PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan --- Amid China’ aggressiveness raising tension to new heights over Beijing’s activities and claims in South China Sea, the Philippines and Australia, supported by American troops, conducted joint war exercises simulating the “retaking’ of an island off Palawan in West Philippine Sea.
SOME Filipinos who lived through the years their country was under military rule seem to have forgotten about Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., named the Philippines’ only other National Hero after Jose Rizal.
But not Donny de Leon, a Californian since 1979.
Every year around this time, the US Navy veteran reverts to the eight-year-old Barrio Balutu, Tarlac, schoolboy stretching his neck toward the sky, eyes squinting at the blazing sun while watching a helicopter touch down to deliver in person the man he had long revered, whose hand he craved to shake, whose “courage and selflessness” he sought to emulate.
Now retired and liv-
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SACRAMENTO -- California continues to lead the way in taking concrete steps to stop Asian hate. To prevent, intervene, and directly service victims of hate crime in California, $91 million in funding was allotted by the Golden State this week which will be used to fund projects related to ending the scourge.
By Jun Nucum
NEWARK, California - In the recently-concluded kick-off gathering of the Taste of Asian event at Isla Filipino restaurant in Newark, California, there is no doubt that one way of getting together is through sharing of food.
And this sharing of food forms part of the Asian American Stories Video Contest to shine the spotlight on stories that unite diverse cultures, amplify underrepresented narratives, and reshape perceptions.
By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor
MANILA – Not only is the campaign promise of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to lower the price of rice to PHP20 (about $0.360) per kilogram beyond reach, the Philip-
pines may even face shortages of the principal staple food in the foreseeable future.
Upside Page 6 Story on page 17 Page 19 Page 6
The Asia Economic Monthly report on food released this
US reaffirms ‘ironclad commitment’ to defense alliance with PHL P2
Roque family, anti-hate survivors bewail ruling, release of attacker
Isla Restaurant hosts, cited
‘Friends of friends’ prove Ninoy
MANILA – Two Japanese destroyers, JS Izumo and JS Samidare, are in Manila for a goodwill visit after capping a quadrilateral drills with the Philippines, United States and Australia in the South China Sea.
In a reception aboard the JS Izumo on Sunday night, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa said the visit reflects Tokyo’s strong commitment in strengthening maritime security cooperation in the region.
“Now more than ever, stronger cooperation among like-minded nations is vital to preserving stability and peace in the world,” he said.
“We must firmly stand together to defend and strengthen a free and open international order — one that is disciplined and guided by rules, respecting the law to the benefit of nations, large and small,” he added.
Japan, the Philippines, Australia and the United States conducted replenishment-at-sea and photo exercise (PHOTOEX) during the drills on Aug. 24.
The undertaking follows the first-ever Japan-Australia-Philippines-US Defense Ministerial Meeting held in Singapore last June.
“This very meeting has resulted in this significant moment of defense and maritime cooperation wherein brave and skilled navies from Japan, the US, Australia and the Philippines joined together and conducted mari-
time exercises in the South China Sea,” Koshikawa said.
According to the Japanese Embassy in Manila, the exercises were held in Philippine “territorial waters”.
Also participating in the drills were the US Navy’s littoral combat ship Mobile, the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Canberra and HMAS Anzac, the Royal Australian Air Force F-35A fighter jets and the Philippine Navy’s BRP Davao Del Sur.
Earlier this month, the four countries raised concern over the water cannoning of Philippine boats that attempted to resupply the beached BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, a feature within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone that is also being claimed by China.
In his speech, Koshikawa emphasized that “peace and international order cannot be maintained if military superpowers ignore international law and try to achieve their own claims by force”.
“Each country has its own claims. However, disputes between states must be settled peacefully through international law and the arbitration procedures established thereunder. Even if the outcome of the arbitration is unfavorable to the major powers,” he said.
JS Izumo and JS Samidare will be in Manila until Aug. 31 to strengthen relations with the Philippine Navy.
The two vessels will return to Japan after the IndoPacific Deployment 2023 in September.
JS Izumo is docked at the Manila South Harbor while JS Samidare is anchored about 30 minutes away from the capital.
Alongside the Japanese ship, also docked in Manila are USS America and Australia’s Canberra.
MANILA – The United States has reaffi rmed its “ironclad commitment” to its alliance with the Philippines as the two countries mark 72 years since the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty.
The MDT, signed in 1951, obligates both sides to come to each other’s defense in case an external party attacks the Philippines or the US.
“The United States stands fi rm in our ironclad commitment to our alliance and partnership with the
Philippines as we face new and continuing challenges,” US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III has previously reiterated that an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, aircraft and public vessels, including the Coast Guard, anywhere in the South China Sea, would invoke Washington DC’s mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the MDT.
The US Embassy in Manila emphasized that the pact continues to serve as the foundation for the Philippine-US’ “evolving alliance” and that both sides’ security forces would continue to strengthen their capabilities and work together to secure a “free and open Indo-Pacifi c.”
The two states earlier announced plans to expand new military sites in the Philippines under the
Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, a 2014 agreement that seeks to advance the MDT’s implementation.
The four new sites -- Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Balabac Island in Palawan; and Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan – aim to strengthen the interoperability of the US and Philippine armed forces.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said the 72-year-old MDT is a “pillar” of the country’s security.
“The MDT is one of the pillars of our national security. The mechanisms under it shall continue to be implemented to further enhance the capability of the AFP to perform its constitutional duty of protecting our national sovereignty and territorial integrity,”
MANILA – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) vowed to enforce the Office of the Ombudsman’s suspension order against officials involved in the purchase of P2.4 billion alleged overpriced laptops for public school teachers in 2021.
“The Department of Budget and Management, under the leadership of Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, assures the public of its utmost compliance with the decision set by the Office of the Ombudsman against former Procurement Service (PS) and DBM officials due to their al-
leged involvement in the purchase of reportedly overpriced laptops for the Department of Education (DepEd),” the budget department said in a statement.
“Secretary Pangandaman has already directed concerned officials to implement the suspension order concerning former and present PS-DBM officials and employees.”
This was after Ombudsman Samuel Martires ordered the preventive suspension of education and budget officials, pending an investigation into the P2.4-billion laptop procurement for the DepEd Computerization Program.
MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) expressed its commitment to work with the United States Navy (USN) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense (JMSDF) as part of its efforts to further enhance its capabilities.
This came after the courtesy calls of the USN’s 7th Fleet commander Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, and Japan Self Defense Fleet commander chief Vice Adm. Akira Saito at Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Aug. 27.
Aside from Adaci, also present was the Philippine Fleet commander Rear Adm. Renato David.
“During the call, Vice Admiral Adaci and the three fleet commanders discussed how their navies may collaborate as partners on various activities, including capability development, training and subject matter exchanges that would be mutually beneficial to the three forces,” PN spokesperson Capt. Benjo Negranza said in a statement.
He also said the PN chief also conveyed his appreciation for the visit of the US and Japanese navies.
Adaci also emphasized the PN’s commitment to work with “like-minded navies in pursuit of cooperation, interoperability and strong multilateral relations.”
HONOLULU — Two more Filipinos were found to have died in the Maui wildfires bringing to eight the fatalities of Filipino descent in the ongoing search and recovery operation there as scores more were still missing.
The latest fatalities added to the list have been identified as Rogelio Mabalot, 68, a native of Laoag City, and Pablo Pagdilao III, 75, originally from Pinili, Ilocos Norte.
Mabalot’s daughter Richelle confirmed Rogelio’s passing through a Facebook post, GMA News reported, adding the confirmation came after their DNA samples were matched by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Rogelio was last seen on August 8 at 3:30 p.m. near the Banyan Tree in Lahaina.
The other Filipinos and Filipino-Americans who died in the tragedy were Salvador Coloma, 77; Carlo Tobias, 54; Rodolfo Rocutan, 76,, from Ilocos; Conchita Sagudang, 75 and Danilo Sagudang, 55, originally from Abra; and Alfredo Galinato, 79, immigrant from Ilocos.
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QUEZON CITY - A former police officer ignited a storm after he was caught on video pulling out a gun during an altercation with a cyclist in Quezon City.
The ex-cop, Wilfredo Gonzales, was discovered to be a co-terminus employee at the Office of Supreme Court Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario at the time of the altercation, prompting the high court to terminate his services.
In a statement,, the office of Associate
Justice Rosario confirmed that Wilfredo Gonzales was an employee and dismissed.
“This is to notify the public that Mr. WIlfredo Gonzales was a coterminous employee of the Office of Associate Justice Ricard R. Rosario. His employment was immediately terminated on August 27, 2023 upon discovery of the incident. Justice Rosario does not condone any form of violence or abusive behavior,” the statement by Rosario’s chief of staff Wilhelmina Aileen B. Mayuga said.
The SC, in a statement, said the em-
ployment of Gonzales was immediately terminated on Sunday, August 27, upon discovery of the incident.
The storm also triggered the resignation of QCPD chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III from his post to show that he is not protecting anyone.
Gen. Torre, who resigned after getting flaks for facilitating a press conference for the ex-cop, said the case is a public crime which can be filed by police officers and can be strengthened through other pieces of evidence or testimonies from witnesses.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said he would meet with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and Quezon City Mayor Joy
Belmonte to discuss Torre’s resignation. Belmonte had offered legal assistance to the agrieved cyclist.
Torre resigned to give way to the investigation into the road rage incident involving Gonzales and a cyclist, as seen on a video released last Aug. 8.
“Justice Rosario does not condone any form of violence or abusive behavior,” the Supreme Court said in a statement.
Police records showed Gonzales was dismissed from the Philippine National Police in June 2018 for grave misconduct.
In the video, Gonzales cursed at, hit, and pulled out his gun after a cyclist hit his car with his bicycle in a bicycle lane which Gonzales’ car had encroached.
PASAY CITY – A passenger from Africa was arrested for allegedly trying to slip in illegal drugs worthP18.3 million at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA, the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) said .
In a statement, PDEG chief Col. Dionisio Bartolome Jr. identified the suspect as Zenaida Esperanza Losloso, 49, an arriving passenger from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with flight No. ET 644 on Thursday evening.
Losloso was arrested by the operatives of PDEG, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA InterAgency Drug Interdiction Task Group
(NAIA-IADITG) at the NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City at around 9:45 p.m. Thursday.
Seized during the operation were some 3,454 grams of suspected cocaine with an estimated standard drug price of P18,306,200 concealed in an improvised plastic sachet.
The arrested suspect and recovered pieces of evidence were brought to the PDEA Office for proper documentation and disposition as authorities investigate the arrested passenger for violation of Republic Act 9165 (RA) or the Comprehensive Drug Act of 2002 and RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
DUMAGUETE CITY/MANILA –
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said it aims to conduct the special elections in Negros Oriental by the second week of December.
The polls are intended to fill the vacant seat of former Rep. Arnolfo
“Arnie” Teves Jr., following calls of the House of Representatives (HoR) to conduct special elections.
“Kaya naman ng Commission on Elections ‘yan basta matapos lang namin itong Barangay and SK Elections [sa] October 30 (The Comelec can do
that as long as we finish the BSKE in Oct. 30),” Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said.
“Siguro bago matapos ang buwan ng September ay makapag-imprenta na kami ng mga balota para sa distrito ng Negros Oriental (Maybe before Sep-
tember ends, we can print ballots for the districts of Negros Oriental),” he said.
Garcia said the poll body will determine the amount needed for the conduct of special elections.
envenido Rubio found 154,000 sacks of imported rice grains and 60,000 sacks of “palay” (unhusked rice) upon inspection of four warehouses located in Barangay Wakas in Bocaue town and and Barangay San Juan in Balagtas town.
The 154,000 sacks of imported rice grains came from Vietnam and Pakistan and have an estimated value of P431 million, while the 60,000 sacks of “palay” are valued at P88 million.
“Yesterday, we had a sectoral meeting with the President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.), who gave a clear directive about how we can help stop the rising cost of rice in the market. So, this is our answer to that order. We have just discovered four warehouses storing rice grains and palay, and if the owners of these warehouses fail to show proper documents that they rightfully paid the taxes and duties they owe to the government, then we will take immediate legal action and confiscate the items here,” Rubio said in a statement.
The other warehouse with no signage was only identified as having a gray colored gate located in Intercity Industrial Complex, also in Balagtas town.
Rubio signed and authorized the inspection of the Bulacan warehouses, which came a week after the inspection of another batch of Bulacan warehouses also with the lawmakers.
When the team arrived, they found the representatives of the warehouses and presented to them the Letters of Authority (LOAs) before proceeding to inspect these warehouses.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Representatives Erwin Tulfo, Wilfrido Mark Enverga and Ambrosio Cruz Jr. also joined the inspection.
BOCAUE, Bulacan – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has found an estimated total of P519 million worth of agricul-
tural products in several warehouses in Bulacan province.
The team led by Commissioner Bi-
The warehouses were identified as Gold Rush Ricemill/Warehouse in Balagtas; JJS Ricemill/Warehouse and Gold Rush Ricemill 2, both in Bocaue.
Aside from Rubio, the inspection team was composed of Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Verne Enciso, elements of the CIIS at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Task Force Aduana.
already approved it, and this will be done to so that we can maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, this is part of our efforts to promote rules-based international order),” he added.
Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award,” the statement added.
Joint patrols with Australia on the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) are now in the offing.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the planning on the measure is ongoing after this has been approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Australian government.
“Pinaplano pa rin ho natin yung mga detalye pero in essence ay naaprove na po ng ating Pangulo at ng liderato ng Australia, this is to ensure na we maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, kasama po tayo dyan dahil isinisulong po natin yung rules-based international order (We are now planning but in essence the President and the Australian leadership have
In a joint statement on the sidelines of the Philippines and Australia’s amphibious assault drills on Aug. 25, part of the ongoing “Exercise Alon”, Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Australia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles said they have “discussed the importance of all countries in the region exercising their agency in support of an Indo-Pacific region that is based on sovereignty, international law, and ASEAN Centrality.”
“Under the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Program, we are working to broaden the scope of our cooperation and the complexity of our activities,” the joint statement stated, adding that this intent is epitomized by the Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023.
“We agreed on the importance of all states operating safely and professionally, while respecting and adhering to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and we reaffirmed our strong support of the 2016 South China
The Philippines and Australia have “recommitted to planning bilateral joint patrols in the South China Sea/ West Philippine Sea and other areas of mutual interest.”
Some 1,760 Filipino and Australian troops participated in “Exercise Alon” which ended on Aug. 31.
Participants include 560 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and 1,200 personnel from the Australian Defense Force with 120 supporting personnel coming from the United States Marine Corps.
Participating military assets include the helicopter landing dock, HMAS Canberra, frigate HMAS Anzac, with the landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur. Close-air support was provided by the Royal Australian Air Force F-35A “Lightning II” aircraft; Australian Army M-1A1 “Abrams” tank and two PMC amphibious assault
week shows food inflation risk will continue to rise, and the Philippines is at highest risk because of its high dependency on imports of various agricultural products, most especially rice.
One red flag in the region is India, where food price inflation has hit double figures recently, causing the country to hold all exports of rice. India is one of two countries recently identified by the Philippines as a possible source of imports, given that it is also facing a shortage.
Marcos recently said the Philippines had experienced a spate of “bad luck,” mostly due to the various typhoons that hit rice-growing provinces across the country.
Not only is his promise of PHP20 per kilo of rice next to impossible, the staple is now selling for as much as triple that amount in public markets, or about PHP60/kilo ($1.09) for well-milled rice.
The food report from the Nomura Food Vulnerability Index states that a shade under 25 percent of the Philippines’ rice consumption, or 24.2 percent, is imported.
“The Philippines appears most vulnerable
Among the initiatives is a multilingual campaign to promote the California vs Hate hotline and a webinar open to the public regarding mental health.
The campaign will be in Tagalog (AKA Pilipino), Vietnamese, Korean, simplified Chinese, Hmong, Punjabi, and Tongan and will be seen across more than 30 different outlets to promote the hotline.
The allocated funds will serve the marginalized communities in the state, with millions allotted to the Asian American and Pacific Is-
to higher food prices due to the 34.8 percent share of food in its CPI (consumer price index) basket and net food imports comprising over two percent of its GDP (gross domestic product, or the sum total of the goods and services produced by a country excluding its earnings from expat workers),” said the report.
And because of India’s ban on rice exports, rice prices are expected to also increase in Thailand and Vietnam, the latter being the second targeted source of imported rice by the Department of Agriculture, which Marcos heads in a concurrent capacity.
Incidentally, during its budget hearing last week, an Agriculture undersecretary slipped when he admitted that Marcos had not been attending meetings of the department for the last six months.
The report raised possibilities of interest to the Philippines.
For one, it said that “if food prices were to remain elevated, fiscal deficits in emerging markets may inch higher as governments spend more to support low-income households.” This is precisely the situation the country is in, and the Marcos regime has taken to not only providing ‘ayuda’ for the poorest of the poor, it also recently introduced its food stamp program for depressed communities.
lander (AAPI) community.
Funded groups include:
· Filipino Migrant Center
· South Asian Network
· Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach
· Jakara Movement
· Pacific Pride Foundation
· The Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center
· Asian Americans for Civil Rights & Equality
· Little Saigon San Diego
· Khmer Girls in Action
· Korean Community Center of the
The report also said that “higher food prices can result in second-round effects as a spike in inflation expectations prompts workers to negotiate higher wages.”
The labor sector has been pressing for a legislated wage hike, and said the recently granted PHP40 hike in daily wage was “an insult” as it does not even come close to helping a family of four meet its daily needs, owing to high inflation.
Senate President Miguel Zubiri has been pushing for a PHP150 increase in the daily minimum wage, but the government’s economic planners as well as the private sector have warned that such a hike would cause companies to see lower profit margins, which would inevitably lead to retrenchments.
Marcos himself recently said that the current high inflation is the single biggest challenge facing his administration.
Where large food price swings are concerned, Nomura rated the Philippines 17th out of 110 countries, “which is the highest among larger emerging market economies.”
In brief, the rosy economic picture painted by the administration has very little basis in fact.
A Rakuten Insight survey earlier this month said that Filipino consumers were fac-
East Bay
· Oakland LGBTQ Community Center
· API Reentry through Inclusion Support & Empowerment, and
· Cambodian Town Inc.
Last Friday, Aug. 25, the California Commission on the State of Hate hosted a community webinar to address the mental health impact of hate on marginalized communities, including racial minorities, the LGBT community, and foster youth, with resource information provided by organizations serving persons with disabilities and mental illness.
Campaign will run on digital media, print, and radio.
California is one of two states that host the biggest communities of Asians and Asian Americans, the other being New York. It
ing inflation woes by changing to cheaper brands, or buying smaller quantities of the usual foods they usually purchase.
In a related development, the public transport sector has also been demanding an increase in the fare charged to commuters as oil prices have been rising steadily for the past eight weeks, and another round of price hikes expected this week.
A member of the Marcos Cabinet warned that further price increases can be expected until the end of the year.
Besides food, Nomura had also warned that oil and power prices posed a threat to economies like the Philippines.
The Philippine peso, being one of the most vulnerable currencies in the region, is expected to continue falling in the near term.
“Oil price spikes shows that the (Philippine) peso performs the worst in the region against the US dollar, on average” over the duration of global oil spikes.
With the Marcos regime’s official food importation policy to address domestic supply shortages coupled with a weakening demand for Philippine exports, there is nowhere for the country’s currency to go but downhill.
As of last week, the peso was inching closer to the 60:1 level vis-à-vis the US dollar.
is also one of the states where hate crimes against the Asian and Asian American community has been rampant in the last several years, increasing dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic.
Misinformed persons have attributed to Asia as the source of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hate crimes against the community range from graffiti to verbal attacks all the way to physical assaults, often aimed at women, the elderly, even the disabled.
Hate crimes, especially those involving violence, are a federal offense and could result in lengthy prison sentences for the hatemongers.
Suspected hate crimes may be reported to 833-8-NO-HATE or CAvsHate.org.
MANILA – “The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) is so wrong to claim that reclamation serves as protection of coastal communities against tsunamis and storm surges when in reality, these projects destroy the real coastal defenses such as mangrove forests.”
Thus said the fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA), adding:
“Destruction of mangrove areas not only exposes coastal families to damaging floods and storm surges, but also threatens marine resources and fisheries production. Because of reclamation and the rapid coastal conversion over the decades, mangrove areas in Manila Bay shrunk dramatically. Our latest data shows that less than 500 hectares of mangroves are left across Manila Bay, PAMALAKA said.
“
It can be recalled that in 2018, more than 600 mangrove trees were cleared in a coastal town in Bulacan province to pave way for an international airport construction that involves reclamation of fish ponds and fishing grounds. This reclamation project has been identified by experts and residents to be the reason for aggravated flood hazards in Bulacan and Pampanga provinces.”
“Officials from the PRA should be educated that it’s the mangrove trees, not the destructive reclamation, that shield coastal communities from intense flooding, devastating storm surges, and other threats of sea-level rise,” the group said. “Aside from being coastal defense and pollution filters, mangroves are vital to marine ecosystem and biodiversity, because they serve as fish sanctuaries and habitat to a wide array of marine arthropods such as crabs and shrimps.”
The group stated: “The substantial decrease of mangrove areas in Manila Bay have affected the fish catch of small fisherfolk up to date. According to research conducted by the scientific group Advocates of Science and Technology for the People (AGHAM), at least 670 kilos of fish are lost for every hectare of mangrove being destroyed.”
“PRA’s unfounded claim on reclamation is meant to preserve the agency’s relevance, especially that anti-reclamation sentiments have been gaining traction lately,” Fernando Hicap, National Chairperson of the fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) said in a statement.
PAMALAKAYA has been seeking an official Executive Order or a legislation terminating reclamation in Manila Bay and across the archipelago.
This as Australia and the Philippines approved joint patrols in South China Sea and this will start soon, according to visiting Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles.
Marles made the announcement in a press briefing after troops of the two countries successfully concluded joint military exercises in the Philippines in what they called first-ever “Exercise Alon” assault drills, supported by American troops.
President Ferdinand Marcos hailed some of the assault exercises which he and Marles witnessed off Zambales, describing it as an “extremely important” example of close cooperation.
As this developed, Vice Admiral Karl Thomas, the Commander of the US Navy’s 7th Fleet, flew to the Philippines and met with multinational defense leaders, including Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, the head of the Philippine Western Command overseeing the South China Sea, to bolster the alliance of the United States, the Philippines, Australia and Japan.
Thomas also met with Australian Defence Force Chief of Joint Operations Lt. Gen. Greg Bilton; Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Commander-in-Chief Self-Defense Fleet Vice Adm. SAITO Akira; Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci; Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Adm. Renato David; Naval Air Wing Commander of the Philippine Navy Commodore Juario Marayag; and Commander of the Philippine Air Force’s Tactical Operations Wing West Brig. Gen. Erick Quijada Escarcha.
The meeting coincided with port visits by three of the partner navies to Manila: the landing helicopter dock ship HMAS Canberra (L02); the helicopter-carrying destroyer JS Izumo (DDH-183); and the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6).
Over the weekend, the leaders from the four militaries also embarked on a U.S. Navy P-8A maritime patrol aircraft for a flight over the South China Sea. During the flight, they were able to observe the maritime environment and discuss ways to increase interoperability, preserve regional stability, and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“Australia, Japan, the Philippines, United States, and the rest of the Pacific partner nations are committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region while adhering to the Law of the Sea,” Thomas said. “When we operate together, we demonstrate the importance of the freedom of navigation and reinforce the prosperity of all nations who rely on these critical waterways.”
The Seventh Fleet of the US Navy, headquartered in Japan, is the largest of the forward-deployed fleets. It operates as many as 70 ships, 150 aircraft, and over 27,000 sailors. It covers an area of 124 million square kilometers from bases in Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
More than 2,000 Australian and Philippine defense personnel and US Marines participated in the wargames
that incorporate amphibious landing and air assault drills.
“We are working closely together, doing joint sails is something that we’ve been keen to pursue now for some time,” said “And our two defense forces have been working closely together about how to make that happen and to do that in the most effective way,” he also said.
“And we’re really pleased with the progress of those discussions, and we expect that the first of those joint patrols will happen in the not too distant future,” Marles added.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Sunday said joint patrols with Australia on the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) are now in the offing.
Brawner said the planning on the measure is ongoing after this has been approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Australian government.
The exercises of the Australian and Filipino forces, backed by US Marines, included retaking an island seized by hostile forces in a large military drill on the northwestern Philippine coast.
Marcos and visiting Australian Defense Minister Marles watched the mock beach landings, assaults and helicopter insertion of forces on a Philippine navy base with Australians, 560 Filipinos and 120 U.S. Marines participating.
On Monday, Australian, Filipino and American forces conducted air assault maneuvers in Rizal town in western Palawan province, which also faces the South China Sea.
Participating military assets include the helicopter landing dock, HMAS Canberra, frigate HMAS Anzac, with the landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur. Close-air support was provided by the Royal Australian Air Force F-35A “Lightning II” aircraft; Australian Army M-1A1 “Abrams” tank and two PMC amphibious assault vehicles, with airlift support by Darwin-based USMC MV22B.
Marles said in a separate news conference with his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro Jr., that the drills were aimed at promoting the rule of law and peace in the region.
“The message that we want to convey to the region and to the world from an exercise of this kind is that we are two countries committed to the global rules-based order,” Marles said. “We are committed to an idea of a world in which disputes are determined by reference to international law.”
“Peace is maintained through the protection of the global rules-based order and its functionality around the world and, in truth, around the world today, we see it under pressure,” Marles said.
Marles and Teodoro said in a joint statement that they would pursue plans for joint patrols in the South China Sea, which the Australian defense chief said may be launched soon.
“Exercise Alon” included an air assault exercise in Palawan last Aug. 21, combined amphibious assault exercise in Zambales last Aug. 25, and live-fire training as
MANILA – The Commission on Appointments (CA) has confirmed the ad interim appointments of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and 29 other AFP officers.
This was after Rep. Jurdin Romualdo, who heads the CA Committee on National Defense, attested to the plenary that the military officers are fit and qualified to be promoted to their ranks, particularly citing Brawner’s background.
“It is my honor and privilege to recommend the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Romeo S. Brawner Jr. to the rank of General. Gen. Brawner is a proud descendant of a long line of military men and is committed to continuing a legacy of service and sacrifice of his ancestors,” Romualdo said.
“He is a strong and decisive leader known for his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the defense of the Philippines.”
During the CA panel’s deliberation, Brawner shared his vision for the AFP to be more modernized and backed
up by a fully trained and developed Reserve Force.
“Our soldiers are well-trained, especially in modern weaponry and that we are modern in terms of doctrines, training and weapons. But more importantly, kelangan po natin ng developed na (we need a developed) Reserve Force,” he said citing Ukrainians who have been showing the world their patriotism and willingness to defend their nation.
“Gusto po natin dito na magkaroon rin po tayo ng awareness na ang ating (We want here to also have the awareness that our) citizens should be ready for any eventual threat.”
Brawner was appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as AFP Chief-of-Staff on July 21 after serving as the 65th Commanding General of the Philippine Army from Dec. 10, 2021 to July 21, 2023.
A proud member of the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao” Class of 1989, Brawner graduated salutatorian in his class and also got the highest levels of excellence in his military schooling.
the final phase in Capas, Tarlac on Aug. 31.
Participants in the exercises included 560 troopers from the AFP, and 1,200 from the ADF, with support from the 120 United States Marine Corps (USMC).
Participating assets included the helicopter landing dock HMAS Canberra and frigate HMAS Anzac, with the Tarlac-class BRP Davao Del Sur, close air support from RAAF F-35A Lightning II aircraft, Australian Army M-1A1 Abrams tank and two PMC amphibious assault vehicles.
“Exercise Alon” enhanced the forces’ capability in conducting combined operations and improved their tactics, techniques, and procedures on amphibious operations.
Department of National Defense Undersecretary Ireneo Espino, who represented Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., in the closing ceremonies, said the exercise allowed the ADF and AFP with support from US troops “to successfully conduct complex operations in response to simulated security threat but also open avenues for more interoperability and deeper people to people cooperation”.
“Australia’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour or the IPE of which ‘Exercise Alon’ is a part presents a unique opportunity for the DND and the AFP to participate in and gather insights on regional security initiatives,” he added.
Espino said the exercise also serves as a venue for the Philippine Navy to strengthen its naval capabilities on maritime security while enhancing interoperability and linkages with its Australian counterparts.
“Considering that Australia is one of the only two defense partners with which the Philippines has a status of Visiting Forces Agreement, the IPE also advances our bilateral defense correlations,” he said.
“Exercise Alon” is part of Australia’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023 (IPE23) which started on Aug. 14 and will end on Aug. 31.
It is also the first bilateral amphibious training activity between the AFP and the ADF.
IPE23 is Australia’s flagship international engagement activity in the Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean regions promoting security, stability, and stronger partnerships through bilateral and multilateral engagement training, capacity building, and humanitarian efforts
SAN FRANCISCO - While working in San Francisco, my computer suddenly led me to rediscover that our newspaper, the Philippine News Today, turned three years old the last week August.
This as a memory popped out on my Facebook page displaying our maiden issue as a merger of the iconic Philippine News (since 1961) and the popular Philippines Today — thus the name and combined logos of the two newspapers in Philippine News Today.
The banner headline of that issue was “REVOLUTIONARY GOV’T IN PHL PUSHED, SHOT DOWN,” Another highlight of that issue was President Rodrigo Duterte admitting he had cancer, and a front page teaser “Another doctor succumbs to Covid, cases soar to over 200,000, deaths over 3,000” as Senator Ramon Bong Revilla contracts Covid and world boxing icon Manny Pacquiao mulling a fight against his British former sparring mate Amir khan. How time flies. As the paper hit its anniversary, this also marked my third year as editor in chief of Philippine News Today. Previous to that I was executive editor of Philippine News and editor in chief of the successful Pinoy Today and later the popular Philippines Today. This also brought to fore another milestone in my career as a journalist in the Philippines and America — 35 continuous years as editor, columnist and writer in Filipino newspapers and magazines in the United States and Canada while, at the same time, serving as one of the top editors of a major daily in the Philippines, the Manila Bulletin. It is also 35 long years advocating for a Filipino community well informed about the goings-on in their native land and their adopted country and a well deserved recognition of the Filipino journalist in America through the organization of National Press Club of the Philippines chapters in San Francisco/Northern California, Los Angeles/Southern California, Chicago and the Midwest, among others, and the historic signing of a Reciprocity Agreement between NPC Philippines and the National Press Club of the United States in Washington DC, one of the most powerful and most influential press clubs in the world, in February 1999 while I was president of the NPC in Manila witnessed by Ambassador Raul Rabe and Filipino journalists in Manila and the US.
For Philippine News Today columnist, my first cousin Art G. Madlaing, who introduced me to Philippine newspapering in California as editor in chief of the broadsheet Philippine Examiner which he published initially with Roger Oriel (now publisher of Asian Journal) following their departure from the California Examiner of Oscar Jornacion, the anniversary was something to crow about as his column, Wealth & Health (initially Real Estate and You) drew a legion of followers, prompting him to publish several books, some of which were a compendium of his columns in Philippines Today and Philippine News Today. Two of those books he was proud and happy to hand over to Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer when we called on the ConGen at the Philippine Consulate together with Managing Editor and Columnist Claire Morales True and Art’s wife, Virginia, a former teacher. August is also Art’s birthday which we celebrated in Las Vegas with a resolve to produce more books and columns.
SAN FRANCISCO – The Philippine Consulate in San Francisco, United States and Philippine officials in Manila are in a feverish preparations for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit here on November 12 to 18 to ensure the success of the event to be attended by presidents and prime ministers and other leaders of at least 21 countries, including Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
This was disclosed by Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer during a call and interview by a Philippine News Today team composed of Alfred Gabot, editor in chief, columnist Art G. Madlaing and wife Virginia and this writer, Claire Morales True, managing editor, at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco.
The interview which was originally scheduled for 10 minutes winded up more than an hour at the Carlos P. Romulo Hall of the Philippine Consulate as Congen Ferrer brought up the good news about the Filipinos and Filipino Americans in San Francisco and the Bay Area and what the consulate has accomplished and plans to accomplish.
ConGen Ferrer was joined by Consul Rowena PangilinanDaquipil and Consul Vanessa G. Bago-Llona during the interview where a copy of a Philipine News Today and two new books by columnist-author Art Madlaing were handed to him.
ConGen Ferrer said that President Marcos has confirmed his participation in the APEC Leaders Summit, his second in the conference of nations representing the biggest economies in the Asia Pacific region.
Members of the honorary host committee of the APEC 2023 are California Governor Gavin Newsom, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Senator Alex Padilla, Senator Dianne Feinstein, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, David Chiu and Dominic Ng.
ConGen Ferrer disclosed that he and his team have just attended an APEC pre-conference meeting in Seattle, Washington where then US President Bill Clinton hosted one of the first APEC Leaders Summit attended by then President Fidel V. Ramos.
At the Seattle pre-conference meeting plans and agenda were finalized for APEC 2023 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco which has for its theme “Sustainability, Inclusivity, Innovation and Resilience.” It was the last of pre-conference meetings held in the US for the APEC 2023.
ConGen Ferrer said the Philippine Consulate has just concluded meetings with US and Philippine officials in charge of the preparations and security of APEC 2023.
He added that officials from Malacanang are set to fly to San Francisco again to look into the final preparations this October.
ConGen Ferrer assured that the Philippine Consulate will be ready for President Marcos’ vital participation in the APEC 2023, adding that the Filipino community in the Bay Area which is “very active” is anticipating the staging of the vital conference in San Francisco.
(To be continued)
The meeting with Congen Neil Ferrer made me remember my first meeting with a Philippine ConGen in San Francisco, the late actor and diplomat Amado Cortez, when, as NPC Philippines president, I launched the NPC chapter in San Francisco and Northern California with veteran journalist George Nervez, then publisher of Filipino Guardian, as president. Nervez, who was my colleague in the defunct Daily Express, recalled that ConGen Cortez was allout in supporting the NPC chapter through his speech as he stayed on throughout the event. ConGen Cortez, for those who still don’t know, was Arsenio Ruiz Padilla in real life, one of the sons of former Bulacan Governor Carlos Padilla Sr., who included Jose Padilla Jr., Carlos Padilla Jr. and Casimiro Roy Padilla, father of Senator Robinhood Padilla.
Our Filipino American editorial cartoonist Angelo Lopez also relishes the many issues of Philippines Today and Philippine News Today so he selected major editorial cartoons from 2016 to 2023 and organized them into a book which he aptly titled “The Duterte Years.” I got a copy of the book which was mailed by Amazon to me in San Francisco; a signed copy of the book was earlier mailed to the Philippine News Today office earlier. Like the books of Art, Angelo’s book is published and distributed by the highly regarded Amazon and is available globally. As a book author myself (Barangay: Peoplepower, 1976 which is listed in the United States Library of Congress, and others), I wrote a message which served as foreword of Angelo’s 214-page book. So the book will be better appreciated, here’s my Foreword to the book:
“In the printed world, editorial cartoons have been important part and parcel of newspapers, magazines, newsletters and similar publications.
Even now that we are in the digital world, editorial cartoons remain an essential source of information that make one raise an eyebrow, trigger questions, frown or smear, rise in righteous indignation or simply smile and laugh. The reason simply for this is the editorial cartoonist presents in unique (Continue on page 18)
As columnist, accredited and commissioned Notary Public, licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE #00635976) and active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California, I received several calls from old clients and regular readers of my weekly column who regretted and apologized for not attending my 76th Birthday celebration and heard my sermon last Sunday, August 20, 2023.
Some were happy to read the first part of my sermon published in the Philippine News Today last week. Here’s part II of my sermon or message for our avid readers and the general public.
Secondly, on W2, every Christian (young and old), must share to every lost soul from among our FRANCS --- WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
Gospel is the power of God to salvation. Romans 1:16 said, “ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek or Gentiles.”
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 explained the historical facts of the Gospel of Christ which can never be denied. “I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you – unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures.” This is the gospelDBR =Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus.
Thirdly, on W3, every Christian (young and old) must tell every lost soul from among our FRANCS – WHY OBEY THE GOSPEL?
2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 explained why every alien sinner must obey the gospel immediately after knowing and understanding the Gospel (DBR = Death, Burial & Resurrection of Jesus Christ). “And to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.” Every alien sinner must obey the gospel to avoid eternal damnation in hell.
Fourthly, on H1, every Christian (young and old) must tell every alien sinner from among our FRANCS – HOW TO OBEY THE GOSPEL.
On the Day of Pentecost, in Jerusalem during the first century, Apostle Peter first preached the gospel – Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many of the Jews heard, understood the gospel and were cut to the heart and asked:
“Men and brethren what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).
Peter answered in a very simple and straightforward words HOW TO OBEY THE GOSPEL
“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
Fifthly, on H2, every Christian (young and old) must reach out to every lost soul from among our FRANCS (Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors, Co-Workers, Strangers)
HOW DO WE EVANGELIZE AND REACH OUT TO OUR FRANCS COLLECTIVELY AND INDIVIDUALLY TODAY? Here are some simple, practical and proven ways:
1.Pray that God will open doors of opportunities to share the gospel to our FRANCS.
2.Invite our FRANCS to the Worship Services.
3.Watch My Angel Radio (MYAR). Invite your FRANCS to watch MYAR with you. Watch also the regular TV Program “IN SEARCH OF THE LORD’S WAY” every Sunday morning.
4.Order some books and magazines through our BOOKS MINISTRY. Read and share the books and magazines ordered to your FRANCS. After they finished reading the books, follow up with WE CARE Gospel Presentation.
5.Wear and show the Fish Bracelet to your FRANCS to generate curiosity and interest. Then, follow-up with WE CARE Gospel presentation.
6.Arrange for WE CARE Gospel Presentation to your FRANCS.
7.Confront and say something to your FRANCS. Examples: 1.” How are you with the Lord today?” 2. “What if Christ were to come right now or if you’ll die tomorrow? Would YOU know for sure, without any doubt, that you would go to heaven?” After the initial friendly and sincere confrontation, you can follow-up with WE CARE Gospel Presentation.
CONCLUSION & INVITATION: To conclude our lesson and message this morning, may I share with you the most unfortunate and tragic event in the life of King Agrippa. In Acts Chapter 26, Apostle Paul had the opportunity to share the gospel to King Agrippa. In verse 27, Apostle Paul asked, “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” In verse 28, King Agrippa replied to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” In verse 29, Paul said to King Agrip-
It looks like it will be back to the drawing board for the regime of Bongbong Marcos.
This, after a local think tank said last week that the projected six to seven percent economic growth target for this year will not be met.
As the head of the IBON Foundation said, it will be “impossible” to achieve the targeted growth rate.
Junior’s apologists will say otherwise by claiming that while the economy is already far behind where it should be to hit that target, things will move faster in the second half of the year such that the six to seven percent GDP growth will be hit by yearend.
So sorry, folks, but it won’t.
There are several reasons why the not-so-high target cannot be reached, with the global economy being one reason why the Philippines near term prospects will not be rosy.
In short, the best way to push the economy forward is either through massive exports or through local consumers looking forward to a bright future, spurring them to spend, spend, spend.
Foreign investments can also be a factor, and in this area all we’ve been seeing are smoke and mirrors. The Marcos Jr. regime says all those mega investments will come in due to the constant traveling of the boy president.
His regime likes to harp on the pledges he supposedly receives from foreign investors, especially the big businessmen from whatever country he feels like visiting.
This regime never gives straight answers when pressed to say exactly how much has actually been plunked into the Philippine economy compared to the promises Junior received.
The biggest excuse is that some of those promised funds will be coming in over an extended period of several years.
IBON’s Sonny Africa expects the actual growth to be in the vicinity of five percent. This is neither good nor bad, just mediocre at best.
Look at all the Asian economies that are now practically at developed nation status. There’s one thing that they have in common, and that is a period of export-fueled double digit growth.
This is something that has never happened in the Philippines. It’s almost as if the economic planners are afraid of pushing local exports to meet their maximum potential. In effect, they’re saying that Filipino manufacturers and service providers are good, but not good enough. At least not world class, like their peers in such states as South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
And let’s not forget Japan and yes, that new bully on the block, China.
Some economists have been saying that endemic corruption is one factor holding the Philippine economy back.
Not so fast, boys. Thailand is another of those countries moving ahead at a respectable pace, and graft and corruption is just as bad there as it is here.
The current regime is now saying that the country boasts of one of the fastest growing economies in the region, but avoids stating that the growth is coming from a small base. So of course, it can grow at a seemingly healthy pace, but not when compared to other countries in the region which only need to sustain their previous growth, or at least come close to it.
It’s not just IBON saying it, but other analysts will point out that the Philippines remains bogged down by high inflation, joblessness, and poverty.
One recent survey says that about half of the Filipino people feel themselves poor. That alone says that whatever growth will be achieved this year will be insufficient for the vast majority to suddenly say that the country is now in the midst of the best of times.
There’s another factor that says whatever growth is achieved this year will still be less than what it should be or could be, and that is the incredibly inflated national budget.
This current regime is wasting funds like crazy, almost as if it is their policy for all senior government execs to make hay while the sun is shining.
It was, in fact, a centerpiece program of the first Marcos administration with “Masagana 99,” and his son has also made it one of his priorities.
Bongbong Marcos has placed his political reputation on bringing down rice prices to 20 pesos per kilo.
It is a pipe dream. He can only achieve his 20-pesosa-kilo rice if the government will heavily subsidize grain prices.
However, this is not sustainable and the initial experience was that the government’s buffer stock was depleted.
Rice is a strategic commodity as precious as oil and gas. Rice farmers are a powerful voting bloc in most Southeast Asian states, like Thailand, as well as in Japan.
But, in the Philippines, rice farmers are the most neglected and among the poorest sectors of society.
Why is it too difficult to stabilize rice prices in the Philippines?
A quick tour at wet markets will show that rice prices have gone up to more than 50 pesos per kilo for the local well-milled variety.
Imported rice can go as high as 65 pesos per kilo.
In a video message, Bongbong Marcos was confident rice prices would soon start to stabilize as farmers were set to harvest their produce in many parts of the country, like Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and in Mindanao.
However, it would not be enough to lower rice prices as rice production would still fall short of rice demand and consumption.
Even if the agriculture department reported a dramatic increase in rice production in the first quarter of the year, there would still be a shortfall in the year-on-year production.
There are natural forces beyond the government’s control to achieve rice sufficiency in the country.
For instance, the Philippines has less land area cultivated to rice than its neighboring countries, like Thailand and Vietnam, the second- and third- largest rice exporting countries in the world.
Thailand and Vietnam have contiguous areas for rice production. The Philippines is an archipelago with limited areas for rice production.
In the Philippines, rice fields have been converted into residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
There are also poor irrigation facilities in many upland rice farms, which depend on annual ricefall.
Too much rain also destroys rice farms. Annually, the Philippines is visited by an average of 20 typhoons, some of which are destructive.
Recently, two typhoons — “Egay” (international name “Doksuri”) and “Falcon” (international name “Khanun”) — inundated large swathes of farmlands in the Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley regions.
Doksuri also destroyed farmlands in China while Khanun brought destruction in Japan and South Korea.
In a big way, weather disturbances affect rice production in the country. These typhoons sometimes affect areas in Vietnam but they cause more damage first in the Philippines.
A third factor is the population. The Philippines might produce as much as those in Thailand and Vietnam with a smaller rice production area but it has more mouths to feed.
Thailand and Vietnam have a population of about 70 to 80 million people but the Philippines has more than 110 million people.
That could probably be the reason why both Thailand and Vietnam could export their excess rice production and the Philippines would need about 2 million metric tons each year.
Worse, rice traders control prices of rice in the country.
These traders would buy the grains from rice farmers at lower cost and store them in warehouses and create artificial shortages to jack up prices.
In 2018, a rice tariffication law was passed by Congress to help local farmers improve production and get more revenues, but the reverse happened.
Prices have been rising steadily and rice farmers have no control over their produce.
Despite former President Donald Trump’s absence in the presidential primary debate hosted by Fox News Channel Wednesday, August 23, 2023, in Milwaukee, his presence was everywhere on the stage and almost every presidential candidate has either mentioned his name or alluded to him in delivering their messages during the debate.
So, surprisingly, he was the winner even if he did not participate in the 1st debate participated in by eight presidential candidates seeking the GOP nomination as standard bearer of the party.
Former vice president Mike Pence, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had struggled to make their points and assert their presence.
Early on, Pence took a clear swipe at the 36-year-old Vivek Ramaswamy saying, “Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We don’t need to bring in a rookie.”
Ramaswamy is a neophyte in US politics and was never elected to any government position, that’s why he is being referred to as a rookie.
As to Gov. Christie, soon after Ramaswamy boasted that he was the only candidate on the stage “not bought and paid for,” he got the chance to make his night. He countered by saying: “I’ve had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT.”
With that line, Christie pierced through Ramaswamy’s stronghold, but it did not register positively to the viewers.
Continuing his attack, Christie emphasized his differences with Trump. He was the most aggressively anti-Trump candidate in the race. Because of his attacks, however, he earned a -44-point rating despite his most impressive performance on the stage in terms of debating skills.
Without Donald Trump on stage, the other Republicans seeking the nomination scrambled/struggled to stand out. Instead, Trump stood out!
Despite Trump’s absence on stage however, the eight contenders gathered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, were able to have a lively discussion on a range of issues, such as abortion, climate change, urban crime, K-1 education, immigration, and the Russia-Ukraine war.
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley criticized the early $8 trillion of federal spending authorized during the Trump presidency that any of the other candidates failed to discuss but she was able to do that only after 15 minutes into the debate. I think she was hesitant to do that, but did it just the same to stand out from the others.
Surely, the former president emerged from Wednesday night’s debate as the clear winner, even though he wasn’t there. In fact, six of the eight candidates pledged to support him even if he is convicted of a crime (in answer to the question from moderators Martha MacCallum and Bret Bater).
The audience also showed this loyalty because when former New Jersey Gov. Christie or Haley or Pence said something critical of Trump, they were met with boos. So, by the end of the night, it did not seem as though any candidate could be a realistic alternative to Trump. Trump is still the shoo-in winner and the probable GOP party nominee.
In fact, despite former Gov. Christie, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, and former Vice president Pence attempts to attack Trump, they failed to bring damage to frontrunner Trump. Instead, it even reinforced Trump’s chances of being the nominee of GOP for president.
While each of the debate contenders had their moments of brilliance: Mike Pence caught a second wind when the topics of abortion, January 6, and foreign policy came up; Ramaswamy picked fights with Pence and Christie, held his own against them, and seemed to stun the contenders with his witty replies; and Haley, seemingly fed up with Ramaswamy toward the end of the night, hammered him on his foreign policy positions; they did not make a point to raise their chances of defeating Trump.
(Continue on page 18)
Take a good look at the government corporations whose executives suddenly gave
Before the farmers could plant rice, they already had committed the production to traders.
(Continue on page 18)
At the end, it appears that no one emerged as the clear, non-Trump alternative. Trump is still the best choice! Pence’s defense of his actions on January 6 didn’t break any new ground. Christie’s Trump attacks were met with boos. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott could not (Continue on page 18)
1st GOP debate - Trump not on stage but his presence is everywhere
Actrerss, singer, model and producer Lovi Poe and her British fiance Montgomery Blencowe, an English film producer based in Los Angeles, California, have tied the knot at Cliveden House in the United Kingdom.
On Instagram, Hayden Kho shared some photos of the lovely couple during their wedding ceremony over the weekend. Hayden and partner Dr. Vicky Belo were among the participants in the wedding.
In the photos, Lovi, 34, who is Lourdes Virginia Poe in real life, was seen wearing a backless wedding gown by Patricia Santos, while Montgomery sported a traditional suit and tie, published articles in Manila showed.
“A beautiful love story unfolds...,” Hayden wrote in the caption of his post.
Lovi, who is the daughter of the late Movie King Fernando Poe Jr. and actress Rowena Moran, and Monty Blencowe got engaged in 2021.
In earlier interview, Lovi expressed hopes hopes Monty is a lifetime kind of love. She also opened up about their long-distance relationship for months prior to their wedding.
Lovi and Monty first sparked dating rumors in 2019 when she posted photos of them together. They memorably went on a date at the prestigious Royal Ascot in England and vacationed in Davao City.
Lovi Poe is the most beautiful bride walking down the aisle during her dreamy wedding to Montgomery Blencowe in the United Kingdom, GMA News reported.
Another wedding guest, Tim Yap, also posted on Instagram an emotional video of Lovi walking down the aisle while her groom awaits her on the other end.
In the video, Lovi stopped briefly in the middle of her walk to say, “I wanna savor this moment,” while the or-
MANILA – Veteran journalist and broadcaster Miguel “Mike” Enriquez passed away on Tuesday at the age of 71.
Enriquez’s home network, GMA Network, through long-time colleague Mel Tiangco, announced his passing with a tribute at the end of its late evening 24 Oras newscast.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and colleagues of Enriquez paid tribute to the veteran broadcaster and host , commending the late newscaster’s dedication to serving the Filipino people through his “unbiased” delivery of news.
On his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Marcos extended his condolences to Enriquez’s family and loved ones.
“We are saddened by (the) news of the passing of veteran anchor Mike Enriquez, a pillar in our broadcasting industry. He dedicated his life to delivering unbiased news to the Filipino people,” he said. “Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time.”
Several lawmakers also honored Enriquez in separate statements.
Deputy Speaker and Batangas 6th District Rep. Ralph G. Recto said Mike Enriquez did not only chronicle historic events, “but also annotated our daily lives.”
“His delivery of news and opinions on matters that hurt the people, in his trademark staccato fashion, was like the rapid-fire demolition of excuses and alibis of the guilty. He was an old school journalist who was fair in reportage and fearless in his opinions with facts, and not fake news, as his basis and guide,” he said.
chestra was playing “Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka” by Regine Velasquez.
The Cliveden House where Love and Monty were married is a storied landmark built in 1666 by the second Duke of Buckingham.
Among those who attended the celebration were Sen. Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares, Brian Poe Llamanzares, celebrity couple Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho, actresses Bela Padilla and Rhian Ramos, and eventologist Tim Yap.
Early this month, Poe, according to an ABS-CBN re-
port, showed a clip of her wearing a ring by the beach as she revealed that she and Blencowe are engaged. “A couple of years ago, there were two coffees, one sunrise, and a ring.”
“We’ve shared and celebrated this moment quietly with our family and closest friends, so we’re now more than happy to share this sweet #lifeupdate with you,” she added in an Instagram post.
Despite her long-distance relationship with Blencowe, who is based in Los Angeles, Poe earlier assured that they are happy with what they have.
Since they made their official debut as an all-female PPOP group in 2020, the ladies of BINI have notched milestone after milestone in their energy-packed group career.
This last week of August, BINI was nominated by Brazil’s BreakTudo Awards in the category of Music by New International Music Artist (Música de Novo Artista Internacional). The nominees for this category are:
Date Your Dad – Bellah Mae
Enough – charlieonnafriday
Fluo – Sangiovanni
I Feel Good – BINI
I Tried – Daniel Seavey never knew a heart could break itself (acoustic) – Zach Hood
Nico Valdi Produciendo a Rochy – Nico Valdi, Rochy QUITATE LA ROPA – La Cross
Mylene Quintana-Mallari, head of ABS-CBN’s Star Hunt Academy that has produced P-Pop stars BINI and BGYO, said, “A visionary, strict yet balanced training and regimen combined with BINI’s talent, dedication, attitude and faith drive these young ladies to reach lofty and meaningful goals. Their authentic love for their fans also makes a huge difference. This is why their journey has been steady and sure and they are rewarded with milestones like this new international nomination.”
BINI’s “I Feel Good” is BINI’s latest single ahead of their upcoming second full-length album. Composed by John Michael Conchada and Jumbo de Belen, the single highlights the vibrant energy of BINI and astounds with the group’s signature vocal harmony. The music video is a kaleidoscope of colors bursting on screen in a retro and dreamy setting.
Founded in Brazil in 2016, BreakTudo Awards states on its website its mission which is “to celebrate the most prominent and emerging highlights of the entertainment and pop culture scene. By relying on public collaboration, the BreakTudo Awards recognizes both renowned artists and categories, including National Male Artist, National Female Artist and National Hit, as well as emerging talent, exemplified by categories such as National Breakthrough Artist and Music by New National Artist. In addition, the award also sheds light on rising artists through categories such as Upcoming Artist, thus enriching their contribution to the entertainment industry.”
For a complete list of 2023 nominees which includes Asian superstars like Jungkook, BLACKPINK, New Jeans, EXO, and more, visit https://www.breaktudoawards.com/breaktudoawards-2023-nominees/
Actress Lovi Poe married British movie producer Monty Blencowe on Saturday, August 26 (UK time). Lovi is the daughter of National Artist, Fernando Poe Jr.
While her TV character in “Batang Quiapo” is a reluctant bride, Lovi was a radiant bride while walking down the aisle.
As Dr. Vicki Belo said in her Instagram Stories, Lovi is the “most relaxed bride” she has ever seen. Lovi and Monty tied the knot at Cliveden House in Taplow, Berkshire, England.
According to its website, Cliveden House was built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham as a gift to his mistress. It is now a five-star hotel where weddings are also held.
Lovi shared some shots by friends and guests from her wedding on her Instagram Stories.
Some of her friends also posted videos and photos from Lovi’s wedding, including Tim Yap.
“I wanna savor this moment,’ said @lovipoe as walked down the aisle to become Mrs. @montyblencowe,” wrote Tim.
Lovi chose Filipina designer Patricia Santos to design her wedding gown. Patricia created Lovi’s gown made from the exact same lace used for Kate Middleton’s (Princess Kate) Alexander McQueen wedding dress.
It was a Victorian-inspired dress with backless detail plus a long veil that complements her updo hairstyle.
“Sabi ni Senator Grace; ‘If FPJ were alive today, he could have been so proud of you, Lovi’,” Leo said.“’I wish he were here today so that he would be walking with you down the aisle on your wedding day,’
“Very emotional ang speech ni Sen. Grace sa reception na hindi mapigilan ang mga luha ni Lovi na kailangan niyang puntahan at yakapin si Senador Grace.”
Lovi currently stars in the nightly action-drama show “Batang Quiapo.” She has reportedly shot her scenes prior to flying out of the country to prepare for her wedding to Blencowe.
Lovi announced her engagement with Monty last Aug 8. She revealed how she met her husband Monty Blencowe. Lovi said a friend played cupid for them when she had a show in Los Angeles, USA.
“Oh, you have to take Lovi around because wala siyang kasama,” Lovi recalled
“People always think, when you’re alone, you’re just sad and lonely, but I didn’t really want to hang out with anybody because I’d like to consider myself a loner,” she said.
Lovi first thought that Monty was arrogant, but it quickly changed as they strolled around West Hollywood. “Now that I know him, he’s far from that type of guy,” she said.
Since then, the couple kept their relationship private until Lovi confirmed their relationship in 2019.
Lovi also said that Monty’s first proposal was a bust because she was drunk in Malibu.
“So my sister and I got back from the event, super drunk,” Lovi bared. He was so stressed. He was like, ‘Oh my god, I don’t think I can propose tonight because Lovi is not in the right headspace’,” she added.
But the real proposal came when Monty joined her morning routine.
“I usually wake up early in the morning, four o’clock or so, to go out for a run and watch the sunrise. That’s not his thing, he’s not a morning person. So the next day, he’s like, you know what, I’ll watch the sunrise with you,” she said.
“Anong nakain nito?” she added.
The two were by the beach watching the sunrise until Monty asked Lovi to close her eyes. When she opened it, he was kneeling.
“And then he asked me… it happened so fast, I said yes,” she said.
“I was like, for a second, I thought... ‘I could hear the waves, we’re in the place where we first met,’ and I was like… ‘Is he proposing?’”
Lovi Poe will be back to ABS-CBN hit teleserye “FPJ’s Ang Batang Quiapo” on September 1 for the taping.
Congratulations.
MANILA – Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is interested to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Pacquiao’s camp has reached out to the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, asking how the former eighth-division world champion could qualify in the prestigious quadrennial meet.
“Senator Pacquiao’s camp reached out saying our Filipino ring idol wants to fight in Paris,” Tolentino said in a statement on Wednesday.
He said the POC is already discussing the matter with the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) which is supervising Olympic boxing while the International Boxing Association is suspended.
“But the Senator can no longer vie for qualification in the Asian Games in Hangzhou next month,” Tolentino said.
The Asian Games, which serves qualifier for Paris, has an age limit for athletes at 40 years old in all sports.
Tolentino said Pacquiao, 44, could qualify for Paris through two Olympic qualifying tournaments set in the first and second quarters of 2024.
The POC chief added that Pacquiao may secure a berth under the Universality rule, which the IOC would grant. But there are only nine places under Universality at the Paris Games, five for women and four for men.
A close aide of Pacquiao has confirmed the former senator’s intention to compete in the Olympics.
The ABAP, through its chairman Ricky Vargas, will
welcome Pacquiao to the national team and will assist in his qualification.
Pacquiao, who currently weighs 66 kgs, must choose between 63.50kgs or 71kgs which are both featured at the Paris Olympics.
Professional boxers have been allowed to compete at the Olympics and in Tokyo, 43 of the 186 competitors were professionals, including middleweight bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial, who beat fellow professional, Armenian Arman Darchinyan, in the quarterfinals.
Marcial won by unanimous decision over American Andrew Whitfield in his first professional fight held on Dec. 16, 2020 in Los Angeles.
The World Championships, which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from Sept. 3 to 14, is a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 12th Asian Games, on the other hand, is scheduled from Sept. 23 to Oct. 3 in Hangzhou, China.
Diaz-Naranjo delivered the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal when she ruled the women’s 55kg category in 2021. She also topped the same category at the 2022 World Championships in Bogota, Colombia.
The 32-year-old lifter from Zamboanga has moved up to 59kg category and her participation in Saudi Arabia would boost her chance of making it to the Olympics for the fifth time. She was a silver medalist in Rio (2016).
Joining her at the World Championships are Rosegie Ramos and Lovely Inan (W49kg), Elreen Ando (W59kg), Vanessa Sarno and Kristel Macrohon (W71kg), and John Febuar Ceniza (M61kg).
ing ng Pilipinas (SWP) President Monico Puentevella; coaches Ramon Solis, Richard Pep Agosto, Antonio Agustin Jr. and Julius Irvin Hikaru Naranjo; and Team HD members Jeaneth Aro (nutritioist) and Karen Trinidad (sports psychologist).
The Asian Games-bound delegation is composed of Diaz-Naranjo, Ramos, Ando (W64kg), Sarno (W76kg) and Ceniza (M61kg); coaches Nicolas Jaluag, Patrick Lee, Christopher Bureros and Naranjo; Puentevella and Mark Rommel Aliño (team leader).
Macrohon was a gold medalist at the 2019 Manila SEA Games, while Ando and Sarno won gold medals and Inan got a silver at the 2023 Cambodia SEAG last May.
World Championships and the Asian Games.
MANILA – Boxer Eumir Felix Marcial will concentrate on achieving his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal after his fi fth professional fi ght set later this month was cancelled.
“Eumir will be coming home from the United States as soon as possible and to join the national boxing team and work on his Australian visa,” Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said in a statement.
Marcial will be joining the national team’s training camp starting on Sept. 1 in Canberra.
Marcial’s fi ght this month has been moved to September, which runs into confl ict with the 19th Asian Games slated Sept. 23 to Oct. 8 in Hangzhou, China.
They will be accompanied by Samahang Weightlift-
Early this month, Sarno and Ramos both delivered three gold medals at the Asian Youth and Junior Championships in New Delhi, India. They duplicated their performances in Tashkent, Uzbekistan last year. (Jean Malanum/PNA)
SACRAMENTO -- Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that, under the threat of litigation, the City of San Bernardino agreed to update their housing plan to meet their state-mandated goals, which include 8,123 additional housing units by 2029.
California law requires every jurisdiction to adopt a multi-year housing plan and the state is aggressively working to hold communities accountable for local housing needs.
Governor Newsom said: “Cities that fail to follow the law and plan for their fair share of housing will be held accountable – the status quo will not be tolerated. The state is providing incentives, resources and when necessary, taking legal action to ensure that communities do their part to meet the housing needs of Californians.”
“Our state’s Housing Element Law is in place to ensure that all cities build their fair share of housing. No city is spared from that legal obligation. It is not a choice. It is the law,” said Attorney General Bonta.
“I applaud the City of San Bernardino’s city council, and its planning and legal team, for recognizing that public resources should be directed at collaborating, rather than further litigating, our way out of California’s housing crisis. State leaders are united and committed to ensuring that every city provides more affordable housing options,” Bonta added.
“Many essential workers – retail clerks, hospitality, workers, teachers, firefighters, and social service providers – are having a hard time renting homes in the communities where they work,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Lourdes Castro Ramírez. “The lack of housing exacerbates residential segregation and impacts economic well-being. This is why it’s absolutely important that local jurisdictions including San Bernardino plan for and build more housing. The Governor has made it clear that failing to do so violates state law and prevents communities from thriving.”
“Our message is clear – every city and county will be held accountable to state housing laws,” said California Department of Housing & Community Director Gustavo Velasquez. “The state is making financial resources, technical assistance, and state-owned land available to help cities and counties meet current and future housing needs.
California Crime rate skyrocketing, will this affect your home property values? Fed Chair Powell is not putting on the brakes due to inflation still on the climb? The average rate on 30-year mortgages climbed to 7.36 percent this week, up from 7.31 percent last week.
Indeed, some observers say mortgage rates could be headed to 8 percent. Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, said the future path of rates depends on 10-year Treasury yields and on what the Fed does at its Sept. 20 meeting.
“We are at this critical juncture,” Yun said Tuesday. “[Mortgage rates] can either break higher, up to 8 percent, or lower, to 6.5 percent.
After taking a breather from inflation-fighting in June, the Fed went back to raising the 10 year treasury bonds when it met last month. The central bank announced a widely anticipated quarter-point increase in interest rates, its 11th boost since 2022.
While the Fed doesn’t directly dictate mortgage rates, it does set the tone — and as the central bank has boosted its policy rate from zero in early 2022 to 5.25 percent now, mortgage rates have risen sharply.
“This is the most aggressive raising of interest rates in 40 years,” said Yun.
While homeowners grew accustomed to super-low mortgage rates over the past two decades, they now face a new reality.
“The punchbowl of lower rates has been taken away,” says Hamrick. “That’s inflicted a kind of sobering environment on the housing market.”
Mortgage rates remain chained to inflation, a metric the Fed has been moving to control. The most relevant benchmark, however, is the 10-year Treasury yield, which remained above 4.2 percent in recent days. Treasury yields ticked up after Fitch Ratings downgraded the U.S. government’s credit rating from AAA to AA+.
Mortgage rates don’t take direct cues from the Fed and will instead respond to the outlook for the economy and inflation. A slowing economy and an easing of inflation pressures are the recipes for lower mortgage rates.
The national median family income for 2023 is $96,300, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the median price of an existing home sold in July 2023 was $406,700, according to the National Association of Realtors. Based on a 20 percent down payment and a mortgage rate of 7.36 percent, the monthly payment of $2,244 amounts to 28 percent of the typical family’s monthly income.
A year ago, median family income was $90,000, the median home price was $399,200 and the average mortgage rate was 5.63 percent. Buying the typical home then required 25 percent of a family’s monthly income.
The sharp rise in mortgage rates has squeezed affordability and sparked a slowdown in home sales. First-time buyers are especially challenged by this market. However, home prices haven’t fallen significantly — and values are unlikely to decline, given the shortage of homes for sale, housing economists say.
“Buyers can expect to continue seeing mortgage rates above 6 percent, although with 11 months of rates in that range, many home shoppers have adjusted their budgets to the new reality,” says George Ratiu, chief economist at Keeping Current Matters, a real estate marketing company.
Many housing economists are hopeful that mortgage rates will fall later this year as inflation comes under control.
“If we see mortgage rates trend down, consistent with inflation returning to target levels, it should remove substantial friction from real estate markets,” says Ruben Gonzalez, chief economist at real estate brokerage Keller Williams.
Where mortgage rates are headed
Experts expected to see rates to come down by year end 2023 as the Fed’s round of rate hikes draws to an end, but the resilience of the U.S. economy has thrown a wrinkle into those expectations. The job market remains strong, and the U.S. economy has yet to fall into recession.
“We do expect mortgage rates to trend down once the [Fed] clearly signals that they have reached the peak for this cycle, as the reduction in uncertainty with respect to the direction of rates should narrow the spread of mortgage rates relative to Treasury benchmarks,” says Mike Frattantoni, chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Housing economists agree that the slowdown in inflation eventually will create downward pressure on mortgage rates.
“Low inflation means low mortgage rates,” said Yun. “Therefore, decelerating consumer prices could steadily lift home sales and increase home production in a few months.”
Caution:
Start saving for that rainy day that will come, the music will start to lower its volume and we all have to be prepared for it. Hopefully it’s the soft landing that all analyst are hoping for, but these are strange times and better to be safe than sorry.
Thanks for much for your inquiries, please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@ verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636
LOS ANGELES — On August 18, 2023, the Roque family addressed a packed courtroom at the sentencing hearing for Nicholas Weber, sharing how their lives were forever changed by his hateful choice to attack them simply because they were Asian. Dissatisfied with their dismissive and antagonistic treatment throughout the 15-month judicial process in which hate crime charges against Weber were dropped, the Roque family ultimately decided not to go to trial and settled on a plea deal for their attacker.
“During the preliminary hearing, I didn’t feel like I was treated fairly,” Nerissa Roque said in her impact statement. “But I didn’t succumb to the negative things they were saying about me, especially regarding my English-speaking abilities,” she said.
Patrick Roque echoed her statement, criticizing their family’s treatment in court. “All throughout this case, I have seen how the facts and the truth itself has been twisted into a false narrative,” he said. “When we made efforts to provide for ourselves through fundraising and raising awareness on the issue, we were called opportunistic. Is it opportunistic to rely on the community to heal and recover from the hate attack? Is it opportunistic to rely on community support to attend these court hearings when until now, we have received no support from the US and the Philippine government?”
Patrick Roque also voiced the frustrations of his father Gabriel Roque, who couldn’t attend because he was ill with COVID-19. “I used to say the injustice only happens in the Philippines, but it also happens here in the United States,” Gabriel Roque wrote.
Daughter Ysabel Roque’s statement, read by her sister Patricia, addressed Weber, who sat with his back to the gallery: “You cannot imagine the suffering and terror you have caused us.
It’s extremely unfair. We couldn’t live in peace because of your decisions…I hope you reflect on what you did for the rest of your life.”
Patricia Roque also took the opportunity to speak directly to Weber. “I’m here to say that all you are is a coward… You hiding behind the door every time your case gets called is a true reflection of who you are. You’ve seen what true strength looks like and this won’t be the last time you’ll be seeing it,” she said. There is strength in numbers. I have seen it and I have led it for the better of the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the oppressed.”
Weber has been convicted on three charges:
● One count of felony assault by means likely to cause great bodily injury against Gabriel Roque
● One count of felony assault by means likely to cause great bodily injury against Nerissa Roque
● One count of misdemeanor DUI As part of the plea deal, Weber is required to:
● Complete 40 hours of an individual anti-bias treatment program
● Complete 40 hours of a group anti-bias treatment program
● Participate in an 18-month alcohol program
Weber was sentenced to two years probation and has been ordered to pay $1,000 restitution to the family. Most of Weber’s court fees were waived to ensure that any money goes to the family first. He is not allowed to threaten or use force against any person. He is prohibited from owning any firearms, and must submit to random drug testing. He must also stay 100 yards away from Gabriel and Nerissa Roque, and Attorney Sandy Roxas. Due to credit for time already served in jail, Nicholas Weber will be released from custody after this sentencing hearing.
Following the sentencing hearing, the Roques joined the community in a rally outside the courthouse. The program opened with an original song, “March On” performed by Jesse Rodgers who was inspired by Roque’s fight for justice. Lyrics that resonated with the audience included “They try to keep us bankrupt and silent / Who knew the court would be so violent.” The song closes with: “we March on, we March on, we March on / we’ll March and chant and grow and strike til justice comes.”
Various speakers from the community shared their reflections on the last year and a half of the campaign. Taiji Miyagawa from API for Cal Care calls out the current state of the justice system as antipeople. “We had a court system that couldn’t stand up and pursue an attempted murder charge,” Miyagawa said, referring to the assault on Nerissa Roque who was choked. “I think this criminal justice system was not set up for us.”
Despite the frustrations with the judicial process, Romeo Hebron of the Filipino Migrant Center shared his optimism moving forward. “The job’s not done and we have our work cut out for us. But with folks like you here today and for everyone at home who’s signed on to a letter, tuned into a livestream, talked about it at your church or talked about it in your school, then I’m confident that our people’s power will bring the change that we deserve.”
A migrant leader in Migrante-USA, Lester Ramos, reminded listeners that the Justice for the Roques campaign is an entry point for many community members into organizing, but now there is a need to organize to solve the problems of Filipinos beyond Asian hate. He emphasized “But now we must address the economic crisis that Filipino migrants are facing as another widespread threat. This campaign helped us understand the needs of the community and the things that we need to take up and change.” Both Nerissa Roque and Gabriel Roque recognized this growing need to organize for change and earlier this summer they joined as members of Migrante Los Angeles.
Karen Roxas of NAFCON-USA called for the wider support of
the community to continue campaigning for justice and accountability for all victims of racial hate and violence, “We call on health workers, mental health professionals and researchers to support our efforts in advocating for mental health services for survivors of hate crime–of a traumatizing event–and how we can have healing through actual fighting for changes that will allow changes in the system.”
Patricia Roque closed out the rally with words of hope, “I stand
here today, right now, with my resolve unwavering. And I hope that for yours too. I hope that you stand beside me with your resolve unwavering as we tackle what’s next to come.”
Additional Quotes
Name: Romeo Hebron
Organization: Filipino Migrant Center
Position: Executive Director
● “When we heard the victim impact statements out here today inside the courtroom, you know, there were things
(Continue on page 20)
gravest threat. He left his chances to fate.
(From Page 9)
Aquino was effectively executed and left lifeless for hours in the scorching Manila sun. Who actually fired at him and who had ordered the hit is still a matter of debate for many.
“I was at home in Daly City, with my family, when the news reached me,” de Leon told Inquirer.net. “My initial reaction was one of shock and disbelief. Then my family gathered together, mourning as if we had lost a member of our own family. We cried.”
Their incredulity escalated to “deep-seated anger at the murder carried out brazenly” on the airport tarmac, de Leon said, punctuating his recollection with an emphatic: “I will never forget that day.”
De Leon revisited that day four decades later when he opened the brief program following Mass at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Daly City with his loving recollection of how his hero influenced his and his family. On behalf of Positively Filipino publisher Mona Lisa Yuchengco, her husband retired broadcast journalist Lloyd LaCuesta introduced former colleague Ken Kashiwahara who recalled the final flight he shared with Ninoy, his brother-in-law.
Father Rey Culaba officiated the Mass with Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano and Aquino cousin Ching Falcon, longtime community advocates Rodel Rodis and Cynthia Bonta presenting the offerings.
“I attended a Free Political Prisoners event at the United Methodist Church in Berkeley and feared for my many outspoken church leaders in Manila. I felt very protective of them,” Bonta revealed her entry into the anti-martial law movement. “I joined the KDP (Katipunan ng mga Demokratikong Pilipino). The violation of human rights angered me!” - Adapted from the original reprinted with permission from INQUIRER.NET
(From Page 11)
Traders also control the importation of rice, denying government intervention.
Globally, rice prices have gone up after India, the world’s largest grain producer, imposed a ban on rice exports.
Thailand and Vietnam were forced to increase costs and many importers hesitated to buy rice abroad.
The rice traders would rely on domestic production instead of imports, competing with the government’s National Food Authority (NFA).
In a way, this could help local farmers earn more by selling unmilled rice at 22 pesos per kilo from 19 pesos kilo.
For consumers, it would mean higher rice prices.
Bongbong Marcos said the government has been monitoring rice prices and would review the rice tariffication law to bring back some of the NFA’s regulatory powers.
Marcos can do a lot in dismantling the rice cartel controlling prices and supply in the local market.
Many administrations since the time of Cory Aquino until Rodrigo Duterte have tried taking on the rice cartels but failed.
Perhaps, Marcos can succeed this time.
He can also help improve productivity and provide more subsidies to rice farmers.
But Marcos remains helpless in managing the other factors, like weather disturbances, rice production areas, and population growth. Rice will remain one of the biggest political issues for Bongbong Marcos not only as a president but as an agriculture secretary.
It will affect his popularity and diminish his support level if prices continue to rise and supply becomes tight.
(Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Manny Mogato wrote this column for PressOnePh.com. He is a faculty member of the University of Sto. Tomas and formerly with the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila where he is an outstanding alumnus.
pa, “I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me today might become both altogether such as I am (a true and plain Christian)”
In the account related in Acts 26:27-29, we find the following: 1. Paul stated that King Agrippa was a believer. 2. King Agrippa stated that he was not a Christian. King Agrippa missed the mark and died in his sins because he refused to obey the gospel in baptism for the forgiveness of his sins due some obvious reasons.
There are millions of people in the world today who are believers and almost become a Christian like King Agrippa. IS FAITH ALONE ENOUGH TO SAVE? The plain answer is NO! Even the demons believed and trembled but they are lost (James 2:19).
Almost a Christian like King Agrippa will not bring you to eternal home in HEAVEN. And yes, almost a Christian like King Agrippa will surely bring you to eternal damnation in HELL!
If you are here today and heard and understood the gospel ---- the Death, Burial & Resurrection of Christ, we encourage and invite you to obey the gospel in baptism for the forgiveness of ALL your sins. Don’t be like King Agrippa who missed the mark and died in his sins for refusing to obey the
gospel in baptism. Please do not leave this church building today not sure of your ETERNAL DESTINY.
If you are a Christian but became lukewarm, we encourage you to repent and rededicate your life to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Whatever your needs, we invite YOU to come forward as we sing the invitation song - Almost Persuaded.
UPDATED “LONGEVITY TIPS “NOW AVAILABLE AT AMAZON : I have good news for you! One of my best-selling books “LONGEVITY TIPS” subtitled “Secrets You Discover and Do for Good Health and Longevity” is now available at Amazon in Hardcover, Paperback and E-book (Amazon price is $15.95 per hardcover copy plus shipping and handling; $12.95 per paperback copy plus shipping and handling; $7.95 E-book)
The updated book includes group picture of the Philippine News Today team (Editor-in-Chief Alfred G. Gabot; Managing Editor Claire Morales True and yours truly) during our courtesy call and interview with Philippine Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer last Tuesday, August 22,2023 at Romulo Hall of the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco, California, in the presence of Consuls Vanessa Bago-Llona and Rowena P. Daquipil. My full sermon or message KEEP SHARING THE GOSPEL DURING THESE LAST DAYS” is also included in the updated book.
YOU can order now the autographed paperback copy of “LONGEVITY TIPS” at the discounted price of only $10 per copy with FREE shipping and handling. For every order of the book, you’ll also receive an autographed copy of the original “HISTORICITY OF JESUS” subtitled “Facts and Evidences for Agnostics, Atheists and Believers.” It’s like buying TWO BOOKS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE. These two books are excellent addition to your Personal Library or Family Library. This Special Offer is good only in the United States.
For your autographed copies of the two books, just send $10 (in check or money order) to: ART G. MADLAING, 730 Madrid Street, San Francisco, CA 94112 Tel (650) 438-3531 or (415) 584-7095 or email:artmadlaing@hotmail.com
(ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE #00635976 in California since 1981. He is founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California USA.)
(From Page 11)
selves massive pay increases. Then look at the hundreds of millions being allotted to so-called “intelligence funds.’
To this day, no one can say why the administration of the late former President Noynoy Aquino could achieve exceptional growth with hardly any department receiving intelligence funds.
Then look at the massive budget for travel that Junior has demanded that he be granted by Congress.
Now compare the number of foreign trips that two former presidents took during their six years as chief executive. Specifically, look at Noynoy Aquino – him again! – and even Rodrigo Duterte. They never took large contingents with them when they had to travel abroad, did they?
I daresay that the national budget can be trimmed by as much as 15 percent if the wastage of funds – tax money, actually – were minimized.
Remember the late dictator and namesake of the current president?
In his time, he laughingly called for “austerity” given the precarious situation his government found itself in as a result of his and his wife’s excessive spending.
At a certain point, the dictator found that the Philippines could no longer pay for its external debts and was forced to practically beg the country’s lenders to not foreclose on the economy.
No, he did not do the begging himself. He had his supposed technocrats do the negotiating, and the country was forced to take such bitter pills as letting the peso fall drastically.
(From Page 10) As
Here’s a little lesson from the past worth remembering. At the time Marcos Sr. became president, one US dollar was worth four Philippine pesos. During his time both as legally elected and reelected president, all the way to his illegitimate martial law era, the peso did not nothing but fall, and fall, and fall some more.
And where is the peso now under his son? Soon enough, the exchange rate will be sixty is to one. Good job, boy.
This is what I mean when I say that the country’s best economic planners have all been pretty lame in the global stage.
And I know that some economists will say that this is an oversimplification, but tell me. Why have some Western European and Asian nations attained a stage where all their citizens can be considered rich by most standards?
Extended periods of strong, stable growth is one reason.
Marcos Jr and his sister the senator have said on several occasions said that he ran in order to save the family name. The way he’s mishandling the economy, the Marcos name will be more despised than before he cheated his way to the presidency.
Indeed, weak economic growth will be Junior’s legacy to the people.
(From Page 11)
break the mold of a career politician, and Ramaswamy’s Trump-lite grenade stinging schtick grew tedious. He started to get booed with more frequency after he declared that climate change wasn’t a “hoax.” (Fox)
In general, so few of the candidates were willing to go after Trump despite the 4th indictment against Trump. In fact, he is still the frontrunner in the GOP presidential nomination with DeSantis as a far second.
Instead, the 1st GOP presidential debate even bolstered his candidacy despite his absence on stage.
Six of the eight candidates on stage, when asked by the moderators, raised their hands to support Trump even if he was convicted.
Of course, this was expected because they agreed to the rules of the debate to support whoever emerged as the GOP candidate. And they don’ want to jeopardize their political future because they know that Trump is still a very influential politician and knew what he can do.
Okay, should Trump win the GOP nomination, with or without conviction, will the American people vote for him?
Fellow Americans, will you?
(From Page 10)
and sometimes exquisite art form timely, appropriate and relevant views and perspective.
There is no hard and fast rule formula for a successful and effective editorial cartoon. But artists like Angelo Lopez survive the daily or weekly grind mainly due to the quality of their drawings or sketches and the images and symbolism that they present.
We have worked with Angelo Lopez for many years now in various publications and all throughout he has made his mark as a reliable and indispensible cartoonist whose work sometimes is more eloquent than the editorial text itself.
They say a picture is worth a thousands words. The editorial cartoon perhaps evokes more than that as a mere sight of it makes one ponder on its unspoken message even more.
This book presents the best works of Angelo Lopez in the Philippine News Today, the premier Filipino community in the United States, the Philippine News and the Philippines Today before their merger, and other publications. The cartoons are not just works of art but a chronicle of perspectives in many years woven into history. Thus, the book should be a must-read for the dynamic Filipino American community in the United States and Filipinos elsewhere.”
Angelo Lopez is an award winning Filipino American editorial cartoonist from San Jose, California, who cast a wary eye on the Philippines since 2016, according to Amazon.
Angelo Lopez has used his cartoons to report on President Duterte’s war on democracy. In the pages of the Philippine News Today, a Filipino American newspaper based in San Francisco Bay Area, Angelo’s cartoons shine a light on economic exploitation, vigilante killings, and the steady walk to authoritarianism. Through his cartoons, Angelo Lopez is trying to cry out to Filipinos and Filipino Americans to take notice before it is too late.
Ruth Silver Taube, Coordinator, Santa Clara County Wage Theft Coalition and Supervising Attorney, Workers’ Rights Practice, Katharine & George Alexander Community Law Center, Santa Clara University School of Law, in a message in “The Duterte Years,” stated:
“Angelo Lopez’ eagerly anticipated book of political cartoons is vivid, evocative, and beautifully drawn. He provides a rare glimpse of Filipino American history and the struggles of working class Filipinos and Filipino Americans grappling with issues such as wage theft, labor exploitation, hate, scapegoating, and inequality in contemporary American and Filipino society. His cartoons also provide an unflinching look at the abuse of power and of resistance in the Philippines. It is a must read book that I highly recommend.”
To our dear readers, we thank you sincerely for following us through our reportage and commentaries. With your support, we look forward to serving the Filipino and Filipino American community in the years ahead.
(Editor’s Note: The writer is a book author, professor and journalist in the Philippines and United States. He served as 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 was executive director for several years of the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc. (PAPI). He was a distinguished member of the Board of Regents of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) for two six-year terms, Commissioner of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost), 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)
(From page 1)
This event also aims to foster understanding, friendship, and appreciation among different ethnic groups, creating a space where they can celebrate shared humanity and diverse backgrounds while sharing the flavors and tradition of Filipino cuisine and creating lasting memories.
“We started this Asian American Stories competition because of the rise in incidents of Asian hate and Asian Americans are being attacked during the pandemic. Ally realized who we are and our contributions to the U.S. so we want to come out with stories and bring our communities together to stop Asian hate ad celebrate our diversity together,” revealed Ding Ding TV and Silicon Valley Community Media Founder and Chairperson Diane Wei Ping Ding
And in the first of the monthly Taste of Asia series of cultural celebration, the lunch at Isla Restaurant featured popular Filipino favorites such as adobo (a savory meat dish), pancit (stirfried noodles), lumpia (spring rolls), singing (sour soup), and halo-halo (a refreshing dessert).
As is known by many, Filipino cuisine is a delightful fusion of various influences, including Spanish, Chinese, Malay, and American. It features a wide range of dishes that are diverse, with options for meat lovers, vegetarians, and seafood enthusiasts in the goal of provide you with a taste of the Philippines and showcase the rich culinary heritage of this vibrant culture.
“Taste of Asia is inviting all our committee members to different restaurant – Korea, Indian, Vietnamese – we can go everywhere because it is not only food we are giving out here/ We also give out the story, the culture, the background behind the food. Every time we taste the food, it is a quick way to somehow understand the culture and learn from the people,” Wei Ping Ding said. “And we really want to thank the owners of Isla restaurant for being generous and the service is so good. And I just love everything. Next in line ae probably Vietnamese and Chinese then Korean, Japanese, Indian and all kinds of foods.”
Wei Ping Ding said he also wants everybody to come and join in telling their Asian American stories “because it is important to share our contributions, our history, our culture to this great country. And we all belong here, we love each other, we share each other’s culture and also we support each other.”
For her part, contest judge and Milpitas City Mayor Carmen Montano reminded that throughout history, breaking bread and sharing with others always bring peace and conversations with others.
“When we break bread with others, what it does is that it promotes world peace, cultural understanding. It is sacred tradition as to eat together is to communicate share values like in a
family. Breaking bread is a fellowship. Food is very sacred and when you share food with others, you are really forming a bond,” Montano added.” When you learn about a culture, you learn to respect one another. Respect brings world peace and peace for everybody.
Asian American Video Contest’s Committee Member Francis Espiritu, Publisher of Phil-
ippine News Today, said he believes that one thing that can be done to stop Asian Hate is that “we were able to come together and be with one another even if we come from different ethnic communities.”
“We need to fight Asian hate together as one healthy family. If we don’t work together, we won’t be able to do it but if we all work to-
gether through this sharing of Asian American stories committee gathering. We won’t be able to tell what is happening in our communities that needed to be told. Let us not be negative nor divisive pitting one another but instead look at what the good qualities in each of us,” Espiritu stressed.
A�y. Chris Caday Lozano successfully represented the applica�on for naturaliza�on of Bernade�e Pascual.
CZARINA B. NUCUM graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Specialized in Construc�on Management from thePamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. She received her diploma as a member of Class of 2023 during the commencement exercises.
(From page 17)
that stood out for me, things like placing trust in the police to help them. But the police were not there.”
● “All the organizations here today are here to stand together to help our people out. And so when we think of the Roque family who bravely fight each day, let’s also think of the other victims and the survivors of racial and class violence. It takes an immense amount of courage for people to come forward, to seek help, to be vulnerable and to be willing to fight each day.”
● “The job’s not done and we have our work cut out for us. But with folks like you here today and for everyone at home who’s signed on to a letter, tuned into a livestream, talked about it at your church or talked about it in your school, then I’m confident that our people’s power will bring the change that we deserve.”
Name: Taiji Miyagawa
Organization: API For Cal Care
● “And we had a court system that couldn’t stand up and pursue an attempted murder charge… And I think this criminal justice system was not set up for us.”
● “We need to make an appraisal of what it’s going to take to win actual justice… Yes, we had the guy put away and the family was kept safe for over a year. That’s a positive thing. But he’s getting released with a slap on the hand for attempted murder.”
● “We need to build the organization and the political power that will actually transform this corrupt system. And that’s the real justice that we need. We need to keep going. We need to build off of the wins that were made.”
● “We need more community organization. We need to continue building power. A lot of people that have been part of this campaign didn’t know each other, you know, for miles apart from each other. We are united as one justice movement now and we need to continue.”
Name: Lester Ramos
Organization: Migrante-USA
● “I realize there’s a lot of injustices that happen to Filipinos when they are forced to migrate to the US because of lack of opportunity in the Philippines.”
● “The only good thing that happened from this situation is that we built a strong community. And members of the Roque family have joined the fight for the rights of the migrant workers.”
● “Participating in the fight for justice against Asian hate is the entry point in organizing for many of us. But now we must address the economic crisis that Filipino migrants are facing as another widespread threat. This campaign helped us understand the needs of the community and the things that we need to take up and change.”
Name: Karen Roxas
Organization: NAFCON-USA
Position: Vice-President
● “It is really only through our collective action that we will actually achieve the justice that we want.”
● “We call on health workers, mental health professionals and researchers to support our efforts in advocating for mental health services for survivors of hate crime–of a traumatizing event– and how we can have healing through actual fighting for changes that will allow changes in the system.”
● “If you’re a storyteller, journalist and media worker– right– join us as we continue to tell the story of the family and other victims.”
Patricia Roque (Witness)
Organization: Pilipino Youth Kollective (PYK)
● “We will remember today and we will remember every single moment that we have done to come this far and for our first phase of this campaign to come to its end. And we will continue our campaign to end it with a victory.”
● “I stand here today, right now, with my resolve unwavering. And I hope that yours too. I hope that you stand beside me with your resolve unwavering as well as we tackle what’s next to come.”
By G. Samson Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in the Bay Area
Social Security has expanded its outreach to people in critical need of financial help who may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI provides monthly payments to adults age 65 and older or to other adults – and children –with a disability or blindness who have limited income and financial resources. SSI helps pay for basic needs like rent, food, clothing, and medicine. We identified underserved communities in rural and urban areas across the country. We focused on areas with the greatest decline in SSI applications since the pandemic. Our outreach efforts targeted areas where a majority of people are living at or below the federal poverty threshold.
People who receive SSI may qualify for other financial help, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps), Medicaid, and discounted internet service through the Federal Trade Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program. Social Security beneficia-
ries may also be eligible for SSI.
People with limited income and financial resources and internet access can visit www.ssa.gov/ssi to learn more about SSI eligibility and request an appointment to apply for benefits. People without access to the internet can call our National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative.
Please share this information with your friends and family to spread the word about SSI.
MANILA – The country’s daily average for new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases went up by 2 percent from Aug. 21 to 27, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.
In its latest case bulletin, the agency recorded 114 daily infections, a case higher than the 113 cases recorded in the previous seven days.
From Aug. 21 to Aug. 27, a total of 801 new cases were recorded, it said.
The tally of severe and critical infections decreased to 240 from 242 cases from Aug. 14 to 20.
About six deaths that occured between August 14 to 27 were verified.
Only 10.3 percent of the intensive care unit (ICU) beds, or 179 out of the 1,740, are in use, while 12.7 percent, or 1,926 of 15,192, non-ICU beds were utilized as of August 25.
At least 78,443,972 or 100.4 percent of the country’s target population (78,100,578) have been vaccinated against Covid-19, including 82.16 percent of 8,721,357 senior citizens, as of March 19.
A total of 23,811,248 have received booster shots out of the fully vaccinated population.
“Due to ongoing migration of the Vaccine Information Management System by the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the DOH-EB [Epidemiology Bureau] will not be able to generate updated vaccine accomplishment until said
RP’s Shirley Temple
A book titled The Legend of Tessie Agana: Beloved Child Star of the Philippines - An Intimate Portrait of My Mother - is the debut book written by her daughter, Mylene Agana Jao Richardson and is being released on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.
Tessie Agana was married for 53 years to Rodolfo L. Jao, MD, a popular medical leader and an Infectious Disease expert in Northwest Indiana, who died on February 28, 2018, at the age of 84. Her Dad, Adriano A. Agana, MD, was also an Indiana physician.
As the daughter and granddaughter of world-famous entertainers from the Philippines’ Golden Age of cinema, Mylene was born into a family of legends. Tessie Agana, now 81, was known as the “Shirley Temple of the Philippines” -- and her grandmother, Linda Estrella, the Elizabeth Taylor of her time, was a lead dramatic actress and singer of her era in the 1950s. Mylene shows how you can maximize your happiness by discovering to truly know oneself, the journey forward is to look back. With unsparing truth, Mylene offers the first intimate portrait of her mother, whose early fame and exposure to the public eye led to dark shadows that impacted her entire life. An inspiring must-read book for the entire family. For details about the author and the book, email: majr@mylenerichardson.com
Is there a drug to prolong life?
Yes, researchers found the drug “rilmenidine” can extend life span and slow down aging. It is actually a prescription medication for the treatment of high blood pressure, marketed under the brand names Albarel, Iterium, Tenxum, and Hyperium. Hopefully, this extra action and benefit from this drug would be confirmed in the future by large clinical studies and confirmation from medical centers around the world. Rapamycin and the anti-diabetic medication, metformin, are also being
migration has been resolved,” the DOH said.
“Rest assured that any data submitted or edited through the VIMS application are still accepted and duly processed,” it added.
To date, the country has logged 4,110,104 Covid cases, with 2,645 active cases, 4,040,797 recoveries, and 66,662 deaths since January 2020.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed a law establishing specialty centers in hospitals under the direct supervision and control of the Department of Health (DOH).
Republic Act (RA) 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, inked by Marcos on Aug. 24, mandates the DOH to establish specialty centers in its hospitals in every region, as well as in government-owned or -controlled corporation (GOCC) specialty hospitals.
The DOH shall prioritize facilities for 17 specialties – cancer care; cardiovascular care; lung care; renal care and kidney transplant; brain and spine care; trauma care; burn care; orthopedic care; physical rehabilitation medicine; infectious disease and tropical medicine; toxicology; mental health; geriatric care; neonatal care; dermatology care; ear, nose and throat care; and eye care.
At least one center shall be established in every region within five years upon the enactment of RA 11959.
In a statement, Presidential Communications Sec-
studied for their ability to slow down aging and prolong life. The future is, indeed, exciting, even bolstered by the introduction of artificial intelligence in various fields of human endeavor.
From all indications, it seems to be over…but, even as late as July 29, 2023, according to the New York Times COVID-19 Tracker, there were still 6511 hospitalized for COVID-19. Primary series vaccination rate is still a low 69 percent, and Booster rate, 17 percent. The unvaccinated are at risk, not only getting infected but spreading the virus around. Even President Biden and other leaders were saying it was “a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”
Is there a blood test for brain cancer?
Soon there will be. A new study reveals a promising simple blood test that could help detect brain cancer with 87 percent accuracy. This exciting revelation was reported in the journal Nature Communications by Dr. Matthew J. Baker of the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Brain cancer usually has a poor outlook because of the delay in the diagnosis since the symptoms, primarily headache, are nonspecific. This new blood test would expedite the diagnosis and improve the outcome.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a new drug for weight loss from Eli Lilly, which catapulted its stock recently because it was found to also reduce the risk for heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death by 20 percent. It is a landmark clinical trial, the first to show that weight loss drug alone could provide such a huge benefit. It is a boon to cardiovascular health and longevity.
Do repeated chest x-rays cause cancer?
No, an annual chest x-ray does not cause cancer. The dose of radiation that one gets with a chest x-ray is so minimal, about 30 millirems, which is even less than the radiation exposure one gets from travelling by air (where you will be exposed to a greater degree of radiation from the sun) for a 4-hours flight, say to another Asian country. The cut-off safety limit per year
retary Cheloy Garafil said the law was signed as part of the Marcos administration’s efforts to establish and institutionalize health care centers in the region, ensuring “accessible and affordable” health care services for all.
Under RA 11959, the DOH is designated to categorize the level of service capability of the specialty centers as National Specialty Centers (NSCs), Advanced Comprehensive Specialty Centers (ACSCs), and Basic Comprehensive Specialty Centers (BCSCs) under the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan.
Garafil said the establishment of specialty centers shall adhere to the guidelines set by the DOH on planning and prioritizing health facilities based on the upgrading of hospitals, evidence of the health needs and demands, and service capability of hospitals and geographic or physical access.
“The appropriate level of specialized health care provider role in the continuum of care, the availability of competent health human resources for specialized health care, and the operational and financial performance of the DOH facilities should also be considered in setting up specialty centers,” she said.
“Implementing rules and regulations of the law shall be promulgated by the DOH, in consultation with the NSCs, DOH hospitals and other stakeholders, within 60 days from the effectivity of the law.”
is 5000 millirems, which would be equivalent to about 166 chest x-ray exposures. A chest x-ray once a year, or even 20 such radiation exposures in a year, is safe. The basic rule is, of course, the lesser radiation the better, but if it medically necessary, chest x-ray or other x-rays should be performed without worry.
Can one get AIDS from holding hands?
Experts say that HIV infection is not transmitted by holding hands or (intact) skin to skin contact, but mucous membrane contact with blood or body fluids from someone infected with HIV, unprotected sexual intercourse with AIDS victim can definitely transmit this deadly disease. The best behavior is to avoid partners that are at high risk of having HIV, but if this is not possible, use condom. One must be cautious to make sure the condom is durable, intact and not have a hole in it. One could get the HIV infection even after only one, yes just one, sexual encounter. Remember, having AIDS is like having a death sentence hanging over your head.
What are the leading causes of deaths?
In the United States, according to CDC, the leading causes of deaths are in this order: heart disease (695,547); cancer (605,213); COVID-19 (416,893); accidents (224,935); cirrhosis (56,585); stroke (162,890); chronic lower respiratory disease (142,342); Alzheimer’s (119,399); diabetes (103,294); chronic liver disease and cirrhosis (56,585); and nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis (54,358).
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
Ingredients:
250 gram pork loin, lomo, sliced diagonally
2 bunches bok choy, stalk cut into wedge, leaves cut across
2-3 stalks spring onions cut into 2” lengths
2 thumb size ginger, cut into thin strips
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 red chili, sliced diagonally
2 tbsp. soy sauce
1/4 cup black bean sauce
2 tbsp. fermented black beans, tausi, rinsed
2 tbsp. cornstarch
ground pepper corn
cooking oil
Cooking procedure:
In a big bowl mix the pork slices with soy sauce, cornstarch and a dash of ground pepper corns, let marinate for 5 to 10 minutes. In a wok heat cooking oil and stir fry pork in batches for 2 to 3 minutes or until pork slices are seared, remove from wok and keep aside. On same wok add more cooking oil and stir fry garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add in pork and black bean sauce, continue to stir fry for 1 to 2 minute. Add 1/2 cup of water and bok choy stalks, let simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Add in bok choy, spring onion, red chili and fermented black bean sauce, stir cook for another 1to 2 minutes of until the vegetables are just cooked. Serve with steamed rice.
MAKATI CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) assured travelers that measures are in place to ensure their safety while visiting destinations across the Philippines.
The statement came after the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) placed the country under alert level 3 for “high-level of coronavirus disease 2019” (Covid-19).
Seeking to allay fears, the DOT noted that more than half of the roughly 235 places the CDC monitored have also been placed under the said level.
“The global pandemic continues to expose the tourism industry to challenges, but our travelers can rest assured that the Philippine government continues to ensure that minimum public health and safety standards are in place, coupled with the precautionary measures observed by our partners from the private and public sectors. Therefore, our guests can safely enjoy any of our 7,641 islands even in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.
“We are confident of the measures and guidelines that we have instituted to strike a balance between safety and travel in the new normal.”
Unlike many other countries in the west, the Philippines maintains a strict
TACLOBAN CITY – The Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) is in a campaign to be included in the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage sites.
This was disclosed by Angelito Villanueva, Samar provincial environment and natural resources officer, who said the application for inclusion is a 10-year activity that started in 2021.
The SINP is the largest contiguous tract of old-growth forest in the Philippines and the country’s largest terrestrial protected area with an area of 333,300 hectares.
The buffer is spread north to south over the island’s three provinces and totals 458,700 hectares, about a third of the entire island of Samar.
The park is also a center of plant and animal diversity and endemism, containing threatened species belonging to the Eastern Visayas and Mindanao biogeographic regions.
Also inside the SINP are well-known natural landmarks Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge National Park; Calbiga Cave, the country’s largest and the second largest cave in Asia; and the more than 100-kilometer Ulot River, the longest river in Eastern Visayas that starts from the upland town of San Jose de Buan, Samar and ends in the Pacific Coastal town of Can-avid, Eastern Samar.
policy on wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the virus.
More than 72 million Filipinos have also been fully vaccinated as of Aug. 15, 2022.
In addition, the department said there is a stark difference between the Covid-19 positivity rate in the Philippines, which averages at 4,001 daily, compared to that of the US, which recorded 13,609 new cases in the last 24 hours as of August 16.
Citing the Department of Health, the DOT said the country gives “more weight to the health care utilization rate rather than the number of new cases.”
Nationwide, 29.3 percent or 838 out of 2,887 intensive care unit beds and 31.9 percent or about 8,165 out of 26,266 nonICU beds are in use.
“What we learned from the advent of Covid-19 is that we cannot continue to allow the fear of it to negatively shape our lives and our travel plans. So much has been lost to this pandemic,” Frasco said.
“We need to revise our perspective and learn how to live with this virus in a manner that is reasonable, rational, as well as responsible of health protocols so not only lives but livelihoods of people dependent on tourism may be saved in the process.”
The park is also the home to the critically endangered Philippine Eagle,
Among the ongoing projects is the installation of concrete monuments in 300 corners of SINP to serves as landmarks covered by the protected area.
“Demarcation is necessary to strengthen the environmental protection initiatives. This is one of the requirements for SINP to qualify to the heritage site list,” Villanueva said in a PNA report.
Aside from demarcation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources established buffer zones to embrace other areas for biodiversity conservation.
In 2018, Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan proposed the inclusion of SINP in the UNESCO list.
Governors from Northern Samar and Eastern Samar supported the campaign.
“If SINP will make it to the World Heritage sites list, we can invite more funding from other countries to strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts and develop eco-tourism activities,” Villanueva added.
The park was declared a protected area in 2003 and a total of 33 species of mammals, 215 species of birds, 51 species of reptiles, 26 species of amphibians and 1,000 species of plants have since been recorded inside the SINP.
