Philippine News Today

CHINA KEEPS HARASSING PHL VESSELS; TENSION UP

Sino Coast Guard in ‘dangerous’ maneuver, nearly hits PHL ship

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor in Chief

MANILA – Tensions between China and the Philippines soared to new heights anew as big China Coast Guard vessels again “constantly followed, harassed and obstructed” and engaged two smaller Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) boats in a dangerous maneuver which nearly resulted in collision as two Chinese Navy warships and six militia boats watched.

Page 9

South San Francisco honors FilAm, proclaims Proceso Gutierrez Day

By Jun Nucum

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO -

A milestone was reached by Filipino American Proceso S. Gutierrez who celebrated his 100th birthday at his home in Hayward, California recently.

2022 Hate Crime

By Gilda P. Balan, Correspondent

SAN FRANCISCO -- The annual hate crime report for the State of California was released recently, and the data shows that the number of reported hate crimes continues to rise.

For the record, the Department of Justice is

30

For this, a celebration was held and certificates of achievement were sent the centennial celebrant from Governor Gavin Newsom and the cities of Daly City, Hayward, and South San Francisco, who with a declaration from Filipina Mayor Flor Nicolas, officially declared July 3, 2023 as Proceso S.

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

MANILA – A new Commission on Audit (COA) report says the Office of Vice President (OVP) Sara Duterte has been going on a spending spree in recent months, even failing to follow proper procedure.

Her office, however, says otherwise.

A COA audit revealed that the OVP spent confidential funds worth PHP 125 million last year, even as Duterte also spent PHP668, 197 to set up

PHL gov’t debt hits record P14.10 trillion as of May P2

Pinoy cue masters are World Cup of Pool champions

$1.00= P55.73

in America report shows numbers continue to rise

VP Duterte a big spender why bypasses law, says COA

HOUSING PROJECT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspects a housing project under the Pambansang Pabahay sa Pilipino program in San Fernando, Pampanga on July 3. The housing development is composed of

12-story buildings. Also shown in Pampanga Vice Gov. Lilia Pineda and Housing Secretary Jose Acuzar. See story inside. (Joey O. Razon/PNA)

Philippine coast guard vessel BRP Malapascua (R) maneuvering as a Chinese coast guard ship cuts its path to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea.

(First of two parts)

Proceso at 25

30 high-rise housing projects rise in Pampanga capital, 2 other towns

By Jennifer T. Santos

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inspection of a condominium-like housing project in San Fernando, Pampanga on July 3, renewing his administration’s commitment to address the housing backlog in the country for the benefit of ordinary Filipinos.

During the inspection of the Crystal Peak States project, President Marcos expressed elation on the simultaneous launching of the government housing projects in the province under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program which, he said, is one of the priorities of the administration.

“Layunin po ng programang ito na magpatayo ng mga pabahay na malapit sa mga mahahalagang pasilidad na kinakailangan para sa mas produktibong pamumuhay,” Marcos said, adding that

the goal is to build one million houses each year until the end of his term as president.

“Maraming pamilyang Pilipino ang siguradong makikinabang sa mga komportable, abot-kaya, at ligtas na pabahay na ito,” he said.

Marcos said the national government is working with local government units (LGUs) in the country — from Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao — to achieve the government’s housing target.

The President thanked the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the San Fernando City government, and the Social Housing Finance Corp. (SFHC) for spearheading the project.

“Magtulungan po tayo. Pairalin natin ang bayanihan sa lahat ng oras. Ito ang susi sa sama-sama nating pag-ahon mula sa pagsubok na ating kinahaharap,” he said.

Located in Barangay Del Carmen, Crystal Peak States is a 9.8 hectare multistory project that can shelter more than 8,300 families both from the public and private sectors, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), as well as police and military personnel.

The housing project, being developed by SFHC, is composed of 30 12-story buildings with a mix of 25- and 28-square meter units to give future residents flexible options depending on their needs.

It features various amenities for social and physical wellness such as shophouses, commercial areas, clubhouses, basketball courts, and swimming pools.

The housing project under 4PH in nearby Minalin and Candaba were also presented to the President by the respective local chief executives, which they said could benefit more than 10,000 Kapampangans from various sectors.

The St. Andrews Residences will be

built in a 5.7-hectare land in Barangay Mandasig, Candaba, Pampanga. It will be composed of 18 mid-rise buildings with around 5,000 units.

On the other hand, the Minalin Housing Project will be situated in a 7-hectare land in Barangay Sta. Maria, where around 24 low and mid-rise buildings will be constructed with housing units totaling 5,016.

The three projects will significantly reduce Pampanga’s huge housing need pegged by officials at 91,000 units.

The DHSUD leads the implementation of the Pambansang Pabahay, which aims to address the 6.5 million housing backlog in the country.

The housing agency has so far signed more than 150 memoranda of understanding (MOU) under the program, which will be carried out in 28 locations across the Philippines

PHL gov’t debt hits record P14.10 trillion as of May

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda

MANILA — The national government’s total outstanding debt climbed to a new record ₱14.10 trillion by the end of May this year, the Bureau of the Treasury reported.

This means that in less than a year since assuming the presidency, the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has added around P1.31 trillion to the country’s debt.

This means the country’s debts increased by 1.3% or ₱185.40 billion from April due to the net issuance of do-

mestic and external debt, as well as the peso’s depreciation against the US dollar.

Most of the debt stock or 68% was sourced domestically, while 32% were external borrowings, the treasury bureau said.

The bureau also said domestic debt rose to ₱9.59 trillion, higher by 1.4% or ₱130.67 billion compared to the end-April level. The hike was due to the net issuance of government securities along with local currency depreciation against the greenback.

“Moreover, the impact of peso depreciation against the US dollar padded the value of onshore foreign currency-denominated securities by P1.56 billion,” the treasury bureau added.

Meanwhile, the country’s external or foreign debt amounted to ₱4.51 trillion, up 1.2% or ₱54.73 billion

Pope names PHL’s

from the previous month, the bureau said, mainly driven by external loans.

On the other hand, the government’s guaranteed obligations fell by 0.3% to ₱379.71 billion due to net repayment of external guarantees amounting to ₱6.70 billion and third-currency adjustments of ₱0.91 billion.

The Philippines’ sovereign debt ballooned during the pandemic as the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte borrowed heavily to fund its COVID-19 response. Duterte’s ambitious infrastructure push also contributed to the higher debt levels.

Economic managers, however, have said that the debt level remains manageable as economic growth can outpace the cost of servicing debt.

The government earlier said its debt-to-GDP ratio improved to 60.9 percent in 2022.

youngest prelate as new Calapan bishop

CALAPAN CITY – Pope Francis has named the country’s youngest Catholic prelate as the new bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan in Oriental Mindoro.

The appointment of 49-year-old Bishop Moises Cuevas, currently the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga, was announced by the Vatican on Thursday, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reported on its news website.

Cuevas, who hails from Batangas City, was ordained a priest of the Zamboanga archdiocese in 2000.

The Holy Father appointed him as the archdiocese’s auxiliary bishop in March 2020.

Cuevas is also the apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga while waiting for the installation of new Zamboanga Archbishop Julius Tonel on August 22.

The bishop-elect will succeed Bishop Warlito Cajandig, who was the head of the post from 1989 until 2022.

In November 2022, the Holy See announced that the Pope had “liberated” the 79–year-old Cajandig from his office for health reasons.

Bishop Moises Cuevas

Cajandig suffered a stroke in 2018 and underwent brain surgery.

The pontiff then appointed Fr. Nestor Adalia as apostolic administrator to govern the vicariate.

Hoarding, smuggling cartels of agri products exposed; Marcos orders probe

Marcos said the findings of the congressional hearings are “sufficient grounds” to initiate an investigation.

“And that is why we are going to be very, very strict about finding these people and making sure that they are brought to justice,” he said.

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. , who is also the agriculture secretary, directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the alleged hoarding and smuggling of agricultural commodities, including onion.

Marcos issued the latest directive after Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo, in a memorandum to him, said there is “substantial” evidence that a cartel is behind the surge in onion prices.

“I have just given instructions to the DOJ and the NBI to initiate an investigation into the hoarding, smuggling, (and) price fixing of agricultural commodities,” he said. “And this is stemming from the hearing that we’ve conducted in the House (of Representatives), specifically by Congresswoman Stella Quimbo, and the findings that they came up with.”

Marcos said the alleged cartel’s acts are tantamount to economic sabotage.

Quimbo, who led the Committee on Agriculture and Food’s investigation on the agricultural hoarding issue, tagged the Philippine Vegetable Importers, Exporters and Vendors Association (VIEVA) Group of Companies, Inc. (PVGCI) as the main player in the onion cartel.

The House of Representatives conducted a series of investigations in the wake of the sharp increase in onion prices starting in July 2022, which was attributed to a perceived shortage of supply.

However, data from the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Bureau of Plant Industry showed only a modest shortage of approximately 7.56 percent in 2022, which could not justify the significant inflation rates reaching 87 percent in December of that year.

The DOJ said it will collaborate with other government agencies, including the DA and Bureau of Customs.

“Together with these agencies, the Department will create an Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Task Force along with a Special Team of Prosecutors primarily focused on protecting the entire agricultural sector, not only the onion industry,” the DOJ said in a statement.

A team of investigators will collect evidence, conduct interviews, and analyze data to uncover the intricate web of onion smuggling networks, the statement read.

“Once these cases are ready, the DOJ will file charges, ensuring that those responsible will face the full force of the law,” it added.

The DOJ said its investigation encompasses violations of Republic Act No. 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act and will pursue cases related to profiteering, hoarding, and smuggling, which are recognized as acts of economic sabotage.

Quimbo also presented an “Onion Matrix” which involves several firms engaged in the trading and importation of onions and other vegetables acting in connivance with owners of cold storage facilities.

She said responses from cold storage facility owners during the hearings also indicated an ample supply of onions during the period of price surges.

This led to the expośe of the activities of the cartel allegedly engaged in price-fixing through manipulation of stocks, leveraging control over cold storage facilities.

Lilia “Lea” Cruz, the key player of the PVGCI dubbed “Sibuyas (Onion) Queen,” denied her involvement in the importation, saying her participation was limited to trucking and assisting farmers.

Taguig readies to take in 10 barangays from Makati

TAGUIG CITY - The Taguig City government assured residents of the 10 barangays that would be transferred to its jurisdiction from Makati City that they would receive the same level of service given to all the other city communities.

In a statement, the Taguig City Public Information Office said it “warmly welcomes to its bosom the residents of the 10 concerned barangays.”

“The separation from Makati may be hurting, and we acknowledge your sentiments. We respect your emotional attachment to Makati, which took care of your welfare for a long time, and we understand your fears that Taguig would be unable to

give the social benefits you have been enjoying,” it said.

“We assure you that Taguig is prepared to take on the responsibility of governing your communities with the same commitment and solicitude it has done with its 28 barangays,” it added.

The city issued the statement after the Supreme Court turned down City of Makati’s second motion for reconsideration in its legal battle with neighboring Taguig City over jurisdiction over vast swaths of prime real estate.

In a statement, the high court said its Special Third Division had issued a resolution dated June 26 to deny the City of

Makati’s second motion, which, among others, sought to elevate the case to the 15man court en banc.

The court also “noted without action” the City of Taguig’s motion, asking the court to sanction the City of Makati and its mayor, Abigal Binay for supposedly making statements in public in connection relation to the case.

The case arose from a complaint filed by the City of Taguig against the City of Makati in connection with its territorial dispute over the areas comprising the Enlisted Men’s Barrios (EMBOs) and the entirety of Fort Andres Bonifacio.

On Dec. 1, 2021, the court’s Third Di-

vision denied the City of Makati’s Petition for Review on Certiorari and reinstated with modification the July 8, 2011 decision of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Pasig.

On Sept. 28, 2022, the Court, in a resolution, denied with finality the City of Makati’s motion seeking reconsideration of the Dec. 1, 2021 decision and to refer the case to the court en banc.

It explained that the basic issues raised have been duly considered and passed upon by the court division in its decision, and added that the court en banc is not an appellate court to which decisions or resolutions of a Division may be appealed.

Sotto unveils plan for new Pasig City Hall complex

CITY -- Mayor Vico Sotto led the 450th founding anniversary of Pasig City on July 2 highlighted with unveiling of the design of a proposed new city hall complex to be built in the next two years.

Sotto said the city should reconstruct the city hall after architects and engineers found that 62 columns and 451 beams in the present Pasig City Hall are “structurally inadequate.”

The eningeers’ report also revealed that the building’s foundation is liquefiable, which means that settlement or the sinking of the structure’s base would like-

ly occur, especially during strong earthquakes.

“Ibig sabihin, may imminent danger,” the mayor said as ABS-CBN reported.

In a video, Sotto showed the Pasig City Hall Campus’ conceptual design features — open and green spaces for citizens, evacuation and senior citizen halls, earthquake-proof buildings, a fountain, and food stalls, among many others.

“This may be the biggest project in the history of Pasig City. So I need your help and support,” Sotto said during the celebration.

“Safe naman siya sabi ng mga engineer pero araw-araw lumalala ‘yung sinasabing imminent danger,” he said.

Among these threats to safety was water found trapped between beams, Sotto said.

“January 2019, biglang may sumabog sa city hall sa gitna ng 7th at 8th floor tapos yung mga nasa 8th floor may naramdaman silang jolt,” he said.

“Yung gitna ng building C at D, hindi siya pantay,” he added.

The city government first considered to commission a retrofitting of the building, but structural experts said that it

would be “very expensive,” the Mayor said.

“It is not a wise idea to retrofit,” he said.

While the City Hall building is expected to be completed in the next 2 years, the rest of the complex — including the Pasig Mega Market — “will be a 10-year masterplan,” Sotto said, dubbing the construction as “the biggest project in the history of Pasig City.”

Aside from offices, the new Pasig City Hall complex will house evacuation centers, citizens’ centers, and open spaces for the public, Sotto said.

MWSS raises possibility of water interruptions as Angat dam water level almost critical

QUEZON CITY– The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) raised the possibility of water interruptions in Metro Manila that will affect over 632,000 households amid the declining water level of Angat Dam.

MWSS division manager Patrick Dizon said an inter-agency technical group meeting for the Angat Dam operation management will be held since the water level of the dam is nearing critical level, dropping to 181.83 meters as of July 4 and nearing the 180-meter minimum operating level.

Dizon said the worst-case scenario is that the customers of west zone water concessionaire Maynilad might experience

off-peak interruptions of around 6 to 10 hours if the water elevation in the reservoir does not improve due to rainfall shortage.

Dizon, however, noted that there will be no water interruption from Manila Water, which provides water services to the eastern side of Metro Manila.

Dizon said the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) implemented a two-cubic meters per second (CMS) cut in the water allocation for Maynilad and Manila Water in preparation for El Niño.

According to NWRB, the 50 cm allocation comes as a concerted effort to minimize water interruptions while MWSS continues its raw water recovery from its pipeline and conveyance system repairs.

Pangasinan gov’t to open free polytechnic college

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Pangasinan, considered one of the educational centers in Northern Luzon, is eyeing the opening of a college to be funded, operated and managed by the provincial government.

Proposed to be called the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), the new school will offer free college education and vocational courses to qualified residents, according to provincial officials which approved the creation of the college.

Residents, especially the youth, welcomed the announcement but others expressed concern that the provincial college might be competing with at least four city and municipal colleges universities in the province as well as the state colleges and universities based in Panga-

sinan and the private tertiary schools like the Lyceum Northwestern University, Virgen Milagrosa University, PHINMA University of Pangasinan, Perpetual Help College, the WCC Aeronautical and Technological College and the Pan Pacific University.

The already existing local colleges and universities are the University of Eastern Pangasinan in Binalonan town, Urdaneta City University in Urdaneta City, the Binalatongan College in San Carlos City and Bayambang Polytechnic College in Bayambang town.

Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino said the Pangasinan Polytechnic College will be the first college fully owned and run by a provincial government in the Ilocos Region.

He said the establishment of the PPC was in keeping with Governor Ramon Guico III’s commitment to provide ac-

cessible education for residents of the province.

“This college will be designed to make sure that it will be accessible to all Pangasinenses who are in need of tertiary education. But unlike most colleges and universities, we will be employing a ladderized system, where there will be certificate and diploma courses, and even vocational programs,” he said.

Lambino said programs of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will be incorporated into PPC course offerings so that after one or two years, a student can already look for a job.

“And because it’s a ladderized system, every year students will gain credit from what they finished. This will help those who have limited time or resources to go to school because they are already working, and they wanted to go back to

school,” he said.

Lambino said the PPC’s first campus will be at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in the capital town of Lingayen where there are rooms that can be retrofitted and converted into classrooms.

“But the direction of our governor is to have two or three campuses. One in Lingayen, another one in central Pangasinan, probably San Carlos City, and another one in the eastern part of the province,” he added.

He said PPC students will be full scholars, enjoying free tuition and miscellaneous fees for as long as they abide by their contracts, academics- and behavior-wise.

He also clarified that the creation of the PPC will not compete with the staterun Pangasinan State University and private universities in the province.

SC issues writ of kalikasan vs. firm, DENR over Sibuyan Island mining operations

SIBUYAN/MANILA – The Supreme Court has issued a “writ of kalikasan” against Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and its Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) over controversial nickel mining operations on Sibuyan island in Romblon following a petition by local residents filed last February.

According to the SC, it issued the writ of kalikasan versus APMC, DENR, and MGB in a resolution dated June 13.

A writ of kalikasan is a legal remedy which protects the right of Filipinos to a “balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature,” pursuant to Article II, Section 16 of the Philippine Constitution.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Re-

mulla earlier described the writ as a special civil action that could urge respondents to “do something” about nature or repair environmental damage.

In late January, APMC led mining exploration and operations on Sibuyan mining exploration and operations on Sibuyan island and planned to export 50,000 metric tons of nickel ore for testing overseas.

Environmentalists and residents of the island protested the mining activities. They said they were illegal as APMC had not secured the necessary permits to conduct mining operations and to export the nickel ore. Two people were hurt in a human barricade set up to try to stop the operations.

The mining company claimed its operations were lawful.

On July 4, Marcos reaffirms PHL, US ‘deep connection’

By Jennifer T. Santos

MANILA – On Philippine American Friendship Day, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. renewed the Philippines’ “deep connection” with its long-time ally, the United States.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said the United States is committed to supporting the Philippines’ growth and development goals as economic partnership is flourishing.

“On this joyous occasion of Philippine-American Friendship Day, we commemorate the deep connection between our nations, built on the foundation of trust and collaboration,” Marcos said.

Marcos vowed that the Philippines would stand united with the US.

He said the continued collaboration and cooperation with the US would bring progress and development to the Philippines.

“As allies, let us continue to stand together, embracing the values of democracy, freedom and equality, forging a path towards a more prosperous and inclusive future for all,” Marcos said.

Marcos’ official visit to the US in May affirmed the two nations’ strong ties.

His visit has yielded at least US$1.3 billion (P71.8 billion) worth of investment pledges that have the potential to create around 6,700 new jobs for Filipinos.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said: “This July 4, Americans all over the world are celebrating the 247th anniversary of U.S. independence. Here in the Philippines, we are also commemorating the 69th Philippine-American Friendship Day, making July 4 doubly special –a time to celebrate all that the Philippines and the United States have accomplished together as steadfast friends, #PartnersInProsperity, and ironclad allies.”

Carlson’s full July 4 message follows:

“This July 4, Americans all over the world are celebrating the 247th anniversary of U.S. independence. Here in the Philippines, we are also commemorating

the 69th Philippine-American Friendship Day, making July 4 doubly special – a time to celebrate all that the Philippines and the United States have accomplished together as steadfast friends, partners in prosperity, and ironclad allies.

Since I arrived in July last year, I’ve had the opportunity to see the deep, multifaceted U.S.-Philippine relationship at work. During a recent trip to Cebu, I met talented new friends from the vibrant network of U.S. exchange alumni in the Visayas. In Ilocos Norte, I learned how our development efforts are improving energy efficiency standards, a key part of the Philippines’ clean energy transition. Last October, I had the honor to share the stage with President Marcos in Tacloban to commemorate the Leyte Gulf landing, honoring our shared history; while during a recent visit to Isabela province, I witnessed how U.S. and Philippine troops are working together today to modernize our alliance – training at Camp Melchor Dela Cruz. These trips and the many other milestones mark strong momentum in U.S.-Philippine relations.

This year’s highlight in our bilateral ties was the resoundingly successful visit to Washington, D.C. by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. During President Marcos’s Oval Office meeting with President Biden, our leaders discussed the full spectrum of our relationship as friends, partners, and allies. President Biden reaffirmed our ironclad commitment to the Alliance and announced a first-of-its-kind Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines. Our leaders also discussed new efforts to promote clean energy, expand science and technology cooperation, and protect the environment. President Marcos also met with multiple U.S. cabinet members. I was particularly struck by the lively, substantive discussion President Marcos had with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, resulting in innovative programs to tackle food and nutrition insecurity.

This year, we also saw the successful conclusion of the largest, most complex

El Niño begins,

CITY -- El Niño has started in the country although still weak.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the El Niño phenomenon will intensify and could cause dry spells and droughts in at least 30 provinces, in the last quarter of the year and the first half of 2024.

Metro Manila may also experience the effects of El Niño, but PAGASA will still have to look into the forecast.

“It’s possible that Metro Manila will experience dry spell by the end of December. That means the region may have lesser rains for three months, then dry spell for the next three months,” forecasters said.

Lesser rainfall is not the only impact of El Niño.

The effects could also be on agricul-

iteration of Exercise Balikatan. Over 17,000 troops from the United States and the Philippines, as well as a contingent from Australia, trained shoulderto-shoulder on land, at sea, in the air, and – for the first time – in cyberspace. Together, we announced four new locations where our countries will make investments to improve Philippine military infrastructure and capabilities under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, or EDCA. Projects implemented at these EDCA locations will advance the Philippine Armed Forces’ modernization goals and bring tangible economic benefits to local communities, creating jobs and opportunities for local businesses. The Philippines is the largest recipient of U.S. security assistance in the Indo-Pacific. Strengthening our Alliance helps secure peace and prosperity for our peoples.

U.S.-Philippine economic partnerships are flourishing. In May, I visited two top-tier U.S. businesses in Cebu, Timex and Teradyne. Like many U.S. companies operating in the Philippines, Timex and Teradyne provide thousands of Filipinos with high-quality, high-pay-

ing jobs – including as managers and executives. U.S. businesses value the talent of the Filipino workforce and, more and more, are looking to the Philippines as an attractive place to trade and invest. For example, Moderna has chosen the Philippines as its first-ever operational hub in Asia. We look forward to building on this momentum as partners in prosperity. “

In 1955, then president Ramon Magsaysay signed Proclamation 212 establishing the observance of PhilippineAmerican Day. The following year, the celebration became an annual event through Proclamation 363.

Under the administration of Marcos’ father and namesake, Ferdinand E. Marcos, the Philippine-American Day was renamed Philippine-American Friendship Day and moved its celebration every July 4, overshadowing the observance of the date as Republic Day.

The practice of celebrating Philippine-American Friendship Day and Philippine Republic Day was abolished under the leadership of former president Corazon Aquino but was reconstituted by then president Fidel V. Ramos in 1996.

PAGASA warns of impact

ture since this also depends on rainfall.

A huge impact will be on the water sector. El Niño will also have an impact on health due to the warm weather, she pointed out.

PAGASA is expecting below normal rainfall from October to the first quarter of 2024.

“Pormal nang dineklara ng PAGASA ang pagkakaroon ng El Niño sa Dagat Pasipiko na maaring magkaroon ng epekto sa bansa,” said Ana Liza Solis, chief of PAGASA’s climate monitoring and prediction section.

PAGASA warned that the reduction in rainfall could start by October 2023.

“Mayroong init na nangyayari sa Pacific...Suma total, ang epekto ay kulang ang ulan na dumarating sa Pilipinas,” Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum explained.

[Translation: There is currently a warmth in the Pacific...To sum it up, the effect of this is reduced rainfall in the Philippines.]

The state weather bureau said that at least 28 areas could experience dry conditions and 36 others may record dry spells at the end of 2023.

Camarines Norte and Southern Leyte could experience drought by the end of the year.

PAGASA also said that by January 2024, at least 26 areas in Luzon, including Metro Manila, may experience drought.

However, the state weather bureau noted that these forecasts are based on recent conditions in the Tropical Pacific.

“These are based on recent conditions in the Tropical Pacific, ito pong nade-develop na (this developing) El Niño, which is weak pa lang po siya, and then nakikita

po natin na pwede siyang mag-strengthen in the coming months (which is still weak and we can see it getting stronger in the coming months),” said Solis.

“Therefore, uncertainty is high, and updates will be issued by PAGASA.” he added.

VP Duterte...

(From page 1)

satellite offices in July 2022 in violation of the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The OVP was also found to have increased its maintenance and other operating expenses following the release of additional funding for medical assistance worth PHP96.42 million.

The COA pointed out that in comparison, Duterte’s predecessor Leni Robredo had zero budget for confidential funds.

It should be noted that Duterte has two separate budgets, one for the OVP and another for the Education department, where she serves concurrently as secretary.

2022...

(From page 1)

mandated by the California Penal Code to submit an annual Hate Crime in California report, a copy of which was made available to Philippine News Today.

Based on the report, “the amount of hate crime events has gone up and down over the last decade.”

The reports adds that “in the last 10 years, hate crime events have increased by 145.7 percent.”

The lowest year for reported hate crime was in 2014, with 758 recorded events throughout the state.

For the 10-year period from 2013 to 2022, the data gathered shows a steady upswing in hate crimes throughout the Golden State in the last three years. Previously, there were years when the numbers rose and fell with no clear pattern.

As an example, with 2013 as the base year, single bias events based on race or ethnicity was pegged at 489, sinking to 412 in 2014, rising slightly to 428 in 2015, up to 519 in 2015, steadily rising to 602 in 2017, slipping to 594 in 2018, going down further to 523 in 2019. But from 2020 to 2021 to 2022, increases were steady at 875 then 1,165 then 1,298, respectively.

The “single bias events” are broken down into hate crimes against Whites,

South...

(From page 1)

Gutierrez Day.

“Our family is so blessed to have lolo with us still, healthy and well. What an amazing accomplishment to have reached 100 years old! I thought the best way to celebrate him and his long life was to have 100 people greet him on his big day. Friends and family sent in greeting cards for him. Our family couldn’t be more elated and prouder!” wrote granddaughter Kristine Sinajon on behalf of the Gutierrez clan.

Proceso at 100

She, therefore, plays a similar role as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who also serves as Agriculture secretary in a concurrent capacity.

The immediate establishment of the satellite offices without enough equipment to operate led to the purchases of property, plant, and equipment as well as semi-expendable property, stated COA. This did not fully comply with the law.

State auditors said that based on the receipts, the purchases were reported to the Property Unit only after three months had passed, raising accountability concerns.

Duterte’s office admitted that some of its purchases had been done through reimbursement of funds advances by of-

Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Arabs, and others.

It must be noted that 2020 was when the COVID-19 pandemic spread rapidly worldwide, with more than a million US citizens or residents succumbing to the disease. Data from multiple sources state that hate crimes, especially against the Asian-American and the Pacific Islander community, which includes Filipinos and FilAms, became the target for all kinds of hate crimes on the mistaken notion that the coronavirus emanated from Asia.

Since the report focuses on 2022, when hate crimes in the state were at their peak, it is worth noting that the types of crimes were broken down into two broad categories – violent crimes and property crimes.

Under the former category which accounted for 69.1 percent or 1,790 total, were the likes of murder, rape, robbery, assault, intimidation, fondling, and kidnapping/abduction.

Under the latter category which accounted for 29.3 percent or 759 total, were such crimes as burglary, theft, arson, vandalism, swindling, weapons law violation, and computer hacking and/or invasion.

The three most common violent

ficials. The OVP cited “time constraints” imposed by the law.

The OVP also said “the satellite office staff exercises the necessary diligence to ensure that the items purchased are of the required quality and at the lowest price offered in the market.”

In a statement this week, the OVP said its purchases had passed COA’s audit.

It was ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro who called out the vice president for taking “alleged shortcuts in procurement processes.”

Castro said the OVP was “mired in corruption,” adding that she would call for a House investigation on the actions of Duterte.

crimes, all of which were in the hundreds, were aggravated assault (507 cases), simple assault (602), and intimidation (588).

For property crimes, only one category stood out with destruction/vandalism having 699 cases.

From 2013 to 2022, the combined category of violent crime and property crime saw a steady rise with fewer fluctuations. It started with a total of 1,066 in 2013, slipping to 966 in 2014. It then showed a steady rise from 2015 to 2017 at 1,057, 1,184, and 1,311, respectively. The next two years showed a relatively stable level of 1,264 in 2018 then 1,254 in 2019.

Then again, in the last three years of the pandemic, the figures steadily rose from 1,557 in 2020, to 2,203 in 2021, to 2,549 last year.

The 2022 Hate Crime Report in America report confirms what various communities have been claiming all along, that not all hate crimes are reported by the victims.

As stated in the report, the following factors may influence the volume of hate crimes reported to the DOJ:

* Cultural practices of individuals and their likeliness to report hate crimes to law enforcement agencies;

* Strength and investigative emphasis of law enforcement agencies;

The VP’s confidential fund is another matter. She is the first vice president to have such a fund and questions were raised upon her assumption of the twin posts of VP and Education secretary as to the need for a confidential fund free from review by state auditors.

Last month, the ACT party-list raised a howl over the Education department’s asking for a list of its members. This was yet another form of potential red-tagging that Duterte was resorting to, they said.

Castro had been among the first to state that Duterte could use her multi-million peso intelligence fund to go against her perceived enemies.

* Policies of law enforcement agencies; and,

* Community policing policies.

While a comprehensive picture of hate crimes in California has appeared because of the annual report, it must also be noted that the state has done its part in prosecuting the crimes.

Prosecutorial data likewise shows that there has been a rise in the number of cases referred to prosecutors, the number of hate crime case dispositions, the type of filings by agency, and the total convictions.

According to the report, the number of hate crimes referred for prosecution “increased 5.9 percent from 611 in 2021 to 647 in 2022.”

Of the 647 hate crimes referred for prosecution, 456 cases were filed by district attorneys and elected city attorneys for prosecution.

While there was a high rate of conviction, there were apparent instances when hate crime charges were downgraded to a lesser offense. This was done to assure a better chance of conviction, although hate crime victims will not always agree as in their view justice has not been fully served.

Next week: Prosecution of hate crimes gathers momentum

China... (From page 1)

The near-encounter took place on June 30 as the two PCG vessels, BRP Malabrigo and BRP Malapascua, were escorting a supply mission to the Armed Forces of the Philippine troops stationed in a ship in Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) some 195 kilometers (105 nautical miles) from Philippine coast and within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said the Chinese ships “came close to [Philippine] vessels” at about 150 feet (45 meters), forcing the two PCG ships to decrease their speed, even as they both responded to radio challenges from China and issued challenges of their own.

“Ang ginawa nila, they came close sa ating dalawang Philippine Coast Guard vessels with an approximate distance of 100 yards, while at the same time, ang ginawa ng ating 2 Coast Guard vessel, para ma-prevent itong possible banggaan, they have to decrease the speed,” said Tarriela in a briefing.

He said the Chinese Coast Guard vessels showed “blatant disregard” for the ‘Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea’ (COLREGs) in their attempts to obstruct the passage of PCG ships.

Tarriela said the PCG aircraft also

received radio challenges from the Chinese ships.

“While at the same time, they are doing this maneuvering and blocking and harassing, shadowing of the PCG vessels, they are also conducting radio challenges. They (China Coast Guard radio challenge) were (saying) that Ayungin Shoal, they have full jurisdiction over it, and we are not supposed to be in that area,” Tarriela said.

“It appears that the [Chinese Coast Guard vessels] are exerting additional effort to prevent the PCG from reaching Ayungin Shoal,” Tarriela added.

“This is particularly alarming as the Philippine Navy’s naval operation is solely humanitarian in nature. Despite this, the Chinese have deployed their warships, raising even greater concerns,” he added.

But despite the Chinese Coast Guard aggression, the AFP successfully carried out its mission at the Ayungin shoal, he said.

He said during the incident, the PCG also spotted two People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels at a distance of 9 nautical miles from Ayungin, which Tarriela describes as concerning.

The “aggressive actions”and “dangerous maneuvers” of the Chinese vessels which were recorded by the PCG and the media triggered deep concerns of Philippine officials like senators and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Senators led by Sen. Risa Hontiveros urged the Philippine government to raise the WPS issue to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly following continued aggressive actions of Chinese vessels against Philippine ships in the WPS.

The senators slammed China’s actions for their “complete disrespect of international law.”

The Philippines has repeatedly accused the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militias of harassing and attacking fishing boats and other vessels in the region.

In January, Filipino fishermen reported that the China Coast Guard harassed them also at the Ayungin Shoal.

In February, the China Coast Guard with bow number 5205 directed a military-grade laser light to the PCG’s BRP Malapascua in the same area causing temporary blindness to its crew.

On April 23, two China Coast Guard vessels “intercepted” PCG vessels near the Ayungin Shoal, exhibiting “aggressive tactics” towards BRP Malapascua and BRP Malabrigo.

As this development, a Philippine Navy official said there is a need to allocate additional troops and law enforcement resources to fully protect the resources of Ayungin Shoal to combat illegal activities that threaten its ecosystem.

Naval Forces West (NFW) chief

Commodore Alan Javier said during his visit to the BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) and personnel manning the Navy ship last June 29 that the additional troops and law enforcement assets will help prevent illegal activities in the area like the use of compressors, cyanides and more recently “superlights” or fishing light attractors.

Javier visited BRP Sierra Madre as he joined the routine rotation of troops and reprovisioning (RoRe) mission, which aims to ensure the well-being of soldiers stationed at BRP Sierra Madre.

“Commodore Alan M. Javier, the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) Western Command’s (Wescom) NFW’s commander, recently visited Ayungin Shoal’s lone outpost, BRP Sierra Madre as part of his responsibilities to assess the welfare of troops deployed in the area. His visit marks the second high-ranking AFP officer to visit the outpost this year,” Wescom spokesperson Commander Joseph Ariel Coloma said in a statement forwarded Wednesday.

The NFW chief boarded the same civilian-contracted wooden resupply boat that Wescom chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos had used during his visit to the station last June.

The visit allowed Javier to personally witness the conditions faced by troops on the frontlines and gain firsthand insight into their challenges.

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

MANILA OFFICE: Le Marquis Townhomes, 51 P. Tuazon Blvd. Quezon

MARILYN B. KING

Vice President for Sales and Marketing

BETING LAYGO DOLOR Manila Editor

JUNNI

FRANCIS ESPIRITU

Publisher/President

THELMA L. CRUZ Vice President for Operations & Promotions

CHERIE QUEROL MORENO Executive Editor

NEIL GONZALES

Chief Correspondent Northern California

ANGELO LOPEZ Cartoonist

ELEANOR SMITH

ALFRED G. GABOT Editor-in-chief

Price of ignorance

Graffiti is an ancient art form that in the last century used to be viewed as a blight where these appeared, but not so much anymore.

LYDIA SOLIS

Chief Correspondent Southern California

NICK SAGMIT

GEORGE GANGE

RENE AVENIDO Photo Correspondents

JO ERLINDA YABUT Entertainment Editor MA. CECILIA G. MADELO Graphic Director

Office Manager GILDA PASION BALAN FRANCO G. REGALA ALI MACABALANG

JEANNE MICHAEL PENARANDA Manila Correspondents

THOMAS G. MADELO JR. Creative Director

BLESIE D. SISON ALBERT MARTINEZ RENE AMON Account Executives

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

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

Think

twice before heading

for the Philippines

Lest we be misunderstood, allow us to first state that as the oldest continually running FilAm newspaper, Philippine News Today will forever be committed to supporting our beloved motherland, the Republic of the Philippines. We have seen governments come and go, some good and some bad. But whoever was in charge, we have always believed that we had a role to play in helping our country move forward.

It is therefore with grave concern that we now advice all our readers to think twice before heading back (or for the first time) to the land we call home.

At least for the present time, it is best to avoid taking a vacation there. Tens of thousands of recent travelers will tell you why. Flying in and flying out can be a nightmare. One can never be sure that the scheduled flight will be followed.

At times, it will be the airline’s fault, as is the case with one of the two flag carriers. There have been so many delays and cancelled flights that the Philippine Senate was forced to hold a hearing on what was going on following tons of complaints.

As expected, executives of that airline offered their mea culpas, especially to the affected passengers. Not many were willing to accept the public apology, and one lawmaker even went to the extent of threatening to suspend that airline’s franchise.

Then there is the main international airport, named after a fallen hero. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport has long queues on a daily basis, and has had extended delays and cancellations because the airport is badly mismanaged. Systemic failures have become the norm, and these usually end up with various parties pointing accusing fingers at each other on who was to blame.

Very recently, there has been an offer from the private sector to take over the management of the NAIA from a conglomerate comprised of top 1000 corporations. The offer makes perfect sense as the private sector has traditionally been more efficient than the public sector where running large organizations is concerned.

Yet the current administration is balking at the offer, seemingly because it wants more money from the proponents.

The current administration likes to pay lip service to providing good government to the people, but too often there is little concrete action to back up the glowing promises.

Appointing incompetents to high government posts because they extended financial and other forms of support when the current president was just running for office is the main reason for the failures of this second Marcos regime.

Because of the poor stewardship of the country, our beloved motherland has become a dangerous place to visit. The safety of tourists, for one, cannot be guaranteed, while those traveling for business had better be sure that they have sufficient guarantees from whatever source to assure their safety.

As the old saying goes, better to be safe than sorry.

To repeat, we love our motherland. And we would be the first to advise one and all to visit it one day. But only when it becomes properly governed as it was in the not-toodistant past when decent and competent men and women were in charge.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has just completed his first year as chief executive, and as far as we are concerned he deserves a failing grade. He is all talk and all show, but very little substance.

Nowadays the folks who let loose on walls, buildings, bridges, and streets are called “artists” for their depictions of emotions they are likely unable to articulate otherwise. Some are now commissioned to use their creativity to blaze up structures along oft-trodden roadways. And the form of expression has evolved, leading to lucrative careers and worldwide fame as in the case of the late Jean-Michel Basquiat of New York.

Previously associated with youth gangs, graffiti escalated the notoriety of the “crew” whose markings screamed on public surfaces. Known as “taggers,” they illegally literally sprayed or splashed their names and slogans on mostly-government property. That was their act of rebellion, their attempt at immortality. Then they grew up, got jobs, raised families, and found other ways to vent their angst without crossing boundaries.

You would think the urge to tag would fade in adulthood.

Is the age of 27 old enough to have learned the value of an enduring landmark enough to marvel at it, imagine spectacles it witnessed through millennia and leave it be for succeeding generations to appreciate?

Apparently not for a man identified by Rome police as a “fitness instructor and delivery driver resident in Bristol (England) but originally from Bulgaria” who was caught on camera etching his and his girlfriend’s names on the Roman Colosseum a few days ago.

Just like millions of visitors to the Eternal City, Ivan Dimitrov could have taken in the staggering view of the ruins where gladiators battled wild animals, among big-ticket attractions of the time. Obviously he had never confronted the admonition to “Take only pictures, Leave only footprints” posted at American parks. Or chose to ignore it to prove his love and devotion?

The tourist was busted by incredulous Californian Ryan Lutz, who chided, “Are you serious, man” while documenting Dimitrov in action then uploaded the video on YouTube. Because of the viral video, the Carabinieri allegedly traced the offender in five days.

Dimitrov apologized in a letter to Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri for the “damage caused to an asset…(to) the heritage of all humanity.” He reportedly said he was not aware of the age of the 2,000-year-old amphitheater. Oh? Was he in the Italian capital for the Pasta Cabonara and not the antiquities?

“The boy is the prototype of the foreigner who frivolously believes that anything is allowed in Italy, even the type of act which in their own countries would be severely punished,” Dimitrov’s lawyer aptly described his client.

Will ignorance spare Dimitrov from 5 years in jail and a fine of up to 15,000 euros for what the Italian Culture Minister called an “uncivilized and absurd act” on a protected Unesco World Heritage site? What’s certain for now is that he has acquired the notoriety that motivated earlier taggers. But is the price worth it? ***

Cherie M. Querol Moreno is PNews Today Executive Editor.

Speaking of marriage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is probably a good thing , except for the fact that young men and women are choosing to enjoy the benefits of marriage without the legal right to do so.

I believe in marriage, but only for those equipped to enter into it.

I remember a once-popular song which goes this way:” Love and marriage, love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage”, which is probably outdated in this modern age.

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

CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO

RANILLO Entertainment Editor

CLAIRE M. TRUE Managing Editor

BSP governor Remolona a US citizen for many years

SAN FRANCISCO – Do you know that newly appointed Bangko Sentral ng PIlipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona was based for a long time in the United States and acquired US citizenship in the process and as such was a naturalized American for many years?

According to his profile posted on the Central Bank’s website, Remolona, who is now 71 years old, worked for 14 years at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and 19 years at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), described as “the bank for central banks.”

The appointment of Remolona by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as BSP Governor was welcomed by the business sector, saying it ensures continuity and enhances institutional stability. He succeeded Felipe M. Medalla, who had served as Monetary Board member since 2012. As BSP Governor, Remolona will also serve as chairman of the country’s Monetary Board which he first served as a member in August 2022.

Jose Teodoro K. Limacaoco, president of the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), expressed the banking sectors support to Remolona. “With his extensive global experience and expertise in financial markets and regulations, we are confident that Dr. Remolona will anchor the Philippine banking industry not only towards continuous stability of the financial system but to growth and competitiveness in the regional stage,” he said.

“The BAP looks forward to working with Governor Remolona on various initiatives impacting the banking industry and its stakeholders, whether in the areas of financial market development, cybersecurity or sustainability,” Limcaoco added.

According to reports, Remolona’s journey in finance and economics began in 1972 when, upon graduation with AB Economics from the Ateneo de Manila University, he served as an economist at the Presidential Economic Staff and Development Management Staff of then Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor under the leadership of the President’s father and namesake, President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. Remolona was also a Professor of Finance and the Director of Central Banking at the Asia School of Business in Kuala Lumpur, a collaboration with the MIT Sloan School of Management.

From 2008 to 2018, as the BIS regional head for Asia and the Pacific, he worked closely with Governors of the 12 leading central banks in the region to formulate policy on such issues as financial regulatory reform, capital market development, and financial stability, while also overseeing BIS reserve management for Asia-Pacific central banks.

In 2000, as the newly appointed editor of the BIS Quarterly Review, he overhauled the journal and turned it into a highly ranked scholarly flagship publication of the BIS. He has also published widely in leading journals in economics and finance, with papers that have attracted over 5,450 citations. Since 2005, he has been an Associate Editor for Finance of the International Journal of Central Banking.

In 1991, he joined Paul Krugman (awarded the Nobel Prize in 2013) and Susan Collins (now President of the Boston Fed) in a high-level economic mission to the Philippines to advise the Philippine government on structural reforms.

Remolona also taught at Williams College, Columbia University, New York University and the School of Economics of the University of the Philippines. He has given seminars at the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, Bank of England, Bank of Japan, International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank, World Bank and many other central banks, and academic institutions.

He taught courses on monetary policy, money and capital markets, and digital transformation, contributing to the education and development of future finance professionals.

In 1982, he received a Ph.D. in Economics “with Distinction” from Stanford University and in 1972, a bachelor’s degree in Economics Honors from the Ateneo de Manila University. Also a product of public schools, he graduated valedictorian from V. Mapa High School in Manila.

BBM presidency one year after

“Genius of the below average.”

- Court of Appeals Justice Benjamin K. Gorospe “Tambaloslos!” – Cebu Visayan word made viral by VP Sara Duterte

The quoted words do not necessarily apply to the person of President BBM. But these are words which aptly describe the one year of the BBM administration. And for a clear understanding of the applicability of the words to one year of the current administration, let me first narrate how Justice Ben Gorospe used these words are worth remembering.

Genius and below average: To the ordinary mind, the combination of words genius and below average appears to be an irresoluble contradiction – a paradox. When we consider the usage of the words by Justice Gorospe, it does not seem that way.

Judge Ben Gorospe was one of three judges in the Court of First Instance of Misamis Oriental based in Cagayan de Oro City. The other two were Judge Bernardo Teves and Abundio Arrieta, Sr. The three of them graduated from the College of Law of the University of the Philippines. But Judge Ben towered over the other two by his size and height. He was a giant of a man and the most outstanding about Judge Ben was his colorful and razor-edge language. Other than that – he was a classmate of Ferdinand Edralin Marcos in the UP College of Law, thus it was not at all surprising Judge Ben addressed FM in public as Andy, the nickname of FM among his classmates and friends.

One fine day, Atty.Leon Buaya appeared in Judge Ben’s court. Buaya’s performance was dismal and embarrassing like a lamb lost in the woods instead of behaving like a lion as his name sugges. Buaya clearly was not familiar with the law and the facts of his case.

So Judge Ben thundered in his stentorian voice, “Pañero, you are not behaving like a lion or a crocodile. Spruce up, and stop behaving like a genius of the below average”, eliciting laughter in the courtroom, to Judge Ben’s delight and Atty. Buaya’s total embarrassment.

Does the county not look like Judge Ben Gorospe’s courtroom with someone behaving like Atty. Buaya?

Tambaloslos: Cebuanos and Mindanaoans should be grateful to Vice-President Sara Duterte for making the word tambaloslos famous by using it in describing a high ranking public official of this administration. This prompted someone in one Manila daily to write a story that tambaloslos refers to a mythical male figure with a minuscule ting-aling-aling. I don’t know where it got that but all my life I have been speaking Cebuano Visayan and Mindanaoan and reading, until high school, Bisaya, Tabonon and Saloma but I have never heard about the mythical figure and his tingh-aling-aling.

Where I come from, tambaloslos is a word used to describe someone who is – useless, worthless, liar, manipulative, untrustworthy and everything that is bad about a person. Come to think of it - does not the word sound familiar in describing the BBM administration?

Grades: Two of the leading Manila dailies have contrasting headlines on the BBM administration after a year in the saddle – one says, incomplete, and other writes, positive. The incomplete comes from a member of the academe and surprise of all surprises, BBM agrees with the rating Positive comes from the Philippine Chamber of Industries (PCI) and a horde of tycoons or businessmen.

Do I agree with either rating? If forced by my teacher to choose between the two – I will say, even if it is against my will, I choose incomplete because it is closest to disaster. Why not positive? It is certainly not because it is a lie closest to the judgment in an insane asylum.

Remembering Bernarda Gangano Elizarde

My beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing and I were blessed and fortunate to attend the Vigil/Rosary and Memorial Services of Bernarda Gangano Elizarde last Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 2555 17th Avenue, San Francisco, California.

Bernarda Gangano Elizarde was born on August 20,1933 in Binalonan, Pangasinan to Juan and Remedios Gangano. The eldest of 8 children, she met and married her late husband Hermogenes Elizarde, who was in the U.S. Navy. She worked at the Laguna Honda Hospital in San Francisco for 29 years until she retired in 1999.

She died peacefully at home after a long battle with lung cancer on May 25, 2023, few weeks before her 90th birthday. She is survived by her 2 daughters, son-in-law, grandson and 5 sisters.

One of the heart-warming rendition of the evening was the duet of Father Mark Reburiano and Erick Francisco, grandson of the deceased, who sang “Loving and Forgiving” as requested by his grandmother before she died.

In the Tributes segment, I was one of those who was fortunate to share my thoughts and remembrance of Bernarda Gangano Elizarde. I would like to share my tributes to our readers and the general public.

“Good evening to everyone. I am Art Gabot Madlaing, townmate of Bernarda Gangano Elizarde from Binalonan, Pangasinan, Philippines.

In December of last year, an old client who read my columns “”How to Donate RP Properties Without Going Home” and “Selling Philippine Properties Without Going Home” published in the weekly PHILIPPINE NEWS TODAY” called aqnd referred me to Atsi Bernarda. After some preliminaries and phone conversation, Atsi Bernarda wanted to donate the properties she co-owned with her late husband, to her two daughters.

As founder of Mobile Signing Services, I first met Atsi Bernarda in person at her home in 18th Avenue, San Francisco last January 22, 2023 2-pm for the signing and notarization of the DEED OF DONATION drafted by our lawyer-friend for the properties located in Baguio City, Urdaneta City and Binalonan, Pangasinan, Phillippines. After the notarization, we had more conversation despite her breathing through the oxygen tube machine. She talked as if she had known me for many years. When I verified the amount of the check issued for our Notarization and Mobile Signing Services, she gave extra $100 for tip.

My beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing and I drove to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento for the submission and apostle of the notarized DEED OF DONATION. When we delivered the apostilled DEED OF DONATIO to her home she gave another tip of $100. That’s how generous Atsi Bernarda was! Even in her drying days, she was more concerned for the welfare and interest of her daughters Leila Elizarde and Felicia E. Francisco.

I next met, Atsi Bernarda last February 12, 2023 for the signing and notarization of the Special Power of Attorney (SPA) authorizing her niece for the sale of the Philippine properties with the confirmation of her daughters. At this time, she asked about my sister Magdalena Sison. As a surprise, I brought my sister to her home where they had good conversation reminiscing their happy days with the Wong Family in Binalonan, Pangasinan who had bakery and restaurant.

With so many requirements and delay in the processing of the DEED OF DONATION, I last met Atsi Bernarda on April 6, 2023 for the signing and notarization of the SELF ADJUDICATON WITH DEED OF DONATION to her niece on the property located in Urdaneta City and DEED OF SELF ADJUDICATION with SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY for the sale of the properties located in Baguio City and Binalonan, Pangasinan, Philippines.

Before joining the Bangko Sentral, Remolona served as Independent Director of the Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) and the Chair of the Risk Manage-

(Continue on page 27)

(Continue on page 27)

The rating: I am not involved in any kind of partisan politics – electoral or non-electoral. When I held elective office, I always advocated as a matter of principle that political partisanship ends after every election. After election, it is the obligation of every citizen to support every good policy and action of the administration but if the administration commits error, deliberate or not, it is

It was a blessing for me and my wife to have met and known Atsi Bernarda even for a very short period of four months. I know that she touched so many lives In her memory, I would like to read a poem entitled THE DASH written by the author Linda Ellis. THE DASH POEM

ART GABOT MADLAING Health

HOMOBONO A. ADAZA Diliman Way

PHL tourism headed nowhere

The Philippines’ Department of Tourism is the latest example of the Marcos regime’s failed policies where the hiring of Cabinet secretaries is concerned.

After launching an incredibly bland slogan – Love the Philippines – a couple of weeks ago, it came out with a visual that was immediately found to contain footage not in any way connected to the country’s top tourist spots.

Not only that, but one of the most influential congressman slammed the DOT for failing to include Mayon Volcano in its main visual. Joey Salceda was almost livid in lambasting the Tourism department for what he felt was a huge slight in his region’s most important draws.

Salceda is correct. For all intents, it seems that the top honchos at the DOT rushed the new campaign, one that cost Filipino taxpayers PHP49 million.

My artist-friends were united in telling me that there was nothing creative about the lame slogan and the font used, which was not new but merely recycled.

For PHP 50,000, one told me, he could have done a better job.

As for Love the Philippines, not only does it lack originality but fellow editors found many things wrong with it. One highly respected newscaster suggested adding a simple comma, and state Love, the Philippines.

This made sense to me.

But netizens also said, if it ain’t broke why fix it?

The excellent “It’s more fun in the Philippines” may have been crafted more than a decade ago, but it still has a strong message that resonates with pleasure travelers.

As a result of the brouhaha over the footage, the DOT severed its ties with the ad agency that created it.

What’s wrong here?

Anywhere else, it would have been the secretary of Tourism who should have tendered her resignation. It’s called command responsibility.

She, of course, is an untouchable, being the wife of an important ally of the president. So instead of punishing her, the administration must have coerced her to find a scapegoat.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco is the best example of what’s wrong with the current regime, as well as the previous one. The Tourism portfolio was awarded to “executives” with little if any managerial smarts.

Remember the first Tourism sec of the Duterte regime? She was a sister of the Tulfo siblings whose only qualification was that she owned a travel agency, and not a very big one at that. She became notorious for giving her siblings a multi-million peso advertising contract, which was deemed to be faulty.

As such, her siblings were ordered to return the money, which they never did. Today, one sibling is a senator, while the other is a short-lived Social Welfare secretary who somehow managed to end up as a party-list congressman.

Today’s Tourism head must be in such a hurry to spend all that money her department has been allotted in the national budget that she forgets that the Philippines is not exactly a major tourism draw in Southeast Asia.

The country’s inbound visitors is meager compared to the likes of Thailand, Singapore, HongKong, and Malaysia.

But hey, that money is there for the spending and never mind if it generally goes to waste.

The two female DOT secs I refer to are political appointees with questionable credentials. It was not always so.

For the record, I began my career in journalism as a Tourism reporter, and the country had a female secretary – Mina Gabor – who did a pretty decent job. There was also a high caliber executive from the private sector, Peter Garrucho, who handled the department quite admirably.

But of course, the two Aquino and the Ramos administrations did what was the right thing, which was to appoint talented executives to handle the department.

I may not like Dick Gordon that much, but I have to admit that he did a helluva job as DOT head. It was during his term that “It’s more fun in the Philippines” was first adopted, if I’m not mistaken. And boy did it click.

Contrasting tourism slogan: Love the Philippines vs It’s More Fun in the Philippines

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has unveiled its new tourism slogan, “Love the Philippines,” which replaces the decade-old slogan, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” launched during the Aquino administration. This change has generated surprise and raised questions about the appropriateness of the new slogan, particularly in light of recent events that have cast a shadow over the country’s rule of law and governance. Let’s explore the contrasting perspectives surrounding these two slogans and their underlying implications.

“It’s More Fun in the Philippines”

The previous tourism slogan, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” was introduced during the Aquino administration and gained significant popularity. It highlighted the country’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, showcasing the Philippines as a destination where visitors could experience joy and excitement. Many attribute the success of this slogan to President Aquino’s reputation for integrity and honesty, which fostered a positive perception of the country among both domestic and international tourists.

“Love the Philippines”

The new tourism slogan, “Love the Philippines,” introduced by the DOT, aims to evoke an emotional connection and deeper appreciation for the country. While the intention behind the slogan may be to emphasize the beauty, diversity, and potential of the Philippines, critics argue that it disregards the current challenges the country faces, such as the alleged lack of rule of law, ongoing investigations, and cases of corruption involving highranking officials.

The Contrasting Realities

Some individuals express surprise and skepticism about the new slogan. They point to President Marcos Jr.’s alleged multi billion tax evasion and the ongoing Duterte’s investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) as factors that undermine the idea of loving the Philippines unconditionally. Other concerns include allegations of drug trafficking involvement by Philippine National Police officials, the persecution of former Senator Leila de Lima, the presence of convicted felons in elected positions, nepotism in government, and lavish presidential trips.

Aquino’s Administration: Integrity and Honesty

The contrasting views on the tourism slogans highlight the perceived differences between the Aquino administration and the current political landscape. President Aquino was widely regarded for his integrity and honesty, which influenced the perception of the Philippines as a safe, transparent, and accountable destination. The slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” resonated with the positive sentiments associated with his leadership.

Conclusion

What’s “Putin’s Chef” cooking?

Is he after the Defense Ministry position or President Vladimir Putin’s?

If there’s one person who can challenge Putin, observers say, it’s Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, a paramilitary force or group of mercenaries that waged the short-lived rebellion in Russia lately.

Unknown to many, Prigozhin was a close friend of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. So, the latter considered the former’s action as a “stab at the back.”

Also, not many know it, when Russia invaded Ukraine, the Wagner Group was part of the Russian forces (although the group was operating on its own… its leader was in command of the group and not the Russian generals in the field.) Did Wagner’s crucial participation in the Russia-Ukraine impact the on-going war? Ukraine president Vladimir Zelensky said the rebellion in Russia staged by the Wagner group “weakened” Putin as a leader.

Prigozhin, however, never acknowledged that he was the leader of the group until last year after Russia began its fullfledged invasion of Ukraine.

Under his command, the group has been instrumental in several of Russia’s victories, securing victory in the battle for Bakhmut and the capture of the salt mine town of Soledar.

Starting as a small group, its ranks swelled due to a tactic of recruitment from Russian prisons as well as from ultranationalists. The mercenary group was part of the Russian military that invaded Ukraine (although the group is operating as an independent group under Russian forces), fighting side by side with the Russian military forces in the ground.

At the very start, however, there was tension between Russia’s defense ministry and Wagner which became apparent when Prigozhin alleged that Russian forces had attacked Wagner camps in Eastern Ukraine, killing dozens of his men.

Prigozhin’s Wagner forces left Ukraine and marched into Russia seizing control of the Russian military headquarters for the southern region in Rostov-on-Don, which oversees the fighting in Ukraine.

That started the rebellion, i.e. on June 23, 2023! The Wagner Group… went against the government of Russia amidst escalating tensions between the Russian Ministry of Defense and Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Wagner. (Wikipedia)

Following negotiations with Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko, Prigozhin agreed to stand down and, late on 24 June, began withdrawing from Rostov-on-Don. He, however, remains to be a force to reckon with ready to strike any time depending on his temperament.

After denouncing Wagner’s actions as treason, Putin offered not to press charges against members of the Wagner Group who participated in the rebellion, after they withdrew their forces in compliance with the negotiation made by Belarus president Lukashenko. While the group ended the rebellion, up to now there is no knowledge of where the leader of Wagner is. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on “Face the Nation” that he couldn’t get into where Prigozhin currently is located, but said it’s something they are “tracking” through intelligence.

Leading a group of mercenaries is expensive and maintaining it is even more lavish. How can a former hot dog seller do it? Well, after becoming a close friend of Putin, he set up a catering business which handed numerous Russian government contracts – leading to him being dubbed as “Putin’s chef”. That’s how he started getting rich as an ally of Putin.

Analysts say that Putin’s image as a tough leader was badly tarnished by the Ukraine war, now on its 16 months. Saturday’s march toward Moscow by forces under the command of his onetime protege, Prigozhin, exposed further weaknesses, analysts added. The crack in Putin’s leadership is becoming bigger and bigger and being exposed to the whole world.

It also meant some of the best forces fighting for Russia in Ukraine were pulled from that battlefield: Prigozhin’s own Wagner troops and Chechen ones sent to stop them.

Very clearly, being at the helm of the DOT is a tough job, one that requires an executive

The change in the tourism slogan from “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” to “Love the Philippines” has sparked a debate regarding the country’s current realities and the appropriateness of the new messaging. While the former slogan captured the joyful spirit and positive image of the country, the latter slogan aims to evoke a deeper emotional connection. However, critics argue that the challenges facing the country, such as alleged corruption and lack of rule of law, should not be overlooked. The contrasting perspectives between these two slogans highlight the evolving nature of the Philippines’ tourism branding and the ongoing dialogue surrounding the country’s governance.

(Continue on page 27)

While traffic returned to normal in Moscow, still the population are scared that Wagner Group might come back and re-stage another rebellion. The intentions of its leader Prigozhin were still being guessed and still hanging on the air, although many say he is after the (Continue on page 27)

BETING DOLOR

FERNANDO ESTRADA Tambuli Ng Bayan

ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO

IMMIGRATIONS

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

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

By Atty. Chris Caday Lozano

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

A noncitizen is Deportable for One Conviction of a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (“CIMT”) if:

a) Convicted

b) Of one CIMT

c) That has a potential sentence of one year or more

d) And was committed within five years after date of admission

In you have a criminal case, you should ask your lawyer to prevent deportability for a single CIMT by asking to:

a) Avoid a “conviction” by getting pre‐plea diversion or treatment in juvenile proceedings; or

b) Plead to an offense that is not a CIMT; or

c) Avoid a potential one‐year sentence by pleading to a misdemeanor with a six‐month maximum sentence.

Or in California plead to attempt to commit either a one‐year misdemeanor or a felony that can be reduced to a misdemeanor, for a maximum possible sentence of six months; or

d) Plead to an incident that happened more than five years after the “date of admission.” This is usually the date the person was first admitted into the U.S. with any kind of visa or card. Or, if the person entered the U.S. without inspection – i.e., never was admitted on any visa – it is the date that the person became a permanent resident by “adjusting status” within the U.S.

If the person left the U.S. after becoming inadmissible for crimes, or for more than six months sentence, get more advice from your attorney.

A noncitizen is Deportable for Conviction of Two or More CIMTs After Admission if:

a) Both convictions must be after the person was admitted to the U.S. in some status, or adjusted status

b) The convictions may not spring from the same incident (“single scheme”)

A noncitizen is INADMISSIBLE FOR MORAL TURPITUDE, 8 USC 1182(a)(2)(A) if:

Inadmissible for One or More Convictions of a CIMT

There is an exception which is Petty Offense Exception automatically means the person is not inadmissible for CIMT

To qualify for the exception:

a) Defendant must have committed only one CIMT ever

b) The offense must have a potential sentence of one year or less. Here a one‐year misdemeanor, or a felony wobbled down to a misdemeanor, will qualify for the exception.

c) Sentence imposed is six months or less. For example, suspended imposition of sentence, three years probation, six months jail ordered as a condition of probation will qualify. Youthful Offender Exception applies rarely, but benefits youth who were convicted as adults.

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

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

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

1. PETITION FOR NURSES LVN AND CAREGIVERS

Our Law Firm entered into agreement with nursing facilities in the U.S. to process applicants for Nurses, LVN and Caregivers in the US

You may qualify if you have RN or LVN license. Caregivers will need six months of caregiving experience.

Applicants Inside or outside the United States may qualify.

Bankruptcy Basics

We also process Bankruptcy cases.

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

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

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

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

CAR ACCIDENTS

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

FAMILY LAW

We also handle uncontested DIVORCE.

ITIN and INCOME TAX PROBLEMS

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

If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse, which could lead to deportation and family separation. (Continue on page 27)

National gov’t subsidies to GOCCs hits P7.3B in May

The national government’s subsidies for government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) amounted to P7.38 billion in May.

Data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed the amount was slightly lower than the P7.9 billion in the same month last year.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) was the biggest recipient of budgetary support anew, amounting to P4.22 billion.

The National Food Authority received P849 million, second on the list, while the National Housing Authority came in third with subsidies amounting to P363 million.

BTr data showed that GOCCs which received more than P100 million of subsidies include Philippine Fisheries De-

velopment Authority (P319 million), Philippine Heart Center (P271 million), Philippine Rice Research Institute (P239 million), Philippine Children’s Medical Center (P173 million), and National Kidney and Transplant Institute (P125 million).

For the first five months of the year, the national government’s subsidies to GOCCs have already amounted to P37.6 billion.

NIA received the biggest subsidy which amounted to P18.28 billion, followed by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. with P5 billion.

In April, budgetary support for GOCCs grew to PHP8.9 billion from P5.1 billion in the same month last year but lower than the PHP10.79 billion in March.

Maharlika fund bill transmitted to Palace, Marcos ok awaited

By Jennifer T. Santos

MANILA – To sign or not to sign into law.

This is a decision President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will make following the offi cial transmittal of the controversial measure seeking to create a Maharlika Investment Fund to Malacañang.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez together with their respective chamber secretaries signed the measure and immediately transmitted to Malacanang for the President’s approval or veto.

Earlier, President Marcos said he will immediately sign the Maharlika Fund bill once he receives it.

The MIF bill seeks to establish a sovereign wealth fund that will be used to invest in a wide range of assets, including foreign currencies, fi xed-income instruments, domestic and foreign corporate bonds, commercial real estate and infrastructure projects to help promote economic development.

The bill seeks the establishment of the Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) which will act as the “sole vehicle for the purpose of mobilizing and utilizing the MIF for investments in transactions in order to generate optimal returns on investments (ROIs).”

Under the proposed measure, the MIF will not touch the funds of the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), or Home Development Mutual Fund

(HDMF)

According to the offi ce of Romualdez, the Congress-approved bill was transmitted to the Senate on Monday, July 3. Zubiri signed the bill last June 21 in Washington D.C.,United States.

The latest version of the bill drew criticisms from opposition led by Sen. Aquilino Koko Pimentel III and progressive groups after Zubiri said there were corrections made that were thoroughly discussed by the majority bloc in their Viber group prior to his signature.

Zubiri denied allegations of “tampering,” saying the enrolled bill that he signed was a “truthful refl ection” of the intent of the members of Congress.

Zubiri said once the measure is signed into law, the Implementing Rules and Regulations will be prepared by the national government’s economic managers and a council, which will recommend to President Marcos the people who will manage the MIF.

He reiterated that the MIF bill was not rushed or tampered by the Senate, assuring that the provision in the measure citing a 10-year prescription of crimes and off enses was properly discussed in the plenary and can be found in the transcript of records.

Sarah, Matteo put up G Productions

apart. With the support and encouragement of her husband, Matteo Guidicelli, Sarah Geronimo has embarked on a new journey as the boss of her own company, G Productions.

She relieved this at her launch as the newest SunLife endorser last Saturday at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City. With G Productions, Sarah said she aims to create more opportunities for talented individuals who need the extra push.

“Parang may mga nakikitaan kami ng potential na we feel like kulang sa push,” she said, “parang ‘di napu-push masyado, galing ng artist na to pero hindi nama-maximize ‘yung capabilities nya as an artist. And ako din po may nakikita na music na io-offer sa’kin pero may naiisip ako na certain artist na parang mas bagay to sa artist na to so sinasabi ko, Love, parang nice in the future na hindi naman manage pero parang mai-involve din tayo sa production ng kung ano mang project ‘yun.”

who live in the south,” said Sarah.

“My wife has a businesswoman heart, it’s inside her,” Matteo proudly said.

But it has not always been the case, as Sarah herself related that she nurtured her creative side as a young performer.

“Creative side lang po talaga ako, kasi lumaki ako na ganon, ‘di ba Love? [Pero] part ‘yun ng growth mo – tama ‘yun, Love? – na maging maalam ka sa pera kasi parte ‘yan ng buhay,” she said.

Matteo maintains he’s just an “extra” or bit player, choosing to cheer his wife from the sidelines. As the boss of her own company, Sarah now has the freedom to make artistic decisions, collaborate with like-minded individuals and bring her creative visions to life.

“We are really encouraging Sarah that this is hers,” stated Matteo. “G Productions is hers.

In the music industry, there are but a handful who possess the rare combination of talent, determination, and resilience to truly make a mark. Sarah Geronimo, actress and performer, and just recently, concert producer, falls into this category.

Throughout her 20-year career, Sarah has captured the hearts of millions with her captivating voice and electrifying stage presence.

However, it is her recent venture into entrepreneurship that has truly set her

Everything’s coming up roses for Lovi

written by Dwein Baltazar, under the direction of Easy Ferrer.

Aside from “Seasons,” Lovi also is part of the small-screen hit, “FPJs’ Batang Quiapo” with Coco Martin. “Quiapo” continues to stay at the top spot of the ratings. The public has learned to love and embrace Mokang, the true love of Coco’s Tanggol and the character that Lovi portrays in the series which is shown weeknights at 8 p.m.

Sarah’s foray into entrepreneurship as the boss of G Productions marks an exciting chapter in her already illustrious career. Aside from G Productions, she and Matteo have also put up their own G Studio.

“Wala pa kasi studio sa Alabang and marami tayo kaibigan from the industry

She is the president of G Productions, she has creative control. Ako, extra lang ako. I’m just here to support my wife. I want to make her feel that she can do what she wants to do.

“With G Productions, with Viva, this is her company. I’m just here to support, it’s all her brains, all her creativity. So that’s GProductions. And G Studios, our physical studio, we’re opening end of July…,” he added.

Actress, singer, model and soughtafter performer Lovi Poe is on a roll.

She is currently thrilled to with the upcoming release ofher “movie with Carlo Aquino, “Seasons” on Netflix this July 7.

“Seasons” is another showcase of Filipino talent to a wider audience. But what makes it extra special for Lovi is that she had a hand in conceptualizing it.

“‘Seasons’ is a film about love and friendship,” says the actress, “and it’s one of the first projects ever that I conceptualized and presented to Regal Films, and together with Roselle Monteverde, we started to develop it.

“I’m truly happy with the outcome,” she added.

“Seasons” also stars Sarah Edwards and Jolo Estrada, with the screenplay

And just recently, the talented Filipina actress known for her elegance and captivating charm has renewed her ties as the brand ambassador for Imono Jewelry.

With her style and beauty, Lovi perfectly embodies the essence of Imono Jewelry, a brand renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and stunning designs.

The “Kapamilya Supreme Actress” has always been known for effortlessly exuding elegance and sophistication. As the brand ambassador for Imono Jewelry, Lovi personifies the brand’s commitment to timeless elegance, making her the perfect choice to represent their exquisite pieces. Her continued partnership with Imono Jewelry – her 9th year – cements her status as a paragon of style and beauty

Pia Wurtzbach Jauncey ready to have kids?

Is beauty queen and actress Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach ready to have kids?

The Filipino-German model and influencer answered the poser following her marriage with British businessman Jeremy Jauncey, but her answer was not definitive.

On Instagram, the former Miss Universe addressed inquiries from her followers, including questions regarding her intentions of starting a family, according ABS-CBN in a report .

In an earlier report, Pia said she decided to stay with her husband in Dubai where he is based, disclosing that she had to dispose off her properties in the Philippines to be able to devote her time to a new chapter of her life.

“I guess I’ll start with this because literally every 4 questions I get, there’s one question about us having kids,” she started in the report.

Turning candid about the matter, she added: “Honestly I find these questions so personal. I wonder why this is considered a normal thing to ask though?”

According to ABS-CBN, without directly answering the question, Pia, who is now 33, sounded exasperated and said: “First it was ‘Kailan ka mag-aasawa?’ Now it’s constantly ‘kailan kayo magkaka-anak?’”

The former Miss Universe surprised her social media followers in May when she revealed that she is already married.

She uploaded a video that showed scenes from her simple beach wedding with the travel entrepreneur at North Island in Seychelles.

Based on the post’s caption, they tied the knot last March 24.

Pia first confirmed her relationship with Jauncey, the man behind the popular travel page Beautiful Destinations, in June 2020.

They announced their engagement in May 2022, and celebrated their third anniversary last January.

There were only three witnesses to the private beach wedding held in a luxurious complex on the remote northern island of Seychelles: friends Michael Gray, Georgia Ma, and the priest. Gray acted as the videographer for the couple.

Celebrities were quick to congratulate the couple, however.

In June 2020, Pia and Jeremy went public with their relationship. In May 2022, the couple announced their engagement.

Pia and Jeremy later shared on social media some romantic photos of their wedding in Seychelles last March

Fil-Am singer Olivia Rodrigo’s new album out in September

Award-winning Filipino American singer and songwriter Olivia Rodrigo is coming back with her second album “GUTS” to be released on Sept. 8.

“I am so proud of this record and I can’t wait to share it with you all,” Rodrigo said in an Instagram post and reported by CNN Philippines.

“For me, this album is about growing pains and about trying to figure out who I am at this point in my life and exactly what I want to say in my songs,” Rodrigo said in a separate statement.

Rodrigo graces fans with her photo

wearing a ring that spelled out “GUTS” on a purple background as she made the announcement.

“GUTS” is now available for pre-save, Rodrigo said.

The 20-year-old hitmaker released her debut album “SOUR” in 2021 with songs including “drivers license,” “good 4 u” and “happier.”

In 2022, she garnered Best New Artist, Best Pop Vocal Album for “SOUR” and Best Pop Solo Performance for “drivers license” at the Grammys.

24.

The images were captioned: “Just the two of us.”

Pia and Jeremy surprised fans with a video of their wedding on social media on May 6.

ABS-CBN reported that designer to the beauty queens Bessie Besana took to social media to share the story behind the wedding dress he created for Pia Wurtzbach.

According to Besana in the report, Wurtzbach asked him over breakfast in New York in November last year if he could design a wedding dress for her.

“I wasn’t able to respond immediately because I honestly didn’t think that I was even going to be an option. She then proceeded to say, ‘I want it to be done by a friend and you know me so much and I want you to be a part of my wedding,’” he recalled.

“I admittedly cried a little inside and felt some tears starting to build up at the end of my eyes because I was sincerely touched by her decision,” he added.

Besana said the process of designing Wurtzbach’s wedding dress went “very smoothly,” saying he is happy with “how much trust she has given me with my suggestions and technical decisions.”

“Pia, you are truly a great person and I am eternally grateful for how much you have impacted my life. Thank you for always believing in me and my craft of fashion,” he said.

Besana went on to reveal that the wedding dress he created for Wurtzbach is based on how Jauncey envisioned her as his bride.

He said he found it unconventional yet interesting, as most brides tend to have their own idea of how they will look like on their big day.

Kylie Padilla, kids visit Universal and DisneySea in Japan

Looks like Kylie Padilla and her kids, Alas and Axl, are having a fun time in Japan!

On Instagram, the actress shared pictures and videos of their adventures in Universal Studio in Osaka and Tokyo DisneySea. They could be seen enjoying some rides and walking around the fantasy theme park, Carby Basina of GMA Integrated News reported.

“Wasn’t able to take so many videos and pictures huhuhu hirap mag habol ng bata but here are some bits and bobs,” Kylie wrote in the caption of the video, the report added.

The trio flew to Japan with Kylie’s sisters, but “no pictures of them because I respect their privacy but yes, this one was for the books too.”

Aga

In a separate post, Kylie shared that last year, she wrote “trip with my sisters” in her diary.

“This year it happened. It wasn’t easy taking two kiddos under 6 abroad with no help but that’s exactly what I wanted,” the Sparkle artist shared. “My sisters and I worked as a team to take care of each other and each other’s children. If that’s not family I don’t know what is.”

Alas and Axl are Kylie’s children with her ex-husband Aljur Abrenica.

They separated in 2021 after Aljur cheated on Kylie. Meanwhile, Kylie has been open about her healing and spiritual journey.

Following the separation, Kylie and the kids moved into their new home.

Muhlach, Julia Barretto star in ‘Forgetting Canseco’

Multi-awarded actor Aga Muhlach and young actress Claudine Barretto are ecstatic that they are paired together in a movie.

ABS-CBN’s Leah C. Salterio reported that Aga has worked with actresses younger and even older than him on the big screen. He was paired with Claudine Barretto, Bea Alonzo, Kristine Hermosa, Anne Curtis, Angel Locsin in memorable romance-dramas in the past.

Muhlach was only 23 when he was paired with Vilma Santos in Maryo J. de los Reyes’ “Sinungaling Mong Puso” (1992).

“That pairing was not abnormal, that’s normal,” Muhlach told ABSCBN News.

Leah Salterio’s report continues:

When he was called on for a new project for Viva Films, Muhlach was excited to work with a new leading lady, Julia Barretto, who is half his age. They are paired in Denise O’Hara’s “‘Forgetting Canseco,” to be filmed in Baguio this month.

“I’m really nervous and excited because it’s my first time to work with Julia. This is my first project again after ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’ in 2019. You know how it is to make a movie. That is really close to my heart, more than anything,” he said.

“When this movie was offered to me, sabi ni Julia, ‘Wow.’ As an actor, it is a blessing to be able to work and experience an actress like Julia at this point and time in my life.

“There’s nothing but gratitude on my part. It’s crazy. I’m nervous also

because we will be making a love story. Masaya. This is a movie, so we’ll make it work. Kaya naman.

“I will play my age and she will play her age in the story. We’ll do a nice movie and we’ll make sure the audience will get entertained.”

Muhlach expects there will initially be awkwardness when he and Barretto start working together in “‘Forgetting Canseco.”

“When we start shooting, if it feels awkward, it probably is until it happens,” he maintained. “But in reality, there’s no age in love.

“We’ll just work. We’ll follow the script. We’ll get into our characters. It’s going to be nice and great. We will have fun. The script or even the ending of the movie, mag-iiba pa as we shoot.

“At the end of the day, we’re actors, so we set aside everything. We just do the film. We’re excited. Magkakaroon ng kulay ang lahat. Gumaganda.”

Whether or not “‘Forgetting Canseco” will be an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in December, O’Hara cannot readily confirm at this point.

“I have not been thinking that far,” O’Hara said. “My vision is still in the shoot that we will do in Baguio. On location kami so that’s a different ballgame. So, the plans for the movie, saka ko na iisipin.”

The milieu of the film will be a chorale who performs the immortal songs of George Canseco. Muhlach plays conductor Michael Capistrano, who was recently separated and relo-

cated to Baguio to start his life all over again.

“Most of the dramatic movies in the past, may signature music ni George Canseco,” O’Hara shared. “So this is also our love letter and tribute to George Canseco.

“We want to introduce him to the new generation who no longer hears his music nowadays. We are using rearranged versions of Canseco music. We are excited about that.”

O’Hara honestly thinks no one knows a love story more than a Canseco song does. “The narrative of a Canseco song is really meant for lovers, for a love story that makes you feel in love again. He’s also my personal favorite.”

Barretto was initially tentative about how she will address Muhlach, who earlier worked with her aunts like Gretchen (“Miguelito: Batang Rebelde” in 1985 and “When I Fall in Love” in 1986) and Claudine (“Kailangan Kita” in 2002 and “Dubai” in 2005).

“I don’t know, is this real life?,” Barretto asked “I’m on cloud 9. I’m deeply honored and really grateful to be a part of this. I meant it when I said I’m excited but really nervous. I’m working with the original heartthrob and the legend.

“Nahihiya pa rin ako how to address him. Actually, sa look-test, I needed to ask our photo to be sent to me. I sent it to sina Mommy [Marjorie]. This is my dream project. I’m really happy that this is happening.

“I don’t want to have any doubts. I

don’t want to contradict anything that we will do. I’m really overwhelmed and I’m just grateful.

“I’m excited to learn. I’m excited to try new things. I’m excited to be stretched in so many ways doing this film and I think the best way to do that is to start with a new mindset. I don’t want to be negative with myself.

“I want to believe we will achieve what we need to achieve if we have the same goal. We will really tell the story in the most beautiful way.”

Since she plays a choir member who dreams of becoming part of a world-renowned chorale, Barretto as Jasmine Rodriguez, will perhaps be required to sing by O’Hara.

“I don’t know,” Barretto said. “Parang hindi ko siya nakikitang nangyayari. Baka pagtawanan kasi ako. Baka hindi ako seryosohin. Nahihiya ako.

“But the past two weeks have been learning how to sing. Joining in the chorale rehearsals. Trying to sing along. It has been fun.

“It’s a whole new, different world for me. Singing with the chorale, learning their music, the singers. You get immersed in that world. It makes life so fun and interesting.”

Barretto confessed she really dreamed of performing onstage when she was nine or 10 years old.

“Ang sarap mag-concert at that time, tapos mag-outfit ka. Ang saya. But when I got older, nakalimutan ko ng magpe-perform ako sa Araneta. Gagawa na lang ako ng pelikula. Hindi ko kayang mag-perform.”

Chua and Aranas make history as they win World Cup of Pool title

Sanchez and David Alcaide right in the first round.

They then ousted the other Spanish contingent of Jonas Souto and Jose Alberto Delgado before escaping Chinese Taipei’s Ko Pin-Yi and Ko Ping-Chung and Austria’s Albin Ouschan and Mario He right at the final rack.

In the semifinal showdown against the Philippines, Austria failed to complete a comeback from 4-8 down as He scratched right at the break of the final rack, paving the way for Chua and Aranas to steal the rack and the win.

“I feel great. It feels amazing to win a world title. It’s such an honour to win with James. We’ve known each other since we were 13 years old. We went to school together. To win with him is amazing. This has always been our dream. It’s a special achievement to win the World Cup of Pool,” said the 31-year-old Chua.

though the Germans gave the Filipinos some scare near the end.

Chua and Aranas quickly drew near to the cusp of winning it all after going up, 9-2, even as Filler and Neuhausen were relegated to spectators for most of the early goings.

However, Team Germany came alive after winning the next five racks to cut the lead down to two, 9-7, with the crowd beginning to sense a huge comeback.

But on Rack 17, Chua converted on a 2-8 combination which eventually swung the momentum back to them as the Philippine duo finally moved to within match point.

MANILA – The Philippines has won an unprecedented fourth World Cup of Pool title after the tandem of veteran cue masters Johann Chua and James Aranas beat the German pair of Joshua Filler and Moritz Neuhausen, 11-7, in the final Sunday at the Pazo de Feiras e Congresos de Lugo in Spain.

Chua and Aranas will bring home US$60,000 (around P3.3 million) for ruling the event, while Filler and Neuhausen

settled for the US$30,000 (around P1.65 million) runner-up prize.

The title was last won in 2013 by Dennis Orcollo and Lee Vann Corteza. Years before them, Efren Bata Reyes and Francisco Djangco Bustamante ruled the event twice in 2006 and 2009.

Chua and Aranas entered the world tournament unseeded.

They shocked the world when they eliminated erstwhile champs Francisco

SEAG champion Ubas eyes gold medal at Asian Championships

MANILA – Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) long jump champion Janry Ubas is setting his sights on the gold medal when he debuts at the Asian Championships scheduled to be held in Pattaya, Thailand on July 12-16.

“I’m excited because it’s my first time to compete in the Asian Championships. My goal is to win the gold medal and I will do my very best to achieve that,” Ubas said.

His brilliant performance at the Cambodia SEAG where he won the gold medal in the long jump (7.85m) and the silver medal in the decathlon (with a new Games record of 8.08m in the long jump) has boosted the confidence of the 29-year-old native of Villanueva town in Misamis Oriental.

“For me, I have so many memories, it’s so exciting. This week is unforgettable, spending this moment with Johann too. My cues arrived right on time because they didn’t arrive for the Spanish Open. I want to thank my friends and family and all the Filipinos back home. Without my family, I would not be here,” said Aranas.

Chua and Aranas blistering start set the tone for the Chua-Aranas duo’s masterclass against the Filler-Neuhausen tag team, al-

In Rack 18, the German pair tried something tricky when they, with only a little chance at hitting the 2-ball after Chua’s safety shot and some time pressure, opted to go for an intentional foul by hitting the 7-ball directly to place it beside the 3-ball in hopes of a botch from him after Aranas’ shot at the 2.

However, Chua rattled the 3-ball in and put the 7-ball in a better spot to eventually clean up the rack and lift the championship trophy.

With Chua and Aranas’ win, the Philippines broke a tie with China for the winningest country in the WCOP with its first title since Dennis Orcullo and Lee Van Corteza connived for the 2013 championship.

POOL CHAMPS. Johann Chua and James Aranas of the Philippines raise their trophy a�er bea�ng Germany in the World Cup of Pool �tle at the Pazo de Feiras e Congresos de Lugo in Spain on July 2, 2023 .

POOL CHAMPS. Johann Chua and James Aranas of the Philippines raise their trophy a�er bea�ng Germany in the World Cup of Pool �tle at the Pazo de Feiras e Congresos de Lugo in Spain on July 2, 2023 .

Governor Newsom unveils $352 M for transit-oriented, climate-friendly housing in underserved communities

By Claire Morales True

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled more than $352 million in the first round of funding from the Regional Early Action Planning grants program (REAP 2.0) through the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), a key piece of the Governor’s plan for a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for all Californians.

“California is backing local governments that are addressing the housing shortage and climate crisis with a focus on under-resourced communities that often bear the brunt of the climate crisis,” Newsom said.

“ It is important that we build more housing in strategic locations near transportation hubs which helps reduce pollution and congestion by reducing the number of cars on the road,” Newsom added in a statement sent to Philippine News Today.

REAP 2.0 is a flexible grant program that furthers the state’s commitment to building neighborhoods that allow more Californians to live closer to jobs, services, and daily destinations. It provides planning and implementation dollars to cities, counties, and regional governments to build sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities that

are inclusive and take measurable strides toward reducing vehicle miles traveled.

“Abundant affordable housing is key to addressing the climate crisis,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Lourdes Castro Ramírez. “California is proud to partner with local communities to build more affordable homes in the right places – near jobs, transit and neighborhood services – to mitigate the impact of climate change, improve people’s quality of life, and meet the state’s climate goals.”

Enacted as part of the California Comeback Plan, REAP 2.0 builds on the successes of the $125 million REAP of 2019—expanding the program’s focus by integrating housing and climate goals, and allowing for broader planning and implementation investments. This includes infrastructure investments such as sewer, water and other critical construction components that are necessary to support the infill developments that our state needs.

The vast majority of REAP 2.0 funds will flow to Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). These MPOs may then suballocate a portion to cities and counties in their region. A smaller set-aside of $30 million in Higher-Impact Transformative (HIT) funding has been awarded through a highly competitive process to five communities that have a

planned commitment to transform under-resourced neighborhoods through comprehensive community engagement and innovative place-based projects.

“These highly competitive awards are going to communities that have demonstrated a strong commitment to transforming historically underresourced communities,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “High-impact REAP 2.0 grants will make possible the development of significant affordable housing near transit hubs, connecting vulnerable Californians to opportunity and moving the state toward its climate goals by reducing vehicle traffic.”

REAP 2.0 MPO awards include:

Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) $9.13 million

Madera County Transportation Commission (MCTC) $2.18 million

Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) $31.83 million

San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) $38.73 million

Shasta Regional Transportation Agency (SRTA) $2.24 million

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) $237.41 million

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) $567,239

REAP 2.0 HIT awardees include:

City of Oakland $10 million

City of Rancho Cordova $4 million

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) $2,412,475

San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) $10 million

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) $3,587,525

REAP 2.0 is administered by HCD in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, the Strategic Growth Council, and the California Air Resources Board. For more details on REAP awards and what they will be specifically used for visit www.hcd.ca.gov.

NaFFAA condemns brutal attack on 75-year-old in Nevada

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) calls for the justice after a Filipino elder was mercilessly attacked in Nevada last May without any provocation.

Amadeo Quindara, a 75-year-old elderly Filipino American and a son of a U.S. Army veteran, is still traumatized after he was starkly attacked by his neighbor on May 30, 2023, in Clark County, Nevada.

While Mr. Quindara survived the attack, he will forever be traumatized by the suspect, 44-year-old Christian Lentz, who in a video evidence yelled racial slurs and told the senior to “be on a ventilator” and saying ‘die’ multiple times before walking away. He believes that Lentz’s attack was rooted in racism and that he intended to kill him.

“The only thing I could do is shout,” Quindara recalled as the beating left him with deep cuts on his head, a black eye due to multiple punches from the suspect, and an emotional suffering – that he says can’t be treated. “Physically, you could recover from that but if you keep thinking about what happened, that is the thing that hurt me most.”

in a statement, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) reoterates that it stands in solidarity with the Quindara Family in their ongoing fight for justice. Desert Mountain Regional President Sally Balecha commented, “Filipino Americans should not live in fear, particularly our manongs and manangs. They have been through a lot already, and Tatay Amadeo does not deserve to be treated like this.”

Jacque de Joya, Nevada State President, added, “We ask for help from our elected leaders and local authorities in the Las Vegas area and ensure justice is served. We call for increased protection for our elderlies to avoid this from happening again.”

Mindie Lloyd of Bamboo Bridges, NaFFAA’s partner organization that builds collaborations among Asian-Pacific American communities, shared, “We stand with the victims and their families. This senseless violence fueled by hate has to stop now.”

NaFFAA President Mariela Fletcher, who will be fly-

ing to join the rally on Thursday, also added, “It will take a collaborative effort among Asian American groups to empower more than 4.2 million Filipino Americans and combat Asian hate in this country. Let us work together to end this!”

Based on reports, Lentz was initially arrested for felony residential burglary but was also later released by the police. Quindara, who believes that the charge was too light, is worried that his 44-year-old neighbor will come back to attack him again.

On June 16, that charge was upgraded as a hate crime enhancement, and he was also charged with elder abuse as a hate crime.

However, former Clark County District Attorney Da-

vid Roger is not optimistic that more can be done on the charges and gave insight why.

“The problem that we have here is that it does not appear that police had sufficient evidence to prove a felony against this victim. It’s not that they didn’t want to,” Roger opined explaining that, “because the actual alleged beating wasn’t caught on camera, and Quindara didn’t have what classifies as ‘substantial bodily harm’ under Nevada law, officers had limited options.”

Arrest and investigation: Lentz was arrested for residential burglary and has since been released from jail. Quindara, who believes that the charge was too light, is worried that his 44-year-old neighbor will come back to attack him again.

newal form when it arrives to keep your coverage.

Redetermination process. What is the threshold for Medicaid in CA?

Recently, NAPCA’s Senior Assistance Center has received several calls regarding Medicaid Redetermination. We want to share some of the questions in this month’s column. If you have additional questions on Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act Health Insurance

Marketplace, Social Security Retirement Benefit, Supplemental Security Income, or COVID/Flu vaccination, there are 3 ways you can reach us today. Call our Senior Assistance Center at: (English) 1-800-336-2722, Email: askNAPCA@napca.org

Mail: NAPCA Senior Assistance Center, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101

1. What does Medicaid Redetermination mean?

Prior to the pandemic, states were required to renew coverage for people

with Medicaid coverage at least once a year and to disenroll individuals who no longer qualified for coverage. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress acted to ensure Americans did not lose access to critical health care by preventing states from terminating a person’s Medicaid coverage, even if they no longer qualified. Now that the PHE (public health emergency) has ended, federal law requires states to restart regular Medicaid renewals. This means that over the next 12 months, everyone with health care coverage through Medicaid will renew their coverage.

2. What do I need to do for Medicaid Redetermination?

For people with Medicaid coverage:

• UPDATE your contact information with your state Medicaid agency.

• RESPOND to the Medicaid re-

• CONSIDER OTHER COVERAGE OPTIONS: If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, check if you can get coverage through your employer, through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace at HealthCare.gov, or through Medicare.

3. What do I do if I lose Medicaid coverage though the Redetermination process?

If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, you can transition to another form of health coverage, such as the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, employersponsored coverage, or Medicare. You can re-apply for Medicaid to find if you still qualify. Some options open their own Special Enrollment Period and Signup timeframe window. Please contact us if you have any questions about the SEP.

4. I am currently enrolled in Medicaid in CA. Recently I got a part-time job, and I am worried that I may lose my Medicaid coverage after the Medicaid

Medicaid is a State run program for certain people with limited income and assets. It means each state has its own eligibility. In the case of CA, you are still eligible for Medicaid,

• if you are single and your income is below $1,677 per month, or

• if you are a married couple and your household income is below $2,268 per month.

If you are 65 or older, you have an asset limit as well that is $130,000 for single or $195,000 for couple.

Please contact us to get the information about Medicaid eligibility or contact your local Medicaid office to check your Medicaid eligibility in the state where you live.

National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families. We operate a NAPCA Senior Assistance Center for Older Adults and Caregivers and is available in 5 different languages.

Amadeo Quindara (contributed photo)

Cache Creek Casino Resort Awarded AAA Four Diamond Rating for the 18th Consecutive Year

Brooks, Calif. – July 3, 2023 –Cache Creek Casino Resort proudly announced today that the casino resort was awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating for the 18th consecutive year. Cache Creek has held this highly distinctive award since 2005.

Hotel properties are required to pass a rigorous unscheduled, in-person professional inspection to be awarded any Diamond Designation. For a hotel, Diamond Designations indicate the overall quality, range of facilities, and level of hospitality. According to AAA, a Four Diamond rating signifi es that the property is upscale in style and amenities with just the right touch of guest service.

“We are thrilled that Cache Creek Casino Resort has been ranked among the top 6.5 percent of hotels in the United States,” said Kari Stout-Smith, General Manager and Chief Operating Offi cer of Cache Creek Casino Resort. “The coveted Four Diamond status is impressive, but even more impressive is the number of consecutive years the property has earned it. Although the hospitality industry has endured many challenges throughout the pandemic,

the interminable persistence of our team members in delivering a superior guest experience continues to make the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and our leadership team proud,” continued Stout-Smith.

“We are incredibly grateful for our team members and their ability to rise to the challenge in ensuring that our

Diamond Designation standards are sustainable,” said Lori Tousignant, Vice President of Hospitality at Cache Creek Casino Resort. “Our team is dedicated to ensuring our guests have a memorable stay at our resort. We take pride in off ering fi rst-class amenities, luxurious rooms, and an unforgettable guest experience,” Tousignant contin-

ued.

AAA evaluates 26,000 hotels throughout the year in North America, and less than 2,000 make the Four Diamond list. For more information about AAA Inspections and Diamond Ratings, visit aaa.com/diamonds.

About Cache Creek Casino Resort

Cache Creek Casino Resort, owned and operated by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, is Northern California’s premier casino resort. Located 40 miles northwest of Sacramento and 80 miles from the San Francisco Bay Area in Brooks, CA, it features more than 600 four-diamond luxury hotel rooms, two resort-style pools, an extravagant fullservice spa, thousands of exclusive slot machines, hundreds of table games, ten incredible dining experiences, worldclass nightlife, a state-of-the-art event center, and an 18-hole championship golf course. Call 1.800.992.8686 or visit www.cachecreek.com for more information.

‘Race is Still Relevant’ — Advocates Slam SCOTUS Ruling on Affirmative Action

By Pilar Marrero

Many are vowing to continue the fight to protect diversity in higher education and warn policy makers and educators not to overreach in interpreting the controversial ruling.

Civil rights leaders joined together to denounce last week’s Supreme Court decision ending Affirmative Action. Many are warning of the negative effects the ruling will have on students of color.

“Race is still relevant, racial discrimination is still relevant,” said Thomas A. Saenz, President and General Counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF).

Saenz pointed to the majority opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts, which states that college admission programs can consider how race has affected an applicant’s character specifically, but that race cannot be a general consideration in admissions.

“That is a clear indication that this is not a mandate or even an invitation to ignore race in the context of higher education,” explained Saenz in an interview with Ethnic Media Services.

The June 29 decision overturned 45 years of precedent by ruling that Affirmative Action policies violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.

Saenz and others warned policymakers and higher education leaders not to overreach in their interpretation of the

ruling. They also urged students of color not to “adjust their ambitions in any way” because of this decision.

“Policymakers cannot use this decision as some excuse to ignore racial disparity or to ignore the imperative to address it,” said Saenz. “This doesn’t change regulations under the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964.”

Racial gaslighting

Colleges and universities across the country – particularly those states where, before this decision, race was still used as part of the criteria in college and university admissions – should evaluate their practices for equity, said leaders in the higher education access arena.

“We know that Affirmative Action was one of the best tools to ensure there was a diverse student body,” said Michelle Siqueiros, President of the Campaign for College Opportunity. “SCOTUS should have also banned legacy (admissions), which makes up more than a quarter to a third of the class at some selective institutions, including Harvard.”

She added the practice of granting admission to the sons and daughters of alumni, along with early decision admissions and the extensive use of standardized tests, “do not expand opportunities to low-income Black, Latino and Asian American Students.”

Several groups in Boston filed a complaint with the Education Department on

Monday requesting that it review the practice of legacy admissions, arguing it discriminates against students of color by favoring the children of alumni at elite schools, most of whom are white.

Author and education scholar J. Luke Wood described the ruling as “racial gaslighting at its best.” Wood is the incoming president at Sacramento State University.

“If they are concerned about discrimination, they should move away from standardized testing, which is a better indication about a student’s resources” and not his or her capacities. “This will definitely have an impact on access to colleges and universities by students of color,” said Wood.

Michele Siqueiros, President of The Campaign for College Opportunity, says affirmative action advocates will continue to fight for fair admissions to colleges and to ensure that campuses remain diverse.

“Thomas went to Yale Law School, my alma mater, at a time when almost certainly the law school was using an Affirmative Action system that benefited him,” said Saenz from MALDEF. “This indicates how much of a limitation this could be for our future. Future justices, future leaders, elected leaders, and future professionals will be diminished in their ranks by the court’s wrongheaded deci-

sion.”

Michelle Siqueiros, President of the Campaign for College Opportunity, said that her organization and many others would fight to counteract the effects of this ruling as they have done in California and other states where local laws limited the use of race in admissions over the years.

“We won’t accept a return to the 1940s and 1950s when colleges blatantly discriminated against women, African Americans, Jewish Americans, Latinos, and Indigenous folks at their campuses,” said Siqueiros.

“We will be watching,” she added, noting that at a time when more than 50% of students in K-12 schools are students of color, “we are hopeful that college leaders know and support and value providing opportunity for all Americans.”

Newsom signs budget deal for $5.1 billion for local transportation

By Claire Morales True

SACRAMENTO – As part of a $310.8 billion spending plan, Governor Gavin Newsom and the Legislature reached an agreement that provides $5.1 billion in emergency relief to support statewide public transit systems and their workers – helping to keep California moving forward on aggressive, world-leading climate goals.

The agreement includes accountability measures to ensure that transit systems stabilize their programs and retool their long-term operations to better align with the needs of the public. It is bringing welcome support from local leaders, business groups and public transit advocates.

“This budget agreement between the Governor and the Legislature is a great step for our state and for cities like San Francisco. In particular, the support for transportation means that we have more time to prevent our transit agencies from hitting a fiscal cliff that would be devastating for public transportation in California. There’s still more work to do, which is so essential to our neighborhoods and our economic recovery, but now we have time thanks to the Governor and our State Legislative leaders,” said San Francisco Mayor London Breed.

“I applaud Governor Newsom and the Budget Chairs for reaching a budget agreement that provides critical funding for the Bay Area’s public transit systems. Access to transit is an equity issue that deeply impacts Oakland residents and those who commute into our city. Governor Newsom’s $5.1 billion investment in public transit ensures Oaklanders will continue to have access to affordable and efficient public transit services,” said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao

“California and our working families are facing a difficult time fiscally. I am grateful that the Governor and Legislature are focusing our limited dollars on moving the needle on homelessness, preventing the transit fiscal cliff, and providing youth employment opportunities. I am committed to ensuring that the City of San Jose will use those dollars immediately to tackle our core issues.” – San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.

“We applaud Governor Newsom and legislative leaders for reaching an agreement on funding to help our struggling transit systems survive as they work to recover ridership and make the important structural changes necessary to ensure their long-term viability. We also heartily applaud the Governor for his leadership in advancing a package of infrastructure reforms that will get shovels in the ground faster to build the clean energy, water and transportation projects this state badly

needs to move forward,” declared Jim Wunderman of the Bay Area Council.

“Thanks to the leadership of Governor Newsom and Legislative leaders, California is poised to streamline the permitting process for clean energy infrastructure projects — boosting California’s competitiveness at a time of economic uncertainty, while also accelerating progress on the State’s ambitious climate agenda. Importantly, it also helps to avert the transit fiscal cliff and continues efforts to tackle the housing and homelessness crisis. As a whole, this agreement continues to lay the groundwork for private sector growth that can be leveraged for maximum economic impact for all Californians while promoting greater equity and opportunity,” said Ahmad Thomas, CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG).

“California’s leaders have done right by working people who both depend on and operate California’s public transit systems by approving more than a billion dollars in new transit funding to help avert the statewide transit fiscal cliff. Californians will breathe cleaner air and continue to have affordable, climate-friendly transportation options with the support of these critical funds,” said Zak Accuardi, Senior Transportation Advocate at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), and a member of the Survive and Thrive Coalition.

“We applaud Governor Newsom and legislative leaders for reaching a budget agreement that will provide $5.1 billion in much needed funding for our transit systems as they work to recover ridership. We hope to continue to work on creative ways to fill funding gaps in our public transit systems as they serve as a lifeline for the city, and we look

forward to continuing to showcase San Francisco to visitors from around the country and the world,” said Cassandra Costello, SF Travel.

“Public transit is the lifeblood that keeps California alive and thriving, especially in the state’s largest cities like San Francisco. Governor Newsom’s budget agreement ensures that public transit can continue operating reliably to support the connectivity and vibrancy people expect from our iconic cities,” according to Wade Rose, President of Advance SF.

– Masood Samereie, San Francisco Council of District Merchants Associations (SFCDMA), said: “This budget deal marks a significant milestone by growing budget reserves to an unprecedented $38 billion while ensuring the preservation of historic investments in public education, health care, climate, and public safety. The deal also introduces new accountability measures for transit and homelessness investments, accelerates global leadership on climate through the fast-tracking of clean energy projects, and provides tax credits for businesses engaged in manufacturing computer chips, clean energy facilities, and more. Furthermore, the deal prioritizes the creation of projects that specifically benefit disadvantaged communities, resulting in the generation of hundreds of thousands of job opportunities. With regards to transit, an allocation of $5.1 billion over four years has been designated, fully restoring the $4 billion for construction and incorporating an additional $1.1 billion from cap-and-trade funds. Agencies are granted flexibility in utilizing the allocated funds for both operations and construction, with strict accountability measures and state oversight in place.”

“BOMA San Francisco commends Governor Newsom on negotiating a balanced budget that maintains critical investments for California’s future. The $5.1 billion in spending for transit agencies is paramount for bridging the operating gaps faced by our Bay Area transit agencies over the next several years. These investments will ensure that we can meet our ongoing priorities of growing our state’s economy, lowering emissions, and building world class cities that serve as centers for economic activity, innovation, and sustainability,” said John Bryant, CEO of BOMA San Francisco.

“The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce thanks Governor Newsom for including critical funding for our most vital transit systems in our state budget. As San Francisco recovers from the pandemic and we look to revitalize our City, public transportation will be key to bring residents, employees, and visitors back downtown,” said Rodney Fong, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.

“Transit is the lifeblood of Civic Center supplying employees, arts and cultural patrons and visitors from all over. This investment will have many positive multipliers from workforce and economic gains, to equity and environmental protections,” said Tracy Everwine, San Francisco Civic Center.

“We are thankful to the Governor for working with the Legislature and securing the budget for the state of California. The investments made in infrastructure, public safety, and mass transit help us at this critical moment in our state’s history. We are excited to work with the Governor to help magnify his efforts locally and statewide,” said Alex Bastian, President and CEO of the Hotel Council of San Francisco.

Covered California Launches Statewide Push to Help Californians Stay Covered if They Lose Their Medi-Cal Eligibility

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Covered California launched a virtual media tour on Wednesday to spread the word about the upcoming Medi-Cal to Covered California Enrollment Program and how it will help keep Californians covered.

With the end of the federal continuous coverage requirement, Medi-Cal in April resumed the renewal process for its more than 15 million members, and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) estimates between 2 and 3 million people will no longer be eligible for coverage. As this process continues over the next year, Covered California stands ready to enroll eligible Californians transitioning out of Medi-Cal.

“Covered California is working closely with DHCS to help keep Californians who lose their Medi-Cal coverage enrolled in quality, affordable coverage and to support them every step of the way,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California. “While everyone’s renewal date is different, there are important steps that Medi-Cal members can take now to keep themselves and their families covered.”

We’ll Keep You Covered Medi-Cal members should update their contact information if it has changed in the last three years by logging in to their online account through BenefitsCal.com or MyBenefitsCalWIN.org. Members can also contact their local Medi-Cal office or visit KeepMedi-CalCoverage.org to learn how to get started.

While many Californians will transition to other forms of health insurance, such as coverage offered through their job or a family member’s employer, others will be eligible for coverage through Covered California, and they may receive financial help to lower the cost of their coverage. Covered California offers quality health plans, all of which provide many of the same benefits and services as Medi-Cal, including free preventive care and screenings, doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, behavioral health care, and more.

“We know how much Medi-Cal members value their health coverage, so we want to make sure they know what their options are if they no longer qualify for Medi-Cal,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “Through Covered California, many will continue to have access to the comprehensive care they need and deserve.”

financial help to make their coverage more affordable. Right now, 90 percent of Covered California’s 1.7 million enrollees receive financial help, with many people paying $10 or less per month for their health insurance.

To simplify the process for eligible consumers, Covered California and Medi-Cal will collectively provide personalized information about how to maintain coverage through Covered California. For eligible transitioning consumers, Covered California will automatically select a plan for the consumer that provides the most financial help.

Consumers will need to confirm their Covered California plan selection in order for their new coverage to take effect.

Eligible consumers will also be able to choose a different plan or be connected to someone who can help them at any point in the enrollment process. Multilingual assistance is available online, over the phone, or in-person from one of the more than 11,000 Covered California enrollment partners embedded in communities across the state.

Check Your Mail and Respond Quickly to Keep Your Coverage

DHCS and Covered California are collaborating to implement Senate Bill (SB) 260 (Chapter 845, Statutes of 2019), which authorizes Covered California to enroll individuals in a qualified health plan when they lose Medi-Cal coverage and gain eligibility for financial assistance through Covered California. Consumers who have gone through the Medi-Cal renewal process and are no longer eligible for Medi-Cal have already started receiving information in the mail on their new Covered California plan. These packets will continue to go out each month until all Medi-Cal renewals have been processed.

Covered California is urging MediCal members to check their mail and respond quickly by either confirming their new plan, changing their plan, or opting out of coverage.

“Spread the word, if you or someone you know may be losing their Medi-Cal coverage, to make sure they check their mail for a notice entitled, Stay Covered with Covered California,” Altman said. “If you receive this notice, Covered California needs to hear from you right away in order to make sure you do not have a gap in health coverage.”

produced in a variety of languages, including:

• English: https://youtu.be/3cgk2bh_tk

• Spanish: https://youtu.be/ wUdLSw91DoA

• Mandarin: https://youtu.be/ pFE4GKTKZp8

• Cantonese: https://youtu.be/ QqNm0h458Po

• Korean: https://youtu.be/qDAMTBJxRNM

• Vietnamese: https://youtu.be/il8jDy7e3RU

In addition, Covered California created radio, digital, and social media ads, as well as educational videos, that walk consumers through the process of how to create an online account and make their choice of coverage options.

At the end of June, Covered California will reach out to eligible consumers directly through email, direct mail, and text messaging. This campaign was developed in coordination with DHCS and their extensive efforts to reach Medi-Cal

members throughout the renewal process.

About Covered California

Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California’s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the Governor and Legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA. com.

Many

Medi-Cal Members Will Be Able to Enroll in Covered California at No Cost

Based on pre-pandemic trends, nearly half of the consumers who transition from Medi-Cal to Covered California will be able to get quality coverage at little to no cost.

Covered California is the only place Californians can go to receive

New Ad Campaign to Reach California’s Diverse Population

Covered California also launched a new ad campaign to educate consumers and make sure they understand how they can stay insured. The campaign highlights how Covered California will help consumers through every step of their transition, and provide quality coverage, at low or no cost for many. The videos have been

Joint law enforcement surge operation up in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO – As part of the joint public safety partnership with the City of San Francisco, today Governor Gavin Newsom announced he is directing the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to expand its operational footprint — doubling the number of officers deployed — and authorizing the CHP to conduct targeted surges with law enforcement partners to fight crime and further crackdown on the fentanyl crisis gripping San Francisco.

Personnel assigned to the expanded operation are expected to include some of the more than 100 new CHP officers slated to graduate from the CHP Academy this week, as well as active officers within the CHP’s Golden Gate Division, Newsom said.

“CHP’s recent results in San Francisco are nothing short of extraordinary — in just six weeks, the agency’s hardworking officers seized enough fentanyl to potentially kill the city nearly three times over, multiple firearms, and stolen goods,” Newsom said in a statement sent to Philippine News Today.

“ Today, I’m authorizing a 100% increase in personnel to bolster the impact of this proven operation, as well as authorizing targeted surges to crack down on crime in the city. Working alongside our local, state, and federal partners, we’re committed to cleaning up San Francisco’s streets,” he said.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed said: “Over the last several weeks, we’ve welcomed the California Highway Patrol and National Guard working collaboratively along-

side our local agencies to disrupt the drug trafficking and drug markets harming our neighborhoods. To be successful in the long term we need to sustain and expand this work at the local, state, and federal levels. I want to thank Governor Newsom for sending more support to our City and for his continued commitment to the safety of San Francisco.”

SFPD Chief Bill Scott said: “The San Francisco Police Department welcomes the assistance from our state partners in combatting this deadly drug crisis. Our residents, business owners, and visitors to our city deserve to feel safe, and we are making progress in disrupting the drug markets that are causing so much misery on our streets. Working collaboratively with the CHP, we’ve seized an unprecedented amount of fentanyl and other deadly narcotics in recent weeks, and I look forward to building on our success.”

In addition to doubling the number of uniformed officers assigned to this operation in the city, as part of today’s announcement the Governor has also authorized CHP to work with local law enforcement partners to conduct targeted counter-crime surges in key crime hotspots in the city.

The joint task force operations, which will be unannounced, are expected to target illicit drugs and weapons and lead to arrests of drug dealers and others engaging in various types of criminal activity. Additional details, including surge results, will be made available in the coming weeks.

Separately, the Governor has directed the California National Guard (CalGuard) to increase staffing in San Francisco to facilitate the development of the city’s strategic plan that will address challenges with open-air drug markets and the broader effects those markets have on San Francisco. Multiple strategists have been assigned to assist San Francisco with this effort.

Additionally, the Governor has directed CalGuard to identify ways to further increase staffing in San Francisco in support of the Northern California High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. Throughout the joint operation, CalGuard has provided critical analysis and technical support to law enforcement to shut down drug trafficking operations in the city and the surrounding region.

Since the joint public safety operation began on May 1, 2023, the CHP has seized 8.1 kilos of fentanyl and

made 115 felony and misdemeanor arrests in the Tenderloin and the surrounding area. The operation in San Francisco serves as a collaborative effort between multiple agencies, including CHP, CalGuard, the California Department of Justice, the San Francisco Police Department, and the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office (SFDA).

The joint effort is focused on improving public safety, targeting fentanyl trafficking, disrupting the supply of the deadly drug in the city, and holding the operators of drug trafficking rings accountable. The operation builds on the Governor’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, which includes an expansion of CalGuard-supported operations that last year led to a 594% increase in seized fentanyl and historic levels of funding — $1 billion statewide — to crack down on the crisis.

A�y Chris Caday Lozano successfully represented the approval of Mr. Aisser Santos green card through the US Embassy

(From Page 13)

Offlinewith vast marketing experience.

Very incidentally, that silly Love the Philippines slogan or whatever you want to call it, along with the entire campaign, is said to have had the approval of this Cabinet secretary who is being billed as a creative whiz, when in fact he is little more than a so-so director with tight connections to the Marcos Jr. regime.

Between this “smart” boy and the incumbent Tourism sec, the country has a mediocre team-up of doubtful competence. So to expect them to come up with brilliant marketing strategies may be too much of a stretch.

Meanwhile, arguably the country’s top tourism attraction, Boracay, is fact heading in the wrong direction. It has become overdeveloped and is earning a reputation for being the wrong kind of party place. It’s trying to be a Bali, and in so doing is attracting the wrong kind of crowd. And yes, drugs is a problem there now.

My greatest fear is that the likes of Bohol or Puerto Galera may be headed in the same direction as Bora, and there is no cause to believe that the Tourism department knows what to do about the looming threat.

With bean counters being in charge, and no concept of forward planning, I have to say that the Philippine tourism industry is headed nowhere fast.

About the only saving grace of the tourism industry is the private sector, which continues to develop facilities all over the archipelago. In so doing, they are boosting local tourism while global pleasure seekers have not yet discovered or rediscovered the Philippines.

Incidentally, I have to recall what was a borderline brilliant campaign that Cebu once had to attract international tourists, crafted by then Governor Lito Osmena.

The Cebuano leader who once ran for president sold his province to the world as “Cebu – an island in the Pacific.”

This was done partly because the Philippines had a negative image to some, which remains true to this day. But faux nationalists blasted Mr. Promdi for turning the focus away from the country.

The country is not lacking in creative thinkers who know how to sell the Philippines (or parts thereof) to the rest of the world. The only problem is, none of them are connected with the pathetic Department of Tourism of the Marcos regime.

As I See It

(From Page 12)

Defense Ministry of Russia or even the presidency because he was the only one, analysts say, who can do that - going against Putin.

Prigozhin had shown that he is capable of leading and as an expert in using force to attain his goal. This is what is dangerous if he changes his mind to resume what he started to do – rebellion.

In addition to deploying Wagner troops to Ukraine, the Wagner Group has been active in Africa, where some nations have turned to the private army to fill security gaps or prop up dictatorial regimes.

Racz said: “In most cases, they provide training for local military forces, local security forces, but they are also engaged in VIP protection, also in guarding. And if necessary, they are able to conduct also high intensity operations, I mean real combat.”

Wagner not only operated in Ukraine but also in some countries, like the Central African Republic. Wagner exchanges services for almost unfettered access to natural resources. A CBS News investigation found that Russian cargo flights stopped in the country twice a week, possibly smuggling billions of dollars’ worth of gold back to Russia.

In addition to gold, CBS News also found Wagner was involved in illegal timber harvesting in CAR, another lucrative source of income.

His emergence as one of the only power centers in Russia able to challenge Vladimir Putin has led many to question whether he was after the top job himself.

After his success in the fast food world, Prigozhin went on to buy supermarkets and ran several restaurants and other businesses. In 1995 he opened a swanky restaurant called Old Customs House where Putin patronized. During the early years of his rule in the early 2000s, Putin often met foreign dignitaries in his home town St Petersburg and often took his guests to Old Customs House or one

of Mr Prigozhin’s other restaurants, including New Island, a boat he transformed into a floating eatery. That’s how Putin and Prigozhin became close friends.

The group gained a reputation of doing the military’s dirty work when unleashed in Ukraine and as an arm of the Russian state in Africa – and is renowned for brutal violence, rapes and war crimes.

But tensions flared up repeatedly between Prigozhin and the Kremlin officials in charge of the war – defense minister Sergei Shoigu and chief of the Russian armed forces General Valery Gerasimov – who the Wagner chief accused of deliberately starving his group of supplies and using his men as cannon fodder.

Dr. Marina Miron, a researcher at King’s College London, suggested Prigozhin might have his sights set on the position of Russian Defense Minister, rather than the Presidency.

“Many are saying this is a military coup against Putin. But in reality, it’s against the Ministry of Defense,” she told i. “I think what Prigozhin might be aiming for is to be the next Defense Minister.

Miron added: “I don’t think that he would try to go after the king, so to speak. In his videos, all his criticism is directed towards the Ministry of Defense. He’s much more into kind of the military side of things. He’s not a politician.”

While the rebellion stopped, Wagner’s leader is still roaming around Belarus and may still be planning to attain his ambitions either as a Defense Minister or president of Russia!

The chef is still on the loose!

(Elpidio R. Estioko was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. He just published his book Unlocking the Chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream, which is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Xlibris Publishing. For feedbacks, comments, email author at estiokoelpidio@gmail. com).

Immigrants Help

(From Page 14)

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

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a fr iend.

He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning … to the end

He noted that first came to date of her birth and spoke the following date tears.

But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that they spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own , the cars… the house.. the cash.

What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard. Are there things you’d like to change?

For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real.

And always try to understand the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more.

And love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile.

Remembering this special dash might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read with your life’s actions to rehash. . .

Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?

Thank you Atsi Bernarda for your love and generosity. We’ll miss you!”

(ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker

(DRE#00635976) in California since1981. 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. He can be reached at (650) 438-3531 or (415) 584-7095 or email:artmadlaing@ hotmail.com)

True or False

(From Page 12) ment Committee.

It was reported that Remolona was serious about his intent to give back to the country that he gave up his American citizenship with the help of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, said to be a colleague from their early days at the School of Economics of the University of the Philippines.

Remolona thus is now solely a Filipino citizen. Some jokingly say, he remains with dual citizenship as he, at 71, is also a senior citizen.

Diokno said Remolona believed that it was just right to give up his US citizenship before he took up the post as a member of the Monetary Board in 2022, on his way to eventually being appointed the governor of the BSP for the next six years.

(Editor’s Note: Claire Rivera Morales True is managing editor of Philippine News Today. She was formerly assistant managing director of Health Frontiers, a public relations firm serving multinational pharmaceutical companies. She also served as PR officer of then Pampanga Vice Governor Juan Miguel Arroyo, eldest son of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Chief of Staff of the Chairman of the Philippine Postal Corporation.)

Diliman Way

(From Page 12)

the duty of the citizen to point out the error and suggest the correct way to do it.

I have done that to all the administrations in the past and present – through my writings and letters to public officials including Presidents. But in most cases, the suggestions were ignored. They have ears that cannot hear, eyes that cannot see and noses that cannot smell. They are a common breed in this country.

So read the following, in specifying terms, after a year of this BBM administration, just like the end of a school year:

Specific Subjects Grades on Performance

Prices of commodities 50 %

Prices of services 50%

Prices of gasoline & diesel 50%

Prices of electricity & water 50%

Foreign Investments 10%

Foreign Travels 100%

Unfulfilled Promises 90%

Words and more words 90%

Illegal Drugs 50%

Transportation fares 60%

Human rights 60%

Foreign policy 60%

Police 60%

Military 60%

Insurgency 60%

Vision 20%

Poverty Alleviation 20%

Killing of media persons 80%

Killing and jailing of activists 80%

Quality of Cabinet 60%

Hard look: From the above grades, it is obvious that the average rating can neither be incomplete or positive. To sum it up, the BBM performance at this point in time is at best a failure, at worst a disaster. So what are the possible solutions?

Solutions: When I was elected Provincial Governor of Misamis Oriental, one of two Opposition Governors under martial law in 1980, under my opposition party, MINDANAO ALLIANCE (MA), I articulated this political principle – Six years is too long for a bad Governor and just enough for a good one. I believe that this political principle is applicable to Presidents as well So what are the constitutional and legal principles than can be used in the present situation?

There are a number of options and they are –

1. Resignation of the President – this option is up to BBM.

2. Recall - requires a certain number of voters.

3. Impeachment – is up to the House of Representatives for indictment and the Senate for conviction.

4..Removal – by the people as it happened in Edsa I and Edsa 2, by the military or the police in a coup d’etat, by a group with sufficient armed force, by a foreign country

These are the solutions facing a sitting President like BBM. To avoid any of these contingencies is for BBM and his advisers to use their brains and to do what is right for our country and our people. It is interesting to know what BBM and his advisers will do next. To be or not be, as Hamlet would have it – that is the question.

18 million doses of first-ever malaria vaccine allocated to 12 African countries for 2023–2025: Gavi, WHO and UNICEF

GENEVA - Twelve countries across different regions in Africa are set to receive 18 million doses of the first-ever malaria vaccine over the next two years. The roll out is a critical step forward in the fight against one of the leading causes of death on the continent.

The allocations have been determined through the application of the principles outlined in the Framework for allocation of limited malaria vaccine supply that prioritizes those doses to areas of highest need, where the risk of malaria illness and death among children are highest.

Since 2019, Ghana, Kenya and Malawi have been delivering the malaria vaccine through the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP), coordinated by WHO and funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and Unitaid. The RTS,S/AS01 vaccine has been administered to more than 1.7 million children in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi since 2019 and has been shown to be safe and effective, resulting in both a substantial reduction in severe malaria and a fall in child deaths. At least 28 African countries have expressed interest in receiving the malaria vaccine.

In addition to Ghana, Kenya and Malawi, the initial 18 million dose allocation will enable nine more countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone and Uganda, to introduce the vaccine into their routine immunization programmes for the first time. This allocation round makes use of the supply of vaccine doses available to Gavi, Vaccine Alliance via UNICEF. The first doses of the vaccine are expected to arrive in countries during the last quarter of 2023, with countries starting to roll them out by early 2024.

“This vaccine has the potential to be very impactful in the fight against malaria, and when broadly deployed alongside other interventions, it can prevent tens of thousands of future deaths every year,” said Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director of Country Programmes Delivery at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “While we work with manufacturers to help ramp up supply, we need to make sure the doses that we do have are used as effectively as possible, which means applying all the learnings from our pilot programmes as we broaden out to a new total of 12 countries.”

Fake medical info

Seniors need less sleep

Cannabis cures cancer

Malaria remains one of Africa’s deadliest diseases, killing nearly half a million children under the age of 5, and accounting for approximately 95% of global malaria cases and 96% of deaths in 2021.

“Nearly every minute, a child under 5 years old dies of malaria,” said UNICEF Associate Director of Immunization Ephrem T Lemango. “For a long time, these deaths have been preventable and treatable; but the roll-out of this vaccine will give children, especially in Africa, an even better chance at surviving. As supply increases, we hope even more children can benefit from this life-saving advancement.”

“The malaria vaccine is a breakthrough to improve child health and child survival; and families and communities, rightly, want this vaccine for their children. This first allocation of malaria vaccine doses is prioritised for children at highest risk of dying of malaria,” said Dr Kate O’Brien, WHO Director of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals. “The high demand for the vaccine and the strong reach of childhood immunisation will increase equity in access to malaria prevention and save many young lives. We will work tirelessly to increase supply until all children at risk have access.”

Heart of Hope

Studies show that seniors need the same amount of sleep as other adults (7-9 hours each night), although they tend to wake up earlier because they go to sleep earlier. A restful sleep is essential to health. Those with impaired sleep might need a Sleep Study to rule in or out Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which could effectively be managed with the use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device, the gold standard of care for OSA. Untreated, OSA could lead to a host of illnesses, like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and even cancer. Hence, endangering longevity.

Kissing pets is safe

Kissing pets or allowing pets to kiss you is dangerous. Pets lick their anus and their saliva could have various bugs like Salmonella, E. Coli, Clostridia and Campylobacteria which could cause intestinal diseases in humans. People getting ill from licking (with) their pets results from oral contact with fecal residue in the pets’ mouth. Obviously, allowing pets to lick your face is also unhealthy.

Shrimp-Vit C combo poisonous

Social media posts claiming eating shrimp and taking Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) leads to arsenic poisoning are false. This fake news, like countless others in social media, are irresponsible disinformation that could hurt people. The great potential of social media in benefiting mankind as a whole is there to be harnessed. Let’s all use this modern venue of social interaction to make our world, and our life, everyone’s life, better.

COVID-19

is a hoax

The one who posted this in social media must have been under the influence of a mind-altering condition called stupidity! Other claims that exploded in social media included the following: Vaccines caused infertility; COVID-19 was caused by 5G technology; the vaccines kill more people than they saved; masks activate the coronary virus; hydrochloroquine was effective against the virus; dangerous short-cut was taken in the development of the mRNA vaccines, and many others.

Claims that cannabis cures cancer abound but scientific evidence points to the contrary. Cannabis does not cure cancer. Cannabis contains about 540 chemical substances. The name “marijuana” refers to parts of cannabis that contains tetrahydro cannabinol (THC). Cannabidiol (CBD) compound is found in marijuana. None of these compounds cure cancer. Some studies even showed that THC may not be effective as a neuro-pain killer either.

Vaccines kill

False. Vaccines in general, and COVID-19 vaccines in particular, do not cause deaths, contrary to some fake news. Fact-checking it, via SciCheck Digest and now available scientific data, reveals this: “Pre-school vaccines and other required vaccines have saved billions of lives over the past several decades. COVID-19 vaccines, which have also saved billions, significantly reduced the risk of dying from SARS-CoV2 virus. Most of the deaths occurred before the vaccines were developed. Serious side-effects were rare. Excess deaths among working-age adults in 2021-2022 were driven (caused) by COVID-19 itself and other factors, not vaccination. Faulty logic underlies claims that vaccines caused mass disability and economic harm.” Some people had allergic reactions to the vaccines and successfully treated for them. But there was no evidence that the vaccines directly caused any deaths.

Metformin: a bad drug

French physician Jean Sterne was the first to purse the glucose-lowering effect of metformin for diabetes in 1957. This drug was first approved in Canda in 1972, and subsequently in the USA in 1995, for Type 2 diabetes mellitus. There were more than 93 million prescriptions for metformin in the United States in 2020. This wonder drug has been used effectively for T2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome. There are various brand names for metformin. Besides these, metformin has been found to improve fertility among women having trouble getting pregnant, prevent complications in pregnancy, help control obesity, slow down cognitive decline, prevent age-related illnesses, and aid in slowing aging. Definitely not a bad drug!

Ginger better than chemo

Only malicious ill-intentioned mind could spread such dangerous falsehood in a any media, vic-

timizing suffering cancer patients on chemo, confusing them to opt for ginger instead of chemo. That is criminal! Other items touted as “better than chemo” are papaya leaf juice, okra, herbs, thyme, jasmine, etc. This could deprive an unsuspecting patient the possible benefits from chemo. While the freedom of speech is sacred and must be preserved for all, the First Amendment was not established to help promote lies and disinformation. There ought to be a law against purveyors of falsehood to hold them accountable and liable, and enforced to its fullest!

One cigarette a day is safe

A poison, no matter how minimal, is still a poison. One stick of cigarette a day will have the same harmful effects on the throat, lungs, and cardiovascular system. It might take the damage longer time to develop but it is guaranteed to cause the injury, eventually. If one is able to reduce this unhealthy (potentially deadly) habit to one stick a day, totally abstaining from smoking is evidently achievable.

Marijuana is not addictive

Against conventional wisdom, marijuana is addictive. As the tolerance to the substance becomes more intense, the amount required to feel the effect increases. There are many hooked on marijuana who find it hard to quit. The best is obviously not to start the unhealthy use of the drug for recreational purposes at all. Use of marijuana increases the risk for memory illness, stroke, heart and diseases, anxiety, paranoia, depression. Some of the health benefits of quitting marijuana are: Improvement in respiratory health; improved mental clarity and greater cognitive function; lesser vulnerability to mental health issues; better cardiac health; better relationship with family and friends.

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

PHILIP S. CHUA

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

By TIM PEDROSA FOCUSING ON OUR GOAL

Within you is the power to rise above any situation or struggle and transform into the brightest, strongest version of you ever! Let us never give up on something we really want; be patient, everything comes to us at the right moment. When we are strong enough to let go, and patient enough to wait for what we deserve, we get what we want. I have fallen, cried, been angry, unfairly treated and manipulated by some people and was afraid many times in my journey we call life; but even when I was hurting, even when I was desperate; I always found a way to keep going with determination and focused to my goal.

We should never give up because of one bad chapter in our life. We must keep going; our story does not end there. Sometimes we have to go through the worst to get the best. Sometimes we have to give time some time. Patience is not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting. Positivity, confidence and persistence are keys in life , so never give up on yourself – Khalid.

My past has not defined me, destroyed me, deterred me, nor defeated me. What I have gone through in life has not discouraged me but only strengthened my faith and my determination to keep pursuing a decent and comfortable life. I have learned that struggling and suffering are the essence of a life worth living. If we are not pushing ourselves beyond the comfort zone, if we are not demanding more from ourselves, expanding and learning as we go; we are choosing a numb existence. There is no substitute for hard work. Never give up. Never stop believing. Never stop fighting – Hope Hicks.

Our life is not meant to be lived in constant sorrow. If we stick to what is good, what is true, honest and what is real at any cost, I can assure you, we will always prevail. Most likely, we will realize our dream. I have learned to always be true to myself, yet always be open to learn; to work hard, and never give up on my dreams even when nobody else believes that they can come true but me. I believe these are real tools we need not matter what we do in life to stay focused on our goal.

Everyone has sadness and struggles with hardship and pain but we grow in wisdom and strength as we fight to maintain our sanity. So let us smile and recognize our courage, strength and talents that we can meet every challenge in our life. Perhaps we can learn from the butterfly, we can go through a great deal of struggle and darkness and yet become something beautiful. Don’t quit before the miracle happens. Never give up, be confident in what you do. There may be tough times but the difficulties which you face will make you more determined to achieve your objectives and to win against all odds – Marta Tough

The Mute Speaks

Being mute is a privation of speech; the person cannot speak with sounding words. They communicate by signs. As privation; they can, therefore, speak if they have been given the gift of speech. It was not their choice to be mute, but they are deprived of their ability to speak, to say words, to speak as we can speak. There are passages in the Bible about our Lord healing mute persons: in Mark 9: 14 – 29, a youth was possessed by a mute spirit; in consequence too, he was unable speak aside from other things that he was suff ering from; in Matthew 9: 32- 33, a possessed man who also was mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, then, he spoke. The crowed awed by the miracle said, “nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” Integrally part of Jesus’ mission of salvation is the healing of the mute, see Mt. 15: 30-31; “… they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorifi ed the god of Israel.” Being mute bodily can be an image as well of being morally or spiritually mute. Dear reader, in what way you are mute about? What deprives you of speaking the truth or just to talk about?

In many ways in our time, you and I can be mute. Some external forces, others internal to us, prohibit us to speak, they make us mute. In the passages mentioned above, the demon possessing the person makes him mute; the devil does not want us to speak. If we use our power to speak in the way of goodness and truth, speaking can be our ally against the evil one; and thus, it does not want us to speak. Not speaking can hide the truth, and the devil being a deceiver, it does not want the truth to be told. Whenever we hide the truth, especially in situations that require us to speak of it; then, we are being mute by the evil one. When we lie; then, the enemy is our inner-me, that we ourselves have decided to tell the lie rather than the truth. By faith, we are commissioned to be bearers of Christ’s teachings, and so we can teach others by our actions and by our words. Failing to speak when the situation demands that we speak is being mute.

Whenever we do not pray, when we do not give praise, adoration, and worship God as we should; then, we choose to be mute. In prayer, we can pray silently. But there are oral prayers too that we should do; therefore, use our mouth. In the Holy Mass, we us e our mouth to sing, to give responses, we join others in prayer. If we prefer to be silent; then, we have chosen to be mute before God, and that would not be an act of honor to Him but an honor to oursel ves by deciding to be silent when we should rather use our speech. Moreover, when we cannot say good words to others, we choose to criticize rather than affi rm; then, we are mute also. When we decide to use bad words rather than uplifting words, this also is a form of being mute, for such action cripples the goodness of relationship by the use of our mouth. The world we live in is fi lled with trash talks and trash talkers, why not rather prefer all of us together to fi ll the world with good talks, and good and truthful talkers? Let us proclaim the goodness of the Lord; yes, we do so by our behavior, but let us not forget as well that it can be done by speaking out, by proclaiming that the Lord is good indeed always. When we fail to do so, we are mute, and we let the world drown in the many voices and noise that are ungodly.

Let us ask the Lord Jesus to heal our moral muteness and spiritual dumbness; that we may have the courage always to speak the truth and to say good and uplifting words. We may never hesitate to sing praises and oral prayers to the Lord God. Our mouth with its vocal faculty is a gift, such a gift must be used as God intended it for His glory. When we attend Holy Mass, participate actively, sing when there is singing, respond to prayer responses, pray with the community. The God-given mouth and voice are not for one’s own purposes only, it is especially also to be used for the service and love of God. Let us never be mute but able to speak whatever will give highest honor and glory to God. Amen.

REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD

Recipe of the Week

Pinoy Roast Pork, Tocino Style

Pinoy Roast Pork, Tocino Style is the New Year special, it is another innovative dish that is uniquely Pinoy. Roast Pork is commonly serve in special occasions including the Christmas Season .i

To prepare the skinned pork roast, slit cut the fats in diagonal patterns about half an inch diamonds. Then rub with a mixture of salt, sugar, garlic powder and paprika powder and let marinate for at least a day or longer the better.

Baking it the usual temperature and timing, except that the pork roast has to be placed in the baking dish upside down and including the marinade during the first half of roasting. It is then flip over and continue to roast with occasional basting using the drips from the roasting pork. During the final stage of roasting the dripping is collected then thickened by boiling out the excess liquid. The reduced sauce is then use as glazing for the roast and used as sauce for the final product. Do not worry about internal temperature, Pinoys want their meat properly cooked so stick to the roasting times. The roast pork has to be set aside covered with aluminium foil to rest, this is to ensure that the roast pork is well cooked inside out.

To conclude the slits on the fat outer covering was essential for the marinade to penetrate the meat. It would have been better if the pork was left to marinate for a couple of days to reach to the center, but the reserve sauce dip will compensate it. Alternately during the last roasting stage the pork roast is sliced then individually applied with the glaze and continue to roast till done.

Ingredients:

1 kilo Pork Loin Roast, about 4 ribs rack

1 cup white sugar

1 tbsp. salt

2 tbsp. garlic powder

1-2 tbsp. paprika powder

To serve:

garlic fried rice

sunny side up fried eggs

Cooking procedure:

Remove the skin of the pork roast leaving most of the fat. Make diagonal crisscross slit cuts on the outer fat covering the size of 1/2 inch diamonds and deep enough to penetrate the meat and keep aside. In bowl mix the salt, sugar, garlic powder and paprika powder. Rub and coat the pork roast with the sugar mixture. Place the coated pork roast in a thermo glass loaf baking dish including the remaining sugar mixture, cover and place in the refrigerator and let marinate for at least 1day, occasionally turning over the pork roast for even marination.

Pre-heat oven to 300ᵒF to 325ᵒF, take the pork roast out in the refrigerator and let stand outside till the temperature has increased to outside temperature. Ensure that the pork roast in the baking dish is positioned upside down and the fat and meat are facing the bottom of the baking dish, submerged with the marinade. Cover and seal the baking dish with aluminium foil and place in the rack at the middle of the oven and let bake for about 1 hour at 300ᵒF to 325ᵒF. Now remove the roasting pork from the oven and transfer in a larger baking dish, reserve the drippings, this time place the pork roast with the fats and meats facing up and the ribs facing the bottom of the baking dish. Return to the oven and roast for about 20 to 30 minutes at 350ᵒF to 375ᵒF monitoring the temperature, decrease the temperature as necessary. In the meantime using a small saucepan reduce the reserved drippings to a syrupy consistency. Using the syrup baste the roasting pork about halfway then again on the last 2 to 3 minutes of roasting increasing the temperature to about 400ᵒF, this will result a glazed and seared effect on the fats. When done remove from the oven and cover with aluminium foil and let stand for about 10 minutes to rest. To serve slice individual ribs, arrange in a platter with garlic fried rice and fried egg. And pour over a couple of tablespoon of the syrup.

Sagada reopens natural caves for tourists

SAGADA, Mt. Province – “Revenge tourists” or travelers whose trips have been held back by lockdowns due to the pandemic can finally marvel anew at the splendor of Sagada’s famous natural caves after the town swung open its doors.

Municipal tourism officer Maria Teresa Abad urged tourists to register online via https://umali-kayo. sagada.gov.ph/views/pages/tourist/ accommodations.php to generate a quick response (QR) code, which will be required at the border checkpoint upon entering the Sagada-Dantay Road from the national highway.

“We are now open. We have allowed two bus lines to transport tourists and locals from Baguio City,” she said in a PNA report.

Abad said women who are in charge of the border checkpoint will also require tourists to be fully vaccinated and must show their vaccination cards, before being allowed to enter the place.

GL Trans and Coda Lines, which have scheduled daily trips, can ac-

commodate fully vaccinated tourists. Abad, however, clarified that for now, only the Sumaguing Cave, Lumiang Cave, and the Balangagan Cave have been opened to tourists for trekking.

She said the other destinations, meanwhile, are undergoing rehabilitation and thus are still closed to the public.

Abad, however, clarified that for now, only the Sumaguing Cave, Lumiang Cave, and the Balangagan Cave have been opened to tourists for trekking.

She said the other destinations, meanwhile, are undergoing rehabilitation and thus are still closed to the public.

Abad said the local government made sure all establishments and tour guides were ready to take in tourists again before the decision to reopen the town was made.

Sagada, which continues to maintain its serene environment, has become a popular tourist destination, especially among foreigners.