BIG U.S.-PHL DRILLS
Sinking of ship, island takeover training set
By ALFRED GABOT and CLAIRE MORALES TRUE Editor in Chief and Managing Editor
MANILA/WASHINGTON – As tension with China soared to new high over its “dangerous” activities in West Philippine Sea, the Philippines and the United States with 12 other allied countries mounted the biggest ever military drills in various areas in Luzon, Palawan and the West Philippine Sea involving some11,000 American troopers and 6,000 Filipino soldiers, firing of missiles, shooting a ship and taking of islands, among others.
by Cherie M. Querol Moreno
safe relationships
Fears raised of silent China invasion
By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor
MANILA -- Is China now doing what Japan did prior to invading the Philippines at the onset of World War ll?
This prospect was
brought up this week after it was learned that a large number of Chinese students had enrolled in schools in Cagayan. Some had even paid as
By Gilda P. Balan, Correspondent
SAN FRANCISCO --
For assaulting with a knife several young Chinese men last month, a resident of this city has been arrested and charged with a hate crime.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins recently announced that local resident Anell Medrano will face assault
FRESNO - Hate crimes are increasing but convictions are slow.
This surfaced at a forum organized by a community newspaper and a coalition of community groups working to Stop the Hate which had for its keynote speaker California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
At the United Against Hate forum at Fresno City College of the
LOS ANGELESFilAm Ysabel Jurado, 34, a tenants’ rights attorney, affordable housing activist, single mom, and daughter of undocumented Filipino immigrant, placed first in the Los Angeles City Council District 14 primary and will likely be the first FilAm in the LA City Council if she wins come November. With her impressive showing in the primary as a neophyte in
By Elpidio R. Es�oko
By Cesar Antonio Nucum Jr
Colma Council Member Joanne del Rosario swears in new Kumpare CPD Commander Sherwin Lum and Kumare Mariel Jacinto-Valdes April 11 at Colma City Hall. MZMORENO photo
YSABEL JURADO, a FilAm lawyer, edges her way to become first Pinoy in Los Angeles City Council
California State A�orney General Rob Bonta
Page 7
Balikatan war drills: AFP, U.S. Military Forces Conduct Combined Amphibious Exercise
AFP, PNP loyal to Charter, reject calls to ‘abandon’
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City –
The military and the police assured their full loyalty to the Constitution and the chain of command, shrugging off calls for them to withdraw their support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
In a statement, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said Filipino soldiers, pilots, and marines are dedicated to their mandate of safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines, regardless of “any political affiliations or individuals in authority.”
“Our duty is to protect the Filipino people and uphold the rule of law, ensuring that peace and development will prevail throughout the nation. We will continue to fulfill these responsibilities with integrity, impartiality, and utmost dedication,” the AFP spokesperson said.
AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. maintained that the military remains a very professional organization.
“This is not the first time na nanawagan sila na (they made this call that) we pull out our support to the President but our answer is always the same, that the AFP remains to be a professional organization. Very clear po yung mandate natin (our mandate is very clear), we will protect the Constitution and we will follow the duly constituted authorities,” he said in a separate interview.
On Sunday night, Davao Del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez urged the AFP to withdraw its support from Marcos, claiming that such an act would allow the country to attain peace and stability.
The lawmaker made this call after noting the rising tensions between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea.
Brawner also dismissed claims that the Philippines, under the Marcos administration, is causing tensions in these waters.
“Definitely we are not the ones causing tension in the West Philippine Sea, its the other way around. We are going on with our usual business, our fishermen, our fishing in our exclusive economic zone and the AFP and the Coast Guard are protecting our fishermen so that they are able to fish in our exclusive economic zone,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said while it respects the freedom of expression, it does not want to be caught in the middle of these political statements.
In an interview with reporters, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said
they remain loyal to the Constitution and would stick to their mandate of maintaining peace and order.
“Let us spare yung uniformed personnel sa mga ganitong mga usaping political (Let us spare our uniformed personnel from these political matters),” she added.
sFajardo, meanwhile, said their legal officers were looking into whether the lawmaker’s remarks could be considered seditious.
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PHL won’t hand over Duterte to ICC: Marcos
MANILA – Tte Philippines will not give up former president Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) should it issue an arrest warrant against him over the supposed human rights violations in his administration’s drug war.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made this clear in a recent forum where he reiterated that the government does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC over the country.
“We don’t recognize the warrant that they will send to us,” Marcos said.
On claims that the Philippines is only following international laws when it is “convenient,” the President asserted that the country is merely adhering to the ICC’s own rules and that it may only step in the affairs of a nation in the absence of a functioning judicial system.
“It is their rule. It is the rule of ICC that they come in when there is no judiciary, they come in when there is (no) police force. We have a judiciary. The former Chief Justice [referring to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin] is sitting right here, he will explain to you how healthy and robust and how active the judiciary is. The police force, I think, is the same thing,” Marcos said.
“So, that is the reason. We are well
within international law when we take the position of not recognizing the jurisdiction of ICC in the Philippines,” he added.
The Philippines officially cut ties with the ICC on March 17, 2019.
In the same media forum, the President was asked about the status of his relationship with the Dutertes, to which he responded: “It’s complicated.”
This comes amid the vocal disdain of some members of the influential Duterte clan, particularly its patriarch the former president and also Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte, over certain policies of the Marcos administration.
However, Marcos said his relationship with Vice President Sara Duterte has not changed since the elections.
Marcos and Sara ran and won as a tandem in the 2022 elections.
“[The person] I have the most contact with is Inday Sara and how we were with each other during the campaign, after the election, it hasn’t really changed,” Marcos said, adding that Sara chooses to just focus on her job amid all the controversies.
“She says, ‘I’ll just work. Don’t worry about it. I’ll just work and work and work and work.’ That’s her attitude,” he said.
Red, yellow alerts on power up; gov’t acts
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed all government agencies to make sure that there will be a stable power supply amid the declara-
tion of red and yellow alerts in the Luzon grid.
In an X post, Marcos said he instructed the Department of Energy (DOE) to have a close monitoring and coordination with all stakeholders to address the situation.
“At this time, it is crucial that we all work together to ensure a stable power supply for the next couple of days. Let’s adopt energy-efficient practices and stand together to overcome this challenge,” Marcos said.
“I have also directed all government offices to set the standard in conserving energy and minimizing power consumption,” he added.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the “extremely high temperatures” affected the operations of 31 power generation facilities, prompting declaration of red and yellow alerts in the Luzon grid and a yellow alert in the Visayas grid.
Lotilla said the DOE had already asked the power plant operators to work on restoring the facilities’ full operations.
New roads, bridges readied to ease Metro Manila traffic
SAN JUAN CITY – Several big-ticket projects are being constructed by the government in a bid to decongest traffic in Metro Manila, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
Speaking at the Bagong Pilipinas Town Hall Meeting on Traffic Concerns convened by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in San Juan City, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan discussed some of the infrastructure projects to alleviate bottlenecks and provide alternative routes to ease traffic congestion in the National Capital Region.
Bonoan said the traffic decongestion program is one of the key strategic infrastructure programs of the department aligned with the 2023-2028 Philippine Development Plan and consistent with the President’s 8-point socioeconomic agenda to reduce transport and logistics costs.
The program focuses on the improvement and expansion of the national road network by building more by-passes, diversion roads, expressways, flyovers, interchanges, and underpasses.
Among them is the completion of the mainline of the 18-kilometer Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 which has reduced travel time from Buendia to Balintawak from 2 hours to 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, the construction of the Tomas Claudio – Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa Section is ongoing with 22 out of a target of 28 ramps already completed.
Three ramps are undergoing construction while another three are under the planning stage, Bonoan added.
Another project that will decongest and bypass EDSA is the 7.7-kilometer North Luzon ExpressWay-South Luzon Expressway (NLEX-SLEX) Connector Road, an elevated expressway mostly
traversing along the Philippine National Railways (PNR) rail track from Caloocan to Plaza Dilao in Manila which will reduce travel time from SLEX to NLEX from 2 hours to 20 minutes.
He reported that the project is already 95 percent substantially completed and has three interchanges located in C3 Road/5th Avenue in Caloocan, and España and Magsaysay Boulevard in Manila.
The NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Project, targeted to be completed this year, will bring great comfort to motorists once fully operational to its connection with Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
The 32-kilometer Southeast Metro Manila Expressway (C6 Expressway, Phase I) will reduce travel time from Bicutan to Batasan from 2 hours to 30 minutes, with right-of-way acquisition ongoing.
The C5 South Link Expressway will
reduce travel time from R-1 Expressway to SLEX/C5 from 40 minutes to 10 minutes. The Merville to C5/SLEX and E. Rodriguez to Merville Sections are already operational.
Bonoan added that the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project – Phase I, involving the construction of a 51-km. road network along Laguna Lakeshore from Calamba to Bicutan will cater to the increasing traffic volume in the southern corridor of Metro Manila.
The detailed engineering design for the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project – Phase I is 97 percent complete. The processing of the loan for the construction of the project is underway with the Asian Development Bank.
The 44-kilometer Cavite-Laguna Expressway is expected to reduce travel time from Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) in Kawit to SLEX Mamplasan in Laguna from 2 hours to 35 minutes.
MMDA begins crackdown vs. e-bikes, tricycles on nat’l roads
PASIG CITY – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has started implementing a ban on ebikes, tricycles, and other similar unregistered vehicles from national roads in the National Capital Region.
In a situation report, the MMDA has apprehended a total of 87 vehicles -- 50 tricycles, four pedicabs, 18 e-trikes, and 15 e-bikes.
Each apprehension was fined P2,500. About 19 of the vehicles were im-
Fears...
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much as P2 million to colleges to obtain degrees, while others don’t even bother to attend classes.
University of the Philippines professor Chester Cabalza pointed out that Cagayan where he hails from faces Taiwan.
China has made it clear that it is not discounting an invasion of Taiwan, which it considers a rogue province. The US, however, has vowed to protect Taiwan
pounded for being unregistered or the driver was unlicensed.
In a statement, MMDA acting chair Romando “Don” Artes said the policy has been announced through a memorandum issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“Ang pangunahing layunin ng regulasyon ay para sa kaligtasan ng publiko, maiwasan ang mga aksidente, at maiwasan ang bigat sa daloy ng trapiko (The primary objective of this regulations is
much the same way it has guaranteed to defend the Philippines in the event of an invasion by hostile forces.
The province has two Filipino military installations where US troops have been granted access.
Cabalza’s revelation has caused concern over the Chinese students’ presence in the area.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it would look into the “swarm” of Chinese students in Cagayan.
the safety of the public, to avoid accidents, and worsen vehicular traffic),” Artes said.
On April 15, Artes reminded the public of the ban on e-bikes and other unregistered vehicles and ordered enforcers to educate violators of the policy during the first two days before beginning apprehensions on Wednesday.
On March 11, the MMDA announced the implementation of Regulation No. 24-022 or the prohibition of e-bikes, e-
More than 4,600 Chinese nationals had reportedly enrolled in a private university and rented homes in various locations in Tuguegarao.
The AFP will coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the matter, said AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.
“The AFP takes seriously any reports so were looking into this, but in terms of peace and order issues, that is the mandate of the PNP,” she told local media this week.
Padilla added that the AFP “will be working with them (PNP) on the matter, so investigations will be on their end, and if there will be AFP requirements from their end, then we will be extending our assistance accordingly.”
Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba said he believes the Chinese students in his province are not a security threat.
“The presence of Chinese students in Cagayan and nationwideis the result of an agreement by Chinese learning institutions and the Commission on Higher Education,” said Mamba.
The agreement was finalized in 2019 between CHED and the Education Ministry of China.
It was not the first time that the influx of Chinese was seen as a potential beginning of an actual invasion, with hundreds of young Chinese men with military haircuts and bearing appearing in Metro Ma-
trikes, tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts, and “kuliglig” from traversing national roads, circumferential roads, and radial roads in Metro Manila beginning April 15.
The regulation is based on DILG Memorandum Circular No. 202-036 and 2023-195 as well as the Land Transportation Office Administrative Order No. 2021-039 or the Consolidated Guidelines in the Classification, Registration and Operation of All Types of Electric Vehicle.
nila and other places during the previous Duterte administration.
It was later found out that they were mostly employees of POGOs, or Philippine Overseas Gaming Operations.
Various quarters have been calling for the banning of POGOs as they are said to be centers of prostitution, drug distribution, and other nefarious activities.
Although the presence of the Chinese “students” may or may not be a prelude to an invasion, what is clear to the government and to most Filipinos is the Chinese Coast Guard as been intruding Philippine waters, claiming it to be their territory. This, despite the incursions happening well within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
Prior to the start of World War ll hostilities in the Pacific, large numbers of Japanese men had migrated to the Philippines, usually on the pretext of establishing businesses. In fact, they were discovered to be spies, who then joined the Japanese forces that invaded the Philippines as part of their country’s war effort.
While WWll had started earlier in Europe, the US entered the fray after its naval installation in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was bombed by the Japanese on December 7, 1941.
The next day Japan then bombed the US bases stationed in the Philippines, then an American protectorate.
Cagayan admits influx of Chinese students, allays spy fears
TUGUEGARAO CITY – The Cagayan provincial government has admitted an influx of foreign students taking up graduate studies in the province but downplayed it sayig it is neither surprising nor threatening.
Governor Manuel Mamba said the “vibrant” Chinese community in the province should not be viewed as alarming, considering the internationalization efforts of major universities in the area.
“More than a year na po ito (This has been ongoing for more than a year)... Well, sa akin (for me) if you promote something and they come over, you should not be surprised,” he said.
Mamba gave the reaction following concerns about the alleged “alarming presence” of Chinese nationals in capital Tuguegarao City and other areas adjacent to the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Mamba argued that it seemed unfair to conclude that the Chinese students pose a threat to national security, as universities were given the autonomy to advance internationalization programs under the guidelines of the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
“Parang racist tayo. ‘Wag naman po (We’re like racists. We shouldn’t be). And I respect so much the freedom ng (of our) universities natin,” he said.
“Very welcoming po kasi ako. ‘Wag lang armed force ng ibang bansa (I’m very welcoming except for the foreign armed forces) I am welcoming all the Indians, lahat po ng (all the) Chinese, Americans, Japanese, in fact, there was a time na ang daming South Koreans dito nag-aaral po ng (that many South Korean students are here to study) English,” Mamba added.
Tuguegarao City is home to four major universities -- St. Paul’s University, University of Saint Louis, University of Cagayan Valley and the Cagayan State University (CSU).
Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, Dean of San Beda UniversityGraduate School of Law and a consultant of the CSU, meanwhile, said he finds the influx of Chinese nationals “claiming to be graduate students” suspicious.
“Marami sila (they are many) and it’s really an alarming presence... What’s intriguing is how can you be a graduate student if you can’t even understand English?” he said in a radio interview.
Aquino said the students even bring translators with them.
“The other disturbing phenomenon is that kapag nagrerenta sila ng isang bahay (when they rent a house) or even a hotel, they rent an entire hotel. They offer to rent it for long periods like five years pero ayaw ng mga hotel owners (but hotel owners won’t agree),” he added.
However, the provincial government maintained that there has not been any reported incident caused by Chinese students in the province, thus far.
P13.3-B shabu intercepted in Batangas checkpoint
CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – Police officers intercepted a vehicle carrying a record P13.3 billion worth of shabu in Alitagtag, Batangas on Monday.
Initial reports reaching Camp Crame in Quezon City said the contraband was found in a silver van bearing plate num-
tents be removed, they discovered the big plastic bags containing shabu.
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil and Police Regional Office-Calabarzon chief Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas rushed to the scene.
ber CBM 5060, driven by 47-year-old Ajalon Michael Zarate.
The van was flagged at a checkpoint in Barangay Pinagkurusan, Alitagtag town at about 9:10 a.m.
The driver could not produce a license.
When officers asked that a blue woven sack partly covering the van’s con-
In a press briefing, Abalos said an initial screening by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency confirmed that the confiscated substances were indeed shabu, weighing approximately two tons.
“We cannot give you any information as of this time. Nagpa-media lang kami just to show to you na intact ito (We just called the media to show you that these are intact),” Abalos said.
He said the illegal drugs would undergo inventory before destruction.
Abalos also lauded the Alitagtag Municipal Police Station, led by Capt. Luis de Luna Jr., whom he said would be recommended for promotion.
Comelec holds historic voter sign-up in 2 MILF camps
SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao del Norte –
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has just held the first-ever voter registration inside the Camp Darapanan and Camp Abubakar of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) here.
Comelec officials headed by Chairman George Garcia and Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. led on Monday the opening of the two-day Register Anywhere Project (RAP), where voter applicants queued as early as 7 a.m.
“This is historic as, several years back, no one can enter here, whether uniformed or civilian. No registration has ever been held inside Camp Darapanan. Now, we are inside the camp. It only shows that life is normal inside Camp Darapanan and even in Camp Abubakar. These are places, where we wouldn’t even dream of holding voter registration,” Garcia said in a press conference.
Aside from registration, RAP also accepts and process transfer of record, reactivation and correction of names.
Under the RAP, any qualified applicant residing anywhere in the Philippines may register by submitting their application form and documentary requirements, and having their biometrics taken onsite.
“Our instructions to the local Comelec is to return here and hold registration activities as long as there are applicants left,” he said.
Special polling may even be held in the camps in May 2025 if there are enough registered voters.
“We will try that on election day, if the estimated 5,000 voters here in Camp Darapanan are registered, to bring the new voting machines here and allow them to cast their votes,” he added.
AFP chief: Strategic bases to rise in PHL’s eastern seaboard
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City–Strategic bases will be set up to protect the country’s eastern seaboard, where the resource-rich Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise), is located.
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said that the facilities would be part of the adjustments made under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).
“We’re projecting our defenses up to our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and then aside from that we are also now
looking into our strategic basing, so pati dito na rin dito sa (even in our) eastern seaboard ay gumagawa na rin tayo ng mga hakbang para gumawa ng mga (we are taking steps to create) strategic bases on the eastern seaboard,” he added.
Brawner said this would complement similar facilities being established in other parts of the Philippines.
Aside from countering possible armed attacks, Brawner said the decision to construct strategic bases in the eastern seaboard is also part of efforts to protect the
country’s resources.
“And we all know that (the) Benham Rise or Philippine Rise is rich in natural resources, yun naman yung CADC natin (our CADC), it’s not just (for) protecting, defending the archipelago, (it also includes the) EEZ, kaya tayo nag-extend sa (that’s why we extended into the) EEZ because we both want to protect our sovereign rights, yung mga mangingisda natin ay malaya na mapangisda dyan, exploration dapat malaya tayong nag-eexplore dito, pati dito, dapat tayo lang tayo nageexploit ng mga resources dito sa EEZ natin (our fishermen should be able to fish freely there, we should be able to explore there freely, and we must be able to exploit the resources found there),” the AFP chief said.
Brawner added that these bases would possibly be equipped with radars and missile systems to protect the EEZ.
These plans will be made possible with future modernization programs to
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sault with a deadly weapon charge, with a special hate-crime allegation following a March 28 attack on several young men at Polk and Vallejo Streets.
A CBS News report said Medrano was arraigned on April 1. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Last March 28, Medrano allegedly assaulted several Chinese men who were working as volunteers for the non-profit Self-Help for the Elderly. The suspect committed felony assault while shouting racist statements at the victims, who were not identified by the police.
As of this writing, Medrano is in custody. Bail has been set at $50,000, but
be undertaken by the military, Brawner said.
He added that the budget for these facilities will be incorporated in the upcoming AFP budgets.
“For example for 2025 naglagay na tayo strategic basing natin na requirements (we have put a requirement for strategic basing),” Brawner said
prosecutors have sought pre-trial detention of Medrano because of the risk he poses to public safety.
He was scheduled to appear in court on Monday, April 15 for a preliminary hearing on the case, according to the DA.
While charges have already been filed against Medrano, the case remains under active investigation.
In a statement, Jenkins said, “AntiAsian hate crimes are unacceptable, and these baseless attacks have absolutely no place on our streets in San Francisco.”
The SF DA also said, “Hate crimes shake our communities and have reverberating effects felt in neighborhoods across the city. My office stays committed to prosecuting hate crimes against all races, religions, and groups when we have the evidence necessary to prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Anyone with information related to the case is asked to inform the San Francisco Police Department’s Tip Line at 1-415575-4444, or text a tip to TIP411. Tipsters may remain anonymous, according to the SFPD. This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to https://www.cavshate. org/.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner at a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo.
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Community Alliance newspaper and a coalition of community groups working to Stop the Hate,
Bonta said “the community involvement and local support of cities across California aids in better understanding awareness of the issue to identify best practices to eliminate the staggering rise of hate and extremism.”
The coalitiion has over the last two years held Town Halls, conducted intervention training and shared with the community the most effective way to report hate crimes and incidents.
Although an increasing number of hate crimes are being reported in California, Bonta said in an interview that convictions continue to remain low since “hate crimes are notoriously difficult to prosecute for they require a proof of intent and, by design, a hate crime must originate with the hate element, which is often difficult to establish.”
“Hate crimes are an augmentation of sentencing: it is seen as something additional. You’re already charging assault or battery,” explained Bonta. “A successful hate crime conviction might add two to five years to a sentence and I urge victims of a hate crime to gather up as much evidence as possible and to get details.”
Bonta’s office has released a report that of the over 2,100 hate crimes reported in the state, only 52 resulted in hate crime convictions.
The majority of hate crimes reported never made it to court: just 456 cases were filed by district attorneys and elected city
attorneys, according to the report.
At the summit, Bonta said hate was not a new phenomenon since “it’s been with us since time immemorial.”
“We need to take care of each other, look after one another, and be committed to the proposition that hate against any one of us is hate against all of us, and it’s unacceptable,” Bonta stressed.
He said he feared for his mother Cynthia, amid the rise of violent hate attacks targeting AAPI elderly people.
The Attorney General tacitly referred to the rise in hate crimes over the past seven months targeting both Jewish Americans and Arab Americans, brought on by the Israel-Hamas war. “The awful, unacceptable deaths of children and civilians that we’re seeing in Palestine and in Israel are unacceptable. And they’re affecting us here.”
Bonta also indirectly addressed Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has used very divisive rhetoric on the campaign trail. The candidate has repeatedly claimed that “immigrants are poisoning the blood of America,” and has promised to reinstate his “Muslim ban.”
“We have leaders who use the most toxic, xenophobic language. They give license to others,” rued Bonta who also underscored that “one of the hallmarks of a democracy is the peaceful transfer of power.”
“You cannot claim victory when you win, and malfeasance when you don’t” referring to the predicted chaos expected to ensue if Trump does not win,” he said.
For his part, executive director of the
Community Alliance Mike Rhodes, told Ethnic Media Service that Fresno and neighboring cities were rife with hate activity, much of which is unreported.
“A lot of people here don’t trust the police,” admitted Rhodes, adding that when hate crimes and incidents are reported, they often go unnoticed. The Fresno Police Department did set up an information table at the event.
The Alliance passed Stop the Hate Resolution! that pledged to “stand up to all forms of hate, racism, bigotry, and bullying and will not stay silent in the face of intolerance based on race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, religion, ability, country of origin, immigration status or any other factor and that will work together with our community to create safer and more inclusive communities for all.”
The resolution also mentioned promises, including measures, to:
Learn about what counts as a hate crime;
Educate our families and friends to recognize hate crime, support the targeted person and report to the police or an appropriate third-party organization;
Train our staff in hate crime awareness and recognition and create a safe and all- inclusive environment that supports equality, and good relations within and outside the workplace;
Ensure that our policy pro-
cedures are effective in addressing hate crime incidents that may occur in the workplace either between employees, or against staff members or the public;
Support and create activities in the community and workplace that promote diversity, inclusion, kindness, and good relationships; and.
Help display visual materials in public areas disapproving all forms of hate in our communities and share this information with others through leaflets, posters, and social media posts, among others.
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Fresh from his summit in the White House with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the multilateral exercises
will help maintain the peace and stability, freedom of navigation and adhere “totally and completely, and constantly to the rule of international law” particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
At the White House, President Biden and his administration officials, strengthened alliance with the Philippines and Japan, and warned that an armed attack against Philippine military vessels would invoke the U.S.-Philippine mutual defense treaty.
President Biden said the U.S. defense commitment to the Philippines is “ironclad.”
The military drills called Balikatan 2024 officially starts on April 22 and end after three weeks in May but hundreds of soldiers and their equipments and other resources have arrived in the country.
Balikatan executive agent Col. Michael Logico said the venue for the military drills was chosen to prepare for the possible armed conflict between China and Taiwan.
“The purpose of an armed forces, why we exist, is to prepare for war. There’s no sugarcoating it. That’s absolutely true,” Logico said.
“For us not to prepare, that’s a disservice to the country,” he added.
Balikatan 2024 involves maritime, air and land drills up to near Taiwan.
Balikatan 2024 wil officially close in May, after troops from the Philippine Navy, US Navy, and French Navy have conducted a multilateral maritime exercise in the country’s exclusive economic zone, including near Taiwan.
Besides Germany, observers of the joint military drills include Brunei, Canada, France, Great Britain, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
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LA politics garnering 8,618 votes among 7 other candidates and against 2nd placer incumbent council member Kevin De Leon’s 8,220 votes, she got the attention of many sectors in the community and was endorsed by prominent politicians and community leaders.
In a telephone interview while driving to her next appointment, Jurado said: “This is an exciting moment for me hoping to be the first Filipino in the LA city council and a real opportunity for me not to frustrate the more than 8,000 constituents who voted for me during the primary.”
She was endorsed by Kenneth Mejia (Los Angeles City Controller); Eunisses Hernandez (Los Angeles City Councilmember, District 1); Gina Viola (2022 Los Angeles mayoral candidate); Dr. Daniel Wayne Lee, Culver City Mayor Emeritus; Mia Livas Porter, East Area Progressive, Democratic Gun Safety Chair; Konstantine Anthony, Mayor of Burbank; and Steve Diaz, Former Deputy Director of LA CAN.
The Filipino community in Southern California is pushing hard for her candidacy. They attest to her excellent qualifications and superb abilities as shown in public interviews, exhibiting her intelligence and articulating her wide grasp of issues facing the community. The group is rallying voters in the district and meeting with various groups to ensure her victory in November.
Jurado was born and raised in Highland Park, North East Los Angeles, CA. She attended Pasadena City College where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Political Science as a working student.
She was still a working student and a single mom when she pursued her Juris Doctorate at UCLA School of Law, specializing in Critical Race Studies and the David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy. Continuing the telephone interview, Ysabel con-
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will showcase all modern weapon systems and platforms acquired under its ongoing modernization program during the threeweek Balikatan 2024 exercises.
“Everything that we have is going to be put in full display in Balikatan, ok so we have FF-151 (missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna), LD-602 (BRP Davao Del Sur), PS-16 (offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz), (our) FA-50s (light jet fighters), Super Tucanos (A-29B close air support aircraft), our Black Hawks (S-70is combat utility helicopters),” Balikatan 2024 executive agent Col. Michael Logico said in a press briefing.
mary reason—to maintain a high level of readiness,” Logico said.
“I do not discount the possibility that this also sends a message to our adversaries, to our friends, to our allies, and also to our like-minded partners,” he added at a press conference
Aside from the equipment, Logico said the the Philippine Air Force’s Israeli-made SPYDER air defense missile batteries will also be utilized in the exercise.
Meanwhile, the United States would deploy its fifth generation F-22 “Raptor” stealth fighters, the F-35 “Lightning II”, another stealth fighter in American service, AH 64 “Apache” attack helicopters and its AC-130 “Spooky” gunships, and at least two naval ships.
During the multilateral maritime exercise, the Armed Forces of the Philippines will utilize two Philippine Navy vessels and one Philippine Coast Guard ship which will sail along with the US ship and French Frigate.
Other assets to be utilized are the F-22 ‘Raptor aircraft, AC-130 gunship, Apache helicopter, Blackhawks, F-35 lightning, F-15 aircraft, BRP Davao del Sur (LD602), and BRP Alcaraz (PS-16), FA-50, Super Tucano, as well as the Surface-to-Air Python and Derby mobile air-defense missiles.
Logico said the planned multilateral maritime exercise will also demonstrate the country’s combat readiness with its like-minded allies.
“The reason why we do exercises is to demonstrate our combat readiness…You do exercises for that pri-
firmed she achieved all these while raising her daughter, Stella, as a single teen mom and a working mother earning her college education.
At the same time, while preparing her future and her daughter’s, she found time to look at her community by fighting against tenant evictions and standing alongside community organizations and small businesses facing their lease challenges.
When asked about her platform, Ysabel said she recognizes the significant influence wielded by the City Council in Los Angeles but to her observation, it’s not working in favor of the community. “I observed and witnessed the corruption going on in the city government and its inaction (referring to local representatives) and repeated failures in attending to the needs of my community,” she commented.
She hopes to expand affordable housing by creating more accessible housing options, eliminating red tapes in the application process and building more affordable units for needy constituents.
She emphasized in the interview to end homelessness, a very important issue in LA, by implementing effective strategies to support those without shelter and taking care of their well-being. “Homeless people need to see their doctor, their health needs to be taken care of, and they need to eat three square meals a day,” she said. She emphasized that there should be a total program for them, not only providing housing, but also their needs as human beings.
Continuing the phone interview, she said, “I am committed to supporting small businesses by nurturing local entrepreneurship and economic growth and working with union leaders.”
Ysabel Jurado’s campaign aims to create positive change for District 14, and her commitment to social justice and community well-being are priority projects
Logico disclosed that the maritime group sail will start from the Palawan coasts and will continue within the bounds of the West Philippine Sea and the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“The message actually, if you take it into totality, is the main goal of the exercise objectives which is to demonstrate the strength of our alliance and our willingness to defend our territory,” Logico said.
Meanwhile, about 55 Chinese vessels of various types were sighted in five features of the West Philippine Sea (WPS),
PN spokesperson for WPS Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said.
In a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Tinidad said two China Coast Guard (CCG) craft and 24 Chinese maritime militia vessels (CMMVs) off Bajo De Masinloc (also known as Scarborough Shoal).
Meanwhile, one CCG ship and five Chinese fishing vessels (CFVs) were detected near Ayungin Shoal; one CCG and 19 CMMVs near Pagasa Island; two CMMV near Panata Island; and one Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy ship off Lawak Island.
Trinidad said the figure was logged as of Monday afternoon, higher than the 45 Chinese ships sighted in the WPS on April 10.
for her campaign.
She is ably supported by her campaign manager Naomi Villagomez Roochnik and campaign scheduler Milagros Montalvo who both, gladly assisted me in getting the interview with Ysabel.
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The case against citizen DJT
Whether he knows it or even cares to admit it or not, the trial of private citizen Donald J. Trump that began this week will have a huge bearing on his future.
It is no exaggeration to say that the result of the case will either make him or break him. Not just his candidacy, either.
Commonly called the “hush money trial,” the issue is not really if Trump paid a porn star after having sex with her, but if an illegal act was committed that would have had a bearing on the presidential election of 2016.
There can only be one of two results. He will either be found guilty, or not guilty. For better or for worse, he will be tried by a jury, theoretically, of his peers.
A third possible result is a hung jury, in which case another jury will have to try Trump’s case a second time. It still goes back to either a finding of guilty or not guilty though.
All of his histrionics may be due to sheer nervousness on his part, or because he is simply being true to himself. He can’t help his actions, even if they eventually prove detrimental to his case.
The first few days since the trial started apparently made Trump realize that he is a defendant in a criminal case, and under a worst-case scenario he can end up behind bars donning a prisoner’s jumpsuit.
His frustration has been apparent from Day 1. Having once been the most powerful man in the world, and an influential businessman throughout his adult life, Trump now finds himself as not being in control for the first time. He has become belligerent because he is not used to taking orders. His own lawyers are unable to control his actions, be it inside or outside the courtroom. As such, Trump has ignored gag orders, thereby exposing himself to penalties ranging from fines to the possibility of jail time.
Admonitions by judges have little effect on him. He may even be secretly wanting to have verbal jousts with his judge, senseless as it seems.
It is not clear if Judge Juan Merchan will tolerate Trump’s actions for the entirety of the trial, which could last for months.
But one thing is increasingly becoming clear: Trump may be in trial and his fate to be decided by the 12 men and women who will comprise the jury. In fact, it is the Amercan people, specifically those who intend to vote in the November elections, who will pass judgement on the former president.
They will decide if they agree that all of the cases the 45th POTUS faces are nothing more than a plot by President Joe Biden and the Democrats to ruin his good name. Or if all the cases are valid and he must answer for his actions before the court of public opinion.
He may be hoping for the best, but Citizen Trump must also be prepared for the worst.
(From page 1)
COLMA, Calif. - Colma Police Dept. Commander Sherwin Lum and San Francisco corporate executive assistant Mariel Jacinto-Valdes have joined ALLICE Alliance for Community Empowerment, the Filipino American-initiated all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV) and family abuse through community education.
Seasoned in their professions, Lum and Jacinto-Valdes’ participation brings over 50 years of experience in public service and administration. As new Kumpare and Kumare, they enhance the diversity and reach of the organization now in its 21st year.
“I hope to assist with identifying resources and provide counseling from the law enforcement perspective,” said Lum, a resident of South San Francisco.
Daly City resident Jacinto-Valdes said she aims to impart ALLICE mission and values to “family, friends, workmates and service-oriented businesses I frequent” as executive staff of a nationally renowned real estate corporation.
Colma Council Member Joanne del Rosario swore in Lum and Jacinto-Valdes April 11 at Colma City Hall to open the group’s annual retreat.
“I have known and worked with Sherwin for the past 18 years in my capacity as Council Member for the Town of Colma. I knew he would be such an asset to the organization, not only due to his professional experience, but also his volunteerism in organizations, such as the Lions Club,” said the five-time Mayor.
“Mariel and I have known each other for several years and come from the same backgrounds in support positions. She was so impressed by our presentations and wanted to be a part of something truly important and meaningful in our community. Seeing them both dive right in was so heartwarming,” added del Rosario, who, before San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa, swore in last February as ALLICE 2024 president along with Jennifer Jimenez Wong as vice president and Nellie Hizon as secretary.
ONGOING
EDUCATION
ALLICE conducts internal training to reinforce lessons learned at previous workshops and keep updated on developments in the broader IPV and abuse prevention movement.
Clinical director Dr. Jei Africa led the organization’s Training Team with an exploration of the root causes of abusive behavior, primarily one partner’s need to be in power and control.
“It is a learned behavior,” stressed the Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Director of the County of San Mateo Health System, and “not an illness” as is widely believed.
“Everyone can contract an illnesss, but not everyone is abusive,” Africa clarified. “Behaviors can change with appropriate help.”
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Jimenez Wong went over the various forms of abuse that go beyond physical attacks, such as “financial, verbal and emotional abuse.” Lately, said the Director of Therapy at Fred Finch Children & Family Services, “gaslighting - the tactic used to make the survivor question their sanity - has become prevalent.”
IPV is an extremely complex situation, Kaiser Medical Center child therapist Nan Santiago segued into the barriers that prevent people abused from seeking help. Fear of retaliation, concern for the children, shame for perceived failure to be a good partner and keep the family together, substance abuse and lack of understanding of the issue are just some common factors that keep survivors in abusive relationships, said the veteran LMFT.
It takes at least 7 times for someone being abused to reach out and get help, the presenters reminded ALLICE members. And that’s when survivors have found someone who listens, believes what they’re saying about their situation and does not mock or judge them but instead assists in looking up resources to bring them to safety and healing - the objective for all Kumares and Kumpares.
Tomorrow, my second son, Bernardino Reyes III, nicknamed Birdie, turns a year older.
Like his brothers Sean and Jory, Birdie loves basketball, is good at it, and even coaches youngsters in the game. Unlike them, but like me, Bridie cannot carry a tune.
Perhaps this is why, of all my 8 children, it was Birdie who took an interest in helping me with my “magnificent obsession”: the Aliw Awards Foundation,Inc.. The onset of Cov id-19 probably contributed to it too.
In August, four months before the 2020 Aliw Awards Night, Birdie surprised me pleasantly by starting “aAliwin Kita”,. the FB Live Sunday show.
The weekly show on the internet aims to promote the 2020 Aliw Awards event and to showcase Filipino talents, led by Aliw awardees such as Pilita Corrales, lea Salonga, Kuh Ledesma , Gerphil Flores and Gerald Santos.
(Continue on page 20)
Birdie’s admiration for Filipino live entertainers knows no bounds. He is enthusiastic in his reaction to the performances of the Filipino talents, whether famous or aspiring ones. He is eager to let their talents shine before the whole world.
To achieve his goal, Birdie has spent time, effort and money on “aAliwin Kita”.
In 2022, after the 35th Aliw Awards event, Birdie was elected 1st Vice-President of the foundation. The next year, he returned to the Philippines and actively participated in the 36th Aliw Awards Night.
Although we are miles apart, he in New Jersey and I in California, we keep in touch by text, email and phone call. Even so, I shall miss greeting him personally tomorrow.
Needless to say, I am ever so grateful for his support and I send this message across the United States to him:
Happy, happy birthday, my son! May God pour His abundant blessings on you, keep you out of harm’s way and give you peace, love , good health and prosperity!
SEE YOU SOON!
CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO
Documents needed for sale of RP properties without going home
As an accredited and commissioned Notary Public and founder of Mobile Signing Services, I received call and text from the daughters of elderly couple (ages 97and 90) requesting assistance and help for the signing and notarization of documents needed in the Philippines.
After phone conversation, I found out that the elderly parents were following and reading regularly my column in the weekly Philippine News Today. The parents have ready buyer on their property (house and lot) located in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Philippines. Here’s excerpts of text conversation with one of the daughters:
“Hi Sir. We have the documents we were waiting from the buyers. We would like for you to review the docs or should we seek a lawyer to review before acceptance. What is the best way to handle this, “ texted the daughter.
“ As a licensed Real Estate Broker in California since 1981 and with our para-legal partner, we can review the documents for you. Can you come to our home office in San Francisco,?” I asked.
“My Dad can’t travel far and my mom can’t leave him behind. Should we forward the docs then just discuss on the phone,” the daughter responded.
“Yes. Just text or email the documents at artmadlaing@hotmail. com,” I instructed the daughter.
“My sister will email the documents tomorrow” the daughter responded.
The following day, I received the draft of the Special Power of Attorney (SPA) and DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE prepared by the lawyer of the buyers. After review of the document, I called the daughter.
“The drafts of the Special Power of Attorney and the DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE looked okay,” I told the daughter.
“There is one missing item that our parents want to be included in the SPA. What shall we do?” the daughter asked.
“Please email the missing item and we’ll prepare an Addendum to the SPA,” I told the daughter.
Upon receipt of the missing item, we drafted the Addendum to the Special Power of Attorney and emailed to the daughter for review. After review of the Addendum to the SPA, the daughter scheduled an appointment with the parents on March 25, 2024 in their home in San Jose, California for the signing and notarization of the three documents (DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, Special Power of Attorney and Addendum to the Special Power of Attorney) needed in the Philippines, for the sale of their property located in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Philippines, without going home.
On Monday, March 25, 2024, my beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing and I drove to San Jose, California and visited the elderly couple with their two daughters. After some preliminaries and conversation in Pangasinan and Tagalog, I had the elderly couple sign the three copies of three documents (DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, Special Power of Attorney and Addendum to the Special Power of Attorney) and then had them sign my Journal of Notarial Acts and put their right thumb marks. My wife witnessed the signatures. After notarization, my wife and I subsequently drove to Sacramento, California and submitted the notarized documents to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, for apostille. We, then, delivered the apostilled documents to the elderly couple in the presence of their two daughters. They were very thankful and appreciative for the prompt, efficient, complete and unique services rendered to them. Here are some advantages and benefits with MSS:
1. DISCOUNT FOR THE ELDERLY AND VETERANS – We give 5% to 10% discount for the elderly and veterans. The elderly couple received 10% discount (5% plus 5%) because the 97-year-old husband is also a retired U.S. Navy serviceman.
2. AVOID TAKE OFF FROM WORK – You don’t need to take off from work and drive to Sacramento or Los Angeles just to submit notarized documents to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section for apostille.
3. SAVINGS ON GAS AND MILEAGE FEES – We encourage old and new clients to come to our home office in San Francisco, California to save on gas and mileage fees (($60 to $130).
4. VERY FLEXIBLE APPOINTMENTS- WE offer very flexible appointments for old and new clients during regular office hours, after office hours and weekends except on Sundays.
5. DISCOUNTS ON MULTIPLEC DOCUMENTS AND MULTIPLE SIGNATURES - We give 5% to 10% discounts on multiple documents and multiple signatures for old and new clients.
6. FREE PARKING – When we had our Office at the Philippine Center near the Philippine Consulate Office in downtown San Francisco our old clients were complaining for the expensive parking fees. Now, with our home-office in San Francisco, old and new clients can have FREE PARKING un our driveway and available parking spaces nearby.
QBE, Million Trees inaugurate La Mesa watershed green park
The QBE Green SanQtuary Park is ready to welcome nature lovers and guests after its inauguration by Million Trees Foundation, Inc. (MTFI), the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and QBE GSSC (Group Shared Services Centre) at the La Mesa watershed compound in Quezon City.
The park which broke ground last March 11, 2024, is the maiden long-term collaboration program of QBE GSSC and MTFI. QBE GSSC through the QBE Foundation has initially contributed P3.7 million to support the different environment protection projects of MTFI.
Leading the green park’s inauguration were QBE officials from Australia, MTFI President and Executive Director Melandrew T. Velasco and MWSS Administrator Engr. Leonor Cleofas who both cited QBE for its pursuit of long-term sustainability program for the La Mesa watershed in support of the Annual Million Trees Challenge.
Aside from the development of the green park, the QBE GSSC and MTFI partnership involves the establishment of greenhouses containing native and fruit-bearing seedlings, rebagging of saplings, and treeplanting and tree-growing activities in areas to be designated by MTFI.
QBE Green SanQtuary Park covers 1,600 sq. meters of the 5-hectare area assigned by MWSS to MTFI for its Million Trees Nursery and Eco Learning Center as part of the watershed rehabilitation projects.
The La Mesa watershed has been identified as one of the seven critical watersheds beneficiaries of the Annual Million Trees Challenge, a noble initiative of MWSS started in 2017 that aimed to rehabilitate watersheds essential in the water supply of Metropolitan Manila and neighbouring provinces. It is composed of 2,700 hectares of forest and watershed area, the only forest area in the metropolis.
Within the La Mesa compound is the La Mesa Dam and Reservoir which is part of the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system that supplies most of the water requirement of Metro Manila.
The QBE GSSC Sustainability Committee known as Team Verde is composed of volunteers from various towers across the organization committed to bolster a resilient workforce and support sustainable communities through various initiatives.
Team Verde has been involved in environment protection activities such as tree-growing and coastal clean-up. It has also conducted environment awareness campaigns among its employees.
More volunteers for its sustainability program are being recruited by Team Verde and their induction is among the activities during the inauguration of the QBE Green SanQtuary.
The GSSC inauguration team were represented by Atty Bing Regaldo, VP Deputy General Counsel Samir Kumar and Atty Cathy Nuval, Legal Counsel.
The Million Trees Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organization and the partner non-government organization of MWSS in the continued implementation of the Annual Million Tree Challenge. Since its kick-off tree-planting activity at Ipo dam in 2017, around 7.8 million trees have been planted in critical watersheds vital to the water supply in MWSS coverage areas.
Congratulations for an important project for Mother Earth!
Trump has abundance of media mileage despite legal impediments
Former US President Donald Trump is utilizing all outlets, legal or illegal, to advance his goal in reclaiming the White House. He takes advantage of every opportunity to say something on issues and mostly on the legal cases he is facing and the court system itself.
He is utilizing even the courts, despite having gag order, to get voters’ attention by having press statements before or after court hearings, attacking the court system, the administration, and even the judge’s family.
While he was not required to attend court hearings during his civil case, he made it a point to appear in court and made statements before entering the court room and leaving the court. For the criminal hearings, he has to attend not saying anything but just answering questions by the judge in short responses inside the court room, but outside, he is making a lot of statements and talking to the press.
On the first day of his criminal case hearing in New York, in addition to his statements, he is covered by media (photo opts) on his way to the court, entering the court, inside the court, and even after leaving the courtroom. These are a lot of media exposures for the former president outside his campaign sorties in key cities and communities.
However, one would ask, “What kind of exposures are these?” Well, in politics, bad or good publicity matters, I guess. No wonder, despite indictments, civil and criminal cases field against Trump, he is still deadlock with President Joe Biden (Biden – 56% and Trump – 55%). Wil this be the same come November?
In his latest court hearing in a New York court, “Former President Donald Trump began his day as a criminal defendant lashing out at the judge and prosecutors, casting himself as a victim and angrily posting on social media.” (Jill Colvin and Micahel R. Sisak, Associated Press)
In other words: a familiar routine, the authors said, which I agree with.
Inside the courtroom, which was closed to TV cameras, Trump was a different man — reserved and muted in a stark departure from his feisty approach to other legal troubles. (AP)
The authors said Trump is now the first former president ever to stand trial on criminal charges and faces the prospect, if he loses, of becoming the first major American presidential candidate in history to run as a convicted felon.
Going back. Trump is accused in the case of falsifying business records to hide alleged hush money payments made to a porn star to keep her from going public during his 2016 campaign with allegations of an affair.
The trial is expected to last at least six weeks and Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is required to attend every day sessions — a schedule that will dramatically alter his daily life and his ability to campaign in battleground states.
With this, as a practical gesture on his part, Trump now brought his campaign to the courthouse, delivering statements before and after the day’s proceedings, which he again cast as nothing more than a politically motivated effort by his rivals to hinder his campaign.
Media caught him saying a lot of unorthodox statements. “This is political persecution,” he steamed after arriving with a phalanx of lawyers and several senior aides, but without his wife or other family members. “This is an assault on our country,” he went on.
As I See It, Trump is already well versed in the art of campaigning from the courtroom because of the situation he is faced with. In addition to appearances related to his four criminal trials, Trump this year voluntarily attended most days of his civil fraud trial as well as a defamation case brought by the writer E. Jean Carroll, who had accused Trump of rape.
His behavior in civil cases, the only thing the judge can do is admonish him. “During those hearings, Trump was often admonished by the judges, who instructed him to be quiet or answer questions more succinctly. At one point, the judge in the Carroll suit threatened to kick Trump out of the courtroom for speaking loudly. Another day he stormed out. Trump also openly sparred with the judge in his civil fraud case, including from the witness stand.”
In criminal cases, however, such behavior would not be tolerated in the courtroom and Judge Juan Merchan made clear: “Trump could be sent to jail and prosecuted separately if he were to engage in such disruptive behavior.” That’s the limiting factor Trump is faced with in the New York trial court where he is facing criminal prosecution, so the most he did while in court was whispering and passing notes to his lead attorney.
During the first day of his trial, Trump said just five words on the record — “Yes” once, and “Yes, sir” twice — as he was read his socalled “Parker warnings” informing him that his right to be present at the trial could be revoked if he acted out and that he could be sent to jail for disruptive behavior.
(Continue on page 20)
7. FLEXIBLE LOCATION OF APPOINTMENTS - If you can’t come to our home office in San Francisco, California, we can do signing and notarization of documents for old and new clients in the privacy of homes, offices,
And, in the courtroom, Trump was introduced to jurors not as president — as his aides still call him — but “Mr. Donald J. Trump” — and faced restraints, including the prospect that he might not be granted permission to attend his young- (Continue on page 20)
CLAIRE MORALES TRUE
“
ART GABOT MADLAING Health & Wealth
ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO As I See It
PSEi shedding longest in 8 years; peso closes at 57
MAKATI CITY – Investors were concerned about the increasing tension in the Middle East and the upside risks to inflation, bringing the local bourse to its longest losing streak in eight years.
Meanwhile, the Philippine peso finished at the 57-level to a US dollar on Tuesday.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) plunged to 6,404.97, shedding 157.46.
“Philippine shares experienced the largest sell off year-to-date as the market touched the 6,400 level, falling 2.4 percent,” said Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan.
All Shares, likewise, plummeted by 1.96 percent to 3,409.85.
“The bourse has now dropped for nine consecutive days which has been the longest losing streak since October 2016,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. research and engagement officer Mikhail Plopenio said.
All sectoral indices closed in the red territory, with Service being the biggest
loser for this day’s trading. Its counter dropped 3.27 percent to 1,784.33.
It was followed by Industrial, down by 2.74 percent; Holding Firms, contracting by 2.42 percent; Financials (-1.64 percent); Property (-1.59 percent); and Mining and Oil (-1.36 percent).
“(I)nvestors were weighed by negative factors offshore and at home.
The continuous selloff was due to the increasing tensions in the Middle East and worries regarding possibly delayed rate cuts by the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) amid upside risks to inflation. The negative cues from Wall Street amid rising treasury yields also contributed to the market’s drop,” Plopenio added.
He said net outflows of foreign traders amounted to P1.19 billion.
On the other hand, net market value turnover stood at P6.16 billion, higher than the year-to-date average of P5.08 billion.
Losers led gainers a 154 to 41, leaving 45 counters unchanged.
The local currency shed 0.19 to the greenback.
It opened the day weak at 56.85 from last day’s kick-off at 56.65 to a dollar.
The currency pair traded between a low of 56.85 to a high of 57, bringing the average level for the day at 56.97 to a dollar.
Volume of trade declined to USD1.1 billion from US$1.59 billion on Monday. (PNA)
ITO AY ISANG PAALALA na magkakaroon ng Natatanging Halalang Munisipal sa Lungsod ng Millbrae sa Martes, ika dalawangpu’t tatlo ng Hulyo, taong 2024 para sa mga tanong sa pagtanggal ng mga naturang pinuno.
Dapat bang tanggalin si Angelina Cahalan bilang pinuno ng Konseho ng ika-dalawang Distrito? Oo Hindi
Dapat bang tanggalin si Maurice Goodm an bilang pinuno ng Konseho ng ika-apat na Distrito? Oo Hindi
Magbubukas ang botohan sa pagitan ng ika-pito ng umaga hanggang ika-walo ng gabi.
Elaine Tran Kleriko ng Lungsod Lungsod ng Millbrae, California
DATED: Abril 11, 2024
Asylum Merits Interview
If you are seeking asylum through the Asylum Merits Interview process with USCIS after a positive credible fear determination, visit our Asylum Merits Interview with USCIS: Processing After a Positive Credible Fear Determination page for information on how to prepare for your Asylum Merits Interview. This means you were placed in expedited removal proceedings, you received a positive credible fear determination, and USCIS retained your asylum application for further consideration in an Asylum Merits Interview. For information on ways to obtain asylum in the United States, visit the Obtaining Asylum in the United States page.
On the day of your affirmative asylum interview you should bring:
• A form of identification, including:
o Any passports you may have,
o Other travel or identification documents, and
o Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, if you received one when you arrived in the U.S.
• The originals of any birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other documents you previously submitted with your Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal,
• A copy of your Form I-589 and any additional material that you previously submitted in case the asylum office is missing any of this information;
• Any additional items you have available that document your claim and that you have not already submitted with your application;
• An interpreter if you are not able to continue with the interview in English,
• Your spouse and/or children under 21, if they were included in your asylum application as derivatives at the time you filed your application;
o They must bring any identity, travel or other supporting documents they have in their possession.
o Although you are required to list all of your family members on your application, the only family members you need to bring to the interview are those who will be included as derivatives in the asylum decision.
• A certified translation of any document that is not in English;
o Any document in a language other than English must be accompanied by an English translation that the translator has certified is complete and correct.
o The translator must certify that they are competent to translate the language used in the document into English.
You have the right to bring an attorney or representative to your interview at no cost to the U.S. government. You and your attorney/ representative must submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative to USCIS, in order for your attorney/representative to accompany you to your asylum interview.
PAUNAWA NG HALALAN
The People’s Budget Coalition Gathers at City Hall to Unite for a People’s Budget & Unveil Budget Demands
Group Calls for Equitable Distribution of Resources, Rejects Burden on Vulnerable Communities and Regressive Budget Cuts
San Francisco, CA— Today the The People’s Budget Coalition, a powerful alliance of labor unions and nonprofit groups announced their united front against the undue influence of tech magnates and real estate tycoons in shaping San Francisco’s forthcoming budgetary decisions.
The Budget Justice Coalition is composed of 40+ community-based and labor organizations representing public sector workers, childcare workers, working families of color, SRO tenants, youth and elders calling for a City budget that prioritizes all communities in San Francisco.
Every San Franciscan has the right to live here: working San Franciscans and families; people of color; people who are homeless or unstably housed; seniors; people with disabilities; low wage workers; low-income tenants; people living with HIV/AIDS, Hep C or other terminal illnesses; queer and transgender/gender non-conforming people; and people in the justice system. These are the people who love San Francisco, keep it running, and make it the unique place that we call home.
The rally at City Hall will showcase the breadth, depth and power of the coalition that has mobilized to advocate for an inclusive, comprehensive approach against the looming threat of an austerity budget that would fund law enforcement and surveillance while cutting food assistance programs, building code enforcement and unfairly burden residents with escalating housing costs, childcare expenses, and an extremely high cost of overall living.
Following the rally, participants joined the San Francisco Board of Supervisors Budget Committee’s “Healthy Housing & Communities for All” hearing to present the impacts of the coalition’s work to stabilize San Francisco, and the need to protect these services for the security of all. Budget cuts to essential services threaten the ability of working-class residents to remain in San Francisco. The city requires these residents to function as they are critical to the recovery of our city - per the City’s own 5 year budget assessment published last year. The City’s current bud-
get documents reveal a contradiction between San Francisco’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and the proposed reductions in funding for the workers who provide critical services like street outreach, homeless shelters, and supportive housing programs. We must challenge these contradictions and demand budget decisions that prioritize the needs of our most vulnerable residents, and the workers who provide these invaluable services, so that everyone that loves San Francisco can continue to call our city home.
“To those who subscribe to the fallacy of the doom loop, we say: OK, Doomer! Do we envision a San Francisco where only the privileged can reside, and vital services crucial for the welfare of marginalized communities are sacrificed? The budget should not be balanced on the backs of the working class and poor San Franciscans. We demand that the City prioritize housing, jobs, childcare, senior services and more that our residents rely on. Don’t we all deserve to call this city home?” said Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco Interim Executive Director Maria I. Zamudio.
Despite the city’s budget swelling to unprecedented levels during the last two years, and civic leaders boasting of a considerable surplus, essential staffing for crucial municipal services remains sorely inadequate. While some elected officials clamor for the expansion of restaurants and other businesses, the city department’s own assessments underscore the pressing need for more support for service workers. However, those in power have failed to create an environment where many individuals can afford to reside, with the specter of budget cuts threatening to exacerbate homelessness.
The slashing of vital services such as tenant legal aid, building code enforcement, and food assistance programs will only serve to compound existing economic challenges. The path to a safer and more resilient San Francisco lies in fostering greater housing security and economic stabil-
ity for all. Law enforcement officers are ill-equipped to address multifaceted social challenges, operate food banks, or deliver job training crucial for securing employment and housing. It is imperative to prioritize funding for labor and nonprofit organizations with proven expertise in effecting tangible change.
“The SRO Families United Collaborative has always helped families in SROs on many fronts. If the budget is cut, it would mean ignoring the needs of children who still live in SROs to improve their housing environment. That’s why I ask the Board of Supervisors to maintain the SRO Families United Collaborative’s budget,” said Lin Yaping, who lives in a cramped SRO in Chinatown with her husband and two granddaughters.
“History has shown us time and again that we cannot cut our way out of a crisis - we have to invest our way out,” says Joe Wilson, Executive Director of Hospitality House. “Better budget choices today can chart a better way forward tomorrow - for all our communities.”
The People’s Budget Coalition is a powerful alliance of 40+ community organizations and unions, including the Budget Justice Coalition, the Latino Parity and Equity Coalition, SF Rising, Jobs with Justice San Francisco. These organizations serve impoverished people working towards a City budget that prioritizes working families and poor communities in San Francisco.
We believe that the City’s budget should increase resources to address the unmet needs of the City’s most disenfranchised populations, and reflect these values by fully funding programs that ensure everyone has safe and affordable housing, stable employment with fair wages, sufficient healthy food, essential health care, quality early care and education and other investments including those that empower and develop communities. The City can afford these services by redirecting existing funds away from systems of oppression such as the police and sheriff.
Alden, Kathryn to film
‘Hello’
sequel in Canada
Are two of the country’s top leading men Alden Richards and Jericho Rosales courting actress Kathryn Bernardo?
So it seems, according to showbiz reporter and vlogger Ogie Diaz and his statement has sizzled and thrilled Kathryn and Alden’s fans and supporters no end.
Meanwhile, a sequel to the movie “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” erstwhile the country’s top grossing movie until “Rewind” of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera overtook it’s gross ticket sales, is in the works.
In fact, it was reported that Director Cathy Garcia Sampana is now in Canada scouting for places where to shoot and coordinating with people who maybe involved in the Kathryn Bernardo-Alden Richards second teamup movie.
The first “Hello” movie was shot almost entirely in Hong Kong. In that movie, Kathryn was to leave Alden in Hong Kong to pursue new opportunities in Canada.
In the. sequel, it is expected that Alden will follow Kathryn in Canada.
Reports indicated that the “Hello” sequel may be an entry in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival, which will have its Hollywood edition in Los Angeles like the just concluded 2023 filmfest.
It was gathered that many producers are now preparing for the filmfest due to the good showing of 10 entry movies last December in which “Rewind” became the top grosser and top earning movie of all time.
It was reported that director Cathy is accompanied by her Star Cinema team in scouting for places where the new Kathryn-Alden starrer will be shot.
In his latest YouTube vlog, Ogie Diaz said that his source from Bernardo’s camp confirmed that both Alden and Jericho are now courting the 28-year-old actress.
“Nanliligaw na itong si Alden kay Kathryn at makikita naman iyan sa kanilang body language,” the veteran showbiz reporter said.
He added that the actress’ family likes Alden, her “Hello Love, Goodbye” co-star, as he is a businessman, financially stable, and responsible.
By Jennifer T. Santos
“Si Alden ay isang negosyante, financially stable, responsable, kaya natutuwa kay Alden ang pamilya ni Kathryn. Dahil ‘yung mga gusto nila sa lalaki, pino-posses ni Alden,” Ogie revealed.
In his vlog, Ogie also confirmed that Jericho is pursuing Kathryn. However, her family prefers Alden over
the 44-year-old actor who had had wives.
“Ayun na nga, ang sabi rin ng aking source ay nanliligaw din daw itong si Jericho Rosales kay Kathryn Bernardo. Pero kung botohan at botohan daw sa pamilya ni Kathryn, parang mas boto sila kay Alden,” Ogie added in a DZRH report.
Jericho was not spotted at the housewarming of Kathryn’s new home but Alden was there and previously in her birthday party in El Nido, Palawan and post-party in Manila.
Meanwhile, Alden recently addressed a viral video of him giving a bouquet to Kathryn during a party
“I was invited and siyempre, it was part of her postbirthday celebration with friends and family. Masaya naman ‘yung naging experience and you can see how happy Kath is right now,” he said.
Asked on the real score between him and Kathryn, Alden said: “What you see is what you get,” adding that there is no need always to share this kind of matter on social media.
“You know, sometimes ‘yung mga personal things that’s happening, better be personal na lang,” he said.
Friends and family attended the house blessing of actress Kathryn Bernardo and her family’s new home last week.
The intimate event was documented by Nice Print Photography, a company often hired for weddings, prenuptials, and other similar big occasions, Philippine Star reported.
Photos of Kathryn’s close friends like Sofia Andres, Daniel Miranda, Trina Guytingco, Maymay Entrata, Robi Domingo, and Kakai Bautista during the party have since surfaced in social media.
Nice Print also captured a lot of pictures of Kathryn with “Hello, Love, Goodbye” co-star Alden Richards, who is rumored to be courting her.
Other fellow actors and friends of Kathryn who were at the house blessing were Piolo Pascual, Chie Filomeno, Darren Espanto, Ria Atayde, Dimples Romana, Loisa Andalio, Jason Marvin Hernandez, and Alyssa Valdez.
GMA Network wins 7 awards in New York Festivals 2024
GMA Network bagged all the awards it was shortlisted for in the prestigious New York Festivals TV & Film Awards 2024.
The Kapuso Network won seven medals for its documentaries, news programs, as well as a drama series.
The Atom Araullo Specials took home two awards this year, a gold for “Child’s Game” in
MANILA – Eight aspiring film directors who are students of different colleges and universities have been named as finalists of “The Manila Film Festival 2024.”
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, in a press briefing during the festival’s launch at the City Hall, said each student would receive a production grant worth P150,000 to produce a short film that will run at least 15 to 20 minutes with a theme “Manila in Me.”
From full-length movies that were showcased last year, she said the festival would feature short movies that would enable young
the documentary: social justice category, and a silver for “One Deep Breath,” in the documentary: human concerns category.
Meanwhile “Black Rider” bagged a bronze trophy for the entertainment program: drama category.
GMA won four bronze trophies this year for “I-Witness: Boat to School” in the docu-
filmmakers to express a subject within a limited time frame.
The eight finalists are:
--’Happy (M)others Day!’ by Ronnie Ramos (University of the Philippines Film Institute);
--’Bahay, Baboy, Bagyo’ by Miko Biong (University of the Philippines Film Institute);
--’An Kuan’ by Joyce Ramos (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila);
--’Threefor100: o ang tamang pormang paguukay at iba pang mga bagay-bagay, I think!’ by Cedrick Labadia (iAcademy)
--’Ditas Pinamalas’ by Adrian Reno Es-
mentary: heroes category, “I-Witness: Rise from the Mud” in the documentary: community portraits, and “Sundo: A GMA Integrated News Documentary” for news program: news documentary/special.
The New York Festivals honors outstanding and innovative content, and “to provide a truly complete representation of the very best in creative communications.” The panels of
pino (Adamson University);
--’Pinilakang Tabingi’ by John Pistol Carmen (Bicol University);
--’Una’t Huling Sakay’ by Vhan Marco Molacruz (Colegio de San Juan de Letran)
--’Ballad of a Blind Man’ by Charlie Vitug (De La Salle University-College of Saint Benilde)
The student directors, meanwhile, thanked the Manila City government for providing a platform to help them showcase and hone their filmmaking skills.
Vice Mayor John Marvin ‘Yul Servo’ Nieto said that based on the request of the mayor
judges are composed of award-winning creative professionals and leaders from around the world.
Last year, GMA Network won two golds from the festival for the “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” episode “Sugat ng Pangungulila (Wounds of Woes),” and “Mata sa Dilim (Eye in the Dark),” episode of “The Atom Araullo Specials.”
and tourism chief Charlie Dungo, the Manila City Council which he heads would pass a measure that would make venues or sites to be used by the filmmakers free of charge. Nieto said the eight entries will be joined by four movies made by featured directors during the festival.
A total of 69 entries were screened for the competition. This was initially reduced to 15, with only eight making it to the list of finalists.
The festival’s premiere night will be on June 4 and will run from June 5 to 11. Ticket prices will be announced later.
Los Angeles County Commission on Insurance chairman, vice chairman named
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Commission on Insurance has unanimously re-elected Scott J. Svonkin as Chairman.
Chairman Svonkin was first appointed to the Commission in November 1997 by former Third District Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and was reappointed in 2017 by former Third District Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. He served as a member of the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees and has shown leadership and a tireless work ethic befitting this selection by his fellow Commissioners.
“I am honored to be re-elected Chairman of the Commission,” stated Chairman Svonkin. “Together we continue to work to educate the public and advocate for improved access to affordable insurance.”
Marilyn Sparks has been re-elected as Vice Chair. She was appointed to the Commission in April 2019 by Supervisor Kathryn Barger, and she has extensive experience Financial Services management positions and is currently an independent Farmers Insurance Agency owner. Some of her professional accolades include
working with FEMA, National Flood Control Program; and her focus is risk assessment and client education regarding proper asset protection. Additionally, she sits on the Board of Directors of the Glendora Chamber of Commerce and Chairs the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce. She has served in leadership roles with the San Gabriel Valley District Boy Scouts and Girl Scout organizations, and she is a Board Officer and Chair of the Governance Committee for McKinley in San Dimas.
Duties of the 10-member Commission includes apprising the Board of Supervisors of significant developments concerning consumer insurance matters, crafting recommendations for reducing the cost of insurance, improving public education, and community awareness regarding insurance issues. The Commission holds annual press conferences during fire season to inform the public of the importance of maintaining adequate homeowner’s insurance. Currently, the Commission is focused on the issues of insurance regarding rights, services, fraud, and consumer education.
Free e-waste recycling, paper shredding event set in Carson
CARSON - The City of Carson will host on April 20 a free e-waste recycling and paper shredding for the community.
Scheduled from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., the event will be held at 701 East Carson Street, Carson CA 90745.
All electronics such as computers, monitors, televisions, cell phones, ink and toner cartridges, printers, microwaves, cables and wires, and laptops will be recycled.
Clean out your garage and help protect the environment, Carson officials said. Come to this convenient drive-thru recycling event.
All papers will be shredded on-site. Proof of Carson residency required to participate. No commercial/ business waste will be accepted. There is a limit of 2 file paper boxes per household.
Non-Accepted Items Include: Hazardous waste, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, glass.
For more information, call the Public Works Office Monday thru Thursday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. at (310) 847-3520.
What an Election Years could do to the Real Estate Market
As the nation gears up for another presidential election, the real estate market stands at a crucial intersection of economic trends and political dynamics. Understanding the intricate relationship between election years and real estate trends is paramount for both buyers and sellers navigating the housing market landscape. In this article, we delve into the current state of the real estate market, dissecting the impact of rising mortgage interest rates and the impending election on housing dynamics. But this election year has more obstacles compared to the previous election years, like your major “Boarder” issues and the current Russian and Middle Eastern war that has been ongoing for indefinite.
The Current State of the Real Estate Market: In recent months, the real estate market has witnessed a notable shift propelled by rising mortgage interest rates. Analysts would be highlighting what was a steady decrease in rates with further anticipated declines throughout the year. Until a recent bump in 10 Year Treasury Bonds breaking a 4.5% barrier. The last quarter of 2023 with the slight reduction in mortgage rates has ushered in a surge of buyers, empowering them to consider larger and more desirable homes within their budgetary constraints. However, this heightened demand has exacerbated the existing scarcity of housing inventory, particularly evident in regions like South Florida. As supply fails to keep pace with burgeoning demand, home prices are on a trajectory of steady ascent, with projections suggesting an increase of 5% to 10% by year’s end.
Navigating Election Year Uncertainty: Historically, election years have injected an element of uncertainty into the real estate market, often resulting in a slowdown in activity as buyers and sellers adopt a cautious stance amid political flux. However, the current landscape presents a unique juxtaposition. Despite the looming specter of the upcoming election, the prevailing narrative of decreasing mortgage rates may serve as a mitigating factor against the traditional market slowdown. Unlike previous election cycles, the current focus on favorable financing terms outweighs political considerations for many buyers. Consequently, the real estate market is poised to weather the election year with resilience, buoyed by the positive response to lower interest rates.
Before I believe what the predictors are saying, I would review Reat Markets across the county and not only rely on bigger cities that tend to create a better demand than the rest of the county. There have been many states that have been seeing a 15% decline in Real Estate Values and no one is talking about them?
Conclusion: As we stand on the precipice of another election cycle, the real estate market finds itself in a state of flux, shaped by both economic fundamentals and political dynamics. While historically, election
years have induced a degree of uncertainty, the current landscape, characterized by rising mortgage rates, offers a contrasting narrative of market resilience. Buyers and sellers alike must navigate this terrain with astuteness, leveraging the prevailing trends to make informed decisions. Ultimately, the intersection of election years and the real estate market underscores the intricate interplay between macroeconomic forces and political variables, shaping the trajectory of housing dynamics in the months to come.
13 Filipinos secure Paris Olympics berths, more expected – POC
MANILA – The Philippine athletes delegation to the Paris Olympics from July 26 to August 11 has increased to 13, bouying hopes for at least 19 athletes to the summer games.
A happy Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Chairman Abraham “Bembol” Tolentino made the announcement in an Olympic Journey briefing in Makati City.
Earlier, weightlifter Vanessa Sarno won a berth in the Paris Games after lifting a total of 245 kilograms to place fifth in the women’s 71kg division of the International Weight Lifting Federation World Cup in Phuket, Thailand.
Aside from Sarno those who earned direct qualification to Paris were pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena; boxers Eumir Felix Marcial, Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas; weightlifters Erleen Ann Ando and John Febuar Ceniza; and gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan.
In the same briefing, Tolentino said weightlifter Rosegie Ramos is technically qualified in the women’s 49 kgs class although she is No. 11 in the world rankings after the Phuket World Cup, the final Olympic qualifying event for weightlifting.
“A Belgian [Niña Sterckx] ranks No. 7 in Rosegie’s class, but she lacks the mandatory six qualifiers for Par-
Jeanne Michael Penaranda
is, and according to weightlifting’s international federation, Rosegie’s technically qualified,” said Tolentino, who is also the Philippine cycling federation president.
The POC chief said swimmers Kyla Sanchez and Jarrod Hatch have qualified under the universality rule. The 13th qualifier is in women’s athletics also via the universality rule.
Tolentino said still hoping to qualify are Robyn Brown (athletics), Kurt Barbosa (taekwondo), Cris Nievarez (rowing), Joanie Delgaco (rowing), brothers Keisei and Shugen Nakano (judo), Yuta Watanabe (judo), Jericho Francisco (skateboarding), Patrick Coo (BMX cycling), Shagne Yaoyao (MTB cycling), Emma Malabuyo (gymnastics), Bianca Pagdanganan (golf) and Carlo Paalam (boxing), Criz Laurente (boxing), Hergie Bacyadan (boxing) and Rogen Ladon (boxing).
OLYMPIC TALK. Philippine Olympic Commi�ee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolen�no (center) presides over the first POC Journey to Olympic briefing at the Milky Way Restaurant in Maka� on Friday (April 12, 2024). With him are Team Philippines chef de mission Jonvic Remulla (le�) and POC secretary-general A�y. Wharton Chan. (Contributed photo)
Sarno, 20, punched her way to the Paris Summer Games when she actually topped Class B, avoiding the better weightlifters who were bracketed in Class A, after she hoisted 110 kilos in the snatch and 135 kilos in the clean-and-jerk in Thailand, the last Olympic qualifying meet.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Saron, 23, a Filipino American student at Harvard University has secured a spot on Team USA’s fencing lineup to the Paris Olympics. Saron will be competing in Men’s Saber for both individual and team categories, it was reported.
In another development, Olympic medalist swimmer Kayla Sanchez may compete for the Philippines after the International Olympic Committee approved her sporting citizenship change from Canada to Filipino.
In the Phuket qualifying meet, American sensation Olivia Reeves, who just turned 20, stamped her class, securing the top spot and a gold-medal sweep of the three events with lifts of 118 and 150 kilos for a combined tally of 268 kilos, eclipsing reigning Chinese world champion Liao Gui fang (115-149-264).
North Korea’s Song Kuk-hyang, who is No. 1 in the Olympic qualifying rankings but is not eligible for lack of qualifying competitions, finished third (115-146-261).
With her feat, Sarno, the pride of Tagbilaran City, Bohol becomes the country’s fourth weightlifter to make it to the Paris Summer Games after Rosegie Ramos (women’s 49kg), Elreen Ann Ando (women’s 71kg) and Jose Fabuar Ceniza (men’s 61kg).
Sarno is currently ranked No. 6 in the IWF Olympic rankings, with the top 10 securing outright tickets to the Summer Games in the French capital in July.
The confirmation of their Paris stints will be officially announced by the world weightlifting body on April 28, according to Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella.
It will be the highest number of weightlifters the country will field in the quadrennial sports spectacle since Hidylin Diaz-Naranjo and Nestor Colonia saw action in the 2012 London Olympiad.
Sarno’s output in the Phuket meet was enough to maintain her fifth place standing in the IWF Olympic Qualification Ranking, where only the top 10 weightlifters in each category can earn tickets to the Summer Games
The IWF World Cup is one of two mandatory events in order to qualify for the Paris Olympics—the other being the 2023 IWF World Championships in Riyadh.
Meanwhile, another Filipina, Kristel Macrohon, lifted a total of 233kg in Group B, good for sixth place. (with Jean Malanum/PNA)
2024 Irvine Foundation Leadership awardees discuss California challenges and solutions
California leaders working on and advancing solutions on critical challenges affecting millions of California residents on their way to winning the 2024 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award spoke on how they tackled the problems besetting their fields of expertise and offered solutions in the process.
This was the important topic tackled in a briefing by the Ethnic Media Services billed as 2024 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award Recipients Tackling Six Critical Challenges Facing California participated in by the awardees who themselves talked about the particular issues their organizations address, their personal commitments to these issues and the unique solutions they are advancing for making change proving that change can happen even in the face of California’s most intractable problems.
Among those who participated in the briefing were Héctor Camacho Jr. and Elizabeth Baham of Reach University, Brian Poth and Nick Vargas of The Source LGBT + Center, Manjusha Kulkarni of AAPI Equity Alliance, Michele Siqueiros of Campaign for College Opportunity, Blanca Meléndrez and Amina Sheik Mohamed of UC San Diego ACTRI Center for Community Health and Cindy Downing of The James Irvine Foundation.
The briefing happened as the James Irvine Foundation is currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Leadership Awards. The deadline
to submit nominations is April 26.
Many are impressed that the Golden State of California as it is richly endowed with natural gift of the sun, sand, surf, and mountains, known for its many attractions that lure travelers year-round with famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hollywood sign, home to Hollywood’s stars, Silicon Valley’s technology, Napa Valley’s wines and ancient Redwood and Sequoia forests, among other charm.
But with all these charms and allures, California has its set of challenges, from housing and homelessness to rising inequality, hate, and intolerance, just to name a few. This is why it’s important to know there are individuals out there working to effect positive change.
Among the recipients of the awards, Reach University’s Elizabeth Baham was recognized for her work in addressing teacher shortages in California schools and ensuring students have access to high-quality instruction.
Baham discussed the ways in which teacher shortages undermine education and a student’s ability to learn.
“In 2022, approximately 500,000 students entered a school building where one or more classrooms lacked a permanent teacher,” reported Baham, provost and chief academic officer with the non-profit Reach University, which is pioneering innovative strategies to address California’s gaping teacher shortage. She and Reach University Vice President of Workforce Development and Dean of Admissions Hector Camacho were among those honored by Irvine.
Launched in 2006, Oakland-based Reach University looks to fill the gap by tapping into a longoverlooked and undervalued resource: the thousands of paraprofessionals – individuals with experience in school settings but who lack professional degrees – who are already stepping into the classroom where and when needed.
According to the latest data, statewide California is short 10,000 teachers, with some 20% of current teachers set to retire or leave the profession permanently.
“It’s easy to get lost in the numbers and statistics and to not understand what the impact of that shortage is for students in their dayto-day lives,” said Baham, speaking during a March 28 EMS media briefing. Whether it’s larger class sizes, lower quality instruction, or not meeting grade-
level standards, the impacts are profound and fall disproportionately on low-income students and students of color.
Camacho noted that “the workforce we’re looking for already exists in the schools but lacks access to higher education and credentialing. These people are overwhelmingly more reflective of the students they serve.”
“Teachers go through so much… yet they continue to teach,” said Camacho. “For Irvine to see teaching as worthy of elevating, that feels fantastic.”
Vargas of The Source LGBT + Center and was awarded for his work to provide culturally competent care to LGBTQ+ people living in California’s rural and largely conservative Central Valley, shared his personal story of being gay in a rural community and how it inspired and informs his work with The Source LGBT+ Center.
Vargas and Brian Poth collaborated to address the lack of resources available to members of the LGBT+ community seeking care with dignity in rural parts of the state inspires their work with The Source LGBT+ Center in Visalia, located in the San Joaquin Valley.
The Source describes its mission as seeking to provide supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ people to “learn, grow, belong and thrive.” Its programs include support services for youth, health, and HIV awareness and prevention, as well as food assistance, leadership training, and community building.
“Rural areas like ours still lack critical resources for LGBT+ folks,” admitted Poth, the organization’s executive director. “Folks still have to drive to Los Angeles or San Francisco to experience safe and affirming healthcare.”
Poth continued that “Central California is rural very conservative and it is important our center is here for youth and elders to give them a culturally competent experience and a safe space where they are treated with dignity.”
Last year, The Source served 26,000 people across three counties, mentioned Poth, adding that while it once took up to four months for someone diagnosed with HIV to see a physician, that time has dropped to two days thanks to The Source’s advocacy.
Poth is saddened that still growing antiLGBTQ+ rhetoric and a raft of policies targeting members of the community nationwide are “really scary. Book banning, schools denying rights. We’ve seen all that damaging and dangerous hate come to California.”
“My parents were migrant farmworkers who worked on a ranch here,” confided Vargas, director of development and strategy for The Source. “In high school, I knew I was gay and felt it wasn’t safe to stay in the area.” After studying at Stanford and a stint in the Bay Area Vargas did ultimately return to Visalia, which he said felt “like it was 10 years behind.”
Vargas is set to receive a prescription for the drug PrEP, used to prevent HIV infection, through The Source Clinic. “This will be the first time that a culturally competent clinic in our area is able to offer PrEP to the community.
I’m really proud of that.”
Amina Sheik Mohamed of UC San Diego ACTRI Center for Community Health was recognized for her work to provide mental and health care services to immigrants and refugees, with a focus on their specific needs and experiences. She discussed the importance of building power within the communities your serve and recognizing that they know best what they need.
Irvine Foundation Program Officer Cindy Downing, who oversees the awards initiative, celebrated the awardees for “confronting the state’s most critical challenges with innovative and effective solutions… that improve people’s lives and contribute to a better California.”
Other awardees include Manjusha Kulkarni, executive director of the AAPI Equity Alliance, Michelle Siqueiros, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity, and Blanca Meléndrez and Amina Sheik Mohamed with the UC San Diego ACTRI Center for Community Health.
Kulkarni of the AAPI Equity Alliance who also co-founded Stop AAPI Hate in 2020 amid rising acts of violence targeting Asian Americans is dismayed that what we are seeing now “is so damaging to our country in terms of the racist rhetoric that unfortunately has found its way into today’s presidential election.”
Recalling her own parents’ struggle against racism as practicing physicians in Alabama, where they sued the state to ensure physicians of color could secure residency opportunities, “I saw how policy change can happen even by just a few individuals,” Kulkarni underscored. “Our Stop the hate work is a key indicator of that.”
Stop AAPI Hate now counts some 42 organizations spanning diverse regions and demographics statewide.
For Meléndrez and Mohamed, the ACTRI Center’s location in San Diego situates their work at ground zero for the many challenges tied to immigration and the US-Mexico border.
“We are home to a vast population of asylum seekers and refugees and immigrants,” explained Meléndrez, who first came to the US as an undocumented immigrant from her native Mexico, adding her own experience with food insecurity and health struggles in the family are what drives her current work. “We are advocates, we are allies, we are activists for immigrant and refugee health.”
Through a recent nutrition program, the Center helped deliver food to more than 50,000 homes across Southern California.
“It’s in these moments when we see families living with dignity that we feel we are moving the needle towards a healthier and more just California,” impressed Meléndrez. Mohamed, for her part, shared that “as a Muslim woman and a refugee, to be acknowledged at this level… means a lot.”
“Despite ongoing challenges, I am hopeful. If we don’t have hope, I don’t think we will be here today.”
Héctor Camacho Jr.
Manjusha Kulkarni
Elizabeth Baham Blanca Meléndrez Brian Poth Amina Sheik Mohamed
Nick Vargas
Cindy Downing
Planning a Project that Involves Digging? Call 811 to Know What’s Below Before You Start
Damaging an underground utility line while digging can result in thousands of dollars in repair costs
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — With the arrival of warmer weather months, homeowners may turn their attention to projects around the home that involve digging. Whether it is repairing a fence or removing a downed tree due to winter storm damage, or any other project that involves digging, calling 811 before starting your project will help customers avoid damaging underground utility lines and prevent expensive repair costs. April is recognized as National Safe Digging Month to spread awareness of the importance of calling 811 before any digging project, large or small.
Underground utility lines can be shallow, sometimes only a few inches below the surface, due to erosion, previous digging projects or landscaping, shifting or settling of the ground and uneven surfaces. Customers should call 811 a minimum of two business days before starting any digging project, large or small, as damaging an underground utility line while digging is dangerous and can leave customers responsible for repair costs averaging $3,500.
“Making a free call to 811 two business days before you start your digging project will help keep you, your family and neighbors safe and avoid inconvenient outages. Striking an underground utility line while digging can be dangerous and lead to expensive repairs, so please remember to call 811, one free call for all digging projects, large or small,” said Joe Forline, PG&E se-
nior vice president, gas operations.
Warmer weather months see an increase in digging projects, and unfortunately many of those projects are proceeding without a free call to 811 to have underground utilities marked for project sites. In fact, according to a recent national survey conducted by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), 56% of homeowners plan to dig without calling 811 fi rst. But, failure to call 811 before digging resulted in nearly 1,300 incidents during 2023 where underground utility lines were damaged due to digging in PG&E’s service area alone.
2023 by the numbers:
There were 1,262 incidents in Northern and Central California where homeowners or contractors damaged underground gas or electric lines while digging
In 63 percent of incidents when an underground utility line was damaged due to digging, 811 was not called.
For homeowners specifi cally, that percentage rises to 90 percent
The average cost to repair a damaged utility line is $3,500
Leading causes of damages to underground utility lines while digging include: building or replacing a fence, gardening and landscaping, planting a tree or removing a stump, sewer and irrigation work and building a deck or patio
Calling 811 is Fast and Free: Customers should call 811 a minimum
Filing tax return? Here’s what you need to know and scams to avoid
As the tax filing comes to a close and many are beating the deadline so as not to be late, it still is a big advantage to learn what need to be known in this year’s tax filing season.
For his reason, ethnic media services conducted a national briefing as there is something to learn about Direct File, a new tax filing service available in 12 states that is helping people save time and money by filing their taxes online, for free, directly with the IRS.
Updated information on Taxpayer Assistance Centers extended hours, unclaimed refunds, filing deadline, other options to file like Free File, and Where’s My Refund were some of the things shared by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Deputy Commissioner for wage and Investment Division Kevin Morehead who also discussed the advantages of filing your taxes electronically.
By the time tax season closes on April 15, the last day to submit a return, the IRS expects to receive 146 million returns and Morehead admitted that they are facing a monumental task, even if taxpayers who live in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 17 to file.
“Preparation for this season began early in 2023, and focused on implementing part of the $78 billion in funds to be used from the Inflation Reduction Act through 2031 by expanding helpline and on-site help center hours, reducing call wait times to three minutes or less and adding customer callback — though we’re not offering a lot of it right now, because we’re answering calls so quick-
ly,” reported Morehead.
In the briefing, Morehead emphasized that every taxpayer should be wary of scams that are more prevalent on this time of rushing to beat the deadline for filing and beyond. And the issue on getting a refund is one that scammers are capitalizing on especially since “once a taxpayer files their return, they may want to know when they’ll get their refund.”
“With millions of tax returns going out each week, Where’s My Refund remains the best way to check your status. The tool is available in English and in Spanish, and provides IRS confirmation of receiving a federal tax return, approval of the tax return and refund, and an issuing date of the approved refund. Information for returns from tax years 2023, 2022 and 2021 is also available,” announced Morehead of an easy way to get the right and credible information on refund.
“If we’re talking about refunds, we need to address scammers that try to mislead taxpayers into believing that they’re owed a refund,” Morehead warned as tax scams that target immigrants can be spotted and avoided. “One new scheme involves a mailed cardboard envelope with an enclosed letter of notice relating to your unclaimed refund that includes the IRS masthead with contact information not belonging to the IRS.”
Taxpayers should also avoid “ghost preparers” who don’t sign tax returns in hopes of profiting by promising a big refund and charging fees based on its size.
Recent immigrants in particular are targeted by aggressive phone calls where scammers impersonate IRS agents with fake names and identification numbers.
“Victims are told they owe money to the IRS, and it must be paid promptly through a gift card or wire transfer under threat of arrest or deportation, or suspension of a business or driver’s license,” advised Morehead. “To trick them into sharing private information, scammers may tell them they have a refund due or leave an urgent callback request.”
of two business days before beginning any project that involves digging, no matter how large or small. Customers can also visit 811express.com to have underground utility lines marked for their project site.
Professional utility workers for all utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer and telecommunications) will be dispatched to mark the location of all underground utility lines for the project site with fl ags, spray paint, or both
The 811 call center serving Central and Northern California, USA North, is staff ed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will provide Spanish and other translation services.
PG&E safe digging tips
Mark project area in white: Identify the digging location by drawing a box around the area using white paint, white stakes, white fl ags, white chalk or even white baking fl our.
Call 811 or submit an online request a minimum of two working days before digging: Be prepared to provide the address and general location of the project, project start date and type of digging activity. PG&E and other utilities will identify underground facilities in the area for free. Requests can be submitted a maximum of 14 days prior to the start of the project.
Dig safely: Use hand tools when digging within 24 inches of the outside edge of underground lines. Leave utility fl ags, stakes
or paint marks in place until the project is fi nished. Backfi ll and compact the soil. Be aware of signs of a natural gas leak: Smell for a “rotten egg” odor, listen for hissing, whistling or roaring sounds and look for dirt spraying into the air, bubbling in a pond or creek and dead/dying vegetation in an otherwise moist area.
About CGA
CGA is a member-driven association of nearly 4,200 damage prevention professionals spanning every facet of the underground utility industry. Established in 2000, CGA is committed to saving lives and preventing damage to North American underground infrastructure by promoting eff ective damage prevention practices. CGA has established itself as the preeminent source of damage prevention data and information in an eff ort to reduce damages to underground facilities in North America through shared responsibility among all stakeholders. For more information, visit CGA on the web at http:// www.commongroundalliance.com.
About PG&E
Pacifi c Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.
You can read about PG&E’s data privacy practices at PGE.com/privacy.
Kevin Morehead deputy IRS Commissioner
City of Carson implements citywide surveillance security cameras
CITY OF CARSON - In a collaborative and strategic effort to enhance public safety and bolster security measures, the City of Carson announceD the implementation of a state-of-the-art citywide surveillance security cameras system.
The collaborative effort involves the City of Carson and the Carson Sheriff’s Department for the License Plate Recognition (LPR) Camera Project.
The LPR Cameras, which are equipped with advanced technology and web interface will assist in improving dispatch units and increase stolen vehicle recovery. The security cameras throughout the city offer real-time monitoring capabilities, highdefinition video footage, and intelligent analytics which will reduce suspicious activity.
With the safety and security of residents and visitors at the forefront, the City Council awarded a multi-million-dollar project to install cameras throughout the city. The installation was projected to take one year but was completed in half the time. The newly installed surveil-
Health & Wealth... (From
Page 11)
schools, restaurants. hospitals, BART lobby, Post Office Station lobby and other locations.
8. DOCUMENTS PREPARATION DISCOUNTS –Through our para-legal partner and lawyer-friends, we can offer special discounts in the drafting, preparation and copying of documents for old and new clients.
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(ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE# 00635976) in California since 1981. He is founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California USA.)
As I See It
est son’s high school graduation.
(From Page 11)
One prosecutor, Christopher Conroy, even said: “We think that it is important for the court to remind Mr. Trump that he is a criminal defendant and that he is under the court’s supervision.”
So, with the criminal proceedings wanting him to be present in court, Trump is stuck in New York prompting his aides to plan rallies and other political events only on weekends.
Aides are also considering possible events around New York after court ends for the day. He is also expected to continue to speak from the courthouse and hold press conferences to spin each day’s proceedings, as he has in his other trials.
What if the criminal trial court convicts Trump, will this affect his chances of winning in the November general elections, where most of the voters include more moderate and independent voters?
According to the new AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, half of Americans say they would consider Trump unfit to be president if he is convicted in the case.
Is this the general sentiment of the American public? The November general election will probe the outcome!
(Elpidio R. Estioko was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. He just published his book Unlocking the chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream which is now available with Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Xlibris Publishing. For feedbacks, comments… please email author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com).
lance cameras are strategically placed throughout key areas of the city, including high traffic areas, parks, transportation hubs and other public spaces.
Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the City’s efforts to enhance public safety. “The safety and well-being of our residents are of utmost importance. These surveillance cameras will serve as a powerful tool in our efforts to create a safer and more secure environment for everyone in our community. Carson is the “Jewel of the South Bay” which
Upside...
All ALLICE events are free and open to the public. For in-
must be treasured and protected.”
In addition to its primary function of crime prevention and detection, the citywide surveillance system can provide valuable support in emergency response situations, traffic management and event monitoring.
The City of Carson remains committed to finding new ways to use technology and innovation to safeguard the lives and property of its residents, while also respecting individual privacy rights. All surveillance activities will be conducted in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, with strict protocols in place to ensure responsible use of surveillance data.
Residents are still encouraged that if they see something, say something. If they have any concerns about suspicious activity, they must notify local authorities. The consistent efforts of residents in conjunction with the new surveillance system can make a monumental difference in the safety of the city. Carson is as secure as the plans put in place to protect it.
formation on resources see the A-List at www.allicekumares. com.
Filing tax...
(From page 19 )
tax fraud should remember that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text message or social media, or ask for personal or financial information through these channels like scammers do.
More information about recognizing and reporting various tax scams is available through the IRS.
“Unfortunately, tax scammers are always inventing new ways to trick people,” stressed Morehead. “But success for us means improving the experience that taxpayers have with us, and we’ve been successful. With these new services, we want to see that continue.”
The IRS began accepting 2023 tax returns on January 29. As of March 8, the IRS had received 62.8 million returns and processed 61.9 million, issuing nearly 43 million refunds totaling more than $135 billion.
Those filing for an extension have until October 15 although Morehead made it clear that an extension to file is not an extension to pay.
“For those who haven’t yet paid, my best tip is to file electronically, and choose direct deposit if you’re getting a refund,” Morehead explained. “Why? Most taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit have no need to contact the IRS, because E-filing reduces errors that can delay refunds. Making these two choices alone avoids most of the challenges people face when filing or getting a refund.”
Most people have several ways to E-file for free — and, for some as of this month, even directly.
On March 12, the IRS launched a full-scale Direct File pilot program for eligible taxpayers in 12 states to file their returns for free, directly through the IRS. These states are Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. Direct File also has a live chat feature for tax help in English and Spanish.
“Eligible taxpayers must report income from jobs that generate from a W-2, and can claim a standard deduction — and any deduc-
tions for educator expenses and student loan interest,” reminded Morehead. “They also may be claiming an earned income tax credit, child tax credit or credit for other dependents.”
Direct filers typically get a refund in less than 21 days if they choose direct deposit. After submitting a federal return through Direct File, taxpayers in states with a state income tax — Arizona, California, Massachusetts and New York — will also be directed to the direct E-file page for their state return.
Other options are still available, though, for those who don’t use Direct File.
Taxpayers who made $79,000 or less in 2023 can also E-file through Free File Alliance, a group of commercial tax companies in partnership with the IRS. This year, the service is available through one partner, ezTaxReturn.com, in Spanish.
For instance, those making a low-to-moderate adjusted gross income — generally under $64,000 — are eligible for free tax help by IRS-certified volunteers through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, while those 60 years or older are eligible for Tax Counseling for the Elderly.
For military and some veteran households, the Department of Defense has MilTax, offering free preparation help and electronic filing software for federal income returns and up to three state income tax returns, with no income limit.
Taxpayers looking for in-person aid can go to a Taxpayer Assistance Center, many of which now have extended hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, alongside Saturday events where people can get help from IRS employees, make payments by check or money order, get help with identity theft, authenticate their identity, ask about account adjustments and get help interpreted in multiple languages.
On the IRS website itself, help is translated into seven languages — Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Korean, Haitian Creole, traditional Chinese and simplified Chinese — while a resource page with more information about federal taxes is available in 21 languages.
Those seeking paid help can sort certified preparers by area and qualifications through the IRS directory.
(From Page 10)
SMC Supervisor David Canepa congratulates ALLICE 2024 officers (seated from le�) vice president Jennifer Jimenez Wong, president Joanne del Rosario and secretary Nellie Hizon as affirmed by author/execu�ve director (seated right) and (standing from le�) clinical director Dr. Jei Africa, Kumare-in-training Chloe Wong, Kumares Edna Murray, Malou Aclan, Nan
Every training prepares the team for their twice yearly major events. This year’s debut workshop will be hosted in the summer by the Town of Colma, del Rosario announced. The event will be among the monthlong activities commemorating the town’s grand centennial.
PNews Today Executive Editor Cherie M. Querol Moreno is founder-executive director of ALLICE,
FILIPINO,
AMERICAN VETERANS HONORED IN FALL OF BATAAN’S 82ND ANNIVERSARY IN SAN FRANCISCO
SAN FRANCISCO, USA – Against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge and amid a damp spring morning, the U.S. veteran and Filipino American communities marked the 82nd anniversary of the Fall of Bataan and the Bataan Death March in a solemn ceremony organized by the Bataan Legacy Historical Society at the San Francisco National Cemetery on 13 April
Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer took part in the commemorative event, where he recognized the 18 Filipino war veterans who were interred at the San Francisco National Cemetery, namely, Major Anastacio Q. Ver; Technician 5th Grade Andy Ramos Andra; 1st Lieutenant Elias Guzman Basa; Steward Petty Officer 1st Class Bernardo Ababao Bitoon; Seaman Sutro Cabanilli; 2nd Lieutenant Pedro Flores Cabiluna; Senior Master Sergeant Leoncio Joseph Javier Cruz; Master Sergeant Isabelo Manois de Vera; Sergeant Vicente Cortez Diala;
Operations Specialist 1st Class Andres Duque Escobar; Sergeant Benito Cabutotan Isla; Sergeant Morris D. Junio; Corporal Pedro Maguddato; Colonel Narciso Manzano; 1st Lieutenant Andro Salvador Marana; Shipfitter 1st Class Elias Mina Riveral; Sergeant Vicente Robillos; and 1st Lieutenant Sid Ortiz Valledor.
ceremony for eight Filipino World War II veterans, represented by their descendants, also took place during the commemorative event. It marked the 105th awarding ceremony held in the U.S., since America’s highest civilian award was conferred on Filipino veterans in a public law signed by then-U.S. President Barack Obama in 2016.
Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer (center) and Acting Mexican Deputy Consul General Vicente Sanchez lead the wreathlaying ceremony in honor of Filipino and American World War II veterans, during the 82nd anniversary commemora� on of the Fall of Bataan and Bataan Death March at the San Francisco Na�onal Cemetery on 13 April 2024. (San Francisco PCG photo)
In his remarks, Consul General Ferrer said: “What transpired in Bataan led to our most important triumph: Filipinos never lost hope, and showed bravery and resilience under the most dire circumstances. The enemy failed to break the indomitable spirit of the fighting Filipino. It is for this reason that the Fall of Bataan anniversary on April 9 is officially celebrated in the Philippines as the Araw ng Kagitingan, the Day of Valor.”
Consul General Ferrer further said that the Philippines-U.S. relations, a legacy left behind by Filipino and American World War II veterans, are “at an all-time high.”
“This was made evident this week in Washington D.C. in the first-ever United States-Philippines-Japan Trilateral Summit, led by President Joe Biden, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The strategic partnership among these three erstwhile rivals is a testament that peace is achievable when like-minded states work hand-in-hand in securing regional stability and economic prosperity for their peoples,” Consul General Ferrer said.
Vice Admiral Andrew J. Tiongson, the Filipino American Commander for the Pacific Area and Defense Force West of the U.S. Coast Guard, delivered the keynote speech, where he highlighted the strategic ties between the Philippine and U.S. Coast Guards.
A U.S. Congressional Gold Medal awarding
Filipino American Community leader Cynthia Bonta, mother of Fil-Am California Attorney General Rob Bonta, took part in the “tolling of the bells,” which paid tribute to all those who perished during the Second World War. Mrs. Bonta survived the massacre of Los Baños, Laguna in February 1945.
Following the “tolling of the bells,” Consul General Ferrer and Acting Mexican Consul General Vicente Sanchez Ventura led a wreathlaying ceremony in honor of Filipino and American World War II veterans. An aerial flyover by the Memorial Squadron, flying past the San Francisco Bay, capped the event.
The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco has been a partner of the Bataan Legacy Historical Society in activities such as the “Remember Bataan” exhibit at the Philippine Center in San Francisco in April 2022, and the 6th Conference on World War II in the Philippines at the University of San Francisco in September 2023.
On 9 April 1942, officials in command of Philippine and American forces in Bataan Peninsula surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Army after three months of valiant resistance to the foreign invaders.
Close to 80,000 Filipino and American fighters then walked mostly on foot along a 70mile route, from Mariveles, Bataan to Camp O’Donnell, Tarlac, in what is now known as
Scenes from the 82nd anniversary commemora�on of the Fall of Bataan and Bataan Death March, organized by the Bataan Legacy Historical Society at the San Francisco Na�onal Cemetery on 13 April 2024. (San Francisco PCG photos)
the Bataan Death March. Almost 20,000 perished due to starvation, disease, abuse, and summary killings. Many consider the Bataan Death March as one of the worst atrocities committed on the Pacific front of the Second World War.
Heart of Hope
The rate of throat cancer in the United States has not declined, compared to most head and neck malignancies. I suspect that the statistics could also be true when extrapolated for other countries, like the Philippines, since most Filipinos are westernized in their lifestyle, habits, and behaviors, etc.
The most logical explanation why cancer of the throat has not diminished has been attributed to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a bug that causes a sexually transmitted disease. HPV is popularly known to cause genital warts and most cancers of the cervix (mouth of the womb). It has only been recently when scientists discovered and identified HPV transmission through oral sex as an etiology of throat cancer.
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston reported that its research team found “the incidence of throat cancer (in the United States) to be stagnant and even rising in some populations, defying a downward trend in other head and neck cancers linked more closely with smoking.”
The American Cancer Society reports that the greatest risk factors in head and neck cancers are smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages, 90% of them either smokers or tobacco-chewers and about 80% of them also imbibed a lot of alcohol. The good news is that a trend analysis in head and neck cancers in the United States shows a decline the past twenty years, trailing a decrease in smoking prevalence, which started in the 1970s, by 10 to 15 years.
Oral sex: throat cancer
The bad news is that oro-pharyngeal cancers (which include the tonsils, base of the tongue and soft palate, and side and back of the throat) have been up in some population in the United States, and probably among people in other parts of the world who practice oral sex, where HPV takes its toll.
Sample of the vaccine referred to is Gardasil, which is genetically engineered, and which blocks infection caused by two of the more than 100 types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), strains 16 and 18. These two sexually transmitted viruses are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers. HPV, in one form or the other, afflicts about 20 million Americans. The other strains of the virus cause painful genital warts, and sometimes, cervical cancers too.
How prevalent is cervical cancer?
In the Philippines, there are about 7190 new cases of cervical cancer each year, with a death rate of about 4088. Annually, more than 13,000 cervical cancer cases are diagnosed in the USA and around 4,250 of them die. However, more alarming than that is the fact that there are between 10,000 to 25,000 women walking around (not seen by physician) who have undiagnosed pre-invasive lesions in their cervix. If diagnosed early, these women could be saved. For every four survivors of breasts cancer, there are less than 3 women who survive cervical cancer, which shows how virulent cervical cancer is.
What causes cervical cancer?
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV, also known as genital herpes virus) accounts for most cervical cancers. At least 50% of sexually active men and women are infected with genital HPV, especially those with multiple partners. There are about 20 million American men and women infected with HPV, many linked with abnormal pap tests, geni-
tal warts and cervical cancer. It is estimated that at least 10,000 new cases of cervical cancers are discovered annually. Between half a million to a million Americans have genital warts, transmitted thru sexual contacts.
Is the cure for cervical cancer?
Better than the cure! A vaccine (Gardasil) that prevents cervical cancer, vulvar and vaginal cancer that was approved by the US-FDA in 2006 was found to be “effective 100%, in the short term, at blocking the cancer and lesions likely to turn to cancer” (like the pre-invasive lesions), according to Gardasil manufacturer, Merck & Co. “To have 100 percent efficacy is something that you have very rarely,” Dr. Eliav Barr, Merck’s head of clinical development for Gardasil, told The Associated Press. The UK’s version of the vaccine is known as Cervarix.
How early should the vaccine be given?
Students in grammar school, middle school and high school should be vaccinated before they become sexually active, because once they catch HPV infection, there is no cure; herpes is for life. This vaccine is a phenomenal breakthrough, and we must take advantage of it to save lives. Both girls and boys should get this cancer-preventing and life-saving vaccine, because both of them could transmit and spread the HP virus. Prophylaxis Gardasil vaccination comprehensively eliminates HPV 16 and 18 associated non-invasive and invasive cervical cancer. The vaccine also cuts down infection with HPV 6 and 11, the causes of 90% of genital warts. Mothers should not get in the way by refusing their sons to get this vital vaccine and save countless lives.
How about throat cancers?
Of the 45,000 head and neck cancers in the US each year, about 10,000 of them are oro-pharyngeal cancers, and tongue cancers among young adults
have also increased. The evident conclusion is that the cause is the HP virus.
“Over the last five years, 35% of the throat cancer patients treated at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center had no history of smoking, and that close to 90% of patients who had never smoked showed evidence of oral infection with HPV,” says Dr. Sturgis on Web MD. The researchers felt that “vaccinating only females against HPV, which is currently the policy in the United States (for 11- to 12- year-old girls, and for women up to age 26 who have not received it), could result in a missed opportunity to prevent throat cancers.” Boys should also be vaccinated to cover all bases.
Mouth, tongue, and other throat cancers could be as grave and deadly as most other forms of cancers. Now, that we have a vaccine to prevent these cancers almost 100 percent, the whole world should take advantage of this vaccine!
I do not know how to put this more seriously, more effectively, and more delicately, but medically speaking, a moratorium on unprotected oral sex is prudent. Oro-pharyngeal malignancies are a miserable cancer and could be fatal.
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer (center) with Vice Admiral Andrew Tiongson (centerright)—the Filipino American Commander for the Pacific Area and Defense Force West of the U.S. Coast Guard, and keynote speaker at the 82nd Fall of Bataan anniversary event at the San Francisco Na�onal Cemetery on 13 April 2024. (San Francisco PCG photo)
PHILIP S. CHUA
Recipe of the Week
Mais at Patola, Sweet Corn and Luffa Vegetable Soup
Ingredients:
4 young corn in a cob
2 medium size patola, peeled, cut crosswise
2 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
1/4 cup fish sauce
salt to taste
cooking oil
Cooking procedure:
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 for a minute. Add in fish sauce and stir cook for another minute. Add 3 to 4 cups of water bring to a boil and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. Add in the corn and continue to simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, add more water as necessary. Add in the vegetables and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, correct saltines if required. Now add in the green chili and cook for another half a minute. Serve with steaming hot rice.
Beat the heat! Visit 4 hidden paradises in Occidental Mindoro this summer
Mindoro island is more than Puerto Galera.
As a province facing the entirety of the West Philippine Sea, Occidental Mindoro is undoubtedly a hub of the country’s finest under-the-radar beaches, scenic underwater spots, and sustainable marine life.
Besides indulging in a delectable halo-halo or booking your next outing in a local resort in the city, why not make your summer special this year by experiencing some of the country’s hidden water paradises yourself? Here are some of the best summer destinations in OksiMin!
Calawagan Mountain Resort
Twice awarded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government as the cleanest inland body of water in the Philippines, the Calawagan River in the municipality of Paluan will greet you with the calming sounds of its refreshing water and breathtaking giant rock formations.
Located at the very foot of the Mount Calavite Wildlife Sanctuary, one can splash around the river’s cold, free-flowing water and dive into the natural swimming pool, surrounded by the beauty of the area’s towering trees and bordering forest.
Before reaching the other side of the river where cottages are situated, you have to cross a hanging bridge that will welcome you to the resort, managed by the local government of Paluan.
Calawagan is described by locals as a stress reliever. It offers tourists the peaceful, relaxing experience they deserve this summer.
The Grand Apo Reef
Also known as the Apo Reef Natural Park, this magnificent wonder of Occidental Mindoro is the largest contiguous coral reef in Asia and the second in the world. It lies around 15 miles to the west of the municipality of Sablayan.
Spanning over 34 kilometers, it is also considered the country’s largest atoll-like reef.
Among the most heavenly havens for scuba divers globally, the Apo Reef is divided by a narrow lagoon home to some 285 marine species and around 500 coral species. You can island-hop its three beautiful pristine islets: Apo, Apo Menor, and Cayos del Bajo.
On Apo Island alone, you can camp, picnic, go on a nature walk, and do birdwatching or stargazing. With its century-old mangrove forest surrounding the shallow lagoon, tourists can experience snorkeling under its crystalline blue water and see various marine life up close.
Locals call its waters a “tropical aquarium” because of the colorful fish, marine mammals, fine corals, and other emblematic species that thrive there. Apo Reef is the perfect destination to get away this summer and appreciate marine life’s unbelievable beauty.
Pandan Island
If you are looking for a calm, turquoise sea and a laid-back atmosphere, then Pandan Island is perfect for you!
Also located in Sablayan, this scenic summer spot is just a 15- to 20-minute boat ride from the municipality’s mainland.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go to the island via the world’s longest island-to-island zipline, the 1.7-kilometer Sablayan Zipline Adventure in Parola Park.
Besides snorkeling and kayaking, the island is also famous for being a sanctuary of sea turtles and for the coral reefs living beneath its waters.
Inasakan White Beach
If you want to avoid going to beaches full of crowds of tourists, some shores are gorgeously untouched, like Inasakan. With its ivory-white sand and serene atmosphere, Inasakan White Beach on the island of Ilin in San Jose provides a soothing hideaway where you can make the most of your summer. The relaxing sounds of waves will greet you in the morning, and its beautiful sunset is the perfect bookend for your day.
Inasakan is considered the best point for divers and snorkelers among all the beaches on Ilin, which you can go to via a boat ride from the San Jose mainland.
