Page

January 27-February 2, 2022 10 Manila mayoral aspirant hits P1.7-b city zoo renovation

ATTY ALEX LOPEZ AT HONEY LACUNA

MANILA - The mayoralty race in Manila is heating up two months before the local election campaign starts.

This as businessman-lawyer and Manila mayoral candidate Alex Lopez said the renovation for P1.7 billion and the conversion of Manila Zoo into a vaccination site was “a mistake.”

Lopez, son of the late Mayor Geminiano Mel Lopez,, is the candidate of the Marcos-Duterte team under the Partido Federal Pilipinas . He is up against Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, a doctor of the Asenso Manileno party of Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso; and independent former Manila congressman Amado Bagatsing of Kabalikat ng Bayan Tungo sa Kaunlaran (KABAKA).

Lopez said he believes the zoo’s renovation, which cost P1.7 billion, is “untimely.”

““Kung kulang ang pagkain sa hapag kainan, kulang ang trabaho, palagay ko ho hindi po napapanahon na itayo ang Manila Zoo, i-renovate for P1.7 billion, budget po ng tatlong probinsya yan. Eh sino ba ang pupunta sa zoo ngayon? (The P1.7 billion is already a budget for three provinces. And who would go to the zoo right now anyway?),” Lopez said.

“Sa tingin ko mali na naman yan… Magkiki-create lang ‘yan ng coronavirus [COVID] pero ginawa naman nila ng vaccination center. Alam n’yo naman na ang zoo ay maraming mikrobio dyan (In my opinion, it is a mistake… it will only create more COVID but they made it a vaccination site anyway. You know that a zoo has many microbes) and you don’t have to be a genius, just go to Google and you’ll see several animal-borne diseases coming from the zoo. That is the fi rst time in the world, only in Manila ginawang vaccination center ang zoo (a zoo was turned into a vaccination center),” he further explained.

Lopez said that the city’s priority now should be the acquisition of medicines instead of infrastructure development. “Pero nasa ngayon po na kung saan nakikita ko na ang kailangan po ng taong-bayan ay gamot po, basic medicines. Mahaba pila ng paracetamol, gamot sa ubo, sipon, sa lagnat, wala vitamins ang barangay halls, ‘yung gamot sa diabetes, gamot po sa lagnat. (I see now that citizens need basic medicines. Lines are long for paracetamol, medicines for colds, cough, fever, and diabetes, and there are no available vitamins in barangay halls),” he said. Vice Mayor Lacuna-Pangan countered Lopez statement, saying that the Manila Zoo vaccination site is safe and that its opening was backed by research. 4 suspects in December 2021 BDO hacking charged

MANILA – Prosecutors have fi led criminal charges against four suspects arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) over the hacking of hundreds of accounts of BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) clients in December last year.

Justice Undersecretary and spokesperson Emmeline Aglipay-Villar said the four -- Jherom Anthony Taupa, Nigerian national Ifesinachi Fountain Anaekwe, Ronelyn Panaligan alias ‘Luka Hanabi’, and Clay Revillosa alias ‘X-men’ -- have been charged with violations of Republic Act 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998 and RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

A similar complaint against a second Nigerian national, Chukwuemeka Peter Nwadi, was recommended for further investigation, she added.

The cases were fi led by the NBI – Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD) in connection with several entrapment operations conducted on January 20 and 22 against the individuals who were allegedly behind the fraudulent transactions that targeted BDO account holders.

Prosecutors found out that Panaligan acted under the user name “Luka Hanabi” on the “Max Bounty” Facebook page and sold dummy accounts.

Acting as a “verifi er”, Panaligan would pretend to conduct a survey and ask victims for their identifi cation cards with photographs in exchange for P50 in prepaid credit load for “participating in the survey”.

The information and photographs of the victims, without their knowledge, would be used to apply for verifi ed GCash or Paymaya accounts and after securing the debit cards, would off er it for sale to other fraudsters looking to cash out funds from illegitimate sources.

Panaligan was arrested after she offered for sale the ATM fraudulently applied for a Paymaya account. There was even an agreement with the poseur customer that after the money has been transferred to the account, they will share in the proceeds of the fraudulent transaction.

US DONATION. Department of Health and Bureau of Customs staff check 168,000 doses of Janssen Covid-19 vaccines upon arrival at the airport. Its the fi rst shipment this year of the vaccine donated by the United States through the COVAX Facility.

1-877-456-9266

www.crispinlozanolaw.com

• Deportation and Removal Defense • Waiver of Misrepresentation • Self Petition for Abused Spouse • Waiver of Crimes and Inadmissibility • Fiancé Visa Petition

• Eliminate Credit Card Debts • Stop Collections and Harassments

EDITORIAL

A time for diplomacy

If there was ever a time for diplomacy and not saber rattling, it is now.

It is not just the US facing off against Russia, but the entire might of NATO that Vladimir Putin has to consider. But being the stereotypical Russian leader, Putin cannot allow himself to appear weak. What’s not clear is if is willing to take extreme measures to attain what he sees are necessary political ends.

What President Joe Biden and the US’s NATO allies are facing is the diffi cult task of preventing a Russian invasion of Ukraine. This, after Russia had earlier annexed a portion of the country which used to be one of its most important allies during the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics era.

Most political analysts understand why Putin is so dead set in reclaiming Ukraine as part of Russia. It is where close to half of Russia’s nuclear arsenal is housed. Ukraine is also where a portion of Russia’s vast submarine fl eet is docked when not out at sea.

There are no easy solutions to the brewing problem. After NATO determined that some 100,000 Russian troops had been massing near the border with Ukraine, the alliance immediately took a war footing.

President Biden necessarily had to stand squarely behind NATO, and a conversation he had with his Russian counterpart at the end of December, last year, did not provide much comfort. The US president reportedly threatened to impose sanctions on Russia if it pushed through with its reported plan to invade its neighbor.

To even talk about the possibility of war by either side is extremely foolish as one wrong move by whatever side can lead to the most dreaded of all scenarios – a nuclear war.

This must be averted at all cost as there is no way either side will win such a catastrophe.

Putin would like nothing more than to divide NATO, but thus far the alliance is holding strong.

NATO countries have deployed a small number of ships and aircraft to the Baltic as a message to Putin that they are prepared for any eventuality. This is by no means a declaration of war, but simply a strong signal that any military move against Ukraine can and will be met with a suffi cient reply.

Because of this, the ball is literally in the hands of the Russian strongman.

We do not claim to be qualifi ed analysts of global politics. But the root of the problem – Russia’s nukes located inside Ukraine – should be addressed in order to fi nd a lasting solution.

Maybe Russia would be willing to defuse the situation by removing all its nuclear weapons in Ukraine with the help of NATO. Russia can also strike a deal with the Ukrainian leadership to use some of their ports, with the corresponding rent, of course.

The growing crisis between the two former allies is the biggest test for the Biden presidency. Hopefully, his long years of experience in global politics will result in his fi nding solutions that will be acceptable to all sides.

Life of caring cut short

Michelle Alyssa Go’s life is suddenly over, prompting her family to urge those who knew her to remember “how she lived and not just how she died.” For 10 years, the New Yorker had been serving at The Junior League, one of the oldest women’s volunteer organizations in this country. Founded in 1901 by social activist Mary Harriman, the Junior League’s mission today remains as it was 121 years ago: “To develop ex- Upside ceptionally qualifi ed civic leaders who collaborate with community partners to identify a community’s most ur- CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO gent needs and address them with meaningful and relevant programs and initiatives that not only improve lives, but also change the way people think.”

That Michelle Go was drawn to the nonprofi t was unsurprising to her intimates. The California native who owned diplomas from UCLA and NYU cared about society’s most vulnerable, they say. And so on top of her day job as senior manager at the global accounting leader Deloitte, she found time to volunteer with Junior League as an advocate for empowerment.

“Michelle’s focus populations were seniors, recovering homeless, immigrants, and under resourced and academically struggling elementary and middle school kids and their parents,’’ a spokesperson for the organization told reporters. “She helped them prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce by developing their professional skills of resume writing, interviewing, and networking, and by making sound decisions in matters of personal fi nance.”

In the course of her typical day January 15, Michelle waited to board a train at the Times Square subway station when police say she was shoved by a total stranger into the tracks and onto the path of an oncoming train. The unprovoked attack robbed a human being of a meaningful life, a family of a loving daughter and sister, a community of a friend and caring ally who might have Michelle Go been able to lend him a hand as was her calling.

She was 40.

Her family issued a statement Jan. 18 expressing shock and sadness amid their grief.

“Her life was taken too soon in a senseless act of violence, and we pray that she gets the justice she deserves,” they said.

While requesting privacy from the media, they gave an insight into their daughter and what would be her fi nal birthday.

“Michelle had a love of life, loved her family, and loved to meet and work with people. She made and kept up with countless friends from grade school to college to graduate school and at her workplaces. Her friends would tell us that Michelle was smart, funny, big hearted and a real role model,” they said. “Michelle loved to travel the world to meet new people and diff erent cultures. Most re-(Continued on page 27)

Philippine News Today is published weekly by Philippines Today LLC with business and editorial offi ces at 6454 Mission Street, Daly City, CA 94014., with telephones 650.757.1480, 650.872.3200, 650.552.9775 and website address www.pnewstoday.com and email address advertising@philippinestodayus.com or editor@philippinestodayus.com MANILA OFFICE: Le Marquis Townhomes, 51 P. Tuazon Blvd. Quezon City 1112, Tels. 8546.8426, 8451.1892, 8546.8421

MARILYN B. KING

Vice President for Sales and Marketing BETING LAYGO DOLOR

Manila Editor FRANCIS ESPIRITU

Publisher/President THELMA L. CRUZ

Vice President for Operations & Promotions CHERIE QUEROL MORENO

Executive Editor ALFRED G. GABOT

Editor-in-chief

CLAIRE M. TRUE

Managing Editor

JUNNI RANILLO

Entertainment Editor

NEIL GONZALES LYDIA SOLIS

Chief Correspondent Northern California Chief Correspondent Southern California

JO ERLINDA YABUT

Entertainment Editor

ANGELO LOPEZ

Cartoonist ELEANOR SMITH

Offi ce Manager NICK SAGMIT GEORGE GANGE RENE AVENIDO

Photo Correspondents

MA. CECILIA G. MADELO

Graphic Director

GILDA PASION BALAN FRANCO G. REGALA ALI MACABALANG JEANNE MICHAEL PENARANDA

Manila Correspondents

THOMAS G. MADELO JR.

Creative Director

BLESIE D. SISON ALBERT MARTINEZ RENE AMON

Account Executives

VAL G. ABELGAS, HOMOBONO A. ADAZA, PERRY DIAZ, JOJO LIANGCO, JO ERLINDA G. NEBRES, ROY C. MABASA, ART G. MADLAING, FR. JOEPEL PADIT, RODEL E. RODIS, LOURDES TANCINCO ESQ, MELANDREW T. VELASCO, DANTES & CYNTHIA VELUZ, CRISTINA OSMENA, LUDY ONGKEKO.

COLUMNISTS The views and opinions expressed herein by writers, columnists and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily refl ect those of the publisher, management and staff of Philippines Today. We are not responsible for incorrect printing, photographical errors or information listed or for loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts. Reproduction or redistribution in whole or in part is prohibited.

Putin’s punch is coming!

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin told the nation on April 25, 2005, that the “demise of the Soviet Union was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century.” “It became a genuine tragedy for the Russian people,” he said. He lamented, saying “Tens of millions of our fel- PerryScope low citizens and countrymen PERRY DIAZ found themselves beyond the fringes of Russian territory.”

“The epidemic of collapse has spilled over to Russia itself,” he said, referring to separatist movements such as those in Chechnya.

Putin began his political career when he was appointed head of the International Committee at the St. Petersburg Mayor’s Offi ce in June 1991. He was involved in attracting foreign investments to the city economy. He also worked in establishing and maintaining cooperation with foreign partners and supervising the creation and opening of joint ventures.

Then the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics – USSR – collapsed on December 25, 1991. To the former KGB offi cer, it was time to refl ect. As it turned out, the leaders of three of the USSR’s founding and largest Republics had declared that the Soviet Union no longer existed, and 11 more republics had also joined them shortly thereafter. President Mikhail Gorbachev had resigned and what was left of the parliament acknowledged the Union’s collapse as a fait accompli. It was over!

It was very painful for Vladimir Putin who was then stationed in East Germany as a KGB agent – a spy – when the Soviet Union disintegrated. He claimed that the collapse left him struggling so badly fi nancially that he was forced to work as a taxi driver to survive.

Right place, right time

Then, Lady Luck struck! He was off ered to move to Moscow and take up legal aff airs in the presidential administration. He took the job. Pretty soon he was moving up the political ladder. He went to work for then-President Boris Yeltsin, who was ailing at that time. Consequently Yeltsin appointed him Prime Minister in August 1999. It was a clear sign that Yeltsin was preparing Putin for the Kremlin. Yeltsin was not due to leave offi ce for another year, but in December 1999 he took the surprise decision to go early. On December 31, 1999, Yeltsin resigned and appointed Putin – who was virtually unknown – as acting president. Three months later he was elected President of Russia.

Rise to power

He has been in power since 2000. He made no secret of his determination to reassert Russian power after years of perceived humiliation by the U.S. and its NATO allies. He resented NATO’s expansion up to Russia’s borders. It did not then come as a surprise that Russia’s new buildup of troops around Ukraine has rekindled Western suspicion of Putin. The West also accused Putin of helping pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine with heavy weapons and troops. Although he insisted that only Russian “volunteers” had gone there to help.

Putin will never forget the “coup” that forced Ukraine’s then-President Viktor Yanukovych to fl ee to Russia in 2014. Russia then attacked Crimea with its “Little Green Men,” who are masked soldiers in unmarked green army uniforms. Russia eventually annexed Crimea that caused the Group of Eight -- G8 -- to expel Russia from the group, which is now called G7.

Russian demands With more than 100,000 Russian troops poised to invade Ukraine, Putin demanded that the West “immediately” guarantee that NATO will not expand to include Ukraine. He blamed the U.S. for infl aming tensions in Eastern Europe and the likelihood of war.

Russia also demanded that NATO withdraw its forces, hardware, and arms from countries that were not NATO members before 1997 as part of security demands it is seeking from NATO.

Whoa! Does that mean that NATO will pull out of the following 14 former Soviet bloc countries: Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Po- (Continue on page 27)

Donating PH properties without going home

Do you need to donate properties in the Philippines but can’t go home due to the travel restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic? You are not alone. Mobile Signing Services had helped several couples and individuals donate their properties in the Philippines ART GABOT MADLAING Health & Wealth to their children or loved ones without going home to the Philippines.

The other year, we helped an elderly woman in Daly City, California in donating a portion of her land parcel to her daughter in La Trinidad, Benguet without going home to the Philippines. Her lawyer prepared the DEED OF DONATION and sent to her in Daly City, California. When she received the copies of the DEED OF DONATION, her son who was staying with her called MSS for the notarization and apostille follow-up. I then, instructed her son to make three copies of the DEED OF DONATION and have three copies of his mother’s ID.

During my meeting with his elderly mother Gloria (who was in her mid 90s) for the notarization of the DEED OF DONATION, I was surprised to see her looking very much younger than her actual age. She was smiling, alert and easily walked to the nearby table where I met her in the Daly City apartment she was renting. I had her signed the three sets of DEED OF DONATION (in two pages); and then signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and put her right thumb mark in the journal. After notarization, I submitted the notarized DEED OF DONATION to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento, California, for apostille. After 10 days, the apostilled DEED OF DONATION arrived via USPS Priority Mail which I subsequently delivered the following day to our elderly client. Our elderly client and her son were very happy for the effi cient, complete and unique MSS services.

Last week, another client called me and requested help and assistance for the notarization and apostille for the DEED OF DONATION on the two lots he and his wife are donating to their son. The two lots are located in the Municipality of San Luis, province of Aurora in the Philippines. Victor and his wife came to our home offi ce in San Francisco last Thursday, January 20, 2022. The couple reviewed the draft of the DEED OF DONATION prepared by our paralegal and lawyer-friends. After the draft was okayed by the couple, I had them signed three copies of the DEED OF DONATION as DONORS. I also had them signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and put their right thumb marks in the journal. The following day their son as the DONEE came to my home offi ce in San Francisco and signed the three copies of the DEED OF DONATION and then signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and put his right thumb mark in the journal.

After notarization, I submitted the notarized DEED OF DONATION to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, in Sacramento, California for apostille. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the Front Desk is still closed. There are only two options available namely: 1. Mail the notarized document to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, in Sacramento or Los Angeles; 2. Drop off the notarized documents in the Apostille Box ( which is the faster and safer way) at the lobby of the Secretary of State building in Sacramento, California. The normal turn-around of apostille processing on notarized documents dropped off in the Apostille Box is about 8-12 working days. Turn around of apostille processing on notarized documents mailed is very much longer.

We at the Mobile Signing Services (MSS) are committed, dedicated and will continue to assist and help old and new clients particularly the elderly, veterans and those physically handicapped in the notarization and apostille follow-up on Affi davits, Special Power of Attorney, DEED OF DONATION Waiver of Rights, Proof of Life, DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate and other documents needed in the Philippines and the other member nations of the Hague Apostille Convention. Here are some advantages and benefi ts with MSS:

DISCOUNTS FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE VETERANS – We off er special discounts to the elderly and veterans. Gloria, our elderly client from Daly City, California got additional 10% discount. (Continue on page 27)

Tough questions and tough decisions

For the second time since he fi led his certifi cate of candidacy for president, former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. refused last week to participate in a major forum where fellow presidential candidates are off ered a chance to lay out their programs of government and answer questions relevant to their candidacies.

On November 18 last year, fi ve of the leading candidates -- Vice President Leni Robredo, Senators Ping Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, and, yes, even Senator Christopher Go, who was to withdraw his candidacy as PDP-Laban candidate a few days later -- attended a presidential forum organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PPCI).

It was, after all, a great opportunity to allow them to expound on their platforms before a group of highly infl uential businessmen. The candidates knew the prestigious event would be covered by reporters and would be read in newspapers and news broadcasts the following day.

For unspecifi ed reasons, Marcos declined the PCCI invitation. Robredo, Lacson, Pacquiao, Moreno and Go were asked about their plans on economic recovery amid the pandemic, and their programs for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to enable them to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic. In addition, they were asked to enlighten people about their plans on education, agriculture and fi shery, infrastructure and digital transformation, and on what their specifi c plans were for the fi rst 100 days in offi ce. All fi ve gave concrete plans if they were elected to lead the nation that has in the past six years grappled with the pandemic, corruption issues, extrajudicial killings, human rights abuses, subservience to China, mounting debts and incoherent leadership. Although the forum was held just a little more than one month after the deadline for the fi ling of candidacy and 10 days after the deadline for substitutions, the fi ve leading candidates showed they were ready to assume leadership of a country challenged by crises. Even Go, who had been accused of being a mere placeholder for someone the PDP-Laban was still wooing, presumably Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, appeared prepared for the presidency. But Marcos was not there to give voters a glimpse of how ready he was to assume the presidency his infamous father held for 20 years.

Last week, the same set of presidential candidates, except for Go who has withdrawn from the race, was invited to an interview with multi-awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho in a three-hour program dubbed “Presidential Interviews With Jessica Soho” which was aired last Saturday on GMA-7 platforms in the Philippines and abroad.

Again, it was an opportunity for the candidates to reach out to voters, expound further on their platforms and plans, on free airtime and before a much wider audience. It was also a chance to clarify issues that have been raised against them in the course of the campaign.

The interviews were watched by hundreds of thousands around the globe, and by at least three million more so far in YouTube and Facebook. That certainly beats costly ads in newspapers, TV, radio and other media outlets.

Again, Robredo, Lacson, Pacquiao and Moreno gamely and patiently answered questions by the veteran journalist Jessica Soho on the pandemic, the economy, and other relevant issues – from the issues of divorce, death penalty, political dynasty, the withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, to POGOs, PCGG, the Visiting Forces Agreement, and on the many problems with China.

They were also given the chance to clarify certain issues raised against them, as in the case of Pacquiao his alleged lack of experience, and Lacson, his change of stand on the death penalty, and Moreno, on his moral turpitude. Again, Marcos wasn’t there. It would have been a good chance for him to explain the many issues that have been raised against him and his family, to “remind” the people how his father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos, “made this country great again,” and detail how he would replicate his father’s infrastructure and (Continue on page 27)

VAL ABELGAS On Distant Shore

Less talk, less mistake; No talk, no mistake

Apresidential candidate from decades past named Genaro Magsaysay fared badly at the polls, with one reason being his unwillingness to face the press. He was counting on the “Magsaysay magic” to take him all the way to Mala- Offline canang. Unfortunately, it became clear to the public BETING DOLOR that this relative of the great president – a brother if memory serves – did not have the same charisma and intelligence.

In explaining why he refused to do interviews, he became known for the abovestated adage: Less talk, less mistake; No talk, no mistake.

The voters back then could only surmise that Genaro was no Ramon, and he had precious little to off er the country. Genaro even used the campaign jingle “Mambo Magsaysay” which was written by Raul Manglapus, who as a youngster campaigned hard for the leader who was called The Guy.

Not Nora Aunor Guy, mind you, but the Pinoy everyman loved by the people. Were he in the US, Ramon Magsaysay would have been called The Man.

Last week, it became abundantly clear that one Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is today’s version of Genaro Magsaysay. He is a presidential wannabe who has very little to off er the people.

He may carry the name of his father, but he is miles away in the political smarts department.

Junior refused to attend the presidential interviews conducted by veteran newshen Jessica Soho. The four other candidates were present, and this gave the public a better chance to see the four up close, and fi nd out which one would make the best president.

By most accounts, Vice President Leni Robredo performed well, followed by Senator Ping Lacson. Senator Manny Pacquiao and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno? Not so much.

Robredo and Lacson displayed a strong grasp of the issues aff ecting the country, while Pacquiao was applauded for his sincerity. Moreno tried too hard to impress, but he did make clear that he had the credentials to do a good job, if elected.

As for Marcos Junior, his absence was felt but not in a good way. His camp said their bet would not attend because Soho was biased.

She wasn’t. The interviews had been mistakenly referred to as a debate, and this may be the real reason for Junior to back off .

With every excuse given by Junior’s camp, he became more and more a laughing stock over social media. The word most commonly used to describe Junior is “duwag,” or coward.

The memes that followed all painted a negative picture of Junior, and there was little that his army of trolls could do to defend or justify his refusal to answer the tough questions that Soho was certain to ask.

Junior’s critics asked such simple questions as, “How would you handle a crisis if a simple media interview already terrifi es you?” or “Will you let your spokesmen do the talking for you when there is an emergency that needs to be addressed?”

One reason Junior now fears public debates is because when he was running for vice president back in 2016, one of his opponents made mincemeat of him, rendering him practically mute.

In short, Junior does not have the ability to communicate and depends on his lawyers to speak in his behalf.

As the Soho camp said, diffi cult questions are asked of the candidates because the presidency is a diffi cult job.

What followed his snub of the Jessica Soho interviews made Junior even more pathetic. He agreed to be interviewed by Boy Abunda, a showbiz reporter who is known for asking the most inane questions. Sample: Coke or Pepsi? Sex or chocolate?

There is even the likelihood that Junior was furnished questions ahead of time, or that his camp gave a list of issues to be avoided, like his hidden wealth, the real reason he is banned from entering the US, or what he really fi nished in college, if anything.

Having his accomplishments or lack thereof would have been placed under the micro- (Continue on page 27)

Oligarch, Citizen’s Military Training

Manny Villar did not win in the 2010 presidential elections but he has emerged a winner, expanding his business empire and, at the same, his family members are well entrenched in politics.

The wife who came a political dynasty is in the MANNY MOGATO Senate, his son is in the Cabinet and daughter is in the lower house. The son would likely join his mother in the Senate.

Having a big clout in business and politics are a lethal combination, a classic model for an oligarchy seen in the pre-martial law Philippines.

Rodrigo Duterte further clipped the power of the Lopez family, no longer an oligarch, by taking away ABSCBN’s legislative franchise, but created a new oligarch.

There were media reports that Villar’s small media holdings which is not known for producing content was given the old broadcast frequencies of ABS-CBN.

It is symbolic. It is passing the baton from a fading oligarch to an emerging oligarch.

Who knows someday the son of the businessman would succeed where his father had failed, rising to the top in politics. *****

I completed two years military training in the university and I am personally in favor of bringing back citizen’s military training but not mandatory for all 18 years-old, which is a requirement in other countries, like Singapore and South Korea.

I have fond memories of my ROTC days and was proud to belong to Delta Company under Cadet Captain Edgar Alulod,, who is now a Christian minister in Australia. I happened to see him in 2011 when I visited Melbourne and I was amazed by his transformation. I would not think a man who trained in the profession of arms would become a commander of God’s army. Some in the PLM ROTC Corps went on to become regular army offi cers.

Pastor Alulod’s experience is one of the rare examples that not all men who went through ROTC are violent. I agree that patriotism and nation-building could not be achieve only through the ROTC program.

Former president Fidel Ramos, a West Point graduate and a retired general, also believed that the ROTC alone cannot discipline young men. He expanded the citizen’s nation-building training by introducing alternatives to ROTC, like disaster preparedness and response and civilian policing.

I also learned citizenship as the senior patrol leader of Troop 183 pf the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, earning by Eagle badge. I was exempted from Citizen’s Military Training (CMT) in my senior year.

I was hoping to get an exemption in ROTC but I decided to go through it, borrowing fatigue uniforms, combat boots and other items from my cousins who are in the military, in the air force actually. They were commissioned offi cers.

At that time, I was entertaining thoughts of joining the air force too but journalism has other plans for me.

Sara Duterte-Carpio may have noble intentions but she also has ulterior motives to expand the country’s reserve force. She wanted to become defense chief if she gets elected in May, the fi rst woman defense chief.

She may also have a violent streak. Remember punching a local court offi cial in Davao when she was mayor. She has certainly learned a lot from her father’s way on how to control the country.

Seriously, I support the ROTC program but let the students volunteer for the program. It should not be mandatory. There are other ways to serve country.

IN THE TRENCHES New horizon for new beginnings

“To be willing to march into Hell For that heavenly cause And I know If I’ll only be true To this glorious quest That my heart Will lie peaceful and calm When I’m laid to my rest And the world will be better for this That one man, scorned and covered with scars Still strong with his last ounce of courage To reach the unreachable star.” - The second half of the song “Impossible Dream” from MAN OF LA MANCHA, the musical

The Impossible Dream is a highly elevating and inspiring song. I was not at all surprised why Doy Laurel, Ninoy Aquino and Evelio Javier were enamored by the song and probably also by the entrancing obra maestra of Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote, the man of La Mancha. In my point of view, they had a common problem – their dream was to become President of the country. They had no known vision of what the country should be as they were all prisoners of the system. It seemed enough to them – ambition but no vision.. That is not the case – the system is dysfunctional. It cannot be repaired – it has to be demolished but the thry were all men of the system and they did not think outside the box where the horizon glitters with promise of new beginnings. Theory and practice: Theory unless translated into practice means nothing. Experts in all sciences will tell you that. This has become a biblical truism, especially with political revolutionaries.. To succeed in any enterprise, there must be confl uence of theory and practice. Reduced into the level of the law, the brilliant Justice Oliver Wendell Homes of the American, Supreme Court once wrote that the life of the law is not logic but experience. It is in this spirit that I will share with you my experience in the light of what Benjamin Tiu Constreras thought I could be “that little spark that could ignite a confl agration of radical ideas.” . Decision 1977: Succumbing to pressure from the United States government, President Marcos called elections of the Interim Parliament (Batasang Pambansa) on April 1978. When Marcos announced the call for elections sometime in 1977, the national opposition met at the offi ces of the Laurels in Makati City with the leading leaders of the Opposition that included Former President Diosdado Macapagal, Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Jose “Pepito” Laurel, Jr, Senators Salvador “Doy” Laurel and Rene Espina, Former Secretary of Foreign Aff airs Salvador Lopez and a host of other including this writer, The prevailing view of the overwhelming majority of the attendees led by President Macapagal was to boycott the election. In so deciding to boycott the election, President Macapagal made the following rationalization, he said: “We should boycott the election because to participate will legitimize Marcos and his regime.” Unable to agree with his argument, I asked permission to speak. This is what I said, “With due respect to you, Mr. President, I am sorry I cannot agree with you. Legitimacy in a developing country like ours is being in possession of power. Marcos holds power and that makes him legitimate. This is not the USA, France or Britain where legitimacy means election. Marcos is giving us an opportunity to fi ght him and he says we can say anything and we will be prosecuted. This is our chance to fi ght him. If we do not participate in the election, our only option is to join the armed revolution. (Everyone was silent about the idea of an armed revolution.) If you’re ready to join the armed revolution, I’ll join you but since no one is ready, I’ll participate in the elections I respect the majority decision but I expect you to respect mine as this is a decision of conscience.” Suddenly Former UP President and Secretary of Foreign Aff airs Lopez stood up and said in a loud voice, “I agree with Adaza. He is right. We should participate in the elections.” Hurt that someone dis- (Continue on page 27)

HOMOBONO A. ADAZA

What law governs good faith marriage?

If you are applying for immigrant visa based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, it is a must that you discuss your case with an immigration attorney. Many people do it by themselves but later on fi nd problems along the way. It could be in the long wait for adjudication, more evidence requested and legal issues they could not resolve. In proving good faith marriage the USCIS is governed by case law that we will discuss here.

Question: What is the main consideration to determine if the marriage is in good faith?

Answer: The central inquiry in determining whether a bona fi de marriage exists is the INTENT of the parties at the time they entered into the marriage; the parties must have had the intent to establish a life together. See, Bark v. INS, 511 F.2d 1200, 1201 (9th Cir. 1975), see also Matter of McKee, 17 I & N Dec. 332 (BIA 1980). The conduct of the parties after the marriage is relevant to their intent at the time of their marriage. See, Matter of Laureano, 19 I & N Dec. 1 (BIA 1983). There is no sham marriage where the petitioner and benefi ciary INTENT to establish a life together at the time they were married, Bark v. INS, 511 F. 2d 1200 (9th Cir. 1975).

Question: What kind of evidence is needed for USCIS to determine is the marriage is a fraud?

Answer: The BIA in Matter of P. Singh, 27 I&N Dec. 598 (BIA 2019), enumerated the following are the legal standards to follow: (1) The standard of proof necessary to bar the approval of a visa petition based on marriage fraud under section 204(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1154(c) (2012), is “substantial and probative evidence.” (2) The degree of proof necessary to constitute “substantial and probative evidence” is more than a preponderance of evidence, but less than clear and convincing evidence; that is, the evidence has to be more than probably true that the marriage is fraudulent. (3) The nature, quality, quantity, and credibility of the evidence of marriage fraud contained in the record should be considered in its totality in determining if it is “substantial and probative.” (4) The application of the “substantial and probative evidence” standard requires the examination of all of the relevant evidence and a determination as to whether such evidence, when viewed in its totality, establishes, with suffi cient probability, that the marriage is fraudulent. (5) Both direct and circumstantial evidence may be considered in determining whether there is “substantial and probative evidence” of marriage fraud under section 204(c) of the Act, and circumstantial evidence alone may be suffi cient to constitute “substantial and probative evidence.”

If your case has been long delayed, it probably is under investigation. Many marriage cases are now under investigation due to fraud. Even if the parties were able to get approved in their petition and adjustment of status, there is the next hurdle which is the removal of condition on residence. In addition if you get your immigrant visa based on marriage, there is another hurdle coming which is when you apply for naturalization. Usually the USCIS opens up the fi le and further check if the applicant’s marriage is in good faith. For those who get their green card through marriage, it is best to consult with an immigration lawyer before fi ling a Form I-751 removal of condition on residence and Form N-400 application for Naturalization. Many cases are now being denied based on fraudulent marriage.

Note: This is not a legal advice. You need to speak to an Immigration Attorney to analyze your personal circumstances. We off er free consultation on immigration matters. If you have immigration problems the Law Offi ces of Crispin C. Lozano can help you fi nd a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family separation.

What will happen if the Philippines become part of China?

If the Philippines become part of China, it will have a far reaching eff ect on immigration and on overseas workers. We can no longer petition our relatives because the U.S. will not consider the Philippines as independent country. Many countries importing Filipino workers will no longer do it because they will think that we are Chinese spies. Most countries we deal with like Canada, Japan, Australia, and European countries will not hire Filipino workers because we are considered Chinese spies. We will be slaves in our own country. We cannot expect other countries to fi ght for us. We will lose our dignity and standing among people of the earth. Let us make a stand.

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, personal injury and income tax problems since June 1999. He has offi ces in Hayward and Cerritos, CA. His contact phone is 1-877-456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www.crispinlozanolaw.com/

Agri sector grows by 0.6% in Q4; 2021 palay hits new record yield

QUEZON CITY - Led by the crops, poultry, and fi sheries subsectors, the value of the country’s agriculture and fi shery production based on 2018 constant prices grew by 0.6 percent (%) during the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2021, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The crops subsector, which contributed 59% to the total value of production, expanded by 2.6%, bannered by palay, corn, and other major crops like sugarcane, pineapple, coconut, banana, and mango.

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, mobility restrictions, and losses due to Typhoon Odette in December 2021, totaĺ annual palay production registered an all-time high of 19.96 million metric tons (MMT), 3.4% more than the previous record of 19.29 MMT, based on PSA estimates.

“We would have easily breached the 20-million ton level as Typhoon Odette damaged more than 130,000 metric tons of palay,” said Agriculture Secretary William Dar.

“Nonetheless, it shows that we are on the right track in our continuing eff orts to increase the production of our major staples, in partnership with millions of our farmers, fi shers, livestock and poultry raisers, local government units, private sector, and agri-fi shery industry stakeholders,” he added.

“We have been relentless since we assumed offi ce more than two years ago in August 2019 in pursuit of the Duterte administration’s food security goals. These include massive promotion among farmers, fi shers, and entrepreneurs of relevant, effi cient and sustainable technologies and innovations, and providing them needed capacities through technical, farm mechanization and consolidation, fi nancial and marketing assistance,” the DA chief said.

Overall, we will remain focused in the implementation of our planned programs and projects in the remaining months of the Duterte administration, as we bequeath a solid foundation and legacy to the succeeding leadership,” Secretary Dar said.

Corn production also hit a record output of 8.3 MMT in 2021, 2.2% more than the 8.12 MMT yield in 2020, according to the PSA.

Other positive performers in terms of total volume of production in 2021 compared to 2020 are: Sugarcane, up by 7.7%; Cacao, 7.1%; Pineapple, 5.8%; Rubber, 1.9%; Coconut, 1.6%; Banana, 0.4% and Mango, 0.3%’

Poultry production, which accounted for 12.5% of total value of agriculture output, grew by 2.7% in Q4 2021, while chicken egg production increased by 12.7%, the PSA said.

Fisheries output also performed better, as value of production in Q4 2021 inched up by 1.4%. The subsector shared 14.6% total value of agri-fi shery production during the period in review.

The livestock subsector that contributed 13.8% to total value of production, contracted again by -9.7% in Q4 2021, pulled down by the hog subsector, whose value dipped by -12.6%, due to ASF incidence, according to the PSA.

BSP chief eyes within-target 2022 infl ation

MANILA – Monetary offi cials are optimistic of within-target infl ation this year despite the higher-than-target print in 2021 as well as the number of upside risks that include supply-side pressures and higher global commodity prices. In an Open Letter to the President dated January 18 and a copy of which was released to journalists, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno attributed the elevated infl ation last year to constraints on key food items like pork as well as increasing oil and energy prices.

The average infl ation last year stood at 4.5 percent.

“The continued and eff ective implementation of direct non-monetary interventions and policy reforms to alleviate supply constraints remains crucial in keeping the trajectory of infl ation within the target band, particularly as risks to the infl ation outlook appear to be slightly on the upside for 2022,” Diokno said. However, he said these risks are expected to be countered by the spread of new Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) variants, which could delay the further easing of remaining containment measures as well as dampen the outlook for global and domestic economic growth.

Diokno said that while monetary authorities expect infl ation to continue to decelerate to within-target levels, “the infl ation outlook, however, is subject to considerable level of uncertainty given developments relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, which could aff ect domestic and external economic conditions going forward.”

“Nevertheless, we would like to assure the President and the Filipino people that the BSP is closely monitoring developments and challenges brought about by the pandemic to ensure that the monetary policy stance remains consistent with its price and fi nancial stability objectives,” he said.

The BSP issues an Open Letter to the President whenever infl ation breaches the target band set by economic managers.

According to the BSP website, this practice is aimed “to ensure accountability in cases where the BSP fails to achieve (the) infl ation target.”

Previous Open Letters to the President were issued in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2017, and 2019.

15 January 27-February 2, 2022

 ENTERTAINMENT Amid rumor split, Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez unfollow, then follow each other again on Instagram

Fans and supporters of couple Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez have somehow heaved a sigh of relief when they saw that they are following each other again on Instagram.

This was after the news broke out that they have separated just after three months of their wedding.

Tom and Carla were married only last October 23, 2021 after seven years of being sweethearts.

Fans were shocked to know the news of separation as they have seen how Carla and Tom have been sweet to each other, even before when they were just sweethearts. Netizens wondered even more when they noticed that the couple has unfollowed each other on Instagram. However, few hours after the news of separation broke out, Carla and Tom followed each other again on their respective social media account on the evening of January 25.Tom’s cryptic post on his IG did not escape the netizens’ eyes where there was a written text “.fl oat” with a black background. Could it be a post about leaving and is it related to Carla?

Based on the audio post, spiels could be heard from a scene taken from Cowboy Bebop, a Japanese anime sci-fi series about bounty hunters aboard a spaceship with the name Bebop.

Faye’s character based on Tom’s IG post, “And now you’re leaving just like that.

“Why do you have to go? Why are you leaving?

“What are you gonna do?! Just throw away your life like it was nothing?!”

The lead character Spike has a meaningful answer: “I’m not going there to die. I’m going to fi nd out if I’m really alive.”

Following the audio, a song could be heard with the lyrics about a person on the crossroads and seems like he doesn’t know what to do.

A part of the lyrics states: “I wonder if I stepped off / Would have fl oat in space.

“Standing at a crossroads / Frozen in place

“I’m looking for salvation / But I miss my train

“I’m too scared to go / too weak to stay.”

As of this writing, Carla and Tom have not given their offi cial statement about the news on their alleged separation. (ECD/ MTVN)

Kailangan Ninyo ng FasTrak sa US 101 3

Maghanda Na!

SET BEFORE DRIVING 1 PERSON 2 PEOPLE 3+ PEOPLE