PNEWS 9.21-9.27,2023 by Philippine News Today

1 September 21-27, 2023

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

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Vol.63 No.6 September 21-27, 2023

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

AFP readies contingency plans in case of armed attacks in WPS

Convicted Vallejo child molester By ALFRED GABOT, Editor in Chief sentenced to 90 MANILA - The Philippines and the United years to life in States, including their allies, appear to be prison

gearing up for possible military confrontaBy Jun Nucum tion in the West Philippine Sea and the IndoVALLEJO, California - A Vallejo California resident has Paciﬁc. convicted and sentenced This as the military forces of the Philippines been from 90 to life in state prison for and the US agreed to expand their bilateral molesting two sisters over the of several years. engagements next year to over 500 military course Suspect Ulysses Pastones was Page 9 sentenced by Daniel J. Healy in a IN ZAMBOANGA. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. distributes around exercises, drills and other activities. 1,500 sacks of premium quality rice to various beneﬁciaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) during his visit to the Na�onal Food Authority-Region IX warehouse in Zamboanga City on Sept. 19.(Alfred Frias/NIB/PNA)

Marcos’s closest allies sharply divided on how to address fuel crisis

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor MANILA -- In searching for a posed suspension of excise and solution to the problem of skyrock- value added taxes on fuel products, eting fuel prices, President Ferdi- a move intended to arrest the nonnand Marcos Jr may end up being stop rise in pump prices of gasoline, stuck between the proverbial rock diesel, and kerosene which has the and a hard place. public transport sector demanding At the start of this week, a pow- yet another increase in base fares of erful Cabinet secretary was on a jeepneys and taxis, with buses also collision course with the cousin of following suit. Even the rail transit the president, who also happens to systems are asking for an upward be Speaker of the House of Repre- adjustment in fares. sentatives. For the 11th straight week, pricThe clash is over Speaker Fer- es of petroleum products continued dinand Martin Romualdez’s pro- to head north. The bad Page 7

Attorney General Bonta stresses unity to stop hate crimes in Fresno meeting By Jun Nucum FRESNO, California - “In California, we must stand united against hate and extremism. There is no place for hate in California.” Thus stressed California Attorney General Rob Bonta in Fresno at his 12th in a series of meetings across the state to bring together local elected oﬃcials, law enforcement oﬃcers, and community leaders to discuss best practices in addressing hate crime. Bonta was joined by Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and local leaders in the anti-hate roundtable discussion during the meeting. “I’m proud to stand with our California State A�orney General local partners to identify best pracRob Bonta in Fresno Page 6

case that was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Barry Shapiro who was assisted Page 7

82-year-old Asian woman latest victim of vicious attack By Gilda P. Balan, Correspondent LAS VEGAS - Who will the hatemongers attack next? A wheelchair bound centenarian, maybe? There appears to be no let up in the senseless attacks on Asians and Asianp-Americans, especially the frail and elderly. The latest victim last week was an 82-year-old Asian woman who was assaulted with what appears to be mace and a stick in downtown Las Vegas last week. Page 6

US envoy: Coral destruction at Escoda, Rozul Reef ‘troubling’ Philippine News Today wins at California Ethnic Awards

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 NATIONAL NEWS

September 21-27, 2023

US envoy: Coral destruction at Escoda, Rozul Reef ‘troubling’ MANILA – The United States Embassy in Manila has raised concern over the reported coral destruction at the Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. In a tweet on Tuesday, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said Washington DC will continue to work with allies, referring to the Philippines, in protecting natural resources. “Troubling (Philippine Coast Guard) and (Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command) reports on coral destruction around Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal,” she said. “Habitat damage harms US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson The said tweet prompted a response from ecosystems and negatively aﬀects lives and livelihoods. We are working the Chinese Embassy in Manila, which lawith our (friends, partners, allies) to protect beled the news as “disinformation” while chiding Japan for its recent release of treated natural resources,” she added. Before Carlson’s remarks, Japanese Am- Fukushima water into the sea. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conbassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa had also expressed serious concern over the report as he ﬁrmed on Monday the “extensive” damage on retweeted a news that quoted AFP Western the seabed of Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal, Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos saying its recent surveys showed that the maas saying that the destruction was due to sus- rine ecosystem in the Philippines features “appeared lifeless, with minimal to no signs pected Chinese harvesting of corals. “Very alarming news. Our oceans are the of life.” At Escoda Shoal, the PCG suspects deliblifeblood of our planet, & coral reefs are its colorful heartbeats. Let’s preserve & protect erate activities may have been undertaken to these vital ecosystems for generations to “modify the natural topography of its undercome,” Koshikawa said over microblogging water terrain” given the visible discoloration of its seabed. site X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

US turns over new C-208 reconnaissance plane to PAF CLARK AIR BASE – The brand-new Cessna C-208B Grand Caravan intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft donated by the United States to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) would greatly enhance the military’s capabilities to secure the country’s vast maritime territories, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said. RECONNAISSANCE PLANE. The United States turns “This aircraft will over a Cessna C-208B Grand Caravan surveillance airboost our capability of cra� to the Philippine Air Force at Clark Air Base, Mapatrolling our maritime balacat, Pampanga seas, (it will help us) boost our capability in making sure that flexibility which can operate up to 912 we secure our territory and our sover- nautical miles and stay airborne for eign rights,” Brawner said on the side- five hours and 30 minutes, the C-208B lines of the acceptance, turnover and will be operated by the 300th Air Intelblessing ceremonies of the C-208B ligence and Security Wing headed by aircraft at Clark Air Base, Mabalacat, Brig. Gen. Edgar Torres. The 208B has a cruising speed of Pampanga. around 170 knots and is capable of Department of National Defense transporting eight to nine persons, in(DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. cluding the pilot. formally accepted the documents of the The C-208 aircraft will be utilized in newly delivered C-208B from the chief support of internal security operations, of the joint US Military Assistance territorial defense and humanitarian Group (JUSMAG)-Philippines, Col. assistance and disaster response, speEdward Evans of the US Air Force. cifi cally in the conduct of rapid damage Teodoro then turned over the docuassessment and needs analysis during ments to Brawner, who in turn did the times of calamities and disasters. same to PAF commander Lt. Gen. SteThe C-208B will also be significant phen Parreño. in counterterrorism and law enforceKnown for its rugged utility and ment efforts.

3 September 21-27, 2023

 NATIONAL NEWS

PHL backs move to interpret HOME SELLING? Get FREE* Home Staging UNCLOS for climate protection HOME BUYING? Get $3000 closing cost credit* GENEVA/MANILA – The Philippine government backed a move urging a United Nations court to provide an advisory opinion to interpret the world’s oceans treaty in the context of curbing climate change. The statement of support was delivered before the Hamburg-based International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) which has recently begun legal proceedings for a closely watched oceans climate justice case. The case, brought by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS) last December 2022, asks the UN court to determine the speciﬁc duties of states parties to the UN on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in preventing the pollution of the marine environment caused by climate change

through the accumulation of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. “As an archipelagic state comprised mostly of small islands, and one of the most vulnerable to and most affected by climate change, the Philippines stands in solidarity with COSIS and all the small island states that comprise it and outside of its membership, and support their initiative to request the tribunal’s advisory opinion,” said Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Carlos Sorreta in co-delivering Manila’s statement. “Fundamental to our position is that while UNCLOS was not designed as a mechanism for regulating climate change, its mandate is broad enough to consider the connection between climate and the oceans,” he added.

Sorreta argued that the 40-year-old treaty must be interpreted “in light of changing global circumstances and changing laws”. “It is, among others a strong, innovative and comprehensive global environmental treaty governing over two-thirds of the planet. It must be interpreted and applied with subsequent developments in international law and policy in mind,” he said. In the Philippines alone, Sorreta pointed out that coastal erosion, the bleaching of coral reefs, loss of seagrass have severely affected the resources and livelihoods of Filipino coastal communities. Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs Maria Angela Ponce added that by its nature, greenhouse gas emissions qualify as “pollution of the marine environment”.

Marcos certiﬁes P5.7 trillion appropriations bill as urgent MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has certiﬁed as urgent the enactment of House Bill 8980, or the 2024 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), Malacañang announced. in a statement, Marcos is seeking Congress’ immediate approval of the 2024 GAB to ensure the fund-

ing of diﬀerent government programs and projects next year. Marcos, in a letter issued Wednesday and addressed to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, called for the swift passage of the GAB “to address the need to maintain continuous

government operations following the end of the current fiscal year (FY).” “Pursuant to the provisions of Article VI, Section 26 (2) of the 1987 Constitution, I hereby certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of House Bill No. 8980, entitled: ‘An Act Appropriating Funds for the Operation of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines from January One to December ThirtyOne, Two Thousand and Twenty-Four,’” the letter read. The certification, he said, would also ensure budgetary preparedness “that will enable the government to effectively perform its Constitutional mandate.” In a statement on Wednesday, Romualdez said the House is eyeing the passage of the GAB on third and final reading by Sept. 27. Romualdez said the House of Representatives would hasten the bill’s passage to give the Senate sufficient time to review and possibly introduce amendments. He said he expects the GAB to be signed by President Marcos before Christmas. The Marcos administration is seeking an allocation of P5.768 trillion for 2024, higher by 9.5 percent compared to the P5.268-trillion national budget this year.

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 METRO NEWS

September 21-27, 2023

Historic Sta. Ana church raises concern over condo project at heritage zone MANILA - Tremors from construction within a heritage zone in Manila’s Sta. Ana district has raised concerns about potential damage to a Spanish-era parish church that houses “national cultural treasures.” Not only has it created uninhabitable conditions for residents, but the construction of a condominium by Suntrust Properties, Inc. (SPI) is now a cause for concern to the centuries-old National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned. The parish is the site and setting of two declared national cultural treasures: the Camarin

dela Virgen and the Sta. Ana Site Museum. Franciscan Fr. Virgilio Del Mundo Jr., the parish priest, has expressed concern that the 11 unique frescoes in the Camarin “are in serious danger of irreparable damage” due to the “heavy pounding and frightening earth shaking, night and day”. The frescoes depicting the life of Christ are the oldest known oil-on-wood paintings in the country. He said one time the Fernando Amorsolo Elementary School had to evacuate its students, as they believed the intense shaking

was an actual earthquake. “We strongly object to the construction given the threat mentioned above to the neighborhood and to the long history of Santa Ana Church,” Del Mundo said. The priest stated that the developer is constructing at least three condo towers, each 36 stories high, within the 200-meter buffer zone of the Sta. Ana heritage zone. The parish has joined residents and heritage advocates in an effort to halt the condo project, even labeling the construction as “illegal.” The developer has claimed to possess the necessary permits for the construction project. However, the priest contends that the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) obtained by Suntrust was a “grave mistake.” He said that the “heritage crisis” persists despite a court order directing SPI not to undertake any construction unless they have both

an ECC and unconditional approval from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, “which SPI has not obtained to date.” Del Mundo said that another issue is that three documents used by Suntrust to obtain a Zoning Clearance, City Council Resolution and Building Permit from the local government “are in question as being authentic”. “These barangay documents were in fact not signed by the oﬃcials and neighbors whose signatures appear in them,” he said. “In addition, the three documents obtained from Manila City Hall based on these questionable documents have long expired,” the priest added. He said that even temporary permits from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) are being questioned because “they are based on false information”, and the required conditions have not been met. (CBCP News)

Manila City Hall granted ‘important cultural property’ recognition

MANILA – The historic city hall of Manila is now considered as one of the country’s important cultural properties (Mahalagang Yamang Pangkalinangan) following the declaration of the National Museum of the Philippines. “We are very thankful to the National Museum for granting us a marker, declaring our building as an important cultural property. This is a clear manifestation of the Filipinos’ appreciation of the cultural and historical value of our building,” Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna said in her speech. National Museum Director General Jeremy Barns said the building represents the city’s heri-

tage as it has withstood the test of time. “Manila City Hall is an iconic building. It’s really important to have this declaration whether by the National Museum before or by the NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) now as a cultural property. They can avail of our systems more strongly than before,” he said. Under Republic Act 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, all important cultural properties should be prioritized in government funding for “protection, conservation, and restoration.” It also serves as protection against modiﬁcation or demolition.

5 September 21-27, 2023

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Senators set probe on Surigao Norte cult involved in rape, marriage of minors LEGASPI CITY – Residents living near the restive Mayon Volcano in Albay are reminded to wear masks to protect themselves from the harmful eﬀects of ashfall. Face masks must be worn to cover the nose and mouth as volcanic ash can aﬀect the respiratory system, eyes and overall health, the Department of Health said in a public advisory.

“Maaaring gumamit ng medical at surgical masks, dust masks, o mamasa-masang panyo (You can use medical and surgical masks, dusk masks or damp handkerchief),” it said. “Siguraduhin ang supply ng gamot para sa may hika at allergy at gamitin ayon sa payo ng doktor (Ensure enough supply of medicine for asthma and allergy and use them according to doctor’s advice).”

Goggles may also be worn for eye protection. “Iwasan gumamit ng contact lenses at gumamit muna ng salamin kung maari (Avoid using contact lenses and use eyeglasses instead if possible),” the DOH said. “Huwag kamutin o kuskusin ang mga mata. Kung nairita ang mga mata, banlawan lamang ito gamit ang umaagos at maligam-

gam na tubig (Don’t scratch your eyes. If the eyes are irritated, wash them with ﬂowing and warm water).” People having diﬃculty breathing and troubles with eyesight are encouraged to immediately consult a physician. Mayon, under Alert Level 3, had four pyroclastic density current events on Wednesday morning.

SOCORRO, Surigao del Norte/PASAY CITY – The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality has been asked to investigate cases of rape, sexual abuse, forced labor and child marriages by an alleged cult in Socorro, Surigao del Norte. The reported cult, identiﬁed as the Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. (SBSI) or Omega de Salonera to its followers, has been made to believe that one Jey Rence “Senior Agila” Quilario is the messiah. The organization now has 3,650 members, including 1,587 children, based in an enclosed and heavily guarded area on a mountain known

as Sitio Kapihan in Socorro town, according to Senate Resolution No. 797 ﬁled by Senator Risa Hontiveros. “Nakakakilabot ang nabuong kulto sa Surigao. Pero mas nakakakilabot at nakakagalit ang mga kaso ng panggagahasa, pananakit, at pilit na pagkakasal na ginawa sa mga menor de edad ,” Hontiveros said. Senator Ronald Dela Rosa ﬁled a similar resolution after receiving a letter from Socorro Mayor Riza Rafonselle Timcang requesting for a Senate probe into an alleged shabu laboratory in their island town and the presence of heavilyarmed private army dubbed as “Agila” support-

ed by extremist groups in Southern Mindanao. Dela Rosa likewise received information from Socorro residents that a certain Rosalina Taruc, an official of SBSI, was killed in 2021 while her daughter, former mayor Denia Florano, “mysteriously died” eight days later. According to direct and first-hand testimonies gathered by Hontiveros’ office, Quilario sexually abuses and commits violence against minors, including rape, facilitating marriages of children as young as 12 years old with adults, and locking adolescents in rooms where sexual activities happen, among others.

Hontiveros said she has received information that the cult is recruiting minors from Metro Manila while eight children ran away managed to escape in July. The children’s parents, who are still part of the cult, were asked to ﬁle petitions for habeas corpus in order to recover the minors from the local government. Hontiveros also revealed that members of the cult are forced to surrender to Quilario some of their social welfare beneﬁts, such as from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, senior citizen pension and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations.

Mayon volcano unrest continues, residents told to wear masks

Pope Francis dismisses Pinoy priest in Eastern Samar

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar - Pope Francis has expelled Filipino priest Pio Cultura Aclon who is now prohibited from participating in any priestly ministry of the Catholic Church, the Diocese of Borongan announced. Aclon, however, was quoted as questioning the basis of the announcement and said he is giving the diocese 10 days to produce a document from the Vatican on his expulsion.

The announcement was made by the Diocese of Borongan in an oﬃcial statement called “informationis causa” dated July 18 but made public only last week. The statement was read in all parish churches, chaplaincies, and chapels of the Diocese of Borongan in Eastern Samar. The statement did not say the reason for the dismissal but a report of the CBCP News, the oﬃcial news agency of the Catholic Bish-

ops Conference of the Philippines, said Aclon was dismissed “for sexual abuse involving minors.” The CBCP News also said Aclon last served at a minor seminary in the Diocese of Borongan before he was suspended him from clerical duties. Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez said in the oﬃcial statement, “Notice is hereby given that the Holy Father Pope Francis has

dismissed from the clerical state Pio Cultura Aclon of the Diocese of Borongan.” “He is, therefore, no longer a cleric and cannot exercise priestly ministry in the Church,” he added. In response, Aclon said, “You announced this, Bishop Crispin Varquez and the Diocese of Borongan. Now where is the letter of Pope Francis? I give you 10 days to provide us the letter.”

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 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

September 21-27, 2023

Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, crimes during the pandemic, which oﬀers Reach out to community organizations in (From page 1) Attorney... Riverside, Long Beach, Santa Ana, San Jose, important context and analysis regarding your area that deal with hate crimes or incitices, foster community involvement, and work toward community-driven solutions to eliminate hate and extremism,” Bonta said at the meeting. “I want to thank Mayor Dyer and local leaders in Fresno for their partnership and commitment to combating the rise of hate; fostering holistic, community-based responses; and providing resources where they are most needed,” Bonta said. “Our message to Californians: We see you, we support you, and we will do our part to ensure that every Californian feels safe in their cities and communities,” the Attorney General, a Filipino American, said. “When it comes to hate crime, I feel Fresno is currently in a good place,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “That said, it is not zero, and as this is a zero-tolerance issue, we must remain vigilant and continually work to address the issue. Hate crime is unacceptable. Period” Broadly aimed at developing strategies to address bias and hate, increasing awareness around available resources for members of the public, and strengthening responses to hate crimes and incidents in California, the roundtable discussions started in 2021 and 2022 to proactively engage with local city leaders in the biggest cities in California, including San

82-year...

(From page 1)

The assault was caught in video and it took place in the early mornwing hours of last Saturday near the corner of Fremont and 9th Street. The victim, whose identity has been withheld, is a resident of the area. She had gone out to get a late-night snack for herself and her husband when an unidentiﬁed man assaulted her. A local news station interviewed two witnesses, who said the assailant ﬁrst sprayed the

Stockton, Anaheim, and Bakersﬁeld. In 2022, there was a 20.2% increase in reported hate crimess in California. Although not captured in statewide hate crime statistics, it’s also important to remember that hate incidents — acts that do not rise to the level of a crime — are also incredibly harmful and can leave lasting, negative impacts on all of communities. The latest critical discussiond focused on developing community-based solutions to protect residents and communities from harm. Attorney General Bonta has issued a series of reports, guidance, and resources to help the public and law enforcement better understand and address hate crimes in California. Given the ongoing challenge presented by hate crime, the Attorney General urged leaders across the state and members of the public to review and make use of these important resources, which include an updated law enforcement bulletin summarizing applicable civil and criminal hate crime laws, guidance to prosecutors to help strengthen prosecution and enforcement, and brochures and fact sheets in more than two dozen languages to assist Californians in identifying and responding to hate crime events. In 2021, Attorney General Bonta also released a special report on anti-Asian hate

the recent increases in anti-Asian hate crime events. The Attorney General said he is deeply committed to responding to the needs of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities and, in July 2021, also launched the Office of Community Awareness, Response, and Engagement to work directly with community organizations and members of the public as part of the effort to advance justice for all Californians. The public can further explore hate crime data on OpenJustice. The Attorney General’s office said that if you believe you or someone you know has been the victim of a hate crime, notify local law enforcement and consider taking the following steps: If you are in immediate danger, call 911, and if needed, seek medical attention. Write down the exact words that were used and take note of any other relevant facts. If safe to do so, save all evidence and take photos. Get contact information for other victims and witnesses.

woman with what appeared to be the chemical spray mace, then repeatedly hit her with a stick. He only ended his assault when neighbors yelled at him to stop. The victim sustained visible bruising and was taken to a hospital. Neighbors said they fear that the assailant may return anytime and attack them too. They believe the victim was targeted not only because she was old, but also because she was Asian. Authorities have yet to identify the suspect as of press time.

The latest attack brought back memories of an earlier incident this year, when an old FilAm, Amadeo Quindara, was assaulted inside his garage by a neighbor. In that case, also in Las Vegas, the assailant was identified and then arrested and charged by the LVPD. The Asian American and Pacific Islander community has been the target of physical assaults, usually by single individuals. The AAPI community has sought to unify itself by holding multicultural festivals where they try to address the national rise in hate crimes. It has been noted that “easy targets” like the Asian woman and FilAm Quindara are preyed upon because they rarely have the capacity to defend themselves. The attack on the 82-yearold woman is further indication that hatemongers know no bounds, having no respect for the very old who are treated with the highest respect in Asian communities. In the West Coast, California has taken the lead in trying to find solutions to the growing problem, which began to worsen at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

dents. Reports of hate incidents can also be made to the California Civil Rights Department CA v. Hate hotline and online portal Report of Hate at any time in 15 languages or by calling (833) 866-4283 or (833) 8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and talking to a trained civil rights agent in over 200 languages. Outside of those hours, people can leave a voicemail or call 211 to report a hate incident and seek support from a professional trained in culturally competent communication and trauma-informed practices.

7 September 21-27, 2023 Convicted ...

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS (From page 1)

by victim advocate Amy Harris. Retired Detective Bernard Avalos of the Tucson Police Department and Solano County District Attorney Investigator Jason Scott investigated the case, Pastones was earlier convicted in November 15 of six counts of committing lewd acts upon a child who was younger than 14 and one count of aggravated sexual assault. He was also found by the jury to have engaged in “substantial sexual conduct” with a child and that he had committed lewd acts upon more than one child.

Marcos’s...

(From page 1)

news is that the rising prices are projected to continue until the end of the year. A transport crisis is not to be discounted, as a survey found that more than 70 percent of commuters were against any increase in fares, as this would be an added burden to them in this time of high inflation. Romualdez’s move, however, will result in a sharp decline in government revenues, which Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno says will affect the country’s stability, if not its attraction to foreign investors. Diokno, the chief economic manager of the Marcos regime, warned of “serious consequences” on the government’s target to regain a healthy fiscal position if lawmakers decide to push for the suspension of valueadded tax and excise tax on petroleum products.

The Oﬃce of the District Oﬃce described the account of one of the victims as a powerful impact statement that doubled down on the gravity of the crimes that Pastones committed. It was found out that Pastones, while living in Vallejo, victimized a child in his home from 2013 to 2017 while other family members were sleeping. The child, who was then 12-years-old, has been sexually assaulted repeatedly by Pastones and only was stopped from doing so after the victim began locking her door to prevent Pastones from entering her room as a preventive measure as other family members moved out of the area in

2017. It was then that Pastones began to molest the victim’s younger sister over “a lengthy period of time.” The sisters told their mother about the sexual assaults in 2019 and testiﬁed at the trial after the mother contacted law en-

forcement. The trial covered eight days from late October into November court records indicate and Pastones had faced up to 165 years to life in prison.

But Romualdez was standing firm in his stand that Congress had to take decisive action before a restless transportation sector takes to the streets threatening to cripple mass transit nationwide. The Finance secretary said imposing such a “regressive” proposal only benefits the rich, who can afford to pay for high prices of petroleum anyway. He added that suspending either tax would not provide “lasting inflation relief” since the bottom half of Filipino households only consumed some 10 percent of total fuel consumption. In Diokno’s view, suspending taxes was a populist political move that would do more harm than good, even in the short term. Diokno sees economic dominoes falling should Marcos approve of the drastic step being pushed by his cousin. Diokno said the fiscal implications as

well as the revenue loss of suspending the taxes would be “awesome,” as it would result in a revenue loss of PHP72.6 billion in the last quarter alone. Full year revenue losses would amount to PHP280.5 billion, or 1.1 percent of the economy. With a deteriorating fiscal position, “we run the risk of an international credit rating downgrade,” according to the Finance secretary, adding that, “This will increase the risk premium for government borrowings, consequently another round of higher debt servicing.” The House’s go to guy in economic matters, Rep. Joey Salceda, leaned towards Diokno’s stand on the matter. He warned that “we have to be careful with the excise tax suspension, because while world prices of oil go up and down, fiscal credibility is difficult to restore.” Salceda said a proposal he submitted in

the previous Congress of a graduated reduction in the tax would be a more palatable solution. Salceda’s formula is to reduce the excise tax by PHP3 when global oil prices exceed US$80 per barrel, and increase the tax by PHP2 when the price slips below US$45. “Let us exhaust all measures before we touch our taxes, which is the lifeblood of the state,” said Salceda. Diokno likewise said that while removal of taxes “is a popular move for politicians,” legislating new ones “takes time.” Once the current high prices of fuel products goes down, it would be “politically unpopular” to restore them, he added. Romualdez said he planned to meet with the president this week to discuss the matter. For now, whatever decision Marcos makes is expected to not sit well with either his cousin or his Finance secretary.

9 September 21-27, 2023

Philippine News Today wins at California Ethnic Media Awards

SACRAMENTO, California – The Philippine News Today has won an award for outstanding editorial in English during the 2023 California Ethnic Media Awards at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel in Sacramento last month. Winning for Philippine News Today was Ramon Faustino Dolor, who writes under the name Beting Dolor. Dolor’s winning piece was titled “The Disappearance of Cockﬁghting Aﬁcionados.” Philippine News Today President and Publisher Francis Espiritu received the award for

Dolor and the newspaper. “Kudos to EMS and CBM,” said Francis Espiritu of Philippine News Today, after attending the first two sessions. “It’s not easy to bring these groups together…you hit a home run.” Espiritu said he appreciated “the opportunity to pose no-filter questions regarding the budget process, and how officials make decisions on how to spend outreach funds.” He also noted the breakfast meeting with several elected officials held the morning af-

ter to talk about how to navigate Sacramento’s halls of power. Now, he stressed, “we have to be more proactive when it comes to advocating for more support from and access to oﬃcials.” “The awards are the jewel in the crown of an event that brings ethnic media representatives together with decision makers and their communication experts for the ﬁrst time,” says Sandy Close of Ethnic Media Services, one of the organizers of the Media Awards and Expo. “The mission driving ethnic media is to produce better reporting for their audiences – hav-

ing 300 submissions speaks to that aspiration.” A record number of entries — close to 300 — were submitted for this year’s California Ethnic Media Awards, covering print, broadcast, English and in-language outlets across California. The 26 judges, who were hand-picked for their cultural and in-language ﬂuency, ranged from professors of journalism to writers, editors, researchers and policy makers from across the state.

5 more Pinoys named casualties in Maui wildfires; total now 19 HONOLULU - The death toll among Filipinos in the tragic wildfires in Maui, Hawaii climbed to 19 after five more individuals were confirmed by local authorities to be casualties. Forensic experts were able to identify the five casualties through DNA samples provided by relatives to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the GMA News stated in a report. The five newly identified victims are Leticia Constantino, 56, from Caoayan, Ilocos Sur; Raffy Imperial, 63, from Naga City, Ca-

PHL, US... (From page 1)

Members of ASEAN, meanwhile, launched their non-combat drills in Indonesia, named ASEAN Solidarity Exercise, that include joint maritime patrol operations, search and rescue operations, and humanitarian and disaster relief, Indonesian military chief Adm. Yudo Margono said. He said the five-day exercise in Indonesia’s Natuna waters aims to boost military ties among the ASEAN nations and enhance interoperability. The drills also involve civilian groups involved in humanitarian relief and disaster prevention. The PHL-US agreement for the expanded bilateral engagement was made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headed by AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. and the US Indo-Pacific Command (US INDOPACOM) led by Commander Admiral John Aquilino.as they concluded their annual Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) meeting at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. At the same time, the United States added 63 more projects within the nine Enhance Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites to enhance operational capability amid what it said as complex security environment in the Indo-Pacific region. In a press briefing after the Philip-

marines Sur; Bibiana Tomboc Lutrania, 58, that she became an American citizen. from Pangasinan; Maurice Buen, also known The names of Filipinos and Filipinoas “Shadow,” from Ilocos; and Marilou Dias, Americans known to have tragically lost their 60, from Hinunangan, Southern Leyte. lives in the wildfires are as follows: Meanwhile, Constantino’s son Allen and Rogelio Mabalot Sr, 68 Lutrania’s mother Revelina Tomboc are still Salvador Coloma, 77 unaccounted for, the GMA reported added. Rodolfo Rocutan, 76 Among the five new victims, only LutraConchita Sagudang, 75 nia has available information from the PhilipDanilo Sagudang, 55 pine Consulate General Office in Honolulu. Alfredo Galinato, 79 She last renewed her Philippine passport in Carlo Tobias, 54 2015, and there is no information suggesting Pablo Pagdilao, 75

pines-United States Mutual Defense Board (MDB) meeting, US Indo-Pacific Commander, Admiral John Aquilino, said the number is up from the 32 that have been approved. The US has allotted over $100 million for the construction of various facilities intended to modernize the AFP existing camps and increase their operational capability, said Aquino, adding the US and Philippine alliance would ensure free navigation, flights and trade in the Indo Pacific region. Aquilino said the EDCA sites maybe used to preposition weapons given the current complex security situations not only in the West Philippine Sea but also the tensions between China and Taiwan. In a related development, contingency plans are being crafted in case armed attacks transpire amid China’s continued incursion in the West Philippine Sea, according to AFP Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Captain Peter Jempsun de Guzman. De Guzman made the disclosure during a joint Senate committee public hearing. In the hearing, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa prodded de Guzman on how prepared the force would be if an event such as this occurred. To this, de Guzman answered: “We will be ready when the time comes.” “We are preparing the necessary contingency plans with the supervision of the

Department of National Defense for all eventualities, especially in the ongoing missions in the West Philippine Sea,” he added. Admiral Margono said the five-day exercise in Indonesia’s Natuna waters aims to boost military ties among the ASEAN nations and enhance interoperability. The drills also involve civilian groups involved in humanitarian relief and disaster prevention. ASEAN nations have taken part in naval exercises before with other countries — including both the United States and China — but this week’s drills are the first involving just the bloc and are being read by many as a signal to China. In another development, China has built two ground stations for its BeiDou satellite system on disputed South China Sea reefs, according to state television. The stations, connected to China’s land-based ship automatic identification system (AIS), are installed at lighthouses located on North Reef and Bombay Reef in the Paracel Islands, which are also claimed by Vietnam and Taipei. Meanwhile, Frank Kendall, President Joe Biden’s secretary of the air force, said last week that “the intelligence couldn’t be clearer. Whatever its actual intentions may be, I could not say. But China is preparing for a war, and specifically for a war with the United States.” Months after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rose to power, the Philippines

Narciso Baylosis, 67 Vanessa Baylosis, 67 Eugene Recolizado, 50 Joseph Lara, 86 Glenda Yabes, 48 Buddy Jantoc, 79 Leticia Constantino, 56 Raﬀy Imperial, 63 Bibiana Tomboc Lutrania, 58 Maurice Buen, Aka Shadow, 79 Marilou Dias, 60

began pivoting again towards the United States, its traditional allies, after China reneged on its earlier promise to peacefully settle disputes in the strategic waterway. Manila’s push against Beijing’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea intensified in August after Chinese Coast Guard ships used a water cannon and blocked Philippine resupply vessels from sailing towards an outpost in Ayungin Shoal. Earlier this month, Marcos Jr. urged the Southeast Asian and other world leaders to work together to keep the IndoPacific safe, open and free from certain “hegemonic ambitions.” The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), meanwhile, said it hopes that the government can install more radars and deploy more vessels to help protect the country’s assets in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines has been relying on technology in the West Philippine Sea to counter the illegal activities of China, Asia’s largest economy, which has deployed a more massive fleet to claim nearly the entire South China Sea, said Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson of the PCG. “Our strategic use of technology has allowed us to counter China’s action,” he said during the Social Good Summit. “We have relied on underwater cameras to show not [just] China’s blatant disregard for international law, but also how they incur damage to the environment,” he said.

 OPINION

September 21-27, 2023

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The last decent Republican

e can understand the frustration of Senator Mitt Romney, who announced last week that he would not be seeking reelection. He did not have to say it, but the former presidential bet has clearly raised his hands in surrender. For the longest time, he stood practically alone, at least among Republicans in the Senate, in rejecting all the diatribes spewed by the foul mouth of former president Donald Trump. If Romney was the voice of reason, then Trump was the voice of a shared and accepted insanity within the ranks of the GOP. It’s as if a cancer had spread throughout the party, and Romney alone was able to fight it off. But alas, he has clearly grown tired of what is for him a losing battle. But is it, really? When we refer to Romney as the last decent Republican, we mean Republican government officials in the national stage. Perhaps, just perhaps, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie could be in the same boat, not unlike Saul of Tarsus who saw the light in time to save his own soul. Meanwhile, we are wondering why former president George W. Bush has chosen to remain silent in the background, when his voice is needed most. Surely there must be countless card-carrying Republicans who reject everything that Trump stands for, no different from the countless Germans in Nazi Germany who rejected the politics of hate of one Adolf Hitler. They may see themselves as having little choice but to helplessly watch the current political drama unfold, one that will have long-term effects on democracy, depending on who wins in next year’s presidential election. But it is painful to watch as scores of Republican lawmakers fall all over themselves trying to be mini Trumps when in fact they are actually becoming little Hitlers. They endlessly parrot the same hate speech that the former president wants everyone to accept as normal politics. No harm, no foul. And this must necessarily bring us to our fellow FilAms who still believe that Trump is worthy for a second stint at the White House. You. Should. Be. Ashamed. Of. Yourselves. Trump’s scorched earth policy against anyone who dares to disagree with him is not only destructive, it is dangerous. Still he continues to attack the prosecutors, the witnesses, and the judges who will try his myriad of cases. He is hoping that in terrorizing them, he will get what he wants. We Filipinos know what it’s like to be under the yoke of a power hungry president, one who bludgeoned his critics to silence. Sadly, we were blindsided when the son of our homegrown dictator found his way back to power. In the case of the US, it is the same tyrant who wants to return to power, not any of his sons. All we can do is to raise our voice to the possibility of a return to the Oval Office of the worst president the US has ever had. The Republican Party not too long ago attempted to send to the West Wing the likes of Mitt Romney and John McCain, who both could have made great presidents. Why it still welcomes a twice impeached, four times indicted rapist is beyond us. When and why did the party of Abraham Lincoln lose its way?

USVA veteran newest Kumare

OUR years after dipping into family violence prevention advocacy, Lydia Caragan Pomposo officially became a Kumare, as every sworn female member of ALLICE Alliance for Community Empowerment calls herself. This week the Pangasinan-born, California-raised daughter of a WWII veteran took her oath of commitment to learn about and distinguish between healthy and abusive relationships, and embrace and model the former, before ALLICE 2023 co-president Flor Nicolas, Mayor of South San Francisco. It was Nicolas, in fact, who as the newest Kumare in 2019 had reached out to her fellow SSF resident Pomposo to CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO support that year’s traditional ALLICE Free from Violence presentation and resource fair in October, commemorated throughout the US as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Lydia and husband Ed Pomposo, a US Air Force veteran, co-sponsored the event with a generous donation. The event held at the City Hall of Daly City turned out to be the last ALLICE in-person gathering before the pandemic hit the country, effectively pressing pause on life as we know it. In the nationwide shutdown, ALLICE pivoted, like most altruist entities, to virtual engagement. Lydia, grandmother to five by her four children, hunkered down but kept the intimate partner and family violence prevention team in her sights. Along with Nicolas, Kumare Elsa Agasid, a family nurse practitioner and also an SSF resident, kept her looped in on ALLICE activities. When COVID became manageable in 2022, Pomposo resumed her ministries at Mater Dolorosa Church and Second Harvest Food Bank. In September she raised her service to her town by joining its Cultural Arts Commission and Age-Friendly Task Force. This year ALLICE invited Lydia to become a full-fledged Kumare. Retired from 40 years with the US Department of Veterans Affairs handling various sections, she was Women Veterans Coordinator at the Oakland Regional Office, interviewing claimants for PTSD and other medical issues, gaining perspective on the complex situations women similarly face in IP/FV. In March, Women’s History Month, she applauded ALLICE’s presentation of the key facts to know about IP/FV at the SSF City Council meeting. She has been participating in team virtual meetings and community fairs, handing out their free A-List or resource directories, while waiting to be officially sworn in at the next team in-person meeting. That opportunity opened on Tuesday, Sept. 18, at a meeting-turned-mini reunion at Colma Town Hall hosted by Colma Mayor Joanne del Rosario. Co-presidents Nicolas and Junior Flores, Kumares Agasid, Edna Murray, Nan Santiago, secretary Malou Aclan and on zoom by vice president Jennifer Jimenez Wong, founding president Bettina Santos Yap and grants manager Nellie Hizon. “I believe in the ALLICE mission to promote healthy relationships through education,” said Pomposo. “I learn much about the issue of intimate partner and family abuse just by attending meetings. I’d like to learn more while knowing the members better as we fulfill our mission.” 2023 co-president Junior Flores, program director of Asian American Recovery Services – Healthright 360 welcomed his new colleague. “I’m excited to have Lydia on the team. She sets the example for active involvement in the community and being a loving wife, mother and grandmother.” (Continued on page 18)

Upside

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Remembering 9-11

wenty-two years ago, a horrible tragedy struck the world when planes flown by rogue pilots crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, causing death and injury to so many. One of those affected by the terrorist act was my eldest daughter, Angela “Gigi” Reyes Iglesia,a Vice-President of Deutsch Bank, which had offices across the World Trade Center, who was at her office at the time. I think of her every time 9-11 comes around and how she must have felt, as she fled from the tragic scene with her office mates, debris falling all over her. I think of her fear that she would never see her two young daughters, Jelly and Lexie, again. She survived that day, only to discover a year later that she had breast cancer, stage 4. Three years later, the Grim Reaper took her from us. 9-11-01 was the product of evil minds, bent on doing harm to the touted greatest country in the world; the United States of America. I remember that fateful day clearly, I watched the reports on CNN and breathed a sigh of relief when Gigi’s dad called to say she was safely back in her New Jersey home, ten hours after fleeing her office. At the time, no one in our family knew how grave Gigi’s illness was. She put up a brave front, saying she would beat the Big C, come what may. She even volunteered to volunteer to be a guinea pig for clinical trials for a cure for cancer. 9-11 galvanized the United States , resulting in the war with Iraq, which resulted in the fall of Saddam Hussein and years later, the death of Osama Bin Laden. When Gigi passed away, I cursed the fate that befell her, asked the Almighty why she was taken from us so early in life. Parents aren’t supposed to outlive their children, are they, I queried. Only later was I able to accept that God’s ways are inscrutable and that all I needed to do was to accept His will. It has been 18 years since Gigi left us. Her daughters are adults now and their mother, who loved them so much, understandably may be a faint memory to them. We, who knew the beautiful, caring, considerate and generous person that Gigi was, continue to grieve , for she has left a vacuum in our lives that can never be filled. 9-11-01 was a day of infamy when evil triumphed , which, God forbid, should never ever happen again. Remembering that, the world would do well to remain vigilant so that such a tragedy will not happen again!

11 September 21-27, 2023

 OPINION

The necessity of Apostille Health & Wealth

Offline

ast week, Roger (an his very same thing old client) called me happened late last year, requesting help and and is happening again. assistance for his nephew Between that time and now, who experienced problems the Marcos administration on documents notarized by a has done precious little to novice Notary Public, which heed the cries of nearly the were returned for apostille. entire transport sector that After further conversathey may no longer bear the tion, I found out that his burden of high prices of fuel nephew had a Special Power ART GABOT MADLAING products. of Attorney (SPA) notarized Because of the inaction of BETING DOLOR by a novice Notary Public the regime, the situation this without being apostilled. The year is likely to be worse. novice Notary Public didn’t advise his nephew that the notaFor the eleventh straight week, prices of gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas rized SPA must be apostilled by the Secretary of State, Notary rose this week. This isn’t even the worst of it. Industry insid- Public Section in Sacramento, California to be valid and legal ers agree with the projection that prices will continue to rise in the Philippines. “ Roger, who had been reading my columns on apostille on a weekly basis until the end of the year. and notarization in the weekly PHILIPPINE NEWS TODAY, Think about that. The government knows what’s coming but is unable to do requested me to help his nephew. I told Roger to bring the anything about it. It’s like there’s an incoming train in the far, notarized SPA to my home office in San Francisco, California. far distance, and the Marcos regime is still on the train tracks Through our Mobile Signing Services (MSS), we’ll submit the notarized SPA to the Secretary of State, Notary Public wondering what to do next. At the start of this week, Speaker Martin Romualdez even Section in Sacramento, California for apostille. Since there are still many (including novice Notary Pubtoyed with the idea of asking the oil distributors to hold in lic) who do not realize and fully understand the necessity of abeyance any future increase. This is a foolish idea, of course. He might as well ask them apostille, I would like to share to our readers and the general public excerpts of the Special Notice from the Legal Section to stop selling fuel to motorists. There are certain parallels with the current rice crisis. This of the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco, California on most important staple is facing a shortage caused not by poor the Accession of the Philippines to the Apostille Convention production of our farmers, but by large-scale hoarding by as of May 14, 2019, as follows: “Philippine Consulate shall no longer issue Authentication traders and middlemen. Bongbong Marcos said so himself. He seems to know the Certificate (red ribbon) to documents notarized or apostilled cause of the problem, but ask him what he’s done to solve the in the states under its jurisdiction namely: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington State, Northern Nevada, Colorado, Utah, crisis and he will give you a blank stare. He will then spew the tired, old lines that “we’re doing our Wyoming and Northern California. If you notarized documents before 14 May 2019, the Philbest” or “prices will be going down soon.” Incidentally, when I refer to motorists, I do not mean pri- ippine Consulate will (1) will accept it for authentication (red vate citizens driving around in brand new cars. I mean the ribbon) or (2) you may advise the applicant to secure an Apostens of thousands of taxi and jeepney drivers and operators, tille. On the other hand, if you notarized documents from 14 May, 2019 onward, we will no longer authenticate said docuincluding the motorcycle sub-sector. Ever since I rejoined the workforce last year, coming out ments. The applicant must forward it to the issuing State/ of retirement because I got a nice offer and was getting bored Competent Authority for the issuance of Apostille Certificate. Please note that apostilled documents no longer need adat home due to the extended lockdown, I had been taking all ditional authentication by the Philippine Consulate General. sorts of public transport. The most practical is a daily ride to and from the office in Once apostilled, it already has legal validity and can be sent a Grab car or taxi. And as an aside, I wish a competitor like to the Philippines for use.” It’s very unfortunate that the nephew of my old client Uber would come back to give us commuters a second choice. I’ve also been taking the MRT, which is actually faster and Roger sought the services of a novice Notary Public. As acmuch, much cheaper. But to head to the nearest MRT station, credited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE# 00535976) in California since 1981, I have to take a short jeepney ride. I’ve made it a habit that if the driver talks to me, I will I always advice and remind all my old and new clients that engage him in a worthwhile chat to see how they are doing. notarized SPA, Affidavits and other documents needed in the I’ve had some very productive exchanges with some of them Philippines must be apostilled first by the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, in Sacramento, California before bein the past. This hasn’t been the case lately. Now they are all groaning ing sent to the Philippines. Once apostilled, the notarized docat the difficulty of making an honest buck, at least enough to uments have legal validity and can be sent to the Philippines feed their families three square meals a day, pay for rent, and for use. If the nephew of our old client Roger originally sought give their kids heading for school a small allowance. Several have in fact reminded me of what happened in the the unique and complete services at Mobile Signing Services last quarter last year, when prices of gasoline nearly hit the (MSS), he could have avoided the following: 1. The notarized documents should have not been rePHP100/liter level. A good many of them say they’re now at their wits end. turned; 2. Should have not experienced delay in the submission They earn a very measly PHP300 to PHP400 a day – that’s less than $10 -- on the average, what with the bulk of their of needed documents in the Philippines; 3. Should have avoided spending extra and unnecessary earnings being spent for fuel. For drivers who do not own their units, there’s also the “boundary” they have to pay the expenses; 4. Should have avoided unexpected pressure and worries. owners, which is akin to rent for use of the vehicle. WE, at MSS, are committed and dedicated to assist and Of course quitting is not an easy option to take. What would they do, especially those who have been driving cabs help old and new clients (particularly the veterans, elderly and those physically handicapped) in the notarization and and jeepneys their entire adult lives? A few said they dream of finding jobs abroad. This is well apostille follow-up of Affidavits, Special Power of Attorney and good, but such a move entails a lot of expenses that they (SPA), DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, Proof of Life, DEED OF DONATION, Parental Travel Permit (PTM), Waiver of themselves will have to shoulder. One recent chat I had was with a driver who was driving a Rights, Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate and other Grab taxi when he used to drive a jeepney. He said he didn’t documents needed in the Philippines and the other member know what to do, as neither gig was earning him enough to nations of the Hague Apostille Convention. For immediate assistance and help in the signing, notaritake care of his family. The weakest move that the government has taken is to dis- zation and apostille follow up of all documents needed in the tribute “ayuda” or doleouts to the sector. But what is distrib- Philippines and the other member nations of the Hague Aposuted is not only insufficient, large numbers of drivers and op- tille Convention, just write or contact: MOBILE SIGNING erators do not even get a share (Continue on page 20) SERVICES, 730 Madrid Street, San Francisco, CA 94112 Tel.

ll students deserve a high-quality public education and a fair chance at a successful future. Throughout California there is no question that the quality of education varies greatly between school districts and even between schools within the same district. Parents are frustrated trying to navigate this CRISTINA DE JESUS unequal public education system – and coming out a “winner” is far from guaranteed. This was my experience first as a student, then an educator, and finally as a principal within the traditional public school system. But now as President & CEO of Green Dot Public Schools California, I along with hundreds of charter school leaders are challenging the status-quo to directly address this inequity in education, to improve student performance, and provide challenging curriculum that fits the needs of today’s students so they can succeed in the jobs of tomorrow. We know that not all kids learn the same way, that’s why 30 years ago, California families got together and created charter public schools to offer a different approach to public education—one that is as unique as the kids of California, and one that gives teachers the ability to create new and innovative lesson plans to help students succeed academically. As a result, over the past decade, we have seen a large increase in Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) families choosing a charter public school for their child’s education. According to an enrollment analysis by the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) of California Department of Education (CDE) data, AAPI enrollment in charter public schools grew by 78 percent from 2012-2023, outpacing enrollment growth for all students (66 percent). At Green Dot California, with more than 10,000 students across 18 schools in Los Angeles, we tackle these challenges head-on to promote and get better student outcomes[ED1] . 9 Green Dot California schools earned high national and metro-area rankings in 2023-2024 Best High Schools, in which U.S. News & World Report recently released. Two of those schools were recognized in the top 2% of schools in the country. You can view the list here. This type of performance from charter public schools has not gone unnoticed. Stanford University’s Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) recently released a study that indicates charter school students are outperforming traditional public schools in reading and math. When compared to traditional public school peers, charter school students are gaining the equivalent of 11 days of reading and four days of math compared to similar students in traditional public schools.[i] The study also notes that low-income and minority students also see the achievement gap shrink compared to their public school counterparts. When taking a closer look at Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) students in California, we find that lowincome Asian, Filipino, and Pacific Islander charter school students outperformed their counterparts in traditional public schools in English Language Arts and Math.[ii] Nationwide, AAPI, Hispanic, and Black charter school students also outperformed traditional public school students in reading. These performance indicators are crucial in California as AAPIs are the fastest growing minority in the state and AAPI parents are demanding more public educational choices for their children. While this data on charter schools is important, there are still additional efforts needed to increase public school performance, which begins with our educators. Charter public schools support and empower our educators, provide comprehensive support services, and foster a culture of inclusion. Educators are on the front lines every day witnessing the challenges students face. A recent national survey of more than 1,200 public school teachers, commissioned by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, provides important insight into teacher shortage, their major concerns, and possible solutions. Charter public schools allow educators more autonomy and flexibility to deliver high academic results. This sentiment (Continue on page 20)

GUEST COLUMN

A transport sector in agony

Bridging the divide: Charter Public Schools leveling educational playing ﬁeld

 BUSINESS | IMMIGRATIONS

Major issues in applying for naturalization

hen applying for naturalization, there are problems many applicants encountered during the interview process. This is because the immigration officer look at how you first get your green card and what actions you have made while a green card holder. Listed below are some of them: 1. Proving good faith marriage. You will be surprised that you are applying for naturalization and yet the USCIS is considering you as a green card applicant although your marriage happened ten years ago. If you obtained your green card through marriage, no matter how many years has passed, they always asked questions and documents about whether your marriage is bona fide and what joint documents support this marriage. 2. Proving family relationship if you were petitioned by your parents, siblings or as derivative of your parents. You should be able to show proof of your relationship through marriage certificate, birth certificate, divorce or death certificate, whichever documents applied to your case. 3. If you were involved is a crime, no matter how minor you think it is, they will always look for documentation if you have been convicted and if you served your sentence. 4. There are crimes that will make you deportable when applying for naturalization. This will include committing two crimes of moral turpitude or an aggravated felony. Theft is a crime involving moral turpitude. There is waiver available, and you should talk to an immigration lawyer. 5. Green card holders who obtained their green card through misrepresentation may also be sent to removal proceedings. These include those who committed marriage fraud or declared as single but actually married. If you have this kind of problem, you need to talk to an immigration attorney to find if you qualify for a waiver of fraud or misrepresentation. 6. Failure to file and pay your income tax may also disqualify you for naturalization. If you have a payment plan agreement with the IRS and you keep paying the monthly payments, you may be able to get approved. Again you need to consult with an immigration lawyer about your situation. 7. Failure to pay child support. You may be d. ed if you fail to pay for child support. 8. If you stayed outside the U.S. for more than 180 days in a single year, you may be denied naturalization. 9. If you lack the required period of residency, you may also be denied. So that you will not have a problem when applying for naturalization, you should consult with an immigration attorney to avoid possible problem along the way. Note:This is not legal advice and presented for information purposes only. If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse, which could lead to deportation and family separation. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 1. PETITION FOR CAREGIVERS Our Law Firm entered into agreement with healthcare facilities in the U.S. to process applicants for Caregivers. Caregivers only need three months experience as caregivers. Applicants Inside or outside the United States may qualify. You may petition your RELATIVES in the Philippines. Caregivers are classified as Employment Based Third Preference – Other workers. The current priority date for Caregivers is May 15, 2020. This means about three years waiting. Bankruptcy Basics We also process Bankruptcy cases. 1. Bankruptcy will actually improve your credit within one year because your unsecured debts are discharged. Although the bankruptcy will be in your records for 10 years, not filing bankruptcy will make your credit even worse until most your debts are paid. 2. If you are being sued by your creditors, most money judgment can be eliminated in bankruptcy. 3. Collection actions continue and you can be sued if you are in debt settlement. 4. Chapter 7 will eliminate all unsecured debts. If you are near retirement age, you must eliminate most of your debts. FAMILY LAW We also handle uncontested DIVORCE. ITIN and INCOME TAX PROBLEMS We can help you if you need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer ID number) We also prepare income tax returns and if you are under IRS audit, and need a representation with IRS, need to reduce your tax liabilDOJ SELLER OR TRAVEL # 2025230-40 ity or need to offer a payment plan to IRS, we can help you (Continue on page 20)

September 21-27, 2023

PHL open to full foreign ownership of renewable energy projects: PBBM SINGAPORE – The Philippines is open to full foreign ownership of the renewable energy projects, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said at the 10th Asia Summit, as he prodded foreign business leaders to invest in the particular power sector. “On the power side, we have also at the same time, in trying to increase our supply of electricity have to move the mix of fossil fuels to renewables and so that’s why we continue to court investment in that regard,” Marcos said during his participation at the summit hosted by the Milken Institute in Singapore. “As stewards of the environment, we are committed to sustain development in the fight against climate change. The Philippines is embracing renewable energy, welcoming 100-percent foreign ownership of renewable energy projects,” he added. The Philippines’ journey towards a digital future is “in full swing,” Marcos said. “The Philippines’ tech ecosystem is thriving, marked by a dynamic start-up culture and advancements in e-commerce, in fintech, in digital services, which have flourished during the pandemic,” Marcos said. Marcos said the growth of the country’s digital economy bodes well for international companies that wish to take advantage of it. Citing the 2023 Global Digital Report by Meltwater and We Are Social, Marcos said Filipinos are “one of the highest users

of the internet and of social media.” Marcos noted that there are 85.16 million internet users in the Philippines, representing a high internet penetration rate of 73.1 percent of the total population. In the same event, Marcos made a strong pitch for the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), the country’s first-ever sovereign wealth fund, before the top business leaders and investors. Marcos told the select group of chief executive officers and investors that the MIF would help accelerate the development of the priority sectors and propel economic growth in the Philippines. “The fund (MIF) is designed to consolidate investible funds from government financial institutions to further drive economic development through strategic investments both domestically and overseas,” Marcos said. Marcos said the MIF would be used to improve various areas in the country, including agriculture, infrastructure, energy and healthcare. He said infrastructure development plays a pivotal role in unlocking the country’s growth. “Our commitment to connectivity is unwavering, with ambitious projects that enhance trade and investment opportunities through our Build, Better, More Infrastructure Program. Our ports, transport networks, and energy facilities are poised to elevate business operations and facilitate trade with the world,” Marcos said.

PHL Hass avocado approved for export to South Korea PASAY CITY – The South Korean government has approved the export of Philippine Hass avocado to South Korea, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced. The DFA said the country has completed the requirements for the ruling process for the entry of the tropical fruit after Official Notification 2023-33 of the South Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on Sept. 8. “The Philippines may already export Hass avocado for the 2023-24 season as it is now compliant with the mutually agreed requirements in the workplan,” it said. The fresh Hass avocado exports from the Philippines are expected to be sourced from the orchards and packing houses of Dole Philippines in Davao, Bukidnon and South Cotabato. Hass is a variety of avocado that is dark green in color with bumpy peel, which when ripe, becomes dark purplish-black and yields to gentle pressure. The approval for its import to Korea follows a series of inspections last February. Philippine Ambassador to Korea Theresa Dizon-de Vega acknowledged the efforts of Department of Agriculture (DA), the Bureau of Plant Industry and the Phil-

ippine Agriculture Oﬃce in Seoul, headed by Agriculture Attaché Aleli Maghirang, for this market access milestone for new agriculture exports to Korea. “On the heels of the recently signed Philippines-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement, this is a welcome development for furthering our trade relations with Korea,” she said. “We are expecting commercial shipment of Philippine Hass avocado to Korea to commence soon.” This achievement is in line with the priorities of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., concurrently agriculture chief, for the acceleration of agricultural development in the country. Hass avocado enjoys popularity in South Korea as a nutritional ingredient for salads and sandwiches. It is available in leading retail stores and the online market in fresh and frozen forms. The DA, through the Philippine Agriculture Oﬃce in Seoul and in close coordination with Dole Korea, will support the Philippines’ avocado promotional activities in South Korea to increase consumer awareness and boost its exports. As one of the largest food importers in the world, South Korea is a lucrative market for Philippine agricultural exports.

13 September 21-27, 2023

 ENTERTAINMENT

The Price is Right Live™ is coming to Cache Creek Casino Resort on December 9 & 10 ence members all across North America. The Price is Right™ remains network television’s #1 daytime series and the longest-running game show in television history. As a beloved piece of American pop culture, Price and its games are cherished by generations of viewers. This live traveling stage show version oﬀers fans the chance to make dreams come true and relive feelings of nostalgia while experiencing the same thrilling excitement of winning big, up close, locally, and in person.

Brooks, Calif. – September 13, 2023 - Get ready for a thrilling two-night performance of The Price is Right Live™ stage show at Cache Creek Casino Resort on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 10, 2023, at 4 p.m. Tickets go on sale on September 15 at 10 a.m. online at cachecreek.com. The Price Is Right Live™ is a sellout interactive stage EVENT: The Price is Right Live! show that gives eligible individuals a chance to “Come DATE/TIME: Saturday, December 9, 2023, On Down” and play classic games made famous by the at 8 p.m. iconic network television show, The Price is Right™. Sunday, December 10, 2023, at 4 p.m. Contestants can win cash, sought-after appliances, epic VENUE: Cache Creek Casino Resort vacations, and a brand-new car by playing favorites like TICKETS ON SALE: September 15 at 10 a.m. Plinko™, Cliﬀhangers™, The Big Wheel™, and the fantastic Showcase! For more information, follow The Price Is Right Showing to sold-out audiences for over two decades Live™ on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/priand counting, The Price Is Right Live™ has given away ceisrightlive), Twitter (https://twitter.com/TPIRLIVE) over 15 million dollars in cash and prizes to lucky audi& Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/priceisright-

live/). About Cache Creek Casino Resort Cache Creek Casino Resort, owned and operated by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, is Northern California’s premier casino resort. Located 40 miles northwest of Sacramento and 80 miles from the San Francisco Bay Area in Brooks, CA, it features more than 600 four-diamond luxury hotel rooms, two resort-style pools, an extravagant full-service spa, thousands of exclusive slot machines, hundreds of table games, ten incredible dining experiences, worldclass nightlife, a state-of-the-art event center, and an 18hole championship golf course. Call 1.800.992.8686 or visit www.cachecreek.com for more information. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to US & Canada legal residents, 18+ (Residents of PR & Quebec ineligible to participate as contestants). For complete rules & regulations, including eligibility requirements & free method of entry, visit or call the box oﬃce. Void where prohibited. Price is Right: ®/© FremantleMedia Netherlands. 2023. All Rights Reserved.

Jessica Soho’s KMJS scores international nod anew with 2023 Asia Contents Awards nomination

Beyond dominating on-air and online, multi-platform leader and multi-awarded GMA Public Affairs show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) continues to raise the Philippine flag as it earns a finalist spot at the 2023 Asia Contents Awards (ACA) and Global OTT Awards, adding to the show’s long list of international recognitions. Hosted by Jessica Soho, KMJS is nominated in ACA’s Best Reality and Variety category for its story “Sugat ng Pangungulila (Wounds of Woes).” KMJS is the sole Philippine nominee in the said category, joining Netflix’s Physical 100, SNL Korea Seasons 3 & 4, Let’s Feast Vietnam, Our Game: LG Twins, TVING’s Food Chronicle, and Content Wavve’s Bloody Game 2. “Sugat ng Pangungulila (Wounds of Woes)” featured the story of Daxen – a son of an OFW who suffered an undiagnosed skin disease. With the help of KMJS, Daxen’s neighbors, the local government units, and the hospital in

Antique, Daxen was rescued and is now Catch KMJS every Sunday night page as well as GMA Public Affairs’ officontinuing with his maintenance medi- on GMA, GTV, and Pinoy Hits chan- cial YouTube channel. Global Pinoys can cines. After the episode was aired, help nels. Online, netizens can watch the live catch KMJS via GMA international chancame not just from neighboring cities and streaming on KMJS’ official Facebook nel GMA Pinoy TV provinces but also from Filipinos abroad. Daxen’s story even inspired his town to create a rescue volunteer group called DAO Lifesaving Advocates. “We are happy and grateful that our story about Daxen is being recognized by another prestigious international awardgiving body. To be nominated is an honor by itself because the Busan Asian Content Awards is tough! On behalf of Team KMJS, thank you very much, especially for the privilege of representing GMA Network and the Philippines!” Soho said. The winners of the ACA will be announced at the BIFF Theater, Busan Cinema Center in Korea this October. Early this year, Daxen’s story gave KMJS its third New York Festival medal since 2019 when it won the World Gold Medal at the prestigious 2023 New York Festivals TV & Film (NYF) Awards. Top choice on-air and online Aside from awards, KMJS remains the most watched TV program in the country in August. Data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement show that for the month of August, KMJS topped all programs with a combined (GMA and GTV) people rating of 16.3 percent in Urban Philippines and 14.8 percent in Total Philippines. Online, KMJS’ numbers continue to grow. As the most followed Philippine TV program on Facebook, KMJS’ official Facebook page has already reached 30 million followers. Last September 3, KMJS aired the exclusive interview of Jessica with the wife of the late Mike Enriquez, where Liza(510) 964-7067 beth “Baby” Yumping-Enriquez shared their love story and the medical journey of Mike. The interview landed on #1 spot on YouTube Philippines.

 ENTERTAINMENT

September 21-27, 2023

FilAm Liza Soberano studying Korean language, plans to enter Korean entertainment

Don’t look now but Filipino American actress Liza Soberano is now taking Korean language lessons in preparation to join the Korean entertainment industry. This was reported by Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP.ph) which stated that Liza said that she is taking the lessons seriously. PEP report was also highlighted by GMA Integrated News. “I can speak a little now because I kept coming back too often. I’m doing lessons with their language. I’m really taking it seriously because honestly, I am,” said the Sta. Clara, California-born Liza, whose full name is Hope Elizabeth Hanley Soberano. “I personally consider Korea to be the next Hollywood or if not already the new Hollywood. They’re making so much noise in entertainment. Of course, it’s an honor to be part of that, and my only downfall is I can’t speak Korean ﬂuently,” said Liza, who is now 25. However, they advised Liza to contact them again when She also shared that she has already met with a lot of production companies, agents, and managers, “and they’re she can already speak their language, according to GMA News. having an interest.” Liza just launched her YouTube travel show “Liza in Ko-

rea” through the PHH TV channel. She said that she was introduced to the series’ producer, JJ Global, by Hayden Kho and Vicki Belo. “We were introduced to one of their investors and their investor was actually looking for a Filipina celebrity to collaborate,” she said. She added that in the series, viewers will not only get a better understanding of Korean culture, “but you’ll also see a diﬀerent side.” “Kasi, I met a lot of diﬀerent people, and you’ll get to see a lot of types of entertainment, and you’ll get to see an interaction between a Filipina and Korean celebrities of Korean business people,” she said. Last month, Liza opened up about her insecurities and revealed that in 2020, she endured a case of traction alopecia. In February, Liza aired some of her thoughts about working in Philippine showbiz, such as the love team culture in the country. In an exclusive interview with Boy Abunda shortly after, Liza admitted that she never wanted to become an “artista.”

8 movie icons to be honored by entertainment editors The Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) marks another milestone as it gears up for the sixth edition of The Eddys or Entertainment Editors’ Choice, happening on October 22 at the EVM Convention Center in Quezon City. The highlight of this ﬁlm event, directed by Eric Quizon, is the recognition of eight industry pillars who have made a profound impact on the entertainment world through their exceptional bodies of work. This year’s Movie Icon awardees include Aga Muhlach, Richard Gomez, Gabby Concepcion, Niño Muhlach, Snooky Serna, Jaclyn Jose, Barbara Perez, and Nova Villa.

In addition, the Isah V. Red Award will be presented to six individuals or groups who have oﬀered inspiration and assistance to fellow Filipinos, including King’s Herbal, Lamoiyan Corporation, Herbert Bautista, Rosa Rosal, Coco Martin, and Piolo Pascual. The Joe Quirino Award will be awarded to veteran entertainment columnist and host Aster Amoyo. Renowned writer Ed de Leon will be honored with the Manny Pichel Award. Viva Films will be given the Producer of the Year award, while MavX Productions will be recognized as the Rising Pro-

ducer of the Year. The grand movie aﬀair, organized by Airtime Marketing Philippines, will have a delayed telecast on NET25, led by network president Caesar Vallejos, on October 28. This annual event, organized by the association of entertainment editors in the Philippines, aims to celebrate the best in Philippine Cinema. The Eddys will present a total of 14 acting and technical awards, selected from nominated ﬁlms released in 2022. SPEEd, composed of current and former entertainment editors from leading newspapers and online sites, is led by Eugene Asis of People’s Journal.

Johny Barluado applied under Employment Based Skilled workers. The USCIS approved the pe��on by his employer. A�y. Chis Caday Lozano successfully represented the approval of the pe��on.

15 September 21-27, 2023

 ENTERTAINMENT

Bea Alonzo at ease with Dennis Trillo in GMA series Popular actress Bea Alonzo loves doing her second series with GMA-7, “Love Before Sunrise,” opposite Dennis Trillo. “Mataas na agad ang level of trust namin kasi sabay kaming ni-launch 21 years ago sa Star Circle in the show ‘KTBU’ then he moved to GMA,” she relates as reported by Mario Bautista in his Malaya column. “I’ve seen his growth as an actor thru the years and I’m happy for him. Pero somehow, nailang pa rin kami kasi ﬁrst taping day namin kasi ﬁrst scene namin, we are in a relationship na. So medyo mahirap kasi kailangan makilala nyo munang mabuti ang isa’t isa. But as professional actors, we got over that easily as we have to make the scene work,” Mario Bautista also quoted Bea as saying. Bea came to admire Dennis more after working with him, the respected columnist added. “I saw his discipline when it comes to his craft as an actor. Sa set, tahimik lang siya. There’s an air of mystery

in him, but you can expect him to deliver once he faces the camera. He studies his role well at bawat eksenang gagawin niya.” Bea says GMA oﬀered them several projects to choose from and they chose the story of “Love Before Sunrise.” “He felt ito ang material na bagay, tamang-tama para sa ﬁrst series namin and I agree with him. I think it’s one reason why he’s successful. He knows how to choose the right projects.” In the story, Bea plays Stella and Dennis plays Atom. They fell in love years ago but broke up as they realized it was not the right time for them. They meet other people along the way but, years later, their paths will cross again and they discover they still have feelings for each other. Director Mark de la Cruz says Bea and Dennis have an electrifying chemistry on screen. They not only look good but they also act well together.

Vanessa Hudgens doing ‘everything’ to prove she’s proud to be Filipino Despite being raised in an “extremely American” environment, Vanessa Hudgens maintained that she’s “doing everything” to let people know that she’s “proud to be a Filipino.” Hudgens was met with criticism after she was appointed by the Marcos government as the global tourism ambassador of the Philippines last March, with some noting that other personalities like Hawaii-based inﬂuencer Bretman Rock should’ve been given the title. Months after her visit in the Philippines, the singer-actress addressed critics in an interview with American women’s magazine Allure last Sept. 14, where she pointed out that “doing everything I can to let people know I’m Filipino because I am proud.”

Cong Arjo Atayde nominated @ Asian Contents Awards

Quezon City Congressman and actor Arjo Atayde has been, once again, recenly nominated by an international award-giving body. Arjo, who recently married his ﬁancee Maine Mendoza, has been nominated for Best Lead Actor in the 2023 Asia Contents Awards and Global OTT Awards. The actor/politician is nominated for his superb performance as Anton dela Rosa in the drama/suspense series “Cattleya Killer” on Amazon Prime Video. Other nominees were:Fan Wei of “The Long Season”, Nat Kitcharit of “Delete”, Ryu Seung Ryong of “Moving”, Satoh Takeru of “First Love”, and Yagira Yuya of “Gannibal”. The Asia Contents Awards (ACA) in Busan, Korea is an annual event that reecognizes excellent contents made for TV, OTT, and online streaming across Asia. Recently, ACA has collaborated with the International OTT Festival, which is co-hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT and Busan Metropolitan City, expanding its coverage from Asia to the world and embracing changes in the growing content industry.

“Yes, I had rice with every meal, but I didn’t necessarily feel like I was super separated from the other kids in school, just because my upbringing was so extremely American,” she said, adding that her mother “hadn’t returned to the Philippines” until a family member died in 2019. Hudgens also recalled a time where she was “automatically assumed” to be Latina, due to her role as Gabriella Montez in the hit ﬁlm series “High School Musical.” “Everyone automatically assumed that I was Latina, and most people still do. And when I tell them I’m Filipino, they’re like, ‘What?!’ You haven’t met my mother,” she said. “I think that I’m quite ambiguous so people don’t really know. But I am doing

everything that I can to let people know because I am proud.” During the interview, the “Beastly” star said her stay in the Philippines was a “beautiful experience” as it helped her to get in touch with her heritage. “I feel like I didn’t meet a single person that felt like they were having a bad day, everyone was just like, so happy… it felt so empowering to know where you’re from, and be able to represent your heritage,” she said. Hudgens also expressed her delight over the increase of Filipino representation in the U.S., while citing Broadway star Lea Salonga and singer Olivia Rodrigo.

 SPORTS

September 21-27, 2023

Pacquiao reiterates Olympic desire MANILA – Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao doubled down on his commitment to join the Philippine contingent for the Paris Games, saying being an Olympian was his original goal when he entered the sport as a teenager. “[I’m] waiting for that and I’m excited about it,” Pacquiao said in Filipino during the launch of the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball League (MPVA) at the Sheraton Hotel in Pasay on Friday, September 15. “From the beginning, I went to Manila to be part of the Philippine team, but I wasn’t picked, I was rejected…because they said I was not good,” boxing’s only eight-division champion added. “My heart and desire is to claim a gold medal in the Olympics.” In August, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino bared that Pacquiao reached out to inquire about the qualiﬁcation process. According to Tolentino, the 44-year-old is ineligible to participate in the Asian Games, an Olympic qualiﬁer, which capped athletes’ age at 40. The boxing icon has two options – to make it through

the two Olympic boxing qualiﬁers in early 2024 or clinch one of the four Universality rule spots to be awarded by the International Olympic Committee. Pacquiao (62-8-2; 39 KOs), last fought professionally in 2021 before hanging up his gloves to run for the president in 2022. He has since fought in several exhibition bouts, with

one more coming up in early 2024 against muay thai legend Buakaw Banchamek. New volleyball league Pacquiao, the founder of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), extended his hand in the volleyball scene as the MPVA is set to hold its inaugural game on October 15. There are 10 teams from Metro Manila, Luzon, and Mindanao, set to play in a home-and-away format. Following the single round-rob in eliminations, the league will its playoffs in a best-of-three affair from the quarterfinals through the championship series. Much like the MPBL, there will be team tie-ups with local government units, with squads featuring a maximum of three ex-professionals and a minimum of three homegrown players. “We are also planning to launch a men’s league soon and we hope that it would become an institution,” said Pacquiao. “We also plan to have grassroots programs, also launching a Junior MPVA,” he added. (Philip Matel/ Rappler.com)

Obiena gets silver as Duplantis breaks own pole vault record EUGENE – Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay and Sweden’s Ar- the Diamond League Final on September 17. mand Duplantis both shattered world records, clinching the World and Olympic champion Duplantis cleared 6.23m on women’s 5,000m and men’s pole vault titles, respectively, at his ﬁrst try, surpassing his previous best of 6.22m set in Febru-

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ary this year. This achievement marks the seventh time he has broken the world record and the second time outdoors. “The limit is very high, and I hope that I can continue to jump well and keep jumping higher than I did today, but for now, I’m not really thinking about anything except enjoying this moment and enjoying what I just did,” Duplantis said after the match. Earlier at the World Championships in Budapest, Duplantis had missed the 6.23m mark in the final but still secured his world champion title for a second year in a row at 6.10m. EJ Obiena of the Philippines became the first male pole vaulter to secure a silver after clearing 6.00m at the World Championships. The two rivals faced off again in Eugene. After Obiena missed three attempts at 6.02m, Duplantis raised the bar to 6.23m. “I think the format of the Diamond League final is super nice for me to go out and attempt a world record,” Duplantis said. “It’s a lot shorter competition and I think that it’s a lot easier to be fresh at that world-record height.” Duplantis leads the Diamond League men’s pole vault standings with 16 points, while Obiena placed second with 13. World 10,000m champion Tsegay obliterated the women’s 5,000m record, finishing in 14 minutes and 00.21 seconds. “My focus today is the world record,” the 26-year-old said, adding that she was happy about shattering the record after missing the title in Budapest due to leg injuries. In other events, Shericka Jackson of Jamaica defended her women’s 200m title, clocking in at 21.57 seconds, just a day after winning the 100m in 10.70 seconds. Olympic champion Andre De Grasse of Canada completed the men’s 200m in a season-best 19.76 seconds. Yaroslava Mahuchikh of Ukraine clinched victory in the women’s high jump with a world-leading mark of 2.03m. Jamaican Hansle Parchment triumphed in the men’s 110m hurdles, setting a world-leading time of 12.93 seconds. (with reports from Anadolu/Xinhua)

 COMMUNITY NEWS

September 21-27, 2023

KEEPING CUSTOMERS SAFE: With Utility Scams on the Rise, PG&E Offers Tips on How to Avoid Deceptive Scammers

Upside...

(From Page 11)

Scammers are increasing the frequency of their attempts to defraud customers OAKLAND, Calif. — With the number of reported scam attempts targeting Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers nearly tripling during the first seven months of 2023 compared to this time last year, PG&E is committed to helping customers recognize the signs of a scam and avoid falling victim. “Scammers are constantly changing their tactics and tricks, so awareness and reporting are more important than ever to keeping our customers safe,” said Matt Foley, lead customer scam investigator for PG&E. “If a phone call, visit to your home or email doesn’t feel right, don’t fall for it. Delete it, shut the door or hang up. Remember, PG&E will never ask for your financial information over the phone or via email, nor will we request payment via pre-paid debit cards or other methods

of money transfer, including mobile applications.” A typical sign of a scam targeting a utility customer includes a caller claiming to be from PG&E and threatening disconnection if immediate payment is not made via a pre-paid debit card, digital payment mobile application, or other methods of money transfer. As a reminder, PG&E will never send a single notiﬁcation to a customer within one hour of a service interruption and will never ask customers to make payments with a pre-paid debit card, gift card, any form of cryptocurrency, or instant mobile payment applications, like Zelle® or Venmo. During the ﬁrst seven months of 2023, reports of scams targeting PG&E customers increased nearly 200% compared to last year. Reports compiled by

PG&E found that: · There have been over 29,000 scam attempts reported by customers to PG&E. · PG&E customers have been scammed out of nearly $580,000 in 2023 alone. · At this point in 2022, PG&E had received just over 10,000 scam reports. Scammers can be convincing and often target those who are most vulnerable, including senior citizens and lowincome communities. They also aim their scams at small business owners during busy customer service hours. However, with the right information, customers can learn to detect and report these predatory scams by visiting www.pge.com/scams or by calling 1-833-500-SCAM. Signs of a (Continued on page 20)

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Lydia Pomposo (right) swears in before ALLICE 2023 copresident Flor Nicolas, Mayor of South San Francisco. CMQM photo Pomposo will represent the team at the Sept. 27 SSF City Council meeting where Flores will accept the city’s proclamation of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. They will be on hand again to accept the proclamation on Oct. 11 from the Town of Colma. On October 24, they will join Kumares & Kumpares past and present in celebrating their 20th anniversary with allies who have been sharing their resources to prevent intimate partner and family abuse through free community education. They will reunite with abuse survivors who have shared their testimonies to enlighten about the dynamics of abusive behavior. While every ALLICE education event is free and open to the public, the anniversary gala is a private gathering. *** Philippine News Today Executive Editor Cherie Querol Moreno is founder-executive director of ALLICE. See www. allicekumares.com

19 September 21-27, 2023

 COMMUNITY NEWS America Under Siege: A reflection

As I See It

As I reﬂect on the latest developments where former President Donald Trump was indicted for the fourth time, I can say with conviction that we are conELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO fronted with a serious attack of the US constitution and the rape of democracy in this part of the world. In fact, in 2020, while watching the television on January 6 when then US President Donald Trump’s inspired supporters were staging a riot in the Capitol while Congress was in session, I was reminded of a reality movie Under Siege starring Steven Seagal. I thought it was a reality television (just like Trump’s The Apprentice) where his unknown supporters were rampaging in the halls of Congress, “a genre of television programming that documents purportedly unscripted real-life situations, often starring unknown individuals rather than professional actors,” under his direction. I was wrong! It was real! No less than our then president was directing the siege and inciting his supporters to storm the Capitol and seize power. That was outrageous! Why can’t he not just accept the reality that he lost and pave the way for a peace-

ful transition? Up to now, he believes that he won the election and was stolen from him. The Indian Express wrote: “US Capitol Hill Siege: An armed and angry mob of Trump supporters stormed Capitol Hill and clashed with police on Wednesday as Congress convened to validate Joe Biden’s presidential win. US President Donald Trump’s relentless efforts to reverse the results of the 2020 election took a dangerous turn Wednesday, when an armed and angry mob of his supporters stormed Capitol Hill and clashed with police just as Congress convened to validate Joe Biden’s presidential win,” the paper narrated. The violence led to five deaths, including a police officer who was performing his duty. He died in line of duty! The Indian Express continued: “The pro-Trump protestors breached barricades and advanced into the halls of the Capitol building, smashing windows and brawled with police officers in what is widely being considered one of the worst security breaches in US history. The pandemonium appears to have deepened the divide within the Republican Party, with several leaders pointing a finger at Trump for inciting violence by urging his supporters to reject the results of the presidential election.” The paper further detailed the incident as “A raucous group of demonstrators — many of whom were waving ‘Trump 2020’ flags and wearing Tshirts and hats with the president’s signature ‘Keep America Great’ tagline printed — entered the second-floor lobby of the building right outside the Senate chamber, the doors of which were being guarded by law enforcement officials. The mob

managed to get past the guards and enter the Senate chamber, where just moments earlier the election results were being certified.” In fact, it is heartbreaking to see protesters roam through the halls freely, breaking windows, some even entering and looting the offices used by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other lawmakers. I saw on television their anger and rage perpetuating havoc in the Capitol. I remember Trump supporters even stopped to take photographs and film themselves as they made their way around the building. What a blatant display of arrogance and indiscretion on their part! Videos show people breaking windows and pushing past barricades to forcefully enter rooms and offices in the Capitol. What a barbarous scene! Reports said, hours before the rioters stormed the US Capitol, huge crowds of Trump supporters had already filled the streets to protest the certification of Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. Many had even camped out overnight to catch a glimpse of President Trump and his top advisors and family members at the ‘Save America Rally’ that took place on Wednesday at the Ellipse, a park near the White House. Trump spoke for around an hour, following which thousands began marching towards the Capitol. I would say, it was a premeditated move on their part to stage the January 6 fiasco. The New York Times also described it as a deadly siege… and a restive crowd encouraged by President Trump set the stage for the unthinkable. The crowd is acting in response to Trump’s instructions to storm the lawmaker’s place of work.

New York Times reporter Jason Andrew said: “President Trump’s call at a rally that day for the reconducting the nearby Capitol was surely a spark that helped ignite the deadly riots that left ﬁve dead — including a policeman and a woman who stormed the building — injured dozens of others and damaged the country’s reputation for carrying out peaceful transfers of power. But the tinder for the blaze had been gathering for months, with every tweet that the election had been stolen, every refusal by Republican lawmakers to recognize Joseph R. Biden Jr. as the next president, every dogwhistle call that emboldened white supremacist groups to violently strike.” “Many of the House members remained in one secure location where they might have been exposed to someone with the coronavirus,” according to comments coming from the Oﬃce of the Attending Physician on Sunday. And, according to reports, Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester, Democrat of Delaware, pushed a handful of Republicans to wear masks, to no avail. Reports said there were three lawmakers who were found positive after the riot in the Capitol. There was chaos and confusion! Reports said, when the rioters breached the Capitol, Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer from North Dakota, said a quick prayer, as he and the other senators made their way out of the chamber to the basement because the rioters were closing in. Sen. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia, a moderate Democrat, said he approached Sen. Steve Daines of Montana and Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, Repub- (Continued on page 20)

Is there a Recession already? Since mid2022, we have been told that a recession is just around the corner. But over the last nine months, there’s been no sign of any economic downturn in the U.S.

over. But despite all these factors, the U.S. labor market remains strong, and economists are divided on whether a recession is inevitable in this unusual economic environment. Just because some experts believe the risk of a recession is rising, there’s no reason to panic. In fact, recessions are a relatively common occurrence—and they’ve often generated some attractive opportunities for long-term investors. Seeing the glass half full, that is. Despite these warning signs, there are plenty of economists and analysts who say the U.S. econWhat’s going on? omy is simply too healthy at the moment for a reRising interest rates, high inflation, an inverted cession to be imminent. yield curve ( longer-term bonds have a lower yield David Trainer, CEO of New Constructs, says than short-term debt instruments) and an unexpect- investors can watch the earnings reports and guided banking crisis have all been cited as reasons that ance from discount retailer Walmart (WMT) as an a recession could be imminent. indicator of the health of U.S. consumers. In May, The New York Fed recession probability indi- Walmart reported first-quarter earnings and revcator suggests there is a 68.2% chance of a U.S. re- enue beats and raised its full-year guidance. cession sometime in the next 12 months. That’s the “Walmart is a bellwether for consumer spendhighest reading in more than four decades. Other ing and health, which is not in dire straits, but it reliable economic indicators are flashing warning is weakening,” Trainer says. “Walmart’s earnings signs that the U.S. economy could soon be rolling add to the idea that a recession is not fully here yet but is likely coming, albeit more slowly and less severe than most expect.” U.S. retail sales grew 0.4% year-over-year in April, led by miscellaneous store retail sales growth of 2.4%. Retail sales growth fell short of economist’s estimates of 0.8%, but it was positive for the first time since January. Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer at Independent Advisor Alliance, says he has been pleasantly surprised by the resilience of the U.S. economy. “Retail sales came in strong again, showing how the consumer isn’t showing any signs of slowing down and that the recession many are forecasting is farther into the future than anyone would expect,” Zaccarelli says. The Labor Department’s May U.S. jobs report on June 2 could be particularly telling for investors who are on recession watch. Should You Worry About a Adam Keigwin, Partner, Actum LLC, Recession? Eric Astacaan, re�red Assembly Speaker staff If the U.S. does slip into a Alicia Priego, Senior Vice President, Strategies 360 recession sometime in the second half of 2023 or early 2024, Final day of the California Legisla�ve Session. there’s no reason for investors to

panic. First oﬀ, historically recessions don’t last very long. The average duration of a U.S. recession since World War II is just 11.1 months. The Covid-19 recession in early 2020 lasted just two months. U.S. recessions are common. Since World War II, there has been about one U.S. recession every ﬁve years or so.

While recessions can lead to job losses and other financial difficulties for Americans, they have historically been excellent buying opportunities for long-term investors. It can be extremely difficult for investors to time a market bottom perfectly, but the S&P 500 has generated a 40% average return in the 12 months following its low point of a U.S. recession. Some stocks (Continued on page 20)

September 21-27, 2023

Keeping...

Book signing for PNT columnist’s Memoir set SAN JOSE, California – Philippine News Today (PNT) columnist Elpidio R. Estioko will conduct a book signing of his memoir Unlocking the Chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 3120 Scott Blvd., Santa Clara from 5:00 pm. Unlocking the Chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream is a book of guts, survival, and the will to persevere against all odds. It chronicled a Filipino immigrant’s exploits in the US who reluctantly immigrated to the US with his wife and ﬁve of his six children at a time of declining global economy in the 1990’s. It actually captured how a family of seven with children ages 4 to 16 started a life in the US with very minimal assistance from immediate family members, but friends and

Oﬄine...

yet succeeded in realizing the American Dream… the hard way! The book also exempliﬁed how love and understanding evolved within the family that had to weather the eﬀects of the ailing economy to be able to survive. All it needed to succeed, ultimately was hard work, strong commitment, having a very supportive wife, strong belief in God, and the will to move on and pursue one’s goals. The book singing, by the way, is also a fundraising event in support of the candidacy of Kansen Chu to the San Jose City council. Chu wrote the book’s foreword as an immigrant from Taiwan. Donation is $50.00 which includes a signed copy of the book, food, drinks, and entertainment.

(From Page 11)

of the promised largesse. This same situation is happening with rice retailers, with some getting a few thousand pesos in ayuda, but so many more not even getting a single centavo. Ayuda is the band aid solution of the administration, and it doesn’t really work. They tell the drivers that the money is only for the purchase of fuel products. But try telling that to a head of a family who has not been able to feed his wife and kids a decent meal in weeks. As for the poorest of the poor, the government is also experimenting with the use of food stamps, which would be a carbon copy of the US system of making sure nobody starves to death. The one thing that I am now unable to say to the drivers who are taking me to and from work is, “Kuya (or manong), at least we are gainfully employed, no?” This would be insulting now. Not earlier this year, when times were not too bad for most. And very incidentally, I refer to the drivers as men, when in fact I’ve ridden several Grab cars driven by women who owned the unit. They said they actually liked their work of being on the road all day. I have to wonder how they’re doing now. For all the drivers and operators, very difficult times lie ahead, and for the most part they have given up on the government coming to their rescue, or at least alleviating their sad plight. It affects the very rich too. See, I have a friend who made his first fortune in real estate, then decided it would be a good idea to invest in the transport sector. Some years ago, he bought a few cars, and created his own fleet. His operations were perfectly legit. No colorum vehicles, no cheating with the meters. The last time I saw him, he said he now owned a hundred units. My mind raced as he said each unit earned him a clean PHP1,000 a day. Good God, I thought. This guy earns a hundred grand a day! Last I heard, however, more than half his fleet was lying idle in several parking lots. Many of his drivers no longer wanted to drive for a living. For now, he does not know what to do with his sleeping assets. His may be an extreme case, but it is also representative at how grim the situation is for the Philippine transport sector. It’s in crisis. But don’t tell Marcos Junior that. He just might advise them to drive Formula One cars in Singapore instead. And as for his wife, this Imelda in the making will probably say to the millions of Filipinos who face hunger on a daily basis, “Let them eat rice cake!”

Ken Go

(From Page 19)

even have a track record of performing relatively well during recessions. For example, Target (TGT), Walmart and Home Depot (HD) shares significantly outperformed the S&P 500 during both the 2020 and 2008 recessions. Jeffrey Buchbinder, chief equity strategist for LPL Financial, says there are certainly recession risks ahead, but investors shouldn’t under-appreciate how much the U.S. economic outlook has improved in recent months. “While the ‘better than feared’ label fit the past couple of earnings seasons quite well, based on the magnitude of upside surprises in the first quarter and encouraging guidance from corporate America, that’s probably underselling it,” Buchbinder says. My opinion usually is shared by our typical blue collar lay person, if there is a recession and inflation stay high. The regular folks like you and I will feel the pain and we have to adjust accordingly to our financial situation. So, I say worry about it and start saving for rainy days. Thanks for your comments and inquiries, please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@ verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

As I See It

(From Page 19)

licans who had planned to object to the election to send a message. “‘Steve, c’mon, you do not want to be part of this,’” Sen. Manchin recalled saying. “I said, ‘James, you’re better than this.’” Sen. Manchin said the appeals affected them, but Mr. Hawley showed no remorse. “Josh Hawley started the whole thing, and all who assisted him, they’ve got to be held accountable,” Sen. Manchin said. Democrats in Congress filed the second impeachment move against Trump due to rebellion (incitement of insurrection) and was approved and then Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi forwarded the impeachment proceedings to the Senate. In the Senate, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, the husband of Labor Secretary Elaine Chao who resigned from the cabinet because of the riot, believed “Trump committed impeachable offenses” but was not approved by the GOP-dominated Senate. As a result, Trump became the only US president who was impeached twice! Then, he was indicted for the third time because of the January 6 fiasco and recently indicted for the fourth time by Georgia local court for trying to overturn the election in Georgia. Mr. Trump, “You are fired!”

Immigrant’s Help

(From Page 12)

with that. If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse, which could lead to deportation and family separation. Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers. He has practiced immigration law, bankruptcy, personal injury and income tax representation since June 1999. His contact phone is 1-877-456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www. crispinlozanolaw.com/ with offices in Hayward CA and Cerritos, CA.

(From page 18)

potential scam · Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively demand immediate payment for an alleged past due bill. · Request for immediate payment: Scammers may instruct the customer to purchase a prepaid card, then call them back supposedly to make a bill payment. · Request for prepaid card: When the customer calls back, the caller asks the customer for the prepaid card’s number, which grants the scammer instant access to the card’s funds. · Refund or rebate offers: Scammers may say that your utility company overbilled you and owes you a refund, or that you are entitled to a rebate, and ask you for your personal financial information. · Scammers Impersonating Trusted Phone Numbers: Scammers are now able to create authentic-looking 800 numbers which appear on your phone display. The numbers don’t lead back to PG&E if called back, however, so if you have doubts, hang up and either log into your account at pge.com to confirm your bill details or call PG&E at 1-833-500-SCAM. If customers ever feel that they are in physical danger, they should call 911. How customers can protect themselves · Customers should never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service disconnection or shutoff. PG&E does not specify how customers should make a bill payment and offers a variety of ways to pay a bill, including accepting payments online, by phone, automatic bank draft, mail or in person. · If a scammer threatens immediate disconnection or shutoff of service without prior notification, customers should hang up the phone, delete the email, or shut the door. Customers with delinquent accounts receive an advance disconnection notification, typically by mail and included with their regular monthly bill. · Signing up for an online account at pge.com is another safeguard. Not only can customers log in to check their balance and payment history, they can also sign up for recurring payments, paperless billing and helpful alerts. · Customers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud, or who feel threatened during contact with one of these scammers, should contact local law enforcement. The Federal Trade Commission’s website is also a good source of information about how to protect personal information. For more information about scams, visit pge.com/scams or https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams. About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news. You can read about PG&E’s data privacy practices here or at PGE.com/privacy.

Health & Wealth...

(From Page 11)

San Francisco, CA 94112 Tel. (650) 438-3531 or (415) 5847095 or email:artmadlaing@hotmail.com If you live in San Jose/ Silicon Valley and need immediate help for the signing, notarization and apostille follow up of documents needed in the Philippines, just visit or contact our partner JEVI ESPANOLA OCLARIT at: Farmers Insurance, 16 Corning Avenue, Suite 266, Milpitas, CA 95035 Tel. (408)854-4274. (ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE #00635976) in California since 1981. He is the founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California USA.)

Cristina de Jesus

(From Page 11)

is echoed many times from speaking to teachers about why they prefer charter schools: educators just have more say in the classroom. We work every day to improve public education in California, but there is more to be done. The ﬁrst step is recognizing the problem and then being open to pivot to new policies to replace outdated practices. Together, we can create a public education system that oﬀers equal opportunities and prepares all students for a brighter future. There is still work to be done, but charter public schools are lighting the way and proving what happens when we empower educators, students, and families.

21 September 21-27, 2023

 COMMUNITY NEWS

MediCal enrollees urged to be on guard to keep benefits

Heart of Hope

Eligibility redetermination of more than 15 million Medi-Cal members is underway across the country between June 2023 and May 2024 as part of what is termed as the “great unwinding” of MediCare enrollees and this has caused anxieties among many in the State of California as the total estimated number represents one third of the state’s residents. To somehow assuage fears of total disenrollment, speakers from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Covered California updated Californians in a press briefing by the ethnic media services and California Black Media on steps the state is taking to ensure all eligible Californians have continuous coverage. Information were shared by leaders of nonprofits working on the frontlines about the impact of redetermination on Black, Latino, AAPI and Native American enrollees -- especially older adults and children at a California Ethnic Media dubbed as Protecting Health Care Benefits for 15.5 Million-- California Committed to Keeping Medi-Cal Enrollees Insured. Leading the speakers in the briefing were Deputy Director of health care benefits and eligibility of the Department of Health Care Services Yingjia Huang, Covered California CEO Jessica Altman and they were joined by Community Clinic Association of LA County CEO Louise McCarthy, Latino Coalition for a Healthy California Executive Director Dr. Seciah Aquino, and Children’s Partnership President Mayra Alvarez. Huang reported that the DHCS in California has disenrolled 21% of its MediCal enrollees equivalent to about 1 million people. “Many lost their benefits simply because they did not return their yellow packet,” explained Huang. ”A portion of people who have been disenrolled have been moved to Covered CA and the state has launched health enrollment navigators to make the process seamless.” On what should be widely disseminated by reporters to MediCal beneficiaries, Huang think it’s very important for our members to know redeterminations is back here. “Pay attention to your mail, to your text messages, to your emails. Sign up at https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/keep-your-Medi-Cal/Pages/I-amno-longer-covered.aspx so we can reach you and send you reminders,” Huang urged. “And if your renewals are coming up, please make sure you’re looking out for the yellow renewal packet.” Huang reminded that the counties will be reaching out through text messages and emails in order that the next eleven months the members continue to keep their coverage as they are going through the remaining parts of the unwinding. Members are also encouraged to visit the DHCS Interactive Dashboard as County-level data for people who have been disenrolled can be found here @DHCS_CA @CoveredCA https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/dataandstats/Pages/Continuous-Coverage-Eligibility-Unwinding-Dashboard.aspx Altman maintains that California is well-positioned to help people keep their coverage during the “unwinding” process. “Most Californians who lose Medi-Cal coverage, but qualify for Covered California, will be able to get coverage at either no, or lowcost each month. Right now, nearly 90 percent of Covered California’s over 1.6 million enrollees receive financial help and 2/3 of our enrollees are eligible to pay $10 or less per month for their health insurance,” Altman underscored. Altman added that it is important to under-

By Jun Nucum

Yingija Huang, Assistant Deputy Director, the Department of Healthcare Services

Louise McCarthy, CEO of Community Clinic Associa�on of Los Angeles County

Jessica Altman. CEO of Covered California

Rosario Arreola Pro COO of California rural Indian Health Board, Inc.

Mayra Avarez, President, Children’s Partnership

Doctor Seciah Aquino, Execu�ve Director of La�no coali�on for a healthy California

score reiterate “1) we are offering more financial assistance than ever before empowered by the American Rescue Plan and will offer even more assistance in 2024 as we implement a state program that will entirely eliminate deductibles and for any enrollee under 250% of the federal poverty level; and 2) our assistance is based on a household’s income - the more assistance you need the more you get.” “If a Californian is no longer eligible for MediCal and its coverage, Covered California is here to help connect those individuals and families to the coverage they need,” Altman mentioned. McCarthy stated that there is navigator funding from the state and that community health centers are the key to keeping people enrolled clarifying that, “we can translate bureaucracy.”

In Los Angeles County, McCarthy shared that there are 1.89 million people in Los Angeles County that are served by community health centers and 64% of those are on MEDICAL. “We are about a third of California when it comes to a lot of matrix and that there are 15 million enrollees statewide 4.4 million MEDICAL enrollees in Los Angeles County,” McCarthy informed. “I would say if you want to keep your MEDICAL open that yellow envelope. I encourage you to read your mail. Ask for help. Here is the link: https:// ccalac.org/find-a-clinic/ to find a clinic locator. And for those that are eligible for MediCal, this is an entitlement program. You’re entitled if you’re eligible to these services. Don’t leave them on the table.” Arreola estimates that almost half of people who access healthcare through tribal clinics are MediCal enrollees while anywhere between 30 to 60% of patients served by tribal clinics are medical beneficiaries. “Like other community clinics, tribal and urban Indian clinics are concerned about ensuring that there is no lapse in that coverage particularly because so many people rely on medical to access not only primary care. But also dental, mental health, specialty care and emergency care services,” Arreola affirms. “For us it is so important to get this messaging out to these. We are reminding folks that if we moved in the last 3 years that they need to make sure that their contact information is up to date.” Representing the Latino community, Aquino, maintains that the enrollees have the power so ”stay enrolled especially those in communities of color.” “We use a fear framing. We need power, not fear. So let’s continue to encourage families that they have that power in their hands to enroll and this is how and quickly provide a number, an email, a link on where and how to find those items logistically,” Aquino insists. Aquino asserts that 52% of people who were disenrolled in California were Latinos and that this is not okay noting that the Latino community has been hit hard by Covid and is still recovering. Latinos represent over 40% of the population in California or a total of 16 million Latinos. “42% of deaths from Covid in California were Latinos. Outreach will only do so much,” she says, noting that people don’t know how to follow up to stay enrolled. One million people being disenrolled each month is alarming,” expressed Aquino. Speaking for the children’s, Alvarez avers that of the 5.7 million children of color, almost 60% of the kids in California are enrolled in MediCal and one million stand to lose coverage. “They are being procedurally disenrolled,” says Mayra Alvarez. “Keep kids covered. It’s the right thing to do. I want to just reiterate, we’re all trying to make sure families keep their coverage and that their children keep their coverage especially as we come out of this public health emergency that has disproportionately hit communities of color.” So we want to make sure that as the chain these changes are happening that that coverage continues to be available for every California family and it’s all of us together that are making sure we’re taking the necessary steps so that they can keep that coverage. “The time is now and communities can get the support they need to stay enrolled. And it’s on all of us to make that happen. So I’m encouraged by this partnership by your leadership and by the commitment that we’re all making to keep every California family covered,” Alvarez concludes.

Raping Mother Earth

Our planet would be at an imminent grave risk of being destroyed, if Global Warming, more appropriately termed Climate Change, continues unabated. Although controversial and like the multitudes of problems threatening the world, this major one is partly caused by its intelligent inhabitant, man himself, and his careless and PHILIP S. CHUA irresponsible behavior, especially in the last two hundred some years. Human beings are not new to selfabuse, self-destruction, and to irreverence in their environment, in spite of their education, culture, and the massive data in this age of exploding informational technology and mind-boggling advances in science and medicine. Man’s self-abuse and rape of his environment are almost certain to doom the world he lives in, unless he listens to Mother Nature and promptly starts to take a wise proactive strategy in dealing with his present ecologic dilemma. Man cannot aﬀord to lose this one, his only proven sanctuary in the galaxy. And what’s happening is scary. Let’s not destroy this good earth before we ﬁnd another hospitable home. Historically, the earth’s climate has gone through various changes, from ice age to prolonged periods of heat waves. The factors involved include the alteration in the Earth’s orbit, the degree of energy from the sun, and volcanic eruptions. The latter part of the 18th century ushered in a greater human factor: the industrial revolution which has contributed to more massive environmental pollution. Man’s share The human “contributions” include the carcinogenic fumes from cigarettes, carbon monoxide/dioxide from engine emissions, chemical contamination from the household agents (soaps, bleaches, tile and toilet cleaners, etc.) we use daily, factory polluting our atmosphere and dumping of toxic waste products into the our rivers and lakes, deforestation and destruction of our greeneries, invasion of the original habitats of

animals and disturbing the natural order of things, and the environmental insults that urbanization brings with it in general. These changes in the landscape of nature have affected the health and atmosphere of our planet, causing its “body” to have a temperature that is rising like a fever from an “infection,” and at an arguably alarming faster rate than what it should be. And all this because of what we, its intelligent inhabitants, have done to the one and only “life-sustaining home” we know in the galaxy. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coals and oil, and deforestation the past two centuries have led to the “greenhouse effect,” where the toxic gasses in the atmosphere has significantly increased to the point of trapping heat, like in a glass panel enclosure of a greenhouse, causing the earth’s temperature to climb more rapidly than ever before in its history. The resultant man-induced depletion of the ozone layer (nature’s protective “umbrella” shielding us from the harmful variety of sun rays) is likewise a great health hazard, a most plausible contributing factor in the alarmingly increasing rate of the various cancers killing people in the world today. Although greenhouse gases, at safe levels, are essential for life as we know it to keep our planet comfortably warm, abnormally high levels are far too dangerous for our planet. At present, man’s abuse of his environment has adversely affected many aspects of our life, including our means of subsistence, agriculture, and aquaculture, to mention a couple. Data from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and NASA “show that the earth’s average surface temperature has increased by about 1.2 to 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1900…the warmest global average temperatures on record have all occurred within the past 15 years, with the warmest two years being 1998 and 2005.” This indisputably means the human factor has caused this dreadful and scary phenomenon. Ravaged Mother Earth Indeed, as guests on this planet we call home, we humans, have not been courteous, respectful, ecology-conscious enough and environmentally friendly at all to Mother Earth. This has resulted in the gradual deterioration of our ecosystem to its ravaged situation today.

What are the signs of a widespread and long-term trend toward global warming? The manifestations include unusually warmer weather and heat waves; glacier melting; Arctic and Antarctic warming; and, ocean warming, rising sea level, and coastal flooding. Aren’t the various volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, typhoons, hurricanes, floodings, and evident weather changes not enough hints for us? If man does not do anything about this climate change soon, the resultant impact of this global warming, according to experts, will lead to the following “harbingers”: diseases spreading more easily, spring arriving earlier, coral reef bleaching occurring, plant and animal range shifts and population changes taking place, downpours, heavy snow falls and giant tidal waves and flooding, droughts and fires happening often. While government initiatives by all nations around the globe are vital to the remedial solution to this potentially catastrophic dilemma that could make our world uninhabitable and wipe out civilization as we know it, our individual and concerted community discipline, behavioral modification and proactive lifestyle changes could immensely help and positively impact on how much longer we can keep Planet Earth a safe place to live in. Hopefully, our space exploration is successful soon enough in finding for another friendly planet man could colonize soon, before our indifference, carelessness and stupidity transform this good earth into a giant ball of fire and erase mankind. Our fate is in our hands. We had better hurry to save the only home we have. 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, conferred by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Related websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

23 September 21-27, 2023

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Batchoy Tagalog Batchoy Tagalog is not similar to the La Paz batchoy of Iloilo. The Tagalog version is more similar to tinola in cooking method. Batchoy Tagalog is a soup dish made up pork loin and pork innards like kidney, spleen, liver and heart sautéed in ginger, garlic and onion. Pork blood is also added to the dish. Misua noodle is used instead of miki noodle. The pork blood is added in liquefied form which result a murky black soup dish that is un appealing to those who are not familiar with this delicious dish. Ingredients: 1 kilo lomo, pork loin, sliced 1/2 k. pork innards, kidney, spleen, liver (optional) 1 bowl coagulated pork blood, boiled, cut into cubes 1 small packet misua noodles 2 thumb size ginger, cut into strips 2 large size sayote, sliced 1/2 head garlic, chopped 1 medium size onion, chopped 1/2 tsp. peppercorns crushed 1 bundle dahon ng sili, chili leaves 1/4 cup patis, fish sauce 3 siling haba salt cooking oil Cooking procedure: In a casserole sauté garlic, onion and ginger. Add pork (including pork innards if using) and patis, cook for 2-3 minutes or until meat change color. Add in 8-12 cups of water and peppercorns, bring to boil, simmer for 5-10 minutes. Then add in pork blood and sayote simmer for another 3-5 minutes until sayote are just cooked but firm. Add more salt if required. Now add in the misua noodles cook for another 1-2 minutes, add in siling haba and chili leaves and cook for another minute. Serve hot.

EVA Steps Up to The Plate as Giants Partner EVA Air is a proud international airline partner of the San Francisco Giants through 2027 SAN FRANCISCO (September 14, 2023) – EVA Air today officially announces they’ve joined the San Francisco Giants’ roster as an international airline partner. The award-winning airline and beloved baseball franchise have unveiled prominent signage inside Oracle Park and will work together on airline ticket giveaways, partnership activations and marketing programs as part of Giants special events through 2027. EVA offers three daily nonstop flights from San Francisco to Taipei, Taiwan and one-stop connections from there onward throughout Asia. Information about EVA and its services as well as ticket booking and buying options are available at www.evaair.com. “It’s an honor to work with the storied and beloved Giants,” said EVA Executive Vice President of America Head Office Andrew Su. “We look forward to making our partnership a Splash Hit for both organizations.” “Like the Giants, EVA Air is committed to cultivating unmatched experiences for their customers,” said Jessica Santamaria, San Francisco Giants vice president of partnership sales and business development. “We are thrilled to partner with EVA Air, the premier, award-winning Taiwanese airline to promote travel to Oracle Park, San Francisco and beyond. In addition to San Francisco, EVA also serves Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Houston, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver. EVA is one of only 10 SKYTRAX-rated 5-Star Airlines worldwide. It won 16 separate awards, including ninth place among SKYTRAX’s “World’s Top 10 Airlines” and landed top spots for “World’s Best Premium Economy Class,” “Best Premium Economy Class Airlines in Asia” and “World’s Best Premium Economy Inflight Catering.” EVA earned a spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards for the Top 10 Airlines in the World and Travel + Leisure readers voted it in the Top-10 World’s Best International Airlines for 2023. TripAdvisor recognized it among the “Top 10 Airlines – World” and awarded it top spots in four more categories in its Travelers’ Choice Awards for Airlines while it also earned eighth place in AirlineRatings.com’s “Top 25 Best Airlines in the World for 2023” and won similarly high ratings for safety and COVID compliance in January 2023. EVA Air EVA was established in 1989 as Taiwan’s first privately owned international airline. It is part of the respected Evergreen Group and a sister company to container-shipping leader Evergreen Line. It flies a fleet of more than 80

Boeing and Airbus aircraft to over 60 international destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America. Travelers can learn more about EVA destinations, schedules and services or book and buy tickets at www. evaair.com. San Francisco Giants One of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball, the 139-year old franchise moved to San Francisco from New York in 1958. After playing a total of 42 years in Seals Stadium and Candlestick Park, the team moved to the privately constructed, downtown ballpark on the corner of 3rd and King in 2000. The organization is widely recognized for its innovative business practices and baseball excellence having been named in the past decade the Sports Organization of the Year by Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal, Organization of the Year by Baseball America and ESPN’s Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year. Oracle Park is also the only ballpark in the country to have earned Silver, Gold and Platinum LEED certiﬁcation for an existing building. Since opening its gates, Oracle Park has become internationally-renowned as a premier venue in the world of both sports and entertainment. On the diamond, more than 64 million spectators have witnessed countless magical moments, including three World Series Championships (2010, 2012 & 2014), the raising of four National League Pennants and eight playoﬀ appearances. The ballpark has also hosted some of music’s biggest acts, including Dead & Company, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé & Jay Z, Ed Sheeran, the Rolling Stones, the Eagles, Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band, Green Day and Billy Joel.