Philippine News Today

EU, 16 NATIONS BACK PHL ON SEA ROW WITH CHINA

US, Japan, others alarmed as Sino ships swarm in PHL Sea

By ALFRED GABOT and CLAIRE MORALES TRUE Editor in Chief and Managing Editor

WASHINGTON/MANILA – The United States has expressed its concern over what it called China’s “coercive and risky operational behavior” in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea, including the Ayungin Shoal within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

HEAD: Prosecution of hate crimes also rising at steady pace

By Gilda P. Balan, Correspondent

SAN FRANCISCO - If hate crimes across California continue to rise at a brisk pace in recent times, especially in the last three years, the prosecution of those who committed those crimes can also be said to have gone up steadily, albeit not nec-

Hate crime survivors backed, air appeal to community, gov’t

CITY OF CARSON -- Survivors of anti-Asian hate crimes recounted their ordeal during a well attended symposium over the weekend at the Veterans Park

By Claire Morales True

DALY CITY/QUEZON

CIT -- O cials of Daly City and Quezon City, the richest city and local government unit in

the Philippines, have signed an agreement renewing the sister city partnership of the two vibrant cities.

By Jun Nucum

in the City of Carson as they renewed their call to stop the hate crimes, especially against Filipino Americans,

More than 100 community members from various organizations and elected local o cials joined the #StopAsianHate forum

MANILA – A steep fall in foreign direct investments (FDIs) as of last April shows that the promised ‘trillions’ of dollars

in new investments as a result of the numerous trips by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is largely a pipe dream.

Italy Navy ship in PHL for drills

Par�cipants o the top sian ate symposium gather at eterans Par in Carson a er the event Photo y i la edia

G E President erdinand arcos r leads the Philip pine rmy cer Candidate Course gradua�on ceremony at the Philippine rmy cers Clu house in ort ndres oni acio aguig City with e ense ecretary Gil erto eodoro arcos vowed to con�nue moderni ing and strengthening the Philippine armed orces in eeping with the needs o the �mes l red rias oey a on P

PHL, US combat jets hold air drills over east of Luzon

CLARK AIR BASE – Filipino and American combat aircraft engaged in a “defensive counter-air” (DCA) exercise over the military training area east of Luzon as part of efforts to enhance interoperability and cohesiveness between the two air forces.

Philippine Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, in a statement Sunday, said the DCA took place last July and is part of the second iteration of the ongoing Cope Thunder exercises between the PAF and the US Pacific Air Forces.

The Cope Thunder exercises started on July and will run until July 21.

The objective of the DCA is to enable coordinated air operations among aircraft of different types, encompassing airspace control, threat identification and engagement, and mutual support,” she added.

Castillo said the PAF deployed four FA-50PH light jet aircraft while the US contributed four A-10 Warthog” tank buster aircraft and F-22 “Raptor” stealth fighters in the exercise.

“The exercise commenced with the aircraft taking off from Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, and conducting simulated DCA operations in the mili-

tary training areas east of Luzon,” she added.

Castillo said the aim of the DCA is for the “participating forces aimed to enhance their interoperability, refine tactical approaches, and bolster their overall effectiveness in countering airborne threats.”

The first iteration of Cope Thunder for this year took place May 1 to 12 and focused on mission planning capabilities and execution of defensive and offensive counter-air operations utilizing fighter and cargo aircraft.

Meanwhile, the ongoing drills consist of subject

matter expert exchanges and field training exercises to be held at several PAF air bases, including Basa Air Base and Clark Air Base in Pampanga, Col. Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Tarlac, Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, and General Santos City.

The original Cope Thunder exercises, which provided regular flight training for US pilots and those of allied nations, were first held in 1976 and continued annually in the Philippines until 1990.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier said his administration’s commitment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) extends beyond the acquisition of modern equipment.

He made this pledge during the graduation ceremony of the 106 graduates of the O cer Candidate Course (OCC) “Gaigmat” Class 58-2023 last July 7.

“Be assured that the government’s dedication to your advancement and welfare goes beyond providing modern equipment alone. We continue to prioritize retooling and retraining to arm you with intellectual fortitude, tactical prowess, and strategic acumen to thrive on the modern battlefield,” Marcos said.

Phivolcs: Be prepared as Mayon unrest intensifies

LEGASPI CITY/QUEZON CITY

–

Mayon Volcano is experiencing increased activity, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to warn those within its endangered zone

to be prepared.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said Mayon Volcano is experiencing increased activity and advised those living within the and 8-kilometer radius to pre-

pare in case the volcano’s pyroclastic density current (PDC) activity worsens.

The government has extended some P150.4 million worth of aid to residents affected by the unrest of the Mayon Volcano which has now entered its fifth week.

The United States, meanwhile, provided nearly P13 million in humanitarian support to communities affected by the continuing unrest of Mayon Volcano, the US Embassy in Manila said Monday.

Meanwhile, the NDRRMC said that the affected population is placed at 9,867 families which is equivalent to 38,376 individuals.

Of this number, 5,360 families or 18,710 persons are being aided in 26 evacuation centers while 408 others or 1,431 are being helped outside.

Phivolcs said that since p.m. of July 9, a total of 33 PDCs, or fast-moving mixtures of volcanic gases, ash, and rock fragments, have been generated by dome collapse from Mayon Volcano’s summit crater and the collapsing front and margins of the advancing lava flows on the upper to middle slopes.

“In this case, the 33 PDCs were generated when the lava dome on the volcano’s summit collapsed, and also from the lava flows as these lava flows moved downward,” Bacolcol said.

The PDCs traveled for about one to four minutes down the Mi-isi and Bonga Gullies within 3.3 kilometers of the crater, according to Phivolcs.

Phivolcs added satellite monitors detected a pronounced increase in sulfur dioxide (S02) emission on uly 9, whereas SO2 emission measured by campaign survey averaged 943 tonnes on the same day.

“These measurements are still relatively low compared to the amount of S02 released by Mayon during previous eruptions, which ranged from 3,000 to 7,000 tonnes per day,” Bacolcol said, adding that the figure is still just a little above the background level.

Phivolcs also noted that the measured volcanic gas flux has only been slightly above background for the past three days and remain much lower than the typical ranges of eruption gas flux from Mayon Volcano.

A total of 109 weak low-frequency volcanic earthquakes have been recorded since a.m. Monday, but seismic energy release has been sustained at generally the same level since June 15, Phivolcs said.

Bacolcol earlier said that even if the earthquakes would increase in number but are weak, that would still mean the volcano’s alert level would be maintained.

The volcano is still on Alert Level due to an increased tendency towards hazardous eruption.

The Phivolcs chief reiterated that the 6 km.-radius permanent danger zone should remain evacuated.

Aviation authorities, meanwhile, are urged to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from eruptions can be hazardous to aircraft.

PHL Covid-19 positivity rate down to 6.4% as of July 7

MANILA – The country’s positivity rate, or the number of people testing positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), has decreased to 6.4 percent as of July 7, from 7.2 percent as of June 30.

“The Department of Health (DOH) reported 397 new cases, zero deaths, 531 recoveries. About 65 of the new cases are from the National Capital Region (NCR), projecting 300 to 400 new cases the next day (July 8),” OCTA Research Group fellow Dr. Guido David said

To date, the country’s overall tally of Covid-19 infections has reached 4,167,259 with 6,637 active cases.

The total number of Covid-19 deaths stands at 66,484.

The DOH’s latest bio-surveillance report showed 1,468 samples were sequenced on June 26-29 by the Philippine Genome Center.

It disclosed that 85 percent of cases were XBB types.

“The most dominant was XBB 1.9.1 at 25 percent but XBB 2.3 or Acrux increased to 22 percent while XBB 1.16 or Arcturus was at 15 percent,” David said. “Moreover, 227 of the cases were from the NCR and 78 percent of them were XBB types.

Smooth Home buying and selling experience

We know Rajeev and Monica for almost 10 years now. Ever since we have known them, they have always been our best advisors and well-wishers. We bought 3 homes through them, sold a home and now bought our dream home in 2018 with them. They have been a blessing to our family and we wish we met them sooner.

Lyn and can’t thank you enough how much smooth the process selling our home. You guys were there guiding us rom eginning un�l the end ou answered every ues�ons and explained every part of the process clearly and

thoroughly t was our rst �me selling a property and you made this experience painless and stress free! The house was sold approximately less than a month and a ove lis�ng price ith that said than you rom the o om o our hearts o words can express how much we appreciate you guys help nding this perfect house! Thank you very much from the o om o our heart e have already recommended them to all our friends and family.

--- Al Lyn Relojo

New Metro Manila police chief assumes post

BAGONG BICUTAN, Taguig City

– Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. called on police o cers in Metro Manila to enhance ties with the community as he finally took over as the new chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) last week.

Nartatez replaced Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, who was designated as the new chief of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR), in turnover rites presided by PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. at the NCRPO headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

“We are mandated of course how can you reach out to the community. Our PNP chief said we must enhance community engagement. How do we communicate? Whom do our people call? Because if the people can’t contact us, they will call the enemy,” Nartatez said.

He said police o cers are the first contact persons of residents in the region as this is the case in far-flung areas where government services are not readily available.

The new Metro Manila top cop will also continue his predecessor’s plans to intensify programs such as the “Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay” so that the community can see, feel and appreciate police o cers through maximum deployment to areas where police assistance is most needed.

“I want to remind station commanders and chiefs of police, in case they do not have contact numbers of o cials of the community. don’t like them just staying inside their air-conditioned offices. How will they be able to engage with that? The instruction is to fully engage the community and that is one of the projects of our outgoing regional di-

rector,” Nartatez explained.

Nartatez also said he would review, revisit and redraft police o ce operations, particularly procedures and activities to secure President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24.

“We have our security plans for that and the security plans, taun-taon meron ini-implement natin, we should take a look at it, redraft, i-improve natin every after operation whether actual tactical operations or simple security operations hindi pa namin ma-improve 2023 na ngayon. Since 1992 andaming magagaling na mga opisyal or police operations na nag-draft ng mga operational plans na ito and citing the incidents last year and the previous years, na-improve na yan and of course it is a continuing improvement of course (We have our security plans for that and the security plans that

we implement yearly, we should take a look at it, redraft, we will improve every after operation whether actual tactical operations or simple security operations we have not been able to improve its 2023 now. Since 1992 there are good police o cers or police operations who have drafted operational plans and citing the incidents last year and the previous years, that has been improved and of course, it is a continuous improvement of course),” said Nartatez

Nartatez belongs to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA)’s Tanglaw Diwa Class of 1992.

Before he was appointed as NCRPO chief, he was the PNP’s director for intelligence. He also served as director for comptrollership and once was named director of the Police Regional O ce 4A which covers the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

CBCP raises Quiapo Church to national shrine status

MANILA -- Quiapo Church is now the National Shrine of the Black Nazarene with the blessing of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

The CBCP announced it has elevated the church canonically known as the Saint John the Baptist Parish from its archdiocesan shrine status during the bishops’

126th plenary assembly in Kalibo, Aklan.

“For many years, the home of the centuries-old and revered image of the Black Nazarene has served as a prominent landmark for pilgrims from all corners of the country,” the CBCP said in a statement.

Located in the heart of Manila, Quiapo Church has become a place of wor-

ship for Filipinos since the “traslacion” or movement of the image from Intramuros to Quiapo began in 1787, according to the CBCP.

“What was once a parochial feast held every January has also now extended its reach and is celebrated by devotees in various parts of the country and even

abroad,” the CBCP added.

On May 10, Quiapo Church received its archdiocesan shrine status.

In 1987, Pope John Paul II granted its recognition as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene for its cultural impact on the religious practices of Filipinos.

Caloocan bishop reelected CBCP president

MANILA – Bishop Pablo Virgilio David was reelected as the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) over the weekend.

The 64-year-old Caloocan prelate was given a fresh twoyear mandate to head the permanent organizational assembly of the Catholic bishops in the country during its 126th plenary assembly at the Marzon Hotel in Kalibo, Aklan.

Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, 60, was also reelected as vice president.

About 80 bishops are currently gathered for the three-day assembly from July to 10.

The two were first elected to their respective posts in July 2021 during an online plenary assembly, the first in CBCP’s history.

The online gathering was held at the height of the pandemic.

The Conference is currently composed of 87 active bishops, three diocesan administrators, and 43 honorary members, who are retired bishops.

Aside from the election of new ocials, the gathering will also discuss pastoral statements and the revision of liturgical rites.

The approval of items discussed requires either a simple majority or a vote of two-thirds of the member bishops to be approved as provided by their Statutes.

Only active bishops are eligible to vote on particular items. Retired bishops are welcome to attend the assemblies and participate in discussions, but are not entitled to vote.

The plenary assembly is held every January and July. The deliberations and decisions of the Conference are undertaken by its Permanent Council.

Bishop Pablo Virgilio David

Bacolod City sees ‘golden age of infrastructure’

BACOLOD CITY – Multibillion investments from the country’s top property developers as well as the construction of major road projects are seen to usher in the “golden age of infrastructure” in this city on its way to full recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

These developments were highlighted by Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez as he delivered his State of the City Address to mark his first year in o ce at the Bacolod Government Center grounds last week.

“We may be seeing a golden age of construction in Bacolod City,” Benitez said before the members of the City Council headed by Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, local chief executives of Negros Occidental led by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, and representatives from various sectors, PNA’s Nanette Guadalquiver reported.

He noted that from July 2022 to June 2023 alone, applications for locational clearance covered a total of 94 hectares, with an estimated aggregate cost of P2.7 billion.

Of which, 80 hectares comprise the Megaworld’s The Upper East, Rockwell Center Bacolod, and SM Development Corp. along the Bredco port at the Reclamation Area.

Benitez said the city government is also planning the development of the old Bacolod Airport, after it has been authorized by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to utilize the government portion of the property and has received a proposal for a joint development program from property giant SM Prime Holdings Inc.

“These will be growth centers, new business districts that will catalyze job creation and open up new streams of in-

Carmona is 8th city of Cavite

CARMONA, Cavite - The first class municipality of Carmona in Cavite will now be known as the City of Carmona, becoming the eighth city of the province.

This after registered voters of Carmona voted to approve the conversion of the town to a city via the plebiscite held by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) last Saturday, July 8.

Based on the Certificate of Canvass (COC) issued by the Municipal Plebiscite

Board of Canvassers (MPBOC), 30,363 residents voted “yes.” The town has a population of over 100,000.

Only 1,016 residents voted “no” to the conversion of Carmona, which is headed by Mayor Dahlia Loyola.

Carmona thus joins other Cavite cities, namely, Bacoor, Imus, Dasmarinas, Tagaytay, Trece Martires, Gen. Trias and Cavite City.

come for the city,” he added.

Benitez said the old Airport Access Road will soon be opened to benefit not only the residents of Barangays Singcang-Airport and Tangub and also the rest of the people of Bacolod.

He added they are also looking at revitalizing the Banago Port area in the north through the Bacolod-Victorias Coastal Road.

“It will start in Banago Port and stretch for 41.44 kilometers up to Vic-

torias City. This will decongest the Bacolod North Road and mitigate flooding in our coastal barangays,” the mayor said.

Emphasizing that infrastructure is crucial to the development of Bacolod, Benitez said the city government is processing a P4.4-billion loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines to finance the “golden age of infrastructure” in Bacolod and pump-prime the local economy.

Drastic...

(From page 1)

Worse than that, large investors may now be balking at placing their funds in the Philippines because it may end up as part of the contentious Maharlika Investment Fund that was recently passed by Congress in such a hurry that Senate minority head Koko Pimentel said it may be full of legal infirmities.

Government data shows that FDIs for the year to date totaled US$2.9 billion, which is 18 percent lower than the US$3.6 billion posted for the same period last year.

Such a severe drop should be taken as a stern warning against the Maharlika Investment Fund as well as the Marcos administration’s investment-driven jobs and growth strategy, according to Gabriela Party-list (AKA Gabriela Women’s Party).

Rep. Arlene Brosas said, “The 18 percent year-to-date drop in FDI exposes the bleak prospects of a supposed investment fund, despite efforts by the Marcos r. administration to sell Maharlika in international investment summits.”

Continuing in the vernacular, Brosas said the administration was misleading investors with “excessively high return on investments” being peddled by its economic managers.

One of the reasons cited by Malacanang in the president’s frequent trips abroad was to meet up with big investors. With each trip, the Palace crows about the supposed billions in “pledges” by investors.

By now, if those pledges were real, the

total of expected new investments would be in the trillions of pesos, if not dollars. But thus far, no massive investments have come in, and the administration has taken to seeking loans from various lenders to keep the government operating.

The Gabriela lawmaker dismissed the Maharlika fund as a humungous gamble of the taxpayers’ money, moreso now that the global financial markets are in bad shape.

Economic experts have also pointed out that other countries with successful sovereign investment funds depend on their excess or surplus earnings, something that the Philippines does not have, nor has ever had in recent times.

Worst of all, the controversial fund “will be solely controlled by the president’s appointees,” according to Brosas. This raises the fear that the fund could be a milking cow for the president’s cronies.

Marcos Jr. is expected to announce the Maharlika Investment Fund as one of the biggest achievements of his administration when he delivers his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the end of the month.

Critics, however, recall that while the bill creating the fund suddenly became a priority measure, it was not even mentioned in Marcos’s first SONA last year.

Pimentel questioned how the bill had been passed in its final form without sucient hearings in the Senate. To this, Senate President Migz Zubiri said that there had in fact been a series of meetings over Zoom.

Oppositors have said that they will challenge the legality of the bill creating the Maharlika Investment Fund before the Supreme Court.

Judge handling De Lima’s last drug case inhibits

MUNTINLUPA CITY – The Muntinlupa regional trial court judge tasked to handle the third drug case against former senator Leila de Lima also inhibited himself from hearing the case a day after state prosecutors questioned his impartiality.

Judge Abraham Joseph B. Alcantara of Muntinlupa RTC Branch said he will “exercise prudent discretion and voluntarily desist from hearing the case not because the prosecution’s assertion is true but to put to rest any questions against his credibility, integrity and fairness.”

State prosecutors have earlier asked Alcantara to inhibit himself from hearing the case “to erase any doubt of impartiality” and “to maintain and preserve the trust and faith of the party-litigants.”

Alcantara has previously acquitted De Lima in her second drug case.

“Having adversely decided against the people in the previous Criminal Case No. 17-165, the undersigned Panel of Prosecutors cannot help but be apprehensive that the Honorable Presiding Judge will carry over his perceptions to the instant case,” the state prosecutors said.

“Thus, to erase any doubt as to the impartiality of the Honorable Presiding Judge as well as to remove any impression that he will similarly decide on the instant case in favor of the accused, the prosecution most respectfully moves that

Comelec pushes internet voting for overseas Pinoys

y eanne ichael Penaranda

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is determined to push through internet voting for overseas Filipinos to ease the conduct of elections and increase voter turnout.

Comelec o cials a rmed its plan as it demonstrated internet voting with eight multinational service providers in preparation for the May national and local elections.

around P417 million just to ensure that 600,000 voters would be able to cast their votes.

“Per capita, that would be about P400 per voter, (that’s) too expensive considering that we only have a 39-percent voter turnout. That’s the reason why the Comelec is now thinking outside the box,” he added.

the Honorable Presiding Judge voluntarily inhibit himself from hearing the instant case,” they added.

De Lima’s third drug case was previously assigned to the Muntinlupa RTC Branch 256 but the judge there, Romeo Buenaventura, voluntary inhibited himself upon the motion of the co-accused in the case -- former Bureau of Corrections chief Jesus B. Bucayu and De Lima’s erstwhile bodyguards Ronnie Dayan and Joenel Sanchez.

Buenaventura’s recusal in the case was sought by the accused after the magistrate turned down De Lima’s temporary release on bail.

In a media briefing, ustice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said state prosecutors will continue to have a free hand on how to handle the remaining case against De Lima which involved allegations that she tolerated illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison when she was secretary of justice and had jurisdiction over the Bureau of Corrections.

“We cannot direct them one way or the other kasi (because) that direction was set already before. So, it’s their own volition that they are doing this. We have to respect it as part of institutional continuity. It can work, it may not work. That’s how lawyers think. We just respect the process right now,” Remulla said.

Under the law, overseas Filipinos are allowed to vote for President, Vice President, Senators and a party-list representative in the absentee voting which was authorized in 2003, but drew only a measly percent of voters due to various issues such as distance of polling places apart from going absent in work or school just to be able to vote.

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said it is high time to take advantage of the technological advancements to explore the country’s options for automated voting.

“We should now venture (into) the other modes of voting. And therefore during the en banc session, the en banc adopted a policy to proceed the internet voting, and we interpreted the provision of the law, authorizing the Commission on Elections to venture (into) other modes of voting such as internet voting,” he said.

Garcia recalled that just for the polls, the Philippines spent

In a separate statement, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the poll body is mandated to “study and explore the use of the internet to cast votes for overseas Filipino voters,” pursuant to Republic Act 9189 or the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of

The demonstration included the presentation of eight multinational internet voting solutions providers, namely, Miru, Smartmatic, Dermalog, Indra, ECorp, Tambuli Labs, Voatz and Thales.

The Comelec Advisory Council, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Science and Technology, and some representatives from the IT community in the country also joined the demonstration.

E E G he Commission on Elec�ons Comelec conducts the internet vo�ng demonstra�on or overseas ili pinos on uly with eight mul�na�onal internet vo�ng solu �ons providers

E Philippine ews oday editor in chie l red Ga ot right was honored y the Pu lishers ssocia�on o the Philippines nc P P which Ga ot served as execu�ve director or years ith him at the event are P P chairman emeritus ohnny ayang and roadcaster ey angit

taly rin s avy ship to P eyes ore presence in ndo Pacific

very important area,” he said in a press conference aboard the vessel.

Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Marco Clemente said the deployment also aligns with the 2016 Arbitral Ruling in emphasizing the importance of adhering to the international law of the sea.

The arbitral tribunal adjudicating the Philippines’ case against China in the South China Sea ruled overwhelmingly on uly 12, 2016 in favor of the Philippines, determining that major elements of China’s claim -- including its nine-dash line, recent land reclamation activities, and other activities in Philippine waters -- were unlawful.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella conveyed on une 15 Italy’s intention to pursue defense cooperation with Manila, particularly on the procurement of defense equipment.

Italy’s Defense Attach Maurizio Pitton had also discussed future collaborations with the Philippine Navy about the new concept and new generation patrol vessels that could help the Philippines’ ongoing modernization efforts.

In the same presser, Clemente disclosed that the two governments are working to finalize a memorandum to improve military industry relations.

He declined to provide details but said the agreement would serve as the base of the future” Philippine-Italy defense cooperation.

MANILA

The Italian Navy offshore patrol vessel Francesco Morosini docked in Manila on Saturday for a four-day goodwill visit, signaling Italy’s growing interest in the strategic region.

Rear Admiral Fabio Gregori, chief of staff of the Italian Navy Fleet, said the visit is meant to develop defense and security ties and strengthen cooperation with the Philippines as Rome seeks an increased presence in the Indo-Pacific, including the South China Sea.

Routinely, we plan to deploy ships into the IndoPacific to strengthen the ties with the Navies in this

The Francesco Morosini will be in the country until uly 11 as part of a five-month naval campaign to promote naval diplomacy, along with freedom of navigation, respect for the international law of the sea and a safe and inclusive Indo-Pacific.”

At the end of the visit, it will hold a joint passing exercise (PASSE ) with the Philippine Navy, which Clemente sees would open up more opportunities for future Philippine-Italy maritime cooperation.

I wouldn’t be shy in using the word game changer about this visit. The presence of Morosini can make a difference for the future of our bilateral relations,” he said.

We have a lot to offer and I’m glad to say that the Philippines, they have a lot (to) ask, they’re very interested in our technology,” he said.

This is the first time the Francesco Morosini made a port call in Manila, which also coincides with the 76th anniversary of Philippine-Italian ties on uly 9.

The second ship of the Italian Navy’s multipurpose offshore patrol vessel class, the Francesco Morosini can perform both civil protection activities and military tasks, including patrol, logistics, transport, and surface combat.

Remulla undergoes heart bypass, won’t resign, returns to work

Jeanne Michael Penaranda

MANILA After an absence for more than two weeks, ustice secretary esus Crispin Remulla returned to his usual work at the Department of ustice (DO ) days after he underwent elective bypass heart surgery.

In a press briefing at the DO , Remulla disclosed that he had undergone a seven-hour procedure to clear blockages in his heart upon the advice of his doctors.

At the same time, Remulla said his resignation is not on the table.”

Never. I serve at the pleasure of President Marcos. I will continue to discharge my function as long as the President believes in my capability to lead the department,” he said.

Remulla said doctors discovered he had blockages in his heart during his annual checkup last month.

I am back to work but I have to be careful. I will be meeting the (DO ) leadership lahat ng usec, asec (all the undersecretaries and assistant secretaries), para sa instructions at para magkaron ng direction (for instructions and to provide direction),” he said.

The DO chief said he could not go to his office every day as he still needs to regain his full strength.

Remulla said he has spoken with President Marcos, who expressed support for his decision to undergo a heart bypass.

The DO chief said that though he may not be physically present for a few days at a time, he will be talking

to them often.

Remulla said his medical condition would not affect the operations of the DO as he can still lead the agency through video conferencing. He started his wellness leave on une 26.

I have to play it by ear kasi hindi pwedeng ipilit na bumalik agad sa (because I cannot force to immediately go back to) normal. It’s better that I regain my full strength first,” he said.

Remulla also disclosed that he is in constant contact

Leyte 4th district has P5.77 B for infra projects for Ormoc, 6 towns - Gomez

TACLOBAN CIT In a bid to connect more rural communities to national highways, the fourth district of Leyte province has increased its infrastructure allocation this year to over P5 billion from last year’s P2.68 billion.

Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez said the P5.77 billion total infrastructure budget for this year in the district will fund 106 projects, 10 of which had been completed.

Seventy projects are ongoing and 24 have yet to start, he said as PNA’s Sarwell Meniano reported The projects include access roads, bridges, flood control structures, water systems, multi-purpose buildings, drainage systems, road widening, bridge expansion, and maintenance of roads and bridges.

The budget for each congressman is just minimal. We must find ways to finance our needed projects in the district,” he said, adding that hard work and constant communication with key o cials of different government agencies and the senators were factors why the budget has been granted to the district.

Gomez said Ormoc City and the six towns in the congressional district Albuera, Kananga, Matag-ob, Palompon, Merida, and Isabel -- got allocations for infrastructure development.

The actor-turned-legislator released the report after some of his political opponents shared on social media that he failed to lobby for funds for the development of the district.

with President Ferdinand R. Marcos r. in connection with the pending matters at the DO .

We have spoken. We have exchanged text message also and sabi nya unahin ko na ito, at unahin ko na yung pagpapagaling at pagpapalakas para matuluy tuloy yung trabahong inilaan para sa departamento sa aking liderato (and he said that I prioritize the operation and my recovery in order to continue the job entrusted to me at the department under my leadership),” he said.

He is very happy that I made a decision to go through with the procedure and to come out of it very well. I thank the President for the trust and confidence given to me,” Remulla said.

Italian Navy ship Francesco Morosini at Manila South Harbor

us�ce ecretary esus Crispin emulla

Hate Crime...

(From page 1)

by way of expressing support to the victims and the campaign against anti-Asian hate crimes.

Among the survivors of anti-Asian hate crime who spoke at the symposium were Nerissa Roque, Gabriel Roque, Nicanor Arriola, and Julienne Ochengco.

The victims shared their personal accounts of what happened to them and the aftermath that affects them up to now aside from sharing their frustrations with several governmental bodies for unfair treatment or lack of support, and their gratitude for the overwhelming support that they have received from the community.

They were joined in the forum by representatives of Kabataan Alliance, the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), and Migrante Los Angeles and supporters in the community most of whom were there and kept the survivors going since the start of their struggle for justice.

Attacked in a drive-thru in the San Fernando Valley over a year ago, the Roque family continues to seek justice with widespread community support while Nicanor Arriola, a photojournalist who had been covering the Roque case, and his wife Julienne Ochengo were also brutally attacked in Sacramento in February.

Gabriel Roque, 63, survivor of anti-Asian

HEAD...

(From page 1)

essarily at the same rate.

The 2022 annual hate crime report for the State of California stated that in the last 10 years hate crime events have risen by 145.7 percent (see last week’s issue).

The prosecution of those crimes, however, does not follow the same trajectory. The data from the latest period shows why.

For better or for worse, the number of hate crimes referred for prosecution “increased 5.9 percent from 611 in 2021 to 647 in 2022, according to the report.

Of that 647 incidents referred for prosecution, 456 cases were filed by district attorneys and elected city attorneys for prosecution. And of this lesser number, 282 were filed as hate crimes while 174 were filed as non-bias motivated crimes.” In other words, they were seemingly downgraded, possibly because hate crimes being federal in nature are harder to prove. This does not mean that no crime was committed, only that what seemed to be hate crimes are ac-

hate attack at a drive thru of a popular burger store in Hollywood and patriarch of the Roque family, shared his dismay with the court’s decision to drop the hate crime charge.

“I went there hoping that the court would shed more light to what happened to us, and more or less, support our allegations that what happened was true,” revealed Gabriel. “The lawyers said that my injuries were not caused by (suspect Nicholas) Webber but (more because) instead of getting the truth out, the truth was twisted; therefore, justice was not served.”

For her part, Gabriel’s wife Nerissa turned her frustrations on the California Victim Services and Philippine consulate.

“It has been a year since we have been asking for help, and we still have not gotten it,” rued Nerissa on her discontent with poor services from the U.S. and Philippine government.

President of the Asian American Press Club Nicanor Arriola described his and his wife Julienne’s experience during their recovery following the attack.

“It was hard to stand up from the bed, with six broken ribs, and lots of abrasions and bruises. It was hard for me; especially for Julienne, who had di culty walking around the house due to her injuries,” Arriola said. “Julienne would often cry out of fear, worried that our assailants would find our home and attack us once again.”

The lack of support and resources for vic-

tually considered as ordinary crimes or misdemeanors, as the case may be.

Only 122 cases with a disposition were available for the report, and the results show that the wheels of justice are turning, albeit not always perfectly.

Of this number, 43.4 percent or 53 cases resulted in hate crime convictions; 45.9 percent or 56 cases were for other non-hate crime convictions; and 10.7 percent of 13 were not convicted.

There is a reason why DAs and city attorneys may hesitate to file some crimes as hate crimes, instead of ordinary ones. The percentage of complaints filed compared to actual convictions is considered low.

For the past 10-year period from 2013 to 2022, there was no dramatic increase in the number of cases filed. The number of convictions is, therefore, also proportionately low.

For the first year on record, or in 2013, there were 196 cases filed, resulting in 144 convictions. This means that more than half of the cases filed resulted in the accused being convicted.

Although there were fluctuations in the years

tims, often faced with the daunting task of navigating complicated systems to receive help on their own, was tackled by the panelists.

Somehow, grassroots community efforts from across California stepped in to provide the needed support for the Roques and the Arriola-Ochengo families who were asked and, in turn, told of their many ways to work together and address the issues mentioned.

Ochengco, who was with husband Arrriola in the attack in Sacramento, expressed gratitude to supporters of their case and campaign and with a great sense of hope and gratitude, addressed everyone that through the forum, she is sure it would help us fight for the justice that we long for.”

“And also for the other victims, not only of hate crimes but of other crimes that we are yet to be aware of. Through your presence, we can help them and also build our community. I’m sure we can be successful through this solidarity,” Ochengco said.

On the history of Filipino migration and the myriad issues that plague Filipino immigrants and migrants, Migrante Los Angeles’s Cathy Miraballes reminded that “we have Kababayans (fellow Filipino Americans) who work double and triple jobs, sacrificing themselves, and leaving their children and parents behind because of the lack of opportunity to find a job and earn a decent living.”

“Health and education are some of the basic services that our government should provide to

that followed, specifically from 2014 to 2017, more than half of those charged were convicted. In ctproportion was 173 to 96, and in 2017 it was 195 charged with 113 convicted.

Then for the next five years starting in 2018, there was a sharp fall in the number of convictions compared to the number charged.

The year 2019 was especially bad with only 82 of the 200 charged being convicted, or a lowly 41 percent batting average.

There was little improvement in the years that followed, with only 95 convictions out of 219 charged in 2020, followed by 109 convicted out of 285 charged in 2021, then 109 convicted out of 282 charged last year.

It is worth noting that the conviction rate of less than 50 percent started just before the global coronavirus pandemic, and remained the same in the three years that followed. It was in those three years when hate crimes, especially against Asians and Asian-Americans rose dramatically.

The report points out that “there is no direct relationship between ‘complaints filed’ and ‘convictions’ since a case may be filed in one

The signing was followed by a Mile Marker Ceremony the following day on Tuesday, July 11, at p.m. at the City Hall Main Parking Lot Entrance (333 90th Street, Daly City).

O cials of the two cities hailed the renewal of their sister city agreement which they said is expected to boost their partnership.

“We have long known that the key to economic and cultural growth is the support of our diverse communities,” Mayor Buenaventura said.

We continue the effort to keep Filipino Americans engaged in our community through the celebration of our culture and connections to the Philippines, and we welcome the delegation to our city,” he said.

“Daly City continues to share the importance of Filipino civic involvement for the progression of our communities and cultures,” Mayor Buenaventura added.

In a statement, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said the renewal of the partnership is a rea rmation of two cities’ commitment to foster cultural, economic, and educational exchanges.

“We are deeply honored to renew this Sister City Agreement between Daly City and Quezon City,” Belmonte said.

everybody. But now it has become a privilege to those who can only afford it,” she stressed.

Mirabelles pointed out the worsening conditions for Filipino migrants today aside from being subjected to anti-Asian hate with little or no assistance from the Philippine government.

Rozlind Silva, a regional coordinator of the national Filipino youth organization Kabataan Alliance, urged young people to take action.

“We see how little support there is from people who are supposed to be helping us–people who we elect, people who are supposed to be providing a safe space for Filipino migrants. They have shown up very little or have gaps in the way they have shown support for the families. It’s really us as the Filipino youth. We need to step in, we need to protect our own,.” Silva said.

Karen Roxas, Vice President of NAFCON, urged support for a “Justice and Accountability Campaign” that she said aims to “go beyond the crime statistics and individual stories through comprehensive systematic reform, including speedy response to send aid to victims, reallocation of funds towards communitybased approaches rather than law enforcement, and effective rehabilitation and education for those who have caused harm to the victims.”

In partnership with the Filipino Migrant Center, NAFCON launched an emergency services fund for low-income migrant Filipinos in Southern California.

year and the outcome (trial or pleading) may occur in another year.

The 2022 Hate Crime in California report also states that “it is not possible to relate the number of hate crimes reported by law enforcement agencies to the number of hate crimes prosecuted by district attorneys and city attorneys.”

First of all, crimes often occur in different reporting years than their subsequent prosecutions.

More importantly, the number of crimes reported by law enforcement “is much higher than those calling for prosecutorial action since the latter requires an arrested defendant who can be prosecuted in a court of law.”

In the end, minimizing if not outright eradicating hate crimes cannot be done overnight, as the problem is a complex one. For now, law enforcement remains the wall that separates the hatemongers from the innocent public whom they would victimize.

Progress against hate crimes may be slow, but it is better than no progress at all.

“We look forward to continue strengthening this fruitful partnership and collaboration which highlights our shared values and aspirations,” said Belmonte whose administration scored the highest revenues in the history of the city which is also the highest by any local government unit in the Philippines.

“Together, we will promote our rich cultures and shared heritage, and cooperate towards economic and social development,” Belmonte added.

The two cities first forged their relationship on August 8, 1994 “to foster an awareness of Filipino culture, to encourage the integration of Filipino residents of Daly City into the civic life of the City, and to encourage trade and commerce.”

Daly City Vice Mayor Juslyn Manalo said the sister city partnership is a unique opportunity to bridge the shared cultures within the two Filipino communities beyond the United States.

“I am proud to continue this tradition of global partnership for the prosperity of both cities, highlight civic opportunities, celebrate generations of Filipino culture in Daly City, and recognize the presence of Filipino culture across countries,” she added.

The signing of the agreement and presentation of the key to the city took place on July

10 (US time) at the Daly City Hall Council Chamber attended by Mayor Raymond Buenaventura and Vice Mayor Juslin Manalo, both Filipino Americans, and uezon City o cials.

EU...

(From page 1)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III aired his concern on China’s aggressiveness in a call from Washington DC to the Philippines’ Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. as he renewed assurances of support to the Philippines.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., meanwhile, said modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue “to address the present dangers” that the Philippines is facing.

At a Philippine Army graduation ceremony in Fort Bonifacio, Marcos disclosed that the government is “coming to the end of the first phase” of the AFP modernization program, which comprises several stages.

Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US Department of State, in a statement marking the seventh anniversary of the arbitration ruling that upheld the Philippines’ EEZ over China’s claims in the South China Sea, said the US also urged China to “halt its disruption to states’ sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage natural resources; and end its interference with the freedoms of navigation and overflight of states lawfully operating in the region.”

The United States rea rms its uly 13, 2020, policy regarding maritime claims in the South China Sea,” Miller said. “We continue to urge Beijing to comport its maritime claims with international law as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention; cease its routine harassment of claimant state vessels lawfully operating in their respective exclusive economic zones; halt its disruption to states’ sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage natural resources; and end its interference with the freedoms of navigation and overflight of states lawfully operating in the region,” he said.

“We will continue working with allies and partners to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific, one that is at peace and grounded in respect for international law,” Miller added.

The European Union (EU) and its 16 member states, meanwhile, renewed support to the arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims over South China Sea, describing it in a statement as “legally binding upon the parties and is useful to resolve disputes between the parties.”

US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson, in a separate statement, described China’s behavior as “irresponsible” and threatens the security and legal rights of the Philippines.

“We call on the PRC to comply with international law, including implementing the legally binding 2016 award in the Philippines v. China Law of the Sea Convention arbitration as a starting point to achieve a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Carlson said.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu, at the same time, Australia is rea rming its support to the arbitral ruling.

British Ambassador Laure Beaufils said what happens in the South China Sea also matters to the UK as freedom of navigation and overflight are essential to its security and prosperity and a corner-

stone of international maritime law.

Indian Ambassador Shambu Kumaran said all countries have an obligation to respect international law and that the ruling of the arbitral tribunal on the case against China by the Philippines must be respected.

This as the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (Wescom) expressed alarm as two Chinese Navy warships, a number of Chinese Coast Guard vessels and 48 Chinese fishing vessels (CFVs) have been spotted swarming the Sabina Shoal and Iroquois Reef, which is located south of the oil and gas-rich Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).”

United Kingdom, France, Italy and Japan, meanwhile, expressed support to the Philippines on its row with China in West Philippine Sea and South China Sea.

At the same time, the European Union and more than a dozen other countries have renewed support for the 2016 Arbitral Ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea and supported the Philippines.

The EU Delegation in Manila and several countries issued a statement issued on July 11, the eve of the decision’s seventh anniversary, encouraging parties to see the decision as a potential basis for peaceful dispute resolution on the sea lane.

Joining the EU Delegation were the embassies of Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Romania, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden.

“The Award of the Arbitral Tribunal is a signifi cant milestone, which is legally binding upon the parties to those proceedings, and a useful basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties,” the group of nations stated.

“The EU reiterates the fundamental importance of upholding the freedoms, rights and duties established in UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), in particular the freedoms of navigation and overfl ight,” it added.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) issued its decision on July 12, 2016 and ruled that China’s claim of historic rights to resources within its so-called nine-dash line had no basis in law.

The decision, which upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), serves as the “twin anchors” of the Philippines’ policy and actions over the West Philippine Sea, the parts of the South China Sea that are included in the Philippines’ EEZ which is 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) from its nearest baseline based on the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Seas (UNCLOS).

The Philippine Coast Guard vowed to intensify patrols in the West Philippine Sea to “drive away” suspected Chinese maritime militia vessels spotted within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Secretary Austin III reiterated Washington D.C.’s commitment to the defense of the Philippines in the vital sea lane.

“Secretary Austin noted with concern the PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) recent coercive and risky operational behavior directed against Philippine vessels operating safely and lawfully in the South China Sea, including around Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin),” the Pentagon said in a readout.

Austin, it said, highlighted the United States’ “ironclad alliance commitment with the Philippines and reiterated that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces—to include those of its Coast Guard in the Pacific, including anywhere in the South China Sea.”

Other developments:

1. Japan’s Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa said: “Japan strongly hopes that the parties’ compliance with the award will lead to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.” Hayashi renewed Tokyo’s objections to maritime claims in the waters that are inconsistent with UNCLOS and “remains concerned about the current situation.”

2. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said substantial gains in internal security operations (ISO) against the New People’s Army (NPA) and other local terrorist groups have allowed it to increase its presence to 90 percent in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea.

The Japanese Embassy in Manila earlier expressed concern over China’s “dangerous behavior” in the South China Sea, days after the Chinese Coast

Guard (CCG) blocked Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels en route to Ayungin Shoal.

“[C]hina’s unilateral actions such as repeated intrusions into Japan’s waters around the Senkaku Islands in the ECS (East China Sea), China’s dangerous behavior in the South China Sea in defiance of the 2016 arbitration award is a grave concern for regional peace and stability,” Japanese Ambassador to Manila Kazuhiko Koshikawa said.

The AFP raised concerns over the growing number of Chinese fishing vessels spotted in the disputed West Philippine Sea, with the latest swarming seen as a “threat” to oil and gas-rich Recto Bank’s security.

Describing it as “a concerning development,” the AFP reported that pilots aboard NV312—a Britten Norman Islander light patrol aircraft of the Philippine Navy—saw an “alarming presence” of Chinese vessels during their latest air patrol on June 30.

The increase in AFP’s presence in the area allowed the monitoring of sea lines of communications (SLOCs) that are complemented by the AFP’s littoral monitoring stations/detachments (LMS/ LMDs) to detect and monitor foreign ships, track, and subject them to interdiction operations.

The AFP also added that a redeployment of naval special operations units and the Philippine Marines was done with Marine Battalion Landing Team 9’s transfer to Palawan last month.

Philippine News Today is published weekly by Philippines Today LLC with business and editorial offices at 156 South Spruce Ave Ste 205 South San Francisco CA 94080 Phone no . 650-872-3200 E-fax # 650-745-1442 and website address www.pnewstoday.com and email address advertising@philippinestodayus.com or editor@philippinestodayus.com

MANILA OFFICE: Le Marquis Townhomes, 51 P. Tuazon Blvd. Quezon City 1112, Tels. 8546.8426, 8451.1892, 8546.8421

MARILYN B. KING

Vice President for Sales and Marketing

BETING LAYGO DOLOR Manila Editor

JUNNI RANILLO

Entertainment Editor

ANGELO LOPEZ Cartoonist

ELEANOR SMITH

Family fun in Colma

hat heat wave?

FRANCIS ESPIRITU

Publisher/President

THELMA L. CRUZ Vice President for Operations & Promotions

CHERIE QUEROL MORENO Executive Editor

NEIL GONZALES Chief Correspondent Northern California

LYDIA SOLIS Chief Correspondent Southern California

MA. CECILIA G. MADELO Graphic Director

ALFRED G. GABOT Editor-in-chief

CLAIRE M. TRUE Managing Editor

JO ERLINDA YABUT Entertainment Editor

THOMAS G. MADELO JR. Creative Director

News around the state and the nation warned of soaring temperatures heading up to the Fourth of July. That sounded like false advertising to those living on the western edge of San Francisco Bay as they bundled up as usual on their way to outdoor festivals.

The town of Colma on July welcomed residents, neighbors and folks eager to escape the sizzle in shores untouched by the typical marine layer aka the fog, our frequent visitor where the Pacific meets the hills and valleys and the Bay to produce an atmospheric a blanket from the cold or a chill in the scorch, depending on the time of year.

GEORGE GANGE RENE AVENIDO Photo Correspondents

Office Manager GILDA PASION BALAN FRANCO G. REGALA ALI MACABALANG JEANNE MICHAEL PENARANDA Manila Correspondents

NICK SAGMIT

BLESIE D. SISON ALBERT MARTINEZ RENE AMON Account Executives

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

The views and opinions expressed herein by writers, columnists and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, management and staff of Philippines Today. We are not responsible for incorrect printing, photographical errors or information listed or for loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts. Reproduction or redistribution in whole or in part is prohibited.

Heed the advice of a learned Filipino patriot

Sometimes all it takes is a few well-chosen words from a wise man to see things in the proper perspective.

Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio is one such man. In a recent interview with local media, he was asked to share his thoughts on the belief or slogan of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr that the Philippines seeks to be a “friend to all and enemy to none.”

He used much kinder and more diplomatic words, but in essence he said this was pure balderdash.

Carpio asked, “How can you say China is our friend when China is claiming our territory?”

How indeed?

The number of formal diplomatic protests filed by the Philippines against China’s intrusions into Philippine waters has become too numerous to count.

China, as a matter of course, has been treating the West Philippine Sea as their territory. They cite a so-called Nine Dash Line found in old maps that no one can verify to be real as proof that the WPS is really part of the South China Sea.

During the time of the late – and dare we say great – President Benigno Aquino III, he took note not only of the frequent incursions of China into Philippine waters, but also of the obvious military might of the country’s neighbor.

The leader known as Noynoy did the smart thing, which was to take China to the International Court of Arbitration. China agreed and sent its best legal minds to defend its claim. The Philippines sent Carpio, along with the late Foreign Secretary Alberto del Rosario.

The court ruled in the Philippines’ favor. And it was then that China showed its true colors, by refusing to accept the decision of the court. The rest of the civilized world accepted the decision, but not China.

This is the same China that constantly harps on its long friendship with the Philippines. Indeed, a good percentage of the Filipino people have some Chinese blood running in their veins, including National Hero Jose Rizal. Chinese Filipinos AKA Chinoys are also powerful drivers of the Philippine economy.

Carpio is absolutely correct. The Peoples Republic of China is not a friend of the Republic of the Philippines. At least not the China that is led by Xi Jinping, who unlike his predecessors has been insisting on bullying not just the Philippines, but also all the other Southeast Asian nations which have claims on the South China Sea. Not all of it, just parts of it that fall within their own exclusive economic zones, like our motherland the Philippines.

China’s churlish behavior must be stopped.

The Philippines can and should recognize that China is laying claim to the WPS, but only if China recognizes that the Philippines is also laying claim to parts of the South China Sea.

It’s that simple. We recognize your claims if you recognize ours. So stop bullying our fishermen and our Armed Forces.

Diplomacy is the solution of the wise, violence of leaders like Xi who seem to be seeking war.

Carpio is right. For now, China is not the Philippines’ friend. And the sooner President Ferdinand Marcos Jr accepts this, the sooner a solution can be worked out. Maybe Marcos can even invite Carpio to be a presidential adviser.

une gloom had passed, but clad in puffy jackets and hats, people of all ages eager to have fun, chow down, and make friends ignored the gusty wind and hopped by tables of community-forward businesses and organizations.

There was something for every member of the family, traditional or not, on the 99th anniversary of Colma’s foundation.

San Mateo County leading agencies Peninsula Family Service, Hip Housing and Peninsula Humane Society SPCA and obs for outh deployed staff to discuss their programs and services. County Commissioner on Aging Liz Taylor staffed Colma’s Age-Friendly Task Force that, with Colma Historical Society, highlighted the host town’s support for the older population. Tomorrow’s movers and shakers literally jumped their hearts out in the bouncy house next to the Home Depot Kid Zone. While a band chased the blues away with classic rock and pop, health-conscious revelers worked out inside the spacious community center, where fitness and craft demonstrations took place.

Clinic by the Bay, One Medical, Republic Service and Farmers Insurance talked health, sanitation and safety while Roxy’s Hat Company, Succulents by Sue, en’s Crafty Creations, Hecho Handmade Jewelry, From Trash to Beauty, Bracelets with Meaning and Self-Love, Self-Made offered retail therapy. Casita Vegana, Marros Tacos, Mr. Softee NorCal soothed hunger pangs.

Contiguous municipalities put their best foot forward with able representation, like Daly City Public Library and AHMC Seton Medical Center. South San Francisco Public Library set up an information table featuring Project Read. Plus: Mayor Flor Nicolas performed double duty giving presence to her city while spreading the word about healthy relationships as ALLICE Alliance for Community Empowerment president with fellow Kumares Elsa Agasid, Lydia Pomposo and Nellie Hizon and her co-president Junior Flores. Together they distributed their ALLICE directory. Underwritten by the Town of Colma, the A-List, as it is familiarly called, is the first-known family resource guide vetted for linguistic and cultural sensitivity for serving immigrant and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Quite a huge turnout for a town of just a handful over 1,500 living residents and some 1.5 million resting eternally in memorial lawns or columbariums. Yes, the term necropolis applies, but residents won’t be lying if they say life is happening in Colma.

For one, the town leaders host a big picnic every year. This is the home of Lucky Chances, the 24-hour cardroom owned by FilAm Rene Medina and managed by his sons

(Continued on page 26)

Speaking of marriage

ontrary to fairy tales and romance novels, marriage is not all sugar and spice; neither does it have a fairy tale ending of “happily ever after”.

Marriage is a commitment ( a lifetime one, for Catholics), which two people enter into. It entails exclusivity , the likes of which Helen Reddy sang about when she sang:” you and me against the world”.

Marriages fail because the partners lack su cient knowledge about each other or are not ready for a commitment, which calls for sacrifices from both partners.

When tgwo people are joined in wedlock, they should be prepared to accept each other’s flaws and idiosyncracies. There will definitely be a time when one or the other will cause irritation.

Arguments will arise, harsh words may be spoken. always hope and wish that couples could bite their tongues on occasions when they want to lash out in anger over some inconsequential matter

Words can hurt, and once spoken, cannot be retrieved.

Getting married, to be sure, is a huge step, and people in the throes of love would do well to pause and reflect on the wisdom of plunging into marriage.

Interestingly, divorces in the United States and elsewhere have decreased in recent years, possibly because fewer couples are getting married

This is probably a good thing , except for the fact that young men and women are choosing to enjoy the benefits of marriage without the legal right to do so. believe in marriage, but only for those equipped to enter into it. remember a once-popular song which goes this way:” Love and marriage, love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage”, which is probably outdated in this modern age.

And yet, hope there still are a number among our youths today who understand what marriage should be and maybe, just maybe, they will have their “happily ever after.”

CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO

Upside

Partnerships for watershed protection and water security

oinciding with the celebration of Philippine Environment Month last June, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) led by MWSS Leonor Cleofas together with the Million Trees Foundation, Inc. (MTFI) recognized partners in the Annual Million Trees Challenge (AMTC) project.

It was an auspicious event as the AMTC awards and pledging session for 2023 was also held on 27 une 2023, two days after Arbor Day.

As President and Executive Director of MTFI, I am happy to note that once more like previous years the commitments of AMTC project partners breached the one million trees target. The goalis to plant 10 million more trees until 2030. To date, 6.8 million trees have been planted in the seven critical watershed beneficiaries of AMTC.

Closed forest cover in the watersheds increased by 5,734 hectares in 2020. It has been seven year ago when MWSS under Administrator Gen. Reynaldo V. Velasco (ret) initiated the AMTC to rehabilitate the watersheds of Angat-Ipo, Kaliwa, La Mesa, Laguna Lake, Umiray, Upper Marikina, and Manila Bay that are critical to the water supply for Metro Manila and adjoining provinces of Rizal, Bulacan, and parts of Cavite. It is a step toward achieving water security in MWSS coverage areas.

MTFI is the non-government organization partner of MWSS to ensure the sustainability of the AMTC. Together with more than 30 participating organizations, the objective of rehabilitating the watersheds is achievable. And involvement of the private sector is important in this endeavor.

In her address before the Financial Inclusion for Women, Water and Climate Resilience Forum organized by the Financial Executives of the Philippines (FINEX), DENR Secretary Antonia Loyzaga underscored water security can be achieved if government and all other stakeholders will work together.

“There is no substitute at this moment for coherence, convergence and synergy in water governance,” Loyzaga said. “With your partnership, know, these are all possible and water security can be reached and achieved for the Philippines,” she told participants to the forum.

Recognizing the contribution of AMTC project partners, MWSS and MTFI conferred to them Kampeon ng Tubig Kanlugan Awards, Million Trees Achievers, and AMTC Champion of Trees Awards. Plaques of Appreciation and Special Awards were also handed out.

Recipients of the Kampeon ng Tubig Kanlungan Awards were SMC President Ramon S. Ang, Maynilad President Ramoncito S. Fernandez, Manila Water President Jocot de Dios, Santa Clara International Chairman Nicandro Linao, and Manila Water Foundation Executive Director Reginald Andal for their significant roles as institutional partners of the Million Trees Foundation, Inc. and the Million Trees Nursery and Eco Learning Center in support of AMTC DENR NCR Regional Executive Director acqueline Caancan for being an institutional partner of the Million Trees Foundation, Inc. for the supply of tree saplings and other collaborative efforts in support of AMTC Gen. Nakar Mayor Elizeo Ruzol for his significant role in the implementation of the Kaliwa Dam Project to include reforestation in said area and DENR Region 4A Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria for his significant role as Top Performer with close to 90,000 trees planted for AMTC C 2022.

Five were recognized as Million Trees Achievers San Miguel Corporation for having planted more than five million trees in eight provinces under its 747 SMC Global Power Greening Program Maynilad for achieving its one-millionth tree planted in December 2022 under its Plant for Life project Manila Water for having planted 1.382,114 million from 1997 to 2022 DENR 4-A for having planted 1,860,095 from 2017 to 2022 and, DENR Region 3 for having planted 2,063,515 from 2017 to 2022.

The AMTC Champion of Trees Award was presented to agencies that planted at least 25,000 trees or more for 2022. Garnering the awards were MWSS Regulatory O ce, CSBS Consortium, Laguna Lake Development Authority, General Nakar LGU, DENR NCR, Prime Water, MWSS Corporate O ce, Maynilad, Manila Water, DENR Region 3, and DENR Region 4A. Participants and stake-

(Continue on page 27)

No need for foreign investments

“The Philippines is the richest country in the world.” US President George W. Bush f the statement of President Bush is true, then we don’t need foreign investments. We must only find the money so it can be put to good use for the people of this country.

The money: Where is the money that President Bush talked about? hazard an idea – it is in local and international banks all over the word and in caves which have buried hidden Yamashita treasures. Why do say that? Well, our clients who are either trustees of President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos (FM) who have bank deposits in our country and many banks all over the world as well hidden treasures of Yamashita buried in as many as about a hundred burial grounds in the Philippines.

The Documents Let us talk first about bank deposits. Are there documents attesting to their existence? Yes - the originals are with our clients and the Xerox copies are with us. Do vouch for the authenticity of all the bank documents? No! For some yes Why I have not verified from all the banks about their existence because of our specific experiences with two local banks and a foreign government.

Specific experiences The first incident involves a client which had a FIVE HUNDRED MILLION (P500,000,000.00) PESOS deposit in a major bank. The client informed us that before she went to our o ce, she met with the Vice President who told her that she can withdraw her deposit subject to this condition – that she can only withdraw SIXTY (60%) percent as the FORTY (40%) percent should go to the bank. The client was dissatisfied with that arrangement and that is the reason why she came to our o ce to ask whether she can withdraw it with nothing going to the bank.

told the client the bank will not consent to that – probably it will agree if it gets TEN to TWENTY (10 to 20 %) percent of the deposit. So on that note, accompanied our client to the bank. met the Vice President who previously talked to our client and he told me to write a letter so everything will have a paper trail Consistent with advice, wrote the desired letter to the Bank. One week later, the Bank replied with the note – the account does not exist.

Another client also approached us to help him withdraw another amount from another account in the same Bank. Initially was told that the lawyer handling the account left the Bank and went to the NLRC. Since the Chief Legal Counsel of the same Bank is a friend of my daughter who graduated from UP Law, went to see her and was told that she could not release the deposit to our client as there are other claimants.

This concerns a major local bank.

Recent incidents: Three or four months ago, a woman representing another woman brought us bank documents signed by the President and Vice President in a major local bank certifying that the account exists in the bank with statement of account stating that the woman has a deposit in a major local bank in the amount of ONE TRILLION THREE HUNDRED BILLION ($1,300,000,000,000.00) US DOLLARS. We wrote an open letter to the President and like our first letter, it was ignored by the President.

Still later, a client representing another woman brought us documents signed by no less than President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos (FM) and the Governor of a Central Bank of a neighboring country attesting to a deposit in her account of TWENTY-ONE TRILLION ($21,000,000,000,000.00) US DOLLARS.

Hoping that a friend of ours who has access to the Palace could help our possible client, we approached him with the documents. A week passed, he did not call us. We called him and he replied his connection with the other country said no Filipino had such an account with the designated bank. He replied though that a Filipino has TWENTY FIVE BILLION ( 25,000,000,000.00) US DOLLARS in the said Bank.

A few days later another client brought the TRILLIONS US DOLLARS documents to his lawyer friend who after a week confirmed the existence of the account but asked for scanned copies of the documents

(Continue on page 27)

Savings on multiple documents and multiple signatures

As accredited and commissioned Notary Public and founder of Mobile Signing Services (MSS), I’m delighted to know how old and new clients have creative ways to save on multiple documents and multiple signatures.

Last month two old clients from Burlingame and San Mateo, California coordinated and organized the signing and notarization of four multiple documents with multiple signatures in one location and one time covering four real estate properties in the Philippines.

Through initial conversation with Mobile Signing Services, met with my old clients and the other signatories last June 15, in San Mateo, California at the same time for the signing and notarization of the following documents:

1.E TRA UDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SALE OF THE ESTATE requiring seven signatures 2. Special Power of Attorney (SPA) requiring five signatures 3. Special Power of Attorney (SPA) requiring two signatures 4. Special Power of Attorney (SPA) requiring one signature.

After some preliminaries, I had my old two clients and the other signatories signed the four documents. also had them signed my ournal of Notarial Acts and put their thumb marks. My beloved wife Virginia imenez Madlaing subsequently drove to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, in Sacramento, California for submission of the notarized documents for apostille. We received the apostilled documents within 10 working days. Upon receipt of the apostilled documents we personally delivered the documents immediately to our two old clients. They were both very happy for the prompt, unique and complete services.

With the creative arrangement and coordination of our old clients, they got the following benefits and savings

1.SAVINGS ON GAS AND MILEAGE FEES By arranging and coordinating the signing the four documents in one location and time, our old clients saved at least on gas and mileage fees.

2. DISCOUNT ON MULTIPLE SIGNATURES We gave to 10% discount on multiple signatures. DISCOUNT ON MULTIPLE DOCUMENTS- We also gave to 10% discount on multiple documents.

4. SAVINGS ON THE SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS AND APOSTILLE FOLLOW UP FEES - By arranging the submission of the four documents for apostille on the same day and time, our old clients saved at least $450, if the four documents were submitted separately for apostille.

5. AVOIDED TAKE OFF FROM WORK Our old clients didn’t take off from work and drive to Sacramento just to submit the notarized documents to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, for apostille. MSS took care everything for them.

6. VER FLE IBLE APPOINTMENTS - We offer flexible appointments for old and new clients during regular office hours, after o ce hours and weekends except on Sundays. With flexible appointments, our old clients were able to arrange the signing of the four documents in one time during the weekend.

7. FLE IBLE LOCATION OF APPOINTMENTS For those who can’t come to our home o ce in San Francisco, California, we can do the signing and notarization of documents in the privacy of homes, o ces, schools, hospitals, restaurants, Post O ce Station lobby, BART lobby and other locations. I’m glad that our old clients and the other signatories were able to sign the four documents inside a convalescent or care home in San Mateo, California.

8. FREE PARKING - When we had our O ce at the Philippine Center near the Philippine Consulate in downtown San Francisco, our old clients were complaining of the expensive parking fees. With our present home o ce, old and new clients can have FREE parking in our driveway and the available parking spaces nearby.

9. DOCUMENTS PREPARATION DISCOUNT With our paralegal and lawyer-friends, we can offer special discounts in the draft and preparation of documents for old and new clients.

10. CONVENIENCE AND PEACE OF MIND As accredited and commissioned

ART GABOT MADLAING

HOMOBONO A. ADAZA Diliman Way

MELANDREW T. VELASCO

The Teflon presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Jr

ongbong Marcos delivers his second State of the Nation Address later this month and by this time it has become crystal clear that he will present not the truth about what is happening in our troubled motherland, but rather the world as he sees it, or as his handlers say it is.

Those unknown powers behind his throne will present the Philippines as a country on the cusp of First World status, with global investors eager to plunk their money on the Philippines because BBM as he is sometimes called is doing such a great job leading the country.

If the Palace is to be believed, the country is halfway to becoming the ideal land of the true, the good, and the beautiful that Mother First Lady Imelda Marcos envisions. Soon enough, she can die in peace, safe in the knowledge that she will be buried beside her late dictator husband, possibly with her little Junior declaring a National Day of Mourning for her.

She may even decide to live a little longer because she foresees Speaker Martin Romualdez taking over from Junior as chief executive five years from now.

So take that, you damn Aquinos, she will think. You had two presidents? The Marcos/Romualdez clan will have three. Maybe more.

Indeed, the Republic of the Philippines, circa is the land of make believe and unior is the teflon president who cannot be touched by anyone. He may not be faulted for anything, as dozens of spin doctors now occupy the image-building department under the O ce of the President under the guise of undersecretaries and assistant secretaries.

In fact, Junior has committed countless illegal, immoral, or just plain stupid acts ever since he assumed the presidency, but he has gotten away with it, hasn’t he?

Except for a handful, the political opposition is practically non-existent and what was once referred to as the Fourth Estate -- the loud, raucous, irreverent media -- has been likewise practically silenced. First it was the Duterte regime that bludgeoned media, then Marcos Jr’s ghost whisperers delivered the coup de grace.

For Duterte, it was the crushing of ABS-CBN that did the trick. For Marcos Jr. it was the assassination of Percy Lapid that sent the strongest message – don’t even think of criticizing unior even when he figuratively spits on the faces of the people with such acts as appointing a foul-mouthed ex-lawyer as Cabinet secretary to help uplift the poor.

That should have been the last straw, but it wasn’t. The president-who-can-do-no wrong will continue to stuff his regime not with the best of the best, but the worst of the worst.

Remember one of his first acts as president was to make sure that his little child who still has his mommy’s milk in his mouth was granted a high post in the House of Representatives, while his other son who couldn’t seem to find gainful employment anywhere also landed a job in the lower house of Congress.

He has a third son whom nobody knows for sure what he’s doing, doesn’t he? We can all pray that the boy only treasures his privacy and wants nothing to do with politics, but that may be wishful thinking.

On the other extreme, he may be the kind who will ask, What are we in power for, so why not make hay while the sun is shining on our blessed family?

The more appointees with questionable qualifications whom Junior gives high-paying jobs to, the more entrenched he becomes in his throne. More and more he will believe that an Edsa-type uprising can never take place ever again. Or at least not in his watch.

The scary thing is that nobody knows who has his ear. Whose advice does he seek when confronted with a problem he knows little about?

It’s been said that his wife, the first lady who loves to stick her tongue out in public and whose sense of fashion leaves much to be desired, is his top adviser.

But certainly she is not alone. Having zero experience in politics, there must be some other parties who tells Junior what to do when in doubt.

My first suspect was ohnny Ponce Enrile, but since the guy is almost a hundred years

(Continue on page 27)

Why certain Filipinas are reluctant to say “I love you”

“What now my love, got no visa was gaga, please forgive me love didn’t tell them that love you When they asked me why married you

We must ask them to reconsider We’ll try again on another day We’ll also hire a brilliant lawyer (like Attorney Tipon) So can be in America.”

-Lyrics by Emmanuel S. Tipon

To be sung to the tune of “What Now My Love” First Sung by Emmanuel S. Tipon at The Manor, Camp John Hay, Baguio on October 20, 2022. have never heard you say ‘I love you’,” whispered an Ilocano lawyer while making love to a beautiful Spanish mestiza.

“I have given my entire body to you and you still ask if love you?”, she riposted with a feeling of irritation.

“A call girl gives her entire body to her client. That does not mean that she loves him,” the lawyer argued.

“Are you saying am a call girl?” the mestiza cried, slapped the lawyer, and pushed him away.

19-YEAR OLD VIRGIN’S EXPLANATION

We asked a 19-year old virgin with unparalleled beauty and incredibly one of the most intelligent women we have known, why Filipinas are reluctant to say “I love you” to someone they love. She replied that Filipinas are “shy”. asked her if she was shy. She replied: “Very shy”. Until she overcomes her shyness, suitors might not be able to hear her say “I love you,” even if she feels it.

OTHER EXPLANATIONS

There are other explanations or reasons why Filipinas do not say “I love you,” even if they feel it.

The Filipina might feel that she loves her suitor but hesitates in making a commitment. Once you say “I love you,” that’s it, you have made a declaration which you cannot “unsay”. You cannot claim later that you did not mean it. That would be inappropriate and you would lose the guy’s respect, if not his affection. As they say in Ilocano “balangkantis”.

The woman might not be sure what her feelings really are. Is it love or infatuation or fascination? Or as one young girl told me “puppy love” or “crush” which has been described as “an informal term for feelings of romantic love, often felt during childhood and early adolescence; an infatuation usually developed by someone’s looks and attractiveness at first sight . . . fading away when the object of attraction stays out of sight.” For more on “Puppy Love,” listen to Paul Anka’s rendition of “Puppy Love”.

A number of women might feel that they love their current suitor but are apprehensive that if they say “I love you”, they might meet a better guy later on. What then? So they delay saying “I love you” until hope of meeting “Mr. Right” has become nil.

There are women who do not wish to appear that they are cheap or easy to get and thus play “hard to get” by not saying “I love you” too soon even if they feel it.

Some women who have been hurt by a prior relationship are very reluctant to say the word “I love you.” They do not want to be hurt again. As they say, “once burned, twice shy.”

Women who have suffered trauma from the divorce or separation of their parents are hesitant to say “I love you” to a suitor, even if

(Continue on page 27)

State of the city address: City’s strength is its diversity!

hile missed attending in person her city address due to an emergency, she was kind enough to send me a copy of her speech and agreed for an interview outlining her remarkable accomplishments which serve as the building blocks of the city’s success.

agree with her when she said “the city’s strength lies in our diversity.” can see it… can feel it… can appreciate the many contributions made by residents who are of various demographic cultures. was a city commissioner for 12 years (Library Education and Advisory Commission as chair), so know how community groups participate in the affairs of the city.

The 80,273 population of the city of Milpitas (as per 2020 census) is composed of the following demographics: Asian: 68.13%; White: 14.46%; Other race: 6.94%; Two or more races: 6.29%; Black or African American: 3.54%; Native American 0.5 and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 0.15%.

Milpitas population is continuously growing at the present 80,273 from the 2010 population of 66,790 with the increase number of 13,483 people and growth of 20.2 percent. That showed how diversified the city is which is vastly becoming a metropolis.

What made it more interesting is the fact that its Median Household Income is $149,312.00, compared to the national median of $69,021.00. And…the median individual income is $51, 569.00 with the household bracket as follows: $25k9%; $25-$44k – 5%; $45-$74k – 9%; $75-$149k – 27%; and $150k+ is 50% and

Individual income brackets are $15k – 21%; $15-$34k –17%; $35-$64lk – 20%; and $65+ - 42%.

Great statistics, right… and if you input these resources in community affairs, the diversity becomes more apparent and pronounced.

Montano continued by saying: “Our city is diverse woven fabric of cultures and backgrounds, which contribute to the enrichment of Milpitas’ collective identity.”

She’s right, it is home to many people who come together from all walks of life and embrace the values of respect. We celebrate our differences by bringing the community together.

As to her accomplishments in her first 100 days in o ce, she mentioned that the city council unanimously adopted the Milpitas Metro Specific Plan” early this year. This planned area includes the Milpitas-BART and VTA light rail stations and bus transfer station, the Great Mall, and will encompass new developments along Great Mall Parkway, Montague and parts of Main street. The plan provides a vision for an emerging transit-oriented neighborhood, as connections grow stronger in our city near the transit hubs.

The Milpitas “SMART” shuttle services are a new “on demand” ride share service, that has now grown from one shuttle to a fleet of 7 shuttles. The City Council was able to implement this service with VTA’s 2016 Country Measure B sales tax revenues. This pilot program conveniently offers rides throughout Milpitas making it accessible to seniors, students, and anyone who needs a quick ride in Milpitas.

The city’s local economy continues to steadily flourish, with new business attractions into the city, such as BD-Biosciences, Corsair Gaming, Fusion Systems, Tarana Wireless, SMTC Manufacturing, and the Milpitas Technology Center, creating job opportunities in Milpitas.

Additionally, similar long-standing companies such as KLA Tencor, TDK Headway Technologies, Apple, Advanced Energy Industries, Amazon, and others have remained in the city and expanded their presence thereby stimulating job growth and increasing tax revenues for city.

One of the city’s signatures are the parks. The most recent park is the Delano Manongs Park located near Great Mall Parkway and Mabel Mattos Elementary School. The park was designated to memorialize the Filipino farmworkers led by Larry Itliong who worked alongside the UFW-United farmworkers with Cesar Chavez. Their comradery and leadership initiated the The Delano Grape Strikes of the 1960’s and brought about farm workers’ rights.

Mayor Montano has the passion for Main Street, because for her, Main Street has been the (Continue on page 27)

ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO

EMMANUEL SAMONTE TIPON

IMMIGRATIONS

Self-Petition as abused spouse

Many immigrants who married a U.S. citizen or Permanent resident often find themselves in shock when they discovered that their spouse is abusive and controlling. There are times that they were beaten or sexually abused. The Violence Against Women Act provides the avenue to protect them from such buses. The applies not just for women but also for men.

What are the advantages of filing under VAWA

Under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you may be eligible to become a lawful permanent resident (get a Green Card) if you are the victim of battery or extreme cruelty committed by

1. A U.S. citizen spouse or former spouse

2. A U.S. citizen parent

3. A U.S. citizen son or daughter

4. A lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse or former spouse or5. An LPR parent.

ou may self-petition under VAWA by filing a Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (Form I-360) without your abusive family member’s knowledge or consent. A person who files a VAWA self-petition is generally known as a VAWA self-petitioner. If your self-petition is approved and you meet other eligibility requirements, you may be eligible to apply to become a lawful permanent resident.

Who qualifies for VAWA adjustment of status

Eligibility for Adjustment of Status

In order to be eligible for a Green Card as a VAWA self-petitioner, you must meet the following requirements ou properly file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status ou are physically present in the United States at the time you file your Form I-485 ou are eligible to receive an immigrant visa

An immigrant visa is immediately available to you at the time you file your Form I-485 and when USCIS makes a final decision on your application

None of the bars to adjustment of status apply to you ou are admissible to the United States for lawful permanent residence or eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility or other form of relief and ou merit the favorable exercise of USCIS’ discretion.

Who are eligible to apply for an immigrant visa

Eligible to Receive an Immigrant Visa ou are eligible to receive an immigrant visa based on An approved VAWA self-petition (Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant)

A previously filed VAWA self-petition that remains pending (if ultimately approved) or A VAWA self-petition (if ultimately approved) filed together with your Form I-485. Note This is not a legal advice and presented for information purposes only. If you have immigration problems the Law O ces of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family separation.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

1. PETITION FOR NURSES LVN AND CAREGIVERS

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

Applicants Inside or outside the United States may qualify.

Bankruptcy Basics

We also process Bankruptcy cases.

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

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

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

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

CAR ACCIDENTS

Our Law Firm successfully settled a car accident for 675.000.

FAMIL LAW

We also handle uncontested DIVORCE.

ITIN and INCOME TA PROBLEMS

We can help you if you need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer ID number) We also prepare income tax returns and if you are under IRS audit, and need a representation with IRS, need to reduce your tax liability or need to offer a payment plan to IRS, we can help you with that.

If you have immigration problems the Law O ces of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse, which could lead to deportation and family separation.

Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers. He has practiced immigration law, bankruptcy, personal injury and income tax representation since June 1999. His contact phone is 1-877-456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www.crispinlozanolaw.com/ with offices in Hayward and Cerritos, CA.

PHL economic team opens roadshow in US and Canada to woo global investors

By Claire Morales True

NEW ORK

The Philippine government’s economic team headed by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno has started its US-Canada non-deal roadshow (NDR) to drum up investment interest in the country’s priority sectors.

The roadshow which started on uly 10 in New ork City also aims to brief international businesses and financial communities on the latest developments in the Philippines’ economic performance.

The roadshow kicked off with a series of meetings with American asset management firms and fixed-income investors at the Citi headquarters in New ork City, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).

At the start of 2023, the economic team kicked off the Philippine Economic Briefing in Germany, United Kingdom, the US and Singapore. Last year, it held PEBs in Singapore, New ork and Washington.

During the opening in New ork City, Diokno and the economic managers engaged in extensive discussions with asset management companies and fixedincome investors.

The Department of Finance said discussions delved into various investment opportunities in the Philippines and showcased the country’s overall growth outlook.

In particular, the economic team discussed the country’s priority high-growth sectors, prospects in renewable energy

and green investments, as well as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issuances.

Accompanying Diokno were Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli M. Remolona, National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, and National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon.

In addition, the economic team engaged in discussions regarding the Maharlika Investment Fund.

The DOF said the roadshow aims to promote investment opportunities, particularly infrastructure and green energy.

The team will also lead in-depth discussions on the country’s overall growth outlook, the Maharlika Investment Fund, and the Marcos administration’s development plan.

They will host a Philippine Economic Briefing at the Fairmont Royal ork in Toronto, Canada on uly 13 (Eastern Daylight Time).

The economic managers are expecting the Philippine economy to expand by 6 percent to 7 percent in 2023 after it accelerated by 6.4 percent in the first quarter of the year.

The NDR is jointly organized by the BSP-Investor Relations Group, DOF, BofA Securities, Canada-ASEAN Business Council, Global Affairs Canada, Citi, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Morgan Stanley, Philippine Embassy in Canada, Standard Chartered Bank, Sun Life, and UBS.

California awards nearly $40 M for communities to build industries

SACRAMENTO Governor Gavin Newsom announced 39 million in state funding going to economic development projects across the state that support California’s transition to a low-carbon, green growth future.

The funds, awarded through the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF), support communities with their transition to more sustainable, climate forward industries while strengthening access to good jobs.

Our transition to a clean economy must include all Californians that’s why we’re investing hundreds of millions of dollars into innovative projects across our state that put workers first. We’re leaving no one behind on our path to achieving world-leading climate goals that will slash pollution and supercharge our economy,” Governor Newsom said.

Launched by Governor Newsom in 2021, CERF is a 600 million program catalyzing high-growth, low-carbon industries and high-quality jobs in the transition to a clean energy economy. The program is administered by a crossagency team that includes the Governor’s O ce of Planning and Research, Governor’s O ce of Business and Economic

Development (GO-Biz), and the Labor Workforce Development Agency.

As part of CERF’s initial planning phase, 13 economic development entities known as High Road Transition Collaboratives were awarded 5 million each to develop roadmaps, including a strategy and recommended series of investments, for their region.

Following the planning phase, the program’s implementation phase will provide 500 million to fund projects identified by the High Road Transition Collaboratives. The awards are an initial part of the implementation process.

Alchemist Public Market, awarded 7.8 million, is a place-based infill project in Sacramento’s emerging River District that will build a pipeline for underserved entrepreneurs to start new food businesses, provide workforce development for individuals with high barriers to employment, create an attractive and energetic community gathering place, and offer access to quality food and produce from local producers.

The Walnut-Daisy Urban Farm project, awarded 3.8 million, is a collaboration between three community-based and resident-driven organizations and groups

US firms eye ties with Philippines in health, digital, energy sectors

the digitalization of the country’s economy not only in the government but also in the private sector.

Marcos also talked about the government’s efforts to give importance to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

We are trying to bring them into the system of digital marketing. So we put up an app for small business to be able to use,” Marcos said, referring to the Paleng- R Ph Plus Initiative” that aims to prop up economic activities in the Philippines.

to get them into that line of work so that we have enough people to occupy that,” Marcos said.

Actually, the workforce is quite full when it comes to tech. But again, we need to catch up in terms of training, in terms of getting involved in the new technologies that we are seeing for many, many reasons for the digitalization, for the climate change, for the cybersecurity,” he added.

E PP E em ers o the usiness Execu�ves or a�onal ecu rity meet with President erdinand arcos r in alaca ang E rea rmed its commitment to oost coopera�on and investment o merican rms in the Philip pines.

MANILA – The Business Executives for National Security (BENS) has reaffirmed its commitment to boost the cooperation and investment of the United States in terms of health, digital infrastructure and energy programs in the Philippines as part of the efforts to enhance Philippine-US economic engagement.

In a meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos r. at the Malacañan Palace in Manila, members of the BENS asked the Chief Executive about his thoughts on business opportunities in the healthcare system in the Philippines, especially on the nursing industry and on the digital infrastructure and energy.

So one of the main things that we are doing -- in fact, we are groundbreaking a big multi-specialty hospital just outside Manila soon and we are going to open more of them as annexes hospitals,” Marcos told members of the BENS as he emphasized that the Philippine government aims to build more hospitals in far-flung areas.

I’ve always been a great believer of bringing healthcare down to the grassroots level. Right now, there is a tendency for us to only go to the hospital when it is absolutely necessary ... So healthcare has become an important part of this administration efforts,” he added.

The President emphasized that the Philippines became a victim of our own success” especially during the pandemic where a lot of world leaders have asked for the country’s help to deploy more Filipino nurses and medical practitioners abroad.

But he said the Department of Health (DOH) has plans on how to resolve the problem.

Unfortunately, in terms of healthcare workers, we have become victims of our own success in that the Filipinos did really well during the pandemic. And so every leader I meet says ‘can we have more

Filipino med techs, doctors, and nurses ’ So we’re having a shortage here,” President Marcos said.

So we are trying to find schemes so as to alleviate that problem. One of the things our Department of Health has come up with is that we are coming to an arrangement with countries who will accept Filipino healthcare workers to at the same time train the equivalent number of healthcare workers that will stay in the Philippines,” he added.

We are trying to accelerate the board examinations of nurses so we can actually put out more. So that’s the adjustment that we are trying to make. So it’s not only in the facilities, it’s also in the training. We are very proud of them but we wish they’d stay home.”

Marcos told the BENS that the price, reliability and supply of energy is one of the problems being brought up by some of the foreign investors in the Philippines, including the problem on the ease of doing business.

The President, however, emphasized that it is something that the government is working on.

The ease of doing business is something that we can do immediately about because putting up power plants no matter what kind of power plants, there are six, seven years, lead time. So maybe with the new technologies maybe we can do better,” Marcos said.

So that we are certainly working on. The distribution has improved. The distribution is a factor because there are parts of the Philippines where they have ... then there are certain areas where they do not, deficit. So that’s what we are hoping to attend to in the near term,” he added.

Digital infrastructure

In terms of the digital infrastructure, Marcos said the government has amended some laws to make investment more attractive in the Philippines especially on

We have encouraged all of these private NGOs (non-governmental organizations) which have had an interest in promoting start-ups. We are trying to create an environment that will be friendly to start-ups because we know that startups have higher rate of failure than other traditional businesses. So we need to be able to adjust to that new way of doing things,” he added.

The President took pride on the country’s booming business process outsourcing (BPO) industry as it continued its operations even during the trying times of the Covid-19 pandemic through the work-from-home scheme.

It derives from the very clear understanding that many of the challenges that we face today the solutions lie in new technologies. And that’s why the retraining and re-skilling of our people have become important because we have

Members of the BENS expressed their gratitude to the President as they recognized his excellent leadership in restoring the special and important alliance between the governments of the Philippines and the US.

Members of the BENS who met with President Marcos were GardaWorld Federal Services president Pete Dordal WinFertility president/chief executive o cer (CEO) Roger Shedlin Cavalry Asset Management managing partner/chief investment o cer ohn Hurley Arnold Porter LLP senior partner Ramon Marks and Pescador Resources president David McDonald.

SPG International president/CEO Steve Darnell Crisis Response Company LLC president/CEO Robert Akin Shield Capital co-founder/managing partner Raj Shah BENS president/CEO Gen. oseph Votel (ret.) and BENS vice president of programs Patrick Sweeney were also present during the meeting.

Coco Martin is San Miguel’s new Brand Ambassador

San Miguel Pale Pilsen has unveiled its newest Brand Ambassador iconic artist, director, and producer Coco Martin.

In keeping with the world-famous brew’s tradition of serving nothing but the best, San Miguel Pale Pilsen chose the well-known action superstar as he embodies the brand’s passion and drive to succeed.

“’Yan ang katangian na nakikita kong meron sa San Miguel Pale Pilsen, ‘yung kalidad na maipagmamalaki natin noon hanggang ngayon. Kahit ilaban pa ‘yan sa ibang bansa,” Coco shared.

Translation These are the traits that I fi nd in San Miguel Pale Pilsen, the quality that you could be proud of then until now. It’s even at par with other countries.]

Having been in the industry for over two decades, Coco Martin is considered as one of the most awarded actors of his generation and a top earning actor in the last ten years.

In 2011, during the 34th Gawad Urian Awards, Coco received the recognition of “Actor of the Decade” for his enduring and outstanding work.

“Honestly, sobrang humbled and proud ko talaga kasi pag sinabing San Miguel Pale Pilsen napakaiconic ng lahat ng nag-dadala ng brand na ito,” Coco shared

[Translation: Honestly, am very humbled and proud because, when you say San Miguel Pale Pilsen, those who endorse the brand are indeed iconic.]

Coco credits his achievements to perseverance and dedication in pursuing things that he is passionate about.

“Ang pinaka-importante sa akin ay hard work.

Ang gusto ko, mula sa pinakamababa hanggang sa taas, tatrabahuhin ko. Pagsisikapan ko ‘yan dahil importante sa akin ang kalidad ng trabaho,” Coco said.

[Translation: What’s most important to me is hard work. I’ll work on something starting from the very bottom until the top. I’ll persevere because quality of work is important to me.]

Through the partnership with San Miguel Pale Pilsen, Coco starred in his fi rst TV commercial which centers around the title “Batang San Miguel” a tag to which generations of San Miguel Pale Pilsen drinkers can easily relate with

The campaign emphasizes the infl uence of the brand on consumers from all walks of life, eff ectively reinforcing the brand’s presence in lasting friendships and memorable moments of many Filipinos.

“Ito na ‘yung nakamulatan ko. Bata palang ako, sa mga lolo at sa tatay ko palang, everytime na may okasyon, may kasiyahan, o bonding ng pamilya, may San Miguel Pale Pilsen. Parte na ‘yan ng kulturang

Pilipino. Kaya nga sabi natin, Sarap Laging Kasama,” Coco shared.

[Translation: grew up with this. When was younger, from the time of my grandfather and dad, every time there was an occasion, festivity or even just bonding with the family, San Miguel Pale Pilsen was always there. It’s part of Filipino culture. That’s why we say, ‘Sarap Laging Kasama.’]

When you switch off, California stays on.

When you get a Flex Alert, reduce your power use to help ease the grid and avoid statewide outages. The more people that save their energy for later, the more likely we keep the lights on.

MTRCB says no basis to ban ‘Barbie’ movie

MANILA – The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) will not ban the movie Barbie” despite China’s nine-dash line in the film.

Senator Francis Tolentino had urged the MTRCB to block the upcoming screening of the movie after one scene showed a digital illustration of the supposed nine-dash line” of the Chinese government in the South China Sea, a point of contention among neighboring nations including the Philippines.

Vietnam earlier banned the public exhibition of the movie over the ninedash line issue.

ust last year, the MTRCB pulled out the Hollywood action movie Uncharted” from cinemas due to a scene showing China’s nine-dash line.

In a letter to Sen. Tolentino, the MTRCB said the review committee had given the film a parental guidance rating- which means viewers below 13 must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult.

The MTRCB is firm, as per its mandate under Presidential Decree No. 1986, that when there is a clear portrayal in films/television of scenes injurious to the prestige of the Republic of the Philippines such as the ‘ninedash line’ we will not hesitate to ban said materials,” the board said.

Conversely, if the material does

not pose such a threat then, in the spirit of fairness and objectivity, we will not impose a ban on such materials,” it added.

The Board believes that all things considered, it has no basis to ban the film ‘Barbie’ as there is no clear nor outright depiction of the ‘nine-dash line’ in the subiect film, in comparison to films such as ‘Abominable’ and ‘Uncharted’,” the board said.

The letter said the MTRCB exhausted all possible resources in arriving at the decision.”

The letter sent to Tolentino was signed by MTRCB chairman Lala Sotto-Antonio and the members of the review committee Malou Choa-Fagar, Katrina Angela Ebarle, and ennifer Seares.

The MTRCB said that the controversial scene in the movie showed that the dash lines attached to a landmass labeled Asia” were not U-shaped and had eight dots/dashes instead of nine.

The board added that the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia were not visible on the map.

The MTRCB said this was in stark contrast to the maps found in the films Abominable” and Uncharted” which the board banned in 2019 and 2022.

It likewise cited the Warner Bros. Film Group’s exclusive interview with Vanity wherein the film company ex-

plained that the map in Barbie Land is a child-like crayon drawing.”

The doodles depict Barbie’s makebelieve journey from Barbie Land to the ‘real world’ and that the lines were not intended to make any type of statement,” the MTRCB said

Following a request from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) last year, the MTRCB halted the screening of action movie Uncharted” because of its depiction of the ‘”ninedash line” claim.

In 2019, the DFA also requested the MTRCB to pull out the animation movie Abominable” for the same reason.

The MTRCB will continue to uphold the best interest of the Filipino people. To this end, we will issue a stern warning to all filmmakers/producers/distributors that the Board will continue to sanction, disallow, or ban films portraying any kind of depiction of the ‘nine-dash line’,” it added.

In a video message, Tolentino said he respects the Board but was saddened by its decision.

Tayo po ay nalulungkot dahil bukas po ‘yung ikapitong anibersaryo ng pagkapanalo natin sa Arbitral Court kung saan pinawalang-bisa yung ‘ninedash line’ (We are saddened by the decision because tomorrow is the seventh anniversary of our win in the Arbitral Ruling which dismissed the ‘nine-dash line’ claim),” he said.

Tolentino said he respects the MTRCB verdict but is concerned about the continuous seizure attempt of China on Philippine territories.

Prior to Tolentino’s call, the Vietnamese government already decided to ban the screening of the film following its own review.

Bad on the MTRCB review, the dash lines attached to a landmass labeled ‘Asia’ is not U-shaped, and has eight dots/dashes instead of nine.”

The review also noted that the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia are not visible on the map shown in the movie.

Before consulting with the DFA, Office of the Solicitor General and West Philippine Sea experts, the MTRCB told Tolentino that Barbie” underwent a meticulous screening with discussions and deliberations by the members of its Review Committee.

The MTRCB likewise requested the film’s distributors, Warner Bros., to blur the lines.

The Board also informed Tolentino that its Review Committee has given a Parental Guidance (PG) rating on the movie, which means that viewers 13 years old and below must be accompanied by a parent or a supervising adult.

In 2016, an international arbitral tribunal in The Hague upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its exclusive economic zone (EE ) in the resource-rich waters and said Beijing’s nine-dash line” claim had no legal basis. China, however, refuses to recognize the ruling. ( ennifer T. Santos)

yan Gosling le and argot o ie right in the trailer o ar ie movie y arner ros Pic tures creenshot rom outu e

FilAm from Hawaii wins US Open Championship

SAN FRANCISCO A FilipinoAmerican golfer from Hawaii is making her countrymen in the United States and the Philippines proud.

The FilAm is Allisen Corpuz who captured her first LPGA victory in dramatic fashion on Sunday (Monday in Manila), firing a three-under par 69 to win the US Women’s Open by three strokes at Peeble Beach, California.

With her victory, the 25-year-old from Honolulu became the second golfer of

Filipino descent to win the prestigious tournament at Pebble Beach in the San Francisco Bay Area. The first winner was Bulalcan-born Filipino Japanese Yuka Saso who lately took up Japanese citizenship.

Saso carried the Philippine flag when she won In 2021, becoming the first player with Filipino descent to win the US Open championship.

Corpuz, who graduated from the University of Southern California in Los

Angeles, had nine-under 279 to defeat England’s Charley Hull, who fired a finalround 66, and South Korean Shin i-yai, who shot 68.

“Unreal. This week has just felt like a dream come true,” said Corpuz, whose father hails from Ilocos Norte and mother from South Korea.

“It has been just awesome to be out at Pebble this week.” she said.

Corpuz had shared a major lead at the Chevron Championship earlier this year

before settling for fourth, a hint of the promise she made real at the iconic California seaside course where such legends as Tiger Woods and ack Nicklaus have hoisted trophies.

I”’ve played a little conservatively in the past and just went out there and told myself had the game to do it today,” Corpuz said.

Little nervous at times but pretty comfortable.” she added.

Kai Sotto benched anew in Orlando

Magic’s loss to

Indiana Pacers

ent at the arena expressed restlessness and chanted “We want Kai ”

Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 21 points, three rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, while Bennedict Mathurin added 17 points, three rebounds, six assists, and one steal.

Isaiah ackson finished with a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Caleb Houstan led the Magic with 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

In a video interview posted on the NBA Philippines

page prior to the game, though, Sotto said he stays positive despite the now two straight DNP’s.

“It’s been a fun experience so far. I’m just trying to show the coaches that I’m a good teammate and player,” Sotto said. I’ll be a positive guy on the corner and bench.”

He then expressed readiness if Murphy finally calls him up to enter the game.

I’ll be ready whenever they call my name,” Sotto vowed.

LAS VEGAS/MANILA Seven-foot-three beanpole Kai Sotto stayed on the bench all game long again for Orlando in an 85-108 loss to Indiana Pacers in their NBA Summer League match on uly 11 (Philippine Time) at the Thomas Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Coach Dylan Murphy once again opted to play power forward DJ Wilson at the starting center position with Robert Baker as his backup.

Although both players had better outputs this time with 10 points each, the Pacers were just too much for the Magic.

Orlando somehow got things going in the third quarter, but the outcome was in a way settled already as Indiana went on a 34-17 second quarter to pull away for good.

Adding more insults to injuries, Filipino fans pres-

P C E ayla oelle anche gets orld ua�cs approval on her re uest or a change o sport na�onality rom Canada to the Philippines e ec�ve uly er rst tournament as a ilipino will e at the ang hou sian Games in eptem er

Newsom unveils $567 M for new affordable housing

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom announced that $567 million is now available statewide to build much-needed multifamily affordable housing.

This is part of the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s second round of funding under a streamlined, combined application across four programs which have to date provided over 1.3 billion to expand affordable, climate-smart, multifamily housing in California.

The first round of Multifamily Finance Super Notice of Funding Availability (Super NOFA) awards announced in February totaled more than 825 million and launched the development of 9,550 homes in 58 communities across California.

Increasing and preserving California’s housing supply, including affordable housing, is a top priority for Governor Newsom. The Governor recently signed over 70 housing-related bills and 20 CE A reform bills to cut red tape and get more housing built, faster.

Since taking o ce, the Newsom Administration, in partnership with the Legislature, has invested 30 billion in housing-related programs. Governor Newsom is focused on holding local governments accountable to planning for 2.5 million new homes by 2030, with at least one million of those homes being affordable housing as required by state law.

Governor Newsom said Despite challenging economic conditions, California is keeping our commitment to spur the development of needed housing in all

58 counties. We’ll continue to provide major funding and resources, coupled with strict accountability measures, to tackle the housing shortage that threatens California’s growth and long-term prosperity.”

HCD is working to reduce barriers that constrain the growth of much-needed multifamily housing, making it easier for developers to apply to four different funding programs in a single application through the Super NOFA. Today, HCD released guidelines for the 576 million 2023 Super NOFA, along with a notice of funding availability for the following programs

Multifamily Housing Program - 236 million

Infill Infrastructure Grant Program - 168 million oe Serna, r., Farmworker Housing Grant Program110 million

Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention Program - 62 million

Governor Newsom has been resolute in addressing a housing supply deficit that has been decades in the making, and this new funding will lead to the construction of thousands of climate-friendly homes near economic opportunities,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Lourdes Castro Ram rez. We look forward to applications from communities across the state to build homes for hard-working farmworkers, unhoused veterans and low-income Californians.”

“HCD continues to innovate and collaborate with stakeholders to build more affordable housing faster,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez.

California Housing Shortage Report

The California housing market has shown signs of recovery in May, with home sales reaching the highest level in eight months and the median home price surpassing 800,000 for the second consecutive month. Despite the year-over-year decline in sales and price, the market is demonstrating resilience and stability. Courtesy of CAR (California Association of Realtors).

The stats indicate a rebound in California’s housing market. Although sales and prices have declined on a year-over-year basis, the market is showing signs of resilience and stability. Increased competition, fewer price reductions, and a shorter time to pending status are positive indicators for the future. The impact of rising interest rates and the shortage of homes for sale will continue to influence the market dynamics in the coming months. Let’s dive into the details of the May home sales and price report released by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (C.A.R.).

Home Sales Surge to Eight-Month High

In May, existing single-family home sales in California reached a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 289,460, representing a 9.8 increase compared to April. However, when compared to May 2022,home sale were down by 23.6 . Although the sales figure remained below the 300,000-unit mark for the eighth consecutive month, the rebound in May suggests a positive trend in the market.

Median Home

Price Exceeds 800,000 Again

The statewide median home price in California climbed to 836,110 in May, marking a 3.0 increase from April. However, on a year-over-year basis, the median price dropped by 6.4 for the seventh consecutive month. Tight housing supply and an increase in the sale of high-end homes contributed to the upward pressure on prices. Despite the recent improvement, more negative annual price changes are anticipated in the coming months due to expected high interest rates in the third quarter of 2023.

Resilience of California’s Housing Market

C.A.R. President ennifer Branchini emphasized the resilience of California’s housing market, attributing the bounceback in sales and prices to the value consumers place on homeownership. The market is stabilizing and even showing signs of improvement, with increased competition leading to a higher percentage of homes selling above the asking price and fewer sellers reducing their listing prices. Additionally, homes are going into pending status within two weeks, compared to over 30 days earlier this year.

Regional Sales Performance

While sales declined across all major regions in California, the rate of decline moderated compared to the previous year. The San Francisco Bay Area experienced the largest sales drop at 23.8 , followed by Southern California (22.3 ) and the Far North (21.8 ). The Central Coast (-17.3 ) and the Central Valley (-20.0 ) recorded smaller decreases. Nearly all counties tracked by C.A.R. registered a decline in sales from the previous year, with some experiencing significant drops.

Impact of Interest Rates

The recent rise in mortgage rates has had an impact on the housing market, as prospective sellers with low-interest rate mortgages are hesitant to list their homes for sale, contributing to tight inventory.

C.A.R.’s Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, ordan Levine, explained that the shortage of homes for sale continues to put upward pressure on prices. However, with reduced homebuyer demand, the market faces an imbalance between supply and demand.

California Housing Market Regional Trends

The California housing market continues to exhibit regional variations in May 2023. While some regions, like the Los Angeles Metro Area, witnessed month-to-month price increases, others, such as the San Francisco Bay Area, experienced declines. Similarly, sales figures varied across the regions, with some areas showing significant growth while others faced declines. It is crucial to consider these regional trends when analyzing the overall state of the California housing market.

Los Angeles Metro Area

The median sold price of existing single-family homes in the Los Angeles Metro Area stood at 765,000 in May 2023. This reflects a 3.4 increase from the previous month, but a 5.0 decrease compared to May 2022. Despite the year-over-year decline, the region experienced a substantial increase in sales, with a 20.6 month-to-month growth and a

(Continue on page 27)

Governor Newsom signs infrastructure & budget legislation to build more and faster

By CLAIRE MORALES TRUE, Managing Editor

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a slate of bills to accelerate critical infrastructure projects across California that help build our 100% clean electric grid, ensure safe drinking water and boost the state’s water supply and modernize our transportation system.

The legislation represents an urgent push by Governor Newsom to take full advantage of an unprecedented $180 billion in state, local, and federal infrastructure funds over the next ten years – critical to achieving California’s world-leading climate and clean energy goals while also creating up to 400,000 good-paying jobs.

It was reported that by streamlining permitting, cutting red tape, and allowing state agencies to use new project delivery methods, the legislation will maximize taxpayer dollars and accelerate timelines of projects throughout the state, while ensuring appropriate environmental review and community engagement.

Governor Newsom also signed components of the 2023-24 state budget agreement, which includes $37.8 billion in total budgetary reserves – the largest in state history – including $22.3 billion in the Rainy Day Fund amid continued global economic uncertainty.

The budget closes a shortfall of more than $30 billion while preserving major investments in public education, health care, climate action, addressing homelessness, and other priorities, the governor said in a statement sent to Philippine News Today.

Governor Newsom said: “For decades, infrastructure projects critical to our future have stalled because of a pervasive mindset of ‘no.’ With this legislation, California is saying ‘yes’ to building the clean energy, safe drinking water and transportation projects we need to deliver on our world-leading climate action. Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and build California’s future.”

Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) said: “This year, we were faced with challenge and opportunity the challenge of a tough economy and needing to protect California’s progress with our budget, and the opportunity to streamline and build the infrastructure our state needs for the future. Thanks to the tireless dedication of our Senate Budget Chair and subcommittee chairs and our Senate Working Group on Infrastructure and Workforce Equity, and the partnership of our Assembly colleagues and Governor Newsom, we successfully met those goals. We have passed a responsible, equitable budget and finalized a legislative package on infrastructure that maintains California’s values on the environment and climate preparedness, while at the same time builds for our future and creates a place where working families can access quality jobs.”

Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) said: “This budget is representative of all Californians and provides opportunity to those who need help the most. Despite economic headwinds, it sustains and protects our schools, working families and more. And it keeps an eye on the future, by maintaining our historic reserves. The legislative package on infrastructure, as well, strikes a crucial balance: spurring future growth and good-paying jobs while defending our environment. want to extend my gratitude to Governor Newsom for his leadership, to our Senate colleagues and to our Assembly Caucus and staff who delivered this responsible, inclusive and equitable budget for all Californians.”

Governor Newsom receives budget and legislation briefing.

WHY IT MATTERS:

BUILDING MORE, FASTER: California is on the front lines of extreme weather whiplash like fires, drought, and floods we can’t delay the infrastructure that will help us adapt. The projects fast-tracked by this package will power our homes and electric vehicles, store

and deliver our water, modernize our transportation infrastructure and create a 100% clean electric grid.

$180 BILLION ON THE LINE: With once-in-ageneration federal and state funding for infrastructure projects, California is competing against other states –we can’t let red tape and endless litigation hold up the projects California needs to cut pollution, generate clean energy and conserve water.

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT: Building on our work to reform CEQA, this legislation makes it work for the California of today while maintaining our state’s nation-leading environmental protections and community engagement. This package streamlines court battles after projects have already passed environmental review, while maintaining all the mitigation and public processes of CEQA, so we can build even more projects that protect our environment.

SAFE DRINKING WATER CLEAN ENERGY: The legislation accelerates projects that will capture and store enough water to supply millions of households. The package also drastically ramps up our efforts to build wind, solar, battery storage, and electric transmission projects.

HOW IT WORKS:

Speeds Up Construction: Current construction procurement processes drive delays and increase project costs. The legislation includes methods to offer a streamlined process for project delivery to reduce project timeframes and costs.

Expedites Court Review: Legal challenges often tie up projects even after they’ve successfully gone through environmental review. This legislation speeds up judicial review to avoid long delays and advance projects without reducing the environmental and government transparency benefits of CE A.

Streamlines Permitting: Makes changes to California law to accelerate permitting for certain projects, reducing delays and project costs.

Addresses Cumbersome CEQA Processes: Streamlines procedures around document collection and assembly in litigation after projects have already been approved.

Maximizes Federal Dollars: Establishes a Green Bank Financing Program within the Climate Catalyst Fund so that the state can leverage federal dollars for climate projects that cut pollution, with an emphasis on projects that benefit lowincome and disadvantaged communities.

The budget and related budget-implementing legislation signed by the Governor are below:

AB 102 by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) – Budget Act of 2023.

AB 116 by the Committee on Budget – Early childcare and education.

AB 118 by the Commit-

tee on Budget – Budget Act of 2023: health.

AB 120 by the Committee on Budget – Human services.

AB 121 by the Committee on Budget – Developmental services.

AB 127 by the Committee on Budget – State government.

AB 128 by the Committee on Budget – Cannabis: background checks and cannabis event organizer license type.

AB 129 by the Committee on Budget – Housing.

AB 130 by the Committee on Budget – Employment.

AB 134 by the Committee on Budget – Public safety trailer bill.

SB 114 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review Education finance education omnibus budget trailer bill.

SB 115 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Arts and Music in Schools Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act: local control and accountability plan electronic template.

SB 117 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Higher education trailer bill.

SB 122 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Public resources trailer bill.

SB 123 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Energy.

SB 124 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Energy.

SB 125 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Transportation budget trailer bill.

SB 131 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Taxation.

SB 132 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Income taxes: tax credits: motion pictures: occupational safety: California Film Commission.

SB 145 by Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) – Environmental mitigation: Department of Transportation.

SB 146 by Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) –Public resources: infrastructure: contracting.

SB 147 by Senator Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) – Fully protected species: California Endangered Species Act: authorized take.

SB 149 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) –California Environmental Quality Act: administrative and judicial procedures: record of proceedings: judicial streamlining.

SB 150 by Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) – Construction: workforce development: public contracts.

State Library

ing for 18-month projects. The grants will fund specialized reporters, fellowships, and internships at ethnic media outlets, news briefings and roundtables, digital and social media content, community gatherings and partnerships with grassroots organizations. Grantees include media outlets and organizations serving California’s Asian American and Pacific Islander, Latino, Black, Native American, Arab, Slavic and LGBT communities.

additional

Funds will be used to raise awareness of services for survivors of hate crimes and incidents

SACRAMENTO – The California State Library has awarded $8.1 million in grants to ethnic media outlets and media collaboratives serving communities impacted by hate incidents and hate crimes.

A joint venture with the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, the grants aim to raise awareness of the Stop the Hate Program administered by the California Department of Social Services. The Stop the Hate Program helps survivors of hate incidents and hate crimes – and works to prevent those incidents from happening in the first place.

It’s important that multilingual communities know we, as a state, are taking steps to address hate. Our investments in victim services and violence prevention programs say we see them and are prioritizing their needs. Partnerships with trusted ethnic media outlets help us get the word out about the new or expanded resources available,” said Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting (D-San Francisco).

According to the 2022 Hate Crime in California Report released by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, crimes targeting victims because of their race or ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender or a disability increased nearly from to 2021 and then an additional from 2021 to As recently as March 2023, three Black Santa Monica residents were brutally assaulted by a man yelling racial slurs.

“Ethnic media outlets serve millions of Californians, acting as a lifeline to the state’s diverse communities,” said California State Librarian Greg Lucas. “Strengthening them helps all communities better respond to hate incidents and crimes.”

Funding for this grant program is part of the Asian and Pacific Islander Equity Budget, a one-time investment of $166.5 million in critical resources and services that respond to the rise in hate incidents and hate crimes. The API Equity Budget included 110 million for the Stop the Hate Program and $15 million in grants for ethnic media outlets to conduct effective, innovative, and culturally competent outreach and education to Californians impacted by hate crimes and hate incidents.

This $8.1 million is the second round of funding in the Ethnic Media Grant Outreach Program. In May 2022, the State Library awarded nearly 6 million in grants to ethnic media outlets and collaboratives. Individual ethnic media outlets received up to 100,000 in funding for 12-month projects. Ethnic media collaboratives received up to 825,000 in fund-

About the State Library Established in 1850, the California State Library is the central reference and research library for state government and the legislature. In addition to acting as a steward of California’s history, the State Library is investing nearly 500 million to modernize and renovate the state’s 1,127 local libraries, bringing the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to every California child under the age of 5, and building a statewide eBook library with diverse titles in 80 languages. State Library website

About CAPIAA The California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) elevates the political, economic, and social issues of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by contributing to and strengthening how state government addresses the needs, issues, and concerns of the diverse and complex Asian American and Pacific Islander American communities. CAPIAA website

TV series Drag You and Me seeks to educate people to accept gays as they wanted to be accepted

It certainly had been a long, and still is, struggling journey for Filipino drag queens for them to be truly accepted in the mainstream entertainment business dating back from as far as when they were relegated to small time barrio or barangay stage shows or Peryahan during feast days.

And now comes a television romancecomedy series Drag You and Me that dare tackle the lives on drag queens in the Philippines, one of the most conservative countries in the world with mostly Roman Catholic population headlined by Andrea Brillantes as Betty Bettina Catapang, also known by her drag name Valentine Royale, a cisgender woman and a strong LGBTQIA+ ally and JC Alcantara who has a dual role as a straight male Jason Sabas and an irresistible bisexual drag queen Shania Lacroix who developed a love triangle with Betty and JC’s drag mother Bubbles Lacroix played by Christian Bables who is also known in the show as Charlie Bautista.

In a Zoom media conference recently, Brillantes thanked the LGBTQIA+ movement for not stopping in fighting for their rights and remained united in struggling for their rightful standing in the community.

“If not for them we will not have the courage to create a platform like the TV series Drag You and Me, clubs for the LGBTQIA community to participate in and perform. am proud for what this community has gone through from being relegated to perform in barangay fairs and now in the mainstream with their own beauty contests, competitions, our TV show that is about drag queens and they are all over social media platforms

too,” beamed Brillantes. “We hope this will continue and that they will eventually have the rights they are entitled to here in the Philippines as our next goal and achievement.”

Alcantara is happy that their TV show gives importance to the roles and contributions of drags as this will further enhance the education people need to have and know about the LGBTQIA community to further understand what they are going through and the empathy and respect they richly need and deserve.

“We know that in the Philippines they still are suffering from discrimination and it is encouraging that they have platforms like this that serve to understand what these drags are going through including that they will be represented in the society,” Alcantara opined.

Alcantara is also proud that they heard a lot of good feedbacks from viewers mentioning that they now know more of the lives of the drag queens that made these queens now more endeared to them.

“We hear that even the cisgender (or straight) and gay alike are thrilled and they giggled even when gay fall in love with a character like Betty’s who is a straight girl. They fall in love with the pair we portray just the same and they accept us. This shows that they support us wholeheartedly,” Alcantara explained.

One of the main focuses that stands out in the show was the importance that Filipinos have on the love for family and Filipino family values. And this was evident in the twist and turns of the show.

Brillantes revealed that she asked about this television project, she was told that this show will not only revolve around the LGBTQIA concerns and issues as “this shows tackle a lot about family values that is so important and dear amongst us Filipinos.”

“Although, here we also show that not all families

are perfect as Betty’s family is not being readily accepted by the people around them and in society as a whole. Our TV series show the struggle of those not being readily accepted even by those in their own families,” Brillantes elaborated. “Betty was fortunate that her family gets along well with parents who are both members of the LGBTQIA community but JC was unfortunate to have a family who does not readily accept as he is, a drag.”

Brillantes also remarked that the show was produced so all can relate to whatever kind of family acceptance or nonacceptance they belong to, tackling the issue on domestic abuse, infidelity and all other conflicts that arises in family life that viewers may also learn from.

In conclusion, Brillantes summed it up in saying that awareness, awakening and education among Filipinos on lives of drag queens are what their show offers.

“There is no need to hate. There is nothing wrong with being drag queens. As we have shown since the first episode,

drag is just an expression and a form of art. Being gay is just loving a person also. You are merely loving someone without doing something wrong. Sadly, there only are the usual ugly stereotypes attached to gay people,” rued Brillantes.

BrilIantes added that it is unfortunate that many drags have been attached with ugly stereotypes which to her is selfish for one to hold on these stereotypes as she reiterates that it really is a joy to love and accept. You feel light and it is always better to be a good person. They are just loving someone else – a man, a woman.

“I also hope that this show will be able to help those who are still finding to courage to come out with their real gender identity and find their proper place where they truly belong and thrive,” Brillantes wished.

“As long as you are not you are not hurting anyone, as long as you are just loving others there is nothing wrong with what you are doing. The LGBTQIA ++ community deserved to be loved,” echoed Alcantara.

Daly City to Renew Sister City Ties with Quezon City, Philippines

Daly City, CA (July 7, 2023)

– The City of Daly City, California, and Quezon City, Philippines, formed a Sister City relationship on August 8, 1994, to foster an awareness of Filipino culture, to encourage the integration of Filipino residents of Daly City into the civic life of the City, and to encourage trade and commerce. Twenty-nine years later, Daly City will strengthen the Sister City bond and welcome a delegation from Quezon City starting Monday, July 10, Quezon City is the largest city in the Philippines and is located ten miles northeast of Manila. It is known for its culture, commerce, education, politics, technology, and tourism.

“Daly City continues to share the importance of Filipino civic involvement for the progression of our communities and cultures,” said Raymond A. Buenaventura, Mayor, Daly City. “We have long known that the key to economic and cultural growth is the support of our diverse communities. We continue the effort to keep Filipino Americans engaged in our community through the celebration of our culture and connections to the Philippines, and we welcome the delegation to our city.”

“This is a unique opportunity to bridge the shared cultures within Daly City to Filipino communities beyond the United States,” said Juslyn C. Manalo, Vice Mayor, Daly

City. “I am proud to continue this tradition of global partnership for the prosperity of both cities, highlight civic opportunities, celebrate generations of Filipino culture in Daly City, and recognize the presence of Filipino culture across countries.”

Quezon City will receive the Key to the City during the Sister City Renewal Signing Ceremony on Monday, July 10, 2023, at PM, in the City Hall Council Chamber (333 90th Street, Daly City). There will be a Mile Marker Ceremony the following day on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at PM, in the City Hall Main Parking Lot Entrance (333 90th Street, Daly City). The two events are open to the public.

creen gra rom the actual oom interview with C lcantara le and ndrea rillantes right lead stars o romance comedy series rag ou and e

y Chris Caday o ano success ully represented the approval o green card or oyce ill y C

Invest ARPA budget in community needs – Mayor Montano

y Elpidio Es�o o

CITY OF MILPITAS - While many cities put the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) budget allocated by the federal government in their general fund, Milpitas City Mayor Carmen Montano said it should go direct to the community.

“I am pleased to share the We the Milpitas City Council felt it was important to invest the majority of the dollars directly to our community needs,” Montano said in an interview.

Montano said the city received $16.7 million of ARPA funding, adding it will be invested in “infrastructures such as parks and rehabilitation of public safety facilities; small business assistance grants, workforce development, hotel assistance, accessory dwelling unit waivers, and other economic vitality initiatives;

public safety sta ng, equipment and programs; community services such as rent and mortgage relief fund, weed abatement, homeless outreach and assessment, social services; and technology improvements.”

Montano said over million went to infrastructure projects, and close to million to small business assistance grants, workforce development, and other economic vitality initiatives.

Another million was earmarked for public safety sta ng, equipment and program; million for community services and mortgage relief funds, weed abatement, homeless outreach and assessment, social services and more; and $2.1 million were allocated for technology improvements.

“As your mayor,” Montano said, “I am also committed to ensuring the safety and security of residents, businesses, and

properties in Milpitas.”

“Moving forward, we will continue to make strategic investments in the quality of life for our citizens,” she said.

Fostering economic growth and vitality in the community is another key priority for the first lady mayor of Milpitas.

I firmly believe in implementing strategic initiatives that fuel economic growth and allow our city to lead innovation and compete on the global stage. This starts with our educational system. Partnering with our schools is vital to the success of the community,” she added.

She urged her constituents to continue their partnership with the city council.

“I want to recognize your continued willingness to engage by sharing your thoughts asking questions, volunteering your time, and connecting with others. Your active presence has made Milpitas stronger and admired by many,” she said.

Graton Resort & Casino Launches Mobile App for Hassle-Free Slot Play

Come to Graton Resort Casino in July and let you be lucky all summer! Every Saturday, 6:30PM – 11PM, the UP TO $500,000 CASH CRAZE GIVEAWAY will be held. Step inside the cash blast™ machine and catch your winnings! Win up to $20,000 cash. winners guaranteed!

rooms, a 28,000 square foot rooftop restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating for 480 guests, a five-level parking structure with solar panels and EV charging stations, and a 3,500-seat theater. Stay tuned for more updates!

In addition, the pool is opening NOW! Come soak up the sun at Graton’s resort style pool. Sip on ice-cold drinks, enjoy delicious food, and listen to poolside tunes all summer long with DJ performances every weekend. Day passes, cabanas and daybeds are available daily. See you poolside!

ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – Graton Resort Casino

Graton Resort Casino introduced a mobile app on June 30, which allows guests instant access to personalized offers and rewards and tracks funds for slot play. The app’s Resort Wallet™ is the first of its kind in Northern California, providing guests a truly cashless solution for visiting the casino/resort. Guests can download the free app on Google Play or the App Store. Guests that sign up for the Rewards Program receive free slot play upon joining. All guests must be at least 21 years of age to qualify for a Rewards Card or the Graton App. Complete Graton Rewards information is available here.

And, from now to August 31, every Thursday, 1PM-6PM, the ALL ABOARD SUMMER SLOT TOURNAMENTS will be held. Top prizes include $5,000 cash, 7-day cruise, and entry into the $250,000 slot championship tournament! winners are guaranteed at each tournament. All reward members get one free entry into each tournament.

Last month, Graton Resort Casino broke ground on a $1 billion expansion project. New construction began on parking structure and will eventually include additional casino and resort buildings. The casino floor expansion will add approximately 144,000 square feet, adding 2,000 new slot machines, a new poker room, and a new high-limit area. The expansion project will also include a new five-story hotel wing with over

Currently, Graton Resort Casino offers a full gaming experience with 3,000 slot and video poker machines, more than 130 table games including Blackjack, Baccarat, and Pai Gow Poker, and a live poker room. The high limit lounge is a luxurious getaway tucked off the main casino floor where players enjoy a VIP experience. Breathe easy in the casino’s popular 9,000 square feet non-smoking gaming area which offers 300 slot machines and video poker. Graton Resort Casino’s award-winning hotel ensures a first-class experience during your stay. The AAA 4-diamond hotel boasts premium rooms and suites filled with modern luxuries and a full house of amenities, including our award-winning fullservice Spa Salon, fitness center and more. Dining options at the casino include Park Steakhouse for luxury dining, Tony’s of North Beach for authentic Italian cuisine, and Boathouse Asian Eatery for an eclectic mix of Japanese and East Asian cooking. The Marketplace is the spot for casual dining and features everything from burritos to award-winning barbeque at Everett ones. Graton’s six bars and lounges feature something for everyone – from the sports lover at Bar to the high energy of the Sky lounge to live music five nights a week throughout the casino.

About Graton Resort Casino

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

Mayor Carmen Montano

FilAm Jessica Caloza launches campaign for California State Assembly District 52

y Claire orales rue

LOS ANGELES Filipino American Jessica Caloza formally launched her campaign for California State Assembly District 52 and immediately drew wide support from top leaders and members of the State Assembly.

A lifelong public servant and longtime community organizer, Caloza has served in various positions in federal, state, and local government and most recently served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the California Attorney General.

Previously, she made history as the first Filipina woman to serve as a Los Angeles Public Works Commissioner and oversaw 5,000 employees that delivered city services to million people.

Caloza also worked as an Education Policy Advisor in the Obama Administration and fought for programs that helped students and families.

The FilAm leader kicked off her campaign with high-powered endorsements from California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta, the 700,000 working women and men who make up SEIU California State Council.

Caloza also has a groundswell of support from seven State Assemblymembers, namely, Assemblymember Mia Bonta, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, Assembly Majority Leader; Assemblymember Mike Fong, Assemblymember Matt Haney, Assistant Majority Whip; Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer, Assemblymember Evan Low, Chair of the API Legislative Caucus; and Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, Assistant Speaker Pro Tem.

In o cially announcing her candidacy for Assembly District 52, Caloza released the following statement:

“My immigrant family had the opportunity to work hard, get good paying jobs, and build a better life. want all families to have the same opportunity my family did. It’s not about one of us, it’s about all of us. That’s what my campaign for Assembly is about.”

Caloza added, “I want to bring the community’s voice to Sacramento. The challenges facing hard working families and neighborhoods across our district are many but I’m ready to fight for change. People throughout the 52nd District need and deserve a representative in the State Assembly who will bring compassion, proven leadership, inclusiveness, and a forward-thinking vision to get things done. We have many issues to tackle – a worsening homeless and housing crisis, lack of good paying middle class jobs, an underfunded public education system, a climate emergency, rampant gun violence, and more. My life’s work has been about bringing diverse communities together to find common ground and make positive change that’s how plan to lead in the Assembly. I want to fight for the people of the 52nd District like I would fight for my family.”

oining her o cial campaign launch , California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California State Council, released the following endorsement statements:

“Working families need leaders in the State Assembly who understand the challenges our members face every day. Jessica Caloza grew up in a working class community. She is the proud daughter of a janitor and nurse. Given her background and experiences, Jessica knows firsthand the struggles workers grapple with on a regular basis. SEIU California State Council is proud to endorse Jessica Caloza

because we know she will be a bold leader for change, fighting for livable wages, better working conditions and protections for workers’ rights. Jessica will be a bold champion for working families in the State Assembly, and we’re excited to support her.”

SEIU California State Council and SEIU-CIR Regional Vice President, Los Angeles General Hospital Resident Physician Dr. Mahima Iyengar

“Jessica Caloza is a fearless and visionary leader. She has the skills, proven abilities, and drive needed to be an effective leader in the State Assembly and a strong voice for communities in every corner of the 52nd District on Day 1. Whether it be enhancing neighborhood safety, curbing gun violence, making our criminal justice system more just, tackling homelessness, fighting for our rights and freedoms, and beyond, Jessica will be a powerful force for progress. look forward to partnering with her in the California State Assembly. Jessica has my full backing and support.” California Attorney General Rob Bonta

Each Assemblymember also released a statement in endorsing Caloza’s campaign:

“California needs leaders like Jessica Caloza in the State Assembly. She is deeply committed to advancing social and economic justice as well as fighting for working people by bridging diverse communities together to get things done. Jessica’s wide-ranging experience makes her ready to lead in the legislature. am pleased to give Jessica Caloza my wholehearted support and full backing.”

Assemblymember Mia Bonta

“Jessica Caloza has shown throughout her career that she is deeply committed to empowering the communities too often ignored or failed by our government. She has the heart, the passion, and the lived experience to be a fresh and effective voice for justice in the legislature. I’m proud to endorse Jessica Caloza for Assembly, and I’m confident that together, we can build a stronger, more equitable California for all.”

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, Assembly Majority Leader

“With so many challenges facing local communities across California, we need leaders who can hit the ground running on day one in the state legislature to solve problems and get things done. Jessica Caloza represents precisely the kind of compassionate, experienced leadership we need—she’s delivered for AAPI and other marginalized communities time and time again throughout her career. That’s why Jessica has my enthusiastic support, because she has the proven track record and a unique ability to build consensus among different viewpoints in order to develop solutions to complex problems.”

Assemblymember Mike Fong

“Jessica Caloza’s dedication to equity and justice and her collaborative approach to solving California’s greatest challenges will make her an excellent legislator. Jessica is committed to building more housing, raising wages for working families and helping small businesses thrive. am excited to support Jessica Caloza for Assembly District 52 and look forward to working with her in the legislature.” Assemblymember Matt Haney, Assistant Majority Whip

“Jessica Caloza has a profound understanding of the struggles so many people across our state are facing. The daughter of a janitor and a nurse, Jessica grew up in a working class community. She knows what working families have to go through just to make ends meet. This background, combined with her deep experience in local, state and federal govern-

ment makes her well-prepared to serve in the legislature. am proud to endorse Jessica Caloza because I know she will be a fighter for transformative change and justice for all communities.”

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer

“The depth and breadth of Jessica Caloza’s experience is unparalleled. Her tenacity, boundless work ethic, and innovative ideas reflect exactly the kind of new thinking our state needs. She’s also been a champion for AAPI communities and a strong ally for LGBTQ+ people throughout her career. Jessica will bring a new approach and fresh ideas to the many issues California is grappling with, and am thrilled to give Jessica my strong support and endorsement.” Assemblymember Evan Low and Chair of the API Legislative Caucus

“Jessica Caloza will be an extraordinary representative and a bold voice for the people of California’s 52nd State Assembly District. She has been an incredibly effective fighter for change in the City of L.A., in the Attorney General’s O ce, and in working for President Obama’s Administration. She will fight to keep our neighborhoods safe and work hard to improve the quality of life for all communities. It is these experiences and qualities that make Jessica ready to serve on day one. I’m with Jessica 100%.”

Assemblymember Stephanie

Nguyen, Assistant Speaker Pro Tem ABOUT JESSICA CALOZA

As a first generation immigrant and a daughter of working class parents, Jessica Caloza has dedicated her life to public service

Upside...

Ruell and Rommel. My snobby bestie swears by the prime rib at its Rene’s Fine Dining restaurant and its Café Colma martini hits the spot anytime. Serramonte Boulevard is north county’s bustling auto row.

Colma was the first Bay Area city to invite ALLICE to conduct a workshop on family and intimate partner abuse prevention to ensure concerted informed response from its law enforcement and town leadership. That’s thanks to current Mayor Joanne del Rosario, who happens to be an ALLICE Kumare therefore an advocate for community education as violence prevention, with strong support from Vice Mayor John Irish Goodwin and City Council members Helen Fisicaro, Ed Gonzalez, and Carrie Slaughter, and City Manager Brian Dossey.

Wait till next year, the five-time mayor gave a teaser for her town’s centennial, promising a celebration for the ages.

PNews Today Executive Editor Cherie M. Querol Moreno is founder-executive director of ALLICE.

and being a fighter for working families. She has served in various roles at the federal, state, and local levels of government. She was most recently the Deputy Chief of Staff to California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

Previously, Caloza served as a Los Angeles Public Works Commissioner and made history as the first Filipina woman ever to serve in this role. She led public works projects to improve the quality of life for neighborhoods, strengthen the local economy, and create more good paying middle class jobs across Los Angeles.

Passionate about fully funding and improving public schools, Caloza also worked in President Barack Obama’s Administration as an education policy advisor. Prior to her service in the federal government, she worked as a community organizer on President Obama’s campaign, and before that, Caloza worked for social justice non-profits that provided critical services to immigrants, working families, and youth.

A longtime grassroots activist and community organizer, Caloza serves on the boards of local nonprofits that deliver services to survivors of human tra cking and provides mental health counseling to youth and their families. She is also active in Democratic politics and serves as the Southern California Chair of the Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus in the California Democratic Party and is a longtime board member of the Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD). (Claire Morales True)

(From Page 11)

ALLICE 2023 co-president Flor Nicolas (in sunglasses) with hus and enar icolas ce o an ateo County upervisor Chie o ta ony ayudan and riends rave the heavy ree e to e in community Photos y P P

airgoers learned a out healthy and sa e rela�on ships orm CE umares Elsa gasid ellie i on and ydia Pomposo and umpare co president unior lores

Offline

old, he may or may not be the one.

(From Page 13)

The other suspect is Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is as devious a politician who has ever walked the earth. To be kind, she can be described as a most astute politician. But chose not to be kind. In my book, she is just too ambitious for her own good, and has a lust for power that is unquenchable.

would not put it beyond her to convince Junior to tell cousin Speaker to take the steps needed to amend the charter. It will not be as silly as changing the name of the Philippines to the Maharlika Republic. That can come later. But why not change the constitution so that you can stay in power beyond six years? Your dad did it, why not you?

Junior, of course, might be dumb enough to fall for that ploy. He could then end up holding an empty bag, whilst Gloria returns to power as Prime Minister with a term that can last not just for years but for decades.

In the meantime, she will again prep her infernal oldest son to assume higher post somewhere down the road.

So now we watch the moro-moro that is the Marcos Jr regime. Conventional as well as social media is being used to convince the people that the boy at the helm knows what he’s doing, and more importantly knows what to do in a crisis.

And this will be the Philippines’ greatest tragedy, one that is unfolding beneath the surface.

Push will come to shove, sooner or later. And when that happens, that is when the proverbial sh!t will hit the fan. Then it will be every man for himself. Then every fool who voted for Junior will curse him to high heavens, even as they march down the road to hell.

If Junior somehow beats the odds and ends up a fairly decent president, will eat my socks. Consider that a vow as well as a promise. And always keep my promises.

As I See It

Ken Go

21.8% year-over-year decline.

Central Coast:

(From Page 20)

In the Central Coast region, the median sold price for existing single-family homes was $1,000,000 in May 2023. This indicates a 2.0% decrease from April 2023 but a slight 0.5% increase from May 2022. Notably, the region witnessed a significant rise in sales, with a remarkable 36.6% month-to-month increase. However, when compared to the previous year, there was a 17.3% decline in sales.

Central Valley:

With a median sold price of $485,000 in May 2023, the Central Valley region experienced a notable 4.8% month-to-month increase. However, when compared to May 2022, there was a 4.9% decline in prices. Sales in the region followed a similar pattern, with a 22.7% month-tomonth growth and a 20.0% year-over-year decline.

Far North:

The Far North region had a median sold price of $380,000 in May 2023, showing a slight 1.3% decrease from the previous month. However, in comparison to May 2022, there was a significant 10.6 drop in prices. On the positive side, the region experienced a substantial 44.8% increase in sales on a month-to-month basis, though there was a 21.8% decline in sales compared to the previous year.

Inland Empire:

In May 2023, the median sold price for existing single-family homes in the Inland Empire region was $574,990. This represented a 1.8% increase from April 2023. However, when compared to May 2022, prices decreased by 3.5%. Sales in the region experienced a modest 13.9% month-to-month growth but a significant 22.9 year-over-year decline.

San Francisco Bay Area:

The San Francisco Bay Area had a median sold price of $1,300,000 in May 2023. This indicated a 4.0% increase from the previous month but an 11.3% decrease from May 2022. Sales in the region experienced a notable 30.0% month-to-month growth, but there was a substantial 23.8% decline compared to the previous year.

President Jennifer Chuacoco, National Council of Women of The Philippines President Cecille Dy, JCI Senate Philippines JCI National President Alfie

Fernandez, Luzon Clean Water Development Corporation, ABS CBN Foundation, Inc. Bantay Kalikasan, and DOHWA-EDCOP were given Plaques of Appreciation. Meanwhile, Special Awards were given to Rotary Club of Makati Gems MIP Alain Coros, JCI Senate Philippines GreenLink Project Chairperson JCI Sen. Lia Seelin, Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo N. Bataoil, ECARMA Health Options Corporation President TJ Meneses, Jumpcat Experiment “Ang Manglalakbay”, Brilliant Jerk Production, Marie Antonette De Ocampo of Maynilad, Respect: Noble Queen of the Universe Ltd. Inc., and Visual Artist Janddie Castillo. Likewise, media entities and practitioners were handed Special Award plaques for supporting the AMTC, Million Trees Foundation and MWSS.

Journalist Jim Robbins, author of The Man Who Planted Trees said “Planting trees may be the single most important ecotechnology that we have to put the broken pieces of our planet back together.”

We at the MTFI hope more partnerships will be forged for water security.

What’s up Atty

(From Page 12)

heart and soul of Milpitas and it is time to unleash its full potential. “Together,” she said, “we can create a vibrant, thriving, and welcoming hub that will be a pedestrian-friendly area to stroll, shop, eat and be a destination place here in the city.”

Well, her love for the city is captured by a phrase she coined“Beautify Milpitas”.

To her, it is a powerful expression of care, pride and commitment to working toward a visually pleasing and well-maintained urban environment that will enhance the livability in the city A beautiful and safe city attracts businesses, tourists, and investment. When people visit a city, that is visually appealing, they are likely to stay longer, spend more money and return in the future.

“As your mayor, am also committed to ensuring the safety and security of residents, businesses, and properties in Milpitas… and moving forward, we will continue to make strategic investments in the quality of life for our citizens,” she added.

Fostering economic growth and vitality in the community is another priority of the first lady mayor. She believes in implementing strategic initiatives that fuel economic growth and allow the city to lead in innovation and compete on the global state. She believes that this will start with our educational system by partnering with the schools which is vital to the success of the community.

I learned that the mayor is an ardent supporter of affordable housing and have pledged support for 100 affordable housing developments.

The city has currently an affordable housing ordinance requiring 15% below market rates for any new housing developments, and under her leadership have proposed a 20% BMR ordinance to ensure that more affordable housing is available in Milpitas.

Also, she recognized her constituents’ willingness in partnering. She encouraged them to share their thoughts, ask questions, volunteer their time, and connect with others. She recognized that the citizens active involvement in the community has made Milpitas stronger and admired by many.

She ended by saying “By continuing to support and uplift one another, embracing innovation, and fostering a sense of community, we can build upon our past accomplishments and maintain the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that makes our community special.”

Yes, mayor, we will pledge to continue putting our trust and confidence in you as our mayor, the city council and the city administration to lead our city of Milpitas to continued greatness!

Fellow Milpitians, the city has a new revised website which includes elements that will provide a user-friendly experience for everyone – MILPITAS.GOV and a helpful available tool for residents to connect with the city easier than ever - “MYMILPITASASAPP.” If you see something that needs attention such as gra ti, abandoned vehicles or potholes – you can submit a service request and even attach a photo on the said app. Let’s make Milpitas our “Home Sweet Home!”

(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 email author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com).

California Housing Market

Forecast 2023: Recently

Revised

Based on the latest data and market conditions, the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) has revised its Housing Market Forecast for 2023. The forecast provides insights into the projected trends and expectations for the housing market in the state. Overall, it indicates a challenging market environment in California, with a decline in home sales and a projected decrease in median home prices compared to the previous year.

The revised forecast takes into account various factors influencing the housing market, such as mortgage rates, inventory levels, buyer demand, and economic conditions. The decline in home sales is primarily attributed to higher mortgage rates and the limited availability of homes on the market. These factors have contributed to a decrease in buyer activity and overall sales volume.

Despite the decline in sales, the median home price in California is expected to remain relatively high. The increase in market competition, with homes spending less time on the market and a higher percentage of homes selling above asking price, has influenced the rise in median home prices.

It is important to note that the forecasted figures are based on current market conditions and historical trends. However, unforeseen events or changes in economic factors can influence the actual performance of the housing market throughout the year.

Thanks for your inquiries, please call Ken Go 1st Innovative Finance 562-508-7048 or write to Kennethgo@verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

Notary Public in California since 1981, you can have convenience and peace of mind with the complete, professional and unique services at MSS. Most of the time, it is more convenient and economical for you to avail yourself with the services at MSS.

For immediate help and assistance in the notarization and apostille follow- up on A davits, Special Power of Attorney (SPA), DEED OF ADSOLUTE SALE, Parental Travel Permit (PTP), Proof of Life, DEED OF DONATON, Durable Power of Attorney, Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate and other documents needed in the Philippines and the other member nations of the Hague Apostille Convention, just write or contact: MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, Madrid Street, San Francisco, CA 94112 Tel. (650) 438-3531 or (415) 584-7095 or email:artmadlaing@hotmail.com

(ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE#00635976) in California since 1981. He is the 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.)

The Outsider

(From Page 13)

they feel it. They fear that if they enter into a love relationship, it will also deteriorate.

It has been noted that certain women want to control the relationship. By not disclosing how they feel, they have power. They leave the man continuing the pursuit. Some men are patient and persistent, but others eventually give up when they feel their love might be unrequited. Like Frank Sinatra’s ballad, they “wake up to reality”. It will be the woman who will then be in pursuit if she loves the man who appears to be giving up.

It has been reported that “The disorder of alexithymia could also be a cause of not saying “I love you”. This psychological condition is defined as a clear di culty in identifying and expressing one’s own emotions. Hence, sufferers can’t give a name to what they feel, and consequently, will be unable to say “I love you” even if they feel it.”

There are strategies for inducing a girl to say “I love you” if a man is certain that the girl loves him, although she is reluctant to say it, unless she is suffering from alexithymia.

SOME MEN SAY “I LOVE YOU” WITHOUT EXPECTING A PARTICULAR RESPONSE

There is a lawyer we know who sometimes says “I love you” because that is how he feels, without expecting a particular response from the woman he says it to. “Love” in this context does not necessarily mean romantic love, although in one case it was.

The responses have been: (1) Silence, (2) a smile, (3) love you, too, (4) wish had met you earlier, (5) am happily married, and (6) can it still perform? The last response was the most shocking, particularly coming from an attractive 30-something Filipina. The lawyer quipped: “Let’s test it. It takes two to tango.”

FILIPINA DENIED A VISA FOR FAILING TO TELL CONSUL SHE LOVED HER HUSBAND

A 40 year-old Ilocana married an 80-something Ilocano whom she met while they were sitting together in a van from Manila to Ilocos Norte. The man’s spousal visa petition for her was approved by USCIS. At her interview with a consular o cer, he asked her why she married her husband. She replied that he is good, he is well-to do because he has four houses, and that she was sure he could take good care of her. The consul denied her visa application.

When the husband came to consult with me, we called up his wife. asked why she married her husband. She replied that she loved him. “Then why did you not tell that to the consul?” reproached her. “I was shy to say it,” she replied.

We filed a motion for reconsideration and reopening and attached an a davit signed by the wife. I accompanied the couple to the consular interview. explained to the consul that Filipinas are very modest and are shy in telling their feelings. The consul issued a visa.

This episode is the inspiration for my writing the lyrics of the song at the beginning of this column.

Diliman Way

(From Page 12)

holders who have actively participated and supported the implementation of the AMTC 2022 among them Newport World Resorts, SGS Philippines Inc., MCVO Talent Outsourcing Services, The Raya School – Fairview, Selma Shipping Philippines Inc., Rotary District 3830 DG Mildred Vitangcol, Rotary District 3800 DG Arturo Tanyag, Netflix Philippines, New World Hotel Makati, Nestle Philippine Inc., Philippine Bamboo Development Industry Council Executive Director Rene E. Madarang, National Federation of Woman’s Club and Ligao Woman’s Club President Linda Gonzales, Rotary Club of Manila Claro M. Recto Rotary

(From Page 12)

since the ones furnished him were Xerox copies. told our client to ask his friend to give us scanned copies of the documents but he was told two weeks later that his friend got a more influential person who could facilitate the withdrawal of such deposit. don’t know the identity of that influential person. Is it PBB Marcos? still don’t know.

Other billions of accounts We have a client for over fifteen years who has documents and list of accounts in local banks. Name any major local bank and her husband has billions of cash and several metric tons of gold in it. Why could she not withdraw from the accounts? The reason is very simple – banks deny their existence except when powerful friends of the bank owners confirm the existence of the accounts. The condition for withdrawal is huge share of the banks in the huge amounts.

So the problem is the bank owners. They want to keep the money for themselves to expand their empires – banks, airlines, malls, subdivisions, telecommunications, condominium buildings, resorts and whatever fires their creative and criminal minds. This is on the assumption that the money and the metric tons of gold exist.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors acts to preserve residential care facilities

Community Care

LOS ANGELES The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors took another step in keeping the county’s most vulnerable residents housed by approving the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health’s (LACDMH) acceptance of the Community Care Expansion Preservation Capital Projects Grant Program from the State, a grant program that will fund physical rehabilitation improvements for adult residential facilities, residential care facilities for the elderly, and residential care facilities for the chronically ill located within the County. This grant program will provide a minimum of 50,000 per facility to eligible awardees.

Funding for the program is being made available through Assembly Bill (AB) 172, which established a state-wide effort to expand the state’s housing and care continuum, improve treatment outcomes, and prevent the cycle of homelessness or unnecessary institutionalization.

In Los Angeles County, part of the funding made

Capital Projects Grant Program to help with improvements and upgrades

available by AB 172, totaling 55 million pending contract execution along with an 11.2 million commitment by LACDMH of Mental Health Services Act funds, will be utilized to fund the Community Care Expansion Preservation Capital Projects Grant Program in an effort to preserve licensed residential care facilities in need of critical licensing and health and safety repairs or required upgrades, thereby potentially preventing facility closure which could result in exits to homelessness.

The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) will administer and implement the program on behalf of the County.

This grant funding will make it possible for many residential care facilities to remain in operation by helping them make important repairs and upgrades to their buildings,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair anice Hahn. Otherwise, many of these much-needed facilities could face closure and put their residents at risk of

Facts and Trivia

How many cells do we have in our body?

nails.

What does the term LASER stand for?

homelessness.”

The funding will be targeted to facilities that have a critical gap in their financial ability to make needed repairs or upgrades, placing the facility at risk of closure or at risk of reducing the number of beds for qualified residents. The program will also fund repairs needed to ensure facilities are compliant with licensing and health and safety standards.

The application portal is expected to open on uly 17, 2023 , and will remain open for six weeks, closing on August 28, 2023 . Application-related trainings will be offered on uly 12 at 3 p.m. (eligibility and scoring criteria, requesting a physical needs assessment report) and uly 20 at 10 a.m. (step-by-step application instructions.)

All applicants are required to complete a preapplication technical assistance training. For more information, to register for these trainings and to apply during the application’s open period, visit https //www.ccecp.org.

Heart of Hope

The figures often quoted are between 50 to 75 trillion cells. The average life span of the cells is red blood cells, 120 days white blood cells, over a year platelets, ten days bone cells, 25-30 years brain cells, lifetime colon cells, 3-4 days skin cells, 19-34 days stomach cells, 2 days and sperm cells, 2-3 days. Obviously, these cells regenerate under normal conditions.

What is the force of a human bite?

Tightly clenched teeth can generate a force as much as 55 pounds (25 kilos) on the incisors and 200 pounds (90.5 kilos) on the molars. For the molars, a greater force at 268 pounds (122 kilos) has been recorded.

Which is the largest organ in our body?

The skin is the heaviest and largest organ in the human body. The total surface area is 20 square feet or 1.98 square meters for an average individual and 25 square feet or 2.3 square meters for a larger person, and a weight of about 5.6 pounds or 2.7 kilograms. The liver is the second largest organ (1.1 to 1.5 kilos) and serves about 500 functions as the main chemical factory of the human body.

How long is the human intestine?

Our small intestine is about seven meters (22 feet) long, and the large intestine (colon) is about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length.

How much blood do we have?

A male weighing about 70 kilos (154 pounds) would have about 5.5 quarts or 5.2 liters of blood. A female of about 50 kilos (110 pounds) would have about 3.5 quarts or 3.3 liters. This blood is circulated through blood vessels that stretch to about 60,000 miles (95,500 kilometers), if placed end to end. The largest artery in the body is the aorta, the largest vein, the vena cava.

How fast does human hair grow?

On average, human hair grows about nine inches each year. It grows faster in the summer because warm weather increases blood circulation to the hair follicles. The fingernails, on the other hand, grow about 0.8 inches (2 centimeters) every year. The middle fingernail grows the quickest. Fingernails grow four times faster than toe-

The acronym LASER stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. The applications of laser technology is far reaching and wide micro matching of components and circuit boards for our computers fiber-optic communications in long distance telephone networks bar coding scanners medical diagnostics and therapeutics desktop printers, color scanners, etc military target designators, etc.

Why the dimples in golf balls?

Dimples reduce the drag that will slow down the golf ball as it travels (some up to 300 yards or more) by minimizing the eddies or wake effect that drain the ball’s energy and velocity. This is achieved by the air clinging to the dimpled balls longer.

Can human voice break glass?

es, this has been proven in several experiments. The amplified high-pitched singing voice of a soprano or a tenor standing about ten feet from a wine glass cracked the glass in less than half a minute. Without amplification, this could conceivably be done with the glass about two feet away. The sheer force of the vibration from the vocal cords does it.

Do babies feel what moms feel?

Research has shown that the baby inside the womb feels what the mother is feeling. If the mother is happy, crying, or depressed, the baby could feel the emotion of the mother and feel the same. And it also cries in the womb but without sound. At this stage, the baby could also feel pain.

Will a resected heart beat?

es, a human or animal heart cut out of the body will continue to beat on its own, until all the stored energy (glucose and derivative enzymes, etc.) in the cardiac muscle cells is used up. This is usually within five to eight minutes. The heart is the only organ in the body that has automaticity and rhythmicity, hence it beats automatically and with rhythm even after resection from the body (as in the preparation for heart transplant).

How does icy temperature cause frostbite?

Prolonged exposure to extremely low temperature, mostly during winter in parts of the world where subzero weather is the rule, causes the capillaries (most distal tiny blood vessels), arterioles and venules (small arteries and veins), and regular sized blood vessels to constrict (go into spasm) and shut off the circulation to the toes, fingers, and ears, depriving these parts of the

much-needed blood. Frostbites, and even gangrene, are very common. Holding your finger directly against ice for prolonged period can also cause frostbite.

Do our hands have bacteria?

es, as a rule, everybody’s hands and fingers, the entire body, are full of resident” bacteria 24/7, about 10 million in each hand. They do not get infected because the intact skin is a tough protective layer that prevents the bacteria from gaining access into the soft tissues and muscles, etc. underneath the dermal shield. Severe abrasion, contusion or cut will allow the bacteria to invade and infect the inner parts of these structures. Washing our hands daily, before and after eating, after using the bathroom or touching money, or any activity that will add more bacteria to our hands and fingers, would minimize the number of bacteria and ward off infection. And the same is true with our mouth, where a lot of bacteria reside, about 20 billion, of 700 different species. The intact mucus membrane in the mouth, like the intact skin, protects the deeper structures from getting infected.

How many muscles do we use to smile?

To produce a smile, we use seventeen (17) facial muscles. To frown, we use 40 more muscles, 43. So, let’s exert less effort, use less muscles, and use less energy, by smiling more and having a happier and more attractive face.

In 1896, built at Roland Park, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. West Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada, is one of the world’s largest, covering 5.2 million square feet (480,000 square meters) on a 121-acres (49 hectares) lot. There are 828 stores and service centers in it, with parking space for 20,000 cars.

Philip Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, bestowed by then Indiana Governor, later a Senator, and a presidential candidate, the late Honorable 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

PHILIP S. CHUA

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

A LIFE THAT MATTERS

By TIM PEDROSA

The most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well. Here are some beautiful thoughts inspired by the writings of Michael Josephson. Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours nor days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear. So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to-do lists will expire. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. It won’t matter where you came from, or on what side of the tracks you lived at the end. It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant. Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant. So what will matter How will the value of your days be measured

What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave. What will matter is not your success, but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example. What will matter is not your competence, but your character. What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone. What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what. Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice. Choose to live a life that matters. It does not really matter who used to be, all that matters is who have become. We will not be remembered by our words but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

When Light is Unlikable

The Lord Jesus says, “I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will have the light of life (Jn. 8:12);” also “as long as am in the world, am the light of the world (Jn. 9:5).” Therefore, light is an image of everything that good, true, and godly. Light is in opposition with darkness. Light is beautiful; for it is an image about God. Would we not like the light Would we not be counted among those who live by the light

Unfortunately, whether consciously or unconsciously, we oftentimes reject the light and whatever it signifi es. I believe you have also your personal ideas or reasons why many of us, if not all of us in one or another, do not like the light. However, want us to explore three reasons why such choice: Firstly, we do not like the light; because, it is truthful. Light has nothing as “half-light,” and so, there is no such thing as half-truth or half-good or half-godly. Since there is the sense of strictness, we do not want that fo r we have the tendency to hide things, to hide our motives, to hide our truest intentions, to hide even our actions or behavior. There is what we call hypocrisy, because truth exposes the person’s truest behavior and intentions. We do not like the light, since we cannot hide from it. People do not like the light, because the inclination to mediocrity or worse, evil-sinful motives will be exposed to the world to see. And that brings shame and humiliation. We all do not want or like that consequence. But if we will stick to the light and its mandate to live and behave within its realm; we become honorable, persons with integrity, our words and actions are trustworthy for the fact that our being is of the light.

Secondly, we do not want or do not prefer the light because, it is authoritative. Light is an authority, there is a sense of command. We do not want to be told or to be mandated upon. Light concerns with the path and ways of the Lord God. Hence, it constantly commands or reminds us to walk in that straight and right path, or submit ourselves to the ways of God. However, we want our own way. Many times, we guard our self-interest to the extent that God’s will can even be done without and His commandments can neither impede us. So, we do not want the light for it cripples our ego and it disciplines our pride. But if we follow the light’s lead, we actually can be the happiest person, for happiness is found not in one’s attainment of ego-centered wants and pleasures, but in the obedience and docility to the ways of God, which are the ways of the light. We are happy only in the measure we live and behave following God’s commands and will. For we are created to love and serve God; thus, obeying is fulfi lling the reason of our existence. Dear reader, have you ever found yourself in di culty of obeying God’s will or commandment Such a moment is a choice between light and darkness. Lastly, light is divine life. As light is an image of God or of His presence; so, it is what our life should be. It is, hence, unlikable for the fact that many times we do not want to be under God’s radar, so to say. We do not want to be seen by the people around us of what we are doing or how we are living, and we want that God should not meddle with our choice or preferences. We justify saying, “God wants me to be happy, well this is what and how want to be happy; so, whether He sees me or not, I do not care.” Divine life is n urtured through the Sacraments, and we do not want to go to Church. Div ine life in watered through prayer, and we are oftentimes lazy. Divine life is also about doing good deeds and such deeds imply sacrifi ce. By these ideas among many more, light can be unlikable. Yet, we always know that if we live according to Christ’s teachings we are blessed, but still prefer to venture into darkness and dark corners of our human existence, because we have the tendency to live on our own terms and not according to God’s terms. What are those moments, dear reader, when you prefer to live by your own terms, even if unknowingly, your action is incompatible with the divine life in you Lord esus, our light can mean a demanding life, yet we know it is also the most meaningful and rewarding one. Make us be consistent and persevering in living the life of the light and do not tolerate us to wander away from it. Amen.

REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD

Ukoy na Dilis at Kangkong Recipe of the Week

Ukoy na Dilis at Kangkong is a tweaked version of my Ukoy na Dilis recipe. On this tweaked version I fried the dilis in a bed of kangkong leaves. The basic recipe is similar except for the addition of the kangkong leaves. To assemble lay several kangkong leaves in a small sauce plate this will serve as a bed for the dilis mixed with the prepared batter. The ukoy mixture is then slide in to hot oil for deep frying. The dish is best served with vinegar, garlic, salt and hot chili dip. Here is the recipe of my innovative Ukoy na dilis at Kangkong enjoy.

Ingredients:

1/2 kilo dilis, anchovy, head abd entrails disgarded

2-3 stalks spring onion, chopped

1 big bundle kangkong, trimmed

1/2 cup flour

1 1/2 cup cornstarch

1 tsp. baking powder

1 medium size egg, beaten

salt and pepper

cooking oil

Cooking procedure:

In a bowl mix flour and cornstarch, dash of salt and pepper. Blend in the beaten egg and 1 1/2 cups of water until a smooth batter is produced. Add in the dilis and spring onion mix thoroughly. Heat about 2 to 3 cups of oil in a wok. To assemble lay several kangkong leaves in a small sauce plate this will serve as a bed for the dilis mixed with the prepared batter. Using a soup ladle scoop about 1/3 cup of the fish batter mixture and pour into the kangkong bed in the small sauce plate. Slide the ukoy mixture in to wok. Fry one serving at a time flip once the bottom turns to golden brown. Fry until crispy and golden brown. Remove from wok and drain on a paper towel. Serve with vinegar, crushed garlic, salt and pepper dipping sauce.

Manila cultural hub hop on, hop off bus tours launched

– The Department of Tourism (DOT) launched last week the HopOn, Hop-Off (HOHO) Manila Cultural Hub tours, increasing tourism offerings in Metro Manila.

The new circuit is the second of its kind after the pilot of HOHO Makati Financial Hub tours on May 28.

“Our President envisions a tourism industry that is able to compete shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors in Asia, as well as the rest of the world. And that is why we introduced tourism to the digital age through this ‘Hop-On, Hop-Off’ Bus Tours that allows tourists to book through an app, curate their experiences, and travel at their own convenience,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said during the launch.

She noted that after the pandemic, there had been a global change in travel trends and the desire of travelers for more immersive experiences has grown.

“Travel trends continue to change, and it is incumbent upon us in the national government and local government to adapt. It is time for us to evolve and to truly understand the necessity of ensuring that we are not left behind in the post-pandemic world,” she said.

With the new HOHO Manila, Frasco hopes to reintroduce and share the capital’s heritage and culture with both local and foreign tourists.

The Cultural Hub will have nine stops that will make the rounds of Robinsons Manila, Raja Sulayman, Rizal Park Luneta, National Museum, Malacañang Heritage Tours, City Hall, Escolta, Binondo, and Intramuros.

Tourists can choose from curated

and do-it-yourself itineraries with the option for private and guided tours.

The introductory price for the HOHO Manila Cultural Hub tour starts at PHP1,000 per person.

The Philippines HOHO features a dedicated website with all information, a reloadable EMV-capable card, a mobile app for booking tours and making cashless payments, GPS networked-bus arrival monitoring and video guides, as well as information on hotels, food, and tourism merchants.

In 2022, Metro Manila recorded a total of 5.3 million overnight tourists, with Manila ranking fourth with 710,275 arrivals, while Makati City ranks one level higher with 969,927 arrivals.

The cities of Pasay and Parañaque rank first and second.

Meanwhile, the City of Manila tops the same-day arrivals with 7.4 million recorded in the same period last year, DOT records show.

HOHO BUS TOUR. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco (right) and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna lead the launch of the Department of Tourism’s Hop-On, Hop-Off (HOHO) bus tours at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Manila. The new circuit is the second of its kind after the pilot of HOHO Makati Financial Hub tours.