Philippine News Today

1 December 2-8, 2021

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

www.pnewstoday.com

THE PREMIER FILIPINO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN THE U.S. SINCE 1961

Vol. 61 No. 17 December 2-8, 2021

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

‘OMICRON’ VARIANT SPARKS GLOBAL FEARS

Pacquiao, Isko open to Duterte endorsement

Virus hits San Francisco, PHL on alert, sets travel ban

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor in Chief

MANILA/SAN FRANCISCO —Even as COVID-19 cases have drastically dropped to its lowest level following expanded vaccination that now includes young kids and booster shots to those who had completed two jabs, government and health authorities in the Philippines, including those in the private sector, have started scrambling for measures to detect and stop the possible entry or Page 9 spread of the new dread variant called Omicron.

By Claire Morales True

PHL envoy, consul lauded, get highest presidential awards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte decorated Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Romualdez with the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Datu, Gold Distinction.

ONE DOWN. Senator Christopher Lawrence Go and Sen. Emmanuel Pacquiao join President Rodrigo Duterte during a mee�ng in Malacanang. Go has announced his withdrawal from the race which The president also awarded could benefit Pacquiao, a fellow candidate from Mindanao. the Philippine Embassy’s former First Secretary and ConBy Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor sul Ms. Katrina Isabelle BorjaMartin with the Gawad Mabini, MANILA – With near cer- Nov. 30, after he himself said with the Rank of Dakilang Ka- tain defeat staring him in the last week that now may not be Page 8 sugo (Commander). face, he had no other choice. his time to aspire for the highest Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ elective post in the land.

Go officially abandoned his This, and the fact that he has presidential bid on Tuesday, performed poorly in Page 8

Bong Go exits presidential race

Flavored cigarettes raise fears for youth in Contra Costa; Walnut Creek bans its sale

By Jun Nucum WALNUT CREEK, CaliforPresident Duterte awards Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Ro- nia - Contra Costa County health mualdez with the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Datu, Gold Dis�nc- officials, advocates and residents �on. Consul Gunther Sales receives the award for the ambassador. are alarmed that flavored tobac-

co products and vaping devices have adversely impacted the youth in their county.

The alarm bell was sounded after recent studies revealed that the tobacco industry is Page 8

MANILA — Presidential aspirants Sen. Emmanuel Manny Pacquiao and Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso said they are open to accepting endorsement from President Rodrigo Duterte following the announced withdrawal of Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go from the presidential race.

“Kung ie-endorso ako, walang problema. Pagkakaisa naman ang isinusulong natin kasi biblical naman yan eh. ‘[If] a kingdom is divided against themselves, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided, that house cannot stand,’” said Pacquiao whose relations with Duterte soured a few months ago after he criticized the latter’s policy on the South China Sea and accused the health department of graft and corruption.

Last month, Pacquiao and Duterte reportedly reconciled and were friends again following a November 9 meeting in Malacanang. Page 10

DOJ: Quiboloy may also face raps in PHL

P3

PHL gov’t debt hits record P11.97 trillion

P3

P14

VIEWS & COMMENTS

SHOWBIZ

What should you Daniel Padilla, Angel condemn consider before filing bankruptcy? Quiboloy on sex raps

By A�y. Lozano

Page 14

Page 19

SPORTS

Obiena won’t change flag, to compete for PHL Page 21

PESO-DOLLAR RATE

$1.00= P50.38

as of December 2, 2021 3:55am

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 NATIONAL NEWS

December 2-8, 2021

2

UN, others urge PHL to allow Ressa to travel to Norway for Nobel Prize MANILA/NEW YORK - The United Nations urged the Philippines to allow Nobel Peace Prize winning journalist Maria Ressa to travel to Norway to accept the award on December 10.

Ressa, the first Nobel laureate from the Philippines, shared the Peace Prize with Russian investigative journalist Dmitry Muratov, a move widely seen as an endorsement of free speech rights, which are under fire worldwide.

In the Philippines, several groups, including Senator Richard Gordon, appealed to the Duterte administration to allow Ressa to personally receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Gordon called on the government to reconsider its decision opposing Ressa’s request to allow her to receive personally her Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway on Dec. 10.

Gordon, who chairs the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, said Ressa’s award is the first for the Philippines and for a Filipino journalist that should be a great occasion to celebrate despite political differences.

“To many of us, the prestigious award

conferred to Ressa, a historic first for the Philippines, sets the momentum in the right direction of our individual and collective efforts to allow a culture of truthtelling to prevail in our country,” he said.

“By her dedication and personal sacrifice, she truly deserves all support for such global distinction,” he added.

The government, through the Office of the Solicitor General, has opposed Ressa’s request to travel to Oslo, Norway and receive her Nobel peace prize because it claims that she is a “flight risk” to evade charges hurled against her.

Ressa has recently requested the Court of Appeals to allow her to fly directly to Norway from United States where she has also been allowed to give a series of lectures in Harvard University and visit her parents in Florida. She had been seeking permission due to her libel and tax evasion charges.

Instead of vitriol, Gordon remarked that the government should see Ressa as an individual who has brought pride and honor to the country by pushing for a culture of truth-telling to prevail in the country.

DUMALO SA PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG SA MULING PAGDIDISTRITO NG FREMONT SA IKA-7 NG DISYEMBRE Ang Lungsod ng Fremont ay kasalukuyang nagsasagawa ng minsan-sa-bawa’t-sampung-taong pagkakataong tukuyin ang mga hanay ng distrito at nangangailangan ng mga saloobin ng komunidad.

Ang nalalapit na virtual na pagdinig sa Martes, Ika-7 ng Disyembre, 2021 sa ganap na 7:15 nang gabi ay magbibigay ng pagkakataon sa mga naninirahan na maibahagi ang kanilang saloobin sa mga panukalang mapa, sa pagkakasunud-sunod ng halalan, at sa maaaring maging epekto ng muling pagdidistrito sa kanilang komunidad.

“Let us then allow the first Filipino Nobel laureate to bring pride and honour to our country and speak on behalf of the freedom-loving and peace-seeking Filipino people who continually fight unflagging attempts to manufacture and spread lies and disinformation rewriting our history and muzzle all those who are critical of government policies,” he said.

“The only risk the gov- Maria Ressa ernment should be concerned about is its flight from reason that, if allowed, would put the country into further embarrassment before the eyes of the international community,” he added.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the United Nations was “very concerned” about travel restrictions placed on Ressa by the government.

“We urge the government of the Phil-

ippines to immediately withdraw any such restrictions and allow her to travel to Oslo,” Dujarric told reporters in New York.

The license for Ressa’s news site, Rappler, has been suspended and she has faced legal action for various reasons.

Supporters say she has been targeted for her scrutiny of government policies, including a bloody war on drugs launched

by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Plan to address and prevent smash-and-grab robberies sought SAN PEDRO, California— Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn has called for a briefing for the Board of Supervisors and the public by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department about how law enforcement will address the recent rash of “smash-and-grab” robberies.

“These recent smashand-grab robberies have alarmed many of our residents, especially workers in retail who are already dealing with a lot during the holiday shopping season,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “Some of these recent robberies have been organized and well-thought out, so they will require an equally organized response from law enforcement.”

At Supervisor Hahn’s request, Assistant Sheriff over the Patrol Division Bruce Chase briefed the Board during a meeting of the Board of Supervisors about how the LA County Sheriff’s Department plans to address these recent crimes, including: Increased visible patrol checks in shopping malls and other retail areas Activating the department’s operations center to facilitate and coordinate responses with other partner agencies Coordination with other law enforce-

ment departments to collaborate efforts Meeting with local businesses about these robberies Assistant Sheriff Chase also advised people to be vigilant and if they see any-

thing suspicious such as a caravan of cars, they should call the local Sheriff’s Department or local police department. He also said that although the investigation is still ongoing, these robberies do not seem to be part of a grand conspiracy but instead appear to be quickly organized by people on social media.

Supervisor Hahn urged the Sheriff’s Department to go door-to-door to local businesses this holiday season with information about these robberies and what they can do to prevent them.

3 December 2-8, 2021

 NATIONAL NEWS

E-sabong bills nixed by senators, decried by church leaders, members MANILA — Some senators have joined Church leaders in denouncing the proliferation of e-sabong among other online gambling attractions, saying it has teared many families apart and worsened social ills in the country.

Senator and presidential aspirant Panfilo Lacson and Senate President Vicente Sotto III said they are opposed to the grant of 25-year franchise for an e-sabong company headed by Charlie “Atong” Ang. Lacson and Sotto vowed to slow down the processing of bills granting legislative franchises to Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc. and Visayas Cockers Club Inc., firms involved in on-line cockfight betting operations.

A bill granting the franchise has al-

ready passed the House of Representatives but several senators led by Lacson and Sotto said they will reject the measure.

Lacson said some Filipinos’ growing addiction to online gambling warrants serious attention from the national government amid reported cases of suicide and destruction of families because of it.

He cited the case of popular electronic cockfight betting or “e-sabong” that was aided by the rise of digital wallets in the country and has now become a social problem after many compulsive gamblers lost large sums and were left in financial ruin.

“We learned about this father in Pam-

panga whose debt reached P600,000 because of e-sabong. He committed suicide, left his children behind. So, there are indeed social problems attached to the issue,” Lacson said during a press conference.

Meanwhile, Catholic Church leaders decried the actions taken by the Lower House, pointing out that government’s bid to make money from gambling will have adverse effects on the country’s youth and the Filipino family.

At the same time, Rep. Eduardo Eddie Villanueva, who heads the Jesus is Lord group, called on his followers not to vote for candidates who support e-sabong. He and former Speaker Allan Peter Cayetano

had opposed the passage of the bill on esabong.

Lacson agreed with religious groups the E-sabong and other forms of gambling being propagated by government could trigger “deeper social problems” .

He noted that with electronic payment systems readily available now, even the youth could bet on online cockfights, which has become a “borderless” situation as even OFWs have been patronizing local betting games.

Lacson and Sotto also aired doubts that on-line gambling operations such as E-sabong can be covered by legislative franchises granted by Congress since these are not “public utility”.

M A N I L A / D AVA O CITY - The government may also investigate Pastor Apollo Quiboloy who Is accused of sex trafQuiboloy ficking and other crimes in the United States, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra reported.

“If the evidence further shows that

some acts other than those covered by the US indictment have been committed here, then that’s a cue to conduct a separate domestic investigation,” Guevarra said.

The US Department of Justice filed charges against Quiboloy, the spiritual adviser of President Rodrigo Duterte and head of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, and eight followers for supposedly coercing underaged girls and young women to have sex with him under threats of “eternal damnation.”

Three KOJC officials have been arrested as the US justice department expanded its investigation which could result to the indictment of other church leaders.

Followers of Quiboloy, meanwhile, closed ranks and defended their embattled preacher during their church service.

Arlene Rillon, a member of the KOJC pastoral department, stood on Quiboloy’s pulpit and pledged unconditional loyalty and obedience to the pastor as he dared his accusers and even the United States to “bring it on.”

Rillon’s battle cry during a live-streamed church service was short of a call to arms against the US, the American justice system, and Quiboloy’s accusers, Rappler stated in a report.

“As the appointed son (Quiboloy) has laid down his life for me, I am also more than willing to lay down my life for him,” said Rillon, a native of Baguio City who has served in the KOJC’s pastoral care ministry for 18 years.

But as Rillon hurled brickbats at Quiboloy’s accusers during the Sun-

day service, she unwittingly disclosed a history of “carnal” activities around the preacher that supposedly involved his former “pastorals.” For her, the “fleshly sins” happened, Rappler reported Among others, church administrators were said to have brought Filipino workers to the US and confiscated all forms

of identification before forcing them to spend long hours illegally soliciting money for KOJC. Funds solicited in the US were also reportedly directed to church officials in the Philippines, or were used to “reward” the sex trafficking victims with luxurious hotel rooms, vacations, and yearly cash payments.

DOJ: Quiboloy may face probe in PHL

 METRO NEWS

December 2-8, 2021

Mayor Isko signs P22.2-B city budget; P12-B alloted for social services

MANILA MAYOR Francisco Domagoso and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan display the city’s record P22.2B budget for 2022 a�er signing it as Rep. Yul Servo Nieto and councilors

By Claire Morales True MANILA - The Manila city government has a record P22.2 billion budget for 2022.

This as Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso signed on November 29, the city government’s budget for 2022, more than half of which was allocated for social services.

Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan,

presiding officer of the City Council which approved the budget, also signed the budget in the presence of many councilors and Manila third district Rep. Yul Servo.

During the ceremonies, Domagoso also announced that the city’s new Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center will be operational in 2022.

The new budget is the highest so far for the city government as it is P2.2 billion higher than that of 2021. In 2020, the

$495

408.286.9360 408.286.9311

budget was only P17.8 billion and in 2021, the allocated budget is P20 billion.

Despite the pandemic, Domagoso said the budget allocation for the city government had continued to increase.

“We will be more vigilant. We will continue to be efficient in expenditures and we will find ways as much as possible to give free and better healthcare for each and everyone not only for COVID-19 but for all other diseases,” he added.

During the budget signing held at the Bulwagang Katipunan of the Manila City Hall, Domagoso said 53.86 percent of the total budget amounting to around P11.95 billion was allocated for the city’s social services like healthcare, education, social amelioration, and food security program.

“Tao muna ang mauna sa Maynila sa 2022 (The people come first in Manila in 2022),”the mayor said at the signing ceremonies aired live on social media.

According to the Manila Public Information Office, the percentage allocated for social services is divided as follows: 16.69 percent for Health Services, 10.72 percent for the social amelioration program, 5.10 percent for food pack distribution, and 3.81 percent for education, which totals to about 36.32 percent out of the 53.86 percent total budget.

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Vehicle number coding scheme on roads reimposed in Metro Manila

MAKATI CITY - It’s back to the modified number coding in Metro Manila for motor vehicles.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos said the scheme from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, was agreed upon in a resolution signed by all Metro Manila mayors.

The number coding was adopted in Metro Manila to ease traffic, particularly in its main highways like EDSA. MMDA Director Noemie Recio said the number coding scheme will be for private vehicles only.

Public utility vehicles, buses, jeepneys, taxis, TNVS, motorcycles, and vehicles carrying essential and perishable goods are exempted from the scheme.

The mayors made the decision after noting that about 401,000 vehicles ply EDSA daily ahead of the holiday rush, nearing the 405,000 figure before the pandemic.

5 December 2-8, 2021

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Weak explosion recorded in Mt. Pinatubo

CABANGAN, Zambales – Weak explosion at Mount Pinatubo was recorded between 12:09 p.m. to 12:13 p.m. on November 30, sending a plume into the sky which was first detected by Japanese scientists with their Himawari-8 satellite and reported to the Philippines by the Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center.

“The seismic and infrasound signals are not typical of known volcanic processes and are currently being evaluated together with other potential sources,” the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) in Quezon City said in an advisory, adding similar explosions are expected.

In Cabangan town, Zambales, a community close to Pinatubo which typically senses activity on the volcano, residents did not notice any shaking or ashfall, said a

barangay officer.

Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption on June 15, 1991, the world’s strongest volcanic eruption at the time, killed over 800 people and caused catastrophic damage across Central Luzon that took years of recovery The agency added that there has been very low seismic activity in the past days, discounting magmatic activity beneath the edifice.

Phivolcs asked the public to refrain from going in the vicinity of Mount Pinatubo.

It also advised local government units (LGUs) to ban entry into the Pinatubo Crater until the source of the explosion is determined.

Likewise, communities and LGUs surrounding the Pinatubo volcano in the Zambales-Tarlac mountain

DAPITAN CITY – As coronavirus disease restrictions ease, the revival of the tourism industry of Dapitan City, known as the shrine city of the Philippines, is getting a boost with the launching of the “Lakbay Pinas” project on December 1.

The Lakbay Pinas, a project that is among the numerous attractions of the Glorious Fantasyland Theme Park (GFTP) in Dapitan, is a mini-museum that features iconic tourism destinations in the country.

“Lakbay Pinas is an offering of Glorious Fantasyland as the strongest private stakeholder partner of the city government of Dapitan to compliment the Rizal Shrine,” Apple Marie Agolong, Dapitan tourism officer, said in a statement.

“Lakbay Pinas will complement the visit of tourists who want to immerse themselves in the culture, history, and tradition of the city,” Agolong added.

She said that the launching of Lakbay Pinas will be held on December 1 simultaneously with the switch-on of Christmas decorations of the city.

The Lakbay Pinas highlights five zones of breathtaking views of larger-than-life historical spots, wildlife’s natural wonders, cultural festivals, and heritage sites, among others.

“It’s a seven-minute ride wherein visitors and tourists will not just be entertained but will have a glimpse of the different traditions, beliefs, historical and touristic destinations all around the country,” Agolong said.

Arconil Jose Jalosjos, the GFTP general manager, said in a separate statement Monday that they envision the Lakbay Pinas as a new activity that young people and families alike will enjoy since it is a first of its kind project in the country.

‘Lakbay Pinas’ boosts Dapitan City’s tourism drive

range were reminded to be always prepared for both earthquake and volcanic hazards and to review, prepare and strengthen their contingency, emergency, and other disaster preparedness plans.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

December 2-8, 2021

WHO: Premature to return face shields policy amid Omicron threat strict adherence to social distancing policy as the dreaded virus can be transmitted through close contacts, not by air.

“So, I think it will be premature now to go there and say we need to reintroduce face shields because we also know that there is significant public discontent on the mandatory use of face shields,” Abiyasinghe said.

WHO Country Representa�ve Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe “So it’s better to get public compliMANILA – Despite the threat posed ance with the measures that are there and by the Omicron Covid-19 variant, the data risk-based approach to reanalyze World Health Organization (WHO) said whether we need to go into the use of face “it is still premature to reintroduce the face shields or not,” he added. shields” with the “significant public disAbiyasinghe said while the mandatory content” on its mandatory use. face shields rule is still being studied, the At a Laging Handa briefing, WHO public should have strong compliance to Country Representative Dr. Rabindra the minimum public health measures.

Abeyasinghe said the mandatory use of “If we can ensure that people don’t face shields is not yet recommended amid congregate in closed settings, the requirethe possible entry of the new Omicron ment for face shields probably at this point coronavirus variant in the country. of time is not mandatory because as I said, “WHO has right along said that this is we are still looking at understanding the a virus that is not airborne, right? It’s close transmission dynamics of the Omicron contact transmission and that is why we emphasize that what is important is the variant,” he added.

Abeyasinghe noted that the country physical distancing and the face masking must be prepared and recognize the threat and the hand hygiene,” he said. caused by the “heavily mutated” Omicron Abeyasinghe gave much emphasis on

variant.

“We are conscious that we don’t have a lot of information right now about the potential transmissibility, the potential possibility of infections, or even its capacity to evade the therapeutics and vaccines that we have,” he added.

Abiyasinghe said the WHO supports the alert level system being imposed by the Philippines.

“We need to manage the risk of Covid-19 without harming the economy and protecting lives. And so, the transient from the quarantine classifications to the alert levels which allows to greater economic activity is welcome and we support that, and we need to be very careful in monitoring the situation for all potential presence of Omicron in the country,” he said.

He said there is a need for stringent measures at points of entry and monitor the whole-genome sequencing to detect the presence of Omicron virus, particularly those Filipino returnees from Southern African countries.

“I would go to say that we should not be looking from Omicron only countries that have confirmed the virus for now because there are many countries that the virus may be there, the variant may be there but have no capacity for sequencing,” he added.

He then recommended an immediately conduct whole-genome sequencing to those positive cases entering the borders, whether returning Overseas Filipinos or foreigners.

Senate okays P5.024-trillion nat’l gov’t budget for 2022 PASAY CITY — The Senate has approved on third and final reading the country’s P5.024-trillion national budget for 2022.

Twenty two senators voted on the affirmative on the budget bill with no negative vote.

House Bill No. 10153 or the proposed General Appropriations Bill will be sent

to the bicameral conference committee so both Senate and House of Representative will reconcile on their versions of the legislation.

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, Senate finance committee chairman, said the 2022 national budget will be thick with government assistance to pandemic-affected sectors like public utility drivers, unemployed

Filipinos, farmers, health workers, indigents, and even hospitals and schools.

He had described the spending plan as a “COVID Recovery Budget.”

Lawmakers are looking to finalize the spending plan bill in the second or third week of December before it will be sent to President Rodrigo Duterte for his approval and signature

This as Jhun Telewik, the janitor, turned over to authorities a bag containing US$10,000 which he found on a gang chair at the NAIA Terminal 2 while he was collecting garbage last November 27.

MIAA reported that Telewik saw the bag was still there while he was doing his rounds for the second time. Telewik sought the assistance of airline ground attendants to look for the bag’s owner via the paging system.

As no one claimed the bag, Telewik turned it over to the Lost and Found ofNAIA Terminal 2 building a�endant Jhun fice, where a huge amount of cash was Telewik discovered upon inventory.

According to MIAA, the bag did not PASAY CITY – A janitor is the latest “hero” at the Ninoy Aquino International contain any identification or document that could identify the owner. The MIAA Airport (NAIA).

Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) coordinated with an airline for possible lead.

A Filipino who introduced himself as the son of the bag’s owner claimed the belongings. Authorities said he had the supporting documents to prove his claim.

The claimant handed Telewik US$100 as a sign of gratitude.

Telewik will be commended for his honesty, said MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal who added he salutes Telewik, and that he is glad that amid the hardships brought by the pandemic, there are people like Telewik who stay honest in their work.

Telewik has been an airport building attendant since 2017.

Airport janitor turns over bag with $10-K

6

NCR, most of PHL remains under Alert Level 2 until Dec. 16

MANILA – Most of the areas in the country, including Metro Manila, will remain under Alert Level 2 from Dec. 1 to 15 to prevent the entry of new Omicron variant of Covid-19.

“The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) approved on Monday, November 29, 2021 the recommendation to place the National Capital Region under Alert Level 2,” Cabinet Secretary and acting Presidential Spokesperson Karlo Nograles said in a press statement.

Meanwhile, the province of Apayao shall be placed under Alert Level 3 from Dec. 1 to 15.

On November 29, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 665 additional cases of Covid-19— the lowest single-day tally in over 16 months—bringing the total number of cases in the Philippines 2,832,275.

First detected in Botswana, Southern Africa, the Omicron variant has since cropped up in South Africa, Israel, Germany, Italy and Britain, and Hong Kong Currently, the Philippines has not yet reported a case of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 Also placed under Alert Level 2 are: Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR): Benguet, Abra, Kalinga, Baguio City, Mountain Province, and Ifugao; Region 1: Dagupan City, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, La Union, and Pangasinan; Region 2: Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and City of Santiago; Region 3: Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Zambales, and Tarlac; Region 4-A: Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, and Lucena City; Region 4-B: Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Puerto Princesa City, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan; Region 5: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Naga City; Region 6: Aklan, Antique, Bacolod City, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Iloilo City, and Negros Occidental; Region 7: Bohol, Cebu, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor; Region 8: Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Ormoc City, Southern Leyte, Tacloban City, and Western Samar; Region 9: City of Isabela, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay; Region 10: Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental; Region 11: Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental; Region 12: General Santos City, North Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat; Region 13 (Caraga): Butuan City, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, and Agusan del Norte; and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao: Basilan, Cotabato City, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao.

7 December 2-8, 2021

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

Pharmally’s Ong, Dargani transferred to Pasay jail

PASAY CITY – Two officials of beleaguered government supplier Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation were transferred to the Pasay City Jail on November 29 as ordered by the Senate for failing to turn over documents requested by the Blue Ribbon Committee.

Linconn Ong and Mohit Dargani underwent medical checkup and antigen tests for Covid-19 before they left the Senate.

The Senate is probing alleged anomalies in their supply deal with the government for personal protective equipment and other medical supplies for the Covid-19 pandemic response.

In the commitment order signed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III and committee chair Senator Richard Gordon, Ong and Dargani would remain in jail “until such time that they will properly answer questions propounded to them, submit documents required by the committee, or DETAINEES. For not submi�ng documents required by the Senate in an ongoing otherwise purge themselves of a contempt procurement probe, Pharmally Pharmaceu�cal Corpora�on execu�ves Linconn order imposed against them”.

Ong (in white shirt) and Mohit Dargani (in a hoodie) are transferred from the The Bureau of Jail Management and Senate to the Pasay City Jail.

Penology (BJMP), through spokesperson

Chief Inspector Xavier Solda, assured no special treatment for the Pharmally officials.

“Pasay City Jail is a 1,000 percent congested facility with 1,104 persons deprived of liberty (PDL). It does not have a separate facility, except the isolation area intended for newly committed PDL which is part of the health and security procedures being observed in jails,” he said in a statement.

After the mandatory quarantine period of 10 to 14 days, Ong and Dargani will be assigned to a cell for the “general population”.

“Walang special treatment. Walang preferential attention para sa kanila. Ang policy ng BJMP, pantay-pantay na pagtrato sa lahat ng aming mga PDL, patas na pagmamalasakit sa lahat (No special treatment. No preferential attention for them.

The BJMP’s policy is equal treatment for all, equal concern fo all),” Solda added.

Ong has been detained at the Senate since September and Dargani on November 14 after he was caught trying to leave the country.

Cancellation of 2022 polls due to pandemic unlikely as Comelec sets mock elections MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will hold mock polls in several places in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao on December 29 in preparation for the May 9, 2022 national and local elections.

This developed as an official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it is unlikely that the May 2022 elections on a national scale can be cancelled if the Covid-19 pandemic worsens.

“Unlikely because when we say we cancel elections that means the conditions for free and fair elections don’t exist,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said.

“When you have a surge that is not the case. People have to be extra careful, yes, but not losing the possibility of free and fair elections. So, it is unlikely that we would not hold the elections,” he added.

Jimenz said cancellation of election Poblacion and Mayabon of Zamboan- cion Zone 11 and Gaas of Baybay City, might guita; Leyte: in Barangays 6, and 6-A and Barangays Ipil II and San Juan in “We will have an end-to-end demon- of Tacloban, and in Barangays Pobla- Palompon. stration of the whole process. We will test on how accurate, true and secure the (voting) process,” Comelec Deputy Executive Director for Operations Teofisto Elnas Jr. said in an online forum conducted by election watchdog group National Citizens for Free Elections (Namfrel).

In Luzon, the mock polls will be held in Isabela: Barangays District 1 (Pob) and Minante 1 in Cauayan City; and in Barangays Magsaysay and Gayong in Cordon.

In Albay: in Barangay 16 of Kawit East, Barangay 13 of Ilawod West (Barangay 13) and in Barangays Biodoran, Banawan and Caratagan in Legaspi City.

In the Visayas, Negros Oriental: in Barangays Barangays Taclobo and Balogo of Dumaguete City, and in Barangays

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 NATIONAL NEWS Flavored...

(From page 1)

using flavored tobacco to entice young people, including youth of color with marketing, advertising and accessibility to such tobacco products were geared towards unsuspecting youth.

In particular, a high percentage of tobacco retailers are located near youthsensitive areas in Antioch and Pittsburg, increasing exposure and accessibility to flavored tobacco products among diverse youth even as community-based organizations serving diverse populations and youth representatives are committed to reducing and ultimately eliminating tobacco use and exposure in these cities and the county overall.

Among those the figures that stood out in recent studies are that a 100% of Pittsburg and 97% of Antioch retailers surveyed sold flavored tobacco products, that in both Antioch and Pittsburg there are nearly or exactly 3 times as many tobacco retailers as there are schools respectively and almost half (49%) of Antioch retailers and 61% of Pittsburg retailers selling tobacco products are within 1,000 ft of a youth sensitive area (school, park, playground or library).

Though the county’s overall smok-

PHL...

(From page 1)

Ambassador Romualdez and Consul Borja-Martin were cited for their efforts in strengthening the long-standing comprehensive and thriving ties between the Philippines and the United States of America.

The Order of Sikatuna and Gawad Mabini are two of the highest Presidential awards given in recognition of the

December 2-8, 2021

8

ing rate is approximately 10%, data show that vulnerable populations and low-income communities tend to have smoking rates higher than the general population.

Concerned authorities, advocates and community-based organizations are taking steps in preventing youth access to tobacco products is critical to ending the tobacco epidemic in the United States as they are committed to reducing and ultimately eliminating tobacco use and exposure in the county.

Early last month, Walnut Creek became the first Contra Costa County city to face the youth tobacco problem headon after City Council members unanimously voted to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products and electronic smoking devices.

The measure to ease the nicotine problem will apply to menthol cigarettes, candy vape pens and any other tobacco products that have a distinct flavor besides that of regular cigarettes.

Among others, the ban ordinance that will be enforced in five months will also prohibit the sale of vaping devices and its main intention was to cut off the supply of these addictive products to the city’s youth.

In an earlier virtual ethnic media

briefing, Flavored Tobacco Products Impact Diverse Youth in Contra Costa County, Contra Costa County health experts and community leaders shared their insights on how tobacco use is disproportionately affecting diverse and also vulnerable communities in the region, and their collaborations to address these issues.

Contra Costa Health Services health director Dr. Ori Tzvieli shared in the briefing that Juul, e-cigarette option for taking nicotine, delivers about the same amount of nicotine as a full pack of 20 cigarettes.

Tzvieli also disclosed that there was report in 2016 that stated that “the use of nicotine in any form including e-cigarettes amongst youth can harm adolescent brain development, impact detection memory, learning, .and lead to a lifetime abuse.”

“Tobacco industry has pivoted and turned to the use of vaping products.

And that a whole new generation of youth that basically normalizes vaping and they do this by making the product super enticing to use,” Tzvieli added.

“In 2021, four of five kids that used tobacco have initiated it with flavored product. That is about 85% of middle high school students. The most com-

mon flavors are fruit, (70% of youth have tried it), candy flavor, mint, or menthol. Most of the time you cannot really tell the difference between candy and tobacco-flavored products.

Tzvieli also noted that vaping devices are even made to look as school supplies e.g. pens, USBs that makes it really hard to distinguish the difference between one over the other, Further, nicotine-infused flavored products with flavors like unicorn cotton candies, mint, and a lot of other flavors that are vry appealing to children visually.

The communities with a population living twice below the poverty level are Richmond, Bay Point, Antioch and Pittsburg correlates with the greater number of tobacco retailers and it is evident that more tobacco shops in those areas where people are living in poverty.

It is thus observed that exposure to tobacco marketing, advertising and tobacco retail shops depends on where you live as communities with people of color are more densely populated and are most impacted by accessibility and availability of these products mostly in tobacco retail shops include grocery stores, specialty tobacco shops, dollar stores, gas stations, convenient stores.

awardee’s exemplary service to the people and nation. The Order of Sikatuna is an order of diplomatic merit conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines, while the Gawad Mabini is conferred on Filipinos who have rendered distinguished foreign service, or helped promote the interests and prestige of the Philippines abroad.

While serving as Philippine envoy, Ambassador Romualdez “further deepened the Philippines’ US alliance through the enhanced defense and security cooperation, particularly in maritime security and the upgrading of Philippine defense capabilities and promoted trade and

investment, resulting in the recent entry into the Philippines of US base SBA Communications, thereby advancing the development of the country’s telecommunications technology backbone. He also played a lead role in the procurement of 20 million doses of Moderna Covid-19 vaccine significantly contributing to the government’s pandemic response efforts.”

The Ambassador virtually joined the conferment ceremony held in Malacanang Palace, Manila from Washington, D.C., US. The Embassy’s former Minister and Consul, Mr. Gunther Sales, accepted the award on his behalf.

The Embassy’s former Economic Section Head, Ms. Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, personally accepted her

Gawad Mabini from President Duterte for her “distinct accomplishments as First Secretary and Consul of the Philippine Embassy of Washington D.C.; for her exemplary dedication in serving the interest of Filipinos within her jurisdiction; for her laudable efforts in negotiating vaccine supply for the Philippines, reaching out to various pharmaceutical developers to give the Filipino people diversified vaccine options; for facilitating SBA Communications’ application to register as an independent power company, bringing investment to, and generating employment in the Philippines; and for advancing the national interest and promoting mutually beneficial cooperation between the Philippines and the United States of America.

Bong Go...

(From page 1)

all presidential surveys and has also admitted that he only agreed to run for president at the behest of outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte.

Speaking in the vernacular, Go said he did not want the president – whom he said he “loved like a father” -- to be trapped in the middle, even as he added that his family had been against his presidential run all along.

The freshman senator said he did not want the ageing president to bear the burden of helping him with his campaign. “I don’t want to add to his problems,” said Go, who long served as the personal assistant of Mr. Duterte as far back as his time as Davao City mayor.

Go revealed his plan to withdraw during the wreath-laying cer-

emony at the Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan.

Nov. 30 was a national holiday as it was the 158th birth anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacion, founder of the Katipunan, the rebel movement that waged a revolutionary war against Spain in the 1890s.

With Go giving up his presidential bid, it will mark the first time that the party in power will not have a presidential candidate, or even a vice presidential bet.

Go was the official candidate of the Cusi-wing of PDP-Laban, while Sara Duterte has been anointed as guest candidate for vice president.

Go originally filed a Certificate of Candidacy for vice president, but was convinced by the president to move up after the party’s original presidential bet, Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, withdrew.

Like Go, Dela Rosa is also serv-

ing his first term as senator.

Most presidential surveys have shown that the battle is likely to be between Vice President Leni Robredo and former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr, with Manila Mayor Isko Lopez running a distant third.

The other remaining candidates for the presidency are senators Manny Pacquiao and Panfilo Lacson.

The president’s daughter Sara was originally being pushed to run for president, but she opted to aim for the vice presidency instead.

While the Duterte camp had said that Sara’s entry to the VP race made her a sure winner, early surveys proved otherwise. Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto who is running alongside Lacson has been dominating the surveys before and after the entry to the race of the incumbent Davao City mayor.

9 December 2-8, 2021 Omicron...

 NATIONAL NEWS (From page 1)

Immediately, the government barred people coming in from South Africa where the variant was first discovered and six neighboring countries, namely, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini and

Mozambique.

Philippine health officials also tightened surveillance on possible carriers of the Omicron variant, resulting to the isolation and forced quarantine of a Filipino and two foreigners who arrived from South Africa and flew to Bacolod City and Negros Occidental where they serve as power consultants.

To prevent the possible spread of the Omicron variant, the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) said around 63 Filipinos from red list countries or areas that are at high risk for COVID-19 transmission are also at the quarantine facilities.

At press time, over a dozen countries and territories have detected cases, including Australia, Britain, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Brazil Portugal and Japan, triggering global alarm.

Latin America reported its first two cases Tuesday — in people who travelled from South Africa to Brazil — and first cases were confirmed in Japan, one day after it barred all foreign arrivals.

California’s first Omicron variant was also detected in a South Africa traveller, according to the Communicable Diseases Center (CDC) and California state officials.

The Omicron variant has propelled a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in South Africa in recent weeks, the country’s health officials reported to the Parliament, calling the situation “worrying”.

South Africa was the first country to detect Omicron, a new variant of the coronavirus with a high number of mutations, reporting its first cases on November 25 to the World Health Organization.

The discovery of Omicron has caused global alarm, with countries

limiting travel from southern Africa for fear it could spread quickly even in vaccinated populations and the World Health Organization saying it carries a high risk of infection surges.

In another development, Philippine private hospitals have been alerted to prepare for a possible spike in COVID-19 infections over fears of the spread of the new Omicron coronavirus variant, according to Dr. Jose Rene De Grano, president of Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. The PHA president assured that the hospitals have now ample supplies of oxygen and vacant beds amid a drop in COVID-19 cases in the country.

“Handa po ang mga private hospitals kung magkaroon man ulit ng mga bagong surge o bagong cases ng COVID (Private hospitals are prepared in case there will be a surge or new cases of COVID.),” he added.

Meanwhile, vaccination against coronavirus should be made mandatory, said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the chairman of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 as the country wrapped up its 3-day inoculation drive.

“Yes, it should be mandatory. Everyone should contribute to the health of the community. Those unvaccinated are vulnerable of getting the virus and getting seriously sick. They not only burden the state by their hospitalization but will also spread the virus around,” he said.

“Mahirap kung walang batas (It’s hard without a law). However, we can impose restrictions to unvaccinated people,” he added.

The Philippines has so far fully vaccinated 35.9 million against COVID-19, while 46.3 million have received an initial dose and 233,949 have received a third dose or a booster shot.

It has so far immunized 5 million more during the National Vaccination Days from Monday to Wednesday.

Another 3-day vaccination event is eyed to be held from Dec. 15 to 17.

Later, WHO warned blanket travel bans will not prevent the spread of Omicron, as more countries rushed to impose curbs and the first cases of the new COVID strain were detected in Latin America, adding that “blanket” travel bans risked doing more harm than good, just as Canada expanded its restrictions.

The country’s total number of recovered coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases has reached 2,768,999 after 951 new recoveries were reported on Wednesday.

In its latest case bulletin, the Department of Health (DOH) noted that recoveries account for 97.7 percent of the total case count which has reached 2,833,038 since the start of the pandemic last year.

Meanwhile, some 500 new infections brought the total number of active cases nationwide to 15,327 -lower than Tuesday’s 15,800 active infections.

Wednesday’s new infections, however, are slightly higher than Tuesday’s 425 - the lowest single-day tally of new infections this year.

About 756 of these active cases are asymptomatic, 7,183 are mild, 1,067 are critical, 2,489 are severe, and 3,832 are moderate.

Some 167 new deaths were reported which brought the country’s Covid-19 fatalities to 48,712.

According to DOH data on November 29, about 2.1 percent of 30,841 who were tested turned out positive for Covid-19.

In a related development, the Philippines may see less than 500 new daily COVID-19 infections by Christmas, according to OCTA research

group.

Dr. Guido David of independent research group OCTA said most parts of the country could shift to Alert Level 1, the loosest of the current quarantine restrictions, if there was no threat of the new variant named Omicron.

“Baka nga bumaba pa [to] less than 500 by Christmas. Sa Metro Manila, baka bumaba pa to less than 100 na lang,” he said.

“Kasi talagang parang nawawala na. Parang nag-vanishing act na lang ‘yung Delta bigla,” he said.

Meanwhile, a total of 1,839,846 college students have been vaccinated against Covid-19 so far, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chair J. Prospero de Vera III said.

In an online media briefing, de Vera said the figure is equivalent to 45.91 percent of the tertiary student population which has reached 4,007,795 as of November 25.

Meantime, some 239,431 or 82.45 percent of 290,380 higher education institution (HEI) personnel, both teaching and non-teaching, have been vaccinated.

For the three-day national vaccination program that ended Wednesday, about 375 HEIs and 10,504 student and personnel volunteers have participated, with 244,064 tertiary students targeted to be vaccinated.

 NATIONAL NEWS

December 2-8, 2021

Marcos asks Comelec to dismiss petitions seeking to disqualify him

Former Senator Bongbong Marcos MANILA – Nearly 90 petitions seeking the cancellation or denial of due course of the certificate of candidacy (COC) have been filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

According to the Comelec data, two of the 89 petitions have been filed against presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. by Fr. Christian Buenafe and Tiburcio Villamor Marcos.

Other petitions call for the cancellation of COCs for senator, representative, governor, vice-governor, sangguniang bayan, mayor, vice mayor.

Marcos said he is qualified to run for president in the upcoming 2022 elections as he submitted a five-page answer to the summons issued by the Comelec in connection with the petition seeking to cancel his COC. Atty. Estelito Mendoza, Marcos’ counsel, sought the petition be outrightly dismissed and that the same be heard by face-to-face argument instead of a virtual or video conference.

Pacquiao..

“Wherefore, it is respectfully prayed that the petition be dismissed. On the matter of hearing the petition, considering that the petition refers to the highest elective position in government and calls for the participation of the people in general, [it is respectfully prayed] that the petition be heard by face-to-face argument instead of a virtual or video conference,” Marcos’ plea stated.

The petitioners claimed that Marcos cannot run for public office as he was convicted by a Quezon City court for his multiple failures to file his income tax return (ITR) from 1982 to 1985.

They argued that Marcos’ conviction perpetually disqualified him from seeking any public office as the same involves moral turpitude.

But Marcos’ camp, thru Mendoza, countered this by saying that the petition will show that it is “bereft of any specific allegation of a material representation required under Section 74 of the Omnibus Election Code.”

Taking into account the qualifications of the various elective positions he has been elected to and occupied as enumerated, he said, “it is of judicial notice that the respondent [Marcos] has all the qualifications of a President under Section 2, Article VII of the Constitution and consequently there can be no violation of Section 78 in relation of Section 74 of the Omnibus Election Code upon which a petition such as the one now before the commission.”

On the same basis alone, Mendoza said, the petition merits outright dismissal.

Mendoza added that Marcos did not commit a crime involving moral turpitude. “[What] is clear and certainly beyond dispute is that the [Court of Appeals] CA decision does not, and no inference can be made from its decision that [Marcos], BBM in this case, has been found by the CA of committing a crime involving moral turpitude,” he said.

(From page 1)

Duterte and Pacquiao’s party, the PDP-Laban, was divided into the Duterte-Alfonso Cusi wing and the Pimentel-Pacquiao wings after Pacquiao was ousted as party president.

Mayor Domagoso for his part said he will not refuse Duterte’s endorsement if it comes.

Domagoso was once an appointee of Durtere as chairman of the North Rail Corporation and later to the Department of Social Welfare Administration.

“Di ako tatanggi. Ang pulubi, di makakapamili. Kailangan ko lahat ng klaseng tulong, ordinaryong tao, kahit sinong tao, kasi mabigat na laban ito. Malaki ang Pilipinas (I will not refuse.

The poor can’t be choosy. I need all forms of help from ordinary people and anybody, because this is an important battle. the Philippines is a big country.)

Like Pacquiao, Domagoso was also subject to Duterte’s tirades when he mentioned an unnamed Metro Manila mayor for having a “disorganized mind” and having lewd photos circulating online.

At press time, Senator Go has not formally withdrawn his certificate of candidacy, prompting the Commission on Election to state that he is technically still a candidate.

The PDP-Laban Cusi with, meanwhile, said the party is ready to adopt a presidential candidate.

With Go’s withdrawal from the race, Senators Pacquiao and Panfilo Lacson, Vice President Leni Robredo, Mayor Domagoso, former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and labor leader Leody de Guzman remain in the presidential contest.

Marcos is said to be leading in surveys but is facing disqualification by the Comelec for non payment of taxes and conviction in the tax case.

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 OPINION Rocker all his life

L

EDITORIAL

I

Meet the Four Horsemen of the Philippine Apocalypse

t comes as no surprise that the worst of the worst of past and present Filipino political leaders agreed to get together last week to endorse the candidacy of former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his running mate Sara Duterte.

The four political families are the Marcoses, the Dutertes, the Estradas, and the Macapagal-Arroyos and they have totally ignored the one fact that is staring everyone in the face – the candidate they are supporting has done little if anything to show that he can lead a country deeply mired in the worst political, economic, and health crisis in recent decades.

That and the undeniable fact that Marcos Jr. continues to enjoy the fruits of his late father’s wholesale theft of the Philippine’s coffers that saw the family amass billions of dollars in ill-gotten wealth. It is that wealth that is being used today to buy the elections lock, stock and barrel.

His army of trolls have managed to convince a segment of the Philippine population to turn a blind eye to the truth regarding the evils of the Marcos martial law regime, even promising to bring back a Golden Age that never was.

It does not matter to the four families, though. As long as the next president is one of their own, they can disregard the enormous possibility that the Philippines will end up in a much deeper hole than it finds itself in now, and quite possibly become so heavily indebted to China that it becomes a de facto province of the Asian superpower.

Marcos Jr. has indicated that he will continue with the dangerous policies of the Duterte regime, including its pivot towards China as the primary source of loans for mega-projects, which charge onerous interest rates that other countries have become trapped in.

It is not just the Marcoses who have done extensive damage to the Philippine economy and politics.

Recall that Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s family was involved in numerous scandals such as the NBN-ZTE deal as well as her being caught on tape practically admitting that she stole the election from Fernando Poe Jr. The shortlived Erap Estrada presidency, meanwhile, is known for a questionable deal at his behest that nearly ruined the Philippine stock market as well as the juetengate scandal.

Then there is Rodrigo Duterte’s regime, now known for the multi-billion Pharmally scandal alongside the still unexplained sweetheart deal involving the sale of the Malampaya gas field to a favored crony.

No wonder the gang of four are united in their support for Marcos Jr. They only want to retain their hold on power, and to hell with the Philippines and the Filipino people.

It behooves our countrymen back home to reject Marcos Jr and the traditional politicians who back his presidential bid. They are known as trapos, which is the Filipino term for rag. Indeed, that is what they are – dirty rags that must not only be rejected but disposed of and relegated to the dustbin of history.

They can only bring death, destruction, pestilence, and famine to our beloved motherland.

Upside

IFELONG musician Billy Hinsche, the Filipino American member of the sixties pop heartthrobs Dino, Desi and Billy who went on to record and tour with the rock icons The Beach Boys, died Nov. 20 of cancer. He was 70.

“One of the finest humans, friends, storytellers and musicians, on the entire planet just went home to rest,” actor and family friend Lucie Arnaz announced on Instagram. “We were like brother and sister.”

Dino, Desi and Billy were second generation Hollywood celebrities. Dino was the son of Dean Martin CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO and Desi the only son of Desi Arnaz III and the legendary Lucille Ball. Billy was the son of Celia Bautista, a Filipina movie actress who married Otto Hinsche, a Beverly Hills businessman for whom she gave up her film career.

Arnaz said her friend was diagnosed with giant cell carcinoma just weeks ago.

She noted that he died hours after his mother had passed away from natural causes at the age of 95.

“We lost a great friend, family member, and forever member of The Beach Boys band on Saturday. We’ll miss him greatly,” Mike Love, Beach Boys co-founder said on Twitter.

Band leader Brian Wilson tweeted, “Love & Mercy Billy Hinsche.”

Martin, Arnaz and Hinsche met in grammar school, bonded by their common love of music. They formed the band in 1964.

“He was my brother Desi’s oldest and closest friend” and the “most talented” of the band, Arnaz said. “He had never stopped working as a musician. Played with every incarnation of The Beach Boys. And during COVID, performed a wonderful show each and every week from his home in Henderson, NV, called Billy’s Place.”

Childhood friend and FilAm superfan Del Menguito Anama watched the YouTube shows religiously.

LOYAL TO SUPERFAN “I’m devastated,” Anama told author. “I followed all his Saturday shows and he even acknowledged me each week. Then end of September he said he had a new gig so he would be stopping the show for a bit.”

They had met in Manila during one of his visits with his grandmother, whom he called “Lolay,” said Anama. The starstruck teen and ‘60s fan mag Tiger Beat magazine collector tagged along as her mother Gloria Yandoc Nichols brought treats from her Rolling Pin Bakeshop for her balikbayan friend Celia Bautista and Celia’s mother Mrs. Ansaldo.

Anama spoke lovingly of her musician friend who never forgot how she and her family went out of their way to cheer him on.

She and her husband Leslie Anama took him to dinner and the TV dance program emceed by Archie Lacson in one of their last get-togethers in the late ‘70s in Manila, she said.

Decades later as US residents, the Anamas attended a reunion of her husband’s Ateneo high school class in Las Vegas.

(Continued on page 27)

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 OPINION

December 2-8, 2021

s active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California, my beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing and I were sorry to miss attending in person the weeklong vigil and memorial services of Ruby Dumawa McLean last week at the ART GABOT MADLAING Auditorium of the BAGUIO CHURCH OF CHRIST in 18 Rimando Road, Baguio City, Philippines.

However, through zoom and technology, my wife and I were able to share some of our fond memories with our NInang Ruby last Thursday, November 25, 2021, the last day and night of vigil and memorial services. I would like to share to our readers, brethren and friends some of my fond memories with Ninang Ruby.

I first met and got acquainted with Ninang Ruby, her late husband Vic Dumawa and their children in the early 70s when I was assigned at the Forest Station, Bureau of Forestry in Tayug, Pangasinan. I stayed with them at the parsonage of the CHURCH OF CHRIST in Tayug, Pangasinan when I was still a “new babe” in Christ. Both Ninang Ruby and her late husband Vic Dumawa, who was then the Minister of the CHURCH OF CHRIST in Tayug, Pangaqsinan, were very influential in my spiritual growth and maturity. After few years of stay with them, I was reassigned at the Regional Office of the Bureau of Forestry in Dagupan City as Assistant Regional Information Officer. Through God’s providence and answer to my prayers, God directed me to visit and meet my future wife Virginia Jimenez, who was then teaching at nearby elementary school in Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines.

Ninang Ruby and her late husband Vic Dumawa were one of the wedding sponsors during our wedding ceremony last May 5, 1974 (Cinco de Mayo) at the Auditorium, CHURCH OF CHRIST in Samar Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines, which was officiated by the late Bro. Conrado P. Mapalo.

The following year after our wedding, I immigrated to California last August 17, 1975. My wife and I were informed later on that Ninang Ruby’s husband died. Their lasting legacies are their children (Rolly, Rachel, Nelly, Dels and Philip) who are now professionals and their grandchildren who are all very active and faithful Christians. Her younger son Philip is now a preacher and minister of a local congregation in Manila.

After remaining widow for several years, Ninang Ruby married a brother in the faith John McLean. I remember very well how Ninang Ruby and her husband John made a stopover in San Francisco from Manila and stayed with us in our home in San Francisco on their way to their home in Montana. While in Montana, Ninang Ruby joined us in a long distance and virtual acapella singing and devotionals.

One fond memories we had with Ninang Ruby, was when she visited and stayed with us in our home in San Francisco, California after the death of her husband John McLean.

We toured with her the Golden Gate Park, Muirwoods Forest, walked along the Lake Stow, Rose Garden, Windwills, Golden Gate Bridge and other tourist spots in San Francisco.

We enjoyed attending with her the Bible Classes, Midweek Devotional & Prayer Fellowship and Worship Services at the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California.

Ninang Ruby had been a generous and very helpful Christian woman. She and my beloved wife assisted and helped a young brother and now a licensed physician Dr. Jason Nilo Reyuso, M.D. I know for a fact that Ninang Ruby spearheaded in the raising of $10,000 for the maintenance and roof repair of the building of the CHURCH OF CHRIST in Rimando Road, Baguio City, Philippines, when she was still living in Montana.

During the first WE CARE Evangelism Campaign & Workshop hosted by the BAGUIO CHURCH OF CHRIST in Baguio City in 2012, Ninang Ruby was with us assisting the WE CARE Team together with the help of Bro. John Quiniones and Sis. Fely Quiniones.

One special bonding we had with Ninang Ruby was when she stayed with us in Cabilocaan, Calasiao, Pangasinan in 2019 in conjunction with the Annual We CARE Evangelism Campaign & Workshop in Pangasinan and nearby provinces.

During break, we toured the Capi- (Continue on page 27)

thought it was our worst nightmare when the MAD (Marcos-Arroyo-Duterte) dynasties formalized its alliance the other week with the political marriage of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio for president and vice president in the 2022 May “ Elections arranged by former President Gloria Macapagal VAL ABELGAS Arroyo shortly after another wedding in Cavite.

I didn’t realize the worst was yet to come.

The three political families that were responsible for 35 lost years for the country was joined by another powerful political family that caused the loss of three more years in the country’s political and economic development. Last week, the Estrada clan, led by its patriarch former President Joseph Estrada, joined the MAD alliance with the formal signing of a coalition agreement to support the candidacies of Bongbong and Sara.

The coalition was sealed on Thursday when their parties, Arroyo’s Lakas – Christian Muslim Democrats, Duterte-Carpio’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago, Estrada’s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino and the Marcos-led Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, inked an alliance agreement at the Sofitel Plaza Manila in Pasay City.

Marcos said the coalition would bring back stability in politics and the country, adding that the interest of the Philippines was the “driving force” behind the parties teaming up.

What stability? History tells us that the total of 38 years under the Marcos, Arroyo, Estrada and Duterte administration were the most unstable years in the country’s political history. Those years were characterized by outright lies and deception, unparalleled corruption, rampant violation of human rights, accumulation of debts now totaling trillions of dollars that future generations of Filipinos would have to pay, lack of transparency and accountability in government, and subservience to China.

And we thought that with the earlier coalition of the Marcos-Duterte tandem, the political drama that has gripped the country for months would be over. But no, President Rodrigo Duterte, irked that he was not consulted even by his own daughter in the forming of the tandem, which actually did not surprise many Filipinos as it was expected from the get-go, prodded his alter-ego, Senator Bong Go, to substitute for Senator Bato de la Rosa and run for president under the PDP-Laban party.

It was an obvious move to spite Marcos and, at the same time, give him leverage for possible bargaining with Bongbong in case he would be forced to support him for president. And to top it all, Duterte said nasty things about Marcos, claiming that the latter used cocaine and was a “weak leader” whose only claim to fame is being the son of the late dictator.

To all these, Marcos kept his cool and his silence, perhaps confident of the fact that the President would eventually mend fences with him when his emotions settle down.

And so the drama continues. Now it seems Duterte and his allies are headed to what we expected all along – a coalition with the Marcoses to solidify the so-called Solid North and the Solid South, and with the Arroyos for the Central Luzon votes and the Estradas for the Metro Manila votes.

After meeting with several PDP-Laban lawmakers and calling on them to support Bong Go for president and Sara for vice president, he and Go met with the governors last week, where Go said he would most probably withdraw his COC for president because “it was not yet his time.”

Duterte said he would talk to Go to convince him to pursue the presidency, but said that if he fails to do so, he would just remain “neutral,” which obviously is another of his many lies and deception. With so much at stake, like a probable indictment before the International Criminal Court and investigation of several questionable deals and unsolved murders during his administration, we all know he would never go “neutral.”

Marcos, through his spokesman, said he was open to a dialogue with the President. I’m sure they are already negotiating through back channels at this time, and an announcement would be made before the start of the formal campaign in February.

(Continue on page 27)

S

PerryScope

A

I

On Distant Shore

Beware of the MAD plus E alliance

Health & Wealth

Remembering Ruby Dumawa McLean

Defenders of Sierra Madre ince 1999, a World War II-era navy ship lay aground off Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal), an uninhabited atoll near the Kalayaan group of islands in the Spratly archipelago. The ship, BRP Sierra Madre, was purposely grounded by the Philippine Navy to serve as an outpost in the West Philippine Sea (South China PERRY DIAZ Sea) after China had grabbed and occupied the Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef) in 1995.

Since then, China had progressively fortified Panganiban Reef with permanent buildings, naval guns, and a detachment of military personnel.

To defend the Sierra Madre, a detachment of nine marines is rotated every five months. The grounded – and rusting – Sierra Madre is used as their makeshift garrison. With no landing strip on Ayungin, the only way to bring troops and food rations to Sierra Madre is by sea.

Some years ago, China unilaterally imposed a 60-mile restricted “no entry” zone around Panganiban Reef, which is within the Philippines’ 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). That placed Ayungin Shoal, which is only 25 miles southeast of Panganiban Reef, inside the restricted “no entry” zone. Since Ayungin Shoal is only 105 miles from Palawan, and within the Philippines’ EEZ, it would give China a geostrategic foothold on Philippine territory if China took possession of Ayungin. And because of its strategic location, Ayungin is considered the gateway to Recto (Reed) Bank, a proven oil- and gas-rich region coveted by energy-hungry China.

And if China had taken Ayungin, her next logical step would be to take full control of the oil and mineral-rich Recto Bank.

In early 2014, China started blockading Ayungin to put pressure on the Philippines to abandon the Sierra Madre. On March 9, 2014, Chinese Coast Guard ships blocked two attempts by the Philippines to resupply the garrison. Three days later, the supplies were airdropped. But the troops persevered and continued their vigilance in defending the Sierra Madre.

China’s claim On March 13, 2014, China held a media briefing in Beijing to further her claim on Ayungin. According to spokesperson Hong Lei, then incoming President Joseph “Erap” Estrada made an “unequivocal commitment” to China in 1999 that the Philippines would tow away the grounded ship. Hong also said that Estrada’s successor, President Gloria MacapagalArroyo, reiterated Erap’s “solemn commitment” in 2003.

Since then, China had aggressively intruded and conducted military activities in the West Philippine Sea despite the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling that debunked China’s nine-dash line claim in the West Philippine Sea. Fast forward to 2021. China once again repeated its claim.

On November 16, it sent coast guard ships to block and it used water cannons to spray a powerful stream of water at two Philippine boats carrying supplies to troops deployed to the Sierra Madre. The water cannon attack prompted the Philippine government to order China’s ships to back off and warned that the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) covers the supply ships.

Consequently, U.S. and Philippine military officials held initial talks to assess the future of their countries’ 70-year MDT, including revising it in a possible move, which made China wary. The 1951 treaty commits the United States and the Philippines to come to the aid of the other in case of an attack. U.S. officials have repeatedly assured their Philippine counterparts that they would honor their treaty obligations if Philippine forces, ships, and aircraft come under attack in the disputed South China Sea or anywhere in the world for that matter.

Recently, China raised the ante by demanding that the Philippines removes the grounded BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal, saying it should “honor its commitment.”

But Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said there is no such agreement. But China said that its “position remains unchanged.” However, there is no record that either Estrada or Macapagal-Arroyo had ever made any commitment to remove the Sierra Madre.

But granted that they made such a commitment, it was never executed during their terms of office; thus, any subsequent president can negate such (Continue on page 27)

12

13 December 2-8, 2021

 OPINION

Offline

O “

ne of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” – Plato “The fault dear Brutus is not in our stars but in ourselves that we are underlings.” – Cassius to Brutus in Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare Political carnival is final- HOMOBONO A. ADAZA ly in town, Political fever is rising to suicidal heights. The candidates are participants in the never ending circus in this country – and so are the people. Nobody is thinking except a few who might just make a difference. I hope and pray.

Marcos bubble: Every intelligent person in this country is surprised at the popularity of BB Marcos in the polls. But knowing the surveys, I am not all surprised. BB M must have a good propaganda machine, both in mainstream and social media This BB M propaganda is challenged by the populist movement of VP Leni Robredo. There are motorcades everywhere – here and abroad. This is a clash between an immovable object and an irresistible force - if the elections will be clean and honest. But it will not be clean and honest. Both BB M and VP Leni, in the end, will struggle for nothing. Why? Bong Go: Senator Bong Go may be lagging in the polls but is far ahead in these factors – PR D, COMELEC, Smartmatic, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Dennis Uy’s F2 Logistics and the whole machinery of government. Against all these, no group of Marcos Loyalists or VP Leni’s populist armada can be a match. It would be a mismatch unless the two have covert components which are beyond the reach of PR D’s intelligence task force. If not, BB M and VP Leni will be on the way to oblivion on the fastest space vehicle.

But PR D has been repeatedly saying the May 2022 elections will be clean and honest. Common kids, grow up. Do you believe PR D, perceived to be a 10 11 politico, will deliver on his commitment? If you do, it’s about time you consult a psychiatrist.

Cocaine puzzle: The number one subject of conversation these days is the puzzle introduced by PR D – cocaine using presidential candidate, one of the leaders in the survey, son of a late powerful and popular father, spoiled child and weak leader. BB Marcos did not feel alluded to but was fast to undergo a laboratory test for cocaine and bingo - the test proved negative. His propaganda machine claims the negative test result puts the issue to rest – not really and not that fast. There are questions needing answers before the issue can be buried for good.

Who did the cocaine test for BB M? Is it a reputable laboratory? If not a laboratory, is it a doctor or a chemist? Is he/she reliable and credible? To erase any doubts about the reliability and credibility of the test results, BB M must do to things – reveal the identity of the laboratory or chemist or doctor who did the testing and undergo another test with a reliable and credible government laboratory witnessed by mainstream media in full view of national and international television networks. Failing to do these, the negative test result is not worth the paper on which it is written. The BB M is test result is written on water. It is useless and nothing but waste paper.

On the other hand, PR Duterte should reveal the identity of the cocaine user. Why? The man is running for President of the country. People have the right to know his identity so that they can make the correct choice in the May 2022 election. Moreover, under Section 5, Article IV of the Constitution which embodies his oath of office as President, PR D is sworn to fulfill his duties as President - preserve and defend the Constitution, execute the laws and do justice to every man. If he has evidence, why did he not order the arrest and prosecution of this suspect? Using cocaine is illegal under our laws and bail is not allowed - why the failure of PR D to do his mandated duty?

More questions for PR D: I still remember PR D threatening drug lords he will kill them because they are destroying his country. I do not know of any suspected or confirmed drug lord PR D or his boys killed on his orders. Suspected (Continue on page 27) drugs lords like his compadre

H

e helped topple the dictator in 1986.

He will also certainly not support the dictator’s son’s attempt to ascend to power to reclaim the family’s lost glory and vindicate his father’s honor after he was chased out from power in 1986.

Fidel V. Ramos is a very principled man.

MANNY MOGATO He wants the country to remember him as the man who helped restore democratic institutions in the Philippines and protected it from numerous attempts by misguided military officers to unseat Corazon Aquino.

A cabal of colonels wanted to install a power-hungry politician who regretted handing over power to the widow of a martyred senator, a symbol of the opposition to the strongman who plundered the country’s coffers.

As the successor of Cory Aquino in 1992, he strengthened the democratic institutions and introduced reforms to stimulate the economy through his 3Ds — decentralization, devolution and deregulation.

He dismantled the monopolies in the country’s airline and telecommunications industries, levelling the playing field to move the country up with the region’s tiger economies.

The US-trained army general willingly hung up his uniform after 38 years of dedicated service, rolled up his sleeves to confront in 1992 the debilitating 12-hour brownouts hurting the economy, and laid down plans for massive infrastructure.

He did not think twice to discard the military mind-set and offered an olive branch to rebel forces, offering amnesty to Maoist-led guerrillas, Muslim separatist rebels and right-wing mutineers.

There was political stability and incremental economic growth from 1992 to 1998 when he was chief executive. It was the best years of the post-Marcos years.

Ramos was not perfect. There were corruption issues, like the Mount Pinatubo rehabilitation funds, PEA-Amari land deal and the Clark centennial city.

But these were controversies blamed on his political allies in the political party, Lakas-Christian-Muslim Democrats (CMD), which pulled him down in the surveys before he stepped down from power.

It is the same political party with the familiar political families that is bringing shame today by supporting Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in next year’s national elections.

It is unfair for Ramos, considered to be one of the EDSA 1986 heroes, to be dragged into today’s partisan politics just because the party he founded in 1991 is backing Marcos Junior.

At 93 years old, Ramos has retired quietly from politics.

He has already done more than enough for his country.

In 1950, he chose to serve his country’s military after graduating from the US Military Academy in West Point.

He fought in the Korean War, leading a platoon in holding back large numbers of attacking Communist Chinese and Korean forces, and served later as commander of the Philippine Civil Action Group (Philcag) in the Vietnam war in the late 1960s.

He organized two elite units in the armed forces — the Army’s Special Forces Regiment and the defunct Constabulary’s Special Action Force.

But he was also chief implementer of martial law, as the commanding general of the Philippine Constabulary and Integrated National Police.

In February 1986, he broke off from the corrupt Ferdinand Marcos to spark a nearly bloodless civilian-backed military mutiny, which became a popular uprising that ended a 20-year iron-fisted rule.

Filipinos do not have short memories but they needed to be reminded of what they stood for in 1986. Filipinos gathered on EDSA for three days to demand Marcos hand over power after he cheated in an election.

For two decades, the Marcoses stole from the people.

They lied and deceived the people so they could live like royalty while millions suffered in poverty.

In 1986, the country was bankrupt as Marcos siphoned the money and stashed it in fat Swiss bank accounts and splurged in expensive jewelry, art piec(Continue on page 27)

IN THE TRENCHES

W

hen the news first spread that yet another COVID-19 variant had appeared out of nowhere, one of my doctorfriends warned us not to expect a merry Christmas this year.

The doctor is one of five from my high school batch – six if you include our one dentist – who has happily been BETING DOLOR active in our chat groups, and who has freely given advice when anyone of us asks for it.

He’s a cancer specialist, by the way, and has been keeping us informed of the coronavirus and all its variants since the pandemic erupted last year.

Prior to the coming of this Omicron variant, the Philippines had been showing positive signs of having finally controlled the virus. The daily infections had fallen below 1,000 in recent days, which is a huge improvement over the peak of more than 20,000/day a couple of months ago.

The number of vaccinated Filipinos was growing steadily, and there was even a three-day massive nationwide vaccination program planned. The government was so serious about the ambitious program that it was even planning to declare an official holiday in those three days.

That program is still pushing through, and the target has been adjusted to a more manageable nine million vaccinations.

All in all, it looked like happier times were ahead, as even the ridiculous face mask requirement was all but scrapped.

Like the snap of a Thanos finger, however, everything changed.

The new variant was confirmed a little more than a week ago, but already it has spread like a proverbial wildfire.

The latest word is that cases have already been recorded in nearby Hongkong, which is a favorite shopping haven for Filipinos, especially during the Christmas holidays. As such, it is a near certainty that the Omicron variant will appear in the country in the coming days.

Incidentally, little is known of the variant. Some news reports paint an extremely grim picture of a virus that is even deadlier than the original strain of coronavirus or its Delta variant, which caused a serious spike in cases this year. Other claims say that it is actually a milder form of virus compared to Delta.

The worst piece of news is that Omicron is immune to the existing vaccines, which means that the big drug companies will be back at work to determine what can be done to stop the new variant.

This, after a handful of drug companies had apparently perfected an anti-COVID medication in tablet or capsule form, which may even be purchased over the counter. So no more joining long queues and painful injections with subsequent side effects.

Naturally, it will take time before a new vaccine can be developed to stop Omicron, which still has unanswered questions on precisely what kind of virus it is.

What’s knows is that it first appeared in South Africa, then spread to the African and Middle Eastern countries, before finding its way to Europe. From there, it made its way to Asia, and now it has spread far and wide.

So yes, a merry Christmas season is practically out of the question. We all have to go back to the protocols of the past year, with many businesses again being forced to either shut down or to cut back operations.

This is a real shame, as the Christmas spirit that was absent last year had returned this year. All the malls had been dressed and draped in holiday décor, and Christmas carols played incessantly, with special attention to the Jose Mari Chan songs.

My dear grandchild Griffin was able to go to a mall for the first time in his young life, and I was able to again hold him after 11 months. That was the last time I had a face-to-face meeting with my three apos based in the country, and it was done surreptitiously. My son brought them to meet me at the parking lot of a nearby chapel.

This year, we were planning on having an honest to goodness family gathering at one of the restaurants near my place.

That plan is now in limbo.

Like all parents and grandparents here, I was looking forward to seeing my kids and grandkids in person, at a leisurely pace while having an unneces(Continue on page 27)

Let Fidel Ramos retire from public life quietly

Presidential drug game

Diliman Way

Another unmerry Christmas coming up

 IMMIGRATIONS What should you consider before filing bankruptcy?

Many people believe bankruptcy as a last resort to save an unsuccessful financial aspect of life. However, financial problems necessitating bankruptcy are not the result of poor decisions. Sometimes people are not financially prepared for a major life change such as unemployment, divorce or illness. This can take a toll not only on a person’s health but also on their finances.

Nowadays, filing for bankruptcy is considered a good solution for those who cannot pay back their unsecured debts as compared to other uncertain options.

Credit scores can be repaired and a clean slate can be achieved within a year after discharge.

Question: What warning signs should I consider before filing a bankruptcy?

Answers: If any of the following applies to you, it is time to consider filing bankruptcy: 1. If you are facing foreclosure or repossession.

2. If your creditors have attached your wages or your bank account.

3. If you can’t catch up with your bills no matter how hard you try.

4. If you no longer answer the phone because creditors call you night and day.

Question: What can bankruptcy do for me?

Answer: While bankruptcy cannot help you out of every single financial situation, like relief from child support, it can help you with some of the most common types of financial distress. Both State and Federal Laws are enacted to protect your rights and save your dwelling and your ability to earn a living. If you are feeling guilty or ashamed of the financial situation that you are in, consider that in these difficult times, you are not alone. The rich and the poor filed for bankruptcy at least once in their lifetime.

Question: What are the benefits of filing bankruptcy?

Answer: Among the benefits of filing bankruptcy are: 1. Allows for the “discharge” of most, if not all of your debts. This means that you are no longer legally obligated to pay the debts.

2. Prevents property from being repossessed, or it may require creditors to return property that was repossessed.

3. Stops the collection process. This means that creditors must stop attempting to collect on the debts.

4. Prevents you from having your utilities cut off, or if they are cut off, requires the utility company to restore service.

5. Stops or prevents wage garnishment.

6. Halts the foreclosure process and gives you time to catch up on payments.

This means you will not necessarily lose your house or mobile home.

7. Gives you the opportunity to dispute false claims from creditors who may be trying to collect more than what it owed to them.

Question: Will bankruptcy improve my credit score in the future?

Answer: YES! Although filing for bankruptcy is a black mark on your credit report, it is also important to remember that your existing debt is also a black mark in your credit. Filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, in many cases, may actually improve your current credit situation because the black mark will go away eventually. If you do not file bankruptcy, the black mark will continue in your lifetime unless you paid all your debts.

Note: This is not a legal advice.

Signs China may annex the Philippines China has been interfering in our election since 2015 to put their person as President. China may annex the Philippines after the May 2022 election because of China’s ambition to control the West Philippine Sea which will enable them to control all and the important sea passage. When this happens, all of us including our children and grandchildren will become slaves of Communist China. This is something that we have to fight to the last drop of blood. We will have no more country because we were sold by our politicians. The only way we can do is to protest in unity. This is a right granted in our constitution and a basic human rights nobody can deny. . We need to unite in order to defeat whoever China is supporting for President. Listen to Percy Lapid (or Lapid Fire) and Waldy Carbonell on You Tube and Facebook for details and more corruption in the government.

Note: 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 practices immigration law, bankruptcy and income tax preparation since June 1999. His contact phone is 1-877-456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www.crispinlozanolaw.com/

December 2-8, 2021

14

PHL gov’t debt hits record P11.97 trillion in October

MANILA - The Philippine government’s debt rose to a new high of P11.97 trillion at the end of October as the government incurred more loans as the global health crisis rages on, the Bureau of Treasury reported.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, meanwhile, disclosed that the government expects to borrow P3 trillion this year, and P2.25 trillion next year.

The P11.97 trillion debt was 19.38 percent higher than in October last year and 22.22 percent higher than at the start of the year. It also slightly surpassed the previous ₱11.91-trillion record set in September.

Since October last year, the government has added P1.9 trillion to the national debt.

“Of the total debt stock, 29.3 percent was sourced externally while 70.7 percent were domestic borrowings,” the treasury bureau said.

The country’s domestic debt amounted to P8.47 trillion. Since the start of 2021, domestic debt has increased by P1.77 trillion or 26.49 percent, the agency said.

Foreign debt stood at P3.5 trillion.

Since the start of the year, the country added P402.81 billion to its foreign debt stock, up 12.99 percent.

In five years and 4 months, the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte has more than doubled the country’s debt

from P5.95 trillion at the end of June 2016.

“For October, the lower figure for external debt was attributed to the impact of local and foreign currency exchange rate adjustments amounting to ₱22.68 billion and ₱8.45 billion respectively. This more than offset the net availment of external obligations amounting to ₱4.96 billion,” said the Treasury.

The government’s guaranteed payments, however, fell in October to ₱426.46 billion. The 4.77% drop was due to the net redemption of domestic guarantees of ₱1.24 billion and external guarantees at ₱800 million, the agency said.

The Treasury also cited the currency adjustment on both local- and third-currency denominated guarantees, yielding decreases of ₱1.28 billion and ₱2.25 billion respectively.

“However, the reclassification of the syndicated term loan of PSALM from domestic to external guarantee had a net adjustment effect of ₱1.55 billion to domestic guarantees,” it added.

Earlier this month, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon questioned the country’s ability to settle outstanding loans with total debt stock already equal to 61.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) as of end-September. The international threshold is at 60%.

PHL gov’t deficit widens to P64.3B MANILA - The national government’s budget deficit widened to P64.3 billion in October, data released by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed.

According to the latest cash operations report, the deficit was 4.77 percent or P2.9 billion higher than the P61.4 billion recorded in the same period last year.

The year-to-date budget deficit consequently widened to P1.2 trillion, 27.94 percent or P262.8 billion higher than the budget gap posted in the same period last year of P940.6 billion, and is at 65 percent of the P1.9 trillion 2021 revised program.

Total revenue for October grew by 10.9 percent to P253.1 billion from the P228.2 billion collected last year.

Cumulative collection as of end-October stood at P2.5 trillion, equivalent to 86 percent of the P2.9 trillion revised program for the year and registered a five percent improvement from the P2.37 trillion a year ago.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) collection for the month increased to P162.1 billion, 6.6 percent higher versus the same month of last year’s P152.1 billion.

BIR’s year-to-date collection of P1.7 trillion likewise reflected a 6.83 percent increase over collections in 2020 of P1.6 trillion and comprised 82 percent of its revised full-year target of P2.1 trillion.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) managed to grow its collection by 9.76 per-

cent to P55.5 billion in October 2021 from P50.6 billion a year ago.

This resulted in BOC’s cumulative uptake of P525.4 billion for the 10-month period, 17.1 percent better than the P448.6 billion attained in the same period in 2020 and represented 85 percent of the P616.7 billion adjusted program for the year.

Total BTr income for October amounting to P9 billion grew by 30.01 percent, which was mainly attributed to higher dividend remittances as well as the national government’s share from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.’s profit and investment income.

BTr’s total aggregate collection of P114.5 billion from January to October, meanwhile, declined by 45.07 percent from P208.5 billion, which the agency said was due to the high base effect of last year’s remittances in compliance with Bayanihan I. BTr’s year-to-date performance, however, has already outperformed the original full-year program of P74.7 billion by 53.31 percent.

Meanwhile, the national government’s disbursement for October reached P317.4 billion, 9.6 percent above the P289.6 billion disbursed for the same month last year.

Year-to-date expenditure of P3.7 trillion similarly surpassed the previous year’s spending performance for the same period of P3.31 trillion by 11.51 percent.

15 December 2-8, 2021

 ENTERTAINMENT

December 2-8, 2021

16

The Modern Filipino Sound is ready to Rock the World with the Back-to-Back Music Experience of “1MX Dubai 2021” and “1MX Manila 2021”

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA, NOVEMBER 29, 2021 – The countdown is on to the first ever live event to be staged by ABS-CBN since the pandemic forced the world to a standstill from March 2020, and there is a shared excitement felt worldwide, as global audiences get ready for “1MX Dubai” and “1MX Manila” happening on December 3, 2021.

At the recent global media conference held for the back-to-back music extravaganza, press and bloggers from different regions around the world had a very spirited exchange during the Q&A,

a sign that the public has been yearning for a live show from their longtime favorite artists and from the fastrising new performers.

Moira dela Torre shares that there was so much fear since the pandemic. She adds that “We didn’t even know if this day was going to come, but here we are, elevated and filled with hope. And I am so excited to see our Kapamilyas in Dubai.”

For many of the artists, the past 20 months have given them much to reflect on, to be grateful for, and time to hone their craft further.

Pinoy rock icon, Bamboo, says that the pandemic has made him more appreciative of a lot of things in life. Right now, he wants to “reclaim what we have

lost. It’s been a couple of years and I think it’s time we got back on track as a people and as a country, as well. So, game on.”

Music is also an important way to convey the realities of life. According to rapper-composer Kritiko, “Pag gumagawa ako ng kanta, gusto ko maiba ako sa lahat. Gusto ko sabihin yung totoong nangyayari pero hindi kaya sabihin ng iba. Ako po yung nagiging boses nila.”

(When I write songs, I want to be different. I want to show what is happening in real life that others cannot express. I get to be their voice.)

Filipino American rapper EZ Mil asserts that one must cultivate new ideas all the time. He says, “Everybody is scrolling through their phones trying to look for something new. So, if you have an idea that is so out of the box or NBD – never been done – go for it.”

Filipino artists continue to innovate, not just for Filipino audiences, but for the rest of the world. Bamboo underlines the importance of bringing Filipino music through 1MX Dubai and 1MX Manila to feel that sense of community in the world. “We’re going to give a piece of ourselves for this show. We are trying to boost spirits up, especially in this time

of the holidays. It’s time to get people ready again, our hearts pumping again.”

Catch Bamboo, Moira dela Torre, EZ Mil, Gigi de Lana, BINI, and BGYO at 1MX Dubai 2021.

Featured artists for 1MX Manila 2021 are: AC Bonifacio, Angela Ken, Carlo Bautista, Fana, Jayda, Jeremy G, Kritiko, Lian Kyla, Nameless Kids, Sab, and Trisha Denise.

Do not miss this back-to-back music fest: 1MX Dubai 2021 happening at the Trade Centre Arena in Dubai World Trade Centre; and 1MX Manila 2021 streaming LIVE worldwide (except UAE) via ktx.ph.

1MX Dubai 2021 and 1MX Manila 2021 are brought to you by TFC, ABSCBN Music, One Music PH, and Myx, together with DJMC Events, Camella Homes, and Philippine Airlines.

Tickets are still available at ktx.ph.

Click here to watch the full global media conference.

Media Contact Pia Lopezbanos-Carrion Corporate Affairs & PR ABS-CBN International/TFC www.myTFC.com pia_lopezbanos@abs-cbn.com

Para sa karagdagang mga kaalaman kaugnay ng pagdinig sa harap ng Lupon ng Tagapamahala, tumungo sa https://sanmateocounty.legistar.com

17 December 2-8, 2021

 ENTERTAINMENT

Yul Servo vs Raymond Bagatsing 2 actors to slug it out in Manila vice mayor race in 2022

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda Manila is in for another battle of actors in the 2022 elections.

In the 2019 elections, it was a fight between actor and then incumbent mayor Joseph Estrada, whose real name is Joseph Marcelo Ejercito, and actor and now Manila Mayor Francisco Moreno, who is better known for his actor’s name Isko Moreno.

That election saw the young Isko Moreno trouncing Estrada, a former president, vice president, senator and mayor, in a landslide victory (over 100,000 votes) never before seen in the history of Manila elections.

In the same election, actor and former Manila Councilor Yul Servo, 44, whose real name is John Marvin Nieto, won as congressman of Manila’s third district.

Now, Congressman Servo will be facing another actor in the 2022 elections. His rival is Ramon “Raymond” Bagatsing, whose grandfather, Ramon Bagatsing, 54, served as Congressman and then as a long-time and well-loved mayor of Manila.

The Servo-Bagatsing contest, how-

ever, is for the number two post of the city.

Observers said Congressman Servo has a big advantage in the vice mayoralty race because he is a candidate of Mayor Domagoso annd their party Asenso Manileno in tandem with now Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, a professional doctor.

Bagatsing is running as an independent candidate without any party backup.

Meanwhile, Mayor Domagoso, a presidential candidate, said he wants the Philippines to ride the Korean wave as he targets to infuse capital in the local entertainment industry once he wins the presidential election next year.

“If we can go on the same path where the Korean government spent so much money to develop their movie industry, I think we can do the same.

It took them 20 years to introduce Korean culture through visual arts to the world, we can do it as well,” the mayor said.

The presidential hopeful said K-pop groups Black Pink and BTS, as well as Korean television shows and movies, continue to gain popularity on the

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Yul Servo

international stage, helping spur South Korea’s economy.

Amid the industry boom, Moreno said South Korea’s entertainment and media sector has been chipping in $10 billion to the country’s economy every year.

“Imagine how Korean culture is

Raymond Bagatsing

now ingrained globally. All because of their entertainment industry that is also contributing substantially to their economy,” he said.

“Imagine how it can help our economy grow. If BTS can do it, hopefully someday, somehow, we can do it also,” Moreno added.

 ENTERTAINMENT

December 2-8, 2021

18

ONE MORE TIME:

Filipina singer JoAnne Lorenzana holds her virtual anniversary special anew After the successful two-day run of her music anniversary show last August, versatile OPM (Original Pilipino Music) singer-songwriter JoAnne Lorenzana restages her show once more as “JoAnne Lorenzana@35: Love Songs & Lessons REPLAY Plus.”

Said show is in celebration of her 35 years in the music scene, where she touched Filipino listeners through her signature songs I’ll Never Let You Go, You, Kung Alam Mo Lang, Back in Your Arms, Bayan Ko, Hoy Pakibilisan and Goodtimes, Badtimes, among others.

The songs became a staple in the airwaves and also made possible for the songstress to travel and sing for audiences abroad.

Prior to her show though, JoAnne would occasionally perform honoring a personal vow to sing or record every five years but her latest composition, My Everyday Valentine, done in collaboration with composer par excellence Jimmy Borja, has allowed to make her presence felt again in the music circuit even through the unique scenario of virtual broadcasting to a global audience from her local California residence.

With the resurgence of her colleagues as well, JoAnne foresees a more frequent return to both recording and performing also with other OPM artists she sang with in the past.

“JoAnne@35 REPLAY Plus” – the plus signifying some surprise musical additions - is scheduled on DECEMBER 3, Friday at 8:00 p.m. (West Coast, US | Canada) & 11:00 p.m. (in the East Coast), on Simultaneous

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(CANADA East Coast), 12:00 noon (London, UK) & 11 p.m. (Sydney, AUS).

Her guests are: Jun Polistico who performs his part on their duet from Manila, The Quarentados Choir made up of Filipino medical frontliners and those in allied fields in various countries. JoAnne’s niece Kylie Lorenzana Fonacier from Canada, and also based in Manila, the King of OPM Ogie Alcasid.

Viewers will get to see JoAnne perform her hits and her new song, My Everyday Valentine which she dedicates to her husband Brant.

JoAnne plans to finish an EP (Extended Play album), write more songs and stage more performances.

JoAnne reveals her plans: “I want to go back to my songwriting roots and write songs for other artists. The global virtual connection is unexpectedly igniting this fresh chapter of my career. The support and accommodation of our kababayans from different parts of the world is something artists like myself can truly be grateful for.”

Some of the Philippines’ premier performers will make a special appearance on the show as JoAnne and her guests pay tribute to Original Filipino Music.

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Get ready to feel the warmth and excitement of coming home to your loved ones this holiday season!

Camella, together with TFC The Filipino Channel, brings you the heartwarming music video of the song, ‘Coming Home on Christmas’!

Don’t miss this chance to meet this event’s very special guest, “Coming Home on Christmas”’ composer and singer, SAB! SAB, one of the fastest rising indie singer-songwriters in the Philippines, has been on an exciting roll of wins. After performing in huge virtual events for the overseas Filipino community this summer including the concert presented by the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. and TFC celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the U.S., she also released this year her six-track EP, “Sunsets & Heaven”. In addition, she composed the hit song, “Golden Arrow”, the third

single from all-female P-Pop group BINI’s debut album “Born to Win” which reached number one on iTunes PH. SAB is also among the stellar lineup of Filipino artists gracing the backto-back concerts of 1MX in Manila and Dubai on December 3 (Manila time) which will also be livestreamed on KTX. ph.

“Coming Home on Christmas” started streaming on November 29, on the following Facebook pages: @CamellaOfficial @kapamilyaTFC @TFCAsia @TFCANZP @TFCMiddleEast @TFCEurope @TFCUSOfficial @TFCCanadaOfficial

 ENTERTAINMENT

December 2-8, 2021

18

ONE MORE TIME:

Filipina singer JoAnne Lorenzana holds her virtual anniversary special anew After the successful two-day run of her music anniversary show last August, versatile OPM (Original Pilipino Music) singer-songwriter JoAnne Lorenzana restages her show once more as “JoAnne Lorenzana@35: Love Songs & Lessons REPLAY Plus.”

Said show is in celebration of her 35 years in the music scene, where she touched Filipino listeners through her signature songs I’ll Never Let You Go, You, Kung Alam Mo Lang, Back in Your Arms, Bayan Ko, Hoy Pakibilisan and Goodtimes, Badtimes, among others.

The songs became a staple in the airwaves and also made possible for the songstress to travel and sing for audiences abroad.

Prior to her show though, JoAnne would occasionally perform honoring a personal vow to sing or record every five years but her latest composition, My Everyday Valentine, done in collaboration with composer par excellence Jimmy Borja, has allowed to make her pres-

ence felt again in the music circuit even through the unique scenario of virtual broadcasting to a global audience from her local California residence.

With the resurgence of her colleagues as well, JoAnne foresees a more frequent return to both recording and performing also with other OPM artists she sang with in the past. “JoAnne@35 REPLAY Plus” – the plus signifying some surprise musical additions - is scheduled on DECEMBER 3, Friday at 8:00 p.m. (West Coast, US | Canada) & 11:00 p.m. (in the East Coast), on Simultaneous Broadcast December 4, Saturday at 12 noon in Manila. DAY 2 Airing is a WATCH-On-DEMAND for Eight Hours beginning at 8:00 p.m. – Manila. 4:00 a.m. (West Coast, US| Canada), 7:00 a.m. (US East Coast), 5:00 a.m. (CANADA East Coast), 12:00 noon (London, UK) & 11 p.m. (Sydney, AUS).

Her guests are: Jun Polistico who performs his part on their duet from Manila, The Quarentados Choir made up of Filipino medical frontliners and those in al-

lied fields in various countries. JoAnne’s niece Kylie Lorenzana Fonacier from Canada, and also based in Manila, the King of OPM Ogie Alcasid.

Viewers will get to see JoAnne perform her hits and her new song, My Everyday Valentine which she dedicates to her husband Brant.

JoAnne plans to finish an EP (Extended Play album), write more songs and stage more performances.

JoAnne reveals her plans: “I want to go back to my songwriting roots and write songs for other artists. The global virtual connection is unexpectedly igniting this fresh chapter of my career. The support and accommodation of our kababayans from different parts of the world is something artists like

myself can truly be grateful for.”

Some of the Philippines’ premier performers will make a special appearance on the show as JoAnne and her guests pay tribute to Original Filipino Music.

Get ready to feel the warmth and excitement of coming home to your loved ones this holiday Camella, together with TFC The Fili- ing music video of the song, ‘Coming Don’t miss pino Channel, brings you the heartwarm- Home on Christmas’! this chance to meet this event’s very special guest, “Coming Home on Christmas”’ composer and singer, SAB! SAB, one of the fastest rising indie singer-songwriters in the Philippines, has been on an exciting roll of wins. After Our Services *$100 OFF on Biz Websites performing in * Custom Websites huge virtual *Your FREE Domain Name events for the * Graphic Design *Get found on Google Search overseas Fili* SEO (Google etc.) pino commu*Sell Locally or Globally * Social Media nity this sum*Show your Expertise Globally * Videos mer including * Fast , Easy & Measurable the concert * E-commerce presented by * Affordable & Effective *And More the Philippine Embassy in Washington * Reach your Target Market D.C. and TFC celebrating the 75th anni* FREE VIDEO AD ! versary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the U.S., she also released this year her six-track EP, “Sunsets & Heaven”. In addition, she composed the hit song, “Golden Arrow”, the third single from all-female P-Pop group BINI’s debut album “Born to Win” which PROMO CODE: reached number one on iTunes PH. PN75 SAB is also among the stellar lineCONTACT@SP3MEDIA.COM up of Filipino artists gracing the backto-back concerts of 1MX in Manila and Dubai on December 3 (Manila time)

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which will also be livestreamed on KTX. ph.

“Coming Home on Christmas” started streaming on November 29, on the following Facebook pages: @CamellaOfficial @kapamilyaTFC @TFCAsia @TFCANZP @TFCMiddleEast @TFCEurope @TFCUSOfficial @TFCCanadaOfficial

19 December 2-8, 2021

 ENTERTAINMENT

Daniel Padilla, Angel Locsin ‘condemn’ Quiboloy for US indictment on sex trafficking ops Don’t look now but even celebrities are voicing their sentiments over the indictment in the United States of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, presidential spiritual adviser of President Rodrigo Duterte and founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

In an Interaksiyon report, Jeline Malasig said Daniel Padilla and Angel Locsin condemned the pastor after he was indicted in the United States for running a sex trafficking operation that allegedly involved minors and for other charges.

Eight other church leaders were indicted with Pastor Quiboloy for various charges.

Other church officials were similarly indicted, including two US-based church administrators.

Reports from Los Angeles said that Quiboloy allegedly coerced girls and young women ages 12 to 25 years olds to have sex with him in what was called a “night duty.” He threatened them with “eternal damnation” and physical abuse if they were to refuse.

Called “pastorals,” they were also required to prepare his meals, clean his residences and give him massages.

The new indictment expanded on allegations that were made last year against three church administrators.

It charges nine defendants with participating in a scheme wherein church members were brought to the US using fraudulently obtained visas and forced to solicit donations to a bogus children’s charity.

The prosecutors said that the donations were used to fund the church leader’s “lavish lifestyles.”

“Isa-isa [nang] tinatawag ni Satanas,” Daniel commented on an Instagram post featuring the report.

His comment has reached more than 2,000 likes on the photo-sharing platform.

“Minor = Rape. Sana maprotektahan agad ‘yung mga naglakas loob na magsalita,” Angel commented. The comment has earned more than 500 likes as of this writing.

Angel aired hope that the victims will be protected so that the abuses committed on them could be exposed.

Earlier, Vice Ganda had commented on statements and claims of Pastor Quiboloy, Some online users praised the actors for voicing their opinions.

Quiboloy is a self-proclaimed “Owner of the Universe” and “Appointed Son of God” who is also a longtime friend and spiritual adviser of President Rodrigo Duterte.

At the same time, US authorities said Quiboloy could be extradited to California to personally face the charges against him and seven of his followers.

Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel H. Ahn, Jake D. Nare and Benjamin D. Lichtman of the Santa Ana Branch Office, along with Special Assistant United States Attorney Angela C. Makabali of the General Crimes Section, are prosecuting the case. Assistant United States Attorney Katharine Schonbachler of the Asset Forfeiture Section is also working on the case.

In Davao City, the camp of Pastor Quiboloy said in a statement that their leader and the entire Kingdom nation would not be brought down over a malicious issue on sex trafficking.

“The people who accused him today in California, are the same dissidents who miserably failed in their attempt to bring Pastor Quiboloy into the case in Hawaii.

Our heart goes to Pastor Quiboloy and to all the Kingdom leaders who were maliciously accused in this present controversy,” the statement said.

“Despite the charges pressed against the church leader, his legal counsel said the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name, and all its followers remain steadfast and committed to faithfully responding to its mission, its ministry, and its divine calling despite all the detraction efforts made against them,” it added.

“We are confident and ready to face whatever is hurled

against Pastor Quiboloy and the Kingdom leaders. We trust the process of justice and we certainly expect the truth to prevail, and the Kingdom ministry will continue to prosper,” the statement said.

In a statement, the US DOJ in Sta. Ana, California, identified the defendants charged in the expanded indictment. They are: · 1. Quiboloy, believed to be 71, whose primary residence is a KOJC compound in Davao City, Philippines, but who also maintained large residences in Calabasas, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Kapolei, Hawaii; · 2. Teresita Tolibas Dandan, also known as “Tessie” and “Sis Ting,” 59, of Davao City, the “international administrator” who was one of the top overseers of KOJC and CJF operations in the United States; · 3. Helen Panilag, 56, of Davao City, the one-time top KOJC administrator in the U.S., who oversaw the collection of financial data from KOJC operations around the globe; · 4. Felina Salinas, also known as “Sis Eng Eng,” 50, of Kapolei, Hawaii, who allegedly was responsible for collecting and securing passports and other documents from KOJC workers in Hawaii, as well as directing funds solicited to church members to church officials in the Philippines (arrested on November 18); · 5. Guia Cabactulan, 61, the lead KOJC administrator in the United States who operated the KOJC compound in Van Nuys (charged in original indictment); · 6. Marissa Duenas, 43, a Van Nuys-based administrator who handled fraudulent immigration documents for workers (charged in original indictment); · 7. Amanda Estopare, 50, another Van Nuysbased administrator who was in charge of tracking and

reporting the money raised in the U.S. to KOJC officials in the Philippines (charged in original indictment); · 8. Bettina Padilla Roces, also known as “Kuki,” 48, a fourth administrator who allegedly handled financial matters (arrested today in Reseda); and · 9. Maria De Leon, 72, a resident of the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles, the owner of Liberty Legal Document Services, who allegedly processed fraudulent marriages and immigration-related documents for KOJC workers (arrested today at her residence). · In its statement, the US DOJ stated: “ The indictment alleges the sex trafficking scheme started no later than 2002 and continued to at least 2018, during which time Quiboloy and his top administrators caused the victims to engage in commercial sex acts by ordering female victims, including the minor victims, to have sex with defendant Quiboloy on a schedule determined by the church leader and others, including Dandan. The victims who were obedient were rewarded with “good food, luxurious hotel rooms, trips to tourist spots, and yearly cash payments that were based on performance” – which were paid for with money solicited by KOJC workers in the United States, according to the indictment.” “ As part of the alleged scheme, the three defendants told female victims who expressed hesitation at night duty “that they had the devil in them and risked eternal damnation.” Furthermore, Quiboloy would threaten and physically abuse victims who attempted to leave KOJC or were not available to perform night duty, according to the indictment, which also alleges Quiboloy would physically abuse victims for communicating with other men or engaging in other behavior that upset him because he considered such conduct adultery and a sin.”

 REAL ESTATE

December 2-8, 2021

Megalopolis rising in Pampanga

By Claire Morales True CLARK FREEPORT - A megalopolis is rising in Pampanga in answer to the already congested Metro Manila.

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is a presidential adviser on Clark and Subic flagship projects, is spearheading the megapolis plan by initially pushing several infrastructure projects to what she called as the Pampanga Golden Triangle as Luzon’s next megalopolis.

It was reported that to make the vision for a megalopolis a reality, world renowned urban planner Felino Palafox Jr. has drafted a development plan for Pampanga Golden Triangle with key infrastructures such as new roads, mass transit systems and regional transport networks.

According to published reports, the Pampanga Golden Triangle consists of the cities of Angeles, San Fernando and Mabalacat, which spans the Clark Freeport Economic Zone and the expanded Clark International Airport.

Also part of the envisioned

megalopolis are its surrounding municipalities of Porac, Floridablanca, Lubao, Guagua, and Santa Rita which are in the second congressional district which Arroyo represented in the House of Representatives and Bacolor, once the country’s capital under the Aguinaldo revolutionary government.

The three cities of Angeles, San Fernando and Mabalacat and six municipalities represent fast-growing as well as high-density settlements within Pampanga, Manila Times’ Aaron Ronquillo reported. Other Manila media also made reports on the grand megalopolis plan.

“The potential rise of the Pampanga Megalopolis is limitless. It also has the opportunity to become one of the most livable, sustainable, and resilient places to live in the Philippines. Being the front door and gateway to Asia makes Pampanga possibly the next biggest financial and economic center in the country, “ Palafox said in an article.

Palafox said his plan envisioned a wider megalopolis composed of an agropolis for farms, food produc-

tion and agro-industrial businesses; ecopolis as the center for environment tourism, education and natural heritage; aquapolis as the center for waterfront development and marine food production; and the aerotropolis, the airport driven city which is the center for business, logistics, technology, innovation and education.

From the Pampanga Golden Triangle, it was gathered that the development will spread to a larger part of the province, according to Arroyo.

“The private sector and the government cooperation will play a significant role in transforming Pampanga into the country’s next major economic corridor,” Arroyo stated.

Together with former Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, Arroyo tapped private space planners to undertake the Pampanga Megalopolis 2017-2040 study.

The province can truly become the gateway of Asia to the Philippines as well as the business and financial center of Northern Luzon, according to Arroyo.

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At 60 do I still want to own a house?

Caller: Hi Ken, I have been following your columns for many years and they are very informative and delightful. I am turning 60 and wanting to buy a home again, I am retiring in a couple more years and would like your opinion on this subject. I sold my house in 2006 because I read your article about cashing out profits because the market was getting too hot and a possible melt down in the RE market is inevitable. I am really grateful that I followed my instinct and sold it back then. I have been renting at a very low price since, there are only two of us and our children are all grown already. I am very happy now but been getting a lot of solicitation to buy a house from different people. Please give me your honest opinion.

Ken: Thanks so much for the message and I am so happy that at least one person did listen to my advice back then when the entire market was ignoring any signs of a huge bubble. Since both of you are retied and I feel like your retirement income will just eat away any possibility of both of you enjoying your retirement. I am going to suggest that you just continue to rent. Your retirement income is enough for a descent rental apartment but not enough for a descent home mortgage payment, you do have savings for a down payment but I wanted you to keep that deposit as your emergency funds, if you deplete your savings put in into a house and still have to pay more than half of your retirement into a mortgage. I am afraid that it might be too tight for you, what if you have to fix something and keep up with the maintenance of the house? With a house you will be left with a very little spendable income and almost no emergency funds.

I suggest for you to continue to rent, keep the savings and enjoy your full retirement in a couple of years. If my calculations are correct you can enjoy a minimum of one trip back home to the Philippines every year with plenty of pasalubong (gifts) and at least 2-3 small weekend trips locally. The Trump government is coming with a tax break that will benefit renters to stay as tenants, I will keep an eye and report to you once the law passes.

Caller: I have a home in Whittier and there is a lot of equity in the house. I got divorced and I get to keep the house and the mortgage. I am retired and only working part time therefore my total income is less than $1500 a month. I need about $40,000 to keep my property updated and make it livable. Can you help me refinance my home loan and get me some cash out?

Ken: I have been talking to this caller for about 6 months, initially I already requested her to get a line of credit from a Credit Union to fix her roof and garage because it was so bad that you can actually see the sky thru holes in the garage. I had mention to her prior that she will not be able to get descent financing even though she has about $350K equity in the house. Her actual retirement income is not enough for her to qualify for any amount. She can’t even qualify for her own existing loan. She did get a $25K line of credit that was good prior but because she was so worried to borrow more money back then, she just opt to get $25K out, now that she realized that she needed more work on the house, she is left with no other option. She does not want to sell because she has been there for over 40 years but now she can’t take any of the equity out because she can’t qualify.

This is a very common situation now, where retired homeowners have all their equity invested in their homes but they can’t use the equity. They are struggling check to check and have no other way to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Retired homeowners are also very conservative where they don’t want to keep taking money out, they are old school investors and they still believe in savings and paying off home mortgages.

Here is a dash of this new century mentality into that thought.

If that was me, I would sell the house and use the proceeds to buy smaller house cash and enjoy the rest of the money slowly. I have to assume I still have a descent retirement income and that money is to basically do longer trips and enjoy better thing in life while I can. But of course, for me easier said than done, these homeowners might have a lot of emotional attachments and memories towards this real estate hence, would not like to let go. I seriously understand, but I also see them struggling and settling for a lot less than what they deserve. We all work hard and our efforts deserve to be compensated regardless of mistakes done or mishaps, hard work is still hard work and can’t be replaced.

My advice to more mature homeowners, a house turns into a home when you live in it. You should consider other change to suit your financial needs and change is good.

Thanks for your comments and support, please feel free to call Ken Go at 1st Innovative Finance Group at 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net.

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21 December 2-8, 2021

NEWS  NATIONAL SPORTS NEWS

EJ Obiena to remain Filipino amid PATAFA row, wants to win for Philippines MANILA - Filipino pole vault sensation EJ Obiena has “no desire to change nations” despite lucrative offers from other countries.

James Michael Lafferty, Obiena’s mentor, disclosed that some countries have lined up at the door of the 26-year-old pole vaulter to don their flags in competitions.

Lafferty added that there were already offers even before the rift between Obiena and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) happened.

“Even now, in this current crisis, I have no desire to change nations. I see these statements on social media and active encouragement to switch allegiances. But this is not who I am and why I do this. I want to win for Philippines and show the world what we can do. I want to win for us,” Obiena said.

This developed as the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) set a deadline for both EJ Obiena and the PATAFA to agree upon the parameters set for the mediation process.

As approved by the PSC board during its meeting, both PATAFA and Obiena have until Dec. 15 to agree to the mediation even as the tension between both sides has reached international sports communities.

“As an elder of the Philippine sports community, I am asking them to submit to mediation for their mutual benefit,” PSC chairman Butch Ramirez said.

He said he believes “mediation is the best option for now so the parties can reconcile, open communication lines, and continue the work that needs to be done.

The parties owe it to the government and the Filipino people to resolve the issues amicably.”

Ramirez added, “A failed mediation will be detrimental to both parties.”

Should a mediation take place, Obiena is expected to send at least one representative on his behalf.

Obiena named long-time mentor Jim Lafferty as one of his spokesmen.

In a statement, Obiena lauded Lafferty, “who has

taken up the cudgels for me again and defended me in public like I was his own blood.”

Obiena also tasked Atty. Bobbet Bruce to be his other spokesman.

Bruce, according to Obiena, “has made himself available to me even at the unholiest hours in Manila even if only just to check up on me to make sure that I am alright, reminding me to continue training despite all the distractions and to continue fighting the good fight as this is not just for me but for the country.”

The assignment was made “to properly get my messaging across and officially address all pertinent questions with my current situation with my NSA (national sports association).”Meanwhi Meanwhile , the Philippine Olympic Committee is also looking to finish its probe on the feud between PATAFA and Obiena as quickly as possible.

Philippine Rowing Association chief Pato Gregorio, the chairman of the POC’s ethics committee, said that his group, which is also composed of sailing’s Ernesto Echauz and bridge’s Gerry Alquiros, and the said agency’s legal team led by Atty. Wharton Chan “have been tirelessly working to resolve the issue at the soonest possible time.”

“We are looking into this matter with utmost concern and collating pertinent information from both PATAFA and Mr. EJ Obiena to ensure due process,” he added.

While the POC looks to finish the investigation very soon, Gregorio clarified that it is taking the probe one step at a time.

“We do not want shortcuts here. What we want is to shed light on the matter and ensure that truth prevails,” he said. “We will surely update you once the decision has been made.”

PATAFA earlier accused Obiena of allegedly embezzling funds after he allegedly failed to pay over ₱4.8 million in coaching fees of Ukrainian mentor Vitaly Petrov. Obiena admitted that he made late payments to the coach but only due to his commitments as

an athlete.

The pole vault star, who has criticized the federation for not remitting payments directly to his coach, earlier threatened to break away from the national team due to what he called harassment by the PATAFA. “Speaking of loyalty, this is the foundation of my strong defense of these allegations. When one values loyalty, one cannot comprehend how my own “mother organization” turned on me, never consulted with me, never asked me any questions, never gave me the benefit of the doubt. That’s not loyalty. Again, at least not how I define it,” the multi-medaled athlete added.

Some Filipino standouts who decided to switch nationalities include chess grandmaster Wesley So, golfer Yuka Saso, and pool player Alex Pagulayan.

PBA Governors’ Cup starts on Dec. 8 in Pasig

PASIG CITY - The Philippine Basketball Association league may yet go back to normal.

This as the PBA was given the green light by the Inter-Agency Task Force to kick off its 2021 Governors’ Cup on December 8.

The opening games of the import-laced conference

will be held at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The participation of audience to see the games, however, is yet to be considered by government authorities.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said in the league’s website that they are talking with concerned local governments regarding the plan to bring the fans back to the game venues as the quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila eases.

Until they reach an agreement, PBA fans will continue to watch the games virtually.

Aside from the Ynares Sports Arena, the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo,and the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City are being considered as venues.

The PBA Governors’ Cup will feature imports with a height limit of 6-foot-6.

Meanwhile, Magnolia shored up its big man rotation after acquiring James Laput from Terrafirma through a trade that was approved by the Philippine

Basketball Association trade committee.

The Hotshots, in the process, shipped Justin Melton and Kyle Pascual to the Dyip.

Terrafirma used the eighth overall pick that San Miguel included in the trade package for CJ Perez for Laput as it looks to shore up its frontline.

But Laput only played sparingly for the Dyip, only averaging a shade under 10 and a half minutes per game in 10 outings, tallying averages of 2.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.1 blocks, and 0.1 steals.

He is now joining Magnolia for the Governors’ Cup, joining a stacked frontline led by Ian Sangalang and Rafi Reavis.

On the other hand, Pascual and Melton saw their minutes dwindling too for the Hotshots especially when they began employing a small ball lineup that saw combo guard Paul Lee moving up to the small forward spot even before Calvin Abueva came along.

Pascual is making a return to the Terrafirma franchise that drafted him 24th overall in the 2014 draft.

December 2-8, 2021

22

Q: If I give my old vehicle away, am I still financially liable for it?

A: The answer to this question has many answers depending on what give away means for this client. Give away as in donated the vehicle means, they have had to make her sign a legal document releasing her of all liability to the vehicle and that the vehicle is now owned by the foundation she gave it to.

The other is if she gave it to her child where she is still paying for all the insurances and financial obligations related to the vehicle.

The worst scenario is this. Give it away to a friend or a relative. By no means is this a problem because you are doing something out of the goodness of yourheart but you must not forget to do the following; make sure to file a release of liability document with the Department of Motor Vehicles, make sure whoever you gave it to moves the vehicle over to their name. The best is to take them to the Department of Motor Vehicles and tell the clerk that you are giving the vehicle to the person with you, make sure they have a driver’s license and to follow through to have them purchase insurance for the vehicle. This will save you a lot of headaches in the future.

Let me share with you the story of a client who called me with a somewhat same scenario as this. She gave her old car to her friend at work. But after she did, she never followed through. The next thing she finds out is that the vehicle has had a lot of camera tickets and she was getting the tickets. Next, the car was involved in an accident where she was financially liable for the damages to the other party because her co-worker did not purchase insurance. Because she had no money either she was sued by the insurance of the damaged party and so she called me.

So, if she had followed through with what her responsibility was, then she would have been out of the picture needless to say, she became the one person to answer for the co-worker’s actions.

Ating lesson, Kahit kayo ay mapagbigay, mabuti pa ring magingat para ang isip ay mapalagay.

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23 December 2-8, 2021

 COMMUNITY NEWS

December 2-8, 2021

24

CA Coastal Caucus raises alarm over potential cancer-causing pollutant in seafood supply

WASHINGTON. D.C. – California Coastal Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) and Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) have urged Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and EPA Administrator Michael Regan to look into whether dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), a pollutant that may be causing a spike in cancer in sea lions, is also causing a spike in cancer in humans.

Lieu and Brownley made the call in a letter following a visit Representative Lieu took to The Marine Mammal Center, where he learned of a startling increase in cancer among sea lions. Researchers believe the increase could be attributed to the presence of DDT in the fish that sea lions consume, which can also be consumed by human beings.

CA Coastal Caucus Members Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Ro Khanna (CA17), and Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) joined Co-Chairs Lieu and Brownley in the letter.

The California Coastal Caucus members’ letter follows: Dear Secretary Becerra and Administrator Regan, Thank you for your public service.

Recent research from the Marine Mammal Center shows a startling increase in cancer in sea lions along the California coast. Researchers believe this increase may be attributable to the presence of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) leaking into the ocean, which affects the food supply that sea lions consume. The Southern California coast was previously used as a DDT dumping ground. Humans can also eat the same seafood that sea lions do, and the obvious question is if DDT is indeed causing a spike in cancer in sea lions, is this DDT also causing a spike in cancer in humans? We ask your agencies to take the actions necessary to answer that critical health question.

The Marine Mammal Center headquartered in Sausalito, California, is the largest marine mammal hospital in the world and is a global leader in marine mammal health and disease investigation. Scientists at the Center have found alarming increases of urogenital carcinoma in sea lions. There are several factors that may lead to the development of cancer in sea lions. One factor, however, deserves heightened attention. Persistent organic pollutants – and DDT in particular – have been heavily linked to urogenital cancer. In humans, for example, reproductive tract cancer is asso-

ciated with higher exposure to pollutants, and exposure to DDT increases the risk for cancer later in life.

Pollutants like DDT can be transported up the food chain from sediments, to invertebrates, to fish, and then to top predators like sea lions. Cancer can be developed through the sea lions’ consumption of fish in Southern California. This contaminated fish can also be consumed by humans in California and shipped to other parts of our country.

If sea lions are developing cancer at alarming levels due, in part, to their diet, does that present a danger for the human population who are consuming the same fish from the same contaminated waters?

In the short term, we request that your agencies take action to answer this critical question as soon as possible. For the long term, we urge more investment into research and studies that will unlock our understanding of risks and disease manifestations from pollutants in our oceans.”

‘King tides’ to hit California shorelines this week SAN FRANCISCO, California – The year’s highest tides, known as “king tides,” will hit California shorelines December 4 and 5 and again January 2 and 3, providing a glimpse of what to expect as sea levels rise.

North of Ventura County will see an additional king tide on New Year’s Day, according to the California Coastal Commission in a statement sent to Philippine News Today.

The public is asked to safely photograph the shoreline during king tides as part of an international community science project. King tides are one to two feet higher than the average tide seen throughout the year, which corresponds to the rise in sea level expected during the next few decades.

Photographing the impact of these highest high tides on beaches, roads, homes, cultural sites, and wetlands helps raise awareness of climate change and helps California plan for a future when today’s king tide is an everyday occurrence.

Anyone can contribute to the California King Tides Project. By sharing what they see, participants will help others understand that they’re part of a community that cares about climate change. King tide photos are used by state and local officials as well as climate change researchers to validate sea level rise models and assess local flood vulnerabilities.

Sea level rise is caused by burning fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal. In simple terms, carbon dioxide in our atmosphere acts like a blanket, trapping in heat that would otherwise escape. When we burn fossil fuels, we’re adding more carbon dioxide, thickening the “blanket” and heating the land, air, and ocean. Sea levels are rising because land-based glaciers and ice sheets are melting into the ocean, and because water expands in volume when it warms. The amount of sea level rise that we will ultimately experience will depend on how quickly we stop burning fossil fuels.

For local governments along the coast, the California Coastal Commission is offering grants to support planning for and adapting to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise. Local governments can apply for this funding, as part of their Local Coastal Program work, by December 22. Details are available at www.coastal. ca.gov/lcp/grants or by emailing LCPGrantProgram@coastal.ca.gov.

To learn how to submit photos to the California King Tides Project visit california.kingtides.net, which also includes past king tides photos, local king tide times, and resources for educators teaching about climate change. The king tides photo upload form includes instructions in both English and Spanish.

25 December 2-8, 2021

 COMMUNITY NEWS

California records first case of Omicron Covid-19 variant

By Jo Erlinda Maufit, Correspondent SACRAMENTO – The deadlier COVID-19 variant called Omicron has reached California and the state’s Department of Public Health is closely monitoring it.

The first confirmed case of the Covid-19 Omicron variant in the United States has been detected in a person in California, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention disclosed.

“The individual was a traveler who returned from South Africa on November 22, 2021,” the CDC said. “The individual, who was fully vaccinated and had mild symptoms that are improving, is self-quarantining and has been since testing positive. All close contacts have been contacted and have tested negative.”

The case was detected by the California and San Francisco Departments of Public Health and confirmed by the CDC. The Omicron variant was first reported in South Africa and confirmed on November 24 and has been designated a variant of concern by the World Health Organization.

State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Dr. Tomás J. Aragón said the state has prepared for the deadlier variant and expanded vaccination as a precaution.

“California is closely monitoring the

new Omicron variant. The U.S. Vaccines continue to be our best way through the pandemic by safely protecting us against severe illness from COVID-19 and its variants,” Dr. Aragon said in a statement sent to Philippine News Today.

“We are doubling down on our vaccination and booster efforts to ensure that all Californians have access to safe, effective, and free vaccines that can prevent serious illness and death,” he added.

CDPH is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation related to the new variant of concern, B.1.1.529 or Omicron, as labeled by the World Health Organization.

California has established a publicprivate partnership through the California SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Sequencing Initiative called COVIDNet to provide the state with genomic sequencing to help understand and control the spread of COVID-19. This effort will help detect the variant early in California.

CDPH is in communication with federal officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to gather information and expertise to help the public, local public health departments and health care providers.

Travelers who have been in South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia or Zimbabwe within the last 14 days must follow CDC recommendations to get tested 3-5 days

after arrival, quarantine for 7 days even if testing negative, and isolate for 10 days if COVID-19 symptoms develop.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), meanwhile, released the most recent statistics on COVID-19 and updates on the state’s pandemic response.

Cases, hospitalizations and deaths are largely occurring among unvaccinated populations, the department stated.

Unvaccinated people were 7.2 times more likely to get COVID-19 (data from November 7, 2021 to November 13, 2021), 13.1 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 (data from October 31, 2021 to November 6, 2021) and 15.8 times more likely to die from COVID-19 (data from October 24, 2021 to October 30, 2021).

The state so far has vaccinated 58,286,182 people or 76.2% of the eligible population (5+), adding 138,347 people a day are receiving COVID-19 vaccination (average daily dose count over 7 days).

The department reported that California has now 4,806,510 confirmed cases, as its average case count is 4,099 (average daily case count over 7 days).

Deaths from the virus infections have reached 73,712 since COVID-19 started.

This means COVID-19 claims the lives of 53 Californians each day (average daily death count over 7 days).

The recent emergence of the Omicron

variant further emphasizes the importance of getting a vaccine, booster and taking prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19, the state health department said.

The risk for COVID-19 exposure and infection continues as a number of Californians remain unvaccinated. Realworld evidence continues to show that the vaccine is preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. With the combination of colder weather keeping people indoors, the waning of vaccine and natural immunity, and more mingling among non-household members, public health officials urge Californians to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible to help prevent a possible winter surge in COVID-19 cases.

The state’s guidance on boosters is in alignment with the CDC. It is recommended that every vaccinated adult 18 years or older should get a booster as long as they received their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago or they received their Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.

Vaccination appointments can be made by visiting myturn.ca.gov or calling 1-833-422-4255. The consent of a parent or legal guardian may be needed for those under age 18 to receive a vaccination.

Visit Vaccinate All 58 to learn more about the safe and effective vaccines available for all Californians 5+.

 COMMUNITY NEWS

December 2-8, 2021

26

PH CONSUL GENERAL GRACES THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST FIL-AM LIONS CLUB IN THE U.S.

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO CITY, CALIFORNIA, USA – Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Frank R. Ferrer joined the Fil-Am Lions Club of San Francisco, the first Lions Club of Filipino ancestry in the United States, in their milestone 50th anniversary banquet and ball at the Elks Lodge in South San Francisco on 19 November 2021.

In his remarks during the celebration, Consul General Ferrer acknowledged the San Francisco Fil-Am Lions Club for “inspiring and uplifting the community through charity missions and community service.”

“Organizations such as yours allow members of the community to develop deeper relations with one another, fos-

tering inclusivity, solidarity and unity among Filipinos and Filipino Americans… I encourage you to continue to imbibe the inherent Filipino spirit of bayanihan that so pervades our community’s actions in the United States,” Consul General Ferrer said.

Consul General Ferrer noted that the San Francisco Fil-Am Lions Club’s golden anniversary coincided with the 75th year of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the U.S. “The friendship between our two countries has been strengthened by resilient people-to-people ties, especially through the efforts of organizations such as the San Francisco Fil-Am Lions Philippine Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer (center) joins the top officials of the Fil-Am Lions Club of San Francisco during their 50th anniversary banquet and ball at the Elks Lodge in South San Francisco on 19 November 2021. From le� to right: Golden Anniversary Execu�ve Chair Mario Panoringan; Mrs. Norma Panoringan; Consul General Ferrer; current Fil-Am Lions Club President Lorna Feria; and former Fil-Am Lions Club President Ferdinand Feria. (San Francisco PCG photo)

Philippine Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer keynotes the 50th anniversary celebra�on of the Fil-Am Lions Club of San Francisco, at the Elks Lodge in South San Francisco on 19 November 2021. (San Francisco PCG photo)

Club,” Consul General Ferrer said.

The Philippine Consul General also called on the attendees to actively participate in next year’s Philippine national elections. “As members of the Filipino community in the Bay Area, I urge all of you to perform your sacred duty of electing our next leaders, and to invite your families, neighbors, co-workers and friends to do the same,” Consul General Ferrer said.

The San Francisco Fil-Am Lions Club is a non-partisan service organization under the U.S.-based Lions Club International. The activities and projects of the club in recent years include medical missions, book donation drives, and COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Its members recently provided free flu shots for Filipino community members during the “Health Day Sa Konsulado” last October 2021.

27 December 2-8, 2021

Upside...

(From Page 11)

“I called Billy and he asked me to join him to meet up. Then we went back to where Leslie and his classmates were and took pictures.”

More recently, the Anamas reconnected with their favorite musician at a Beach Boys concert in Chicago. The Anamas happily found their friend reciprocated their loyalty.

“I brought them cupcakes and cookies. Billy then sent me tickets and Superfan Del Anama VIP passes for the event,” recalled the corresponded with her now-widowed grandmother of six. “I to meet everyone and even went show business pal from got onstage for the final number when Manila to the USA. (founding member) Al Jardine tossed me a tambourine. That was the highlight of my fangirl dreams. To be onstage with Billy performing.”

After The Beach Boys retired, Anama recalled her friend managed a “specialized group composed of all the children of The Beach Boys family and included Dino, Desi and Billy were second- the kids of the Mamas and genera�on Hollywood celebri�es. the Papas. The cousins performed a few sold out concerts in the Hollywood bowl a few years ago.”

William Ernest Hinsche was born June 29, 1951, in Manila. His website states that he composed songs with his then-brother in law Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys, husband of his sister Annie and brother to band co-founders Brian and Dennis Wilson. The Beach Boys are recognized for developing the California surf genre characterized by vocal harmonies. The band was among the groups that flourished in the late sixties in Laurel Canyon, a district in Los Angeles that nurtured a pop music revolution.

Mr. Hinsche earned a BA in Fine Arts from UCLA. He produced documentaries of his tours with The Beach Boys. He also sat on the board of the Carl Wilson Foundation, formed after Mr. Wilson died of cancer in 1998. – Adapted from original reprinted with permission from WWW.INQUIRER.NET.

Offline

(From Page 13)

sarily sumptuous meal.

About the only good thing that can happen as a result of a new surge is that the political rallies will have to stop. All the candidates have been traveling throughout the archipelago, and naturally large crowds gather to see them and hopefully receive some cash and cheap giveaways, even food, as a reward. No one gives a whit about social distancing during those rallies.

Recall that it was about this time two years ago that the first news about COVID-19 began filtering out of China. But it would take three to four months before the world became aware of the new threat to global health.

Millions have since died because of the coronavirus, with the US having more than 700,000 fatalities. The number in the Philippines has been substantially less, proportionately speaking. But most of us know someone who caught the supervirus, and even those whose lives were taken.

Good thing I’m only slightly paranoid at times, but if I were completely out of it, I would believe what some religious fanatics are saying that COVID-19 is a sign of the end times, and is one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. It isn’t, of course. The Spanish flu pandemic of more than a century ago was much worse.

What is it, however, is a damper on what should be the happiest time of the year worldwide, but most especially in the Philippines.

What else can we say? Hopefully, 2022 will be better. A new president will lead the country out of its serious problems and she is certainly qualified to do so. That’s if she isn’t cheated out of her legitimate win, of course.

But that’s another story, folks. One that will be told at the proper time and place. Meanwhile, it’s back to a self-imposed lockdown for most of us.mn for Dec 2, 2021

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

tol Building and walked along the beach in Lingayen Gulf helping full the nets of fresh fishes with the local fishermen in Lingayen, Pangasinan, Philippines.

Ninang Ruby also attended the 100th Birthday celebration of my mother Elena Sampayan Gabot Madlaing in our “bangkag” in Binalonan, Pangasinan, Philippines in February, 2019. The historic occasion was covered in the TV GMA Station “Balitang Amianan” and was also featured in the weekly PHILIPPINES TODAY. I was deeply touched by the message this evening of Rolly Dumawa, oldest son of Ninang Ruby who is a graduate of PMA (Philippine Military Acaemy) in Baguio City. Rolly reminded us that his mother is now in paradise waiting for the second coming of Jesus who will bring those who obeyed the gospel in baptism and remain faithful until death,

to the heavenly mansions He prepared for us.(read John 14:1-3).

Rolly emphasized that there is no second chance after physical death. Every sinner MUST know, understand and obey the gospel in baptism (read Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:79, Acts 2:37-38) before it’s too late and remain faithful until death (read Revelation 2:10) Ninang Ruby was the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 (please read the entire chapter). Here are some excerpts: “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. . . Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.”

Thank you for the fond and happy memories Ninang Ruby. We’ll see you in heaven!

(ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE #00635976) in California since 1981, He is founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California. )

On Distant Shore

(From Page 12)

It’s not far-fetched to surmise that Duterte would ask for protection for himself and his allies and cronies, and demand the Senate presidency in case Marcos prevails and he wins in his Senate bid.

With Arroyo, who is running unopposed in Pampanga for reelection as congresswoman, almost certain to reclaim the House Speakership in a Marcos administration, the country would have members of the MAD alliance as the top four government officials – Bongbong Marcos as president, Sara Duterte-Carpio as vice president, Rodrigo Duterte as Senate President, and Gloris Macapagal-Arroyo as House Speaker.

In any case, many things can still happen in this never-ending drama unfolding before our eyes. I won’t be surprised if other fragile coalitions break up before Election Day and new coalitions formed for political exigencies.

That’s the problem with the multi-party system spawned by the 1987 Constitution. So many political parties that were formed based on personalities rather than principles and platform of government have emerged in the political scene. And many more are added as new politicians aspire for higher positions of power. And because many of these political parties ands politicians have only their personal interests to protect, they join coalitions not based on principles or platform, but based on which coalition would bring them more votes.

Hopefully, the 1Sambayan coalition that has elected to support the tandem of Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Francis Pangilinan wouldn’t coalesce with political parties that are not willing to undo the wrongdoings of the Duterte administration.

More than ever, Filipinos would have to choose carefully the people that they want to lead the country in the next six years. We cannot afford to lose another six years.

PerryScope...

(From Page 12)

commitment, which makes one wonder: Why didn’t China force the removal of the Sierra Madre? Was it because the MDT was and is still in force? And since the Sierra Madre is still an active commissioned Philippine warship, either party could invoke it? Obviously, China doesn’t want to provoke Uncle Sam. Life on the Sierra Madre Meanwhile, life on the Sierra Madre goes on. The marines keep themselves busy by diving, fishing, and watching DVDs. Their only communication with the outside is through a radio communication system and satellite phones. Occasionally, they have contact with Filipino fishermen who would swap DVDs with them.

What these marines are doing is over and above their normal duties and responsibilities. Under constant threat of Chinese invasion, they’re prepared to fight to the death. They’re also aware that if they were attacked, they would surely perish defending their garrison.

Indeed, they’re like the Texans who defended the Alamo in 1836 in a fiercely fought 13-day battle against Mexican President General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s army. Outnumbered and outgunned, the approximately 250 Texans fought the 1,500 Mexicans to the last man. Their brutal defeat inspired and rallied the Texans under Sam Houston, who went on to defeat Santa Anna a month later.

It is interesting to note that back in April 9, 2014, then President Benigno Aquino, spoke during the commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) in Mt. Samat in Bataan. He paid tribute to the brave marines of the Sierra Madre who are defending their nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity just like the American and Filipino soldiers who made a heroic stand in Bataan to defend the Philippines from Japanese invasion in World War II. “Day and night, on board the stranded BRP Sierra Madre, their dedication was anchored on keeping watch over and safeguarding our territory. This is why, together with our veterans, soldiers like them are among those we honor today. The Filipino nation salutes all of you,” Aquino told the marines.

If Gen. Douglas MacArthur were alive today, he would be smiling listening to Aquino’s praise for the marines. After all, it was MacArthur himself who immortalized the bravery of Filipino soldiers during the Korean War when he declared: “Give me ten thousand Filipino soldiers and I will conquer the world.”

A few brave marines But for Aquino, the nine marines are all he needed to stand guard in a remote and lonely garrison in the middle of West Philippine Sea surrounded by marauding Chinese naval vessels.

But just like the 300 Spartans who defended Thermopylae in 480

BC against the invading 150,000 Persians, the nine Filipino marines wouldn’t have a chance of surviving a Chinese assault. But like the 250 Texan volunteers who gave their lives to defend the Alamo, and the 300 Spartan warriors who died defending Thermopylae, the nine Filipino marines defending Ayungin are ready to lay down their lives for their Inang Bayan. These are the defenders of Sierra Madre.

In the Trenches...

(From Page 13)

es, shares of stocks and properties here and abroad.

To this day, his children continue to enjoy the estimated $10 billion in ill-gotten wealth, using a fraction of stolen money to buy their way to Malacañang in 2022.

For the Marcoses, it will be a sweet revenge against the people who fought hard to remove them from power. They used the money to distort history, flooding social media with propaganda and fake accounts of the so-called “golden age” of Philippine history.

Ramos would never have a hand in all of these shenanigans. He would never help bring back to power a despised and discredited family.

Some political families, who did enjoy a comfortable life during the Marcos dictatorship, have come together in a shameful attempt to re-install the strongman’s son.

One of them is Joseph Estrada, a B-movie actor who rose to power in 1998 but, like the corrupt Marcos, was removed in a peaceful civilian uprising in 2001. He served as mayor of San Juan all throughout the time Marcos was in power.

He was replaced by a political butterfly, Gloria Macaoagal Arroyo, who hijacked Ramos’ party and openly gave support to Marcos Junior.

Arroyo joined Lakas-CMD in the 1998 elections, running as vice president to Jose de Venecia Jr and abandoning a party she formed with Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto.

The convicted plunderer and an opportunistic politician tainted by corruption have joined forces with the daughter of an incompetent leader to rally behind Marcos Junior.

It’s an alliance of pure selfish interests — families who want to claw back to power and another to stay relevant after June 2022.

Ramos, the hero of EDSA, will not be a part of this despicable alliance. He will be true to his democratic principles and will preserve his legacy as the man who fought for and defended democracy. He will not dare risk his image and legacy.

Diliman Way

(From Page 12)

drugs lords like his compadre Peter Lim, his once upon a time adviser Michael Young, his Congressman son being charged as being a part of the international drug Triad, the five generals in his well publicized drug book – why has not PR D done anything to them? These are his companions Is PR D confirming the saying – Tell me who are your companions and I’ll tell you who you are? Since they are PR D’s companions, will anyone please tell him who he is?

No wonder the drug lords have gone scot-free and thousands of poor young drug users are dead. Are the users destroying the country?

They only destroy their lives if they do not go through rehabilitation.

PR D’s claim they cannot be rehabilitated is as false as his claims to accomplishments. But what about the drug lords – importers, manufacturers, distributors, facilitators and protectors? They are almost beyond rehabilitation because they are there for the money. By way of comparison, water continues flowing as long as you don’t close the faucet. Since the drug faucet is not closed, illegal drugs continue flowing throughout the country courtesy of PR D’s government.

Pacquiao confession: Presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao admitted that when he was a kid – he did shabu and marijuana. He regrets it and he has gone over it. Good for Manny! But why has he not denounced PR D’s government extra-judicial killings. Once upon a time not so long ago, he was one of the lap dogs of PR D singing praises to his idol and master. But when PR D castigated him, he reacted but his reaction was tepid, if not anemic. And now he claims to be with the Opposition. Common, Manny, grow up kid. Show your powerful knockout punch and kayo PR D. But is the power still there or did it disappear with Paris Hilton?

Lacson and Sotto: They claimed they underwent drug testing at PDEA and the tests came out negative. But that is not enough as both have extra baggage on illegal drugs. I still remember Rosebud charged Senator Lacson with involvement on an illegal drug incident. On Senate President Sotto, there was a mainstream media report that he had an involvement on an illegal drug activity long time ago. Both of them should clear the air on these charges and suspicions.

Relevance: Illegal drug use is a major problem of the country coupled with graft and corruption. Were it not for corrupt officials in government, the problem of illegal drugs in the country would have been solved years ago. It cannot be solved because public officials from the highest to the lowest levels are involved in illegal drugs – from manufacture to distribution, from importation to protection, from police to PDEA, from Customs to Immigration, from local government to the highest levels of the Executive, from Congress to the judiciary.

No traditional politician can eradicate this problem in this country. Why? It is the surest way to quick money – from millions to billions, enough to fund several presidential, senatorial, congressional, gubernatorial, mayoral or barangay chairman campaigns.

 HEALTH NEWS

December 2-8, 2021

28

World Health Assembly agrees to launch process to develop historic global accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response GENEVA - In a consensus decision aimed at protecting the world from future infectious diseases crises, the World Health Assembly agreed to kickstart a global process to draft and negotiate a convention, agreement or other international instrument under the Constitution of the World Health Organization to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said the decision by the World Health Assembly was historic in nature, vital in its mission, and represented a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen the global health architecture to protect and promote the well-being of all people.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the many flaws in the global system to protect people from pandemics: the most vulnerable people going without vaccines; health workers without needed equipment to perform their life-saving work; and ‘me-first’ approaches that stymie the global solidarity needed to deal with a global threat,” Dr Tedros said.

“But at the same time, we have seen inspiring demonstrations of scientific and political collaboration, from the rapid development of vaccines, to today’s commitment by countries to negotiate a global accord that will help to keep future generations safer from the impacts of pandemics.”

The Health Assembly met in a Special Session, the second-ever since WHO’s founding in 1948, and adopted a sole decision titled: “The World Together.” The decision by the Assembly establishes an intergovernmental negotiating body (INB) to draft and negotiate a WHO convention, agreement, or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, with a view to adoption under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, or other provisions of the Constitution as may be deemed appropriate by the INB. Article 19 of the WHO Constitution provides the World Health Assembly with the authority to adopt conventions or agreements on any matter within WHO’s competence. The sole instrument established

under Article 19 to date is the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which has made a significant and rapid contribution to protecting people from tobacco since its entry into force in 2005.

Under the decision adopted today, the INB will hold its first meeting by 1 March 2022 (to agree on ways of working and timelines) and its second by 1 August 2022 (to discuss progress on a working draft).

It will also hold public hearings to inform its deliberations; deliver a progress report to the 76th World Health Assembly in 2023; and submit its outcome for consideration by the 77th World Health Assembly in 2024.

Through the decision, the World Health Assembly also requested the WHO Director-General to convene the INB meetings and support its work, including by facilitating the participation of other United Nations system bodies, non-state actors, and other relevant stakeholders in the process to the extent decided by the INB.

COVID-19 predictions Heart of Hope

The COVID-19 pandemic has vividly shown that educating people, even in a most educated country, is not easy, especially when some of its spineless leaders spread misinformation in order to be politically correct so as not to lose votes. In the process, they go against science and say PHILIP S. CHUA what their constituents want to hear: No mandates on mask and vaccines, even when science says otherwise. And of course, as expected, this has contributed immensely to the confusion and chaos and the nearly 50 million COVID-19 cases and almost 800,000 dead Americans.

Scientifically, majority of these infections, hospitalizations, and deaths were preventable! More than 90 percent of the casualty involved the unvaccinated. Science, not politics, is what we need to end this pandemic.

The government must follow science! All of us should continue educating the public, even repeatedly, until people truly understand that COVID-19 is a vicious stealth killer that must be destroyed soonest. And that we now have the vaccines to do it.

A national disaster, in this case a part of a global calamity, deserves no less than a unified federal response, not a DIY fragmented and conflicting management approaches by 50 State governments, many times politically clashing against one another. An outburst or a local endemic affecting a city or a State may be handled by the State government, but not a pandemic! In a national cataclysm, like a war or a pandemic, all the 50 States must be seamlessly in synced with the federal government, functioning as a one unified force against SARS-CoV2 virus. We cannot afford to lose more lives.

One person dying is one too many.

Epidemiologists from all around the world have developed a proven scientific protocol, the technology, the wherewithal, a proven containment strategy to minimize, even end, the infections and deaths, but sadly, all of these state-of-the-art armamentaria are all still waiting for the national government to employ and deploy fully ASAP. The administration and The Congress have failed to consolidate their efforts and properly utilize the proven effective weapons they have at their disposal in

a timely fashion to defeat this killer virus soonest. They have allowed 50 million people to get infected and greater than three quarters of a million to die…and counting.

This is gross negligence and dereliction of duty on the part of the Executive and Legislative branches of our government, arguably (just to make a point) bordering on involuntary mass manslaughter or negligent genocide, and they must be liable and held accountable.

Not mandating a proven and available epidemiologic strategy that would have saved millions from getting infected and nearly 800,000 from dying is clearly negligence and a dereliction of a sworn duty of these public servants to serve and protect the nation and its citizens.

If a physician did not employ the available stateof-the-art standard of medical care (for COVID-19 or other diseases) in a timely fashion resulting in the death of even one patient (or dozens, or hundreds), would he/ she not be charged with malpractice, negligent homicide, etc.?

The Federal “mandate” for children to have the required vaccinations before enrolling in school has saved hundreds of millions of children from dying.

Countless millions of lives have been saved by these laws against driving without a license or auto insurance, using cellphones while driving, not wearing seat belts, reckless driving, driving while intoxicated; no-smoking bans, etc. These are all government actions curtailing the civil rights of the people to do what they want and their freedom to choose not to obey. But these good laws follow the principle of societal rights, national safety and welfare, prevailing over the rights of the individual. A national mandate for COVID-19 vaccination would be an excellent medical evidence-based law that will end this pandemic soonest and save millions of lives, certainly much more than the other mandates above. Yet, we have such federal mandates.

No end in sight This COVID-19 pandemic will be with us for years to come because more than 50 million people, in the United States alone, refuse the vaccines. Their bodies will act as long-term hosts, a giant reservoir, and enable the SARS-CoV2 virus to rapidly replicate and mutate non-stop to more easily transmissible and deadlier strains. Without a host, the virus will self-destruct. We may actually end up needing annual COVID-19 shots, like the flu vaccines.

The Delta strain caused breakthrough infections among those who were vaccinated, clearly showing how

worse it is compared to the previous variants. Now comes the South African strain, which has led to US travel bans from South Africa and other African nations starting last Monday. Named Omicron variant (B.1.1.529), it may “have the ability to evade COVID vaccines and increase the risk of reinfection.” The longer the virus is allowed to replicate and mutate, the greater risk it becomes to human lives. The Moderna vaccine is now suspected to be ineffective against Omicron virus. Future variants may not respond to any vaccine or treatment at all and wipe us out as a civilization, a bit of a stretch, but a plausible scientific reality. God forbid.

More people will die until we destroy this virus for good. Medically, the only way to do this is to vaccinate every single person, to deny the virus any host. Or, isolate those unvaccinated, carriers and infected, reminiscent of the Leper Colony in the 1800. Obviously, this is not possible, compassionate, nor humane. Scientifically, the unvaccinated people, who are the easy targets of the virus, become the carriers and transmitters of COVID-19 infections. When not totally isolated from others, they will continue to spread this deadly virus and kill more.

Unfortunately, at least 50 million people in the United States appear to be more interested in exercising their civil rights, their freedom of choice, their right to refuse vaccinations, rather than protecting themselves and their fellowmen from this killer virus. The greater tragedy is their choice is killing, taking others with them, and damaging our economy besides our psyche, and prolonging this pandemic.

We should have learned our lessons from Global Plague, the Black Death of the 1890s, which killed more than 200 million across Europe and Asia, and the Spanish Flu of 1918 (USA, UK, France, Germany), which infected more than half a billion people (nearly a third of the world population then) and possibly killed up to 100 million, the deadliest recorded pandemic in human history.

How many more deaths are we waiting for before we do the right thing?

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua.com, FUN8888.com, Today,SPSAtoday.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

29 December 2-8, 2021

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS

TYPES OF PAIN

By TIM PEDROSA

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF PAIN, ONE THAT HURTS US AND THE OTHER THAT CHANGES US. Some people think that to be strong is to never feel pain. Actually, the strongest people are the ones who feel it, understand it, accept and learn from it. Pain changes people. We will never understand pain until we feel it. Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional when we grow stronger from the pain and we do not let it destroy us. Pain makes us stronger, tears make us braver and heartaches make us wiser, so thanks the past for a better future. Struggling and suffering are the essence of a life worth living. If we are not pushing ourselves beyond the comfort zone, if we are not demanding more from ourselves by expanding and learning as we go, we are choosing a numb existence. Without pain, there would be no suffering, without suffering we would never learn from our mistakes. To make it right, pain and suffering are the keys to all windows, without them, there is no way of life. The most authentic thing about us, human, is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering.

When we are suffering, we become more understanding not only about ourselves, but also about other people’s sufferings. The first step to understand somebody is to understand their sufferings, then love follows. I have learned that most of our troubles are due to our passionate desire for and attachment to things that we misapprehend as enduring entities; that most of our suffering is the product of our thoughts. We spend nearly every moment of our lives lost in thought, and hostage to the character of those thoughts.

We can break this spell, but it takes training just like it takes training to defend ourselves against a physical assault. Happiness is not a reward, it is a consequence. Suffering is not a punishment, it is a result. The only medicine for suffering, crime, and all other woes of mankind, is wisdom.

When we teach a man to read and write, we put into his hands the great keys of the wisdom box.

But of course, to open the box is quite another thing. I have also learned that human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward the goal of righteousness requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet but only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and success achieved. When people hurt you over and over, think of them as sandpaper. They may scratch and hurt a bit, but in the end, you end up polished and they end up useless. Our heavenly Father understands our disappointment, suffering, pain, fear, and doubt. He is always there to encourage our hearts and help us understand that He is sufficient for all of our needs. When I think and accept this as an absolute truth in my life, I have found that I would stop worrying and I would feel very grateful for all my blessings. Sometimes we must hurt in order to KNOW, FALL in order to GROW, LOSE in order to GAIN because life’s greatest lessons are learned through PAIN.

Advent Special: Ending and Beginning

F

rom Prophet Isaiah 40: 1 – 11; we have the Advent call; “…prepare the way of the Lord… make straight a path for Him in the wasteland…” This is reechoed in the gospels, for example in Mark 1: 1 – 3. We encounter here Saint John the Baptist, the herald of the Messiah, calling us all to be prepared for the coming of the Lord. With this call, we can intuit that two moments: One that ends and another begins. The former refers to our old way of life; a life of sin, a life of vices, a life of REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD mediocrity in relationship with God, a selfcentered life, a life inclined to enrich oneself of this world but in poor in what matters to God. While the latter, a new beginning, refers to a new way of living; a life inclined to be rich in what matters to God, a life in pursuit of virtues and growth in prayer life, a life of discipline and self-mastery, a life of generosity to care for others instead of just being concern for one’s wellbeing.

Dear reader, what is Advent Season for you? Every time Advent Season comes, in a personal way, does it beacon you to turn your eyes more on God, on Jesus, or you just do not think about some deeper sense of it in your life?

We cannot underestimate the divine call of this season. We have to give time for personal reflection in order that we can see ourselves with the lenses of sincerity and honesty if we truly are living the divine life that our Lord Jesus has given us or we are wasting or letting the grace of God useless. This Advent Season is our opportunity for personal introspection, for self-evaluation and formulation of new resolutions to relaunch our lives of faith and love of God for this New Liturgical Year. For me, I pray, that with God’s grace, I could indeed be more self-disciplined; as I have my time of prayers set may I never transgressed them easily. I be more devout in my preparation and celebration of the sacraments. I be always watchful of my words; giving time to think before words are spoken. How about you, dear reader, what are your hopes and prayer for yourself this season and beyond?

The mistakes done and the sins committed in the past year, they must be not be allowed to be repeated. We learned our lessons; let us be wiser rather than be a fool in continuing actions and wrong choices when we have learned that only bad things happen to us because of them. Do not bring the bad things of the past into the present and be dragged into your future. It is madness to say the least. It is suicide in matters to our moral and spiritual life if we will not heed the counsel of right reason and right conduct.

Let us see to it, rather, that the great things of the past can overflow to the present and thrive towards our future. Good actions and godly behavior that gave out great moments from our past must be built up all the more as we want to be characterized by them and be known because of them.

The vices of the past that lingers must be stopped. Let this Advent Season be a beginning of virtues not of vices. Can you pin point some vices that you have been carrying and behaving with at present? Be determined to cut and cast them out of you. Jesus Christ our Lord is worthy to be given indeed a clear and straight path into your heart and soul, and be given a home in you, in us. Advent season is another God-given opportunity to make our lives better; more God centered; more others’ oriented instead of self-oriented; to be a man or woman of God rather than a person in love of the world and its decadent lifestyles.

Advent season is a beginning of another fruitful year in spiritual life; making this year be better than the last. From this Advent Season, let us be determined to transcend ourselves in goodness and in righteousness. Let it be a personal mission to really be able to grow in every quality that we already possess and to begin to build up new ones that will make God’s image ever more radiate from our lives.

Let us end the old self, and begin living forth the new self in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Aflame The Heart

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

31 December 2-8, 2021  NATIONAL NEWS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Beef Spareribs Adobo with Oyster Sauce Ingredients:

Cooking procedure:

1 kilo beef spareribs, cut into serving pieces 1/2 head garlic, crushed 1/2 tbsp. peppercorns 1 thumb size ginger, sliced 2-3 bay leaf 1 stalk lemongrass trimmed, crushed 1/3 cup white vinegar 1/4 cup soy sauce 2-3 tbsp. oyster sauce 1 tbsp. brown sugar salt to taste

In a thick sauce pan put all ingredients add enough water to cover meat and bring to a boil. Set heat to medium low and simmer for 45 to 90 minutes or until beef are tender and the meat start to separate from the bones. Remove all scum that rises, add more water if necessary. Correct saltiness and sweetness according to taste, set heat to low and continue to simmer until liquid is reduced to almost dry Serve with a lot of rice.

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Comprehensive tourism plan for Cordilleras readied by tourism dep’t, Palafox team

BAGUIO CITY - A comprehensive tourism development plan for the Cordilleras, including Baguio City, is in the works.

This as the Department of Tourism - Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) started working with world famous development planner Felino Palafox Jr. for the development of the Tourism Development Study Package for the Cordilleras.

Palafox Associates reported it has started conducting a study of the region to be able to prepare a comprehensive tourism development plan.

Covered by the plan are Baguio City and the provinces of Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Apayao, Kalinga and Abra which comprise the Cordillera region.

The study is timely as the country is gradually and safely reopening tourism sites, the group said.

The Cordilleras is a landlocked region that faces challenges in infrastructure development due to its topography, Palafox said.

“However, its astonishing landscape, magnificent natural wonders, and diverse cultures and traditions are the reasons why the region is among the Philippines’ renowned travel destinations,” the Palafox group said.

As part of its study, the Palafox team visited 81 tourism attractions and destinations, including 13 in the City of Baguio, seven in the Province of Benguet, 12 in the Province of Ifugao, and nine in Mountain Province.

Also visited by the group are 16 tourism destinations in the Province of Kalinga, six in the Province of Apayao, and 18 in the Province of Abra.

The tourism sites include the HunBeef Spareribs Adobo with Oyster Sauce

gduan rice terraces in Ifugao, Dupag rock formation in Abra, and the North Blossom Flower Farm in Benguet.

The Palafox team also met with several tourism officers representing the different provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region, including Mr. Marsman Daguio, the Supervising Tourism Operations Officer of Abra; Ms. Rebecca T. Mamba, the Provincial Tourism Officer of Apayao; Mr. Roscoe L. Kalaw, the Supervising Tourism Operations Officer of Ifugao; and Ms. Lorraine Ngao-I, the Supervising Tourism Operations Officer of Kalinga;

among others.

During the meetings, the study team said it was able to discuss the recovery and future plans of the region for the resumption of the tourism industry as well as programs that aim to implement sustainable and responsible tourism in the new normal scenario.

In line with the priorities of the Department of Tourism, Palafox Associates said it will ensure that the Tourism Circuit Development Study Package will include community-based tourism and farm tourism, which will help accelerate inclusive and sustainable development and ensure food sufficiency and additional income for local communities.

December 2-8, 2021

32

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