Philippine News Today

1 April 8-14, 2021

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

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

Vol. 60 No. 35 April 8-14, 2021

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

PHL TO HIT 1-MILLION COVID CASES THIS APRIL

Estrada, defense chief, 126 Presidential guards, 143 Orthopedic Center staff infected with virus

By ALFRED GABOT Editor in Chief

MANILA - The Philippines could have more than 1 million COVID-19 cases before the end of April, after cases surged to 819,164 with 14,059 fatalities by April 7 as the high-risk areas of Metro Manila and four nearby provinces entered their second week under the hard lockdown officially called enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Page 9

Newsom: Economy to reopen

by June 15

By Jo Erlinda Maufit

President Duterte

Estrada

PHL in desperate measures to end COVID-19 second wave

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor MANILA – The government will no longer extend the extended community quarantine (ECQ) once it ends on April 11, but will instead take what are considered desperate measures to arrest the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

With most private and public hospitals in Metro Manila already filled to capacity, one measure being considered is to convert entire floors of hotels which are still operating into hospital extensions.

Health undersecretary Leop-

oldo Vega backed the proposal first suggested by the Philippine College of Physicians as well as Senator Nancy Binay to convert empty hotel floors to temporary hospitals.

Vega said, “they can do that for mild and asymptomatic, even with controlled moderate cases.”

It’s a big idea “that can lessen up the impact on the health system capacity,” added Vega, known as the country’s “treatment czar.”

But because there Page 8

Magalong

Lorenzana

FilAms celebrate Bonta’s appointment

By Jun Nucum SAN FRANCISCO - Promi- Becerra as the Attorney General nent leaders of the Filipino com- and their messages of appreciation munity mostly based in the San to Newsom and congratulations to Francisco Bay Area turned out in Bonta were expressed from as far celebratory mode as the first Fili- as the Philippine Senate many of pino American elected to Califor- which were sent to this writer. nia State Assembly achieved a new In her congratulatory letter, milestone in being appointed Attor- Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros ney General. sent her heartfelt Mabuhay greetThe Fil-Am leaders were ec- ing to Bonta “on your historic apstatic after Governor Gavin New- pointment as California’s first ever som appointed 18th California Dis- Filipino-American Attorney Gentrict Assemblymember Robert Rob eral, one of the most important law Bonta to succeed newly confirmed enforcement posts in the United U.S. Department of Health and States.”

Human Services Secretary Xavier “When we met in Page 8

SACRAMENTO – California Governor Gavin Newsom declared the state may fully open its economy by June 15 if two criteria are met.

Newsom made the statement as California surpassed a major milestone in the fight against COVID — admin- Page 8

NaFFAA forms anti-hate task force WASHINGTON, DC - The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) has formed a dedicated Hate Crimes Task Force in response to the rise in attacks on Asian Americans.

The Hate Crimes Task force will be dedicated to identifying any and all resources to ensure the safety and well-being of our community members, the organiPage 9 zation stated.

Pacquiao to haters: Fight me instead

Canepa: State to come back roaring VIEWS & COMMENTS

SHOWBIZ

BUSINESS

When May IRS Tax Debts be discharged in Bankruptcy?

Luis Manzano weds Jessy Mendiola in Batangas resort

Villar wealthiest Filipino in Forbes world billionaires’ list

Page 14 By A�y. Lozano

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 NATIONAL NEWS

April 8-14, 2021

2

Former Press Secretary and Manila Bulletin publisher-editor in chief Jun Icban writes 30

MANILA - Former Press Secretary and Manila Bulletin publisher and editor in chief Crispulo Julio “Jun” Icban, Jr. has died at the age of 85.

The cause of Icban’s death was not mentioned in the Manila Bulletin announcement of his passing but sources said Icban succumbed to pneumonia and Covid-19 infections.

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo mourned the passing of her last press secretary as president.

In a statement, Arroyo paid tribute to Icban’s work inside and outside government.

“I join those whose lives Jun Icban touched in mourning his death. Jun has always been a fighter, silently but resolutely facing all of life’s challenges thrown his way. Even when COVID-19 was rampaging in NCR, he still consistently reported to work at the Manila Bulletin. Such was his devotion and commitment to his profession. When he served as my Press Secretary during my presidency, he showed his outstanding mettle not just in media affairs but in people management. He was well-loved and respected by reporters and his peers,” she said.

“Jun was the embodiment of old school journalism, objective with an eye for detail and accuracy. He pursued truth and exacted and personified professionalism. The media industry has lost a bright star in the passing of Jun. He will be

missed,” Arroyo added.

Icban became Arroyo’s press secretary shortly before she ended her term in 2010.

Leaders and fellow journalists poured tribute to Icban for his contribution to newspapering and journalism for many years starting with the old Manila Times.

His former colleagues in the Manila Bulletin led by Roy Mabasa and Fred Gabot, both former president of the National Press Club, and veteran journalists like Pulitzer Prize winner Manuel Mogato said they were shocked and sad with the news of his passing hailing him as a boss, mentor, friend, brother and father to reporters and journalists.

Icban was editor-in-chief for the last 18 years, and devoted 47 years of his career in journalism to the Manila Bulletin.

“He will be missed. We have always looked up to him for his guidance in these times of transformation. The men and women of Manila Bulletin mourn the loss of a pillar in Philippine journalism,” said Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, president and vice chairman of the Manila Bulletin.

Icban was named press secretary by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2010.

Icban graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines, with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree in 1954.

While in UP, he was editor-in-chief of the Philippine Collegian from 1953 to

1954.

He also took up a Master of Arts in Journalism course at the Syracuse University, New York State, USA in 1958 on Fulbright and Smith-Mundt grants.

From 1965 to 1966, Icban was a Nieman fellow at Harvard University in Massachusetts.

His career in journalism started in 1954 when he joined the Manila Times as an editorial assistant, as a reporter covering the Foreign Affairs beat, and as editorial writer.

He was named news editor in 1968 up to 1972 when the paper was closed down due to the imposition of martial law.

He worked as an editorial consultant at the Manila Bulletin in 1974 and was later named news editor.

In 2003, he was appointed editor-inchief of the Manila Bulletin.

In 2020, he was named concurrent publisher and editor-in-chief.

Icban, a fatherly figure in the Manila Bulletin’s Central News Desk, was also chairman of Samahang Plaridel, an association of Philippine Journalists, and of the Campampangan in Media.

His remains will be cremated on Tuesday, April 6, 2021.

A two-day wake will be held at Loyola Commonwealth from April 7 to 8.

He was born on Aug. 3, 1935 in Tondo, Manila to Crispulo Manansala Icban of Lubao, Pampanga, and Mercedes Vil-

Jun Icban lanueva Julio of Pura, Tarlac.

He is married to Zenaida Pamintuan Icban with whom he has six children— Susan Icban Amores, Mercedes Icban Hermogenes, Crispulo Icban III, David Icban, Zenaida Flor Icban, and Michael Ben Icban.

PNP reshuffles 22 top officers

CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced a major revamp due to the retirement of senior officials this month.

Directorate for Information and Communications Technology (DICTM) chief, Brig. Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. was named he new Director for Comptrollership of the police force, replacing Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Luis Licup who will re-

tire from the service on April 9.

Licup has been reassigned to the Office of the Chief PNP. He served as the regional director of the Police Regional Office-4B (Mimaropa) and the PRO-9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) before he was designated as Director for Operations and later Director for Comptrollership.

Brig. Gen. Alexander Sampaga will replace Azurin as DICTM director.

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Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee, chief of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) was named as director of the PRO-Cordillera, while Brig. Gen. Remus Medina will take over as PDEG chief.

Lee replaced Brig. Gen. R’win Pagkalinawan, who was assigned to the Police Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU) under the Directorate for Police Records and Management (DPRM).

Also included in the reshuffle were Brig. Gen. Julius Lagiwid who was assigned to the PHAU from the Directorate for Police Community Relations; Brig.

Gen. Randolf Balonglong, from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 1 to the Office of the Chief PNP (OCPNP); Brig.

Gen. Erson Digal, from Directorate for Logistics to PHAU; Brig. Gen. Conrado Gongon Jr., from the Communications and Electronics Service (CES) to PHAU; Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez, from Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR) to PHAU; Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, from OCPNP to PRO-BAR; and Brig. Gen. Patrick Villacorte, from PRO- 6 (Western Visayas) to CES. Other officials included in the reshuffle are as follows: Col. Salvador Alacyang, from AntiKidnapping Group to PRO-8 (Eastern

Visayas); Col. Fernando Ortega, from the National Capital Region Police Office to the Office of Chief PNP; Col. Edwin Wagan, from PRO-8 to Directorate for Logistics; Col. Rudolph Dimas, from PRO-4A (Calabarzon) to PRO-6; Col. Emmanuel Hebron, from NCRPO to PRO-4A; Col. Enrique Magalona, from Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Western Mindanao to PRO-1; Col. Marlou Martinez, from Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) to Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG); Col. Rafael Montilla, from IMEG to Civil Security Group; and, Col. Randey Peralta, from CSG to OCPNP The reshuffle, which is effective starting April 5, was approved by PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana and PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Cesar Hawthorne Binag, will also retire on April 20 and April 24, respectively.

Sinas, meanwhile, will retire from the service on May 8 while PNP deputy chief for administration, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar will retire on November 13.

Sinas, Eleazar, Binag, and Licup belong to the Philippine Military Academy Hinirang Class of 1987

3 April 8-14, 2021

 NATIONAL NEWS

PNP coronavirus death toll rises to 40 CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – Two more police officers succumbed to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), bringing the police force’s death toll to 40.

Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy chief for administration, said a 40-year-old female police non-commissioned officer (PNCO) assigned at the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) died on March 31 while a 53-year old male

PNCO also assigned at the NCRPO succumbed to Covid-19 infection on April 1.

As of Saturday, April 3, Eleazar said the PNP’s total active cases increased to 2,690 after reporting 258 new infections.

The total number of police personnel infected with Covid-19 is now 15,895.

Of the total active infections, 2,623 are isolated in PNP facilities and some local government units’ isolation centers while 67 are confined in hospitals.

He said 171 more police officers have recovered from the disease, bringing the PNP’s recovery tally to 13,165.

Amid the increase in the number of cases within the PNP, Eleazar said they would intensify contingency measures to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

At the PNP national headquarters in Camp Crame, Eleazar said more isolation facilities have been set up, with a total of 147 beds that went operational

last weekend.

On Thursday, another 40-bed facility will open at the PNP’s taekwondo gym, he added.

Meanwhile, Eleazar said based on the survey results as of Saturday, 124,031 or 56.46 percent out of a total of 219,669 police personnel are willing to get inoculated with the Covid-19 vaccine, while another 55,156 cops or 25.11 percent are willing to be inoculated with a preferred brand of vaccine.

Pacquiao to haters: Fight me instead

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda PASAY CITY - Filipino boxing great and Senator Emmanuel Manny Pacquiao has joined the campaign to stop the hate and violence towards Asian-Americans in the United States, calling the haters to fight him instead of the hapless and senior citizens.

Filipino American leaders and celebrities in entertainment and sports earlier condemned the discrimination and crimes against Asian Americans.

Earlier, Vice President Leni Robredo called the increasing number of violent acts against people of Asian descent in the United States “appalling” as she asked US President Joe Biden to take steps to protect Asians and minority groups.

In a statement, Robredo said the re-

cent attacks against Asian Americans are “deeply concerning, and an appalling turn of events.”

“At a time when the world should come together in solidarity against the greater threat of the pandemic, Asians, some of them Filipinos, have been singled out as targets of rage and racial hatred,” Robredo said.

“This has contributed to a climate of growing fear in an atmosphere already made volatile by COVID-19,” she added Actress and known advocate Angel Locsin, meanwhile, expressed support on Asians especially fellow Filipinos experiencing racism in the US. In her latest Instagram post, the actress stood with those who have been suddenly and brutally attacked for being Asians or being part of a minority based in the US.

Tagle gets eye treatment in Rome VATICAN/MANILA – Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of People, is now resting after undergoing an ‘eye treatment.’

Fr. Gregory Ramon Gaston, rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, said Tagle has visited a doctor last week in Rome, who detected and successfully performed laser treatment on a tiny tear in the retina of his left eye.

“Cardinal Tagle did not experience pain and is allowed to use the computer and watch TV. He needs to rest for a few days to avoid too much head movement,” he said in a message to church-run Radio Veritas on Thursday. “For this reason, he will see to what extent he would participate in our online Easter Triduum services.”

At the same time, Gaston assured that the former Manila archbishop did not ask for any financial assistance contrary to the recent scam message about the latter asking for cash aid.

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 METRO NEWS

April 8-14, 2021

4

QC Mayor Belmonte tests positive again for COVID-19 QUEZON CITY — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has tested positive againfor COVID-19 eight months after first being infected with the novel coronavirus.

In a statement, the mayor said before the Holy Week her symptoms are mild and she will be able to continue working while in quarantine at a community care facility in the city.

“As our doctors always remind us, COVID-19 has not been beaten and it continues to spread,” she said in Filipino.

She said that that she has again tested

positive despite precautions is a reminder to not be complacent about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Belmonte said the City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit has already started contact tracing to inform people she has been on contact with.

The Quezon City government, meanwhile, has allowed the operation of public transportation, including tricycles, but with limited capacity during the course of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Under the ECQ guidelines issued by Mayor Belmonte, public transportation may operate for the duration of the ECQ provided that passengers must be one seat apart.

Tricycles may accommodate only one passenger, and back ride shall not be al- VACCINATION. Tomasa Amurao, a 101-yearlowed so as to keep social distancing and old resident of Barangay Talon Dos, Las Piñas prevent the spread of the coronavirus dis- City, received a shot of AstraZeneca vaccine. ease 2019 (COVID-19).

“As an exception, e-trikes and similar vehicles with larger capacity shall follow the one seat-apart rule,” Belmonte stressed.

Isko gets Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine shot

vaccine manufactured by Chinese biotech firm Sinovac at Osmeña High School in Tondo, Manila.

After his vaccination last Sunday by Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, who is a doctor, Domagoso urged those in the priority list to get vaccinated as the best vaccines are the ones made available.

“The best vaccines are those vaccines available nowadays. The most efficient vaccine is the one in your arms,” he said.

Aside from Sinovac vaccines, Manila has also rolled out AstraZeneca-made vaccines for senior citizens, which beMANILA MAYOR Francisco Domagoso gets a dose of Covid vaccine from Vice Mayor Honey longs to the priority list for vaccination.

Lacuna, who is a doctor, at Sergio Osmena High School in Tondo.

Domagoso also joined residents included in A3 priority group, aged 18 to MANILA - Manila Mayor Francisco tor’s name Isko Moreno, has been in- 59 years with comorbidities.

Domagoso, popularly known for his ac- noculated with a dose of the COVID-19

101-year-old grandma gets Covid vaccine

LAS PINAS CITY – Las Piñas City’s 101-year-old Tomasa Amurao, well-known as “Nanay Po” in Barangay Talon Dos, Las Piñas City, emerged as the oldest person in the country to get anti-Covid vaccine.

Amurao’s first dose of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine was administered on April 1. It helped that she has a doctor grandson, Dr. Benjamir Cabrera, who accompanied her.

“Nanay Po is rare and not many will reach her age,” Cabrera said in an interview with PNA’s Lade Jean Kabagani, adding he was more excited than his brave grandmother.

He cited the significance of Amurao’s vaccination.

“Malaking bagay sa kanila ang bakuna since tatlo silang senior citizens sa bahay nila. Kasama nya ang Tita namin, anak ni Nanay at asawa ni Tita na parehong seniors” Cabrera said.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

April 8-14, 2021

6

Tension continues to rise as China defies PHL call to pull out ships

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City Hundreds of Chinese vessels believed to be manned by militias in the South China Sea have spread from swarming the Julian Felipe Reef to a wider area, defying the Philippines’ demand for them to withdraw.

In a diplomatic protest, the Philippines expressed concern on the threats posed by the presence of the boats inside its 200mile exclusive economic zone, prompting support from the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, the European Union and others as they also voiced concern about China’s intentions there.

The tension in the area appeared to be heightening as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s maritime patrol off Pagkakaisa Banks last March 30 resulted in the discovery of illegal man-made structures constructed in some of its features.

The Philippines earlier reiterated its call for China to withdraw its militia ships spotted massing in the country’s maritime territory off the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) issued this call as the Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) have continued with their “unlawful swarming presence” and have appeared off the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) instead of complying with the country’s demand that they withdraw their ships off Julian Felipe Reef.

“NTF WPS stands by its observation that these so-called ‘fishing’ vessels are maritime militia. Their build-up and massing formation from Julian Felipe Reef to other areas of the Kalayaan Island Group is hazardous to navigation and safety of life at sea,” it added.

NTF WPS added that it is possible that Chinese ships might be doing something illegal at night and that their continued

presence may cause irreparable damage to the marine environment due to marine pollution and the destruction of coral reefs.

“Their swarming also poses a threat to the peaceful exercise of sovereign rights of the Philippines in its EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone),” it added.

“During this patrol, we were able to document man-made structures that were built on some of the features. These structures are illegal,” said AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, in a statement.

Pagkakaisa Banks is under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan while Julian Felipe Reef is a large boomerang-shaped shallow coral reef at the northeast of Pagkakaisa Banks and Reefs (Union Reefs), located approximately 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan.

Earlier, the National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) expressed concern about a Philippine Coast Guard sighting report where around 220 Chinese fishing vessels, believed to be manned by Chinese maritime militia personnel, were sighted in line formation at the Julian Felipe Reef since last March 7.

“The Laws of the Sea gives the Philippines indisputable and exclusive rights over the area. These constructions and other activities, economic or otherwise, are prejudicial to peace, good order, and security of our territorial waters,” Sobejana said.

“Their swarming ... poses a threat to the peaceful exercise of sovereign rights of the Philippines in its EEZ,” the task force said.

He added that the AFP, through the Western Command, regularly conducts maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea as part of its constitutional mandate to protect the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights.

“We have already updated our higher civilian authorities such as the Department

of Foreign Affairs and Department of National Defense about these offenses to our sovereignty,” Sobejana said.

He also assured every Filipino that AFP efforts continue to dutifully perform its mandate to protect and advance Philippine national interests in the area In a statement, the Philippines’ task force on the South China Sea expressed “deep concern over the continuing unlawful presence (swarming) of the Chinese maritime militia, which did not pull out.”

“Neither the Philippines nor the international community will ever accept China’s assertion of its so-called ‘indisputable integrated sovereignty’ over almost all of the South China Sea,” the task force said, urging an immediate withdrawal of the vessels.

It said it continues to assert Philippine sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over the KIG and WPS and expressed its concern over the illegal Chinese maritime presence.

“After our three rounds of routine aerial and maritime sovereignty patrol missions complemented by the filing of a diplomatic protest by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the number CMM recorded at 220 on 7 March 2021, remained high at 183 on 22 March 2021, and 199 on 27 March 2021,” NTF WPS said.

Also on March 29, 44 CMM vessels remained moored, anchored, and stationary at Julian Felipe Reef.

“In addition, 115 CMM vessels are now monitored in Chigua (Kennan) Reef, 45 vessels in Pag-asa (Thitu) Islands and the other 50 vessels are dispersed in Panganiban (Mischief), Kagitingan (Fiery), and Zamora (Subi) Reefs, all within the Kalayaan Island Group. Four People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels are also at Panganiban Reef, which forms part of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf of the main Philippine archipelago,” it added.

Pope Francis joins Filipinos in celebrating 500th anniversary of Catholicism in PHL VATICAN/MANILA - Pope Francis on Easter Sunday told Filipinos not to be afraid in spreading the word of God as he joined them in celebrating the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines 500 years ago.

The Pope told Filipinos that they are accompanied by “two great saints”, San Pedro Calungsod and San Lorenzo Ruiz.

“Dear friends, I remember my visit to your country with a lot of affection.

I don’t forget that final meeting with almost seven million people. You are generous. You are bountiful. You know how to celebrate the feast of faith. Don’t lose that even in the midst of difficulties,” he said in a video message.

“Keep going! The Pope accompanies you. May Jesus bless you, bless all Filipino people and may the Holy Virgin take care of you. May the Santo Niño be al-

ways with you. And please, do not forget to pray for me. Thank you very much.”

Pope Francis said the three mysteries of faith - Nazareth, the Cross and Pentecost, were the “most profound” Christian roots of the predominantly Catholic nation.

“Thank you for the profound sense of family, of community, of fraternity, which keeps you united, which keeps you firm in faith, joyful in hope, prompt in charity,” he said.

Filipinos also know how to accompany Jesus along the way of the Cross as they face difficulties such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Pope.

“But in spite of all the pain and devastation, you have known how to carry the cross and to continue walking. You have suffered much but also you have risen up

one time after another. Continue working, reconstructing, helping one another like good Cyrenians,” he said.

“Thank you also for giving witness to that fortitude and confidence in God who never abandons us. Thank you for your patience, for your always looking forward in the midst of difficulties and for walking continuously. Thank you.”

The Pope also asked Mother Mary to “intercede for this new Pentecost of the Church in the Philippines.”

“During this Jubilee Year, Jesus’ words guide us: ‘Freely you have received, freely give.’ These words are an invitation to thank God for the persons who have transmitted you the faith. And I am a witness that you know how to transmit the faith, and you do it well, be it in your own country or abroad,” he said.

“Give thanks for the gift of faith.

Thank God for the persons who have shared the faith with you and for the persons to whom you are to transmit the faith, renewing the desire to evangelize, to reach other people, and to bring them hope and the joy of the Gospel.”

Pope Francis last month led the Mass celebrating 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. https://news.abs-cbn.com/ news/03/14/21/pope-leads-mass-forphilippines-celebration-of-500-yearsof-christianity On March 31, the first Easter Sunday mass in Limasawa town in the Diocese of Maasin in Southern, Leyte was commemorated.

The first baptism in Cebu will be commemorated on April 14, and the victory in Mactan on April 27.

7 April 8-14, 2021

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS Precaution vs new variants

Britain bans Pinoys, travelers from PHL MAKATI CITY – Visitors from the Philippines cannot enter the United Kingdom starting April 9 after the country was included on its “red list” travel ban.

British Ambassador Daniel Pruce announced confirmed the ban but said it was only temporary.

New restrictions will come into effect by 4 a.m. (UK time) on April 9 and will cover visitors who have been in or have transited through the Philippines during the last 10 days.

“This means you cannot enter the UK from the Philippines unless you are a British or Irish national, or if you are a third-country national, including Filipino, who has residence rights in the UK,” Pruce said.

Those allowed to enter would be required to undergo hotel quarantine upon

arrival.

The British Embassy, meanwhile, is still awaiting confirmation from the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland if they will adopt the same measure.

Pruce said the travel ban is meant to protect its public health and reduce the risk of new variants entering the UK. As of press time, there are over 30 countries on the said list, with the Philippines, Pakistan, Kenya, and Bangladesh as new inclusions.

“All of these decisions have been taken after careful assessment. These are temporary measures that will be kept under review and will only be maintained in place while the level of risk justifies them,” Pruce said.

Those who may be affected are en-

couraged to visit https://www.gov.uk/ foreign-travel-advice/philippines.

Those who come to Britain from countries on the red list will be refused entry, while returning Britons must submit to 10 days of mandatory quarantine in hotels.

Those eligible to enter will now be required to undergo hotel quarantine in England at their own expense for 10 days after arrival if the eligible traveller departed from or transited through the Philippines in the preceding 10 days.

“Different rules apply for arrivals into Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland,” according to the travel advice.

Ambassador Pruce said the measures were made after a “careful assessment” and that the measures are temporary which “will be kept under review and will only be maintained in place while the

level of risk justifies them.”

“These measures have been put in place to protect public health in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, in particular by helping to reduce the risk of new variants entering the UK,” he said.

“At the moment there are over 30 countries on the Red List. All of these decisions have been taken after careful assessment. These are temporary measures that will be kept under review and will only be maintained in place while the level of risk justifies them,” he said.

Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Brigido Dulay said Filipinos planning to go to UK should contact their airline or travel agents.

“Understandable, with our current surge,” Dulay said.

Gesmundo is new Chief Justice

NEW CHIEF JUSTICE Alexander Gesmundo

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has chosen Supreme Court Associate Justice Alexander Gesmundo as the next Chief Justice to lead the 15-member court, Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said.

Panelo confirmed that Gesmundo is the 27th Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice after he was informed of the appointment by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. Gesmundo will be taking over Diosdado Peralta who retired on March 27.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said he cannot confirm the appointment yet, explaining that his office has yet to receive a copy of the appointment papers signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“As a matter of SOP (standard oper-

ating procedure), judicial appointments are confirmed by my office only after they have been received by the Supreme Court. Given the long holiday, the earliest a judicial appointment can be received by the Court would be this Monday,” Roque said.

Gesmundo, who was appointed to the SC in August 2017, previously served as Sandiganbayan associate justice.

He is the fourth SC chief picked by Duterte and will serve until November 6, 2026.

He obtained his law degree from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1984 and passed the Bar examinations the following year.

He entered government service as trial attorney at the Office of the Solicitor General in August 1985.

Gesmundo also served as commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Good Government from July 17, 1998 to February 15, 2001.

He also became Assistant Solicitor General in August 2002.

Senior Associate Justice Estela PerlasBernabe and Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando also applied for the SC post.

Lyceum of the Philippines said Gesmundo was its 1977 BS Economics graduate and 2007 Outstanding Alumnus awardee.

“Congrats to Hon. Alexander Gesmundo on his new appointment as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

Lycean, take the lead!,” tweeted an LPU Manila official.

The Association of Law Students of the Philippines, Public Attorneys Office chief Persida Acosta and the Municipal Trial Court of Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur also congratulated Gesmundo.

Gesmundo’s own fraternity, Ateneo de Manila University-based Utopia Fraternity, already posted congratulatory messages in the closed Facebook group, according to a source.

Gesmundo, 64, is the 4th most senior magistrate in the bench, after Acting Chief Justice Estela PerlasBernabe and associate justices Marvic Leonen and Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.

Bernabe, 68, joined the high court in September 2011, Leonen in November 2012, and Caguioa in January 2016 — all appointees of former President Benigno Aquino III. Leonen and Caguioa did not vie for the position.

In his interview with the Judicial and Bar Council, the body mandated to screen applicants for judicial posts,

Supreme Court extends physical closure of all courts in NCR Plus MANILA Courts and court offices in the National Capital Region Plus will remain closed until April 11, the Supreme Court announced.

Through a circular, the High Court ordered the physical closure of courts and offices, including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals,

Court of Tax Appeals, Sandiganbayan and trial courts.

This is in light of the extension of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila and nearby provinces Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, the circular said.

All hearings and court actions

except on matters the court deems urgent are suspended.

Filing periods of pleadings and other court submissions that fell due or would be due from March 29 to April 11 are also extended for seven days, counted from April 12, 2021.

Gesmundo said all the applicants for the chief justice post — him, Bernabe and Hernando — possess the basic qualifications to be top magistrate.

Important attributes of a chief justice, he said, are moral and ethical values and leadership that provides direction and shows political will.

“But I think what is important is that you believe you can contribute to the improvement of the judicial system. I respect the seniority issue and for me, I will be able to contribute immensely in terms of how we can possibly improve better the performance of the Judiciary in the scheme of government,” he said.

April 8-14, 2021

PHL...

(From page 1)

Newsom ...

(From page 1)

would still be a shortage of qualified health professionals to man the makeshift hospitals, the Philippine College of Physicians also batted for “importing” doctors and nurses from the provinces to take care of patients in the ECQ area.

Binay said the hotels were “in a unique position to help and complement our hospitals and local quarantine centers to support our healthcare system.”

Health undersecretary Maria Vergeire said the plan could decongest the hospitals that are no longer able to accept new patients by more than 40 percent.

At the start of this week, the Health department has begun identifying the hotels that can be used as temporary hospitals.

The Health department has allowed the use of the controversial drugs ivermectin and lianhua for patients already suffering from the coronavirus in extreme cas-

istering more than 20 million vaccine doses, including four million in the state’s hardest-hit communities, and with hospitalizations continuing to steadily decline.

Newsom outlined the state’s next step in the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, moving beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

The governor said the two criteria for the full reopening of the California economy are: If vaccine supply is sufficient for Californians 16 years and older who wish to be inoculated; and If hospitalization rates are stable and low With the reopening of economy, everyday activities will be allowed and businesses can open with commonsense risk reduction measures, including encouraging all Californians to get vaccinated and mandating masking, to prevent illness and promote health, he said.

At the same time, the state will continue contact tracing and testing to detect cases early and contain spread

8

es.

Doctors have been divided on ivermectin, which is usually used for parasites in animals, but which some physicians insist had helped cure the dread disease in humans by easing its extreme symptoms based on anecdotal evidence.

While both the Health department and the Food and Drug Administration said they could not approve of ivermectin as a cure for COVID-19, the FDA would still process an application for product registration of the drug for human use.

And while there was no new all-time high in the number of new cases in the last few days, there was on the other hand a grimmer milestone: the number of deaths per day hit a record 382 on Tuesday, April 6.

In one government hospital alone, 12 deaths were recorded in a 24-hour span. A doctor in that hospital said that some of the deaths were avoidable had there been more ventilators available for their patients.

So desperate has the situation become that in one hospital in Cavite province, a family was forced to use their car as a makeshift isolation room after all the rooms in the hospital and the tents outside were fully occupied.

Still the wail of ambulances continued all over Metro Manila and the four adjoining provinces covered by the ECQ, namely Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.

Patients were either forced to endure a long wait in tents outside their chosen hospital, or look for other medical centers where there were vacancies.

One other step that the government was forced to take last week was to lift the controls on the importation of COVID-19 vaccines, with President Duterte saying that the private sector could now bring in the various vaccines “at will.”

Bureaucratic red tape had been blamed for the slow influx of the vaccines, which in turn meant that the number of people vaccinated daily remained low.

of the virus. “The entire state will move into this new phase as a whole. The state will monitor hospitalization rates, vaccine access and vaccine efficacy against variants, with the option to revisit the June 15 date if needed,” the governor said.

“With more than 20 million vaccines administered across the state, it is time to turn the page on our tier system and begin looking to fully reopen California’s economy,” said Governor Newsom. “We can now begin planning for our lives post-pandemic. We will need to remain vigilant, and continue the practices that got us here – wearing masks and getting vaccinated – but the light at the end of this tunnel has never been brighter.”

“California has made incredible progress controlling the spread of COVID-19 by staying home, masking, and getting vaccines out quickly to Californians in every corner of the state, including in those communities hardest hit by this pandemic,” said California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. “In order to take the next step, we must

continue to do our part to keep this momentum moving in the right direction, and that means continuing to wear a mask and ensuring everyone who is eligible gets the vaccine.”

When California fully reopens the economy, the Blueprint for a Safer Economy will end. However, common-sense health measures such as masking will remain across the state. Testing or vaccination verification requirements will remain in relevant settings.

All sectors listed in the current Blueprint for a Safer Economy grid may return to usual operations in compliance with Cal/OSHA requirements and with commonsense public health policies in place, such as required masking, testing and with vaccinations encouraged.

Large-scale indoor events, such as conventions, will be allowed to occur with testing or vaccination verification requirements.

California will be able to reopen fully and safely because of the state’s commitment to the equitable distribution of vaccines.

FilAm...

(From page 1)

June 2019, you were already ascending as an intelligent, progressive & effective leader in California, your ideals in public service rooted in 50 years of grassroots activism dedicated by your Filipina mother, Cynthia of Katipunan ng Demokratikong Pilipino, and your father, Warren,” Hontiveros noted.

“I am assured that with your excellent track record in amplifying the voices of AsianAmericans and working with marginalized communities, you will take flight as you face the challenges in your new office.”

In a joint letter of appreciation to Newsom, veteran broadcast journalist Lloyd LaCuesta and wife Positively Filipino Publisher and Founder of Philippine Internation-

al Aid Mona Lisa Yuchengco congratulated and thanked Newsom: “It is, as you said, a historic nomination and one of pride for Filipino Americans.”

“We have often been labeled, the invisible minority, but this appointment is a signal that our community is very much part of the American fabric. Young Filipino Americans and other young people of color can now feel, they too can fulfill their dreams,” the couple stated. ”Under your watch, California now becomes the first state to have a Filipino American top cop and a Filipino American State Supreme Court Chief Justice. Your efforts will not be forgotten by the Filipino American Community. We pledge our support to you as you continue to ensure California remains the best state in the Union.”

Notary Public & Real Estate Broker

*Commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (BRE#00635976) in California since 1981. Author, Columnist, and Member, National Notary Association (NNA)

9 April 8-14, 2021 PHL...

 NATIONAL NEWS (From page 1)

The independent group of experts called OCTA Research made the projection if the trend continues even as it noted a small uptick in NCR but overall slight downturn of cases while the Department of Health warned the improvements could be artificial and the country may only assess the effect of the tighter restrictions two weeks after the lockdown period ends, which is by end of April.

Health Secretary Franciso Duque and Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire blamed the surge on the spread of variants.

This as former President Joseph Estrada (real name: Joseph Marcelo Ejercito), Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and tracing czar and Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong were among the latest prominent personalities infected with the dreaded virus.

Estrada was rushed to the emergency unit at a San Juan hospital but later admitted to the intensive care unit and at press time is on ventilator as his pneumonia has worsened.

NaFFAA...

(From page 1)

The Task Force will be in charge of duties including, but not limited to, responding to hate crime reports, assisting hate crime victims on the ground, building coalitions with other action groups, and other duties that will benefit the Filipino/Filipino American community, the group added.

Current projects of the Task Force include organizing virtual rallies, recruiting additional media partners, building coalitions with other organizations such as the

As this developed, 143 staff of the Orthopedic Medical Center tested positive with the virus forcing it to shut its outpatient department that serves as many as 450 patients a day while 126 members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) had contracted the virus but the safety of President Rodrigo Duterte was assured as those infected were not close-in guards of the President.

Duterte had cancelled two public addresses triggering speculations from the opposition that the Chief Executive could be in a medical condition, but Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go assured that Mr. Duterte was in good health, showing his photo with the president working on several papers on his desk.

“For those with ill wishes, don’t celebrate yet. Tatay Digong is here. He’s swamped with work,” Senator Go, a former aide of Duterte, said in his caption.

“Recently, we had 126 cases,” PSG Commander Jesus Durante III admitted, adding some had been cleared as he assured the safety of the President.

PSG personnel sickened with COVID-19 were “manning our gates” and are “exposed

daily to the local populace,” said Duran.

“At the least, our PSG personnel who got infected are not directly or closely detailed with the President and are all asymptomatic without experiencing any adverse symptom.

Hence, rest assured that the President is safe and in good health,” he added in a statement.

Meanwhile, hospitals and quarantine facilities continue to be swamped with patients for checkups or treatment as Department of Health data showed that 62% of the country’s intensive care unit beds are in use while 45% of the mechanical ventilators are occupied. In the National Capital Region (NCR), 79% of the ICU beds are being utilized by patients while 61% of the mechanical ventilators are in use.

Other developments: 1.

COVID-19 hit 146 more overseas Filipinos, bringing the total virus infections among Filipinos abroad to 16,569 with 1,058 deaths, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported. The number of virus-hit Filipinos residing in the Americas reached 906 with 223 fatalities and 602 survivors.

2. New COVID-19 infections among

doctors more than quadrupled last month.

The DOH reported that From February 28 to March 27, 205 doctors became COVID-positive compared to just 49 from the previous period. In total, there are now 16,185 health workers who have been infected with COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic with, 621 still active cases.

Nurses still make up the biggest proportion with 5,812 cases as of April 3. They are followed by physicians with 2,629, and nursing assistants with 1,195. Doctors have the largest number of deaths at 40%.

3. Vice President Leni Robredo called for intensified vaccination and safeguards noting that “many have already died inside tents outside hospitals, waiting to be admitted to the ERs, in ambulance while in transit, at home without receiving any medical help.”

4.

The Philippines is at risk of a “humanitarian crisis that will overwhelm the country and wipe out families” unless the government steps up testing, tracing and treatment efforts, opposition Senator Francis Pangilinan said in an April 3 statement.

NAACP, building a network of task forces across the country to serve more local areas, increasing our digital resources, and collecting funding to create a Defense Fund for hate crime victims.

Although the Task Force is still growing, several current and former leaders of NaFFAA have stepped up to join the Task Force team.

Chris Rivera, who is the National Operations Officer and Northeast Region Chair for NaFFAA will lead the team which includes the notable New York at-

torney and community advocate Lara Gregory.

Former NaFFAA leader Ben Menor from San Jose has “come out of retirement” to join the group.

Jannelle So-Perkins, host of California-based SoJannelleTV (which airs on The Filipino Channel), and Makilala TV of Metro New York have offered to support the task force.

Katrina Hernandez of Nevada, NaFFAA National Co-Director of Special Projects, and Phil Smith, the NaFFAA In-

diana State Chair, have also been tapped as members of the group.

“Action has been long overdue. Our community is facing violence in so many different forms, and we cannot afford to wait for a change in the political atmosphere. People are suffering right now, which is why the Hate Crimes Task Force is such a critical initiative. Our people are in need of resources and support,” said Brendan Flores, National Chairman of NaFFAA, adding “we want to be there for them if these attacks persist.”

 NATIONAL NEWS

April 8-14, 2021

10

Philippines and United States celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations WASHINGTON, D.C. - Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez and U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Ambassador Sung Kim officially launched here a bilateral campaign to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America.

“Some say 75 years is indeed a long time to stay as friends, partners, and allies, but I believe this is an undeniable testament to the depth and quality of the bilateral relationship. Our ties have withstood the test of time and have served both our countries and peoples well,” Ambassador Romualdez said during a program held on the grounds of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. The Philippines and the United States established formal diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946 – the same day that the Philippines gained its status as an independent and sovereign republic. Since then, the two countries have expanded and deepened bilateral cooperation in many areas, most notably defense and security, trade and commerce, and culture and education.

This year, the two countries are also marking the 70th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty that formalized our treaty alliance, which enables close security cooperation that enhances mutual peace and security. The Philippines is the United States’ oldest treaty ally in Asia.

“As you know, I served as Ambassador to the Philippines just recently and it’s a true privilege to see firsthand the strength of the bond between our two countries.

Starting with the unbreakable friendship between Americans and Filipinos, of course, the robust military partnership that we have, and an equally strong economic partnership. I think what really impressed me the most was the potential for us to develop the relationship even further, even deeper, and again, I think that starts with the warmth, affection, and mutual respect between our two countries,” said Ambassador Sung Kim. Central to the anniversary celebration are the unbreakable bonds between the Filipino and American people, who continue to strengthen bilateral relations. There are over four million U.S. citizens of Philippine ancestry in the United States, and under normal circumstances, more than 350,000 U.S. citizens living and traveling in the Philippines at any given time, with an estimated 650,000 U.S. citizens visiting the Philippines each year.

“Certainly, what truly binds our two countries together are our peoples, and it is for them that we are celebrating this momentous occasion. It also provides an opportunity for the Philippines and the United States to not just take stock of what we have achieved together throughout the years, but also to reaffirm our commitment to more robust ties and to a relationship that remains relevant in a world that will

PHL-US TIES. U.S. Ac�ng Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Ambassador Sung Kim; Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez; and U.S. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Ambassador Atul Keshap at the launch of the yearlong celebra�on of the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diploma�c Rela�ons between the Philippines and the United States at the Philippine Embassy in the United States, Washington, D.C.

continue to face new and continuing challenges,” Ambassador Romualdez stated.

The launch event marks the start of a yearlong commemoration through various activities and initiatives by the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in the United States, and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires John Law joined the celebration by video link, stating “Over these decades, our countries have accomplished so much together, and moving forward, we will accomplish even more thanks to the friendship, cooperation, and mutual support between Americans and Filipinos.”

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11 April 8-14, 2021

 OPINION Bystander? Upstander? Withstander?

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EDITORIAL

P

A total and abject failure

hilippine President Rodrigo Duterte has much to answer for when his sixyear term expires next year.

His failures as president are too many to enumerate. It’s best to say that he is the worst president our beloved motherland has ever had. He is worse than Ferdinand Marcos, Joseph Estrada, and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, which is saying a lot.

Among his worst crimes against the people, two stand out.

One is his allowing China to enter Philippine waters. Last month, more than 200 “fishing vessels” were spotted within the country’s exclusive economic zone. Some of those ships were military in nature.

This was nothing short of an invasion into Philippine territory. And while some government officials have spoken out against China, Duterte has opted to remain silent. At a time when the people were looking at the president to assure them that the Chinese invasion would not stand, Duterte said nothing.

At best, it was a sign of cowardice. Duterte has said on numerous occasions that it is best not to confront China, which has a military that can easily wipe out the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Yet there are countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam which have not shied away from confronting China, which has not taken its aggressive stance further where the countries that refuse to back off are concerned.

In China’s eyes, the puny Philippines is ripe for the taking because its president is too scared of their president.

At worst, Duterte’s allowing the Chinese invasion is tantamount to treason, the highest crime any person can commit against his country. That the president of the Philippines has openly committed such an act is mind boggling.

His other crime is even worse because it has caused a lot of suffering and death.

The Duterte regime has, plain and simply, failed miserably in arresting the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite widespread calls from multiple quarters, including his own political allies, Duterte continues to keep his Health secretary in his post. This, despite that executive being proven to be both corrupt and ineffective in his post.

Duterte’s excuse for retaining Francisco Duque as Health secretary would be laughable if were not so obvious a ploy to allow the continued massive graft and corruption taking place in the department.

Duterte says Duque’s brother is a close personal friend of his. Ergo, he can be trusted.

It was proven a long time ago that the Duque family has longstanding supply contracts with the Health department.

If this is not a clear case of conflict of interest, we don’t know what is.

Duque and his family earn hundreds of millions of pesos every year, but the Health secretary is untouchable. So says Rodrigo Duterte.

This is the same president who has never revealed his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN). He has not even offered the lamest of excuses for this serious shortcoming, as all government officials are required to file their SALN every year.

The reason should be obvious.

Previously, then Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. referred to Ferdinand Marcos as “the richest man in Asia.” It may have been true then, but today there is no question as to who that tag belongs to.

It is the corrupt traitor Rodrigo Roa Duterte, whose regime can only be considered as a total and abject failure.

Upside

HICH one are you?

Most folks have seen that video of the Filipina repeatedly kicked in the body and head by a complete stranger cussing her out, hollering “You don’t belong here” in front of an apartment in Manhattan. That one of countless images of Asian hate rampage, no thanks to Trump and his minions’ scapegoating the population for the pandemic and more.

That footage magnified society ills: The woman, Vilma Kari, 65, is perhaps a third the size of the 38-yearold attacker, who we now know was convicted of killing CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO his mother two decades ago. Kari was on her way to church - it was Lent, after all. What her assailant was up to nobody knows because he - a parolee - should not have been out on the streets in the first place. Sure he served time, but where was the clinical support and supervision for his mental state? Days later he was arrested on three counts of assault with hate crime enhancement, thanks to the torrential sharing of the video on social media and vigilant reportage in mainstream news outlets.

The attack itself was not what generated the surge of anger and condemnation.

What defied credulity was the sight of at least 2 burly men standing a few feet from the scene, watching passively until one decided to shut the glass door of the apartment building they were guarding. To protect themselves? To pronounce their cowardice? While the woman writhed in pain, alone. As the aggressor moved on.

At press time the rep for that apartment announced those two employees have been fired, although they allegedly had slipped out the back door later to flag a police car. At presstime they were contesting their termination through their union.

On the other hand, an unidentified person across the street began yelling upon seeing the attack to divert the perpetrator from her mother, Elizabeth Kari told reporters.

Apparently the screaming did stop the attacker who shifted his attention and headed toward the intervener.

What would you do if you witnessed such a scene?

Would you be a bystander - stop and look but do nothing? Would you shut the door to telegraph you want no part of the situation?

Or would you be the upstander, speak up and act upon seeing someone being abused?

Everyone can do something to help on various levels without endangering themselves.

New York-based Hollaback! (https://www.ihollaback.org/) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice/AAJC propose the “5 Ds” or tactics to de-escalate a situation they offer at trainings: * Distract: Do as the person did across the street where Vilma Kari was being battered. * Delegate: Ask help from someone nearby. * Document: Film the incident from a safe distance. * Delay, wait and check on the person after an attack to see if they’re OK, offer to stay with them till help arrives.

(Continued on page 27)

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 OPINION

April 8-14, 2021

PerryScope

W

ith the observance of the Lenten Week which culminated on the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus, I am delighted to announce that Edwin Bacani, anchor of the global Angel Radio and evangelist with the University Church of Christ in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was ART GABOT MADLAING invited as guest preacher on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at the Golden Gate Church of Christ in San Francisco, California.

Through the internet and technology, Angel Radio now has listeners and viewers throughout the United States, Canada, Philippines, Mexico, Hongkong and Asia, Middle East, Italy and other European countries.

The Fil-Am Evangelist started his radio ministry way back in Baguio City, Philippines. He and his wife Diane, licensed physician in the Philippines, immigrated to the United States and are now residing in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Readers from the Filipino and Asian communities are cordially invited to attend the Bible classes (10:00 am) and Worship Services (11:00am) on Sunday, April 11, 2021, at the GGCC Fellowship Hall and Auditorium located at 7018th Avenue (corner Cabrillo, near Golden Gate Park) in San Francisco, California.

Through the BOOK MINISTRY, guests will be given autographed copies of the “HISTORICITY OF JESUS” subtitled “Facts and Evidences for Agnostics, Atheists, Believers and Christians” and “JESUS CHRIST” subtitled “The Final Days on Earth Before His Return to Heaven” written by yours truly and John Jeffrey respectively, while supplies last.

Guests on Sunday will be given also a free complimentary copy of the Bible (while supplies last), World Bible School Study Edition, Large Print Edition of the ESV Bible with the following features: Section Headings, Textual Footnotes, Cross-Reference Footnotes, built-in Concordance, Map of the NEW TESTAMENT WORLD, Map of Israel in the NEW TESTAMENT and other useful features.

As active Evangelist with the Golden Gate Church of Christ in San Francisco, California and columnist with the Philippine News Today, I am delighted to meet our readers from the Filipino and Asian communities during this special Sunday with Angel Radio anchor and fellow Evangelist Edwin Bacani. I’ll be ready to autograph copies of my book “HISTORICITY OF JESUS” subtitled ”Facts and Evidences for Agnostics, Atheists, Believers and Christians.”

Here are some comments and reviews on the book: “This is special book which merits devoted attention. The devastation caused by COVID-19 and the following new strains reveals more than ever how desperately we need to fellowship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, “wrote Henry T. Bravo, Elder, SURREY CHURCH OF CHRIST in Vancouver, Canada.

“I urge ownership of this book. For faith building and antidote to fear and worry everywhere, many benefits can result from reading this vital information under any circumstances and most doubtlessly now with the world in such a turmoil from diseases and uprisings and all manner of afflictions,” said Darlene Gamble, an alumna of Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, USA with BA in Special Education and MA in Reading.

“I was blessed to meet and have prayer session with Evangelist Art Gabot Madlaing together with members of the WE CARE Ministries Team in our home in General Santos City in Mindanao last February 19, 2016. For reformation, moral and spiritual regeneration, I highly recommend this book to everyone most especially to Filipinos in our country and abroad, “echoed boxing legend and Philippine Senator Manny Pacquiao, General Santos, City, Sarangani, Philippines.

“This timely book is a must read for agnostics, atheists, believers and Christians. I encourage my INC friends to purchase their own copies, read with an open mind and then share with others,” explained Felix L. Olidan, Jr, former INC member and now Evangelist and Minister, WANCHAI CHURCH OF CHRIST, Wanchai, Hongkong.

“I would like to have this book in the hands of everyone, particularly our Methodist friends and the listeners, viewers of the global Angel Radio,” said Edwin Bacani, former Methodist and now anchor of the global (Continue on page 27)

Health & Wealth

I

n my column, “Quo Vadis, Tea Party?” (December 14, 2012), I wrote: “Is the Republican Party in disarray? No. Is it dysfunctional? Probably, yes. Is it crumbling? Not yet. Yes, at the rate the bloodletting is going on, the Grand Old Party of Abraham Lincoln is going through like what ‘Honest Abe’ went through during PERRY DIAZ his tumultuous presidency—a civil war.

“What was once the party that welcomed – nay, tolerated – people with moderate social values into its ranks, has gone through a drastic makeover in 2010 when a new crop of political activists mushroomed in the aftermath of the 2008 defeat of the Republican Party at the hands of Barack Obama. Calling themselves the Tea Party movement, these activists vowed to fight President Obama and deny him a second term.

“And like clockwork, everything went according to plan until Election Day when the Obama blitzkrieg rolled into the nine battlefield states, capturing all except North Carolina.

And by the time Ohio was won, the election was over. With 303 electoral votes to Mitt Romney’s 206 – and Florida still voting – Romney conceded defeat.

“A month after the devastating loss of Romney, the Republicans were still trying to figure out why they lost the election.

For the past two years after capturing the governorship and legislative bodies in many states, the Republicans systematically put in place legislations that were purportedly designed to prevent ‘voter fraud.’

“But the Federal courts overturn most of these ‘voter suppression’ laws in the weeks before Election Day. With the bad publicity created by the Republicans’ attempt to suppress the vote, it generated more interest among Obama supporters – particularly minority and young voters – who turned out in huge numbers on Election Day. A lot of them had to wait for hours – as much as seven hours – to cast their vote. In Florida, voters stayed in line until the wee hours of the following day even after Romney conceded.

“Romney, who was confident that he was going to win -- he didn’t bother to prepare a concession speech just in case he’d lose -- was reportedly shell-shocked by the sudden turn of events as states began reporting the election results.

“What surprised Romney was that he lost in eight of the nine battleground states when his internal polls showed that he’d win them all by at least five percentage points in each of them. What the hell happened? Where were the ‘angry white men’ whom Romney cultivated and depended on to vote for him? But as it turned out, there were more angrier women, minority, and young voters than these ‘angry white men.’ And this brings to mind: What made them angrier than the ‘angry white men?’

“For starters, the Republican Party’s rightwing extremist agenda alienated a lot of voters. And they would continue to alienate them for as long as they continue to peddle their extreme rightwing agenda. But their problem is that a lot of Republican right-wingers believed that they lost the election because Romney was not conservative enough.

“But the truth of the matter is that Romney lost because he ran on an ultra-conservative agenda, which is a death knell to anyone seeking the presidency. History tells us that nobody has won the White House on an extremist rightwing or leftwing agenda. A case in point was ultra-conservative Republican Barry Goldwater who lost to moderate Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. Likewise with ultra-liberal Democrat George McGovern who lost to centrist Republican Richard M. Nixon in 1972.

“In essence, to win in a presidential campaign, the candidate should run on a moderate/centrist agenda. Indeed, it was Nixon who said it best when he wrote a letter to Bob Dole in 1995 when he was seeking the Republican presidential nomination. ‘To win the Republican nomination,’ he told Dole, ‘you have to run as far as you can to the right because that’s where 40% of the people who decide the nomination are. And to get elected you have to run as fast as you can back to the middle, because only about 4% of the nation’s voters are on the extreme right wing.’

“Romney tried to do that by running a rightwing campaign during the primaries and then made (Continue on page 27)

What are the qualities of a good President of the Philippines?

Fil-Am evangelist set to preach on April 11

F

“Anyone who does not know how to be President on the first day of office will never learn till the end of his term.”

- Secretary of State Henry Kissinger

or a President of the Philippines to be successful at his job, he must know this statement of Kissinger by heart otherwise he will be a dismal failure. From Cory Aquino in 1986 to Rodrigo Duterte to this point in time, we have nothing but failures. Why failures? They never knew how to be President on the first of office and they never learned HOMOBONO A. ADAZA till the end of their term. For Duterte, the hope still remains he will learn as he still has one year and three months to go.

But knowing his words and behavior for the past four years and nine months as President, it takes a miracle for him he learns.

This early: Why are we writing on the presidency this early when the election for President is still in May 2022?

Based on our experience for the past thirty-five years, nothing is ever early. Election of public officials is at the core of a democracy. It is an affirmation that “sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.”

When you tamper with the electoral process, you commit the most heinous crime against democracy because you deny and destroy the fundamental postulate of the democracy. Many of our Presidents or their leaders have committed this heinous crime – but our commitment to democracy still survives despite the difficulties and the crimes.

This early, many of the leaders and admirers of possible presidential candidates are all over town plastering the landscape with colorful tarpaulins and social media with campaign lines from the most persuasive to the weirdest – urging them to run, run and run for President. Early birds, hoping to catch worms, are leaders and admirers of Senator Manny Pacquiao of Saranggani Province in Southern Mindanao, Mayor Sara Duterte of Davao City, daughter of the incumbent President, also from Southern Mindanao, former Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro, cousin of former President Pnoy Aquino, nephew of the late President Cory Aquino, from Tarlac Province, Cantral Luzon, and Senator Christopher “Bongo” Go, man Friday of President Duterte, rumored to be a close relative of Duterte, also from Davao City, Southern Mindanao..

From economic to political influence, all of them can be classified as oligarchs. In the Philippine environment, the most qualified person to be President cannot run for lack of means. Or, he refuses to be compromised by possible financiers. So let us examine what are the ideal qualifications of a good President or the less ideal qualities of a good President.

The IDEAL: Culled from readings of more than a hundred books on the presidency, here and abroad, and tempered by observation and analysis of Presidents and participation in many political and presidential campaigns, I humbly submit the following, in my humble opinion, as the qualifies of a good President who can serve best the interest of our country and our people.

First, he must be brilliant, charismatic, well read, knowledgeable and educated on things that really matter – meaning, a renaissance man. One may ask – Does this individual exists in our country? Of course, he does. There must one in every million. Since we are a country of one hundred ten million, there must about one hundred ten of them.

Second, he must be a visionary, revolutionary and a dreamer. He must think outside the box – as CNN puts it: make, create and innovate. He cannot be the purveyor of motherhood statements – that is good only for amateurish and brainless traditional politicians.

Third, he must be focused, courageous and determined to accomplish what he needs to do for our country and our people based on his vision and revolutionary dream.

Fourth, he must have character and integrity defined in terms of his values, principles and ideals.

Fifth, he must have continuous and unyielding commitment and loyalty to God, our people and our country Sixth, in decision making, he must give primacy to justice (Continue on page 27) according to law and equity,

Diliman Way

Quo Vadis, Republican Party?

12

13 April 8-14, 2021

 OPINION

Offline

M

etropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Board Chairman and Acting Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco hailed the revised concession agreement between the government and Manila Water Company, Inc. as a testaMELANDREW T. VELASCO ment to President Rodrigo Duterte’s resolve to protect the interest of the Filipino consumer and the national government.

He made the statement following the signing by the government and Manila Water of the revised concession agreement and thanked Manila Water for working with the National Government to finalize the contract.

The MWSS Chief also lauded the collective efforts of the government panel involving several top officials from the Office of the Executive Secretary, the Department of Finance, Department of Justice, Office of the Solicitor General, OGCC, among others that collectively pursued over several months the completion of the new concession agreement.

Velasco signed the contract for MWSS in his capacity as Board Chairman and Acting Administrator.

“The contract is both advantageous to the Government, a big win for the Filipino people and the consuming public and that it is commercially and economically viable to the investors and concessionaire,” he said.

The new CA is modeled after the New Clark City joint venture agreement of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) which was developed with the assistance and advise of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Among the provisions of the new CA to protect the interest of government are: the removal of government non-interference clauses; and removal of provisions that duly compromise medium and long term government liabilities.

These include removal of the national government’s performance undertaking for future debt; all debt and expenditures of the concessionaire must be reviewed and approved by the regulatory office; all fully recovered assets are immediately transferred to the government to ensure there is no double payment at the end of the contract; and Material Government Adverse Action (MAGA) is limited only to actions of the Executive so that the National Government is not liable for things outside of its control.

To protect the interest of the consumer, the following are provided for: corporate income tax cannot be charged to the consumer; tariff freeze until 31 December 2022; tariff adjustment for inflation will be 2/3s of the consumer price index unlike the previous contract which had a 100% inflationary impact; and removal of the foreign currency differential adjustment that will result in much lower tariff increases and protect the consumer from possible tariff spikes because of foreign exchange movements.

In its disclosure, Manila Water said the tariff freeze until end of December 2022 is aligned with the government’s program to assist the disadvantaged sector and to contribute to the recovery of the economy post COVID-19.

With the signing of the Revised Concession Agreement (CA), Manila Water’s continuation of the concession until July 31, 2037 is affirmed.

‘New president, new era’

W

e have not even reached mid-2021, the presidential election in the Philippines is more than a year away, but supporters and die-hard Duterte followers are already campaigning for Sara Duterte to succeed her father. We also hear that another loyal Duterte lieutenant, Bong Go, might also run for president.

ATTY. JOJO LIANGCO Many have voiced their concerns that if Sara Duterte or Bong Go will be elected president in 2022, the Filipino people can expect no meaningful change from the government that they have at present. The Duterte administration is already under fire for its drug war that resulted in the death of many small-time drug peddlers and users while big-time drug importers remain free and do business as usual. Then there’s the issue of China’s illegal presence in the WPS, the PhilHealth Scandal, and lately, the government’s failure to have a concrete plan of action in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

The failure of the Duterte administration to fulfill many of its promises that were made in 2016 resulted in the clamor for VP Leni Robredo to run for president in 2022. Many believe that the current situation in the country requires new leadership, a leadership that will usher a new era for the Philippines. *** An era is a span of time marked by character, events, changes, and in the case of a nation, a distinct period that is identified by a particular feature or characteristic. The term of office of a president may not necessarily be the equivalent of an era, but usually a particular president’s administration or term of office may be incorporated in a certain era.

If we review the periodization of the history of the Philippines as a nation from the history textbooks and how students are taught at school, the historical markers are usually political eras or periods--- i.e. Pre-Colonial or Pre-Hispanic, Spanish, American Occupation, Japanese, Post-War, Martial Law, Post-EDSA Revolt.

In looking at the history of the Philippines through the nation’s leaders (the “panguluhan” or “presidents”), we see the formation of the early republics that were based on the struggle of the people against tyranny, oppression, and colonialism. That’s why during the fight for freedom and liberation against Spain and the United States, the Tagalog (Sangkatagalugan) Republic of Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan were formed and organized. Then came Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s First Republic and the Malolos Constitution, then the the Philippine Commonwealth and the 1935 Constitution from 1935 to 1946 under President Manuel Quezon. Quezon was succeeded by Sergio Osmena after his death, followed by Manuel Roxas as president of the Philippines.

The post-war Philippine republics can be subdivided into the post-world war republics following the 1935 Constitution, a constitution that remained in effect after the U.S. recognized the sovereignty of the Philippines as an independent nation on July 4, 1946.

From that point in 1946, we see the continuity of the political period from President Manuel Roxas and VP Elpidio Quirino in 1946, then President Quirino and VP Fernando Lopez in 1949, President Ramon Magsaysay and VP Carlos P. Garcia in 1953, President Carlos P. Garcia and VP Diosdado Macapagal in 1957, President Diosdado Macapagal and VP Emmanuel Pelaez in 1961, and President Ferdinand Marcos and VP Fernando Lopez in 1965 and 1969.

Then there was the Martial Law regime and the 1973 Constitution by Marcos that temporarily strengthened and bolstered his dictatorship until he was toppled by the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolt and was replaced by the postEDSA republics and the 1987 Constitution. *** There was no so-called president and VP tandem during the Martial Law era of Marcos because his was an autocratic rule. After Marcos was toppled and democracy was restored, the old elite-dominated Philippine politics again.

Post-EDSA and 1987 Constitution leaders included President Fidel Ramos and VP Joseph Estrada in 1992 who succeeded President Cory Aquino and VP Salvador Laurel, President Joseph Estrada and VP Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 1998, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and VP Noli de Castro in 2004, then President (Continue on page 27)

Immigrant’s Story

I

pity the next president of the Philippines, whoever he or she may be.

The problems that next chief executive will inherit will be massive.

The worst part is that if that next president is an anointed one of Rodrigo Duterte, the situation in the country can only go from bad to worse. For those old enough to remember BETING DOLOR the dire straits the Philippines was in during the tailend of the Marcos regime, it will a repeat, but with even more terrible consequences.

At least back then the Philippines still had friends who may have despised the despot Marcos, but who still counted on the majority of Filipinos as worth helping, if not saving.

So what will the next president inherit?

Begin with an economy that will still be in shambles. Although no one can or should blame the Duterte regime for the coronavirus pandemic, its mishandling of the dread disease that emanated from China was beyond horrible.

For starters, the country should have closed its borders as early as February, last year, when reports of the new virus was spreading worldwide.

The regime failed to do so. In fact, it not only failed to close the country’s borders, the regime even welcomed visitors, especially from China.

And not just China, mind you. Tourists from Wuhan province – the very epicenter of the pandemic – were still allowed to enter the country until late March. The very first persons to bring in COVID-19 to the Philippines was a couple from Wuhan, who travelled all over the country before falling sick when in Manila.

One died, the other recovered. But the pandemic was in, and about to spread like wildfire.

I had said over social media that I miss the late, great senator and Health secretary Juan Flavier. Had he been around, the country would have handled the pandemic much like Vietnam, which stopped COVID-19 dead on its tracks.

The next CEO of Philippines, Inc. had better appoint a Health secretary with a proven track record.

Because of the Duterte regime’s mishandling of the pandemic, the country’s economy was severely damaged.

The regime still refuses to admit that the Philippines is now in the middle of a depression. Not a recession, but a full blown depression.

The textbook definition of recession is two consecutive quarters of negative growth. This, any country can rise out of with only a little difficulty.

Not so with a depression, defined as four consecutive quarters of negative growth. The Philippine economy had close to a 10 percent shrinkage in Gross Domestic Product in 2020.

It took years for the US and the world to climb out of the Great Depression. It will be just as difficult for the Philippines to do the same this time. Projections be damned, I say the country’s economy will not recover this year. Or even next year.

I hope I’m wrong, of course. But the data simply does not indicate that a fast recovery is on the way.

The country’s political situation will be just as bad. It is not clear how many poor Filipino youth were slaughtered in the name of Duterte’s tokhang, but 30,000 seems to be a fair estimate. Meanwhile, the number of Pinoys who died due to COVID-19 has yet to be determined, but as of this week it is in excess of 13,000.

Now multiply those avoidable deaths by the number of adults in their families, and you will have a large chunk of the population rightfully angry at the government.

In the case of the tokhang victims, those surviving adult family members are easy targets for recruitment by the communist underground movement.

A movement that was slowly dying off during the previous administration – when the Philippine economy was booming and the unemployment rate was sinking – has now regained its strength.

The Armed Forces cannot do anything about the reinvigorated Communist Party of the Philippines. Their generals are too busy counting the millions that Duterte says he feeds them to take anything as flimsy as the war on the communist insurrection seriously.

(Continue on page 27)

New water concession agreement beneficial to all THE OUTSIDER

Pity the next president

 IMMIGRATIONS When May IRS Tax Debts be discharged in Bankruptcy?

A

s we all know, tax debts can spiral out of control and lead to an IRS tax lien, wage garnishment, or even property seizure. Most people mistakenly believe that taxes are never dischargeable in a bankruptcy. This myth is absolutely wrong!

Although there are certain criteria that must be met, bankruptcy relief is often the best way to solve a serious tax problem and stop IRS collection activity. The filing of a bankruptcy case automatically and immediately stays (stops) IRS bank account levies and wage garnishments, and enables the taxpayer to either obtain a discharge or reorganize his or her tax liabilities.

Remember, the IRS is not just any creditor and has the ultimate power to do things other creditors can only dream of. However, if you hire a lawyer before the situation gets worse, there are options and possible solutions available.

Each type of bankruptcy treats IRS tax debt differently. The two most common forms of bankruptcies are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

Tax Debts in Chapter 7 Some tax debts are dischargeable through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If taxes are more than three years old and you filed tax returns related to them more than two years ago, the likely outcome is that you will not have to pay them. Tax obligations that are not dischargeable under Chapter 7 include taxes less than three years old, business taxes, sales taxes, and payroll taxes. In Chapter 7, non-exempt assets are liquidated; any of the leftover IRS tax debts are then discharged unless specific IRS specifications are still not met. If these criteria are not met, the entire IRS tax debt needs to be repaid in whole after the whole bankruptcy process is done. Recent IRS tax debt, meaning not older than three years is not dischargeable.

Tax Debts in Chapter 13 If you are not qualified to file for a Chapter 7 or have decided that Chapter 13 is your best option, non-dischargeable tax debts can be included in your repayment plan. Chapter 13 is the most common of the important tax relief bankruptcy tactics, with some of the IRS tax debt being forgiven. Assets typically don’t need to end up being liquidated; with your income financing the whole payment plan.

In addition, bankruptcy’s automatic stay applies to the IRS as well, meaning all collection efforts pending against you will be stopped. Filing for Chapter 13 will also accomplish two other very important things: Penalties that the IRS has tacked on your tax debt will be discharged, AND, no new penalties or interest will accumulate while you are in Chapter 13. In short, you may pay considerably less money to the IRS by going through bankruptcy than you would if had tried to work out a debt settlement agreement with them on your own.

Note: This is not a legal advice. You should seek the advice of your attorney about your specific case.

Bankruptcy Basics • Bankruptcy will actually improve your credit within one year because your unsecured debts are discharged. Although the bankruptcy will be in your records for 10 years, not filing bankruptcy will make your credit even worse until most your debts are paid.

• If you are being sued by your creditors, most money judgment can be eliminated in bankruptcy.

• Collection actions continue and you can be sued if you are in debt settlement.

• Chapter 7 will eliminate all unsecured debts. If you are near retirement age, you must eliminate most of your debts.

• Bankruptcy will stop foreclosure actions. If your trustee sale date is 10 days before, you can still file for bankruptcy.

• If your salary is being garnished, you have a court case about debts or you are being harassed by creditors, bankruptcy can stop garnishment, court cases, harassing creditors and eliminate the debt.

• Bankruptcy is cheaper, faster and safer than debt settlement which has no guaranteed success.

• Preserve your health, eliminate stress and live a happy life by eliminating your debts which is the root of all your problems.

April 8-14, 2021

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ECQ to hit PHL’s GDP target, NEDA sees P30B lost income MANILA - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is laying down plans for a post-enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) scenario as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) estimates the two-week ECQ would result to income loss of almost P30 billion and may shave off 0.8 percentage points from the country’s economic growth in 2021.

“The economy will take a hit during this ECQ,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua, meanwhile, in a statement said NEDA estimates the two-week ECQ would result in some 252,000 more individuals without jobs and 102,000 more poor individuals and translates to a daily household income loss of P2.1 billion.

Chua added extending the ECQ will also have a negative impact on the majority of people.

Lopez said a post-ECQ plan — which can be considered a modified ECQ (MECQ) — would entail a calibrated reopening of low-risk, essential sectors to cushion the blow of this strict lockdown.

Lopez said only carefully handpicked sectors will reopen while those previously closed can resume operations only up to 50 percent of capacity.

Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said the latest surge in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) infections is expected to result to below-target growth for the Philippine economy this year.

“Well, I think it’s going to be lower than what we expected. This surge in the contagion, which is incidentally happening in Brazil, Canada, France, and Turkey, and other places is certainly not good for the economy,” Domiguez said in an interview over Bloomberg TV. The DoF chief said he estimates the latest lockdown to cost the economy “one half of 1 percent.”

Economic managers have set a growth target, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), of between 6.5 and 7.5 percent this year.

Because of the quarantine measures, domestic output registered a -9.5 percent print last year, with the second quarter figure posting a decades-long contraction of -16.9 percent.

DoF: Phl’s external debt up by 25.2% MANILA - The country’s external debt hs increased to 25.2 percent of gross national income (GNI) as of the end 2020 from 20.2 percent in 2019.

This was disclosed by the Department of Finance adding that as a percent of goods and services and primary Income, it also climbed to 88.1 percent from 64.6 percent, where the increase is attributed to public sector debt which expanded from $42.8B to $58.1 billion.

Compared with two decades ago when the country was recovering from the Asian financial crisis, external debt ratios in 2020 were significantly lower at 30.9 percentage points, lower than the debt-GNI ratio and 18.1 percentage points lower than the debt-exports ratio in 2000.

Compared with those of its Asian peers, the latest data from the World

Bank shows that the external debt ratios of the Philippines are relatively low.

As a percent of GNI, the Philippines’ external debt ratio is only 20.19 percent, compared to the 28.95 percent average for six Asian economies in 2019, where the country’s ratio is the third lowest behind China and Indonesia and is 8.76 percentage points lower than the average for 2019.

“The Philippines’ prudent debt policy has enabled the country to strengthen its defenses against external shocks like the Covid-19 pandemic. This is one of the reasons for the strong confidence of investors in the Philippine economy,” the DoF said.

“Nevertheless, we must continue to prudently manage our fiscal situation and continue to observe fiscal responsibility,” it added.

Max’s opens store in Texas, Jollibee expands in Europe

By Jo Erlinda Maufit

HOUSTON, Texas – Good news to Filipinos in Texas.

The famous Filipino restaurant Max’s has opened its branch in Houston, Texas, its 15th branch in the United States.

Max’s, called “the house that fried Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the chicken built,” had its soft opening but a American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers Asso- grand opening is planned in three months ciation. He specializes in immigration law, bankruptcy law and income tax prepa- said franchise owner Marie De Guzman.

For Filipinos in Texas, the opening ration. For free consultation email or call (info@ccllaw.net / 1-877-456-9266) of Max’s not only gave them a taste of home, but jobs as well.

Meanwhile, with 70 percent of its customers in its latest UK stores now being locals, homegrown restaurant brand Jollibee is further expanding its reach to local European customers by growing to 50 stores in that continent in the next five years.

This year, the restaurant chain will open its Europe flagship location in Leicester Square, London. This will be followed by seven other store openings, including its first stores in Scotland in Edinburgh, its first in Wales in Cardiff, and its first in Spain in Madrid.

15 April 8-14, 2021

 IMMIGRATIONS

Villar wealthiest of 17 Filipinos on Forbes 2021 World’s Billionaires List

Manny Villar

MAKATI CITY - Former Senate President and Speaker and property tycoon Manuel Villar Jr. is this year’s richest Filipino for the third straight year based on the Forbes’ Billionaires 2021 List.

Villar’s net worth rose to $7.2 billion from $5.6 billion. His ranking, however, slid to 352nd in the Forbes list from 286th in 2020 with .

The newly released list of 2,755 billionaires around the world includes Villar and 16 other wealthy Filipinos.

This year’s world’s richest is Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, who retained the position for the fourth consecutive year. His net worth is $177 billion. “[U]unprecedented by any measure, especially in a year in which large econo-

Abiso sa Publiko Magdaraos ng pampublikong pagdinig ang VTA at magpepresenta ang komite para sa Piskal na Taon ng 2022 at 2023 na Iminungkahing Badyet. Sa susunod na dalawang taon, iminumungkahi ng VTA ang:

mies around the world were hampered by the coronavirus pandemic. Altogether they are worth US$13.1 trillion, up from $8 trillion on the 2020 list,” Forbes said.

Villar is the chairman of Vista Mall, Vista Land & Landscapes, Golden Bria, and AllHome Corp.

His wife, Cynthia is an incumbent senator, while his daughter, Camille, is a member of the House of Representatives.

His son, Mark, is the Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The other Filipinos in this year’s list were: Enrique Razon, Jr. ($5 billion).

Ranked 561st on the global list. He chairs port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc., and Solaire Resort & Casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp.

Lucio Tan ($3.3 billion). Ranked 925th, Tan is the founder and chair of the LT Group, which has interests in tobacco, spirits, banking, and property development.

Hans Sy ($3 billion). Ranked 1,008th, he is the fourth child of Henry Sy, the late found of SM Investments Corp. He stepped down as president of SM Prime Holdings Inc. in 2016, where he remains a director.

Herbert Sy ($3 billion). Also ranked 1,008th, he is also the son of the late SM founder. He serves as an adviser of conglomerate SM Investments Corp, and a director of SM Prime Holdings Inc.

• Walang pagtaas sa mga pamasahe ng transit • Pagdaragdag ng antas ng serbisyo ng transit kabilang na ang mas madalas na serbisyo, at mas maraming serbisyo sa dulong sanlinggo at sa gabi.

Makikita ang Iminungkahing Badyet sa www.vta.org/budget.

Virtual na mga Pampublikong Pagdinig sa pamamagitan ng Zoom Miyerkules, Abril 21 sa ika-12:00 p.m. www.eventbrite.com/e/149056322473 Martes, Abril 27 sa ika-6:00 p.m. www.eventbrite.com/e/149060531061 Puwedeng makita ang mga Presentasyon sa Pagpupulong ng Komite sa www.vta.org/about/board-and-committees Capital Program Committee (CPC) Huwebes, Abril 29 sa ika-11:00 a.m.

Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Miyerkules, Mayo 12 sa ika-1:30 p.m.

Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) Miyerkules, Mayo 12 sa ika-4:00 p.m.

Remittances, improved external demand to buoy PHL recovery MANILA – Growth of money being sent home by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and improvement of external demand are expected to boost the domestic economy’s recovery this year.

However, Fitch Solutions Country Risks and Industry Research reduced its growth projection for the country this year from 7.6 percent to 5.8 percent on the expected hit from the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

The ECQ status in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal set from March 29 until April 4 was extended for

Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) Huwebes, Mayo 13 sa ika-4:00 p.m.

another week to April 11 amid surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases.

Fitch Solutions said another unfavorable factor in the economy’s recovery is the slow vaccination rollout.

In a report, the unit of Fitch Group cited signs of gradual economic activity such as the above 50 level of the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which was unchanged at 52.5 last February against the previous month “indicating a gradual improvement in activity.”

Administration & Finance Committee (A&F) Huwebes, Mayo 20 sa ika- 12:00 p.m.

Capital Program Committee (CPC) Huwebes, Mayo 27 sa ika-12:00 p.m.

Lupon ng mga Direktor ng VTA Huwebes, Hunyo 3 sa ika-5:30 p.m.

Kung kailangan mo ng espesyal na akomodasyon o pagsasalin ng wika para magawa mong makibahagi sa mga pagpupulong, pakikontak ang VTA hindi bababa sa limang araw bago ang mga pagpupulong.

PHL inflation slightly eases to 4.5% in March easing inflation rate mainly to deceleration in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, particularly vegetables like garlic, fruits, and fish.

“So we can say that because of good weather after the storm that we experienced in last quarter (of 2020), these contributed to downward movement in prices of vegetables, including fruits and fish,” Mapa said.

He said the food and non-alcoholic beverages index had a 50.9-percent share to overall inflation in March.

Tinatanggap ang mga komento sa pamamagitan ng telepono: (408) 321-2300 Para sa mga may Problema sa Pandinig (TTY lamang) (408) 321-2330 Email: customer.service@vta.org 2104-2280

QUEZON CITY – The country’s inflation rate slowed down to 4.5 percent in March from the previous month’s 4.7 percent on the back of cheaper food prices, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

The average price increase of basic goods and services for the first three months of 2021 also reached 4.5 percent.

In a virtual press briefing, PSA Undersecretary and national statistician Dennis Mapa attributed last month’s

17 April 8-14, 2021

 ENTERTAINMENT

Arci Munoz, JM de Guzman: From best friends to lovers? family was able to witness this beautiful moment.” She used the hashtags #mayforever and #frombestfriendstolovers.

Her post was met with enthusiastic comments, including JM who simply left a smiley emoji.

Arci promised to give more details in a vlog.

In Muñoz’s recent update, she posted a teaser to her vlog showing de Guzman giving her flowers and asking her permission if he can court her.

The actress also used the hashtags #frombestfriendsto- versity of the Philippines.

The two worked together on the Kapamilya series “Pamlovers and #mayforever in her ISO 12647-7 Digital Control Strip 2009 ilya Ko” and also starred together in the movie “Last Fool post.

Arci Muñoz and JM 30de Guzman have taken it to30the next 100 60 100 70 100 60 40 100 40 100 3 100 70 100 60 100 10 25 50 75 90 100 70 30 100 40 40 70 40 70 40 40 40 70 40 40 70 40 70 40 40 “Just really glad that the whole family was able to wit- Show”. level.

They also underwent basic citizen military training to beThis was confirmed by top networks ABS-CBN, GMA ness this beautiful moment. on me vlog tomorrow,” Muñoz come Air Force reservists together. wrote, tagging de Guzman in her post.

Network and reports on social media.

Muñoz, for her part, has said she doesn’t want to risk In an Instagram post, the GMA reported that Arci, the actheir friendship.

De Guzman, who is 32 like Arci, for his part, simply tress and vocalist of band Philia, shared a video of JM, who 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 40 100 40 40 100 10 40 40 20 70 70 70 70 40 70 40 40 0000 3.1 2.2 2.2 10.2 7.4 7.4 25 19 19 50 40 40 75 66 66 100 100 100 80 70 70 100 Arci underwent her basic citizen military training to beis Juan Miguel Gob de Guzman, giving her flowers on the posted a photo of him and Muñoz on his Instagram page.

Muñoz and de Guzman have been close friends since come an Air Force reservist last year with JM. shore in Boracay and saying, “matagal na tayong mag-best The actor shared photos and videos of them during trainthey were in college, according to ABS-CBN. friends pero, pwede bang manligaw?”

In an interview last June 2020, De Guzman admitted he ing while wearing an army camouflage uniform and learning In the caption she, who is Ramona Cecilia “Arci” Dawhen they first met at the Uni- how to shoot a gun. tuin Muñoz in real life, wrote, “just really glad that the whole had a crush on Muñoz backT:9.75" 3%

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April 8-14, 2021

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Did Luis and Jessy wed in Batangas?

Are Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola already married?

The poser is raised by their fans and supporters who are eager to find out if indeed the two really wed last February 21.

The nuptials reportedly happened at the San Benito Farm in Batangas, showbiz authority and columnist Ethel Ramos wrote in her column.

Only a handful were at the hush-hush affair, according to the columnist.

She added her source did not mention the name of the groom’s mom, Lipa Repre-

sentative Vilma Santos-Recto, as among those present in the supposed wedding.

The columnist wrote that another source whispered: “Invited o hindi, siguradong masaya si Ate Vi sa pag-a-asawa ni Luis. Matagal na niyang pinapayuhang mag-asawa na ito at nang magka-apo na daw siya. Luis is turning 40 this April.”

Was Luis’ dad, Edu Manzano, invited to the wedding?

The columnist did not answer the question in her column.

Luis and Jessy have been in a relation-

ship for five years.

“Much younger si Jessy kay Luis,” a source said. “She turned 28 in December last year.”

The celebrity couple later confirmed that they are already married.

Jessy made the confirmation through a 5-minute video posted on her Youtube channel, as well as a post on her Instagram page.

The video showed the couple’s preparation for their wedding, which includes Luis jokingly reading the lyrics to the song “The Warrior is a Child” as his wedding vow, according to ABS-CBN in a report.

Among the wedding guests were Edu’’s parents Eduardo Manzano and Vilma Santos-Recto, as well as Senator Ralph Recto and Ryan Recto.

The couple did not reveal when the actual wedding happened.

Meanwhile, two grand weddings are expected this year -- that of couples Tom Rodriguez and Carla Abellana and Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert.

Tom and Carla were officially engaged in October 2020, wrote columnist Ethel Ramos.

“Ang planong wedding daw ni Tom na ibigay kay Carla ay grand in the true sense of the word,” the columnist quoted someone as saying. “Kaya grand din ang attendance.”

The source, she wrote, continued: “Ang ganda ng engagement ring na bigay ni Tom kay Carla. Stunningly impressive would be an apt description for the ring.”

Vin and Sophie, meanwhile, welcomed their daughter last March 15.

The couple have been together for six years. They met while participating in the talent reality competition “Artista Academy” on TV5.

“Our little princess ang tawag ng dalawa sa anak nila,” said someone close to the couple.

Charlie Dizon, Paulo Avelino win top acting honors at 4th EDDYS Charlie Dizon and Paulo Avelino won the top acting awards in the EDDY’s awards for 2021.

“Fan Girl,” the movie where Dizon and Avelino won the best actress and best actor trophies, was declared the best film.

It also won the Best Director and Screenplay (Antoinette Jadaone), Best Sound (Vincent Villa) and Best Editing (Benjamin Tolentino).

“Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng sumuporta ng Fan Girl, and sa lahat po ng bumubuo ng Team Fan Girl lalo na kay Direk Angoinette Jadaone, thank you po!” said Charlie during the virtual

awards livestreamed through the Film Development Council of the Philippines channel and other platforms.

“And gusto ko rin pong mag-thank you sa management ko... sa Rise Artists Studio family, sa buong ABS-CBN Films, and sa lahat po ng bumubuo ng ABS-CBN Management. Maramingmaraming salamat po,” she added. “And dine-dedicate ko po iyong award na ito para sa family ko... Maraming-maraming salamat po! To God be the glory!”

In her speech, Jadaone reflected on the film industry’s situation and expressed hope for a bright future even as the Co-

vid-19 pandemic rages in the Philippines.

“I hope the Philippines that the next generation will inherit will be like Jane in Fan Girl who becomes aware of respect for women and human rights,” Jadaone said in Filipino.

“Maraming salamat sa matatapang kong producers ng Fan Girl, si Bianca Balbuena at si Dan Villegas. Sa mga producers naming Project 8, Epic Media, Globe Studios, Black Sheep, at Crossword,” she said.

“And we would like to share this award sa iba pang nominado sa best film, at sa iba pang pelikulang naprodyus ng 2020,” she said.

“Dahil isang tagumpay ito para sa atin dahil hindi natin hinayaang mamatay ang industriya natin, ang naghihingalo nating industriya sa gitna ng pandemya,” Jadaone stressed.

“At ang hiling namin, kaming mga bumubuo ng Fan Girl, ay sana, iyong Pilipinas na ipapamana natin sa mga kabataan natin, parang si Jane sa Fan Girl, ay alam ang respeto sa kababaihan, lalo na sa karapatang pantao natin.”

Magikland, a Filipino fantasy film which Peque Gallaga co-produced before his death in 2020, garnered the second most number of awards: Best Visual Effects (Richard Francis and Ryan Grimarez), Best Production Design (Ericson Navarro) and Best Cinematography (Rody Lacap).

“Coming Home,” a film about the travails of overseas Filipino workers, won

Best Supporting Actor (Edgar Allan Guzman), while the romance movie Tagpuan bagged Best Supporting Actress (Shaina Magdayao).

Best Original Theme Song went to Jhaye Cura for “Ulan” in The Boy Foretold by the Stars, while Best Musical Score had two winners: Kean Cipriano for On Vodka, Beers and Regrets and Paulo Protacio for The Boy Foretold by the Stars.

Ten artists were honored as “brilliant vessels of cinematic art”: Joel Lamangan, Ricky Lee, Ronaldo Valdez, Pilar Pilapil, Boots Anson Roa Rodtrigo, Gina Pareño, Dante Rivero, Tommy Abuel, Gloria Sevilla and Caridad Sanchez.

19 April 8-14, 2021 VILMA SANTOS QUIET ON CIVIL WEDDING FOR LUIS MANZANO & JESSY MENDIOLA Wrapped in a conspiracy of silence, as if the no less than 20 witnesses signed a nondisclosure contact, actors Luis Manzano & Jessy Mendiola had a civil wedding officiated

by Lipa City Mayor Eric Africa last February 21, 2021.

Observing the lockdown protocols, the number of guests was limited to 20 including Ate Vilma Santos, the groom’s dad Edu Mazano and stepdad Sen. Ralph Recto The “conspiracy” worked until last Easter Sunday when Jessy broke the silence on her YouTube channel.

Ate Vi was uncharacteristically quiet.

Usually available for comment on whatever topic or issue thrown at her, she was mum on Feb. 21 when asked in a text message if “something important” was happening that day at The Farm at San Benito in Lipa City, Batangas.

The buzz early that morning was that her son, Luis Manzano, was marrying his girlfriend Jessy Mendiola two months after they reenacted their engagement in style via a prenup shoot in Amanpulo in mid-December last year “Sorry but I promised not to say anything,” Vilma “Ate Vi” Santos said with a vaguely apologetic tone. Correction: “Made” to promise not to say anything. In one very rare moment, she had no choice but to keep her mouth shut. “Anyway, they are adults na and besides, event nila ‘yon, eh.”

Jessy revealed that they were scheduled to have a “full wedding” in June and they decided to move it to December when times are (hopefully) back to normal, the month when she turns 29. But they decided to have the civil wedding anyway. Luis is turning 40 on April 21.

At the Amanpulo affair, the motif was blue. At The Farm, the bride wore an immaculate white gown by Patricia Santos (who also designed the Amanpulo gown) and the groom a pink suit by Paulo Lazaro. Jessy’s stylist was Rex Atienza and Luis’ was Jay Sarmiento.

What’s a wedding, whether civil or in church, without tears (of joy) falling?

“Siempre I was teary-eyed,” said Ate Vi. “I just felt soooo happy seeing my son getting married. Sabi ko nga, ‘Totoo na ba ito?’ Of course, I knew about the civil wedding pero they are both adults at sila ang mga nag-desisyon at nagplano ng lahat.

What’s important is that mayroon nang Mr. and Mrs. Manzano.”

Luis cried and so did Jessy (but not too much to avoid ruining her make-up).

During the exchange of vows, Luis sort of made the mood lighter by saying, “...They don’t know that I come running home when I fall down. They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around. I drop my sword and cry for just a while...”

Commented Jessy, now dry-eyed, “It sounds like it’s taken from a song.”

She was right. Those lines were from the Gary Valenciano song Warrior is a Child.

Turning serious, Luis vowed, “I want to promise that I will love you each day that comes even on those days na pareho tayong hindi kamahal-mahal, I will choose to love you. I promise to be your rock when you are weak, to put a smile on your face even in the darkest of days.”

Jessy replied, “Together in the beginning of our journey, our lives together. I choose to spend today and all my tomorrows with you.”

The honeymoon, supposed to be in Amanpulo, has been put on hold.

The newlyweds will live in the Green Meadows house which Ate Vi and her family used to own.

“Sa kanya na ‘yon,” said Ate Vi. “He was the one who had it fixed and renovated.”

What is her wedding gift to the newlyweds?

“Wala pa,” she laughed.

What she is, and has been looking forward to, is having her first grandchild.

“Puede na!” she laughed again. “It doesn’t matter kung boy or girl, basta healthy.” Luis and Jessy will make sure of that.

Congratulations!

I also wanted to greet you, our readers a Happy Easter week and Divine Mercy Sunday.

God bless!

 ENTERTAINMENT

Gary V’s wife recovers from Covid-19; Jean Garcia’s mother succumbs to virus Singer Gary Valenciano can now smile with a sigh of relief. This after his wife Angeli Pangilinan Valenciano has recovered from COVID-19.

In an Instagram post, the singer said Angeli and three others in their household who had tested positive for the virus have been confirmed negative. The good news was reported by Gary’s mother studio, ABS-CBN. “I really really can’t thank you enough for all the prayers you sent our way. We love you and may Jesus become real in your lives the way He has become the truth in ours,” Gary was quoted as saying by the network.

Angeli, in an Instagram post on March 21, admitted that she was COVID-19 positive, sharing photos of her medicine, vitamins and disinfectants.

Angeli then stressed that she had a positive outlook on her recovery, citing her husband’s previous health ordeals.

Gary, according to ABS-CBN, had isolated himself as he was exposed to his wife, but later on tested negative for the virus. He had also said in previous Instagram posts that Angeli “hopefully” had mild symptoms of the disease.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN’s Mario Dumaual reported that Jean Garcia’s mother Sandra Garcia has died due to the virus and heart disease complications. She was 70.

Jean, who stars in ABS-CBN’s “Pangako Sa’yo,” herself announced her mother’s passing in her social media platforms.

Jean, through her manager Manny Valera, told ABSCBN News that she was sad with the passing of her mother.

Valera also disclosed that Jean Garcia and other members of her household tested negative for the virus.

Mrs. Garcia passed on March 30 at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan, Metro Manila.

According to Valera, Jean’s mother had underlying conditions.

“She actually had a previous history of stroke. She was brought to the hospital for another suspected stroke.

Following protocols for all incoming patients, she was tested for COVID which unfortunately turned out positive,” he told ABS-CBN. “Mrs. Garcia was a constant presence in Jean’s life, very supportive in her own strong but quiet way,” said Valera.

“She [lived] with Jean. Every time I visited, she’s very welcoming, very warm, mabait at makwento. Palatawa, basically a positive person,” he said.

In an Instagram post, the veteran actress said she did not think her mother’s death would be “so soon.” Mrs. Garcia passed away on her seventh day of hospitalization.

 REAL ESTATE

April 8-14, 2021

BPO remains pillar of PH real estate sector: APREA

20

Take Advantage: ADU is the best thing that happened California Homeowners

Planning to convert your garage or use your backyard to add an in-law unit? The State of California has passed new legislation (SB 1069 and AB 2299) which gives homeowners the right to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on most single family properties, effectively doubling the housing potential of these residences.

Why build an ADU? Building a new ADU or converting existing space can be a smart investment for many homeowners in California. Adding living space, appreciating property value, generating rental income and helping solve the housing crunch, one unit at a time are just a few reasons that building an ADU can be an excellent move. Use the city search bar above to learn about the ADU process in your city.

I am happy that California has passed a new law that eases restrictions on secondary units, effective January 1. When Portland did something similar, it sparked an ADU boom. Permitted ADU projects skyrocketed, and a cottage industry sprung up, including ADU designers, owner/developer consulting, ADU breakeven calculator. With our new law, I see opportunity for you to build: Single story zero step accessible units for aging parents and retirees. Micro-units for additional rental income. ADU’s for millennial professionals who are still saving for down payment.

CA Granny unit law: Summary No extra parking space required for ADU if it’s within 1½ mile of a public transit stop, or part of an existing primary residence, or part of an existNew Funeral home with Reception Center Flower Shop ing accessory structure, or in an area requiring onBeautiful Garden Memorial Park Cremation Services street parking permits. Parking can be tandem on We transfer your loved ones to and from the Philippines existing driveway, when a garage is demolished or an ADU and off-street parking spaces must be replaced, they can be anywhere on lot, including tandemno set back required for a garage conversion; side/rear setback of 5 feet max for ADU above a garage. No extra utility, water or sewage hookup fees, detached ADU’s shall not exceed 1200 sq ft.

A majority of the people are asking about the existing or grandfathered ADU units? What can they do for this to be a legal ADU? The answer is to get it permitted so that when you sell it will add value to your property. If you will rent the ADU unit out, you are now a landlord and you want to make sure your tenants rights are protected.

Your unit would have to comply with local district guidelines so you wont have any legal issues TTT BBBBBBBBB NNN FFFFFFF HHHH RRRRRRRRR CCCCCC CCCCCCC LLLL with your tenant later on. This is one of the main reason too why the ADU bill passed.

Choose the right contractor and make sure you get good references for legitimate contract work.

Mortgage rates are still pretty low, more and more borrowers are trying refinance now to save on interest payments. Get in while you still can, I have seen property appraisal values coming in lower than expected.

Call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group for your mortgage needs. Call Ken at 562-5087048 CADRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

CEBU CITY – A homegrown developer here said the outlook for the condominium market in Metro Cebu has remained strong due to sustained demand.

In a virtual press briefing, the publicly listed company, Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI), announced a P3-billion investment to build a new condominium project in Mandaue City, the Mandtra Residences.

CLI said there is continued demand for housing among upwardly mobile professionals and entrepreneurs in the region.

It has entered into a joint venture deal with local firm Cebu Homegrown Developers Inc. (CHDI) to build this project.

“We want to strengthen our leadership in our home base and this joint venture enables us to have access to high value locations that allow us to offer a new generation of Cebuano entrepreneurs and professionals seeking upgraded living spaces,” CLI president and chief executive officer Jose Soberano said.

CLI reported a strong sales take-up of

the latest project, hitting almost 60 percent for the first tower.

“Our exceptional sales velocity indicates we are indeed meeting a highly felt need,” he said.

With construction already underway, Mandtra Residences is a three-tower development on a 12,405-square-meter property in Mandaue City.

CLI executives said planning for this project took place at the height of the 2020 pandemic so the design placed a premium on healthy living and a balanced well-being with its array of amenities and lush open spaces.

The first tower is set for completion in 2025. Mandtra Residences will be the first in a planned series of projects from CHDI. “Our partnership believes in the innate dynamism and abilities of Cebuano entrepreneurs and professionals and hope to meet their aspirations beginning with well-planned residential communities,” Soberano said.

THE NUMBER ONE CHOICE FOR FILIPINO FAMILIES The ONLY Place for All Your Arrangements in One Convenient Location

21 April 8-14, 2021

NEWS  NATIONAL SPORTS NEWS

Gymnast champion Yulo hopeful in Tokyo Olympics, E eyes Paris games

MANILA — No matter what happens in the coming Tokyo Olympics, world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo is set on competing in the 33rd Summer Games in Paris in 2024.

Reports stated that by 2024, the dimunitive Yulo will be 24 and still in his prime.

Three-event world titlist Nikita Nagornyy of Russia looms as Yulo’s main competitor in the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics which is slated to open with less people and less funfare in July.

Yulo and Nagornyy performed at the World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, in October 2019 with the Filipino claiming the gold medal in the floor exercise despite being the youngest competitor at 19 years, seven months, 26 days.

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion said Yulo is determined to do the triple backflip for the first time in Tokyo, “ It’s a high-risk, high-reward gamble but he’s got his eyes on the prize,” said Carrion. “Caloy’s doing fine, working hard but of course, he needs refining in sticking to the floor, no skipping,” Carrion added.

“If he does the triple backflip well, it’s a sure gold.

We’ll know by June if he’ll do it or not. Nikita faltered

Nietes outpoints Colombia’s Carrillo in triumphant return

DUBAI - Former world boxing champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes is back and with a vengeance.

This as Nietes, a former four-division champion, pulled off a unanimous decision victory over Colombia’s Pablo Carrillo.

Nietes (43-1-5, 23 KO) last fought in December 2018, defeating Kazuto Ioka in Macau.

Having been on hiatus for over two years, the 38-yearold had to shake some rust and did not look completely at his best.

However, Nietes’ performance was good enough to gain the favor of all three judges to claim the victory.

One judge, however, had it very close with a score of 96-95 for Nietes, according to published reports.

The other two judges had more lopsided scores with 98-92 and 99-91.

After a less than impressive start in his comeback fight, Nietes seemed to gain his footing in the latter stages and looking sharp and sound in the final four rounds.

Colombia’s Carrillo (25-8-1, 16 KO) never found any momentum though did have some solid shots here and there.

With the win, Nietes positioned himself as veteran wild card in a stacked junior bantamweight division that includes compatriot Jerwin Ancajas, Juan Francisco Estrada and Ioka.

Ioka previous fight against Nietes in 2018 resulted in a controversial and close split decision win for the latter.

ksaktong limang buwan matapos talunin si David Diaz at makamit ang korona ng WBC lightweight, panlima ni Manny Pacquiao sa limang dibisyon, iniwan ng Pilipinong icon sa ring ang nasabing 135 librang timbang para magdagdag ng timbang at kumampanya sa kategorya ng welterweight o sa mabigat na 147 librang di- EDDIE G. ALINEA bisyon.

At ang nakatayo sa kanyang harapan para pigilan siya sa kanyang tangkang agawin ang bandera ay ang maalamat na Amerikano na may dugong Latinong si Oscar De La Hoya.

Si De La Hoya ay gold medalist noong 1992 Barcelona Olympics at, sa walong taong pagiging pro, ay nagmay-ari ng 11 pandaigdig na titulo sa anim na dibisyon, kabilang ang tatlong weight classes.

Sa Barcelona rin sa BANG! Sapul sa mukha ni De La Hoya ng kanang pagdiriwang bini�wan ni Manny noong paghaharap nila ng XXV noong Disyembre 6, 2008 sa MGM Grand AreGames of the na. (Mula sa file ni Eddie G. Alinea) Olympiad magugunitang ang Pilipino amateur na si Roel Velasco ay nakapaguwi ng medalyang tanso (bronze medal).

Disyembre 6, 2008 itinakda ang sagupaang bininyagang “The Dream Match” sa MGM Grand Arena. Sa kabila ng si Pacauiao ay noon nay kinikilalang hari ng poundfor-pound sa kanyang timbang, siya pa rin ang lumabas na dehado dala ng magandang record ng kalaban.

Maraming eksperto sa larangan ng sweet science ang nag-akalang ang 147 librang timbang ay napakalayo na para marating ng isang may kaliitang mandirigmang nagsimulang lumaban sa 106 librang klasipikasyon.

Katunayan, doblado, 2-1, ang logro pabor kay De La Hoya nang magkasabay na tumuntong sa pariksukat na lona ang dalawa.

Subalit pinatunayan ng ating si Manny na mali ang mga sinasabi ng mga dalubhasa sa boksing. Umakyat si DLH sa ring na 20 libra ang kulang kaysa nakatakdang weight limit.

Dahilan para dominahin ng ipinagmamalaki ng Pilipinas ang respetadong si DLH. Matapos ang walong round na suntukan ay inihagis na ng korner ng Mehikano-Amerikano ang tuwalya at ibigay kay Pacquiao ang tagumpay sa pamamagitan ng TKO. Lamang si Manny sa lahat ng scorecard nang matapos ang paghaharap, dalawa sa kanila ang humusga, 80-71, samantalang ang pangatlo ay 79-72. Tumama ng 224 ang 585 na suntok na binitiwan ni Manny. Walumpo at tatlo lamang sa 402 na ipinukol ni DLH ang tumama.

“We knew we had him after the first round,” pahayag ni trainer Freddie Roach makaraan ang laban. ”He (DLH) had no legs, he was hesitant and he was shot.”

Namamaga ang mukha ni Oscar, duguan ang mata at lamog ang buong katawan ni Oscar nang ihinto ang lumabas na huling laban ni DLH na nang matapos ay nagpahayag na tapos ng lahat ang boksing para sa kanya.

Retirado na siya!

Noong Disyembre 22, nang nasabing taon, iginawad kay Pacquiao ang Philippine Legion of Honor na may ranggong “Officer” (Pinuno) sa seremonyang ginanap para sa pagdiriwang ng ika-73 taong pagkakatatag ng Hukbong Sandatahan ng Pilipinas.

Sa kakulangan ng makakalaban, napuwersang bumaba si Manny ng timbang sa light-welterweight o super-lightweight para harapin ang Britisher na si Ricky Hatton na inihatid niya sa daigdig ng panaginip sa loob lamang ng wala pang anim na minuto.

Outside Looking In

(in Stuttgart) and that opened the door for Caloy to win the gold,” she said.

Yulo was geared to participate in three worldclass competitions this year but because of the pandemic, the events were cancelled. “Not enough preparation through competitions but his training in Japan is doing well,” said Carrion in a Philippine Star report. “He’s dedicating Tokyo to our country.

After Tokyo, Caloy will go back home and train with his colleagues for the SEA Games in Vietnam.”

Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya said Yulo is on track to earn an associate degree in literature at Teikyo University in September. Yulo has the option of continuing to study at Teikyo where he could graduate with a bachelor’s degree in two more years.

Kugimiya said if Manila is unable to put up a worldstandard gymnastics facility, Yulo is better off staying in Tokyo where he has trained the last four years.

Yulo was recently given the Jorge B. Vargas Most Outstanding Athlete Award by the Rotary Club of Manila, the biggest and first Rotary Club in Asia with 223 members. He garnered 41 votes to win the award over five other outstanding athletes. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz took second place and golfer Yuka Saso, third.

The annual award is a project initiated by Rotary Club of Manila immediate past president Jackie Rodriguez, formerly Toyota team manager in the PBA. There are 1,016 Rotary Clubs in the country with 25,000 members in 10 districts.

The Rotary Club of Manila is one of 117 clubs in District 3810 where Liza Elorde is the immediate past governor. Sportsman Hermie Esguerra is the Rotary Club of Manila programs committee chairman and immediate past vice president.

Panalo ni Pacquiao kay De La Hoya

April 8-12, 2021

22

Q: How can I ensure success in my quest to be debt free for the New Year?

A: The success of your plan will depend on your discipline. It will not be easy but it can be done. Remember that your plan is one among the many New Year’s resolution that will people will contemplate for the New Year. Many will fail and some will succeed but your fate will solely be determined by your determination to succeed. If you do not stray from your plan, then it can be done.

One of the hindrances that people face with their plans of becoming debt free is the way the market in the North Americas is designed. It is mainly designed to make people spend. It makes the economy healthy but you have to be smart about it. If you notice there is a holiday almost every month in a given year.

These holidays are designed to make people spend money. Let’s look at the holidays for the year.

• Christmas • New Year • Valentines • Mother’s day • Father’s day • Memorial day • 4th of July • Labor day • Thanksgiving • Black Friday • Birthdays With all these holidays in a given year, each one is associated with making you spend money on gifts. There is a “Sale” in every department store and dealerships all over town. So it is up to you to have the discipline to avoid the temptations of spending.

Ang ating lesson, New year’s resolution, baka ito ang solusyon.

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.

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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.

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Itama po natin ang mali!

 COMMUNITY NEWS

April 8-12, 2021

24

Bank of America increases commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity to $1.25 B Expansion will include ac�ons to address racial jus�ce and advocacy for people of Asian descent

CHARLOTTE – Bank of America announced that it has increased its $1 billion, four-year commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity to $1.25 billion over five years. This effort further accelerates work already underway to address racial equality and opportunity through direct actions, investments and work to catalyze similar efforts across the private sector.

To date, the company has made more than $350 million in various investments from its initial $1 billion four-year commitment, announced in June 2020, across its primary focus areas of health, jobs/reskilling, affordable housing and small business.

Additional funds announced today will further support investments to address racial justice, advocacy and equality for people and communities of color, including those of Asian descent.

“The urgency we feel to address long-standing issues of inclusion and racial inequality has only increased following the attacks and hate speech directed at Asian people over the last year,” said Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan. “Across the public and private sectors, it is clear that we must do more – to take action, help others convene, and serve as a catalyst for a broad-based, collective response to the critical issues affecting our nation.”

The bank also announced an immediate $1 million commitment and related actions in support of increased advocacy, dialogue and engagement with the Asian American community.

Further investments will be identified as part of the company’s expanded five-year effort.

Immediate actions taken to help accelerate and expand preexisting work include: A grant to the Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) organization to advance the nonprofit’s work to promote civil rights, bystander intervention, in-language advocacy, social services assistance and legal support. This funding supports five Asian Americans Advancing Justice affiliates based in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco and

Chicago.

The addition of Connie Chung Joe, chief executive officer of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles, to serve as a member of Bank of America’s National Community Advisory Council (NCAC), in support of ongoing dialogue and stakeholder engagement with the Asian community in the U.S., and on broad issues of gender and racial equality. Members of the NCAC engage with leaders on Bank of America’s business policies, practices and products in support of employees, clients and local communities.

Additional support for the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD) and The Leadership Conference Education Fund as the two organizations work to advance local community advocacy, training, and resources through community-based efforts.

Increased philanthropic support through Bank of America’s employee matching gift program. Bank of America employees can double their charitable donations to these three nonprofits and select others; the company’s matching gift minimum has been lowered to $1 for the next 90 days, to expand the impact of their support to the Asian community in the U.S. “The rising number of attacks against Asian people, including the tragic shootings in Atlanta recently, have served as a stark reminder that we must stand united against discrimination, hate speech and violence,” said Thong Nguyen, vice chairman at Bank of America. “We will not tolerate acts of racism in any form. Today’s commitment builds upon Bank of America’s many years of work in support of inclusion and racial equality.”

“Over the past year, we’ve witnessed increased racism and violence against Asian Americans, underlining the significant need for tools and resources to combat these, as well as a need for culturally specific mental health and victim support resources,” said Chung Joe. “We look forward to working with Bank of America and other national advocacy leaders to advance racial equity and create opportunities for all Americans.”

Bank of America’s work to address racial equity includes participation in the Business Roundtable’s new, multi-year effort to improve equity, diversity and workplace culture, and the bank’s partnership with the Smithsonian Institution in support of its “Our Shared Future:

Reckoning with our Racial Past” initiative.

Within the company, Bank of America’s Global Diversity & Inclusion Council includes senior executives from around the world and has been led by Moynihan for more than a decade.

The company also connects and supports employees through 11 employee networks and local chapters, including the Asian Leadership Network with more than 11,000 members.

Expanding perspectives is a critical aspect of how Bank of America drives a culture of inclusion. Over the last decade, the company has hosted thousands of courageous conversations with employees, external partners and members of the community to cultivate awareness, inclusion and understanding. Sessions held recently include an event hosted by Bank of America’s Asian Leadership Network regarding allyship to address the current climate of race relations in America, particularly in the Asian and Black/African American communities.

Bank of America’s $350 million in commitments since June 2020 include: · Equity capital investments in 12 minority depository institutions (MDIs) and community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to provide lending, housing, neighborhood revitalization and other banking services to thousands of individuals and small businesses that do not qualify through traditional lenders. This includes a new investment in Central Bank, an Asian American MDI. $188 million of investment in 61 private equity funds focused on minority and women entrepreneurs to address the persistent gap in access to growth capital for minority-led businesses.

Founding partner of the Smithsonian’s “Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past” initiative exploring how Americans understand, experience and confront race.

More than $22 million in grants to national and local nonprofits supporting workforce development, entrepreneurship, health and emergency needs.

Partnerships with 21 higher education institutions and major employers to enhance up-skilling and re-skilling for Black and Hispanic-Latino students.

More than $13 million committed to Native American Communities hardest hit by the coronavirus.

Expanded opportunities for 50,000 women entrepreneurs at the Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell.

Distribution of 25 million masks to underserved communities across the U.S.

Canepa: State will come roaring back June 15 DALY CITY – San Mateo County Board President David J. Canepa has declared the state economy will roar back to life by June 15.

Canepa made the statement after state health officials announced it will retire it’s color-coded pandemic blueprint June 15.

“We now have a definitive date, a definitive timeline for when our economy and our small businesses can come roaring back to life,” Canepa said.

“June 15 will be here before you

know it and the announcement today that all sectors of the economy, in all 58 counties, can reopen at or near full capacity is cause for celebration,” Canepa added.

Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of California Health and Human Services, said the state’s mask mandate will remain in place indefinitely, however. “ We need to protect those will not be vaccinated by summer, especially our children who are not yet approved yet,” Canepa said. “So, I will repeat, Wear your damn masks!”

25 April 8-14, 2021

 COMMUNITY NEWS

WASHINGTON — To help taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service announced today that it will take steps to automatically refund money this spring and summer to people who filed their tax return reporting unemployment compensation before the recent changes made by the American Rescue Plan.

The legislation, signed on March 11, allows taxpayers who earned less than $150,000 in modified adjusted gross income to exclude unemployment compensation up to $20,400 if married filing jointly and $10,200 for all other eligible taxpayers. The legislation excludes only 2020 unemployment benefits from taxes.

Because the change occurred after some people filed their taxes, the IRS will take steps in the spring and summer to make the appropriate change to their return, which may result in a refund. The first refunds are expected to be made in May and will continue into the summer.

For those taxpayers who already have filed and figured their tax based on the full amount of unemployment compensation, the IRS will determine the correct taxable amount of unemployment compensation and tax. Any resulting overpayment of tax will be either refunded or applied to other outstanding taxes owed.

For those who have already filed, the IRS will do these recalculations in two phases, starting with those taxpayers eligible for the up to $10,200 exclusion. The IRS will then adjust returns for those married filing jointly taxpayers who are eligible for the up to $20,400 exclusion and others with more complex returns.

There is no need for taxpayers to file an amended return unless the calculations

make the taxpayer newly eligible for additional federal credits and deductions not already included on the original tax return.

For example, the IRS can adjust returns for those taxpayers who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and, because the exclusion changed the income level, may now be eligible for an increase in the EITC amount which may result in a larger refund.

However, taxpayers would have to file an amended return if they did not originally claim the EITC or other credits but now are eligible because the exclusion changed their income.

These taxpayers may want to review their state tax returns as well.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Employment and Training (ETA), over 23 million U.S. workers nationwide filed for unemployment last year. For the first time, some self-employed workers qualified for unemployed benefits as well.

The IRS is working to determine how many workers affected by the tax change already have filed their tax returns.

The new IRS guidance also includes details for those eligible taxpayers who have not yet filed.

The IRS has worked with the tax return preparation software industry to reflect these updates so people who choose to file electronically simply need to respond to the related questions when electronically preparing their tax returns. See New Exclusion of up to $10,200 of Unemployment Compensation for information and examples. For others, instructions and an updated worksheet about the exclusion were available in March and posted to IRS.gov/form1040. These instructions can assist taxpayers who have not yet filed to prepare returns correctly.

Nearly 50,000 people trained to address harassment, protect Asian American communities during ongoing surge in anti-Asian hate WASHINGTON, D.C. — In just one year, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC and Hollaback! have trained nearly 50,000 people to successfully and safely intervene as a bystander to stop non-violent incidents of anti-Asian hate.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Asian American communities across the country have been facing a surge of hate-filled verbal and physical threats and attacks. Advocates are calling on community members and allies to join the community of nearly 50,000 who have already learned the skills to stand against hatred.

Advancing Justice | AAJC and Hollaback!’s training was adapted using Hollaback!’s 5Ds of bystander intervention methodology to respond to the anti-Asian harassment that Asian American communities have been experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 60-minute online training, which is available free-of-charge, teaches the skills to safely respond to harassment through five tactics: Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay and Direct.

By the end of 2020, thousands of people had participated in the trainings Hollaback!

And Advancing Justice | AAJC had created to help address anti-Asian/American and xe-

mophobic harassment, including a training on conflict de-escalation that was launched in May and a training for Asiam Americans who wanted to learn how to respond if they were harassed, which we launched in June, the AAJC said in a statement sent to Philippine News Today.

Then, in 2021, the news filled with reports of violent attacks on Asian elders, followed by the tragic shootings in Atlanta that resulted in the death of six Asian women last month.

“Many had already been coming to us asking ‘how can I help,’” said Emily May, Executive Director of Hollaback! “Then as the Asian American community faced new and amplified threats, harassment, and physical violence, more and more people were seeking out ways to help end anti-Asian hate.

We are doing what we can to meet this moment and help people stand up for the Asian American community.”

In 2021 alone, Advancing Justice | AAJC and Hollaback! have trained individuals from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our trainings have also drawn international participants. In the month of March alone, nearly 17,000 people participated in our training sessions.

2103-2277

IRS to recalculate taxes on unemployment benefits; refunds to start in May

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 COMMUNITY NEWS

April 8-12, 2021

26

With millions of Californians working and schooling from home, calling 811 before digging more important than ever, says PG&E Recent survey indicates that many homeowners are using their extra �me at home to complete projects that require digging SAN FRANCISCO, California – With the arrival of spring, many Californians are thinking of starting projects to make their outdoor spaces more livable, and many of these projects will require digging.

To help ensure these projects can proceed safely, and without disruptions to essential utility services that all depend on to be able to stay connected during the ongoing pandemic, April is recognized as National Safe Digging Month. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and more than 1,000 other utilities support this nationwide public safety initiative to supported by to raise awareness about the importance of calling 811 to have underground utility lines marked in advance of any digging project.

Throughout the pandemic, many homeowners are using their extra time at home to complete projects that require digging, according to a recent national survey conducted by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA). In fact, the survey shows that one in five homeowners (20%) have been more likely to do a DIY home improvement involving digging since the pandemic began – particularly gardening projects, and 56% of homeowners who are planning to plant a tree or shrub this year said they were more likely to dig while having extra time at home. The most popular planned projects cited among surveyed homeowners who plan to dig include: Planting a tree or shrub: 62% Building a fence: 37% Building a deck or patio: 32% Installing a mailbox: 20% Installing a pool: 6% Something else: 26% Additionally, of the millions of homeowners who plan to dig this year for projects like gardening, building a fence or deck,

installing a mailbox and more, nearly two in five (37%) will put themselves and their communities at risk by digging without contacting 811 beforehand to learn the approximate location of underground utilities.

“With millions of Californians relying on essential utility services as they work and learn from home, it is of the utmost importance that everyone take advantage of the free call to 811 prior to digging. Our locate and mark crews are in the field every day helping to ensure digging projects of all sizes can proceed safely, without risk to life, health or property. Whether your project is large or small, from repaving a driveway to installing a fencepost, calling 811 three working days before excavating to have the locations of underground gas or electric lines marked will help keep you, your family and your neighbors safe and help you avoid potentially costly repairs,” said Kevin Armato, PG&E director of Damage Prevention and Compliance.

According to the Common Ground Alliance’s damage information reporting tool, an underground utility line is damaged every nine minutes in the United States. This adds up to more than 200,000 preventable hits to underground utility lines nationwide annually. PG&E is urging customers to help prevent dig-ins by placing a toll-free call to 811 or an online request to have gas and electric lines marked free of charge three working days before the project begins.

Key Facts In 2020, there were over 1,400 third-party dig-ins on PG&E’s underground infrastructure across Northern and Central California.

Of the over 1,400 dig-ins, nearly 800 resulted from not using 811 to have gas and electric lines marked in advance.

Of the third-party (customers or construction crews) dig-ins to PG&E’s lines in 2020, residential dig-ins accounted for 31%.

In 91% of residential dig-ins, 811 was not called in advance.

811 is a designated tollfree number for homeowners and professional excavators and is serviced by regional offices. Operators answering calls and emails will dispatch all necessary utilities to properly mark underground utility lines with paint or flags. Underground Service Alert of Northern/Central California and Nevada (USA North) is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will provide Spanish and other translation

Great Team Work with Part-time long term employee(s) HIRING Experienced Caregivers for Daily and Hourly Shifts Competitive Pay + Flexible Hours

Requirements: • 3 professional references • Proof of eligibility to work in the US

services.

PG&E Safe Digging Tips: Mark project area in white: Identify the digging location by drawing a box around the area using white paint, white stakes, white flags, white chalk or even white baking flour.

Call 811 or go online for a USA ticket three working days before digging: Be prepared to provide the address and general location of the project, project start date and type of digging activity. PG&E and other utilities will identify underground facilities in the area for free.

Dig safely: Use hand tools when digging within 24 inches of the outside edge of underground utility lines. Leave utility flags, stakes or paint marks in place until the project is finished. Backfill and compact the soil.

Mind the lines: If the utility line is visible, dig in parallel with the utility line and use all precautions when removing the soil from around the utility line.

Be aware of signs of a natural gas leak: Smell for a “rotten egg” odor, listen for hissing, whistling or roaring sounds and look for dirt spraying into the air, bubbling in a pond or creek and dead/dying vegetation in an otherwise moist area.

PG&E urges customers to call 911 and then PG&E at 1-800743-5000 if there’s a suspected gas leak. If an accidental dent, scrape or other damage is made to a gas pipeline, those nearby must leave immediately and alert others to avoid the area. Only when a safe distance away should anything that might create a spark such as cell phones, matches, garage door openers, vehicles, or yard equipment be used.

About CGA CGA is a member-driven association of nearly 1,700 individuals, organizations and sponsors in every facet of the underground utility industry. Established in 2000, CGA is committed to saving lives and preventing damage to North American underground infrastructure by promoting effective damage prevention practices. CGA has established itself as the preeminent source of damage prevention data and information in an effort to reduce damages to underground facilities in North America through shared responsibility among all stakeholders. For more information, visit CGA on the web at http://www.commongroundalliance.com.

About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

San Mateo County Event Center mourns passing of former Assemblymember Gene Mullin SAN MATEO, CA – Dana Stoehr, CEO of the San Mateo County Event Center, has released a statement on the passing of former Assemblymember Gene Mullin.

“Our thoughts go out to Assemblymember Kevin Mullin and the entire Mullin Family,” Stoehr said. “ Gene was a champion for the Peninsula, including the San Mateo County Event Center, and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him,” she added.

“He was a wonderful legislator, husband, father and grandfather. His smile was infectious and his impact on San Mateo County was unrivaled,” she said.

27 April 8-14, 2021

Offline

(From Page 13)

The next president not only needs to be competent, surrounding himself or herself with the best executive talents possible, but he or she should have an iron will as well.

I make no bones of the fact that I believe that the country should vote for the opposition’s candidate for president in 2022.

It appears that Leni Robredo is it, but this need not be the case. In my book, retired Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio can do the job. Ditto with San Miguel Corp. head Ramon Ang. Both have the ability to get things done.

Unfortunately, while there are moves to draft either of the two to run for president, neither appears willing to join the race.

I would, of course, welcome a Robredo presidency. But I fear that she will be eaten alive by the corrupt political system that no longer produces able leaders. The likes of Vico Sotto are now the exception to the rule. Look at the Senate, if proof is needed.

Former senator Antonio Trillanes has expressed his willingness to run for president if Robredo chooses not to.

I have my misgivings, but maybe he is a good enough second choice. At least he can go after all the corrupt Duterte officials – the president and his immediate family especially – and order his administration to give them the tokhang treatment if they refuse to surrender their unexplained wealth.

He can start with the attorney general, the Health secretary, and the presidential spokesman, all of whom have not been able to explain why they are now billionaires on a public servant’s salary.

Anything less than a strong, honest, and competent president after Duterte will send the Philippines back to Third World status, perhaps permanently.

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

Angel Radio and Evangelist with the UNIVERSITY CHURCH OF CHRIST in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. “My faith in the reliability of the Word of God and the actuality of the resurrection of Christ and Truths presented by the Apostle Paul have enhanced and encouraged,” wrote Judy Miller, author of 19 motivational and Christian books, Pasadena, Texas, USA. “I personally recommend this book to the young people and millennials like me. This is a tremendous guide in the wisdom so needed in youth,” said Brent M. Solis, Evangelist and Minister, DAGUPAN CITY CHURCH OF CHRIST, Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Philippines.

“HISTORICITY OF JESUS is not only a tool for Christian workers in the field, but it can be a helpful teaching tool in our Sunday schools, fellowships, lectureships and other gatherings,” wrote Atty. Junas T. Sagurit, President, Asian Christian University, Bugallon, Pangasinan, Philippines.

“I eagerly recommend this book to all, notably to our Roman Catholic friends,” said James Quitoriano, former Roman Catholic, and now Minister, GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California, USA. To get your autographed copies of the two books plus a Bible, just attend the Special Sunday with Edwin Bacani on April 11, 2021.RSVP: (650)438-3531 or (415)584-7095 or email:agmadlaing@hotmail.com (ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE #00635976) in California since 1981. He is founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California USA.)

PerryScope...

(From Page 12)

a sudden – and unexpected -- detour to the middle during the first presidential debate, which took Obama completely off guard. Obama lost that first debate but recovered in the second and third debates. But Romney’s shift to the middle came too late. By that time, most voters had already made their choices and the early voters had already voted.

“So, what is in store for the Republican Party? Can the GOP recover from the 2012 election debacle and remain a viable political party capable of winning the presidency? But with the Tea Party still in control of the Republican Party apparatus and dictating its political agenda, it would be difficult for the Republican Party to attract minority, women, and young people into a ‘Big Tent’ that welcomes people of diverse political persuasions. The party tried it in the 1980s and 1990s but failed to keep them simply because of its strict adherence to ideological purity and intolerance to deviation

from the party’s rigid stance on issue… or, as Republicans love to say, ‘core values.’

“In the aftermath of the Republican Party’s defeat in the 2012 elections, Tea Party leaders are jumping ship. Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey left FreedomWorks – which was instrumental in the rise of the Tea Party movement – in the wake of its dismal performance where only a quarter of the Tea Party candidate won.”

Eight years later… déjà vu Fast forward to 2020. Former President Donald Trump, who won the 2016 election, lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden by 74 electoral votes – 306 to 232 – compared to the Obama-Romney contest eight years earlier, which were 332 to 206.

The big difference is that Romney conceded defeat right after losing Florida while Trump never conceded to this day.

He is still challenging the results of the 2020 election. Trump couldn’t believe that he lost the election. He was reportedly shell-shocked by the sudden turn of events as states began reporting the election results.

It’s interesting to note that like in 2012, the Republicans resorted to “voter suppression” tactics in 2020. However, the courts – state and federal, including the Supreme Court -- rejected the lawsuits brought by Trump and his supporters who challenged the election results. Trump claimed massive use of “voter fraud” but it never gained traction. More than 60 lawsuits alleging voter fraud were rejected for lack of merit.

In an attempt to overturn the Electoral College votes, Trump gathered his supporters in Washington, DC on January 6, 2021 and incited them to march to the US Capitol to stop Congress from certifying the electoral votes. A riotous insurrection ensued. It was a coup attempt to install Trump as president. It failed.

Voter suppression Recently, Republicans in 47 state legislatures have filed legislation to control elections in their state. Georgia was the first state to do so successfully on March 26. Governor Brian Kemp unhesitatingly signed the bill into law behind closed door witnessed by six white male Republican legislators.

Immediately, several civil rights and voter rights groups filed lawsuits challenging the new Georgia election law, which many civil rights leaders have compared it to the Jim Crow era.

The new law makes it harder for Georgians to register and vote. It allows for unlimited challenges to a voter’s registration. It requires voters to provide their driver’s license, state ID number or a photocopy of their ID to cast a mail-in ballot.

It bans third-party groups from sending absentee-ballot applications to voters. It ends the use of portable polling sites.

It criminalizes offering food and water to individuals waiting in line to vote. And most importantly, it strips the secretary of state, Georgia’s top elections official, of his role as chair of the state election board, and gives the state legislature the power to fill three of that board’s five seats. It essentially gives the state legislature control over the certification of elections and voting rules in the state.

Leaderless and rudderless, the Republican Party seems like it is about to implode. A lot of Republicans are disillusioned. Many have changed their party affiliations. They believe that the Grand Old Party of Abraham Lincoln has lost its vision and moral compass. The party needs an extreme makeover to survive and remain a viable political party.

Quo vadis, Republican Party?

(PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

Diliman way

(From Page 12)

freedom, equality and social justice.

Seventh, he must be disciplined to adhere to his well-defined objectives – consistent with his vision and revolutionary dream.

Eighth, he must know how to deal with situations and problems – simple or complicated.

Ninth, he must be humble and magnanimous in victory, defiant in crisis or defeat, as the great Winston Churchill would have it.

Tenth, he must appoint a Cabinet which must be composed of the best and the brightest in the land fired with the ideals and principles, the same values and commitment and love of God, the people and the country and who are analytical and independent minded.

Eleventh, he must have the strength to deny the inappropriate request of relatives and friends which prejudice the national interest.

Twelfth, he must know how to listen to suggestions, even to unsolicited advice, and learn.

All these sound too idealistic but they are not impossible to find in a person. As I keep on saying – the impossible is only in the mind. The presidency or top national leadership is not for ordinary individuals. It is for individuals who skirt the fringes of divinity. For leadership, in the true sense of the word and action is clothed with the incandescence of the Divine.

Less than the ideal: Under normal circumstances, in this country or in any other country, we can only expect a President or a national leader to be elected with qualifications which are less than the ideal.

For centuries, it has always been like that – whether a democratic or

authoritarian regime. In a democracy, it is not easy to find a Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Winston Churchill and a Lee Kwan Yew. In a totalitarian country, it is equally difficult to find a Lenin, Deng Shiao Ping, Moammar Khaddafi, Ho Chi Minh and Fidel Castro.

In our country, at this moment in time, it may not be easy to elect men like Manuel Luis Quezon, Manuel Acuña Roxas, Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay, Carlos Polistico Garcia and Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, as our President and national leader. So we are left to choosing among those who are less than the ideal. But even with the less than ideal, there are still primary qualifications that are required.

First, he must have an above average intelligence and courage.

Second, he must have character and integrity.

Third, he must have a genuine commitment and love of God, our people and our country.

Fourth, he must have a set of values consistent with his ideals and principles Fifth, he must appoint a Cabinet which must be composed of the best and the brightest in the land fired with the ideals and principles, the same values and commitment and love of God, the people and the country who are analytical and independent minded.

Sixth, he must have a set of advisers who know how to formulate a vision for the country and an appropriate and effective plan of action to achieve defined goals and objectives.

Seventh, he must have the strength to deny the inappropriate request of relatives and friends which prejudice the national interest.

Eighth, he must be focused and unrelenting in doing good to achieve the vision and goals he and his advisers would help design for him.

Ninth, he must be humble and magnanimous in victory but defiant in a crisis or defeat.

Tenth, he must know how to listen to suggestions, even to unsolicited advice, and learn.

Similar: The qualities of the ideal and less ideal President are similar on the basics. The difference lies on – brilliance, knowledgeable, well read, charismatic, visionary and revolutionary dreamer. These are the qualities of the immortals who can defy time and circumstance, and come out in glowing and glorious colors.

Early birds: For the guidance of the leaders and supporters of the early birds, the early thirds birds themselves, the ambitious with or without a cause, the voters and the citizens, I will follow this article on the early birds. I am not endorsing or supporting anyone of them – that is the problem of the people, the voters, the early birds and their supporters and leaders. I think it is service enough to country and our people by writing about the subject and the possible candidates, with the reminder from Ralph Waldo Emerson, one of my favorite poets and I have many, in his A Nation’s Strength: Not gold but only men can make A people great and strong; Men who for truth and honor’s sake Stand fast and suffer long.

Brave men who work while others sleep, Who dare while others fly...

They build a nation’s pillars deep And lift them to the sky.

Immigrant’s story...

(From Page 13)

Aquino and VP Jejomar Binay in 2010.

Then Duterte was elected president in 2016 with Leni Robredo winning as VP. Many hoped that the Duterte presidency would usher a “new political era” in the history of the Philippines but it appears that with just more than a year left in his term, Duterte has failed to make any significant mark as president.

May the new president who will succeed Duterte in 2022 do a better job in leading the Filipino people in reforming the political structure and culture of the Philippines. It is time to have leaders who will genuinely serve the true interest of the nation and its people.

Upside...

(From Page 11)

* Direct or call authorities.

If you’re not a bystander or an upstander, are you a “withstander,” as Michelle Obama candidly used in “Becoming” to describe her father “who never complained about small things or big...who had a doctor give him what amounted to a death sentence and then just carried on”?

Or do you believe it within your capacity to be the change you crave? *** Philippine News Today Executive Editor Cherie M. Querol Moreno founded and directs all-volunteer abuse prevention nonprofit ALLICE Alliance for Community Empowerment.

 HEALTH NEWS

April 8-12, 2021

28

WHO urges countries to build a fairer, healthier world post-COVID-19 GENEVA—COVID-19 has unfairly impacted some people more harshly than others, exacerbating existing inequities in health and welfare within and between countries.

For World Health Day, 7 April 2021, the World Health Organization issued five calls for urgent action to improve health for all people.

Within countries, illness and death from COVID-19 have been higher among groups who face discrimination, poverty, social exclusion, and adverse daily living and working conditions - including humanitarian crises.

The pandemic is estimated to have driven between 119 and 124 million more people into extreme poverty last year. And there is convincing evidence that it has widened gender gaps in employment, with women exiting the labour force in greater numbers than men over the past 12 months.

These inequities in people’s living conditions, health services, and access to power, money and resources are

long-standing. The result: under-5 mortality rates among children from the poorest households are double that of children from the richest households. Life expectancy for people in low-income countries is 16 years lower than for people in high-income countries. For example, 9 out of 10 deaths globally from cervical cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries.

But as countries continue to fight the pandemic, a unique opportunity emerges to build back better for a fairer, healthier world by implementing existing commitments, resolutions, and agreements while also making new and bold commitments.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has thrived amid the inequalities in our societies and the gaps in our health systems,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “It is vital for all governments to invest in strengthening their health services and to remove the barriers that prevent so many people from using them, so more people have the chance to live healthy lives.”

WHO is therefore issuing five calls for action: Accelerate equitable access to COVID-19 technologies between and within countries Safe and effective vaccines have been developed and approved at record speed. The challenge now is to ensure that they are available to everyone who needs them.

Key here will be additional support to COVAX, the vaccine pillar in the ACT-Accelerator, which hopes to have reached 100 countries and economies in the coming days.

But vaccines alone will not overcome COVID-19.

Commodities such as medical oxygen and personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as reliable diagnostic tests and medicines are also vital. So are strong mechanisms to fairly distribute all these products within national borders. The ACT-Accelerator aims to establish testing and treatments for hundreds of millions of people in low and middle-income countries who would otherwise miss out. But it still requires USD22.1 billion to deliver these vital tools where they are so desperately needed.

COVID-19 Stats Heart of Hope

As of Monday, April 5, 2021, there were 478,884 new cases of COVID -19 increasing the total to 132,432, 231 cases worldwide (population: about 7.858 billion) with 7,404 new deaths, making the total deaths to 2,873.411. In the USA, 500 new deaths that day, with a total of PHILIP S. CHUA 569,282 mortalities, as the total cases rose to 31.496,976. Brazil had the highest deaths for that day, 1,623, total cases - 13,023,189 (38,233 new cases). The Philippines had 803,387 total cases and 13.435 deaths, 10 new deaths.

The following day, US had 7,335 new cases and 116 deaths, while the Philippines had 9,373 new cases and 382 new deaths. More than 1/3 of the people in the USA (population: around 332.5 million) have been vaccinated. The Philippines (population around 110.8 million) started its anti-COVID-19 vaccination March 1, 2021, using Chana’s SinoVac. To contain COVID-19 in the country, foreign citizens are currently not allowed to travel to the Philippines, including Filipinos who are not holders of Philippine passports. Those who are allowed to enter the country must have a hotel reservation for 7 days, for quarantine purposes upon arrival.

CDC COVID-19 Advisory Fully vaccinated (those who completed their shots two weeks prior) are “no longer required to test before or after traveling domestically or internationally from the U.S, unless required to do so by the international destination country, and they no longer have to selfquarantine after returning to the U.S., unless required to do so by a state or local jurisdiction,” according to the updated guideline from the CDC. The rest of the advisory follows: “The agency still recommends that even fully vaccinated travelers wear a mask in public, and take other public health precautions, such as social distancing and avoiding crowds, and practicing hand hygiene,” the rule emphasizes.

“Some travel guidance remains unchanged. CDC still recommends fully vaccinated people have proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to returning to the U.S., and get tested 3-5 days later.

“Meanwhile, nothing has changed for travelers who are not fully vaccinated. CDC continues to recommend

that not fully vaccinated travelers get a COVID-19 test 1-3 days prior to domestic or international travel, as well as 3-5 days after returning. Those who are not fully vaccinated should continue to self-quarantine for 7 days after travel and a negative test, or 10 days after travel if not tested. CDC also said those who are not fully vaccinated should avoid non-essential domestic travel.”

Fourth wave?

Fearing worsening of the COVID pandemic in the United States and a probable fourth wave as the COVID-19 cases increased by 10 percent and hospitalization to around 4,800 per day on a 7-day average, “CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, MD, her voice shaking, warned of ‘impending doom’ if states continue to relax restrictions, and if Americans continue to increase travel and ignore public health precautions.”

The 4 more common variants of COVID-19 include the UK strain (B.1.1.7), around 2,000 cases found in 45 States so far, also in Denmark and Scandinavia, the South African variety (B.1.351), which emerged in South Africa and found in 14 US States, and the Brazilian variant (P.1) infecting at least 5 cases in Minnesota, Oklahoma, Florida, and Maryland. A US variant, homegrown in California (CAL.,20C), has infected more than 30 percent of entire state by mid-to-late January and more than 40 percent in Southern California.

The importance of following the guidelines, especially with the re-opening of businesses, is even more important today. Masking, social distancing, good hygiene, and avoiding crowds, limiting travels to essential needs, even after vaccination, could help mitigate the labile situation. The significance of this discipline might not be earth-shaking until a loved one is taken away from us because we did not behave accordingly. SARSCoV2 virus is new and it is mutating to new strains, which could be expected to be more virulent. There are a lot we still do not know about this killer and the available vaccines. So, it is best to be cautious, or even a bit over-protective, than being arrogant, overly confident and let our guard down, simply because we have been vaccinated. It is now clear worldwide that these vaccines are generally effective (95 percent and greater) and safe, and that mask and social distancing work.

One shot not enough Some people refuse to get the second shot of the 2-dose vaccines (P-BioNT and Moderna), fearing danger from the second dose and thinking one dose confers full protection. That is not true and very dangerous. And a waste of the vaccine. Also, if one was okay after the

first does, the second one should also be fine, as statistics today show.

A physician colleague of mine had his first dose of the vaccine, still got COVID-19 infection from his son five days post-shot, and died. We do not totally know our enemy, especially the variants and worse strains that might evolve; let’s be wise and stay safe.

Amazing FAR-UVC One of the beneficial side-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is the development of antiviral treatments and mitigating technologies that were also found to be useful in the management of other bacterial/viral illnesses, and the discovery of new uses for old medications we have been using for specific conditions for some time.

An example of this is the use of UVC light, the conventional form of which has a wavelength of 254 nm. UV radiation was first discovered on February 22, 1801 by Johann Wilhelm Ritter. Subsequently, they were differentiated by wavelength into UVA (315-400 nm), UVB (2870-315 nm), and UVC 100-280 nm).

Dr. David Brenner and his team at Columbia University have developed a technique “that zaps airborne viruses with a narrow-wavelength band of UV light shows promise for curtailing the person-to-person spread of COVID-19 in indoor public places. The technology “uses lamps that emit continuous, low doses of a particular wavelength of ultraviolet light, known as far-UVC (wavelength 222 nm), which can kill viruses and bacteria without harming human skin, eyes and other tissues, as is the problem with conventional UV light.”

“Far-UVC light has the potential to be a ‘game changer,’” said Professor Brenner, “It can be safely used in occupied public spaces, and it kills pathogens in the air before we can breathe them in.”

These Far-UVC lamps could be used like today’s mosquito electric zapper, installed in homes and public places, offices, hotels, dorms, convention centers, sports arena, theaters, restaurants, stores, schools, etc., to destroy bacteria and various viruses, including Flu viruses and SARS-CoV2 virus of COVID-19, without health risk to humans, animals, and plants. This will eliminate the need for countless toxic chemicals we currently use to kills microbes. Progress, indeed!

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

29 April 8-14, 2021

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS

LOOKING FOR DIAMONDS

By TIM PEDROSA

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hen we want something badly enough, nothing can hold us back! Obstacles may trip us up, challenges may tax our abilities, but desire still fuels our progress. Circumstances will present themselves as roadblocks, but if we want it badly enough, we will triumph. Let’s tune in to the strength of our desires. Success is as near as our desire to achieve it. Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high, and we miss it. But that our aim is too low, and we reach it. Here’s a nice selection derived from the writings of Steve Goodier. Albert Einstein said, “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” Once discovered, such opportunities are like valuable diamonds hidden in the sand. Several years ago I spoke at church about how we are surrounded by “diamonds,” if we could only recognize them. A man stopped by to see me. I remembered him as somebody who had suffered through a painful divorce and was examining his life’s priorities. His outstretched hand contained a small, plastic gem stone.“I stepped on this gem stone when I was leaving church last Sunday,” he explained. “It became lodged in the sole of my shoe. You had spoken about recognizing opportunities – diamonds. I put the plastic stone in my pocket to remind me to look for those diamonds that I need. “I have been trying to sell my business,” he continued. On Monday morning, a man stopped by who seemed interested in purchasing some of my stock. I thought, ‘Here’s my diamond – don’t let it get away!’ I sold the entire stock to him by noon. “Now,” he said through a broad smile, “my next diamond is to find a new job!” Not long afterward, he did find a new and better job. He resolved to keep his gem stone with him from then on as a reminder to look for diamonds as he digs through the difficulties of life. Richard DeVos is accurate when he points out, “This is an exciting world. It is cram-packed with opportunity. Great moments wait around every corner.” Those moments are diamonds that, if left unrecognized, will be forever lost. Are you looking for diamonds every day? If not, you may easily pass them by! Perhaps there is a diamond of opportunity hidden in that difficulty you’re experiencing now. Don’t give up, keep looking!

Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out. The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don’t define them, learn about them, or even seriously consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell us where they are going, what they plan to do along the way, and who will be sharing the adventure with them. A person should set his goals as early as he can and devote all his energy and talent to getting there. With enough effort, he may achieve it or he may find something that is even more rewarding. But in the end, no matter For more info, please call: what the outcome, he Mr. J.R.: (650) 952-823 will know he has been alive.

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Exalt God’s Mercy

e are a new creation in Jesus Christ. God’s merciful love triumph over sin and death. He freed us from corruption in sin and now we are freed as Children of God (Rom. 8:21). Let us be grateful to the Lord for His great love and infinite mercy. Oftentimes I think; if God has not given us His mercy, which is freely given, He is and was never compelled to do, what would become of us, what would become of me in a personal way, if He had not been merciful? I think for myself; I am a priest, with all that I am, I am always unworthy, but only because of God’s mercy and kindness that I continue to exist as priest and as a person.

By God’s merciful love we are deigned worthy of Him. It is Easter Season, dear reader, I invite you to reflect in yourself deeply the wonder of the Lord’s merciful REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD love in your life.

Moreover, I would like to suggest some points to do in our gratefulness of God’s mercy in our lives: For one, let us restore the sense of the highest glory and honor to God in ourselves, in oneself. When we sin, we do not only offend God, but also something breaks in us; that is, there happens in our heart a sense of negativity towards God. We develop contentiousness against God, a dissenting attitude, or an attitude that we become disrespectfully audacious against Him. This kind of attitude makes us increasingly arrogant towards God, we test and dare Him in life. Thomas in the gospel passage (see John 20:24-28), he represented us all in this kind of attitude. Instead of humbly saying, “I am sorry…”

He goes on to say: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail-marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” This is not only an expression of doubt, but also a contention, an arrogant audacity in sin, and we all are like that in sin, but what is awesome here, what Thomas did was not the central message, the primary message is Jesus, the Risen Lord, says: “Peace be with you.”

So, let us give always God greater honor and glory every moment; that in spite of our sinfulness, our arrogance, and at times hardness of heart, His mercy and His peace continue to overflow toward us.

Furthermore, as we are gifted with His mercy, we are to give mercy; and as we always commit sin of many forms, let us not alienate ourselves from the Sacrament of God’s mercy, the Sacrament of Confession, Penance and Reconciliation. The more we approach the Sacrament of God’s mercy the more we are cleansed; at the same time, we are emboldened to be mercy givers. Only God forgives sins, but His power to forgive is shared to His Apostles, “He breathed on them and said, ‘receive the Holy Spirit,’ whose sins you forgive are forgiven them…

(Jn. 20:22-23)” Jesus’ infinite merits of His Paschal Mystery are applied to us through the Sacraments. We receive abundant blessings, actual and sanctifying graces, through the Sacraments. Let us love and have the devotion to the Sacraments, especially the Sacrament of His mercy. Let us always be encouraged to go to confession regularly. The Risen Lord giving the power to forgive sins to His Apostles, and their successors until our time, delivers into us God’s salvation ever new though more than two millennia now.

As we journey in this Easter Season, let our rejoicing in God’s mercy be a powerful impulse to never dwell in any sinful state, but rather to seek immediately God’s mercy with a strong resolution to amend and change our ways. Let the victories of the Risen Lord become our victories as well in our fight against sin and sinful behavior. We cannot let His merciful love be in vain; but truly make it fruitful through multiplication of good deeds, growth in virtues, perseverance in the study of the faith, and strong devotion to prayer life. May the Blessed Mother Mary, Mother of Mercy, inspire us to be close to Her Son, The Divine Mercy Incarnate, and encourage us to be eager mercy bearers to others in our world today. Amen. You can also find this article in my website, faithexpressions.org, view us too in YouTube, Faith Expressions, for other faith formation videos.

Aflame The Heart

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

31 April 8-14, 2021  NATIONAL NEWS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Fish and Bok Choy with Oyster Sauce Stirfry Ingredients: 300g white fish fillet, cut into strips 1 bunch baby bok choy, cut into serving pieces, stalk thinly sliced 1 medium size onion, chopped 2-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 thumb size ginger, peeled, cut into thin strips 2-3 stalks leeks, cut diagonally 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup oyster sauce 1/4 cup cornstarch juice from 1/2 lemon salt and pepper sesame oil cooking oil Cooking procedure: Marinate fish in lemon juice, soy sauce and cornstarch for 5 to 10 minutes. In a wok, heat generous amount of cooking oil and stir fry garlic and ginger for a minute or until fragrant. Add in onion and stir fry for another half a minute.

Remove stirfried aromatics from the pan and keep aside. Using the same pan stirfry fish in batches for 3 to 5 minutes until it start to sizzle and seared, remove from wok and keep aside. Using the same wok return the stirfried aromatics and add in the bok choy stalks and stir cook for 1 to 2 minutes then add in the leafy part of bok choy and stir cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Now add in the stirfried fish, the oyster sauce and the leeks, stir cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Correct saltines if require and season with pepper powder. Drizzle with a few drops of sesame oil. Serve hot.

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Coconut bonsai plants, anyone?

It’s Iloilo farm’s latest attraction ILOILO CITY – There is a new attraction for tourists, farmers and horticulturists at a farm in Bingawan town in Iloilo province.

It is the Concepcion Carillo Agricultural Farm (CFAM) in Barangay Cairohan in Bingawan which now features also more than 2,000 coconut bonsai plants.

Perla Lena, in a PNA report, said the coconut bonsai plants were made during the health pandemic which sparked the creativity of a scientist and farmer Concepcion “Connie” Carillo, owner of CFARM. “We look at the positive side of the pandemic. This is now the opportunity that we can use resources around us,” said Carillo.

Carillo, who is also the vice-president of the association of Magsasaka Siyentista in Western Visayas, said coconut bonsai is considered an ornamental plant. However, it takes long before one can appreciate its beauty.

“Coconut bonsai teaches us how to be patient, how to invest our time and not to rush things and despite this pandemic, we have to survive life,” she said in a phone interview.

Recognized as “Magsasakang Siyentista of Bingawan in 2017” and as one of the “2018 Outstanding Rural Women Farmers” by the Department of Agriculture prodded her to come up with a project for women, she said.

In 2018, she decided to try the coconut bonsai but was produced only four as she was too preoccupied with other works.

A year after, she realized the unique characteristic of the coconut to “survive” despite its leaves and roots being cut. That year, she was able to make 14 coconut SMALL BUT INSPIRING. bonsai.

Some of the coconut The 2020 pandemic allowed her to stay in Binga- bonsai plants propagated wan, explore, and look for farm wastes that could help by Concepcion “Connie” earn money.

Carillo on her farm in BaWith more of her time already spent at home, she rangay Cairohan, Bingawas able to produce more than 2,000 coconut bonsai. wan, Iloilo.)

She added that the coconut bonsai can be used as souvenir items, giveaways during special occasions, office decoration, and stress reliever.

The planting material or the seed is priced at PHP500 but those two years old can be sold from PHP2,500 to PHP 4,000 each.

“It brings happiness because every bonsai is unique. I am very positive about this project although I know that it will take time,” she said.

It takes a month before the shoot of the coconut fruit will come out. Another five months for it to grow around 12 inches long.

After eight months, when the roots and leaves are longer, the bonsai is now ready for transfer to a bigger container.

She said she is aware that this project takes time, yet she wanted this to become popular and for Western Visayas to claim that it’s the first to produce coconut bonsai trees.

Carillo expressed optimism that it will be popular in the future, similar to the caladium plant, which used to thrive only in forests but now has become popular among plant growers amid the pandemic.

Her coconut bonsai project has also provided income to her community because she bought from them coconut fruits, including those that are considered as rejects.

Other parts of the coconut fruit are converted into coco peat and coco chips for fertilizer.

“We are zero waste when it comes to coconut and coconut bonsai is our main product,” she said.

Farmers are always encouraged to look around their surroundings and find out if there are things that they can convert into money, Carillo added.

She is willing to train those who are interested to raise their own coconut bonsai.

“We have to force ourselves to appreciate what’s around. Otherwise, if we could not see the positive side of this pandemic, then we will just get depressed,” she said.

She added that raising coconut bonsai takes time and patience for one to produce a beautiful ornamental plant.

Apart from producing bonsai, she also discovered a way to eradicate coconut leaf beetle or Brontispa longissima that is infesting coconut trees.

Since she is always out looking for coconuts to be used for the bonsai, she noticed that some of the coco trees are dying and discovered that it was due to brontispa.

She discovered that rice hull ash mixed with fine sand and herbal oil, which she also produced, can kill the insect.

“It was a great accomplishment for me as Magsasaka Siyentista,” she said.

Last March 4, she discovered that a concoction of garlic, pepper, and ginger boiled in vinegar can kill ants and other pests in just two minutes after spraying.

An 880ml of the concoction mixed with 60ml of herbal oil, being produced on her farm, plus 60ml of dishwashing liquid makes a potent pest annihilator.

Beef Spareribs Adobo with Oyster Sauce