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1 December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

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Vol.63 No.19 December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

Gov’t muzzles Duterte, 2 anchors from Quiboloy’s network

Marcos eyes new strategy on sea feud

By ALFRED GABOT , Editor in Chief

MANILA/TOKYO – Eyeing new strategies to counter China’s aggression in South China Sea (SCS) and West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Philippines is girding for an escalation of hostilities in the region even as it plans to launch new gas explorations within its 2024 GOVT BUDGET. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signs the 2024 General Page 9 Appropria�ons Act (GAA), which contains the P5.768 trillion na�onal budget, in exclusive economic zone and territory.

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor MANILA -- The Movie and Television Ratings and Classification Board (MTRCB) this week suspended the shows of former President Rodrigo Duterte and Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey a ceremony in Malacañang. With him are Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Celiz aired over Sonshine Media Speaker Mar�n Romualdez and other senators and congressmen..(Rey Ban- Network International Page 6

UPSIDE

ique/NIB)

by Cherie M. Querol Moreno

Manalo, Daus-Magbual solidify FilAm leadership in Daly City

PBRC fetes Daly City leaders 17 GOP governors draw ire of Asian American groups

By Gilda P. Balan, Correspondent

Mayor Juslyn Manalo recognizes her family’s role in her successful poli�cal journey by asking them to stand with her as she took her oath as city leader before A�orney General Rob Bonta (right). (Photo by CMQUEROLMORENO)

DALY CITY, California – Juslyn Manalo, the first Filipino woman to become mayor of Daly City, got the gavel for the third time during the City Council’s Dec. 11 reorganization rites. Page 10

WASHINGTON - For what they perceive as an organized hate campaign against one segment of the Asian American community, several Asian groups have sought support of President Joe Biden.

No less than 17 governors – all Republicans – are seen as cracking down on Chinese and/ or Chinese-American ownership of real property in the US. It must be noted that a good number of Filipinos and FilAms are potentially covered Page 5

PBRC brass host the top leadership of Daly City and special allies Dec. 18 with a sumptuous holiday dinner to celebrate the season and thank the City and key volunteers for a successful year.

DALY CITY, Calif. - Merriment source Center Dec. 18 for the top and goodwill lorded the holiday leadership of Daly City and multigathering hosted by officers and sectoral allies. staff of Pilipino Bayanihan ReRolling out the pio- Page 9

More Filipinos hopeful for 2024 – survey Bishop: Wear face mask in church, parties VIEWS & COMMENTS

SHOWBIZ

Strategies for faster family unification

Ronaldo Valdez dies of gunshot wound; suicide or murder?

Pacquiao celebrates birthday in GenSan with celebrities

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By A�y. Lozano

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 NATIONAL NEWS

December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

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Filipinos hopeful for 2024 - survey More Filipinos are entering 2024 optimistic about the country’s economy based on a new survey by Publicus Asia.

This as economic concerns are still the biggest worry of Filipinos, according to an end-of-year survey by Publicus Asia Inc. The independent and non-commissioned “PAHAYAG” survey conducted from Nov. 29 to Dec. 4 showed economy and inflation are the top concerns on the macroscale for the majority 15% of respondents.

Earlier this month, the Philippine

Statistics Authority reported that the inflation rate continued its slowdown, dropping to 4.1% in November from 4.9% the month before. This brings the average inflation from January to November to 6.2%, still outside the government’s target range of 2% to 4%.

Publicus Asia said corruption and poverty are the next top concerns for Filipinos at 12% and 9%, respectively.

“Notably, Corruption is least concerning to those with No Formal Education at 5%, while Poverty resonates strongly with the 18-24 age group, reg-

istering a 17% concern,” Publicus Asia wrote in a release.

Results also showed that education, agriculture, and wages are also pressing issues among the public, garnering 6% each.

At the micro-level, Publicus Asia found that difficulty in finding employment is the biggest concern with 14%.

Affordability of basic needs and the fear of unemployment came next at 12%.

The fear of not receiving adequate pay got 11%, “resonating strongly with

the 25-29 age group (18%) and government workers (17%),” the firm added.

The survey further found that 9 out of 10 respondents worry about crimes and the use of illegal drugs in their communities.

Publicus Asia said 1,500 registered voters participated in the survey. They were randomly drawn from a market research panel of over 200,000 Filipinos maintained by the Singapore office of PureSpectrum, a US-based panel marketplace.

Archbishop urges wearing of face mask in churches, holiday parties MANILA – The Archdiocese of Manila encourages the faithful to follow health and safety protocols when attending Christmas and Church gatherings as there are still cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and other respiratory illnesses.

In Circular No. 2023-106 addressed to all the clergy, the consecrated men and women and the lay faithful in the archdiocese, issued on Friday, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula reminded them to be cautious when at-

tending holiday parties and Eucharistic celebrations.

“Heeding the recommendations of the Ministry on Health Care of the Archdiocese of Manila, we request our communities to observe the health and safety protocols,” he said.

“Let us practice voluntary wearing of face masks and hand hygiene. Those who are ill must be reminded to stay at home so as not to spread infection,” the cardinal added.

He urged the people to heed the call

as “our gesture of charity and compassion for others, especially those who are vulnerable.”

“Our communities will once again gather for the traditional Simbang Gabi or Misa de Aguinaldo. Children and young people will visit homes to offer Christmas carols. Our ministries and organizations in our parishes and communities will have their Christmas parties and gatherings,” he said.

“The next days will again show us how vibrant, festive, and faith-filled Fili-

pino Christmas is,” Advincula added.

He noted that the issuance of the circular is just a reminder.

“We continue to receive reports about incidences of Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses,” the head of the Archdiocese of Manila said.

“But we will not allow them to deprive us of Christmas joy,” he added.

The Simbang Gabi or Dawn Mass begins on Dec. 16. It is being held for nine days.

CBCP backs Pope on blessing for same-sex couples MANILA – The Catholic Bishops’ Con- couples “without officially validating their ference of the Philippines (CBCP) said Pope status or changing in any way the Church’s Francis’ pronouncement of allowing Catholic perennial teaching on marriage.” priests to administer blessings to same-sex “Therefore, when a Catholic priest prays a couples is self-explanatory. blessing of mercy on a couple in an irregular “In fact, in paragraph 41, What has been situation, who ‘desire to entrust themselves to said in this Declaration regarding the bless- the Lord and his mercy, to invoke his help. ings of same-sex couples is sufficient to guide the prudent and fatherly discernment of ordained ministers in this regard. Thus, beyond the guidance provided above, no further responses should be expected about possible ways to regulate details or practicalities regarding blessings of this type,” CBCP president Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said in an advisory.

He added that the declaration reaffirmed the Church’s teaching on marriage as a sacrament and indissoluble union entered into by one woman and one man.

“This declaration remains firm on the traditional doctrine of the Church about marriage, not allowing any type of liturgical rite or blessing similar to a liturgical rite that can create confusion.”

Meanwhile, LingayenDagupan Bishop Socrates Villegas said same sex couples that seek blessing will only receive a “blessing of mercy”.

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3 December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

 NATIONAL NEWS

Gov’t mulls P6.12-T budget in 2025 MANILA – The Development Bud- kept the gross domestic product (GDP) get Coordination Committee (DBCC) has growth outlook for this year and revised downward its growth forecast.

In a statement, the DBCC said it maintained the growth projection of 6 percent to 7 percent this year after the country registered a 5.5 percent GDP growth in the first three quarters of the year.

On the other hand, it narrowed its GDP growth range outlook for next year to 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent from its previous projection of 6.5 percent to 8 percent.

The DBCC maintained its growth assumption of 6.5 percent to 8 percent between 2025 and 2028.

Inflation, meanwhile, is expected to settle at a 6 percent rate for the full year of 2023 before returning to the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent next year and from 2025 to 2028.

Moving forward, to support economic growth in 2025, the DBCC proposed a P6.12 trillion national budget for that year.

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 METRO NEWS

December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

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Devotees, PNP get ready for Black Nazarene ‘Traslacion’ 2024 MANILA - Expect thousands, if not millions, of devoteex of the Black Nazarene again in Manila next month.

This as authorities allowed the return of the traditional religious procession of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo Church to its early routes.

Following the decision, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will follow its security template for the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9, 2024 but will have stringent monitoring schemes following the Mindanao State University-Marawi bombing on Dec. 3.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said they will be more stringent in their surveillance

works.

“It is very important to validate the information if there are serious threat monitored,” she said.

Fajardo said the PNP will be on maximum deployment for the Traslacion and the entire National Capital Region police will be on full alert until the event is over.

Organizers of the 2024 Feast of the Black Nazarene Traslacion (transfer) announced on Saturday that they would follow the route used during the 2020 grand procession.

The announcement was made after a walkthrough in the morning for the Jan. 9 trasla-

cion, starting at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park and up to the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or Quiapo Church in Quezon Boulevard.

“Ang ruta po ay katulad ng nakaraang year 2020 (the route will be the same as that of year 2020),” the Quiapo Church officials said in a brief statement.

The walkthrough, which lasted for over two and a half hours, was conducted to ensure the safety of thousands of devotees.

The procession will start from Quirino Grandstand, turn left to Katigbak Street; pass through Padre Burgos Street; and along Fi-

nance Road, and Palanca, Arlegui, Fraternal, Vergara, Duque de Alba, Castillejos, Farnecio, Nepomuceno, Concepcion Aguila, Carcer, Hidalgo, Bilibid Viejo, Gil Puyat, and J.P De Guzman Streets; under the Quezon Bridge; and Villalobos Street en route to Plaza Miranda right outside the church.

It would mark the first time the Traslacion will return to its old format after the celebration was suspended from 2021 to 2023 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This year, Quiapo Church held a “Walk of Faith” sans the Traslacion and lured 1.2 million devotees over two days.

PNP: No muzzling of cops’ guns for holiday revelries CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the guns of police officers will not be muzzled for this year’s holiday season.

“We received instruction from Maj. Gen. (Leo) Francisco (PNP Director for Operations) based sa guidance ng ating Chief PNP Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. ay iimplement pa rin natin yung practice natin in previous years na hindi na itetape yung mga baril ng ating mga pulis dahil naging effective naman ito in previous years (We will still implement our practice in previous years of not taping the guns of our police officers because it was effective in previous years),” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said.

Fajardo, however, said police regional directors and field commanders must sternly warn their personnel against indiscriminate fir-

ing.

She added that the practice of gun muzzling might hamper police response.

“Kasama sa naging consideration is yung dapat particularly yung mga pulis natin na nakadeploy ay kung saka-sakali magrerender sila ng immediate police assistance ay hindi na sila mag aalala na hindi puputok yung baril nila dahil naka tape yun na maaaring maghamper sa mabilis na response nila (In addition to the consideration that should be given to our police officers who are deployed, in the event that they render immediate police assistance, they will no longer have to worry that their guns will not fire because they are on tape, which could hinder their quick response),” she stressed.

Citing PNP records, Fajardo said 12 incidents of illegal discharge of firearms were recorded during this year’s holiday revelries.

5 December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Pampanga dazzles anew in the 115th Giant Lantern Festival SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (Rappler) – Ten giant and colorful Kapampangan Christmas lanterns lit up the night sky as the City of San Fernando celebrated its 115th Giant Lantern Festival (GLF) at the Robinsons Starmills open grounds on Saturday, December 16.

The annual GLF, locally known as “Ligligan Parul,” officially marked 115 years of lantern making and Kapampangan craftsmanship from 10 participating villages: Bulaon, Calulut, Del Pilar, Dolores, San Jose, San Juan, Sta. Lucia, San Nicolas, Sto. Nino, and Telabastagan.

Barangay Telabastagan, led by lantern maker Arnel Flores, was hailed as the grand winner of this year’s GLF and won P300,000, a trophy, and bragging rights.

The 1st runner up is Barangay San Nicolas, followed

by Barangay San Juan winning P200,000 and P100,000 respectively.

Flores, who recently had an operation due to diabetes, said he will not stop joining the GLF competition and will keep on making lanterns for as long as he can.

A devout Catholic, Flores offers his talent, craftsmanship, and service to God and his family, he said.

“I am so happy. Even though I couldn’t stand because of my operation, I gave my best. As long as I do it for Him,” Flores said.

The Christmas lanterns, locally known as “parul,” started in 1908 when salt vendor Francisco Estanislao, the first recorded lantern maker, made lanterns from bamboo and coco cloth for Simbang Gabi. Since then, Pampanga’s capital has progressed into the annual GLF which was held to honor the Kapampangan craft of lantern making.

Spectators watched with glee as the Christmas spirit illuminated the night sky with a kaleidoscope of patterns to the beats of different musical stylings – from pop to

17...

(From page 1)

by the virtual ban as Chinese-Filipinos AKA Chinoys make up a large percentage of the Filipino people.

Even before the Spanish conquest of large parts of the Philippines, Chinese have been trading with natives of what would become the Republic of the Philippines for decades, even centuries. As such, they have intermarried with Filipinos and were assimilated in the Southeast Asian nation.

In recent years, US politicians have attacked Chinese immigrants to the US, notably led by Donald Trump who blamed China for bringing the coronavirus to America.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee, who previously served as Trump’s spokesperson when the latter was president, had recently called on Biden as well as congressional leaders to use “all available tools to prevent continued acquisition of American lands by adversarial foreign governments and entities.”

Speaking in behalf of the Asian American community, Charles Zinkowski of the Committee of 100 said that if such restrictions become law, “they will make it difficult, if not impossible, for individuals in the US on long term visas to purchase a home and are likely to lead to direct discrimination against any individuals of Chinese American or AAPI descent.”

AAPI refers to Asian American and Pacific Islanders to which Filipinos and FilAms belong.

Florida recently passed a law that bans Chinese citizens from owning property in the state. The state is led by Governor Ron deSantis who is seeking to be the GOP’s presidential nominee in next year’s election.

Fourteen other states have enacted similar laws with Florida, and more than 20 other states are considering their own versions of the bill.

The Republican governors justified their stand by

novelty tunes, gospel songs and Christmas carols, as well as Kapampangan music.

Young spectator NJ, 25, traveled from Baguio City to witness the giant lanterns.

“Curiosity brought me here. For me it’s refreshing because this is not the usual festival I see in Baguio. We have a flower festival there but to see lights in the giant lanterns is something new to me. I can say that this has a potential to be a spotlight in the Philippines,” said NJ. “It’s beautiful and attractive. I also watched last year and San Juan won but I think San Nicolas will win this year,” said Divine, 15, a highschool student.

Each lantern maker also received P400,000 worth of subsidy from the local government, the Giant Lantern Festival Foundation Incorporated, and Firefly Electric and Lighting Corporation which were given in three tranches for the duration of their lantern making and preparation.

The local government of San Fernando has assured complete preparedness for this year’s GLF where each giant lantern has been inspected during the last stage of the participants’ lantern making process.

City tourism officer Ching Pangilinan said in a statement that the priority has always been to preserve the culture and tradition as it is the heart of the festival.

“As much as we want to introduce innovations in the festival organization, we are still very strong on the common community goal of preserving this Kapampangan tradition and Fernandino culture that we want to pass on to the next generation,” Pangilinan said.

Alvin Mendoza, co-chairperson of the GLF executive committee, said the preparation started as early as July and one of the guidelines that they modified is the lifting of the limit on the number of bulbs. (Rappler. com) saying: “For too long, we have allowed dangerous and adversarial governments to infiltrate our country. Our States will tolerate such allowances no longer. The Biden Administration must reckon with the fact that such entities are plain threats to our national security.”

Stop AAPI Hate said the scapegoating must end. It recently launched a website called Stop the Blame to counter what it sees as the discriminatory anti-Chinese sentiment fomented by many politicians.

Recent studies show Chinese land ownership in the US is insignificant. Chinese own a mere 19 acres of land in Nebraska and that Canada is the largest foreign land owner in the state.

While foreign ownership of land has spiked in Nebraska in recent years, Chinese have not contributed to the increase.

It may be noted that there is no mention of Russian ownership of land in the US, although in many ways Russia poses a bigger security threat to the US than China.

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

P23-B Davao-Samal bridge to push through DAVAO CITY – Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Tesoro Magno confirmed that the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project will push through.

Magno said there is no single government directive to stop the project.

“I spoke with the Department of Public Works and Highways last month, I asked them about the status of the project and if there is a hindrance to the project. They said the construction will push through,” he added.

Last month, the China Road and Bridge Corp. said that the project is “more than ready” to be implemented amid setbacks concerning right-of-way issues.

“If there are hindrances, we hope to finish and overcome it. For a project to be successful, it is necessary that both private and the public sector understand each other,” Magno said.

The construction of the P23.04 billion toll-free, fourlane bridge is being funded through China’s Official Development Assistance, with the original completion target date set in 2027.

Once completed, the 3.98-km. bridge project crossing Pakiputan Strait will have landing points at the Samal Circumferential Road in Barangay Limao, Island Garden City of Samal, and Davao City between the R. Castillo and the Daang Maharlika junction

Baguio readies for Panagbenga festival 2024

BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) and the city government launched the 2024 Panagbenga, the city’s and the Cordillera Administrative Region’s major crowd-drawing event that is held for one month.

Freddie Alquiros, BFFFI president, said innovations will be implemented for the festival that will carry the theme “Celebrating Culture, Embracing Innovation.”

“We are trying to make it affordable so that others will be able to join,” he said during the press conference after the launch.

According to Alquiros, the cultural presentation will no longer be part of the grand street dancing parade but will be given its day, to allow the locals and tourists to fully appreciate the region’s culture through dances.

“We started to have a cultural category for the street dancing parade during the pandemic, and we are seeing a long list of interested participants,” he explained, adding that they are also hoping to have a sub-category for high school participants of the street dancing parade.

Next year’s festival will start on Feb. 3.

“Panagbenga is the people’s event, and we want everybody to join and be part of the opening and the other events, which was the reason it was conceptualized,” Anthony de Leon, festival executive committee chair, said.

Molino-Daang Hari Flyover in Cavite opens to traffic

BACOOR CITY, Cavite – Vehicles are now allowed at the 531-meter Molino-Daang Hari Flyover Project in the Province of Cavite, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported.

This, after DPWH and local officials of the province opened the P701 million structure during the inauguration ceremony held on Dec. 12, 2023.

With the flyover’s opening, Regional Director Jovel Mendoza said the travel time between Barangay Molino III and Barangay Molino IV in Bacoor City and neighboring towns is reduced by 15 to 30 minutes.

He added that the flyover is a multi-year project which has received P240 million as initial allocation in 2016, P311 million in 2018, and P150 million in 2022.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

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Marcos signs P5.768-T 2024 national budget MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) which contains the P5.768-trillion budget that will be tapped to fund the administration’s key programs and projects for next year to expedite the country’s recovery in a postpandemic era.

Marcos signed Republic Act (RA) 11975, the law that appropriates funds for the national government’s operations from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024, in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace in Manila on

Wednesday afternoon.

“Although it is teeming with numbers, this budget is more than a spreadsheet of amounts, or a ledger of projects.

Rather, it details our battle plan in fighting poverty and combating illiteracy, in producing food and ending hunger, in protecting our homes and securing our border, treating the sick, keeping our people healthy, creating jobs, and funding livelihoods,” he said in a keynote speech.

“It is wrong to say that the budget

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merely pays for the overhead of the bureaucracy. It is more than that. It funds the elimination of problems that we as a nation must overcome. It is incorrect to say that the budget merely finances the operations of government because its fine print bankrolls the realization of our dreams writ large,” Marcos added.

The expenditure items in the 2024 GAA, when translated to projects, would transform the country and the Filipinos’ lives “for the better”, adding that the national budget for next year would help boost “both the physical and human cap-

ital of the nation”, he said.

Marcos, however, acknowledged that the budget for 2024 is not enough to fully fund his administration’s plans for the country.

“How I wish that we could wipe out with one budget cycle all our infrastructure backlog. How I wish we had ‘unli’ revenues to realize our country’s limited unlimited potential,” he said.

Marcos reminded the government agencies to spend their respective budget appropriations “for the correct purposes, the right way, on time, and on budget.”

Govt...

whelmingly stood behind Castro, who later sued the former chief executive. Duterte failed to attend the first two hearings of the case, but also denied threatening Castro.

In the show’s Nov. 15 episode, another guest also issued a death threat and likewise used profane language, which was a hallmark of the Duterte presidency.

The majority of the MTRCB board voted to suspend Duterte’s show, while in the case of the show of Badoy and Celiz, the vote was unanimous.

Celiz and Badoy had been summoned by the House to defend their claim that Speaker Martin Romualdez had spent P1.8 billion for his thforeign travels. House records, however, showed the Speaker only spent a fraction of that sum.

Celiz admitted that his source came from the Senate, but that it had not been verified. For her part, Badoy could not properly explain the source of their show’s revenues.

The House voted to hold the pair in contempt and kept them in house arrest for a week, until they were released in the spirit of the Christmas season.

In preventing the two shows, the MTRCB said: “To prevent the possible repetition if these alleged infractions which may pose a negative impact on public welfare, ethical considerations, and overall reputation of the broadcasting industry, the Board determined the need to preventively suspend the subject program/s.”

The Board warned that similar incidents will be dealt with more severely.

SMNI promised to prerecord and review episodes before airing.

The House, however, remained on the warpath against the station, adopting a resolution urging the National Telecommunications Commission to suspend SMNI’s operations.

One lawmaker likewise filed a bill seeking to revoke SMNI’s franchise over alleged violations and for peddling fake news.

A former lawmaker, Teddy Casino, meanwhile, also sued Badoy last week for red tagging him.

(From page 1)

(SMNI).

The reasons cited were Duterte’s death threats and use of profane language, while for Celiz and Badoy it was the false and unverified claim on the Speaker’s travel funds, as well conflicting testimony on their roles in the station as well as advertising revenues.

The MTRCB serves as the country’s board of censors, while SMNI is the TV station owned by the religious organization controlled by the controversial Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Dec 19 (Manila time), the MTRCB said it had received several complaints on the alleged violations on Duterte’s “Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa,” and Badoy and Celiz’s “Laban Kasama oang Bayan.” The suspension is good for a period of two weeks.

It was during his Oct 10 episode of his show that Duterte aired a death threat against ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro.

The House of Representative over-

7 December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

Are Threats Over the 2024 U.S. Elections Real or Perceived and are we ready for them? or after the Presidential elections.

To see if something is being done to mitigate if not totally avoid the threats, Ethnic Media Services conducted a briefing What Threats Loom Over the 2024 U.S. Elections, and are We Prepared to Face Deputy Director of the Elec- Senior Counsel and Director of Them? to discuss are considered �ons & Government Program Digital Jus�ce and Civil rights the most dangerous threats to the at the Brennan Center Gowri at Free Press (FP) Nora Bena- 2024 elections and what are being done about them.

Ramachandran videz Leading the panelists is Deputy Director of the Elections & Government Program at the Brennan Center Gowri Ramachandran joined by Senior Counsel and Director of Digital Justice and Civil rights at Free Press (FP) Nora Benavidez, Associate Director of Execu�ve Director of Witness. Associate Director of the Elec- the Elections Project at the Biparti�ons Project at the Bipar�san san Policy Center William T. Adler org Sam Gregory Policy Center William T. Adler and Executive Director of Witness. org Sam Gregory.

Election issues in the United States have not reAt the briefing, Ramachandran mentioned that ally died down even during the height of the COV- the key to fair elections is undisrupted voter access ID-19 pandemic especially after the believed Big Lie coupled with having the resiliency of election ofthat the Democrats stole the 2020 election continues ficials “in the event of touchscreen voting machines to be believed by a large majority of the Republican breaking down, or electronic poll books becoming party and possibly some independents that unfortu- unusable, or a breach of the voter registration datanately resulted to the “insurrection” on January 6, base. She also does not believe that the movement to 2021 U.S. Capitol attack by losing candidate former count ballots by hand does not support election inPresident Donald Trump supporters. tegrity.

The projection of Trump supporters of this sup“We recommend practices like backing off the posed election 2020 steal has increased the chance voter database well before the election, having plenty violence during and around the elections may take of emergency and provisional paper ballot supplies, shape and this thought continues to linger and persists and doing capacity testing for electronic systems,” she with the following scenarios in case: continued. “Small disruptions like these can be fodder * Candidates of one party declare victory over the for a lot of misinformation about how voters can vote, protests of election administrators; or even about the whole election being unfair.” * Candidates declare fraud even before elections Poll worker shortages — which occurred in 2020 are held- or after, with no evidence; due to the pandemic, particularly given that many poll * Election officials are threatened or harmed, or volunteers tend to be elderly — would not help but some refuse to count election results that go against and may even be a security threat although Ramachtheir ideology; andran cited “you also get shortages when election * Disinformation that occurred in 2020 persists workers feel unsafe due to threats and harassment.” with the use of AI and Deep Fakes; and “To help poll workers feel safe, we recommend that * Violent protests are encouraged before, during, election officials implement security upgrades like bullet-

proof glass and keycard access … and make it clear that threats like malicious information and disinformation will not be tolerated,” she added.

Benavidez, on the hand, believes that social media companies play a major role in perpetuating misinformation, enabled disinformation and compromise reporting.

“Particularly since the January 6 insurrection, the biggest companies — Meta, Tik Tok, Google, YouTube, Twitter — finally seem to accept that their failure to moderate content played a role in undermining public safety and democracy,” Benavidez lamented.

Add to this, she rued that these companies laid off tens of thousands of layoffs from over the past year, deprioritizing accountability of accurate content that point to where their values lie.

“There’s a downstream effect where mainstream media outlets, like CNN and the LA Times, often digest unverified misinformation and disinformation originating on social media … and that will have grave implications towards the next 12 months.”

To promote accurate content around the elections, Benavidez said these tech companies should reinvest in staffing teams to “moderate information and safeguard election integrity,” more efficiently moderate political ads across languages, develop increased transparency practices like data analytics reports shared with researchers, journalists and policymakers, and bolster political ad policies to prohibit content promoting misinformation about polling locations, practices or candidates.

Adler echoed the fear in shortage of election workers on the polling side too and will serve to further heighten the risk of misinformation threats to a fair 2024 election.

“Administering elections has always been a relatively thankless, low-paid government job, which has gotten increasingly complex over the past 20 years,” Adler admits. “As we’ve incorporated more technology into polling, they’ve become IT managers in the public spotlight, facing public threats … New responsibilities in how they communicate about their work are a key part of their job as wasn’t the case before 2020 or 2016.”

Adler referred to the November 2023 Reed College survey of approximately 1,000 local election officials for reasons for high turnover of poll workers aside from safety concerns. The study revealed that

31% of those surveyed said they knew other “local election officials who left their jobs because of personal safety issues and threats, 11% surveyed had considered leaving because of safety concerns, and over a third of them will be eligible for retirement before 2026.”

Adler warns that this constitutes a dangerous cycle of misinformation explaining that if “election officials face threats, they may be more inclined to leave their jobs that results in less institutional knowledge on how to run an election, which might result in more mistakes, which may in turn undermine voter confidence, which brings more threats … Delays or errors in processing ballots creates a hunger for information which misinformation peddlers are all too eager to fill.”

The threat posed by increasing amount of misinformation through artificial intelligence-generated “deepfakes” alarms Gregory as a wide range of technology has emerged whereby anyone can generate images from a text prompt, or mimic voices from audio samples, “to target and push people out of the public sphere. In conversations I’ve had with people working in electoral processes, this is something they’ve seen and worry about has gotten particularly easier over the last year.

In electoral contexts, patterns of deceptive image and audio use are already on the rise; he mentioned recent examples of an audio deepfake of Slovakian liberal politician Michal Šimečka and journalist Monika Tódová apparently discussing how to rig the upcoming elections; another audio deepfake targeting UK Labour leader Keir Starmer; and another audio deepfake of Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas.

“The opposite is also true as cases when someone claims something is a deepfake when it’s actually real,” explained Gregory. “Witness.org receives many cases of deep fakes, and a lot of them are people basically relying on others’ absence of knowledge to deny a piece of audio on the basis that it has been faked.”

“Our information environment, by design, discourages engagement and conversation” across opposing political sides, he added. To combat electoral threats like these, we should “start from a baseline of what’s possible, of how misinformation is spread, so we know where to look for and stop it.

 OPINION

December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

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Manalo... (From page 1)

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The worst possible blow to Trump’s candidacy

t will very definitely be appealed before the US Supreme Court, but in a shocking decision this week, the Colorado Supreme Court removed former President Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 ballot, throwing a monkey wrench to his plan to retake the White House.

The Colorado high court ruled that Trump is not an eligible presidential candidate based on the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist ban.”

Ruling four in favor and three against, the Colorado SC’s decision will be placed on hold until January 4, next year, to give time for Trump to appeal the decision.

The matter needs to be settled by January 5, the statutory deadline to set the list of bets for the Republican primary.

In its ruling, the high court said: “President Trump did not merely incite the insurrection. Even when the siege on the Capitol was fully underway, he continued to support it by repeatedly demanding that Vice President Pence refuse to perform his constitutional duty and by calling Senators to persuade them to stop the counting of electoral votes.”

Trump’s actions “constituted overt, voluntary, and direct participation in the insurrection,” the court concluded.

The Colorado high tribunal also stated that the evidence against the 45th POTUS was undisputed at the trial, thereby establishing that Trump did indeed engage in insurrection.

Trump is expected to claim that the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision was political in nature intended to stop his march back to the Oval Office. He has a commanding lead over the rest of the GOP field and is expected to win the nomination with ease.

He will almost surely cite the fact that all seven justices of the Colorado high court were appointed by Democratic governors.

That court determined that Trump’s claims of free speech did not stand, ruling that “President Trump’s speech on January 6 was not protected by the First Amendment.”

The 14th Amendment’s insurrectionist ban, which was ratified after the Civil War, states that officials who take an oath to support the Constitution are banned from future office if they are found to have engaged in insurrection.

Despite leading in all surveys for the GOP nomination, Trump has been mired in a number of legal troubles. His flagship company based in New York faces a ban on doing business in the state, even as Trump faces a fine of as much as $250 million for fraud.

Aside from his stunning defeat in Colorado, Trump’s request for a directed verdict in his New York civil case was rejected by the judge, who said that “a lie is still a lie,” after the former president had been charged with numerous acts of fraud and misrepresentation.

Trump, his two adult sons, and senior officials of his organization were found to have submitted “fraudulent valuations” of his assets in order to receive more favorable loan terms.

He also faces cases of election interference, hiding classified documents, and making hush money payments to an adult actress.

Trump has denied all wrongdoing.

Manalo, who served as vice mayor this year, garnered the highest-ever number of votes – 26,748 or 43.73 percent – for the Daly City Council.

Citing the historic statistic, 2023 Mayor Ray Buenaventura nominated Manalo, a longtime housing advocate, to be his successor at reorganization rites December 11. Special guest California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who officiated Manalo’s oath as city leader, hailed the act as a proud moment witnessing “one great CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO Filipino American” follow another.

Mayor Manalo later nominated Skyline College Filipino Studies Professor and City Council Member Rod Daus-Magbual for Vice Mayor, who swore in before his daughter Amianan, accentuating Bonta’s words of affirmation and summed up the highlights of the prior two hours at the packed City Council Chambers.

“I am deeply humbled to become Mayor for the third time in the city I was raised in and the city I am raising my children,” Manalo said, her eyes trained straight on her son Ethyn and daughter Juselle frolicking at the front row of the gallery. “I want my children to be able to afford to live in Daly City.”

PRIORITIES Her vision for her new term stays constant as her first, she told Inquirer.net after her installation.

“I remain committed to prioritizing affordable housing (building and sustaining more rental and ownership opportunities), increased public safety, youth development and senior services, healthy neighborhoods, improved parks, and the intentional reimagining of public services in all facets of local government towards social justice and equity,” she enumerated focus issues, stressing she will “continue to fight for Seton Hospital to remain in our community.”

Seton Hospital, the largest employer of the city with over 110,000 residents, has had a number of ownership changes in the last two decades. It houses the only nonmembership emergency room between San Francisco and Burlingame over 20 miles away.

A newlywed when she first joined the city council, Manalo has picked up valuable lessons personally and politically along the way.

Definitely she has “learned to listen to the pulse of the community on the ground and advocate for their needs,” she shares, adding that she would “lean on God when negativity arises, because I trust light will shine through the darkness.”

She has deep empathy for “the most vulnerable” and wants them to know that they belong to the community and “this is their City Hall.”

Recently named Senior Community Engagement Specialist with the City and County of San Francisco, Manalo was introduced to community service by her parents Lito and Josie Manalo, former head of the FilAm Training Center in San Francisco, which prepared newcomers to develop skills for joining the local workforce.

Little wonder she asked that her parents, her husband and “best friend for 20 years” Eluid Palomo and their two children stand by her side as she swore in, an act of gratitude and recognition for their “unyielding support…teaching me the values of family, hard work, faith in God, and the bayanihan spirit they displayed with others as I was growing up.”

Asked by Inquirer.net who come to mind for her success, she acknowledged “(the late community leader) Tita Alice Bulos who mentored Ray Buenaventura, who then paid it forward and mentored me.” She commended San Mateo County Supervisor Canepa, a former Daly City Council Member with whom she has worked closely on “various issues concerning Daly City.”

(Continued on page 20)

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Welcome, balikbayans!

here is no better place to celebrate the Christmas season than right here, in the Philippines.

It is what draws so many ecpatriates to the land of their birth every December..

This year , several members of my family will be coming home, all the way from California and New Jersey.

Birdie Reyes III will be here for the Aliw Awards event, as will his sister Yasmin Assad and her children Chilli and Brison, Sol too will Erle and Sara Reyes with their grandma, Erlie Mendoza, Besides attending functions in Manila, they will be going out of town, to Tagaytay City, Boracay and other tourist spots, far from the traffic of Metro Manila.

As in years past, balikbayans will enjoy seeing the bright lights and ddcorations along the city streets, savoring a variety of dishes,experiencing Simbang gabi, partaking of puto bumbong and bibingka, watching live concerts, and being the recipients of the hospitality of Filipinos.

Balikbayans will be met by their relatives, specially their godchildren, and will see streetchildten and natives Filipinos from northern and southern Philippines . These will not mar their enjoyment of being back on Philippine soil to spend Christmas with their families and friends.

A warm welcome to all balikbayans this Christmas!

11 December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

 OPINION

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Dreaming of a merrier Christmas with MRT 7 and new int’l airport

THE OUTSIDER

Health & Wealth

s a columnist, accredited s the year is about to end, and commissioned NoI am hopeful like other tary Public and founder Filipinos that our country of Mobile Signing Services, I will move up to become an upreceived a call from Larry, an per middle-income country earlier 86-year-old neighbor in San than the 2025 forecast.

Francisco, California last week, Economists have painted a requesting help and assistance rosy growth prospect for the counin the signing, notarization and try and according to the World apostille follow up of the DEED Bank, the Philippines has been OF ABSOLUTE SALE prepared one of the most dynamic econoby their lawyer in the PhilipART GABOT MADLAING mies in the East Asia and Pacific pines. region.

Larry and her 88-year-old Infrastructure plays an impor- MELANDREW T. VELASCO sister Alicia scheduled and appointment to meet with them in my home office in San Francisco, tant role in a country’s economic California last Tuesday, 2:30 pm, December 5, 2023. At the meeting, development and to further spur Larry and Alicia showed the DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE prepared development, there is a need to invest more in infrastructure.

Big-ticket infra projects were undertaken by President Ferdinand in the Philippines by their lawyer. We discovered that there were some minor additions and corrections needed in the drafted DEED R. Marcos Jr’s predecessor under the Build, Build, Build Program.

Some infrastructure projects were completed under the BBB ProOF ABSOLUTE SALE. After further conversation, I found out that they (Larry, Alicia “ gram, such as the final section of the Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union and siblings) had ready buyers from Canada who already gave them Expressway (TPLEX), Plaridel By-Pass Road Phase II, North Luzon full payment (in U.S. dollars) of the agreed amount of TWO MIL- Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link Segment 10 and C3-R10 Section, LION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P2,500,000.00), in Skyway Stage 3, and Alabang-Sucat Skyway Extension, among othPhilippine currency, on the sale of their land (and improvement) lo- ers. There are projects which are still ongoing, now under the Build cated in Barrio La Paz, Municipality of San Narciso, in the Province Better More Program of President Marcos Jr. Among these ongoing projects are transport infrastructures: the of Zambales, Philippines.

Upon the request of Larry and Alicia, we typed in our computer New Manila International Airport in Bulacan and the Metro Rail the updated DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE with the suggested ad- Transit (MRT) 7, both being undertaken by San Miguel Corporation ditions and corrections. After one hour, the corrected and updated subsidiaries. These projects will enhance connectivity and mobility, DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE was ready for signing. We prepared complementing each other.

At the time the project was conceptualized, it would carry 7 sets of the updated DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE for signing and 300,000 during the first year of operation and “shall reach the maxinotarization.

I had Larry and Alicia signed the 7 sets of updated DEED OF mum projection of 850,000 passengers per day on the 12th year.”

Last month, a team composed of personnel from MRT-7 and ABSOLUTE SALE. The wife of Larry also signed the documents for her marital consent. I also had them signed my Journal of Notarial partners Hyundai Rotem, Korail and Rhodium 688 conducted test Acts and put their right thumbmarks. Since one of the siblings is bed- runs of its trains at MRT-7’s line along Commonwealth Avenue in ridden, Alicia arranged for me to visit him and his spouse last Satur- Quezon City.

SMC President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang day, 10:30 am, December 9, 2023 for the signing of the documents.

I met the bedridden sibling, his wife and another sister in his (RSA) led the test runs and witnessed the use of technology to prohome in Daly City, California last Saturday, 10:30 am, last December vide better travel experience. “The hard work of everyone involved 9, 2023. After some preliminaries. I had them sign the documents. I is turning our collective dream of fast, efficient transport into reality. also had them sign my Journal of Notarial Acts and put their right The prospect of traveling from Quezon City to Bulacan in just 35 thumb marks. The rest of the other siblings came to my home office minutes is not only a time-saver, but also a life-changer, offering in San Francisco, California for the signing and notarization of the 7 more opportunities for personal and family time,” RSA said.

The MRT 7 project involves the implementation of an integrated sets of updated DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE. In our first meeting with Larry and Alicia last December 5, 2023, transportation system. Undertaken by the proponent are the financing, design, construction, operation and maintenance of the project. my wife asked them how they got in contact with me.

It has three components: the metro rail transit system, highway, “We have been reading and keeping clippings of your weekly and intermodal transportation terminal. columns since 2018,” the wife of Larry explained.

The metro rail transit system stretches 22.6 km. with 14 stations “Agyamanac unay ta addaka nga tumulong kadakami, “ (I am from North Avenue Station to San Jose del Monte. The other stavery thankful that you are here to help us), said Alicia in Ilokano.

“Saan kamin nga makaawid idiay Pilipinas. Agyaman kami ken- tions are in Quezon Memorial Circle, University Avenue, Tandang ni Apo Dios ta addaka nga tumulong kadakami,” (We can’t go home Sora, Don Antonio, Batasan, Manggahan, Doña Carmen, Regalado, to the Philippines. We are thankful to God because you are able to Mindanao Ave. Quirino, Sacred Heart, and Tala. It also includes the rolling stocks with 108 cars now completed, and a depot. help us), she explained in Ilocano.

The highway component is a 6-lane, 22 km highway that will When all the siblings signed the 7 sets of updated DEED OF connect the Intermodal Transportation Terminal in San Jose del ABSOLUTE SALE, I notarized the signed documents. Then my beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing and I submitted the notarized Monte, Bulacan to Bocaue/Balagtas Interchange North Luzon Exdocuments to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacra- pressway. It will traverse the municipalities of San Jose del Monte, mento, California, for apostille. The following day, I delivered the Sta. Maria, Pandi, Bocaue, and Balagtas.

Meanwhile, the Intermodal Transport Terminal will be located apostilled documents to Larry and Alicia, who subsequently sent the apostilled DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE to the Filipino buyers now adjacent to the Depot. At any given time, it will be able to accommodate 60 buses. It will be fitted with complete facilities like passenger residing in Canada.

Larry and Alicia were so happy for the complete, efficient, waiting areas and lounge, ticket booths, among others.

The MRT-7 project is a public-private partnership under the unique and professional services we rendered to them.

“Agyaman kami unay iti tulong mo Art,” (Thank you very much Build-Gradual Transfer-Operate and Maintain scheme. According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) as of October, the MRT-7 for your help Art), said Alicia.

In appreciation for their patronage and for regularly reading and project is 63.28 percent complete. It is expected to be fully operakeeping clippings of my weekly columns, I gave Alicia and Larry the tional by 2025.

It will be recalled that in April this year, officials from the Deautographed copy of my updated best-selling book “REAL ESTATE & YOU” subtitled “You Basic Guide & Information for Successful partment of Transportation, Quezon City government, and San Miguel Corporation led groundbreaking for the pre-construction Investing in Home, Land and Income Property.”

Some of the important columns reprinted in the updated book works of the elevated turnback guideway of MRT-7 at West Avenue, include the following: “How To Sell RP Properties Without Going Quezon City.

The turnback guideway will allow MRT-7 trains to change directo the Philippines, Basic Understanding of Apostilles, Avoid Incompetent Notary Public, Are International IDs Acceptable for Notariza- tions upon reaching the North Triangle Common Station in North tion? ID Requirements for Notarization of Documents, Creative Way Avenue. The common station which is still under construction will for Notarization and Apostille of Documents, The Hague Apostille be used by LRT Line 1, MRT Line 3 and MRT-7.

According to RSA, the construction of MRT-7’s turnback guideConvention.

Donating RP Properties Without Going Home, Do you Need way at West Avenue presented an opportunity to help advance QueLast Will and Durable Power of Attorney?, The Need for Apostille zon City Mayor Joy Belmonte’s push for more and better active of Documents, Convenience and Savings in Selling RP Properties, transport infrastructure in the city.

“Once completed, the new configuration of the road will feature Quit Bad Habits Which Can Get You in Bad Debt, Authentication or wider pedestrian walkways, and bike lanes that will benefit more Apostille? Notary Thumbprints and Privacy Issues.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR SALE, Necessity of people,” he added.

The MRT-7 project had an estimated project cost of Php 77 bilLast Will and Testament, The Need of Parental Travel Permit, Tips on Buying and Selling Real Estate Simultaneously, Deed of Extraju- lion during the approval of the project. On June 22, 2022, DOTr submitted the project for approval of its proposed variation, with a dicial Settlement with Waiver of Rights, Etc. Foreword of the updated Edition of “REAL ESTATE & YOU” new project cost amounting to Php 125.04 billion.

The Concession Agreement became effective on February 19, was written by Atty. Cesar Fumar, licensed and practicing lawyer both in California and in the Philippines. The back cover includes 2016 and construction of the project began in August of the same (Continue on page 20) (Continue on page 20) year. It has a 25-year concession peour group picture with boxing leg-

Will Trump be GOP standard bearer, run as independent if not chosen? nless something drastic

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will occur between now and the convention of the party, former president Donald Trump will likely be the GOP’s standard bearer for the 2024 presidential derby! What if he is not, will he run as an independent?

Statistics show that he is leading his GOP opponents by a big margin at 44% although former cabinet of Trump Nikki Haley is on the rise dislodging ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO second placer Florida Governor Ron De Santis in some states.

As I See It, there is a formula for the Republican Party to deny Trump as the party’s standard bearer. How? Well, if the remaining candidates will be able to unite and agree to select one from among themselves who will oppose Trump on a one-on-one duel, then it is possible to stop the latter from being the party candidate. To do that, they may either put up Haley or De Santis to solidify the 56% (Trump has 44%) to win. Consider a 5% factor of safety, still they have 51% to get the nod of the party putting together all their votes to surpass Trump’s 44%.

So, it is possible but they need to be one, including those who already dropped out from the race, to come up with the solid number to deny Trump. Although this is easier said than done, it is possible, for as long as they commit themselves and really want to keep the party from becoming a Trump-GOP party which veers away from the original policy of the Grand Old Party (GOP). They need a strong will to do that!

So, if this happens, then, there is also a strong possibility that Trump will run as a third-party candidate. With his clout in the party, his rhetoric, his strong character, with his solid MAGA group behind him, he will still be a force to reckon with to win the presidency even if he is a third-party candidate in a 3-cornered fight between him, Biden, and Haley or De Santis. Surely it will spoil the chances of the GOP candidate, so it will still be a square fight between him and Biden.

Or, it will bolster the chances of Biden since the GOP votes will be split between him and Haley or De Santis because even if he rans as an independent, he will still be branded as GOP because of his solid supporters who will remain to be Trump-GOP. The only problem is as third-party candidate, he won’t land in the ballot in many states and land in only a few due to state laws to qualify for the ballot. If that happens, then voters might not be able to vote for him because he is not in the ballot or is a write-in candidate for 2024.

When was the last time a third-party candidate won the presidency? None, except for the big showing of then third-party Green candidate Ralph Nader in 2000! It didn’t catapult him to the presidency, but it made a third-party candidate a record of himself by showing the strongest performance of a third-party candidate. He cited a “crisis of democracy” as his reason to run for the presidency at that time which caused the chances of then Vice President Al Gore to be elected president. Nader somehow became a spoiler at the expense of Gore.

Will Trump become a spoiler in 2024 or a winner if he runs as a third-party candidate, that is if he fails to get the nod of GOP as its standard bearer?

Study says that a Trump third-party win would be ‘effectively impossible” and an analysis by staff writer Aaron Blake attest to it saying he won’t be able to do it.

The study in the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy, as cited by Blake, concluded that it would be “effectively impossible” for Trump to win as a third-party or independent candidate, because he would fail to make the ballot in as many as a majority of states.

“Such a candidate would be denied ballot access in 28 states totaling 290 electoral votes if sore-loser laws are applied as written,” the study says. It notes those 290 electoral votes are a majority of electoral votes on offer, and a candidate needs a majority to win.

Richard Winger, longtime third-party ballot-access expert and advocate has in the past argued that only two states have sore-loser laws that explicitly and definitely apply to presidential candidates: South Dakota and Texas. Most of the others with potentially applicable laws, he has noted, have allowed failed major-party candidates to appear elsewhere on the general election ballot.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg News ran a story Monday with a similar thrust as the Harvard study. It also found that a third-party Trump effectively couldn’t win, which focused narrowly on six states where he would be prevented from making the ballot: Alabama, Arkansas, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

What the Harvard study seeks to add to the debate is laws that would appear, on paper at least, to prevent Trump from running third-party. That’s even if they are not explicitly sore-loser laws, and even if they haven’t been applied to presidential candidates in the past.

The study even attested that Trump launching a quixotic thirdparty bid is one thing; going through all that trouble with no prospects of victory and with this much legal wrangling ahead is quite another.

So, should this happen, Trump (Continue on page 20)

As I See It

Deed of absolute sale for PHL properties without going home

 BUSINESS | IMMIGRATIONS

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Strategies for faster family unification

here are many strategies that you can make for you and your family to be united faster in the United States. For most of the immigrants, family unity is the most important part of staying in the United States.

However, many failed to use strategies or processes that will make them united faster than what is happening. Some of them are discussed below: 1. For an adult child of a permanent resident, it is faster to petition a child as permanent resident than petition by a U.S. citizen parent. The priority date for F2B petition for an adult child is Oct. 2011 while under F1 as a married child of US citizen is March 2012.

2. It will be better and faster if the adult child is not married because a petition for a married child takes longer than that of a single child. This can also be facilitated by an annulment of marriage so that a child can be considered as single.

3. Fling a petition for spouse and all qualified children once an immigrant received his green card. Remember that even if you are a green card holder, you can petition your spouse and children as soon as you received your green card, even a conditional green card.

You do not have to wait for you to become a U.S. citizen to petition a wife or husband and children. There are many cases when a minor child could have been included in the petition but for some reason they were left behind and aged out. This is primarily due to waiting to be a citizen before filing a petition.

Example: Jose and Maria have a relationship but are not married. They have a minor child, Peter who is ten years old. Jose was petitioned by his father as single under F2B. When his priority date becomes current, he and his son below 21 years may accompany him and get a green card. Once he received his green card, he immediately travelled to the U.S. and went back to the Philippines to marry Maria. He then filed a petition for Maria. The priority date for F2a for spouse of green card holder as of October 1, 2023, is February 8, 2019. This means the wait time is only 4 years. Note that the strategy here is not marrying Maria as wife to allow the son Peter to accompany Jose to the U.S. and later petition for Maria. The F2b usually has a waiting period of 11 years as single adult son whereas for a married child under F3, the waiting period is usually 21 years. In summary, Jose saved time as a single by about 10 years. Peter saves time by about 21 years if the petition for Jose is as married. Maria saves 17 years if they were married when Jose was petitioned by his father.

Note: This is not legal advice and presented for information purposes only.

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December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

12

BSP likely to keep policy rates unchanged in next few months MANILA – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is unlikely to cut policy rates in the next few months as it remains watchful on possible supply shocks, BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said.

“I think we’re unlikely to cut rates in the next few months. We’re in a higher (rate) for longer, when I say hawkish, that basically means high for a while,” Remolona said in a PNA report.

“We’re still not yet out of the woods when it comes to inflation. If there are further supply shocks, it makes it all the harder,” he said.

The Monetary Board of the BSP hiked policy rates by a total of 450 basis points since May last year to tame the elevated inflation. This brought the benchmark policy rate to 6.5 percent.

Headline inflation already eased to 4.1 percent in November this year, just slightly above the BSP’s 2 to 4 percent target range.

The BSP, however, kept policy rates unchanged in its last two meetings.

Remolona expects headline inflation to settle at below 3 percent in the first quarter of 2024 and accelerate to over 3 percent in April to July due to the effects of El Niño.

“But for the year as a whole, we hope we’re within the target range. Closer to the ceiling, I think. Closer to the ceiling

and to the middle. Closer to 4 percent than 3 percent, for the year as a whole,” he said.

Remolona said that if inflation continues on its easing path and the expectation’s well-anchored, the BSP may start to consider easing policy rates.

Sought to further comment on what would warrant an easing, Remolona said, “if most of the numbers point in the right direction, including expectations, they really settle into this comfortable range of 3 percent for inflation, then we would consider cutting rates.”

El Niño The BSP earlier disclosed that the latest risk-adjusted inflation forecast for 2023 has been reduced to 6 percent from the previous 6.1 percent.

For 2024, it was also lowered to 4.2 percent from 4.4 percent.

“We included the possibility of a strong [El Niño] episode extending to the second quarter. So that’s part of the riskadjusting forecast,” BSP department of economic research officer-in-charge Dennis Lapid said.

“In terms of the El Niño impact, we usually model it as an impact through food prices and also energy or power rates. So those are the main challenges that we’re incorporating into the forecast,” he added

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13 December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

 COMMUNITY NEWS

Fraud reporting made easier by FTC with expanded language capacity

Deputy Director, Bureau of Consumer Protec�on, Federal Trade Commission, Washington DC Monica Vaca

Hesitating to reporting fraud to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) because of language barrier? Worry no longer as the FTC now takes reports not only in English and Spanish but in multiple languages from Arabic to Vietnamese, Mandarin and Korean to Somali, Tagalog, Russian Polish, Portuguese and many more this fall.

This is the good news that FTC consumer fraud experts brought with them when they spoke in the Ethnic Media Services briefing The FTC Breaks Through Language Barriers to Reach Consumers Impacted by Fraud as they also explain why this new language access capacity will help give them a clearer picture of what scams are hitting what groups apart helping consumers report fraud -- by phone or online -- and get advice on how to prevent it in their preferred language.

On hand to expound on their new service language capacity were Deputy Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington DC Monica Vaca Senior Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, Federal Trade Commission, Washington DC Larissa Bungo and Jongwon Lee who gave a testimonial about using FTC’s new multilingual services.

Vaca admitted that getting reports from people speaking other languages apart from English and Spanish has been a limitation for FTC. “I’m happy to be here today to share enhancements to our call center, the FTC’s call center, and to our Consumer Sentinel Network, which is the FTC’s reporting database where we collect reports from consumers and businesses,” Vaca enthusiastically announced. “Trusted members of your community for helping us get the word out about the news that the FTC now takes reports and offers help in multiple languages.

Vaca reiterates that as the nation’s consumer protection agency, the FTC works to stop fraud and they do this through enforcement.

“We conduct investigations. We sue companies and people who break

Senior A�orney, Division of Consumer & Business Educa�on, Lawyer and journalist Jongwon Lee Federal Trade Commission, Washington DC Larissa Bungo

the law and whenever possible, we try to get money back for people. And we also do this through education and outreach. We tell people about their rights. And businesses about their responsibilities,” Vaca explained adding the investigations are done in print, online, in person or virtually as they also share how to spot avoid and report scams.

“Please encourage people to report what they see and experience. To report fraud, call 877-3824357. And press 3 to report in your preferred language. And to report identity theft, it’s (877) 438-4338 again press 3 to report in your preferred language. Our phone lines are open between 9 a.m. and 5 PM. Eastern time,” Vaca urged.

Bungo echoed Vaca in saying that the FTC has also expanded its resources in multiple languages. both online and in print while advising everyone to visit ftc.gov/languages, free practical guidance in 12 languages to help people know how to spot, avoid, and report scams and bad business practices.

Their services are now also available in Amharic, Arabic, Chinese (simplified and traditional), French, Hmong, Korean, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian and Vietnamese. The FTC has the ability to find interpreters in almost 200 languages, as needs arise.

Bungo also revealed that based on the number of reports people made in English or Spanish alone, fraud and deceptive or unfair business practices already cost U.S. consumers close to $9 billion last year.

Reaching out to the FTC right away either on the phone or online will alert the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network – a pool of 3,000 law enforcement officers at federal, state and local levels – to be on the lookout.

If the FTC can catch the culprits quickly enough there is the possibility of getting your money back – another reason to not hesitate if you think you’ve been cheated.

“Don’t hesitate to report fraud,”

exhorted Bungo. “Of course, to get money back with FTC help, you have to identify yourself when making a report, but in any case, you will never be asked about your immigration status. Be careful. “Only scammers insist you pay by gift card, cryptocurrency or wire transfer.”

Another reason to not delay reporting suspicions is that scammers often work from overseas where they and the money they obtained are harder for law enforcement to reach.

Even if you successfully dodge a scam, reporting the attempt helps inform and thus protect otherwise unsuspecting potential victims, Bungo

said.

Jongwon Lee described a scenario he witnessed and reported on in Atlanta’s Korean community, where a retiree lost tens of thousands to an investment scammer who gained his trust in part by being conversant in Korean.

“The FTC’s Language Access Initiative is historic,” Lee said. “It shows that government agencies are looking to do justice for immigrants like us. Language access gets rid of fear and shame and gives you confidence and encouragement that you are not alone and somebody is listening to you.”

 ENTERTAINMENT

December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

14

FilAm actress Gloria Romero celebrates 90th birthday

Yes, Virginia, Filipino American veteran and awardwinning actress Gloria Romero is 90 years old.

The Denver, Colorado-born actress celebrated her 90th birthday with some of her fellow actors and friends in the industry. She was seen visibly happy while seated on a wheelchair in photos of the celebration published on social media.

Born on December 16, 1933 as Gloria Anne Borrego Galla, she also grew up in Pangasinan where her father Pedro Galla hailed. Her father studied in the United States where he met his wife Mary Borrego, a Spanish American.

Gloria had an elder sister named Louise, and two younger brothers Tito and Gilbert. Tito was also an actor.

The young Gloria together with her family travelled to the Philippines to visit their grandparents in Mabini, Pangasinan. The family’s plan of going back to Denver was always postponed, and the supposed vacation was extended.

When World War II was declared, the Gallas were trapped in the Philippines, their possession was confiscated and burned by the Japanese soldier. The family escaped and hid in the mountain.

It was gathered that during the war they were taught how to do farm works. Days before the war ended Gloria’s mother died, and her father decided that the family will stay in the Philippines for good.

Gloria and her siblings became successful as they grew to adulthood, the eldest Louise became a nurse, her late brother Tito Galla (1938–1979), became a popular actor, and the youngest Gilbert is a US based doctor.

In photos posted on social media by columnist Aster Amoyo during her birthday, Gloria, who was married to the late actor Juancho Gutierrez, was joined by former congresswoman Gina de Venecia, Barbara Perez, and Liza Lorena, among others.

Also at the party were Gloria’s only daughter, Maritess Gutierrez, Pepito Rodriguez, , Marita Zobel, and Imelda Ilanan.

Gloria started her career in movies between the late 40s and early 50s.

As a young girl from the province, it was her childhood dream of becoming an actress she was a movie fan of

movie stars and real-life couple Tita Duran and Pancho Magalona.

Some of her award-winning performances in films are Tanging Yaman (FAMAS Best Actress 2001), Nagbabagang Luha (FAMAS Best Supporting Actress 1989) and Dalagang Ilocana (FAMAS Best Actress 1955).

Dubbed as the “First Lady of Philippine Cinema”, Romero is a recipient of 6 FAMAS Awards, including the prestigious Huwarang Bituin of FAMAS Award, 3 Gawad Urian Awards and 3 FAP Awards. In 2019, she won 2 Best Actress Awards for her performance on the acclaimed film “Rainbow’s Sunset” at the International Film Festival Manhattan and MMFF Awards.

Gloria is also a recipient of multiple “Lifetime Achievement Awards” across all leading award-giving bodies including: Cinemanila International Film Festival (2001), FAP (2002), FAMAS (2004), Gawad Urian (2004), MTRCB (2009) and PASADO (2010). She is also an inductee at the Eastwood City Walk of Fame and was honored by the Philippine Post Office with a commemorative stamp, recognizing her status as one of the Outstanding Filipinos Living Legends.

Her last television program before the COVID-19 pandemic is the Sunday drama fantasy anthology series Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko as the story telling fairy-grandmother Lola Goreng.

After a long run as a movie star she also appeared on TV. She was a part of the television sitcom Palibhasa Lalake as the drunkard landlady Tita Minerva, and other sitcom such as Richard Loves Lucy and OK Fine Whatever! as Lola Barbie. She also appeared in Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan as Lola Carmela, Familia Zaragoza as Donya Amparo Zaragoza, and Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas as Donya Valeria Valencia.

On April 4, 2008, she was cast with Eddie Garcia in an episode for the drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya and received a nomination for the role. She appeared on the primetime drama series, May Bukas Pa, in which she played “Aling Soledad”. Romero guested in the shows 30th chapter (“Greed”).

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) honored Romero during 5th Film Ambassadors Night (2021) with the “Ilaw ng Industriya Award”, serving as a “veritable matriarch” to the film industry and an inspiration to generations of film actors, a rare honor usually reserved for matriarchs of Philippine movies.

In 2022, the Metropolitan Theater, in cooperation with FDCP, offers “Mga Hiyas ng Sineng Filipino”, a program that aims to bring back to the big screen some of the most important restored films of Philippine Cinema including the 1954 classic comedy “Dalagang Ilocana”, where Romero won her first FAMAS for best actress.

Liza Soberano likes fan tweet saying Enrique Gil is ‘one of Ignacia’s biggest stars’

Liza Soberano seemingly shared the same sentiment with a fan who lamented how Enrique Gil has been “lowkey” for quite some time, even when he is one of ABS-CBN’s “biggest stars.”

Eagle-eyed netizens noticed that the actress — who, along with Gil, has been consistently hounded by breakup rumors since earlier this year—liked a post from one @gakapadayon who expressed admiration for the actor via X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Dec. 19.

Liza Soberano liked a tweet lamenting how Enrique Gil has been “lowkey” for quite some time despite being one of ABS-CBN’s “biggest stars.”Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil. Image from Instagram / @enriquegil17 Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil. Image from Instagram/ @enriquegil17 Liza Soberano seemingly shared the same sentiment with a fan who lamented how Enrique Gil has been “lowkey” for quite some time, even when he is one of ABS-CBN’s “biggest stars.”

Eagle-eyed netizens noticed that the actress — who, along with Gil, has been consistently hounded by breakup rumors since earlier this year—liked a post from one @gakapadayon who expressed admiration for the actor via X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Dec. 19.

In succeeding tweets, the Twitter user claimed to be a fan of the “LizQuen” love team since they starred in the 2013 film “Must Be Love.” The netizen also made a reference to Soberano and Gil’s 2014 TV series “Forevermore.”

Soberano, for her part, did not immediately make further comments on the post.

Soberano and Gil have been a subject of breakup rumors since the actress moved to the United States to pursue an acting career in Hollywood. The pair, however, have denied these separately in several instances.

Earlier this month, reports swirled that LizQuen have called it quits since October 2022, based on the actress’ supposedly admission in an “unreleased interview.” The couple have yet to confirm these claims.

15 December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

 COMMUNITY NEWS

Veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez dies at 76

Veteran and award-winning actor Ronald James Dulaca Gibbs, best known by his screen name Ronaldo Valdez, died on Sunday.

He was 6.

The cause of his death was not disclosed but the Quezon City Police admitted they are investigating the circumstances of his death.

Initial reports indicated Valdez was found with a gunshot wound sitting in a chair in his room with a gun in his hand, suggesting he might have accidentally pulled the trigger.

The QC police district said they are subjecting the area and the gun for paraffin tests.

The QCPD said they are “conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the death of Mr. James Gibbs aka Ronaldo Valdez.”

Major Don Don Llapitan, chief of the QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, said that the actor was found in his OBITUARY

Andre Pontevedra Belarmino

VISITATION: Wednesday January 3, 2024 4PM-8PM Duggan’s Serra Mortuary in Daly City FUNERAL MASS: Thursday January 4, 2024 10:30 AM St. Augustine Catholic Church in South San Francisco Interment following the Funeral Mass at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Colma, CA Thank you for your condolences and kind words.

For further information, please go to duggans-serra.com website.

room around 3 p.m. and he had a Local stars grieves the passing of the veteran actor. gunshot wound. A gun was also Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos-Recto offered her condofound. lences and prayers to her former on-screen partner, posting an old photo of a scene they played in.

“Si Sir Ronaldo Valdez ay “You will be missed. Rest in Peace, my friend,” the veteran nakaupo po sa kanyang upuan, actress said wala na pong malay. May tama Valdez and Santos-Recto starred in the 1981 film “Karma,” sa right temple at ‘yung baril na an official entry in the 7th Metro Manila Film Festival. They also ginamit nga ay nasa kamay pa starred in films “Langis at Tubig” (1980) at “Gaano Kadalas Ang rin ‘yung baril po,” said Major Minsan?” (1982).

Llapitan.

Award-winning actress Kathryn Bernardo was also among the Valdez was rushed to the first to post of Valdez’s death on Instagram, posting multiple stories hospital but was declared dead of the actor. on arrival.

Bernardo worked alongside Valdez on hit romantic series “2 GMA News and other me- Good 2 Be True,” where the late actor’s portrayal of “Lolo Sir” dia reported that since a gun was captivated many viewers. found in the room, everyone in Singer-songwriter Gary Valenciano also expressed on IG his Valdez’s house was subjected to deep appreciation for Valez. a paraffin test in what police said “You were the one person who I loved to watch. Your authenwas part of the standard operat- ticity never failed to move me. Thank you sir Ronaldo Valdez,” ing procedure for incidents that Valenciano said. may involve a crime and does “I never had a chance to work much with you but in those few not necessarily mean they are moments I spent talking with you, it made me feel blessed to know involved in what happened. that I got to meet someone like you,” he added.

At press time on Tuesday, police said they are still awaiting the Valdez’ friend and colleague Dimples Romana recalled how results of the paraffin and ballistic tests. the veteran star changed her life.

Valdez’s acting career spanned nearly six decades since 1966.

“May mga taong sadyang makakapagpabago ng pagtingin mo His last project was the romantic ABS-CBN drama series “2 sa buhay. Tatatak sila sayo hanggang sa huli at kailanman ay hindi Good 2 Be True” where he starred alongside former love team mo sila malilimot. Ikaw yun sa akin. At sa napakarami pa naming and real-life couple Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. He por- nagmamahal sayo Lo,” she said. trayed the character “Lolo Sir.” [Translation: There are people who can change the way you He was also part of some of GMA’s shows including “Beh look at life. They will make a mark until the end and you will never Bote Nga,” “Bahay Mo Ba ‘To,” and “Meant to Be.” forget them. That’s you to me. And there are so many of us who The family is requesting “that you respect our privacy in our love you Lo] grieving moment.”

Other stars such as Karla Estrada, Bella Padilla and talent manHe is survived by his wife, Maria Fe Ilagan Gibbs, and his two ager Wilbert Tolentino also expressed their gratitude to the actor. children, actor-comedian, TV host and singer Janno Gibbs and “Ronaldo Valdez” has been a trending topic on X (formerly Melissa Gibbs and celebrity Janno Melissa Gibbs.

Twitter) for the Philippines since Monday morning.

 SPORTS

December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

16

Pacquiao celebrates his 45th birthday, sees fights in 2024, twits China on WPS GENERAL SANTOS CITY - World boxing icon and former senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao turned 45 last week and celebrated his birthday with celebrities, friends and relatives at a party at the Grand Summit Hotel in General Santos City.

Pacquiao’s wife, Jinky, entertained guests during the celebration along with family members.

Among those in the party were former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Chavit Singson, indicating that they have reconciled following Pacquiao’s decision to run for president which Singson said was untimely.

Well-known manager of stars Annabel Rama was also at the party with talents and other celebrities.

It is common knowledge in the boxing circles that Pacquiao is looking forward to 2024 with exhibition bouts.

On the eve of his birthday, Pacquiao chided China for its aggressiveness in South China Sea and West Philippine Sea. For one, Pacquiao criticized the recent actions water cannoning and collision - taken by China Coast Guard against Philippine vessels near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea. The Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia blasted water cannons against Philippine vessels conducting a supply mission for Filipino fishermen in the area.

“I strongly condemn China’s recent actions in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines will not stand down to China’s bullying,” said Pacquiao in a statement.

“We are a nation of courageous people, and we will stand up for what is right and what is ours. China should work for peace in the region. We have always been open to dialogue and diplomacy, but we will not tolerate any attempt to bully us into submission.”

Pacquiao said that instead of taking aggressive action against Filipinos in Philippine waters, he urged China to take a diplomatic instead.

He supports a sincere dialogue between Philippine and Chinese authorities regarding the maritime dispute.

“The Philippines remains open to diplomatic discussions aimed at finding a peaceful and lawful resolution to the disputes in the South China Sea,” he said.

“We hope that through sincere dialogue, we can achieve stability and harmony in the region for the ben-

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San Beda reclaims NCAA men’s basketball crown QUEZON CITY – Yukien Andrada scored 20 points as San Beda University defeated Mapua University, 7666, to claim the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99 men’s basketball title at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Sunday.

It was the Red Lions’ 23rd NCAA title and first since a three-peat in 2016 to 2018, PNA’s Jean Malanum reported..

Mapua took Game 1, 68-63, but San Beda tied in Game 2 with a 71-65 victory.

James Payosing was named Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP), an honor the Surigao del Sur forward did not expect. He averaged 9.67 points and 12.0 rebounds in three games.

“Pay day, sobra ako lang nakakaalam sa hard work na ginawa ko sa team. Basta manalo lang kami, gagawin ko (Pay day, I’m only too aware of the hard work I put into the team. As long as we win, I’ll do it),” he said.

Payosing chipped in 11 points while Nygel Gonzales had 10.

“Second round we were struggling, but again these guys, the players said to themselves we have to be resilient,” San Beda coach Yuri Escueta said after the game witnessed by 23,077 fans.

JC Recto finished with 18 points, 14 rebounds and three assists for Mapua, which fell short in ending its 32-year title drought.

Season MVP Clint Escarmis finished with 13 points on 4-of-22 shooting, while Ryle Rosilio added 10 points.

The scores: SAN BEDA 76 – Andrada 20, Payosing 11, Gonzales 10, Cortez 8, Royo 6, Jopia 6, Tagle 4, Alfaro 4, Puno 3, Visser 2, Cuntapay 2.

MAPUA 66 – Recto 18, Escarmis 13, Rosillo 10, Hernandez 6, Cuenco 5, Dalisay 5, Bonifacio 4, Soriano 3, Fornis 2, Bancale 0, Sabsalon 0.

Quarters: 24-15, 36-35, 53-57, 76-66

 COMMUNITY NEWS

December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

18

600 Miles and Counting: PG&E Hits Significant Milestone as Crews Safely Complete Construction, Energization of 350 More Miles of Underground Powerlines in 2023 Customers in 20 Coun�es Now Being Served and Protected by Buried Lines,Reducing 98% of the Wildfire Risk in Those Loca�ons

OAKLAND, Calif. – As of this week, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has constructed and energized more than 600 miles of underground powerlines since its ambitious 10,000Mile Undergrounding program started in mid-2021.

And the 350 miles completed in 2023 represents the most ever in a single year

by PG&E and nearly twice as many miles as were completed in 2022.

“Our customers in high fire-risk locations where we have undergrounded powerlines not only benefit from wildfire mitigation, but also improved reliability at the lowest cost over the asset lifecycle,” said Peter Kenny, PG&E’s senior vice president of Major Infrastructure Delivery, which includes the 10,000-mile Undergrounding program. “That progress will continue in the years ahead.”

From $4 million per mile when the program first started, PG&E targeted cost reductions to $3.3 million per mile by this year. In fact, the unit cost has now fallen below $3 million per mile.

Eliminating risk with layers of protection

Undergrounding eliminates nearly 98% of the risk of wildfire ignition from electrical equipment. And it’s one of many layers of wildfire protection from PG&E, ranging from 600-plus weather stations and high-def cameras with AI capability for early fire detection to safety shutoff programs that prevent ignitions that could lead to catastrophic wildfires.

The Undergrounding program was launched in June 2021 by PG&E CEO Patti Poppe. PG&E and contract crews completed 73 miles that year, 180 miles in 2022 and 350 miles this year.

The California Public Utilities Commission recently approved PG&E’s 2023-2026 General Rate Case, which authorized 1,230 miles of undergrounding during those four years. PG&E is evaluating the GRC decision and creating the specific work plans for 2024 and beyond.

Also, by mid-year, PG&E will file its 10Year Undergrounding Plan, which was enabled by the passage of SB 884.

Here’s how the process works. Using sophisticated modeling, PG&E identifies the circuits with the highest wildfire risk. After engineering and permitting

are completed, the most time- and laborintensive part of the process—digging trenches and installing conduit, the piping that securely holds the electric lines in place—begins.

Once the civil construction work is complete, electric crews arrive to pull powerlines through the conduit, make the necessary electrical connections, deenergize the overhead lines and energize the underground lines. Final steps include removing the overhead lines and poles in some cases, and then completing paving and other work to return the surrounding area to a condition as good as or better than before the construction.

In recent months, on average, PG&E energized about 20 miles of undergrounded line each week. In all, customers on circuits in 20 counties now benefit from underground powerlines, extending from Trinity and Shasta counties in the north to Fresno County in the south.

Multiple benefits from undergrounding Investing in undergrounding in the highest fire-risk areas benefits all PG&E customers in several ways—from im-

proved air and water quality resulting from fewer fires; protection of wildlands; and over the long run, lower costs to customers due to reduced maintenance and vegetation management costs.

Expanding PG&E’s electric system underground in High Fire-Risk Areas (HFRAs) will not only help reduce wildfires caused by utility equipment, but also will improve reliability and reduce the need for safety-related power outages.

Go to www.pge.com/undergrounding to see PG&E’s progress and learn more about this crucial safety program.

Note to media: B-roll is available upon request About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California.

For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

You can read about PG&E’s data privacy practices at PGE.com/privacy.

Award-Winning PBS Distributed Documentary Covering AAPI Xenophobia Screened in Bay Area Race Epidemic Screening Hosted by Newly Sworn in Mayor Juslyn Manalo of Daly City Daly City, CA - The Asian Pacific American Leadership Foundation in partnership with Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo, and the League of California Cities API Caucus held a special screening of the Race Epidemic documentary on Saturday, December 16, 2023. After the screening, a special panel discussion featuring Mayor Juslyn Manalo, Assemblymember Phil Ting, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, and David Ryu, APALF Executive Director and former LA City Councilmember discussed the themes of the documentary and took questions from the audience.

The Race Epidemic is about another outbreak caused by COVID 19 -- an epidemic of hate against Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). The film examines institutional racism and the history of xenophobia, discrimination, and violence against AAPIs. The Race Epidemic is a significant film of our times as innocent AAPIs are being attacked and murdered on the streets. More information available at https://theracedocumentary.org/.

“It is crucial to continue the work in calling attention to the rise of hate acts and crimes AAPIs face. The Race Epidemic film gives viewers a stronger grasp of the racism AAPIs have faced historically and still endure today. Through education and having opportunities to shed light, converse, and heal in community with our allies—we are stronger together,” said Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo.

A new poll AP-NORC/AAPI Data has indicated that 1 in 3 U.S. Asians and Pacific Islanders faced racial abuse this year alone.

Additionally Stop AAPI Hate has documented 11,409 unique hate acts between 2020 and 2022.

“Racism towards the AAPI community is not new to me, as someone called many slurs while growing up. In recent years, it has been incredibly upsetting to see how often overt racism has violently attacked our family members, while casual racism continues to plague our AAPI community,” noted San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu.

Since Sept 1, 2023, The Race Epidemic has been distributed to more than 400 PBS stations nationwide. For the next 3 years The Race Epidemic will be available to 3-4 million viewers on all PBS affiliates throughout the country. Additionally, The Race Epidemic will be available to watch online and on mobile devices via the PBS Passport (streaming) app.

“The Race Epidemic documentary spotlights the history of discrimination against AAPIs and how hate incidents and violence persist to this day. As Assembly Budget Chair, I led efforts to secure nearly $250 million in state investments over three years to help AAPI & other communities get the resources they need to help victims, strengthen violence prevention programs & foster greater understanding. Our work, however, is not done, and we must continue our push to stamp out hate,” said Assemblymember

L-R David Ryu, Former LA City Councilmember/APALF President & Execu�ve Director Juslyn Manalo, Mayor of Daly City Annie Lam, Execu�ve Director, League of California Ci�es Asian Pacific Islander Caucus David Chiu, SF City A�orney Phil Ting, CA Assembly Dr. Rod Daus-Magbual, Daly City Vice Mayor Teresa Cox, Vice-Mayor of Fremont Phil Ting (D-San Francisco).

The Race Epidemic documentary is produced by APALF, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to fostering active civic participation and helping to prepare and train qualified AAPI leaders for public service.

ABOUT APALF The Asian Pacific American Leadership

Foundation (APALF) was founded in 2004 as a non-partisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization designed to help prepare and better equip Asian Pacific American (APA) leaders for public service and civic involvement.

Website of the Asian Pacific American Leadership Foundation (APALF) www. apalf.org

19 December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

 COMMUNITY NEWS Mortgage rates Down back this week.

Fixed mortgage rates fell for the seventh week in a row in the week ending Dec. 14, as inflation kept moving slowly in the desired direction. Rates are back down to about 6.00% on a 30 year mortgage with a minimum of 25% down payment. This is getting no traction due to the holiday season, homebuyers and borrowers are typically not in the borrowing spirit but the buying spirit.

The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.53% APR, down six basis points from the previous week’s average.

The 5-year adjustable-rate mortgage averaged 7.97% APR, up two basis points from the previous week’s average.

Given inflation continues to decelerate and the Federal Reserve Board’s current expectations that they will lower the federal funds target rate next year, we likely will see a gradual thawing of the housing market in the new year.

When you add those weekly declines together, they’re substantial. The 30- and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages have fallen almost a percentage point since the week of Oct. 26, and the 5-year ARM has dropped almost a quarter of a percentage point.

Interest rates often move in the same direction as the inflation rate. So it’s no coincidence that mortgage rates have gone down at the same time that the inflation rate has fallen. The consumer price index fell from 3.7% in September to 3.2% in October. Then on Dec. 12, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that it fell

to 3.1% in November.

The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy committee kept short-term interest rates unchanged at the conclusion of its Dec. 12-13 meeting, which can be taken as a sign that the central bankers believe they are on their way to cutting the inflation rate to their goal of 2%. But they’re not declaring success yet.

Comments from the Fed Reserve: “We’re moving carefully at this point,” Fed Chair Jerome Powell said in a news conference. “We’re pleased with the progress, but we see the need for further progress.”

In their collective estimation, Fed officials believe they’ll cut short-term rates by three-quarters of a percentage point next year. That’s not a firm plan — more like a gut feeling — but it could be enough to allow mortgage rates to settle even lower over the next weeks and months.

December mortgage rates forecast Mortgage rates peaked in October, dropped in November and are likely to slip a bit lower in December as inflation cools. They might go up some weeks and some months, but the overall trend is expected to be downward through 2024.

What other forecasters say Three prominent organizations have predicted that mortgage rates will be higher in the final three months of this year than they were in the previous three months. And all three — Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors — predict that mortgage rates will reach their peak in the fourth quarter of this year and drop throughout 2024.

With the economy likely heading into a recession, it’s possible we’ve already seen the peak of this rate cycle. Of course, interest rates are notoriously volatile

PNewsToday scribe decries chaos, social decay in USA “The sad and terrifying state of America today victimizes every citizen of the nation,” lamented Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, a columnist of the Philippine News, in his new book, “Where is My America?,” which was just released on amazon.

The book is an incisive, highly critical, penetrating, and honestly painful depiction of the chaos, decay, and fragmentation of society, an anthology of vital commentaries everyone, especially the young generation (future leaders of America), needs to read.

It is an inspiring and refreshing journal that challenges the mind and warms the heart that belongs to every home library for the whole family.

“Where is My America?” is available on amazon in three versions: The instantly-accessible-read eBook, paperback, and hardback.- scalpelpen@gmail.com

Westborough Hills Tennis Club Christmas Party was held on Dec. 16. It was a very successful and joyous event because of the �reless, sincere and unwavering effort of some of the club members headed by Eppie Rey, with the full and indefa�gable support of Ted Holgado, Jay Pascua, Ron Macutay and Francis Dulce.

WHTC was formed by 5 founding members, Galicano Magos, Loly Topacio, Emmanuel Carbonnel and the two living members, Charlie Penaflorida 96 yrs. old and Cesar Cabrera

and could tick back up on any given week.

Have a Great New Year and thank you again for your support. Please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@ verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

As I See It

(From Page 11)

would risk being remembered not just as the guy who spoiled 2024 for Republicans, but who did so deliberately!

Will Trump do it? Or, it’s not necessary because after all, he will likely be the GOP standard bearer!

The Outsider

(From Page 11)

riod.

Like other infrastructure projects, the MRT-7 project and the New Manila International Airport are real game-changer projects and investments in the Filipino future. As we celebrate Christmas 2023, we can always look forward to a better and merrier Christmas in the years to come.

Health & Wealth...

(From Page 11)

end and former Philippine Senator Manny Pacquiao inside his mansion in General Santos City, Sarangani, Philppines. The best-selling book is now available at Amazon in Hardcover ($25.95 per copy plus shipping & handling), Paperback ($19.95 per copy plus shipping & handling) and E-book ($9.95 per copy) In the spirit of Christmas, I would like to offer to our readers and the general public autographed copy of the same updated “REAL ESTATE & YOU” I gave to Larry and Alicia, at a discounted price of only $10 (includes shipping & handling) per paperback copy. For your autographed copy, just send $10 (in check or money order )to: ART G MADLAING, 701-8th Avenue, , San Francisco, CA 94118.

You can also order extra copies as lasting gifts to your FRANCS (Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors, Co-Workers).

For immediate help and assistance in the signing, notarization and apostille follow up of Affidavits, Special Power of Attorney, DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, Proof of Life, DEED OF DONATION, Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate and other documents needed in the Philippines and the other member nations of the Hague Apostille Convention, just write or contact: MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, 730 Madrid Street, San Francisco, CA 94112. Tel (650) 438-3531 or (415) 584-7095 or email:artmadlaing@hotmail. com (ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE#00635976) in California since c1981. Art is founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California USA.)

FOR MORE INFO, CALL:

20

Study reveals 2 of 3 Asian American and Pacific Islander hate victims are women

By Jun Nucum SAN FRANCISCO - With the sharp rise in hate incidents against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic comes the result of a study that AAPI women face a disproportionate burden of anti-AAPI hate with 62% of all national hate incidents being reported by AAPI women.

This was the result of the survey conducted by the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) The State of Safety for Asian American and Pacific Islander Women in the U.S. March 2022 that also revealed that there has been a 339% increase in reports of hate crimes against Asian Americans over the last year.

The survey that was conducted in January and February 2022 with sample comprised of 2,414 adult women residing in the United States who self-identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander. It was offered both online and via phone in English, Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, and Vietnamese with the following key demographics of the survey respondents: Ethnicity: 32% East Asian (Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese) 28% Southeast Asian (Filipino, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Hmong, Thai, Laotian) 20% South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan) 19% NHPI (including Samoan, Marshallese, and Chamorro) Age: Median age - 37 years old Age Range - 18 to 89 years old Educational Attainment: 9% Less than HS 39% HS graduate 52% College graduate or more Country of Birth: 55% U.S. Born 45% Foreign Born Employment Status: 54% Employed (full or part-time) 46% Unemployed/Retired/Student Marital Status: 25% Never married 63% Married/Living with partner 12% Divorced/Separated/Widowed Hate incidents, which include both hate crimes and incidents of violence or discrimination, against AAPIs rose sharply over the past year, with over 10,370 reports collected by Stop AAPI Hate between March 2020 and September 2021. In particular, AAPI women and girls report 62% of hate incidents; AAPI non-binary people have also reported experiencing heightened incidents of hate.

Overall, in the last 12 months, the NAPAWF survey found that a staggering 74% of AAPI women report personally experiencing racism and/or discrimination, 38% report experiencing sexual harass-

Upside...

ment, and 12% report experiencing gender and/or race-based physical violence.

The percentage of AAPI women who report experiencing racism and/or discrimination in the last year had no significant difference across ethnic subgroups. The most common sites where AAPI women experience racism and/or discrimination include public spaces such as restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping centers (47%), an individual’s place of work (17%), their neighborhood (17%), and mass transit (17%). The most common perpetrators of racism and/ or discrimination were strangers (53%), friends or neighbors (12%), and clients or customers (11%). The primary reasons AAPI women report experiencing racism and/or discrimination include race/ethnicity (46%), skin color (34%), and language and/or accent (19%).

9 in 10 AAPI women agree that elected officials need to invest more resources in directly impacted communities in order to combat anti-AAPI hate aside from having a better understanding of the intersectional ways in which AAPIs experience discrimination.

The survey results also reveal that a staggering 71% of AAPI women report feeling stressed and/or anxious over the last year due to fear of gender and/or race-based discrimination, harassment, or violence. Because of this, many AAPI women report modifying their behavior with 20% advising family members to stay away from public areas, 13% feeling scared to leave their homes, 6% not wanting their children to resume in-person learning due to fear of bullying, and 6% feeling scared to return to work.

The study concluded that discrimination, harassment, and violence against AAPI women — stemming from a long history of antiAAPI sentiment and misogyny — are still rampant in society, occurring every day in public spaces, at schools and businesses, and even in our own neighborhoods.

Racism intertwined with misogyny continues to be a part of the lives of AAPI women, and the pandemic merely laid bare what went unnoticed before. Incidents of violence against AAPI women in early 2022 have left our communities eager to seek change.

Hate incidents and discrimination targeting AAPI persons and communities, especially the disproportionate impact on AAPI women and girls cannot be ignored prompting calls from NAPAWF to call for systemic changes to understand, address, and end these hate incidents and discrimination based on racism and xenophobia.

NAPAWF is a multi-issue, progressive, community organizing and policy advocacy organization for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women and girls in the U.S. whose mission is to build collective power so that all AAPI women and girls can have full agency over our lives, our families, and our communities.

(From Page 10)

IMPACTFUL PARTICIPATION Throughout the first part of ceremonies focused on reflections of the past 12 months, Filipino Americans took multiple turns to receive the 2023 Mayor’s Awards for having made the most positive impact on the city. They included: Coach Arnold Cheng, who received honors as Citizen of the Year to reverberating cheers from the students and teachers at the Bayshore School who have Professor Rod Daus-Mag- benefited from his caring attention as coordinator of northernbual swears in before daugh- most community annual block ter Amianan, underscor- party and cleanup crew. Well ing his advocacy for youth wishes poured for current Liand educa�on. Photo by brary trustee Gary Pacheco as CMQUEROLMORENO Commissioner of the Year, for accepting “every opportunit”y to serve through health challenges. Cheryl Catuar who first made her presence felt at the height of the pandemic when she organized food deliveries to sequestered health workers at Seton Hospital was named Volunteer of the Year.

FilAms outnumbered members of Daly City Host Lions in attendance to receive their plaque for Nonprofit of the Year, prompting Lion Ray Satorre, widely known town political adviser, to take the mic to exclaim, “Finally!”

Also awarded were Original Joe’s of Westlake for drawing patrons from all over the Bay for its world-class cuisine and service, and Carvana for its “vending machine sales experience” as Businesses of the Year, having boosted the city’s economy. Student athlete Kaylie Quon and youth poet laureate Olivia Veroy were named Youths of the Year for their activities to distribute food and visiting families in need.

Council members and awardees exchanged thanks and praise until the City Council meeting closed to begin reorganization some two hours later, and Buenaventura opened nomi-

nations for Mayor by nominating Manalo.

Someone at the back of the chambers suddenly yelled out invectives but did not halt the process. City Council Member Glenn Sylvester nominated Council Member Pamela DiGiovanni with the reminder that she was the only one who had not been voted Mayor or Vice Mayor.

DiGiovanni accepted the nomination while asserting the selection process as “unfair” and “exclusionary.” Unfortunately the city does not have a rotation, she echoed Sylvester’s suggestion to review and consider changing the process.

None of the three other Council members addressed the statements. Buenaventura further enunciated his earlier nomination for Manalo “on the basis of her record of receiving the highest number of votes for any city council member in Daly City history.”

While a few attendees continued to trade slurs, reorganization proceeded and concluded with the outpouring of gratitude to the previous mayor, who majority of the council members consider their mentor or ally. – Adapted from original and reprinted with permission from INQUIRER.NET. https://usa.inquirer.net/141209/juslyn-manalo-sworn-in-as-mayor-of-dalycity

Buenaventura names FilAm-led Host Lions Club as Nonprofit of the Year for exemplary service. CONTRIBUTED

21 December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

 COMMUNITY NEWS | HEALTH

Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Congratulates Consulate General in San Francisco for 2023 Startup Ecosystem Stars (SES) Awards Recognition 14 December 2023 - Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez congratulated Philippine Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer and the Consulate team, including the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley, led by Trade Commissioner Celynne P. Layug, for the recognition that the Consulate received from Silicon Valley-based global open innovation platform Mind the Bridge (MTB) and the International Chamber of Commerce.

The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco was one of the government entities recognized for its support for the development of the startup ecosystem in the inaugural awards called Startup Ecosystem Stars (SES).

“I wish to congratulate you and your team at the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, including the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Silicon Valley, for being recognized during the inaugural SES Awards in Paris, France on 07 December 2023, for the Consulate’s support in the development and growth of startups based in the Philippines and abroad,” Ambassador Romualdez said.

“The award is indeed an acknowledgment of the Consulate’s commitment and

Philippine Consulate in San Francisco Recognized in 2023 Startup Ecosystem Stars (SES) L-R: Consul Vanessa G. Bago-Llona, Dynamico Space CEO JR Calanoc, Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer holding the 2023 SES plaque, and Philippine Trade Commissioner in Silicon Valley Celynne P. Layug

dedication to enhancing our country’s interests in the United States,” he added.

SES Awards recognizes individuals and government-related organizations focused on supporting innovation and the growth of startup ecosystems in their own region.

“We are deeply grateful to Ambassador Romualdez for his leadership, guidance and support to the Consulate’s initiatives and programs,” Consul General

L-R: Dynamico Space co-founder Carlo Pimentel, Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer, and Dynamico Space CEO JR Calanoc

Ferrer said.

“We thank Mind the Bridge and the International Chamber of Commerce for recognizing the Consulate’s efforts in supporting startups. Together with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley, we will continue to work with Dynamico Space and other entities in supporting the growth of Philippine startups. We are optimistic that our startups will continue to innovate and support sustainable development in the country,” Consul General Ferrer said.

Philippine Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer and Philippine Trade Commissioner in Silicon Valley

The Consulate works closely with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley to support the growth of startups based in the Philippines, as well as foreign startups seeking to expand into the Philippines. The Consulate also has a public-private partnership with Dynamico Space in providing exposure for Philippine startups in Silicon Valley and mentorship as they grow their startups.

Heart of Hope

Christmas Ailments What is Christmas Disease?

This name does not have nothing to do with the Christmas season. Christmas Disease is a blood disease, also known as Hemophilia B or factor IX hePHILIP S. CHUA mophilia. It is a hereditary bleeding disorder due to deficiency in coagulation factor IX. This condition is Xlinked recessive inheritance, affecting only males, and occurs in 1 in 100,000 male births. This illness causes spontaneous bleeding in the joints.

What is Christmas Blues?

Christmas Blues is a form of mild depression (called Seasonal Affective Disorders, or SAD for short) that happens to some of us, normal and healthy people, during the Christmas season or other festive family occasions. Empty nest syndrome, where the grown up or married children have left home, creating an empty and lonely feeling in the parents, especially the mothers, is one such type of emotion that is magnified by family occasions like Christmas, New Year, birthdays, etc. Frequent visits from the children or family reunions during the holidays minimize these “blues” and provide a sense of parental security and happiness, especially among the elderly parents. The other common cause of this extreme sadness is poor financial situation in life, where self-pity, panic, a sense of hopelessness and helplessness prevail especially on a holiday like Christmas.

Is guilt more common at Christmastime?

Yes, somehow this season of the birth of Christ, according to psychologists, brings out in most of us our good and better qualities, such as a more youthful exuberance, honesty, sincerity, compassion and humanity. During this season, many of us become more critical of ourselves and our past actions (sins of omission or commission against our parents, siblings or friends, or our less privileged fellowmen) and hence the feeling of guilt is more common on this holiday, and also a contributing factor to Christmas Blues.

What is the shelf life of food at room temperature?

Different types of food have different “spoilage time.” Fish, processed meat, cream-filled pastries, custards, fruits salads, noodles (pancit), food cooked with tomatoes provide good media for bacterial growth after more than 6 hours of exposure to room temperature, depending on how warm the ambient temperature is. Some dishes, like adobo or paksiw could last for even a week in room temperature without spoiling, unless contaminated by handlers. The prudent thing to do is to refrigerate the leftovers as soon as the meal is completed. Those who do not have a refrigerator should not cover the food airtight, since this will not allow the food “to breathe” and would tend to increase the heat and pressure, leading to a much shorter “spoilage time.” If using a plastic wrap, poke a few holes on it to allow for better ventilation. Keep the food in an ice box or in the coldest part of the house and eat it within 24 hours.

What are the other common winter illnesses?

The dozen common ailments of Christmas include: The Common Cold, The Flu, Christmas Tree allergies, Chilblains (small itchy swellings in extremities), Dry skin and Eczema, SAD as listed above, Alcohol poisoning, Indigestion, Ear infection, Norovirus, Sore throat, Frostbite and Hypothermia. We can add: RSV and COVID-19.

Do wines or beer prevent diarrhea?

To some extent, yes, but the dose of the enteroxins determines the potential seriousness of the condition. Imbibing alcoholic drinks during a (contaminated) meal does not confer guaranteed immunity from these bacterial or parasitic diarrheas. The low alcohol content of all these drinks is not enough to “sterilize” our gastrointestinal tract.

What is Chinese Food Syndrome?

This condition could sometimes mimic a heart attack. For some people, it causes chest pains, headache, facial pressure and warmth, and burning sensations throughout the body, sometimes with dizziness or fainting. This phenomenon is a pharmacologic reaction to monosodium glutamate (MSG or betsin), a popular white powder food seasoning used in cooking. The symptoms are not really due to an allergic reaction and is dose related. Most people are not bothered by MSG, but a small percentage react to it more severely. Although death is very rare with this syndrome, a surgeon classmate of mine, who was attending a

meeting in France several years years ago, had so violent a reaction after ingesting food with monosodium glutamate that he expired within an hour thereafter. But this is very rare. MSG has been studied a lot and found to be safe for most people.

Those who develop any of the four symptoms enumerated above after eating food cooked with MSG should clearly request chefs or cooks in restaurants, at home, or anywhere else, not to use MSG in preparing their food. Because of this syndrome, most Chinese (and other) restaurants today no longer use MSG. If in doubt, ask the manager or waiters, and instruct them accordingly.

What is Holiday Heart Syndrome?

Prevalent during holidays, this symptom complex is mainly characterized by cardiac arrythmias (heart rhythm irregularity), mostly due to alcoholic binges. The excitement brought on by the festivities and ingestion of a lot of caffeine (coffee, chocolate, cola drinks) during the holidays could also play a role in this syndrome.

On this sacred season, there is nothing more hurtful than being forgotten, neglected, or abandoned, especially our elders, friends or family, who are far from us. Let’s make sure they know we are thinking of them, we love and value them. That’s the best gift we could give them, not found in stores, but plenty in our heart. That will warm them during the winter of their life.

Here’s wishing you and your loved ones a safe and joyful Christmas and a New Year blessed with love, good health, cheers, prosperity, and peace. Let’s all pray for understanding, compassion, forgiveness, and serenity around the world.

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States.

He was a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, conferred by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

23 December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Beef Spareribs Adobo with Oyster Sauce

Ingredients: 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 Cooking procedure: 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.

Zambales readies safe, gradual tourism reopening SUBIC/MAKATI CITY– As local government leaders of Zambales start to prepare to reopen the provincial borders to local visitors, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has vowed to provide additional assistance to intensify health and safety protocols in the province.

“As with all other destinations, I cannot stress enough the importance of enforcing the health and safety protocols. These should be strengthened through public information and communications campaigns. Knowing that these guidelines are in place will restore confidence in tourists visiting the province and assurance among the locals who will be welcoming visitors,” Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said during a planning forum with Zambales local government unit (LGU) leaders and tourism stakeholders to discuss strategies and solutions to existing issues and concerns pivotal to the province’s reopening for tourism.

In keeping with its commitment to the “slow but sure” reopening of tourism destinations, the DOT has agreed to fund a Visitor Management System for Zambales, akin to the Visitor Information and Travel Assistance (VIS.I.T.A.) that the DOT provided to Baguio City through its Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).

Puyat said the DOT will also continue its thorough inspection and accreditation of tourism-related establishments in the province, as well as provide more capability-building training on the health and safety guidelines.

According to data provided by the DOT Region 3 Office, Zambales was among the most visited destinations in Central Luzon.

In 2019, Zambales ranked second in the region in terms of tourist arrivals, receiving a total of 755,321 tourists translating to an estimated P2,265,963,000 tourism expenditure.

The Zambales coastline is most famous for its sandy beaches and deep blue sea teeming with coral reefs which is home to giant clams or as the locals call it, taklobo. It is perfect for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

To aid tourism businesses and workers of Zambales in recovering from their losses, Puyat cited existing government aid for the tourism industry such as the financial assistance program for displaced tourism workers of the DOT and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“The financial assistance program now extends to beneficiaries of both the DSWD’s SAP and DOLE’s CAMP under BAYANIHAN 1; workers of affected establishments that implemented Flexible Work Arrangements or Alternative Work Schemes; and LGU-Licensed Secondary Tourism Enterprises. Please get in touch with our regional office. Of course, we want to give it to as many people working in the tourism industry as possible,” Puyat said.

As of December 11, the DOT Region 3 has endorsed 588 beneficiaries from 50 tourism establishments and two community-based tourism organizations in Zambales to receive one-time cash assistance of Php 5,000 through the DOT-DOLE program.

Meanwhile, under the CARES for TRAVEL program between the DOT and the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), tourism micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will have access to zero interest, no collateral loans with a loan term period of up to four years including a corresponding grace period of up to one year.

“The borrower MSMEs will only need to pay a one-time service fee, which is at a maximum of eight percent for a four-year loan,” Puyat added.

Thanking the DOT, private sector, media, and stakeholders, Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said, “We had an exchange of ideas, and questions and answers, and we made known our concerns. These are the IATF-EID resolutions and advice of the DOT. What we have had today will be the basis for further discussion through a Technical Working Group. We need the cooperation of everybody to be prepared.”