Philippine News Today

1 May 20-26, 2021

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

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

COVID REPORT. President Duterte presides over a mee�ng with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infec�ous Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park.

Duterte admits getting veiled threat from China’s Xi

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

MANILA – Your people can fish in these waters, but they may not drill for oil or natural gas there. If they do, “there will be trouble.”

This was the message that Chinese President Xi Jinping

Vol. 60 No. 41 May 20-26, 2021

DEADLIER COVID VARIANTS CLAIM 43 LIVES IN PHL Duterte warns of another lockdown if cases surge, urges flexing for worst

By ALFRED GABOT and CLAIRE MORALES TRUE Editor in Chief and Managing Editor

MANILA — More variants of the twice deadly India variant of COVID-19 and other variants have been detected in the Philippines prompting vaccinated President Rodrigo Duterte and health officials to urge the country to prepare for “the worst” COVID-19 situation, as more contagious variants of the novel coronavirus also spread worldwide. Page 9

sent to President Rodrigo Duterte when they met some time ago, Raps affirmed vs which the Philippine president admitted for the first time this ex-Comelec chief week.

MANILA/LAS VEGAS There was only one issue. The waters Xi referred to are Page 8 - The Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed the findings of the National Privacy Commission (NPC) that former Commission on Elections chairman Andres Bautista violated Republic

By Jun Nucum 10173 or the “Data Privacy of SAN FRANCISCO - Op- 2012” in connection with the erations at the San Francisco April 2016 data breach that Philippine Consulate General placed the personal information (SFPCG) have been correspond- of millions of voters at risk. ingly adjusted in response to the The NPC recommended the different consular needs of Fili- prosecution of Bautista, who has pinos that really have been con- fled to the United States and was tinually sought for even during last seen with friends in Las Vethe pandemic as most states in gas, for the crime of accessing the U.S. are going back to busi- sensitive personal information ness. due to negligence.

The number of clients for The NPC also urged the Department each of the services Page 8 of Justice (DoJ) to in- Page 8

As restrictions ease, SF consulate operation going back to normal

Consul-General Neil Ferrer

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

Fil-Am leaders thank Biden for vaccines at White House

WASHINGTON, DC -- Filipino American leaders rallied last Saturday in front of the White House to thank President Biden and the American People for delivering an initial donation of 2.5 million

doses of AstraZeneca vaccines through the COVAX facility to the Philippines.

The dozen leaders also appealed to Biden to release by Memorial Day an additional 5 Page 24 million doses

FIL-AM LEADERS thank President Biden at a White House rally

Palace: Philippine Rise is ours, intruders warned

SC Leonen’s impeachment moves in House VIEWS & COMMENTS

Biden revoked a Trump order requiring health insurance for visa issuance

Page 14 By A�y. Lozano

SHOWBIZ

SPORTS

Luis Manzano running for mayor in 2022?

FilAm Brandon Vera trounced, loses belt

Page 15

Page 21

P6

PESO-DOLLAR RATE

$1.00= P47.86

as of May 20, 2021 1:30am

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 NATIONAL NEWS

May 20-26, 2021

2

After West Phl Sea, Duterte vows to protect Philippine Rise

By Claire Morales True MANILA - The vast territory besides Cagayan Valley called Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise) belongs to the Filipino nation and no foreign intrusion will be allowed into the territory.

President Duterte made the declaration in a public address as he vowed to protect the big region in the Pacific Ocean.

Philippine Rise, formerly Benham Rise, is a 13 million hectare under sea region east of Luzon and is 35 meters underwater at its shallowest point off the provinces of Aurora and Isabela.

Benham rise became a topic for discussion after former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, a guestt at a Malacanang meeting, suggested that the Philippine government exploit the area using resources from economic dealing with China.

“I have made it clear to all, to the world, that I will not allow any intrusion there. Well, of course, the right to innocent passage is everybody’s privilege,” Duterte said.

“But to allow anybody, even to just try to exploit or to even to look in, you know, I will not allow them to do that because that belongs — Philippine Rise belongs to the Filipino people,” he stresssed.

Enrile, who was a guest during the President’s Talk to the People, suggested that whatever the country can get from China on the West Philippine Sea, it must be used to strengthen the Philippine military capability and to exploit Benham Rise.

The former Senate leader said that assuming there’s no dispute about the country’s right over exclusive economic exploitation of West Philippine Sea assets, it still needs foreign money to make it a source of wealth for the nation.

PRESIDENT DUTERTE at a Malacanang briefing with ex-Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile as guest

The choice is either go to Europe and get technology and capital to explore and exploit the energy resources in the economic zone in West Philippine Sea, or to deal directly with China.

Duterte’s balanced approach in dealing with China amid the yearslong dispute over contested territories in the West Philippine Sea has helped the country survive difficult periods, Enrile said.

“Mr. President, I congratulate you for your effort to see to it that the country will survive in these critical times. Hindi dapat gamitin ang mainit na kaisipan na kagaya ng mga kritiko natin. Dapat balanced lang approach natin at mahinahon,” Enrile told President Duterte in a meeting about the West Philippine Sea issue.

The former Senate president, who was a guest during the President’s Talk to People aired Monday night, said the West Philippine Sea is being coveted by different claimants because of its strategic importance economically and

militarily.

Enrile, who also served as the country’s defense minister in the 70s, said 7 billion barrels of oil and 900 trillion cubic feet of natural gas were proven to lie underneath the West Philippine Sea, making it a treasure cove of rich natural resources.

Being one of the leading countries in energy exploration, he explained that by maintaining friendly relations with China, Philippines could strike a good deal to tap its energy resources. Otherwise, Philippines would need to borrow money from foreign banks to fund energy exploration, he pointed out.

“We’ll lose more if we antagonize China. We have no choice except to negotiate with China,” said Enrile. “Maybe we can get better by talking with China instead of being aggressive.”

At the same time, Enrile said that the President, being elected by the Filipino people, has the sole duty to frame the country’s foreign policy, and this is true to true to other nations.

China, he said, is now very advanced in terms of energy exploration, having major operations in Africa and elsewhere.

“As far as I am concerned, we will not gain anything by antagonizing China. I’m not pro-China. I’m not… I do not have any interest in China,” he said.

“But as a Filipino, I will take this position to protect my countrymen, to protect our core territory, to protect our economy. Maybe we can get better by talking with China instead of being aggressive.”

In April 2012, the United Nation (UN) officially approved and recognized the claim of the Philippines in strict compliance with the requirements of the United Nations Convention on the law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Wider than the entire Luzon, Samar, and Leyte combined, it became official part of the Philippines because it is the only country within 200 nautical miles of the plateau.

MANILA/WASHINGTON – The Philippines has expressed its interest to the United States government to be one of the beneficiaries of its coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine donations.

National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF) deputy chief implementer Vivencio Dizon said the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. is in talks with key US government officials for the vaccine donations.

“In the next few weeks, we will get (an) update on this. But according to Ambassador (Jose Manuel) ‘Babes’ (Romualdez), the US government had a ‘very positive’ response about our request, especially for the AstraZeneca vaccines that have not been used in America,” he said.

Dizon added there are other countries that also requested to get a share from the

Covid-19 vaccine donations from the US government.

President Joe Biden announced that the US would send an initial 20 million doses of vaccines to help other countries in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. “(T)he United States will share at least 20 million of those doses, that extra supply, with other countries,” Biden said.

“This means over the next six weeks, the United States of America will send 80 million doses overseas.”

As of May 16, Our World in Data shows that the US has given 274 million shots of Covid-19 vaccines.

About 37.6 percent of its population, or 123 million people, were fully vaccinated.

In the Philippines, 2.92 million doses of Covid-19 jabs were given, with less than a percentage of the population finishing the two doses of vaccines.

PHL seeks Covid-19 vaccine donation from US (New York / US Court of Appeals [9th Cir.] / Philippines)

Family/Employment Immigration, Working & Fiancé Visas, DACA, Citizenship, & Deportation Defense

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 METRO NEWS

May 20-26, 2021

Isko, Manila health dep’t step up Covid inoculation

MANILA – Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso expressed gratitude and support for the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Manila Health Department

(MHD) who continue to work tirelessly despite people criticizing the city’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination program.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much MHD. Alam ko na yung iba sa inyo eh nakakatikim ng masakit na salita sa tao dahil siguro sa pagkainip nila, o dahil siguro sa excitement nila, o dahil siguro sa may ilang gustong makaisa, ayaw pumila nang maayos, ayaw umunawa ng kapwa (I know some of you receive harsh words from some people who may be impatient, or excited, or feel privileged and don’t want to queue up and don’t want to understand other people). I really appreciate your patience, and I really appreciate your dedication,” Domagoso said during

MAKATI CITY – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), The Netherlands Red Cross, and the Makati City government converted unused dormitories at the Makati Science High School (MSHS) into a 56-bed capacity isolation facility that will serve asymptomatic patients from

the city.

A virtual memorandum of agreement signing between PRC and the City of Makati highlighted the opening of the 56bed isolation facility on the MSHS campuses.

The virtual event was attended by PRC Chairman and CEO Senator Richard Gordon, PRC Secretary General Elizabeth

TIRELESS. A staff member of the Manila Health Department inoculates a senior ci�zen under the A2 priority group.

his Facebook update.

He said it has come to his attention the negative comments of some individuals against MHD staff at different vaccination sites.

“Naawa ako sa mga taga MHD, may napaiyak kasi kanina kasi mayroong masakit magsalita (I pity those in the MHD, one of them cried because someone said harsh words),” Domagoso said.

He lauded MHD staff for heeding without any complaint a request to extend vaccination hours by five more hours a day, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Domagoso apologized to the MHD for the behavior of some individuals who have complained that the MHD does not have a system in place.

Red Cross, Makati school, city gov’t open isolation facility Zavalla, PRC Governor John Tiong, and Makati Mayor Abigail Binay.

PRC equipped the isolation facility with beds, blankets, pillows, bed covers, and stand fans. In addition, PRC will provide each patient with a quarantine kit that contains essential items good for 7-14 days. PPE of the staff caring for these patients will also be provided by PRC.

4

Light trucks banned anew on Edsa, Shaw starting May 24 MAKATI CITY – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to reimpose the ban on light trucks along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa) and Shaw Boulevard starting May 24.

In a traffic advisory, the MMDA said the ban is for trucks with a gross capacity weight of 4,500 kilograms as previously stated in its uniform light trucks ban.

These trucks are prohibited from taking the Edsa--from Magallanes in Makati City to North Avenue in Quezon City-both northbound and southbound, from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m.

These vehicles are also prohibited from plying Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City and Pasig City from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The uniform light trucks ban is from Monday to Saturday except for Sundays and holidays.

Trucks found in violation of the ban will be fined P2,000.

The uniform light trucks ban covers all light trucks with the above-stated weight, having six or more tires, and the payload area either enclosed or open.

5 May 20-26, 2021

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Cagayan de Oro City mayor appeals as virus cases surge CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY-- Mayor Oscar S. Moreno reiterated his appeal for the public to practice “self-discipline” as a crucial step to fight the rising cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) here.

Moreno warned that local hospitals are nearing capacity limits, adding that health workers are weighed down by the rising number of Covid-19 cases.

“Our hospital system is being burdened with the rising number of admissions of Covid-19 patients. Selfdiscipline is the key to suppress the surge of cases. That is why don’t spread the virus and don’t get contracted by the virus,” he said.

Moreno said at least 274 confirmed cases are admitted to the government-run Northern Mindanao Medical

Center (NMMC) and other hospitals in the city, 220 of Covid-19 patients confined in the city´s isolation units whom are Cagayan de Oro residents.

(CIUs) and temporary treatment monitoring facilities As of 10 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, the City Health (TTMFs).

Office (CHO) recorded 103 more cases, bringing the city’s active cases to 1,026.

CHO epidemiologist, Dr. Joey Retuya, said he expects cases to further increase if residents continue to ignore the minimum public health standards.

Retuya said the majority of the new cases have traveled outside the city, attended mass gatherings such as birthday celebrations, weddings, burials, wakes, and funerals in the last two months.

Moreno said the city government spends between P7 million to P8 million a month for the daily meals of

North Cotabato mayor his town’s first Covid-19 case COTABATO CITY – The mayor of upland Alamada town in North Cotabato has been infected with the coronavirus disease 2109 (Covid-19).

“Ako po ay naging positibo sa Covid-19 (I am positive for Covid-19),” Mayor Jesus Sacdalan bared in a Facebook post.

Based on records of the provincial epidemiology surveillance unit, Sacdalan is the first Covid-19 case in the municipality.

Sacdalan said he might have acquired the virus in a recent gathering where he was the guest speaker.

However, he said he is only manifesting mild symptoms of the virus since has had his first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine recently.

He is currently under quarantine at a local isolation facility.

Sacdalan called on individuals he had in close contact with since May 12 to undergo self-quarantine to prevent the spread of the virus

No downtrend in Taal Volcano activity: Phivolcs

TAGAYTAY CITY – There is no downtrend in the overall condition of Taal Volcano, which has been under Alert Level 2 (increased unrest) since March 9, Director Renato Solidum Jr. of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) disclosed.

For the past 24 hours, Phivolcs has recorded 102 volcanic earthquakes, including 86 volcanic tremor events, caused by movements or eruptions of magma from the volcano.

Solidum acknowledged that the earthquake activity in Taal Volcano has been variable in the past days.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

May 20-26, 2021

Magnitude 5.8 quake jolts Occidental Mindoro, tremors felt in Metro Manila, areas in Luzon CALAPAN CITY/QUEZON CITY – A magnitude 5.8 earthquake jolted Occidental Mindoro and nearby areas early morning of May 12, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

The tectonic quake struck 11 km. northeast of the municipality of Abra de Ilog at 9:09 a.m. It had a depth of 110 km.

Phivolcs said there are no reports of damage so far but aftershocks were expected.

Tremors were also felt in Metro Ma-

nila and other parts of Luzon.

The quake is tectonic in origin, which means there was a movement in the Earth’s crust, and it had a depth of 110 kilometers. Phivolcs has yet to report intensities, which indicate how strong an earthquake is felt in a particular area.

The following intensities have been recorded in these areas: Intensity V - Calatagan, Batangas Intensity IV - Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro Intensity III - Carmona, Tagaytay

City, Cavite; Muntinlupa, Metro Manila; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro Intensity II - Calumpit, Marilao, Plaridel, Bulacan; Las Piñas, Malabon, Marikina, Pasig, Quezon City, Metro Manila; Dolores, Gumaca, Mulanay, Quezon province; Olongapo City, Zambales Intensity I - San Jose City, Nueva Ecija; Guagua, Pampanga; Infanta, Lopez, Polillo, Quezon province Aftershocks are possible but Phivolcs is not expecting damage from the tremor.

1.6M students benefit from gov’t free college program QUEZON CITY – Through the government’s Free Higher Education program, some 1.6 Filipino students are no longer paying tuition and miscellaneous fees, according to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

“Sa free higher education close to 1.6 million students are no longer paying tuition and miscellaneous fees,” CHED Chairman J. Prospero de Vera III said during a presser on the 1st National Higher Education Day. Of this number, 1.3 million are beneficiaries from 112 state universities and colleges (SUCs) while at least 300,000 are from local SUCs. De Vera said for the school year 2020-

2021 alone, around 500,000 slots were also opened for the tertiary education subsidy, much higher than the 200,000 slots when the law was passed.

“Hindi pa kasama ang scholarship sa agriculture (and) ng DOST so pag tinotal mo lahat yan lagpas two million student ang natutulungan ng gobyerno ngayon (Other scholarships are not yet included in that number so when you total it, it would reach over two million students).

I don’t think that has ever happened in our history,” he said.

The Republic Act 10931, known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act was signed into law in August 2017 by President Rodrigo

Duterte, providing underprivileged Filipino students the opportunity to pursue college degrees through free tuition and exemption of other fees in SUCs. It further allows Tertiary Education Subsidy that sponsors the enrolment of disadvantaged students in private institutions in locations where there are no available state or local universities and colleges. “(I believe) close to 2.5 million students are being assisted by government financially. That has never happened in history and that is the basis for CHED claiming victory for Philippine higher education,” de Vera said.

Churches gatherings allowed up to 30% capacity in GCQ MANILA – Churches are now allowed to accommodate at least 30 percent seating capacity in Metro Manila and other areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ).

This as the Department of Justice (DOJ) promptly corrected an oversight in the official rules regarding the seating capacity for religious gatherings in GCQ areas.

Secretary Menardo Guevarra said that under the previous modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) rules, religious gatherings were allowed a maximum 10-percent seating capacity in the National Cap-

ital Region, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan (NCR Plus), and up to 30 percent if the local government unit will allow it.

Guevarra said now that the NCR Plus has been de-escalated to GCQ with heightened restrictions until May 31, 2021, the allowable seating capacity should be “at least up to 30 percent while it is 50 percent in modified GCQ, the least restrictive.”

The latest rules pegged GCQ seating capacity still at 10 percent.

“It was just a case of plain oversight, I believe,” Guevarra said.

“Certain church groups and even

the NCR mayors have noted this, so the TWG (technical working group) of the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) will review the resolution and submit its recommendation. I believe that this oversight will promptly be rectified,” he added.

Also under GCQ are Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Abra in the Cordillera region; Cagayan province, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya in the Cagayan Valley region; Batangas and Quezon in Calabarzon; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Iligan City, Isabela; Davao City; and Lanao del Sur province.

Impeachment rap vs. SC’s Leonen goes to House justice panel QUEZON CITY – The House of Representatives has formally referred the impeachment complaint filed against Supreme Court (SC) Justice Marvic Leonen to the House Committee on Justice.

Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said the ball is now in the hands of the House Committee on Justice, chaired

by Leyte Rep. Vicente “Ching” Veloso III, as the referral signals the start of the impeachment process.

Romualdez noted that before the referral of the impeachment complaint,

the House Committee on Rules adopted the motion of Iloilo City Rep. Julienne Baronda to include the matter in the Calendar of Business earlier in the day.

Leonen, an appointee of former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, is facing an impeachment complaint for alleged culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust. He was the ponente in the election protest of former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. against Vice President Maria Leonor Leni Robredo.

Edwin Cordevilla, secretary general of the Filipino League of Advocates For Good Government (FLAGG), submitted the impeachment complaint before the Office of the House Secretary General.

In the complaint, Cordevilla accused Leonen of culpable violation of the Constitution for allegedly failing to dispose of at least 37 cases within 24 months.

Cordevilla noted that this violates the constitutional mandate requiring the speedy disposition of cases.

6

Limited face-to-face classes eyed for engineering, 3 more courses

QUEZON CITY – The next possible programs that would be opened for limited in-person classes are engineering, information technology, industrial technology, and maritime-related courses, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman J. Prospero de Vera III said.

De Vera, however, clarified that the resumption would still depend on the safety of students from the initial programs that were allowed to hold inperson learning.

“First, we have to see whether the first batch of those allowed limited face-to-face worked meaning we have to get data if the students are really safe if there is no infection, (and) if there is no transmission. Once the data is available, I would go to the president and ask for the next batch,” he said.

He said initial data showed “very positive” results, citing zero transmission in the first one to two months of face-to-face classes at Our Lady of Fatima University and the University of the Philippines-College of Medicine.

“If this holds true in the more than 60 universities that have been allowed some limited face-to-face then the commission en banc will study and recommend what is the next batch,” he added.

The official said engineering, IT courses, industrial technology, and maritime-related programs are being considered because these courses involve hands-on activities that cannot be delivered virtually.

“So ang nangyayari ngayon (So what’s happening now is that) the deans of the engineering schools are already talking among themselves.

They are preparing, helping the commission draft the guidelines... At the proper time, the commission will look into this,” he said.

CHED previously allowed limited in-person classes in select allied health-related degree programs such as medicine, nursing, medical technology/ medical laboratory science, physical therapy, midwifery, and public health.

De Vera said about 64 universities and colleges across the country have already secured approval to hold such classes with a number of applications still pending approval because the inspection “is very meticulous.”

7 May 20-26, 2021

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

Gov’t, Maynilad inks new agreement; water security projects on track

MWSS Administrator Reynaldo Velasco

QUEZON CITY - Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Chairman and Acting Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco commended the signing of a new concession agreement between the government and the Maynilad Water Services, Inc. “The signing of the new concession agreement is a big step towards water security and it’s a win win for all stakeholders,” Velasco said.

He is optimistic that with the new agreement, various water security projects can now move forward. “Public-pri-

By MELANDREW T. VELASCO vate partnership is still the best option for provisions such as the non-interference water infrastructure projects at this time,” clause and burdening consumers with he added. corporate income tax were removed.

Maynilad’s capital expenditure projHe added, “contingent liabilities of ects will rehabilitate and replace old the government have been substantially pipelines, install new pipes in unserved reduced, and a framework for better serareas, construct new pumping stations, vice to the public has been put in place.” reservoirs and treatment facilities, among With the signing of the new agreement, others that will result in better service to Maynilad will impose a tariff freeze until its customers.

31 December 2022. It will also forego The signing came closely after the collecting the P3.4 billion compensation government signed a renegotiated con- from the government. cession agreement with Manila Water The Permanent Court of Arbitration Company, Inc. in the first quarter of the in Singapore has ordered the Philippine year. government to pay for the losses incurred Following the template of the new by Maynilad because of the prior’s refusManila Water concession agreement, the al to approve a water rate hike. new Maynilad concession agreement The revised CA was the outcome eliminated onerous provisions detrimen- following a thorough review and negotal to the interests of the government and tiations were conducted by a government the consumers even as it guarantees the panel led by the Department of Justice economic viability of the concession- based on an order from President Rodrigo aire’s capital investments.

Duterte last year.

According to Justice Secretary MeThe 1997 concession agreements with nardo Guevara, head of the panel that water concessionaires Manila Water Serreviewed the concession agreements of vices, Inc. and Maynilad Water Company Manila Water and Maynilad, onerous was signed and took effect during the

Ramos administration ushering a privatepublic partnership for the water sector.

The 25-year 1997 CAs supposedly to expire in 2022 were extended for another 15 years pursuant to MWSS Board Resolutions in 2008 and 2009 during the incumbency of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Maynilad services the west zone concession area which is composed of the cities of Manila (certain areas), Quezon City (certain areas), Makati (certain areas), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon—all in Metro Manila; the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario— all in Cavite Province.

It operates and maintains over 6,800 kilometers of pipelines and delivers over 2,000 million liters of potable water daily to its customers. It has 35 pumping stations, 32 water reservoirs and 28 in-line boosters across its service area. Its reservoirs have a total holding capacity of over 700 million liters of potable water.

Churches gatherings allowed up to 30% capacity in GCQ

MANILA – Churches are now allowed to accommodate at least 30 percent seating capacity in Metro Manila and other areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ).

This as the Department of Justice (DOJ) promptly corrected an oversight in the official rules regarding the seating capacity for religious gatherings in GCQ areas.

Secretary Menardo Guevarra said that under the previous modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) rules, religious gatherings were allowed a maximum 10-percent seating capacity in the National Capital Region, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan (NCR Plus), and up to 30 percent if the local government unit will allow it.

Guevarra said now that the NCR

Plus has been de-escalated to GCQ with heightened restrictions until May 31, 2021, the allowable seating capacity should be “at least up to 30 percent while it is 50 percent in modified GCQ, the least restrictive.”

The latest rules pegged GCQ seating capacity still at 10 percent.

“It was just a case of plain oversight, I believe,”

Tarlac cop is PNP’s 62nd Covid-19 death

CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – Another police of- count to 20,582. ficer succumbed to the coronavirus disease 2019 (CoAnother 105 cases were also reported, bringing the vid-19), raising the police force’s death toll to 62. total tally of active cases to 1,383 out of a cumulative Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guill- total of 22,207 cases ermo Eleazar, said the latest fatality is a 48-yearold lieutenant assigned as a deputy police chief in a town in Tarlac.

Based on a report from the PNP Health Service, the police officer tested positive for Covid-19 last May 5 and was immediately brought to a quarantine facility.

Eleazar said the police officer experienced diffiMade in the USA culty in breathing and was immediately transferred to a nearby hospital on May 10. He succumbed to pneumonia on May 16.

As of Tuesday, the PNP Health Service also recorded 128 new recoveries, pushing the total

Health Benefits of GLS

Guevarra said.

“Certain church groups and even the NCR mayors have noted this, so the TWG (technical working group) of the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) will review the resolution and submit its recommendation. I believe that this oversight

May 20-26, 2021

8

Duterte...(From page 1)

He said that Xi whispered in reply, “You know Mr. President, please do not do that. You will just sour up a new beginning here, new friendship found.”

The Chinese leader then added “there will be trouble if you do that.”

Since that meeting, Mr. Duterte has always spoken of Xi with deference, repeatedly saying that the Chinese president and China were friends of the Philippines.

He said the Philippines owed a huge debt of gratitude to China for donating more than a million doses of China-made coronavirus vaccines.

The president earlier said that he could not be forcibly removed from office because Xi had guaranteed him that China

would always have his back.

At one point, Mr. Duterte even said that he wanted the Philippines to be a province of China, but later retracted his statement as being nothing more than a joke.

It was only last week that Mr. Duterte took a 180 degree turn, saying that if China insisted on telling Philippine ships to leave the contested waters, “this is where our friendship ends.”

Philippine Navy and Coast Guard vessels had gone to the area to protect Filipino fishermen, but were warned by China to move away. To this, Mr. Duterte said the local vessels should not move back, “not even an inch.”

Relations between the Philippines and China went south after 240 Chinese vessels were found to have gathered in Julian Felipe Reef last March.

China said the ships only took refuge due to inclement weather. But long after the weather cleared, the ships remained in the area, prompting the Department of Foreign Affairs to file a series of diplomatic protests.

While some of the Chinese ships eventually left the area, last week it was learned that they had returned in even greater numbers, estimated at around 300.

This week, the president told his Cabinet to stop talking about the WPS, which China calls the South China Sea.

Raps...

202.90.136.202, registered with the Na- unexplained wealth after his estranged tional Bureau of Investigation.” wife, Patricia, disclosed that he accepted commissions on referred cases, had ghost Bautista fled to the US in November employees and went on questionable 2017, a few weeks after resigning from trips. his post. He was impeached by the House Bautista, who also served as Chairman of Representatives amid allegations of of the Presidential Commission on Good

Government (PCGG) denied the charges, also has a standing arrest warrant from the Senate.

The CA ruling issued in March was penned by Justice Pedro Corales and was concurred by Justices Fernanda LampasPeralta and Alfredo Ampuan.

however, consular services are by appointment only but the consulate continue to accommodate applicants with emergency or urgent cases, ConGen Ferrer’s staff said.

As of 10 May, the SFPCG experienced a large number of applicants for passport and dual citizenship as expected.

The Consulate, in return, copes by constantly adjusting its work arrangements according to the needs of a given period/ time.

One manifestation of these adjust-

while the dual citizenship application number decline when regulations ease up.

Similarly, when formerly visa-free nationals are required to obtain visas, even those with Filipino spouses, parents, or children, visa applications increase tremendously. Applications for passport extension and travel documents also increase when applicants with emergency cases are not able to wait for their new passports to be issued.

“One thing that the pandemic probably has taught Filipinos, especially those who still maintain ties with the Philippines, is the need to always be travel-ready, i.e., by ensuring that they are able to show proof of their Filipino citizenship, through possession of a Philippine passport, Dual Citizenship documents, passport validity extension or Travel Document,” Ferrer shared.

At the onset of the pandemic, the challenges faced by the Consulate had to do with (a) complying with local health and safety orders while addressing the demand for consular services; (b) timely delivery of critical information to the public (re-entry regulations and COVID-related policies and procedures in the Philippines) while the Consulate was closed due to shelter-in-place orders for about four months last year; (c) communicating to the clients and the public regarding appointment cancellations and reinstatement due to shelter in place orders; (d) addressing complaints from the public due to travel restrictions to the Philippines and (d) ensuring the health and safety of personnel and the transacting public and all these the Consulate had to act on while following health and safety orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Another response was the availability of telephone numbers/lines and encouragement that the public send email inquiries for their questions and concerns regarding consular matters.

To streamline the movement of people at the Consulate and to better help them navigate the consular processes, the Consulate also has an Information Officer stationed at the lobby who also screens the documents of applicants after the applicants go through temperature and security checks.

part of the West Philippine Sea (WPS), and therefore part of Philippine territory.

And while China also lays claim to parts of the WPS, an international tribunal had already decided that their claim had no merit.

In his weekly address to the nation on Monday, May 17 (Philippine time), the president said that in the early years of his administration, he had gone to China to meet with Xi. Mr. Duterte said he told his Chinese counterpart, “I know that we have conflicting claims but I have plans of going to the West Philippine Sea to dig my oil.”

(From page 1)

vestigate him for possible violation of the cybercrime law “on the finding that there was an unauthorized exfiltration of data in connection with this data breach from the Comelec web server on March 23, 2016, through a computer with an IP address of

As restriction...(From page 1)

– dual citizenship, passport application, extension and renewal, travel documents, among others – are almost back to normal with the passport renewal and reacquisition of Philippine citizenship or “Dual Citizenship” being the most needed consular services at present, according to the SFPCG staff under the leadership of Consul General Neil Ferrer.

Due to the prevailing pandemic and existing local health and safety protocols,

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Deportation/Removal Asylum Appeals Waivers Permanent residency Citizenship TPS – Temporary Protected Status

8. DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals 9. U visa – Victim of crime 10. VAWA – Victims of Domestic violence 11. Fiancé visa petition 12. Work permit 13. Other immigration cases

ments is that SFPCG started to increase the allotment of appointments as vaccinations are rolled out quite massively and efficiently, especially in California although they still, more importantly, observe health protocols at the Consulate, including temperature checks and online health check-ins for their personnel.

It should also be noted that almost all the consulate personnel have been able to avail themselves of vaccines for their own protection as they deal with those coming from different places every day.

The Consulate is working at full capacity as all personnel are working full-time every day, whether at home or in the office, and even during weekends, it was learned.

In terms of in-person services, however, only 50% of the workforce report for work at the Consulate, but with more than 90% of the output of pre-pandemic levels.

It was reported that the Consulate tries to accommodate as many clients as they have in their appointment management system as they have also been doing Saturday consular services, which they have done for two Saturdays each month since March 2021, to accommodate additional applicants and those in need of immediate assistance or have an urgent need for consular services.

The Consulate also announced that they are also resuming consular outreach services soon, beginning with the 3-5 June outreach to Colorado, adding that they have launched a new user-friendly, updated and more secure website and appointment system. They are also preparing for the installation of a new telephone system.

“The number of clients being serviced by the Consulate depends, to a certain extent, on the prevailing local health and safety protocols at a given time, particularly on the prescribed operational capacity and maximum occupancy limitations.

It is also affected by the conditions prevailing back home. The number of clients per service varies with every change in the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) regulation,” ConGen Ferrer explained.

Ferrer said that when balikbayans are not allowed entry to the Philippines, applications for dual citizenship increase

9 May 20-26, 2021 Deadlier...

 NATIONAL NEWS (From page 1)

The pandemic is getting “hotter and more dangerous” as COVID-19 variants could pose “a problem discovering new vaccines,” Duterte said in a taped briefing in Malacanang aired on national television even as health authorities reported that 43 people have already died in the Philippines of the United Kingdom, South Africa and Philippine variants.

“With the advent of the new variants it is good to prepare for a more serious attack,” Duterte stressed.

During the same address, Duterte said he might impose another lockdown, this time “stricter,” if coronavirus infections surge again due to more contagious COVID-19 variants and violations of health protocols.

New, more contagious coronavirus variants “make our job doubly hard to do,” Duterte said.

“Ang pag-asa natin is really the obedience, parang (like a) boy scout. You want to end the danger of COVID-19 engulfing this country,” the President said. “Kapag hindi, napipilitan talaga ako na to impose lockdowns and everything (If not, I will be forced to impose lockdowns and everything.),” he said at the televised briefing.

The government has stepped up its vaccination against the virus and adopted various measures such as strict border control and quarantine protocols, adherence to minimum public health standards, implementation of the Prevent-DetectIsolate-Treat-Reintegrate by local gov-

ernments, and getting vaccinated to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus and its variants.

More than 3 million Filipinos have been vaccinated at press time since inoculation started in March, said vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. told Mr. Duterte during the public address as Health Secretary Francisco Duque III projected hitting 4 million vaccinations before May ends.

Meanwhile, Vice President Ma. Leonor Robredo and 18 of her staff were vaccinated against the virus on May 19 in Quezon City, several days after Mr. Duterte himself got the jab from Secretary Duque himself. Robredo later called on the citizens to get their jabs.

The government has deployed 7,149,020 vaccines out of 7,779,050 in 3,784 vaccination sites, Galvez added.

At press time, the Department of Health reported that based on data from the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) and the University of the Philippines – National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH), there are 24 active cases of four of the five variants of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2), the virus that causes Covid-19, out of 2,248 variant cases sequenced by the group.

Of the 24 active cases, seven are of the B.1.1.7 (UK) variant, seven of the B.1.351 (South Africa), nine of the B.1.617.2 (India), and one of the P.3 (Philippines).

Of the 2,248 variant cases reported, 967 are of the UK variant, 1,109 South Africa variant cases, 12 for the Indian variant, two for the Brazil variant, and

158 for the Philippines variant.

So far, there have been 23 deaths caused by the UK variant, 18 by the South Africa variant, and two by the Philippines variant.

“We do not have a guarantee that the vaccines should forthcoming on time, na walang maraming mamamatay (that many people won’t die). And if it is more serious mutant, variant, we’ll just have to prepare for the worst,” said the President in his public address.

Also at press time, the Philippines logged 4,700 more COVID-19 infections, raising the country’s total to 1,159,071, of which 49,951 or 4.3 percent are considered active, the lowest count in over two months, as COVID-related fatalities increased by 136 to 19,507. Recoveries rose to 1,082,725.

While the independent OCTA Research noted a decreasing trend of cases in Metro Manila, it reported that three cities outside Metro Manila have recorded “significant increases” in new COVID-19

infections.

These include Cagayan de Oro, Davao City, and Iloilo City, which are in the top 10 list of areas outside the national capital region with the biggest rise in cases over the past week.

Cagayan de Oro ranked second highest with 94 new cases, which translates to a 52% increase. Davao City stood at the 4th spot, as it saw a 36% jump with 61 more infections. Iloilo City, which is 7th in the list, recorded the steepest rise at 99% with 58 more virus-hit residents.

The highest number of new cases outside NCR was still seen in Zamboanga City with 158, the report showed.

OCTA said most cities within the NCR Plus (Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal and Laguna) are on a downward trend in cases.

The Department of Health also reported an upward trend in infections in 10 regions, mostly in the Visayas and Mindanao.

 NATIONAL NEWS

May 20-26, 2021

10

PHL protests, rejects China’s ‘fishing ban’ in South China Sea PASAY CITY – The Philippine government firmly rejected China’s unilateral fishing ban in the South China Sea, saying it violates Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights.

The supposed moratorium runs from May 1 to August 16 and covers “waters north of 12 degrees north latitude,” which encroaches areas on Philippine territory and exclusive economic zone (EEZ), including the Bajo de Masinloc.

The department fired off the diplomatic protest against the Chinese fishing moratorium on May 1 In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) told China that it cannot legally impose or enforce such a ban in the West Philippine Sea. “China’s annual fishing moratorium extends far beyond China’s legitimate maritime entitlements

under UNCLOS and is without basis under international law,” it said.

“The Philippines strongly urges China to desist from any action and activity that infringes on Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, in contravention of international law.”

The UNCLOS or the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is an international treaty that provides a regulatory framework for the use of the world’s seas and oceans to ensure the conservation and equitable usage of resources and marine environment.

The DFA said with the new Chinese Coast Guard law, which effectively grants the latter freedom and authority to use force within what it considers its maritime jurisdiction, the fishing ban puts “at risk

the legitimate rights of Filipino fishermen” to fish in Philippine territorial waters and EEZ. It underscored that the 2016 Arbitral Ruling has reaffirmed Filipino fishermen’s traditional and legitimate fishing rights in the area.

“According to Paragraph 716 of the Award of the South China Sea Arbitration rendered on 12 July 2016, China, by promulgating its moratorium on fishing in the South China Sea, ‘without exception for areas of the South China Sea falling within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines and without limiting the moratorium to Chinese flagged vessels, breached Article 56 of the 1982 UNCLOS with respect to the Philippines’ sovereign rights over the living resources of its exclusive economic zone,’” the DFA said.

PHL, Japan leaders reaffirm ties, arbitral ruling vs China MANILA/TOKYO – President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the two countries’ ties during a phone JAPAN Prime Minister call on May 19 — where the two leaders discussed Suga Yoshihide a range of topics, including the COVID-19 pandemic and maritime issues.

In a statement, Malacañang said Duterte had an “engaging and productive” 20-minute telephone conversation with Suga. The President thanked the Prime Minister for Japan’s assistance amid the global health crisis.

“The President thanked Japan for its generous COVID-19 assistance to the Philippines,” the Palace said.

“Prime Minister Suga, for his part, recognized and expressed support for the Philippine government’s efforts to address the pandemic.”

The two leaders also discussed the 2016 Hague ruling that recognized the Philippines’ rights in areas within its exclusive economic zone — a landmark ruling that Beijing has repeatedly refused to acknowledge.

Suga had “expressed concern over developments in the East and South China Seas,” according to the Palace statement.

“Both leaders agreed to work closely to ensure security and stability in the region under the rule of law,” it added.

Duterte and Suga also expressed intent to ramp up cooperation in the Sulu and Celebes Seas “to secure the area against piracy, terrorism, and other transnational crimes.”

Other matters the two leaders discussed were the Bangsamoro region’s transition process, the Philippine government’s Build, Build, Build program, and developments in neighboring nation Myanmar.

“Both leaders expressed concern over developments in Myanmar and agreed to work closely together to support efforts to improve the situation in the country,” the Palace said.

Suga originally planned to visit the Philippines in April, but he called off the trip due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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11 May 20-26, 2021

 OPINION

N

EDITORIAL

Matt Gaetz as the quintessential Republican of 2021

F

lorida Rep. Matt Gaetz used to present himself to the Republican faithful as more Trump than Donald Trump.

In a way, he is.

The twice impeached, one-term 45th president has been accused of various hijinks in the past, including paying a porn star and a Playboy model for sex. He also cheated on his first wife, and his second, and his third.

But none can match the sickening things Gaetz stands accused of, including but not limited to engaging in sex trafficking, having sex with minors, and sharing drugs with them.

Trump is a saint compared to the sleazeball that is Matt Gaetz.

Don’t get us wrong. We believe that a man is innocent until proven guilty. But there have been recurring reports that there is something wrong with the Florida congressman, that he has some serious psychological issues.

He supposedly showed naked pictures of the women he has had sex with to his fellow congressmen, presumably all Republicans, although we would not put it beyond him to do the same to House Democrats whom he believes may be of the same mindset as himself.

Once it became clear that he was an embarrassment and a liability to the party, the GOP should have acted by telling Gaetz to resign. This is what the party will do once all the evidence on his sickening crimes come out, and it will be fair to ask – why did the GOP wait so long when it was already clear that strong evidence against Gaetz was forthcoming?

This is what is so disturbing about the Republican Party of 2021. Matt Gaetz is not the exception, but the rule. He is cut from the same cloth as Marjorie Taylor Greene and Elise Stefanik, who consider themselves as Trump clones.

They believe in the old adage that if you repeat a lie often enough, people will consider it as the truth.

Donald Trump told himself that he couldn’t possibly lose in last year’s elections, so he must have been cheated out of a second term.

This became the Big Lie that too many Republicans accept as gospel truth despite a total lack of proof.

Thus, Gaetz tells everyone that there is no truth to the allegations against him.

This will turn out to be his Big Lie in the very near future, after his associate Joel Greenberg struck a deal with federal prosecutors to tell all in exchange for a lesser sentence.

This is only the beginning for Gaetz, but it’s bound to get worse in the days and weeks to come.

In waiting too long before turning its back on Gaetz, the GOP revealed just how damaged an institution it has become. The party no longer stands for conservative principles. It only wants to grab power at all cost, having lost the White House, the House, and the Senate during the Trump era.

Gaetz will soon be gone, but unless the Republican Party rids itself of other unprincipled members espousing dangerous causes, it will likewise fade to obscurity.

Already some 100 members have threatened to form a new party from the ashes of the GOP, unless it returns to the core principles that once made it so attractive to so many.

Trump and Trumpism must be removed from the party like the dangerous cancer that they are. Perhaps exorcised would be a more accurate word.

Hidden victims of pandemic Upside

EARLY 600,000 have died since March 2020 and lately some 60,000 test positive every week for Covid19 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Staggering though the numbers are, the toll is predictably worse on families living with domestic abuse.

While there is no shortage of US organizations aiming to stop domestic violence or DV, the pandemic has compounded barriers for those who need help, experts agreed recently at a briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services (EMS) here.

CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO Domestic violence is often defined as one partner’s compulsion to hold power and control over the intimate partner and those around them, due to multiple factors. The pandemic tends to heighten the dominant partner’s pattern of behavior, such as watching every move made by the aggrieved partner, who is forced to comply with each demand to prevent escalation and therefore explosion - emotional, verbal, physical or other attacks.

Breaking the silence is a step toward solutions, prompting the April 23 discussion co-sponsored by California Black Media to help review prevention and intervention steps and “find a path to reconciliation,” said EMS director Sandy Close. The challenge lies in the complexity of domestic violence, which requires responses as nuanced as the cultural diversity of the population, DV response workers concurred.

While resources do exist, immigrant clients have a difficult time getting access, Monika Khant of Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-based Violence based in Atlanta, Georgia, shared observations from her childhood. Recently installed as executive director of the organization headquartered near the very site of the shooting rampage that killed 8 people including 6 AAPI women spa workers, Khant, a lawyer, disclosed the realities confronting DV survivors particularly those of AAPI descent in the past year: * Quarantining has worsened difficulties for immigrants don’t have the same technological access needed to survive in the pandemic; * Most AAPI community members work in the service industry and are unable to work, increasing dependency on the partner who earns income; * Some may not have valid work authorization and are unable to apply for emergency benefits; * Survivors who have limited English proficiency may not receive appropriate service as law enforcement may need to rely on the dominant partner with better command of the language; * Similarly hospital personnel need to find translation services, which prolongs health visits and discourages survivors from seeking medical assistance; * Lack of documentation discourages survivors from Covid testing, and * Job loss has caused inability to catch up with rent and survivors suffer additional stress facing potential homelessness.

As recent events have focused attention on race equity, the AAPI community and the debate over gender-based violence as a hate crime, Khant disclosed findings and recommendations: (Continued on page 27)

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 OPINION

May 20-26, 2021

PerryScope

L

ast January 21, 2021 my mother Elena Sampayan Gabot Madlaing celebrated her 102nd birthday with her children, grandchildren, close friends and relatives. One of the “secrets” of her good health and longevity is her habit of walking daily (and exercise) plus eating fresh fruits and ART GABOT MADLAING vegetables.

Do you know that there are 21 health benefits of walking daily and regular workout or exercise? I would like to share to our readers the following health benefits: 1.Burns calories 2. Eases back pains 3. Slims your waist 4. Lowers blood pressure 5. Reduces level of bad cholesterol 6. Reduces heart attack risk 7. Enhances stamina and energy 8. Improves muscle tone 9. Easy on your joints 10. Helps prevent cancer 11. Helps prevent chronic ailments 12.Reduces appetite to control obesity 13. Increases aerobic capacity 14. Slows down osteoporosis bone loss 15.Helps control diabetes and obesity. 16. Helps achieve optimum health and longevity 17. Improves memory 18. Helps build up immune system 19. Increases your achievement and productivity 20. Lessens anxiety and tension 21. Be more healthy physically and emotionally. (Source: Sportline Guide to Walking and booklet on FITNESS FOR HUMANITY) The September 11,2012 issue of Healthline also mentioned 10 reasons why we MUST walk daily and workout regularly, namely: Walking and workout increase your lifespan.

Walking and workout ward off diabetes.

Walking and workout keep your mind sharp.

Walking and workout help lower blood pressure.

Walking and workout are god for bone health.

Walking and workout cut the risk of stroke.

Walking and workout improve your mood.

Walking and workout torch calories.

Walking and workout improve sleep.

Walking and workout are good for the heart.

Despite the many health benefits of regular workout and daily walking, people have many excuses and alibi for not doing it like “Very busy”, “NO money to buy workout equipment,” “NO time due to tight schedules.”, etc.

To solve these problems, excuses and alibi, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY designed a Common Sense Workout Guide which requires NO equipment, NO monthly fees for gym and fitness center, just 15-20 minutes workout ANYWHERE (home, backyard, office, park, ocean beach or hotel room when traveling) This Common Sense Power Workout was adapted from Japanese Olympian Izumi Tabata. Researchers found power workout boosted aerobic fitness by 14 percent. Workout participants saw 28 percent improvement of “anaerobic capacity”. It works your muscles and joints in multiple directions which helps you build a stronger, more fit body. This power workout combines cutting-edge core exercises. The cardio exercise burns that fat covering your belly while the core exercise strengthens your mid-section.

POWER WORKOUT GUIDE: For optimum health and longevity, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) in cooperation with BOOKS MINISTRY is offering autographed copies at discounted price of the newlyreleased book entitled “LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY” subtitled “How to be Healthy Emotionally, Financially, Physically, Sexually and Spiritually.” The POWER WORKOUT GUIDE with pictures is included in PART III – HEALTHY PHYSICALLY of the newly-released book by Amazon. Regular retail prize at Amazon is $25.95 per copy (303 pages) plus shipping and handling.

We are offering to our readers autographed copies of the book partly subsidized by BOOKS MINISTRY at the discounted price of only $15.95 (includes mailing, shipping and handling) For your copy, just send $15.95 (in check or money order) to: ART G. MADLAING, 701 8th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118. This Special Offer is only good in the United States.

Those who will order the new book will be entitled to a Free FITNESS FOR HUMANITY Life Class and Workout Demo. Just bring a copy of the autographed book with you. For the nearest Life Class & (Continue on page 27)

I

“Stop, look and listen.”

- A traffic warning “Look before you leap.”

An advice

n his usual peacock swagger, President Duterte challenged former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio to a formal debate on the issue of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Since both of them are from Davao City, and his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, is married to a lawyer surnamed Carpio who must be a relative of Justice Carpio, it is rational to assume that Duterte must know Carpio well. How- HOMOBONO A. ADAZA ever, a little later, it seems that the assumption is wrong. Carpio accepted the challenge and Duterte ran away from his own challenge.

Habit: Those who followed Rodrigo Roa Duterte since the 2016 presidential campaign until now would not really be surprised at this turn of events. This is not the first time President Duterte issued a challenge and then ran away from it. In a sense, this is a matter of habit for Duterte. As a friend of mine observed - President Duterte must believe in the saying that he who fights and runs away will live to fight another day. He added that the modified saying, in application to President Duterte is – He who challenges and runs away will live to challenge another day and run away. The better version, I suppose is - He who brags and runs away will live to brag another day, and run away.

Since this behavior is typical of President Duterte, another friend asked me – Why has President Duterte not learned the traffic warning and advice at the beginning of this column, when they were taught in the elementary school? I replied, “I don’t know.” He answered, “I know based on his own admissions.” I asked, “What admissions?” Again, my friend replied, “Duterte said women are only objects of biology and he brags about using Viagra for his personal pleasure.” I replied with another question, “What has that got to do with his not learning the warning and advice.” My friend answered, “When his class was taught those lessons, he must have been enjoying looking at the breasts and legs of his female classmates and that is why he did not learn them.” Any by way of emphasizing his point, my friend almost died laughing.

Tale of the tape: In the process of issuing the challenge, Duterte even belittled Carpio’s qualifications, saying, “Justice of the Supreme Court? We are both lawyers.” Duterte has entirely missed the point A debate on an issue, one must take into consideration the expertise of the debaters and their respective resume As in boxing, you must take a look at the Tale of the Tape before you make a prediction on who would be the probable winner. In this case, here is the Tale of the Tape: CLASSIFICATION - CARPIO DUTERTE 1. School - UP San Beda Rank in graduation Valedictorian Btorian Honors Cum laude Cum lousy Bar Exams Sixth Placer Passed Positions a. Managing editor, Managing himself UP Phil. Collegian b. Member, Board of Black Board Regents of UP 2. a. Highest Position as a lawyer Justice Supreme Ct. Asst. City Prosecutor b. No. of decisions 836 No decision as he was never a judge of any court 3. Experience in a. Lecturer Denial of US visa International Law b. Consultant, Bullied and terrified Phil. Panel that by corona virus Xi that won the case Jinping on the West Phil.

Sea before the UN Arbitral Tribunal Assessment: It does not need a high school graduate to decide on who is favored by the Tele of the Tape. It is obvious. No wonder, after realizing his error in making the challenge, President Digong ran away to live to challenge another day – and again, run away. Well, President Digong, is not fooling anyone this time except himself, his fanatical followers and, as he says – his police and his military.

Had President Digong not ran away and the formal debate (Continue on page 27) had taken place he would have

Diliman Way

E

lizabeth “Liz” Lynne Cheney was born on July 28, 1966 in Madison, Wisconsin, the elder of two daughters of former Vice President Dick Cheney and former Second Lady Lynne Cheney. She is an attorney and politician serving the House of Representatives as the congresswoman from Wyoming’s at-large congresPERRY DIAZ sional district since 2017.

Cheney like her father is neoconservative, known for her focus on national security, her support for the U.S. military, a pro-business stance, foreign policy views, and for being fiscally and socially conservative. Cheney supported Trump’s position in 92.9% of House votes.

On November 14, 2018, Cheney’s party mates elected her chair of the House Republican Conference, the third-ranking Republican in the chamber, behind Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Minority Whip Steve Scalise. She was the highest-ranking Republican woman in Congress.

Cheney is considered one of the leaders of the neoconservative wing of the Republican Party and she was critical of the foreign policy of the Donald Trump administration. She supported the second impeachment of Trump for his role in the 2021 storming of the U.S. Capitol.

Because of her vote and Trump’s stolen election narrative – known as the “Big Lie” – pro-Trump Freedom Caucus members of the House tried to remove her from party leadership in February 2021. They failed to remove her at that time. They tried again on May 12, 2021, when she was removed from the position by voice vote of the House Republican Conference.

Fiery last stand On the eve of her removal, Cheney took a fiery last stand on the House floor, warning that Trump had created a threat that the country had never seen before: he had “provoked a violent attack” on the U.S. Capitol “in an effort to steal the election.” She said she wouldn’t sit quietly by as Republicans abandoned the rule of law.

“Remaining silent and ignoring the lie emboldens the liar,” Cheney said. “I will not participate in that. I will not sit back and watch in silence while others lead our party down a path that abandons the rule of law and joins the former president’s crusade to undermine our democracy.”

To the very end, she remained defiant, underscoring her determination to fight the powerful Republican cliché that kowtows to Trump. Yes, she embraced her downfall rather than fight it, offering herself as the sacrificial lamb to save the Republican Party or what’s left in its destructive path.

Speaking during the closed-door meeting with House Republicans, Cheney said: “If you want leaders who will enable and spread his destructive lies, I’m not your person, you have plenty of others to choose from. That will be their legacy.”

She added: “We cannot let the former president drag us backward and make us complicit in his efforts to unravel our democracy. Down that path lies our destruction, and potentially the destruction of our country.”

After the meeting, Cheney told the reporters that she did not feel betrayed by her ouster. “I am going to keep on fighting to prevent Mr. Trump from ever making his way back to the White House,” she said.

“We cannot both embrace the big lie and embrace the constitution ... I will do everything I can to ensure that the former president never again gets anywhere near the Oval Office.”

It’s her opening salvo in her declaration of war against Trump and his minions. Cheney’s campaign for the 2024 election has just begun.

National figure Cheney’s removal makes her a national figure with a huge platform from which to voice her opinion with the authority of someone who chose country over party, which reminds me of the late President of the Philippines Manuel L. Quezon, from 1935 to 1944, who once said, “My loyalty to my party ends where my loyalty to my country begins.” It was true then, it’s true now.

By severing her ties to Trump, Cheney is now the only openly anti-Trump Republican in Congress. She has done something that nobody would dare do in the open for fear of antagonizing Trump, who many believe they could lose in the primary because of Trump’s strong (Continue on page 27)

Failed formal debate -Duterte vs Carpio

Health benefits of walking and regular workout Health & Wealth

Republican Party in turmoil

12

13 May 20-26, 2021

 OPINION

e Filipinos still prefer to “Tagalize” English words instead of using or creating a Filipino word to describe new fads.

The most recent word that’s being widely used nowadays is “baksin” which takes the place of vaccine, of course.

When calling each other or meeting over Zoom, Pinoys will invariably ask, “Nagpa- BETING DOLOR baksin ka na ba?” which translates to “Have you been vaccinated yet?”

As an aside, the app that spread like wildfire last year is pronounced as “soom” by some, out of pure laziness. Pinoys generally dislike pronouncing anything with the letter Z correctly.

I had just gotten used to using Skype when szoom (ha-ha) came out of nowhere, but it was fine. It’s easy to use and I’m sure whoever invented it made gazillions overnight.

But back to baksins, or vaccines. Sorry. My doctor friends don’t ask if we’ve been vaccinated, but instead ask if we’ve been jabbed. Asking if you’ve been jabbed is easier than asking if you’ve been vaccinated. One syllable beats four any day of the week, right?

Vaccines remain a topic of conversation for the simple reason that the government has done a terrible job – I nearly said jab -- of importing and distributing the available vaccines. So far, the most widely available vaccines hereabouts are the two brands made in China.

I told myself early on that I would never, ever have myself jabbed with the Chinese vaccines as a matter of principle.

But since so many of my friends and relatives have been vaccinated with Sinovac or Sinopharm, I began to have second thoughts, but am still balking at the idea. In the vernacular, “Sino ba sila?”

(I appear to be in a good mood, huh? Or maybe the extreme summer heat has broiled my brains.)

I joined the informal organization that calls for a boycott of anything made in China, by the way. As long as Chinese ships pretending to be fishing vessels but which are actually military in nature enter Philippine waters, I refuse to buy anything made in China. Made in Taiwan is exempt, of course.

Anyway, I had read that Makati City, where I live, was using non-Chinese vaccines so I decided to give it a go. A friend who is a barangay official told me that I had to go online and register to get my jabbing schedule.

I tried. And tried. And tried.

I must have tried at least 50 times, and when I did manage to get through and submit my application, the last step would always be my waterloo. Every time I pressed send, nothing would happen.

After what was possibly my 51st attempt, I gave up. I decided that I would rather pay for my vaccine than risk having a stroke out of sheer frustration.

I asked around, and guess what? No hospital or clinic had vaccines for sale to the public. Even a relative who is an executive at one of the biggest hospitals in the metropolis told me he couldn’t accommodate my request to pay for a shot, which is a better word than jab I think.

Only frontliners could get shot or jabbed or vaccinated, he said. There was still an insufficient supply for mere mortals like myself.

He said he would call me when new stocks were available, which would be around June or July, at the earliest. Or maybe August or September.

So that was that. I would still have to avoid going out whenever possible. And I would continue to wear a mask and face shield every time I stepped out.

In the meantime, multiple surveys have shown that a high percentage of Filipinos remained wary of getting shot, or jabbed, or vaccinated.

Almost half of the population are anti-vaxxers it seems.

Their reasons vary. Some have a distrust of any kind of vaccine for any disease or illness. Others are afraid of injections.

Still others have a fatalistic attitude, reasoning that when their time on this earth was done, nothing could be done to stop the inevitable.

Price is hardly an issue, as the vaccines are supposed to be free, courtesy of the magnanimous Duterte regime. Pardon my sarcasm, folks.

(Continue on page 27)

hen I was a Republican, it was for a reason that was very important to me. I thought the party had a deeper understanding of freedom than what I saw in liberal California. There were other perks like lower taxes and fiscal restraint.

But it was the preeminence of the individual that appealed to me.

Two of the offshoots of this was being able to have an opinion that differed from consensus and being able to speak against those in power.

This is why it puzzled me that the party that has been so vocal about free speech removed Liz Cheney from her leadership role in the Republican party. For those of you who have not been following this news, Liz Cheney is a Republican Congresswoman from Wisconsin. For the past two years until a week ago, she was the Chair of the House Republican Conference, the third highest-ranking leadership position among Republicans. Cheney was replaced with Elise Stefanik because she had been outspoken about former President Trump’s role in the January 6, 2021 storming of the Capitol as well as her disbelief in the thesis that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump.

I found this move to oust Cheney problematic on many levels. First, I agree with her stances that 1) Trump was at least partially responsible for what happened on January 6, 2021 and that 2) Trump’s election loss was legitimate.

Obviously, if someone has been removed from leadership for having these beliefs, I have to assume that the party in its current form is not one that agrees with my beliefs. Second, if criticizing Trump is a punishable offense, it means he is still pulling strings within the power structure of the party.

Watching Donald Trump reemerge onto the political stage is something I would rather not do. But if I have to watch it, I would prefer to do it from afar.

Third, I experience a visceral revulsion when I see attempts to silence outspoken individuals. I understand that it happens all the time. I always hate it when it happens. Given that most of my childhood was spent living with the effects of my family’s vocal opposition to Marcos, I hope those who find my position extreme, especially those reading this paper, will excuse me. I was under the impression that the Republican party welcome all those who valued freedom, even if their views differed from the mainstream party. Their treatment of Liz Cheney has caused me to revisit my assumptions of what this party represents and also what it represents to me personally.

I don’t think I have changed much politically. I believe in a strong defense of the integrity of our nation and rational governance that does not overreach. I think Abraham Lincoln was one of our greatest presidents and he is still one of the fathers of the party. I also understand that a party can change.

And, while we were busy watching Netflix and avoiding human contact for the last 14 months, there may have been a lot of activity behind closed doors of disenfranchised politicians that do not represent me. So, I have deregistered as a Republican. This political homelessness feels like a fit.

Finally, I don’t think the Left-Right discourse that dominates political discussions is really a good representation of what is important…at least for me. I think the major issue domestically is the disparity between rich and poor (internationally, it is the rise of China). The wealth gap is so severe and so distasteful that it has reached crisis levels. Both parties attempt to tout solutions to this issue. Both parties claim this issue as their own. Neither one has done enough to address it. The Democrats have too many uber-wealthy that they have to protect. And the Republicans, well, I don’t know what their excuse is. I am not sure if the conservativeliberal debate addresse the wealth gap effectively at all. In fact, I think both parties have exacerbated this problem. I look forward to criticizing both sides equally.

W

W

Caring, sharing and daring in Covid pandemic times

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s the National Capital Region (NCR) and its environs return to GCQ following a six-week ordeal of ECQ and MECQ since March 2021, it’s best to look back on how one caring, sharing and daring Filipina in the person of Ana Patricia Non sparked a “community pantry” revolution of sorts along Maginhawa Street in Quezon City.

MELANDREW T. VELASCO With one bamboo cart filled with basic groceries and fresh produce of vegetables and a catchy phrase, “Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan,” Ana Patricia’s brilliant initiative created ripples of hope, inspired others in NCR Plus and other parts of the country to establish and mount their version of community pantries. Much like the miracle of 5,000 loaves of bread by Jesus Christ, the community pantries provided relief to our Filipino brothers and sisters badly hit by the pandemic as thousand of families benefitted to enable them to survive a day or two and put food to their family tables. It’s one of silver linings for Filipinos during these challenging and confusing times that even acts of charity were at one point labeled as “stupid” and “communist-inspired” by the present dispensation.

Former President Fidel V. Ramos oftentimes called on Filipinos to build a community of caring, sharing, and daring for others. “Caring and sharing mean being compassionate to the plight of others and lending a help to others. Daring is making sacrifices for others and for the interest of the country,” exhorts Ramos whose voice and wisdom are dearly missed nowadays as he always emphasized that “Filipinos should always continue the “bayanihan spirit” in our daily and national lives.”

One of FVR’s proteges who served as his aide and the first PNP Special Action Force (SAF) Commander in the person of retired Gen. Reynaldo V. Velasco, now MWSS Chairman and concurrent Administrator, rallied the MWSS employees, the three concessionaires – Manila Water, Maynilad and Luzon Clean Water – as well as other affiliate national government agencies holding office at the MWSS to mount their own version of a weeklong community.

Organizers of the MWSS-led community pantry worked hard by coordinating with the office of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte; bought groceries and others stocks; mounted an organized food distribution to ensure social distancing and observance of health protocols; and, less waiting time for the beneficiaries. Volunteers left gifts of food, groceries, rice, vegetables, essential goods, some contributed money to buy food supplies, for the week-long community pantry.

The scorecard of the week-long MWSS Community Pantry benefitted 4,650 families.

The MWSS Chief expressed his gratitude to the organizers, volunteers and donors including one from the UP academe. For his part, Chairman Velasco, a farmer gentleman himself, personally brought fresh vegetables from his farm produce in San Juan, Batangas. His gesture was likewise replicated by San Miguel Corporation’s top honcho Chairman Ramon S. Ang. In his official FB page, RSA has this to say: “We continue to find meaningful ways to connect struggling farmers around the country to food-insecure communities. Through our SMC Infrastructure, we were able to initially supply over 1,000 kilos of fresh vegetables and San Miguel food products to over 500 families from Barangays Pansol and Balara in Quezon City. The food was sourced from our Better World Diliman community center that buys surplus crops from farmers reeling from the pandemic. With this, we are able to help sustain farms by redirecting excess produce to families in need. Thank you to our teams from Bulacan Bulk Water and MRT-7 for volunteering their time, and to our partner MWSS for spearheading, and allowing us to take part in, this worthy cause.”

SMC established its third “Better World” sustainability project with Rural Rising PH situated in a property owned

by SMC in UP Village, Diliman Quezon City where farmers can initially sell their harvests. It focuses on helping Luzon farmers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic market their produce.

THE OUTSIDER

How I became politically homeless

Offline

To jab or not to jab

“Together with Rural Rising PH, we hope to further boost the incomes of farmers, particu(Continue on page 27)

 IMMIGRATIONS

P

Biden revoked a Trump order requiring health insurance for visa issuance

resident Biden has revoked a Trump-era order that banned immigrants from obtaining visas if they couldn’t prove they could obtain health insurance or pay for health care.

The Trump era order denied visas to those seeking entry into the U.S. who were deemed a “financial burden” on the health care system.

Biden, in a proclamation announcing the rollback, said the policy did not “advance the interests” of the nation.

The order came as he welcomed a group of “Dreamers” to the White House on Friday May 14, 2021, “My Administration is committed to expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare,” Biden’s proclamation states. “We can achieve that objective, however, without barring the entry of noncitizens who seek to immigrate lawfully to this country but who lack significant financial means or have not purchased health insurance coverage from a restrictive list of qualifying plans.”

“President Biden reiterated his support for Dreamers, TPS holders, farmworkers, and other essential immigrant workers,” the White House said in a readout. “The President and the Dreamers also discussed the continued need for immigration reform and the White House’s strong support for the Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, two bills that have already passed the House with bipartisan support and are awaiting action in the Senate.”

Biden tweeted Friday evening that it is “long past time Congress pass the U.S. Citizenship Act,” the name for his immigration proposal.

The meeting, which was not open to the press, represents an effort by Biden to demonstrate that immigration reform is a priority, even as he is primarily focused on negotiating with lawmakers on his $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan. Biden held two meetings with lawmakers this week, both of which included Republicans, in pursuit of a potential bipartisan agreement on infrastructure.

In a related development DACA recipients won a court case allowing them to travel abroad with a guarantee that they can come back legally.

Success Stories During the months of March and April 2021, we received approvals from USCIS four naturalization applications, three adjustment of status and two removal of conditional residence applications.

Note: This is not a legal advice and this article is for information purposes only. You should consult with an immigration attorney about the specifics of your case.

If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family separation.

Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers. He practices immigration law, bankruptcy and income tax preparation since June 1999. His contact phone is 1-877-456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www.crispinlozanolaw.com/

May 20-26, 2021

14

Economists eye another record-high GIR for PHL

MANILA – Another record-high foreign reserves is projected for the Philippines in the coming months as structural inflows remain resilient and quarantine measures support the improvement in the trade deficit.

This is shown in preliminary data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) where the gross international reserves (GIR) reached US$107.25 billion as of end-April 2021, up from the previous month’s US$04.48 billion and nearing the record high US$110.1 billion last December.

“Thus, new record high GIR (is) possible in the coming months amid narrower trade deficit/net imports; continued inflows of OFW (overseas Filipino workers) remittances, BPO (business process outsourcing) revenues, FDIs (foreign direct investments),” said Michael Ricafor, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist..

BSP said the latest GIR level “represents a more than adequate external liquidity buffer, which can help cushion the domestic economy against external shocks.”

It said this level is equivalent to 12.3 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income

and accounts for about 7.5 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity.

It attributed the rise in the GIR to the proceeds of the national government’s US dollar-denominated global bond and Samurai bond issuances that have been deposited with the central bank.

Aside from these factors, Ricafort said, “narrower trade deficit/net imports largely brought about by the tighter quarantine standards in NCR Plus since the latter part of March 2021 would have also added to the country’s BOP (balance of payment) and GIR.” He said the current foreign reserves level of the country is way higher than the minimum international threshold of 3-4 months and “thereby would help strengthen the country’s external position and, in turn, fundamentally supports/ favorable to the country’s credit ratings.”

He added that the “near-record high GIR levels would fundamentally provide greater cushion/buffer/support for the peso exchange rate, thereby leading to the stronger peso exchange rate, recently among the strongest in more than 4.5 years or since September 2016, or at least gives greater protection to the peso vs. speculative attacks, going forward.

Subic posts 10% rise in container cargo volume in Q1 SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Containerized cargo volume from various export and import transactions here unexpectedly increased in the first quarter (Q1) of this year even as the Port of Subic registered fewer ship calls as a result of trade restrictions under the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Figures from the Seaport Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) indicated that only 313 foreign ships visited Subic from January to March this year, compared to 355 in the first quarter of 2020, or a drop of 12 percent, while only 157 domestic ships arrived in the same period, compared to 233 in 2020, or a 33 percent decline.

On the other hand, three cruise ships arrived here in Q1 2020 despite the onset of the pandemic in March, but there was not any cruise liner that visited this year, SBMA Seaport department manager Jerome Martinez said in an interview on Friday.

The decrease in ship calls, however, has unexpectedly been accompanied by a 10-percent increase in containerized cargo volume, which included import, export, transshipment, local empty in/out, and load-unload transactions.

Martinez said Subic port recorded a total of container throughput of 60,759 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in Q1 2021, compared to 55,065 TEUs in Q1 2020.

Of these, 26,441 TEUs accounted for importations, which was 5 percent higher than the 25,296 TEUs in Q1 2020, while

11,775 TEUs comprised exportations, which was 25 percent more than the 9,408 TEUs in the first quarter last year.

He said the importation of raw materials from foreign countries, and the exportation of finished products like tires and veneer lumber to Japan largely helped increase Subic’s container cargo volume.

On the other hand, non-containerized or bulk cargo suffered a 23-percent decrease in volume this year.

From January to March, there were only 1.63 million metric tons (MTs) of goods that entered Subic, compared to 2.11 million MTs that arrived in Q1 2020.

In terms of port revenue, Martinez also said collections from vessel charges suffered a 12-percent decrease, with only P39,395,141 in Q1 2021, compared to P44,653,054 last year.

Likewise, revenue from cargo charges also dropped to P83,625,374 this year from P84,651,801 in Q1 2020.

The decrease, he said, was due to a decline in foreign bulk cargoes, motor tankers and container ships call.

Still, the SBMA Seaport Department was able to generate a total of P324.93 million in revenues in the first quarter of 2021.

This was 25 percent higher than the revenue collected in the same period last year.

The growth was attributed to the upturn in cargo handling services and variable fees, such as warehousing, processing, leases and rentals, and SBMA shares.

15 May 20-26, 2021 Sharon Cuneta in California, Yam Concepcion in New York Yes, Virginia. Showbiz veteran Sharon Cuneta has received her first dose of the vaccine against COVID-19 at a hospital in California.

The singer-actress took to Instagram y to share a video of her being vaccinated for COVID-19.

“I’m here at a hospital. I’m getting my first shot of Moderna vaccine from (nurse) Trish. I am blessed because she is a Filipina also and I am happy to be getting this vaccine. So, I am excited. I just wish my kids could get it too soon,” Sharon, 55, said as reported by her studio ABS-CBN. After getting her shot of the COVID-19 vaccine on her left arm, Sharon said: “That’s it? It wasn’t bad at all. My tolerance is high for pain.”

Last week, Cuneta flew to US on a personal trip without her family, saying she “needs to breathe.”

Meanwhile, actress Yam Concepcion has reunited with her longtime boyfriend Miguel in New York.

Yam flew to New York early this month while she is on a break from her locked-in taping for the ABS-CBN hit drama “Init sa Magdamag.”

Over the weekend, Yam posted her first set of photos with her boyfriend.

In an interview with Toni Gonzaga for “I Feel U” last month, the ABS-CBN talent said she will be staying in the United States for two to three months to spend time with Miguel.

She said the last time they were together was in December but it only lasted for two weeks.

“Nasanay na rin kaming LDR (long distance relationship) so parang this is nothing new to us, magkalayo pa rin kami. Sobrang swerte lang kasi nakauwi siya dito nung end of December until January bago kami nag locked-in taping ulit. We had time together naman,” she said.

Now into their sixth year as a couple, Yam said they make their relationship work through constant communication and trust.

Sharon earlier shared photos of her on Instagram in an emotional moment with her family — husband Sen. Francis Kiko Pangilinan, and their 3 children.

“Praying and saying bye to my family,” Sharon captioned the set of pictures, which show them in an embrace and gathered in prayer.

In a separate post as reported by ABSCBN, Sharon chronicled being at the airport, with photos of her passport, signages pertaining to health protocols, and of her wearing protective gear.

“I’m going home. Of course my real home, where my heart is, is where my husband and children are. But tonight I am flying home to my Mommy’s Gramps’ country, where only my eldest and I are legal residents,” she wrote.

“I need to breathe, collect myself, gain strength. Love you all and will miss you guys,” she said.

 ENTERTAINMENT

Luis Manzano to run for mayor of Lipa City?

Don’t look now but television host Luis Manzano may follow the footsteps of his parents in politics.

This loom as Manzano’s home studio ABS-CBN reported that he may run in the May 9, 2022 elections.

The report, however, did not indicate what position Manzano will be after as he left the question hanging in an interview.

Manzano’s parents - Filipino American actor Eduardo “Edu” Manzano and actress and Batangas Congresswoman Rosa Vilma Santos-Recto - are deep into politics. The elder Manzano had served as vice mayor and councilor of Makati and ran for senator and congressman but lost while Congresswoman Vilma had served as mayor of Lipa City and then governor of Batangas before becoming a lawmaker.

Congresswoman Vilma has been courted to run for vice president or senator several times but declined the offers.

It was earlier reported that Lucky was being groomed by his mother to be the next mayor of Lipa City, but no plans have been finalized.

During a live Facebook interview which was reported by ABS-CBN News, the younger Manzano, who used to be called Lucky, admitted he was not discounting the possibility of entering politics, saying his utmost consideration is whether he has the trust of the public to hold a government post.

Manzano, according to the report, was candid in addressing whether he has plans to run in the 2022 elections, during a live Facebook stream.

The topic of politics was among several that came up as he encouraged his viewers to ask him questions.

“Wala pa, pero malay natin,” he answered, when asked if he is seeking an elected position next year. “Nakikita ko — baka naman na sa horizon ‘yan — ang pagiging isang politiko.”

“Naniniwala ako na lahat tayo meron tayong obligation o responsibility to serve,” Luis Manzano said. “We have different capacities. Puwedeng from a simple act of service, or through public service talaga. Para sa akin, hindi ko sinasara ang pinto ko sa politika.”

Manzano then addressed his live viewers with a question of his own.

“Ito ang pinaka magandang tanong — kung sakali ba na tumakbo ako, iboboto niyo ba ako? May tiwala ba kayo sa akin pag dating sa boto ninyo? Iyon ang pinaka magandang katanungan,” he added.

Several of Manzano’s viewers appeared to respond positively, going by his reactions and subsequent statements.

“Maraming, maraming salamat sa kumpiyansa na ‘yun… Thank you so much na so far, maraming may tiwala naman sa akin pagdating sa public service,” he said.

Manzano went as far mentioning the deadline of filing for candidacy in October, in an apparent hint that he is seriously considering running for office, ABS-CBN reported.

“Tingnan natin kung tatakbo ako, tingnan natin kung ano’ng posisyon,” he said. “Ang filing ng candidacy ay October, kung hindi ako nagkakamali. Puwedeng-puwede pang humabol, kung sakali man.”

Ruffa Gutierrez’s daughter Lorin joins showbiz Like mother, like daughter.

This is the case of actress Sharmaine Ruffa Gutierrez, 46, and her eldest daughter, 17-year-old Lorin Gabriella.

Ruffa herself followed the footsteps of her actor parents - Anabelle Rama and Eddie Gutierrez.

Lorin has also joined showbiz and is now a contract star of Viva Artists Agency (VAA).

Lorin already has a budding career as a model, frequently appearing alongside her beauty queen-mother. In 2018, ABS-CBN reported she scored her first stint as a makeup endorser, and started growing a wide following on social media.

Lorin, in Evelyn Diao’s Maharlika TV report, said that she did not ask the permission of her Turkish businessman father Yilmaz Bektas.

“I didn’t necessarily get permission.

Hindi naman ako nagtanong ng ‘Hey, is it okay if I do this?’

“But there’s an open line of commu-

nication po between my mom and my dad. They still communicate, to try it, co-parent me and Venice as best as possible. And my mom definitely informed him of it,” she said.

Lorin, her mother Ruffa and younger sister Venice flew last month to Los Angeles in what was reported as a pursuit of her dreams to be a star.

“Hindi naman siya blind in everything that’s happening in my life and we update him with what’s happening and take into account and respect his opinion naman,” she added.

According to Lorin, her decision to join showbiz was fully her own.

“And I, of course, have to ask permission from my mom, but I didn’t necessarily say that, ‘Can I join?’ But definitely, he’s aware and he knows about it.”

Lorin believes that this is the right time for her to fulfil her dream to follow the footsteps of her family and she is excited in this new chapter of her life.

“I’ve been waiting when is the right time to finally do this and follow in my family’s footsteps. And now that I’m almost 18, it just feels right. It feels like I’m comfortable finally.

17 May 20-26, 2021

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Timing is everything

 ENTERTAINMENT

May 20-26, 2021

18

Rabiya Mateo goes to Los Angeles to ‘explore’ Filipina to win the title, made a graceful exit as one of the Top 21 finalists at the pageant held in Hollywood, Florida.

Despite her loss, the beauty queen said she believes she did her best and is now excited to write a new “beautiful chapter.”

It was reported by local media that Rabiya poured out her feelings on Instagram Live after the National Costume Competition, thanking everyone for the support and apologizing if she let anybody down.

Among those who sent their support and admiration to Rabiay were former Miss Universe queens who brought pride to the Philippines.

Olivia Quido-Co (le�) and Rabiya Mateo Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, 1967 queen Gloria Diaz and 2018 queen Miss Universe Philippines title holder Catriona Gray pourted their support to Rabiya Mateo has earned plaudits and le- Rabiya and thanked her for giving her gions of supporters for her performance heart to the competition, it was reported. and despite not winning the crown in the pageant in Hollywood in Florida.

Rabiya, meanwhile, thanked her pagNow, the Ilongga beauty queen is in eant fans for supporting her journey to Los Angeles, California to “explore” the the 69th Miss Universe pageant. county and state and possibly get connected with the family of her American “RABIYA WE LOVE YOU thank Indian father who left her while she was you for pouring your heart for the Phila child. ippines We see your heart Queen #MisAt press time, Rabiya posted a photo sUniverse’,” Filipino-German beauty of her passport on her Instagram story, Pia Wurtzbach wrote in her Twitter acsaying, “It’s time to travel alone and ex- count. plore US.” “Rabiya you made us so proud! We Her boarding pass showed that she know you put your heart into this and was headed to to Los Angeles, Califor- we love you! Mabuhay ang Pinay!” she nia, Manila-based media reported. added.

Former Philippine title holder ShamMiss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray cey Supsup, who now manages the lo- said in a television interview that she cal pageant and personally cheered on was proud of what Rabiay accomplished Rabiya in Florida, wished Rabiya a safe given that her reign as the country’s top flight to Los Angeles. beauty queen happened in a pandemic.

“Remember, today is just the beginThe Filipino-Australian beauty queen ning of another amazing journey,” she also lauded Rabiya’s “fighting spirit” desaid. spite failing to progress in the Top 10.

The 2020 Miss Universe crown went “I can’t even relate what have must to Andrea Meza of Mexico. been like because even putting together Rabiya, who had hoped to be the fifth a wardrobe, training schedules, even her

Mateo joined the visit to the O Skin Med Spa in Los Angeles, the official skin care partner of the 69th Miss Universe pageant, owned by Chinese-Filipino Olivia Quido-Co.

movement of going to the host country would have been restricted and there must have been challenges. The fact that she could get there and be in fighting form, I really think as an accomplishment in itself,” said Catriona.

“When I’ve seen her interviews, she has many personal stories and things to

tell. She’s a very good communicator and she really speaks from a personal place,” Catriona added.

Catriona said she hopes that Rabiya will feel the love of all Filipinos who supported the Iloilo native in her Miss Universe campaign, especially from fellow beauty queens to her family.

19 May 20-26, 2021

FIL-AM ACTOR DAVE BAUTISTA TALKS ABOUT HIS ROOTS & MOVIES Even before booking the roles that thrust him into the A-list, Filipino-American actor Dave Bautista was already landing roles in high-profile titles that would make every actor-wannabe green with envy—from Sam Mendes’ James Bond flick “Spectre” to Denis Villeneuve’s “Blade Runner 2049.”

His participation in the upcoming “Dune” remake and “Knives Out” sequel are another source of bragging rights for Dave.But the 52-year-old wresting superstar-turned-actor, who’s best known for playing Drax the Destroyer in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Avengers” films, is marking a career milestone as an actor on Friday.

With the release of “Army of the Dead,” Dave is stepping up to solo leading man status by way of Zack Snyder’s second foray into the zombie genre (after 2004’s “Dawn of the Dead”), which will be launched on Netflix.

“The most challenging thing for me were the film’s emotional scenes.

Sometimes, it’s a challenge for me to deliver lines to a large cast because I’m typically a soft-spoken person—I’m not very vocal.

“So, when I have to be the man in-charge, it feels unnatural to me. It takes me out of my comfort zone. It’s simple things like that that you’d never think of that are the biggest challenges for me. The physical stuff has always been easier for me, which was why I was able to transition into professional wrestling and come into my own. “But once I’m supposed to pick up a microphone to speak to people, that’s where my struggle comes in—and you’d see me being self-conscious and insecure because, believe it or not, I’ve always been an introverted person.

Dave also shared info about his grandfather, who was reportedly a war veteran in the Philippines.

His name is Alfonso Bautista. I lost my grandfather when I was 18. It’s weird because I began reflecting [on my relationship with him] as I got older. You know, when you’re younger, you don’t think about having those conversations with your grandfather because all you see is right there in front of you.

So, the things that we talked about was food. I always wanted to take him to McDonald’s.

He was a barber as I was growing up, so I grew up in his barber chair. But at the time, I didn’t have an interest in his background as a soldier. I knew that he was wounded because of it … and I saw the scars. But I never asked him how he got them.

Now that I’m older, I live with regret for finding out more about his childhood, where he was from, about my relatives, his upbringing and his time in the military.

I’ve heard from multiple sources that when my grandfather first came to the United States, he was in San Francisco first— and he was super wild as hell. Like, he’d run in the streets like he was a terror!

I would have liked to know more about that side of my grandfather, and I wish I did because it all sounds so interesting. I tried to find out from different family members, but a lot of them who were the same age or grew up with my grandfather are long gone. It’s one regret that’s hard to live with sometimes.

About acting, Dave says “It wasn’t always easy. I don’t have a theatrical background and didn’t spend years in drama school, so I draw a lot of my acting from experiences—so sometimes, the experience is a little painful for me.

It’s something that isn’t expected of a guy with my frame and stature. Some people would look at my physicality and (Continue on page 27) would never see me as an emo-

 ENTERTAINMENT

John Lloyd in showbiz comeback Yes, it’s official.

The comeback in showbiz of actor John Lloyd Cruz.

This was confirmed by Maja Salvador’s Crown Artist Management on May 15.

“We are happy to share with you the CAMback of the one and only John Lloyd Cruz, now under Crown Artist Management (CAM). As long-time friends in and out of the industry, Maja and JLC will now be helping each other in this stage of their careers,” according to an announcement.

“CAM will now be in charge of all his inquiries after his long hiatus. We are sure that a lot of his fans are anticipating this, so the time has already come,” it added.

“THE JOHN LLOYD CRUZ is back!” the announcement proclaimed.

Prior to the confirmation, Maja has been posting video clips on her Instagram with the hashtag, #TheCAMbackisreal.

There was a grand photo shoot which used an airplane, with John Lloyd having a champagne and red carpet welcome fit for a king.

Lloydie is one of the best actors of his generation, according to showbiz reports by Mario Bautista and Evelyn Diao.

Before his four-year sabbatical leave where he sired a son wth Elen Adarna, John Lloyd, it was gathered, finished his film “Servando Magdamag” written by Ricky Lee, directed by Lav Diaz.

“Servando Magdamag” was shot in Bicol and he is set for another project and possible sitcom on TV5.

92Maja put up her own talent management agency with her boyfriend Rambo Nunez.

As Maja announces herself: “The CAMback is REAL. CAM is now in charge of all inquiries about John Lloyd after a long hiatus. We are sure a lot of his fans are anticipating this and the right time has already

come. Yes, THE JOHN LLOYD CRUZ is back!”

No one knows yet what his comeback project with Maja will be, whether it’s going to a teleserye or a movie, it was learned.

If the comeback would be staged soon, then it wouldn’t be a movie as we all know the current moribund state of the local film industry because of the pandemic. Movies are only being shown via streaming channels and they’re not making as much revenue as movies shown in actual theaters before.

“Servando Magdamag” would be shown first in international film festivals. This is John Lloyd’s second film with Lav Diaz after “Ang Babaeng Humayo,” where he played a crossdresser.

Netizens welcome Lloydie’s comeback.

They said it’s good he is now resuming his career, whereas Derek Ramsay, the guy who replaced him in the heart of his former live-in partner Ellen Adarna, remains jobless up to now and is only visible in social media where he posts all his activities and photos with his fiancée, according to columnist Mario Bautista.

 REAL ESTATE

May 20-26, 2021

SM Prime sets P80-billion capex this year

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How To Get Your Offer Accepted In A Seller’s Market

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seller’s market means that there are more buyers than there are homes available for sale. It may mean that your full-price offer just isn’t going to cut it. So, what can you do to The company also aims to launch

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda get that perfect house you’ve searched for high and 15,000 to 20,000 residential units with its low? These tips might push your offer to the front of primary residential business segment, SM the line. Don’t even bother your home comparable, PASIG CITY – SM Prime Holdings, it’s a bidding war.

Inc. (SM Prime) has earmarked P80 billion Development Corp. (SMDC), sustaining Make Your Offer As Clean As Possible its growth in the previous year amidst the for capital expenditures this year to boost A clean offer should not be contingent on the pandemic. mainly its mall and residential business sale of another property or have other financial conMeanwhile, SM Prime will continue segments with due consideration to the straints. It should also be free of seller concessions, challenges brought about by the coronavi- assisting the national government in its which are things that a buyer asks for outside of the efforts to combat the spread of Covid-19 in rus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. offer price, such as help with closing costs. the Philippines, primarily in key areas such “We all know that the Covid-19 Even if you don’t add contingencies to your offer, there are still ways to protect as Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, pandemic continues to challenge many your interests. For example, you can get your loan fully underwritten. This means and Laguna where the number of cases are companies around the globe, including that you will complete the entire loan process with your lender before making an still high. offer on a home. Then when you put an offer in you can confidently put down your SM Prime, but we remain committed to loan contingency with little to no risk.

“At the same time, we will continue enhance the value of your company for the Write A Personal Letter To The Seller benefit of all our stakeholders,” SM Prime exploring opportunistic acquisitions and/ A simple way to increase your odds of getting your offer accepted is to write a or investments that are well within our president Jeffrey Lim said in a statement, personal letter to the seller. While some sellers only care about the price, others are core competencies and expand further in This 2021, SM Prime is scheduled to emotionally attached to their homes and want to make sure it will be in good hands. provincial areas where we can operate,” open three new malls in the Philippines Offer Above-Asking Lim added. provided that quarantine measures are This is not the market for making low offers and hoping someone will bite. You In the coming weeks, SM Prime will eased and with utmost concern for peowill have to make your offer strong enough to beat out a multiple-bid situation. If start rolling out its vaccination program ple’s safety. you want the house, you’re likely going to have to go above the asking price. among its employees to protect them from Lim said two of the three new SM Put Down A Stronger Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) Covid-19.

Your earnest money deposits proof that you are a good-faith buyer. Usually, the malls are located in Luzon –the SM City real estate broker will hold onto your EMD and it will contribute to your down payIt has committed to donate a portion Daet in Camarines Norte and the SM City ment and closing cost. On average, EMDs are about 1% – 3% of the purchase price Grand Central in Caloocan City. The third of the vaccines it procured to the national of the home. If you put a larger amount down, it may show that you are a serious mall located in the Visayas is the SM City government to support its program buyer and that your intentions are genuine.

Roxas in Capiz.

Waive The Appraisal Contingency An appraisal contingency can be given up as well – but, this poses the most risk unless you have enough cash to cover any potential shortfall between offered price and appraised price.

This is a huge one in neighborhoods that are experiencing a resurgence in property values or gained interest. An offer indicating your intention to bring money to the table if the home doesn’t appraise will definitely set you apart from the others. Just make sure you are in a strong financial position to take this risk. Make sure you check with New Funeral home with Reception Center Flower Shop your agent and lender about your qualifying for a higher Beautiful Garden Memorial Park Cremation Services amount in case the appraisal value is less.

We transfer your loved ones to and from the Philippines Make A Larger Down Payment In Your Loan Program No matter what type of loan you choose, offering to pay more down is another sign of good faith to your seller.

As we’ve indicated with several of the previous points, anytime you can showcase that you’re in a good financial position, you should do so. This situation is no exception to that rule. By putting down a larger down payment than you have to, you send the message that you’re serious about the purchase and capable of meeting all financial obligations.

Add An Escalation Clause To Your Offer An escalation clause means that your offer will outbid other offers up to a maximum price. This means that you make an offer saying you will pay X price for a home, but if a higher offer comes in, you will increase your offer to Y price.

Keep in mind, even if you provide an escalation clause, it may be in the sellers’ best interest to issue a counteroffer. A counteroffer is in place of accepting your escalation clause offer. The seller may also decide to raise the list price instead of providing a counteroffer or accepting an escalation clause.

TTT BBBBBBBBB NNN FFFFFFF HHHH RRRRRRRRR CCCCCC CCCCCCC LLLL Pay With Cash Cash offers also have the important effect of keeping the deal primarily between the buyer and seller – they call the shots and not some stranger at a bank. A financed deal is usually subject to financing contingencies, which leaves a back door for the buyer to exit. If at all possible.

Offer One Month of Free Occupancy When purchasing a home with a mortgage, your payment isn’t due until a month after you close. Why not offer your payment early to sweeten the deal? A seller could benefit from you paying “rent” for a month, and this may strengthen your offer.

The Bottom Line While they may seem small, these things can go a long way to making your offer stand out and get you the home of your dreams. Establishing that you’re a serious buyer, (Continue on page 27) with the financial capabilities

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

21 May 20-26, 2021

NEWS  NATIONAL SPORTS NEWS Kambal na masaker sa Macau

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FilAm Brandon Vera fades again, loses ONE heavyweight belt to Indian foe Filipino American Brandon Vera’s reign as the ONE Championship heavyweight king is over.

The longtime MMA veteran put his belt on the line against Arjan Bhullar in the main event of last Saturday’s ONE Championship: Dangal in Singapore, and was no match for the Indian heavyweight star.

In the pre-recorded match from the Singapore Indoor Stadium which was aired on Saturday night, Bhullar knocked out Vera after banking on the ground and pound in the second round.

Vera somehow got the upperhand early into Round 1 as he delivered jabs and some kicks to Bhullar.

Bhullar somehow took down Vera late into the opening frame, but Vera’s half guard kept Bhulllar at bay in the end.

In Round 2, however, Bhullar rocked Vera with a right hook that wobbled the latter.

Bhullar eventually sent Vera down afterward, and with the latter still in pain after a body shot before the takedown, the Indian fighter went for the jugular with a series of blows that prompted the referee to stop the contest.

Bhullar, now at 11-1, became India’s first ever mixed martial arts champion.

In the other matches, Thai pugilist Tawanchai P.K. Saenchai Muaythaigym impressed in his ONE Championship debut after knocking out Sean Clancy, former world title contender Bi Nguyen stunned Ritu Phogat with a split decision win, Ayaka Miura submitted Rayane Bastos, and Gurdarshan Mangat prevailed over fellow Indian Roshan Mainam via unanimous decision

P3.5-B PHL Sports Training Center to rise in Bataan MARIVELES, Bataan – A modern sports training center for Filipino national athletes will soon rise in Bagac town.

Envisioned to cost P3.5 billion, the facility will be on a 25 hectare property donated by the provincial government to the Philippine Sports Training Center.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez received a deed of donation from Bataan Governor Albert Raymond “Abet” Garcia for the site of the Philippine Sports Training Center (PSTC).

“I am so happy and excited about this newly forged partnership with the Provincial Government of Bataan. This will give our national athletes a new home as they continue to bring pride and honor to our country,” Ramirez said during the ceremonial signing and turnover rites at The Orient Bataan in Mariveles, Bataan.

The state-of-the-art sports hub will feature

numerous facilities for administrative, sports science, medical, and dormitories for athletes and coaches; with sports amenities for 39 Olympic and non-Olympic sports.

A P3.5 billion budget has been set for the construction of the facility.

The PSTC is scheduled to be completed by 2025.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa Philippine Sports Commission at sa lahat po ng nagtulongtulong. Isa po itong magandang project para lalong gumaling ang ating mga atletang Pilipino (We would like to thank the Philippine Sports Commission and everyone who helped. This is a good project so that our Filipino athletes will become even better),” Garcia said.

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports, was also present and assured his support for PSTC.

Outside Looking In

aong 2013 at 2014 nang muling ipinamalas ng Pilipinong si Manny Pacquiao ang kanyang kakayahang bumangon mula sa pagkakadapa at ituloy ang kanyang misyon sa pagiging boksingero – ang magpaligaya ng tao.

Pinili ng noon ay 28 taon nang beterano sa pakikipagbasagan ng mukhang mandirigma ang Macau EDDIE G. ALINEA kung saan ay, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, lumaban siya sa harap ng punong-punong Cotai Arena para kapuwa supilin ang mga ambisyosong humamon sa kanya na sina Brandon RioS at Chris Algieri sa pamamagitan ng nagkaka-isang hatol.

Sariwa pa sa alaala ng marami ang mapait na kambal na pagkatalo ni Manny sa kamay ni Timothy Bradley (split decision in 12) at Juan Manuel Marquez (KO in 6) isang taon ang nakararaan noong 2012., bagamat nabawi ng idolo ng bayan ag pagKabigo niya kay BradlEy (UD in 12) 11 buwan bago harapin si Rios noong Abril 12, 2014.

Madaling nai-dispatsa ng noon ay 35 anyos na si Pacquiao ang nagpanggap na Amerikanong challenger sa kanilang pagtutuos na pinangalanang “Clash in Cotai (“Fight as One”) noong Nobiyembre 24, 2013 para mai-uwi ang titulo ng bakanteng WBO International Welterweight sa pagbunyi ng mga nanood na halos lahat ay Pilipino at Asyano.

Matapos ang bakbakan, idineklara ni Pacquiao na inialay niya ang panalo sa mga biktima ng bagyong katatapos lamang na sumalanta sa Pilipinas.

Isang taon matapos paluhurin si Rios sa kanyang harapan, noong Nobiyembre 23, 2014, pinabagsak ni Manny ng anim na beses si Algieri upang maipagtanggol ang kampeonato ng WBO 147 libra na nabawi niya kay Bradley sa ilalawa sa pangatlong laban nilag serye.

Para sa ama ng lima niyang supling kay noon ay Sarangani Bise Gob. Jinkee, mas matamis ang panalong ito kay Algieri sa dahilang ang noon ay 35 anyos nang Pilipino ay itinuring ng kampo ng kanyang kalaban na palaos na at patungo na sa pagre-retiro.

Ito ay naramdaman agad ng kaaway matapos siyang padapain ni Manny sa ikalawang round pa lamang ng laban at tatlong beses pa sa ika-anim, ika-pito at ika-sampung yugto.

Sa 10th round,dapat sana’y tapos na ang boksing nang tigilan ni Manny ang pagpaparusa sa New Yorker sa pagaaakalang itinigil na ni reperi Genaro Rodriguez ang sagupaan.

Inamin ni Manny na talagang tinangka niyang patulugin si Algieri upang aminin din na “Chris is a tough fighter and he showed that by avoiding that to happen.”

Para sa chief trainer ni Manny na si Freddie Roach, ng napakalayong agwat ng boto ni judge Michael Pernick na 120-102 ay maaring pinaka-malaking kalamangan sa nakalipas na 20 taong kasaysayan ng sport ng boksing.

Kay Top Rank Promotion CEO Bob Arum, ang anim na knockdown na iniskor ni Pacquiao ay katumbas ng KO panalo na siya namang hangad Roach sa isang banda.

“I can’t remember a fighter scoring six knockdoiwns in my long in boxing,” badya ni Arum sa reporter na ito pagkatapos ng laban. “Yeah, it could be considered a knockout but the occicial result is still a unanimous decision.”

Ang dalawa pang huwes – Patrick Morley at Levi Martinez – ay bumoto ng 119-103 at 118-103, ayon sa pagkakasunod pabor sa ama nina Jimwel, Michael, Princess, Queenie at Israel. Kapuwa sila walang ibinigay na round kay Algieri.

Sa nakaugaliang post-fight presscon, inamin ni Algieri ang malaking kalamangan ni Manny. “Pacquiao is a great, great champion. He’s so fast, it was very difficult for me to keep track on him.”

May 20-26, 2021

22

Q: How are these people who keep selling me stuff on the phone able to get my number when I am unlisted?

A: The internet is not called information technology for no reason. A lot of times people have their own lists of names, phone numbers, address and so on of contacts of family members, co-workers and friends. Though this may be just a harmless list. to others, this is valuable information. To a marketer, this list can be used to communicate with your contacts which to them are called leads. Hmmmm Leads? This leads are targets for phone calls, mailers and other form of communication in order to send out attractive offers for products they sell. So count yourself as being just one person with a thousand contacts. That doesn’t sound like much. But when they get your contacts and your contacts’ contacts and so on, this will amount to millions of potential customers where if just hit ten percent of the whole pie could bring in millions to their business. Not so simple anymore is it?

So how do they get a hold of these information? When you apply for jobs, credit, and any other forms of questionnaire that would require you to put in as much information about yourself and others. When you join a raffle asking also for some basic information asking for emergency contact. These are just some of ways they can have you willingly give out that information to them for further use. Then there is the normal way of getting such information from your service providers such as TV, Cable , Mobile and utilities. This is why you are getting that sales call all day long not knowing how they got your information. To keep your information safe, always give as very little as possibly as needed. Ask questions why they will need that information and what is to happen if you were not comfortable in handing that out. Remember, it is your information. You own it and they are asking for you to give it to them. You always have a choice.

Ang ating lesson, Information ninyo ay ginto sa taong gustong pakinabangan ito.

If you need help in getting out of debt, call Debt Aid Consulting International.

We do not use call centers which keeps your information safe. We have a new program that reconstruct debts for half of what you would pay our competitors.

We also provide legal assistance that keeps collectors away. We take Federal Credit Unions, Payday loans and high interest personal loans in our program too.

This is exclusively available for Debt Aid Consulting clients. None of our competitors provide this program. You are well protected.

We only provide Federal Trade Commission compliant programs. Go with Debt Aid Consulting!

Do not fall for marketing gimmicks saying that they have the right program for you. Most marketing companies only have one program and will enroll you in that program whether it fits you or not.

So beware!

Ben Lou at your service! I have over 35 years of financial experience.

If you would like sound financial advice, call us at Debt Aid Consulting International. We do not use call centers. No one has the right to put your information at risk.

Debt Aid Consulting is the first and only Filipino debt mediation company incorporated in the US and Canada, Caribbean Islands, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines!

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Tawag na po sa 1-888341-5234 at tutulungan po namin kayo.

Itama po natin ang mali!

23 May 20-26, 2021

San Mateo County proclaims June 2021 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Two Spirit Pride Month

REDWOOD CITY – The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has adopted a proclamation declaring June 2021 as LGBTQQI2S Pride Month in San Mateo County and has ordered the Progress Pride Flag to be flown at County Center and other County facilities.

San Mateo County is a leader in the journey toward LGBTQQI2S equality having established the state’s first dedicated LGBTQ Commission in June 2014.

The LGBTQ Commission of San Mateo County supports the development of policies, programs and resources that help create a community in which LGBTQQI2S people are treated fairly and with dignity and respect.

“With the COVID pandemic revealing deep inequities in our society, it is more urgent than ever that we ensure all communities remain valued and welcome,” said Supervisor Dave Pine, who sponsored the proclamation. “The County is proud to lead the effort to celebrate Pride month including by flying the Progress Pride Flag at County buildings and supporting events throughout the month of June.”

The LGBTQ Commission is currently working with all 20 San Mateo County cities to raise visibility for the LGBTQ community through virtual events and other actions including flying the Progress Pride or Pride flag, approving proclamations declaring June as Pride Month, including Pride information on their

websites, and promoting LGBTQ community services and programs.

For a complete list of participating cities, visit https://lgbtq.smcgov.org/ pride-visibility-information-materials.

For more information about Pride events, visit www.smcpridecelebration.com.

“The recognition of Pride Month by the Board of Supervisors, especially the raising of the Progress Flag, is an affirming and inclusive expression to LGBTQ+ community members that equitable services are important in San Mateo County,” said LGBTQ Commission Co-Chair Dana Johnson.

“Recognizing LGBTQ Pride is a way to demonstrate that San Mateo County welcomes and values the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community and wants all members to thrive,” said Commission Co-Chair Rebecca Carabez.

The month of June marks the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion that gave rise to the modern lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights movement. The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors annually issues the LGBTQQI2S proclamation in recognition of Pride Month. The Progress Pride Flag, which includes black and brown stripes to represent marginalized LGBTQ+ communities of color, as well as pink, light blue and white to represent the Transgender community, emphasizes inclusion for all within the larger LGBTQ community.

2020 totals show use of California’s Red Flag Law continues to rise despite pandemic SACRAMENTO – For the fourth consecutive year, more Californians and law enforcement agencies have turned to the courts to prevent senseless shootings.

Judges approved 1,285 gun violence restraining orders (GVROs) last year, mandating the temporary removal of an individual’s firearms because they pose a danger to themselves or others. That brings the total number of GVROs issued in California to 3,008 since the red flag law began in 2016.

“The closure of our courts for periods of time during the pandemic may have contributed to the slow growth in GVRO usage. Still, nearly 1,300 orders were issued, with San Diego County leading the way. I’m glad that Californians have a tool to intervene to save lives and prevent tragedies,” said As-

semblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), the author of AB 61, which took effect September 1, 2020.

The bill expanded the pool of people who can ask for a GVRO, allowing educators, employers and co-workers to file for one when coordinating with school administrators or human resources departments.

Prior to Ting’s law, only family members and law enforcement could obtain a GVRO by going to the courts directly.

In California, there are two ways GVROs can be granted: · For a duration of 21 days, immediately (which can be extended to one year with a court hearing); or, · For a duration of up to five years, after a court hearing The release of gun violence data is later than usual this year because the California Attorney General’s (AG) Office began withholding firearms records.

This also made it difficult for researchers to continue studying the effectiveness of the state’s gun policies.

ABISO NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG Iniimbitahan ang publiko para magbigay ng opinyon sa pampublikong pagdinig sa 2016 Measure B Citizens’ Oversight Committee’s (MBCOC) sa mga kita at gastusin ng 2016 Measure B para sa yugto ng Piskal na Taon (FY) 2017-2019 at FY 2020:

Miyerkules, Mayo 26, 2021 12:00 p.m.

Zoom videoconference (na may kakayahan ng cellphone)

Noong Nobyembre 2016, inaprobahan ng mga botante ng Santa Clara County ang Measure B, isang 30-taon, kalahating sentimong buwis sa benta sa buong county na ilalaan para sa pagpapaganda ng transit, mga highway, expressway, at aktibong transportasyon (mga bisikleta, bangketa, at Complete Streets) sa loob ng Santa Clara County.

Pinagkatiwalaan ng mga botante ng pangangasiwa ang MBCOC para tiyakin na magagastos ng Measure B ang mga pondo kaayon ng ballot language at para ipaalam sa mga botante ang tungkol sa pag-alinsunod sa Programa.

Noong 2019, sinimulan ng Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) ang proseso para maihatid ang mga proyekto at programa na nakapaloob sa Programang 2016 Measure B, na inantala ng isang hindi matagumpay na paghamon sa measure sa korte. Kabilang sa mga halimbawa ng maraming gagawing mga proyekto/programa ang mga lokal na kalye/pagkukumpuni at pagpapaganda ng mga kalsada; mga highway interchange; at bisikleta/mga proyekto ng bangketa. Higit pang impormasyon sa mga proyekto/programa ang available sa website ng Programang 2016 Measure B ng VTA: vta.org/projects /funding/2016-measure-b.

Para tiyakin na ligtas ang lahat sa panahon ng pandemya, hindi magkakaroon ng pisikal na lokasyon para sa pampublikong pagdinig.

Higit pang impormasyon tungkol sa pampublikong pagdinig ang available sa Board & Committee portal sa vta.org. Pinasisigla ang publiko na magbigay ng kanilang opinyon sa pagpupulong sa Zoom o sa pamamagitan ng email, na tatanggapin hanggang 10:00 a.m. sa 5/26/21 sa: board.secretary@vta.org.

May ibibigay na karagdagang mga serbisyong interpreter sa wikang pasenyas kapag hiniling sa pamamagitan ng pakikipag-ugnayan sa Customer Service ng VTA nang hindi lalampas sa limang araw bago ang pagdinig sa customer.service@vta.org o (408) 321- 2300, TTY (408) 321-2330.

Ang mga kopya ng dokumento ng Programang 2016 Measure B, at mga resulta ng independyenteng mga pag-awdit noong (A) FY 2017-2019 at (B) FY 2020, ay available para sa pampublikong pagsisiyasat mula 8 a.m. hanggang 5 p.m. Lunes hanggang Biyernes sa mga opisina ng VTA sa 3331 N. First Street, San Jose, CA sa lobby ng Building B. Available rin ang impormasyong ito sa: vta.org/projects/funding/2016-measure-b. Ang mga tanong sa pampublikong pagdinig ay dapat itanong sa: Opisina ng Kalihim ng Lupon sa (408) 321-5680 o sa board.secretary@vta.org.

Kumikilos na ang Iyong Dolyares na Buwis sa 2016 Measure B! www.vta.org • (408) 321-2300 • TTY (408) 321-2330

 COMMUNITY NEWS

May 20-26, 2021

California Roars Back

Governor Newsom presents $100-B comeback plan SACRAMENTO – California Governor Gavin Newsom presented his $100 billion California Comeback Plan, the biggest economic recovery package in California history. The Governor’s Plan outlines comprehensive strategies and major investments in key areas so that California can come roaring back from the pandemic.

The California Comeback Plan has one goal: hit fast forward on our state’s recovery by directly confronting California’s most stubborn challenges: • Providing immediate relief for those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic • Confronting the homelessness and housing affordability crisis • Transforming public schools into gateways for opportunity • Building infrastructure for the next century • Combating wildfires and tackling climate change “Every Californian has been impacted by this pandemic, and the sacrifices we’ve all made this past year have resulted in a historic surplus – I’m here to announce that we’re investing it in you,” said Governor Newsom.

“California’s economic recovery will leave nobody behind, that’s why we’re implementing the nation’s largest state tax rebate and small business relief programs in history, on top of unprecedented investments we’re making to address California’s most persistent challenges. This is a jumpstart for our local economies, and it’s how we’ll bring California roaring back,” he said.

The California Comeback Plan outlines comprehensive strategies and major investments in the following five areas of focus: Immediate Relief for California’s Families and Small Businesses Two out of every three Californians to get Golden State Stimulus checks: The Plan will create the biggest state tax rebate in American history, including an additional $8.1 billion in stimulus checks – for a total of nearly $12 billion – that will go directly to middle class Californians and families. Nearly two-thirds of Californians will now qualify for a stimulus check of $600. Qualified families with dependents, including undocumented families, will be eligible for an additional

$500.

Largest small businesses relief program in the nation: The Plan invests an additional $1.5 billion for a total of $4 billion in direct grants to California’s small businesses – on top of a massive $6.2 billion tax cut – putting more money directly into the pockets of hundreds of thousands of small business owners and helping them re-hire workers displaced by the pandemic.

Largest statewide renter assistance package in the country: Under Governor Newsom’s Plan, California will offer the strongest renter assistance package of any state in America.

The Plan will provide a total of $5.2 billion to help low-income renters pay 100 percent of their back-rent, and all of their rent for several months into the future. The Plan also includes $2 billion for past-due utility bills and more money than ever for tenant legal assistance.

Creating opportunity for Californians who lost their jobs: The Plan provides $1 billion in new grants to workers who lost their jobs during the pandemic, giving California’s workforce critically-needed opportunities to earn and learn, go back to school, or start their own business. It also includes Universal Basic Income pilot programs.

Confronting Homelessness and the Housing Affordability Crisis Confronting homelessness at historic levels: The Governor’s Plan will invest $12 billion to tackle the homelessness crisis, helping more than 65,000 people get off the streets or avoid homelessness altogether. The Plan reaches the most vulnerable by rebuilding the behavioral health housing system that has been dismantled over decades. It also comes with new accountability measures to ensure local governments are spending the money effectively.

Ending family homelessness: Under the Governor’s Plan, California will seek to achieve functional zero on family homelessness within five years through a new $3.5 billion investment in homeless prevention, rental support through CalWORKs and new housing opportunities for people at risk of homelessness.

46,000 new homeless housing units – the biggest increase in California history: The California Comeback Plan includes massive expansions of Homekey – California’s groundbreaking national model for homeless housing. The package will unlock more than 46,000 new homeless housing units, including nearly 5,000 new affordable homes for people at risk of or exiting homelessness.

Encampment strategy: The California Comeback Plan includes targeted programs and grants to local governments to move people out of unsafe, unhealthy encampments and into safer, more stable housing.

Clean California’s streets: The Governor’s Plan calls for partnering with local governments to clean litter, commission public art and revitalize downtowns, freeways and neighborhoods across California.

More funding for new affordable housing than ever before: The California Comeback Plan tackles housing affordability head-on: it will put $3.5 billion into building more affordable housing for low-income families and create homeownership opportunities to help restore the California Dream.

Transforming Public Schools into Gateways for Opportunity Transforming schools into gateways to opportunity: Under the Governor’s Plan, public schools in low-income neighborhoods can fundamentally transform into the kind of complete campus every parent would want for their child – with before- and after-school instruction, sports and arts, personalized tutoring, nurses and counselors and nutrition – paired with new preventative behavioral health services for every kid in California.

Finally achieve universal Pre-K: Under the Governor’s Plan, California will finally achieve universal pre-school, providing high-quality, free transitional kindergarten to all fouryear-olds in California. The California Comeback Plan also adds 100,000 child care slots to support caregivers.

3.7 million kids get college savings accounts: The California Comeback Plan creates child savings accounts for 3.7 million low-income children in public school for higher education or to start their own business, making college more attainable than ever before.

Fil-Am leaders...

24

(From page 1)

Virginia Alinsao RN of the Philippine Nurses Association (PNAA) speaks

Atty. Steven Raga, Filipino American New York City candidate speaks.

Be�na Obias speaks on behalf of the US Filipinos for Good Governance advocacy group. from the excess AstraZeneca stockpile in Baltimore and in Ohio. Biden recently pledged to donate 60 million doses not being used in America to help desperate nations. They also sang the US National Anthem and the Pilipino song, Bayan Ko. The community leaders are planning another White House rally in June with other community organizations to thank the Biden Administration after the next tranche of millions of donated vaccines arrive.

During the next weeks their supporters in several states will virtually meet with the staff of US Senators and Biden administration officials to advocate for the early delivery of donated AZ vaccines. According to the US Embassy Manila website, the Filipino People can expect another separate 42 million doses from the American funded COVAX facility.

Delivery dates are still unknown.

The following leaders attended: Virginia Alinsao RN of the Philippine Nurses of America (PNA) International Affairs committee with Alvin Matium RN, Atty. Steven Raga, a Filipino American candidate for the NY City Council, Paul Inserto RN and Eric Lachica of the US Medicare Philippines, Bettina Obias of the US Filipinos for Good Governance (USFGG) with Tina Maynigo and Ronie Nieva, Mel Alonzo of the Alliance of Women for Advancement and Reform (AWARE PH), David Borden of the Stop the Drug War, and Dr. Bambi Lorica MD pediatrician with Dr. Victor Lorica.

Several gave solidarity appeals. Several sight-seers joined the group for photos including students and Filipino tourists. The thirty-minute event was live streamed on FaceBook by the USFGG social media team with the hashtag: #VAXFORPH. Supporters are urged to appeal to President Biden on his website: www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ and to their U.S. Senators on www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm to donate early the five million excess doses of AstraZeneca vaccines to the Filipino People who are facing the terrible pandemic. More than 100 Filipinos are dying per day due to COVID-19.

25 May 20-26, 2021

PHL embassy concludes successful partnership with Excel Academy for EAP 2020-2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of their culminating activity in the Embassy Adop-

tion Program (EAP), the allgirls 6th grade class of Excel Academy led by Ms. Keisha Hopkins virtually presented their capstone project to the Philippine Embassy.

The presentation included the girls’ individual artworks and fun facts about the Philippines, cooking demonstrations of Filipino food and delicacies, and dance performances to original Filipino music.

“As a 6th grade class, we would like to thank you for coming to our virtual class and teaching us so much about Filipino life.

Even though EAP was very different this year than in years past, we would like to show you our appreciation through a video slideshow of us drawing pictures, cooking, and dancing,” the class said in a thank you note.

“The girls really enjoyed learning more about Philippine culture. Thank you for coming in to our class virtually and teaching us,” Ms. Hopkins added.

Prior to the capstone, the Philippine Embassy facilitated 3 virtual sessions with the class focusing on Philippine history, culture, language and food; Christmas celebrations in the Philippines; and Philippine mythology and folklore. The girls likewise had the chance to make their own parols (Christmas lanterns) and participate in interactive Q&A games which made the EAP school year

more interesting and fun.

“We are happy to have had our engagement with DC Public Schools through the Embassy Adoption Program this school year, albeit in a virtual setting. It is always a welcome opportunity to foster understanding and promote appreciation of our unique and vibrant culture to our young stakeholders,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said in a statement.

The Embassy Adoption Program is a partnership program of the DC Public Schools (DCPS) and Washington Performing Arts that exposes DCPS students to international perspectives and cross-cultural lessons through direct interactions with Embassies and other global entities.

L.A. County begins vaccinating 12 to 15-year-olds; nearly 70% of county residents over 64 got their second dose

LOS ANGELES - The Centers for Dis- at all worksites and all worksites must fol- age of 80, five people who died were between (FDA) to expand the emergency use authoease Control and Prevention (CDC) released low the requirements set forth by California’s the ages of 65 and 79, five people who died rization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine guidance indicating that people who are fully Division of Occupational Safety and Health, were between the ages of 50 and 64, and one for adolescents 12 to 15 years of age, which ISO 12647-7 Digitalcan Control vaccinated against COVID-19 safelyStrip re- 2009 Cal/OSHA. Everyone must continue to ad- person who died was between the ages of 18 represents nearly 500,000 individuals in L.A. 60 100 30 100 60 3 60 100 70 100 10 25 50 75 90 100 70 30 100 40 100 40 70 40 70 40 40 40 70 40 40 70 40 70 40 40 sume100activities that were30done100prior to the 70 here to required distancing and masking at all40 100and4029.

County. pandemic. workplaces. Until Cal/OSHA changes these To date, Public Health identified Vaccinations sites across L.A. County L.A. County and the state will review the requirements, the County cannot be less re- 1,236,456 positive cases of COVID-19 began vaccinating younger teens today, and recommendations in order to make sensible strictive. Proposed changes to Cal/OSHA’s across all areas of L.A. County and a total all eight County sites are offering Pfizer for adjustments. In the interim, please note that workplace safety standards were posted for of 24,057 deaths. There are 375 people with younger teens as of this morning. At the 100 100 60 100 100 people 70 70 30 30 100 60to100 100 a 70 70consideration 100 100 10.2 7.4 7.4 sites, 25 19 19and 50 40 40 75 66 66 100sites, 100 100 80appoint70 70 100 30 30 100 100 60 70 standards 30 30 100board 40 100 40COVID-19 40 100 10 40currently 40 20 70 70 hospitalized 70 70 40 70 40 40 and 0000 3.1 2.2 2.2 fully vaccinated do not100 need wear at the May7020 22% County many other mask when indoors around other fully vacci- meeting. of these people are in the ICU. Testing results ments are available and walk-ins are welnated people, or outside in uncrowded areas.

The Los Angeles County Department of are available for more than 6,611,000 indi- come. Please note that many sites require When at businesses and in crowded venues, Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed viduals with 17% of people testing positive. that children be accompanied by a parent or both indoors and outdoors, masks are still re- 17 new deaths and 284 new cases of COV- Today’s daily test positivity rate is 0.6%. guardian or that the child is accompanied by quired to be worn by everyone.

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 COMMUNITY NEWS

May 20-26, 2021

26

Helping communities stay safe

PG&E and California Fire Foundation renew partnership to tackle wildfire risk SACRAMENTO, California — To raise awareness about wildfire safety and bring resources to underserved communities in high fire-threat areas in 2021, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is joining forces again with the California Fire Foundation (CFF), providing $1.4 million for CFF’s Wildfire Safety and Preparedness Program (WSPP).

Fire departments and community-based organizations in California can submit applications beginning this week for grant funding to address ongoing wildfire risk. Applications must be submitted by June 18, 2021 at the CFF website. Award notification will begin on July 31, 2021.

Over the past three years, CFF has awarded grants to 145 fire departments and fire agencies statewide with a focus on Northern and Central California. Funding targets specific communities identified as having extreme or elevated fire risk as identified by the California Public Utilities Commission High Fire-Threat District map.

“The Wildfire Safety and Preparedness Program is a partnership with PG&E that was created to address the new normal in Califor-

nia of drier and hotter seasons. There is no end to a wildfire season in our state now, and residents must understand the steps to take to evacuate safely,” said Rick Martinez, Executive Director of the CFF. “After 2020 surpassed 2018 in the number of acres burned, it demonstrates an alarming trend that proves programs like WSPP are necessary for Californians to stay ahead and stay alert.”

“Keeping our customers and our hometowns safe is our most important responsibility. Our ongoing partnership with the California Fire Foundation and support for this important program brings resources and awareness to underserved residents living in high fire-threat areas. Being a good neighbor means showing up for those in need. We have increased our support this year to reach even more communities with important fire-safety information and further strengthen local fire resilience,” said Sumeet Singh, PG&E Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer.

How the Grants Help Communities PG&E’s contribution continues a fouryear collaboration with CFF. PG&E has provided $4.6 million in total support for fire safety awareness through the WSPP. The

charitable contribution is shareholder-funded, not funded by PG&E customers.

Since 2018, WSPP has funded: Specialized fire equipment and personal protective equipment Defensible space and vegetation management efforts Fuel/hazard reduction programs Fire prevention and emergency preparedness education including senior citizen wildfire preparedness programs Fire safety outreach campaigns including 12,000 brochures targeting underserved communities in English, Spanish, Chinese, Hmong and Vietnamese Partnerships with community groups in high fire-risk areas to distribute fire-safety information The WSPP has worked hard to overcome language barriers by developing and distributing in-language fire-safety messaging targeting Spanish, Chinese, Hmong, and Vietnamese communities. These efforts include a comprehensive media campaign consisting of outdoor billboards and in-language television, radio, and digital ads.

The CFF, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organi-

zation, aids firefighters, their families and the communities they protect. The CFF’s Firefighters on Your Side program, also supported by PG&E, provides multi-lingual, culturally relevant fire safety messaging in both digital and print form, to assist the public in staying safe.

About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge. com and pge.com/news.

About California Fire Foundation The California Fire Foundation, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization, provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect. Formed in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, the California Fire Foundation’s mandate includes an array of survivor and victim assistance projects and community initiatives. cafirefoundation.org

GIFTED TO GIVE

500 YEARS OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE PHILIPPINES 1521-2021

Our Faith * Our Journey * Our Mission

You are cordially invited as we celebrate the 500 years of Filipino Catholic Evangelization.

Sunday 23rd of May 2021 1:00 in the afternoon At Holy Family Catholic Church 200 Antonina Ave. American Canyon, CA 94503 - Filipiniana attire is encouraged - Please observe COVID 19 Protocol by wearing mask and social distancing - There will be entertainment and refreshment

PLEASE COME AND JOIN US COMMEMORATE OUR GIFT – OUR FAITH!!!

WINNING TEAM OF WESTBOROUGH HILLS TENNIS CLUB INTERCOLOR TOURNAMENT(GRAY) HELD ON MAY 16. From L to R: Ral(hitman) Dasco, Andrew(andy wick) Amaya, Romy(music man) Gotera, John(the prince) Marquez, Cesar(kapitan) Cabrera, club’s president, Elgie(fisherman)Enriquez, team captain, Marieanne(always early), and Edgar(egay)Elia.

A CELEBRATION OF 500 YEARS OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE PHILIPPINES BY: Arlene Q.M. Collins We Filipinos have a reason to celebrate! A celebration of one, as a people of faith, is a celebration for all.

The Holy Family Catholic Church, through the leadership of pastor Rev. Fr. Frederick Kutubebi, commemorates the 5 centuries ago of the first heard and received Christian message in the Philippines. The event will be held on MAY 23,2021, AT 1PM, 200 ANTONINA AVENUE, AMERICAN CANYON, CA. After the church service, guests will be entertained with folk dancing rendered by parishioners.

This Christian message is at the heart of every Filipino’s lived experience as a people and as a nation. This is a source of great joy that continues to sustain and renew our lives. Pope Francis himself referred to this joy as he presided over the Eucharistic celebration on March 14,2021 at St. Peter’s Basilica. “Your joy is evident in your people. We see it in your eyes, your faces, your songs and your prayers. I want to thank you for the joy you bring to the whole world and to our Christian community.

The beautiful experiences of families in Rome and throughout the world, your discreet andhardworking presence became a testimony of faith.”

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines chose the theme, “Gifted to Give” to last March 14,2020 to April 2022. We Filipinos rejoice and give thanks. We have been given the gift of faith, hope and love “to give away” or share with others wherever we are or wherever we are sent.

Indeed, the 500 years of Christianity have painfully and joyfully carved fruits of these gifts to the 10 million Filipino migrants scattered across the globe and to the 110 million still living in the 7,640 Philippine islands

27 May 20-26, 2021

Upside...

(From Page 11)

* Organizations are looking for ways to provide services outside of traditional systems in place, such as the criminal justice system, to meet the needs of communities of color and immigrants; * Language services need to be broadened to include non-mainstream languages and dialects; * More research, creAsian Pacific Ins�tute on ative tools are crucial to do Gender-based Violence the necessary work; * Advocates and surviMonica Khant details DV survivors’ predicament amid vors need to know that responses to AAPI issues difthe pandemic. fer state to state, and * Many survivors do not want to leave but rather find resolution to preserve the partnership, shifting the recourse to healing instead of punitive pathways.

To be concluded. *** Cherie M. Querol Moreno is Executive Editor of Philippine News Today

Offline

(From Page 13)

There’s another reason why some folks prefer not to get baksins.

There’s a lot of supposed scientific data that says there are better ways to block coronavirus from entering one’s system. The most common is the regular use of ivermectin. There are even doctors who swear by it.

Then there are supposed studies allegedly from China and Russia, which recommend taking hot tea or aspirin as a prophylaxis.

One “study” says that coronavirus is not really a virus, but a protein. So why isn’t anyone calling it coronaprotein?

So many questions, so few answers.

For now, a sister said she bought Moderna vaccines for herself and her family, but was able to get free shots in Pasig, where she lives. This being the case, she said I could have her ordered vaccine when it arrives.

I guess I’m going to get myself baksinned, after all. And yes, I just invented that silly word. It must be the summer heat.

Outsider

(From Page 14)

larly by aggregating their fresh produce and selling directly to customers here in Metro Manila,” Ang said.

SMC also partnered with the Department of Agriculture to open direct marketing stores “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” at Petro gas stations in Metro Manila, which also aims to help agricultural industry and provide consumers easier access to fruits and vegetables.

Even Maynilad outsourced its food donation from Cropital, a social agri-startup supported by MVP group’s incubator and accelerator program under Ideaspace.

According to Maynilad President Ramoncito S. Fernandez, “aside from providing local farmers access to affordable capital, they also help find or create market for the produce of the farmers. This is the reason why Maynilad has partnered with Cropital for our BuyLocal CSR program. Through this, we aim to directly support the livelihood of Filipino farmers by creating a sure market for their produce through the purchases of our employees and their families and friends.”

According to Fernandez, former president of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Cropital takes care of the sourcing of the produce like rice and veggie crops from the local farmers they support as well as order fulfillment through an ecommerce site such as ordering, payment, delivery. Among the companies in the MVP group that already adopted this program are: Maynilad, Meralco, ePLDT, LRMC, MPIC, and PGN. Meanwhile, Velasco also congratulated east zone concessionaire Manila Water Services, Inc. which recently landed the third spot in LinkedIn’s 2021 top 15 companies in the Philippines that promotes professional growth.

“To help our employees overcome the impact brought about by COVID-19, we rolled out programs that aimed to listen and respond; redirect focus and energy; build confidence and assurance; instill gratitude; celebrate big and small wins; retool and re-skill; provide financial support where needed; and prepare for the new normal,” Janine T. Carreon, Manila Water Group Director for Corporate Human Resources said.

“Consistent with our corporate value of ‘malasakit,’ these programs are the best expressions of our care for our employees who drive our business forward. Without our people’s commitment, we cannot deliver our service to our customers and create value for our stakeholders. In the darkest moment of uncertainty, we wanted to provide hope for our employees and in by so doing, help the country in our own small way,” Carreon added.

As a footnote to the MWSS community pantry, Velasco has this to say: “Malasakit. Compassion. CSD (Caring, Sharing and Daring). Bayanihan. These are the Filipino traits that will carry us through in the coming days and months ahead in our collective struggle to rise from the ill effects of Covid 19. This is where the Filipino spirit always shines bright. The smiles on the faces of beneficiaries as they left the line are images that will drive us more to help others in need.”

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

Work Out Demo near you, just write or contact: FITNESS FOR HUMANITY, 730 Madrid Street, San Francisco, CA 94112 Tel. (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. )

PerryScope...

(From Page 12)

support from his base of voters. But is that the truth or it’s just a myth?

But how can Trump claim his primacy when he lost the 2020 election by eight million votes to Joe Biden? Do you think that he can improve his numbers in 2024 when he runs for president against Biden or Kamala Harris if Biden wouldn’t run for reelection in 2024? Or can he beat Cheney in a Republican primary who by the looks of it is tailor-made to lead the Republican Party or a third party in the 2024 election?

However, she described the grip Trump had on the Republican Party as “dangerous” and “a cult of personality.” She said it was a “betrayal” to see him try to burn down the party and American democracy in an attempt to regain power. “It’s a real betrayal. He’s going to unravel the democracy to come back into power,” Cheney said.

Anti-Trump coalition Meanwhile, on May 13, a coalition of 150 prominent Republican and independent leaders released “A Call for American Renewal,” a principle-based vision for American leadership, as an alternative to the current direction of the Republican Party amid growing extremism in the country. It calls for strengthening the rule of law and increasing government ethics. The manifesto was released one day after the ousting of Cheney as chair of the House Republican Conference, and was largely seen as a reaction against the influence of Trumpism within the Republican Party.

While the GOP leadership marginalizes Cheney and other members for simple acts of truth-telling and conscience, founding signatories are mobilizing disaffected voters “to impact competitive elections around the country and shape the future of the nation.”

This “common-sense coalition” seeks to catalyze the reform of the Republican Party and its recommitment to truth, founding ideals, and decency or, if unsuccessful, lay the foundation for an alternative – possibly a third party.

Among the signers are four former governors, including Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld and South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford; 27 former members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including Barbara Comstock, Charlie Dent and Paul Mitchell; and one former Senator David Durenberger. Other prominent names include attorney George Conway, husband of senior Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway; former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci; former Department of Homeland Security official Elizabeth Neumann; and former DHS general counsel John Mitnick.

In my column, “Quo vadis, Republican Party?” (April 9, 2021), I wrote: “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?”

In the short time since then, the world of Republicanism has turned upside down. A political civil war broke out on May 12, pitting a lone Republican congresswoman – Liz Cheney – and her supporters against the powerful clique of Republican leaders led

by Senate Minority Floor Leader Mitch McConnell and House of Representatives Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who are promoting former president Donald Trump’s “Big Lie” that the 2020 election was stolen. The following day, the manifesto called “A Call to American Renewal” was released.

Now, the shooting starts! As they say: In politics, there is never a dull moment.

(PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

Ken Go...

(From Page 20)

to meet all obligations, is the way to a seller’s heart.

Be willing to go the extra mile, both in your intention and in your financial offerings. If you do so, the seller of your dream home will notice your effort and give your offer a second glance.

Thanks for your inquiries, pls call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance at 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@ verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

Flipside...

(From Page 19)

tional person—which I am, absolutely. I’m very loving and emotional. I’m so Filipino.

I want to continue expressing that side of me because I don’t want to be a stereotypical action hero. I want to be somebody who has a heart because I want people to be able to relate to me and empathize with me. Sometimes, it’s hard to do that when you’re a large,

muscular person. But I’m learning”.

SHARON CUNETA REVIRGINED MaRon, the name coined for the onscreen partnership of Sharon Cuneta and Marco Gumabao for the film “Revirginized,” has undergone many interesting transformations.

According to Sharon, the story happens only in one weekend.

“It is about the transformation of this sad woman’s life. It’s also a coming-of-age movie in many different context,” she said.

“I’m excited,” Sharon continued. “After four decades, I think I’ve earned the right to experiment and do movies that are not really the kind of movies that my audiences are used to seeing me in. When it’s like that, you take a chance and it’s usually worth it. At least when I retire, I can say that I did what I wanted to do.”

The 55-year-old Megastar also had a good laugh because her current leading man is 29 years her junior.

“I have a new leading man. Everyone else is too old for me now. Marco is my ‘honey’ in the movie. To my former leading men, ang tatanda n’yo na,” she quipped.In a separate interview, which was part of Sharon’s second vlog about “Revirginized,” Marco, a self-proclaimed “Sharonian,” recalled what it’s like to work with Sharon.

“I was in the office of Viva (producer of the film) when they told me the news. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing,” he recalled.

“What’s nice about her is that she doesn’t really make you feel that you’re inferior to her. Ms Sharon made us feel comfortable to be with her, especially on the set. She’s so nice, genuine, and easy to talk to.”

The film is scheduled for release this month.

Sharon, meanwhile, admitted that doing “Revirginized” was a “new” and “very different” experience for her. She said that even though Viva Entertainment, which used to manage her career, is the producer, “this set is really Direk Darryl’s call. All the details, including the set location, are all his.”

“It’s different because I grew up with a regular onset production family. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I had the same production designer, art director, and even wardrobe. There was even a time when I only had (the late) Eddie Garcia as my director … Ngayon iba na because it’s a different generation. This is all new to me,” Sharon added.

Sharon said she still had a lot of work lined up for her this year.

This includes a teleserye for Viva Max and for ABS-CBN. “There’s also another movie with Direk Darryl and some projects that I still can’t talk about. I can’t tell you what’s inside my head and what’s making my heart jump. You’ll know in a very short time.”

Diliman way

(From Page 12)

witnessed his own humiliation and the dishonor of his office because Justice Carpio would have torn him to pieces and make mince meat out of him.

So hurling a challenge to Justice Carpio for a formal debate on the issue of the West Philippine Sea is a horrendous mistake. Obviously, President Digong did not stop, look and listen nor did he look before he leapt. Now, he is left with nothing but irretrievable embarrassment.

Sideshow: President Digong vented his ire on Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario for blaming him on the current problem at the West Philippine Sea. Duterte said that it is Del Rosario who is to blame for allowing Philippine ships protecting the Scarboroigh Shoal to leave the area during the stand off with Communist Chinese vessels during his term as the top foreign affairs honcho. So, President Digong said it is Del Rosario who should be charged with treason and, if he continues to hold power, he would hang Del Rosario for being a traitor.

Del Rosaro countered he had nothing to do with the withdrawal.

To begin with, he was not Commander of the Navy who was in control of his ships neither was he the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who is the superior authority of the Navy Commander nor was he the President of the Philippines who Commands those two officers.

Moreover, Del Rosario said further that the withdrawal of the Philippines ships was due to an agreement with Communist China, brokered by America, that both countries shall withdraw their ships from the area to lessen tension in the region. Our country complied with the agreement but corona virus Xi Jing’s country did not - Communist China’s ship stayed.

Who is to blame – the one who complied with the agreement or the one who did not? In effect, Del Rosario was saying that President Digong does not know what he is talking about. Reading between the lines – Del Rosaro was really saying that President Digong lost his marbles. Did he? What do you think?

Enters the rookie: So the formal debate is off! President Duterte is sending Harry, the Rookie, as his representative to debate with Carpio. Why should Carpio debate with the running dog of the President? Does he belong to the same gender classification as Harry – the Rookie – and he would like a show?

Netizens are suggesting that Carpio should engage the services of Vice Ganda – the Horse. – represent him in the debate, with full media coverage That would really be a great show! It would be the greatest entertainment for the entire season of the Xi Jinping corona virus. It should be held either at the Philippine Arena or Araneta Coliseum, observing the required health protocols with tickets sold and huge donations welcome to finance the community pantries which are cropping up all over the place – showing the best in the Filipino.

 HEALTH NEWS

May 20-26, 2021

28

Long working hours increasing deaths from heart disease and stroke: WHO, ILO The study concludes that working 55 or more hours per week is associated with an estimated 35% higher risk of a stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease, compared to working 35-40 hours a week.

Further, the number of people working long hours is increasing, and currently stands at 9% of the total population globally. This trend puts even more people at risk of work-related disability and early death.

The new analysis comes as the COVID-19 pandemic shines a spotlight on managing working hours; the pandemic is accelerating developments that could feed the trend towards increased working time.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the way many people work,“ said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Teleworking has become the norm in many industries, often blurring the boundaries between home and work. In addition, many businesses have been forced to scale back or shut down operations to save money, and people who are still on the payroll end up working longer hours. No job is worth the risk of stroke or heart disease. Governments, employers and workers need to work together to agree on limits to protect the health of workers.”

“Working 55 hours or more per week is a serious health hazard,” added Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, at

the World Health Organization. “It’s time that we all, governments, employers, and employees wake up to the fact that long working hours can lead to premature death”.

Governments, employers and workers can take the following actions to protect workers’ health: governments can introduce, implement and enforce laws, regulations and policies that ban mandatory overtime and ensure maximum limits on working time; bipartite or collective bargaining agreements between employers and workers’ associations can arrange working time to be more flexible, while at the same time agreeing on a maximum number of working hours; employees could share working hours to ensure that numbers of hours worked do not climb above 55 or more per week.

Note for editors: Two systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the latest evidence were conducted for this study. Data from 37 studies on ischemic heart disease covering more than 768 000 participants and 22 studies on stroke covering more than 839 000 participants were synthesized. The study covered global, regional and national levels, and was based on data from more than 2300 surveys collected in 154 countries from 1970-2018.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky’s announcement last week: “Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a mask or physical distancing. The only exception to the rule is in certain crowded indoor spaces, such as buses, and PHILIP S. CHUA planes, and in congregate settings, such as hospitals, homeless shelters and jails, where CDC still recommends people mask up.”

Are the vaccines 100 percent effective?

None of the vaccines are 100 percent effective. Pfizer-BioNT and Moderna vaccines are 95 percent and 92 percent effective, respectively. Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot vaccine is about 64 percent effective. So, fully vaccinated individuals, with the Pfizer-BioNT are theoretically still at 5 percent risk, those with Moderna about 8 percent risk, and J&J, about 36 percent risk.

This risk became evident when the CDC reported a few weeks ago the 5,800 fully vaccinated individuals who still got infected with COVID 19, killing 74 of them.

After vaccination, did they put their guard down and become careless, with no mask and no distancing, and got the virus from unvaccinated virus carrier individuals? If we are not careful as a society, those numbers will go up.

Are masks worn to protect others?

Basically, yes, masks are worn to protect the people around, especially if the one wearing the mask is positive for, or infected with, COVID-19. If the wearer is negative for infection, or already had been fully vaccinated, there is still a small chance that he/she could get the virus from unvaccinated people not wearing masks. This is the fallacy of the new CDC advisory: Vaccinated people are allowed to unmask and not do distancing even in the presence of persons of unknown status.

Evidence-based data suggest masks protect the people around the wearer more than the ones wearing the masks themselves (even if fully vaccinated). This means that the latest CDC declaration that fully vaccinated people may give up masking and distancing in public, exposing vaccinated people as targets under the mercy of those who refuse vaccinations and who are most likely carriers

and transmitters of the virus, is dangerous.

Can fully vaccinated people still get COVID-19?

As stated above, the CDC reported 5,800 fully vaccinated persons who still got infected with COVID-19, 74 of them dying. It is clear that fully vaccinated individuals (and those who previously had COVID-19) could still get infected from unvaccinated persons. The mandate that unvaccinated people must wear mask and do distancing in public places, including business establishments, must continue to protect the vaccinated ones and other unvaccinated individuals.

Should unvaccinated persons wear a mask?

Yes. In fairness to those who are vaccinated, like our parents and grandparents, family and friends, and the public, those who are unvaccinated and those who refuse to receive the vaccines, should wear a mask and do distancing until herd immunity is achieved in the USA. They are a threat to those who have been vaccinated. Let us protect those who wanted to protect their health and their life and braved getting the shots. So far, only about 37 percent of Americans have been vaccinated, with 63 percent (roughly 210 million out of 333 million population) still unvaccinated, unprotected, and at a grave risk. Billions have been vaccinated worldwide, proving the vaccines are effective and safe. Deaths from the vaccines are rare. Deaths from COVID-19 are staggering, more than 3.5 million so far. A simple math and common sense.

How many are refusing the vaccines?

It has been reported that more than 30 percent of Americans are refusing to get the vaccines. This translates to about 93 million future unvaccinated people. These are the people who would carry the virus for years and enable it to mutate to more virulent strains and potentially cause another (possibly worse) pandemic in the future.

Historically, Measles was irradicated in the United States in 2000, and the resurgence in 2018 was caused by a single person, who brought back the virus from his travel abroad. The typhoid epidemic in Long Island Oyster Bay, New York, in the 1900s, was caused by one woman, a cook named Mary Mallon (Typhoid Mary), who refused quarantine, and spread the infection around. Imagine what the potential danger of 93 million unvaccinated (probable virus carriers) roaming around the USA could do! They are not only risking their lives and those of their children, they are irresponsibly preventing the total elimination of the SARS-CoV2 virus of COVID-19 from the surface of

the earth. They will remain as the reservoir of the virus, enabling it to mutate to more virulent strains and potentially more deadly variants.

What situation is safe without masking?

For vaccinated individuals, the only safe situation is for them to be among fellow vaccinated people. But when you allow unvaccinated people (with no mask and not doing distancing) to join a crowd of vaccinated ones (who are masked or not), those who had the vaccines could still get infected by the unvaccinated persons unknowingly carrying the virus.

Will the honor system work?

Instead of requiring vaccination I.D cards, some sectors are suggesting the use of the honor system as to who should wear a mask or not, since the CDC has declared no more mask for the vaccinated ones, the unvaccinated are still mandated to wear a mask. If people are 100 percent honest, it might work. But we are not a perfect society, so some who did not get the shot will still not wear a mask and not do social distancing, victimizing everyone, including vaccinated individuals. One person who is a virus carrier is enough to start a resurgence or an epidemic or a pandemic.

Is the new CDC advisory safe for vaccinated people?

No. The new CDC advisory is confusing the public, and not safe, giving a false sense of security for vaccinated people to unmask and not do distancing, to live “normally.” If all people in a crowd are all vaccinated, they are all safe. But when unvaccinated persons are in the crowd, they can infect those vaccinated. Those unvaccinated ones should be mandated to stay masked and do distancing until herd immunity is achieved to protect all the rest of America.

As a cardiac surgeon closely monitoring the rapidly evolving clinical data about SARS-CoV2 virus and the COVID-19 pandemic for more than a year now, I strongly feel CDC should clarify that vaccinated persons should still mask-up and do social distancing when among unvaccinated individuals.

Science and common sense are not mutually exclusive.

Heart of Hope

GENEVA - Long working hours led to 745 000 deaths from stroke and ischemic heart disease in 2016, a 29 per cent increase since 2000, according to the latest estimates by the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization published in Environment International.

In a first global analysis of the loss of life and health associated with working long hours, WHO and ILO estimate that, in 2016, 398 000 people died from stroke and 347 000 from heart disease as a result of having worked at least 55 hours a week. Between 2000 and 2016, the number of deaths from heart disease due to working long hours increased by 42%, and from stroke by 19%.

This work-related disease burden is particularly significant in men (72% of deaths occurred among males), people living in the Western Pacific and South-East Asia regions, and middle-aged or older workers. Most of the deaths recorded were among people dying aged 60-79 years, who had worked for 55 hours or more per week between the ages of 45 and 74 years.

With working long hours now known to be responsible for about one-third of the total estimated work-related burden of disease, it is established as the risk factor with the largest occupational disease burden. This shifts thinking towards a relatively new and more psychosocial occupational risk factor to human health.

Is unmasking safe?

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 Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and anti-graft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

29 May 20-26, 2021

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS

BRINGING BACK HAPPINESS

M

By TIM PEDROSA

any of us cannot help thinking of our past.

Everything in our lives was going well; we had a great job, a good income, functioning family, time to enjoy things and life in general. Life was satisfying and happy. Then, out of the blue, our relationships hit hardship, someone close to us has passed away or we entered retirement and suddenly feel emptiness. The happiness we felt might suddenly turn into sadness, frustration and anger. This narrative is not remote to anyone who has had a personal crisis of any kind. So how do we bring happiness back to our life? How do we get out of the darkness that prevails in our world and return the light that was there before? Here are some beautiful thoughts from what I have learned and some point of views inspired by the writings of an unknown writer. Throughout my journey we call life, I have struggled the hard way to bring happiness to my life after my father died when I was six years old. Even at an early age I refused to stay down and continued searching and doing something that was meaningful to me. I did not wait for opportunities to come on their own, but rather initiated them myself and kept learning by all means possible. I always try to live life to the fullest and grateful all the time. Later I had the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences with others that might touch their lives too. My website, http://timyrna. com is the product of this endeavor. The number of hits to this website shows the number of people visiting it. A weekly local paper also publishes inspiring article from this website every week. It is in trying to develop a comforting approach to our difficulties that the meaning comes to our lives only when we change our perspectives on the difficulties we face. We develop the understanding that they can strengthen us and improve our lives and not necessarily just bring us down. I have learned that we should explore our options and develop a clear understanding of what we want to achieve; that the most important and significant thing we can do to restore happiness to our life is to gradually and efficiently reduce the number of insignificant decisions that we need to make each day. Being able to learn how to remain true to oneself is one of the key points of restoring happiness to life. We may be vulnerable for criticism from others but we should brush this off and continue focusing to our objective with faith, hope and confidence; believing that when we stick to what is good, what is true, what is honest and what is real at any cost, we will always prevail at the end. Human curiosity has almost no limit, and in each and every one of us lies its seeds.

Satisfying our curiosity being captivated by a thriller like constantly checking our emails and Facebook cause the release of the hormone in our brain, which causes vitality and elation. Let us try to pay attention to the small details in our daily life that we had not noticed before.

Let us allow new things to happen, and resist the desire to control it; allow our attention to be guided by sights, sounds and smells that appeal and delight us. I have proven correctly to myself, time after time, that the happiest people are those who have a positive influence on others. No man or woman is an island. To exist just for ourselves is meaningless. We can achieve the most satisfaction when we feel related to some greater purpose in life, something greater than ourselves. Let us learn from others what can make us happy. Getting into our daily routine is one of the most common causes of dissatisfaction. We are a bit bored, but at the same time, we hesitate to experience something new. Leaving our comfort zone can eventually turn out to be the most appropriate step to lead our life to a much more satisfying place. Generating new hobby/interest and the joy of travel and discovery are good reasons to break out our comfort zone. So it is important that we make ourselves busy and take occasional trips to bring back happiness to our life. Happiness is a choice not a result, nothing will make us happy until we choose to be happy. No person will make us happy unless we decide to be happy. Our happiness will not come to us, it can only come from us. There is no greater wealth in this world than peace and happiness.

T

New Wind of Change

he Holy Spirit is the Divine Breath, and in Him all are alive in creation.

The Hebrew word for breath is “ruah;” God breathe into the nostrils of the man, in Genesis 2:7, and he became a living being. Moreover, Jesus alluded about the Holy Spirit as the wind; “the wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes (Jn. 3:8).” After the resurrection, the gospel narrates: “He breathed on them and said to them, ‘receive the Holy Spirit’ (Jn. 20:22).” I want us to capture this visible symbolism of God Holy Spirit as the Divine Breath or Divine Wind.

It has now been more than a year since the pandemic broke out. In many places of the world, there are still evident presence of the infections of covid-19 and its variants.

We still hear of many deaths and so much suffering and pain. There is not only the cost of lives but also many other loses. The moveREV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD ments and activities of peoples are still not back to the usual. The return to in-classroom education in the schools is still a challenge. On the Church’s life, many people are still hindered in their going to Church. We do not have yet the usual attendance of the celebration of the Sacraments. Meanwhile, wealthy nations as well the poor ones are all struggling to go back into the so- called normalcy.

It keeps me wondering, dear reader, what God has been telling us with this global experience. Are we learning lessons in relation to Him? Or are we still too self-centered that God is still out of our equations in life. I wonder if this pandemic is not yet enough to tell us that we need God; that we are allowed to experience this global tragedy because we have been forgetting many fundamental truths in relation to Him. We have to discover too those truths violated and being violated now; or maybe we are blind to see these truths about our situation. Then, all the more is our need of Him. Let us call on God Holy Spirit: Come, Holy Spirit, renew the face of the earth. Come, Holy Spirit, renew our lives. You are the Divine Wind, blow harder to effect real positive change in our world today. Breathe into us powerfully Your presence to renew us in divine life that our Lord Jesus won for us.

We need our economies in nations and collectively as one planet rebound towards a greater future; yet, as we wish for that, let us also recover the acknowledgement of the divine economy at work in our lives. We cannot let the grace of salvation and God’s daily providence be useless. God wants only our best interest; let us now be resolved to work and be coherent with His laws, truths, and teachings. God Holy Spirit, let Your Holy Wind swept over the nations to bring back prosperity and peace upon all.

We glory in the advancements of technology and science, we are proud of our human intelligence and ingenuity, but that must not mean we do not need God. Even with our human advancements, we are only and still a tiny speck in God’s overall design. God Holy Spirit, blow into our human minds Your Divine Wind to cast away arrogance and let us turn to God sincerely.

We need good health and the advancement of medicine; but let our search do not lead to transgressions of moral truths. Our bodily health is important, but we must not forget the wellbeing of our soul too which can only be found in God. God’s Wind of Change is blowing, may it blow harder where there is great need of transformative change.

To end, dear reader, we should have a different approach now to our life and human existence, individually and communally. It is time to let God’s truths find home in our lives. It is time to let Jesus Christ truly reign over our lives. We need some new strategies in our human endeavors, but let us not forget the strategy of our journey with God and to God. God Holy Spirit, breathe into us newness of life and newness into our world. 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 May 20-26, 2021  NATIONAL NEWS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Pork Binagoongan sa Gata Ingredients: 1 kilo pork liempo or any other part, cut into big cubes 1/2 cup bagoong alamang, cooked unsweetened 1 large size onion, peeled, coarsely chopped 2 large size tomato, coarsely chopped 1/2 head garlic, peeled, crushed, chopped 1 thumb size ginger, skinned, cut into thin strips 3 pcs. bay leaf 2-3 green/red chili, sliced crosswise 1/2 tsp. crushed pepper corns 1/4 cup vinegar 1/2 cup coconut cream (kakang gata) cooking oil Cooking procedure: Wash pork thoroughly put in a sauce pan add 3 cups of water, vinegar, bay leaf and pepper bring to a boil and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until tender and start to render oil. Remove scum that rises add more water as necessary. Continue to stir fry pork until color turn to light brown and start to sizzle, set aside. In the same pan,ginger, sauté garlic, onion and tomatoes for a few minutes until soft and wilted. Add the pork, bagoong alamang, chilies and coconut cream.

Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated ant the sauce has turn into an oily sauce, stirring occasionally until done . Serve hot with a lot of rice.

Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego in Intramuros re-open MANILA – The historic Walled City of Intramuros opened two of its most popular sites to visitors following the easing of quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Fort Santiago and Baluarte de San Diego are open to limited capacity and shortened operating hours under strict health and safety guidelines.

Puyat made the announcement following the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to place the National Capital Region (NCR) and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, collectively known as NCR Plus, under a general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions.

Based on the guidelines of the IATF, tourist attractions can now operate at 30 percent of the venue capacity, subject to strict compliance to health and safety protocols.

“The reopening of Fort Santiago and Baluarte San Diego will allow visitors to again experience the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction as recognized by the prestigious World Tourism Awards,” Puyat said in a statement.

The Intramuros Administration (IA), an attached agency of the DOT, manages the restoration and orderly development of the Walled City, which was visited by 3.3 million people in 2019.

This time, however, Fort Santiago will accommodate only 200 visitors while the Baluarte de San Diego will allow a maximum of 100 persons at a time, which are both below the 30-percent threshold but are deemed essential to ensure monitoring of proper protocols.

Fort Santiago will be open daily from 9 a.m. with last entry for visitors at 6:30 p.m. The Baluarte de San Diego garden will be open to the general public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entrance fee, which may be paid in cash or via Beep card or PayMaya, is P75.

Seniors, students and persons with disabilities may pay the discounted price of PHP50. It is limited to visitors aged 18 to 65 in compliance with the age restrictions set by the IATF. Intramuros visitors must observe the minimum public health standards. There will be a mandatory screening of temperature and symptoms, and sanitizing practices. All guests must register their visit through a quick response (QR) code system for contact tracing prior to entry.

Fort Santiago is one of the country’s most visited tourist destinations. The historical park houses well-preserved legacies from the Spanish colonial period including memorabilia of José Rizal, its most famous prisoner, at the Rizal Shrine and a replica of his ancestral house in Laguna province.

Baluarte de San Diego also dates back to the end of the 16th century. The sturdy structure was constructed as part of the fortifications of the Walled City and was primarily designed to repel invasions. It is also among the most visited sites in Intramuros.

Beef Spareribs Adobo with Oyster Sauce

May 20-26, 2021

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