Philippine News Today by Philippine News Today

1 March 31-April 6, 2022

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

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Vol. 61 No. 34 March 31- April 6, 2022

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

TENSION MOUNTS ANEW OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA Near collision of China, PHL ships 2 more Pinoys bared, protested; US twits Beijing attacked By ALFRED GABOT, Editor-in-Chief

NEAR COLLISION. A vessel of the Chinese Coast Guard sails close to the Philippines’ BRP Malabrigo in the disputed Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), a Philippine territory, on March 2, 2022. (Philippine Coast Guard photo)

Riot of supporters mars Tondo rally of Marcos, is downplayed By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

MANILA – A chair-throwing incident at a Marcos-Duterte rally in Tondo, Manila over the weekend was kept from newsrooms, even after videos of the incident had gone viral. The riot occurred at a rally for presidential bet Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Plaza Hernandez beside the Sto Nino Church. Present at the melee was Marcos Jr’s running mate Sara Duterte, who was unharmed. Marcos had not yet arrived at the scene when two warring gangs – both Marcos supporters – began heckling each other

while a dance group was entertaining the crowd. A video clip of the incident was posted on social media, but most were removed at the behest of the Marcos camp. The video showed one young man hurling a plastic Monobloc chair over the heads of the dancers, aimed at the opposing crowd on the other side of the plaza. That’s when the chair throwing incident began. A handful of participants at the riot suﬀered minor injuries. No arrests were made by the police present at the Page 8

MANILA – Amid the Ukraine-Russia conﬂict, tension mounted anew between the Philippines and China after a China Coast Guard ship came in near collision with a Philippine Navy vessel at the Bajo de Masinloc, a part of Zambales and within the 200-mile exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. The incident prompted the Philippine government to ﬁle a diplomatic protest to China but China insisted that there is nothing to apologize because they said Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) is theirs. Page 9

Speier, Bonta eye tighter gun control at San Mateo meeting By Jun Nucum

SAN BRUNO - The County of San Mateo has gathered together top experts at the San Mateo County Regional Operations Center (ROC) to brainstorm on ways to keep firearms out of the hands of persons barred from possessing or using them wrongly. In the event “Keeping Firearms Out of the Hands of Prohibited Persons: Focus on Ghost Guns, Restraining Orders” hosted by San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President Don Horsley and Vice President Dave Pine and the Giffords Law Center, the participants focused on challenges posed by ghost guns – untraceable firearms – and how to maximize use of restraining Page 8

ROB BONTA

in New York

NEW YORK - Two Filipinos are the latest victims of attacks in separate incidents in Midtown Manhattan in New York. In a video released by the New York Police Department Crime Stopper, a man was seen pushing a Filipino to the ground. The victim, a 73-year-old Filipino, who was attacked between 8th Avenue and 48th street in Manhattan while on his way to church on Sunday, suffered bruises on the face and is currently recovering. The suspect who was immediately arrested by responding policemen was identified as Dominick Staton, 44, a homeless man. The second victim was a 53-year-old Filipino who was attacked and beaten unconscious and robbed by another homeless man inside a McDonald’s store on 7th Avenue near 34th street in Midtown Manhattan. “The Philippine Consulate General in New York condemns in the strongest terms the latest attacks against members of the Filipino Community after two more kababayan have been added to Page 8

Latina justice named to California high court

Duterte calls out BIR over uncollected estate taxes VIEWS & COMMENTS

Is your spousal petition under investigation?

By A�y. Lozano

Page 14

SHOWBIZ

SPORTS

Willie Revillame cleared of cancer

Obiena, PATAFA settle row; pole vaulter to compete again

Page 15

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PESO-DOLLAR RATE

$1.00= P52.06

March 31, 2022 2:20am

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P25

3 March 31-April 6, 2022

 NATIONAL NEWS

Duterte’s birthday wish: ‘Clean, fair, honest’ elections MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte marked his 77th birthday on March 28 with a wish is for “clean, fair, and honest” elections on May 9. “His birthday wish for this year is to have a clean, fair, and honest election in May 2022, as he has time and again underscored the importance of a peaceful transfer of power as part of his enduring legacy,” Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said in a press statement. Duterte, who vows out of oﬃce on June 30, 2022, has yet to oﬃcially endorse a presidential candidate for the elections but the faction he supports in his party PDP-Laban has endorsed former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the running-mate of the chief executive’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. The chief executive earlier met Mar-

cos Jr, whom he called a “weak leader,” ahead of the endorsement. During the US-led Summit for Democracy on Dec. 10, 2021, Duterte said it would be “his highest honor” to turn over the reins of power to his successor knowing that he did his best to serve the Filipino nation. Last month, Duterte said he had begun packing up his belongings in Malacañang and was looking forward to turning over the leadership of the country to his successor in June. The fate of national and local candidates will be decided by over 65 million Filipinos who are expected to cast their votes on May 9. This will be the ﬁrst polls that will be held under pandemic conditions. Andanar and other leaders wished Duterte good health in both mind and body. “Our prayer for the Almighty is to continue giving the President good physical and mental health in the years to

come so he may carry on serving the interest of and bringing betterment to the lives of Filipinos,” he said. He thanked Duterte for his “strong and decisive leadership” and “genuine compassion” for every Filipino, noting that these qualities have resulted in “positive and meaningful change” to Filipinos. Andanar said Duterte will celebrate his last birthday as the country’s Duterte’s birthday wish: ‘Clean, fair, honest’ elec�ons president the same way he marked the occasion have the chance to ﬂy to his hometown on his ﬁrst birthday as chief executive. due to Luzon-wide enhanced commu“President Duterte will mark the oc- nity quarantine imposed to contain the casion with a simple and quiet celebra- spread of the pandemic. tion in Davao City, in line with his famDuterte was born in Maasin, Southily’s tradition,” he said. ern Leyte, on March 28, 1945. Duterte has always celebrated his At the age of 71, Duterte became the birthday with family in Davao City ex- oldest person ever elected to the Philipcept for his 75th birthday. pine presidency in 2016. On March 28, 2020, Duterte did not

Bird flu outbreak spreads in Luzon, Bicol and Mindanao QUEZON CITY – The avian flu outbreak which was first detected in Bulacan and Pampanga has spread to Laguna and Camarines Sur. Cases have also been reported in Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Tarlac, Sultan Kudarat, and Benguet “possibly” due to the presence of migratory birds, Still, the Department of Agriculture officials assured the public that the bird flu outbreak in some duck and quail farms remains under control as they ordered stricter containment measures. In the DA’s virtual press briefing, Secretary William Dar said biosafety protocols should be intensified to maintain effective

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containment of the virus. “Nandito na sa atin, pero maganda po ang ugnayan ng (It’s here, but there’s good coordination

among the) Bureau of Animal Industry, regional ﬁeld oﬃces, and the Department of Health, so under control po ito (it’s under

control),” he said. Dar said immediate action is needed to avoid the disease from spreading to other regions.

 METRO NEWS

March 31-April 6, 2022

3 scions of Manila mayors challenge Lacuna; 2 actors lead race for no. 2 post

By Claire Morales True

MANILA – Scions of three former mayors of Manila are challenging Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso’s annointed successor Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan in the May 9 elections in the capital city. Lacuna, a doctor by profession, is herself the daughter of a top Manila political leader, the late Vice Mayor Danilo Lacuna and is trying to make history again by becoming the first lady mayor of Manila. Already, Lacuna made history in the 2019 election becoming the city’s first lady vice mayor. Lacuna, who is running under Domagoso’s Aksyon Demokratiko party and his local party Asenso Manileno, is leading his rivals in surveys, but her rivals are fast catching up as the campaign for local officials in the country started on March 25. The lady vice mayor is being challenged by businessman Alex Lopez, eldest son of late mayor Geminiano Mel Lopez Jr.; Cristina Lim-Raymundo, daughter of the late mayor Alfredo Lim; Amado Bagatsing, son of the late mayor Ramon Bagatsing; Onofre Abad, independent, and former police general Elmer Jamias of People’s Re-

Vice Mayor Dr. Honey Lacuna-Pangan form Party. A survey conducted by PUBLiCUS, a lobbying and campaign firm, for the period March 16 to 21 showed Lacuna in a three-way “statistical tie” for first place. Out of the 100 respondents in the survey, Lacuna got 32, Lim 15, and Bagatsing 13. Lacuna had a more comfortable 44 percent of respondents’ nods in the February 18 to 24 survey. The Manila candidates opened their campaign with motorcades around the streets of Manila and proclamation rallies. A total of 124 candidates, including six eyeing to replace presidential bet Mayor Domagoso, are vying for 44

posts in the capital city, according to the Commission on Elections records. The vice mayoralty post is being contested by actors Raymond Bagatsing and John Marvin Nieto, current representative of the Third District and better known for his actor name Yul Servo; Lucy Lapinig of Partido para sa Demokratikong Reporma, and Arvin Reyes, also an independent. Early reports showed award-winning actor Bagatsing ahead of Nieto, who has not made a mark as councilor and congressman of Manila, and the other candidates for vice mayor. For the six congressional districts, 20 candidates are vying in the First District, 15 in the second District, 19 in the Third District, 22 in the Fourth District, 23 in the Fifth District, and 15 in the Sixth District. UniTeam candidate for vice president, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, graced the proclamation rally of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan candidates in Tondo on March 25 but said she is not endorsing any of the mayoralty aspirants. Duterte also attended the proclamation rally of fifth Rep. Cristal Bagatsing and her father, former congressman Amado Bagatsing.

Sara joins Bagatsing rally

MANILA – Vice Presidental candidate and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte attended the proclamation rally of local candidates here last Friday, March 25, following the opening of campaign for local and Congress leaders. “Isang karangalan ngayong gabi na ipakilala ang ating susunod na BisePresidente —Sara All (Sara Duterte),” reelectionist 5th district Rep. Cristal Bagatsing said as she introduced Sara to thousands of supporters. “Nais din nating ipahatid sa kanyang ama na si Pangulong Duterte ang ating pasasalamat sa kanyang pag-endorso sa akin at sa aking ama.” The lawmaker’s father, former congressman Amado Bagatsing, is running for mayor. Conﬁdent about Sara’s governance direction, she also thanked Mayor Sara for gracing their local proclamation rally with her presence along with senatorial bets Rodante Marcoleta, Atty. Larry Gadon, and former PNP Chief Guillermo Eleazar. “Alam natin na Mayor Sara is a very much sought after candidate and she is very, very busy. Pero kahit ganun pa man ay pinaunlakan niya tayo ng kaunting panahon upang tayo ay samahan ngayong gabi, marinig ang kantang boses at higit sa lahat makapiling natin siya ngayong gabi,” Bagatsing said.

Abalos launches mayoralty bid, urges support folk to UniTeam $495

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MANDALUYONG CITY — Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson Benjamin Abalos Sr. urged his Mandalenyo constituents to give Presidential candidate Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr., Vice Presidential aspirant Sara Duterte, and the entire UniTeam senatorial slate an impressive victory in the coming elections. “Ang gusto ko lang ipakiusap sa inyo (My request from you), Benhur is the campaign manager ng UniTeam, pwede ba bigyan natin ng (Let us give) impressive victory ang Bongbong-Sara and team UniTeam?” Abalos told thousands of supporters.

Abalos Sr. is the city’s mayoral candidate. His son, Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. resigned as Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to lead the national campaign for Marcos. Abalos also personally endorsed reelectionist Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who also attended the rally. “Nitong nakaraang pandemya, isang senador lang ang pumunta dito sa atin at tumulong nang husto. We have adopted him as our son. Dito siya nanumpa bilang isang senador (During the pandemic a senator came here and greatly helped. He took his oath here as senator) ,” Abalos Sr. said.

Vice Presiden�al aspirant Sara Duterte thanks Mandaluyong folk during a campaign sor�e with local candidates led by former Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr.

5 March 31-April 6, 2022

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Forfeiture of Mangudadatu’s Sultan Kudarat governorship sought COTBATOCITY – At least two concerned residents and registered voters in Sultan Kudarat province have petitioned for the forfeiture of the position title of their elected governor due to his transfer of residence and voter’s registration in Maguindanao, a separate province where he allegedly engages in enormous government cum political activities. Mastura M. Usman and Nhoraidha P. Ebus, residents and registered voters of President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat, through legal counsels, have lodged “Quo Warranto and/or Petition to declare Suharto ‘Teng’ Mangudadatu to have forfeited his position title as governor” after transferring his residence and voter registration in Datu Abdullah Sangki town in Maguindanao in September last year. Their 28-page petition was ﬁled last March 24 before the Commission on Elections (Comelec), which the petitioners and their lawyers said has the “exclusive original jurisdiction over all contests relating elections, returns

and qualifications of elective (provincial, city and other local) officials.” The petitioners are represented by lawyers Israelito Torreon, Yasser Lumbos and Rex Dumlao Batay-an from three renowned local law offices in Mindanao, as shown in a copy of the petition sent to some media entities including the Philippine Muslim Today newspaper. Majority resident voters had elected Mangudadatu interchangeably as Congressman or governor for more or less two decades in Sultan Kudarat province. His latest gubernatorial election was on May 13, 2019. In their accompanying affidavits, petitioning electors Usman and Ebus contended that in all elections of respondent Mangudadatu, the eligibility and main qualification were his being a resident and registered voter in Sultan Kudarat. The respondent “lost” the eligibility and qualification as elected Sultan Kudarat official after he transferred residence and voter’s registry in 2021 from Barangay Kalawag II, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat to Barangay Talisawa, Datu Abdullah Sangki in Maguindanao province,

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao is pushing a proposal of Rep. Loren Legarda for a second congrressional district in the province to help bring in more development. Cadiao said outgoingt Rep. Loren Legarda has pushed for two legislative districts but it failed to be approved in time by Congress. Cadiao said Antique, which has 18 municipalities, has an elongated shape with its capitol building located in the southern part that it is “quite hard” for the people living in the northern part to access the services of the provincial government.

The southern part of the province is composed of the municipalities of Anini-y, Tobias Fornier, Hamtic, San Jose de Buenavista, Sibalom, San Remigio, Belison, and Valderrama. The northern part are the towns of Patnongon, Bugasong, Barbaza, Laua-an, Tibiao, Sebaste, Culasi, Pandan, Libertad, and the island of Caluya. Cadiao said the province, being a lone district, has now only a congressional allocation of P70 million. With two districts, the allocation will already double, which could redound to more infrastructure projects.

By Ali G. Macabalang

2 legislative districts for Antique pushed

the petition citing pertinent laws and jurisprudence said. The petitioners appended in their petition photo copies of Comelec certiﬁcations dated in August and September 2021 conﬁrming the transfer of residence and voter’s registration of respondent Mangudadatu.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

March 31-April 6, 2022

Pacquiao campaigns in Manila, QC, won’t quit race

Senator Manny Pacquiao with wife Jinky during campaign QUEZON CITY – Presidential candidate and Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao has reiterated his position to back the 2016 ruling of the international tribunal in favor of the Philippines on large portions of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) being claimed by China under its “nine-dash” claim along with other neighboring countries. This as Pacquiao resumed his campaign activities by barnstorming the territory of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso and visiting Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City, as he stressed that he is not quitting as presidential candidate. Pacquiao visited the communities of Pandacan and San Andres, Manila, held a motorcade at the Baseco Compound, and staged his grand rally before sunset hosted by the city’s local candidates led

by mayoralty candidate, former Rep. Amado Bagatsing, and reelectionist Rep. Cristal Bagatsing of KABAKA Party. In the same venue, tarpaulins of Mayor Sara Duterte were prominently displayed along with Pacquiao’s but none of his running mate, Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza. Bagatsing explained: “Wala pa kaming kandidatong presidente... ang unang bumisita sa amin si MP so consideration sa amin yun... pero si Sara Duterte ang aming dala sa vice president.” Pacquiao said his activities are proof that he is not bowing out of the presidential race in favor of Vice President Leni Robredo. Pacquiao called such rumor as “below the belt.” In a chance interview during a cam-

paign stop in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City, Pacquiao said if he becomes chief executive he plans to convene a special panel of experts to undertake a “peaceful and dignified resolution of the West Philippine Sea dispute”. Pacquiao said the position of the Chinese claiming Panatag Shoal should be exhaustively discussed by experts tapped by the Philippine government. He said he remains hopeful that a peaceful resolution over the territorial claims will be arrived at by the Philippines and China. “Iyan ang pag-uusapan natin ng matindi kaya sinasabi ko bubuo tayo ng peace panel para mag-focus diyan (That should be discussed thoroughly, that is why we should form a peace panel to focus on it),” said Pacquiao. In the 2016 ruling, the international tribunal in The Hague favored the Philippines in its bid to invalidate China’s nine-dash claim over vast areas in the WPS. The Philippines has formally protested intrusions into the area even as China’s Foreign Ministry declared that Panatag Shoal, a traditional fishing ground of Filipinos, is their “inherent territory” Pacquiao meanwhile clarified that he is not that keen on sending former First Lady Imelda Marcos to prison due to her already advanced age. He said, however, that he will send Mrs. Marcos to a separate cell, if the court will order her imprisonment. But such leniency he said, does not apply to other Marcos family members who may be convicted in the future. “Pag sinabi ng korte na ito ay guilty, i-implement natin. Huwag naman yung me priorities na ang dami rin namang nasentensyahan dyan na hindi ini-implement dahil maraming pera,” he said.

China assailed; PHL says it exercises full sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc MANILA – Despite China’s assertions that Bajo de Masinloc is part of China’s “inherent territory”, Malacañang maintained that the Philippines has “full sovereignty” over one of the many disputed maritime features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar made this statement after Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said China has sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc and its adjacent waters “as well as sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters.” “The Philippine position is we continue to exercise full sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc and its territorial sea, as well as sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the surrounding EEZ (exclusive economic zone) and continental shelf,” Andanar said in a press statement. Over the weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that a Chi-

nese Coast Guard (CCG) ship conducted a “close distance maneuvering” towards one of its ships, BRP Malabrigo, in Bajo de Masinloc on March 2, 2022. The PCG said the incident is “a clear violation of the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS).” PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said the incident was the fourth reported close distance maneuvering incident involving CCG vessels in Bajo de Masinloc. The ﬁrst incident of close distance maneuvering involving a CCG vessel was reported on May 19, 2021 and the second and third ones happened on June 1 and 2, 2021. On Monday, Wang justiﬁed the CCG’s action by maintaining that the disputed shoal is “China’s inherent territory.” “We hope that the Philippine ships will earnestly respect China’s sover-

eignty and rights and interests, abide by China’s domestic law and international law, and avoid interfering with the patrol and law enforcement of the China Coast Guard in the above-mentioned waters,” Wang said, referring to a moniker used by China to refer to Bajo de Masinloc. The Philippines lost control over the shoal after a standoﬀ with China in 2012. Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, is located 124 nautical miles west of Zambales, and is within the country’s 200-nautical mile EEZ. On July 12, 2016, the Philippines won the arbitration case it lodged against China after the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands invalidated Beijing’s nine-dash line claim that covers nearly the entire South China Sea. China refused to acknowledge the arbitral ruling and instead ramped up its militarization.

Local campaign kickoff smooth : Comelec MANILA – No major concerns have so far been reported at the start of the 45day campaign period of local candidates, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) disclosed. “Compared to previous elections, the infractions of the candidates seem to be so far manageable and within the expectations that we set. (Compliance with) health protocols and compliance with our campaign guidelines are our continuing plea to them and to their supporters,” Commissioner George Erwin Garcia said. He also reminded candidates and their supporters to be mindful of the campaign guidelines set by the Commission. Asked if they are ready to ﬁle motu proprio charges against campaign violators, Garcia said, “Yes. The seriousness of our resolve should never be underestimated by everyone.” There are a total of 18,023 local seats are up for grabs in the forthcoming local elections. Of the number, 253 are for members of the House of Representatives, 81 seats each for provincial governor and vicegovernor, 782 members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan, 1,634 seats each for city/ municipal mayor and vice mayor, and 13,558 seats for the city/municipal councilors. The poll body also said Cebu is at the top of the list of 10 provinces with the highest number of registered voters, with 3,288,778. It is followed by Cavite with 2,302,353; Pangasinan, 2,096,936; Laguna, 2,045,687; Bulacan, 2,007,523; Negros Occidental, 1,946,639; Batangas, 1,819,071; Iloilo, 1,628,752; Rizal, 1,601,962 and Pampanga, 1,589,473.

Filipinos should shun ‘money politics’: Lacson

MANILA – Presidential candidate, Senator Panﬁlo “Ping” Lacson, said the future of the Philippines and of Filipinos - and not “money politics” - should determine the outcome of the coming May 9 election. In a statement, Lacson said this means voting for the most qualiﬁed leader, even as he noted that the feedback from recent debates and forums showed him to be the most knowledgeable in the management of government. “How is it that I am perceived to be the most knowledgeable in management of government, way above the rest, and yet that does not factor in the surveys? Nonetheless, I will continue to champion my track record, qualities, platforms, and standard of what the Philippines needs,” Lacson said. He also added that he rejected “money politics” and stuck to his principles and integrity when he resigned from Partido Reporma as its chairperson and member.

7 March 31-April 6, 2022

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

Nacionalista Party endorses Bongbong, Sara in May 9 bids

Presiden�al candidate Bongbong Marcos and running mate Sara Duterte MANILA – With barely ﬁve weeks left before the May 9 elections, presidential frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. sees the endorsement of Nacionalista Party (NP) as an added

boost that will solidify the UniTeam’s campaign. “We are very happy every time na meron tayong nakukuhang suporta lalong-lalo na sa pinanggalingan naming

partido na Nacionalista Party. Mabuti ‘yan at lahat ng kaibigan at kaalyado ay nagsama-sama na (that we got support especially from our original party, Nacionalista Party. It’s good that all our friends and allies joined together),” he said in a statement. “Nagpapasalamat syempre kami kay Sen. Manny Villar, Sen. Cynthia at maging kay senator na si Mark Villar. Nagpapasalamat kami sa kanila na patuloy ang suporta nila sa amin ni Inday Sara (Of course, we are thankful to (former) Senator Manny Villar, Senator Cynthia and future senator Mark Villar. Me and Inday Sara are thankful to them),” Marcos added. NP is the oldest and one of the most organized and inﬂuential political parties in the country. In a statement, Manny Villar, president and chairman of the national directorate of Nacionalista Party, said they believe in UniTeam’s message of unity that is crucial in binding the country. “For the May 2022 elections, the Nacionalista Party fully supports the candidacies of Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos

Jr. for President and Inday Sara Duterte for Vice President,” Villar said. Villar said the UniTeam has the platforms of government, qualiﬁcations, and track record to lead the country towards unity and prosperity. The endorsement came after Laylo Research latest poll showed that Marcos still enjoys a huge lead over his rivals with 61 percent vote preference and equally high 53 percent trust rating. Before joining the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas last year, Marcos was a member of Nacionalista Party since 2009. Former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was the standard-bearer of the party during his term from 1965 to 1972. The Nacionalista Party is among the biggest political parties that have already rallied behind the UniTeam. Last week, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) and the National Unity Party (NUP) also announced their endorsement of Marcos and Duterte. Villar’s son, Mark Villar who is eyeing a Senate seat, is one of UniTeam’s senatorial candidates.

Duterte says he’ll leave office fulfilled as PHL in good condition DAVAO CITY – Less than four months before his term ends, President Rodrigo Duterte said on March 25 he would leave in peace since the Philippines is now in “good” condition. Duterte made the statement during the inauguration of the Southern Philippines Medical Center’s Cancer Diagnostic Institute and Cancer Treatment Facility buildings in his hometown, Davao City. Duterte said he is ready to step down from office on June 30, saying his accomplishments have made him “fulfilled.” “I am into the sunset of my life. I walk with a limp dahil sa numerous disgrasya

sa motor. Eh hindi talaga ako nadala eh ture, among others. for more),” he said. (because of numerous motor accidents. “Fulfilled na ako sa lahat ng bagay. Admitting that being the country’s The accidents happened because I did Wala na akong mahingi (I am already Chief Executive is a demanding job, not learn from my mistakes). I’m com- fulfilled in everything. I could not ask Duterte said he did his part. ing home, God willing. Nakita ko ang Pilipinas, okay naman (I saw the Philippines in good condition now),” Duterte said. Duterte said it is “worth” retiring from politics since he is able to live up to his promise to give Filipinos a comfortable life. He also emphasized that the presidency strengthened his resolve to maintain peace and order, fight illegal drugs, improve health care services, initiate education reforms, and develop infrastruc-

SAI RAM ASTROLOGER & PSYCHIC MISS DEVI SHAMALA

Duterte calls out BIR over uncollected estate taxes MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte said he would ask the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to explain why it allegedly failed to collect estate taxes, but did not name anyone in particular. In a prerecorded Talk to the People, Duterte was discussing “e-sabong” or online cockﬁghting when he shifted to collection of estate taxes. “Hindi naman kailangan ng reminder sa Malacañan. Nandiyan ‘yung BIR, so tanungin natin ‘yang BIR bakit hanggang ngayon hindi nakolekta ‘yung estate tax (Malacañang does not need a reminder. The BIR is there so let’s ask BIR why they have not collected the estate tax),” he said. In a Palace press brieﬁng, acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said Duterte’s remark applies to everyone who has failed to pay their es-

tate taxes. “The President only reminded the BIR to act on its mandate and that is to collect taxes…Hindi lang sa kung sinong politiko o personalidad. Dapat sa lahat ng ‘di nagbabayad ay habulin ng BIR sapagkat kailangan ng karagdangang pondo ang ating national government (This does not just apply to one politician or personality. BIR should go after everyone who has failed to pay their taxes because the government will need additional funding)” he said. Estate tax is a tax on the right of a deceased person to transmit his/her estate to his/her lawful heirs and beneﬁciaries at the time of death. Several groups earlier called for the BIR to collect the Marcoses’ tax liability which ballooned to P203.819 billion.

 NATIONAL NEWS Speier...

(From page 1)

orders and the California Department of Justice Armed and Prohibited Persons System. Among those who shared their views were Representative Jackie Speier, Assemblymember Kevin Mullin, Sheriff Carlos Bolanos, SMC DA Steve Wagstaffe, and Julia Weber, Implementation Director of the Giffords Law Center with California Attorney General Rob Bonta delivering the keynote address. In her speech, Speier reiterates her belief that there is nothing that the San Mateo County, where she belongs, cannot do when it puts its mind to it. “Guns are part of the culture we had for the longest time and will continue to be. There are more guns 393 million guns in this country than there are more people,” Speier noted. “And we have gaping holes in the background check law. We did not have the internet when the first laws were passed. Now we have the internet, person-to-person sales and now we have the ghost guns and now buy parts with ghost

Riot...

(From page 1)

event as they were more intent on protecting Sara Duterte, daughter of the president and current mayor of Davao City. As a result of the melee, the Marcos camp said it would limit their sorties in the capital city due to “security concerns.” Print and broadcast media did not cover the story, reportedly at the behest of the Marcos camp, which has the biggest advertising budget among the presidential contenders. The marketing departments of the various media organizations often “request” the editorial departments to kill

March 31-April 6, 2022

guns together,” Speier added. She also reported that every town has estimated that there has been a minimum of 300,000 people who have purchased guns without background check during the pandemic. . . Attorney General Rob Bonta lamented that lockdowns in school happened in too many town, too many places throughout the country resulting to many of children impacted by gun violence either directly or someone they love. “They deserve to walk the road that is better, safer than the one they currently are in not just in the classrooms, their neighborhoods, communities, towns and cities. The people just don’t deserve safety. They are demanding it. They march for our lives That is a very powerful and inspirational act of many young people in our country,” Bonta emphasized. In an interview later, Bonta recounted that the issue on ghost guns has been an issue for a number of years but is relatively recent and there is a need to rise to the occasion. “It is a new challenge, threat when it comes to gun violence. Those guns are those we don’t know about that many

California laws do not apply like a background check, a gun safety check, serial number, someone with a credit card and an internet connection can purchase component parts and have it. They don’t have a serial number and are prohibited from having it. It is a high risk and very dangerous development,” Bonta decried. “We need to get on it with stricter regulations that will require background checks and serialization.” . Bonta also admitted that advancement in technology somehow has a downside in that it is making guns available to more people some of whom should not have guns and are either prohibited and/or will be using them specifically to violate the law and commit a crime. “On the other side, development in technology can help us in our efforts to take steps in gun safety in our community in identifying red flags, in coming up with data bases and other inputs to hopefully identify the next mass shooting incidents before it happens, among others,” added Bonta. He expressed regrets that there is no database of information on ghost guns as these guns are under the radar although

the number of incidents with the use of those guns in the acts of violence in California has been alarming. “There is no report on speciﬁcs on particular cities or places as we have seen them everywhere. Whether be it in the Central Valley, Southern California, San Diego, Bay Area, Sacramento, we got those guns in all of them. We see them everywhere,” Bonta detailed. As to views that California laws have been tough on gun ownership, Bonta reminded that “California has both successfully honored constitutional right under the second amendment for responsible gun owners to own guns, for sporting, hunting and self-defense and taking appropriate common sense constitutionally complying steps to keep people safe from gun violence.” “We are on striking the right balance. Our laws have been upheld in court and they have also undeniably saved lives. We do have the strongest commonsense gun laws in the nation. We are honoring the second amendment. If more states did what California has done, we’d all be safer,” Bonta said.

stories that would harm the reputations of their advertisers. Such a practice is frowned upon by editors and the owners or their representatives usually end up deciding if stories can be killed or not. The Tondo riot was not the only black eye to the Marcos campaign over the weekend, as they also lost support from a local governments previously allied with their UniTeam. A congressman and the mayor of Dasmarinas in vote-rich Cavite province unexpectedly allied themselves with the Leni-Kiko team, as did two governors from Mindanao previously believed to be supportive of the Marcos-Duterte tandem. However, in the case of the latter, the local executives only lent their support to Leni Robredo but not her running mate Kiko Pangilinan. It was yet

another sign of a growing Leni-Sara ticket, known as a RoSa pairing. Dasmarinas City Mayor Jenny Austria Barzaga and her husband Cavite district 4 Rep. Elpidio Barzaga announced during their proclamation rally that they were supporting Robredo for president. Their support indicated that the promise of the Remulla family – political kingpins of the province – to deliver 800,00 votes for Marcos Jr. was unlikely to happen. The Mindanao LGU heads joining the growing clamor for a RoSa team up were Davao del Sur Gov. Marc Cagas, Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib, Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco. Earlier, Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez and Rep. Joey Salceda announced their support for Robredo, but not her running mate Pangilinan. Instead, they said Sara Duterte would be the ideal vice president under Ro-

bredo. Another Mindanaoan supporting Robredo is Dr. Nuelle Duterte, niece of the president. Although based in New Zealand, she has been active in social media and has been a supporter of the vice president’s presidential aspirations from the start. Furthermore, Partido Reporma, the party supporting the presidential bid of Senator Ping Lacson, switched sides and announced that they would be backing Robredo instead. Former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez is the president of the party. He said that in supporting Robredo, he was continuing his fight against the Marcos dictatorship, which began when he was a law student in the ‘80s. Manila is believed to be a threeway battleground between Marcos Jr., Vice President Leni Robredo, and Mayor Isko Moreno, who incidentally grew up in Tondo.

2 more...

(From page 1)

the growing list of victims of the senseless violence that has left many Filipinos in fear,” Consul General Elmer Cato said in a statement. New York-based Daily News identified the 53-year-old as Melvin Dizon, who is now recuperating at the Bellevue Hospital. In an interview with the US daily, the Filipino immigrant said none of the store employees nor fellow customers came to his aid as his assailant knocked and kicked him on the ground. Cato said these assaults, which follow the brutal attack against a 67-year-old Filipino woman in Yonkers, New York, two weeks ago, bring to 34 the number of anti-Asian hate incidents and criminal violence involving Filipinos since 2021. This year alone, the Philippine Consulate General has monitored seven incidents, including the two latest attacks. The Philippine Consulate General in New York again reminds members of the Filipino community to be vigilant at all times and to take the necessary

precautions, especially when in public. The Consulate also called on authorities to “do more to make sure that New York City is safe again for everyone by removing dangerous individuals, especially those with criminal records, from the streets and addressing concerns related to homelessness and mental health” The NYPD Crime Stopper released the video showing the incident and asked the public for information about the suspect. In the video, the victim was seen ordering food at the counter when the suspect approached and threatened him. A customer stood by while the suspect punched and kicked the victim before taking the latter’s cellphone and cash and fleeing. The victim sustained bruises and wounds on the face and was brought to a hospital. The NYPD is still investigating if the two incidents are hate crimes. The Filipino community meanwhile is organizing a rally to condemn the attacks.

9 March 31-April 6, 2022 Tension...

(From page 1)

The tension came as the Philippines and the United States started its biggest “Balikatan” war exercises yet, with the participation of some 6,000 American soldiers and 4,000 Filipino troops and the Japan Self Defense Force and the US aircraft carrier warship in a Manila port call for the drills off West Philippine Sea. The United States, meanwhile, reiterated China “has no lawful claim” in areas judged by the arbitral tribunal to be part of the Philippine exclusive economic zone and continental shelf following the recent maneuverings of the Chinese Coast Guard close to Philippine Coast Guard vessels off Scarborough Shoal. Describing the situation in the South China Sea as “ground zero for strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific” and “test for international rules based order,” visiting Department of State Counselor Derek Cholleto stressed, according to published reports, the need for the US and Philippines to continue sharing information and coordinating responses to China’s use of “leverage” to coerce the Philippines or others in the disputed waters. According to reports, Chollet met with Philippine officials in Manila where he underscored the US commitment to Southeast Asia and the

US-Philippines alliance, particularly its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. During the meetings, Chollet reportedly reiterated US commitment to its obligations under the PhilippineUS Mutual Defense Treaty and find ways to “to refine and strengthen” the security relationship, ensuring that the defense relationship remains “relevant to current challenges.” Despite China’s assertions that Bajo de Masinloc is part of China’s “inherent territory”, Malacañang maintained that the Philippines has “full sovereignty” over one of the many disputed maritime features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar made this statement after Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said China has sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc and its adjacent waters “as well as sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters.” “The Philippine position is we continue to exercise full sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc and its territorial sea, as well as sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the surrounding EEZ (exclusive economic zone) and continental shelf,” Andanar said in a press statement. Over the weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship con-

ducted a “close distance maneuvering” towards one of its ships, BRP Malabrigo, in Bajo de Masinloc on March 2, 2022. The PCG said the incident is “a clear violation of the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS).” PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said the incident was the fourth reported close distance maneuvering incident involving CCG vessels in Bajo de Masinloc. The ﬁrst incident of close distance maneuvering involving a CCG vessel was reported on May 19, 2021 and the second and third ones happened on June 1 and 2, 2021. On Monday, Wang justiﬁed the CCG’s action by maintaining that the disputed shoal is “China’s inherent territory.” “We hope that the Philippine ships will earnestly respect China’s sovereignty and rights and interests, abide by China’s domestic law and international law, and avoid interfering with

the patrol and law enforcement of the China Coast Guard in the above-mentioned waters,” Wang said, referring to a moniker used by China to refer to Bajo de Masinloc. The Philippines lost control over the shoal after a standoﬀ with China in 2012. Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, is located 124 nautical miles west of Zambales, and is within the country’s 200-nautical mile EEZ. On July 12, 2016, the Philippines won the arbitration case it lodged against China after the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands invalidated Beijing’s nine-dash line claim that covers nearly the entire South China Sea.

 NATIONAL NEWS

March 31-April 6, 2022

Alert level 3 in Taal volcano stays TAGAYTAY CITY – The alert status in Taal Volcano is likely to remain at Level 3 (magmatic unrest) and could be further downgraded if volcanic activity continues to go down without any explosions in the next two weeks. “At present, the alert level 3 status could be sustained. If the (volcanic activity) would continuously decrease starting today, and there are no explosions, we could de-escalate its alert status within two weeks,” Philippine Institute of Volcano and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Renato Solidum Jr. told President Rodrigo Duterte in the latter’s Talk to the People. Taal Volcano erupted in January 2020,

July 2021, and last Saturday, March 26. “If we compare the eruption in January 2020 as opposed to the eruption last Saturday, the recent eruption was much smaller. The height of the eruption column reached 16 kilometers in 2020, versus 3 kilometers (tall) last Saturday,” he said. Volcanic plumes are columns of hot volcanic ash and gas emitted into the atmosphere during an explosive volcanic eruption. A weaker eruption is based on the height of the plume coming out of the crater. Phivolcs on Saturday raised the alert level of the Taal Volcano from Level 2 (in-

creasing unrest) to Level 3, which means that magma extruding from the main crater could drive explosive eruptions. “We recommended the evacuation from barangays Agoncillo, Banyaga, Bilibinwang, Laurel, Boso-Boso, Gulod, and eastern part ng Bugaan East,” Solidum said, adding that these are the areas that could be mostly aﬀected should there be bigger eruptions. Solidum, meanwhile, noted that the sulfur dioxide emission from the volcano is harmful to one’s health. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, ing the windows and doors, use wet curwho was also in the President’s talk, said tains, and wear face masks. people should stay indoors, avoid open-

MANILA – National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 medical adviser Dr. Ted Herbosa has cautioned the public anew over being complacent amid the decline of active coronavirus cases in the country. This as the country logged 2,651 new cases from March 23 to 29 — lower than the 3,319 infections from the previous week. The average number of daily cases is at 378, with only one case was added to the severe and critical cases tally. The nation’s cumulative case fatality rate remained low at 1.61 percent while the recovery rate is at 97.3 percent. The Philippines is one of the Asean

countries that have logged the lowest number of daily new conﬁrmed Covid-19 cases, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said. In his presentation to President Rodrigo Duterte, Duque noted that the Philippines only logs 3.45 new infections for every 1 million individuals per day as of March 28. The Philippines is followed by Cambodia with 3.61 cases; Myanmar with 4.52; and Indonesia, with 17.82. Citing Our World in Data ﬁgures, the countries with the most number of cases include Brunei with 1,968.79 infections; Vietnam, 1,724.56; Singapore, 1,295.34; Malaysia, 615.65; Thailand, 360.67; and

Laos, 293.52. In Asia, China has logged the lowest number of cases at only 1.3 per 1 million population. Covid-19 cases continue to rise in countries in the region due to the spread of the more transmissible Omicron subvariant, BA.2. The Philippines’ cases peaked in January when the Omicron variant entered in December 2021. For the week of March 23 to 29, the country logged 2,651 new cases, lower than the 3,319 infections from the previous week.

Don’t let your guard down, Covid-19 cases ebb but still exists - NTF

The average daily cases per day is 378. Only one case was added to the severe and critical cases tally. The nation’s cumulative case fatality rate remained low at 1.61 percent while the recovery rate is at 97.3 percent. Laboratories nationwide are able to test 21,875 per day and the positivity rate went down to 2 percent this week from last week’s 2.5 percent based on the seven-day moving average. For the healthcare utilization rate, only 17.5 percent of the non-intensive care unit (ICU) beds are utilized while 14.5 percent ICU beds are used.

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11 March 31-April 6, 2022

 OPINION

EDITORIAL

Time to throw in the towel

n boxing parlance, the time has come for Isko Moreno, Manny Pacquiao, and Ping Lacson to throw in the towel. They have fought the good fight but it has become perfectly clear that they have no chance of winning the presidency. There will be no miraculous comebacks, no come-from-behind win, no happy endings for them. Yet their impending defeat need not be without honor. They can still make a big difference. What they now have is a golden opportunity to play a big role in saving the Republic of the Philippines and its fragile democracy. This they can do by bowing out gracefully, and asking their supporters to back the more qualified Leni Robredo as the country’s next chief executive. The other choice is simply unthinkable. Remember the 2004 election? Back then, the popular Fernando Poe Jr. was ahead in most surveys, as he brought with him the promise of a government cleaner than that of his opponent, the incumbent Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. In a mere three years, the daughter of a respected ex-president reportedly began to amass illicit wealth allegedly at par with the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. The star known as FPJ ‘lost’ to GMA because reportedly she all but ordered the Commission on Elections, specifically Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano AKA Garci to guarantee that she would win by a million votes. This is exactly what happened. GMA and Garci “stole” the election, adding another six years to the term of Macapagal-Arroyo where her immediate family ran wild, reportedly demanding huge kickbacks from businessmen seeking to handle government projects. Macapagal-Arroyo was said to have become so drunk with power that after stepping down in 2010, she even ran for the lower post of member of the House of Representatives with an eye for becoming Speaker of the House. She succeeded, too, albeit late in her term. It was she as puppet master who convinced Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to run for president. She knew that Marcos Jr. is so weak a leader that he would do her bidding, even willing to continue Rodrigo Duterte’s pivot to China. It is no secret that it was Macapagal-Arroyo who welcomed Chinese ‘investors’ to the Philippines. For some form of compensation, perhaps. Remember the ZTE scandal involving her First Gentleman? Under Mr. Duterte, the country availed of huge Chinese loans for projects which charged unusually high interest rates. Such corrupt practices are sure to continue under a Marcos Jr. presidency. He is, in fact, a Manchurian candidate who may believe that he can revise his family’s horrible reputation but will only serve to be the lackey of Macapagal-Arroyo, who in turn is a willing tool of China. The stakes in the May 2022 presidential elections in our homeland are unusually high. Messrs. Moreno, Pacquiao and Lacson can play a role in saving the country. Most valid surveys now place the Robredo-Marcos Jr. battle at a near stalemate. Since she defeated him by a small margin of less than 300,000 votes when they faced off for the vice presidency in 2016, her battle can still be lost given his massive war chest. Whether jointly or separately, the three presidential candidates can and should agree that they should forget their personal ambitions and stand behind the one candidate who can stop the GMA-Marcos Jr. partnership from stealing the presidency the way Macapagal-Arroyo did in 2004. They must endorse Leni Robredo for president.

Teachable moment at Oscars Upside

INA Turner’s now-classic “What’s Love Got to Do with it?” is reverberating in my mind after Will Smith’s violent cameo stunning an incredulous Chris Rock and everyone else at the recent Oscars. Smith, in his acceptance speech for his outstanding performance in “King Richard” as Richard Williams, father of tennis icons Venus and Serna Williams, invoked “love” as the reason he strode up the stage and planted a full-hearted slap in Rock’s face. Because of ever-irreverent Rock’s joke about the shaven head of Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett-Smith. Rock hollered back CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO he was joking “about GI Jane,” the movie starring Demi Moore who famously went bald for her role as a marine. Smith yelled twice for Rock to keep his wife’s name out of Rock’s effing mouth. Rock recovered somehow to announce the nominees for Best Documentary. He declined to press charges to date. “Love makes you do crazy things,” Smith uttered in his 5-minute acceptance speech that included an apology to the Academy but not to Rock. The following day, the Academy issued a statement condemning Smith’s behavior and the LAPD said it was conducting a full investigation. Smith then issued a public apology to Rock on Instagram. Rock may or may not have known that Pinkett-Smith suffers from alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss. The condition has been a “struggle,” the actress-director-producer shared on her social media series. Why Smith was not escorted out of the venue and instead allowed to return to his seat to later receive an Oscar to a standing ovation befuddles and certainly raises the matter of power. Did he think he was above the law, slapping being a misdemeanor, at the very least? Smith’s behavior and justification for it is only too familiar to folks working in the violence-prevention community (note: full disclosure in tagline). People who abuse use “love” as an excuse for their aggression toward intimate partners, children, parents, or co-workers. The behavior actually betrays perpetrators’ concern for themselves – their need to be in power or control. Ironically Will Smith writes in his memoir that he had witnessed his father beat up his mother when he was a child and could do nothing to stop it. Experts says children who witness abuse are twice likely to become abusive or abused in adulthood, which is not to say Smith is the former. Perhaps physical violence as a means to assert power may have stuck with him, although his mother said in a newsclip that she had never seen her son act impulsively or violently “in his whole life.” Love, after all, is about protecting the loved one in ways where they feel safe - not stressed out and defensive, comfortable and happy – not tense or worried. Tina Turner calls it “a second-hand emotion,” echoing psychologists’ definition of anger, a secondary emotion spurred by other emotions such as humiliation or fear, for example. More can be learned from the Oscars, especially about the culture of Black America, from the reactions of the famous and beloved among their own: (Continued on page 27)

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 OPINION

PerryScope

HAT BEGAN AS one of 97 wannabe presidential candidates has blossomed into one of the five remaining contenders for president of the Philippines. And of the five remaining presidential candidates, Leni Robredo has moved up to the top two candidates with barely two months remaining in the campaign season. In PERRY DIAZ all honesty, the contest is now down to just two – former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Leni Robredo, who had hesitated from running for president for lack of funds. But her friends and supporters prevailed in convincing her to run. When Leni finally decided to run for president, her approval rating was one percent. Little by little her rating increased to 16%. Within a month, she surpassed everybody except Marcos Jr. who had a fantastic approval rating of 60%, which by any measure would be unbeatable. It seemed like Bongbong was going to bag the presidency. Now, she’s on the cusp of becoming the leader of a nation beset with problems from pandemic to unemployment, from poverty to inequality. But what is noteworthy – and commendable -- is the way she addressed the nation’s problems. Leni has been compared to Cory Aquino. But she said she didn’t deserve to be compared to the “icon of democracy.” However, there were similarities. They’re both widows of political figures. Cory was elevated to the presidency by the EDSA People Power Revolution. And Leni is now riding the crest of her “Pink Revolution,” which has galvanized Filipinos of all ages. Since she began holding rallies in various cities, Leni had attracted thousands of enthusiastic young people who donned pink shirts and held pink banners. They attended her rallies, rain or shine. Resonant message of peace “We are faced with issues of terrific scale and complexity. But violence is not the right response to poverty and inequality. Bloodshed will not solve crime and injustice,” she said. She had criticized President Rodrigo Duterte’s method of fighting criminality and drugs, saying, “Violence is the quick fix that we must prevent and condemn. Violence is a way of cutting corners, where complex problems are met with simplistic but ineffective solutions.” Leni addressed the millennials, saying, “I believe that millennials, like you, care. I believe that modern technology puts you in the perfect position to protect the greater good. Most importantly, I believe that you are ready to fight this fight, to answer the urgent call for nation-building, no matter how young you are,” she said. “But when I say ‘fighting the fight,’ I don’t mean that literally. In protecting the Filipino people and the interests of our nation, we must not resort to the brutality of warfare. Our democracy has no room for political intimidation or violence. Progress can always be achieved peacefully,” she added. Her message has resonated with the people, young and old alike. It’s populist to say the least. But she attacked the problem head-on by encouraging the people to use peaceful means of solving the nation’s problems. But one thing she has been doing that I’ve never observed with past presidential candidates is that Leni never attacked her opponents. Leni’s call on the youth to join nation-building has been a recurring message she delivered before young audiences. And the crowd roared with approval. They’re ecstatic! They love her! She projected a mother-image and it hit them in their hearts: a mother telling her children to participate in nation-building. It’s unheard of before. Refusal to debate the issues But Philippine politics is the art of measuring the present against the past. They get a glimpse of what the future would look like based on the candidate’s past history and present performance. But all it takes to mess up the calculus is if the candidate fails to address the issues, which could cause his or her campaign to collapse. A case in point was former Vice President Jejomar Binay who was leading the polls for sometime until one issue was raised against him. He failed to address the issue of corruption when he was Mayor of Makati. And that brought him down. He placed fourth place in the presidential election of 2010. (Continue on page 27)

Necessity of last will and testament

Our country’s ‘broken political system’

ECESSITY OF LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT Last Thursday, March 17, 2022, Fely and Frank, old friends now residing in Daly City, California came and visited me in my home in San Francisco, California for the notarization of their ART GABOT MADLAING Last Will and Testament. After some preliminaries, I had Fely signed her Last Will and Testament which consisted of five pages in twelve sections namely: EXPENSES & TAXES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE, DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY, OMISSION, BOND, DISCRETIONARY POWERS OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE, CONTESTING BENEFICIARY, GUARDIAN AD LITEM REQUIRED, GENDER, ASSIGNMENT, GOVERNING LAW and BINDING ARRANGEMENT. Fely’s Last Wil and Testament was witnessed by two of her co-workers at a Convalescent Hospital in Daly City, California. I had Fely signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and then put her right thumb mark. Fely’s huband Frank also signed his Last Will and Testament which also consisted of five pages in similar twelve sections. Then, I had Frank signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and put his right thumb mark. Since the two witnesses were not able to come with Fely and Frank, have to meet and visit them the following day, Friday, March 18, 2022 by twelve noon at the Convalescent Hospital where they are working. I had them signed the TESTAMENTARY AFFIDAVIT Section as witnesses to the Last Will and Testament of both Fely and Frank. I also had the two witnesses signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and put their right thumb marks. After I finished notarizing their Last Will and Testament, I asked Fely why she and her husband finally decided to complete and have their Last Will and Testament be notarized. “My late cousin in Los Angeles, California died without a prepared and notarized Last Will and Testament. As a result, his estate and property were subjected to a very lengthy and expensive probate,” Fely explained. “My husband and I don’t want to experience what happened to my late cousin,” Fely continued. “Congratulations to you and Frank. Now, you have peace of mind,” I said to Fely. “Thank you for your help and assistance in notarizing our Last Will and Testament. I appreciate your driving to our workplace here at the convalescent hospital for the signatures and notarization of the two witnesses of our Last Will and Testament,” Fely affirmed. I personally commend Fely and Frank for their preparedness in having their Last Will and Testament be completed and notarized on time. They are very good example and role model for our readers and the general public to follow or emulate. Probate is a very lengthy and expensive process in which the Superior Court has jurisdiction over the administration of the estate of a deceased person. It happened to the late cousin of Fely because he didn’t have a prepared and notarized Last Will and Testament when he died in Los Angeles, California. You can be ready and prepared now by having a completed and notarized Last Will and Testament before it’s too late. Our paralegal partner and lawyer-friend can help you in the preparation and notarization of your Last Will and Testament at a very affordable price. 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@gmail.com GGCC BOOKS LAUNCHING & MONTHLY RAFFLE: More than 50 prizes will be drawn and awarded to the raffle winners of the Golden Gate Church of Christ (GGCC) Books Launching & Monthly Raffle on March 26, 2022, 3:00pm, 701-8th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118. The raffle prizes will include SAFEWAY Gift Certificates, Abe FREE Haircut Certificates, FREE Real Estate Consulting (Loan, Buying or Selling) Certificates, autographed copies by the authors and publisher of the following books and publications namely: LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY” (404 pages, regular price of $25.95 at Amazon plus shipping and handling) subtitled “How to be Healthy Emotionally, Financially, Physically, Sexually and (Continue on page 27)

he dizzying developments in the political front in the past week are incontrovertible proof that we have in the Philippines what University of the Philippines political science professor Clarita Carlos described in a recent forum as a “broken political system” where “there are no real political parties that groom and vet political lead- VAL ABELGAS ers, and help define policy and programs.” Since the 1987 Constitution basically broke the two-party system that defined our elections and political system for decades, dozens of political parties have cropped up – to rise during elections and go into deep slumber in between. Because most of these political parties are based on personalities rather than on principles or platforms, they often fade with the death or defeat of their founders and leaders, only to be revived by another set of politicians for political expediency. At least 16 national parties are represented in Congress, not counting the more than a dozen party-list groups. And there are dozens more party-list groups aspiring to gain seats in Congress and dozens of local or regional parties that emerge during elections. Because many of them don’t have grassroots support or members beyond their core group, these political parties are forced to form coalitions every three years to gain better leverage during elections. Thus, there is no single party fielding a complete ticket. Here are some of the national political parties in the Philippines as listed by Wikipedia: PDP-Laban, Nacionalista Party, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Lakas-CMD, Liberal Party, Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino, Partido para sa Demokratikong Reporma, Anakbayan, United Nationalist Alliance, Bagumbayan Volunteers for a New Philippines, National Unity Party, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, Aksyon Demokratiko, People’s Reform Party, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, and Centrist Democratic Party of the Philippines. You’d be smart to remember even half of them. And it seems so long ago that we had to choose betwenjust two major parties – the Nacionalist and Liberal parties – with a third minor one, the Progressive Party of the Philippines (PPP) of the late Senators Raul Manglapus and Manuel Manahan. Let’s take a closer look at some of the “major” political parties. The ruling PDP-Laban is a merger of the late Sen. Nene Pimentel’s Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino and the late Sen. Ninoy Aquino’s Lakas ng Bayan (Laban), two parties founded by two democratic icons to fight the dictatorial regime of Ferdinand Marcos. In the 2016 presidential elections, PDP-Laban adopted then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, a self-confessed Marcos admirer and the exact opposite of a democratic icon. As the 2022 elections neared, the ruling party broke into two factions, one led by Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Sen. Koko Pimentel and the other led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi with Duterte as chairman. The party, just as confused in its advocacy as its leaders, doesn’t even have an official presidential candidate in the May elections. Last week, Cusi announced it is supporting Bongbong Marcos for president, several weeks after endorsing presidential daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio for vice president, and months after announcing it was fielding Sen. Bato de la Rosa, and later, Sen. Bong Go, for president. The Pimentel-Pacquiao faction, of course, is supporting Pacquiao for president. President Duterte has not categorically supported Marcos nor signed the PDP-Laban statement of support, although his son, Vice Mayor Baste Duterte, now says his father is inclined to throw his support for Marcos. No surprise, really. It has been obvious that Duterte was only trying to show his disdain for the fact that it wasn’t his daughter who is running for president and also to gain some leverage under a Marcos presidency. Duterte’s silence comes after he said during a press interview that he would prefer a “lawyer with compassion” – there are only two lawyers among the candidates – Robredo and Joe Montemayor - to become president and after Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardonne shifted his support to Robredo, claiming he had sought permission from Duterte. Or Duterte (Continue on page 27) could be referring to his daughter

On Distant Shore

The Pink Revolution phenomenon

Health & Wealth

March 31-April 6, 2022

13 March 31-April 6, 2022

 OPINION

Offline

Diliman Way

is unceremonious exit from the party that he had been asked to lead as chairman in the middle of last year was not exactly unexpected. Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson was informed – by text message according to some reports – that his Partido Reporma was dropping him as their presidential standard bearer in faBETING DOLOR vor of Leni Robredo. Americans would say he was thrown under the bus, while Filipinos would say he was a victim of ‘laglagan’ or being dropped like a hot potato. Lacson was magnanimous in the face of the insult, saying that he bore no ill will at the party leaders who had figuratively stabbed him in the back. Those party leaders, specifically party president Pantaleon Alvarez, had little choice, actually. Sad to say, Lacson had no chance of winning, at least based on most if not all the surveys taken regarding the presidential candidates. This is quite a shame as the man has something to offer the people. To be honest, if Leni Robredo was not running, I would have gone for Ping Lacson, despite his colorful past as a law enforcer. He would have been followed closely by Isko Moreno, who has also some notable achievements in government service to speak of, followed by Manny Pacquiao who has a soft spot for the poor and the homeless. After that? Let’s see. This guy Leony de Guzman is a labor leader, so he may also have something going for him. After Ka Leony, there are a few more presidential wannabes, but they are big zeros in my book. Yes, I am totally ignoring one Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who doesn’t seem to know what he’s doing but who wants to buy the presidency anyway because his mommy dearest told him that it was his for the asking. What would happen if Junior were to win, God forbid? Think of the worst presidents in modern times. He would be as lazy and corrupt as Erap Estrada. His inner circle – the old boy can hardly think for himself – will be as devious, cunning, and corrupt as Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He will continue to use cocaine surreptitiously not unlike Rodrigo Duterte who admitted using fentanyl and weed. And yes, he will be as corrupt as Digong. Poor Ping Lacson. He could have made a good but not great president, given half the chance. But the fates decreed otherwise. In some ways, Lacson is like the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, who came close to winning the first time she sought the presidency, then lost her magic in the next two following tries. Lacson ran for president in 2004, mounted a decent campaign, but didn’t make it. That was the year Gloria Arroyo was caught asking Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano to guarantee her desired winning margin of one million votes over Fernando Poe, Jr. What happened to Lacson was sad but predictable when he didn’t even get the support from the political bigwigs of his home province of vote-rich Cavite. One of his fellow presidential bets, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, has such a high regard for Lacson that he said he would offer Ping a post in his government if he emerges victorious, which he won’t. There are officially three also rans now, Ping, Isko and Pacman. It can be expected that behind the scenes, there will be offers and counter offers from the Robredo and Marcos Jr. camps, with the former not willing to play dirty and the latter knowing no other way but in order to secure the endorsements of the three. Lacson should face reality as early as possible, and endorse the only candidate qualified to be president. As she has famously said, the best man for the job is a woman and there’s only one woman running for president. The honest surveys indicate the race tightening between her and that lazy weakling who just happens to have a bottomless war chest now being used to destroy what’s left of Philippine democracy. There are small signs that Pacman may be inclined to take the painful but necessary step (Continue on page 27)

Another upset victory?

Oh, Vladimir Putin

HOMOBONO A. ADAZA

Oh, Vladimir Putin You are thought to be intelligent But why are you invading Ukraine When you should have known You’ll become an enemy of mankind Your soldiers are ﬁghting With your lies now uncovered How can Ukrainians be your enemy? When they speak Russian And many Ukrainians Have friends and relatives in Russia Why are you afraid of NATO? When it has no plans against you Many of them are your business partners And now you’re losing them in great numbers The world has changed since World War II The Cold War is over But with your Ukrainian adventure You’re trying to resume it with vigor USSR is long past No way you can restore it Countries are splitting For self-determination There is no way you can change the tide Despite your stashed trillions Your Army is killing women and children Bombing hospitals and residential places Obviously on your direction You are becoming a war criminal For crimes against humanity You said you are ﬁghting against Nazis All a product of your hallucination You are using Nazi’s Hitlerian methods In exterminating thousands of Ukrainians With mindless abandon Even threatening everyone That you may even use nuclear weapons Ukrainian heroism have halted Your Army of World War II thinking Now you are in a quagmire Just like the Americans in Vietnam It is unfortunate you have not read Santayana Who said that those do not learn history’s lesson Are doomed to repeat it You really have not learned Napoleon’s and Hitler’s fault That invading a country in winter Will end up in disaster Oh, Vladimir Putin You have insulted the memory Of great Russian leaders Like Leon Trotsky and Vladimir Ilyi\ch Lenin Because of hegemonic ambition You’ll likely end up in Erewhon All alone - with your failed ambition

n the vice presidential debate sponsored by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) over the weekend, Rizalito David called on all candidates to form a broad alliance to defeat the frontrunners in the surveys. David argued there was no way all seven vicepresidential hopefuls would defeat Sara Duterte-Carpio who is way, way ahead of MANNY MOGATO the field. Senate President Vicente Sotto III has a chance to catch up with her as the campaign period enters the second half. David also argued that none of the nine presidential candidates could overturn the wide margin former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr had built in the remaining a month and half before balloting on May 9. A February Pulse Asia survey showed Marcos Jr. had 60 percent support against Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo’s less than 20 percent. A separate poll by Social Weather Stations (SWS) had Marcos Jr. with 46 percent against Robredo’s less than 20 percent. It’s narrower but the only son and namesake of the late dictator still had a commanding lead. Pollsters say it’s still possible to catch up with Marcos but it might be difficult to overtake him with less than two months before elections. David might have been influenced by the polls to make an appeal to other candidates to unite and defeat Marcos Jr. and Duterte-Carpio. He might be watching what had happened in South Korea when all the opposition candidates banded together to defeat the ruling party’s candidates. On a quicker look, David’s appeal might be practical and workable. It might narrow down Marcos Jr. and Duterte-Carpio’s lead in the polls. Sotto has a chance to defeat Sara and Robredo can have a fighting chance to win another comefrom-behind victory, duplicating her vice-presidential win in 2016. But this could be wishful thinking. There is no guarantee that if the other candidates will withdraw, their supporters will go to Robredo. Marcos Jr. could be strengthened if some supporters shift to him rather than Robredo. For instance, both Marcos Jr. and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso have the same support group. Some groups who supported President Rodrigo Duterte have opted to join Moreno’s campaign, like former agrarian reform secretary John Castriciones. Moreno has been working hard to get the endorsement of the president and he has been sustaining his attacks against Marcos Jr. on the P203-billion unpaid tax of the Marcos estate. In 1997, the Bureau of Internal Revenue assessed that the Marcos family had to pay the government P23 billion in estate taxes after the dictator died in 1989. This was based on the 60 percent estate tax on about P38 billion in assets which the government had failed to confiscate or recover. More than P300 billion had been seized but P125 billion pesos remained under litigation. The estate tax covered properties and assets that the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) had failed to identify and recover. At least 11 properties, which were found to be owned by the Marcoses, are attached to the estate tax case. Marcos Jr. has no more excuses but to pay the government and enjoy the wealth left behind by his father legally. It is still uncertain if Moreno’s attacks have been affecting Marcos Jr.’s numbers unless the March survey is released by Pulse Asia and SWS. Forget the other surveys done by other pollsters. Moreno’s attacks were designed to chip away support from Marcos Jr. and transfer to him because people who support Marcos Jr. will not likely go to Robredo. If there are any, it will be a small fraction. Moreno was determined to take away support from Marcos Jr. which he believed was not a solid support. Some political analysts have said that support for Marcos Jr, remained soft. Only about 20 to 30 percent are diehard Marcos loyalists. The rest are swayed by his promise of “ayuda” and other propaganda. These supporters can shift support anytime. Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao ranked fourth in the (Continue on page 27) surveys, showing substantial sup-

IN THE TRENCHES

Reality bites for Ping Lacson

 BUSINESS | IMMIGRATIONS

March 31-April 6, 2022

Is your spousal petition under investigation?

f you filed a petition for your spouse and the case is pending for so many months or years, chances are that the USCIS is investigating your petition. They could also deny your petition once the evidence they gathered is unfavorable to your case. You should receive an notice of Intent to Deny before they will deny your petition. If the petition was initially approved, you may get a Notice of Intent to Revoke the approval of your petition for reasons that they have discovered later in your case. The best strategy is to plan to defend your case just in case any unfavorable decision is received. If you failed to respond to the request for evidence, your case will be denied. If the proof you submitted is not sufficient to overcome their findings, they will also deny your petition. You should consult with an Immigration Attorney who specialized in family immigration and filing appeals. If your case is denied you can file an appeal to the BIA. Denied I-130 petition are appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals. There are many reasons for denial of petition. One is inconsistencies during the interview. Others include negative findings about the validity of the marriage. There could be questions about good faith marriage. The most serious findings would be marriage fraud. In this situation, you should submit proof of good faith marriage. If you failed to overcome the fraud charge your spouse will not be able to be approved in any petition even if it is employment based petition. The law is specific that if there is a finding of marriage fraud, no petition will be approved. But before that happens you should be prepared to appeal your case. We have a case that there is a finding of marriage fraud. However, the USCIS did not follow the procedural due process during the processing of the petition and the case was ultimately approved for the second petition. Procedural due process is a constitutional guarantee of fairness in adjudication of the petition. Other reasons for denial of petition and adjustment of status is if you entered the United States using a different name or committed a crime. There are a variety of immigration options you may still pursue but it is best to consult with an experienced immigration attorney. Note: This is not a legal advice. You should consult with an immigration attorney about the specifics of your case. Immigration News The DHS issued a new guidelines for the arrest and deportation of undocumented immigrants. The guidelines focused on national security. crimes and border security as the government priority. Success Stories For the month of March 2022, we received an approval for a spousal petition that was previously denied based on the prior marriage of the beneficiary where there was a finding of marriage fraud. We contested the findings of marriage fraud in our appeal to the BIA and was successful in convincing USCIS that my client was not afforded the Procedural due process in the denial of the prior petition. Thus they ultimately approved the current petition. China, corruption and the future of our country is at stake in this Philippine election If BBM win the election, China will take over the country because BBM wanted to continue what has been started by Pres. Duterte. This situation will cause the Philippines to be a bankrupt country and will bring us in the same situation as Venezuela or Cuba where poverty is worst. Listen to Percy Lapid (or Lapid Fire) and Waldy Carbonell on You Tube and Facebook for details and more corruption in the government. If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family separation. Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers. He practices immigration law, bankruptcy and income tax preparation since June 1999. His contact phone is 1-877-456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www.crispinlozanolaw.com/

INDUSTRIAL TOWN. Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo (second from le�) and Medtecs Interna�onal Corp. Ltd. chairman Clement Yang (third from le�) meet to discuss the expansion plan of the company in the country.

Face mask maker eyes $1.9-B Industrial Town in PHL

MAKATI CITY – Face mask maker Medtecs International Corp. Ltd. aims to establish an Industrial Town in the Philippines that will produce electric vehicles, personal protective equipment (PPE), and integrated textile manufacturing. In a statement, the Board of Investments (BOI) said Medtecs chairman Clement Yang and other executives met with Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo and other oﬃcials last week to discuss the expansion plans of the company here. Yang said the Industrial Town could bring in USD1.9 billion in foreign direct investments and around 125,000 jobs in seven years. He added Medtecs is looking into expanding its PPE production by manufacturing nitrile gloves, which is currently done in Cambodia. During the pandemic, Medtecs was able to locally produce melt-blown nonwoven fabric, the ﬁlter material used in medical-grade face masks.

The ﬁrm infused an additional US$600,000 in investments in its manufacturing plant in the Freeport Area of Bataan to ramp up its face mask production to 25 million pieces per month. “Medtecs is especially keen in bringing in the missing gaps in the country’s textile supply chain such as yarn production, spinning, weaving, including the production of recycled polyester textile —a mix of polyester with recycled materials from post-consumer bottles,” the BOI said. Rodolfo said Medtecs’ expansion plan here is eligible for incentives under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law. He said projects with minimum investment capital of P50 billion or creating at least 10,000 jobs may avail incentives of up to 40 years. The trade oﬃcial also encouraged the company to pursue the processing of green metals like nickel for e-vehicle batteries.

New EO issued updating rules on advertising signs, billboards

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order (EO) updating and supplementing the rules on non-mobile advertising signs and billboards. Executive Order No. 165, signed by Duterte on March 21, covers all nonmobile advertising signs and billboards, and their support structures, erected and installed, modified, retrofitted, rehabilitated or otherwise altered, and exhibited. In signing the EO, Duterte recognized that unregulated advertising signs and billboards pose traffic distractions and hazards, constitute threats to public safety and contribute to environmental degradation and urban blight due to their inappropriate location, site, glare, size, structural configuration and uncontrolled height limit. “There is a need to update and supplement the rules on non-mobile advertising signs and billboards under the Building Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), and to prescribe minimum standards to harmonize national and local rules and regulations as part of

the strategies on ease of doing business, and in facilitating self-regulation within the advertising industry,” the EO read. Under the EO, newly constructed billboard structures must have at least ﬁve meters of setback from the frontage property line, measured perpendicularly up to the support structure. Existing static billboards or LED billboards with a setback of less than ﬁve meters must comply with the guidelines for size of display surface and height of billboard structures and relevant clearances from the high tension wire as prescribed in the Philippine Electrical Code. The EO states that signs and sign structures and billboards must not exceed 250 square meters while LED and other electronic signs must have a minimum display area of 55 sqm. and a maximum display area of up to 250 sqm. as the site allows, provided that the sign conforms with structural design and wind load exposure prescribed under the latest edition of the National Structural Code of the Philippines.

15 March 31-April 6, 2022

Kris Aquino joins Robredo Tarlac rally, twits ex-fiancé, Senate bet Herbert Bautista

A sickly Kris Aquino has resurfaced in a political rally in Tarlac to endorse presidential candidate and Vice President Leni Robredo and her team. Kris later was bashed by netizens not for showing support to Robredo but for taking a swipe at ex-ﬁance former Quezon City Herbert Bautista, now a leading senatorial candidate of the Marcos-Duterte tandem, asking the public at the rally not to vote for him because “he cannot keep his promise.” Kris appeared on stage with actress Angel Locsin whose cousin, lawyer and former congressman Neric Colmenares, is running for senator under the LeniKiko Pangilinan ticket. Kris actually did not mention the name of Bautista but her statement points to the actor-politician. This despite of the fact that that Herbert Bautista is not the only “ex” of Kris Aquino who is in the UniTeam of former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. It was gathered that her ex-husband PBA player James Yap, who is running for councilor in San Juan City, appeared

to be in a team supporting the tandem of Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte. Kris’s ex-partner veteran actor Phillip Salvador, the father of her ﬁrst son, is also supporting the UniTeam. The said statement of Kris at the Tarlac rally garnered various reactions from the online community and veteran showbiz columnist Manay Lolit Solis shared her thoughts on this. In one of her recent Instagram posts, Lolit said that controversial statement was “very Kris Aquino” and that it was her signature naughtiness that was misinterpreted by many people, and so bashing rained over her. However, Lolit Solis said that it is still up to the people who to choose. “Kung talagang gusto ninyo iboto si Herbert Bautista, why not? Whatever iyon sabihin ni Kris Aquino personal niya, kilala niya dahil naging ex niya. Pero may sarili parin kayong choices,” she said. The veteran showbiz writer also said that voters still have a choice to vote who their heart’s dictates. “Hayaan na rin natin si Kris Aquino sa choices niya.

Basta boto tayo, karapatan natin iyan, huwag natin sayangin,” she added. During her speech which Maharlika TV reported on, Angel Locsin compared her candidate to a relationship which one can really count on. “Kapag hahanap ka ng kaibigan, karelasyon, kailangan laging nandyan para sa iyo, hindi tuwing eleksyon lang,” the actress known for her “Darna” role said. Kris blurted out, “Gel, pinatatamaan mo ata ako diyan. Aray! Ouch!” Kris was trying to point out that she was hit with the topic of unreliable relationship. Kris said, “Hindi, yung sinabi mo, may karelasyon.” Angel appeared quite confused and asked, “Nandito ba siya?” Kris quipped, “Yung isa nasa Uniteam, yung ex…” Although Kris did not mention the name of her ex, it is not a secret that her ex who belongs to the BongbongSara team is former Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista. Kris even said about her ex-ﬁancé, “O, wag niyo iboto yun, ha? Sayang ang boto dahil di marunong tumupad sa mga pinangako. Deadma, please!” It is a public knowledge that Kris and Herbert had an oﬀ-and-on relationship, even Herbert’s marriage proposal to Kris which happened twice–in 2014 and 2017. It was in November 2021 when the relationship was again talked about when Kris reacted on Herbert’s tweet about their past. Herbert said that he already had “TOTGA” or “the one that got away”, that there was already a new love, “may napili na.” During that time, Kris got engaged to Mel Sarmiento, a former DILG secretary under the administration of President Noynoy Aquino, Kris’ brother. Through her Instagram post, Kris expressed that there was a “closure” between her and Herbert when they talked on May 12, 2021.

Popular television host, singer, composer and businessman Willie Revillame is back to happy mood. This after his medical checkup showed he was cleared of cancer. It was also reported that the Manny Villar television station AMBS of which Revillame is a key partner may start airing soon. Revillame happily announced the good news, three days after he publicly asked for prayers for his health. Revillame, 61, shared the good news during the live episode of his variety show “Wowowin.” He narrated a phone conversation he had with his doctor. “Sabi niya, ‘O, Willie, kumusta ka? Sobra kang magdasal. Good news, nega-

tive ka sa cancer!’” he recalled in an ABS-CBN report. “Thank you Lord! Thank you! Maraming-maraming salamat ho sa lahat ng mga nagdasal [para] sa akin,” he added. Revillame acknowledged he had been apprehensive about the test results, saying he had lost sleep the night prior. “Sabi ko nga, I’m ready. If worse comes to worst, o-operahan ako, puputulin ‘yung bituka ko, ready naman ako,” he said. Revillame ﬁrst revealed the cancer scare on March 24 also during a live episode of “Wowowin.” At the time, he said had just come from an executive checkup — his ﬁrst in

two years — and was asked by his staff whether he still wanted to push through with going live, in light of the findings. His colonoscopy test showed he has polyps in his stomach and colon, feared to be cancerous by his doctors, ABSCBN reported. Explaining why he was unable to dance and sing as he usually does on the show, Revillame said: “Meron akong stapler… Nagkaroon ako ng colonoscopy, endoscopy, sa heart, lahat. “Merong nakita polyps sa ‘kin, isa sa colon at isa sa stomach. Medyo malaki po, one centimeter ‘yung sa stomach at ito po ay — sana ‘wag naman — pero prone ata po ito sa cancer.” After five days of waiting, Revillame

They also talked July 21, 2021 when Kris informed Herbert about her relationship with Mel. Kris said it was a sign of “ME AFTER YOU” after having tried to work on their relationship for the past seven years. Simultaneous with this, was Kris’ blind item that Herbert has a “beautiful girlfriend” who eventually turns out to be Ruffa Gutierrez. Herbert apologized to Kris during the height of the issue. In his statement on Twitter in November 2021: “Alam kong maaalagaan ka nya, and I can see that you’re happier now. Aminado ako, I know I have not been good enough. Still regretting the chance I didn’t take. You deserve better.” It was only in March 2022 when Ruffa confirmed her feelings towards Herbert. Kris and Mel got separated in January 2022. It was Kris’ first appearance in a campaign rally of the presidential candidate after two months since she revealed her health scare experience. On January 3, 2022, the TV hostactress announced that she was alarmed by her health conditions due to complications brought by her “autoimmune conditions.” She also confirmed during the rally that she is set to undergo medical treatment in another country as her doctor will recommend. (Jeanne Michael Penaranda/Evelyn Diao/MTVN)

Willie Revillame cleared of cancer ﬁnally received the conﬁrmation that his polyps are benign. If they were found to be cancerous, Revillame said last Thursday he would have to undergo an operation that would render him absent from “Wowowin” for at least two weeks. On Monday, Revillame once again urged his viewers to undergo regular check-ups to prevent any serious illness, and also expressed gratitude to those who reached out to him and prayed for him amid the cancer scare. “Masarap pong mabuhay na ikaw ay healthy. Health is wealth. Aanhin mo ang materyal na bagay kung ikaw ay may dinadalang sakit?” he said.

 ENTERTAINMENT

March 31-April 6, 2022

All set for Aliw’s Musical Journey

Joey Albert It’s all systems go for the Aliw Productions Inc. concert, “A Musical Journey” , on April 30,2022 at The Guild Theater in Sacramento, California in support of the American Cancer Society and the artists impacted by the pandemic. Co-presentor of the event is One World Institute, a non-proﬁt organization registered in the United States and the Philippines, which has given out over $50 M in goods and services to charity. Media partner is ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC). This unique concert brings together Aliw’s 2019 Best Filipino Artist Abroad, Joey Albert, Aliw’s 2015 Entertainer of the Year and Asia’s Got Talent 2nd runner-up Gerphil Flores, and special guests International Performer Jam Morales and

Jam Morales youthful FilAm talent Kelfrvr .It will provide the audience with great music from the 80’s to the present. The concert will be the ﬁrst appearance of Gerphil Flores in the United States and will launch Joey Albert’s latest song, “Kundimang Kupas” , by the composer of “A Million Miles Away”, Robert More. Sponsors of the concert are Wah Sing Mongolian Hot Pot & BBQ and Wah Sing Chinese Restaurant in Vacaville, County Square Market in Vacaville, Elizabeth Gonzalez’ Keller Williams Realty, Kusina at Lumpia in Natomas , Teriyaki atbp in Folsom, Beyond Tea in Suison City , AARP, Persimmon Medical Aesthetics, Homehealth, Inc , Cara Licavoli

Gerphil Flores IG @mahalo2all and radio station KUIC. Executive producer of the event is Birdie Reyes III, Aliw Awards Foundation trustee and host-producer of “aALIWin Kita”, a weekly Sunday FB Live show aired in the Philippines from 7 to 9 P.M., and in the United States at 7-9 A.M.

KelFRVR on the East Coast and 4 to 6 A.M. on the West Coast. Production and Marketing Manager is Yasmin Assad. A limited number of tickets are still available at www.aliw.info and at 707631-0120 and ticket buyers will participate in a raﬄe draw for cash and prizes.

Liza Diño reappointed as FDCP chairperson, CEO Undersecretary Mary Liza Diño has been reappointed for another threeyear term as the Chairperson and CEO of the Film Development Council of the

Philippines (FDCP). FDCP Chairperson and CEO Diño took her oath before Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez in a virtual ceremony. Also present in the oath-taking ceremony were representatives from DTI and the FDCP employees. Undersecretary Diño has served the national film agency after being appointed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in 2016. Her three-year term was extended to 2021 and now, with the reappointment of her position, her term as Chairperson and CEO of the FDCP will be extended until 2025. DTI Secretary Lopez congratulated Undersecretary Diño saying, “I’m impressed with all the kind of work you’re doing and I wish you all the best. I know, under your leadership, mas gaganda pa ang ating film industry. Palakasin pa natin.” “On behalf of our team FDCP, onsite and online, maraming, maraming salamat,” said Undersecretary Diño during her oath-taking ceremony. Since 2016, Undersecretary Diño has been pushing for programs and policies that would alleviate the working conditions of the local film industry workers and further develop and strengthen the industry. Some of her notable efforts during her term include the DoLE-FDCP

JMC or the guidelines on working conditions for ﬁlm and audiovisual ﬁlm workers, Film Workers Summit, Film Industry Conference, Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, Philippine Film Industry Month, Full Circle Lab Philippines, talent and production development programs, and coproduction incentives.

IBINIBIGAY DITO ANG PAUNAWA na ang Lupon ng mga Direktor ng Awtoridad ng Santa Clara Valley Open Space ay magsasagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig upang makatanggap ng pampublikong input at testimonya tungkol sa iminungkahing muling pagsasaayos ng mga distritong elektoral para sa halalan sa Lupon (mga dibisyon ng direktor). Isasaalang-alang ng Lupon ang mga plano batay sa 2020 Census, na ipinakita ng demographic consultant ng Awtoridad, pati na rin ang anumang karagdagang mga plano na maaaring iharap ng publiko. Gaganapin ang pampublikong pagdinig sa Abril 14, 2022, at bilang bahagi ng regular na pulong ng Lupon ng mga Direktor, na magsisimula sa ika-6:30 ng hapon. Ang pampublikong pagdinig ay gaganapin sa pamamagitan ng teleconference alinsunod sa Assembly Bill 361. Mangyaring tingnan ang agenda sa website ng Awtoridad, https://www.openspaceauthority.org/public-information/public-meetings.html, para sa impormasyon tungkol sa kung paano lumahok. Inaasahan ng Lupon ang pagkilos sa pagsasara ng pampublikong pagdinig sa Abril 14 upang pumili ng gustong plano ng dibisyon ng direktor para sa huling pagpapatibay ng Lupon. Ang deadline na ayon sa batas para sa pagkumpleto ng proseso ay Abril 17, 2022. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa proseso ng pagbabago ng distrito ng Awtoridad, mangyaring bisitahin ang website ng Awtoridad sa https://news.openspaceauthority.org/redistricting2022 o makipag-ugnayan kay Kellie Guerra sa (408) 224-7476. (PN-197).

17 March 31-April 6, 2022

iWantTFC tackles the meaning of self-love in “Bola-Bola” SAN FRANCISCO - What is “selflove”? Like chicken adobo, there are as many versions of this concept as there are people deﬁning it. But most would agree on the basics: that it requires an appreciation of one’s own worth or value without the need for making downward social comparisons. As folks would say today, “You do you.” Leading global Filipino streaming platform iWantTFC’s upcoming original series, “Bola-Bola”, which premieres on March 26, presents the journey of Thea Balderama (“Kadenang Ginto” and Gold Squad alum Francine Diaz): a normal teenager focused on her studies while preparing for the future and even for the possibility of falling in love. But her greatest love has always been food which is matched by her impressive talent in cooking. Yet in a world where the loveable plus-size foodie Thea is confronted by a diet culture that preaches small ﬁgures as

the ideal, Thea begins to question herself in the light of society’s cruelly imposed beauty standards and body image. How will her next decisions and actions impact her relationships with: Lucas (played by BGYO member Akira Morishita), her lifelong crush who’s not into plussized women? J u l i a n (played by former PBB housemate KD Estrada), her best friend and number one support system who has a secret crush on her? J o s h (played by Ashton Salvador, ﬁrst teen PBB h o u s e m a t e ) , her ﬁtness trainer who used to be in Thea’s shoes, weight-wise, and who begins to fall for her as well? Who will eventually win Thea’s heart? “Bola-Bola,” directed by JP Habac and produced by Dreamscape Entertainment and KreativDen, also stars The Squad 2022’s Analain Salvador and Danica Ontengco, Vance Larena, J-Mee Katanyag, and Arlene Muhlach. The series is available on iWantTFC Premium plan outside the Philippines and has six episodes which begins streaming on March 26, with new episode drop on the succeeding weekends. Subscribe now to iWantTFC for only USD 12.99 (U.S.) and CAD 9.99 (Canada) a month by downloading the iWantTFC app (iOS and Android) or signing up on the website (iwanttfc. The cast of “Bola-Bola”. Foreground, Francine Diaz. Back com). New eligible usrow, from le�: KD Estrada, Akira Morishita, and Ashton ers can enjoy streamSalvador. ing FREE for 30 days.

 ENTERTAINMENT

March 31-April 6, 2022

THREELOGY’S LIVE CONCERT AT PECHANGA RESORT CASINO IS SOLD OUT

Southern California’s Pechanga Resort Casino is pleased to announce that the tickets for the upcoming April 22, 2022, 8p.m. live concert of Threelogy- the most coveted seasoned Filipino singer-entertainers— are sold out. Erik Santos, Morrissette Amon, and Christian Bautista - a “three-in-one” package performance to render the most sought-after pop songs made famous internationally. Pechanga Resort Casino is well-known for hosting only the best and the brightest Filipino entertainers and performers aimed to provide the ultimate experience especially, to Filipino-American patrons. Due to insistent public demand, Morrissette, comes

back to do her musical renditions back-to-back with famed singers Erik and Christian. Amon was a runner up on TV5’s ‘Star Factor’ at the age of 14. In 2012, she made her professional stage debut in the Repertory Philippines production of Disney’s ‘Camp Rock. Shows in the Pechanga Theater offer a comfortable and intimate concert experience. With 1,200 seats in its theater, each show features state-of-the-art and acoustically perfected sound. Enjoying favorite artists at Pechanga with gourmet and casual dining options on site, plus comfortable chairs and an up-close view from every theater seat. About Pechanga Resort Casino Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the number one casino in the country by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Pechanga offers more than 5,000 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter @ PechangaCasino

Kit Thompson charged for assault of girlfriend Ana Jalandoni Actor Kit Thompson has been charged of violation of ter they received a call at 6:29AM of March 18 about a Section 5A of Republic Act 9262 or Violation of Wom- woman who was injured and asking for help but decline en’s Act for alleged assault of girlfriend Ana Jalandoni. to give other details until further investigation. The sexy actress was rescued by Tagaytay police afAs the Tagaytay police responded to the scene, it was learned that it was Ana who was the victim of the incident that happened at Amega Hotel on Km. 54 Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Silang Junction South, Tagaytay City. Ana was immediately brought to Tagaytay Medical Center for treatment while Kit was brought to the Tagaytay Police Station for investigation. Before Ana was rescued, she was able to ask for help from friends whom she sent photos to prove she was injured. Ana’s plea:“Please help me! Please call police!!! Keith is killing me. Please, please, help me!” While undergoing treatment, Ana came out with a short cryptic post where it was obvious she was referring to Kit. She said that if you love somebody, you cannot aﬀord to hurt her, but if you did it, it only means you never loved her at all. The actress said, “When you love someone, you will never ever harm them. Did you really love?” She also gave a warning to those who are in a relationship to take care so they will not experience the same thing. The sexy star also thanked those who sent messages of support, but apologized for she could not answer each of them. She said she would come out with a longer statement of what happened soon. She stated: “This is me saying, you all should be careful out there. I can’t reply to all of you right now but thank you for checking up on me. “I will release a statement soon.” Ana’s legal counsel is already preparing for an oﬃcial statement about the details of the assault that happened

inside the room of Amega Hotel in Tagaytay City. Ana said she will not grant any interview yet as she is still recuperating from her wounds. She was also advised by concerned friends to have a further treatment in another hospital when she comes back to Manila to make sure that there is no other serious injury suffered from Kit’s physical assault. Messages of support to Ana keep coming from those who condemn Kit’s act. The actor is hogging the newspaper headlines and is trending on social media due to the controversy which happened on National Women’s Month. Netizens flooded hate comments on Kit’s Instagram because of what he did to his girlfriend which even involved Kit’s supporters. Kit Thompson’s management issues statement on actor’s alleged assault The Cornerstone Management, the talent agency who handles Kit Thompson’s career issued a statement that they do not allow any violent actions most especially if this involves assault on the dignity of women. “The Cornerstone Management does not condone any act of violence and profoundly value the dignity of women.” The agency also made it clear that they had no knowledge of the incident involving Kit. “We take this opportunity to clarify that our earlier statement was issued with no knowledge of any specific details as we were in receipt only of general allegations. “Neither were we privy to any photos of the incident,” the talent agency said. They added that they will just allow the law to take its course and for justice to prevail. In their carefully worded statement: “In this delicate situation, we subscribe to the sound discretion of law enforcement and allow the wheels of justice to take its course.”

 REAL ESTATE

March 31-April 6, 2022

Infra program, pandemic bolster housing demand outside Metro Manila

Brisk demand for for-sale properties noted

Demand for properties for -sale on Lamudi showed a slight uptick at the start of pandemic-induced restricMAKATI CITY – The government’s program to “The investments in infrastructure have made it further improve infrastructure across the country, accessible for these products as well as the pandem- tions last March 2020, highlighting the importance of having a safe home during a health crisis. along with people’s preference for less crowded ic situation. The perception of (a) healthier, more Two years after, real estate demand has become spaces vis-à-vis the pandemic, are expected to con- open, less crowded, household location has made stronger, growing by 10 percentage points compared to tinue to fuel demand for housing units outside of it attractive for many buyers to move outwards of pre-pandemic numbers. Metro Manila. Metro Manila,” he said. Lamudi said interest is strong South of Metro Manila In a virtual briefing, Leechiu Property ConsulWhile the pandemic has affected people’s fi(Imus, Dasmarinas, General Trias, Tagaytay, Bacoor and tants research and consultancy director Roy Amado nancial capacity, Golez said that in the case of the Silang in Cavite, as well as Santa Rosa and Binan in Golez said residential real estate prices in Laguna, real estate sector, it is only the lower-end segment Laguna) and in the East (Antipolo and Cainta in Rizal). Cavite, Pampanga, and Tarlac have risen, espethat was hit “because of less of jobs in the service Rizal is one of the regions in Luzon that saw a stroncially for housing projects catering to the high-end sector.” ger buying appetite following the pandemic. For-sale market. He said property developers have continued to leads on Lamudi in the ﬁrst quarter if 2020 accounted Golez said prices of lots in Laguna, such as proj- make better payment options that allow buyers befor 70 to 75 percent of overall lea in Rizal. ects located along the South Luzon Expressway, longing to the middle market to acquire properties As of the current quarter, the range rose to 79 to 84 have increased by around 7 to 10 percent. easier, while investment and capital preservation percent of overall leads. He said residential real estate projects in these drive the demand for the high-end market. Rizal’s demand for condominium developments has areas have registered strong sales and developers Golez said real estate investments in Laguna are running out of inventory locations. alone have increased by two to three times already also shifted during the pandemic. From May to November 2020, rental inquiries dominated condominium He added land prices in Laguna for projects ca- compared to those in Metro Manila. transactions, which saw a reversal in 2021 with an uptering to the high-end segment alone have increased “So what do you see in the near future? Defitick in for-sale leads for the property type. to around P50,000 per square meter from about nitely more of these products, especially as the Kenneth Stern, Lamudi Philippines managing direcP35,000 per square meter two years ago, with some infrastructure gets completed. We still have about tor and chief executive oﬃcer, said strong property apjumping by as much as 50 percent. 150 kilometers of infrastructure -- roads, bridges, petite can contribute to economic recovery. “And this is a product that we see will be more and rails that are to be built,” he said. “Overall, the pent-up demand has been somewhat revaluable in the subsequent years ahead,” Golez He added they expect more growth in the northsaid. ern part of Metro Manila instead of the south due to leased… over the next quarter and even the second half of the year, we’ll see pent-up demand further drive the He said this trend is similar to what happened in the availability of more land economy with a stable industry like real estate.” the 1990s.

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Dep’t of Housing OKs ‘temporary license to sell’ to secure affordable houses QUEZON CITY – The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has approved an order authorizing the issuance of temporary license tos housing developers to secure affordable housing rates for Filipinos. DHSUD Secretary Eduardo del Rosario said he recently approved Department Order 2021-008 to allow housing developers to get a temporary license to sell lots and units, even with pending issuance of permits and clearances from local and national government agencies. Del Rosario said the housing developers have to go through long queues and processes, such as getting permits from the local government units and the national agencies, which sometimes would delay the housing projects for up to two years. He said the department order would help lessen the construction period of the housing developers. It will also streamline the costs from getting building permits to actual unit building, in a particular housing project. “So with the issuance of the temporary license to sell, ma-offset na natin ngayon iyong one year delay (we can offset the one year delay),” del Rosario added. With the issuance of the temporary license to sell, del Rosario said the housing developers can start preselling of lots and houses to home buyers while the constructions units are ongoing. “Para sa ganoon iyong mga ibinabayad naman ng mga home buyers ay magamit din ng developer to plow back at makapag-continue iyong kaniyang production (So that developers can use the payments of the home buyers to plow back and continue their production),” he added. “Iyan ang isang reklamo ng ating mga developers kasi kapag hindi sila nakapagbibenta kaagad, ang nangyayari, uutang sila sa bangko (That’s the major complaints of our developers because they have to loan from the bank if they won’t sell immediately).” Del Rosario said once the developers are allowed to do pre-selling, through the temporary license to sell.

21 March 31-April 6, 2022

NEWS  NATIONAL SPORTS NEWS

PATAFA, Obiena settle row; pole vaulter to compete in SEA Games MANILA – All is well that ends well. This in gist is what happened with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) and world-ranked pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena as they finally settled their misunderstandings. The settlement was brokered by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairperson William Butch Ramirez through the mediation process. In a statement, the PSC said a settlement has been reached in the final session of the mediation process earlier in the day. “It is with much joy that we announce that both parties have agreed to a settlement and the proceedings ended successfully,” the PSC said. “PSC Chairman William Ramirez who served as the sole mediator in the proceedings expressed his happiness that the first-ever sports mediation conducted by the PSC successfully assisted both parties to arrive at a settlement.” As part of the settlement, PATAFA has finally agreed to endorse Obiena for the Southeast Asian Games and the World Outdoor Athletics. Earlier in the day, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) deferred putting its executive board’s decision to suspend PATAFA for 90 days during its general assembly (GA) at the Knight Templar Hotel in Tagaytay but warned the national sports association that they will decide on it in next month’s GA. With the settlement, the POC could fully retract the suspension. “Both parties have also agreed that endorsement for the participation of Mr. Obiena in other competitions will be sub-

ject to the usual rules and regulations of the PATAFA, as observed for the participation of all national athletes,” the PSC said. The PSC further revealed that Ramirez, Obiena, and PATAFA president Popoy Juico met privately after the mediation session. “Mr. Obiena expressed his apologies to PATAFA, its board members, and his teammates, and both have assured each other of forgiveness, to start anew and move on,” the PSC bared some details of the private meeting. The PSC will not divulge any information about the mediation, but according to Ramirez, “Humility really played a big part in this process.” The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) — in the spirit of sportsmanship and the approaching Lent — has spared the Patafa of the suspension ax, but not the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta).

The POC General Assembly ratified its Executive Board’s decision to suspend the Philta for 90 days following its failure to heed the International Tennis Federation’s instruction to amend its charter and hold encompassing election of officers. Forty-two out of the 55 voting members of the POC ratified Philta’s suspension—more than a required two-thirds vote. POC president, Representative Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, however, deferred putting on the floor PATAFA’s suspension. “In the spirit of sportsmanship and because of the Lenten season, I deferred the move to suspend the PATAFA as decided by the POC Executive Board,” Tolentino said. “And because of the unfinished mediation procedure between the PATAFA and EJ [Ernest John] Obiena, a vote to suspend the athletics federation wasn’t offered to the GA.”

But Tolentino stressed that deferring the motion to suspend the PATAFA would be on the agenda in next month’s GA. “If the PATAFA doesn’t endorse EJ [Obiena] in the next GA, the suspension will be decided on the floor,” said Tolentino after the hybrid GA held at the Knights Templar Hotel in Tagaytay City. The POC Executive Board decided last early this month to suspend PATAFA for 90 days on grounds bordering on Obiena’s issues with his national sports association, a conflict made worse by PATAFA’s refusal to endorse the world-ranked pole vaulter to four major international competitions. The next POC GA is set for the last week of April, or barely two weeks before the 31st Southeast Asian Games opens in Hanoi. “For EJ’s smooth participation in the Vietnam SEA Games, the Patafa should be endorsing his participation,” said Tolentino, adding that the deadline for the submission of entries by names to the Hangzhou 19th Asian Games is on May 31. PATAFA didn’t put Obiena on its list of athletes for the Vietnam SEA Games, prompting the POC to endorse the Asian men’s pole vault record holder in its capacity as a national Olympic committee or NOC. Obiena already missed the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade early this month, a lost opportunity for him to vie for the country’s first medal in the prestigious meet. He requested the PATAFA to also endorse him to the Hangzhou Asian Games in September and the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, in July, but was turned down.

PHL beach volleyball teams bag 5 medals in Brisbane

BRISBANE, Australia – The Philippine beach volleyball teams’ road to Hanoi began with a flourish following a two-gold, one-silver and two-bronze medal haul at the 2022 Australia Beach Volleyball Tour Championships that wrapped up Sunday at the Coolangatta Beach in Brisbane, Australia. Sand court ace Jovelyn Gonzaga’s first partnership with Dij Rodriguez proved to be a fruitful one after their 18-21, 21-19, 15-13 conquest of local bets Alice Zeimann and Anna Donlan in the Women’s Challenger Division I final. Gonzaga and Rodriguez went undefeated in five matches in the three-day tournament which is the toptier domestic beach volleyball event on the Australian calendar. Ranran Abadilla and Jaron Requinton also won the gold medal via a 22-20, 21-17 decision over Issa Batrane and Frederick Bialokoz in the Men’s Challenger Division I. Abdilla and Requinton also posted a perfect 5-0 record in the tournament that is part of the beach vol-

leyball teams’ preparation for this May’s Vietnam 31st Southeast Asian Games undertaken by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Rebisco, PLDT, Taguig City and the Philippine Olympic Committee. Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons bagged the sil-

ver after pulling of a gallant stand against Nikki Laird and Phoebe Bell, 18-21, 12-21, in the final of the Women’s Elite group. Nene Bautista and Gen Eslapor who, liked Gonzaga and Rodriguez, are paired for the first time, scored a 21-13, 21-19 victory over Saskia De Haan and Lisamarie Moegle to clinch the bronze in Women’s Challenger Division I. Pemie Bagalay and James Buytrago also took a bronze in the Men’s Challenger Division I with a 21-17, 21-12 win over Thomas Heptinstall and Jed Walker. The sixth Philippine pair, Jude Garcia and Krung Arbasto, reached the Men’s Challenger Division I quarterfinals. The beach volleyball squads are undergoing a onemonth training program in Brisbane for their campaign in the May 12 to 23 Vietnam SEA Games. The Philippines clinched two bronze medals in beach volleyball in the 2019 Philippines SEA Games.

March 31-April 6, 2022

Q: Til debt do us part? A: Some debts have become so severe some may carry it with them to the grave. How? If one dies and has many debts the creditors can go after the person’s estate unless there is no estate to go after. Some elderly clients call me and ask regarding having big debts as they use their credit cards to the point that they realize they cannot pay them off anymore to the grave. It is never easy to be in this position as these clients worry about what they will leave behind with their loved ones. Unfortunate but do we do this to ourselves? The lure of using credit cards in order to help our relatives as Filipinos will always take over. Relatives especially in the Philippines will always reach out to us thinking their relatives in the U.S. have an endless supply of money. So what happens when you die buried with debts? When your debts stops getting payments, they will start calling and sending collection letters. Your relatives will need to send a copy of your death certificate to all your creditors in order to stop collections. Their next step of due diligence is to find out if you have a surviving spouse so they can go after your spouse for your unpaid debts. Remember, a debt is also conjugal property. If no spouse can be sought, then they will search for any real properties under your name. They can file a motion in court to go after any remaining property in order to get paid. If there are none, then they will be left with no other option to write off the debts and move on. Ating lesson, Ohh utang na di na nabayaran, dala hanggang sa libingan. If you need help in getting out of debt, call Debt Aid Consulting International. We do not use call centers which keeps your information safe. We have a new program that reconstruct debts for half of what you would pay our competitors. We also provide legal assistance that keeps collectors away. We take Federal Credit Unions, Payday loans and high interest personal loans in our program too. This is exclusively available for Debt Aid Consulting clients. None of our competitors provide this program. You are well protected. We only provide Federal Trade Commission compliant programs. Go with Debt Aid Consulting! Do not fall for marketing gimmicks saying that they have the right program for you. Most marketing companies only have one program and will enroll you in that program whether it fits you or not. So beware! Ben Lou at your service! I have over 35 years of financial experience. If you would like sound financial advice, call us at Debt Aid Consulting International. We do not use call centers. No one has the right to put your information at risk. Debt Aid Consulting is the first and only Filipino debt mediation company incorporated in the US and Canada, Caribbean Islands, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines! Your Global Debt Solutions Company! Tawag na po sa 1-888-341-5234 at tutulungan po namin kayo. Itama po natin ang mali!

23 March 31-April 6, 2022

Asian American leaders endorse Joe Buscaino for mayor LOS ANGELES -- Joe Buscaino announced the endorsement of key leaders in the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community - among them Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee and former Los Angeles City Councilmember David Ryu. “We know that Asian Americans in our city have faced the rise of despicable anti-Asian hate crimes. This is unacceptable, and, as a former LAPD officer, I know what it takes to keep our communities safe,” said Joe Buscaino, candidate for Los Angeles Mayor. “I look forward to working in partnership with Asian and Pacific Islander communities to ensure the safety of all Los Angeles residents and combat such crimes.” “Our city is truly at a crossroads. The people of our city have the opportunity to elect a leader who will either keep things the same or make the changes that are necessary to improve the quality of life for everyone here in the city,” said Councilmember John Lee. “On the City Council, there is always one person I can count on to make decisions that have the whole city in mind, and that’s Councilman Joe Buscaino. I hope the Asian community and City of Los Angeles will join me in supporting Joe Buscaino for our future mayor.” “It is an honor to enthusiastically support Joe Buscaino. Joe knows our community, hears our community, and has been there for our community,” said former Councilmember David Ryu. “During these turbulent times, we need a person like Joe - a

person who knows how to get things done, work across the aisle, be there for everyone, and be there for us.” Buscaino is the son of parents who, like many others, came to Los Angeles in pursuit of a better life. Buscaino was born in San Pedro and has chosen to raise his family in the same neighborhood where he grew up. His first job with the City was working for the Department of Recreation and Parks, followed by the Los Angeles Police Department, where he served the San Fernando Valley before becoming a Senior Lead Officer for his home community of San Pedro. Buscaino served as a first responder for 15 years, becoming an LAPD Sergeant. He is married with two children attending his neighborhood LA Unified schools. Buscaino is the immediate past President of the National League of Cities, where he served as President in 2020. Under his leadership, the National League of Cities spearheaded the campaign for federal aid to help support local governments’ funding during the pandemic. That campaign culminated in President Biden’s most recent stimulus bill, which will provide Los Angeles with an estimated $2 billion in recovery funding. Paid for by Buscaino for Mayor 2022, 125 W. 4th Street # 313, Los Angeles, California www.joebuscaino.com FPPC # 1437850 Additional information is available at ethics.lacity.org

 COMMUNITY NEWS

March 31-April 6, 2022

ALADDIN ON BROADWAY SURPRISES EMOTIONAL AUDIENCE MEMBER WITH DISNEY CRUISE LINE VACATION GIVEAWAY IN CELEBRATION OF SHOW’S 8TH ANNIVERSARY

New York, NY – Aladdin, the hit musical based on the Academy Award®winning animated film, celebrated its 8th anniversary on Broadway on Sunday, March 20 at the New Amsterdam Theatre. To celebrate the occasion, Michael James Scott (Genie) surprised a lucky guest – the 888th ticketholder scanned at the theatre that afternoon – with a cruise aboard Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish. The giveaway was announced during curtain call in front of the sold-out audience. For Aladdin production photography and b-roll, visit press.aladdinthemusical. com. Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, sets sail for the first time this summer. New enchantment can be found as treasured stories and characters come to life before your eyes in unexpected ways. In the 2,681 performances comprising Aladdin’s run thus far, audiences have been treated to a staggering number of special effects: • Aladdin and Jasmine have flown over 88 miles on the magic carpet while

singing the Oscar-winning “A Whole New World” • The Genie has set oﬀ nearly 100,000 pyrotechnics in the showstopping “Friend Like Me” • In the Act Two opener “Prince Ali,” the cast and wardrobe team have made over 185,000 lightning-fast costume quick changes Hailed by The New York Times as “fabulous and extravagant!” Aladdin opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre to critical acclaim on March 20, 2014 and quickly established itself as one of the biggest new blockbusters in recent years. The Broadway production has broken 14 New Amsterdam Theatre house records and spawned eight productions on four continents, with a new North American tour launching in October. It can be seen currently on Broadway, in Japan, the Netherlands, Mexico and Germany. The current cast of Aladdin stars Michael Maliakel making his Broadway debut in the title role, Michael James Scott as Genie, Shoba Narayan as Jasmine and Dennis Stowe as Jafar. The show also features Milo Alosi, Zach Bencal and Brad

Nasa panahon pa rin tayo ng tagtuyot. Magtipid ng tubig, California. Narito kami para tumulong. We are in a drought. Save water, California. We’re here to help.

bawsca.org/conserve

sfpuc.org/SaveWater

Weinstock as Aladdin’s sidekicks Kassim, Babkak and Omar, JC Montgomery as Sultan and Don Darryl Rivera as Iago. Juwan Crawley, Mark DiConzo, Frank Viveros and Jonathan Weir stand by for several principals. Aladdin also features Tia Altinay, Michael Callahan, Alicia Charles, Mathew deGuzman, Brian Dillon, Josh Drake, Samantha Farrow, Carissa Fiorillo, Keisha Gilles, Jacob Gutierrez, Wes Hart, Paul Heesang Miller, Cameron Hobbs, April Holloway, Heather Makalani, Pierre Marais, Amber Owens, Jamie Kasey Patterson, Bobby Pestka, Ariel Reid, Tyler Roberts, Jaz Sealey, Angelo Soriano, Charles South, Cassidy Stoner and Alec Varcas. ABOUT ALADDIN Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, Aladdin features music by Tony Award and eight-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Sister Act), lyrics by two-time Oscar winner Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), three-time Tony Award and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice (Evita, Aida) and six-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Beguelin, and is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon). Aladdin, adapted from the animated Disney ﬁlm and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights,” is brought to fresh theatrical life in this bold new musical. Aladdin’s journey sweeps audiences into an exciting world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance. This new production features a full score, including

the five cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning soundtrack and more written especially for the stage. The animated film Aladdin was released by Disney in 1992 and was a critical and box office smash, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year. The film won the Oscar for Best Original Score and introduced the hit song “A Whole New World,” which won the second of the film’s two Academy Awards as Best Original Song. The Peabo Bryson/ Regina Belle recording of the tune soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Aladdin is designed by seven-time Tony-winning scenic designer Bob Crowley, six-time Tony-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz, two-time Tonywinning costume designer Gregg Barnes and sound designer Ken Travis. The production team also includes illusion designer Jim Steinmeyer, hair designer Josh Marquette and makeup designer Milagros Medina-Cerdeira. The music team is headed by music supervisor and music director Michael Kosarin, who also created the vocal and incidental music arrangements, joined by orchestrator Danny Troob and dance music arranger Glen Kelly. Anne Quart serves as co-producer. For more information, visit AladdinTheMusical.com.

LAUSD Board Member Jackie Goldberg endorses Lindsey Horvath for LA County Supervisor LOS ANGELES – The Honorable Lindsey P. Horvath has secured an important endorsement in the race for Los Angeles County Supervisor: current Los Angeles Uniﬁed School District (LAUSD) Board Member and former Los Angeles City Councilmember and California State Assemblymember Jackie Goldberg. “Lindsey has, time and time again, been a leader LA County can count on. She delivers real results on the toughest issues: from providing housing and services to unhoused residents to uplifting our most marginalized communities. I am proud to endorse her campaign for LA County Supervisor because I know she will be an eﬀective leader for our region,” said LAUSD Board Member Jackie Goldberg. Jackie Goldberg has been a dedicated champion of quality public education and working families for her entire adult life. Born in Los Angeles and educated

in public schools, Goldberg taught in the Compton Unified School District before she was elected to the LAUSD Board of Education in 1983. In 1993 she was elected to serve on the Los Angeles City Council, becoming the first openly gay woman to sit on the Council. In 2000, Goldberg was elected to her first of three terms in the California State Assembly. As Chair of the Assembly Education Committee she oversaw state education budgets and authored two State Education Bond Issues that provided LAUSD funding to build new schools to relieve overcrowding. In 2019 she was elected once again to serve on the LAUSD Board of Education. “Board Member Jackie Goldberg has been a champion for working families throughout her career, and I am honored to receive her endorsement. Students and families in Los Angeles are facing a host of challenges right now.

25 March 31-April 6, 2022

 COMMUNITY NEWS

Governor Newsom swears in Justice Patricia Guerrero to California Supreme Court, the ﬁrst Latina to serve on state’s highest court

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom has sworn in Justice Patricia Guerrero to the California Supreme Court, the first Latina Justice to serve on the bench of the state’s highest court which is headed by Chief Justice Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye, a Filipino American. A highly regarded jurist, Justice Guerrero’s nomination to the court was unanimously confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments last week. Raised in the Imperial Valley by immigrant parents from Mexico, Justice Guerrero has served as an Associate Justice at the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One since 2017 and has wide-ranging experience as a trial court judge, partner at a major law firm and Assistant U.S. Attorney. The Governor swore in Justice Guer-

rero in Sacramento at a ceremony joined by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Chief Justice Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye, California Supreme Court Associate Justice Martin Jenkins, California Supreme Court Associate Justice Carol Corrigan, Fourth District Court of Appeal Justice Judith McConnell and other members of the judiciary, legislators, and Justice Guerrero’s father Jorge, sister Claudia, husband Joe, and sons Anthony and Christopher. “This is a proud day for all Californians,” said Governor Newsom. “A first-generation Californian and daughter of the Imperial Valley, Justice Guerrero’s extraordinary ascent to serve as the first Latina justice on our state’s highest court is not only an incredible personal achievement, it is an inspiring example of California’s enduring promise that any dream is possible, no matter who you are or where you come from. Justice Guerrero’s brilliance, integrity, work ethic and rich insights will make an invaluable contribution to the court. I’m confident that Justice Guerrero will continue her life’s work to uphold our fundamental rights and freedoms and advance equal justice and opportunity for all Californians.”

SAN MATEO COUNTY Supervisor David J. Canepa (le�, top photo) with the Lions Club in South San Francisco celebra�ng their 102nd anniversary.

2022 Mga Pampublikong Pagpupulong ng Lupon ng mga Direktor ng VTA Inaanyayahan kang dumalo sa 2022 pampublikong pagpupulong ng Lupon ng mga Direktor ng VTA. Ang iminungkahing mga pagpupulong ay sa: Huwebes, Abril 7. . . . . . . . . . . 5:30 p.m. Biyernes, Abril 22 . . . . . . . . . .9:00 a.m. (Workshop na Pagpupulong ng Lupon) Huwebes, Mayo 5 . . . . . . . . . 5:30 p.m. Biyernes, Hunyo 2 . . . . . . . . . 5:30 p.m. 2203-2444

Huwebes, Hunyo 17. . . . . . . . 9:00 a.m.

Pakisuyong bisitahin ang www.vta.org/board para kumpirmahin ang mga petsa at lugar ng pagpupulong, tingnan ang agenda at iba pang kaugnay na impormasyon. Tanggapan ng Kalihim ng Lupon: (408) 321-5680 board.secretary@vta.org.

 COMMUNITY NEWS

March 31-April 6, 2022

2 more Pinoys attacked in New York NEW YORK - Two Filipinos are the latest victims of attacks in separate incidents in Midtown Manhattan in New York. In a video released by the New York Police Department Crime Stopper, a man was seen pushing a Filipino to the ground. The victim, a 73-year-old Filipino, who was attacked between 8th Avenue and 48th street in Manhattan while on his way to church on Sunday, suﬀered bruises on the face and is currently recovering. The suspect who was immediately arrested by responding policemen was identiﬁed as Dominick Staton, 44, a homeless man. The second victim was a 53-year-old Filipino who was attacked and beaten unconscious and robbed by another

homeless man inside a McDonald’s store on 7th Avenue near 34th street in Midtown Manhattan. “The Philippine Consulate General in New York condemns in the strongest terms the latest attacks against members of the Filipino Community after two more kababayan have been added to the growing list of victims of the senseless violence that has left many Filipinos in fear,” Consul General Elmer Cato said in a statement. New York-based Daily News identiﬁed the 53-year-old as Melvin Dizon, who is now recuperating at the Bellevue Hospital. In an interview with the US daily, the Filipino immigrant said none of the store employees nor fellow customers came to his aid as his assailant knocked and kicked him on the ground.

Cato said these assaults, which follow the brutal attack against a 67-yearold Filipino woman in Yonkers, New York, two weeks ago, bring to 34 the number of anti-Asian hate incidents and criminal violence involving Filipinos since 2021. This year alone, the Philippine Consulate General has monitored seven incidents, including the two latest attacks. The Philippine Consulate General in New York again reminds members of the Filipino community to be vigilant at all times and to take the necessary precautions, especially when in public. The Consulate also called on authorities to “do more to make sure that New York City is safe again for everyone by removing dangerous individuals, especially those with criminal records, from the streets and addressing

concerns related to homelessness and mental health” The NYPD Crime Stopper released the video showing the incident and asked the public for information about the suspect. In the video, the victim was seen ordering food at the counter when the suspect approached and threatened him. A customer stood by while the suspect punched and kicked the victim before taking the latter’s cellphone and cash and ﬂeeing. The victim sustained bruises and wounds on the face and was brought to a hospital. The NYPD is still investigating if the two incidents are hate crimes. The Filipino community meanwhile is organizing a rally to condemn the attacks.

Westﬁeld Oakridge in San Jose CA is home to the newest 99 Ranch Market

Leading Asian grocery store 99 Ranch most recently opened is newest branch inside an established shopping mall in San Jose California. Established in 1984, 99 Ranch Market warmly welcomed its 18th store in the Bay Area that became the latest addition to the total of 56 stores nationwide spread all over the country -- Virginia, Massachusetts, Texas, Maryland, Nevada, Ore-

gon, Washington State, New Jersey, New York, Arizona and California, among others. Strategically located inside the Westﬁeld Shopping Mall in the newest 99 Ranch Market promises to bring to its loyal shoppers the usual fare they got used to like huge variety of Asian foods, produce, and other goodies to the community.

What’s more, the new location offers customers unparalleled convenience, quality and fresh foods at this new store location as Westfield Oakridge is also designed as a food destination with several quick-service food counters offering a great place for a delicious meal. Vice President of 99 Ranch Market in Northern California Teddy Chow expressed their excitement for new and returning customers to see the new location. “By combining a great location with our trusted services and a brand new interior look – 99 Ranch Market is ready to welcome you in,” Chow beamed. “This new location inside a shopping mall shows that we are looking for opportunities to work together given the business fans even if location is inside shopping center and if given that chance like the one here at Westfield Oakridge Shopping Mall, we will consider that.” Westfield Oakridge is a premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination, anchored by three major department stores and a lineup of approximately 200 global and local brands. Guest at the opening was San Jose City Councilor Matt Mahan who spoke on behalf of thousands of shoppers in San Jose have been waiting for years for this opportunity to shop nearby and no longer have to drive all the way to Cupertino to shop for the nearest 99 Ranch to get the special groceries they want. “We are thrilled to have that opportunity for our residents connect to the culture, tradition, history and have a little bit of home here with them just at their backyard. So good to see our community bouncing back after COVID this is just latest symbol of that resurgence. Thank you and congratulations,” Mahan announced. Mahan added that 99 Ranch Market came to San Jose just like any other business with no special benefits.

“They see great business opportunity with the community we have. What we are seeing is having 99 Ranch meeting the needs of the market as San Jose is fast becoming one of the most diverse cities in the world, we need to have diverse options to serve the needs of the community,” explained Mahan. The new San Jose – Westfield Oakridge Store had its grand opening last March 26th and it is at 925 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, CA, 95123 open from 9am – 9pm on Wednesdays through Mondays and from 8am to 9pm on Tuesdays With a great selection of seafood items from clams to crab, oysters to lobsters, you’re sure to find the perfect seafood item for your meals that aren’t as commonly found in other grocery stores. Along with the seafood section, the store is still offering the same services as our other locations. So, for those that want to have their purchased seafood fry up or cut a fish – just let the staffs know and they’ll get that done for you. For those with a busy schedule, 99 Ranch Market has convenient and easyto-use mobile app that offers services like free same-day delivery for orders over $49, in-store pick up, no service fees, and exclusive in-app deals. You can get the same wonderful shopping experience and selection of groceries and products all from your phone.

27 March 31-April 6, 2022

Upside...

(From Page 11)

“When I saw a Black man stand up for his wife. That meant so much to me,” said actress Tiﬀany Haddish. “As a woman, who has been unprotected, for someone to say like, ‘Keep my wife’s name out your mouth, leave my wife alone,’ that’s what your husband is supposed to do, right? Protect you. And that meant the world to me. And maybe the world might not like how it went down, but for me, it was the most beautiful thing I ever seen because it made me believe that there are still men out there that love and care about their women, their wives.” Basketball legend Kareem Abdul – Jabbar saw diﬀerently. “By hitting Rock, he (Smith) announced that his wife was incapable of defending herself—against words,” said the Lakers icon. “This patronizing, paternal attitude infantilizes women and reduces them to helpless damsels needing a Big Strong Man to defend their honor least they swoon from the vapors. “One of the main talking points from those supporting the systemic racism in America is characterizing Blacks as more prone to violence and less able to control their emotions,” he added. “Smith just gave comfort to the enemy by providing them with the perfect optics they were dreaming of.” Cherie M. Querol Moreno is Executive Editor of Philippine News Today and Founder-Executive Director of ALLICE Alliance for Community Empowerment.

Oﬄine

(From Page 13)

In the trenches

(From Page 13)

of bowing out and asking his millions of followers to vote for the lady in pink. Pacman’s campaign never quite took flight and he is said to be running short of cash. Isko may be in the same boat of having to endorse Leni because all his attempts to win the endorsement of President Duterte have fallen on deaf ears. He has lately been on the offensive against Junior after it was revealed that the son of the late dictator has some P208 billion in unpaid taxes. That’s $4.16 billion in greenbacks. Not exactly chump change, huh? Ping Lacson has on several occasions shown that he is quite capable of doing the right thing. For one, he was the very first senator to call for the resignation of the most incompetent and corrupt Health secretary the country has ever had. Other senators including his pro-administration allies later joined his call, but the president would have none of it. Not when there was billions to be earned in selling pandemic supplies to the government. Now 73, he appears to be in excellent health and his wish to retire if he loses may not come true. He may not be fated to be president of the Philippines, but he can still do much for the country. Maybe he can run for governor of Cavite. Or he can be a security adviser with Cabinet rank under a Robredo presidency. It must be noted that the one serious crime that he was accused of in a court of law, the massacre of the notorious (but then unarmed) Kuratong Baleleng gang, went his way. Ping Lacson was cleared of all charges. It must further be noted – unpopular as this will sound – that the Kuratong Baleleng was an extremely vicious gang. Few grieved the fate that befell them. One thing I have never forgotten was a story about Lacson’s time as Philippine National Police chief. A friend of my late wife was the head of one of the big car distributors and they had won a bid to supply patrol cars to the PNP. That friend offered a hefty sum to Ping “for the boys.” Instead of taking it, he just asked for a bigger discount for the supply deal. He could have pocketed millions and no one would have known about it. There are other stories of how he refused rewards after rescuing kidnapped scions of multi-millionaires. If, in fact, Lacson does retire after the elections, he can do so with head held high. Like most Filipino politicians, he had his share of mistakes, but his record as lawman and lawmaker is something he, his family, and his followers can be proud of.

port in the Visayas and Mindanao. If he does not withdraw, there is no way the Marcos Jr. and Duterte-Carpio team could sweep votes from the south. Pacquiao has considerable support from Mindanao. It will break the monopoly of the “uniteam” of voters’ support. Robredo would probably get Pacquiao’s voters if he withdrew, but it would be minimal. It is in Robredo’s interest to keep Pacquiao in the race. Sen. Panﬁlo “Ping” Lacson’s numbers are insigniﬁcant. But his supporters would likely shift support to Robredo if he withdraws. His political vehicle, Reporma Party, has abandoned him and has thrown support behind Robredo. It has considerable support in Mindanao and in the Southern Tagalog region, strengthening Robredo’s numbers in the two regions. The battleground remains in the Lingayen to Lucena corridor, which includes Metro Manila. In the 2016 vice-presidential race, Marcos Jr. dominated this corridor, with Robredo winning pockets of victories in Tarlac and Batangas. In the May balloting, Marcos Jr. is projected to win hands down in the three northern Luzon regions, but his margin could not be as big as winning by 80-90 percent of the votes in the 2016 vice presidential elections. Robredo has considerable support in the Cordillera and Cagayan Valley regions. If she gets 10-20 percent in these regions, it would be enough to turn the tide. Marcos Jr. is weak in the Visayas and Mindanao and his strength

was largely because of Duterte-Carpio’s support. However, there are some recent developments that could take away votes from Marcos Jr. There is an emerging Robredo-Sara (RoSa) campaign in the northern and western Mindanao regions led by Cagayan de Oro congressman Rufus Rodriguez and Mayor Oscar Moreno and Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco. The RoSa campaign could help Robredo win support in areas where she was weak in the 2016 vice presidential elections. There were talks the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership and Basilan kingpin Mujiv Hataman would make her win in their areas. The crowd at her campaign rallies are encouraging signs of support for her candidacy. It could prove the surveys wrong. Robredo has the momentum. If she could sustain it until May 9, there’s a chance she could score another upset victory. There is no need for other candidates to withdraw. David has a noble purpose to defeat Marcos Jr., but Robredo will try to make it on her own to win. (MANUEL MOGATO is only the second Philippine-based Filipino to win a Pulitzer Prize (the ﬁrst was Carlos P. Romulo). His column ﬁrst appeared on PressOne.)

On distant shore

(From Page 12)

Sara, also a lawyer although I’m not sure about her being compassionate. The previous ruling Liberal Party, led by Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Francis Pangilinan, is at least fielding its two top bets for the top two positions in the country. But then Robredo filed her candidacy as an “independent” instead of as an LP member. And Robredo and Pangilinan are running as a coalition with a cacophony of candidates from various parties and persuasions in its ticket. The Partido Reporma, founded by former Defense Secretary Renato de Villa after he failed to get the nomination of the then ruling Lakas-NUCD in 1998, was recently revived and invited Sen. Ping Lacson to be its presidential standard bearer in 2022. Last week, the party dropped Lacson and chose to endorse Robredo. Lacson was forced to resign from the party and is now running as an “independent.” But even on this matter, the Partido Reporma couldn’t show unity because three of its four topnotch party members who are in Lacson’s Senate slate said they would continue to support Lacson for the presidency. Lacson’s ticket is also comprised of candidates from various parties, including Senate President Tito Sotto of the Nationalist People’s Coalition for vice president. Bongbong Marcos is running as a member of little known Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, and is in coalition with Sara’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago, and has a Senate slate also comprised of candidates from various parties in a coalition known as “UnityTeam.” Last week, the National Unity Party, a party formed in 2010 by former members of the ruling Lakas-CMD of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is believed to be responsible for the Marcos-Duterte alliance, said it was supporting Marcos. Again, little surprise here because we all know that the NUP leaders, mostly former officials of the Arroyo administration, have remained loyal to Arroyo. The surprise here is that the NUP president, Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, and his wife, Dasmarinas Mayor Jenny Barzaga are defying the party stand and said they were endorsing Robredo. Obviously, there is no unity in the National Unity Party or in Cavite, where Gov. Johnny Remulla is supporting Marcos. I won’t be surprised if other political parties and leaders shift their support in the coming days because, as I said at the outset, most of these parties exist only for political expediency, rather than for genuine advocacy. And the changing of party loyalty and alliance affiliations won’t end there. More will be shifting loyalties and affiliations after the election, with members of many parties gravitating towards the winning presidential candidate. Such is the state of our “broken political system” as Professor Carlos aptly describes it. “ She said the Philippine political system is “so compromised that anyone can just register a political party,” and there is no real party that “vets” aspiring leaders, many of whom, she said, “can’t even win as dog catchers in their barangay.” A little harsh, but true.

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

Spiritually, “HISTOICITY OF JESUS” subtitled “Facts and Evidences for Agnostics, Atheists, Believers and Christians,” “JESUS CHRIST” subtitled “The Final Days on Earth Before His Return to Heaven,” “REAL ESTATE & YOU” subtitled “Your Basic Guide and Information for Successful Investing in Home, Land and Income Property,” and “Christian World Ministry, Quarterly Journal. There are four ways you can join NOW the Books Launching & Monthly Raﬄe namely: 1. Visit the two locations of ABE Barber Shop located at 5308 Mission Street (2 blocks from Geneva Avenue (San Francisco, CA 94112 and 7146 Mission Street ( near Midas at the corner of School Street and Mission Street) Daly City, CA 94014 and sign the REGISTRATIOM LOG; 2. Visit the global MY ANGEL RADIO San Francisco studio located inside the GGCC building, 701-8th Avenue (near Golden Gate Park) San Francisco, CA 94118 every Saturday 11:00 am to 3:00pm and sign the REGISTRATION LOG; 3. Attend and/or join the Bible Classes (10:00am) and Worship Services (11:00pm) every Saturday at the GGCC Auditorium, 701-8th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118 and sign the REGISTRATION LOG; 4. Write or contact: BOOKS MINISTRY, 701-8th Av-

enue, San Francisco, CA 94118 Tel. (650)438-3531 or (415)5847095 or email:artmadlaing@gmail.com After registration and/or completing the REGISTRATION LOG, you don’t need to be present to win. All monthly raﬄe winners will be published in the “HEALTH & WEALTH column in the weekly PHILIPPINE NEWS TODAY. Monthly raﬄe winners will be announced also in the global MY ANGEL RADIO San Francisco every Saturday, 11:00am to 3:00pm. *ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE# 0635976) in California since 1981. He is founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California USA

PerryScope...

(From Page 12)

Bongbong’s ratings have plummeted recently, mainly because of his refusal to participate in debates with other presidential candidates. He’s running on one theme, “Unity,” which is hollow and meaningless. In fact, his candidacy has brought back memories of the bloody reign of his dictator father and namesake, Ferdinand E. Marcos, who bankrupted the Central Bank of the Philippines. All the gold reserves were gone! Where did they go? Nobody knows but one can surmise what happened to the gold bullions. What Marcos did was dissolve the Central Bank of the Philippines and create the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Its bad accounts are still being paid for by taxpayers. Bongbong also refused to apologize for the dark period of martial law of which thousands of mysterious deaths – called “salvages” – remained unsolved to this day. And then there is the case of unpaid income taxes of some P203 billion, which Bongbong refused to address or pay. Kakampinks Meanwhile, Leni’s grand people’s rallies have brought out thousands of Leni’s supporters, the “Kakampinks.” The following are some of Leni’s rallies: February 13, Quezon City, 20,000 attended. February 25, Iloilo City, 40,000 attended. March 7, Malolos City, 45,000 attended. March 9, General Trias, Cavite, 47,000 attended. March 11, Bacolod City, 70,000 attended. March 12, Echague, Isabela, 10,000 attended. March 17, Zamboanga City, 35,000 attended. March 15, General Santos City, 7,000 attended. But what the rallies have shown on the ground, the surveys also have shown Leni’s rising numbers. In a scenario reminiscent of the 2016 vice presidential election, Leni overtook Bongbong in the latest survey and analysis of at least three credible organizations, two of them global. A survey sponsored by Manila Bulletin using Facebook had Leni with 47%, while Bongbong had 44%. One of the Philippines’ top three broadsheets, the Manila Bulletin reported the results with more than 1,000,000 participants. Robredo finally overtook Bongbong in the survey conducted in the last week of January, this year. Results for February have not yet been released as of press time. The Bulletin had been conducting surveys on presidential preferences since late last year, and Marcos Jr. came out on top each time. In contrast, the Pulse Asia survey that gave Bongbong 60% approval rating used face-to-face interviews on 2,400 respondents. The survey was taken from February 18 to 23, 2022, which was a month after the Manila Bulletin survey. Meanwhile, Leni topped Google Search with 46% followed by Bongbong with 26% on March 11, 2022. Perception is reality With two months left in the campaign season, people are beginning to refocus their perception of the candidates. And like they say, “Perception is reality,” perception is what you project into the future based on the reality you see today. Let’s apply this to the Bongbong-Leni rivalry. Leni’s openness has created a perception of honesty and trustworthiness, while Bongbong’s refusal to discuss issues and debate what he meant by “unity” smacks of secretiveness, willfulness, and deceit. Many perceive that the reason he refused to participate in debates is that he’d be exposing himself to scrutiny, particularly his family’s unexplained wealth, unpaid income taxes, and disqualification case before the Supreme Court. While it appears that Leni Robredo has finally broken Bongbong Marcos’ huge lead in the various surveys, the only solid evidence that Leni’s phenomenal Pink Revolution is bound to carry her to victory on May 9, 2022 were the huge turnouts at the Leni-Kiko grand people’s rallies. (PerryDiaz@ gmail.com)

 HEALTH NEWS

March 31-April 6, 2022

Masking Up Helps, but Getting Vaccinated Critical to Keeping Kids Safe Whether or not kids should wear masks in school remains a heated topic with strong opinions on both sides. Adding to this conversation is the state’s latest masking guidance, which went into effect on March 12. Schools are no longer required to enforce a mask mandate and instead are maintaining masking as a strong recommendation to keep students, teachers and school staff safe. Some school districts have even chosen to continue to keep mask requirements in place, and masks continue to be mandatory in certain high-risk settings like healthcare facilities and public transit. Despite the latest guidelines and varying views, many families are choosing to continue to mask up to protect themselves against COVID-19. While masking remains a key tool in protecting ourselves and our families against this deadly virus, as a doctor and parent myself, I think the big question to consider is: Have you and your kids been vaccinated yet? The reality is, getting vaccinated offers the safest protection against contracting COVID-19. Children 5+ are eligible for vaccination, so if you have not yet done

so, I strongly urge you to get your kids vaccinated today. And if they are 12+, make sure they get their booster when eligible. Vaccines are overwhelmingly safe thanks to the rigorous safety trials that included people of diﬀerent genders, ethnicities, ages and pre-existing conditions, as well as the ongoing eﬀorts to monitor safety as millions of people receive the vaccine. The pandemic is still here, and real-world evidence continues to show that the vaccine is preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. In fact, based on the latest data collected March 3, 2022, unvaccinated Californians are 17 times more likely to die and nearly nine times more likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19 than fully vaccinated and boosted Californians. Generally, children may have lower rates of COVID-19 and are less likely to spread the virus than adults, but it is still possible for children to become severely ill and experience serious complications from the coronavirus. It’s simply not worth the risk. Children eligible for the vaccine should get vaccinated as soon as possible

to significantly reduce their risk of becoming sick or spreading the virus to someone else, including younger children or older relatives in the home. If your children are vaccinated and you feel better keeping them masked up, follow your instincts and know that you are not alone. As a health expert, I strongly recommend keeping kids masked up if they feel comfortable doing so. Masking in schools has been a successful strategy to keeping schools open and our kids in the classroom for a better learning environment. It’s worth noting that California represents only 1 percent of the nation’s school closures despite educating 12 percent of the nation’s students. Safe in-person instruction is essential, particularly for vulnerable populations. It is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that there is low risk of catching COVID-19 in school for students and staff alike. We must remain vigilant and prepared to adjust with conditions of the virus. If transmissions increase again, be prepared for schools to follow public health guidance around COVID-19 mitigation efforts including testing.

Unhealthy drinks Heart of Hope

Water is vital to life. Without water, there won’t be life as we know it on earth. Our body is 50-75 percent water, averaging around 57 to 65 percent. Infants are 75-78 percent water, dropping to 65 percent by age one year. And the value of water is even more evident during this PHILIP S. CHUA COVID-19 pandemic. Drinking distilled water, even during this pandemic, as the main source of liquid daily is not as healthy as one might think. Water filtered by Zero Water filter is basically distilled water, with Zero TDS (total dissolved solids). The process of distillation produces vapor/moisture (the purest water one can get) that is collected in separate chambers, eliminating important essential minerals, besides chlorine and other harmful chemicals. The widespread misconception that distilled water, being the “purest,” is the best water for drinking, is scientifically and medically flawed. Drinking distilled water regularly every day is a health risk to everyone, especially children. Distilled water may be used temporarily or occasionally as drinking water if filtered water purified through 8-stage reversed osmosis is not available. While distilled water is free of bacteria, parasites, and toxic chemicals, the process of distillation also removes all valuable minerals like fluoride, calcium, magnesium, etc., which are vital to our health. Information from APEC, one of the top-rated Reverse Osmosis and Whole House Systems in the United States, is worth noting: “According to research articles and news, most tap and well water in the U.S. now are NOT safe for drinking due to heavy industrial and environmental pollution. We have reached a point where all sources of our drinking water, including municipal water systems, wells, lakes, rivers, and even glaciers, contain some level of contamination. Contaminants range from naturally-occurring minerals to man-made chemicals and by-products. While many contaminants are found at levels not enough not to cause immediate discomforts or sicknesses, it is proven that even low-level exposure to many common contaminants will, over time, cause severe ill-

nesses including liver damage, cancer, and other serious ailments. Even the chemicals commonly used to treat municipal water supplies such as chlorine and fluoride are toxic and are known to have significant adverse effects on the human body.” “Environmental water contamination is the leading worldwide cause of death and disease and it adversely affects over 1 billion people every day in developing countries. Even here in the United States we often struggle with water pollution caused by natural disasters and human activities. A recent national report on our water quality revealed that 45% of assessed stream miles, 47% of assessed lake acres, and 32% of assessed bays square miles were classified as polluted. Ground and well water sources may also become contaminated due to the problems associated with industrial dumping, hydraulic fracking, and agricultural byproducts.” Distilled vs filtered water Distilled water, as we have alluded to above, is the purest water one can get. But for drinking, we do not need the purest because our body needs the minerals naturally present in water from mother nature. What we need, which modern-day 8-stage reverse osmosis filtration does to water, is the removal of the chlorine and other contaminants, such as harmful heavy metals, parasites, bacteria, and odor, to make drinking water safe and palatable. Drinking distilled water regularly leads to 15 percent deficiency in calcium (osteoporosis), 30 percent deficiency in magnesium (heart rhythm, abnormality), and almost 100 percent in fluoride, which results in tooth decay. Distilled water is not the best for the human body. Genuine bottled water, which has gone through 8-stage reverse osmosis filtration manufactured by reputable companies, is the safest water to drink today. Alkaline water: waste of money The hype about alkaline water as a healthier choice is nothing but a profit-motivated scam victimizing misinformed, unsuspecting, gullible consumers. Even the Mayo Clinic has warned the public about the health risks of alkalosis for those drinking alkaline water daily, which could lead to hypocalcemia and hypothyroidism. There is currently no scientific evidence that alkaline water is safe or beneficial to health. All advertised claims are unfounded, baseless, and theoretical, at best. Caveat emptor, as always! Our God-gifted body has an excellent electrolyte and acid-base regulator system that continuously monitors our levels of electrolytes to strictly maintain our

blood pH between 7.38 and 7.42. Our bicarbonate buffering system regulates the carbon dioxide concentration to maintain an optimal pH level, shifting any acidbase imbalance. If we ingest acidic or alkaline food or drink, this natural buffering system adjusts to maintain a healthy balance. So, drinking alkaline water daily will only induce the body to form more acid to equilibrate the system, a risky added work for our acid-base balance equalizer. If our body becomes too acidic from the food or drinks we consume, it normally automatically adjusts itself, without the need for drinking alkaline liquid, which has a pH of 8 to 9, compared to normal drinking water, which has a pH of around 7, the healthy level. The only indication for drinking alkaline water is when a person has cancer or other illnesses which make their blood pH level too acidic because the acid-base buffer system is not functioning properly. For all others, drinking alkaline water, instead of regular filtered water, could be hazardous. A life-threatening complication of regular consumption of alkaline water is metabolic alkalosis, which could lead to gastrointestinal problems (nausea, vomiting, hand tremors, muscle twitching, and skin irritation), or organ failure. A bit acidic stomach works best in killing bad bacteria, and alkaline water would deprive the stomach of its normal physiology and protection…and your wallet with less money. Even more unhealthy than distilled water and alkaline water are soft drinks of any variety on the market, “toxic liquid candy” as I call them, because, as a beverage, it increases the risk for the development of metabolic syndrome in adults, and more severely among children. Fruits juices with added sugar, especially those with preservatives, are also unhealthy. It is better to eat the fruits or juice them yourself, with no additive, except perhaps healthy seeds (chia, flaxseeds, hemp seed, etc.). Today, nothing beats clean, 8-stage-filtered, water! Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

29 March 31-April 6, 2022

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS

THE POWER OF PERSUASION By TIM PEDROSA

Many stories have been written how the power of words and persuasion has brought wealth and success to many. Let us learn from the story that follows. As the story goes, a group of frogs was traveling through the woods and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the unfortunate frogs they would never get out. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and simply gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and suffering and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs asked him, “Why did you continue jumping? Didn’t you hear us?” The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time. This story teaches two lessons: 1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift and help that person up and make it through the day. 2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill him/her. Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult time. Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another and be special to others. If you are facing difficulties in your life, perhaps it might be a good time to take inventory of what and how you are speaking. In his book, The Power of Positive Thinking, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale tell us how positive affirmations like, ‘if God is with us, who can be against us, ‘I can do it’, etc, can work wonders in how we think. They can change our attitude towards life. The best lesson I’ve learned in life is that, most of the time we cannot change people and things around us but we can certainly change our attitude towards them. The way we talk to and about ourselves can make all the difference in our Date: April 23, 2022 (Saturday) happiness. If we Time: Rosary 9:30 am would like to see Holy Mass at 10:00 am positive changes St. Gregory Catholic Church in our life by 2715 Hacienda St., San Mateo, CA 94403 mastering our Officiating Priest: Father Mark Reburiano mouth, it’s time For more info, please call: to realize that the answer is right Nellie Sarmiento (415) 939-3678 Mr. J.R.: (650) 952-8238 under our nose!

Lenten Special: Lenten Practices 1

re you doing some Lenten Practices? Many of us are doing them since they are found helpful in living out the Lenten season; I want us to learn or re-learn the what and why about them. Meanwhile, there are those who do not want to do any Lenten acts; maybe they do not actually know their importance. I would like us to consider the following: Fasting, Prayer, Almsgiving, REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD Abstinence from meant, Mortification, Praying the Stations of the Cross, Visit Churches, Going to Confession, Attending Mass. On fasting and prayer, we reflected on this few days ago. But just for reiteration, we are encouraged to do fasting; that is, we lessen our food intake or like in the olden times – bread and water. By renouncing ourselves of the luxury of food and having some form of bodily hunger we are acknowledging the hunger of our soul; thus, directing more ourselves to be fed by spiritual food; as what Jesus said: “not on bread alone does man live, but on the words the come from the mouth of God (Mt. 4:4).” On prayer, we mean prayer in general, we are encouraged to have time for God. A consistent conversation with God in prayer makes us fond of God; and thus, making our relationship with Him grow. With prayer, we build ourselves up in divine life to the point that we can say with St. Paul, “for to me life is Christ, and death is gain (Phil. 1:21).” On Almsgiving; we can share from what we have because we have fasted and abstained from meat. The monetary amount of our fasting and abstinence, for example of one meal, is saved not for us but to be given to the less fortunate. Or we give alms from what we are blessed with; God blessed us “grace upon grace;” so, we should not be stingy or greedy but give generously. When we give, we open our hearts and hands to God just as we open our hearts and hands to people in need. Christmas season is not the only season of giving, but especially the Lenten season where in the prime example of giving is Christ’s giving of Himself on the Cross. That is why, we do almsgiving to emulate even in little ways the selfless giving of Jesus. We also do almsgiving as form or act of atonement for our sins. Sins make us focus on ourselves, sin is self-centered; while, almsgiving makes us focus on others. On Abstinence from meat and Mortification, Abstinence from meat is connected to food; so, to fasting. Abstinence from meat is done on all Fridays of Lent or done on all Fridays of the year as devotional practice. This is not by Canon Law, or an obligation, except on Ash Wednesday and Holy Friday of the Holy Week; so only by devotion in connection to the passion and death of Jesus on Calvary. The not eating meat is a form of renunciation of anything against human life; because the meat is from warm blooded animas, their blood symbol of life. Sin caused death to divine life. By abstaining from meat, we are saying; “we join Christ’s dying in order to restore and live for God alone.” The craving for meat is suspended which is also to say, our craving to sin, our inclination to evil is stopped. Knowing to stop and say no to something good, like meat, may make us say no to anything bad, to all that is evil. Similarly with forms of Mortification; “mors or mortis” is Latin for death, so mortification is dying to oneself. This means any form of self-sacrifice is mortification. During Lenten season, we are encouraged also to mortify our senses or cravings or mortify in our attitudes to give way to a better self, a better place of God in oneself. In mortification the ego is disciplined to build up a humble and God-centered self. There are adults who cannot do fasting or abstinence from meat; so, they can opt for any form of self-sacrifice, or any mortification. Making sacrifice is focused on letting God reign in place of self-reign. With mortification we atone for our own sins; and also, we can offer in atonement for the sins of the world, sins of others, in union with the suffering of Christ. May we consider keeping or doing these forms of sacrifice or self-renunciations this Lent to build ourselves up in divine life. //Please stay tuned for next week’s article for the continuation of our topic this week: Lenten Practices//

Aﬂame The Heart

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK