7.25.24-7.31.24 by Philippine News Today

‘DRUG USE’ CONTINUES TO HOUND MARCOS

FAKE? Philippine Na�onal Police and Na�onal Bureau of Inves�ga�on oﬃcials present results of their forensic analysis of the Maharlika video in the presence of Interior Secretary Benamin Abalos Jr. and NBI Director Jaime San�ago. They claim the video was altered to make it appear that it is President Marcos in the video.

Marcos orders ban on all POGOs, defends West Phl Sea at SONA

By Claire Morales True

QUEZON CITY –

Heeding the snowballing calls following the raids on two Chinese-controlled gaming hubs in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga behind criminal activities such as ﬁnancial scamming, money laundering, human traﬃcking, torture, murder and kidnapping, President

Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered a total ban on all Philippine oﬀshore gaming operators (POGOs) in the country.

Marcos gave the order during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the joint session of Congress and full-packed crowd, including

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor and Alfred Gabot

MANILA/LOS ANGELES – The old rumor that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used or continues to use illegal drugs just won’t go away with a video purportedly showing him doing drugs was shown in the United States and spread like wildﬁre.

By Cesar Antonio Nucum Jr.

SAN FRANCISCO -As accolades pour in for President Joe Biden after his withdrawal in the presidential election, his heir apparent Vice President secured strong support from fellow Democratic leaders ahead of the party’s convention next month in Chicago.

The Filipino Americans for Biden Harris (FAFBH), a multi-generational volunteer group of U.S. Filipino American Citizens, also aired its support and endorsement for VP Harris and Democrats who are running for Federal, State and local elective oﬃce.

Biden hailed for statesmanship, support to PHL, Filipinos

MANILA/SAN FRANCISCO — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. thanked United States President Joe Biden for his unwavering support to the Philippines in “a delicate and diﬃcult time” after the American leader withdrew from the race for the US presidency.

In a statement, Marcos hailed Biden’s decision to end his reelection

By Gilda Balan, Correspondent

NEW YORK -- A community-based eﬀort designed to stop incidents of violence against Asian Americans is undergoing changes, but promises to still be around for a while longer.

New York’s ‘SafeWalks’ program that helped keep Asian Americans safe when they walk around their communities will continue even after the Nonviolent Peaceforce steps back from Page 6

Melissa Ramoso

Mark PulidoRob BontaLoida Nicolas Lewis

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris

13 dead from effects of ‘habagat,’ 2 typhoons

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City –

The combined eﬀects of bad weather due to the southwest monsoon (habagat) and tropical cyclones Butchoy and Carina in large parts of the country has so far left 13 people dead and hundreds of families or close to one million individuals were displaced.

Four family members were buried to death when their house was hit by landslide in Agoncillo, Batangas, according to Vice Mayor Daniel Reyes.

The National Capital Region (NCR) and other parts of Luzon were submerged in ﬂoods after Typhoon Carina — enhanced by the southwest monsoon — brought non-stop rains since Tuesday.

The weather disturbance prompted Malacañang on Tuesday and Wednesday to suspend government work and classes at all levels in Metro Manila due to inclement weather brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat) and Typhoon Carina.

The Senate and House of Representatives also suspended sessions and work.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, by the authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., signed Memorandum Circular 57, suspending government work and classes eﬀective 2 p.m. Tuesday.

However, those agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness and response to disasters and calamities, and the performance of other vital services shall con-

tinue operations and render the necessary services.

“The suspension of work for private companies and oﬃces are left to the discretion of their respective heads,” the memorandum stated.

Several road sections in four cities in Metro Manila were ﬂooded due to heavy rains and passable only to heavy vehicles, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

As of Tuesday noon, the DPWH said the ﬂooded areas in the cities are Mandaluyong, Manila, Pasay and Quezon.

In Mandaluyong City, the ﬂooded areas were Boni Avenue, cor. F. Ortigas and Boni Avenue, Maysilo Circle with a depth of 30 cm.

In Manila, ﬂooded areas include the Blumentritt Road cor. P. Margal and P. Florentino (20 cm. deep) and Mel Lopez Boulevard cor. C2 and Moriones (10 cm. deep).

In Pasay City, two roads are ﬂooded -- Taft Avenue northbound near Arellano University (5 cm.) and EDSA cor. Taft Avenue (10 cm.)

In Quezon City, ﬂoods at the Elliptical Road near cor. Quezon Avenue have a depth of 20 cm.

Also on Tuesday, tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) no. 2 was hoisted over several areas in Batanes as Typhoon Carina slightly intensiﬁed the weather bureau.

In its 11 a.m. update, the Philippine At-

mospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Carina packs maximum sustained winds of 140 km. per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kph.

The typhoon was last tracked 320 km. east of Basco, Batanes or 405 km. east northeast of Aparri, Cagayan.

Areas under TCWS no. 2 are Itbayat, Basco, Mahatao, Uyugan and Ivana which will experience gale-force winds, while areas under TCWS no. 1 -- the rest of Batanes (Sabtang), Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the eastern portion of Isabela (Divilacan, Palanan, Maconacon, Dinapigue, Tumauini, Ilagan City, San Mariano, Cabagan, San Pablo, Santa Maria), the north-

ern portion of Apayao (Calanasan, Luna, Pudtol, Flora, Santa Marcela), the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud, Bangui, Adams, Dumalneg, Burgos, Vintar), the northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran), Polillo Islands, Calaguas Islands, and the northern portion of Catanduanes (Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, Gigmoto, Caramoran) --will experience strong winds.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said of the seven conﬁrmed fatalities, four were in Zamboanga Peninsula and one each in Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

VP Sara stripped by PNP of security detail

PASIG CITY -- Vice President Sara Duterte said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has removed all 75 members of the PNP Police and Security Group assigned to her security detail.

In a statement, Duterte said PNP chief Police Gen. Rommel Marbil ordered the removal on Monday, July 22.

Duterte said that Marbil’s order would not aﬀ ect her work in the Oﬃ ce of the Vice President.

“I do hope, however, that with this latest directive of the Chief PNP, we hear less cries from the people regarding the proliferation of drugs in the

country, and that even fewer shall fall victim to various criminal activities,” Duterte said.

“Tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang ating trabaho upang makapaghatid tayo ng serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan — lalong-lalo na sa mga liblib o underserved communities sa ating bansa,” she added.

Marbil conﬁ rmed the PNP reduced the number of police in the Vice President’s security detail.

“‘Yung security ng Vice President is not under anymore sa amin. It’s under the Presidential Security Command,” the PNP chief said.

Blinken, Austin joining PHL-US foreign, defense talks in Manila

MANILA/WASHINGTON DC – Secretary of Foreign Aﬀairs Enrique A. Manalo and Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., will host United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III in Manila on July 30 for the 4th Philippines-U.S. Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue (“2+2 Dialogue”).

The Philippines-U.S. Alliance has contributed to the maintenance of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Paciﬁc region for over 70 years.

During this year’s 2+2 Dialogue, the four Secretaries are expected to discuss how to further enhance our two countries’ ironclad commitment to this alliance while enabling a common program in support of the rulesbased international order, enhanced economic ties, broad-based prosperity, and solutions to evolving regional and global security challenges.

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Gov’t declares state of calamity over Metro Manila due to ﬂoods

PASIG CITY -- Continuous rains that inundated big parts of Metro Manila triggered the Metro Manila Council to declare a State of calamity in the National Capital Region.

Schools and government oﬃces were suspended while many ﬂights were cancelled due to the storm.

The Metro Manila Council (MCC), which is composed of the 17 city and town mayors in the metropolis and other oﬃcials, made the decision following a meeting presided by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmo-

spheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the country is now on La Niña Alert status with a “70 percent chance of La Niña forming in (the) August-September-October 2024 season and is likely to persist until the ﬁrst quarter of 2025.”

San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, MMC president, and MMDA Chairman Romando Don (Artes), moved for the declaration and seconded by Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano.

Twelve of the 17 mayors voted for the state of calamity declaration. The other ﬁve mayors were not able to participate

in the meeting.

The declaration of a state of calamity enables the local government to access emergency funds swiftly and implement relief operations to aid the displaced residents.

Many Metro Manila roads were submerged in ﬂood Wednesday morning as the eﬀects of the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and Tropical Cyclone Carina hit some parts of the country.

In a report during a brieﬁng presided by President Ferdinand Marcos at the National Disaster and Coordinating Council, Abalos said large parts of the low-lying

cities in Metro Manila were submerged in ﬂoodwaters, noting that 70 percent of areas in Navotas City are ﬂooded; 80 percent in Malabon City; and 60 percent in Valenzuela City.

Marcos directed government agencies to focus providing assistance in areas that are isolated as Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat continue to batter parts of the country with heavy rains.

During a situation brieﬁng at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Marcos expressed satisfaction over the government’s response so far.

Isko to run for Manila mayor again; Lacuna ﬁrm on reelection

MANILA— Former Manila mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso appears to be ready to reclaim the mayorship of the city again.

The former mayor even introduced his possible runningmate, Alejandro “Ali” Atienza, son of former Manila Mayor Jose Lito Atienza Jr., during a meeting on July 22 at a hotel.

Domagoso also introduced some supporters, including incumbent congressmen and councilors during the meeting.

Domagoso said while he loves incumbent Manila Mayor Sheila Honey LacunaPangan as he acknowledged the help of the

late Vice Mayor Danilo Lacuna, father of the incumbent mayor, he is answering the call of Manilans who are pushing him to run again for mayor.

Many Manilans claimed that Mayor Lacuna’s administration has no direction and lady mayor was not inspiring in her leadership, it was gathered.

Domagoso, however, appealed to his supporters during the meeting to refrain from badmouthing the mayor.

Mayor Lacuna was Domagoso’s vice mayor when they defeated by landslide former president and then reelectionist mayor Joseph Ejercito under the Asenso

NAIA soon-to-be world-class airport

MANILA – With the looming privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), it will soon be worldclass, made possible through the government’s partnership with the private sector, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on said.

“Once considered as among the worst and most stressful airports in the world, it will soon be a world-class international airport that we can be proud of,” Marcos stressed in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The San Miguel Corp.-led New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) will operate and main-

tain the country’s main gateway beginning September, after bagging the P170.6 billion public-private partnership (PPP) modernization project for NAIA rehabilitation.

Through the government’s partnership with the consortium, NAIA is now primed for revitalization, Marcos said. The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is the airport’s current operator.

The NAIA PPP, according to Marcos, will go down in the country’s history, not only as among the largest and fastest approved PPP projects but one “that has set

Manileno party.

For the May 2025 election, Domagoso will run under Aksyon Demokratiko, a political party he heads as president.

Aksyon Demokratiko, in a statement, belied reports that Domagoso would run for mayor under another party.

Aksyon Demokratiko maintained Moreno is still in the party.

“Mayor Isko will remain and will run under Aksyon Demokratiko if ever he decides to go for a political oﬃce in 2025,” the party said.

Moreno ran for president under Aksyon Demokratiko in 2022.

Biden..

(From page 1)

bid, calling it a “demonstration of genuine statesmanship.”

Marcos had met Biden twice in the White House, once at the United Nations and at the Asia Paciﬁc Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders summit in San Francisco as the Philippine leader veered toward the US in contrast to former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Former US Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton also lauded Biden for his decision.

“We thank him for his constant and unwavering support for the Philippines in a delicate and diﬃcult time. We wish him well for the rest of his presidency and for all his future endeavors,” the President said.

‘’President Biden’s decision to withdraw from his candidacy is a demonstration of genuine statesmanship,’’ Marcos said.

Biden withdrew from the US presidential race and endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, as the nominee of the Democratic Party.

Biden oﬀered his “full support and endorsement” for Harris to replace him as presidential candidate in the November 5 elections.

“Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat [Donald] Trump. Let’s do this,” he added.

In his statement, Obama praised Biden as “one of America’s most consequential presidents” and “a patriot of the highest order.”

“President Biden pointed us away from the four years of chaos, falsehood,

Previous reports said Moreno planned to run for mayor in 2025 under a new political party, identiﬁed as Bagong Maynila. Moreno was also said to have ended his association with Asenso Manilenyo, established by the late former Manila vice mayor Danilo Lacuna.

Asenso Manilenyo is the party of Lacuna’s eldest daughter, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, Vice Mayor John Marvin Nieto and most of the city’s councilors. Following the reports that Domagoso will run for mayor next year, Mayor Lacuna-Pangan appealed to her “dear brother” Moreno to “reconsider his plans.”

and division that had characterized Donald Trump’s administration,” he said.

Clinton said Biden “has capped his extraordinary career of service with a Presidency that has lifted America out of an unprecedented pandemic, created millions of new jobs, rebuilt a battered economy, strengthened our democracy, and restored our standing in the world.”

“We join millions of Americans in thanking President Biden for all he has accomplished, standing up for America time and again, with his North Star always being what’s best for the country,” he and his wife Hillary Clinton said in a joint statement.

The Clintons endorsed Harris and said they “will do whatever we can to support her.”

In San Francisco and New York, American supporters of President Biden and Vice President Harris expressed gratitude for the substantial assistance provided by the administration to the Filipino community.

The Filipino Americans for Biden Harris said the Filipino community has “greatly beneﬁted” from the Biden administration.

“His administration has recognized and celebrated our contributions, ensuring our voices are heard and our community is represented,” the group said.

“Filipino Americans have greatly beneﬁted from his policies, which have protected healthcare for those with pre-existing conditions, lowered costs for millions of patients, and resulted in greater gains in health insurance coverage for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Paciﬁc Islander communities than any other racial or ethnic group.”

P186-M aid handed to Ilocos Region agri workers affected by El Niño

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial distribution here of P186.7 million worth of financial aid to 18,674 farmers and fisherfolk from the Ilocos Region severely affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

Each beneﬁciary of the Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Fisherfolk and their Families (PAFFF) will receive P10,000. The funds were downloaded to their respective provincial governments, PNA’s Hilda Austria reported.

Of the total, 8,162 of the beneﬁciaries are from Ilocos Norte; 3,333 from Ilocos Sur; 3,259 from La Union; and 3,920 from Pangasinan.

In his speech at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center gymnasium here,

Marcos said the cash aid is also a way of thanking the farmers and ﬁsherfolk for their dedication, strength and love for the country amid the challenges caused by the El Niño-induced dry spell.

“Narito kami para bigyan ng bagong pag-asa at bagong simula ang mga bayani ng sektor ng agrikuktura. Alam natin na matindi (ang naging) epekto ng El Niño sa mga kabuhayan ninyong lahat at ang pagkatuyo naman ng lupain, (at) ang kakulangan sa tubig ay nagdulot ng malaking hamon hindi lamang sa mga pananim kundi pati na (rin) sa palaisdaan dito sa Pangasinan,” he said.

“Ngunit sa kabila ng mga pagsubok na ito ay patuloy kayong nagsumikap at nagalay ng inyong sarili upang masiguro na may pagkain ang bawat pamilyang Pili-

pino,” Marcos added.

Aside from the PAFFF, the Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed P10,000 each to 4,600 beneﬁciaries under the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) while 4,567 beneﬁted from the Department of Labor and Employment’s emergency employment program Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

Alex dela Cruz, a farmer from Laoac town, said he will use the ﬁnancial support to buy fuel for his water pump.

“I thank the President for this cash aid. It is timely and will be very useful for me and my family,” he said.

Raymundo Sison, one of the AKAP beneﬁciaries, said the money he received

will be used as additional capital to his online selling business.

“This is a huge help during this time,” he said.

The Department of Agriculture distributed various farm machinery, equipment and inputs; the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources distributed over P3.8 million worth of interventions; the Department of Trade and Industry disbursed P9.6 million worth of Shared Service Facilities to 13 micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs; and the Department of Agriculture allotted PHP80 million for the Negosyo (Business) Loan program.

The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), meanwhile, paid P4 million worth of indemnity to 498 Pangasinan farmers and ﬁsherfolk.

3 major Luzon infra projects completed this year

CLARK FREEPORT/MANILA –

Three major projects under the Luzon High-Standard Highway Network are set to be completed this year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said.

“The C-LEX (Central Luzon Link Expressway), NLEX-SLEX Connector, and the Plaridel Bypass will be fully completed by the end of this year,” Marcos said in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The CLEX, also known as the Central Luzon Link Freeway, will connect the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)

and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.

The NLEX-SLEX Connector Road connects those coming from and going to North and South Luzon and vice versa.

The Arterial Road Bypass (Plaridel) Project Phase III, with a length of 22.46 kilometers, is 92 percent completed. Once ﬁnished, it will cut travel time between Borol, Balagtas, Maasim, and San Rafael in Bulacan from 69 minutes to 24 minutes and will beneﬁt around 15,000 motorists per day.

At the same time, Marcos reported that

Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) and the C5 South Link would be fully operational by next year.

Aside from the three major projects under the Build Better More (BBM) program), the President said thousands of roads and bridges have been constructed.

“As of May this year, 12,000 kilometers worth of roads and more than 1,200 bridges have been built and upgraded across the country,” he said.

“Of note, we have provided the budget to upgrade 367 tbridges and almost 1,600

kilometers of road along our country’s longest thoroughfare - the Maharlika Highway - from Luzon down to Mindanao,”

Under the Inter-Island Linkage Bridge Program, he noted that two major bridges are to be opened to motorists within this year.

“One is the Panguil Bay Bridge - touted as the longest water-spanning bridge in Northern Mindanao. This will connect Lanao del Norte to Misamis Occidental. The other is the Guicam Bridge in Zamboanga Sibugay, which shall connect Olutanga Island to the mainland of Mindanao,” he said.

Sen. Padilla is new president of PDP

(PDP), replacing Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Chavez Alvarez.

Alvarez said the party is in good hands under Padilla who was has served as the party’s executive vice president and acting president.

“As the new PDP president, Senator Padilla will continue to consolidate the party membership and prepare for the 2025 mid-term elections, which Rep. Alvarez started,” the PDP said in a statement,

Padilla took his oath before PDP vice chairman Alfonso Cusi and auditor Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.

In April, the Duterteled PDP oﬃcially removed “Laban” from its name and endorsed the reelection bid of Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Francis Tolen-

NY...

tino, and Go for the 2025 midterm elections.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte is the party chairman.

“We are conﬁdent that under Senator Padilla’s leadership, the party is in good hands and will continue to be a major force for reform and development in the country,” the PDP said.

The party thanked Alvarez for leading PDP in the past 20 months, “as he made it a stronger political party that is focused on helping drive reforms in the country so that every Filipino will have an equal opportunity to attain his greatest potential.”

In the Senate, Padilla has advocated reforms to the 1987 Constitution, peace and order, and anti-illegal drugs, and has been asserting the country’s sovereignty, as well as the rights of Muslim Filipinos.

“In February 1983, the PDP and Laban merged, making it a national political party with members from all over the country,” the PDP-Laban’s oﬃcial website read.

Laban is associated with the late for-

(From page 1) its role from the movement.

Kalaya’an Mendoza, director of mutual protection for Nonviolent Peaceforce described the group’s new role.

She said, “We’re going to be primarily focused on providing safety trainings to community members, which are going to encompass a lot of the skills that volunteers would need to do Safe Walks and other forms of protective accompaniment.”

A report at the Public News Service written by Edwin Viera quoted Mendoza as saying it was gratifying that other groups are stepping in to guarantee that SafeWalks continues.

Mendoza said Nonviolent Peaceforce will provide those groups with training, hold debrieﬁng for volunteers, and support leadership development.

As beneﬁcial as the program has been, it has not been without challenges,

mer Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino III while the PDP was founded by the late Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr.

The PDP-Laban faction led by Senator Aquilino Pimentel III and then-presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao ﬁled a motion for reconsideration to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on its decision aﬃrming the Cusi-wing as the “legitimate faction.”

On Jan. 27, 2023, the Comelec denied the Pimentel faction’s motion over the leadership of the party.

added Mendoza., citing ﬁnding resources to meed the community needs as one example.

He added that the lack of focus on the issue of antiAsian hate by elected oﬃcials has likewise been challenging.

Stated Mendoza: “I wish I could say that hate crimes and hate incidents are going down. But I think we’re going to continue seeing them continue, and rise until there is more support for impacted communities on a federal, state, and city level.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul allocated $51 million for safety measures at nonproﬁt organizations that work with populations at risk of hate crimes, while legislation has also been signed to strengthen hate crime investigation and reporting requirements on college campuses.

Back in 2021, no less than 140 hate crimes were reported in the state, the highest since reporting began.

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

PASAY CITY – Senator Robinhood Robin Padilla has assumed as new president of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino

Senator Robinhood Padilla

Senate, House open 3rd session, bare priorities

PASAY CITY/QUEZON CITY – Senate President Francis Escudero and Speaker Martin Romualdez opened the third session of the 19th Congress on July 22 mainly to hear the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and set the tone for the its plenary sessions where priority bills will be tackled.

All 24 senators and 262 congressmen answered the roll call at the Upper and Lower Chambers opening.

Escudero and the Senate leadership assured that it would not be aﬀected by “unnecessary political noise” as it resumed its third regular.

Escudero maintained the chamber would only focus on people’s interests, putting the nation before personal or political ambitions.

“The Senate is a chamber of sobriety and prudence. We temper the passions of public opinion and proceed in a rational and deliberate manner. We do not immediately embrace populism that may ultimately harm the people,” Escudero said.

He emphasized that under his watch, the Senate would prioritize quality over quantity.

“This is not a factory that mass produces laws for the sake of showing them on the scoreboard, yet do not, in any way, improve our people’s lives,” Escudero said.

“The Senate puts the interest of our people over those of political parties or personal ambitions. Bayan muna bago sarili

(Country ﬁrst before self),” he added.

As to matters of foreign relations, Escudero said the Senate would continue to help maintain good ties with other nations while putting national interest as a priority.

“I am conﬁdent that we shall overcome whatever disagreements we may have with any of our neighbors, given our centuriesold amicable relations with them, where this point in time in our current history is, to me, a mere speck,” he said.

In opening the session, Speaker Romualdez took pride in the legislative accomplishments of the House of Representatives, saying the positive impact of laws passed by the 19th Congress and signed by President Marcos Jr. is now being felt by Filipinos.

“Lahat ng kailangang batas na hiniling ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. sa nakaraang State-of-the Nation Address, pasado na po lahat dito sa House of Representatives,” he told his colleagues at the start of the third and last regular session of Congress.

“We have done our homework. We addressed concerns on food security, climate change, social protection, tourism, public health, public order and safety, among others,” he said. “In fact, the fruits of our overarching development agenda initiatives for the past two years are now slowly being felt across the nation,” he said.

To prove his point, the leader of the 300-plus members House cited the coun-

try’s economic performance in recent years.

From the third quarter of 2022 to the ﬁrst quarter of 2024, he said the economy grew by an average of 6.1 percent. For the ﬁrst quarter of 2024 alone, the Philippine economy outperformed Indonesia (5.1 percent), Malaysia (4.2 percent), Singapore (2.7 percent) and Thailand (1.5 percent), he said.

He noted that last May, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) projected that the country’s growth target of 6-7 percent this year is achievable with the implementation of appropriate government policies.

“As a result, the country is expected to continue outperforming most emerging economies and expand further to a range of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent in 2025,” Romualdez said.

He said such forecast is not far from the growth projections for the Philippines in 2025 by key international ﬁnancial institutions such as the International Monetary

When you switch oﬀ, California stays on.

Fund (6.2 percent), the Asian Development Fund (6.1 percent) and the World Bank (5.9 percent).

“I believe, dear colleagues, that the policies have all been put in place and the gains of a competent, focused, and thorough legislative process are now bringing signiﬁcant improvements to our economy,” Speaker Romualdez added.

He said as a result of the Philippines’ continued economic expansion, respected credit rating firm Fitch Ratings affirmed last month the country’s investment-grade long-term foreign currency trading at “BBB” rating with a stable outlook. “This indicates the country’s robust medium-term growth and suggests a reduced credit risk. It also states that our ability to meet financial obligations is sufficient. This can be attributed, in part, to the pursuit of priorities such as the Build-Better-More infrastructure program and investments in Public-Private Partnerships,” he said.

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.

‘DRUG USE’...

(From page 1)

Government oﬃcials immediately dismissed the video, stressing it was “fake” and “malicious.” The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said after they did forensic analysis that the person in the video was obviously not President Marcos.

The video uploader, however, questioned the forensic analysis and the manner it was conducted.

A reliable Philippine News Today source, meanwhile, said he believed that Marcos used and continues to use cocaine. The source claimed that he is a long-time supporter of the Marcoses.

The video was reportedly shown during a Los Angeles gathering of a group allegedly linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The video shows a man who resembles President Marcos holding a small plastic pack with a crystalline substance resembling illegal narcotics.

An oﬃcial criticized vlogger Maharlika who was among the ﬁrst to repost the video in her vlog, ABS-CBN reported.

The vlogger’s real name is Claire Eden Contreras, and she was a supporter of the Marcos/Sara Duterte Unity ticket in the last elections.

Contreras has since turned her back on Marcos after ties between the president and the vice president soured.

She resides in LA with her family, and has since continued to produce vlogs critical of Marcos and praising the Dutertes.

Appearing later on Internet “Boldyak TV,” Maharlika stood ﬁrm on the video as she admitted she was the one who showed and uploaded the video in US.

Maharlika also said her video has been “authenticated” in US.

It should be noted that the word ‘Maharlika’ has long been associated with the president’s father and namesake. The late dictator named his guerilla unit Maharlika during World War ll, and he even toyed with the idea of renaming the Philippines as the Maharlika republic.

“Malicious,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said of the video while Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Aba-

(From page 1)

former Presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Joseph Estrada and former Speakers Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Jose de Venecia and the diplomatic corps, at the Batasang Pambansa prompting loud applause and standing ovation from the crowd.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, Sens. Christopher Lawrence Go and Ronald dela Rosa and Rep. Paolo Duterte were among personalities who were a no-show in the event.

Outside the Batasang Pambansa complex, protesters burned an eﬃgy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Durterte as they ended their “People’s SONA” at Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

Demonstrators from the Bagong Alyansa Makabayan (Bayan) Southern Tagalog (ST) and other organizations gathered early along Commonwealth Avenue, hours before Marcos delivered his third SONA.

Earning Marcos another resounding applause was his re-aﬃrmation of Philippine sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea,

los Jr. said it was a fake.

“The obviously fake video being circulated emanating from a MAISUG gathering in Los Angeles is again a maliciously crude attempt to destabilize the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. They will not succeed,” Departmen of National Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement echoing what Teodoro had said.

Two months ago, former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency agent Jonathan Morales testiﬁed before the Senate that he had seen documents within the agency pointing to Marcos along with actress Maricel Soriano as being involved with drugs.

Senators would gang up on Morales, even detaining him for what they said was his false testimony. Morales was later freed, and the Senate hearings ended with no conclusion.

Much earlier, however, a witness generally considered as credible said that she knew for a fact that Marcos was a regular cocaine user.

Former senator Nikki Coseteng said she had personal knowledge of Marcos’s drug use.

During the 2022 presidential campaign period, Coseteng said: “I remember Mr. Marcos as candidate today. Before (he) never worked. All they did was go to the disco, and they were always high on drugs, and I know them.”

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said the video was “deepfake” or digitally created.

Those behind the video could be held liable under laws against cyber libel, slander, and malicious mischief, said DICT Secretary John Ivan Uy.

Uy warned that the public should expect more deepfake videos “considering election season is coming.”

Earlier this year, during a political rally in Davao City, former President Duterte called Marcos a drug addict, adding a list he saw showed Marcos was included in the drug watch list of the PDEA. It was the same list cited by Morales.

This pronouncement, however, was denied by the PDEA saying that Marcos was

stressing the Philippines would not back down but would only resort to peaceful means to resolve any dispute with China.

“The West Philippine Sea is not only a ﬁgment of our imagination. It is ours. And it will remain ours as long as the spirit of our beloved country, the Philippines, burns brightly,” Marcos said in Filipino.

“We will strengthen and expand the awareness and knowledge of the entire nation, and we will ensure that it is passed on to our youth and future generations,” he said.

Marcos also appeared emotional while thanking the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the country’s ﬁsherfolk for their sacriﬁces in guarding the country’s territory.

“To our entire Armed Forces, the Coast Guard, and our ﬁshermen in the West Philippine Sea, accept the heartfelt gratitude of the entire nation for your vigilance and sacriﬁces,” he said.

“In the face of challenges to our territorial sovereignty, we will assert our rights and interests in the same fair and paciﬁc way that we have always done,” Marcos

never in the agency’s National Drug Information System since its activation in 2022. Andolong said the release of the video in the US is a “cowardly attempt to escape Philippine criminal jurisdiction.”

He urged US authorities to investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of this act.

In his video statement, Teodoro said the Los Angeles video is “obviously manipulated.”

“Kitang kita po sa video na hindi po yan ang ating Pangulo. Peke ang ginawa nilang video at obvious na ito ay gawa-gawaan lang (It is obvious that the person in the video is not the President. The video they made is fake and it is obvious that it was made up),” he said.

Teodoro added that this act was part of an organized scheme to destablize the Marcos administration.

“Nag umpisa po ito sa mga fake na mga news tungkol po sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at DND. Tapos nagprogseso po ito sa diumano’y walkout na hindi naman po nangyari. Pagkatapos ngayon na curiously, araw ng SONA (State of the Nation Address), naglabas sila ng pekeng video at sa Amerika pa (It began with the fake news on the AFP and DND. Then it progressed to the alleged walkout, which did not even happen. Now, curiously, on the day of the SONA, they released a fake video in the US),” he added.

said. “Proper diplomatic channels and mechanisms under the rules-based international order remain the only acceptable means of settling disputes.”

On the POGOs, Marcos said: “Kailangan nang itigil ang panggulo nito sa ating lipunan at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa.”

“Eﬀective today, all POGOs are banned,” the President said as he ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) “to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year.”

The President also directed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in coordination with economic managers, to ﬁnd new jobs for some 40,000 Filipino POGO workers who will be aﬀected by its closure.

“Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming such as ﬁnancial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human traﬃcking, kidnapping, brutal torture, even murder,” he added.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte criticized the administration’s dismissal of the video, saying “the Marcos administration’s feeble attempt to dismiss the video by simple denial reinforces the simmering suspicion of President Marcos’ drug addiction. As any lawyer knows, denial is the weakest form of defense.”

In a press conference with Secretary Abalos and NBI Director Jaime Santiago, the PNP and the NBI later disclosed that their “spectral imaging analysis” showed the video had been processed to depict Marcos snorting a white powdery substance from a small cup.

NBI digital forensics experts said the man in an altered video depicting President Marcos that circulated online is “conclusively a diﬀerent person.”

Lawyer Jeremy Lotoc, head of the NBI Anti-Cybercrime Division, detailed the process of examining and authenticating the video.. “We captured a photo from the image taken from Facebook, and then from there, we tried to remove the background images and enhance the photo. Then we transformed the pixelated subject photo into a high-deﬁnition image,” he said.

The NBI oﬃcial said a comparison of the facial angles of Marcos and the individual in the video showed that one is unique to the President on one side, and the other is unique to the man on the video from a diﬀerent side.

President Marcos said banning all POGOs will solve many problems the Philippines is encountering.

“It will solve many of the problems that we have been encountering, but it will not solve all of them,” the President said.

“To solve all the problems that we have been suﬀering under, all oﬃcials, law enforcers, workers in government, and most of all the citizenry, must always be vigilant, principled, and think of the health of the nation,” he added.

Aside from money laundering activities, crimes attributed to the POGOs have expanded over the past years and now include human traﬃcking, abduction, homicide, illegal detention, kidnap-for-ransom, theft, robbery-extortion, serious physical injuries, swindling, grave coercion, investment scam, cryptocurrency scam, and love scam prompting both chambers of Congress to investigate the illicit activities hounding online gambling ﬁrms.

Marcos recited what he claimed were accomplishments of his administration since taking the reins of government on June 30, 2022 and spelled some plans in the coming years.

SONA 2024. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his 3rd State of the Na�on Address before the joint session of Congress as Senate President Francis Escudero and Speaker Mar�n Romualdez clap on points raised by the Chief Execu�ve.

Special power of attorney and apostille

As an accredited and commissioned Notary Public and founder of Mobile Signing Services (MSS), I’ve been receiving requests for the notarization and apostille follow up of various Special Power of Attorneys (SPAs) needed in the Philippines.

Some of the SPAs I’ve notarized and followed up for apostille at the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento, California included the following:

1. SPA to transact and follow up the completion of the DEED OF SELF-ADJUDICATION WITH DEED OF DONATION. To transact with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Register of Deeds, Oﬃce of the Municipal Assessor, Land Tax Division and other government agencies or oﬃces concerned;

2. SPA to sell the parcels of land in San Narciso, Zambales, Philippines. To execute and sign in their names an Extra Judicial Settlement with Sale or other Deed of Conveyance that maybe required. To get/receive proceeds of the sale. To execute and sign documents and papers relative to the foregoing authority;

3. SPA to manage and check PNB (Philippine National Bank) account. To deposit and withdraw money from PNB account. To do and perform all acts necessary to accomplish the foregoing transactions;

4. SPA to negotiate and sell property located in Trece Martires, Cavite, Philippines. To receive any and all payments due from the sale of the property. To cause the payment with the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) for taxes and local fees and the filing of the corresponding returns and securing the necessary certifications, clearances and/or documents in connection with the sale, transfer, or conveyance of property before various government agencies, including, but not limited to the BIR, the Office of the City/Municipal Assessor and the Registry of Deeds. To do and perform every act and thing requisite, necessary and proper to carry out the above purpose;

5. SPA to apply for Tax Identiﬁcation Number (TIN) for veriﬁcation. To apply and transact with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for capital gains tax and documentary tax computation of property with Bacoor City Treasurer and Assessor. To perform all acts or things which maybe required or necessary to accomplish the aforementioned transactions.

6. SPA to coordinate, transact with the buyer, sell the property located in Amian, Negros Oriental, Philippines. To receive proceeds of the payment from the sale of the above-mentioned property;

7. SPA to administer and manage property located in Paranaque City, Philippines. To pay property taxes, utility bills like water and electric. To execute and sign documents and necessary papers to accomplish the above-mentioned transactions;

8. SPA to deposit and withdraw money in BPI Savings Account located at BPI Branch in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines. SPA for surrendering matured Life Insurance Certiﬁcate and Withdrawal of Face Value. SPA for leasing of Residential House & Lot located in Fairview, Quezon City, Philippines;

9. SPA prepared by lawyer for the execution of the ExtraJudicial Settlement of Estate with the Registry of Deeds, Zambales, Philippines.

The above-mentioned SPAs were notarized and submitted for apostille to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento, California and made the documents legal and binding in the Philippines. Here’s excerpts of the Special Notice from the Legal Section, Philippine Consulate Oﬃce in San Francisco, California on the Accession of the Philippines to the Apostille Convention:

“Please note that Apostilled document/s no longer need additional authentication by the Philippine Consulate General. Once apostilled, it already has legal validity and can be sent to the Philippines for use.”

WE, at MSS, are committed and dedicated in assisting and helping old and new clients, especially the elderly and veterans, in the notarization and apostille follow-up of Special Power of Attorney, Aﬃdavits, Proof of Life, DEED OF DONATION, Deed of ExtraJudicial Settlement of Estate, Parental Travel Permit and other documents needed in the Philippines and the other member nations of the Hague Convention.

For help and assistance in the notarization and apostille followup of documents at the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, in Sacramento, California, just write or contact: MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, 730 Madrid Street, San Francisco, CA 94112 Tel. (650) 438-3531 or (415) 584-7095 or email:artmadlaing@hotmail.com FREE “LONGEVITY TIPS”

To commemorate our 50th Wedding Anniversary and my 77th Birthday on August 18, 204, my beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing and I are oﬀering FREE autographed copies of the latest updated “LONGEVITY TIPS.”

Copies of updated “LONGEVITY TIPS (288 pages) subtitled “Secrets You San Can Discover and Do for Good Health and Longevity” are now available at Amazon in Hardcover ( $15.95 per copy plus shipping and handling); Paperback ($12.95 per copy plus shipping and handling); E-book ($6.95 per copy).

Foreword was written by Dr.

Luzon’s transpo infra: The transformation continues

You really have been a steadfast partner of the government through the years. Let us keep that partnership strong and vibrant.”

THE OUTSIDER

This quote from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. addressed to San Miguel Corporation (SMC) during the signing of the TPLEx (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway) Extension Concession Agreement is a testament to the conglomerate’s contribution to the country’s development. It is also a recognition of the importance of government and private sector partnerships in pursuing infrastructure projects. ‘With more meaningful public-private partnerships like this, we can pursue and gain more for the beneﬁt of the nation,” the President had said.

Part of the government’s eﬀorts towards social and economic transformation is the expansion and upgrade of the infrastructure sector. The government’s Build Better More (BBM) program is among the focus under the Bagong Pilipinas campaign launched by the President. With better infrastructure it will be easier, faster and cheaper to transport goods and services.

The TPLEx Extension is one of the projects of the BBM program. The project stemmed from an unsolicited proposal from San Miguel Holdings Corporation, a subsidiary of SMC. This is not the ﬁrst unsolicited proposal from the conglomerate that has passed scrutiny. The ongoing New Manila International Airport in Bulacan and MRT line 7 were also unsolicited proposals being carried out by SMC.

“Not only are you embarking on another challenge of turning visions into reality — you are also leading a brilliant example of how the private sector can have a great impact on our country’s development,” the President told SMC during the same event.

The TPLEx extension is a P23.36 billion transport infrastructure project is targeted to commence next year. and stretches 59.4 km. It is a four-lane toll road that will start from the Rosario, La Union exit of TPLEX and end at San Juan, La Union.It is divided into the following segments: Segment 1 (Rosario to Tubao) 18 km; Segment 2 (Tubao to Naguilian) 23 kms; and Segment 3 (Naguilian to San Juan) 18.4 kms.

The project aims to promote the development of Northern Luzon and facilitate connectivity to Central Luzon and Metro Manila. It will also contribute to economic growth. Travel time between Rosario and San Juan will be reduced from the current 90-minute travel time to about 40 minutes.

It will be recalled that the operation of all sections of the TarlacPangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) in 2022 provided ease of travel to residents, tourists and logistics.

During the presentation of the signed TPLEx Extension Agreement, SMC Chairman and CEO Don Ramon S. Ang (RSA) said the project will unlock new opportunities for many Filipinos. “By enabling faster and more eﬃcient travel, we are fueling economic growth, creating jobs, and boosting trade and tourism in the Ilocos Region.”

A special release by the Philippine Statistics Authority on the 2022 Economic Performance of the Provinces in the Philippines showed that among the top ten provinces in terms of share to the national Gross Domestic Product at constant 2018 prices, four provinces are from Central Luzon and one from Ilocos Region. Meanwhile, in the list of top 10 fastest-growing provinces in terms of GDP annual growth rate, six are from Luzon.

With the signing of the concession agreement, detailed engineering design and right-of-way acquisition will follow.

Recipient of this year’s ‘Gawad Gat Andres Bonifacio,’ the highest distinction being given each year as highlight of the Araw ng Maynila celebration, RSA shared the award with his San Miguel family “who work tirelessly to uplift countless lives not only in Tondo but across Manila and the entire Philippines.”

Intent on leaving a legacy of a prosperous Philippines to future generations, RSA continues to work for the betterment of the country.

Under his leadership, SMC also has investments in the power and energy sector. It was reported a few days ago that a 153.5-megawatt solar power joint venture project of San Miguel Global Light and Power Corp. and Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. is expected to be completed next year. The project is in Barangay Lucanin, Mariveles, Bataan.

On another note, congratulations to San Miguel Corporation for making it to the top 10 in Fortune Magazine’s inaugural “Southeast Asia 500” list. While there are 38 other Filipino companies in list, only SMC made it to the top 10.

Biden caves in, Harris accepts endorsement to ‘earn and win’ nomination

President Joe Biden ﬁnally succumbed to pressure from his own party to drop out in the presidential race and endorsed vice president Kamala Harris as the party’s candidate for president.

The in-party pressure came from 33 Democratic congressmen and 3 senators plus the pressure from former president Barack Obama, former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, and minority leader Chuck Schumer, among others. This is a big number coming from his own party that must have swayed Biden to decide to ﬁnally drop out from the race.

It was a diﬃcult decision on the part of the president, I would say after consulting his family, but a bold one for the sake of party unity and the American people. I admire him for that!

White House staﬀ said that the president’s bowing down has nothing to do with age or mental health issues although the president has just recovered or still recovering from COVID. Wishing the president good health from here on!

He was trailing former president and GOP nominee Donald Trump by 2.5 points when he dropped out from the race.

Immediately after his announcement, former president Bill Clinton and former senator Hilary Clinton endorsed Harris. California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta likewise endorsed Harris together with Democrat Sen. Elizabeth Warren. The 50 Democratic state chairmen, all of them, endorsed Harris, a good sign of unity for an unexpected turn of events a month before the party convention and 4 months before the November general election.

Pelosi held oﬀ her endorsement for a while but last Sunday, she eventually endorsed Harris as the party nominee to replace Biden for president. Pelosi said in a statement that she endorsed her fellow Californian with “immense pride and limitless optimism for our country’s future” adding that her enthusiastic support… is oﬃcial, personal and political.

“Officially, I have seen Kamala Harris’ strength and courage as a champion for working families, notably fighting for a woman’s right to choose. Personally, I have known Kamala Harris for decades as rooted in strong values, faith and a commitment to public service. Politically, make no mistake, Kamala Harris is a woman in politics is brilliantly astute – and I gave full confidence that she will lead us to victory in November,” Pelosi said.

As of today, party uniﬁcation is placed at 79.5% and the leaders are hoping the party will eventually be a 90% to 100% before the party convention in a month’s time.

Current polls show Harris is trailing Trump by 2 points, a slightly better number from that of Biden’s 2.5 points. At one time, Trump’s margin with Biden was sliding from 2.5% to 7% after Trump’s assassination attempt.

My friend Joseph Thomas said had Biden dropped before the assassination of Trump, the number should have been diﬀerent. The assassination attempt contributed much to Trump’s lead over Biden as a sign of sympathy votes.

Harris called on her party mates for their endorsement/support hoping to unify the party while ﬁnancial supporters, we learned, are willing to support Harris. That is a good sign plus the war chest she inherited from Biden to keep her campaign moving to the very end.

In accepting the endorsement, Harris said: “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside our Commander in chief, my friend, President Joe Biden – one of the ﬁnest public servants we will ever know. And I am honored to haver his support and endorsement, and I am eager to turn on the record of what Joe and I have accomplished together. We built our country back after our predecessor left it in shambles – making historic progress in reducing prescription drugs, upgrading our nation’s infrastructure, ﬁghting climate change, and more. We are stronger today because we took action – together – to invest in America’s future.”

I would say, Harris is the most likely party nominee because she can inherit the Biden campaign funds (war chest) which won’t be available to another candidate because she is part of the BidenHarris campaign. Should another candidate be the nominee, he or she has to start the fund-raising campaign from the scratch which is very diﬃcult considering that the election is only 4 months away come the general election in November. Besides, no other candidate has the executive experience to run the government other than her who has been running the country with Biden for the past three and a half years as the latter’s vice president. And, a new candidate other than Harris needs more time to introduce himself/herself and his/her plans for the country as president. Time is ticking and there’s lack of material time for another candidate except for Harris, who had been campaigning with Biden at the very start of the presidential race. She already had the national exposure which other candidates don’t have.

Besides, she is already knowledgeable of the national issues confronting the country and will just continue to expound on these programs Biden started which the latter was not able to explain during his debate with Trump that cost him (Continue on page 20)

(Continue on page 20)

“ ART GABOT MADLAING Health & Wealth

ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO

MELANDREW T. VELASCO

Petition for Caregivers under EB3 Other workers

This is a very challenging time for those Care Home Facility owners because of the shortage of Caregivers. The good news is many caregivers can be petitioned by the facility owners whether they are coming from the Philippines or already in the United States. Our Law Firm can handle the process from start to ﬁ nish. As of this writing the priority for caregivers is May 1, 2020. However, if you are inside the US you can ﬁ le an adjustment of status based on approved I-140 petition if your priority date is May 15, 2020.

What are the requirements for EB-3 Green Card for Other Workers?

Answer: Other workers are usually unskilled workers who can demonstrate the ability to perform unskilled labor that is not seasonal or temporary in nature. Caregivers usually need only three months experience as a caregiver.

What is needed to start a caregiver petition?

Answer: An EB-3 applicant must have a job off er from a U.S. employer and fulfi ll the PERM Labor Certifi cation requirements.

What is the processing time for employment based green card?

Answer: The employment-based green card timeline varies depending on the category you qualify for. Generally, however, here are the steps you need to take if you are working toward getting an employment-based green card:

1. Have a U.S. Employer

2. Complete PERM Labor Certiﬁ cation Process: Average of 18 months.

Once you have a qualifying job oﬀ er and an employer who is ready to sponsor your green card, the next step is to complete the Program for Electronic

Review Management (PERM) Labor certiﬁ cation. This is a process that requires your employer to demonstrate that the foreign worker (you) is not taking a job position away from qualiﬁ ed U.S. workers.

What should an employer do to process PERM?

Answer: Your employer with the support of an immigration attorney will conduct a recruitment process to ensure that you are not displacing any qualiﬁ ed U.S. workers

The PERM can take about a year and a half to obtain depending on whether or not your employer is subjected to an audit. Here is the breakdown of the timeline for PERM Labor processing times:

• Prevailing Wage Request: six months

• Recruitment Process: eight to nine weeks

• ETA-9089 Application: 24 weeks

After getting approved on the PERM Labor Certiﬁ cation, what is the next step?

Answer: Your employer will need to fi le a Petition for Alien Worker Form I-140. Once your Form I-140 is approved, and your priority date becomes current, your next stepp is to process the application with the National Visa Center for processing of green card at the U.S. Consulate. If you are in the United States you can fi le an Adjustment of Status by submitting an I-485 form. The I-485 is the last stage along the employment-based green card timeline, but in most cases, it has the longest waiting period. However, you will be issued a work authorization document after submitting Form I-485 in about fi ve months.

Note: This is not a legal advice and presented for educational purposes only. Our oﬃ ce successfully obtained green card for caregivers. 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 ﬁ ling 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.

If you have immigration problems the Law Oﬃ ces of Crispin C. Lozano can help you ﬁ nd 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 oﬃ ces in Hayward and Cerritos, CA.

US exec airs assurances on nuke deal with PHL

FIRM COMMITMENT. US Nuclear Regulatory Commission chair Christopher Hanson

MAKATI CITY – A visiting oﬃcial of the United States has assured the Philippines that the 123 Agreement, or the civil nuclear cooperation deal, could stand different administrations, especially with the US presidential elections in November.

Hanson said his oﬃce also prioritizes the Philippines in terms of giving assistance in developing the regulatory framework for the country’s nuclear energy sector.

As the US-Philippines Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement entered into force on July 2, the US oﬃcial is in the Philippines for a two-day visit to meet with local authorities to discuss ways forward, particularly in drafting the regulatory framework for the use of nuclear technologies in the country.

Hanson already met with Department of Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and Undersecretary Sharon Garin, wherein discussions focused on the government’s ambitions and plans to develop nuclear power plants.

He also had a meeting with chairperson of the House of Representatives Special Committee on Nuclear Energy, Rep. Mark Cojuangco, who discussed the enabling legislation in developing the country’s nuclear sector.

Hanson is also set to visit the Makati Medical Center to see the medical uses of radioactive materials, especially in cancer care.

He will have a meeting at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute on Friday.

US Nuclear Regulatory Commission chair Christopher Hanson said in a media roundtable in Makati City that the US government remains ﬁrm on its commitment under the 123 Agreement even if there will be changes in their administration over the years.

“It’s my strong hope that if there’s a change in administration in the United States, our commitment will remain ﬁrm.”

Hanson said the US and the Philippine governments would conduct activities, such as workshops, to help the country develop its policies and regulations in the

“As long as I’m in this position, assistance to the Philippines will be a priority. I can tell you that civil nuclear cooperation agreements like 123 Agreements are designed to last across multiple administrations,” Hanson said.

nuclear sector.

“We’re going to see an increase in the tempo of engagement from the US on the nuclear safety aspects. On the other side, I think you’re going to see a real uptick in the amount of commercial interest and companies coming to the Philippines and wanting to explore with the government, how they might deploy nuclear power. But I think we’ll see that perhaps later on,” he added.

Fil-Am R’Bonney Gabriel extends stay in Philippines, bares projects

From the looks of it, Filipino-American Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel appears to be enjoying her extended stay in the Philippines and appears to be extending it further to do more projects and personal explorations.

The designer beauty queen from Texas has immersed herself in her father’s home and community hails in Malate, Manila and rekindled ties with relatives and neighbors she was acquainted with when growing up there.

Published reports on her exploration showed her buying and making “tawad” for clothing materials in the famous ﬂea market, the Divisoria, amid sweltering heat.

She was also seen selecting handcrafted ﬁber and clothing materials in Visayas and Mindanao, some of which she immediately sew into fashionable dresses.

There were reports where she even

rode the ubiquitous tricycle as she moved around the city.

R’Bonney has also attended important beauty pageants where she acted as a host or judge and she was shown enjoying them, especially those hobnobbing and bonding with fellow beauty queens like former Miss Universe Catriona Gray, a Filipino-Australian.

Only last June 22, R’Bonney and Catriona hosted the 2024 Miss Manila pageant with Kapuso actress Gabbi Garcia.

The two said the pageant, held at the Manila Metropolitan Theater on June 22, was the ﬁrst time for them to be together as hosts, and both queens shared how much fun they had, whether on or oﬀ stage.

“We only did a Vogue Philippines shoot before, so this is our ﬁrst event, and live event pa. So sobrang saya (It was so much fun). It’s wonderful to be with

her, and also Gabbi being a part of our trio this year, it was a lot of fun. It’s all being girl-girls, and cheering each other on from backstage and just making chika (chitchat) in between,” Gray said.

She was also seen enjoying guesting in television shows and other events, exploring world reknown tourist and historical spots in the country.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, the ﬁrst FilAm to be crowned Miss Universe revealed she is extending her stay in the Philippines for an important project to watch out for in the coming months.

“Yes I have a new collection that I’ve been working on and I will make a debut at the end of August I am very excited about it so please stay tuned and that will be my ﬁrst collection being produced here in the Philippines,” she told the network.

As an advocate of sustainable fashion, the former Miss Universe also wants to share sustainable designs that will ﬁt the Filipino market.

“So one of my goals when I came here, I wanted to explore the manufacturing and sewers and tailors and what supplies are here because I’ve been living in the States and that’s where I produced all of my pieces and now that I lived here I said I wanna work with the local artists,” she said.

Apart from exploring her craft and advocacy in the country, the former Miss Universe has begun to collaborate with Filipino skincare brands which she de-

scribes as one of the important things she will use in her stay in the country, the network reported.

“I feel blessed and I’m very thankful, there’s a lot of opportunities here and I am just happy that there’s a brand that wants to work with me. Because skin care is really important because, for me, I wear a lot of make-up for photo-shoot or events that is why I love Pina, because at the end of the day when I come home, I need something that can take oﬀ and cleanse the dirt on my face,” she said.

She said another reasong that makes the former Miss Universe extend her stay in the country is the overwhelming love and support of the Filipinos wherever she goes.

“I feel the love. You know in the Philippines there’s so much love everybody is excited there’s a feeling of a community aspect here that I am drawn. And Since I’ve been here for about three months now, I’ve felt it, and I’m excited and I am very thankful,” R’Bonney said.

Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Alden Richards, more win big at 40th PMPC Star Awards

The Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) has released the partial list of winners at the 40th PMPC Star Awards ahead of the Gabi ng Parangal on July 21.

Among the winners are Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera, Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes, Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards, and more!

Marian and Dingdong won the Takilya King and Queen award for their movie, “Rewind,” which is the highest grossing Philippine ﬁlm of all time.

Meanwhile, Alden won the Movie Loveteam of the Year award alongside Julia Montes for their roles as Lance and Justine in “Five Breakups and a Romance.”

Gladys Reyes also won Movie Supporting Actress of the Year for comedy ﬁlm “Here Comes the Groom.”

“Fireﬂy” star Euwenn Mikaell bagged the Movie Child Performer of the Year award for his role as Tonton

in award-winning director Zig Dulay’s “Fireﬂy.”

Sparkle stars Ysabel Ortega and Dustin Yu, on the other hand, won the New Movie Actress of the Year and New Movie Actor of the Year awards, respectively, for “Fireﬂy” and “Shake Rattle and Roll: Extreme (“Rage” episode).”

Neil Daza likewise bagged the Cinematographer of the Year award for his work in the acclaimed “Fireﬂy.”

‘Fireﬂy’ is a movie journey full of longing HOWIE SEVERINO, GMA Integrated News

Howie Severino pens a review of “Firefly,” a Zig Dulay film, and an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Fest.

The rest of the winners in the major categories will be announced on the Gabi ng Parangal on July 21 at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater in Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City.

John Estrada, Priscilla Meirelles spark breakup rumors

Celebrity couple John Estrada and wife Priscilla Meirelles are allegedly on another rough patch yet again as seen in their recent social media activities.

“Looking very divorced Mr. Estrada @ Lily Hallman,” Priscilla commented on John Estrada’s latest post.

Curious followers searched for the identity of the person Priscilla mentioned in her comment, but the account was private.

Priscilla s took to Instagram Stories to say that she is “deeply shocked and disheartened” by the public statement recently made by her husband, John Estrada.

The Miss Earth 2004 queen said that there was never any “mutual agreement” regarding their separation.

“We were married when I left the Philippines and we remain married as of this time,” she said.

Angelica Panganiban undergoes surgery due to ‘bone death’

Actress Angelica Panganiban underwent a successful seven-hour hip surgery in St. Luke’s Medical Center and she is on her way to recovery.

In her family’s YouTube channel, Angelica thanked her husband Gregg Homan for taking care of her as Philippine Star’s Jan Milo Severo reported.

“Hi guys! It’s been a week since we had our surgery journey! We feel a bit anxious about it, but yeah, through prayers from our families and friends nalagpasan namin!” she said.

“I’d also like to acknowledge my very good husband na grabe ang pag aalaga! Thanks hon, alam mo na ‘yun. First time na pareho kaming wala ni Gregg. We missed our Baby Amila,” she added.

Angelica showed the procedure she went through before the surgery, according to the report.

“Good morning it’s now day 2 na nasa hospital ako marami-rami na akong nagawang lab test and scans, nag 2D echo na ako, ECG, para sa heart para lang maclear ako, na blood test na rin ako but may mga uulitin lang, so, naka-fasting ako.

“Nagkandaiyak-iyak na ako kagabi dahil ﬁrst time naming mag-spent ng night ni Gregg na hindi kasama si Bean. Napaka-unusual lang na both are together but hindi namin kasama ‘yung daughter namin.

Kahit gaano kaganda ang ospital basta ospital nakaka-down pa rin ng pakiramdam. Nakaka-miss naman talaga ‘yung anak ko dahil gabi-gabi ko siyang katabi tapos bigla akong walang katabi,” sey ng aktres na siya mismo ang kumukha sa sarili.”

“While there is indeed more to this story, it is not the appropriate time to delve into those details. Regardless of what those may be, however, it won’t change the course of faith,” she added.

Priscilla said that she is thankful for the support, kindness, and love she has been constantly receiving during this diﬃcult period.

“I trust that, in due course, all will be resolved appropriately. Thank you for your understanding,” she said in a GMA News report.

Priscilla’s post comes after John’s Instagram Story on Tuesday which said, “Priscilla and I have mutually agreed to take a break for quite some time now.”

Yulo, Marcial, Delgaco jumpstart PHL campaign in Paris Olympics; POC chief hopeful

PARIS/MANILA – Gymnast Carlos Yulo, boxer Eumir Felix Marcial and rower Joanie Delgaco will open the Philippine campaign in the Paris Olympics on July 27, a day after the opening ceremony by the Seine River.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino has high hopes that this year’s batch will match the feat of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who plucked the country’s ﬁrst gold, or surpass the silver medals of boxers Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio – all achieved in Tokyo 2020 (held 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic).

“We’re looking forward to Caloy [Yulo], Eumir and Joanie giving the country that strong start in Paris. They’re all ready and inspired and in high spirits,” Tolentino said in a statement reported by PNA’s Jean Malanum.

“Deﬁnitely, we will deliver. Deﬁnitely, we will surpass Tokyo (Olympics),” said Tolentino during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The Philippines won its ﬁrst gold medal in Tokyo coming from Zamboanga City weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and got three more medals from boxers Nesthy Petecio (silver), Carlo Paalam (silver) and Eumir Marcial (bronze).

The Filipino athletes are in high spirits because they have the proper support, training, and motivation. They have spent the past couple of weeks in Metz in France, which is only 90 minutes by train to Paris, and 30 minutes by land to Germany and Belgium, for the last stage of their training and acclimatization.

“With this template, with this preparation, we will deliver,” said Tolentino in the weekly session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart/PLDT, MILO, and ArenaPlus, the leading sports entertainment in the Philippines.

The Paris Olympics will take place from July 26 to Aug. 11, and based on schedule, Yulo will get the chance to deliver the ﬁrst medal for the country.

“One week to go. Everyone is excited. Others cannot sleep,” said Tolentino, who visited the pre-Paris training camp at La Moselle with chef de mission Jonvic Remulla last month.

“The best conservative (forecast) is that we will surpass the Tokyo (haul). Actually, we surpassed the number of athletes from 19 to 22. My target was 25 if cycling and skateboarding (made it). If basketball qualiﬁed, that’s another discussion,” he added.

“But definitely, we will surpass Tokyo. It’s up to you if one gold, two golds or three golds, as long as we surpass the Tokyo. We’re all excited. The mood of the athletes is different now, all have leveled up, So, I’d like to thank the Philippine Sports Commission and our private partners and the Office of the President,” Tolentino said.

The 23-year-old Yulo, who placed fourth in the vault event in Tokyo, will compete in the qualiﬁcation round of the men’s individual all-around beginning at 9:30 p.m. (PH time). The ﬁnals will be on July 31.

Marcial, on the other hand, will see action in the lightheavyweight division, also at 9:30 p.m.

The 23-year-old pride of Zamboanga City, who has a 5-0 record as a pro, bagged the middleweight bronze in Tokyo.

“Our training camp in Germany is almost complete and we’re already counting down the days until it’s time to compete. Please continue to pray [for] and support us. Let’s go for gold, PILIPINAS (Philippines)!” Marcial posted on Facebook.

Delgaco hopes to reach the women’s single sculls ﬁnal. The heats are set at 3 p.m. (Philippine time).

She is the Philippines’ ﬁrst female rower to qualify for the Olympics.

Pacquiao set for Japan exhibition fight

TOKYO -- World boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has arrived in Japan for his three-round exhibition match in Saitama, Japan on July 28 against Japanese mixed martial artist Rukiya Anpo.

Anpo will come in as a substitute to Chihiro Suzuki who was ruled out by injury, organizers said.

The bout was arranged by Japanese mixed martial arts promotion Rizin Fighting Federation.

Pacquio, the 45-year-old multiple world champion from the Philippines, will face Anpo in a 68kg boxing bout of three rounds of three minutes each, with no judges’ decision.

Suzuki was forced to withdraw from the bout after breaking his hand and thus will be replaced by Rukiya Anpo.

Pacquiao said in an ABS-CBN report earlier this month that he was in negotiations to make a comeback to professional boxing after three years away.

He said he was in talks to face American Mario Barrios for a possible WBC welterweight world title later this year.

Yulo, Marcial, Delgaco

FILIPINO BOXING ICON Manny Pacquiao arrives Tuesday night at the Haneda Interna�onal Airport ahead of his exhibi�on bout on July 28 in Saitama against Rukiya Anpo. (Photos by Wendell Alinea)

The groulps thanked President Joe Biden for his distinguished service and steadfast commitment to the United States, citing that “for 54 years, President Biden has exempliﬁed what it means to be a true patriot, serve in elected oﬃce with integrity and dedication, and always prioritizing the needs of the Democratic Party. His long and extraordinary career has been marked by his relentless pursuit of justice, equality, and prosperity for all Americans.”

President Biden’s tenure in office has been particularly meaningful to Filipino Americans as Biden has recognized and celebrated FilAms contributions, ensuring their voices are heard and community represented. Biden’s commitment to the Filipino American community is also reflected in the historic number of Filipino American delegates attending the Democratic National Committee Convention and the appointment of FilAms to various posts in his administration. These appointees include Nani Coloretti, Deputy Director at the Office of Management and Budget, Gina Ortiz Jones, former Under Secretary of the Air Force, and Camille Calimlim Touton, Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation impacting Filipino Americans by providing essential resources and opportunities to thrive.

Melissa Ramoso, National Co-Chair of FAFBH 2024 and Councilmember and former Mayor of Artesia, CA, stated, “We started this journey four years ago and we are steadfast in our commitment to President Biden and the betterment of our nation. We are grateful for his leadership and ability to bring back America from its darkest days our country has ever seen. His courage to lead and serve as our President should always be met with respect and honor. We are eternally grateful for his service and forever indebted to him and his Administration.”

Mark Pulido, National Co-Chair of FAFBH 2020, former Mayor of Cerritos, CA and long-time public servant, added: “As a returning delegate to the Democratic National Committee Convention, I have had the privilege to cast my vote for several presidential nominees. President Biden’s presidency provided the healing and progress the nation desperately needed after the Trump administration. His commitment to restoring decorum, unity, and respect was a breath of fresh air for America and Filipino Americans across the country.”

FilAm California Attorney General Rob Bonta aired his support of Vice President Harris following the endorsement by President Biden as Democrat presidential candidate.

“VP @KamalaHarris is tough as they come. She spent decades taking on the worst oﬀenders — from drug and human

traﬃckers to Wall Street banks who cheat consumers,” Bonta posted on X, formerly Twitter. “With our democracy and rights at stake, no one is better prepared to defend our values and defeat Trump. I’m all in!”

Bonta‘s position as California attorney general was held by Harris from 2011 to 2017. Succeeding Jerry Brown, Harris became the ﬁrst female, black and South Asian attorney general in the state’s history. Harris served until 2017, when she joined the US Senate after being elected in 2016.

East Coast-based FilAm leader Loida Nicolas Lewis said: “I admire President Joe Biden and thank him for his heroic decision and his humility to pull out of the race four weeks before the democratic convention.”

“He decided to pass the torch because if he loses and the country goes to a demagogue, shameless liar, convicted felon, with corrupt moral core, who vowed to be a dictator, Joe Biden would be judged by history to be too egoistical to step down and do what is right for his country by letting Donald Trump win,” she added. .

What pushed him to withdraw is Dr Jill Biden’s ﬁnal conviction that he should withdraw now because if Donald Trump wins, Joe Biden’s legacy would forever be dimmed by his refusal to step down from his candidacy, she said.

“Joe Biden has to choose her because as his vice president, she has not committed any serious action as a hindrance to her nomination. So, if Biden does not endorse her, VP kamala Harris would be considered by the electorate as a ﬂawed candidate,” she said.

“Of course, my own candidate is Governor Gavin Newsom. But the party cannot have him as President and Kamala remains VP since both come from California,” she added.

Lupita Aquino Kashiwahara, sister of the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., said:

“I was disappointed that President Biden had to withdraw but with the growing clamor within his own party I accepted that it was inevitable. He was and is a great president so it will be a great loss.”

“His endorsement of Kamala Harris is a logical and sensible move. The last thing Democrats need at this late date is a messy battle for a new nominee. We need to be united to achieve what this country needs most: a defeat of Donald Trump. Kamala Harris is best positioned to give us that victory,.” she said.

Topnotch immigration lawyer Lou Tancinco said: “I have great admiration for President Biden and am grateful to him for his leadership during the critical period in history and for half a century of dedicated public service. Thus, his withdrawal is a patriotic act giving way to the interest of

the country rather than that of his own.”

“It was time for him to pass the torch given that he had served the country for half a century. To give way to an energetic and new leader who can stand on his shoulders is not only the best way but the right thing to do,” Tancinco said.

“Several factors for Biden to give way. One is his diminished physical strength and vulnerability as he is much older than when he ﬁrst started. In fact, he decided while he was recovering from COVID. Second, he trusts that there are younger and more capable leaders in his party who can do the same if not better job of leading the country,” she added.

Tancinco said: “I fully agree with his choice of VP Kamala Harris. She can highlight the achievements of President Biden to include infrastructure deals, stock market performance, GDP growth, job creation to name a few. Also, I like the new narrative of “Former Top Cop vs. Convicted Felon”- realistically, who would you choose? Who would you want the next generation to look up to as their leader? “

“I understand that the Filipino American community is divided in its support for presidential candidates. However, it is crucial that we remain united, avoiding divisive bickering and unwarranted attacks. Let us stand behind our chosen candidates, engaging in constructive debates that address real issues rather than resorting to personal attacks. This election transcends race, color, and gender; it is fundamentally about the future of our nation. Personally, I believe the future of America is embodied by Vice President Kamala Harris,” she said.

Atty Rodel Rodis, educator, staunch oppositor totMartial Law and China aggression in the Philippines, said: “My reaction was one of relief. So, if he insisted in running, he will certainly cause, not only his loss, but likely will result in Democrats losing the Senate and the House. When leaders ﬁnally got to him and he accepted the reality that we want to avoid disaster of having Trump elected to another four-year term, that it would be best for him to step down.”

“There’s lots of time left to make this change in the Democratic presidential frontrunner than if he waited for a few more weeks before deciding as fundraising eﬀorts have dried up with almost no more contributions are coming in,,” Rodis said.

I think the last straw that prompted this Biden move to withdraw was the fact that donations have dried up even as Biden may still be thinking that he is still the strongest candidate, that the polls are close and he still can win. But how can you ﬁnance your campaign if there is no money coming in?” he said.

“The money that has been raised was

for the Biden-Harris campaign. So, if he withdraws, Harris still has the money that was donated earlier. But if somebody else is selected in the convention, he/she cannot use the money raised because the donors donated for the for Biden-Harris tandem,” he said.

“Harris is also my personal choice as a realistic choice. I want the Democrats to win and the Republicans to lose. The base of the Democratic party in the U.S. are the African American women not the African Americans per se but the African American women. They are the ones organizing in all levels the Democratic party infrastructure. If you choose California Governor Gavin Newsom over Kamala, a lot of them will not support due to internal division.”

Union City CA Council Member Pat Gacoscos said: “I was sad, but President Biden’s chances of winning against his opponent was more worrisome to me. Candidate race is always risky, but if all Democrats (and independents) will rally behind a Democratic candidate, the risk is minimized. Also, having a highly-qualiﬁed, younger likeable candidate may motivate or inspire or encourage more supporters for President Biden’s replacement.”

“I think he made the admirable decision to withdraw because his chances of winning is collapsing every day. He should pass the torch to others,” he said.

His withdrawal is ﬁnally pushed by several factors: his health, having Covid at his age; the loss of support from a growing number of Democratic leaders, supporters and ﬁnancial backers; his family, close friends and advisers opinions and lastly, as he stated for the good of the party and the country. I agree with his decision, I wish the decision was made earlier,” he added.

“Yes I agree with the choice of VP Kamala Harris who has the experience as vice-president, senator, CA attorney general, district attorney, and understands better about democracy and the need of the American people (as opposed to her opponent),” he added.

El Cerrito City CA council Member Gabriel Quinto said: “As a DNC Delegate At Large, I am one of 3800 DNC delegates who will have a say on who will be the Democratic Party endorsed candidate for President and Vice President. I am all in to support Kamala Harris for President and look forward to choosing her running mate.”

“I prefer to have someone from the midwest/rust belt to be Vice President, perhaps Pete Buttegieg who is currently Secretary of Transportation and a former Mayor. Back in 2020 I was proud to be one of the 50 Mayors supporting Pete Buttegieg for President. It’s time to include the next generation!” Quinto said.

Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara A�y. Lou Tancinco A�y. Rodel Rodis

Pat Gacoscos Gabe Quinto

Filam... (From page 13)

Broader Benefits: PG&E Increases Energy Bill Assistance and Expands REACH Program to Help More Customers

More Qualifying Customers Can Receive Up to a $2,000 Bill Credit Under New Guidelines

Oakland, Calif. — To provide additional ﬁnancial assistance to more households with past-due energy bills, Paciﬁc Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is modifying guidelines mid-year for the Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) program. REACH and REACH Triple Match help qualifying low- to moderate-income customers pay their past-due energy bill and help prevent service disconnections.

“We want to ensure more customers have the support they need to get their energy bills back on track,” said Vincent Davis, PG&E Senior Vice President, Customer Experience. “With a more robust bill credit and broader income eligibility, we can provide greater ﬁnancial relief to the households that need it most.”

“I understand the hardship currently aﬀecting so many residents who are struggling to pay their bills,” Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said. “I support any amount of savings that can be passed on to residents who are ﬁnancially strained and have fallen behind on their PG&E bills. I am hopeful the REACH program can provide some much-needed bill relief to those residents, and policymakers will take actions toward stabilizing energy bills.”

Based on recent customer data, PG&E anticipates approximately 65,000 more customers can qualify for REACH and REACH Triple Match assistance under the new guidelines. Since January, more than 3,500 applications have been approved in Fresno County, resulting in more than $2 million dollars in ﬁnancial assistance, marking the highest amount in PG&E’s service territory.

“Many Fresno residents are already struggling with overdue energy bills and cannot make timely payments. The REACH program oﬀers crucial relief, ensuring that families in some of

the highest poverty areas in the nation can stay cool and safe without sacriﬁcing their basic needs,” said Fresno City Council President Annalisa Perea.

PG&E has provided more than $17.2 million in ﬁnancial assistance to more than 25,000 income-eligible customers through REACH and REACH Triple Match since January.

Expanded Beneﬁts & How to Apply

Bill Credit Doubled: The maximum customer bill credit that can be applied to a past-due balance has increased from $1,000 to $2,000 for REACH and REACH Triple Match (total not higher than customer’s past due amount).

Increased Income Limit: A larger pool of income-eligible customers now qualiﬁes for REACH Triple Match, which provides a 3-to-1 match on customer payments of $50 or more to further reduce an unpaid balance. For example, a family of four making up to $156,000/year could qualify for assistance.

Income limits for REACH and REACH Triple Match are set at diﬀerent thresholds and both use federal income guidelines.

Past-due Balance Amount: Qualifying customers can now participate in the program regardless of their past due balance, which was previously capped at $2,000, and customers on a payment plan are also now eligible.

Additional Benefits Available for 2024 Recipients: Qualifying customers who already participated in REACH or REACH Triple Match will be offered the opportunity to participate a second time under the new guidelines, with up to a $2,000 total benefit available for 2024.

The revised criteria are aimed at helping more customers address high past-due amounts, especially over the hot summer months when energy usage typically peaks. Information on how to apply is online here.

Dollar Energy Fund

PG&E recently contributed $55 million to support the nonproﬁt Dollar Energy Fund (DEF), marking an expansion of the

Social Security Update

SOCIAL SECURITY’S TOP 5 WAYS TO PROTECT AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT

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

Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information to impersonate you or steal from you. It is important that you stay safe online. Please review these data privacy and identity protection resources:

1. A great online resource is www.ssa. gov/myaccount. You can visit this page to open a secure my Social Security account, keep track of your earnings record, and identify any suspicious activity.

2. Our blog post, Protect Yourself from Identity Thieves, helps you understand how to spot, prevent, and report identity theft. You can check out this blog at blog.ssa.gov/protect-yourself-fromidentity-thieves.

3. In our blog post, Protect Your Online Identity With Strong Passwords, we encourage better password habits to keep online data and accounts safe and secure. You can check out this blog for tips to help make sure passwords are

strong at blog.ssa. gov/protect-youronline-identity-withstrong-passwords.

4. Our blog post, Protecting Yourself from QR Code Fraud, provides details to help safeguard from using Quick Response (QR) codes that may compromise your personal information. You can read this blog at blog.ssa.gov/ protecting-yourselffrom-qr-code-fraud.

5. Fraudsters use Social Security scams to mislead victims into making cash, gift card, or wire transfer payments to ﬁx alleged Social Security number problems. Learn how to spot scams, check out our blog post Social Security’s Top 5 Scam Awareness Articles at blog. ssa.gov/social-securitys-top-5-scamawareness-articles.

We encourage you to help protect your vital information. Please share these resources with your loved ones.

REACH program. This contribution is funded through PG&E and not customer rates. DEF operates separately from PG&E. DEF, a nonproﬁt entity, administers the funding for the REACH program, operating 170 oﬃces across Northern and Central California. PG&E customers, including those in need of in-language support or help with their applications, can contact an agency in their county or apply online at www.hardshiptools.org/MyApp. Applicants can also call 1-800-933-9677 for assistance.

Other Income-Eligible Assistance Programs

PG&E has other assistance programs to help income-eligible customers pay their energy bills:

California Alternate Rates for Energy: provides a monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity bills. New federal income eligibility guidelines apply.

Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA): provides a monthly discount of 18% on electricity for households of three or more people. New federal income eligibility guidelines apply.

Energy Savings Assistance (ESA): provides energy-savings improvements at no charge. New federal income eligibility guidelines apply.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): a federally funded assistance program overseen by the state that oﬀers a one-time payment up to $1,000 on past due bills to help low-income households pay for heating or cooling in their homes.

Other programs include Medical Baseline, which oﬀers a lower monthly rate for customers with certain medical conditions.

About PG&E

Paciﬁc Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than sixteen million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news

Health & Wealth...

Yvonne P. Bulong, MD from Baguio City, Philippines who wrote: “ I highly recommend this book to those who desire to have good health and longevity.”

Included in the pack cover is our group picture with boxing icon and former Philippine Senator Manny Pacquiao during our Courtesy Call and Prayer Session with the WE CARE Ministries team inside his mansion in General Santos City, Sarangani, Philippines last February 19, 2016.

For your FREE autographed copy of “LONGEVITY TIPS” just send $9.95 (for mailing, shipping and handling) in check or money order to: ART G. MADLAING, 730 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 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.)

11)

Observers say if she choices the right VP candidate to run with her, she may have the chance to win over Trump. VP candidates being ﬂoated as Harris running mate are Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona; Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro; Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer; Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona; California Gov. Gavin Newsom; and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Trump’s campaign shifted to concentrating on Harris, trying to magnify the latter’s position as border czar and her position on fracking. The GOP sees these as weak points for Harris.

So, the political landscape has completely changed. It’s now a showdown between Trump and Harris, the latter seeking to be the ﬁrst woman US president. It will still be an issue on age, but this time, it is focused on Trump, now being the oldest presidential candidate seeking re-election to the White House against youthful Kamara Harris, 59. Trump’s allegations on Biden being too old to be the next president will now boomerang to Trump which the Harris campaign will capitalize as one of the major issues in the election aside from Trump being a threat to democracy.

Again, I would say, it all boils down to messaging, on the part of both parties in running their respective campaigns, and its handling will make or break either of them!

Both will have a fresh start, I would say, because the Trump campaign has to shift their move to Harris from Biden and Harris moving her campaign from Biden to hers!

The American people is looking forward to a more interesting presidential campaign this time!

Fellow voters, this is the time for us to decide the destiny of the country come November! Let’s do it!

God bless America!

The UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS ALUMNI HOLDS SUCCESSFUL GALA IN SAN FRANCISCO

by Thomasians USA

SAN FRANCISCO – Thomasians USA hosted “Lumina Pandit”, the 37th-anniversary gala held at the Basque Cultural Center, last July 6, 2024. It was attended by Thomasian alumni, family, friends, community leaders, and representatives from the Philippine government and the University of Santo Tomas. Among the event’s many highlights were the tribute for Lilia Cabaccang, the last surviving of the founding members of Thomasians USA, fondly referred to as the “Magniﬁcent Seven”. An alumna of the College of Education, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and science, Cabaccang migrated to the United States and ﬁnished her master’s degree at the University of San Francisco Jesuit institution. She taught and retired at Lowell High, known as one of the best American public high schools.

Architect Joseph Palafox, president emeritus of Thomasians USA delivered introductory messages where he shared bits of Thomasians USA history. Thomasians USA was founded during the feast month of Saint Thomas Aquinas in January 1987, at the San Francisco home of singer and UST Music alumna Candy Duazo. Duazo is also among the Magniﬁcent Seven who founded the organization.

The other founding members are Lilia Cabaccang, Zenaida Allarey-Medina, Jesus Zablan Zapanta, Filipinas EspirituPineda, Dorcas De Leon-Sanchez, and Zenaida Medenilla. It was shared in anecdotes that the alumni group was Medenilla’s brainchild; and that the constitution’s ratiﬁcation on March 22, 1987, was witnessed in California by Spanish academic and former University Secretary-General, Rev. Fr. Eladio Neira, OP. They have selected and appointed the late Professor Alice Peña Bulos to become the founding president in 1987. The University of Santo Tomas’ recognition of Thomasians USA was made possible through the eﬀorts of former student leader and academic Julius Payawal Fernandez.

Airlines. The current Thomasians USA leadership is comprised of alumni professionals and community leaders Jeffrey Manalang (President), Rose Wenceslao (Vice President), Janice Francisco (Secretary), Princess Baylosis (Secretary), Misha Osoteo Batoon (Treasurer), Kristina Alvarez (Auditor), Setts Estaniel (PRO), Ian Yabut (Sergeant-at-Arms), Joseph Palafox (Board Member), Estelle Oloresisimo (Board Member), Eris Rodriguez (Board Member), Carmel Sanchez (Board Member), Uni Pacay Buckley (Board Member), Julius Payawal Fernandez (Board Member), and Lilia Cabaccang (Board Member and Director-in-perpetuity). Apart from its scholarship projects, Thomasians USA is currently planning on creating a series of professional networking events and an annual golf fundraiser tournament. (Thomasians USA)

As Alumni Coordinator, Fernandez initially planned to consolidate several alumni organizations in North America and to apply for oﬃcial recognition status in UST but ended up revitalizing and aligning Thomasians USA with the Manila-based UST Alumni Association.

The efforts began in 2017, thirty years after Thomasians USA was established, but formal meetings with Thomasians USA began in 2018. An initial springboard event was planned in partnership with the Archdiocese of San Francisco in 2019 but was canceled due to the pandemic. Incumbent president Jeffrey Manalang, in his opening remarks, has cited the organization’s achievements during the pandemic and emphasized the official recognition status of Thomasians USA by the University of Santo Tomas through the alumni arm.

Manalang encourages more engagement as the organization embraces becoming the United States alumni organization for all schools within the University of Santo Tomas system which is soon to be comprised of ﬁve other campuses apart from the Manila main campus – Quezon City, Legazpi City, General Santos City, Santa Rosa City, and Iloilo City. The anniversary gala event was graced by the Philippine Consul General for San Francisco, Hon. Neil Frank Ferrer, and the attaché of the Department of Tourism for San Francisco, Hon. Soleil Tropicales, a UST alumna from high school to graduate school, who also hails from a Thomasian alumni family.

The entertainment was provided by professional awardwinning performers such as World Championship of the Performing Arts medalist Josh Marquina and XFactor UK and The Voice Philippines ﬁnalist Alisah Bonaobra. Marquina and Bonaobra are both UST Conservatory of Music alumni.

Other performers were Arvin Monfero and Katherine Aldana who are both WCOPA and Bagong Kampeon ﬁnalists. The formal program ended with the awarding of the special raﬄe prizes, particularly the United Airlines domestic roundtrip ticket sponsored by Mango Tours and the San Francisco-Manila roundtrip ticket sponsored by Philippine

MARIA DULCE ANGELICA GARZA-DEL ROSARIO, fondly called by everyone as DULZ because of her long name, was the ﬁrst child of Danny and Tess Garza born on December 7, 1985 at the Manila Doctors Hospital. She departed her earthly life in the morning of July 22, 2024 at the ICU of Veterans Hospital. She suﬀered from cervical for 1 year and 5 months and while faced with declining health, she accepted her health challenges and faced them the same way she faced her life with amazing strength and courage.

She attended her elementary education at the Manila Cathedral school in Tondo and completed her HS education at ICAM or Immaculate Conception Academy Manila. She attended the BS in nursing at the Manila Doctors School of Nursing. She worked in a managerial position selling high end condos in Metro Manila under Century Properties and Fil-Invest. Her passion for cooking was one of the sweet things that will be missed by everyone especially by her children. She is survived by her husband Reymond del Rosario and 4 children, Dan Gabriel, Dion Raphael, Davin Hale and Daxx Michael; siblings Djoan, Danica, Dona and Dustin.

In the hearts of those who loved her, her viral smile will always be there. She will always be treasured forever in our memories. We will always keep the love in our hearts, that already planted to last forever. There will be tears of sadness and feelings of emptiness and loneliness by the people whose lives she touched. Her presence, we will miss; her memory, we will treasure; loving her, always; forgetting her, never!

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

On behalf of the Garza Family, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for all the love, prayers, thoughts, supports and many other acts of kindness extended during this diﬃcult time.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Dulz this Saturday, July 27 at the Piro Hall of St. Andrew Church in Daly City starting at 1:30 pm followed by a mass at 4:45pm at the same Church.

and Jay

Urgent and accelerated delivery of HIV services needed to end AIDS in children by 2030

GENEVA/MUNICH -- Despite progress made in reducing HIV infections and AIDSrelated deaths among children, a new report released by the Global Alliance for Ending AIDS in Children by 2030 shows that an urgent scale up of HIV services in countries worst aﬀected by the pandemic is required to end AIDS by 2030.

The report, Transforming Vision Into Reality, shows that programmes targeting vertical transmission of HIV have averted 4 million infections among children aged 0-14 years old since 2000. Globally, new HIV infections among children aged 0-14 years old have declined by 38% since 2015 and AIDSrelated deaths have fallen by 43%.

Among the twelve Global Alliance countries, several have achieved strong coverage of lifelong antiretroviral therapy among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV, with Uganda nearing 100%, United Republic of Tanzania at 98%, and South Africa at 97%. Mozambique has achieved 90% coverage, with Zambia at 90%, Angola at 89%, Kenya at 89%, Zimbabwe at 88%, and Cote d’Ivoire at 84%.

“I applaud the progress that many countries are making in rolling out HIV services to keep young women healthy and to protect babies and children from HIV,” said UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima. “With the medi-

cines and science available today, we can ensure that all babies are born – and remain – HIV-free, and that all children who are living with HIV get on and stay on treatment. Services for treatment and prevention must be ramped up immediately to ensure that they reach all children everywhere. We cannot rest on our laurels. The death of any child from AIDS related causes is not only a tragedy, but also an outrage. Where I come from, all children are our children. The world can and must keep its promise to end AIDS in children by 2030.”

Global Alliance countries are innovating to overcome barriers and accelerate progress towards ending AIDS in children. However, despite advances neither the world nor Global Alliance countries are currently on track to reach HIV-related commitments for children and adolescents and the pace of progress in preventing new HIV infections and AIDSrelated deaths among children has slowed in recent years.

“Accelerating the delivery and uptake of HIV services for children and adolescents is a moral obligation, and a political choice,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, DirectorGeneral of the World Health Organization. “Twelve countries are demonstrating they have made that choice, but signiﬁcant challenges remain. While we have made progress in increasing access for pregnant women to

testing and treatment to prevent vertical transmission of HIV, we are still far from closing the paediatric treatment gap. We need to further strengthen the collaboration and reach of the Global Alliance, and we must do this work with focus, purpose and in solidarity with all aﬀected mothers, children, and adolescents.”

Around 120 000 children aged 0-14 years old became infected with HIV in 2023, with around 77 000 of these new infections occurring in the Global Alliance countries. AIDS-related deaths among children aged 0-14 years old numbered 76 000 globally with Global Alliance countries accounting for 49 000 of these unnecessary deaths. Vertical transmission rates remain extremely high in some locations, particularly in Western and Central Africa, with rates exceeding 20% in countries including Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“In the ﬁght against HIV, we must do a much better job for children,” said Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which provides funding for HIV programmes in over 100 countries through a country-led partnership model. “In support of national programmes, we have been procuring the latest dolutegravir-based paediatric treatment regimens at negotiated prices. Our investments in laboratory systems are helping

ensure exposed infants are rapidly tested and that those that test positive are quickly initiated on age-appropriate antiretroviral treatment. Diﬀerentiated testing and treatment approaches are helping close the diagnostic gap and ensuring more child-centred service delivery.”

It is concerning that the treatment gap between adults and children continues to widen.

“Just 57 per cent of children living with HIV receive life-saving treatment, compared to 77 per cent of adults,” said UNICEF Associate Director HIV/AIDS, Anurita Bains. “Without early and eﬀective testing and treatment, HIV remains a persistent threat to the health and well-being of children and adolescents and puts them at risk of death. To close the treatment gap, we must support governments to scale up innovative testing approaches and ensure children and adolescents living with HIV receive the treatment and support they need.”

In 2023, there were 210 000 new infections globally among young women and girls aged 15—24 years old (130 000 in Global Alliance countries), four times higher than the 2025 goal set at 50 000. Preventing new infections among this age group is critical both to protect the health and wellbeing of young women and to reduce the risk of new infections among children.

Heart of Hope

Our life today is more comfortable, more convenient, more productive, less physical, and we are healthier and happier because of the inventions of brilliant people around the world. All these innovations also empower people and make the world a better and brighter place to live in, where even international communication happens instantaneously and massive information accessible to everyone within split seconds. Here are some of those wonderful, invaluable, and priceless inventions.

Microscope

Dutch spectacle maker, Zacharias Janssen, in Middleburg, Holland, during the Dutch Golden Age, had been considered the creator of compound microscope in 1590. The name microscope (to view little things) was coined in 1656. In 1675, Anton van Leeuwenhoek, using a microscope with one lens was the ﬁrst to observe bacteria.

Electricity

Electricity was not invented. It has been omnipresent in the atmosphere as a set of physical phenomena since the world came to being. Benjamin Franklin has been credited with the discovery of electricity in 1752 through his ﬂying kite that was hit by lightning during a thunderstorm causing jolts of electricity.

Although the discovery of electricity has been attributed to Thomas Edison (1879) following his extensive studies built on researches of many brilliant men like Alessandro Volta (1800), no single person could be credited with the discovery. Instead, countless researchers made the contribution that enabled its discovery.

Thales of Melitus (548/545 BC), the ﬁrst mathematician, is often credited with discovering static electricity in 500 BC by rubbing fur on amber and other substances.

Telephone

Italian innovator Antonio Meucci invented the ﬁrst basic phone in 1849 and Frenchman Charles Bourseul devised his own phone in 1854. Alexander Graham Bell won the ﬁrst US patent for his telephone in 1876.

Automobile

The ﬁrst automobile, Motorwagen, was invented by Karl Benz, in 1886, his vehicle powered by a gas engine, with patent number 37435.

Amazing inventions

In 1893, Charles Duryea and J. Frank, bicycle mechanics at the time, designed the ﬁrst successful American gasoline automobile.

Three years later, in 1896, the founder of Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford, “built his ﬁrst car and took it for a spin on the streets of Detroit.

Airconditioning

Willis H. Carrier, “The Father of Air Conditioning,” was the Chief engineer of the Buffalo Forge Company, invented the first electrical air conditioner unit in 1902, but it was not until 1914 before the first residential air conditioning was installed. The unit was 20 feet long and 7 foot high and cost $500,000 in today’s money. The tinier window version was introduced in 1931. Today, only 10 percent of homes in the United States are not air-conditioned.

Television

Philo Farnsworth designed the first electronic television that was demonstrated in San Francisco on September 7,1927 after working on it for 7 years. A German patent for color television was recorded in 1904, and Vladimir K. Zworykin, a Russian inventor, patented his version of color TV in 1925. The medium first burst into popularity in the 1940s and 50’s and transformed American life forever. Color TV arrived in the USA in the 1960s, followed by cable in the 70s, VCRs in the 80s and high definition in the late 90s. Among the early inventors of the TV remote control was Serbian-American Nikola Tesla, but the first version of wireless TV remote control was invented in 1955 by Eugene Polley, mechanical engineer at Zenith Electronics. Robert Adler, a colleague of Polley, invented the first wireless remote, using ultrasonic sound, called Space Command” in 1956. The first patent for smart TV was in 1994 and flat screen came out in 1997. By 2010, greater improvements were made, ultimately resulting in the first 4K TV in 2012, with super resolution and clarity.

Internet

Nikola Tesla, in the 1900, toyed with the idea of a “world wireless system,” and Paul Otlet and Vannevar Bush conceived of a mechanized, searchable storage system of books and media in the 1930s and 40s, long before the technology to actually built the internet. In the late 1960s, the ﬁrst workable prototype of the internet came, originally funded by the US Department of Defense. The technology grew in the 70s after scientists Robert Kahn and Vinton Cerf developed the Transmission Control Protocol and Internet protocol (TCP/IP), a communications model that set the standard for how data could be transmitted between multiple networks.

Refrigerator

William Cullen, a Scottish physician demonstrated the first artificial refrigeration in 1748 at the University of Glasgow. American Oliver Evans in 1805 designed the first refrigeration machine blueprint. Albert T. Marshall in 1899 secure the first patent for a domestic (large and expensive) refrigerator. In 1913, the first electric refrigerators for homes were invented and produced by Fred W. Wolf of Fort Wayne, Indiana, with the unit placed on top of an icebox. It was in 1927 when General Electric invented the first electric refrigerator (the precursor of our units today) for homeowners, that cost around $520, about $7,000 today. The introduction of Freon in the 1920’s expanded the popularity of safer refrigerators in the1930. Today, more than 99 percent of American households have at least one refrigerator (34 percent have 2 or more), most built with various bells and whistles, Bluetooth and wireless (internet) enabled.

Mobile phone

Motorola engineer Martin Cooper, who created the ﬁrst mobile phone was the ﬁrst person to use one (called RTS, Radio Telephone System) on October 17, 1973. He never imagined his project would become one of the most valuable inventions in history.

Today, mobile phones are pocket-size, ubiquitous, and so versatile, it functions as a phone, a texting and emailing system, browser, calculator, camera, video-cam, clock, calendar, ﬂashlight, magniﬁer, reminder, tape-recorder, radio, television, GPS, a virtual credit card/digital wallet, a powerful mini-computer, etc., all-in-one, in the palm of almost every person around the world, anywhere they may be, at least 12/7 round the year. People leave home and travel perhaps without their spouse, shirt or shoes, but never without their cellphone.

NEXT WEEK: More historical inventions.

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

PHILIP S. CHUA

Recipe of the Week

Special Beef Kaldereta

Ingredients:

1 kilo beef spareribs

1/2 cup chicken liver, fried, massed in to paste

2 medium size red bell pepper, cut into 1” square

2 pcs. whole sweet pickle, sliced crosswise

1 small can button mushroom

1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/2 tsp. ground peppercorns

2 medium size onion, chopped

1/2 head garlic, chopped

1/4 cup vinegar

1 cup green olives

1 cup tomato sauce

1/2 tsp hot sauce

3 bay leaf salt

Cooking procedure:

Marinate beef meat with vinegar, a dash of salt and pepper for 5 to 10 minutes. Drain marinade and stir fry meat until color changes to light brown, keep aside. In a saucepan, sauté garlic and onion, add meat and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes. Add tomato sauce and stir cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Add 8 to 10 cups of water, ground peppercorns and bay leaf simmer for 1 to 1/2 hours or until meat are tender and just enough sauce remains. Add more water as necessary. Add liver paste, mushroom, green olive and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until sauce thickens. Add bell pepper, hot sauce, cheddar cheese and season with salt and cook for another 2 to 3 minute, serve hot.

Exploring the ecological gem of Surigao: Day-asan Mangrove

By Alexander Lopez

SURIGAO CITY (PNA) – Nestled within the heart of Surigao City lies a natural wonder waiting to be visited and explored by eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Barangay Day-asan’s century-old mangroves have long been a well-kept secret. Still, thanks to the visionary efforts of the city government, this ecological gem is set to take center stage in Surigao’s burgeoning tourism scene.

As part of the city’s ambitious tourism program, the recent launch of the weeklong Suroy Surigao Plus initiative has shone a spotlight on the diverse array of attractions that Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands have to oﬀer.

“The Suroy Surigao Plus (Visit Surigao Plus) aims to bring into limelight the tourist destinations that Surigao City, Surigao del Norte mainland, and Dinagat Islands can oﬀer to visitors, both local and foreign tourists,” said Roselin Merlin, head of the tourism oﬃce of Surigao City, in an interview on Wednesday.

The program, which concluded on Tuesday, was joined by known social media inﬂuencers from Cebu, travel and tour operators from Davao City, and media representatives from the Caraga Region.

Increased tourist arrivals

Aside from promoting tourist spots, the Suroy Surigao Plus is also geared at capturing more visitors to the featured areas and increasing the number of tourist arrivals this year in Surigao City.

Data from the city tourism oﬃce indicated that Surigao City recorded an 18.4 percent rate increase in tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to the previous year. Last year, 170,357 arrivals were logged in Surigao City, compared to 143,770 in 2022. Of these, 167,689 were local tourists, and 2,668 were foreign visitors.

“Surigao City has long been utilized as a jump-oﬀ point of Siargao Island. Tourism has been one of the ways where we can be at par with the other cities in the Philippines,” said Vice Mayor Al-

conduct of the

Forest

the week-

Casurra added that Mayor Dumlao’s marching order is “to shift from the traditional way of promoting the city to a more advanced way of using technologies.”

A must-see ecological gem

The Day-asan Mangrove Forest is a prime example of Surigao City’s natural beauty and ecological signiﬁcance.

Spanning over 600 hectares, the Dayasan Mangrove Forest beckons visitors to want to immerse themselves in its tranquil surroundings and witness the wonders of nature up close.

Day-asan can be reached from the city proper of Surigao by any transportation that passes a concrete road for about seven to ten minutes. Upon arriving in a designated area, boats are available for rent at PHP1,000, which is reasonable for ten persons for a ride of 45 minutes to one hour.

Boating through the winding waterways, guests can marvel at the towering century-old mangroves that line the banks, their roots reaching deep into the rich, fertile soil.

One of the highlights of a visit to the Day-asan Mangrove Forest is the iconic 500-meter ﬂoating walkway that oﬀers a unique vantage point for observing these majestic trees.

Stepping onto the ﬂoating walk, visitors are greeted by a breathtaking panorama of lush greenery and nature’s soothing sounds. It is a moment of pure serenity, a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with the natural world.

“I’ve been operating a boat to ferry visitors and tourists around the mangrove forest for more than two years now,” said a boat operator who only identiﬁed himself as Mamerto.

Inviting more tourists to visit Dayasan would generate additional income for around 20 boat owners operating in the mangrove forest.

CENTURY-OLD MANGROVE FOREST. The more than 600 hectares of century-old mangrove forest in Barangay Day-asan in Surigao City

fonso Casurra, who represented Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II during

long

Suroy Surigao Plus.