PNEWS 8.17-8.23,2023

HOUSE EXPELS REP. TEVES FOR DISORDERLY CONDUCT

Negros solon earlier declared terrorist, charged with murder

By ALFRED GABOT Editor in Chief

QUEZON CITY — Five months after the March 4 massacre of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Dagumo and nine others in his family compound while Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. was supposedly on official travel in the United States, the Negros lawmaker, after suspension, finally was expelled last Wednesday by the House of Representatives.

Page 9

Filipinos prepare for heat despite living in ‘cooler’ SanFo Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO - As Californians brace for another excessive these summer months that in the previous years were punctuated by catastrophic forest fires, San Francisco Bay Area Filipino Americans learned a lot from

the past experiences and are doing their own shares of preparation although many of them live in more comfortable weather living in cities by the bay. And even if they have not really experienced in the Bay

By Jun Nucum

SACRAMENTO - The erstwhile Filipino longest serving two-decade mayor of West Sacramento has a lot of confi dence going to the race for a juicy spot as California State Senator as he accumulated

By Gilda P. Balan, Correspondent

SACRAMENTO -- Blasian is a newly-coined word which is a combination of Black and Asian.

Blacks AKA African-Americans along with Asians and Asian-Americans have been the target of hate crimes for the longest time, but attacks on both communities went into overdrive during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, there is a move to bring Blasians together to end the hate crimes against them.

In the traditionally Black neighborhood of Oak Park in Sacramento, over 120 people attended the first Blasian March, considered as a solidarity-building event that began in New York City in 2020, which later expanded to Los Angeles and Chicago.

The marchers chanted

Blasians on the march to stop hate California

By Claire Morales True

SACRAMENTO - California has deployed 201 specialized personnel, 25 vehicles, and more resources to help Hawaii and Oregon amidst devastating wildfires.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deploy-

Scores of Filipinos missing in Maui fire P6

PHL debt seen rising to over P15 trillion P3

Can you naturalize if your green card has expired?

John Lloyd Cruz is best actor in Switzerland festival $1.00= P56.76

All set for PHL hosting of FIBA basketball games

Daly City Vice Mayor Juslyn Manalo Daly City Council Member Rod DauzMagbual

Three-term Milpitas City Mayor Joe Esteves Angel Sangalang, Filipino community leader and founder

Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr.

Christopher Cabaldon

Governor Newsom directed Cal OES to deploy five firefigh�ng strike teams to provide addi�onal capacity as firefighters ba�le the Lookout and Bedrock fires.

Rep. Teves charged for 3 more Negros Oriental killings in 2019

MANILA — State prosecutors said they have found sufficient evidence and then filed murder charges against Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. in connection with three killings in Negros Oriental in 2019.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the cases were filed before a Negros Oriental court and the DOJ will later move for its transfer to a Manila court.

This stemmed from a complaint lodged in April by the family of the three victims, who were killed on different occasions. They were Michael Dungog, a former board member of the Third District of Negros Oriental; Lester Bato, a bodyguard for a mayoralty candidate in the same province; and Pacito Libron, an alleged

hitman linked to Teves.

“After a comprehensive evaluation of the complaint and the presented evidence, the investigating panel of prosecutors determined that the evidence is sufficient to substantiate charges of three counts of murder,” the DOJ said in a separate release.

Besides Teves, six other individuals linked to him were named respondents in the complaint, including Gemuel Hobro whom the government said confessed to the crimes.

The DOJ said Hobro’s extrajudicial confession became the foundation of the complaint. He also reaffirmed his statements during the preliminary probe on

May 4 and was “conditionally admitted” into the witness protection program due to concerns for his safety and that of his family, the department added.

“Hobro’s confession implicates him as part of a group hired by Congressman Teves to carry out the aforementioned murders, shedding light on the motives driving these actions. Hobro asserts his presence during all three incidents and identifies the individuals responsible,” the DOJ statede.

“His connections to Congressman Teves and the co-respondents are firmly established through evidence, confirming the political and personal motivations behind the murders,” it added.

The DOJ said that instead, the lawmak-

er — whose whereabouts remain unknown — filed motions to dismiss, along with one other suspect, through their respective legal representatives.

This latest development on Teves came over a week after the Anti-Terrorism Council designated him as a terrorist and leader of an alleged armed group.

The congressman has also been tagged as the mastermind in the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo in March this year.

Teves has repeatedly denied the allegations against him, claiming they were fabricated and a form of “political persecution.”

AFP set to deploy more vessels, aircraft for West Philippine Sea patrols

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) plans to deploy more ships and aircraft to guard and secure the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“Yes, definitely we have plans to deploy more ships and more even yung mga aircraft natin para mabantayan natin yung ating exclusive economic zone. So hindi lang yung pagbantay dito but we really have to establish our presence in the area,” AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said at the Western Command (Wescom) headquarters in Palawan last week.

This came after Wescom reported that as of Aug. 9, about 400 foreign vessels were detected in the country’s EEZ.

Brawner also said they are looking at tapping reservists for sea duty to help protect the country’s vast waters and this is part of their plan to develop the Reserve Force.

He added that they are eyeing Filipino fisherfolk who could be trained to do their part in defending the country.

Brawner said this proposal is in the implementation stage and the AFP is waiting “for the platforms or the vessels that they are going to use.”

Asked about the timeline for this measure, he said this would depend on the availability of funds.

Brawner said they would also request additional funding from Congress to improve facilities and beef up their presence in the WPS.

Wescom commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos,

meanwhile, said the report on the number of foreign vessels detected in the area was based on their latest monitoring on Aug. 9.

Carlos said only half of the intended supplies for the troops at the BRP Sierra Madre reached the destination due to one of the civilian vessels being drenched.

“We need to do another run before the supplies run out in LS 57. We’re going to do that again in two weeks’ time. Earliest next week, hopefully, but definitely before the supplies run out,” he said.

Carlos expressed hope for a smoother and safer journey during the upcoming rotation and resupply mission, wishing for no further incidents.

“It is our prayer that there will be no more water cannon incidents and less aggressive reception from the other side, especially because of the international attention that this incident generated,” he said.

Carlos estimated that 85 percent of the 400 vessels are “Chinese” and that 191 of them are in the vicinity of Mischief Reef, also known as Panganiban Reef.

Mischief Reef is about 134 nautical miles away from Palawan.

“Our suspicion is that they’re militia vessels taking orders from the China Coast Guard (CCG). The incident last weekend suggests that our suspicion might be true. How to confirm that – we’re still working on that one,” Carlos said.

On Aug. 5, about 12 Chinese militia ships were spotted along with six CCG ships that blocked and fired water cannons at Filipino supply boats headed for the Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal.

INTENSIFIED PATROLS. Wescom commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos (le�) and AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

Philippines’ debt seen rising to P15.8 trillion in 2024

MANILA - The coun- try’s outstanding debt is expected to increase to P15.8 trillion in 2024, according to National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon.

De Leon made the disclosure when Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III asked about the projected level of debt by the end of the coming year.

“In 2024 po, ang aming projection of outstanding debt would be P15.8 trillion,” De Leon said as GMA News reported at the economic managers’ briefing on the 2024 National Expenditure Program before the Senate Committee on Finance.

De Leon said the government had set aside P1.9 trillion for debt principal and interest payments for 2024, with P1.2 trillion designated for the payment of the principal debt and P670.5 billion for interest payments.

Pimentel asked why economic managers had yet to be bothered by the “ballooning debt.”

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Makati-Taguig row intensifies, DILG chief Abalos steps in

Jeanne Michael Penaranda

CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – The row of Makati City and Taguig City is getting deeper following the Supreme Court ruling declaring Fort Bonifacio Global City and the “embo” barangays as part of Taguig City.

Due to the High Court ruling, several schools, including the University of Makati, and the Ospital ng Makati which were built and managed of the Makati city government for many years, will now be administered by the Taguig City government.

Residents of the former Makati territory are also concerned about losing many benefits which they once enjoyed in Makati.

To ease the tension between the two cities, Department of the Interior and Local Government called on the local governments of Makati and Taguig to ensure the smooth delivery of services while fixing issues arising from their territorial row.

“Ang issue kasi rito is Number 1, dapat

yung mga tao tuloy tuloy ang serbisyo. Hindi dapat sila maapektuhan, yun ang importante sa lahat. Hindi dapat, because of this SC (Supreme Court) decision hindi dapat sila maapektuhan dito sa eskwelahan, sa ospital, yung serbisyo tuloy tuloy (The issue here is No. 1, the services that people should not be interrupted. The people should not be made to suffer and that’s paramount. The SC decision should not affect schools, hospitals and services must be uniterrpted),” Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said in a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Abalos said he already talked with Makati Mayor Abigail Binay and Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano on the matter, noting that the two sides are now coming up with ways to settle these issues amicably.

The DILG chief also said this should also apply to health facilities and other equipment that are located in the EMBO (Enlisted Men’s Barrio) barangays that would be transferred to Taguig’s jurisdiction.

This came after the two cities traded barbs over the control of the 14 public schools located in villages that would be transferred to Taguig’s jurisdiction in compliance with the ruling of the Supreme Court.

These include reported PNA’s Christopher Lloyd Caliwan the Makati Science High School, Comembo Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Pembo Elementary School, Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino High School, Tibagan High School, Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, Fort Bonifacio High School, Pitogo Elementary School, Pitogo High School, Cembo Elementary School, East Rembo Elementary School, West Rembo Elementary School and South Cembo Elementary School.

Last week, Makati City Administrator Claro Certeza said the city plans to file criminal and administrative charges against Taguig for its “forcible attempt” to take over these public schools.

Taguig, however, dismissed Certeza’s claims as false and misleading and cited

MAKATI-TAGUIG ROW. Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano (le�); DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (center) and Maka� Mayor Abigail Binay (right)

an Aug. 4 memorandum order from the Department of Education-National Capital Region ordering the transfer of the supervision of these schools from the Division of Makati to the Division of Taguig-Pateros.

On Monday, Cayetano led the kick-off of the “Brigada Eskwela” along with education stakeholders in the schools across the EMBO barangays.

MANILA - A new Pasig River urban development will soon be under way.

This as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has “hit the ground running” after being tapped as head of the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD) by virtue of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order 35.

Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar and other key DHSUD officials have started inspecting key areas along the Pasig River,and subsequently laid out plans on how to implement the President’s order which was signed on July 25.

Acuzar initially checked portions of the historical river in Manila, particularly at the back of the Central Post Office, which is being eyed as pilot area for mixed-use development and tourism spot, and at the Parola Compound in Tondo

for the affected informal settler families (ISFs).

“We already have plans, and we will soon present it to the Office of the President and before the council for approval,” Acuzar said.

The DHSUD said Acuzar has already met with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Romando Artes, vice chair of the IAC-PRUD, to discuss the council’s initial steps to put the order’s provisions into actionable strategies for the member-agencies.

The National Housing Authority will serve as the secretariat.

The IAC-PRUD is tasked primarily to “facilitate and ensure the full rehabilitation of the banks along the Pasig River water system and nearby water systems in order to provide alternative transportation, propel economic opportunities, and boost tourism activities.”

PASIG RIVER URBAN DEV’T. Department of Human Se�lements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar (in white polo) leads other officials in inspec�ng a por�on of the Pasig River behind the Manila Central Post Office on Aug. 11.

Candaba water impounding system eyed to halt floods in Pampanga, Bulacan

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda

CANDABA, Pampanga – Plans are afoot for the construction of 200 hectare water impounding dams in the Candaba swamp to help minimize floodings in Pampanga and Bulacan.

Candaba officials reportedly opposed the proposal but the Climate Change Commission (CCC) said the Candaba impounding facility would become a total water ecosystem resolving massive flooding problems while providing a sustain-

able ecological and environmental hub in Pampanga.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called for the study of the Candaba impounding system as a long-term solution to the lingering problem of massive floods in Central Luzon.

The project was initially proposed by former Department of Public Works and Highways secretary Rogelio Singson in 2013.

However, local officials opposed its construction, citing that more than 9,000

residents and some palay farmers may be affected.

Former Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo expressed support for the administration’s plan to divert flood waters from the province and Bulacan to an impounding area in a portion of the town’s 2,000-hectare swamp.

Pelayo in a statement said the water impounding area will be a long-term solution to the perennial flooding that besets his town as well as several other localities in Pampanga and neighboring Bulacan province.

“When I was a mayor, I already suggested in a regional development council meeting that a ring dike is needed to collect the rainwater. I’m with the President on this matter. This could also be beneficial for aquaculture, irrigation for farmers, and tourism as well,” he said.

In a statement, CCC Commissioner Albert dela Cruz Sr. noted the construction of the impounding system in the municipality’s swampy area “will not disrupt the livelihood and affect the well-being of the locals.”

Mayon-affected towns postpone festival celebrations

LEGAZPI CITY – Celebration of festivals in two Mayon-affected towns in Albay province have been postponed due to the volcano’s continuous effusive eruption.

Honey Beth Majadillas, Daraga information officer, said organizers of the Daraga Town Fiesta in honor of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria, scheduled on Sept. 8, have decided to defer the celebration.

“Lahat po ng activities cancelled po and ipo-focus po muna sa Arangkada Banwa Caravan (ABC) services (All activities have been cancelled and the focus will be on Arangkada Banwa Caravan services),” Majadillas said.

She said the ABC, which is the town’s vision of moving forward, provides not just health services but also basic services to the people.

“Scheduled every Friday, two barangays (villages) receive all the services of every department of our LGU, even police clearance applications. We started last Aug. 4 for Barangay Villahermosa and Mayon. Now, the ABC is in Barangay Inarado and Alobo,” she said.

Majadillas said the ABC is being eyed to provide basic services year round.

In a statement, Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo said that aside from the safety of the

public, the ABC funds will also be used for Mayon-related operations that cover 3,385 individuals, or 950 families, from four affected villages and who are currently sheltered in six evacuation centers.

“Muya ta man po na gibun gilayon na makolor dangan maogma an pag-selebrar ta san fiesta, pero sa ngana mas kaypwan ta nganay masyerto an seguridad dangan karayan san satun na mga kaemanwa lalo na po an mga apektado san padagos na pag-alburuto san Bulkang Mayon (We want to make sure that the celebration of the fiesta will be colorful and pleasant, but for now we want to make sure the safety

and well-being of our people, especially those affected by the ongoing eruption of the Mayon Volcano),” he said.

He said religious activities will continue and will be supported by the local government.

In an earlier announcement, Guinobatan Mayor Paul Chino Garcia also postponed the celebration of the Longganisa Festival, citing the ongoing Mayon unrest.

“In the meantime, we postponed the Longganisa Festival because of our evacuees and the Mayon Volcano’s unrest,” he said.

No Filipino hurt in big Maui fire, 50 teachers are safe, says -DFA

HONOLULU/PASAY CITY – No

Filipino was hurt in the devastating wildfires on the island of Maui, Hawaii where more than 90 people perished.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), citing official information from Hawaii and State Department authorities, through DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said no Filipino casualty has so far been reported.

Around 50 Filipinos teaching in Hawaii were among the thousands of individuals who were able to flee from the deadly wildfires that struck the island of Maui, said DFA Assistant Secretary Raymund Paul Cortes.

Cortes said these nationals are J-1 visa holders and are in Hawaii under the United States government’s exchange visitor program, where they were hired as teachers by the Hawaii State Department of Education for two to three years.

Cortes said these teachers have “marked themselves as safe” and are now being housed at a shelter provided by the local authorities.

“These 50 J-1 visa holders who are only temporarily staying in the US will get aid and some financial assistance from the Philippine government through our Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu,” Cortes said in a Laging Handa briefing.

Citing the 2020 US state census, Cortes said there are about 388,000 individuals in Hawaii who identify themselves as Filipino or part-Filipino.

Of this number, about 200,000 have parents who are both Filipinos but only 16 percent are Philippine passport holders.

“The likelihood na may (that there is) Filipino ancestry na naapektuhan ng (who was affected by the) wildfire in Lahaina (town) is very high but the likelihood that there are Philippine passport

holders is very minimal,” he said.

The DFA said it is ready to help Filipinos affected by the Maui wildfires.

“There are less than two thousand Filipino citizens in Maui. In case any of these Filipino citizens require medical or financial assistance funding, we at DFA are ready to authorize the Consulate to distribute the funds,” Undersecretary De Vega said.

De Vega said no repatriation is expected as those affected are permanent residents of Hawaii.

“We are just verifying that there are no Filipino casualties or among (those) missing,” he added.

In an interview with CNN Philippines, Kit Zulueta Furukawa, director of the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce, said there are no official reports on how many Filipinos were affected by the wildfires.

She added that Filipinos are the second largest ethnic group in the island. Furukawa said their group has established a bayanihan fund for economic recovery efforts after the fire.

Latest reports say at least 93 people have died from the wildfires.

“[W]alang foreign nationals na reported affected kasama ang mga Pilipino (There are no foreign nationals affected, including Filipinos),” he said

“Remember ang mga Pilipino nagtatrabaho sa mga main cities, forest fire iyon, so we are monitoring the situation (Remember that most Filipinos are working in the main cities, that is a forest fire, so we are monitoring the situation),” he added.

Hawaii authorities said around 1,000 people are still unaccounted for.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green, meanwhile, said the blazes are likely the “largest natural disaster” in the state’s history.

Marcos, VP Sara gird for classes opening, assure repair of Egay-hit schools

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Vice President Sara Z. Duterte have reassured that the national government is already dealing with the repairs of damaged schools hit by Typhoon Egay in July.

Admitting that not all school repairs will make it in time for the Aug. 29 class opening, President Marcos said the government’s school-building program will continue.

“Hindi pa lahat. Kasi nung tumama yung bagyo, sabi namin anong magagawa natin sa isang buwan? So far, basta kung ano yung kaya nating gawin together with our LGUs [local government units], ginagawa lahat para maayos natin yung mga nasira (Not all [will be immediately repaired],” Marcos said in an ambush interview during his visit and inspection of the ongoing “Brigada Eskwela” of Victorino Mapa High School in San Miguel, Manila.

Duterte assured that if the repairs will not be finished by school opening, blended learning classes will be automatically carried out.

“’Yung mga tinamaan ng bagyong Egay, sila po ‘yung priority natin sa budget po natin for repairs this year. Pero

kung hindi po umabot ‘yung repairs nila by August 29, immediately po i-implement ng ating mga paaralan ‘yung blended learning program natin dahil wala na pong learning disruption ang direksyon

ng Department of Education Lagi pong ,” Duterte said.

“So, tuloy-tuloy ang pag-aaral kahit merong problema sa (So, classes will continue even if there are problems in

the) classroom,” she added.

The DepEd reported last month that Typhoon Egay and the southwest monsoon damaged 169 public schools in the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, and Eastern Visayas.

The agency estimates that the cost of reconstruction and rehabilitation would reach PHP810 million.

Some 68 schools in the regions of Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Western Visayas and Cordillera were also used as evacuation centers.

In a previous statement, Duterte said DepEd has allocated P15.6 billion for new construction of “more resilient schools and classrooms.”

President Marcos said the national government is currently studying when is the best time to start classes, considering the extreme weather conditions.

Marcos also turned over P1 million worth of financial assistance with paints and other cleaning materials to support the “Brigada Eskwela” volunteer maintenance works of Victorino Mapa High School.

BRIGADA ESKWELA. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (le�) and Vice President and Department of Educa�on Secretary Sara Z. Duterte paint chairs as part of the “Brigada Eskwela” volunteer maintenance week at Victorino Mapa High School. (Rolando Mailo/NIB-PNA)

Build civilian structure on Ayungin Shoal - ex-SC justice

Both Mischief Reef and Ayungin Shoal are within the country’s EEZ and continental shelf as affirmed by the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016.

China occupied Mischief Reef in 1995 and has since fortified it, making the Philippines the only country with a “Chinese base, with a port, airfield, and anti-ship missiles in its EEZ,” said security expert Ray Powell in a separate interview.

Carpio said the country could send bigger Philippine Coast Guard vessels during resupply missions and tap partners for joint patrols.

BUILD CIVILIAN STRUCTURES. Re�red Supreme Court Associate Jus�ce Antonio Carpio said Manila can construct a civilian structure on Ayungin

MANILA – Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio recommended constructing a lighthouse or a civilian structure to further assert the Philippines’ rights over Ayungin Shoal in light of recent developments in the area.

Carpio said Manila can construct a civilian structure on Ayungin since the feature is located well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“[W]hat we should do is to put up a civilian lighthouse on Ayungin Shoal, send resupply ships there, send construction materials, and if China stops it, then we can go to the Tribunal. This is a civilian activity, it’s now covered,” he said in an interview in Makati City. “We have the exclusive right to put up any structure that we want within our exclusive economic zone and the lighthouse is good for navigations. Good for everybody.”

In a Stratbase ADR Institute forum in Makati City, Carpio said Ayungin Shoal is one of the possible flashpoints where Beijing is “most likely to use” its new Coast Guard Law that authorizes the Chinese Coast Guard “to use all necessary measures including the use of weapons” to enforce its claims in the South China Sea.

Carpio posited that China seeks “to seize Ayungin Shoal from the Philippines” due to its proximity to Mischief Reef or Panganiban Reef, among others.

“For the longest time China has been trying to force the Philippines to abandon Ayungin Shoal. China continues to do so today as seen by recent events last week when a Chinese coast guard vessel water cannoned a Philippine resupply ship to Ayungin Shoal,” he said.

Warning out vs increasing heat waves in coming months

MANILA – The Commission on Climate Change (CCC) warned the public to prepare for increasing heat waves in the coming months that could cause drought and water shortages despite rains due to southwest monsoon and localized thunderstorms.

In a statement, CCC Commissioner Albert dela Cruz Sr. said dry spells would come despite heavy rains drenching parts of the country.

Citing data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), dela Cruz said the state weather bureau has declared the occurrence of El Niño in the Tropical Pacific after the Oceanic Niño Index recorded 0.5°C in April, May and June.

Moreover, Apayao, Cagayan and Kalinga are already experiencing drought based on the 60 percent reduction in the expected rainfall in these areas.

Dry conditions were also experienced in Isabela and Tarlac.

Dela Cruz also cautioned the public over prolonged rainfall and eventual flash floods that could disrupt daily routines and affect the prices of prime commodities.

“[One is] send bigger ships. Two, if China still persists, then we have joint patrols,” he said.

Stratbase ADR Institute President Dindo Manhit, meanwhile, said the Philippines should not be deterred from sending supplies to Ayungin.

Last Aug. 5, the Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia vessels blocked and water-cannoned Philippine military commissioned boats conducting a regular rotation and resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal.

The blocking and water cannoning incident lasted for over an hour.

Filipinos.. (From page 1)

Area the horrifying experience of forest fires, Filipino Americans nevertheless are very much aware of the dramatic change in the weather and are not taking a chance as sad impact of climate change makes it alarming presence felt in many countries in the world.

This has got to be expected especially since that in fact, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information, temperatures in California have risen almost 3°F since the beginning of the 20th century and in the 126-year period of record (1895–2020), the six warmest years have all occurred since 2014 (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020).

But no way has the hottest temperatures been unique to California or even in the whole United States either.

In fact, July 20 2023, or almost a month ago marked, the 17th straight day with global temperatures hotter than any prior days on record, have recorded surface air temperatures greater than 17°C (62.6°F) — spikes that have not been seen for roughly 125,000 years and the record may be broken again and again as the days go on.

Among those concerned that climate change has got a lot to do with the prevailing weather these days is

Daly City Council Member Rod DauzMagbual who thinks that Filipinos in Daly City (a city with more than 1/3 Filipino population) are affected by climate change, but being in their specific microclimate in the Bay Area, their weather is typically foggy.

“Based on experience visiting family in southern California, staying indoors, in air condition is available, and hydrating has been key. There were extended times where I did not have the privilege of having AC, but hydration was essential. Also using dry fit clothing to reduce sweat away from the body,” Magbual shared. “I think many Filipinos have utilize practices of multiple showers in a day or taking a dip at the nearby beach, but hydration has been critical.

Magbual added that although Daly City has a unique microclimate than the rest of the country, they must understand that they do not live in isolation and all connected in terms of nature, pollution, and we must do our part to work together in addressing the environment.

Having a microclimate is what another Daly City Council Member Vice Mayor Juslyn Manalo seconded stressing that the safety of their community in Daly City is always important as they move into the weather in the Bay Area that is hotter than usual.

“Since we have a microclimate unlike others, it can be extremely hot in other parts of the Bay Area, and we are 15-20 degrees cooler.

Manalo reminded everyone to pay attention to the heat, and do not wait until you are

Confusion...(From page 1)

thirsty to drink more fluids, wear loose fitting and lightweight clothing with drinking cold fluids and avoiding alcoholic drinks that can make you more dehydrated.

Like a mother that she is, Manalo also warned against signs heat stroke like confusion and disorientation, muscle cramps, dilated or constricted pupils and headaches, nausea or vomiting.

Three-term Filipino Mayor of Milpitas City Joe Esteves, for his part, believes that the heat definitely influences the kind of activities Filipinos do. With some preferring to just stay home especially from noon to late afternoon when sun has scorching heat.

Some families take this opportunity to go to parks and resorts while some ladies go shopping in cool malls and for those doing gardening, they are busy watering their plants before the plants dry up. A few go to shorelines for colder air.

“Many families I know are aware that we need to drink a lot of water more frequently during heat period. And at these times of heat on work places, I believe that there should be some leniency, like rescheduling of work hours, for employees working under the sun during heat waves,” Esteves opined.

“All should find ways to stay cool and hydrated even by just staying under huge tree canopies. Minimize working during extreme heat…work earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon,” exhorts Esteves.

It is also advisable that if any cooling center seemed too crowded, people should consider others nearby for safety especially when there medical concerns of occupants infecting one another of disease and/or illnesses.

Angel Sangalang, another Filipino community leader and founder of Bayanihan FilAm Foundation of San Jose assured that even the vulnerable elders among are ok and keep themselves informed and stay indoors during heatwaves.

“I live in an apartment for seniors. There are about three dozen FilAm residents. We have a chat room (Barangay Fuji Private) and support each other’s needs. We adopt a “buddy” system (or floor team) especially for emergencies and keeping tab of each other,” imparted Sangalang. “So far, we all keep ourselves cool. In fact we regularly have our halo-halo session that we immensely enjoy. I bought an ice shaver for our own use.”

Halo-halo or literally mix-mix in English is an iconic Filipino shaved ice dessert that’s assembled in a tall glass and mixed by the diner with a long-handled spoon. Each creamy and refreshing bite is packed with flavors and textures due to a myriad of add-ins, like crunchy toasted pinipig (pounded young rice), soft sweetened Saba bananas (sweet plantain), and chewy nata de coco (coconut jelly). Adding jackfruit in syrup

extends the fruits’ shelf life and the flavorful syrups can be used for other purposes. Using shaved ice allows for easier mixing and eating, guaranteeing a dispersal of flavors and textures throughout the halo-halo.

Special Day Class teacher of Glankler Early Learning Center FUSD (Fremont Unified School District) Jackie Metica-Crawford who provides educational programs to students with identified disabilities disclosed that their principal will send email right away that all outdoor recess are suspended when extreme heat hits Fremont,

“Our school has an indoor playground. We follow a schedule so that there will be only 2 classes in the indoor playground. As a teacher, I send email to my parents informing them to dress their children appropriately and I turn off some of the lights while in the classroom,” Crawford revealed.

Crawford also made sure that she has water play ready for her preschoolers with special needs: bubbles, spray bottles, ice painting and others and that the air conditioning unit is on the whole day while encouraging her students to drink.

Chief Business Officer of New Haven School District based in Union City Annette Heldman divulge that on really really severe hot days which are very far and very few in between in their area is that they keep students indoors and remind them to be hydrated.

“And with that we make sure that water fountains and water filling stations at our campuses are working. Luckily, in our area, our weather is so nice that we don’t really have to deal with this as much,” Heldman is grateful. “Our classrooms are all air-conditioned but they may not be 100% working perfectly all the time. And even if something might malfunction we have maintenance department to take care of those things.”

Mother of Elaine Viilasper of a 5th grade 10-year-old and a Kindergarten 5-year-old students feels fortunate to live in Daly City where the climate has been more favorable,

“But we know it is expected to get warmer in the coming month. My children are sensitive to heat and are prone to nose bleeds, so we try to avoid excessive hot climate so we do not take typical vacations to warm climates during the summers, and prefer to do indoor activities (walk around climate-controlled malls, watch movies, etc.),” related Villasper. “We primarily stay in the house during the day when the sun is high, and only leave the house after 4pm when the heat is starting to dissipate just as what we do in Manteca, CA where the temperature rises above 105 degrees in the summer.”

Like in the Philippines before, Villasper and family fill buckets with cool water and let the kids play with the water in the shade.

“We wet towels with cold water to place on

Blasians... (From page 1)

“Asian Lives for Black Lives!” “Black Lives for Asian Lives” and “Black Asian Freedom!” as car drivers honked and business owners waved from their doors in support of the action.

The march last week commemorated 19-year-old Darell Richards of Sacramento, part Black and part Hmong, and who was shot and killed in 2018 by Sacramento Police Department officers while he was suffering a mental health episode.

A federal police misconduct lawsuit filed by the victim’s family ended in a deadlocked jury in November, last year.

As reported by the Sacramento Bee, two FilAms took played active roles in the march.

Shawntay Gorman, an Oak Park-based Black and Filipino artist, led the creation of a large mural of Richards that was shown for the first time during the march.

Rohan Zhou-Lee, a Black and Filipino dancer/writer who founded the Blasian March, came to Sacramento at the invitation of local Asian-American organizers.

our heads and neck, and use an umbrella to shade from the sun. We drink a lot of water to prevent dehydration and heat stroke/heat fatigue. When it is hottest, we encourage to take naps to pass the time, eat cold foods (ice cream, ice candy, mais con yelo etc).”

Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that high temperatures kill hundreds of people every year. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States.

Among its recommendations to stay cool are stay hydrated, and stay informed as getting too hot can make one sick. One can become ill from the heat if one’s body can’t compensate for it and properly cool you off.

The main things affecting one’s body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather are: High humidity. When the humidity is high, sweat won’t evaporate as quickly. This keeps your body from releasing heat as fast as it may need to.

Personal factors. Age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use all can play a role in whether a person can cool off enough in very hot weather.

Senior woman drinking from a water bottle outdoors with senior man wiping his face with towel.

People aged 65 and older are at high risk for heat-related illnesses.

Those who are at highest risk include people 65 and older, children younger than two, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness.

In addition to the listed tips, below are websites with additional information and resources at national, state, and local levels that everyone can access.

HeatReadyCA: For more information to keep everyone informed about how to keep your family safe.

ListosCalifornia: Stay safe in extreme heat Ready.Gov: Resources from the federal government

Here are the links the San Francisco Bay Area has for additional information and resources: https://onesanfrancisco.org/heat-and-airquality-resilience-2023

https://sf.gov/data/visualizing-climatehealth-impacts-san-francisco

https://sfmayor.org/sites/default/files/Executive%20Directive%2018_04%20Air%20Quality%20Emergency%20Response.pdf

https://sfenvironment.org/climateplan

https://onesanfrancisco.org/hazard/overview

(This story was produced as part of a collaboration with the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communication for their Heat Ready CA public awareness and outreach campaign. Visit Heat Ready CA to learn more.)

A book fair and speaker panel followed the march where organizers pushed Asian American and Black community members to confront barriers between their respective communities, and ultimately recognize their shared experiences.

Overcoming historical racial tensions in order to build solidarity, activists from both communities signaled their support for each other as anti-Black police violence and antiAsian hate caught substantial public attention in 2020.

While they have many shared interests, there are also areas where differences are pronounced.

For one, some Asian-American activists embrace police presence as a response to anti-Asian hate incidents, while Black activists strongly prefer reduced police presence as part of their community-based safety efforts.

Speakers from both sides said building solidarity needs recognition both of the parallel experiences of Asian-American and Black communities, the tensions that linger between them, and the structural barriers that caused them.

House...

(From page 1) Voting 265-0-3, the House expelled Teves, Jr. from his duties as lawmaker from the first district of Negros Oriental for disorderly conduct and violation of the Code of Conduct due to his continued absence in the House proceedings amid an expired travel authority and amid allegations of masterminding the assassination of Degamo.

The House previously sanctioned Teves with two 60-day suspensions after he failed to report to work last March, even as his travel authority had expired that month.

Teves had claimed to be in the United States for stem cell treatment when Degamo and nine others were murdered by a group of armed men in the former governor’s private compound in Pamplona, Negros Oriental on March 4.

Teves remains overseas as he refuses to return to the Philippines despite assurances from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., citing purported threats to his life.

Teves is also facing a string of murder charges, including the 2019 killing of former Negros Oriental board member and erstwhile Degamo ally Miguel Dungog.

Three lawmakers, Arlene Brosas of Gabriela, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro and Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel, abstained from voting, citing the panel’s discussion of Teves’ designation as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council.

During the session, the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges led by Rep. Felimon Espares cited three reasons for unanimously recommending that Teves be expelled from the lower chamber of Congress.

The three reasons cited were Teves pursuit of asylum in Timor-Leste, continued absence without leave in vio-

lation of House rules and “indecent behavior” on social media that supposedly discredits the House of Representatives.

Espares explained Teves’ “gravity of misconduct” compelled his committee to make the recommendation to expel the lawmaker, saying there was “more than sufficient basis” in its decision.

His consistent pursuit of asylum in Timor-Leste also meant “abandonment of office,” Espares added.

“The committee understands that as a public officer and legislator, Rep. Teves is held to higher ethical standards especially when the acts violate the very same laws the Congress has arduously passed,” he said.

“The prolonged unauthorized absence of Rep. A. Teves Jr. deprives the 3rd District of Negros Oriental of proper representation and undermines the efficiency of the legislative process,” the committee report stated.

“Instead of actively participating in deliberations on important legislative measures pending in the House, the representative refuses to return to the country and perform his duties as House Member,” it added.

“All these actuations of a legislative district representative weakens the institution’s effectiveness in serving the public and tarnishes the integrity and reputation of the House,” the committee report said.

The decision concluded the committee’s monthslong probe into Teves, who was tagged as a terrorist earlier in August as the panel’s investigation were held behind closed doors.

Several others, including his younger brother and former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves and his alleged bagman Marvin Miranda, were also tagged as terrorists behind the “Teves Terrorist Group” supposedly operating in the province.

‘Danger’ level heat index grips parts of Luzon

“Our analysis shows that most areas in Metro Manila, Northern and Central Luzon will still experience danger level heat index,” said Marcelino Villafuerte II, chief of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) Climate Impact Assessment and Application Climatology, in a public briefing .

PAGASA logged a 60°C heat index in Casiguran, Aurora on Monday. The bureau estimates the heat index based on the combined effects of the temperature and air humidity.

The heat index in Casiguran fell under the extreme danger level, wherein heat stroke is imminent.

“We hope that the 60°C (heat index) will not be interpreted based on its magnitude but rather on its possible impact on health. The public should take precautions because when (the heat index) goes beyond 52°C, it means this is an extreme danger level and heat stroke is imminent,” Villafuerte said.

Estrada surrendered not Ayungin, but Scarborough – Carpio, Mercado

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

MANILA – Former president Joseph

‘Erap’ Estrada may have played a bigger role in opening Philippine waters to Chinese intrusions than originally thought.

The deposed former chief executive had actually allowed the removal of another old warship, the BRP Benguet, that had been grounded in Scarborough Shoal, at the behest of China during his time as chief executive.

This was confirmed to local media by former senator and Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado, and retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said the act “weakened the Philippine position” in Scarborough Shoal, which is closer to the Philippine mainland than Ayungin Shoal but which China now virtually controls.

Through his sons, Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito and Jose Jinggoy Estrada, Erap Estrada had vehemently denied that he had promised to remove the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal, and indeed China has not been able or willing to show proof of their claim that a past president had committed to remove the old warship.

The Estrada family, however, made no mention of the BRP Benguet that had been removed in order to appease China, which warned that their then premier would not attend a leaders’ meeting in Manila if the Philippines did not do as they asked.

Mercado said he was very vocal in rejecting the Chinese demand, but was outvoted by the Estrada Cabinet’s security cluster.

“We were always exchanging positions with the Foreign Affairs department,” said Mercado, adding that he “strongly disagreed” to the removal of the Benguet from Scarborough.

“I insisted that our core interest was protecting our sovereignty,” he said.

Said Carpio: “If we did not remove BRP Benguet from Scarborough Shoal, Scarborough Shoal would still be under our control today.”

It was “a blunder,” the retired high court justice said.

In retrospect, it can be said that China’s actions in Ayungin Shoal, specifically the water cannon attack on Philippine ships led by the Philippine Coast Guard last month, was because they had earlier succeeded in forcing fishermen and military vessels from Scarborough Shoal.

Carpio said Scarborough would now be in Philippine control had the Estrada administration stood firm by rejecting the Chinese demand.

Mercado and Carpio were both interviewed over local media this week, and the revelation that the country had acquiesced to a Chinese demand back in 1999 came as a shock.

Still, Carpio said Beijing was “clutching at straws” in its claim to own most of the West Philippine Sea.

He added that Beijing’s arguments of owning other countries’ waters by virtue of their so-called Nine Dash Line would never stand in court.

It was Carpio along with the late Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario who took China to court upon the orders of the late President Benigno Aquino lll to contest the east Asian superpower’s claim to own even the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The International Tribunal ruled in the Philippines’ favor, but China has refused to accept the decision.

As of press time, the Estrada family has not commented on the statements of Mercado and Carpio.

MANILA – The weather bureau is expecting danger level heat index

(the temperature that a person feels) to continue in some areas in Luzon.

Philippine

MARILYN B. KING

Vice President for Sales and Marketing

BETING LAYGO DOLOR Manila Editor

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Entertainment Editor

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email address

Survey for older FilAm nee

1112,

FRANCIS ESPIRITU

Publisher/President

THELMA L. CRUZ Vice President for Operations & Promotions

CHERIE QUEROL MORENO Executive Editor

NEIL GONZALES Chief Correspondent Northern California

ALFRED G. GABOT Editor-in-chief

DO you or someone you know or care about live in California and were born in 1968 or earlier? If so, you are the best source of help for authorities to invest tax dollars in the top unmet needs of people who are 55 years old or better.

LYDIA SOLIS Chief Correspondent Southern California

You think know what those needs are? You’d have some ideas, yes, if you are among kind folks who work or volunteer at agencies that provide resources for older adults. And pardon the redundancy - most definitely - if you’ve actually been caring for a loved one. Or if you have actually lived 55 years and longer - that’s all capsbold-underscore YES!

THOMAS G. MADELO JR. Creative Director

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

BLESIE D. SISON

NICK SAGMIT

GEORGE GANGE

Office Manager GILDA PASION BALAN FRANCO G. REGALA ALI MACABALANG

RENE AVENIDO Photo Correspondents

JEANNE MICHAEL PENARANDA Manila Correspondents

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.

Paradise lost

To countless people all over the world, the mere mention of Hawaii brings forth visions of a paradise state filled with breathtakingly beautiful sites coupled with a friendly and welcoming people of a diverse culture.

A large percentage of the residents of the state are of Filipino descent, and our kababayans have helped enrich the Aloha state with significant contributions to the arts, politics, and business there, among others.

It therefore pains us to witness the destruction that the Hawaiian island of Maui has faced this week.

Unexpectedly, even inexplicably, a wildfire spread very quickly causing massive damage to life and property. It has been called the worst disaster in over a hundred years, and it’s not hard to see why.

Survivors have spoken of a hellish, nightmare scenario where they were forced to jump to the surrounding waters to stay alive.

This early, there has been some finger-pointing which we feel is unnecessary. The alarms to warn residents of the growing disaster were reportedly not sounded, at least not on time. Yes, Hawaii has the world’s largest siren system but it was silent at the worst possible time and why this happened is a question that must be answered.

Indeed, the conflagration must be taken for what it is, an act of nature. Nobody, but nobody, wanted it to happen, but it did.

For now, the state and federal governments must act with haste to help all the victims, leading them on the road to what will most certainly be a difficult and painful recovery. Everything that is humanly possible must be done for them.

Also, whatever needs to be done to make sure that there is no repeat of this tragedy takes place anywhere else in the state must be accomplished.

In so many ways, Hawaii is a natural treasure, one that must be preserved at all cost.

Some of the damage, such as what happened in Lahaina, may be irreparable. Entire communities were lost. Perhaps it should be left to the best urban planners to determine what is the best roadmap to follow. But the reality must be faced that certain historical and cultural landmarks are now gone forever.

All of the homes and businesses that have been completely lost occupy land that is still owned by the victims. We leave it up to the experts to recommend the ideal steps that need to be taken so that at least part of the loss they face may be recouped. For the victims, it must appear that their little piece of paradise has been lost. It need not be so.

Perhaps the Filipinos and FilAms there can show to their fellow Hawaiians by example what the bayanihan spirit is all about. Now is a time of getting together and helping one another rise from the ashes.

Nothing is impossible when a united community and people set their minds to it. There can be no doubt that Maui and the rest of the state that has been devasted by this week’s wildfires can rise again.

As the old saying goes, every end can be a new beginning. Maui will rise again for sure.

Oh yeah, you might not show it, because how does 55+ look anyway? But: You’ve begun feeling a persistent unidentified ache, some pearlies are loose, hearing is fading, vision is dimming, so you don’t trust yourself to drive at night or long distances.

Worse: You’re exhausted and want to retire but don’t want to lose your health coverage to go for Medicare that you hear is a challenge to navigate and barely covers oral health. Plus you’re worried about your lack of tech skills, so you remain at your dead-end job.

Worst: You refuse to answer calls on your landline (you know you’ve kept that last-century relic) because you’ve already been phished twice. Now you missed the calls, among crucial advisories - to expect the new 4-page Got Wheels! registration form, losing your benefit of $5 one-way rides to see your doctor, meet friends, go shopping and feel alive!

Aging is a blessing. But it does take work and requires attention.

Think about it: Each county is allocated millions for distribution to providers for particular services. But not until the needs for said services are identified. And that is done with public participation. That means you - we, all of us preprepre-Millennial.

For residents of San Mateo County, home to one of the largest Filipino and Asian populations per capita in the state, our Area Agency on Aging #8 is seeking responses from residents in their golden period and beyond to what’s called a Comprehensive Assessment Survey for Older Adults or CASOA, note the government love of acronyms.

“The goal of the assessment is to gather direct feedback from the local older adult population to better understand the contributions they make to their communities and to identify any challenges and unmet needs,” my friend Cristina Ugaitafa of the County Aging & Adult Services said as she reached out for assistance in North County in general and Filipino Americans in particular.

In 2020, the following emerged from the survey as the top 10 unmet needs of the County’s older adults:

1. Remaining at home

2. Dental needs

3. Accidents at home (falls)

4. Learning about services/benefits for older adults

5. Disaster preparedness

6. Dependence on others

7. Accessing and enrolling for beneits/services

8. Understanding Medicare

9. Finding friends/social activities

10. Financial security/Money to live on

Looking back, were those your priorities? Remember, the pandemic was just about to blindside the planet at the time. You could have weighed in but didn’t, so now’s your chance to be heard.

A number of expected guests were noticeably absent due to the inclement weather, but the ones who were able to come made up for their absence, despite the pouring rain and the resultant traffic snags..

Under the direction of Joey Nombres, from the script by Nelson Mendoza and the musical direction of Butch Miraflor, the much-awaited, once-in-a-lifetime concert came to life.

Entertainers of the Year Kuh Ledesma, Dulce, Ogie Alcasid, Gerald Santos, Gerphil Flores and Julie Anne San Jose performed their numbers before an appreciative audience , as did Lifetime Achievement Awardees Jo mari Chan , John Lesaca and Imelda Papin, and all of them had something to say about and to the Aliw Founder.

Miss World First Runner-up Evangeline Pascual, was in the audience as well as Cong. Nonoy Libanan, Aliw past presidents Elizabeth Sison Tagle and Charo Yu, Greenfield Development Corporation’s Jeffrey Campos and perennial

ll the pieces came into place last July 31, 2023 when “Applause: a Musical tribute to the AAfI Founder” was held at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel.(Continued on page 27) (Continued on page 27)

CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO

China and Duterte

Some senators had suggested to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to appoint former president Rodrigo Duterte as special envoy to China, serving as back channel to improve deteriorating relations between the two countries.,

But the latest water cannon incident which prevented one of two supply boats to deliver food, water, fuel and other provisions to troops stationed aboard BRP Sierra Madre, proved that no amount of dialogue could stop China from bullying the Philippines in the disputed sea.

Duterte was president for six years but the Philippines failed to win concessions from China. He was not able to stop China’s coercive activities in the South China Sea.

China even gained brownie points when Duterte threw away the legal victory the Philippines won in the Hague. China wanted the Philippines to capitulate and that was what Duterte exactly did.

What a coward president. Very unpatriotic. Duterte sold out the country to the Chinese.

Well, you cannot totally blame the Chinese for protecting their interests because they believed the entire South China Sea is part of their territory.

What could every Filipino do is protect our own interest and assert our sovereign rights in the disputed sea. Duterte is not a model for his cowardice.

Duterte warned of a war against China. The Philippines will not go to war against China, It is against our constitution and the Philippines will not fire the first shot.

China, for its part, will not start a war against the Philippines, a small and weaker country. China will lose its face in the international community if it will start a war against any smaller and weaker state.

Filipinos should envy the Chinese for protecting their interest. Filipinos should not hesitate in standing up for their rights in the West Philippine Sea.

Did the Philippines remove a naval vessel that ran aground in the South China Sea?

Ferdinand Marcos Jr said he was unaware of any agreement to remove a Philippine Navy ship that ran aground in the South China Sea. If there is any, he would rescind the deal.

But the Philippines did remove a similar Landing Ship Tank, a World War II vintage vessel, that ran aground in the South China Sea just to appease China which threatened to cancel a scheduled visit of Jiang Zemin to Manila after the 1996 APEC Summit in November.

In response to China’s Mischief Reef takeover in 1995, the Philippines decided to deliberately ran around a vessel in Scarborough Shoal.

China demanded to remove the vessel and threatened to cancel Jiang’s visit to Manila for the APEC Summit and a subsequent state visit, Manila agreed to remove the ship to save APEC and the state visit.

Three years later, another LST -BRP Sierra Madre - ran aground on Ayungin Shoal and it has been stuck there. It will not be removed, a symbol of the country’s sovereignty in the disputed area

.(Manny Mogato is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and currently is a faculty member in the University of Sto. Tomas. The article is from his Facebook post which we are reproducing due to its relevance to the present day crisis.)

Resurgence of San Diego: learning lessons to protect and not to destroy bayfronts

SAN DIEGO - Under a Filipino American mayor, San Diego is experiencing a resurgence attracting migrants, businessmen and other groups.

A walk at the famous San Diego bayfront would attest to this resurgence. From the bayfront, as long lines of tourists arrive and appreciate the many attractions therein – the USS Midway, cruise ships’ port, and the Maritime Museum that boasts of a submarine, the San Salvador Galleon, the Star of India Barque and others, the Kissing Sailor Statue (Embrace of Peace) and Bob Hope Monument dedicated to fallen soldiers -- workers are busy as bees building several high-rise edifices, some of them hotels and condos, across the boulevard.

As you gaze upward the promontory towards the business district and downtown San Diego, tall buildings are also rising, adding to the newly constructed and old ones in that section of the city.

Already, an array of big hotels and condos has sprouted over the last few years in the bayfront complementing the impressive San Diego Convention Center which is linked to a marina with scores of yachts and boats, big and small, and a well-manicured seaside park dotted with restaurants, souvenir shops and stores.

Further to the north of the bayfront, expansion is under way at the San Diego International Airport, hub of Southwest Airline and Alaska Airline, but the flow of all types of vehicles ferrying departing and arriving passengers continue without so much hitch. We did not see San Diego’s second international airport – the Tijuana International Airport – near the Mexico border if there are signs if it is booming as well.

One big factor why the bayfront has metamorphosed from a near eyesore to a majestic landscape is that the big part, or almost all of it, except the long stretch occupied by the US Naval Base, is owned and managed by the Port of San Diego, a self-sustaining or self-supporting (not getting any budget or subsidy from government) state agency which aptly has for its slogans “Where San Diego Greets the World” and “Waterfront of Opportunity.”

On its website, the Port of San Diego describes itself as “an innovative champion” for the 34 miles of San Diego Bay waterfront comprising about 2,400 acres of land and 11,800 acres of water along the city and county of San Diego which also covers the cities of Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach and National City. It adds: “The Port is a conscientious innovator that leverages our unique expertise, deepwater berths, forward-thinking solutions, and relationships to expand the opportunities for businesses and employees. Port Maritime businesses employ thousands of residents with well-paying jobs and generate billions of dollars per year for the regional economy, creating a prosperous global economic engine for all.”

The agency further states its raison d’etre: “The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.”

The description is very correct as the agency has been leading the redevelopment of the vast coastline property which once included that occupied by the San Diego airport. Thus, the over 800 big hotels, condos, two cargo terminals, two cruise terminals, 20 marinas and yacht clubs and other businesses that have mushroomed over the years along the waterfront and its parks, all generating income for the Port. The agency states that in 2019 alone, it added $9.2 billion to the county’s economy in employing about one in 30 people in San Diego County.

In the wake of the controversies created by the 24 new reclamation projects in Manila Bay from Cavite to Bulacan and the “awakening” statements from the United States officials on the massive dangers that they will cause, it may well be timely for Philippine national leaders and city officials with major ports like Manila, Cebu, and Davao to visit and study the Port of San Diego and learn from its wealth of experience.

(Editor’s Note: The writer is

(Continue on page 27)

My personal invitation to all

As a father and grandfather, I was blessed to be visited by our daughter Wynema Joy Madlaing Gacusan, her husband Ben Gacusan and our grandsons Jeremiah and Brendon in our home in San Francisco, California last week.

Together with my beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing, we watched the Giants-Diamond Backs baseball game in San Francisco, California and the Giants-A’s baseball game in Oakland, California.

Our daughter Joy and her family brought us also to the Fort Point where we walked and hiked and then toured the Fort Point Museum located under the Golden Gate Bridge. We’ve lived in San Francisco for almost 48 years but this was our first time to go to Fort Point and toured the Fort Point Museum.

After the Giants-A’s baseball game last Saturday, our daughter Joy and family brought us to the Fentons Creamery (where fresh ice cream made by hand in small batches tastes the best) which was established in 1894 in Oakland, California. To my surprise, the waiters led the singing of “Happy Birthday” for my honor. Other customers inside the exclusive room of Fentons Creamery also sang “Happy Birthday” for my advance 76th Birthday on August 18, 2023.

My beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing and I also attended the combined Graduation Party of Jeremiah Madlaing Gacusan and Brianna Gacusan Carino (who graduated in high school and college respectively) and surprise Send Off Party of our grandson Jeremiah (who will be joining and be training with the U.S. Army) in San Ramon, California last Sunday afternoon.

Before returning back to Glendale, Arizona last week, our daughter Joy and family arranged a special family dinner in our home in San Francisco, California and ordered Birthday Cake for advance celebration of my 76th Birthday on August 18, 2023.

We also had llunch get-together hosted by my sisters Josie M. Lewis and Luzviminda G. Madlaing and then boating ride inside the boat of our nephew Ferdinand Lewis along the waters of Bethel Island, California.

As book author, columnist and active Evangelist, the formal celebration of my 76th Birthday will be on August 20, 2023, Sunday morning 11:00 am at the Golden Gate Church of Christ, 701-8th Avenue (near Golden Gate Park), San Francisco, California

I am thankful and grateful to James Quitoriano, Minister of the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST, for scheduling me to preach on the Sunday nearest my 76th Birthday to fulfill my commitment and promise to preach for the glory of God.

I’ll be speaking on the topic “KEEP SHARING THE GOSPEL DURING THESE LAST DAYS,” to find answer directly from the Bible the urgent and important question: “What if Christ were to come tonight, or if you’ll die tomorrow? Would you know for sure, without any doubt, that you would go to heaven?”

I am, therefore, extending my personal invitation to all our readers and the general public to come and join us in our Worship Services on Sunday morning, 11:00 am, August 20,2023 at the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST Auditorium, 701-8th Avenue, San Francisco, California.

There will be special Pot Lunch Fellowship at the Fellowship Hall after the Sunday morning Worship Services to honor me as the speaker and the other August Birthday celebrants.

To commemorate my 76th Birthday, all guests will receive autographed copies of “LONGEVITY TIPS” subtitled “Secrets You Can Discover and Do for Good Health and Longevity” and the original “HISTORICITY OF JESUS “subtitled “Facts and Evidences for Agnostics, Atheists and Believers” and some limited copies of “LAUGHTER FOR GOOD HEALTH” subtitled “Humorous Anecdotes and Stories on Cooking, Events, Families, History and Personalities.” Reserve your copies now as excellent addition to your Personal Library or Family Library. RSVP: Call (650) 438-3531 or (415) 584-7095 or email: artmadlaing@hotmail.com

DOCUMENTS APOSTILLE PROCESSING UPDATE: As accredited and commis-

ART GABOT MADLAING Health & Wealth

ALFRED G. GABOT In My

MANNY MOGATO IN THE TRENCHES

A unified Senate takes a stand

Ihave to give credit where credit is due, and in the case of Senate President Migz Zubiri he must receive praise for his consistent stand where the Chinese intrusions into Philippine territory is concerned.

Ever since he assumed the top post at the Upper House of Congress AKA the Senate, Zubiri has been warning all against China which says one thing and does something else, time and time again.

This is happening now, as soon after the last water cannon incident involving the Chinese Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard, China appeared to be taking a most rational stand of telling the Philippines and the great majority of Filipinos not to overreact over the incident.

In so many words, China says we are still friends and our disagreement over a certain territory in THEIR sea should be settled via dialogue and diplomacy.

Allow me a bit of racism when I state that Beijing was really saying, “Tayo usap, hwak tayo gyera…” Ok, ok, apologies to those who feel slighted in any way. Like most Pinoys, I am still seething at what those Intsik under Xi have been getting away with for so long.

So anyway, this is all well and good, but China does have a habit of saying the same thing only after they have caused damage to the Philippines. It has never been the other way around.

They’ve never apologized for their actions, and now they have the gall to say that it is the Manila which is to blame.

This week, Zubiri said Filipinos should not succumb to China’s psywar.

Zubiri explained that China has been claiming that a former Philippine president had promised to withdraw the Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal as far back as 1999.

This is nothing more than psychological warfare, according to the Senate president.

In a statement before the Senate plenary, he said: “When we are all rallying ourselves together behind the men and women of the Air Force, of the Navy and the Coast Guard, they try to come up with a statement that will make us fight internally. It’s psywar, we should not succumb to this psychological warfare.”

The Philippine president China was referring to has to be Erap Estrada, and his family led by his two sons in the Senate have flat out denied that there was ever any promise, written or otherwise.

The Defense secretary at that time, former senator Orly Mercado, has pretty much confirmed this. The mere notion that the Philippines would in effect surrender Ayungin Shoal to China was absurd, he said.

Our own sources say that China was actually referring to the Foreign secretary at that time, who is unfortunately no longer with us.

How convenient to point a finger at someone who cannot answer the ridiculous claim.

Incidentally, an ageing columnist of a small broadsheet claims that there really was an agreement to pull out the derelict warship from the shoal, but no one is buying his story.

I, however, would not go as far as to support the claim from a senior officer of the Armed Forces that Filipinos who took the cudgels for China were, in effect, siding with the enemy.

Another official said that the action of China’s coast guard was tantamount to an act of war.

Yet another senator, Chiz Escudero, said this week that he would ask that PHP100 million be included in next year’s budget, which is set to be approved sometime next month, to create a permanent post in Ayungin Shoal to replace the Sierra Madre, which isn’t even seaworthy anymore.

His logic seems sound enough. Escudero said that when China started building structures in contested waters, we never told them that they shouldn’t do that because we have a claim to that selfsame territory. So now, it would be all right for us to build our own structure in a shoal which we own anyway, but which China is claiming as theirs.

“But love is blind and lovers cannot see The pretty follies that themselves commit;”

-Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice, 1596

“I don’t make love by the garden gate, For love is blind, but the neighbors ain’t.”

-J. Mason Brewer in Worser Days and Better Times, 1965

“We may not be perfect, but we are perfect for each other.”

-Passionate Ilocano lawyer’s plea to his beloved to come live with him and be his love, 2023

The high water mark in this “love is blind” or accepting the beloved’s imperfections rationale was demonstrated last week in Honolulu where a husband and wife were pictured holding hands as they left a courtroom after the husband’s trial for allegedly murdering the acupuncturist of his wife with whom she was reportedly having an affair. It ended with a hung jury. The husband will be retried.

The husband apparently loved his wife but he was not blind. He simply accepted his wife’s imperfection. Adultery is the most serious imperfection in a husband and wife relationship. Should this incident make us wary of acupuncturists? The contact between an acupuncturist and a patient is very intimate. There is a lot of touching. Touching in one part could lead to other parts. They could be acupuncturing something else beyond what they ought to be acupuncturing. Cuidado. There might be decent acupuncturists. Fuera de los buenos.

An Ilocano lawyer was once asked by a friend to help reconcile him with his attractive wife who had strayed from the path of righteousness. The friend told the lawyer that he was willing to take back his wife. Apparently he had accepted his wife’s imperfection. The lawyer arranged the meeting in a romantic San Francisco restaurant. The lawyer succeeded in reconciling the couple. Later the friend called the lawyer saying that he could not make love with his wife any more. Whenever he tried to make love with her, he imagined his wife and his paramour making love. He suffered erectile dysfunction. They eventually divorced.

When people see a good looking man and a woman who is not pretty or even ugly – I am not necessarily talking about royalty or presidents – they are likely to say “ah, love is blind”. The same reaction might be evoked when they see a good looking woman and a nondescript man. Love is not blind, the better looking person simply accepts the other person’s imperfection.

Similarly, when an attractive young woman is seen with a wrinkled old man or when a good looking young man is seen with an unattractive female companion who looks twice his age, people might react by asking “what does she see in him?” or “what does he see in her?” The young woman and the young man are not blind. They simply accept their beloved’s imperfection.

ARE LOVERS CRAZY OR FOOLS?

There are a litany of imperfections of a beloved from the most blatant – like adultery – to the most obvious – like age and appearance – that one can think of. There are scores of imperfections that are present in every love relationship. Love is not blind. The lover simply accepts these imperfections of the beloved.

Is the lover crazy? Perhaps, like “I am crazy about you.”

Is the lover a fool? Maybe. As Frank Sinatra crooned while pursuing Ava Gardner:

“I’m a fool to want you

I’m a fool to want you

To want a love that can’t be true

A love that’s there for others too

I’m a fool to hold you

Such a fool to hold you

To seek a kiss not mine alone

To share a kiss the Devil has known.”

LOVE SUPPRESSES CRITICAL THOUGHT

As the world is waiting for the possible 4th indictment of former US president Donald Trump in Georgia, the alumni worldwide are likewise anticipating this year’s Urdaneta City National High School Alumni Association Inc.

(UCNHSAAI) grand annual homecoming of come November. This year, the Class of ’73 will be the Golden Jubilarians and this early, a lot of activities are already lined up for the graduates, according to MGen. Jesus Agacita Fajardo, (Ret.), the class spokesperson who labeled the group as “Trailblazers”.

One might ask: What is or who is a trailblazer?

Strictly speaking, Trailblazers are truly the heart and soul of any organization, a group, or the community. They pave pathways for anyone to unlock career opportunities and provide them with the tools needed to succeed. They are the pioneers, the innovators, movers and shakers, and most importantly, the leaders who leave a path for others to follow.

Now, the golden jubilarians named themselves as Trailblazers. Gen. Fajardo explained they adopted the name Trailblazers because the group made a lot of firsts as an alumni group and paved the way for other alumni batches to follow suit.

As a group, they were the first to start a massive fundraising program (which includes all alumni groups) to complete the Alumni Hall (the legacy of founding president Atty. Mario Bravo and Batch ’65). It was the class of ’73 who was the first to contribute P45K and subsequently the rest of the batches followed at P45K each batch as mandated by the Board of Directors (BOD) upon the recommendation of Gen. Fajardo, then the president of the UNCHSAAI with Dir. Peps Cruz, ’71, as the project manager.

The constitution and bylaws (CBL) of the association was likewise crafted with Dir. Val Cresencia (+) at the helm and the articles of incorporation were finalized in 2002 and was approved in 2004, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a non-profit organization.

The group was the first to adopt a class name where other classes followed such as Class ‘72’s Bravehearts; Class ’83’s Smile and others. They were also the firsts batch of alumni who to turned over High Impact Project (Construction of New QARMC); first class to “Adopt a Classroom” by donating chairs and boards; first class to contribute its share to the Alumni Hall; first class to honor teachers during the Recognition Night; first class to officially become a member of the UCNHSAAI by paying the one-time membership fees (1K).

During the pandemic, the Trailblazers was one of the first classes to donate three thermal scanners, masks, and gallons of alcohol.

So, in a nutshell, class ’73 “blazed the path for other batches to follow, hence Class ’73 are the Trailblazers.

As individual trailblazers, I know of two who, in their own way, paved the way for others to follow – MGen. Jesus Agacita Fajardo (Ret) and Yvonne San Juan-Serra, both active members of Class ’73, both distinguished alumni awardees (Yvonne – 2019 and Gen. Fajardo – 2007).

Yvonne, together with founding president Lino F. Caringal Jr. (UCNHS 70), trailblazed The Global Urdanetanians (TGU) based in Southern California, a non-profit organization. While Caringal started the scholarship program under his administration with one scholar, it was Yvonne who continued the program after Caringal’s term up to the present, in her capacity as long-time president of TGU with 22 scholars, now all professionals. They graduated their college degrees in Urdaneta City universities and colleges and belonged to a group that broke the chain of poverty to be successful in life the TGU-way.

Selfish little buggers, ain’t they?

It’s a tit for tat argument that will likely end up with China warning the Philippines that

(Continue on page 27)

There is a supposedly intelligent lawyer pursuing a teenager whose only obvious qualification is her beauty. The lawyer says the girl is also intelligent.

(Continue on page 27)

She nurtured the program and considered all the scholars as members of the TGU family. She immersed with them, bond with them, and provided, not only t heir stipends, but other needs and their families by recruiting sponsors who willingly provided the needs of the scholars. If not for her connections and charismatic leadership, the scholarship program should have gone to naught. The program was the “antidote” to poverty for the scholars and their families in Urdaneta. (Continue on page 27)

Love is not blind, lovers simply accept the beloved’s imperfections

‘Trailblazers’ Class of ’73: The Golden Jubilarians

EMMANUEL SAMONTE TIPON What’s

Can you naturalize if your green card has expired?

Many clients have an expired green card and ask me if they can naturalize. The answer is it depends on your period of residence inside the U.S. If you have been in the U.S. for continuous 5 years (3 years for married to U.S. citizen based green card) then you may qualify for applying for naturalization based on your residence. On the other hand there are those who overstayed outside the U.S. for more than 180 days but less than one year. They may qualify if they can prove that they did not relinquish their residence in the U.S. For those who overstayed for more than one year they will have to maintain a continuous residence for four years and one day after returning to the U.S. to apply for citizenship

Question: Can you naturalize if you lost your green card?

Green cards are important especially when traveling abroad and applying for citizenship. There are certain issues about replacing green card which we will discuss.

1. Lost green card. The person who lost his green card may file to renew their USCIS-issued green card that have expired or replace ones that have been lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed, or that contain an error. If you need to apply for naturalization and you believe you qualify except you lost your green card you may discuss this matter with an immigration attorney.

The person who lost green card may complete and properly file an Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90) with USCIS, with appropriate fees (if required), in accordance with the Form I-90 instructions.

What happen if the green card is lost while outside the U.S.?

A Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) who is temporarily outside the United States for less than 1 year and who is not in possession of a valid green card (for example, it was lost, stolen, or destroyed) may properly file an Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) (Form I-131A) to request documentation to demonstrate to an airline or other transportation carrier that he or she is authorized to travel to the United States. This transportation letter does not replace the green card. LPRs must still complete and properly file Form I-90 to obtain a replacement of the green card upon arrival to the U.S.

2. What happen if the Reentry permit is lost?

If inside the United States, complete and properly file an Application for Travel Document (Form I-131) with USCIS, with appropriate fees.

An LPR who is temporarily outside the United States for less than 2 years and who is not in possession of a valid green card (for example, it was lost, stolen, or destroyed) may properly file an Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) (Form I-131A) to request documentation to demonstrate to an airline or other transportation carrier that he or she is authorized to travel to the United States. The transportation letter does not replace the reentry permit. LPRs must complete and properly file Form I-131 upon reentry into the United States to obtain a replacement reentry permit.

Note: This is not a legal advice. You should consult with an immigration attorney about the specifics of your case.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

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 a year 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.

SUCCESS STORIES

For the month of May 2023, we received approval from USCIS for three naturalization applications, one Fiancée visa petition, one removals of condition on residence and five adjustment of status applications.

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.

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

Finance chief optimistic of reaching 6% GDP growth target

MANILA – Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin Diokno said this year’s economic growth target is within reach, citing the government’s aggressive “catch-up” plans.

“[The] 6.0 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth target for 2023 remains achievable,” Diokno said.

“An aggressive catch-up plan for infrastructure projects, quicker response by GOCCs (government-owned and controlled corporations), and strong and deliberate spending by resource-surplus local governments are essential parts of the solution to the relatively weak second quarter growth performance of the Philippine economy,” the finance chief added.

The country’s economic growth slowed to 4.3 percent in the second quarter of the year from the 6.4 percent expansion in the first quarter.

“A close look at the economic performance of our Asian peers could give a balanced view of the country’s economic performance,” said Diokno.

Citing data, Diokno said that in the second quarter of 2023, South Korea grew by 0.87 percent, and so did Sin-

gapore (0.7 percent), Hong Kong (1.5 percent), Taiwan (1.5 percent), Vietnam (4.14 percent) and Indonesia (5.17 percent).

“The Philippines is not as exportdependent as some of its ASEAN neighbors. Its growth is consumption-based. That is why it is less susceptible to the weaker export demand owing to the slowing global economy, which is partly due to the aggressive monetary tightening, supply bottlenecks and rising commodity prices resulting from the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine,” he explained.

Diokno added that the more dependent the country is on exports, the slower the economic expansion.

He noted that this is mainly due to a slowing global economy.

To achieve the lower end of the economic growth target this year, Diokno said the Philippine economy has to grow by 6.6 percent in the second half of the year,

“While there are formidable external challenges, the prospect of achieving this lofty goal is largely in the hands of the current administration,” said Diokno.

PAL posts $250-M net income in 1H 2023, on recovery track

MANILA - The country’s flag carrier is now on the recovery track, reporting a net income of US$250 million (PHP13.6 billion) and USD314 million (P17.4 billion) operating income for the first half of 2023, the Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced on Friday.

“We are pleased to see that Philippine Airlines is beginning to realize the benefits of the sacrifices we took over the past few years. PAL is on a recovery track and is now in a position to carry out major product and digital transformation initiatives in order to grow amid a more competitive and challenging aviation industry,” Lucio C. Tan III, president and chief operating officer of PAL Holdings, Inc., posted on PAL’s Facebook page.

With those figures, PAL said fleet expansion and services enhancements are in the pipeline.

Earlier, it announced that it is looking to hire 300 cabin crew this year as the airline boosts its fleet. Nine new Airbus A350-1000 long-range jetliners will be delivered to PAL starting 2025.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in new aircraft, improved cabins, and enhanced travel experience for our valued customers,” said PAL pres-

ident and chief operating officer Stanley Ng.

PAL is also increasing customer care and contact center agents, and rolling out a new customer relations management system within 2023 to provide more personalized self-service options for customers.

Meanwhile, the high volume of passengers helped PAL reach US$820 (P45.6 billion) revenue for the second quarter. Operating income for this period was US$179 million (P10 billion), 95 percent up from P4.8 billion year-over-year.

In the first half of 2023, PAL restored flights on several routes to mainland China, and launched nonstop services to Perth, Australia, along with flights from Clark to Caticlan and Boracay.

The flag carrier ferried seven million passengers, and operated 50,400 flights in the first half of 2023. These figures are 89 percent and 56 percent higher compared to the passenger traffic and operated flights, respectively, in the first half of 2022.

Passenger revenues rose to US$1.4 billion (P78.2 billion), or P33.1 billion higher year-over-year as demand continues to recover on PAL’s international and domestic routes, it said.

John Lloyd Cruz wins best actor award at Locarno Film Festival

for bringing honor to our country.”

FDCP also congratulated Diaz for this “win for Philippine Cinema.” Fans, meanwhile, cheered for the award-winning actor via the comments sectioN.

“Essential Truths of the Lake” was the only Southeast Asian film in the main competition section of the film festival.

Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP)

chair Tirso Cruz III sent his congratulatory greetings to John Lloyd Cruz after the latter won the best actor honor at the 76th Locarno Film Festival (LFF) in Switzerland.

John Lloyd earned the Boccalino d’Oro prize (Golden Jug Award) for best actor for his performance in “Essential Truths of the Lake,” helmed by acclaimed director Lav Diaz. The film is the country’s representative in the main competition of the Swiss film festival.

John Lloyd Cruz won the Boccalino d’Oro prize for best actor at a film festival in Switzerland for his role in Lav Diaz’s “Essential Truths of the Lake.”

The Philippines’ so-called “King of Contemporary Cinema” received the award at the 76th Locarno International Film Festival, according to the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) as reported by CNN Philippines.

Cruz played the role of Lieutenant Hermes Papauran, who investigates a 15-year-old case against the backdrop of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody anti-drug war.

“What can a good policeman do in the face of Duterte’s murderous wrath? Lt. Papauran fixates on the deep mystery of a cold case he has been trying to solve for years. Great investigators are obsessive visionaries. They are also human beings,” states the director’s note, as posted on the film festival’s website.

In a video uploaded online, Cruz can be heard dedicating his win to murder victims and their bereaved loved ones.

“Para sa Pilipinas, para sa Pilipino, para sa lahat ng pinatay at mga naiwan nila [For the country, for the Filipino, for everyone killed and the people they left behind],” the actor said.

John Lloyd is the second Filipino actor to have received the acting honor. Actress Hazel Orenco, who is also John Lloyd’s co-star in “Essential Truths of the Lake,” bagged the best actress award in 2014 for another Diaz masterpiece, “Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon” (From What Is Before).

John Lloyd, Orencio, their co-star Shaina Magdayao, and Diaz flew to Switzerland for the film festival.

According to the FDCP, Cruz is the second Filipino to receive the recognition from the Independent Critics Jury. The first was Hazel Orencio, who received the best actress award in 2014 for another film by the critically acclaimed director Diaz.

FDCP chairman Tirso Cruz III congratulated the actor, saying the award is “much deserved by an artist of his caliber.”

“It is with great joy and pride that I congratulate one of the most talented artists of our country, Mr. John Lloyd Cruz, for having won the Boccalino d’Oro prize (Golden Jug Award) for Best Actor at the 76th Locarno Film Festival (LFF) in Switzerland,” Tirso said in a statement

“This award is much deserved by an artist of his caliber,” he added. “Lloydie, congratulations and thank you

SC junks ABS-CBN’s counterclaim in case vs. Willie Revillame

the same or related causes to raise the chances of obtaining a favorable decision.

The court said ABS-CBN, which has asserted that Revillame was still bound by their contract at the time he moved to TV5, first applied for a temporary restraining order (TRO) with the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) in 2010 to prevent the airing of “Willing Willie.”

FORMER PBA PLAYER JIMMY ALAPAG PROMOTED TO SACRAMENTO KINGS

Former PBA star

Jimmy Alapag has realized his NBA dream after being promoted to the Sacramento Kings’ player development coach.

The 45-year-old Jimmy last Saturday made an announcement that he is joining the Kings’ coaching staff of coach Mike Brown ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season.

MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the dismissal of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation’s counterclaim in a pending case against its former television host Willie Revillame, whom the media giant accused of breach of contract.

In a 22-page decision, the court’s Third Division ruled in favor of Revillame, as it took note of an earlier ruling of the First Division which found ABS-CBN guilty of “forum shopping.”

This refers to the act of filing two or more lawsuits in different courts, asking them to rule on

After its application for TRO was denied, ABS-CBN went to the Makati RTC to file a copyright infringement complaint on the similar ground of alleged violation of contract.

“This clearly shows that ABS-CBN willfully sought the same relief in two different fora, expecting a favorable result after being denied the first time,” the SC Third Division said.

The court ordered the Quezon City RTC to continue with the pending civil case without ABS-CBN’s compulsory counterclaim.

Friends Meeting Friends

A commemoration of Ninoy Aquino’s 40th Year Death Anniversary

Monday, August 21, 2023

5:30 pm

Our Lady of Mercy

1 Elmwood Drive Daly City, CA 94015

Celebration of the Holy Mass

by Fr. Rey Culaba

Reflections by Ken Kashiwahara

The legal dispute between Revillame and ABS-CBN began in August 2010, when the TV host filed a civil action before the Quezon City RTC seeking to terminate and rescind his three-year contract with the media corporation.

In September 2010, ABS-CBN filed its answer with a compulsory counterclaim. It prayed for liquidated damages in the amount of over ₱700 million, in addition to over ₱400 million “for each further violation by Revillame, or for each week of violation of their contract.”

Citing forum shopping, the Court of Appeals earlier dismissed the copyright infringement complaint filed by ABS-CBN before the Makati RTC — a ruling upheld in 2019 by the SC.

The SC explained that forum shopping is deemed a “deplorable” practice, as it “results in the possibility of different competent tribunals arriving at separate and contradictory decisions” and “adds to the congestion of the heavily burdened dockets of the courts.”

“A dream come true. Proud to announce I’ll be joining Coach Mike Brown and his staff as a Player Development Coach for the upcoming NBA season. Incredibly blessed and thankful for this opportunity,” wrote the Filipino-American coach.

“Special thanks to Vivek Ranadivé (team owner), Monte McNair, Wes Wilcox, Paul Johnson, Anjali Ranadivé, and the rest of the front office. Also, to Coach Brown and his staff for trusting me. To my guys Bobby Jackson and Will Scott who have believed and supported me from Day 1.”

“Last but definitely not least, my wife (former actress LJ Moreno) and my kids. You guys are my inspiration everyday.

God is Good!!!” he added.

Jimmy played for Talk N’ Text from 2003 to 2015 and won six PBA titles before ending his career with the Meralco Bolts in 2016. He has been part of Sacramento’s G-League affiliate Stockton Kings for the last two years.

The former Gilas Pilipinas star, who played in the country’s return in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, started his coaching career in the PBA, working as an assistant coach for Meralco and San Miguel Beermen. He was also part of Tab Baldwin’s Gilas coaching staff after he retired from playing basketball.

Jimmy also won a championship as a head coach of Alab Pilipinas in the Asian Basketball League (ABL), which was canceled in 2020.

The former point guard and his family decided to move to the United States three years ago.

Coach Jimmy is joining a Sacramento team led by Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox that reached the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

The Kings, who finished third in the Western Conference with a 48-34 record, got eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in the first round after Steph Curry scored 50 points in Game 7.

Jimmy will work hand-in-hand with Brown, was became the first ever unanimous NBA Coach of the Year last season.

Good luck Coach!

PHL ready for 2023 FIBA World Cup; NBA’s Clarkson, Kai Sotto in Gilas team

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda

PASIG CITY - Good news to baketball fans.

NBA’s Filipino American player Jordan Clarkson and behemoth NBA hopeful Kai Sotto are playing for the Philippine national team Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup from August 25 to September 10 which will see several teams in action, including the United States, Lithuania, Mexico, Jordan and Egypt.

Clarkson, who plays for Utah Jazz in the NBA, and Sotto already joined the team’s practice with a little over two weeks left before the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup begins.

Clarkson arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday, and Kai Sotto, who has been nursing a back injury, joined Gilas in its team practice behind closed doors Wednesday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

In an Instagram Story posted by Gilas head coach Chot Reyes, the two were seen doing some drills with the rest of the squad.

Aside from Clarkson and Sotto, also in attendance were June Mar Fajardo, Ja-

peth Aguilar, CJ Perez, Jamie Malonzo, Rhenz Abando, AJ Edu, Dwight Ramos, Ray Parks Jr., Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, and Roger Pogoy.

Gilas returned to training following their stint in a China pocket tournament, where they finished with a 3-1 win-loss record.

Gilas will have a couple of tuneup games versus Montenegro and Mexico in its final stretch of preparations for the World Cup.

The Philippines will face Dominican Republic, Italy, and Angola in Group A of the World Cup which will begin on Aug. 25 and ends on September 10 with 32 teams participating.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will take place in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia from August 25 to September 10. The 32 participating teams will play in 92 games played over 16 days.

It is all systems go in the Philippines for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup!

The Philippines is eager to showcase its love for the sport to the entire world by hosting this prestigious event once again.

Mall of Asia Arena is the new host of the final stage of the 2023 FIBA World

Cup, according to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas as reported by ESPN.

“The priority that led to this decision is the experience of our fans. This is in service of the Filipino basketball fan, as well as those arriving from all over the world,” said SBP President Al Panlilio in a statement.

In its report, ESPN stated that the Philippine Arena was originally tapped to host the final stage, but ultimately the SBP and FIBA decided to go in another direction. The massive venue situated in Bocaue will instead host the historic first game of Gilas Pilipinas on Aug. 25.

“We thank our brothers and sisters from the Iglesia ni Cristo and the Philippine Arena Management, specifically, for being a true partner in this endeavor and we appreciate their support of the final decision that was reached.”

Under the original plan, three venues -- Philippine Arena, Mall of Asia Arena and Smart-Araneta Coliseum -- were to be tapped as venues for the event. MOA Arena and Araneta Coliseum were to host eight teams each in the group stages, the second round and the classification round for 17th to 32nd place.

The final phase includes the quarter-

finals, classification matches for fifth to eighth places, semifinals and medal matches.

“The main consideration leading to the decision was the requirement to provide consistent and swift transfer for the teams and fans to multiples games over the six days of the final phase,” said David Crocker, executive director for the World Cup.

“Despite improvements tested with transport and traffic engineers, the board came to the conclusion that an event with multiple sessions in one day like the final phase of the World Cup must be delivered to the standards required for the players and fans experience.

Aside from the traffic situation, sources told ESPN that other issues over Philippine Arena reportedly brought up were the distance of the court from the audience, lack of food concessionaires, and prohibition on the selling of alcohol.

The last issue is a concern given that San Miguel Corporation is a major sponsor of the event.

Another issue reportedly included the location of the technical table, which blocks the view of some spectators.

Obiena banners athletics team to Hangzhou Asian Games

MANILA – World No. 3 pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena will lead the athletics team to the 19th Asian Games scheduled from Sept. 23 to Oct. 8 in Hangzhou, China.

Also going to Hangzhou are Filipino-Americans Kristina Marie Knott (women’s 200m), Robyn Lauren Brown (women’s 400m hurdles), Eric Shaun Cray (men’s 400m hurdles) and William Edward Morrison III (men’s shot put), and locals Sarah Dequinan (women’s heptathlon), Ronnie Malipay (triple jump), Janry Ubas (long jump).

Competing in the women’s 4x400m relay are homegrown Jessel Lumapas and Filipino-heritage (foreign competitors with Filipino roots) athletes Maureen Emily Schrijvers, Angel Frank and Lauren Hoffman, PNA’s Jean Malanum reported.

Coaches Dario De Rosas, Edward Lasquete, Ukrainian Vitaly Petrov and Samantha Cray will accompany the athletes, majority of whom are medalists at the Cambodia Southeast Asian Games (SEA) in June.

The Italy-based Obiena was the first Filipino to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics after posting 5.82 meters during the Diamond League-Bauhaus Galan in Sweden on July 3.

He briefly occupied the World No. 2 spot after the SEA Games but only two points separate him and second-ranked Christopher Nilsen of the United States as of Aug. 8.

The 27-year-old Obiena also won the 2023 Asian Championships in Thailand in July, setting a continental record of 5.91m.

In the Monaco leg of the Diamond League also in July, Obiena registered 5.82m to finish second behind Nilsen (5.92m).

The Team Philippines to the Asiad is composed of 395 athletes competing in 37 sports to be held in 44 venues, primarily at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Expo Center and in Deqing, Jinhua, Ningbo, Shaoxing and Wenzhou.

California accelerates housing production in five cities and counties

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom announced that Long Beach, Moreno Valley, Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and the Town of Windsor have been designated as Prohousing communities.

Through this designation, these jurisdictions are now eligible for funding incentives and additional resources through a state grant program designed to speed housing production, Newsom said in a statement sent to Philippine News Today.

To date, a total of 27 California communities are now designated as Prohousing.

To meet the needs of Californians and address our state’s housing crisis, each local jurisdiction must take accountability to build their share of housing. To tackle this challenge, decades in the making, it will take a concerted effort between state and local leaders in partnership with nonprofits, advocates, and developers to enact Prohousing policies.

Governor Newsom said: “Every city and county across California needs to work together to tackle the state’s housing crisis. Rather than evade their duties, these communities are committed to rolling up their sleeves and building more housing, faster. We are putting the needs of Californians first

and seeing to it that more housing gets built throughout the state.”

Jurisdictions that earn the Prohousing Designation have demonstrated a commitment to enacting policies to accelerate housing production. They have shown themselves to be partners with the state in combating the housing crisis. These partners recognize that increasing the availability of housing statewide is critical to bettering the quality of life for all Californians, and to ending homelessness.

“Expanding housing opportunities is critical for the social and economic wellbeing of working Californians, families with children, older adults, and people exiting homelessness,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Lourdes Castro Ramírez.

“Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, we have provided more tools and incentives than ever before for communities to design policies and programs to build more housing in the right places. Congratulations to the five jurisdictions announced today. They join 22 others that have done the hard work to remove barriers to housing so that homes can be created that are accessible to all Californians.”

First Time Buyers are being push away from Buying a House Today

First-time home buyers have fallen to its lowest level on record over the last year as young adults face a longer path to homeownership, date shows.

As the housing market surged last year, a typically large segment of home buyers went missing. Amid higher home prices, bidding wars and fierce competition for limited inventory, first-time home buyers dropped to their lowest numbers on record, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. Further, the age of the typical first timer swelled to a record high of 36, NAR data shows.

“It’s not surprising that the share of first-time buyers shrank to the lowest level ever recorded given the housing market’s combination of historically low inventory, persistently high home prices and rapidly escalating interest rates,” says Jessica Lautz, NAR’s vice president of demographics and behavioral insights. “Those who have housing equity hold the cards, and they’ve fared very well in the current real estate market. First-time buyers are older because of saving for down payments for longer periods of time or relying on a generational transfer of wealth to propel them into homeownership.”

First-time buyers comprised just 26% of all buyers in 2022, down from 34% the year before. That’s also nearly half of the 50% peak share firsttimers reached in 2010, which was mostly triggered by the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. “Since 2011, the share of first-time home buyers has been under the historical norm of 40% as buyers face tight inventory, rising home prices, rising rents and high student debt loads,” NAR’s report notes.

Forgetting the Starter Home

Faced with surging rents over the past year, firsttime buyers are struggling to save enough to afford a home. For example, 92% of first timers recently surveyed by ConsumerAffairs.com say they cannot afford a mortgage in the current market. Nearly 63% of all consumers say they’re willing to move to a state with a cheaper cost of living to afford a home, the survey shows.

Saving for a down payment is the biggest obstacle to homeownership that first-time home buyers cite, and they’re looking for financial help. Twenty-two percent of first-time buyers have used a gift or loan from friends and family to come up with a down payment, according to the NAR study. The typical down payment for first-time buyers was 6% in 2022 compared to 17% for repeat buyers.

Further, the idea of a “starter home” is becoming less practical as more first-time buyers say they intend to stay a long period of time in the property they buy. The median expected home tenure for first-time buyers has risen to a record high of 18 years, up from 10 years in 2021, according to NAR.

First-time home buyers also are pooling resources to afford homeownership. Notably, 15% purchased a multigenerational home over the past year to accommodate aging parents, grandparents, or adult siblings, according to NAR’s survey. That is slightly higher than repeat buyers (14%). The biggest reason first-time buyers cite for purchasing a multigenerational home was wanting “a larger home that multiple incomes could afford together” (28%) and for “cost savings” (28%).

Quick math for your first-time buyers, with current interest rates and with a minimal 3.5% to 5% down payment on an average home of about $550,000.00, the new buyers will have to be paying about $45005000.00 monthly mortgage payments plus their utilities etc. With minimal revolving and installment debts, they would have to qualify by making at least $120,000.00 annually.

The bigger problem for these new buyers will be getting a low-down payment offer accepted, its still purely a sellers’ market and there are still multiple offers in most California zip codes.

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

Your 2016 Measure B Tax Dollars at Work

Taunang Ulat ng Citizen’s Oversight Committee tungkol sa 2016 Measure B para sa Fiscal Year 2023

Noong Nobyembre 2016, inaprobahan ng mga botante ng Santa Clara County ang Measure B, isang 30-taon, kalahating sentimong buwis sa benta sa buong county na ilalaan para sa pagpapaayos ng transit, mga highway, expressway, at iba pang mga paraan ng transportasyon (mga bisikleta, bangketa, at Complete Streets) sa ng Santa Clara County. Noong 2019, sinimulan ang 2016 Measure B ng VTA ang proseso para maihatid ang mga proyekto at programa na nakapaloob sa ballot, na inantala ng isang hindi matagumpay na paghamon sa measure sa korte.

Pinagkatiwalaan ng mga botante ng pangangasiwa ang Citizens’ Oversight Committee (MBCOC) ng 2016 Measure B, na binubuo ng mga kapwa miyembro ng komunidad, na pangasiwaan para tiyakin na magagastos ng 2016 Measure B ang mga pondo kaayon ng ballot at para ipaalam sa mga botante ang tungkol sa pag-alinsunod sa Programa.

Isinagawa ng MBCOC ang taunang pagdinig nito upang mangalap ng opinyon mula sa publiko, sinuri ang mga resulta ng independyenteng pag-awdit para sa yugto ng paksa, at kinumpleto ang pagrepaso ng mga kinitang buwis at paggastos para sa Taon ng Pananalapi (FY) 2022 (7/1/21 – 6/30/22). Pagkatapos ng masinsinan at maingat na pagsasaalang-alang:

Kongklusyon ng 2016 Measure B Citizen’s Oversight Committee, na para sa yugto ng FY 2022, ginastos ng 2016 Measure B ang dolyar na buwis alinsunod sa layunin ng measure.

Ang ulat na ito at ang karagdagang impormasyon sa 2016 Measure B Program at ang MBCOC ay nakapaloob sa Taunang Ulat ng MBCOC sa FY 2022 sa: vta.org/2016-measure-b-citizens-oversight-committee. Available ang ang karagdagang impormasyon sa 2016 Measure B Program at mga proyekto sa: www.vta.org/projects/funding/2016-measure-b.

Available ang nakaimprintang mga kopya ng piling mga dokumento ng 2016 Measure B sa mga aklatan at iba pang pampublikong gusali sa buong county, at sa mga opisina ng VTA sa 3331 North First Street, San Jose, CA, sa Building B lobby.

Your 2016 Measure B Tax Dollars at Work Improving Our Quality of Life!

INC: No sign of slowing down

SAN FRANCISCO - Another remarkable year of accomplishments for the Church of Christ or the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Last July 27, 2023 the Church celebrated its 109th founding anniversary. The phenomenal growth of the Iglesia Ni Cristo has blossomed globally and can now be found in 165 countries. INC has shown no sign of slowing down.

Year in and year out the Church has transformed the landscape of various localities not just in the Philippines but from around the world. The Iglesia Ni Cristo continue to build sustainable, state of the art edifi ces and imposing houses of worship. It constructs environmental-friendly offi ces and School for Ministers buildings.

Under the excellent leadership of Brother Eduardo V Manalo, Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo the Church have impressively constructed, built and renovated a staggering 3,852 houses of worship since he took over as Executive Minister or Tagapamahalang Pangkalahatan in September 2009. This means the Iglesia Ni Cristo through his dynamic leadership have built or renovated a new chapel practically every 3 days worldwide.

To prove a point, here are some more numbers that have left the viewing observer in awe and in amazement. Do you know that during the pandemic, INC built and repaired 591 houses of worship. Consider also that from July 2022 to July 2023 they have constructed 90 new chapels 58 of which are in the Philippines, 4 in the United States, 1 in Winnipeg, Manitoba in

Canada, 1 in Zambia, Africa and another 2 in Japan. Add to that the 24 Barangay chapels plus 132 were built, remodeled and renovated. It is astonishing to note that one of the newest chapels built from ground up by the Iglesia Ni Cristo located in Ilugin, Pasig City cost almost 200 million pesos ( 193,347,189.25 to be exact).

It also built 8 imposing INC District offi ces in Davao Del Sur, 2 in the province of Pangasinan, 2 in Isabela province, 1 in Laguna, 1 in Masbate and 1 in Cotabato. Add 3 more under construction in Cagayan province, Quirino and Maguindanao. Additionally, it completed 2 buildings dedicated for School For Ministers in Bacolod City and Cebu City with 2 more under construction in Lipa, Batangas and General Santos City, Cotabato. The Church is currently constructing 106 new houses of worship worldwide plus another 136 being repaired and renovated.

Moreover, If you get the opportunity to listen to the homily of Brother Eduardo, he attributes all of the Church accomplishments to the help of our Almighty God. That is why for members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo it is always a delight and at the same time incumbent upon us to help not just in the propagation and sharing of the Gospel but in the works of christian giving.

These gothic architectural fabric designs that you get to see wherever you may be will continue to rise and will continue to provide magnificence and landmark all for the Glory of God. After all, the Iglesia Ni Cristo has shown no sign of slowing down (https://iglesianicristo.net).

See your 2016 Measure B Tax Dollars at Work

California’s family agenda promotes educational freedom - Governor, First Partner

ELK GROVE – As other states censor curriculum and demean staff and students, California is empowering parents and students and transforming our education system to ensure all kids have the opportunity to succeed.

At Miwok Village Elementary School in Elk Grove, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom highlighted California’s family agenda to ensure all kids can access a quality education, be safe on campus, get healthy meals and mental health care, have the freedom to read books and learn history, and ensure parents have the right to actively participate in their child’s learning.

“While states across our country attack academic freedom, California is leading on parental choice and participation, creating a place where every student has a chance to thrive and every family has access to an education system that fosters opportunity,” Governor Newsom said.

“ In California, parents have the right to actively participate in their child’s learning, and we’re transforming education so all students can learn on a safe campus where they can receive quality education, healthy meals, mental health care, and have the freedom to learn without political censorship,” Newsom added in a statement sent to Philippine News Today.

“At a time when other states are limiting children’s ability to reach their full potential

through politically-motivated book bans, racist and reductive history curriculums, and the closing of school libraries, we are focusing on the needs of the whole child and family,” said First Partner Siebel Newsom. “California’s family agenda ensures kids have the opportunity and environment in which to thrive, learn, and succeed.”

From Cradle to Career, California’s Family Agenda is Transforming Public Education:

Freedom to Decide: All parents deserve to share in key school decisions.

Freedom to Thrive: All students deserve a fair start in life.

Freedom to Learn: All students deserve to learn about the world and themselves.

Freedom to Succeed: All students deserve to build real-life skills and a career.

California is ensuring parents and caregivers have the opportunity to actively participate in their kids’ education. Parents co-create Local Control and Accountability Plans with teachers and administrators, sharing a seat at the decision-making table for key budget, programmatic, and curricular decisions.

In the past two years, Governor Newsom has required schools to make it easier for working parents to participate in school decisions, invested $4.1 billion to convert one in four schools into community schools with deeper parent engagement, and invested another $100 million in the Community

Engagement Initiative for more proactive collaboration with parents.

California’s Public Education Transformation Investments:

Community Schools: Through California’s $4.1 billion community schools investment, parents and students throughout California have more access to schools that provide high-quality instruction and culturally competent wraparound services, including mental health support, tutoring, nutrition programs, free school meals, health care, counseling and other social assistance.

Universal Transitional-Kindergarten: California’s children will have access to crucial high-quality instruction by age 4 – effectively adding a new grade to the traditional K-12 system – regardless of a family’s income, with full-scale implementation anticipated by 2025.

Expanded Before and After School Programs: All elementary school students will have access to before- and after-school programs, as well as summer learning opportunities, by 2025, reducing childcare costs for parents and giving kids a safe space to thrive.

Universal Free Meals: No student needs to learn on an empty stomach, with all students having the choice of two free, nutritious meals per day – regardless of income or family status.

Youth Behavioral Health: Youth ages 0-25 will have access to a revamped youth behavioral health system, including an online one-stop hub and billions invested to integrate mental health services with schools.

Career Savings Accounts: Every lowincome public school student will have an account opened in their name with a seed deposit of $500 to $1,500 – building generational wealth, promoting college and career affordability, and developing financial literacy.

Tutoring + Literacy + Math: Schools will help students accelerate academic progress and mitigate learning loss with more than $8 billion invested in tutoring, increased instructional time, and other student supports.

More Teachers, More Counselors, and More Paraeducators: Lower staff-to-student ratios means more support for students. Ratios will be lowered across settings and $1.1 billion in annual funding for high-poverty schools to hire up to 5 more staff each.

Social Security Update

SOCIAL SECURITY LAUNCHES NEW AUDIO SERIES, SSA TALKS, AND NEWS HUB

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

Did you know we have a new audio series, SSA Talks?

You can learn more about our top priorities by listening at www.ssa.gov/news/ audio-series.html.

In our first episode, Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi and Janet Walker, Associate Commissioner for Operational HR Services, discuss how our current hiring initiative is central to improving customer service.

The 17-minute episode includes a fact sheet and transcript. The fact sheet also provides more information about working at Social Security.

Please visit our SSA Talks page at www.ssa. gov/news/audio-series. html to listen and subscribe to receive alerts about future episodes!

Our new Communications Corner at www.ssa. gov/news provides a central hub for the public, the

press, researchers, and other stakeholders looking for information about Social Security and our programs. Visit the Communications Corner to access our blog, newsletter, bulletins, the new audio series, and more!

County of Santa Clara expands guaranteed basic income pilot program to additional vulnerable populations

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, California — The County of Santa Clara is taking a major step to providing a guaranteed basic income to vulnerable populations.

Tthe County’s Board of Supervisors allocated $2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund for a $4 million Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) Pilot Program for justice-involved individuals. This latest initiative builds on the success of the first-of-its-kind guaranteed basic income program for former foster youth that began in 2020.

“Santa Clara County was one of the first in the nation to pilot guaranteed basic income. Like other local governments, we have seen this investment work, and so we are expanding to include $2 million in ARPA funds for 100 justice-involved individuals to receive a GBI,” said Supervisor and Board President Susan Ellenberg.

“With this funding, the County has allocated a total of $12 million for four basic income pilot programs to help participants build stable lives. A guaranteed basic income plays a significant role in solidifying our county safety net and countering the myth that poverty is a moral failing of individuals versus the result of systemic failures.” Ellenberg said.

In addition to the ARPA funding, the County has invested over $5 million from

the General Fund and secured $3 million in state funding (with the support of State Sen. Dave Cortese), $1 million from AB 109 funding, and $1 million from Destination: Home.

“Investing $4 million in the Guaranteed Basic Income program allows the participants to choose how to handle the challenges they face,” said Supervisor Cindy Chavez. “By providing a guaranteed basic income, we offer stability to people so they can lead productive lives and reduce the likelihood of going back to jail.”

Evaluation of the County’s very first pilot for foster youth from 2020 showed participants overcame barriers and led healthier lives. After two years, participants reported improved well-being with measurable improvements in income stability, employment, housing, and an increased credit score. Many reported a generational impact by being able to enroll their children in extracurricular activities or getting jobs that allowed them to spend more time with their children.

This latest initiative is part of a broader effort to explore the potential benefits of GBI as an intervention to increase participant self-sufficiency and well-being. In addition to receiving a monthly stipend of $1,200 for two years, participants will have help accessing services for housing

stability, financial independence, self-sufficiency, and community building.

The four expanded target populations for new GBI efforts include a second cohort of former foster youth, along with young mothers, justice-involved individuals, and unhoused high school seniors. Pilot programs will include a rigorous research and evaluation component. The estimated timeline for each pilot to provide a GBI by target population (after the design, evaluation, and enrollment phases have concluded) is as follows:

Former foster youth: Summer 2023

Young moms: Spring 2024

Justice-involved individuals: Summer 2024

Unhoused high school seniors: Summer 2025

“We know GBI as an intervention works well for former foster youth, and now with the Board’s support, we are seeking community stakeholders’ involvement in our design phase for justice-involved individuals,” said Melanie

Jimenez Perez, who manages the County program. “Stakeholder input will help us solidify a justice-involved program and evaluation design grounded in how to best serve justice-involved individuals, with input from the individuals we aim to serve.”

The County is developing eligibility criteria for the justice-involved pilot program in consultation with community stakeholders, including those with lived experience in the justice system, and an independent evaluator.

For more information or to provide input on the GBI for justice-involved clients, contact the Office of the County Executive at basicincome@ceo.sccgov.org.

Governor Newsom’s right to safety resolution calling for a Constitutional Amendment introduced in California Legislature

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal for a Right to Safety –an amendment to the United States Constitution to ensure the people’s elected representatives can determine what gun safety laws are appropriate for their communities and to enshrine fundamental, broadly supported gun safety measures into law – was introduced as a joint resolution in the California Legislature by Senator Aisha Wahab and Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer.

The Right to Safety Amendment will raise the minimum age to buy a gun from 18 to 21, mandate universal background checks, institute a waiting period for all gun purchases, and ban assault rifles for civilians – while leaving the Second Amendment intact. Additionally, the Right to Safety will affirm Congress, states, and local governments can enact common-sense gun safety laws that save lives.

“In the time it will take to pass our Right to Safety Resolution calling for a constitutional convention, more Americans will lose their lives to gun violence than were killed on September 11,” said Governor Newsom. “How many more lives must be lost before we act? In California, with the help of the Legislature, we are providing a path to a safer America.”

Senator Wahab and Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer introduced Senate Joint Resolution 7 in the California State Senate, which is the first step to adoption of a Con-

stitutional amendment. The joint resolution calls for a convention, also known as an Article V Convention or amendatory convention – one method for proposing amendments to the United States Constitution. When the resolution passes, California will become the first state in the nation to call for such a convention.

“As someone who values both the Second Amendment and has personally experienced the impact of gun violence, I am proud to partner with Governor Gavin Newsom on the Right to Safety Resolution,” said Senator Wahab. “Together, we are advocating for rational and responsible measures regarding fi rearms regulations, standing up for the memory of all individuals who have lost their lives to, or been deeply aff ected by, the tragic consequences of gun violence.”

“As Chair of the Assembly’s Public Safety Committee, I have worked on solid gun reform policies that Californians overwhelmingly support only to see Republican activist judges overturn the will of the people,” said Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer. “The Right to Safety proposal activates a real national discussion on gun violence and gives all Americans a voice in determining whether we continue down a road that sees innocent Americans slaughtered by weapons of war, or whether we choose sensible gun control measures without infringing upon the Second Amendment.”

State Leaders to Address California Ethnic Media

SACRAMENTO - Ethnic Media Services and CA Black Media are excited to announce the Speakers for the California Ethnic Media Symposium Expo and Awards on August 31.

Top leaders from State Agencies will discuss California’s most pressing issues with 150+ ethnic media outlets, journalists and CBOs. Panel discussions will cover healthcare, transportation, extreme weather, hate crimes and other issues as well as how to communicate these priorities to California’s increasingly diverse communities.

This is the first-ever convening of ethnic

California... (From page 1)

ment of additional wildfire recovery personnel to Hawaii and wildland fire strike teams to Oregon to help battle ongoing wildfires.

At press time, fatalities in the wildfire that hit Maui in Hawaii has reached over 100 and the figures are expected to go up.

Meanwhile, a wildfire pushed by gusty winds from a thunderstorm raced through the Klamath National Forest in Siskiyou County near California’s border with Oregon, prompting evacuations in the area.

Estimates late Tuesday placed the fire at 4.7 to 6.3 square miles (12.2 to 16.2 square kilometers) in size prompting officials to order evacuation as warnings were issued, forest supervisor Rachel Smith said in a statement.

“I’ve been in close contact with our neighbors in Hawaii and Oregon as they deal with these devastating wildfires, and

media and state decision makers and communication specialists in Sacramento. The goal is to explore new strategies for leveraging ethnic media’s power to amplify the communication priorities of the state and to share plans for ensuring that all communities are informed and connected to the process.

State leaders confirmed as speakers at press time include:

Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D.

Secretary Amy Tong, Government Operations

they know that California has their back –we’re doing everything we can to help,” Newsom said in a statement sent to Philippine News Today.

Governor Newsom said he has instructed his Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to coordinate the deployment of 101 state and local government personnel to Hawaii.

Those dispatched to Hawaii are:

69-member Incident Management Team from CAL FIRE (67 members) and Cal OES (2 members) to support overall incident management;

Three Cal OES wildfire debris removal and hazardous waste experts;

One Cal OES recovery professional in maximizing community-based federal funding;

One Cal OES Fire and Rescue personnel specialized in urban search and rescue (US&R);

One Cal OES mass fatality incident

Secretary Toks Omishakin, Department of Transportation

Maricela Rodriguez, Sr Advisor for Civic Engagement & Strategic Partnerships, Office of the Governor

Michelle Baass, Director, Department of Health Care Services

Susan DeMarois, Director, California Department of Aging

Becky Monroe, Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs, California Civil Rights Department

Marcela Ruiz, Director, Office of Equity,

management expert; 12 US&R Task Force members; 10 local government K-9 teams;

Four forensic anthropologists.

As multiple wildfires continue to burn across the west slope of the Cascades in Oregon, Governor Newsom directed Cal OES to deploy five firefighting strike teams to provide additional capacity as firefighters battle the Lookout and Bedrock fires.

These include:

25 engines and 100 personnel are deploying to Oregon from Alameda, San Mateo, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego counties.

Last year, California deployed firefighters, disaster recovery experts and other personnel to Oregon, New Mexico

California Department of Social Services

US Census Director Robert N. Santos will open the conference with a luncheon address on the power of ethnic media.

The California Ethnic Media Symposium, Expo & Awards is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the diverse and vibrant ethnic media landscape of California. Taking place on Thursday Aug. 31, 2023 at 11 am, this in-person event will be held at the Kimpton-Sawyer Hotel at 500 J St. in downtown Sacramento.

and Montana. In 2021, California sent firefighting equipment and personnel to assist Oregon’s response to the Bootleg Fire.

This request for aid comes through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a national inter-state mutual aid agreement which allows states to request and send personnel, equipment and commodities to assist with response and recovery efforts in other states.

Cabaldon...

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accomplishments in the past years when he held the top post in the city and even before that.

A descendant of Vigan, Ilocos Sur and Legaspi Albay, Christopher Cabaldon led the transformation of a neglected industrial town into an entrepreneurial city that is now celebrated as

and economic opportunity program.

A lifelong educator and advocate, Cabaldon served as Vice Chancellor of the 113-campus California Community Colleges, state university professor, and California’s interstate higher education commission while as a former chief of staff in the State Capitol, he claims to know how to get things done and get results.

nia governors from both political parties,” Cabaldon shared. “I helped lead the groundbreaking White House celebration of Filipino American Heritage Month, chairing the session on education, mobilized an unprecedented nationwide bipartisan coalition of mayors to fight for the passage of the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act, and the Filipino American National Historical Society honored me with its award for Outstanding Historical Contribution.”

Cabaldon was inspired to run in the State Senate as “no Filipino has ever served in the California State Senate and as the dean of America’s Filipino mayors, I worked with close friends like Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and acting Lieutenant Governor Mona Pasquil to cultivate leaders from our community.”

“After mentoring Rob Bonta and Todd Gloria, I was thrilled when they finally broke the barrier as the first Filipinos elected to the Legislature. They’ve made all of us even prouder as Attorney General and Mayor of San Diego, but now Filipinos are invisible again under the Capitol dome. That’s why Filipino community leaders from throughout the district and state encouraged me to run,” Cabaldon said.

in the communities where they work. As the mayor of one of California’s first seven ProHousing-designated cities, I know that it is both urgent and possible to dramatically increase the supply of housing across all of the state—not just downtown San Francisco or Los Angeles.

“America’s most interesting small city” and recognized as one of the world’s “21 Smart Cities to Watch”— with the nation’s most comprehensive education

“I am a small business entrepreneur who has served as an appointee of President Obama and five Califor-

Cabaldon said that leading one of the nation’s most successful city transformations has taught him that government can be powerful force to uplift communities and he is running to be a champion for the towns of the district, fusing his community and Capitol experience to get it done for district and for California.

“Thanks to my work partnering with so many communities throughout the district on projects like the Capitol Corridor rail service, freeway improvements, commuter transit, air pollution, climate change, electricity prices, preschool, free community college, bike trails, building housing, and protecting farmland, habitat, and the district’s unique natural legacy, I enjoy the highest profile among district voters. What we have accomplished in West Sacramento is widely known and emulated in communities across all six counties,” he said.

“This is my 15th political campaign and I’ve run at this level before (in the same area). The Senate Democratic Caucus former political director is running the campaign,” stressed Cabaldon.

Asked on what he wanted to achieve, Cabaldon cited the following:

1) For education, Cabaldon cited a need to protect funding for California’s public schools and increase our investment to ensure every California child has access to the best quality public education. California owes its success to its world-class education system, promising universal access to learning and economic mobility, a vibrant citizenry, and ideas and innovation. Today, every Californian knows that some education beyond high school—whether a degree, certificate, or apprenticeship—is as essential as high school itself had become by 1900.

2) On housing, too many Californians cannot afford safe, secure housing

3) On environment, Senate District 3 is comprised of diverse communities –rural, urban, with rivers, the Delta, and families across the socioeconomic spectrum - and we pride ourselves on our relationship to the land. The policies we pass must preserve our region’s agricultural identity, safeguard water supplies and ensure clean air.

“My district is home to more than 75,000 Filipinos, and it is California’s only Senate district where Filipinos are the third largest group (after Whites and Latinos). And among the immediate concerns that I will work on are on the following:

a) Anti-Asian hate -- from street violence and transit assaults to political attacks on the loyalty of AAPIs and weaponized legal discrimination scapegoating like property ownership bans. Not only from the direct discrimination, danger, and destruction, but also because these threats induce AAPI social isolation, disempowerment, invisibility, insecurity, and mental health challenges.

B) Filipino entrepreneurs and small businesses are key drivers of economic opportunity and inclusive regional economies, but face unique challenges in access to capital, discrimination, access to procurement and contracts, and language access. Nearly all new net jobs among the AAPI population are created by entrepreneurs, but the pandemic devastated many Filipino small business and revealed systemic vulnerabilities and gaps in state policy.

c) Filipino American history and heritage are at risk in too many communities, as rising housing prices and commercial rents price out iconic community shops, restaurants, and nonprofits. Bulldozers finish the job. We’ve seen this before, with the erasure of Little Manila (and my family’s old soda fountain and pool hall there) and I-House in San Francisco, and now it threatens more and more Filipino cultural spots in my district and beyond.

Two-decade West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon running for Senator of California District 3 Senate

Upside...

(From Page 11)

Initial feedback has been gathered over the past two weeks from a randomly selected sample of San Mateo County residents, said the analyst who also facilitates the monthly meetings of County contractors or providers called the New Beginnings Coalition. Starting this week, however, the aim is to encourage age 55+ residents to give input by completing the Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults or CASOA online. The survey will close August 28.

San Mateo County Aging & Adult Services analyst Cris�na Ugaitafa wants older FilAms to be heard. Contributed

Eligible residents can access the survey at https://polco.us/californiaopen23 that went live August 14.

“Participants’ responses are anonymous, and personal data or identifying information are never shared. Community members with questions about the survey may call 916-970-9948,” Ugaitafa assured.

Partnering with the California Department of Aging on the survey is Polco (www.polco.us), described as an “innovative civic engagement platform that gives community members the opportunity to provide input directly to local leaders.”

“Developed by the National Research Center at Polco, the CASOA instrument has been administered in many other jurisdictions around the country. Data returned from this survey of local residents will be benchmarked against other communities nationwide,” went the County advisory.

San Mateo County results will be unveiled at the end of October 2023. Residents will have opportunity sound off and comments will be “incorporated into the work plans of government, foundations, AAAs, nonprofits serving the aging population, and other organizations,” per the advisory.

We can sit around and complain about getting older and leave it to the government to decide what we need or we can use our voice and speak up as citizens and taxpayers. If not for grand agers then definitely for ourselves.

Offline

such a move will have consequences.

(From Page 13)

But as Escudero said, the best way to stand up to bullies is to tell them to go fck themselves. Most bullies usually backdown when they sense that the party they are bullying just might fight back.

Thus far, no one in the Senate has taken the side of China. Not the overwhelming majority of 20 senators, or the two independents, or the two minority lawmakers.

This may be one reason that President Bongbong Marcos suddenly put up a brave front and said he was scrapping the agreement of towing the Sierra Madre if such an agreement ever existed.

After Marcos Jr said those words, China did seem to back down by saying that identifying who made the promise had become irrelevant as the incumbent president had already made his stand known. This can be perceived as a bully backing down just a little because there may be other factors to consider. It may even be a case of taking one step backward in order to take two steps forward. It was their Chairman Mao who said that, if memory serves.

One thing though. While the Senate has made its feelings known, the same thing cannot be said of the lawmakers in the Lower House, AKA the House of Representatives.

I may know why, if I am allowed another foray into minor racism. But take a good look at the names of our honorable men and women of the House. Heck, do the same thing with a lot of our mayors and governors. Note that a good many of them have Chinese surnames. I am not saying that their allegiance is under question. For all I know, most of them are probably patriots whose loyalty is to the Republic of the Philippines, and not the People’s Republic of China.

As for our taipan families, they very likely do not give one whit as long as they’re allowed to make their billions with a minimum of government intervention.

I honestly do not know if billionaires like Manny Villar, the Ayala family, or Ricky Razon are any more or less patriotic than the Sys, the Gokongwies or the Tans.

Their attitude may well be, let the politicians take care of the country’s political problems, and when push comes to shove, let the Armed Forces of the Philippines seek help from the US by virtue of the Mutual Defense Treaty.

PS – to the Senate. Just to be clear: I still haven’t forgiven you guys for that Maharlika bill that you passed in too much of a rush. That was unforgiveable.

As I See It

(From Page 12)

Gen. Fajardo, on the other hand, pioneered a self-sustaining community in his barangay in San Jose. It was his initiative as a concerned San Josenian to help Barangay San Jose during the pandemic. Together with two other kabaryoan who are US-based Virgilio Manipon and Romeo Agbulos, they organized the Task Force Tulong for Barangay San Jose (TFT-San Jose). They solicited funds from kabarangay living abroad and they gave the money raised to the Barangay Council through PB Bartolome Palagud for actions to be taken that redound to the barangay level – what the people in the barangay needed. During the pandemic, they provided basic necessities including alcohol, face masks, and other covid-related necessities. They helped the barangay farmers in selling their produce, actually the Task Force were buying their produce to be distributed to the residents through house-to-house distribution. Balance of the amount raised, after spending them to all these projects, were turned over to the Barangay during their Barangayan Day.

For the youth, he coordinated with then TESDA Secretary Sid Lapena ’67, to conduct TESDA training in the barangay level through their Mobile Training Team for vocational courses. Graduates became successful after their training.

So, who are the Trailblazers of UCNHSAAI? It’s the UCNHS Class of ‘73! Mabuhay kayo – mga Golden Jubilarians!

See you in November!

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

sioned Notary Public in California since 1981 and founder of Mobile Signing Services (MSS), I’m delighted to inform our readers and the general public, that the Front Desk of the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, in Sacramento, California finally opened. This simply means that the processing of documents submitted for apostille is now faster.

For immediate assistance and help in the signing, notarization and apostille follow-up of Affidavits, Special Power of Attorney, DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, Proof of Life, DEED OF DONATION, Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate and other documents needed in the Philippines and the other member nations of the Hague Apostille Convention, just write or contact: MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, 730 Madrid Street, San Francisco, CA 94112. Tel. (650438-3531 or (415)584-7095 o email:artmadlaing@hotmail.com

If you live in San Jose/Silicon Valley area, and need immediate help for the signing, notarization and apostille follow-up of documents needed in the Philippines, make sure to contact or visit our partner JEVI ESPANOLA OCLARIT at: Farmers Insurance, 16 Corning Avenue, Suite 266, Milpitas, CA 95035, Tel. (408) 8544274.

(ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker in California since 1981. He is founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California USA.)

In My Heart

sleep, when you are eating, when you are driving, when you are talking with others, when arguing in court if you are a lawyer, or when operating on a patient if you are a doctor.

2. She breathes the breath of life into you.

3. She inspires you to do things that would make her proud of you.

4. You want to know all about her.

5. You are willing to do anything to please her.

6. You are prepared to give all your time for her.

7. You want her to be happy and see her smile.

8. You want to be with her all the time.

9. When she hurts you, you like to think that she did not intend to do so or has a valid explanation.

IMMIGRATION OFFICERS’ REACTION TO DISSIMILARITIES

How do immigration officers react to couples who seek immigration benefits with blatant dissimilarities – in appearance, in age, and in other matters. They do not believe in this “love is blind” thing. Nor in such thing as “lovers simply accepting the beloved’s imperfections”.

Immigration officers see “marriage fraud”.

Immigration officers have in their minds a stereotype of what constitutes a bona fide marriage - same race or ethnicity, same background, same pleasant looks, and the man is a few years older than the woman. If there is a significant age gap, and especially if the man is over 60 it is believed that the man cannot consummate a marriage because of erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, they do not believe that a very young woman (the alien) really wants to marry a much older man for love. On the other hand, if the woman is much older than her husband, and even more so if the younger man (the alien) is better looking than the woman, it is even worse. It will be difficult to convince immigration officials that the man married the older woman for love.

RECOMMENDATION: If you and your spouse do not fit the immigration stereotype of what constitutes a bona fide marriage and you wish to seek immigration benefits, it is best to consult with a lawyer who has the experience and skill to convince immigration officials that your marriage is bona fide.

Atty. Emmanuel Samonte Tipon was a Fulbright and SmithMundt scholar to Yale Law School where he obtained a Master of Laws degree specializing in Constitutional Law. He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines. He placed third in the 1955 bar examinations.

He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, New York, and the Philippines. He practices federal law, with emphasis on immigration law and appellate federal criminal defense. He was the Dean and a Professor of Law of the College of Law, Northwestern University, Philippines. He has written law books and legal articles for the world’s most prestigious legal publisher and writes columns for newspapers. He wrote the annotations and case notes to the Immigration and Nationality Act published by The Lawyers Co-operative Publishing Co. and Bancroft Whitney Co. He wrote the best-seller “Winning by Knowing Your Election Laws.” Listen to The Tipon Report which he co-hosts with his son Attorney Emmanuel “Noel” Tipon. They talk about immigration law, criminal law, court-martial defense, politics, and current events. It is considered the most witty, interesting, and useful radio show in Hawaii. KNDI 1270 AM band every Thursday at 8:00 a.m. Atty. Tipon was born in Laoag City, Philippines. Cell Phone (808) 225-2645. EMail: filamlaw@yahoo.com. Website: https://www.tiponimmigrationguide.com The information provided in this article is not legal advice. Publication of this information is not intended to create, and receipt by you does not constitute, an attorney-client relation-

(From Page 12)

a book author, professor and journalist in the Philippines and United States, having been president of the National Press Club during which he linked up with the National Press Club in Washington D.C. and launched NPC chapters in US. He served as a member of the Board of Regents of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila for two six-year terms, Commissioner of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Philippine Postal Corporation, among others. He is the editor in chief of Philippine News Today. He can be reached at alfredgabot@aol.com or alfred.gabot@gmail.com)

What’s Up Atty

(From Page 12)

The lawyer is also seeing other women one of whom, in the opinion of others, is more mature and more beautiful than the teenager. What is the rationale?

“Modern-day research supports the view that the blindness of love is not just a figurative matter. A research study in 2004 by the University College London found that feelings of love suppressed the activity of the areas of the brain that control critical thought. https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/love-is-blind.html

There you have it. Love suppresses critical thought.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU LOVE HER ?

Here are some evidences of true love.

1. You think of her when you wake up, when you go to

Cherie M. Querol Moreno is Executive Editor of Philippine News Today.

Experts warn about potential uptick in child pneumonia cases

MANILA – The country could be facing a potential increase in cases of pediatric pneumonia as all sectors of the economy return to normal, following the end of state of public emergency due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a media roundtable discussion as reported by PNA , University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital Infectious and Tropical Disease Division chief Dr. Anna Ong-Lim said increased mobility of the population and decreased vigilance in the observance of minimum public health standards may contribute to the increase in number of pneumonia cases especially among unvaccinated children ages 5 years old and below.

Ong-Lim cited studies in Japan and Taiwan that show the hospital admissions for non-Covid pneumonia during the pandemic decreased significantly.

“They were attributing the decrease to limited mobility restrictions, globally, as a way to limit transmissions,” she said.

Citing data from the United Nations Children’s

Fund, Ong-Lim said a child under 5 years old dies of pneumonia every 43 seconds or around 2,000 children every day.

The disease claims the lives of over 700,000 children under 5 every year worldwide, including over 200,000 newborns.

Globally, there are over 1,400 cases of pneumonia per 100,000 children, or 1 case per 71 children annually.

The most number of pneumonia incidence among children occur in South Asia (2,500 cases per 100,000 children) and West and Central Africa (1,620 cases per 100,000 children).

“Philippines is one of the fifteen countries contributing to pneumonia cases worldwide which could be prevented by vaccines,” Ong-Lim said.

According to the Field Health Services Information System Report, about 31,395 Filipino children who are under 5 years old have died due to pneumonia in 2021. About 60,500 children were infected with the disease in 2022.

Health tips

Conscious brushing

Pneumonia, which accounts for 14 percent of all deaths among children under 5 years old, is an cute respiratory infection affecting the lungs.

It is caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses and can be prevented by adequate nutrition, breastfeeding, immunization and management of environmental factors.

“Embracing practices learned from the pandemic such as wearing masks has been proven effective in preventing respiratory diseases like pneumonia,” Philippine Foundation for Vaccination president Dr. Maria Rosario Capending said.

However, these health protocols may not be sustainable for common respiratory diseases like pneumonia.

“As early as 1.5 months after birth, infants and children should be protected from this deadly disease,” she said.

To lower fatalities among children due to pneumonia, the Department of Health offers free pneumococcal vaccines against pneumonia and meningitis in health centers nationwide.

Heart of Hope

Oro-dental health parallels cardiac health. Poor oral hygiene from neglect or improper oral care does not only lead to disgusting halitosis (bad breath) and dental carries/gingivitis, but also to increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Conscious brushing is a method of dental care that provides the greatest chance of cleaning all the teeth, gums, tongue, and the whole mouth. The individual focuses and concentrates totally on flossing all the inter-dental (between teeth) crevices, and brushing each tooth consciously, the top and all reachable sides of each tooth. I prefer a soft brush and toothpaste with baking soda and peroxide, but most dental pastes are acceptable. The gums and the entire mouth are brushed gently, including the throat. Using a tongue scraper, from all the way back, forward to the tip, removes bacteria loaded thick mucus. The tongue is a great major source of bacteria and halitosis. Gurgling helps flush out food particles in between teeth. The final step is the use of mouth rinse, preferably with stabilized chlorine dioxide. The less expensive alternative is to add a teaspoon of salt or two tablespoonful of hydrogen peroxide to a glass of water and use this as a mouth rinse, at least twice a day. And visit your dentist every 6 months, or more often if needed.

Food for the brain

With the scary threat of developing Alzheimer’s dementia, most everyone wonders what could be done to ward off this terrible nightmare, a disease worse than any other, even cancer, even death. The severe toll is not only on the individual but on the entire family, especially the spouse. While the Alzheimer’s syndrome is not totally known, especially on how to fully prevent it or treat it, one thing is clear: our diet affects our brain, our heart, and our whole being. Currently, plant-based diet (rich in polyphenols, flavanoids, and other antioxidants) is the now evidence-based approach to disease prevention and in some cases, to cure, and even to maximize longevity, as stated in the

book, Let’s Stop “Killing” Our Children (link: philipSchua.com), which is listed in the US Library of Congress. This is a primer on healthy lifestyle starting from the womb and in the crib to protect DNA to prevent major illnesses as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s and even cancer, from ever occurring when children grow up, adds daily exercise, abstinence from tobacco, vaping, illegal drugs, adhering to a disciplined approach to alcohol, and stress management with week-end breaks and regular vacation/staycations with friends and family. The simple strategy is to fill up 3/4 of your plate with vegetables of various colors, some fruits and nuts, and the remaining 1/4 with fish (wildcaught, not farm- raised), chicken, without the skin, or beef or pork (not more than 12 ounces). Abstaining from red meat and processed meats (bacon, hot dogs, sausages, etc.) is a healthier option, to reduce the risk for heart attack, stroke, T2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. Most cancers, like pancreatic and colon cancers are linked to eating red meat.

Soft drinks are slow-acting poison

Soft drinks in general, cola or uncola, diet or regular, caffeinated or flavored or not, are all toxic to the body, especially to children. These beverages increase the risk for metabolic syndrome, a cluster of medical conditions that leads to the development of high blood pressure, T2 diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. The effective use of cola drinks to unplug blocked sink drain or toilet or its use to clean car carburetors illustrates the abrasiveness of this beverage. Imagine what it does to our body when we ingest them. The harmful effects take years. Taking this slow-acting poison ourselves and allowing our children to do the same is irrational, careless, and endangering the health of the entire family. The healthiest drink is still clean, unadulterated, filtered water. And less expensive too.

Our filthy environment

It might be surprising to some that our whole environment, our entire home, office, public areas, are literally filthy, becoming evident when the various surfaces are tested and cultured for germs and examined under the microscope. We constantly live and cohabitate with bacteria, viruses, fungi, molds, parasites,

etc., from the day we were born, and have developed a certain level of tolerance of them. That’s because our immune system has adapted to our Mother Earth. When our immunity goes down, through poor nutrition or care, or illnesses, or immuno-suppressed by chemo/radiation treatment for cancer, or by AIDS, or when born with immune deficiency syndrome, the dose of these germs around us could overpower us and cause diseases. Hand washing, or bathing, does not totally eliminate the germs in us; they merely reduce the dose to a level that our individual immune system is able to handle and prevent illnesses. Even surgeons brushing their hands for 10-15 minutes in preparation for surgery still has residual germs in their hands, the reason why they follow this up with alcohol or betadine soak. All our rooms at home are teeming with bacteria, especially the kitchen, more than our toilet, believe it or not. This why personal cleanliness is utmost, and cleaning our home regularly, daily for the kitchen and bathrooms, more intensely every week, is important in warding off contamination and diseases. I personally stay away from chemical cleansing agents, which has some health and ecological hazards. I use a new modified quadruple 5 formula for a concoction as a home-made cleansing spray agent: 50 cc regular vinegar, 50 cc alcohol, 5 cc dishwashing soap, mixed with 500 cc water, poured into two spray bottles. Safer, cheaper, and readily (refill) available than chemical cleansing agents sold in stores.

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

PHILIP S. CHUA

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

GOD’S FINANCIAL PLAN

By TIM PEDROSA

Health and money are the heaviest burden of life, and the unhappiest of all mortals are those who take their health for granted and aspire for more and more wealth. Health is wealth and we should take care of it to the best. As for wealth, the real measure of a man’s financial wealth is how much he would be worth if he loses all his money. Here are some thoughts inspired by the writings of David Brandt Berg and Maria Fontaine. Staying healthy financially is a bit like staying healthy physically: There aren’t any shortcuts or “magic pills,” but rather it’s dependent on numerous factors that have to be done with regularity.

To get healthy or stay healthy physically, you must do a number of things in proper balance—eat well, sleep well, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, dress appropriately for the weather, avoid stress, stay clean and avoid germs, etc. You can’t only eat well and expect to be healthy; you also need to do those other things. Each is a part of God’s health plan, and they all work together to bring about the desired result.

It’s the same with getting healthy and staying healthy financially. You have to follow God’s financial health plan as best you can. That means first and foremost making time for your spiritual life and relationship with Him—”Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4)—but there’s more to it than that. You also need to work hard, be honest and fair in business, pray for His guidance before making financial decisions, be thankful for all He gives you, avoid waste, and give back to Him by supporting His work and workers, as well as giving to others in need, etc. You have to enact each part of God’s financial health plan and keep the right balance, or you can’t expect His full blessing. At the same time, you need to remember that having a good income and financial stability isn’t the be-all or end-all of the Lord’s blessing, any more than it’s the be-all or end-all of life—or as Jesus put it, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). Sometimes His blessings come in other forms that benefit us even more, such as good health, protection from accidents, a loving family, a happy and harmonious home life, true friends, peace of mind, and purpose and fulfillment in life. Be thankful for what you have, you will end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough – Oprah Winfrey.

The Lord is a wise investor. He gives the most to those who are thankful for the blessings He’s already given them. We can show Him our appreciation by thanking and praising Him regularly—by not taking His generosity for granted. No benefactor would continue giving to someone who isn’t grateful for what he or she has already been given. The more you learn to recognize God’s goodness and the more you make it a habit to thank and praise Him at every turn, the more He will bless. So tell Him how much you love Him and how thankful you are for all He does for you. Prosperity depends more on wanting what you have than having what you want. The best things in life are free. It is important never to lose sight of that. So look around you. Wherever you see friendship, loyalty, laughter and love there is you’re your treasure – Neale Donald Walsh.

We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, only to learn that it is God who is shaking them. ~Charles C. West

Judgement and Our Choice

God is Mercy Himself, but He is also Just Himself. God is love; so, He expects us to live in love. Our life is fully lived only in love. We will be held accountable if we do not live on love; and the greatest love we should have, is loving Him with the whole of our being and others for our love of Him. This is the project of our entire existence. We do not like this topic of judgment, The Judgement Day. We deceive ourselves living our lives daily just wanting to do what we want and living how we want. The truth of God’s judgement cannot be downplayed or taken for granted. Be careful with whatever attitude you have; it can be your own ruin and separation from God.

REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD

In the gospel of St. Matthew 11: 20 – 24; Jesus reproved the towns or cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for being unrepentant in spite of the many miracles, “the mighty deeds,” done in their midst. He said, it will be more tolerable for Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom, on judgement day than for them. For if the miracles were done in Tyre, Sidon, or Sodom, they would have repented. In our time, we are all so blessed. We may have problems, but we cannot accuse God that He is uncaring or has abandoned anyone. God loves and cares for us all the time. That is why, even in the midst of our stubbornness and hardheadedness, He continually calls for our repentance, conversion, and change of heart. He gave us ways and means to access His graces and blessings in order that we be enabled to live and behave pleasing to Him; we have the Holy Eucharist; we have the Sacrament of His Mercy and Confession to regularly clean ourselves from our sins; we know, we can pray with the grace the Holy Spirit in us; and yet, many times, we take these for granted. Someday, we will be held accountable. May the Lord not judge us one day unworthy of Him and be separated from Him for eternity.

We cannot be stubborn and adamant. We cannot be hardheaded and stonehearted; thus, we have to make changes to our attitudes, behavior, and mentality. Let us not be weary in trying to let our lives be coherent to our Lord’s teachings. In our time, I would not believe of complete ignorance of the Lord Jesus Christ and of His teachings from anyone who would say, ‘he or she is a Christian or a Catholic.’ I mean, we know in many ways the teachings of the Lord Jesus, we know God’s Commandments, and for whatever we know of faith more or less, our lives are expected to be consistent with them. Sometimes, we want to live our earthly life away from God; because, we lament that it is hard; for, we do not want to be told what is right or wrong. We just want to be our own masters and set our own rules. This mentality is inconsistent with the life of faith itself. If we believe in God; hence, there must be a relationship with Him; an ever growing and persevering friendship with Him. If in this life, we do not want to live our life with God; then, at the end of our earthly journey logically we cannot expect to be judged to be with Him either We cannot claim to be with God in heaven when in this life we did not want to relate or wanted to have a relationship with Him. Let us not be stubborn but docile in relation to God. Let us not be disobedient but obedient; humble and not arrogant in relation to our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us in an act of atonement and redemption, as this was God the Father’s Will.

We must know, Judgement Day, as the word itself suggest, is day of justice, day of accountability, to be given one his due. On Judgement Day, we will be given our due and God will exact also what is due for Himself. The Day of judgement is not the day of mercy in the sense that; from the very moment of Jesus Christ’s Paschal Mystery and in our daily lives there already is God’s mercy. Every day in a way is Day of Mercy. If by that moment of Judgement your and my life are not worthy of God; then, we will be condemned. God is not to be blamed for that; it is us who is to blame. And yet even on Judgement Day, God will judge us less than we deserve; God’s mercy works in recognizing what we deserve according to His divine intelligence. The mercy and love of God are overflowing to us right now in our daily lives. Let us not waste His love and mercy now; but live well for God. If we will be judged worthy of Him; it means, He judged our life to have striven to love Him and related with Him. Ultimately, someday, on our deathbed, may we not be afraid of thinking about how we wasted our life; but rather, may we be joyful that soon we will reap the rewards of the efforts and our striving of living our daily life in the godly way. Judgement Day is supposed to be a glorious day not a moment of doom and gloom. But the choice is still ours, what choice are you making now? Amen.

Recipe of the Week

Pork Adobo with Pineapple

Pork Adobo with Pineapple. Pineapple is one of the popular fruits here in Australia I regularly see them at Woolworths supermarket fresh produce section, they are even sold in halves. I though I could make an adobo with fresh pineapple served in pineapple shell/bowl. I grab one halve piece of fresh pineapple, bell pepper, pork, vinegar and soy sauce.

Ingredients:

1/2 kilo pork, cut in large cube

1/2 fresh pineapple, skin/shell on

1/4 cup vinegar

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/2 head garlic, crushed, chopped

1 thumb size ginger, sliced

2 small size onion, quartered

1 medium size bell pepper, cut into large squares

1 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. peppercorns

2-3 pieces bay leaf

Cooking procedure:

Using a small knife and a spoon curve and scoop out the meat from the pineapple, discard the core and cut meat into large cubes, keep aside. Cut/chop flat the bottom of the pineapple shell/bowl to keep it from rolling, keep aside. I a sauce pan place the pork, garlic, ginger, peppercorns, bay leaf, vinegar, soy sauce, pineapple juice and 1/2 cup of water bring to a boil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated. Now stir in the sugar, onions, pineapple and bell pepper, cook for another 5-10 minutes or until almost dry. Remove from pan and pour the adobo in the pineapple shell/bowl. Serve with a lot of rice.

Pico de Loro: Sustainable, meaningful travel experience

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, PNA

NASUGBU, Batangas – Destinations are keeping up with the changing travel behavior among tourists, more and more of whom are seeking out unique and meaningful experiences after more than three years of being cooped up during the pandemic.

Studies showed that travelers are showing a preference for nature-based travel or coastal destinations, while some look for more “wellness experiences” as mentallyexhausting lockdowns and quarantine measures shone light on the importance of an improved health and well-being.

Sustainability has also become a key consideration in travel choices as tourists become more conscious of reducing their carbon footprint and supporting green tourism.

Be it food, eco-friendly practices, people, or simply its tourism offering, the Pico de Loro Cove and the Pico Sands Hotel inside it strive to offer all of these.

It has a 1.5-kilometer stretch of sandy beach that makes for a perfect backdrop for the sunset, a neighboring cove that could rival the calm waters and fine white sands of Visayas beaches, and a well-preserved surrounding that is home to some of the Philippines’ colorful and rare wild birds.

Tourists can access the resort town through the sole hotel situated on the 5,900-hectare Hamilo Coast – the Pico Sands Hotel, open to serve both local and international guests.

As both inbound and domestic travel slowly pick up, the Pico Sands Hotel said it is ready for the opportunities the eventual recovery of the travel and tourism sector will bring, starting by further exploring ways to elevate experience for guests.

“We position Pico Sands Hotel in such a way that we capture the right market and that we stay relevant. Pico Sands Hotel is a complete nature destination capitalizing on unique experiences such as Mangrove Tours, Eco Trails and Marine Sanctuaries,” Pico Sands Hotel General Manager Anne Busfield said in a recent interview.

“Guests prefer experiences that are unique to them, so Pico Sands Hotel is perfectly positioned inside Pico de Loro Cove to create them,” she added.

‘Mangroves and birds’

The coast is home to Nasugbu’s largest mangrove forest teeming with a huge array of wildlife and over 10,000 mangrove trees.

The tour begins with a short 200-meter walk to a small port where rowboats await.

The entire tour takes guests to an hour of tranquil boat ride as they navigate through the lush forest and, if lucky, get treated to a sight of egrets, herons, and mud crabs.

At the end of the forest tour, guest can marvel at the stunning panorama of Papaya Cove, young mangroves field, and the peaking Mt. Pico de Loro where the resort town was named after.

The Pico de Loro Cove is also a gem for birdwatching enthusiasts as it serves as a habitat to 95 out of the 600 avian species in the country – there’s the coppersmith barbet, black naped oriole, the rufous-crowned bee-eater, the Asian glossy starling and more.

Some of the best locations for this activity are at the cove’s St. Therese Chapel of the Child Jesus, the Events Park Garden, and the beach grassy areas at around 6:30 a.m.

What also makes both the boat ride and nature stroll memorable are the guides who themselves teach tourists about the importance of preserving nature while sharing their own interesting anecdotes about the cove.

“Malaki na rin ang pinagbago rito ngayon nagkaroon na ng marine sanctuary tapos mas napangalagaan ‘yong dagat. Kalaunan nadi-discover na marami palang magagandang corals dito (sa Hamilo) at giant clams (A lot has changed here, now we have the marine sanctuary and the sea is well-protected. Over time, we’ve discovered that the place is brimming with beautiful corals and even giant clams),” said Arthur Casasola, cove guide and and one of the first employees at Pico de Loro Cove.

Great food, scenic dining

Completing the experience is the “scenic dining” that the Pico Sands Hotel offers to guests, especially at dinner just as the sun is setting and the afterglow paints the sky with a burst of purple and pink hues.

Beyond its scenic setting, the hotel touts exceptional dishes prepared by its Executive Chef Charles Marindoque, one of the youngest ECs in the Philippines.

Staying true to its commitment to sustainability, its kitchen sources at least 70 percent of its supplies locally and within Batangas.

Some of the must-try dishes here are the pork tomahawk and the ossobuco-style beef bone marrow Bulalosso, which pairs surprisingly well with pasta aglio e olio instead of rice.