitator Dennis eruela, sub ect ma�ers included management and leadership development, inter-personal rela�onships, mul�-disciplines and protocols on non-pro t organiza�ons. Pictured seated from le�: Eliza Leigh Serna (secretary), Carmela Giliberto (immediate past president and board member), Christen Montero (president), Dennis eruela (facilitator and resource speaker), eanne�e Burton (board member), Lydia V. Solis (board member), and Lani Kim (treasurer). Standing from le�: resource speaker Dan E. ino (compliance officer), Chirho Garcia, Gerry Palon (Coali�on of Filipino-American Chambers of Commerce), V Libunao ( st vice president), Merwynn Montenegro (president emeritus), ohn Flemings (2nd vice president), and Anthony Lopez (board member). ot in photo are: A�y Abraham Lim (legal counsel), and board members ick Munoz and Art Abellada.

arch is omen s istory onth t is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women. Social ec rity provides vital enefits and financial protection for women.

Nearly of the people receiving ocial ec rity enefits are women oday, more women work, pay Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other time in our nation’s history.

Women also have longer average life expectancies than men and tend to live more years in retirement. This means women have a greater chance of exhausting other so rces o income t s important for women to plan early and wisely for retirement.

Our online booklet, Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know found at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10127. pdf, provides detailed information about how li e events can affect a woman s ocial ec rity retirement enefits hese events may include marriage, death of a

spouse, divorce, self-employment, and other life or career changes.

Your earnings history will determine t re enefits so we enco rage yo to verify that the information in your record is correct. You can create a personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/ myaccount to review your full earnings history. You can also view your Social Security Statement using your personal my Social Security account, to get estimates o t re enefits and other important planning information.

yo find an error in yo r earnings record, it is important to get it corrected so yo receive the enefits yo earned when you retire. Our publication, How to Correct Your Social Security Earnings Record at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-0510081.pdf, provides you with details on how to make a correction.

Learn about how Social Security enefits women at www ssa gov people women. Please share this information with your loved ones.

Filipinos celebrate Warriors...

In only the second Filipino Heritage Night (FHN) since the COVID-19 struck, putting many activities on-hold and or restrictions ntil finally giving m ch needed relaxed conditions n having spectators back to Chase Center in San Francisco last year, Filipinos again trooped in droves back to where they usually converged to show their adoration and loyalty to the champion team they love, the Golden State Warriors.

And despite not playing with topnotch players Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins, the Warriors as expected thrashed the Houston Rockets a team they de eated twice e ore he final score was 116-101 with the Warriors claiming its 30th win employing far better ball movement to spot a better shot coming handy for the victory.

Fresh from his own injury Klay Thompson led all scorers with 42 points including 12 of 17 from the three-point territory. He was ably aided in scoring by Donte DiVicenzo and Jordan Poole who both contributed 15 points each and Patrick Baldwin Jr dishing 11 points.

And after winning over the Minnesota Timberwolves 106-101 now has a 31-30 win-loss records the 7th best so far in the Western Conference and the 7th win in hometown games.

Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer and Mrs. Miriam Ferrer attended the FHN together with other ons late o cials who were also had hoarse voices after cheering the home team.

“I commend the Warriors organization and the Filipino American Community in the Bay Area for spearheading the Filipino Heritage Night. This was an event where Filipinos and Filipinos at heart came together not only to cheer for the home team, but also to show why we are the most passionate basketball fans in the world,” Consul General Ferrer said.

In the pregame tailgate, President of Filipino American Arts Exposition, City of San Francisco Entertainment Commissioner and Neighborhood Representative Al Perez was glad to see actual people for these events are like reunions seeing friends and relatives that we have not seen for a long time.

“We connect with everybody, and it is nice that the Warriors continue to recognize and support our community by having the FHN. It is during this night that we are allowed to have cultural performances during the game that brings more visibility of our community,” Perez beamed.

“When we get together, we are happy especially during basketball games featuring the team we love the Golden State Warriors as Filipinos are undeniably diehard basketball fans. Filipino American fans celebrate both their Filipino and American sides.”

What is different in this year’s FHN aside from toasting the Warriors as the

(From Page 11)

defending champions is that the Filipinos may witness in the esh alen reen a il m rom the ockets Green’s mother is Bree Puruganan, a nurse by proession and was also an athlete playing different sports in her younger days. Although Green is with the Rockets, Filipinos are inclined to support him for he is representing us Filipinos in the NBA world stage.

“This is our way to celebrate our community, our culture, and it is the way for the next generation to learn and appreciate culture and hopefully they may be inspired to learn more about our history and race so we might as well every Filipino Heritage Night like this,” Perez implores.

Easily the most popular booth in the pregame tailgate was the free fast face of caricature by Eli Africa whose parents hailed from Nueva Ecija and Leyte, growing up hearing both Ilocano and Waray in household in Kamuning, Quezon City.

Africa averaged about 12 per hour or 2-5 minutes per face drawing using chalk pastels. In all, Africa could have drawn around 40 faces.

“It is exhilarating as usual during events like this because everyone who sits for me wonders how their drawing is going to come out. Having done fast faces throughout the years has evolved for me as well,” reacted Africa who was traditionally trained in the Fine Arts and used many techniques and mediums to express his creativity. ”But no one trained me to do caricatures. I trained myself.”

Africa observed that the people he drew felt special after seeing their caricature made as if they have “arrived” and made famous in his own right.

“People I’ve done before like to be done again because they almost always know it’s going to be uniquely different t still them shared rica who according to son Liam started doing this face caricatures 40 years ago when he was at the Fisherman’s Wharf.

Another pregame tailgate feature was the distribution of FHN t-shirts that San Jose residents Rene de Leon and wife Roma enjoyed a lot even before their child’s second stint of singing the national anthem with the Bytes and Notes.

‘It is exciting and we feel happy to get the t-shirt because we feel the Filipino pride as it is Filipino Heritage Night. This is our second Filipino Heritage Night game. We love seeing Filipinos coming together on a heritage night with Senor Sisig food being enjoyed by kababayan who came all over,” Rene is thrilled.

“With our child participating in the singing of the national anthem for the second time is a reason enough to be thankful and excited for, my husband and I would certainly enjoy watching the Warriors play with the crowd composed mostly of Filipino diehards like us cheering the home team on,” Roma added.

Among those also itching to watch were season ticket holders Jessie and Gloria Malgapo from Nueva Ecija.

“We feel happy being here at the Heritage Night we all know ilipinos the first to arrive t the last to leave the venue, are loyal to the Warriors whether we win or lose,” Jessie a Ginebra diehard fan back in the Philippines.

This is the fourth time that the Malgapos are attending the Filipino Heritage Night dating back when the Warriors were at Oracle in Oakland.

“We feel very proud with other loyal diehard Filipinos watching the game. We also bring our kids in the past games we watched,” recalled Jessie an avid Steph Curry fan.

“My favorites are Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole. It may be hard for us and the Warriors to remain champion this year but they, like Ginebra, are a neversay-die team,” Gloria chimed in. “We are both retired and will have more time to watch the games and so we will continue to be season ticket holders.”

The halftime entertainment was provided Dancel’s Academy of Tae Kwon Do, a Filipina-owned busi-

Rene and Roma de Leon of San Jose

Jessie and Gloria Malgapo of Nueva Ecija

Filipino from head to toe

Eli Africa doing his caricature

President of Filipino American Arts Exposi�on, City of San Francisco Entertainment Commissioner and eighborhood epresenta�ve Al Perez (right) and Fa�ma Wright

ness and the

Warriors Dance Team did an in-game performance to P-Lo, a Filipino DJ.

Board of Supervisors set independent review of governance structure

LOS ANGELES— The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (the Board) unanimously passed a motion by Supervisors Holly J. Mitchell and Lindsey P. orvath calling or in the first time in the history o the Board – an independent third-party review of its governance structure.

The report back will explore comprehensive solutions focused on increasing public transparency and input in the County’s policymaking and budget development process, including expanding the Board for greater representation.

“This is about ensuring that the foundation by which we make decisions on public policies and our $44 billion dollar budget are aligned with best governing practices to better serve the largest County in the nation” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Second District. “We hear from countless residents about being left out of their local government, making it clear that we can’t have an equitable County without meaningful and full public participation. The independent recommendations that we receive will inform how the Board can create a more inclusive process for solving the problems of today and tomorrow.”

“Today’s vote of approval is a monumental step toward a more transparent, accessible, and equitable County government. This vote is about doing everything we can to e an e cient government that is inclusive of all 10 million voices we represent,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Third District. “I look forward to the recommendations that will come out of this motion addressing the size of the Board, public participation in the legislative process, and how campaigns are funded.”

Upside...

PATTERN OF BEHAVIOR

Abuse is the pattern of behavior where one dominates another through emotional, mental ver al financial and physical attacks

The object of the attacks often loses sense of self-worth, gets depressed or may act like the perpetrator in an effort to hide the sit ation

While abuse can happen to people of every gender, statistics show that women are more likely to become survivors and men the perpetrators.

Abuse can happen to anyone who enters a relationship with someone who is abusive. Race, nationality, culture, age, education, immigration status, sexual orientation and gender identity, physical or mental ability, profession or gender are not indicative of tendency to be abused or abusive, studies show.

Abuse is a behavior often learned at the feet of children’s adult caregivers. It may be learned at home, from parents or elders acting abusively toward one another; in schoolyards,

he ec tive cer o the oard o pervisors will launch a competitive search for a Request for Statement of Interest and report back in 180 days with options for an independent consultant to assess the Board’s governance structure against national best practices, examples of other County governance structures, and stakeholder insights in order to provide recommendations or a more incl sive and effective Board governance model.

Additional governance reforms that will be considered include but are not limited to increasing the timeframe for advance public review of Board motions, amending the Brown Act to continue virtual public comment for public meetings without the need for the emergency designation caused by COVID-19 and improving public deliberation in the County budgeting processes. The motion also calls for County Counsel and the County’s Anti-Racism, Diversity and Inclusion nitiative to provide recommendations or campaign finance reforms related to Supervisorial elections.

Prince Osemwengie, Senior Policy Associate at Inclusive Action for the City, shared his support of the motion during the public comment portion of the Board’s meeting.

“This is the direction we need to be going in. Everyone is better served by having more access to weigh-in on the life changing decisions happening at the Board of Supervisors” said Prince Osemwengie. “I am confident that e panding representation and sing proven solutions to increase public input is a win-win for all and will strengthen the o nty s efforts in developing community-informed policy and program solutions.”

(From Page 11)

where bullying occurs, or from the media where celebrities and prominent individuals’ abusive behavior and language is shared and viewed by the impressionable.

Therapists and survivors concur that people who abuse may change if they acknowledge the behavior, understand how they began to act the way they do and seek help from appropriate entities to learn healthy interaction.

Counselors agree that survivors may heal from their experience with abuse by surrounding themselves in a circle of support that heals, does not judge and instead empowers by guiding them toward options to make decisions and eventually achieve empowerment.

Philippine News Today Executive Editor Cherie M. Querol Moreno founded and directs ALLICE. She is a 4-term Commisioner with the San Mateo County Commission on Aging and a program manager of Peninsula Family Service.

Congratulations!

The Friends of the Filipino American Community and San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce CONGRATULATE the 16 Filipino American winners at the 2022 Elections. Their victory brings diversity and representation of our heritage and community. As a way of saying THANK YOU, we are holding a reception to honor our Filipino American electeds

YOU are Invited to join us

When: Wednesday March 22,2023

Where: Philippine Consulate Building 447 Sutter St. San Francisco, Ca Dynamico Space, 3rd Floor

o

Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00PM

Program starts at 4:30PM

SPECIAL FEATURE: Women’s Forum with Bay Area Filipina Leaders in Government

Centeno

ALLICE Kumares Kumpares and key County ally Supervisor Canepa gear up for 20th anniversary pro ects (from le�, seated): oanne del osario, Flor icolas and unior Kumares Talia and Scarlet Wong; standing: author, Lydia Pomposo, ellie izon, Edna Murray, Malou Aclan, Canepa, an San�ago, Be na Santos Yap, unior Flores, ennifer imenez Wong, and ei Africa. T Y BAY DA photo

Governor Newsom, Attorney General Bonta and CPPA file letter opposing federal privacy preemption

By Claire Morales True

SACRAMENTO Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) sent a joint letter to Congress opposing preemption language in H.R. 8152, the American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA).

The ADPPA, introduced in the last Congressional session, sought to replace California’s landmark law with weaker protections and could compromise the ability of the California Privacy Protection gency to lfill its mandate to protect the privacy of Californians.

California calls on Congress to set the oor and not the ceiling in any ederal privacy law, and to allow states to provide additional protections in response to changing technology and data privacy protection practices.

“National data privacy laws passed by Congress should strengthen, not weaken our existing laws here in California,” said Governor Newsom in a statement sent to Philippine News Today.

“As personal data is routinely bought and sold it is critical that consumers have the ability to consent to the sharing of this information, especially in an era where Roe v. Wade has been overturned and access to personal data can be used in legal proceedings. California has been on the leading edge when it comes to creating new digital technology, but we have also coupled these advances with stronger consumer protections. The rest of the nation should follow our lead,” Newsom said.

“There is no doubt that stronger federal action is needed to protect the privacy of Americans, but these actions must not preempt existing protections in place,” said California Attorney General Bonta. “California is at the forefront of privacy in response to quickly changing technology. We urge Congress not to undercut the important protections that

have een esta lished thro gh efforts y the states. Any federal law should set the oor not the ceiling or privacy law

Ashkan Soltani, Executive Director of the CPPA, said: “Federal privacy protections cannot come at the expense of Californians and residents of other states that have adopted innovative privacy protections. In the last year alone, California added key new children’s privacy and reproductive privacy legislation to its existing privacy laws. But if ADPPA is adopted in its current form, not only could existing privacy protections be weakened, but it could prevent California legislators, and Californians through the ballot initiative, from passing new protections to address changes in technology. We urge federal legislators to ensure that any federal privacy law allows states to continue to innovate on privacy.”

The joint letter was submitted to the House Energy Commerce Committee in advance of the Committee’s March 1 hearing, “Promoting U.S. Innovation and Individual Liberty through a National Standard for Data Privacy.” The Committee is expected to reintroduce ADPPA in the new legislative session.

California continues to lead on data privacy, and to adopt laws in response to rapidly evolving technology, with the strongest and most groundbreaking data protections in the nation. Californians currently have robust protections and rights to manage and control the use of their data through the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). As Congress considers adopting ADPPA, California urges changes to the proposed law as the ADPPA in its current form would undermine the CCPA and would hamper state efforts to keep p with and adapt laws to changing technology.

The path forward to a robust data privacy law is one that sets a ederal oor not a ceiling, to allow states to continue to innovate and be nimble in protecting

their residents.

In the letter, Governor Newsom, Attorney General Bonta, and CPPA urge Congress to make changes to the ADPPA proposal that: Allow states to respond to changes in technology and data collection practices to allow rigorous enforcement in those areas most affecting residents and Ensure that the ADPPA is passed without a preemption clause in order to protect critical data privacy protections in state law and preserve California’s authority to establish and enforce those protections.

Last fall, then-United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi released comments outlining her concerns with ADPPA’s limits on state privacy protections. Governor Newsom, Attorney General Bonta, Assembly Speaker Rendon, and members of the California Senate have also previously released letters raising concerns about ADPPA. On July 19, 2022, Attorney General Bonta led a multistate coalition calling on Congress in its consideration of ADPPA to respect the role of states to enforce and provide for strong consumer privacy laws while

advancing legislation enacting longoverdue privacy protections nationwide.

The California Privacy Protection Agency released a letter opposing H.R. 8152 last year, and in September, Agency Chairperson Jennifer Urban published an opinion piece in the San Francisco Chronicle highlighting how the ADPPA could remove existing protections from California consumers.

The California Privacy Protection Agency’s mission is to protect the consumer privacy of Californians. Established in 2020, the Agency is governed y a five-mem er oard that consists o experts in privacy, technology, and consumer rights. The Agency has several responsibilities, such as promoting public awareness of consumers’ rights and businesses’ responsibilities under the adopting reg lations in rtherance o the and eginning ly 2023, the Agency is tasked with enforcing the CCPA through administrative enforcement actions. It will share CCPA enforcement authority with the Attorney General.

California Joins White House partnership on offshore wind energy

By Claire Morales True

SACRAMENTO – The White House has anno nced ali ornia oined a cr cial effort to accelerate offshore wind development across the country. California signed onto the -state ederal- tate ffshore ind

Implementation Partnership – adding the West Coast to the regions represented by the partnership.

The Partnership is designed to fast-track efforts to ring cleaner and cheaper energy to Americans, create good paying jobs and ild an merican s pply chain or offshore

wind, according to Governor Gavin Newsom.

Newsom said: “We’re in the midst of a clean energy revolution, and ramping up the development o offshore wind energy will help move o r state off dirty ossil els Thanks to the leadership of the Biden-Harris

dministration offshore wind energy has gone from a distant pipedream to a burgeoning reality. With this new federal Partnership, California will continue spearheading efforts to ring offshore wind energy to the West Coast while creating thousands of good jobs and tackling the climate crisis.”

Governor Newsom marks end of California’s COVID-19 State of Emergency

By Claire Morales True

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a proclamation terminating the state’s COVID-19 State of Emergency, as previously announced in October.

Despite the termination, the state’s SMARTER Plan will maintain California’s operational preparedness to address the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to guide the state’s work to support communities across the state, Newsom said in a statement sent to Philippine News Today.

Additionally, COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and treatment continue to be available at sites ithin local communities across the state, the governor said.

Newsom highlighted key numbers on the Covid situation as follows:

KEY NUMBERS

HEALTH

California’s COVID-19 death rate was among the lowest in the nation.

If California had Texas’ death rate, 27,000 more people would have died here.

If California had Florida’s rate, 56,000 more people would have died here.

Nationally, the COVID-19 death rate was 339 per 100,000, far above California’s rate.

California administered more than million vaccines – translating to nearly of the state’s population being vaccinated.

ECONOMY

California’s GDP contracted less and grew faster than the U.S. GDP between 2019 and 2022.

California’s unemployment rate fell nearly

twice as fast as other large population states. California is on track to become the 4th largest economy in the world.

EDUCATION

On average, California students experienced less learning loss than the rest of the nation.

California 8th graders had no declines in reading scores.

Nationally, 8th grader reading scores declined points (on the National Assessment of Educational Progress scale).

(From Page 13)

Offlinenal Court, which has decided to proceed with its investigation of the Duterte regime’s brutal drug war.

The apologists for both Marcos Jr and Duterte have said and continue to say that the Philippines has a fully functioning justice system.

A visiting team of European parliamentarians last week said it best. There are an estimated 6,000 victims of summary execution during the Duterte years. Only cases have been filed nly three have een convicted nd g ess what he 000 fig re is the low end o the number of mostly young men – and children – who were killed as a result of Duterte’s tokhang. The high estimate says that the number is closer to 30,000.

But the government insists that the justice system is alive and well, and thriving.

Presume that the actual number of tokhang victims is closer to 30,000. Now imagine the number of their friends and amily who now accept that they will never find stice for their fallen loved ones.

They are the best candidates for recruitment by the communist underground, aren’t they?

For now, there is no chance that the justice system can be fi ed ot with the co ntry s chie e ec tive himsel a nting the law. He remains totally silent on the P200-plus billion in taxes his family owes the government.

The country also has a justice secretary whose son was almost instantaneously cleared of drug charges. He claims he had nothing to do with that act of instant justice. One must wonder how stupid he believes the people are.

ast week s series o high-profile crimes are very likely not the last. There will be more assassination attempts at government o cials e they honest or corr pt

The honest ones will be targeted by the enemies they made in the performance of their duties, while the corrupt will be in the crosshairs of those who want to take their place.

Meanwhile, as long as the most powerful past and present o cials are aro nd never to e to ched y the s pposed long arm of the law, how can anyone in his right mind expect that justice will reign over the poor, pathetic Republic of the Philippines?

Can a totally broken-down system ever be repaired?

With the nursery rhyme, was anyone able to put Humpty Dumpty back together again?

As I See It

YOU” while supplies last. This Special Discounted Price Offer is good only in the United States until May 5, 2023.

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Ken Go

(From Page 20) help!

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The Outsider

(From Page 12)

tiatives to attain ‘net-zero carbon’ by 2040. Maynilad is also an institutional partner of MTFI. It supported the construction of the Million

Trees Nursery and Eco Learning Center. Information about environment protection programs are featured in a kiosk dedicated for Maynilad inside the nursery compound. Maynilad has been steadfast in its support to MTFI, the most recent was a P1-million institutional support.

Allow me to express MTFI’s gratitude to Maynilad for its continued support and trust in our advocacy.

In the trenches

(From Page 12)

Material Handling; Medical Assistant; Medical Secretary and ce dministration

SJJC is driven by its belief that every young person can achieve their ll potential thro gh ed cation and finding their calling in a career. No matter where they come from, each individual has the power to create a better life by learning a trade and applying themselves to it. Its mission is to empower America’s at-risk youth by providing the career training and life skills needed to build and sustain a brighter future.

By developing the center’s own unique culture, the San ose ay st dents and staff will e a le to accomplish its goal of making the students succeed and become contributing members of society!

(ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and a multi-awarded journalist here in the US. For feedbacks, comments email the author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com.)

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

cover, Paperback E-book; $19.95, $15.95 $9.95 per copy respectively at Amazon) and read several new articles like “Convenience and Savings in Selling Philippine Properties,” “How To Donate RP Properties Without Going Home.”

To commemorate our 49th Wedding Anniversary on May 5, 2023, my beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing and are offering atographed copies of the Sixth Printing of REAL ESTATE YOU” at a Special Discounted Price of $15 for Hardcover and $12 for Paperback per copy (includes shipping, mailing and handling) plus FREE copy of the original Edition of “REAL ESTATE

eignty and territory.

The Philippines must also learn from the lessons of World ar to avoid another glo al con ict which was predicted to happen in the second half of the 21st century.

After all, Manila was the second most destroyed city in the world at the end of war, next to Warsaw.

(PULITZER PRIZE-winning journalist Manny Mogato wrote this column originally for PressOne.Ph)

LA county residents told to stay informed, take precautions during cold weather conditions

LOS ANGELES – Rain and cold temperatures are predicted later this week and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health urges residents to take necessary precautions to prevent serious health and safety issues.

During these cold weather conditions, you can do several things to help yourself and others stay safe:

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a generator inside a home, shed or garage even if doors and windows are open. Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors and vents.

Never use charcoal grills or camp stoves indoors. Deaths have occurred after people burned charcoal or used camp stoves in enclosed spaces, which produced lethal levels of carbon monoxide.

Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.

Do not touch or approach a downed power line; call 9-1-1 if you see a downed or damaged electrical line.

Avoid using candles. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended or near children or bedding. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.

Have a plan for back-up power if you or someone in your family is dependent on electricity for medical devices.

Wear layers and have blankets available to add additional warmth. Layers will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. Stay dry to avoid hypothermia.

(From Page 12)

rocket systems that can strike deep into Russian territory, an offensive capa ility kraine has een re esting modern fighters like - s to gain air s periority

For his part, Vladimir Putin has been using World War II as a reference to invade Ukraine, citing threats from the Nazis to destroy Russia.

He was also using the memories of Stalingrad in 1943 to rally Russian forces in Ukraine. Stalingrad was the turning point in the war when ermany tasted its first de eat in the war. It was Russia’s heroic defense that stopped the German invasion. Two of Germany’s army divisions were wiped out, forcing them to retreat after Operation Barbarossa’s failure to capture Russia and Ukraine in only three months in 1941.

China also opposed Japan’s recent moves to re-arm itself after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced a $320-billion five-year plan to strengthen its sel -de ense orces t evoked memories of Japanese atrocities during the invasion of Manchuria and in World War II.

As Russia and China have been using World War II to justify their military actions, the United States and its allies should not commit the same catastrophic mistakes of the 1930s.

They should stop at all cost Russian and Chinese hegemonic ambitions. Russia could want to restore its Cold Warera leadership in the Warsaw Pact.

In the 1990s, the old Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) disintegrated, paving way for many independent republics to emerge in central and eastern Europe as well as central Asia. Some of these new states joined NATO, making Moscow nervous.

Does Putin want to protect Russia or relive the old USSR glory?

China has bigger ambitions. It does not only want to expand its sphere o in ence in the region t wants to dominate the world, eclipsing the United States in terms of military and economic power.

World War II could give leaders in the Western world a val a le lesson in stopping a glo al con ict rom er pting Russia and China’s ambitions must be stopped.

But the Philippines must not rely on the US and its allies. It has to stand on its own and be ready to defend its sover-

If it is safe, check on neighbors who may need assistance older adults, people with disabilities and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.

“This unusual winter storm forecast for later this week is expected to bring cold weather, strong winds, and rain and snow. Please take precautions to ensure you, your loved ones and your neighbors are staying safe and warm,” said Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis, MD, MPH. “The most vulnerable people to the cold are children, the elderly, those with disabilities, and those with special medical needs. If you need a warm place to stay, there are shelters and other public facilities available to help keep you safe, warm and dry.”

Health Risks

Hypothermia: People exposed to cold weather for prolonged periods can lose body heat and develop hypothermia. Symptoms vary depending on how long you are exposed to cold temperatures. Early symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, and confusion and disorientation. Late symptoms of hypothermia include no shivering, blue skin, dilated pupils, slowed pulse and breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Frostbite: People exposed to extremely cold weather conditions with snow and freezing temperatures may be at risk of frostbite. Frostbite is a bodily injury caused by freezing that results in loss of feeling and color in affected areas. The most common affected areas are the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Gently warm the person and seek immediate medical care if you believe someone is showing signs of hypothermia or frostbite.

Carbon monoxide poisoning: Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you. It is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. Carbon monoxide can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and nausea. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can lead to death within minutes. Those suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning should be immediately taken outside, into fresh air, and should be rushed to the emergency room for immediate medical treatment.

Supervisors vote to end LA County COVID emergency by March

By Claire Morales True

LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to end the County’s COVID-19 emergency declarations on March 31, 2023.

Earlier, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the statewide COVID-19 emergency declaration would end by February 28, while President Biden announced he intends to end the nation’s public health emergency this May.

“These past few years were some of the darkest years many of us have lived through,” said Chair Hahn. “We were trying to walk a thin line, balancing protecting people’s lives and protecting their livelihoods, and we didn’t do it perfectly. Thanklly eca se o the sacrifices o essential workers, the dedication of the medical community, and

the hard work of public health professionals, we are in very different place today is still with us, but it is no longer an emergency, and it is time to end our emergency orders.”

The proposal, authored by Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Janice Hahn and co-authored by Supervisor Kathryn Barger, ends both the County’s Proclamation of Local Emergency and Declaration of Local Health Emergency for COVID-19 which have been in place since March 2020. They gave the county broad powers to respond to the COVID -19 crisis including the authority to implement masking rules, deploy county employees as disaster service workers, temporarily enact countywide tenant protections, stand up Project Roomkey sites in empty motels, and fast-track outdoor dining policies.

“I was serving as Chair of our Board of Super-

Wuhan lab leak

visors when - first s r aced in o r lives three years ago and initiated the emergency proclamation so it s lfilling to co-a thor ending it said Supervisor Barger. “Our emergency proclamation has served its purpose – it was necessary to ensure our healthcare institutions and workorce had the li e-saving reso rces and e i ility needed to deter an unknown virus. We’re well past that point, and I’ve consistently advocated for our County to align its emergency pandemic policies with the state’s. Better late than never.”

Even after the emergency proclamations are terminated, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will continue to monitor COVID-19, inform the Board and the public about COVID-19 in the County, and use its existing nonemergency authority to manage the virus.

Heart of Hope

PHILIP S. CHUA

In spite of the radical leftist media, especially social platforms, widely tearing down and mocking everyone who had suggested that the COVID-19 originated from a leak in the Wuhan laboratory, and all covered up by China, epidemiologists and political leaders remained convinced, and now the US Department of Energy and the FBI have concluded that the origin was, in fact, a lab leak caused by human error or accident in the Wuhan lab. Since there is still no evidence of zoonotic carrier (bats, snakes, pangolin, etc.) from December 2019 to the present, it is obvious that a lab leak in Wuhan caused the COVID-19 pandemic. Plain common sense.

As of last Tuesday, February 28, 2023, there were 679,912,028 COVID cases, with 6,799,783 deaths worldwide; 105,266,332 cases, with 1,145,415 deaths in the United States, and 4,076,307, with 66,111 deaths in The Philippines.

Had Communist China locked down the entire han ity a ter its discovery o the first case o the novel corona virus infection on December 19, 2019, the infection could have been limited to Wuhan and not even spread to the rest of China, much less around the world, saving at least million lives globally.

Why the Biden administration is not willing to accept this strong consens s in the scientific comm nity and among political leaders, and not blaming and holding China responsible for this preventable global catastrophe, is, indeed, very puzzling.

COVID and diabetes

New studies reveal that among the unvaccinated, the incidence of developing a new-onset diabetes mellit s was significantly higher ollowingin ection - vaccines appear to offer some protection for those who received the vaccines from developing new-onset diabetes.

“In a cohort of nearly 24,000 adults at a large California health system, adjusted models showed that having a history of a treated COVID infection was tied with a higher likelihood of developing new-onset diabetes compared with a new diagnosis of a benchmark

condition,” reported Alan Kwan, MD, MSc, of CedarsSinai Health System in Los Angeles and colleagues in JAMA Network. He added, “this risk appeared to be mostly driven by unvaccinated individuals; unvaccinated individuals saw a increased chance of developing diabetes within 90 days of infection, while no significant association was o served in vaccinated individuals.” The COVID-19 vaccines obviously protected them.

Allergic and Non-A

Contrary to the common belief that only allergies can cause runny nose, and sneezing, nasal congestion (not due to a cold), especially during the spring season, there is a non-allergy condition that can cause the same rhinitis nasal in ammatory symptoms s a reaction to an environmental irritant (cat/dog dander, mold, grass, ragweed, pollen), histamine is released in the body, which is the usual form of allergic rhinitis. This condition responds to antihistamine treatment. If the rhinitis does not respond to antihistamine, it may not be allergies at all; it is the non-allergy form of rhinitis, which isa caused by polluted air, tobacco smoke, perme cologne cleaning agents or or cold ntihistamine does not work for any of these since they do not result in histamine-release in the body. About percent of people misdiagnose their rhinitis and buy over-theco nter antihistamine only to find o t it does not work for their (non-allergic) runny nose, sneezing, etc. Even physicians co ld e con sed so they resort to specific IgE blood testing to be sure in questionable cases.

Nasal rinse

One of the most practical and useful DIY home remedy for rhinitis (allergic or non-allergic) is nasal rinse with one part baking soda and parts non-iodized salt (one teaspoon) in ounces of lukewarm distilled or boiled water that is cooled down to lukewarm in squeezable bottle with a nozzle (like in the NeilMed Sinus inse kit he sol tion is shed into each nostril once or twice a day. This rinses out the sinuses of any irritants, viruses, bacteria, etc., that cause runny nose and sneezing. Do not do nasal rinses if you do not have any rhinitis.

Mediterranean diet

There is more than a dozen of diets around but the one that has a proven record o greater enefit to our body and our microbiome is the Mediterranean diet, the top diet the past five years his way o eating is in-

spired by the centuries-old traditional, cuisines of Italy, France, Greece, Israel, Spain, among others around the same region. It is rich in produce, greenest greens, olive oil whole grains leg mes healthy ats atty fish avocados), nuts, seeds, some fruits, various spices, and aromatic herbs. There is a moderate amount of eggs, dairy products, and poultry. Red meat is included by in minimal amo nt like ee and lam goat lcohol specifically red wine) is included in moderation (1-2 glasses). This diet focuses on food quality and more so on a way of life and a way of eating. As always, moderation is the key.

Avoiding self-abuse with illicit drugs, tobacco, and undisciplined alcohol intake, together with physical exercise and stress management are essential supplements to this diet. All this provide a profound impact on mental health and mood of the partakers and foster a deep appreciation for the pleasures of healthy eating nutritional food, the enjoyable company of family and friends, and achieving maximal longevity possible. Some of the excellent food items include mushrooms (Shitake, portabella, cremini, not the large white mushrooms), the greenest vegetables, arugula, bitten melons, Bok choy, etc., all excellent antioxidants that also maintains a healthy gut microbiome.

Food we consume is metabolized into various chemical ingredients, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, en ymes hormones etc the effects o which on o r brain, other vital organs and important glands, are like the effects o medications we take his diet also lessens depression, boosts our immunity, and maintains a healthy balance of our body’s “yin and yang,” achieving wellness.

WARNING: Eat food as medicine today to avoid having to eat medicine as food tomorrow.

Philip 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. 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

By TIM PEDROSA

Every successful person has a painful story. Every painful story has a successful ending. Let us accept the pain and get ready for success. We are only as strong as we allow ourselves to be. Let us never get discouraged, never give up because consistency and dedication are the keys to success. From a small seed a mighty trunk may grow - Aeschylus

A tree that wants to touch the sky must extend its roots into the earth. The more it wants to rise upwards, the more it has to grow downwards. So to rise in life, we must be down to earth, humble and grateful. Almost every successful person begins with two beliefs: that the future can be better than the present, and he/she has the power to make it so. I have learned that successful people are humble and never think they are better than anyone else. The secret is to live a humble life that pleases God, not people. Life is surrounded by people who judge us day in and day out. They will talk about us when we succeed and laugh at us when we fail. They can make us or break us. We can love, we can counterfeit faith, we can counterfeit hope and the other graces, but it is very di c lt to co nter eit h mility have also learned to e grate l or all my blessings and to accept everything, even my problems, with joy, hope and positive attitude for they opened my eyes to the good things I was not paying attention or took for granted before. Yes, happiness comes a lot easier when we stop complaining about our problems and start being grateful for all the problems we don’t have. So when life seems like it is falling apart, let us not forget to count our blessings. Whenever we are feeling down, we often lose sight of what we have to be thankful for in our life. But if we just opened our eyes, we would see that life is not so bad after all. It is the small things that count. KEYS TO SUCCESS:

ild high sel -esteem elieve in yo rsel have confidence like and eel good about yourself , take pride in what you do; focus with a positive attitude , always expect the best possible outcome for what you do; set powerful goals, give your brain a place to aim.

Familiarity Breeds Contempt

We know this saying: “Familiarity breeds contempt.” This happens when we have gained confidence and great ease in relation to someone; or to something of importance but has now seemed to be like ordinary. Naturally, as relationships become too close and both parties have gotten used of each other, like close friends, the parties break their inhibitions down; and as time goes by, everything becomes ordinary and cas al nlike o r first time o knowing someone, there were protocols or boundaries and etiquettes in place being followed. In like manner; for example, a wedding ring, at first oth spo ses wear it with devotion s time goes y each one may tolerate one or the other not wearing their wedding ring; and so, even if, both considered it very important and have vowed each other during their first year that they will never take off their wedding ring now it has become casual and even would completely not wear it at all, some couples have their wedding rings even misplaced or lost.

We are now in Lenten Season; many times, our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, especially in relation to His Paschal Mystery – His Passion, Death, Resurrection, no longer have the same impact as they had years ago. Or our going to holy mass, years ago, you can remember your seriousness of attending mass, and seeing to it you went to confession regularly in order to receive holy communion worthily. But at present, you do not have that same devotion and would not even go to confession as you used to. Familiarity breeds contempt; it may not be a deep sense of contempt but clearly you know that there is a deterioration from the original disposition. We must know that if we will not be on constant vigilance, we can fall into complacency and contempt in matters to our faith and love of God.

During this Lenten Season, let us not fall into taking for granted all the things that o r aith calls s to do any times we make stifications in order to escape from our Lenten Practices, like the abstinence from meat during Fridays, or from Fasting and Abstinence during Ash Wednesday and Holy Friday. Even if we are capable of taking on these little sacrifices in order to willingly engage o rselves into the enten Season, we prefer not to commit ourselves into doing the acts of penance of Lent. Dear reader, let us ask ourselves, have I lost the impact of the Passion and Death of the Lord Jesus Christ for me, in a personal way? Oftentimes, the Lenten Season is just treated indeed with contempt; that it is just as casual as like the changing of days. We cannot let ourselves be desensitized from Christ’s giving of Himself to us on the Cross. His great love for you and I, dear reader, must not be taken for granted. Would we consider it not relevant anymore in our time the dying and rising of Jesus Christ for our salvation? Jesus and everything that He did is and must always be considered important.

We must re-animate our sense of perpetual gratitude for the work of redemption and salvation of the Lord. We are who we are now in relation to God; because, of what Jesus has done. We have an eternal destiny and have divine life in Christ Jesus; because, of the Father’s great love for us all. We must always be grateful, thankful, and in all praises of God without falling into contempt or losing steam of our love and gratitude.

Moreover, we must recommit ourselves to Christ Jesus and renew this commitment regularly. During Lenten Season, let this be our opportunity to readjust or reassess our values, lifestyles, and disposition toward our Lord Jesus. We cannot treat God as if He is only like anyone else in our life. We cannot let Jesus be treated by us as if, all He did were our entitlement; that we say, “He ought to love us, so He ought to save us.” We must relearn the profound sense of Christ’s Paschal Mystery and renew our devotion to follow Jesus and our commitment to love Him in return. Let this Lenten Season be a season of personal renewal and re-launching of our spiritual life into new heights. Lord Jesus, may I never lose reverence and the devotion of Your Paschal Mystery. May I treat You as You expect of me; You who are my Lord and Savior. Amen.

REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD

Recipe of the Week

Mais at Patola, Sweet Corn and Luffa Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

young corn in a cob medium size patola, peeled, cut crosswise medium size eggplant, sliced into strips

1/4 kilo pre-boiled pork, cut into strips

1 cup small shrimp, shelled

2-3 long green chili

1/4 head garlic, chopped

1 small size onion, chopped

1 medium size tomato, chopped c p fish sa ce salt to taste cooking oil

Cookingprocedure:

Using a knife cut of the corn kernels of the cob, keep aside, discard cobs. In a sauce pan suttee garlic, onion and tomato until lump. Add in the pork and shrimp stir cook or a min te dd in fish sa ce and stir cook for another minute. Add to cups of water bring to a boil and simmer for 1 to minutes. Add in the corn and continue to simmer for to minutes, add more water as necessary. Add in the vegetables and simmer for to minutes, correct saltines if required. Now add in the green chili and cook for another half a minute. Serve with steaming hot rice.

Malamawi

ISABELA CITY, Basilan - Unknown to many Filipinos, the southern provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi is teeming with scenic, historical and cultural spots which maybe considered gems in tourism.

Among the potentially rich tourism areas are islands and islets with white or pinkish sand beaches considering that the three provinces are archipelagos by themselves consisting of several islands and islets.

Over the years, the tourism spots have been neglected and not developed nor promoted due to instability in the peace and order condition in those provinces.

With improved peace and order condition and assurances of safety by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), local leaders and the private sector are now in a frenzy in promoting and attracting domestic and foreign tourists in the region.

One such leader is Deputy Minority Leader and Basilan Lone District Representative Mujiv Hataman.

ataman has filed a ill declaring Lampinigan Island in Isabela City, Basilan as a necotourism zone.

Hataman said the growing number of visitors frequenting Lampinigan shows the great potential of the island, described as “one of the jewels,” as an ecotourism zone, PNA’s Zaldy De Layola reported.

He is pushing for the passage of the bill, House Bill (HB) 7159, so that when it becomes a law, the development in the area and boost the province’s tourism industry would be fast-tracked.

Lampinigan Island is described as one of the famous tourist destinations in the capital city of Basilan, with its long shorelines o fine white eaches n filing or the ampinigan Ecotourism Site Act”, Hataman said tourism is one of the main sources of livelihood of people in Basilan and the province has so many tourist spots that need government help for development.

Hataman, a former governor of the nowde nct has also filed separate 6293, or the “Malamawi Ecotourism Zone Act,” to declare Malamawi Island, also one

of Basilan’s hidden gems, as an ecotourism zone to achieve the province’s goal as the next must-see tourist destination in the Philippines.

The Malamawi bill has already been approved on the third and final reading at the House of Representatives.

“Maraming komunidad sa amin ang nabubuhay sa turismo sa dalawang islang ito. At dahil sa kapayapaang pinagtulungang maabot ng mga mamamayan sa Basilan, parami nang parami ang dumadating na turista sa Malamawi at Lampinigan (We have lots of communities relying from tourism in both islands. And because of the peace won thro gh concerted efforts o Basilan, more and more tourists are arriving in Malamawi and Lampinigan),” Hataman said.

He said as the number of tourists clearly grows, the government must prepare the infrastructure in Lampinigan and Malamawi to accommodate the in o visitors and to protect the pristine conditions of two islands.

According to HB 7159, Lampinigan is a premier tourism spot in Isabela City that is being frequented by thousands of local and foreign visitors every year. The island is said to be one of the country’s best white beaches, at par with more popular ones such as Boracay Island.

The measure mandates the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and other concerned government agencies to prioritize the protection and development of Lampinigan Island.

“Within one year from the approval of this Act, the DOT, DENR, local government of Isabela City in coordination with the District Representative of the Lone District of Basilan, and other concerned government agencies and civil society organizations, shall formulate the Lampinigan Ecotourism Development Plan (LEDP) involving the construction, installation, and maintenance of appropriate facilities and infrastructure which shall enhance tourism in Lampinigan Island,” the bill states.

Lampinigan and

islands are Basilan’s gems, eyed as ecotourism zones