Philippine news Today

OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN

– HEALTH EXPERTS

PHL may end state of calamity as downtrend of cases reported

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor-in-Chief

MANILA/GENEVA – Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health in the Philippines have noted a slowdown on the spread of Covid-19 but continue to advise the people to follow health protocols as some countries have dropped pandemic restrictions.

PHL stuck in POGO quandary

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

MANILA – The country is stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place where Philippine Overseas Gaming Operations or POGOs are concerned.

While there have been widespread calls to shut down all POGOs because they have become synony-

SIM CARD REGISTRATION.

AG Bonta launches Office of Gun Violence Prevention in California

By Jun Nucum

OAKLAND - An office to provide proactive approach through strategic programs and partnerships with stakeholders statewide was launch by the California Department of Justice that aims to develop strategies and working with stakeholders statewide to address the gun violence epidemic in the state.

was announced by California Attorney General Rob Bonta saying that the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) first-in-the-nation Office of Gun Violence Prevention will provide centralized support from the DOJ for partners to implement strategic and innovative programs to reduce gun violence.

P6.7-B illegal drugs seized in Manila; police officer falls

By Claire Morales True, Managing Editor

MANILA - Police operatives have seized P6.7 billion worth of illegal drugs, probably the largest drug haul in the country, during a series of operations over the weekend in Metro Manila.

“This is probably the biggest drug haul in the history of the Philippines... Halos isang toneladang

US tourism industry feeling pinch of Asian hate

By Gilda Balan, Correspondent

SAN FRANCISCO - The actions of a tiny fraction of Americans inflicting harm on Asian-Americans are also causing untold damage to the US economy, specifically the tourism industry.

One of the biggest markets that boost multiple segments of the US economy are Chinese travelers ready and willing to spend their money in traversing the world for business and pleasure.

But growing cases of assaults on

Asian-Americans as well as Asian tourists visiting the country’s numerous sites has now made the US a hard sell.

A geo-political risk analyst for decision intelligence company Morning Consult says China is playing up the anti-Asian attacks in order to curb the enthusiasm for traveling to must see places like Disneyland, Las Vegas, Hollywood, the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, the beaches of Hawaii, and the Golden Gate

held hostage at PNP cell, is safe

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. displays the

Card Registra�on Act he had just signed into law as Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate President Migz Zubiri, Speaker Mar�n Romualdez and other

barangay

elec�ons

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda

MANILA As the Philippines and the United States warm again its ties under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US President Joseph Biden Jr., an expanded security and defense engagements between the two countries are set this year and next year.

In their meet at the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, Marcos and Biden affirmed the strong alliance between their countries, with the US leader pointing out that the US policy of defense of the Philippines under their mutual defense treaty was “iron clad,” among others.

On the backdrop of the ongoing “Kamandag” military exercises joined by Philippine and American soldiers, and participated by Japan and South Korean self-defense and military forces in Palawan, Batanes and other areas, the Armed Forces announced that the Philippines and the United States will have defense and security engagements in

“For CY - (274 MDB(Mutual Defense Board) and SEB (Security Engagement Board),” Armed Forces of the Philippines (A P) chief-of-sta Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro said.

In a statement, Bacarro said this is bigger than this year’s defense and security engagements, which can be broken down into MDB and SEB.

Bacarro said the engagements posted for is also significantly higher than the in which can be broken down into MBD and SEB.

The AFP chief attributed the relatively low number of US military engagements in due to the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bacarro said around US military personnel will be involved in the various MDB and SEB drills in which includes the annual “Balikatan” exercises.

He said the American military personnel will not be coming en masse at one time.

“Kasi nung nag-Covid naghabol tayo wala tayong mga exercises for the past two years, kukunti, parang pinorward

lang parang ganun (When we got stalled by Covid-19, there were no exercises for the past two years, so we were playing catch-up, so all these exercises were forwarded and will be conducted in 2023),” Bacarro said.

Bacarro and other ranking A P officials attended the MDB-SEB Meeting at the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Headquarters in Honolulu, Hawaii last Sept.

The MDB was established in while the SEB was established in

The two boards form the framework which directs and enables defense and security cooperation between the US and the Philippine forces.

The event was co-chaired by the AFP chief and INDOPACOM head Admiral John Aquilino.

The MDB-SEB was created to tackle traditional and non-traditional security concerns faced by both the Philippines and the United States as partners.

It is composed of key leaders from the AFP, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of National Defense, and the Department of oreign A airs.

During this year’s MDB-SEB Meeting, the co-chairs reaffirmed their mutual commitment and obligation to the Philippines-United States alliance to pursue the intent of the Mutual Defense Treaty of coming to each other’s support in addressing all security concerns.

The agenda covered matters of security cooperation activities and the strategic vision including maritime security, information sharing, and capacity and capability development, among others.

The productive discussions also opened opportunities for more robust engagements which will increase the pace of military-to-military engagement including annual bilateral exercises aimed to enhance the interoperability of both armed forces.

Bacarro and Aquilino also agreed to the conclusion of the Implementing Guidelines to operationalize the Maritime Security Framework designed to reinvigorate essential activities of maritime security awareness.

Office of the President extends terms of coterminous employees, execs till Dec. 31

order (MO) e tending the term of coterminous OP employees and officials until Dec. this year.

MO 7, signed by ecutive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by authority of the President on Sept. 7, etends the terms of OP employees and officials until Dec. , unless their appointments are “sooner revoked, resignations accepted, replacements appointed, or reappointments issued.

Bersamin said MO 7 was issued “in the e igency of service and to prevent any disruption in the delivery of government services.

During a flag-raising ceremony in Malacanang, Bersamin en oined his fellow public servants to be true to their oaths of office.

“Public service becomes meaningless and empty if the public servant is not dedicated to this kind of intentional ovations. We must endeavor to uphold the rule of law in every action that we take in the discharge of our duties and our responsibilities, he said.

Smooth Home buying and selling

I have known Rajeev and Monica for many years. I purchased my rst home with Rajeev in 2012. e nego�ated a great deal for me and helped me get the closing cost too from the seller.

Monica explained everything very pa�ently that a rst �me home buyer should know regarding the process and steps in ge�ng the nancing. She helped me in get�ng a loan that worked with our down payment. I was e tremely happy and sa�s ed with them. Rajee s e per�se made my rst �me e perience o home buying very smooth.

Now in 2018, he helped me sell my home. He prepared the home or lis�ng and his contractors did the ooring, pain�ng and other items to make the home ready for sale. He got our home staged with expert stager.

A er e erything was done, my wi e and I couldn’t recognize our own home.

Rajeev removed all the stress related to the sale of the home for us. Due to his years of experience, he tells you things you can only look back and appreciate. He is the best realtor and you can trust him completely.

--- Ron Lollie

MANILA – The Office of the President (OP) has issued a memorandum

Broadcaster Percy Lapid laid to rest; family, supporters cry for swift justice

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda

PARANAQUE CITY Broadcaster and commentator Percival Mabasa, more popularly known as Percy Lapid, was laid to rest on October as his family and hundreds of supporters who trooped to the burial called for a quick resolution of the case.

Mabasa, who was also a singer, was buried at the Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque City.

Supporters who oined the final procession before the burial wore tshirts and carried posters with the message “Justice for Percy Lapid” to e press indignation about his coldblooded murder on his way to his studion in Las Pinas City.

This as the National Capital Region Police Office (NC PO) released a captured CCTV footage of one person of interest, as officials raised the reward from , to . million for the immediate capture of the suspects and the mastermind behind the killing.

Speaker Martin Romualdez also offered P5 million reward for any information that will lead to the arrest of the killers.

oy Mabasa, a Manila Bulletin diplomatic reporter and former president of the National Press Club and younger brother

Percy, said he would not allow Percy’s death to remain just a part of criminal statistics.

“Hinihingi lang natin sa Pangulo ay pangunahan ang paglaban sa krimen na ito at lagyan, tuldukan, at kung maaari gawan ng mahigpit na polisiya sapagka’t without a state policy, hindi po mareresolba ang kasong ganito,” he said.

The 6 -year-old broadcaster was the second media practitioner killed under President erdinand “Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s administration and the 196th media

worker killed in the country since 1986.

Press Secretary officer-incharge Cheloy Garafil, a former reporter and prosecutor and a personal friend of Mabasa, said the government will “always be one with the media in upholding their interests and the rights.”

“Kaisa po kami ng media industry para maprotektahan lahat ng media practitioners, Garafil said.

Various groups like the National Press Club, oreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines condemned the “senseless killing” and called on the Marcos administration and the Philippine National Police to solve the case and the killers brought to ustice.

Lapid’s death also sparked international condemnation and a show of support as journalists and human rights defenders also gathered in some rallies to condemn Lapid’s killing. Among the foreign groups who condemned the killing were the European Union, Canada, Netherlands, and others.

The embassies of Canada and Netherlands in the Philippines, in a joint statement, expressed their sympathies to the bereaved kin of Lapid.

“We e press our grave concern about the killing of broadcast commentator Mr Percival Mabasa (a.k.a Percy Lapid) by unidentified assailants last night. We etend our deepest sympathies to his family

loved ones,” Canada and Netherlands, co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition, wrote on Twitter.

France, also a co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition, Britain, Germany, Denmark, and the European Union (EU), in separate tweets, supported the statement of Canada and Netherlands.

“ rance reaffirms its resolute, unwavering commitment to the freedom of the press, freedom of speech and protection of ournalists, the rench mbassy in the Philippines posted on Twitter.

Metro Manila 7-day positivity rate dips to 17.3%

MANILA The seven day Covid-19 positivity rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) further dropped to 17.3 percent as of Oct. 10 from 19 percent on Oct. 3, according to independent group OCTA Research.

Positivity rate refers to the number of individuals testing for Covid-19 in a certain period.

OCTA Research Group fellow Dr. Guido David said the reproduction number in the region -- number of people a case could infect -- is down to 0.93.

NCR’s one week growth rate is at -16 percent while its healthcare utilization rate is at 37 percent.

“Let us hope the downward trend continues the rest of the year,” David said.

The Department of Health said Covid-19 cases in the NCR show signs of plateauing while infections in the NCR Plus Areas remain on an upward trend.

Severe and critical cases in the NCR continue to show a downward trend together with the intensive care unit admissions

Comelec dismisses electoral protest s. anila s first lady Mayor Lacuna

MANILA The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division has dismissed the protest against Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, fi led by losing candidate Alexander Lopez, for failure to present evidence to support the case.

The nine-page decision, signed by Commissioners Marlon Casquejo and Rey Bulay and released over the weekend, stated that Lopez failed to show solid proof of alleged massive electoral frauds, anomalies, misreading of ballots, and miscounting of votes, among others.

Lacuna won with 538,595 votes while Lopez was a far second with 166,908.

Marilao town mayor dies in road mishap, Bulakenyos mourn

tary and driver were onboard a white Toyota Land Cruiser (CAP-3127) when the accident occurred around 5:39 p.m.

According to eyewitnesses, the mayor’s vehicle was seen swerving before hitting the lamp pole.

The 65-year-old mayor was rushed to the hospital before being pronounced dead at the Medical City in the Clark Freeport Zone after their car crashed into a lamp pole along Prince Balagtas Avenue in Clark Freeport Zone.

The mayor’s driver-bodyguard Police Sta Sgt. Go o Alcantara, 48, of Barangay Catmon, Sta. Maria, Bulacan, who was also brought to the hospital, is in critical condition.

Karen Bonifacio, Silvestre’s secretary, was rushed to the Angeles University Foundation hospital.

Governor Daniel ernando said Silvestre’s untimely passing was a “great loss” to the province and most especially to his constituents.

Marilao, at lalawigan ng Bulacan (Farewell and thank you for our friendship, for the inspiration of your leadership, and all the good years of service in your beloved town of Marilao, and in the province of Bulacan),” Fernando said in a statement on Monday.

MARILAO, Bulacan Marilao town Mayor Ricky Silvestre died in a road crash in Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat City, Pampanga on October sending the townfolk and leaders of Bulacan into mourning.

Police investigation showed Mayor Silvestre, his secre-

The governor thanked Silvestre for being such a good friend.

“Paalam at salamat sa ating pagkakaibigan, sa inspirasyon ng iyong pamumuno, at sa lahat ng mabubuting taon ng paglilingkod sa minamahal mong bayan ng

Iloilo roadcaster mauled, probe on

ILOILO CITY Veteran broadcaster Florencio Hervias III is counting on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to arrest those who mauled him in La Paz town here last Friday.

This as the PNP national headquarters took cognizance of the incident and vowed urgent action.

“I am grateful that this has reached the attention of Chief PNP (Gen. odolfo Azurin Jr.) and has ordered for an investigation about the mauling incident,” Hervias, 54, said.

Three bonnet and hoodie-wearing persons attacked Hervias ust after he left the building where he hosted

the program “Banwa Binag-binaga” over Radio Mindanao Network on Luna Street.

He sustained lacerations on his nose, eyebrows, and lips while his attackers, who pretended to be garbage collectors, fled the scene.

It was the first time he e perienced such harassment since starting his career in 1989.

Late Thursday evening, Hervias got information from media colleagues that Councilor Plaridel Nava was angry at him and his co-anchor, oy Ce ar, for bringing up the rehabilitation of the Mandurriao public market in his program.

Marilao town Mayor Ricky Silvestre (Contributed photo)

DILG chief Abalos contracts Covid-19

and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Abalos said this is based on the result of his reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test which came out at 9:12 p.m. Sunday, ahead of his supposed attendance at a meeting in Malacañang Palace.

feeling well as of the moment,” Abalos said in a statement.

Abalos, meanwhile, ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct contact tracing measures to notify his direct contacts for possible exposure.

Camp Crame, Quezon City where three persons under police custody who tried to escape were killed, with one of them taking former senator Leila de Lima as a hostage.

Abalos

QUEZON CITY After some public appearances, Department of the Interior

“I am currently at home in isolation and working remotely while strictly following recommended protocols, including health and safety procedures. I am grateful to have been fully vaccinated with booster. I am asymptomatic and

On Sunday, Abalos together with PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna faced the media in a press conference at Camp Crame, Quezon City where they presented the details on the confiscation of P6.7 billion worth of shabu and the arrest of several suspects, including a cop.

Earlier in the day, Abalos also checked the detention facility inside

Abalos also visited De Lima following the incident.

“I am also humbly appealing to everyone who I came across over the past two days to monitor yourselves for Covid-19 symptoms and promptly get tested and isolate away from others once symptoms develop,” Abalos said.

Abalos also joined a big crowd at the wake of broadcaster Percy Lapid at the Manila Memorial Park.

2 new Comelec commissioners sworn in

MANILA President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. completed the Commission on Elections en banc with the ad interim appointment of two commissioners who immediately took their oaths of office in a ceremony in Pasay City.

Newly appointed Commissioners Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. and Nelson Celis were sworn in by Chairman George Garcia in front of the en banc and all its senior officials from the main office and field offices of the National Capital egion and Regions 4-A (Calabarzon) and 4-B (Mimaropa).

Maceda, son of the late Senate President Ernesto Maceda and brother of Manila Congressman Edward Maceda, and Celis immediately assumed their respective offices completing the seven-member Commission en banc.

Officials of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila hailed the appointment of Maceda, Celis and Chairman Garcia who were deans and faculty member in the PLM School of Law.

Maceda joined the Comelec First Division composed of presiding Commissioner Socorro Inting and Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, while Celis is part of the Second Division composed of presiding Commissioner Marlon Casquejo and Commissioner Rey Bulay.

With the en banc now complete, Garcia is hoping that they will efficiently resolve pending cases and more e ectively administer forthcoming elections, plebiscites, referenda, and initiatives.

Maceda will take the helm of Task Force Kontra Bigay, the anti-vote buying/ selling arm of the Commission, among others.

Being a former lawmaker and academician, he will also be involved in the Comelec’s Election Law Reforms Committee.

Celis will lead the Election Stakeholder’s Summit scheduled for the first quarter of

The event will put into realization a consultative, all-inclusive, and compre-

hensive involvement of all election stakeholders in the Automated Elections.

Capitalizing on his expertise in Information Technology (IT), he will also

serve as vice chairperson of the Comelec Steering Committee for the computerization and digitization of the May National and Local Elections.

Ex-senator de Lima held hostage, saved in PNP jail rampage

By Jennifer T. Santos

CAMP CRAME, Quezon City Former senator and justice secretary Leila de Lima was briefly held hostage early morning of Sunday by a co-detainee at the Philippine National Police custodial center in Camp Crame, but was saved by cops after three detained Abu Sayyaf rebels, one of them the hostage taker, were shot dead.

“I thought I would die,” de Lima was quoted as saying after the hostage drama which triggered the sacking of Lt. Col. Patrick amillano, the officer in charge of the PNP Detention Center where Senators Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. were once detained.

De Lima, who has been detained in the facility since 7 for drug charges, said the “near-death experience” made her value life even more.

“Sinabihan ako na ‘ma’am, patay na ang dalawang kasamahan ko kaya kailangan mo sumama sa akin kasi papatayin din ako,’” De Lima recounted, adding

that the inmate eventually tied her hands behind her back and dragged her out of her compound.

Investigation showed that the rebels tried to escape from the detention center which is located inside the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame.

The PNP denied the detainees targeted De Lima, saying it was “incidental” because they could not escape through the main gate.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., PNP said de Lima was

unhurt and taken to a hospital for a checkup after the incident and was declared fit. Abalos visited the former senator after the incident.

Abalos said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and de Lima talked over the phone where the Chief Executive expressed concern over the incident and discussed her transfer to a “safe” detention facility, but the former senator initially declined the transfer, saying she was safe in her present location.

It was gathered that de Lima was suffering from some pain as a result of the pressing of a weapon by her hostage taker on her body.

The incident triggered calls for the detention of de Lima in her house or a safer place, but the former senator reportedly refused the transfer. Others sought the immediate dismissal of the cases filed against her during the Duterte administration.

PNP investigators said one of the three inmates stabbed a police officer who was delivering breakfast after dawn

in an open area where inmates can exercise outdoors.

A police officer in a sentry tower fired warning shots, and then shot and killed two of the prisoners, including Abu Sayyaf commander Idang Susukan, when they refused to yield, police said.

The third inmate ran to de Lima’s cell and briefly held her hostage, but he was also gunned down by police commandos, Azurin said.

Susukan, who had been blamed for dozens of killings and beheadings of hostages, including foreign tourists, and other terrorist attacks was arrested two years ago in southern Davao city.

The other two inmates, Arnel Cabintoy and Feliciano Sulayao Jr., were suspected members of the Dawlah Islamiyah, a Muslim militant group that has been linked to bombings and other deadly attacks in the country’s south. They were arrested in in Quezon city and were facing non-bailable charges like Susukan, police officials said.

Newly appointed Comelec Commissioners Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. le and Nelson Celis right with Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia center .

omelec un s appeal on arcos dis ualification case

MANILA There is no more bar to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as far as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is concerned.

This after the Comelec junked the motion for reconsideration filed by Margarita Salandanan-led Pudno Nga Ilokano questioning the First Division’s dismissal of the dis ualification case against then presidential candidate erdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Voting - with one inhibition, the Comelec en banc said the petitioners failed to present new arguments to warrant the reversal of the Division’s decision on April , .

The Comelec en banc earlier junked the consolidated cases filed by Bonifacio Ilagan et. al., Akbayan Party, and Abubakar Mangelen as well as the cases filed Fr. Christian Buenafe et. al.; and Danilo Lihaylihay against Marcos.

“After a careful scrutiny of the Partial Motion for econsideration, amidst the verbiage, we found that it neither raised the grounds cited in Sec. of Rule of the Comelec ules of Procedure, nor it raised new matters or issues that would

convince us to consider the motion. Ostensibly, the Partial Motion for econsideration repeatedly hammered on the same issues it also raised before the Commission ( irst Division), the Comelec decision promulgated on Oct. stated.

“These same issues and arguments were properly addressed by the Commission ( irst Division) after it conscientiously and painstakingly studied the facts and issues brought before it by the parties, and applied relevant law and urisprudence, it added.

The case is the last pending before the poll body against Marcos who won the presidential race by a landslide ,6 ,7 votes, or more than 6 million votes ahead of presidential candidate Leni Robredo.

“We find that there is no cogent reason to disturb the findings of the Commission ( irst Division), the Comelec said. “Wherefore, in view of the foregoing, the Commission ( n Banc) denies Petitioner’s Partial Motion for econsideration ( esolution promulgated on April ) dated April , and affirms the esolution of the Commission

( irst Division)

promulgated on April .

Commissioners Socorro Inting, Marlon Cas ue o, Aimee erolino, and ey Bulay all voted to dismiss the appeal.

Comelec chairman George Garcia inhibited from the case as then presidential

bet Marcos was his former client.

The group of Ilocanos filed a petition seeking to dis ualify Marcos, accusing him of committing a crime involving “moral turpitude” for being convicted in connection with his failure to file his income tax returns.

Marcos signs law curbing spread of text scams

By Claire Morales True

MANILA SAN ANCISCO, California President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a bill that aims to regulate the release of subscriber identity module (SIM) cards and curb the proliferation of text message scams in the country.

Some e perts, however, e pressed doubts that the registration of SIM cards was not enough to stop scams using mobile phones.

The registration of SIM cards is actually returning to old government regulations in the s, according to residents of San rancisco, California where the commercial cellular mobile telephones (CMT) were first put on sale.

The first cellphones like the Mitsubishi Diamond Tel were so big that it reuired a handle so one can carry it from one place to another. The first cellphones were also e pensive as it was sold between , to , each, the San Francisco residents said.

In the late l s when cellular mobile telephones or cellphones were introduced

in the Philippines, the National Telecommunications Commission required the registration of the phones with their numbers provided by the Pilipino Telephone Company, a subsidiary of the Philippine Long Distance Co., which then considered as a radio equipment.

The NTC then also registered the owners of cellphones considered as “radio equipment operators.” The numbers of the first celephones in the United States and the Philippines were like the landline numbers and had no prefi es like 7 or , San rancisco residents recalled.

Marcos signed Republic Act No. (RA) also known as An Act e uiring the egistration of SIM Cards in a ceremony witnessed by Vice President Sara Duterte, lawmakers, and other government officials at Malaca an Palace.

A is the first law signed under the Marcos administration. It was signed two days after Marcos marked his first days in office on Oct. .

In a speech, Marcos thanked lawmakers from the Senate and House of epresentatives for coming up with a “long overdue” measure seeking to resolve

crimes using SIM cards.

“Truly, the legislation is going to be welcomed by many of our people especially now with reports of the commission of various crimes using mobile phones, including the proliferation of te t scams and spam. Indeed with the signing of this law, we set the important tone that it is our national policy to ensure that technology shall only be used to improve our people’s lives, Marcos said.

Marcos expressed hope that his administration would enact even more measures that would help ensure security, progress, and prosperity for the nation and people.

A , which is a consolidation of House Bill No. and Senate Bill No. , re uires Public Telecommunication ntities (PT s) or direct sellers to demand end users of SIM cards to present a valid identification document to validate their identities.

Alert in Bulusan volcano raised to Level 1

BULUSAN, Sorsogon – The Philippine Institute of Volcano and Seismology (Phivolcs) has placed the Bulusan Volcano under Alert Level (low level unrest), following the observation of increased volcanic activity and other monitored parameters.

A total of 6 volcanic earth uakes have been recorded since a.m. on October .

“Most of these events occurred in the northwestern sector and the summit area of Bulusan and are attributed to rock-fracturing processes within the edifice, Phivolcs said in an advisory.

The volcano also showed increased hydrothermal activity and unrest.

esidents of Sitio Talistison, Barangay Mapaso, Irosin and Barangay San o ue, Bulusan reported sulfurous odor from Oct. to .

Phivolcs, however, said very weak to moderate emission of steam-laden plumes have been recorded from the summit crater and northwest vents.

Volcanic carbon dioxide concentrations measured in springs on the southeastern sector of Bulusan have been increasing since July, in con unction with the increasing spring temperature in monitored hotsprings on the southwestern sector since April.

Short-term inflation of the southern flanks of Bulusan has been observed since April .

Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy said the time frame for registering SIM cards will still be decided after consultation between the NTC and PT s.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, e pressed hope that the SIM Card egistration Law’s benefits will outweigh privacy issues and other concerns raised by subscribers.

mous with such crimes as kidnapping, loan sharking, and prostitution, the country also stands to lose billions in earnings as well as thousands of jobs in an economy not yet fully recovered from the e ects of the global pandemic.

Lawmakers and Cabinet secretaries have cited the negative social e ects of allowing the online gambling companies to continue operating in the country.

Although almost all are owned by Chinese nationals and employ more of their fellow Chinese than Filipinos, the People’s Republic of China has given the government the biggest reason to close all POGOs.

The gaming companies are not only banned in China but their continued presence in the Philippines has caused it to be blacklisted as a tourist site.

Senate President Migz Zubiri told local media on Tuesday,

bridge, among many, many others.

Scott Moscowitz said in an interview that China now “sensationalizes negative foreign news” such as the seemingly non-stop assaults on Asians and Asian Americans in various parts of the US.

As a result, a growing number of Chinese tourists now believe that anti-Asian discrimination has made them afraid of visiting the US, which is home to millions of Chinese-Americans, as well as Filipino-Americans and Indian-Americans.

Morning Consult recently published a study based on a survey of 1,000 adults that showed “a plurality of Chinese have little to no interest in US travel.” They cited violence and anti-Asian discrimination as factors in their loss of interest in going to the US at this time.

October 11 (Manila time) that he had spoken with Chinese ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian who told him that the Philippines had been placed under Beijing’s blacklist of travel destinations due to the numerous issues besetting the POGO industry.

As such, the envoy said Chinese “are discouraged from visiting the Philippines.”

Huang, however, appeared to backtrack on his statement, with the Chinese embassy issuing a statement denying that the Philippines had been blacklisted as a travel destination and saying that the Senate President had spread “misinformation.”

Zubiri, however, stood by his claim and said two other senators were witness to the envoy’s statement, namely Sherwin Gatchalian and Robin Padilla.

Gatchalian said the oreign A airs and Tourism departments “should engage China in this respect” in order to clear the air.

Zubiri said Huang told him they were concerned if their nationals “will be safe from illegal activities being done by the triad, by the syndicates operating POGOs.”

The results of the survey can be considered worrisome, as 22 percent of mainland Chinese say they are “not interested at all” in heading for the US, while 23 percent say they are “not that interested.”

No less than 44 percent of the respodents said they were disturbed by the anti-China bias by locals.

An earlier survey said that “violent crime” was a reason to avoid traveling to the US.

Instead, they are now favoring Europe as a preferred destination, especially Western European nations where hate crimes against Asians are practically unheard of.

A good many of those surveyed still remember what has come to be known as the “Atlanta spa murders,” where six of eight women who were shot and killed were Asians, with the perpetrator being a White (Caucasian) man.

Already, the country has seen a “significant drop in Chinese tours.

Prior to the pandemic, some 1.74 million Chinese tourists had been visiting the country, providing a huge boost to the tourism industry.

This year, less than 23,000 Chinese tourists have visited the country, but this could be because China has all but stopped its citizens from traveling abroad unless absolutely necessary.

Senators such as Grace Poe and Koko Pimentel had warned against allowing POGOs to continue operating as they posed a “danger” to society. But Gatchalian said the administration should consider the P34.68 billion (almost $600 million) that POGOs directly or indirectly pumped into the economy.

The figure represents one percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

“Would one percent be a significant negative negative e ect on the economy?” he asked during a Senate hearing on POGO operations.

droga (o) 990 kilograms of shabu, at about P6.7 billion,” Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said in a press conference in Camp Crame, the Philippine National Police headquarters in Quezon City attended also by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna. Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, director of the PNPe Drug En-

forcement Group (PD G), said that the first buy-bust operation was conducted along Jose Abad Santos st. Barangay 252 in Tondo, Manila, resulting in the apprehension of a certain Ney Saligumba Atadero, 50, a resident of Ermita, Manila, and the discovery of 890 kilos and 102 grams worth P6.7 billion.

During the interrogation, Atadero said the illegal drugs’ storage was located inside the office of lending firm Wealth and Personal Development Lending Inc. in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

A follow-up operation at the Quezon Bridge in Quiapo, Manila led later to the arrest of M/ Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo, Jr. of the PDEG, who was caught with two kilos of suspected shabu worth P13.6 million. Police also recovered a firearm inside his vehicle.

PNP chief General Rodlfo Azurin Jr. said that the PNP would not tolerate any wrongdoing of police officers under his watch.

“Sabi ko nga noon, there will be no let up. We don’t care who gets caught and who gets hurt. For as long as we get all the evidence against any suspect in any crime, we will pursue them until the end,” said Azurin, referring to the involvement of a police official.

“We expect yung pagkakahuli ng ating pulis, na kasamahan pa sa PDEG, ay napakalaking breakthrough para sa inyong kapulisan, na ito ay isang halimbawa na we don’t tolerate and will not tolerate any wrongdoing of any policeman under my watch, and of course under the watch of our DILG Secretary,” he added.

Azurin said that that Mayo’s lending business is a “legal front” for drug trade.

During a subsequent operation, police operatives also apprehended a certain Juden Francisco and seven others in Rosario, Pasig City.

Francisco is a “high-value” drug suspect and is said to be the fourth most wanted man in Northern Mindanao, according to investigators. (Jeanne Michael Penaranda)

End of Covid...

(From page 1)

“We are not there yet. But the end is in sight,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said earlier as he expressed optimism on the outlook from the global health pandemic surveillance.

In the Philippines, health department offi cials said they see encouraging signs that could pave the way for the lifting of the country’s state of calamity due to the pandemic.

“Sa tingin ko (I think), with this plateauing of cases, improved vaccination coverage and minimal na severe and critical admissions in hospitals, we can recommend to the president itong lifting itong state of calamity,” said Health Offi cer-in-Charge Maria osario Vergeire.

The health authorities, at the same time, reminded the public to proceed with their daily lives with caution, by following health protocols.

In a related development, infectious diseases specialist Dr. ontgene Solante, head of the Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine at San Lazaro Hospital, said the COVID- situation in the country is showing indicators that its endemic state may be nearing.

Solante said in a television interview the number of COVID- cases in the Philippines has been on a downtrend and most cases are only showing mild symptoms.

Solante also disclosed the hospitals are already stable, with some seeing a signifi cant decrease in COVID- ad-

missions.

“When you say endemic, [it] means that cases are really already low,” Solante explained.

“Ang ibig sabihin ng pandemic, mataas ang mga kaso, mataas ang nagpupunta sa (Pandemic means there are a lot of cases and there are a lot of patients in the) hospital. That’s why you have to call it pandemic because you want to lessen and mitigate the number of cases. Sa ngayon, hindi na natin nakikita to, he added as ABS-CBN reported.

“In fact, a lot of countries are already opening the borders, a lot of countries are already increasing the mobility of people. May mga concert na. May mga gatherings na. And that is not the picture of a pandemic. Parang endemic na,” he said.

Solante said COVID- may be in an endemic state in the Philippines if the positivity rate is less than percent, the healthcare utilization rate is less than percent, and at least percent of the population have received their booster shots against the disease.

On October , the DOH reported that , new COVID- cases have been recorded in the country, raising the total to , 7 , .

The DOH also reported that as of October , more than 7 . million people in the Philippines are fully vaccinated against COVID- , of whom, over . million have received their fi rst booster dose while more than million have gotten their second booster shots.

Once the state of calamity is lifted,

Solante said COVID- vaccines will no longer be free.

“Vaccines are given via UA because we are still in the state of emergency,” he said.

As many countries prepare for the onset of colder weather, WHO COVID- technical lead Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove said in an ABS-CBN report there are already measures in place to minimize the risk of both infl uenza and COVID- , but countries should implement these properly.

She recommended taking vaccines that protect from both COVID- and the fl u.

“As the world is opening up and people are mixing again, we’re starting to see circulation of other viruses,” she said.

“So, it is really important that we put measures in place, we use the measures that are in place to reduce the spread and to protect people who are most vulnerable for developing severe disease, and one of those measures is vaccination,” she added.

Van Kerkhove urged countries to also prepare health systems and conduct active surveillance for the detection of the known variants and subvariants that are circulating.

“We need strong health systems to be able to deal with patients and provide appropriate clinical care regardless of where they show up within the health care system,” she said.

Meanwhile, 6 more cases of four Omicron subvariants and new cases of Delta variant of the coronavirus dis-

ease (Covid- ) have been detected in the country, according to the DOH.

e DOH said 6 of the total count for the Omicron subvariants are BA.5 cases, are BA. cases and fi ve are BA. .7 cases.

Of the 6 BA. cases, are from the Ilocos egion, 6 from Cagayan Valley, from Central Luzon, one from Bicol egion, 6 from Western Visayas, from Central Visayas, three from amboanga Peninsula, from Northern Mindanao, 6 from Davao egion, from Soccsksargen, from Calabarzon, from Mimaropa, from Bangsamoro Autonomous egion in Muslim Mindanao, from Cordillera Administrative egion, fi ve from Caraga, 7 from the National Capital egion (NC ), and two are returning overseas Filipinos.

or the additional BA. cases, one is from Cagayan Valley, one is from Bicol egion, one is from Northern Mindanao, and from Soccsksargen.

One of the fi ve new BA. .7 cases are from the Ilocos egion, one from Central Luzon, one from Central Visayas, one from Davao egion, and one returning overseas Filipino.

The DOH also detected new cases of Delta variant -- one in Cagayan Valley, one in Central Visayas, 6 in Davao egion, in Soccsksargen, two from Calabarzon, one from Caraga, one from NC and one being verifi ed.

All the reported cases are based on the latest genome sequencing results Oct. 7 to .

California has long been a national leader in e ectively preventing gun violence with one of the lowest rates of gun deaths in the country but still firearms were the leading cause of death for children in the United States in making gun violence a true public health crisis that re uires immediate and proactive attention.

At the same time, Bonta outlined the new office, announced a nationwide search for its first director, and launched a new webpage to provide the public with information about the office and resources for learning about California’s work and strategies to further reduce gun violence.

“This moment of crisis demands more than thoughts and prayers we need action now, said Attorney General ob Bonta. “That is why as California Attorney General, I am doubling down on California’s gun safety e orts I am defending our commonsense gun safety laws in court and cracking down on the surge of untraceable ghost guns. I am proud to lead a team of special agents that remove firearms from the hands of dangerous individuals as we continue working together to put an end to this crisis once and for all.

Bonta’s wife Assemblymember Mia said she believes that gun violence is a national crisis, a state crisis, a local crisis, and a public health crisis.

“ ach gun violence tragedy sits heavy in my heart. I mourn with the families of the victims and wonder, what it will take to finally end this gun violence epidemic. The establishment of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention is a testament to the Attorney General also recognizing the need to elevate this matter statewide to identify comprehensive and e ective solutions, Mia Bonta said.

Gi ords Law Center ecutive Director Laura Cutilletta echoes the need for a more coordinated e pert leadership in California and a statewide resource dedicated to breaking down silos across di erent agencies and borders, cutting through red tape, and helping communities implement new resources to stop gun violence.

“In , , Californians died from gun violence. While we have some of the strongest gun laws in the country, this number is unacceptable, and there remains much work that needs to be done to save lives, said Cutilletta. “Throughout his time in office, Attorney General Bonta has been a steadfast partner of

Gi ords Law Center and a champion for gun safety as we applaud him for establishing the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and we look forward to working closely with the office to e plore the public health solutions to our gun violence epidemic that we know work to save lives.

“It takes the hood to save the hood, said udy Corpuz Jr., ilipino American ounder and ecutive Director of United Playaz.

The Office of Gun Violence Prevention’s (OGVP) mission is to reduce and prevent gun violence, firearm in ury, and related trauma and will support DOJ’s ongoing gun violence reduction e orts led by the Bureau of irearms and DOJ’s litigation sections including the Department’s seizure of firearms from dangerous individuals using the Armed and Prohibited Persons System (APPS), prosecution of firearms trafficking cases, and defense of California’s commonsense gun laws.

OGVP will also e amine a broad range of factors from firearm availability to e ective resources for crisis prevention to reduce the harm caused by firearms and make Californians

healthier and safer and aims to reduce gun violence by promoting research and data collection, increasing awareness about e ective legal and policy strategies, and collaborating with federal, state, and local partners.

Gun violence remains a growing threat to public safety throughout the nation. On average, there are over gun deaths each day and nearly , each year in the U.S. Guns are the leading cause of death among children and adolescents with U.S. children being more likely to die from gun violence than in any other comparable country.

In , California saw a 7 lower gun death rate than the national average. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, California’s gun death rate was the th lowest in the nation, with . gun deaths per , people compared to .7 deaths per , nationally, .6 in Mississippi, .7 in Oklahoma, and . in Te as. California’s gun death rate for children is also lower than other states, and is lower than the national average.

ASSEMBLYMEMBER Bonta

ASSEMBLYMEMBER Bonta

Get the mastermind, not the gunman

The

assassination of popular radio commentator Percy Lapid real name Percival Mabasa -- last week was a crime that stunned not just the nation, but the world.

A good number of global leaders expressed shock and indignation that such a high-profile ournalist could be killed in a busy street while on his way to record his next podcast.

The unspoken warning was clear: apprehend, charge and convict whoever was behind the crime, or the Philippines’ reputation as a place that is now welcoming foreign investors with open arms will be ruined.

It is therefore an absolute must that the authorities solve this case soonest.

Lapid may have been a controversial figure given his two-fisted verbal assaults on those in government who are accused or suspected of serious malfeasance.

Indeed, the previous Duterte administration was a favorite target of his, and he had also started to take potshots at the current regime.

But he did not limit himself to training his verbal shots at the top government officials. Lapid also spoke out against any and every government agency or official whose actions he found suspicious.

He, therefore, made a lot of enemies, any one of whom could have ordered his public execution.

Thus far, the reward for information leading to the arrest of the gunman has gone from an Initial P500, to triple that amount.

The Department of Interior and Local Government has also shown a photo of the suspected gunman taken by CCTV, and Secretary Benhur Abalos has warned him to surrender immediately for his own good.

Abalos is correct in stating that the gunman’s life was now in danger because whoever ordered the hit will not want him to be captured and made to talk.

Especially where very powerful people are concerned, ordering the killing of the killer is not uncommon as the mere mention of his (or her) name will be costly not just to the mastermind’s reputation, but will most likely lead to the authorities making doubly certain that he (or she) is charged.

or now, it would be unfair to point an accusing finger at the top officials who were targeted by Lapid’s angry if righteous outbursts, as what has been happening in social media.

The Marcos administration must insure that justice is served, otherwise the Philippines will continue to have a reputation as one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists to practice their profession.

It should be noted that on the same week that Lapid was killed, yet another broadcaster was violently beaten by four goons just outside his place of work. The attack happened in Iloilo City, where a police station was less than a mile away.

Luckily, the broadcaster survived and has been given police protection as the case is being investigated.

Lapid’s case is much di erent. He was a national figure and his voice was silenced with absolute finality.

It is not just justice for the 63-year-old Lapid that his family is crying for. His millions of followers demand it.

We joint that plea: Do not let the mastermind get away with murder.

5 FilAm Mayors, Vice Mayors in Bay Area vie for re-election

Part 3 Conclusion

ast week, we recapped the highlights of South San Francisco Mayor Mark Nagales and Vice Mayor lor Nicolas’ first term. This series premiered with a review of the accomplishments and motivation of first-time Daly City Mayor od Daus-Magbual and his mentor Vice Mayor ay Buenaventura. The series concludes with a focus on longest-serving elected FilAm Council Member in California.

Colma Vice Mayor Joanne del osario is the seniormost elected FilAm, having been thrust into public service in Despite having no experience in the political arena, she became the first ilipino woman elected in her town and the first ilAm female to hold the title Mayor in all Counties of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Del osario attributes her success to the values instilled by her family and her collaborative nature.

“As a Council Member, I am only one of who make decisions for the City. I do not consider what the Town has accomplished as personal achievements,” she tells Inquirer.net, citing the pandemic that compelled the city leadership to be strong.” She reports that big businesses including new car dealerships, restaurants and a dialysis center have opened since Existing enterprises found “creative ways” to keep operating outdoors. The ecreation Department partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank to provide food deliveries to older residents, veterans and families with children.

In intense deliberations amid the fraught situation, she followed her instincts.

“It’s certainly challenging when you have to make those tough decisions, but you have to do what is best for the greater good. If people do not agree, it might take a little more communication and education to see and better understand the issues,” she drew from her older brother, former PH oreign Sec. Albert del osario’s, advice to “always be magnanimous.”

Colma may be among the smallest towns in the state with its population of about , . It takes a few votes to win, but it also takes as few to lose, as Del osario learned when she defeated two incumbents in her debut campaign.

Her colleagues elevated the fulltime executive assistant at a biotech company to Vice Mayor again last month in the passing of her peer ae Gonzalez.

Del osario did not realize the historic significance of her earliest mayoral turn until a friend pointed it out. Having broken the “glass ceiling,” she said she hoped to “encourage ilipina Americans to run for office knowing it can be done, and support each other.”

The New ork-born, Manila-raised leader fully recognizes her transformation and her duty to use her position to reach out to those in her former shoes.

“Beyond official duties, public officials have a responsibility to go beyond borders and reach out in ways that a ect not only your specific community, but a much

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BLESIE D. SISON ALBERT MARTINEZ RENE AMON Account Executives

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CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO

Crossing the line

One could just imagine the hatred of Lorraine Badoy against the communists and the people who are suspected to support the rebel movement.

She would not hesitate to cross the line and threaten anybody, including a judge, who dismissed a court petition to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, New People’s Army (NPA), as terrorist organizations.

The former spokeswoman of the National Task Force to nd Local Communist Armed Conflict (NT - LCAC) has “redtagged” almost everyone from celebrities, politicians, lawyers, community organizers, to journalists, linking them to the rebel movement without any evidence.

Her actions are far worse than what the Americans had experienced in the 1950s when US senator Joseph McCarthy made unfounded accusations of treason and subversion related to socialism and communism against many people, particularly those in the entertainment industry.

In the Philippines, it is quite understandable for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to hate the communists. They have been fighting the rebels, who wanted to overthrow the government, for more than half a century. Many of their comrade-inarms were killed in the battlefield or were assassinated in urban centers.

Even before Congress passed an anti-terrorism law in 2020, the military has been labeling NPA guerrillas as “communist terrorists in official reports as early as in the elder Marcos’s regime. Lately, the military added the word “group” to identify the NPA rebels as a “communist terrorist group or CTG.

But it was a puzzle why civilians like Badoy have become rabid anti-communists. Did she su er a harrowing e perience under the communists? Was she a victim of a rebel atrocity or was anyone in her family a victim of the NPA’s unjust actions?

The former president, Rodrigo Duterte, was a self-confessed socialist who trumpeted himself in 6 as the first socialist leader of the country. He was supported by the communists in the election. He even appointed several left-leaning personalities to his cabinet.

A year into office, he abandoned his left-leaning friends, purged them from his government and vowed to crush the communists with the help of the military. Overnight, Duterte turned from Socialist to Fascist to curry the military’s support.

He scrapped peace talks with the Communist Party’s political arm, the National Democratic ront, to find a political settlement to the decades-old insurgency, one of the longest-running in Asia.

Maoist-led guerrillas have been waging a protracted unconventional warfare since 1969, targeting government installations and state agents but also killing civilians, who were considered collateral damage, in the process.

On some occasions, the NPA rebels apologized for the deaths of civilians, like Reuters photojournalist Willie Vicoy when he died in a rebel ambush in northern Luzon in the 1980s. More recently, the rebels also apologized for the death of a collegiate football player in a roadside bomb attack in Masbate.

But soldiers were also equally guilty in killing civilians, like in Lupao, Nueva Ecija when an army lieutenant was killed in a village. The troops retaliated by shooting at civilians.

The vicious killings have to end. There is no point in soldiers and rebels killing each other. More than 40,000 lives have been lost in a conflict that has also a ected economic growth and development in resource-rich but poor rural communities.

In advanced democracies, communism as an ideology is not outlawed because members participate in a peaceful political process. In the Philippines, people who believed in communist and socialist ideologies were allowed to take part in local elections, getting themselves into local positions and in Congress.

What is not allowed is the use of force or threats to use force, which the NPA employs in remote communities. Leftist politicians must dissociate themselves from the violent NPA guerrillas.

But the government has a big role to play in ending NPA violence in the countryside. It has to address the root causes of the insurgency—injustice, inequality, poverty, ignorance, neglect, and corruption.

Poor people who were victims of injustices and inequalities took up arms not because they believed in communism. They were seeking justice because the wheels of justice grind so slow in the country.

If there are no conditions that will force them to take up arms, there will be no violent rebellions.

Do you need last will, durable power of attorney?

ast month, my good friend and practicing lawyer Atty. Cesar Fumar (licensed lawyer both in California and in the Philippines) called and requested me to notarize the Last Will and Durable Power of Attorney (DPA) of a physically handicapped and elderly father residing near the Westlake Shopping Center in Daly City, California.

ART GABOT MADLAING Health & Wealth

Through our Mobile Signing Services (MSS), I was able to able to visit and notarize the two documents through the arrangement of Rosemarie, the daughter staying with the elderly father. Rosamarie informed me that I need to notarize two copies of the Last Will and two copies of the DPA because the father got properties both in California and in the Philippines. Rosemarie and her father were advised by Atty. Fumar that one copy of the notarized Last Will and DPA be apostilled by the Secretary of State to make them legal and binding in the Philippines.

As accredited and commissioned Notary Public and founder of Mobile Signing Services, I was able to visit Rosemarie and her father last September 13, 2022. I had the father signed the Last Will with two witnesses. I also had the father and Rosemarie signed the DPA and subsequently signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and had them put their right thumb marks.

After notarization, I submitted the Last Will and DPA to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento, California for apostille Due to the pandemic lockdown, the apostille processing took about 11 working days. The notarized DPA and Last Will were enclosed inside a prepaid USPS Priority Envelope with corresponding apostille fees issued to the Secretary of State and pertinent enclosures; and submitted through the Apostille box located at the lobby of the Secretary of State building in Sacramento, California.

After 10 days, I received the apostilled DPA and Last Will from the Secretary of State in Sacramento, California. I personally delivered the apostilled documents to Rosemarie the following day who said, ”Thanks so much.”

MSS is committed and will continue to help and assist old and new clients in the notarization and apostille follow up of Durable Power of Attorney (DPA), Last Wil, Affidavits, Special Power of Attorney (SPA), DEED OF DONATION, Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with Partition, Deed of Absolute Sale and other documents needed in the Philippines and the other member nations of the Hague Apostille Convention. Here are some advantages and benefits with MSS

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For immediate help and assistance in the notarization and apostille follow-up of Affidavits, Special Power of Attorney (SPA), DEED OF DONATION, Last Will, Durable Power of Attorney (DPA) and other documents needed in the Philippines and the other member nations of the Hague Apostille Convention, just write or call MOBIL SIGNING S VIC S, 7 Madrid Street, San Francisco, CA 94112 Tel. (650)438-3531 or (415)584-7095 or emai artmadlaing gmail.com

(A T GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate

On October 21, 1988,

President Ferdinand E. Marcos and Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos were indicted in New York for racketeering, fraud, and obstruction of justice, allegedly for having stolen more than $200 million from the Philippine treasury and investing it in New York skyscrapers.

President Marcos was too ill to travel from Hawaii to New York. He died at the age of 72 on September 28, 1989 before jury selection began on March 20, 1990.

A bunch of lawyers who came out of nowhere advised Imelda to plead guilty. “Why should I plead guilty if I am not guilty?” objected Mrs. Marcos.

If you fight the charges and lose you will be sent to ail for years for each of the two racketeering counts and five years each for fraud and obstruction of justice charges, but if you plead guilty you might get only years, the lawyers told Mrs. Marcos.

Imelda had difficulty raising money for her bail of million. Doris Duke, the billionaire tobacco and Duke University heiress who had met the Marcoses during a visit to Manila when he was President, heard of Mrs. Marcos plight. Doris o ered to post the bail to guarantee that Imelda would make all required court appearances. Doris owns a beachside home in Honolulu known as Shangri-La, which is now a museum, and which Imelda often visited.

Doris asked our good friend Ron Oldenburg, a Honolulu attorney, to find a great lawyer for Imelda. on found Gerry Spence, a well-known criminal defense attorney from Wyoming. He said he would defend Imelda for $5 million dollars. Doris provided the money. (Doris reportedly claimed it was a loan, Imelda said it was a gift).

Mrs. Marcos interviewed Spence. (A client is the employer so the client must interview the lawyer who is the employee before hiring him. Most clients are so in awe with lawyers that they do not interview him to determine his ualifications and competence to handle their case resulting in much regret and recrimination.)

Spence told Mrs. Marcos that he would take the case with one condition that Mrs. Marcos would only talk if he allowed her. Mrs. Marcos replied that whenever she talks, all men listen, including her husband. So Spence asked if she would agree with his condition. Mrs. Marcos said “yes”. Spence took the case. Mrs. Marcos told the volunteer lawyers to get lost.

After consulting with Spence, Imelda decided to fight the charges and pleaded “not guilty”.

U.S. Attorney udolph Giuliani had filed the case. He made a big thing out of it. He held a news conference to announce that Marcos, a head of state, was the highest-ranking foreign government official ever indicted in the U.S. It was believed that if Giuliani had won the case, it would become his stepping stone to running for higher office – like President of the United States. When he found out that Gerry Spence would be his opponent, he turned over the handling of the case to Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles LaBella.

Mrs. Marcos was acquitted on her 61st birthday July 2, 1990. “This is the best birthday gift I ever had,” exclaimed Mrs. Marcos. She then went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, crawled on her knees on the middle aisle to the altar, and thanked God. See the story headlined “IMELDA ACQUITTED” in our newspaper, U.S.-Philippine Times, July 1990 issue.

MOST CRIMINAL DEFENDANTS DO NOT ASK FOR A SECOND OPINION

Can you imagine if Mrs. Marcos had blindly followed her volunteer lawyers’ advice and pleaded guilty? She would have spent years in a New York jail. And do you realize what the other prisoners would have done to her? Que horror!

The tragedy of most criminal defendants is that they do not ask for a second opinion. For example, a person is charged with rape and sexual assault of a minor. The lawyer, usually a public defender, tells the person, if you plead guilty we will get you a deal, maybe years in ail, but if you fight the case and lose, they will hang you by your balls after spending 20 years in jail. The defendant does not want to spend 20 years in jail and be hanged by his balls afterward. He makes a deal. This is known as making a defendant plead guilty by terroristic threatening.

Why does he and others similarly situated not look for another lawyer and ask for a second opinion?

They blindly believe in what their first lawyer tells them even if it is unfavorable. If so, there is not much hope for such person.

They claim they do not have the money to ask for a second opinion. If so, such person is not telling the truth. How much will a lawyer charge for one hour of consultation? $300? Can you not raise this amount from your own funds, your family, and your friends? Go to Waikiki Beach and beg from the tourists. Be sure to get a permit first.

They have all sorts of excuses. As they say in Tagalog “Kung gusto maraming paraan, kung ayaw maraming dahilan” (If you like to do it, there are many ways, if

Always ask for a second opinion if you do not like the first – Imelda did

EMMANUEL SAMONTE TIPON

MANNY MOGATO

tin his first d ys

ast Saturday marked President Bongbong Marcos’ first days as chief executive and as expected, various parties gave their respective scorecards on his performance.

Unexpected, however, was his not giving any rating of himself, as is the practice of most presidents after their first three months in office.

His political allies, of course, gave him the highest marks.

I can understand his own cousin, the Speaker of the House, gushing over the performance of Bongbong. But I have to take issue with Senate President Migz Zubiri, who seems to have forgotten that he heads a co-equal branch of government.

Marcos leads the executive, Zubiri heads the legislative branch of government.

Why then did he try to outdo Speaker Romualdez and all the rest of the president’s allies in practically elevating Marcos to the level of deity?

It is both insulting and humiliating for Zubiri to fawn all over the president. If he truly believed that Marcos did a good job as chief executive, he could have said so in just a few words.

In one of the shows at CNN Philippines where I now work, host Rico Hizon asked a few experts how they graded Marcos as head of the country.

Marcos would be most pleased at what the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines had to say. In short, he gave the prez two thumbs

Since he speaks for the US companies with Philippine operations, that score is most meaningful.

At the same time, the Social Weather Stations came with its own survey and Marcos generally got favorable reviews.

The only failing mark he got was in his administration’s inability to keep rising food and oil prices in check.

I can only speak for myself, but God almighty. I can only shed a quiet tear or two whenever my partner and I head to the nearest supermarket for our weekly supply of groceries, and everything else.

The bad news is that this current period of high inflation will last, at least until the end of the year. The good news, if it can be called that, is that the country is still a long way o from double digit inflation.

I am not an economist and can only speak as a layman, but the president is well advised to take extreme measures if necessary to curb inflation.

I consider myself as part of the middle class, but the way prices of commodities are spiraling upwards, I may see myself as poor sooner or later. Boo hoo, huh?

The objective analysts generally give the president much credit for his choice of Cabinet secretaries, especially those involved in economic and fiscal matters.

While almost all blame the actions of the US Fed for the fall of the peso, which means that the cost of imports goes this should not be used as an excuse. Other nations are facing the same e ects of the ed’s non-stop raising of interest rates, but some are doing better than others. What then do our e perts say about keeping inflation down and arresting the fall of the peso?

As expected, Marcos will constantly receive unending advice, some of them contradictory. In the end, the decisions will always have to be his.

One analyst said the president should not be judged based on his first days in office, but on his first 6 days as president. This makes sense.

Meanwhile, the president should also take note that his actions that are deemed personal such as heading to Singapore to watch the Formula One races leave a bad taste in the mouth. PR people would call it negative optics.

In simpler English, it looks bad. So he should be more circumspect in his choice of activities, none of which can be hidden from the public for long.

Personally, I still believe that the President of the Republic of the Philippines should be perceived more as the Chief Executive Officer of Philippines, Inc.

Having worked in the private sector for the past four decades, I have to ask: do the

To

ban or not to ban. That is the question.

Based on published reports, there seems to be an snowballing move to totally ban POGO operations. Those in favor of the total ban cite the series of kidnapping, bribery, and rise in criminality especially involving Chinese and Filipino-Chinese citizens. Not to mention of course the non-payment of taxes by POGO operators. In a nutshell, the reputational damage and the social costs far outweigh the supposed economic gains from POGO.

not

On the other hand, defenders (principally Congressman Joey Salceda) argue for stricter regulation, not a total ban. Let us not kill the goose that lays the golden egg. Totally closing down the POGOs will terminate 7 , direct obs for ilipinos, reduce to nil P .6 billion in rental income from offices and P billion in housing rent and a possible ta take of P billion. The rise in criminality is an enforcement issue which can be addressed by the police and the local governments.

As far as Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, any response must be calibrated. Already, emulla has his hands full trying to deport POGO workers. At the moment, Remulla is still sorting out with the Chinese government the deportation protocols. A total ban would be a logistical problem as this will result in the deportation of an estimated , POGO workers.

*****

Kudos to our.outstanding fellow Muntinlupe os. years and growing stronger.

“Worldwide, the average productive lives of companies is years. But we have surpassed that. We are now and still very much around. Thus, businessman, civic leader and Most Outstanding Muntinlupeño Dionisio “Diony” Alog described his company’s journey, co-founded with his wife Ofelia, forty years ago.

ALOG Company, Inc. has not only survived. It has thrived. It is now a leading marketer and distributor of a wide range of products and technologies for the protection of human health, structural properties and the environment against insect pests and microorganisms. It serves government offices, commercial pest control operators and private institutions nationwide.

ALOG proudly represents leading multinational chemical companies in the Philippines namely Bayer Environmental Science, BASF, Syngenta, Ensystex as well as professional pest control equipment companies namely Swingtec from Germany, Hockman and B&G from the USA.

In addition, it has partnered with NRS Relief, a company that manufactures innovative, high uality and cost-e ective core relief items and multi-purpose shelters. These multi-purpose tents are intended for emergency response during disasters like earth uakes, typhoons, fires and other calamities.

ALOG takes an active role in bringing innovative technologies and products to the Philippines. From the development of control programs concerning public health, particularly in malaria and dengue, general pest control programs for private companies to the most complete termite control products ranging from repellent liquid termiticide to nonrepellent liquid formulation to baiting technologies for structural protection. In , ALOG made its biggest sale tender in the history of public health, by supplying million pieces of long lasting impregnated nets (LLIN) from Bayerhad to malaria endemic provinces in the Philippines.

Recently and just in time for the COVID pandemic, ALOG and Co. ventured into products used for virus protection and disinfection through its BioMed Division. “We became part of the spearhead team serving both national and local governments and private institutions, deploying tons of disinfectants used in the communities and targeted areas at the start of the lockdown,” Diony explained.

Indeed, ALOG and company has gone a long way from its humble beginnings. Diony and Ofie first set up shop at a decrepit office along Guadalupe street, Makati. Diony served as the general manager, salesman, delivery man, collector, and technician all at the same time while Ofie, (his former office mate and former girlfriend) was the receptionist, customer service officer, administrative assistant, and accountant. Their son Dennis, at that time 6 years old, was visibly disappointed the first time he visited his parent’s “Makati office . It had only two tables, with manual typewriters and a few telephones.

ALOG initially sold poultry feeds, hog feeds, one-day old chicks, veterinary medicines and supplies. Later products included fertilizers, and agricultural sprayers, pest control equipment and hygienic insecticides. In 7, the company crossed its first st milestone by selling units of Swingfog fogging machine to the National ood Authority (NFA).

As the company grew, it also moved out from its decrepit office. In , ALOG Company, Inc. ac uired a commercial lot in Guadalupe Nuevo, and constructed a four -storey building, making it as the official head uarters of the company. In , ALOG Company, Inc. moved to its current office at Unit Alabang Business Tower, 6 Acacia Avenue, Madrigal Business Park, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City and retained its warehouses in Las Piñas and Makati City.

During ALOG’S th anniversary celebration (appropriately themed ears – A Legacy of Protection), Dio-

(Continue

ussi s y er tt ks on kr ine ele tes r into hi her le el lo l r

The war going on between Russia and Ukraine with the former staging cyberattacks against the latter recently, has changed the landscape of the war elevating it to a higher scale as it enters its 8th month of hostilities. The following day, true to its announcement that he will be using more air power, Russia’s Vladimir Putin dropped missiles to Ukraine creating more destruction aggravating the situation.

This time, Putin is using sophisticated weapons after a series of defeats he incurred lately from Ukraine military forces in the ground that reclaimed some cities occupied and annexed by ussia. These setbacks sent Putin to a di erent course of action by ordering cyberattacks and air missiles on Ukraine’s infrastructures to boost his crumbling militia and bolster his bloated ego.

This must be an act of retaliation shown by Putin who is now acting like a wounded animal who becomes more ferocious and angrier after su ering from grave wounds and humiliation from a supposedly weaker nation such as Ukraine.

According to Bloomberg News, “Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened more strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure after his country’s missiles hit cities across Ukraine.” A day after the announcement, missiles were dropped in Ukraine causing more damage to the already ravaged country.

Putin’s latest actions may trigger an escalation of US and the rest of the world’s involvement in the war and may even lead to actual confrontation leading to the start of War . This is because while the war is between Russia and Ukraine, the US and the Western allies (European Union, NATO, etc.) are already involved in the war indirectly. And… with the cyberattacks employed by Russia, this will somehow trigger a more aggressive support from US and its Western Allies.

As a result, in a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, President Joe Biden pledged to “continue providing Ukraine with the support needed to defend itself, including advanced air defense systems.” With this assurance from Biden and the rest of the world, Zelenskiy is even willing to pursue the war to the very end thus escalating the unprovoked, uncalled-for war staged by Putin eight months ago.

Putin, however said, “they were in retaliation for a strike on a multibillion-dollar bridge connecting Russia to Crimea. Kyiv hasn’t officially claimed responsibility for the episode, which further highlighted the woes of Putin’s military in the eighth month of its invasion.”

International support for Ukraine continues to pile up. According to a statement from her office, UK Prime Minister Liz Truss will urge leaders of the Group of Seven nations to “not waver” in their support for Ukraine following Russia’s latest missile attacks on civilian targets. In fact, the leaders are holding an emergency call on Tuesday with Zelenskiy to discuss a response.

Truss will also call for an urgent meeting of NATO leaders where G7 leaders are expected to discuss the global energy crisis and the work they’re doing to implement an international cap on the price of Russian oil.

For his part, in a prepared remark, Jeremy Fleming, the director of the UK’s intelligence, cyber and security agency GCHQ, said Russia’s military commanders in Ukraine know their munitions and supplies are running out. This must have been the reason why Putin is now using air strikes to be able to support its exhausted military forces in the ground.

While Biden didn’t specify what air defense systems the US will provide, a US arms package announced in August included six National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems. The NATO-standard air defense system, produced by Raytheon Technologies Corp., is used to protect the Washington region, including the White House and two NASAM systems were previously pledged to Ukraine.

According to the Serhiy Prytula Fund, which said on Facebook that it had started raising money for Ukrainian kamikaze drones that have been successfully tested on the battlefield, the Russian missile attacks “enraged Ukrainians.”

The group, seven hours later, donated more than 6 million hryvnia ( .6 million). It said its fund-raising for Ukrainian army units fighting on the front lines. So far, it has provided more than , 6 drones almost

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IGNACIO TOTING BUNYE

Your spousal petition maybe under investigation

BREAKING NEWS

New Regulation will make it easier to immigrate

The Biden Administration will release a regulation by December making it easier to immigrate for people who have taken public benefits. The public charge under Trump era will be revised significantly.

N-400 Application for Naturalization

The USCIS is now giving priorities to application for naturalization . The reason is obviously to allow ualified immigrants to vote in the coming midterm and presidential election. There are cases when the waiting time is only si months compared to prior years. Pres. Biden is encouraging all ualified to file for naturalization. This is a rare opportunity that all ualified should take advantage of.

DACA reinstated

Pres. Biden reiterated to renew the DACA processing as of August ,

Arrest and removal of undocumented is now up to the discretion of IC officer

US Supreme Court did not allow Pres. Biden to overturn the immigration policy of Trump with regards to priority in arrest and removal. With increasing migrants at the border White House is now re uiring IC to deport more migrants under political pressure. It is now a decision to be made by the IC officer which could include arrest of anyone who is undocumented. It is time to work on your green card now.

Your spousal petition maybe under investigation

If you filed a petition for your spouse and the case is pending for so many months or years, chances are that the USCIS is investigating your petition. They could also deny your petition once the evidence they gathered is unfavorable to your case. ou should receive an notice of Intent to Deny before they will deny your petition. If the petition was initially approved, you may get a Notice of Intent to Revoke the approval of your petition for reasons that they have discovered later in your case. The best strategy is to plan to defend your case ust in case any unfavorable decision is received. If you failed to respond to the re uest for evidence, your case will be denied. If the proof you submitted is not sufficient to overcome their findings, they will also deny your petition. ou should consult with an Immigration Attorney who specialized in family immigration and filing appeals. If your case is denied you can file an appeal to the BIA. Denied I- petition are appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals. There are many reasons for denial of petition. One is inconsistencies during the interview. Others include negative findings about the validity of the marriage. There could be uestions about good faith marriage. The most serious findings would be marriage fraud. In this situation, you should submit proof of good faith marriage. If you failed to overcome the fraud charge your spouse will not be able to be approved in any petition even if it is employment based petition. The law is specific that if there is a finding of marriage fraud, no petition will be approved. But before that happens you should be prepared to appeal your case. We have a case that there is a finding of marriage fraud. However, the USCIS did not follow the procedural due process during the processing of the petition and the case was ultimately approved for the second petition. Procedural due process is a constitutional guarantee of fairness in ad udication of the petition.

Other reasons for denial of petition and ad ustment of status is if you entered the United States using a di erent name or committed a crime. There are a variety of immigration options you may still pursue but it is best to consult with an e perienced immigration attorney.

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

Bankruptcy Basics

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

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

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

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

CLAIM O UNPAID WAG S

We help our clients recover from employers unpaid minimum wage and overtime. Undocumented workers are ualified to apply.

CAR ACCIDENTS

Our Law irm successfully settled a car accident for 67 . .

FAMILY LAW

We also handle uncontested DIVO C .

INCOM TA P OBL MS

We can help you if you are under IRS audit, need a representation with IRS, need to reduce your ta liability or need to o er a payment plan to I S,

SUCC SS STO I S

For the month of September we received approval from USCIS four naturalization applications, two Fiancée visa petition, two removals of condition on residence and two adustment of status applications.

Note: If you have immigration problems write us a letter and we will reply to you with no initial obligation. 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.

Hunt for oil to resume in Palawan - Marcos

MANILA - The government has embarked on an earnest program to search for oil reserves last e perienced during the term of former President erdinand Marcos Sr., the father of the incumbent, amid skyrocketing prices of fuel.

President erdinand Marcos Jr. said the Department of Energy has initiated the oil hunt through the revival of the drilling operations around the Cadlao oil field in Palawan of Nido Petroleum Philippines.

The firm, operated by Australian firm Sacgasco, holds Service Contract 6B to conduct surveys “by the last uarter of this year.

“While it is the first step, it signals the government’s intent to ma imize indigenous resources and has attracted strong interest from foreign investors in the Philippine upstream oil and gas sector, Marcos said.

Some US 7 million worth of investments are e pected in the two drilling activities of Nido Petroleum Philippines Pty. Ltd. in northwest Palawan, the Department of nergy said.

DO Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said Nido aims to spend US 6 million each for drilling Service Contract (SC) 6B and SC .

An additional US million will also be spent for the e tended production test in the Cadlao oil field, he said.

Sales said the e tended production test in SC 6B aims “to determine how to optimize future production and determine the more appropriate way in installing the permanent production facilities .

“Foreign investors have taken the assurances made by the Philippine government that our PD (Presidential Decree) framework for giving incentives to the service contractors is going to be upheld, DO Secretary aphael Lotilla said.

Lotilla said the ultimate ob ective of the policy is to yield the ma imum benefit to the ilipino people and to assure ust returns to participating private enterprises.

Sales said the drilling activities in Cadlao are e pected in the first half of , with the e tended production testing running up to si months.

If the drilling activity is successful, permanent production is e pected by the first half of , he added.

President Marcos Jr. has directed the DO to focus on e panding and harnessing the country’s indigenous energy resources to achieve energy security and a ordable electricity prices.

Continued economic recovery from pandemic assured

MAKATI CIT – fficient implementation of measures to ensure the continued recovery of the domestic economy from the impact of the pandemic is a Herculean task but the government has buckled ready to face all the challenge.

In a report for the Marcos administration’s first days in office, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said it has completed most of the directive of President erdinand Marcos Jr. in terms of inter-agency coordination in crafting the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) - .

Among others, it has issued the PDP planning guidelines; has convened the Plan Steering Committee, which include the Department of inance (DO ), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Labor and Employment (DOL ), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of National Defense (DND); and has conducted virtual training workshops in mainstreaming the human-rights based approach to development planning.

Economic managers, through the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), have revisited the government’s medium-term fiscal framework for - in line with the bid to further increase the share of investments in infrastructure to to 6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Authorities said increasing infrastructure spending has long-term economic effects and will provide more opportunities

for the e pansion of the economy.

The government’s infrastructure investment accounts for around percent of GDP in the past administrations until it was hiked by the Duterte administration, which the current government intends to continue.

esults of fiscal reforms also pushed by the previous administration have allowed the government to help finance its needs even during the pandemic.

The present government thus aims to sustain the gains, citing the need for the amendment of the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) law, among others.

The BOT I Committee approved on Sept. this year the amendments to the 2022 implementing rules and regulations (I ) of the Amended BOT Law.

The DO earlier said amendment of the I of the BOT Law is e pected to improve the country’s investment climate and attract more foreign investors in line with the government’s goal to implement more infrastructure pro ects.

In terms infrastructure pro ects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP), the N DA said 7 new pro ects have been added to the pipeline since June , bringing to 7 pro ects, with total pro ect cost of around PHP . trillion, the updated list as of Aug. , indicates.

The N DA said the new pro ects include road, public transportation, and water supply being implemented by local and national agencies.

Gary Valenciano, Coco Martin star in separate concerts in US

By Claire Morales True

LOS ANGELES - Gary Valenciano and Coco Martin are making waves in the United States as they entertain Filipinos, their fans and other supporters there.

The total entertainer started his US concert tour at the Pantages Theater in Seattle, Washington last September and thereafter vowed fans at the Cache Creek Casino in Sacramento, California (October 1); Pechange Casino in Temecula (October and the Royce Hall UCLE in Los Angeles, California last October

His last three shows will be at the Texas Hall in Dallas, Texas on October West High Auditorium in Anchorage, Alaska on October and the Town Hall in New York City on October 23.

At his Los Angeles concert, “FPJ: Ang Probinsiyano” star Coco Martin surprised Gary with his appearance in the show.

In video clips uploaded by B617 Management on Instagram and reported by Gary and Martin’s home studio, ABS-CBN, the action star is shown joining Gary onstage while the latter was singing “Ililigtas Ka Niya,”

one of the theme songs of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” which concluded last August.

After his performance, Gary introduced Martin to the audience. He told the big crowd that he did not know that Martin was there.

“Gusto ko lang po samantalahin ang pagkakataon na ito upang makapagpasalamat talaga kay Kuya Gary. Dahil buong parte ng career ko sa ABS-CBN, sa lahat ng show ko, halos siya po ang kumanta ng lahat ng (theme song) ng aking teleserye. Kaya Kuya Gary, maramingmaraming salamat po talaga sa lahat,” Martin told Gary in the show.

“I have the most amazing experience being able to sing theme songs of what he has done, not just theme songs of ‘Ang Probinsyano,’ pati rin ‘yung mga ibang teleserye na ginawa niya. So maraming salamat Coco, I am blown away. Grabe, maraming salamat,” Gary responded to Martin.

Martin said he considers the ultimate performer his “lucky charm.”

“Siguro masasabi ko talaga siya ang lucky charm ko sa mga soap opera ko kaya, maraming-maraming salamat at mahal na mahal po kita. Thank you so much Kuya

Gary,” Martin said.

Martin and actress Jodi Sta. Maria are in the US for the” FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano Pasasalamat Tour” which ends in Hawaii late this month.

Martin and Jodi are also shooting scenes for their film “Labyu With An Accent in US. The cast of “Ang Probinsiyano” was with Marin and Jodi in the “Pasasalamat concert. Their film, megged by Martin himself, Rodel Naciaceno in real life, will be shown as an entry in the Metro Manila Film Festival this December.

Martin, Jodi and the cast of “Ang Probinsiyano” composed of the members of Task Force Agila -- Michael De Mesa, Raymart Santiago, Bassilyo, Smugglaz, Jay Gonzaga, John Medina, Sancho delas Alas and Marc Solis -- started their “Pasasalamat Tour” at the Sycuan Casino in San Diego, California on October followed on October at Yaamava Resort and Casino in San Manuel, California.

On October Coco Martin and the “Ang Probinsiyano” cast together with Jodi will perform at Farrington High School Auditorium, Honolulu, Hawaii, capping their thank you tour to fans in the United States.

After San Diego and Daly City, Los Angeles proclaims Jo Koy

By Claire Morales True

LOS ANGELES The city of Los Angeles has honoured popular Filipino-American stand-up comedian Jo Koy by proclaiming last Octobere as Jo Koy day in Los Angeles.

Jo Koy, who is Joseph Glenn Herbert in real life, turned emotional after the declaration by the City Council of Los Angeles of Jo Koy Day in the city which is home to the largest Filipino American community in California.

The proclamation was in time for the national celebration of Filipino American History Month in the United States.

Jo Koy, who performed recently at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, said he was thankful to the LA officials and his supporters.

“Thank you to the beautiful city of Los Angeles for declaring October 7th Jo Koy Day,” Jo Koy wrote in an Instagram post. “I’m forever grateful and I will continue to wave my flag high. Mahal Kita

San Diego first honoured Jo Koy in with the declaration of October 16 as “Jo Koy Day” in the city.

Last July 22, he received the key to Daly City, California and likewise had the day named after him, leading up to the release of “ aster Sunday, the first ma or Hollywood studio film about il-Ams, which hit theaters in August.

“Didn’t think I was going to get emotional. My goal was always to tell my story and represent my culture the best way that I could,” he said on Instagram as reported by ABS-CBN.

Also on Instagram, Jo Koy reminded his followers that his movie “Easter Sunday” which stars many FilipinoAmerican talents like him, is available on demand.

He said his Netfli specials – Live from Seattle, Comin’ in Hot, In His Elements and Live from LA Forum are now streaming on Netfli .

Jo Koy also announced that he will perform at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida on November and at the Madison Square Garden in New York on November 10 as part of his “Jo Koy World Tour.”

The LA Filipino Association of City Employees (LAFACE) held its 40th year anniversary event at City Hall and also honored Jo Koy’s accomplishments in entertainment.

The night before the event, City Hall was the site of LA’s annual Filipino American History Month celebration, where Jo Koy received an honor and lit up the building

in Philippine flag colors as he was oined by Mayor ric Garcetti and Fil-Am community leaders.

In a video of his acceptance speech, Jo Koy said he does jokes because he wants to tell the story of how Filipinos are just like every other person in America.

“I wanna tell the story without having to do this whole

thing where I’m like, ‘You know, Filipinos do this and do that.’ I want to do a thing where I could tell the story about my mom and just let you hear about what my mom does as a mom. And then you will relate to it and realize that a mom is just a mom no matter what her ethnicity is, what her religion is, what her accent is,” he explained.

Moira, Ogie, Regine win big at 2022 PMPC Star Awards for Music

Kapamilya artists dominated the winners circle at the 13th PMPC Star Awards for Music held October at the Newport Theater in Pasay City.

Singer Moira dela Torre bagged the Album of the Year for “Patawad” by Star Music; along with Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year for her massive hit “Paubaya,” which she wrote with her ex-husband Jason Hernandez. Dela Torre also won the Female Recording Artist of the Year for the same song.

In one of the awards’ most interesting highlights, Ogie Alcasid and Daniel Padilla tied in winning Best Male Concert Performer of the Year. Padilla won for Star Events’ “Apollo” and Alcasid for A-Team and Frontrow International’s “Kilabotitos.”

Regine Velasquez, according to ABS-CBN, was named Best emale Concert Performer for Viva Live’s “Unified. Kim Chiu clinched the best novelty song and performer awards for the pandemic-inspired hit “Bawal Lumabas”.

Veteran composer Vehnee Saturno was conferred the Levi Celerio Lifetime Achievement Award; and Martin Nievera was honored with the Pilita Corrales Lifetime Achievement recognition. The PMPC also bestowed on Dingdong Avanzado the Exemplary Milestone Award in Music for years of contribution to the growth of OPM.

Here is the complete list of nominees and winners: ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Himig Handog 11th Edition - Star Music Huwag Matakot This Band - Viva Records Patawad Moira Dela Torre - Star Music (WINNER) Songbook Rico Blanco- Viva Records

Umaga Live The Juans and Janine Tenoso- Viva Records Unplugged Imago - Universal Records Wildest Dreams Nadine Lustre- Careless Music SONG OF THE YEAR Binibini Matthaios feat. Calvin de Leon- Midas Records

Di Ka Sayang Ben&Ben - Sony Music Philippines

Magandang Dilag JM Bales - Empire Philippines and Star Music

Marikit Juan Caoile and Kyleswish - Viva Records

Marupok KZ Tandingan - Star Music

Pati Pato Parokya ni Edgar, Gloc Shanti Dope - Universal Records

Paubaya Moira Dela Torre - Star Music (WINNER)

FEMALE RECORDING ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Aicelle Santos Bilangin Ang Bituin Sa Langit. - GMA Music

Ima Castro This Little Child- Trina Belamide Music

Julie Anne San Jose Bahaghari - Universal Records

KZ Tandingan Marupok - Star Music

Moira Dela Torre |Paubaya - Star Music (WINNER)

Morissette Amon Love You Still- Underdog Music Philippines Regine Velasquez Mahal Ko O Mahal Ako - Star Music

MALE RECORDING ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Alden Richards Goin Crazy - GMA Music

Arnel Pineda Your Soldiers - Star Music

Christian Bautista| Bukas Wala Nang Ulan - Universal Records (WINNER)

Ebe Dancel Wag Mong Aminin - Viva Records

Erik Santos Walang Hanggang Paalam - Star Music

Martin Nievera Di Na Muli - Vicor Records Piolo Pascual Iiyak sa Ulan - Star Music

CONCERT OF THE YEAR

for Concert- Solaire and PLDT Home A Night At the Theatre - Full House Theatre Company and Resorts World Manila

And The Story Begins CCC Productions and Resort World Manila Apollo Star Events Co Love Concert Quantum Films, GMA and Becky

Aguila Entertainment

Twogether Again Star Media Entertainment, DSL and Solaire

Unified Viva Live Inc. (WINN )

MALE CONCERT PERFORMER OF THE YEAR

Alden Richards Alden’s Reality - Synergy and GMA

Arnel Pineda Let It Love Let It Rock Concert - ABU EMP Entertainment Productions

Christian Bautista for Concert - Solaire and PLDT Home

Daniel Padilla Apollo - Star Events (WINNER)

Ely Buendia A Night At The Theatre - Full House Theatre Company and Resorts World Manila

Martin Nivera - Twogether - Starmedia Entertainment, DSL and Solaire

Ogie Alcasid Kilabotitos - A Team and Frontrow International (WINNER)

FEMALE CONCERT PERFORMER OF THE YEAR

Aicelle Santos For Concert - Solaire and PLDT Home

Jennylyn Mercado Co Love Concert - Quantum Films, GMA and Becky Aguila Entertainment

Lani Misalucha And The Story Begins - CCC Productions and Resorts World Manila

Pops Fernandez Twogether - Starmedia Entertainment, DSL and Solaire

Rachelle Ann Go The Homecoming Concert- Cornerstone Concert and Resorts World Manila

egine Velas uez Unified - Viva Live, Inc. (WINN ) Sarah Geronimo Unified - Viva Live, Inc.

DUO/GROUP ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Agsunta Sa Huling Pagkikita- Star Music

Ben& Ben Di Ka Sayang- Sony Music Philippines (WINNER)

December Avenue Bakas ng Talampakan- Tower of Doom Records

Sandiwa Tulong - Ivory Music

The Company Sumakabilang Puso- Star Music

True Faith Your Ready Smile - Viva Records

Xoxo Xoxo - GMA Music

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

A Trilogy Patawad Paalam, Paalam and Patawad Moira Dela Torre feat. I Belong To The Zoo and Ben&Ben- Star Music

Alab SB19 - Sony Music Philippines

Di Ka Sayang Ben and Ben- Sony Music Philippines

Love You Still Morisette Amon - Underdog Music Philippines

Parang Kailan Lang Maine Mendoza- Universal Records Paubaya Moira Dela Torre - Star Music (WINNER)

Try Love Again Julie Anne San Jose COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR

Darren Espanto and Jayda Avanzado Sana Tayo Na - Star Music

Gloc and Julie Anne San Jose Bahaghari - Universal Records

JaMill Tayo Hanggang Dulo - Star Music

Janine Tenoso and Marion Aunor Kahit Anong MangyariViva Records Moira Dela Torre and Erik Santos Ikaw Pa Rin - Star Music (WINNER)

Ogie Alcasid and Moira Beautiful - Star Music

Piolo Pascual and Yeng Constantino Iiyak sa Ulan - Star Music

NEW GROUP ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Bandang Lapis Kabilang Buhay - Viva Records (WINNER)

Emotikons Dudera - Star Music

JThree Love Kita, Maniwala Ka - Viva Records

Kiss N Tell Pahina - Star Music

Nameless Kids Outlaws - Star Music

The Knobs Paalam - Universal Records

DANCE RECORDING OF THE YEAR

Huwag Kang Bibitaw Kim Chui - Star Music

Isa Dalawa Tatlo Kyline Alcantara - GMA Music

Kyle Echarri Im Serious- Star Music

Marikit Juan Caoile and Kyleswish - Viva Records

Sana All Ivana Alawi - Star Music (WINNER)

Sayo Lang Enchong Dee - Star Music

White Rabbit Nadine Lustre - Careless Music

POP ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Distanced Timmy Albert - Universal Records

Heartbreak Because - Viva Records

Huwag Matakot This Band- Viva Records

Purple Afternoon Paolo Sandejas - Universal Records

Songbook Rico Blanco - Universal Records

Umaga Live! The Juans - Viva Records

Eumir Marcial wins 3rd professional fight, Ancajas fails to reclaim title in Carson fights

sia in the two events, both o ering a total cash prize of US , . They lost to No. seeds Ben amin Lock of imbabwe and uta Shimizu of Japan, -6, -6, in the first tournament.

In the ne t one, they fell to Chung unseong of South Korea and A eet ai of Australia, -6, 6-7 (6).

Alcantara first played with ungkat at the 6 IT utures , a US , event held in Hong Kong. They reached the semifinal round but succumbed to Markus Kerner of stonia and Mikelis Libletis of Latvia, -6, 6- , 7- .

Very easy to get a NoDoc Mortgage in 2022

Believe it, you will still be able to get a no-doc mortgage if you have tricky selfemployment income or don’t meet the income re uirements of traditional loan programs. A no-doc mortgage (also called a no-incomeverification mortgage or stated-income loan by lenders) re uires less paperwork to get approved and may close faster than a fully documented loan, especially if you have complicated ta These no income-verification mortgages come with e tra consumer protections, making them a viable alternative to traditional home loans. No doc cash out loans are going hot now as well.

What is a no-income-verification mortgage

MANILA – ilipino tennis player rancis Casey Alcantara stayed on course to breaking into the world’s Top doubles rankings after winning his third title this year.

Alcantara and partner Pruchya Isaro of Thailand defeated u Hsiou Hsu of Chinese Taipei and Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul of Thailand in the final of the US , Hai Dang Cup -6, 6- , - in Tay Ninh City over the weekend.

“I’m happy to win again here in Vietnam. I achieved my goal this year already, I’m back to Top with a few more tournaments left for this year, said Alcantara in an online interview of PNA’ Jean Malanum.

“I have one more tournament here and hopefully, I can keep my winning form, he added in the PNA report.

The -year-old netter from Cagayan de Oro City is currently No. based on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) rankings. He reached a career-best No. 7 in December .

Alcantara was No. after two runner-up finishes at the Bangkok Open ATP Challenger Tour in Nonthaburi City last month.

He teamed up with Christopher ungkat of Indone-

The -year-old Indonesian is currently world No. . He has oined tournaments this year, including the Australian Open where he and il-Am Treat Huey reached the round-of- . He paired up with il-Am uben Gonzales in Italy and the Czech epublic.

The -foot- ungkat, who is now based in the United States, captured the Southeast Asian Games men’s singles title twice ( , 7). He also bagged the mi ed doubles gold medal in the S A Games ( , ) and Asian Games ( ).

Alcantara’s first title this year was in June. He and Vietnam’s No. player and S AG singles gold medalist Nam Hoang ruled the Hai Dang Cup Week event, beating Ji Hoon Son and Ulsung Park of South Korea, 6- , 6- , in the final.

In May, Alcantara secured the doubles plum with Colin Sinclair of Northern Mariana Island at the IT World Tennis Tour event in Cairo, gypt.

Alcantara claimed the S A Games doubles title with Jeson Patrombon. He became a member of the Philippine Davis Cup team in .

Alcantara is the first ilipino unior Grand Slam champion, achieving the feat when he won the Australian Open doubles title with Cheng-Peng Hsieh of Chinese Taipei in , the same year he reached his highest ranking of world No. .

Eugene Torre officially inducted into World Chess Hall of Fame

MISSOU I - Asia’s first grandmaster ugenio ugene Torre was officially inducted into the World Chess Hall of ame last week at the St. Louis A uarium at Union Station in Missouri, United States.

The 7 -year-old ilipino was one of the ID inductees last year alongside Hungary’s Judit Polgar and Polandborn Argentine Miguel Na dorf, but it was only last week that he has been immortalized as one of the greatest to ever play the game.

A trailblazer in Philippine chess, Torre, at , became the first Asian grandmaster in 7 when he bagged the silver in the st Chess Olympiad in Nice, rance.

He was the first to defeat then reigning world champion in Anatoly Karpov during a tournament in Manila in 76.

According to records, Torre defeated the world champion in the second round, and went on to finish clear first ahead of Karpov, a feat no one had yet accomplished since the latter had become world champion.

Among Torre’s notable accomplishments were a silver medal finish in the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, and bronze medals in the , 6, and 6 Chess Olympiad.

He served as Bobby ischer’s second in the match against Boris Spassky in ugoslavia.

A no-income-verification mortgage is a home loan that doesn’t re uire standard income documentation (including pay stubs, W s or ta returns) for approval. The lender allows you to use other items, such as bank statements, to show that you can repay a mortgage.

No-doc mortgages were more commonly known as stated-income loans before the housing crash of 7 and . These loans were popular for self-employed borrowers, as they could essentially declare the gross income made prior to all the deductions.

How no-doc mortgages work and who they work for

No-document mortgage lenders o er a variety of di erent types of no-doc or low-doc mortgages, depending on your criteria. Below are the most common programs and who might benefit from them.

DSC Loan – Debt Service your rent vs your mortgage payment Assumably the more used now a days for investors. All they have to do is to make sure the current or future rental amount for the new investment property covers the new mortgage payment by around .

BANK STAT M NT MO TGAG

Lenders calculate income based on an average of deposits made into your personal or business accounts over a - to -month period.

Who they’re best for If you receive deposits on a regular basis that can be easily documented through your bank statements, this may be a good option.

ASS T-BAS D MO TGAG S

Also called an asset-depletion loan, lenders ualify you based on up to of your li uid assets divided by your loan term. or e ample, someone with a million net worth applying for a -year fi ed, asset-depletion loan would have , per year of ualifying income.

Who they’re best for Wealthy borrowers with a high net worth may benefit from this type of low-doc mortgage loan. Institutional banks may o er them to customers with large balances on deposit.

Who they’re best for eal estate investors with enough cash for high down payments may be able to uickly build a portfolio of investment properties with this type of loan.

Variations of these types of loans include

When should you get a no-income-verification mortgage ou should consider a no-income verification loan if you can’t easily verify your monthly earnings, have comple ta returns or ust don’t want the hassle of providing a ton of earnings documentation.

Lenders analyze self-employed income di erently from salaried or hourly earnings. Because income isn’t guaranteed, lenders take e tra care to verify a borrower’s earnings history, the stability of their income, how financially sound their business is and even the demand for the type of service or product that their company o ers.

How do I get a no-doc mortgage

The term “no-doc mortgage doesn’t mean lenders make loans to ust anyone. In fact, no-documentation mortgage lenders o ering the loans must make a good faith e ort to show you can repay the loan. That means they’ll ask for other proof you can a ord the payments.

Below are four common re uirements for no-income-verification mortgages.

. HAV GOOD C DIT. No-income-verification mortgage programs generally re uire a higher credit score than a regular loan with income documents.

Book festival in SanFo features ‘Imelda’s Secret’

SAN FRANCISCO - The 6th Filipino American International Book Festival on October 15-16 will feature Liza Gino’s award-winning novel, “Imelda’s Secret” at the San Francisco Main Library, Larkin Street in San Francisco, California. The festival is free for the public.

Open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. on October and from 12:00 noon to 5:15 p.m. on October the “Festival Marketplace” at the Latino/Hispanic Community Rooms will be the venue for interested buyers, collectors, and advocates who are interested in purchasing “Imelda’s Secret” and meeting the author.

On Sunday, October Liza Gino will read excerpts from her novel at 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the “Inkstorm Authors Read Freshly Inked Work” session at the Koret Auditorium, basement level.

Liza Gino’s novel, “Imelda’s Secret”, weaves a tapestry of authentic accounts about comfort women’s experiences during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II into one story. Relatives and friends provided the inspiration for Liza to research deeply into the hushed past of these victims of rape, se ual trafficking, and trauma. Along the way, Gino met key stakeholders in the comfort women’s fight for ustice wom-

en activists, thought leaders, and mental health professionals who gave voice to their hopes, aspirations, and disappointment in her tale of love, redemption, and advocacy.

What is Imelda’s secret? Two cousins, Imelda and Gloria, have di ering attitudes about revealing their shared experiences as comfort women. Whereas Gloria casually mentions that she was a comfort woman to acquaintances at her sons’ school, Imelda denies her past. Gloria and Imelda’s only daughter, Adele, are the lead advocates in getting these victims of war, among their demands, a public apology and renumeration from Japan. Yet, buried secrets surface in the most serendipitous ways years later. The novel also chronicles a passionate love story.

How does the history of comfort women impact the present and the future?

Se ual trafficking continues to be a dominant player in war zones. While comfort women of World War II assuaged the sexual needs of Japanese soldiers, today’s predators are manipulative slave traders, paid handsomely for their exported refugees. “Imelda’s Secret” allows the readers to empathize with the struggles of victims of war and sexual slavery, to appreciate diverse cultures and traditions, and to empower women and girls to take control of

their lives.

Gino’s literary accolades include: First Place for Historical Fiction at the oyal Dragonfly Book Awards Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for Women’s Interest Category ( all ) Literary Titan Book Awards ( ) Award-winning author for Historical at the International Impact Book Awards Award winner for Military Fiction at the Firebird Book Awards ( ) Print Journalism Award for Best Book (Fiction) from the Commission of Filipinos Overseas Migration Advocacy Media Awards ( ) and a 2nd place award for Women’s Historical Fiction at the Bookfest Book Award (2022).

Liza Gino also garnered laurels at the Outstanding Creator Awards (Winter - ) with first place honors for Romance, Historical Fiction, Women’s Issues, third place for Best Fiction Book, its Special Awards for Best Book Cover and Best Couple, and honorable mentions for the Special Awards for Best Character, Best Supporting Character, and Best Villain.

Other noteworthy recognitions of Liza Gino’s gift for storytelling are: Finalist for Best Adult Book Award at the Readers’ Choice Book Awards (2022), Honorable Mention for History at the San Francisco

Book Festival Awards (2022), Finalist at the Feathered Quill Book Awards, and Honorable Mention for General Fiction at the Southern California Book Festival (2022).

Weingart foundation awards $13.5 M to nonprofits advancing racial justice

LOS ANGELES The Weingart Foundation, a private grantmaking foundation, awarded 54 grants totaling over $13.5 million to organizations providing critical services to communities most impacted by systemic racism, advancing racial equity, and building power in historically disinvested neighborhoods. The ma ority of funds, $8.2M, provide unrestricted support, giving nonprofit partners the fleibility to spend resources where needed.

eflecting the oundation’s commitment to racial ustice, 7 of organizations receiving unrestricted financial support are led by people who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). This round of funding is the first round for the oundation’s fiscal year.

“Stepping into a new year, we are building on our ongoing dedication to advancing racial ustice in partnership with organizations that demonstrate time and time again that a ust future is possible, said Miguel A. Santana, President and C.E.O., the Weingart Foundation. “From providing lifesaving resources, to building political power, our nonprofit partners are opening opportunities and strengthening communities across Southern California, and we are honored to stand with them.”

As part of its commitment to sustain social movements, the Weingart Foundation invests in leadership development in BIPOC communities by supporting youth leadership and by strengthening nonprofit leaders. Four partners are currently hosting fellows from Weingart’s John W. Mack Movement Building Fellows Program, which focuses on developing current and emerging leaders of nonprofit organizations and movement networks. Weingart is also

investing 7 , total to Mi teco Indigena Community Organizing Pro ect, uture Leaders of America, and One Step a la Vez, three groups that organize youth to empowering the indigenous, migrant, and farm working communities of Ventura County.

Investments in powerful racial ustice coalitions are also a priority for the Foundation. This includes $600K in grants to the Black Equity Initiative Inland Empire, a coalition of nonprofits in the Inland mpire focused on advancing racial equity, co-led by Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement and BLUE Education Foundation.

“With support from the Weingart Foundation, we can further our mission of building healthy, productive communities in the Inland Empire,” said Dina Walker, President C.E.O., BLU Educational Foundation. “We also look forward to continuing to build Black leaders, increase educational access, and advance equity along with our partners through the Black Equity Initiative and appreciate the Foundation’s partnership.”

The Foundation also provided seed funding to the Cultivating Inland Empire Latino Opportunity (CIELO) Fund, which aims to uplift and invest in Latino-led and serving nonprofits, research and highlight issues impacting the Latino community in the Inland Empire, and work to address disparities in the region.

Weingart oundation program officers work proactively to identify region-specific needs in the oundations five-county region of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino, and Ventura counties.

Giving is guided by the Foundation’s strategic framework, which includes a com-

mitment to 1) Strong and healthy individuals and communities ) Civic, cultural, economic, and political power of those most harmed by ine uities and ) uitable and ust systems.

Housing and homelessness is one of the Foundation’s areas of special interest. The Foundation directed $9.25K in grants to community organizing groups working on campaigns related to tenants’ rights, housing development, and organizing people experiencing homelessness. This includes Aliance for Californians for Community Empowerment Institute, Long Beach Residents Empowered, Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement in the Inland Empire, Orange County Congregation Community Organization, and Los Angeles Community Action Network for their work on Skid Row.

South L.A. and South East Los Angeles (SELA) are geographic areas of special interest for the Foundation as these represent regions that have been systemically under resourced. Close to of the oundation’s awardees are first-time partners, the ma ority representing organizations based in South L.A. These partners include Vermont Slauson Local Development Corporation, a Community Development Financial Institution (C.D. .I.) o ering technical assistance to South L.A. entrepreneurs Positive Results Center which provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed care to communities impacted by violence and Whole Systems Learning, that helps system-impacted youth with an array of healing supports.

To advance more e uitable and ust systems, Weingart is investing $1.5M to the California Truth and Healing Fund, a

first-of-its-kind public-private partnership with the state, aimed at power building efforts within Native American communities across California. Decolonizing Wealth Pro ect, an Indigenous-led racial ustice organization disrupting the existing systems of moving and controlling capital, serves as the lead partner for this pooled fund initiative that is centered on racial and economic ustice, racial healing, and narrative change.

“We are proud to partner with such passionate nonprofit organizations working tirelessly to end systemic racism and to forge a new path forward,” said Aileen Adams, Board Chair of the Weingart Foundation. “We are consistently inspired by the organizations on the ground meeting essential needs in impacted communities and by how they empower these communities as they build a more equitable future for us all.”

ABOUT THE WEINGART FOUNDATION

The Weingart Foundation is a private, nonprofit grantmaking foundation that partners with communities across Southern California to advance racial, social, and economic ustice for all. Our vision is a dynamic and e ective social change sector that is creating equitable systems and structures needed to achieve ustice. Founded in 1951, the Foundation has to date granted over $1 billion to organizations, strengthening their e orts in human services, health, education, and community power building. In addition, the Foundation builds networks and collaboratives with philanthropic, public sector, and community leaders to advance e uity and ustice together.

Upside...

broader scope,” she said, disclosing a personal experience. “In my case, it was choosing an advocacy that a ected those who were victims of domestic violence. I am a survivor, and if I shared my own e perience and they could see how far I have come, it would give hope to others that there is hope and there is help.”

Taking initiative, she enjoined her colleagues to vigorously support abuse prevention education, making Colma a safe community in and outside the home by hosting events and activities with resource providers and community educators for healthy personal interaction. She’d attend front and center with the life partner she calls “my rock,” her husband Rene Malimban.

(Adapted from original reprinted with permission from IN UI .N T)

SSF Mayor Mark Nagales

SSF Vice Mayor Flor NicolasTA

cancelledÊchecks,ÊoldÊmedicalÊrecordsÊandÊanyÊotherÊ personalÊinfoÊtoÊhaveÊthemÊconvenientlyÊshreddedÊonsite.Ê

E waste Drop Off

ProperlyÊdisposeÊofÊelectronicÊwaste:ÊTVs,Êmonitors,ÊcellÊ phones,Êcomputers,Êprinters,Êcables,ÊCD/DVDs,ÊandÊmuchÊ more.ÊFullÊlistÊonline.Ê NO large appliances like refrigerators, washers/dryers.

NO household hazardous waste like paint.

Limit 9 passenger or light truck �res,ÊupÊtoÊR19.5,ÊÊÊÊÊÊ withÊorÊwithoutÊrims.ÊNOTÊforÊfarm,ÊheavyÊduty,ÊandÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ

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‘Kasayahan sa Daly City’

Celebrating 30th Year of Filipino American History

By Rose Garcia Pa ue�e

DALY CITY - Thousands of Filipino Americans (FilAms) trooped to the grounds of Marchbank Park baseball field in Daly City shortly before a.m. on Saturday (Oct. ) to celebrate the ilipino American History Month. or years since its inception, the ilipino-American History Month is now being celebrated annually in the entire United States during October. Not-less-than our very own leaders- Daly City Mayor od Daus Magbual and Philippine Consul General to San rancisco Neil rank . errer, who also carry consular urisdictions in other key U.S. states, led the a.m. opening ceremony of Kasayahan sa Daly City.’ They wish to e press their appreciation to the ilipinos and the ilipino American vendors, artists and performers who are taking part in the celebration.

While Kasayahan sa Daly City’ was in its infantile stage when it started in and was halted for two years due to the pandemic, Philippine Consul General Neil errer, encouraged young people, their families and parents to get more involved and participate in their local communities in any il-Am activities. errer acknowledged the leadership of City Mayor Magbual “for his continued recognition of the significant contributions of the il-Am community.,

errer, at the same time, thanked U.S. President Joe Biden for his kind words in sending the ilipino American History Month message, who said “When the ilipino American history is preserved and shared, the millions of ilipino Americans that helped build this country can see themselves in the story of America in a story that makes us a better and more united Nation. Just as they have fought to preserve and share their history, may we all support, celebrate, and honor their contributions. “

This, as the career diplomat announced he will sign a sister city agreement between Davao City and Daly City “to further cement the economic, cultural and education ties between our two peoples.

Mayor Magbual, in uoting il-Am historian Dawn Mabalaon, meanwhile, said, “ il-Am history is a commemoration of our ancestors according to Mabalaon, and I said, kasayahan’ is like when we speak (Tagalog), we smell food, remember memories of our childhood it’s for the community, that is, “ a celebration for all of us. To the youth, he stressed the importance of learning il-Am history to bridge the generation gap in most families.

City Vice Mayor ey Buenaventura, on the other hand, recalled how four years past he was ust having a monthly meeting in Serramonte with the city council, the city’s ilipino binary resource centers “ We want to honor ilipino culture in the community with the rest of the dimension that is in the city and to encourage everyone to come and see this as an opportunity to be together as one while building a better locality. The City of Daly City Department of Library ecreation Services led by lead organizer omeo Benson, DCDL Senior Supervisor, hosted the ilAm History Month celebration.

Benson, the man behind organizing kasayahan,’ recalled how former Senator Leland ee, paved the way, through legislation, the recognition of il-Am history Month in Daly City. According to Benson, there were NorCal (Northern California) food and non-food stalls and some locally-based non-food huts as well as non-profit and information booths on the ground fair all with the primary focus to educate the il-Am youth. Paricipating sponsors and partners include PB C, NorCal Kababayan Community Group Corp., armers Insurance, City Toyota of Daly City, Cypress Lawn, Serramonte, The resh Crew, iWantT C, enaissance, Lions International, The ilipino American Post, epublic Services, Lakewood Dental Care - Marilou Cuasay, DDS, OWN eal state, AM rankers, Audioneer and Duggans Sierra Mortuary.

Notably present during the ceremeny were local county and city leaders as San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President David J. Canepa, (Dist. ) other council members, Vice Consul Adrian Audrey L. Baccay, Dorie C. Paniza, President of the Pilipino Bayanihan esource Center (PB C), Perla G. Ibarrientos, Chairman of the Board, PB C, businesses and generous donors and sponsors as Tammy Ho, Proprietor, the Manila Oriental at King Plaza, among other attendees.

The festivity highlighted songs and dances, martial arts, kulintang’ dialect all from singers, bands and native dancers by selected talents- ena Ira, Ti any, Mabu-

hay olkloric Society, Kulintang Dialect, Nate Guinto, Cee rankera, Shogun V, Legacy Martial Arts, Vince A, Jazelle, Melvin Sings , Maddie B, D bert, DNH and uby Ibarra. The event wrapped up at past p.m.

Calls to ‘STOP’ Anti-Asian Hate

esulting from several complaints from il-Ams reportedly sub ected to hate crimes,’ local leaders on Saturday called on the il-Am community to report any form of hate-related violence or crimes’ to the authorities. ConGen errer said about of the Asian population in general have e perienced or were being e posed to hate crimes.’ This, as the Consulate is “closely monitoring reports from police relative to the a ected il-Am population. In most cases, he said the police provides details to the victims to contact the consulate, “we step in and follow up the process as we make representation with the police and other local authorities. “So far, errer said among the highest rates of complaints were coming from Chinese, followed by Koreans and ilipinos.

Actively helping victims of hate crimes and violence is a non-profit organization- the STOP Anti Asian and Pacific Islanders (Stop AAPI) with a website encouraging victims to report any similar incident. When asked how he would address the call to halt anti-asian hate sentiment, Mayor Magbual claimed he was not spared from the pangs of “racism when he said, “ the il-Am community still go through (some form of) racism- why Because some people don’t want more diversity and that (this reflected) when they didn’t endorse me. “At the same time, he echoed the response to stop anti-asian hate crimes by the San ransisco Consulate, “ We report hate crime incidents to the cops and community-based groups. “

A staunch ally of the il-Am community in the county, Supervisor Canepa in response to recent hate crimes committed against people of Asian descent, earlier said the county is already a “zero-tolerance hate zone. Canepa, made it happen last year to come up with a policy “condemning hate crimes against Asian American Pacific Islander community and to establish the county as a zero tolerance zone from Daly City to Menlo Park.

or his part, Buenaventura, said the local government keeps a vigilant eye on what is happening relative to all forms of hate crimes. Buenaventura asked victims to come out into the open, “ do not to be afraid to report and spread the word to the community that the AAPI hate won’t be tolerated. “

PERLA G. IBARRIENTOS, Chairman of the the Board of PBRC and a pioneer Fil-Am servant since 1989, poses in a Filipiniana suit during Saturday’s “Kasayahan sa Daly City” celebra�on o the Filipino American istory Month.

Consul Generall to San Francisco Neil Frank R. Ferrer (right) with PBRC President Dorie C. Paniza le highlight the im portance of preserving the Filipino American cultural heritage and legacies.

Daly City Mayor Rod Daus Magbual le and City Vice May or Rey Buenaventura (right) welcome the Filipino American community in commemora�ng the annual Filipino American istory Month.

Ken

PAYMENT. The down payment minimum on no-doc mortgage loans usually starts at but in some cases they will allow down.

EXPECT HIGHER INTEREST RATES. Lenders may charge higher rates than you’d pay for a regular mortgage to cover the higher risk of forgoing documentation.

PROVE YOU CAN REPAY THE LOAN. Whether it’s bank statement deposits, rents on an investment property you’re buying or a large stockpile of assets, lenders need proof you have the resources to make monthly payments on your loan.

Are you eligible for a government-backed, no-doc refinance No-income-verification mortgage programs are available to ualified borrowers to refinance government-backed mortgages. Homeowners who have paid on time over the past year and have a loan backed by the FHA, may be eligible for one of these reduceddocument refinance loans. These programs won’t need a home appraisal.

FHA streamline. Homeowners with an FHA loan can reduce their interest rate or get better terms without any income documents through the HA streamline refinance program. One drawback, however, is that closing costs can’t be rolled into the loan amount unless you agree to a higher interest rate.

or cash out refinancing, second mortgages are becoming very popular due to conforming refinance rates a ecting your first mortgage rates.

Please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group for your mortgage needs, call 562-508-7048 CABRE NMLS

Offline

(From Page 13)

actions of the general managers of the private companies I worked for have an e ect on the bottom line

Should the President and C O have his alone time

Former President Erap Estrada worked under this premise. He insisted that one day a week, he should be left alone to do what he wanted to do.

To some extent, former President Rodrigo Duterte had this same attitude, except he often took it to extremes. He would sleep until noon, and sometimes disappear for days on end.

It may be argued that Bongbong Marcos has his own managerial style, but he should be aware that being president of a country is a 24/7 job.

(I should cite former US President Donald Trump, but that would be a horrible example. After slamming former President Barack Obama for playing too much golf, he went and played more golf that all the presidents of the 20th century combined.)

He may not like it, but this President Marcos should follow the example of two former presidents, who have since departed this mortal plane Fidel Ramos and Benigno Aquino III. Because they took their work seriously, they left office with their heads held high and an economy that was thriving.

Other supposed experts gave Marcos lower scores than the AmCham head, but still mostly passing.

My own take goes thus:

I agree that some of your Cabinet secretaries were good choices.

Forget about taking the Agriculture portfolio, the presidency is a full-time job

Name a permanent Health secretary now, as there are many issues aside from COVID that need to be addressed

Go easy on the partying, since you already won over an outstanding opponent

Lastly, optics are important so don’t forget that millions of Filipinos remain jobless, countless families still go hungry regularly, and the government bureaucracy remains one of the most corrupt in the world.

Address the big problems first, and reward yourself with the dream you’ve had for decades, which is to clear the family name. Be a good president and you will be respected by the people. Be a great president and you will be loved by all, even your enemies.

I hope to give you a high score, ok After your first 6 days.

Speaking

(From Page 12)

ny formally retired as Chairman and announced his successor who will take the company through the next forty years.

In 2001, Dennis Niño Alog, the third and youngest child of Diony and Ofie, oined the company where he handled the pest control market. In 2010, he was appointed VP for the Public Health Division. In February, he became President/CEO. With Diony’s retirement, Dennis, 46, is now Chairman/CEO.

Trained at early age to look for business opportunities, Dennis and wife Stacey have also ventured into the Eleven business. They now operate three outlets, the first branch in Laguna Bel Air ( ), the second in Tayug, Pangasinan (2012), the third in Villasis, Pangasinan (2015) and a 4th one soon to open in Binalonan, Pangasinan (2023). The young couple are also into real estate – condo units for lease, office space for lease, and private houses for lease. They are soon putting up a commercial building in Tayug, Pangasinan, during the 2nd quarter of 2023, with leasable space of 1,600 square meters.

During his acceptance speech, the new Chairman/CEO Dennis vowed to take ALOG and Co. to the next level, by upholding the values his parents had instilled in him (integrity, reliability, expertise and experience), by being resilient and quickly adapting to the needs of the fast changing times, and by always helping protect communities, making

them clean, green, safe and pest free.

The new chairman ended his speech by coining a new brand tagline which appropriately describes the company’s

As I See It

(From Page 12)

8,000 communication devices; 620 military pickups; 4,000 tactical first aid kits and other e uipment.

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said the West shouldn’t be looking for an o -ramp for the ussian president even as Putin isn’t capable of acknowledging a defeat in Ukraine. “I think he’s not capable of taking a defeat,” Niinisto told reporters during a state visit to Norway. “The task of the West is not to o er or look for an o -ramp for Putin. The final result should be that Ukraine is free. That’s an o -ramp to Ukraine.”

ABC News reported that airports in US cities including New York, Chicago, Des Moines, Atlanta, and Los Angeles have been impacted by the cyberattacks. This is the ripple e ect of Putin’s air strike recently and may have to be more severe if he continues to use air missiles. The attacks impacted the public leading to long wait times, delays, flight cancellation, and congestion in the airport.

India, which relies on Russia as an energy and arms supplier, is “deeply concerned” at the escalation of the war…” the Ministry of ternal A airs said in a statement. “We urge immediate cessation of hostilities and the urgent return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue,” it said. India has tried to balance its ties with Moscow despite increasing US pressure to scale back relations.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Russia’s strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure are a “deep change in nature” of the war. Speaking during a trip to western France, Macron added that he would summon his military and diplomatic advisers upon his return to Paris “to review the situation.”

The EU is in discussions to extend Ukraine around €18 billion in funding ne t year to help cover urgent financing needs, even as billions of euros in aid the bloc approved more than four months ago remain unpaid to Kyiv.

The new funding proposal, according to people knowledgeable of the plan, aim to provide at least half of the €3 billion to €3.5 billion Ukraine needs per month.

Meanwhile, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said via the news agency Belta: “Russian troops will return to Belarus in large numbers. This won’t be just a thousand troops.”

Lukashenko allowed Russia to use his country as a launchpad for its invasion of Ukraine in February. He and Putin had agreed to deploy a regional grouping of armed forces with Belarusian armed forces as the core of the unit.

The war between Ukraine and Russia is now on its eight month and we are witnessing a superpower trying to erase its weaker opponent from the face of the earth!

As I See It, this is the modern version of the old-known “David and Goliath” biblical story of a weaker opponent (David) against a stronger opponent (Goliath)!

David is the modern version of Ukraine and Goliath to Russia and while David defeated Goliath in a single combat, the UkraineRussia war is a continuing battle where the winner may have to be determined by uncertainty that only time will tell when it will be ended. Ukraine president Vlodomir Zelensky can be referred to as the new version of Saul, who refused to be on exile but stayed and fought with his people side-by-side, determined to die for his country, unlike Saul who didn’t fight for his constituents.

Military, humanitarian, and other forms of support from almost all nations of the world (the world community) are overwhelming!

“We’re in the midst of a fight between democracy and oligarchs. What’s at stake here is not just what we’re doing in Ukraine to try to help the Ukrainian people and try to keep the massacre from continuing. Beyond that is what are your kids and grandkids going to look like in terms of their freedom,” Biden said.

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

Broker (DRE#00635976) in California since 1981. He is the founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANTY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California USA.)

In The Trenches

change and the military mindset to wipe out the armed insurgents prevail.

On paper, the concept of the creation of NTF-ELCAC was the perfect solution to the insurgency. It has a whole-of-government approach to address the social problems that caused rebellion.

But there were misguided people, especially under Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, who believed the insurgency problem would be solved by killing all the Communists.

Past leaders who had tried exterminating “enemies of the state” failed because using violence as a means could result in more violence from the other group.

Antonio Parlade and Badoy, who espoused the use violence against the communists, must not be allowed to prevail. The civilian agencies must take action.

Parlade and Badoy should be stopped from crossing the line. Their actions threaten democracy in the country and could lead to more violence in the community.

(The writer is a Manila-based Pulitzer Prize winner. His column first appeared in PressOne.Ph)

What’s Up Atty

you do not like to do it, there are many excuses.)

SECOND OPINION IN MEDICAL CASES

A patient’s doctor tells him that he has cancer of the brain and has months to year to live. Most patients will likely ask for a second opinion. Why They care about their lives. They do not blindly believe the first doctor. They can raise the money for the cost of a second opinion.

CONCLUSION

If criminal defendants care about their life, liberty, and happiness, they should ask for a second opinion if they do not like the first. Damn the cost. As I have been telling my radio audience “Ti cuarta masapulan, ngem ti biag, wayawaya, ken ragsac no napukawen ket saan nga masapulan.” (Money can be earned, but life, liberty, and happiness after it is lost cannot be recovered.)

Atty. Emmanuel Samonte Tipon was a Fulbright and SmithMundt scholar to Yale Law School where he obtained a Master of Laws degree specializing in Constitutional Law. He graduated from the University of the Philippines with a Bachelor of Laws degree. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, New York, and the Philippines. He practices federal law, with emphasis on immigration law and appellate federal criminal defense. He was the Dean and a Professor of Law of the College of Law, Northwestern University, Philippines. He has written law books and legal articles for the world’s most prestigious legal publisher and writes columns for newspapers. He wrote the best-seller “Winning by Knowing Your Election Laws.” Listen to The Tipon Report which he co-hosts with his son Attorney Emmanuel “Noel” Tipon. They talk about immigration law, criminal law, court-martial defense, and current events. It is considered the most witty, interesting, and useful radio show in Hawaii. KNDI 1270 AM band every Thursday at 8:00 a.m. Atty. Tipon was born in Laoag City, Philippines. Cell Phone (808) 225-2645. -Mail filamlaw@yahoo. com. Website: https://www. tiponlaw.com.

The information provided in this article is not legal advice. Publication of this information is not intended to create, and receipt by you does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.)

(From Page 12)

were attracted to violent Islamist groups, like the Abu Sayyaf, the Maute, and Islamic State militants, because the people in these areas have the same experiences in poor communities in other parts of the country that led to the growth of the NPAs under the dictatorial regime in the 1970s.

When Ferdinand Marcos imposed martial law in September 1972, there were less than 1,000 armed NPA guerrillas. Marcos used the communist threat to prolong his stay in power, pointing to the successes of the communists in taking over governments in Southeast Asia.

Two years after Martial Law, the NPAs grew into a 4,000-strong force and by the time Marcos was removed in 1986 in a near-bloodless popular uprising, the rebels had more than 26,000 members in about 25 percent of villages nationwide.

Marcos was the top recruiter of the NPAs and several postEDSA administrations failed to address the roots of insurgency although the numbers of rebels have dwindled to some 2,000 fighters.

But the violence will continue unless conditions on the ground

WISH summit calls for sustainable mega sports event legacies which boost physical activity

N W O K - Launched during the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), a new report, co-authored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and WISH partners, calls on governments, sports authorities, and the wider sporting community to ma imize the investment and e citement generated by sports mega events and leave behind more permanent health benefits for communities.

The report, Playing the Long Game A framework for promoting physical activity through sports mega-events, recommends ways to strengthen mega sports event legacies so that they contribute more e ectively to increasing physical activity, and improving the health of populations.

“Large-scale sport events are significant opportunities to promote the health and social benefits of physical activity and sport, and ensure a lasting health legacy for generations, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “But sports events are too often missed opportunities to produce sustainable change. The Playing the Long Game report underscores how learning from past events and better planning can lay the foundations for health and sustainable sports legacies.

egular physical activity, including through playing sport, is proven to help prevent and treat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and

breast and colon cancer. It also helps to prevent hypertension, overweight and obesity and can improve mental health and well-being. Increasing sport and physical activity participation can save lives, improve health and support stronger, more resilient health systems and communities.

But one in four adults and four in five adolescents are not active enough there has been little change in the average levels of physical activity over the last years.

Global sports mega events attract millions of viewers and large investments, and can make an important contribution to promoting public health messages and increasing physical activity through e ective event legacy programmes. However, there is currently no global standard of what a sport event legacy should involve re uirements set by di erent organizing authorities for hosting events vary and there are no standard metrics to assess sport mega event legacy planning, delivery or long-term impact.

“Many cities that host sports mega events have grand plans to leverage the momentum around these events to increase physical activity and improve health. But time and again, we can’t seem to show any measurable impact – the data ust isn’t there, said Didi Thompson, Director of esearch and Content, WISH.

or the first time, a framework has been presented for the

Health tips

design and implementation of such legacies to ma imize the reach and impact on community participation in sports and physical activity. Playing the Long Game details 7 strategies to deliver meaningful sports mega event legacies which start with the planning and bidding process and e tend or years after the event itself - promoting better health for years ahead. One recommendation is to set common key performance indicators to measure the impact across its legacy lifecycle including the design, planning, delivery implementation and evaluation.

The framework draws on the strategic ob ectives outlined by WHO in the Global action plan on physical activity

– More active people for a healthier world (GAPPA) which charts a comprehensive approach to encourage participation and behaviour change, and ultimately influence increased physical activity in all populations.

The impact of the pandemic

The COVID- pandemic has significantly reduced participation in physical activity and sport worldwide. It also increased depression and an iety by . COVID- has highlighted, more than ever, the importance of increasing efforts to engage more people in regular physical activity and sport.

Heart of Hope

PHILIP S. CHUA

Experts predict that while the United States was basically spared from influenza the past two years, the lower flu vaccination rate that resulted in low levels of immunity and the relaation of COVID- mitigating strategy could trigger a harsher flu season this winter as the cold weather makes people stay indoors. The lower flu incidence was due to the masking and distancing measures employed against COVID- .

Since new strains of the flu virus evolve from season to season, the flu vaccines are reformulated each year to target the predominant strains based on monitoring data before the actual season. So, vaccines are updated and precisely created regularly for specific flu viruses.

Long COVID

Federal statistics as of September 26, 2022, show that about percent of adults who were infected with COVID- are now having symptoms of Long COVID. About percent of these individuals su er (a uarter of them significantly) from reduced ability to do day-to-day chores, with the limitations more among - and less for those - years old. This translates to mean that more than million adults in the US are e periencing Long COVID and million have difficulty performing their daily functions. Long COVID is one more reason why waiting to get COVID- infection to achieve natural immunity, instead of getting vaccinated, is a foolhardy and dangerous, with some people dying in the process. COVID and Flu shots

The bivalent COVID- vaccines, reformulated to target Omicron and its various subvariants currently in play, are most helpful in preventing the infection, minimizing the symptoms if one still gets infected, and reducing the hospitalization and death rates. COVIDvaccines (Pfizer-Moderna) could be mi ed-and-matched, both e ually good. In spite of what naysayers say, vaccines are safe and e ective. More than . billion have been administered around the globe. And with the flu season predicted to be worse, it behooves all of us to get the flu shot also. The two vaccines could be administered one in each arm at the same seating, if desired.

Super painful

One of the most painful conditions one can e pe-

rience is from having shingles, a dreaded disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpo . The virus stays dormant in the body from previous chickenpo infection and suddenly erupts among the unvaccinated. About percent of the US population will have shingles at some point in their life. The very painful rash with blisters could a ect one side of the face or one side of the body, along the rib cage, which could take to weeks to go away. Other symptoms could include fever, chills, headache, and upset stomach. About - percent of these patients develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), nerve pains on the site of the infection after the rash has gone away, even weeks later. The vaccine, Shingri , is greater than percent e ective, even for those who had shingles before, given in doses, two to si months apart. This is one vaccine to seriously consider having. Consult your physician about it.

Blankets and sleep

Studies have revealed that weighted blankets increase the body’s production of melatonin by percent, a natural hormone that helps sleep. The research was done at Uppsala University, which also shows there was no increases in the levels of other hormones, like cortisol, o yto in, or sympathetic nervous system function. In the meantime, sales of weighted blankets are e pected to reach . 7 billion in years.

Eating late and obesity ating late appears to increase the risk for weight gain and obesity, reports a new study. Late dinner, nearer bedtime, “impacts energy e penditures, appetite, and molecular pathway in adipose (fat) tissues. It also doubles the odds of being hungry. The conventional wisdom and advice is to avoid eating late at night. ating late could also lead to lesser weight loss among dieters, and even among those who had “weight-loss surgery. ating at least hours before bedtime and being physically active after eating instead of sitting on the couch, helps in energy e penditures. Obviously, midnight snacks are discouraged.

Are artificial sweeteners safe This has been a decades-old uestion in the mind of people. These health concerns are confirmed by a new finding that links their intake to increased risk of heart disease and stroke events. This prospective rench study was published in the British Medical Journal on September 7, . This new research is di erent from previous studies on artificial sweeteners used in soft drinks. The startling and scary

finding is that the amount of artificial sweetener in one can of soft drink is enough to increase the risk for such cardiovascular events. The use of artificial sweeteners is clearly linked to weight gain and heart disease. Obesity, for one, increases the risk for cancer also.

The current study involved , rench adults. The sweeteners studied were aspartame ( percent of intake), acesulfame potassium ( percent) and sucralose ( percent), with the other percent various other sweeteners like cyclamates and saccharin. Natural sweeteners made from Stevia leaves (Truvia, Stevia ero, Splenda Natural Stevia, etc.) were not included in this study.

Bedtime and dementia

Sleep is vital to health, and hours of restful sleep is essential to life. But studies show that too early bedtime (before PM) and sleeping more than hours may increase the risk for dementia, as shown by a clinical study of , older adults in China. This initial finding needs more independent and larger studies of various people in di erent countries to confirm this observation.

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition where the person repeatedly goes into breath-holding, even more than times a night, depriving the whole body of o ygen during each of those moments. Untreated OSA increases the risk for heart attacks, diabetes, stroke, and even cancer. The gold standard of therapy is the use of Continuous Positive Air Pressure machine during sleep. The positive pressure keeps the tongue and the soft (palate) tissue in the tonsillar area from collapsing and blocking the airway. ven snoring stops. Various nose and mouth gadgets being marketed as anti-snore devices are all useless and a waste of money. Not to mention dangerous because of the false sense of security they provide, delaying genuine medical diagnosis and treatment. Some people have died in bed from OSA. A Sleep Study confirms the diagnosis and needed for Medicare coverage for a CPAP machine every five years.

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

The Power of Good Example

By TIM PEDROSA

Our greatest glory is not in never failing but in rising up every time we fail/fall because what lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. Failure is a part of life. If you don’t fail, you don’t learn. If you don’t learn, you will never change. Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough Og Mandino. Everyone has inside a piece of good news that we do not know how great we can be; how much we can love; what we can accomplish and what our potential is. However, the greatest mistake we can make in life is to continually be afraid of mistake or failure. Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Life is like riding a bicycle: to keep our balance we must keep moving. Those who have been in rehab facilities learn about creating character: that we must know where we come from, how we can fall down in life and how we can overcome things to make ourselves stronger. In the midst of winter, I found that there is within us, an invincible summer that makes us happy. I have learned that no matter how hard the world pushes against us, within us, there is something stronger, something better, pushing right back. I have also learned that the power of the principle of moving forward eventually gives us confidence when we look back and see what we have done and accomplished in life. Is it not that when we face our face to the sun, the shadows fall behind us? So every experience in our life is being orchestrated to teach us something we need to know to move forward. We are not meant to stay wounded. We are supposed to move through our tragedies and challenges and to help each other more through the many painful episodes of our lives. By remaining stuck in the power of our wound, we block our own transformation. We overlook the greater gifts inherent in our wounds, the strength to overcome them and the lessons that we are meant to receive through them. Wounds are the means to receive through them. Wounds are the means through which we enter the hearts of other people. They are meant to teach us to become compassionate and wise.

Heart

REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD

In the 13th chapter of John’s gospel, we can find the narrative of the washing of the feet of the apostles by the Lord Jesus. He told them: “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do (Jn. 13:15).” Our life of faith gives importance to good examples of life, for such examples edify people’s lives and fosters community. Good examples inspire us in our spiritual journey. All good deeds can be good examples to others. Good deeds of some virtue, like generosity or patience, promotes virtuous life. Can you consider yourself, dear reader, as a good example, a model for others in virtues and godly life? Are you consistent in doing good deeds that you can see yourself in some ways a good example for others, especially the youth of today, or to your family members themselves?

I would like us to discuss on three ideas about the good deed or good example: First, that a good example, for the fact of its goodness is attractive. Good is di usive, it shines, it is admirable. Thus, good e amples attract attention. Good examples are admirable deeds. When we see good deeds, we would like to take part in doing them. We would like to be in the experience of the very good environment where the good deeds happen. Consequently, we admire and imitate good people with their good deeds and good examples. If we want to be attractive more than physical beauty, let us be doers of good deeds and be good examples to each other in godly living. In fact, if we are behaving in virtues and godly manner; then, it is God’s face, Christ’s face is the one that shines through us. It is, therefore, something that we must not take for granted but seriously become a good example at all times.

Second point, any good deed or good example urges to be imitated. In as much as a good deed shines and is attractive; so also, it has the power to push one to do it. A good deed in itself tells us that it is doable and that it brings with it joy when it is done; hence, a good deed as a good example is imitable, it is able to be imitated: if others can do it, then, we too can do it; that’s the idea. Unfortunately, this is the same with bad deeds, it is also imitable and doable, but their conse uence is the di erent bad deeds will not give out true joy but rather emptiness in the end. It will not edify the person doing it, but rather destruction to oneself and the other people to whom the bad action done. In spiritual life; therefore, we must choose not only to be good examples but also, to be imitators of others’ good examples, of others good deeds. Imagine, if we all do good deeds and imitate each other’s good examples; then, we do not only make our world a wonderful one but we build ourselves up in ways pleasing to God. We become, individually and as community, an honor and glory for God.

The third point, a good deed or good example is transformative. It transforms the person doing it and also eventually transforms the people and the world around. The logic fundamentally is based on the truth of God; that is, every good deed, God is present, He gave the grace to do it and when we do it; then, we did not only follow His Holy Will, we also became His instrument to do the good and wonderful design He intends to happen or make. God’s work is always transformative; God’s work never is for deterioration but for transformation. If then, we do good deeds, we are being His instruments in the realization of His divine design the wider and divine scheme of things. In spiritual life; hence, we cannot take for granted any opportunity to do the good action that presents us; in fact, the omission of such can become sinful, which we call sin of omission. Moreover, to grow in spiritual life, let us intend at all times to be good examples, doers of good deeds, in order, indeed, to transform ourselves into the person God wants us to be. If we become the person and or as a people God wants us to be; then, we have fulfilled or achieved in a way the purpose of our e istence. ulfilling what we are created means living the life to the fullest. May we, therefore, never take for granted the power of doing good deeds and becoming good examples; for this is one concrete way to live our lives in this world to the fullest at the same preparing us best for the life to after; to be in heaven with God. Amen.

Recipe of the Week

Baked Biko Sapin Sapin Style

Baked Biko Sapin Sapin Style. Traditionally the Pinoy Christmas, native rice delicacies are the food center piece in the old days, especially in the countryside or in the provinces. Most households would cook their especial cooking method of rice with coconut like the Biko, Suman, Puto, Rice Cake, Bibingka and the lists goes on.

Ingredients.

White biko:

1/2 kilo malagkit, glutinous rice

1/4 kilo regular rice

Red biko:

1/2 kilo malagkit, glutinous rice

1/4 kilo brown or red rice

Purple biko:

1/2 kilo malagkit, glutinous rice

1/4 kilo pirurutong, purple rice cups coconut milk 1/2 kilo white sugar

tbsp. grated lemon rind, lemons

tsp. grated ginger tbsp. salt banana leaves

Toppings: 200small can condensed milk

1/2 cups coconut milk cup all-purpose flour

Cooking procedure:

Separately cook the rice of the white biko, red biko and purple biko. Wash the rice mixture, put in a rice cooker, add a pinch of salt, grated ginger and add water as per rice cooker instructions. Cook until the cook switch has automatically switched o , remove rice cooker from the mains and keep aside.

Cook the coconut sugar syrup for the white biko, red biko and purple biko then divide in parts. In a large wok put to cups of wa-

ter, cups of coconut milk, white sugar and grated lemon rind. Bring to a boil and simmer at medium heat for 15 to minutes. Keep on stirring until the mixture is reduce to about half. Remove from wok and divide into parts.

Separately cook the white biko, red biko and pur-

Siargao, Palawan, Boracay win spotin Condé Nast awards

ple biko. Using the same wok add in 1/3 of the coconut sugar syrup and let it boil. Stir in the cooked biko rice mixture, mix and blend thoroughly, stir cook for another to minutes at medium to low heat until the biko start to render coconut oil, keep aside to cool down.

Line some banana leaf at the bottom and sides of a baking tray, put in the cooked biko and platen in layers, bottom layer the pruple biko, middle layer the red or brown biko and the top layer the white biko. Make sure that there is still space for the milk and coconut toppings, keep aside. To cook the milk and coconut toppings, in a small sauce pan mix all the topping ingredients until thoroughly blended. Heat the mixture at low heat till it start to boil, while continuously stirring to prevent from burning, keep aside to cool down.

MAKATI CITY Three Philippine islands have landed a spot in the annual Condé Nast Traveler (CNT) readers’ choice awards for top islands to visit this

Out of the destinations listed, the surfing haven Siargao Island was recognized as this year’s top favorite in Asia, while the world-famous Palawan and Boracay Island earned the third and eighth spots, respectively.

The three bested other world favorites in Asia like Indonesia’s Raja Ampat Islands (second), Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands (ninth), and Phuket (10th).

“At a time when we are exhausting all means to revive tourism in the country, we are grateful for this new recognition from Condé Nast Traveler. We have worked to strengthen our position as a top-of-mind destination around the globe while ensuring that health and safety protocols across our destinations are implemented and observed,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

She said the recognition bodes well for the recovery of the country’s tourism industry and DOT’s latest global campaign “More Fun Awaits”, which showcases the Philippines’ preparations for international leisure travel once pandemic restrictions are lifted.

Meanwhile, the Philippines ranked 20th in the CNT’s list of Top Countries in the World with a score of

The annual CNT Readers’ Choice Awards gathers feedback from over readers across the globe based on their recent travel experiences in the world’s top hotels, resorts, cities, countries, islands, spas, trains, car rentals, luggage, airlines, airports, and cruises.

The results of the awards demonstrate the recent travel experiences of the readers and given the travel restrictions forced by the pandemic—provide an idea of where

travelers are “dreaming of going next” when the world reopens for international travel.

Siargao has also been chosen by TIME as among the World’s Greatest Places

Palawan ranked 19th on Travel Leisure magazine’s Top Islands in the World and fifth in the Asian category this year. It was also included in CNT’s list of The Best Beaches in the World in