Philippine News Today

1 November 18-24, 2021

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

www.pnewstoday.com

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

Vol. 61 No. 15 November 18-24, 2021

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

MARCOS, SARA TEAM UP FOR 2022 POLLS

Digong won’t back Bongbong or Pacquiao

TANDEM. Former Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte are lock in arms during the wedding of the daughter of Sen. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. in Cavite. The two are running in tandem for president and VP.

PHL, US firm up alliance in DC bilateral talks

By Jo Erlinda Maufit WASHINGTON D.C. – The Philippines and the United States have reaffirmed their strong ties as they concluded their 9th Bi-

lateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) with the signing of a Joint Vision Statement that sets out concrete areas of cooperation that will further strengthen the relations.

The Joint Statement Page 8

Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor in Chief

PHL embassy in US warns vs scam on Pinoys

DAVAO CITY/MANILA – It’s official: Davao City Mayor and vice presidential candidate Sara DuterteCarpio have joined forces with presidential aspirant and former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure their victory in next year’s national elections for the top two posts of the land. Page 9

PASAY CITY – Senator and presidential aspirant Emmanuel Manny Pacquiao disclosed to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) that he supports the revival of death penalty but only for convicted plunderers and drug traffickers.

PDP-Laban presi- Page 8

‘Biyahe ni Leni’ gathers more steam in second caravan

By Jun Nucum SAN FRANCISCO - More participants attended the second “Biyahe ni Leni” caravan in the San Francisco Bay Area as Filipinos coming from Vallejo, Antioch, Oakland, San Jose,

Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Bruno, among others, attended dressed in pink attires.

About 100 vehicles joined the caravan gathering steam as the election period also heats up and more warm bodies were also noted in support of the presidential

and vice-presidential campaign of Vice President Maria Leonor Leni Robredo and Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.

The Robredo supporters later assembled for a motorcade around the Daly City, South San Francisco, Colma Page 9

Duterte calls Marcos Jr a liar, from a family of thieves

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte appeared to have completely cut his ties with the Marcos family this week, particularly presidential bet Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whom he said was

not worthy of the presidency.

The president warned his followers not to vote for the son and namesake of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, while still endorsing Marcos Jr.’s running mate, his daughter Sara.

Instead, the presi-Page 10 RALLY par�cipants gather before the caravan took off. (Photo by Crispin Mendoza)

Marcos, Sotto, Tulfo top new poll survey

Remittance posts 4.8% growth in September

P3

P14

VIEWS & COMMENTS

SHOWBIZ

BUSINESS

Will my retirement income be enough?

Derek Ramsay and Ellen Adarna married in Bataan

Watchdog questions BSP ‘midnight deal’

By A�y. Lozano

Page 14

Page 18

Page 14

PESO-DOLLAR RATE

$1.00= P50.27

as of November 18, 2021 2:25am

P2

Page 8

 NATIONAL NEWS

November 18-24, 2021

2

Marcos, Sotto top bets for president and VP: SWS survey

By Claire Morales True MANILA – If surveys are to be believed, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Senate President Vicente Sotto III are the top candidates for president and vice president for the 2022 elections.

Marcos and Sotto emerged as the country’s top presidential and VP bets in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from October 20 to 23 and commissioned by the Stratbase ADR Institute of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.

The survey showed that Marcos Jr. polled 47% from 1,200 survey respondents followed by Vice President Maria Leonor Leni Robredo who got 18%.

Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso, who is popularly known by his actor’s name Isko Moreno, was third with 13% followed by Senator Emmanuel Manny Pacquiao with 9%, Senator Panfilo Lacson with 5% and Senator Ronald Bato dela Rosa with 5%. Dela Rosa has withdrawn his candidacy and was replaced as administration candidate by Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. Labor leader Leody De Guzman, another presidential contender, was not included in the survey.

Three percent of respondents said they were still “undecided” on who to vote for

president in next year’s elections.

Robredo ranked only sixth in a similar survey conducted by Pulse Asia in September, getting only the support of 8 percent of respondents. Marcos, on the other hand, was in second place, with 15 percent. The survey was topped by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte then.

SWS said it used interviews of 1,200 respondents which were chosen through random sampling. It also has a sampling error margin of ±3%.

Respondents were asked in the survey the question: “Kung ang eleksyon ay gaganapin ngayon, sino po ang pinakamalamang ninyong iboboto bilang Presidente ng Pilipinas? (If elections were to happen today, who will you vote as the country’s president?).”

In the vice presidential poll, Senator Sotto led the possible bets with 44%, followed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte with 25%.

Following Sotto and Dtuerte are Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan with 13%, former senatorial aspirant Dr. Willie Ong with 13% and Buhay Party-list Representative and Deputy Speaker Jose Lito Atienza Jr. A copy of the survey results, which also include those for the vice presidency and senatorial race, was obtained

by ABS-CBN News, and was confirmed

by Dindo Manhit, President of Stratbase

Pharmally execs Darganis arrested in Davao City

PASAY CITY - Siblings Mohit and Twinkle Dargani, both executives of the controversial Pharmally Pharmaceuticals with over P11 billion contracts for the supply of allegedly overpriced medical supplies to the government, have been arrested while trying to flee to Malaysia via Davao City and were immediately placed under Senate custody.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senate Blue Ribbon committee chairperson Sen. Richard Gordon had ordered the arrest of the Darganis and some Pharmally executives for skipping the hearings on

the 2020 COA report related to the budget utilization of the Department of Health (DOH), particularly its COVID-19 expenditures.

The Darganis were arrested by members of the Senate’s Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms in Davao on Sunday as they boarded a private plane headed to Malaysia.

Gordon lauded the arrest of the Darganis, adding that their trying to flee via Malaysia meant that they were guilty in the multi-billion deals with government.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR

RNs and LVNs Rate: RN- $75/ hour LVN- $50/ hour Referral fee: $25/shift

Former Senator Marcos

Senate President So�o

ADR Institute which commissioned the polls. The research organization later released results on its social media page.

Atty. Vic Rodriguez, chief of staff of Marcos, said in a statement that the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard bearer is “humbled” by the results, and will remain focused on taking the country out of the pandemic.

Marcos’ candidacy, however, is being questioned at the Commission on Elections over his tax evasion conviction in 1995. The Comelec has set November 26 as a preliminary conference for the case.

On the other hand, Robredo called her survey standing “very good news,” saying her team is not expecting her to place second until January or February next year.

She also said Marcos’ lead was “understandable.”

“More than 6 years na naghahanda iyong kalaban natin. Tayo, nag-decide tayo ng 11th hour,” said Robredo, who beat Marcos in the 2016 vice presidential race, said in a chance interview in Nueva Ecija.

“Pero the mere fact na mayroon lang tayong one month since the decision na gumalaw, tapos ganito na iyong tinaas, nagpapakita na kailangang maging very hopeful kasi hindi nga inaasahan iyong pagtaas (Our rival prepared for more than 6 years. We decided at the 11th hour. But the mere fact that we just had a month since we decided and the rise was like this shows that we need to be very hopeful.), ,” she told ABS-CBN.

Ex-Iloilo solon, 2 others convicted for PDAF scam QUEZON CITY – The Sandiganbayan has sentenced a former lawmaker and two others for two counts of graft in the funding of a vocational education program run by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) using Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) in 2005.

In a 33-page decision written by Associate Justice Oscar Herrera Jr. dated November 12, the anti-graft court’s Special Second Division sentenced former Iloilo 2nd District Rep. Judy Syjuco, former TESDA deputy director general for field operations Santiago Yabut Jr., and Tagipusuon Cooperative president Maria Nela Yniesta from six to eight years in prison for each count.

The three were also ordered to pay the government a total of P6.984 million in civil liabilities.

The pieces of evidence presented by the prosecution “more than sufficiently established the required quantum proof for the conviction of the accused of the offenses charged”, the Sandigan ruled.

The case against Syjuco’s husband, then TESDA Director General Augusto Syjuco Jr., was dismissed following his death in January 2020.

On July 23, 2014, they were accused of entering into transactions with the cooperative, founded by the Syjucos in 1998, for the implementation of TESDA’s “Education for All” program.

The transaction involved a Memorandum of Agreement with the Tagipusuon Cooperative, covering its Invigorating Constituent Assistance in Reinforcing Employment (I-CARE) Program, to be funded by Judy Syjuco’s PDAF for P20 million.

Records showed the Department of Budget and Management issued two Special Allotment Release Orders at P10 million each from the PDAF of Judy Syjuco in 2005.

The cooperative, according to the investigation, was unqualified at the time.

Investigators also found that the late Syjuco issued TESDA Order No. 1C Series of 2006 supposedly providing school bags, supplies, and uniforms for elementary and high school students from the second congressional district of Iloilo under the I-CARE program, in violation of the agency’s mandate to provide technical education and skills development to Filipino “middle-level manpower”.

Middle-level manpower is generally defined as the working force between an unskilled worker and a professional.

Aside from handing the money to an unqualified cooperative for an unauthorized purpose, the court also said “there was no proper liquidation of the funds received by Tagipusuon Cooperative”, noting that the liquidation of P14.7 million from the PDAF of P20 million, as reported by Tagipusuon, was unacceptable.

3 November 18-24, 2021

 NATIONAL NEWS

Tulfo, Escudero are top picks for senator, Robin Padilla in Magic 12 in new survey

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda QUEZON CITY - Radio and television personality Raffy Tulfo remains the top preferred senatorial aspirant in the 2022 national elections if a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey is to be the believed as the basis.

The survey also showed that Sorsogon Gov. Francis Chiz Escudero and Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, both former senators, trailing on the second and third spot.

If the elections were held today and the survey is to be the basis, actor Rob-

inhood “Robin” Padilla has a chance of landing in the winning Magic 12, as he occupies the 10th spot in the list.

The survey which was commissioned

by Stratbase ADR Institute, Inc. of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, indicated that 60 percent of 1,200 adult respondents picked Tulfo as their choice for senator.

Following Tulfo are Escudero with 51 percent and Cayetano – who jumped two spots from 5th place in the SWS survey released in October – with 50 percent.

Fourth placer was House of Representatives Deputy Speaker and former Senator Loren Legarda with 45 percent

and reelectionist Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri at 5th with 44 percent.

Former Vice President Jejomar Binay and Public Works and Highways Secretaru Mark Villar both garnered 40 percent at 6th place.

Legarda, Villar, and Escudero were all ranked 2nd for having the same percentage points, in an earlier SWS poll made public in October but was conducted from September 12-16.

Completing the so-called “Magic 12” in the recent SWS survey were reelectionist Senator Risa Hontiveros at 8th place (36 percent), former senator Jose Jinggoy Estrada at 9th (33 percent), and

actor Robin Padilla at 10th (29 percent).

Former Vice President Manuel Noli de Castro was listed in the survey and came in at 11th place with 28 percent while reelectionist Senator Joel Villanueva was at 12th place with 27 percent.

The SWS survey released Tuesday was conducted on October 20-23, involving the interviews of 300 respondents each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

SWS said the survey had sampling error margins of ±3% for national percentages and ±6% for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao

Mandatory use of face shields lifted in Alert Level 1-3 areas MANILA – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) to lift the mandatory use of face shields in areas under Alert Level 1 to 3.

“Ang decision ko is okay, tanggalin nyo na yung [face] shields.

Pwede na ninyong (My decision is okay, you can remove face shields.

You can), you dispense with the shields but not the (face) mask,” Duterte said.

Duterte said face mask would remain part of the day-to-day safety measure “kasi matagal pa itong virus na nasa hangin lang (because the virus which is airborne will be here for a long time).”

He urged the public

355 Gellert Blvd., Suite 110, Daly City, CA 94015

CALL US TODAY!

JONI DILAN: 415-864-9424

to make sure that the Covid-19 positivity rate in the country will continue to go down by following the health and safety protocols.

“You have to obey what the government will tell you to do because it’s

for the good of the country and for you. Sumunod lang kayo (Just obey),” he said.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea issued a memorandum detailing the voluntary use of face shields in places

with a relatively low Covid-19 alert level.

According to the memorandum, the use of face shields in community settings shall remain mandatory in areas under Alert Level 5 and granular lockdowns.

 METRO NEWS

November 18-24, 2021

QC nears 50% of target 12-17 age group vaccinees 17 years old.

Of the total, 3,792 are already fully inoculated since the pilot day of pediatric vaccination on October 15, Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

The city government is targeting to vaccinate 80 percent of the age group, or a total of 240,000 minors.

Among the adult population, QC already has 1,829,504 fully vaccinated individuals, or 107.62 percent of the city’s target to achieve population protection.

The city has so far administered 3,780,757 Covid-19 vaccine doses.

“Maraming salamat sa ating medical front-liners, administrators, staff at volunteers sa inyong malasakit at sakripisyo para sa (Thank you very much to our medical front-liners, administrators, staff and volunteers for your concern and sacrifices for our) QCitizens,” the city government posted on its Facebook page.

The city’s active Covid-19 cases as MINOR VAX. A teenaged boy receives his Covid-19 vaccine from a health care worker of of Sunday stood at 1,194 or 0.67 percent of 178,685 total infections since Novaliches District Hospital, Quezon City at the San Bartolome Parish.

March last year.

QUEZON CITY – The Quezon coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) City government has administered the vaccine to 102,913 minors aged 12 to

$495

408.286.9360 408.286.9311

4

Pasig-Marikina River Channel project final phase begins PASIG CITY – The fourth and final stage of the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project has started, the Japanese Embassy in Manila announced.

The Embassy said the civil works for the project’s phase 4 would further mitigate flooding due to the overflow of Pasig and Marikina Rivers.

It will increase the flood capacity of Pasig-Marikina River and address the downstream of Manggahan Floodway to Marikina Bridge with the construction of the Manggahan Control Gate Structure as well as two floodgates at the adjoining sections of Cainta and Taytay Rivers.

The project also includes non-structural measures such as information campaign and publicity, flood mitigation committee, flood hazard map, and environmental monitoring, all aimed to fully support the holistic disaster control approach of the Philippine government.

“Together, these measures are expected to protect communities near Pasig and Marikina River from flood damage caused by channel overflow,” the Embassy said.

The Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project is the flagship initiative of Tokyo and Manila’s disaster management cooperation.

5 November 18-24, 2021

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Andaya, Papin, Villafuerte in Camarines Sur race for governor PILI, Camarines Sur - Former congressman and Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. has joined again the gubernatorial race in Camarines Sur, the largest of the six provinces in the Bicol region.

Andaya dropped his bid for the congressional seat of the province’s first district and replaced Russel Bañes, the previous candidate of Nationalist People’s Coalition for the gubernatorial post.

Vice President Leonor Leni Gerona Robredo previously considered running for governor of Camarines Sur, but changed her mind and filed her certificate of candidacy for president instead.

Andaya’s sister, Maribel Eusebio-Andaya, replaced him in the congressional race.

Andaya, a lawyer, will face Vincenzo Luis Luigi Villafuerte, brother of outgoing Camarines Sur governor Miguel Luis Migz Villafuerte; singer and incumbent vice governor Imelda Papin; and independent candidates

Irineo Bongat Jr. and Richard Cabal.

Actor Aga Muhlach previously ran for congressman Papin is the candidate of the Partido Federal ng Pili- in the district but lost by a hairline to another Fuentpinas now headed by presidential candidate Ferdinand ebella.

Bongbong Marcos Jr. In 2016, she ran for 4th district representative of Camarines Sur but she was defeated by Arnulfo Fuentebella.

In 2019, Papin won as the vice governor of Camarines Sur. In the 2019 elections, Gov. Migz Villafuerte managed to eke out a narrow victory against Andaya Jr., who served as majority leader in the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, actor Anjo Yllana withdrew his bid for representative of Camarines Sur’s 4th district. He was replaced by former San Jose town, Camarines Sur mayor Antonio Chavez. The latter will be challenging incumbent Rep. Arnie Fuentebella.

La Union court junks drug raps vs. Julian Ongpin SAN FERNANDO, La Union - In another big letdown to the family of the late Bree Jonson, the regional trial court in La Union dismissed the drug charge against Julian Ongpin, son of business magnate and former Trade Secretary Roberto Ongpin, over alleged procedural lapses of responding officers.

Judge Romeo Agacita Jr. of the La Union Regional Trial Court Branch 27 said in his ruling it is “constrained to dismiss the case for lack of probable cause to issue a warrant of arrest” against the billionaire’s son.

Last month, the Department of Justice filed a nonbailable case of possession of illegal drugs against Ongpin after authorities retrieved 12.6 grams of cocaine in a hos-

tel in San Juan, La Union. It was the room he shared with his supposed girlfriend, artist Bree Jonson, who was found dead in the room.

Ongpin also later tested positive for cocaine use.

In junking the case, Judge Agacita Jr. cited local police’s failure to comply with some procedures as mandated by law.

For one, the prohibited drugs must immediately be marked individually to prevent the switching, planting or contamination of evidence, something Agacita said was not followed by members of the police’s Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO).

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

November 18-24, 2021

Duterte running for senator in 2022 polls

MANILA – Two days after saying he might run for vice president, President Rodrigo Duterte opted to seek a senatorial seat in the May 9, 2022 national and local elections.

This after lawyer Melchor Aranas filed Duterte’s certificate of candidacy (COC) on November 15, the last day of the filing of statements of withdrawal and

substitution at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Intramuros, Manila.

Duterte, who served as mayor of Davao City for two decades before his popular election as president in 2016, is running under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) party.

He substituted Mona Lisa Visorde, who filed her statement of withdrawal

6

Comelec acts on petition to disqualify Marcos, sets conference on Nov. 26

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has scheduled the prealso on Monday. liminary conference on the petition to Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez cancel the certificate of candidacy (COC) said the poll body received a total of 19 of presidential aspirant and former Senastatements of withdrawal and withdrawal tor Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on with substitution during the filing period. November 26.

Three statements of withdrawal were Director Elaiza Sabile-David of the submitted while four statements of with- Comelec-Education and Information Dedrawal with substitution were filed for partment said the clerk of the Commission the position of president. has scheduled the initial discussion next For the position of vice president, four week. statements of withdrawal and withdrawal “I was told by the director of the Ofwith substitution were received by the fice of the Clerk of Commission that when Comelec Law Department. they issued the summons… the prelimiThe Comelec also received four state- nary conference was already included. ments of withdrawal and five statements The preliminary conference is scheduled of withdrawal with substitution for sena- on Nov. 26,” she said. tor.

After the conference, the parties will Jimenez said the list of all substitu- be directed to submit their respective tions remains tentative pending issues memoranda. that are still to be resolved.

“If there are no more questions, it (the “I have a list of all substitutions that case) would be submitted for resolution,” have been made. This is a tentative list she added. since some still have issues like their poWhen asked how soon the Comelec litical party. We have yet to finalize their second division can issue a ruling, David political affiliation. Those are their affili- said commissioners might need more time ations as filed. They still need to undergo to resolve. a process,” he added.

“We cannot tell. Hopefully, within the year,” she said.

Early this month, a petition was filed before the Comelec seeking to cancel Marcos’ certificate of candidacy. The petitioners claimed that Marcos’ COC contained multiple false material representations.

In response, Marcos’ spokesperson, lawyer Victor Rodriguez, said they would es, the remaining 13 schools which cannot address “this predictable nuisance petiparticipate in the pilot run would be con- tion” at the proper time and forum. sidered in the expansion phase.

In a statement, the Department of Education (DepEd) welcomed the learners, teachers and personnel participating in the pilot in-person classes which will run until January next year.

“We are thankful for everyone who PASAY CITY – Some 100 Filipinos supported this key phase in our safe re- had been afflicted with coronavirus disturn to school advocacy, from the plan- ease 2019 (Covid-19) abroad over the last ning stage since 2020 to this monumental seven days, the Department of Foreign day,” it said. “We are grateful to the as- Affairs (DFA) reported. sistance of the Department of Health, the At press time,, 8,348 are undergoing IATF, child health experts, local govern- treatment from the illness, at least 1,732 ment units, international and local part- are in the Asia Pacific, 959 in Europe, ners, school personnel, parents, and other 5,549 in the Middle East/Africa region, stakeholders for reinforcing our shared and 108 in the Americas. responsibility framework in this critical The agency also logged 47 new recovundertaking.” eries, pushing the total number to 14,185.

The implementation of the pilot run co- From the period of November 8 to Noincides with the start of the second grading vember 16, two fatalities were recorded in quarter of School Year 2021-2022. the Asia Pacific.

After January 31, the agency will evalIn a statement, the DFA vowed to conuate the implementation of the program tinue extending necessary aid to all Filipiand present a report to President Rodrigo nos who may be infected with the virus.

Duterte.

“The DFA, together with its Foreign The DepEd said it recognizes the sig- Service Posts, continues to monitor and nificance of face-to-face classes in the so- assist our nationals abroad amidst the pancial development of the learners. demic,” it said.

In the coming months, more learners Since the pandemic began in 2020, a in public and private schools would be al- total of 23,960 confirmed cases among lowed to participate in face-to-face classes Filipinos had been recorded in 103 counas Duterte has approved to increase the tries/territories, according to DFA. number of schools for the pilot run.

100 public schools reopen in-person classes, private schools to follow

100 more Filipinos abroad get Covid-19

PASIG CITY – The Department of Education opened pilot face-to-face classes in some 100 public schools nationwide 20 months since the classes were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

About 5,245 learners from Kinder up to Grade 3 were the first to go back to school, Education Secretary Leonor said.

The Department of Education, meanwhile, identified 20 private schools that will join the pilot limited face-to-face classes.

DepEd Director Jocelyn Andaya said the participating private schools would begin classes on November 22.

Andaya noted that a total of 79 private schools nationwide have submitted their intent to participate in the pilot run.

“Each region was requested to nominate a maximum of three private schools and 33 private schools were nominated by 12 ROs (regional offices) to the DepEd Central Office,” she said.

Since only 20 can hold in-person class-

7 November 18-24, 2021

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

US donates additional 300,000 Pfizer vaccine doses workers.

The plane carrying a total of 301,860 doses, coursed through the COVAX Facility, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

Assistant Secretary Wilben Mayor, National Task Force Against Covid-19 strategic communications head on current operations, thanked the US government for the donation.

He said these vaccines would be intended for healthcare workers, senior citizens, persons with comorbidities, and the indigent population.

Mayor said the government is preparing for the administration of booster shots but it is still waiting for approval and

guidelines from the World Health Organization. “’Yung sa booster shot or sa third shot hinihintay pa natin ‘yung again the experts panel ano saka ‘yung guidelines ng WHO. ‘Yun na lang naman ang inaantay ng DOH at saka vaccine cluster before we implement yung booster shot (We are just waiting for the approval of the expert panel and the guidelines from the WHO and DOH and the vaccine cluster before implementing the use of a booster shot),” he added.

Meantime, fully vaccinated health care workers may avail of booster shots starting November 17.

The Department of Health said it rec-

ommends using Moderna, Pfizer, and Sinovac shots as booster doses regardless of the brand used in the primary series.

The department will issue the booster shot guidelines on November 16.

While the use of a third dose has yet to be approved for the general population pending results of studies, health experts said all the vaccines continue to provide strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death from Covid-19.

In the US, its Food and Drug Administration has authorized booster shots for adults at high risk of severe Covid-19 because of underlying medical conditions and for health care workers.

do the best practices,” Carlos said during his first morning flag ceremony as PNP chief in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Carlos said part of the PNP’s campaign to ensure the orderly and honest conduct of next year’s elections is the aggressive campaign against loose firearms and the accounting of private armed groups in various parts of the country.

He also reminded all police officers to stay neutral and non-partisan in the conduct of elections and that their only role in the upcoming elections is to ensure peace and security.

Centino said beyond the remaining insurgency threat, the military also needs to

safeguard next year’s elections.

“Beyond insurgency, there is the task of safeguarding the upcoming elections, which are always a turning point for the country,” he added.

Centino also said it is the AFP’s duty to ensure that the polls are carried out peacefully and orderly.

“It is the AFP’s duty to ensure that the will of the people is carried out. Let us all support the national government to ensure a fair, honest, peaceful and secure national elections,” he added.

Carlos said all police officers on active duty should remain apolitical even in their social media posts and refrain from

campaigning for or against any political aspirant.

“Is there a violation of the Omnibus Election Law? If they violate, we charge them, we remove them, investigate them, let them answer for that,” he said.

During his first command conference, Carlos said he has ordered the PNP to conduct the better implementation of anti-criminality, anti-illegal drugs, anticorruption and counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism operations and the dismantling of private armed groups, which will contribute to the peace and order of next year’s polls.

person, replacing Harry Roque who filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator in the 2022 national and local elections.

“So kung maaari ikaw na lang sana ang acting [spokesperson] na muna (if you could be acting spokesperson for a while) until we find a [replacement]. I do not want to burden you with so much, alam ko ‘yung paperwork dadaan sayo eh (I know the paperwork pass through Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles you),” Duterte told Nograles.

Nograles, a lawyer, once served as MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte spokesperson of the Inter-Agency Task has named Cabinet Secretary Karlo Force for the Management of Infectious Nograles as acting presidential spokesDiseases (IATF-EID) and is currently the

head of the Task Force on Zero Hunger, a government’s campaign to fight hunger.

Citing Roque’s decision to seek a Senate seat, Duterte said the law stated that any government officials are automatically resigned after filing their COC before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“Alam mo once you file a certificate of candidacy, automatic iyan – out ka sa gobyerno (You know, you are automatically out of the government once you filed a COC). No order or formal ritual is needed, except that when you file – at that

moment you ceased to be a government employee,” Duterte said.

Roque bid goodbye as presidential spokesperson and IATF-EID spokesman during his last Palace press briefing on Monday before heading to the Comelec to file his COC on the final day of filing of statements for withdrawal and substitution.

Roque, a former congress representative, is running for senator under the People’s Reform Party, substituting Paolo Mario Martelino.

MANILA – The latest shipment of the US-donated Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine to the Philippines arrived on November 15, further boosting the country’s supply as it readies booster shots for the healthcare

New PNP, AFP chiefs vow peaceful, orderly 2022 polls CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – As the withdrawal and substitution of candidates ended on November 15, newly-appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos, and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, pledged to do everything in their authority to ensure that the May 9, 2022 national and local elections would be peaceful and orderly.

“Ang task natin (Our task) ahead is the 2022 national and local elections so all the preparations are going to be there.

Marami na tayong dinaanan na mga eleksyon (we have gone through a lot of elections) and we continue to tweak and

Nograles named acting Palace spokesperson

More than half of 97 pres’l aspirants may be listed as nuisance candidates MANILA – More than half of the 97 presidential aspirants in the 2022 national and local elections may be declared as nuisance candidates, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said motu propio cases for the declaration as nuisance candidates have already been filed against 82 of the 97 individuals who filed certificates of candidacies (COCs) for president from October 1 to 8.

“We had 97 filers for president and it looks like more than half of that might be removed as nuisance,” he said in a

press briefing on the last day of the filing of statements of withdrawal and substitution at the Comelec main office in Intramuros, Manila.

He said motu propio cases for the declaration as nuisance candidates have also been filed against 15 of the 29 aspirants for vice presidents.

As for those seeking senatorial seats, he said similar cases were filed against 108 out of the 176 filers.

Jimenez said the final list of the qualified candidates for next year’s polls is expected to be released next month.

Notary Public & Real Estate Broker

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

 NATIONAL NEWS PHL US...

(From page 1)

was signed by Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez and Undersecretary of National Defense Cardozo M. Luna for the Philippine Government, and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely S. Ratner for the U.S. Government, as CoChairs of the 9th BSD. Aside from the Joint Vision Statement, both sides also signed the Strategic Policy Guidance to the Mutual Defense BoardSecurity Engagement Board.

In his remarks at the conclusion of the BSD, Ambassador Romualdez said the two sides met on a hopeful note, armed with the lessons from the past 75 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States and 70 years since the signing of our Mutual Defense Treaty, and riding on the wings of the recall of the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement.

“The Philippines and the United States must work together to address current realities and challenges. Frank exchanges and regular interactions between both sides must be sustained,” he said.

Ambassador Romualdez added that an economically prosperous Philippines with a strong, capable military is in the best interest of both nations and will make for an indomitable alliance and partnership.

In his rejoinder, Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink reiterated that the United States continues to uphold its policy on maritime claims in the South China Sea as enunciated by then-State Secretary Pompeo in July 2020. “You have our word and our commitment,” he said, unequivocally affirming the Arbitral Award and the application of the Mutual Defense

November 18-24, 2021

Treaty on an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea. The BSD was the culmination of recent high-level exchange of visits, including the visit of U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to the Philippines last July 2021 and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. and Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana to Washington D.C. in September 2021. This event comes as a high point during this milestone year for bilateral relations.

The Philippines was represented by a 31-member delegation composed of senior officials and subject-matter experts from the Departments of Agriculture, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Justice, National Defense, and Trade and Industry, as well as the Office of the President, Anti-Money Laundering Council, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.

The BSD is an annual consultation mechanism to discuss the full range of political, security and economic cooperation between the Philippines and the United States. This year’s discussions focused on strengthening cooperation on defense and security, counter-terrorism, law enforcement, human rights, post-pandemic recovery, maritime issues, climate change and clean energy.

The United States and Philippine governments are looking at enhancing their alliance to address new and emerging challenges, the two nations’ joint vision for a 21st-century partnership has indicated.

During their ninth bilateral strategic dialogue, Manila and Washington, D.C. recognized their long-standing partnership that allowed them to collaboratively address security challenges across the Indo-Pacific region.

“Looking ahead, we seek to enhance the posture of our alliance to address new and emerging challenges. We intend to ensure the Mutual Defense Treaty’s (MDT) con-

US embassy...

(From page 1) dential can-

didate Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, a former Philippine National Police chief, is also pushing for the reimposition of death penalty in the country.

This as another presidential aspirant, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, said he has withdrawn his authorship of a bill seeking the imposition of death penalty on individuals convicted of heinous crimes.

Lacson said he was having “second thoughts” on his stance regarding death penalty, a position that drew praise from the Catholic Church.

Speaking to CBCP secretary-general Bernardo Pantin, Pacquiao said he

8

tinued relevance to addressing current The US also reiterated its July 2020 and emerging threats,” the two said in a position, which rejects Chinese maritime joint vision statement on November 17. claims in areas that the Permanent Court of Arbitration found to be in the PhilipThe nations plan to develop “new bi- pines’ EEZ and continental shelf. lateral defense guidelines” that support a “The United States and the Philipmutual understanding of roles, missions, pines affirm that the PRC cannot lawfully and capabilities within the framework of assert a maritime claim – including any the MDT alliance.

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) claims The two are also exploring additional derived from Scarborough Reef and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agree- Spratly Islands – vis-a-vis the Philippines ment (EDCA) sites for “further devel- in areas that the Tribunal found to be in opment” as they continue infrastructure the Philippines’ EEZ or on its continental projects in current locations. shelf,” the statement said.

Among others, they agreed to en“Additionally, the PRC’s harassment hance the capabilities of the Armed of Philippine fisheries and offshore enerForces of the Philippines, “more so giv- gy development within those areas is unen the prevailing geopolitical tensions, lawful, as are any unilateral PRC actions especially in the maritime areas of the to exploit those resources.”

Philippines.”

In his rejoinder, Assistant Secretary of One of the avenues the two partners State Daniel Kritenbrink said Manila can are looking at are funding arrangements. rest assured that Washington, D.C. will The two likewise reaffirmed commit- uphold its policy on maritime claims in ments to the MDT Article IV to respond the South China Sea. to an armed attack in the Pacific area on “You have our word and our commiteither the US or the Philippines, including ment,” he said. the South China Sea. Channels of communication, meanManila is currently locked in a mari- while, will remain open between the two time dispute with other littoral states, in- to discuss the application of the MDT cluding China which lays claim in several to emerging threats, including diseases, parts of the West Philippine Sea, includ- cyber threats, and transnational criminal ing the country’s exclusive economic and terrorist networks. zone (EEZ). “[W]e commit to maintaining open In the same vision statement, the US channels of communication, to discussand the Philippines sought to “further co- ing the application of the MDT to new ordinate” diplomatic efforts in building and emerging threats, while respecting an international coalition that supports human rights and fundamental freedoms, the international law-based maritime or- and tirelessly pursuing our commitment der. to shared principles of democratic gover“We share the view that the People’s nance,” the statement read.

Republic of China’s (PRC) expansive Washington, DC. said it also supports maritime claims in the South China Sea the recently launched Philippines-United are inconsistent with the international law Nations Joint Program on Human Rights of the sea as reflected in the United Na- (UNJP). tions Convention on the Law of the Sea, It acknowledged its potential as a and with the unanimous July 12, 2016 “model of meaningful cooperation on huAward in the South China Sea Arbitra- man rights promotion and protection” betion (The Republic of Philippines v. The tween a sovereign member state, the UN, People’s Republic of China), a decision and the international community, and that that, pursuant to the Convention, is le- it could strengthen Philippine institutions gally binding on the Philippines and the and support domestic processes through PRC,” it read. technical cooperation. would bat for reimposing capital punishment on those conditions.

“Itong corruption ay mas malala pa sa ating problema sa droga. Ito ang tunay na nagpapahirap sa ating mga mahihirap. We will punish them and give back their ill-gotten wealth to our people, “ Pacquiao said.

But Pacquiao, as quoted by ABS-CBN, assured he would push for wideranging reforms on law enforcement, prosecution, and the judiciary.

Lacson said he has sent a letter to the Senate’s Secretary requesting that “his bill, Senate Bill 27, no longer be considered for deliberation by the Senate panels concerned.”

“Mas mainam na ang guilty ikulong habang bu-

hay sa halip na inosente ma-execute dahil sa pagkakamali,” said the lawmaker who was once chief of the Philippine National Police.

Lacson said he changed his mind especially after watching the movie “The Life of David Gale”, which is about an advocate for death penalty elimination who was falsely accused of a crime and found himself on death row.

His running mate in the 2022 elections, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, has also changed his stance on the issue.

Lacson said he now backs life imprisonment and the suggestion of Sotto to “confine drug lords in a ‘super max’ penitentiary.”

Amnesty International

had said death penalty is not only cruel, inhumane, and mostly affects those living in poverty, it does not also work as an effective way to deter people from committing crime.

“Dapat ’yung mga guilty lang ang maparusahan ng death penalty. We should fix the 3 pillars of our justice system so that we will only punish those who are really guilty,” said in an ABS-CBN report.

He also raised the need to ensure the safety and security of members of the judiciary, as he expressed alarm over the increasing cases of assassinations on law practitioners.

“The members of our judiciary must be free from fear so that they can administer justice swiftly and fairly, “ Pacquiao said.

9 November 18-24, 2021 Marcos...

 NATIONAL NEWS (From page 1)

Both Duterte-Carpio and Marcos said they are running in tandem despite the fact that Duterte-Carpio is running under the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) of former presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Fidel V. Ramos while Marcos is under the banner of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).

Following the confirmation, Mayor Sara accepted the chairmanship of LakasCMD from Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., according to party president House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez.

The People’s Reform Party (PRP) of the late Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, meanwhile, adopted Mayor Sara as vice presidential candidate of the party, said party president lawyer Narciso Santiago Jr. Earlier, the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas adopted her as VP candidate.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte was reported to be fuming because of the decision of her daughter to gun for the number 2 post despite leading presidential surveys.

But the Davao mayor explained that she had sought out support of the administration party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban)

Biyahe...

(From page 1)

and San Bruno area.

According to organizer Filipino American Human Rights alliance (FAHRA), the first and second caravan were part of the synchronized pink caravan in the whole North America’ including three cities in the US and seven in Canada.

“The bigger turnout was a result of the call for action and for unity which saw emboldened OFWs in the light of the alliance of (Ferdinand Bongbong) Marcos and (Sara) Duterte, both son and daughter of alleged dictators and alleged direct beneficiaries of the plunder and atrocities of their fathers,” said FAHRA leader Ago Pedalizo.

Pedalizo said that VP Leni has no one else to lean on but the people as only a direct political intervention of the people can stop the greed for power and plunder of the opponents in the 2022 election.

“The people are saying enough with killings, enough with corruption, enough with dynasty. Bring back democracy in the Philippines,” said Pedalizo.

At the rally itself before the caravan took off, participants heard speeches from prominent leaders and other supporters championing the causes that the Robredo-Pangilinan ticket stands for. They also

CARAVAN. Almost a hundred vehicles par�cipate in the second caravan. (Photo by Crispin Mendoza)

for her but the party, she said, turned her down.

The lawyer-mayor’s claim was denied by presidential aspirant Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go, the PDP-Laban candidate for VP, before shifting to another party, the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS), as presidential bet, adding he will ask the party the clarify the matter.

Go, however, said he was wishing Mayor Sara well on her election bid, reiterating that he personally supports her candidacy for vice president.

“As I have said earlier, kung ako lang ang tatanungin, siya ang aking sinusuportahan sa pagka-Bise Presidente,” he said.

With the development, President Duterte said he was not supporting the presidential run of Marcos or former ally Sen. Manny Pacquiao and is committed to back only his longtime aide Sen. Bong Go. “Hindi talaga ako magsuporta sa kanya (Pacquiao). Hindi rin ako magsuporta kay Marcos... Basta ako kay Bong (I am not supporting him, I am also not supporting Marcos... I am backing Bong.)” the President said.

In a meeting with some 120 lawmakers in Malacanang, the President reportedly urged them to support Go and Mayor Sara. There was no official confirmation

on the matter at press time.

The President over the weekend said he was displeased with his daughter’s candidacy for the No. 2 job, since she has been leading surveys for the presidency.

Duterte reportedly blamed her decision on the Marcos camp, which confirmed that she would be his running-mate as their adopted candidate for VP. Meanwhile, a third petition for the disqualification of Marcos as presidential candidate was filed by martial law victims and human rights advocates before the Commission on Elections. Marcos shrugged off the petitions, saying they are “nuisance.”

Eighteen people, including Bonifacio Ilagan, Saturnino Ocampo, Maria Carolina Araullo, and members of the group Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses to Malacañang, were among those who signed and filed the new petition.

The first plea to cancel Marcos’ COC was raffled off to the Comelec’s second division which has called for a conference on the case on November 26.

In a 59-page petition, they called on the Comelec to either disqualify Marcos or cancel his certificate of candidacy (COC).

The petitioners said Marcos’ conviction for failing to file income tax returns

from 1982 to 1985 already “perpetually disqualifies” him from running for any public office.

They also noted that Marcos made “false material representations” in his (COC) by declaring that he was never been found guilty of any offense which carries the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office. His false statement, they said, is “more than sufficient ground” for the Comelec to declare him ineligible to join the presidential race.

In announcing her teamup with Marcos, Mayor Sara said in a video posted on her Facebook account: “Ang aking partido ay nakipag-alyansa at humingi ng suporta para kay Bongbong Marcos at para sa akin matapos kong tanggapin ang inyong hamon at panawagan. Tinanggihan ito ng PDP at naiintindihan natin ito (Our party made an alliance and sought support for myself and Bongbong Marcos after accepting the challenge to run. PDP-Laban rejected this and we understand it).”

“Pero gusto ko lamang na linawin — walang pangalan na sinisira o dinudungisan, walang sinasagasaan, walang inaagrabyado, inaaway, pinapaiyak o inaapi (But I want to clarify, we are not ruining anybody’s name, nor are we making anybody cry),” she added.

staged a mini-picket rally forming a circle chanting anti-Duterte and Marcos slogans while noting the good deeds of Robredo. .

FAHRA and US Pinoy for Good Government leader Rad Abarrientos said he was glad for a “very successful event today where we had a welcome by the Filipino Americans who flashed the Laban L-sign shouting Leni kami in and around the vicinity.”

“I really fear that the evils in the Philippines will steal this election. They are already putting in place all the necessary pieces and bits to ensure victory in this coming electoral exercise for the Tandem team of Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte Carpio (BBM.SDC).We should bring back good governance, eradicate graft and corruption and elect the best President that is righteous and just to his people,” Abarrientos said.

Abarrientos admitted that he alone would probably be contented already with his wholesome and peaceful life here in the US ”but I am doing this for just one reason. To make a better Philippines, where I could be proud to the whole world... this is for my country, the Philippines.”

Akbayan leader Edwin Batongbacal reminded everyone of the danger in having back the son of former President Ferdinand Marcos to power.

“They are running only for their own selfish ends. With the decision of Leni Roredo to run, the terrain of election has changed. We now have a fight in our hand. We now have a struggle to work on.

We now have someone who we can really support for the good of the country,” Batongbacal said.

Long-time activist Atty. Rodel Rodis updated participants on their crusade against alleged Duterte crony from Davao Dennis Uy who is reportedly now reaping the fruit of his Malampaya deal from a mere $100 investment and now supposedly “earning $1.13 million per day.”

“There has not been a crony worse than this! Dennis Uy will also supply all the election equipment needed by COMELEC after bagging the contract worth $650 million,” Rodis said. “Now, even the Philippine Chamber of Com-

merce, a conservative group, has been questioning the deal as very disadvantageous to the country. if Marcos and Sara Duterte win, Dennis Uy will corner more sweetheart deals and happy days will continue for Uy.”

 NATIONAL NEWS

November 18-24, 2021

Retired PNP chief Eleazar files candidacy for senator

MANILA — A third former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief in the Senate?

This is the goal of just retired PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar as he filed his candidacy for senator under the Lacson-Sotto’s Partido Reporma, substituting for Paolo Capino.

Now in the Senate are Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Sen. Ronald Bato dela Rosa, who were PNP chief under President Joseph Estrada and President Rodrigo Duterte, respectively.

Eleazar, 56, served as head of the PNP for some 6 months.

In July, he said he “does not want to entertain” calls for him to run in next year’s elections.

Gen Eleazar

Jose Midas Marquez named SC justice

Newly-appointed Supreme Court Jus�ce Jose Midas Marquez

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez as the new associate justice of the Supreme Court (SC).

“I’d like to announce that Executive Secretary confirms that Jose Midas Marquez has been appointed associate justice of the Supreme Court. Congratulations to Justice Jose Midas Marquez,” acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said.

Marquez replaced retired associate justice Edgardo delos Santos, according to a statement released by the Office of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

In a message to reporters, the SC said Marquez’s appointment was dated September 27.

At 55, he is the second youngest member of the SC, next to Ramon Paul Hernando who is six months younger.

Duterte...

(From page 1)

dent said his followers should vote for Senator Bong Go, who is running for president under the Pederalisimo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan, instead of the Cusi-wing of the PDP-Laban.

Mr. Duterte even said that it was upon his prodding that Go agreed to run for president.

In a Facebook video interview, the president is quoted as saying in the vernacular that if his people still respected him, they should not vote for Marcos Jr because “he is a liar.”

He also said that the Marcos family was a bunch of thieves.

Last week, the president also said he could not support Marcos Jr because the former senator was “pro-communist,” as was opposition presidential contender Leni Robredo.

Over the weekend, the video interview by the blogger known as Banat By showed Mr. Duterte saying he would not support Marcos because “I am for Bong (Go).”

The president said he could not support another presidential bet, Senator Manny Pacquiao, who sought his backing “for the sake of Mindanao.” He also contradicted the claim of the boxer-turned-senator on who asked for their one-on-one meeting, saying it was the Pacquiao camp that had been long asking for their face-to-face meeting that finally took place last week.

Pacquiao is the official presidential candidate of the Koko Pimentel wing of the PDP-Laban.

The video not only went viral, but led

to an exchange of words between the socalled DDS or Diehard Duterte Supporters, on one hand, and the BBM or Bongbong Marcos loyalists, on the other.

The president reiterated his support for his former executive assistant Go when he met with some 100 congressmen for dinner in Malacanang on Tuesday, November 16.

While thanking the lawmakers for all the support they had given his administration’s legislative programs, the president then asked them to support the Bong GoSara Duterte tandem in the 2022 polls.

With the president’s endorsement of Go-Duterte, the Cusi-wing of the administration PDP-Laban is left with no candidate for the two top posts up for grabs next year.

The Go camp said that technical reasons prevented him from running under the party that catapulted then Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte to the presidency in 2016.

The camp of Sara Duterte, however, said that the party of her father had tried but failed to set up a Marcos-Duterte team up.

Marcos Jr. is running under the little known Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. In the absence of an official bet for vice president, the party adopted Sara Duterte as the running mate of Marcos Jr. The party, which earlier said it would announce its senatorial line-up this week, did not do so and is said to be adopting a senate slate comprised entirely of guest candidates.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections will begin hearings on the disqualification proceedings against Marcos Jr. before the end of the month.

1-877-456-9266 www.crispinlozanolaw.com • • • •

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

1290 B Street, Suite 205 Hayward, CA 94541

10

• Eliminate Credit Card Debts • Stop Collections and Harassments

17215 Studebaker RD., Suite 337 Cerritos, CA 90703

11 November 18-24, 2021

 OPINION Why care about Redistricting?

Part 2 & Conclusion

R

EDITORIAL

C

A flawed electoral system

razy, just crazy.

How else can we describe the Philippine electoral system as it works – and we use this word loosely -- today?

Consider that at the first working day this week – Monday, November 15 back home – the Commission on Elections (Comelec) had to accommodate the sudden changes to the presidential and vice presidential candidates of the main parties.

All because of the substitution of candidates allowed by the poll body, and which has been abused to the hilt.

Consider that the party in power, or at least half of it, had a presidential bet who filed his certificate of candidacy mere hours before the deadline. He often said that he was more than willing to step aside if the daughter of the president were to seek the presidency.

His vice presidential running mate suddenly became the presidential bet, not because the president’s daughter finally agreed to run for the highest elective post in the land – which she didn’t – but apparently because the incumbent president wanted to run for VP. On the very last day where substitutions were allowed, the incumbent president suddenly decided he wanted to run for senator instead.

Oh, and none of them were running under the banner of the supposed administration party.

Idiotic, truly idiotic.

For reasons known only to the Comelec commissioners, no decision was made on who was really in charge of the PDP-Laban, which remains split into two wings.

Common sense says that the poll body should have decided as early as possible who was really in charge of the party. Was it the wing controlled by the Energy secretary, who never held an elective position in his life? Or was it the wing controlled by the son of one of the party’s original founders, whose presidential bet was a champion boxer-turned-senator?

As for the presidential candidate whose COC is the subject of cancellation proceedings, the Comelec is also taking its own good time in determining whether he may or may not run for president next year.

A retired Supreme Court associate justice explained in words any layman can understand why the candidate in question should be disqualified. He was convicted of tax evasion and should have been imprisoned, if the law were to be followed to the letter.

Instead, that candidate is spending billions in early campaigning, using an army of trolls to brainwash the electorate into believing that he is the best man for the job.

In fact, all of the presidential candidates are already campaigning, and this is also true for bets for vice president and senator. The airwaves are literally being flooded with campaign materials months before the official campaign period.

Insane, totally insane.

According to the Comelec, as long as the messages do not say “Vote for So-andSo,” then it’s perfectly all right to inform the electorate of how great and wonderful human beings they are.

It’s early campaigning plain and simple, which makes it illegal. Yet no one is following the spirit of the law, using technicalities to get away with everything but murder.

Indeed, the Philippine electoral system is in urgent need of an overhaul. It should start by putting an end to the substitution of candidates except in extreme cases.

In the meantime, Filipino voters have to live with a system that doesn’t always make sense.

Upside

edistricting aims to prevent gerrymandering in all forms – whether based on “political, racial, incumbent, or amenity” interests, said demographer Paul Mitchell. He listed lower rate of growth than the rest of the country resulting in the loss of a congressional district, increased Latino and Asian populations, and the dispersion of Blacks among challenges and changes in California demographics impacting the state remap.

Redistricting is a component of interrelated processes transpiring every 10 years as a provision of the US CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO Constitution. The census determines distribution of US House seats or “apportionment,” requiring each seat is distributed or apportioned (or reapportioned) based proportionally on the state population. Redistricting follows in the states, where lines are drawn with equal populations for each House district.

County supervisorial and city redistricting are conducted by local redistricting commissions.

State Redistricting Commissioner Linda Akutagawa is a 30-year veteran of community organizing, but she had misgivings about her qualifications for the commission, something she said many Asian and Pacific Islanders may be able to relate to as a cultural trait.

Akutagawa said she too “had gotten word that perhaps there was less than a diverse pool” of applicants for the process, and wanted to make a difference.

“To be honest it was a last-minute decision,” Akutagawa shared that she had turned in her application on the final day of submission still wondering, “Who am I to think I can actually serve on this commission.” But the head of national nonprofit Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics ultimately overcame her apprehension as she recognized an opportunity to practice what she preaches.

“I’ve been telling community members across multiple sectors (that) we need more leaders who can step up, speak out and represent diverse voices and perspectives,” says Akutagawa, whose nonprofit’s mission is to attain “full participation and equality for APIs through leadership, empowerment, and policy.”

As redistricting nears conclusion after nearly two years, Akutagawa’s experience allows her to declare “any Californian should feel they are more than capable or more than qualified to participate in this process.”

She echoed a friend’s congratulatory message for landing one of the “most underappreciated jobs but also one of the most important jobs out there.”

“We are truly a citizens’ commission. Majority of us are not professional politicians though we care about and are involved in the community.”

The engagement of the two women of color from the community and academic sectors depicts the de-politicization of the process California voters passed in ballot measures over 11 years ago. In 2008, Prop 11 authorized the California State Auditor in the Voters First Act to regulate a nonpartisan redistricting(Continued on page 27)

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

FRANCIS ESPIRITU MARILYN B. KING

Vice President for Sales and Marketing

BETING LAYGO DOLOR Manila Editor

JUNNI RANILLO

Entertainment Editor

ANGELO LOPEZ Cartoonist

ELEANOR SMITH Office Manager

NICK SAGMIT GEORGE GANGE RENE AVENIDO

Photo Correspondents

Publisher/President

THELMA L. CRUZ

Vice President for Operations & Promotions

CHERIE QUEROL MORENO Executive Editor

NEIL GONZALES

Chief Correspondent Northern California

LYDIA SOLIS

Chief Correspondent Southern California

MA. CECILIA G. MADELO Graphic Director

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

ALFRED G. GABOT Editor-in-chief

CLAIRE M. TRUE Managing Editor

JO ERLINDA YABUT Entertainment Editor

THOMAS G. MADELO JR. Creative Director

BLESIE D. SISON ALBERT MARTINEZ RENE AMON Account Executives

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

The views and opinions expressed herein by writers, columnists and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, management and staff of Philippines Today. We are not responsible for incorrect printing, photographical errors or information listed or for loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts.

Reproduction or redistribution in whole or in part is prohibited.

 OPINION

November 18-24, 2021

PerryScope

ll’s well that ends well” is a proverb that dates back to 1250. It is also the name of a play by William Shakespeare in 1601-1605. It means that a positive ending can overshadow any problems that may have preceded it.

A case in point is the USPhilippines relationship since Rodrigo Duterte took over the presidency in 2016. Duterte PERRY DIAZ was a left-leaning politician who was mayor of Davao City for more than two decades.

When he was elected president in 2016, he showed his antiAmerican bias from the moment he took office. He pivoted the Philippines’ foreign policy away from Washington DC and toward Beijing. It was a change that affected the Philippines’ security and territorial sovereignty; e.g., when China sent some 220 ships from China’s maritime militia to Whitsun Reef in the Spratlys and stayed there for several weeks. It was apparent that China was planning on seizing the reef like what it did in 1994 when it seized the Panganiban (Mischief) Reef. China knew then that the U.S. wouldn’t interfere after the Philippines kicked the American bases out in 1992 when the Senate voted not to renew the U.S. bases agreement. This time around, the U.S. sent an aircraft carrier strike group that prompted China to disperse its ships away from Whitsun Reef.

Duterte’s separation from U.S. When Duterte went to China on a four-day state visit in October 2016, Duterte talked to the Chinese and Filipino business people at a forum in the Great Hall of the People. The forum was attended by no less than Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli. “America has lost now,” Duterte began, “I have realigned myself in your ideological flow, and maybe I will also go to Russia to talk to Putin and tell him that there are three of us against the world -- China, Philippines and Russia.

It is the only way.” Whoa! What the heck happened? Has Duterte gone loco-loco?

In his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping afterwards, Xi was conciliatory and called the visit a milestone in ties. Xi told Duterte that China and the Philippines were brothers and they could “appropriately handle disputes,” without mentioning the South China Sea, which is in the center of a territorial dispute between China and the Philippines. However, privately, the two agreed to resolve their South China Sea dispute through talks. But for that day, it was a cause for celebration between Asian “brothers.”

Duterte went home and boasted of securing $24 billion in investment, credit and loan pledges from China to fund his “Build, Build, Build” projects. In return, Duterte promised Xi that the Philippines would “give up” its South China Sea claims and also abandon its previous position on The Hague’s tribunal verdict that rejected China’s “nine-dash line” territorial claims.

To date, few of these have materialized into actual projects. Only two out of nine infrastructure projects have been funded for a measly P16.57 billion or $331 million, which makes one wonder: Would China ever deliver the rest of its pledges?

But here’s the rub: When Duterte announced that he was separating from America, he said he would also be dependent on China for a long time. Can Duterte really trust that Xi would treat the Philippines like how the US treated the Philippines in the last century?

“I will not go to America anymore. We will just be insulted there,” Duterte said. “So time to say goodbye my friend,” Duterte told a cheering crowd.

That was five years ago.

Today, Duterte is pivoting the Philippines back to its longtime ally the U.S. Years of “dancing” with the dragon emperor had produced only $331 million out of $24 billion pledged.

With just six years and seven months left of his presidency, Duterte realizes that the promises that Xi Jinping made are not going to happen. He decided to end his China-friendly policy and veer back to good old reliable Uncle Sam. Duterte thought that he could play China against the U.S. but ended up being played by China. Like a jilted suitor, Duterte turned around and went scurrying back to Uncle Sam. Needless to say, Uncle Sam will always welcome the Philippines back under its protective nuclear umbrella.

Defense agreements with U.S. (Continue on page 27)

A

s founder of Mobile Signing Services (MSS) and accredited and commissioned Notary Public in California since 1981, I am amazed how old and new clients have creative ways for the notarization and apostille of documents needed in the ART GABOT MADLAING Philippines.

An old client from Hayward, California called Mobile Signing Services for help in the notarization and apostille of Waive of Rights of his children for the Pag-ibig Fund Death Claim needed in the Philippines.

The client doesn’t want to drive to San Francisco, California so he suggested if he could take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) to the Balboa Park Station in San Francisco and I could pick him up to our home-office in San Francisco, California. The client inquired if we can notarize the documents, be submitted to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento and have the apostilled documents be ready for pick up on or before November 16, 2021. I told him that we can do the creative way and personal request he suggested.

With three copies of the documents and three copies of IDs, the client took the BART in the afternoon of Wednesday, November 3, 2021. When he arrived at the Balboa Park Station in San Francisco, he called me for pick-up. Within three minutes, I was able to pick up the client and brought him to our home-office in San Francisco.

After some preliminaries, I have the client signed the documents. He also signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and put his right thumb marks. After the notarization, I drove back the client to the BART Balboa Park Station where he returned home to Hayward, California.

The following day, Thursday, I submitted the notarized documents to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento for apostille. Since the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown the Front Desk at the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section was still closed. We were instructed the drop off the notarized documents inside the apostille box in the lobby, to be apostilled within 3-4 working days.

On Thursday, November 11,2021, I received the apostilled documents from the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento. I, then, called our client in Hayward, California who informed me that he will take the BART to the Balboa Park Station the following day, Friday afternoon, to pick up the apostilled documents. The client called me as soon as he arrived at the Balboa Park Station. I, then, drove within three minutes to the Balboa Park Station and delivered the apostilled documents to the client. The client expressed his appreciation because he got the apostilled documents four days before the November 16 deadline. He took the BART and returned home to Hayward, California joyful and happy.

We at the Mobile Signing Services (MSS) are committed and will continue to assist and help old and new clients particularly the veterans, elderly and those physically handicapped in the notarization and apostille of Affidavits, Special Power of Attorney, DEED OF DONATION, Waiver of Rights, DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, Proof of Life, Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate and other documents needed in the Philippines and the other member nations of the Hague Apostille Convention. Here are some advantages and benefits with MSS: SAVINGS ON GAS AND MILEAGE FEES – We encourage old and new clients to come to our home office in San Francisco, California for savings on gas and mileage fees ($50 to $120). If you can’t drive to San Francisco, just follow the creative way suggested and practiced by our old client in Hayward, California. Our client not only saved $120 on gas and mileage fees, he also got the apostilled documents four days before the November 16 deadline.

AVOID TAKE OFF FROM WORK - You don’t need to take off from work and drive to Sacramento or Los Angeles just to submit notarized documents to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, for apostille. MSS will take care everything for you.

DISCOUNTS FOR THE ELDERLY AND VETERANS – We offer special discounts for the elderly and veterans.

MULTIPLE DOCUMENTS AND MULTIPLE SIGNATURES DISCOUNTS – We offer (Continue on page 27)

Reject political dynasties in May

P

resident Duterte, the patriarch of what is currently the most prominent political clan in the country, said over the weekend political dynasties are “not bad” and will be in the Philippine political scene for many more years to come.

“Unless you change the whole picture, unless you “change the constitution, unless you change the culture — then VAL ABELGAS maybe you can. But if we stay like this, we will have dynasties. And dynasties are not bad,” he continued.

“But the provision in the Constitution about political dynasty, it will never push through no matter how hard they try,” the president added.

The President was referring to Article II Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution that states: “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”

Political dynasties have been described as “machineries of power that seek to perpetuate their own bloodlines and expand their reach.” One reason political dynasties have continued their domination in their respective political territories is that because of their positions of power and influence in their respective constituencies, national officials and those seeking national positions, and businessmen operating or wanting to operate in their areas of control have to kowtow to these political clans.

And because these elite families have both political and economic control over their provinces or cities, people outside of their circle of influence who are otherwise more qualified, more honest and more dedicated to render public service are unable to win elective positions.

“The problem with elite politics is there is no program or platform, it’s all power,” said Ramon Casiple, executive director of the advocacy group Institute for Political and Electoral Reforms.

“A lot of these political dynasties feel they own the seats that they occupy and it’s theirs to bequeath, to whoever family member they see fit,” anti-corruption group Transparency and Accountability Network executive director Vincent Lazatin said. “It is very disturbing.”

It is indeed disturbing.

For example, the Dutertes have ruled Davao City for decades since Rodrigo was appointed OIC-vice mayor of Davao City – ironically, by President Cory Aquino, whose family he seems to hate so much – in 1986 shortly after the EDSA People Power Revolt. In the first post-EDSA elections in 1988, Duterte ran as an independent and won. Of course, long before that, his father Vicente of the powerful DuterteDurano clan was mayor of Danao city in Cebu and was governor of the then undivided Davao, where Vicente and his family moved.

When the younger Duterte termed out after three terms as Davao city mayor, he ran for a House seat in 1998 and won.

He ran for mayor again in 2001 and won his old seat. After he termed out again in 2010, he ran for vice mayor and Sara, his daughter who was his vice mayor, ran for mayor. In 2013, Duterte ran for mayor again with Sara as vice mayor. In 2016, Duterte ran for president while Sara stayed as mayor to again replace his father. In 2019, Sara was reelected mayor, with his younger brother Sebastian as vice mayor. His other brother, Paolo, was elected congressman.

But that’s only talking about the Dutertes of Davao City.

Consider these facts from Wikipedia: • From 1995 to 2007, an average of 31.3% of all congressmen and 23.1% of governors were replaced by relatives. Of the 83 congressmen elected in 1995 to their third term, 36 were eventually replaced by a relative in the succeeding elections.

• In a study done in 2012 by economists, it was estimated that 40% of all provinces in the Philippines have a provincial governor and congressman that are related in some way.

• A 2014 study done by Prof. Querubin of the Department of Politics in New York University indicated that approximately 70% of all jurisdiction-based legislators in the Philippine Congress at the time were involved in a political dynasty, with 40% of them having ties to legislators who belonged to as far as 3 Congresses prior.

(Continue on page 27)

On Distant Shore

A “

Creative way for notarization and apostille of documents Health & Wealth

Duterte pivots back to America

12

13 November 18-24, 2021

 OPINION

A

Offline

llow me if you will to say a little prayer this week, which also happens to be my birthday week.

No, it’s not a milestone birthday for yours truly, but the cause that I pray for may well be the most important that I can plead to the heavens for as it is a matter of life or death. Not for myself, not for my loved ones, but for the BETING DOLOR entire Republic of the Philippines and all its 110-odd million citizens.

I can easily say that I pray for free and honest elections next year. That should be enough. Were this prayer granted, the country will at least elect a president who has the qualifications needed to bring the country out of the deep rut it finds itself in.

In truth, I am really praying that the Lord clear the path for a landslide victory for Leni Robredo.

It must be so overwhelming as to be beyond question. This is because I see the 2022 polls as a battle between good and evil, and the dark side will throw everything including the kitchen sink at the woman upon whose shoulders our hopes for a brighter future for our next generations lie.

I pray this because like a good number of our enlightened countrymen, I am aware of the consequences of her losing to any of the other candidates, but most especially to the least competent one who seems to be ahead in the surveys, if surveys are to be believed.

That candidate has billions of dollars stashed away, and his camp is using those funds now.

Everyone knows who I refer to. He is the one presidential candidate who does not have a college degree, a real one. Not one honorary diploma granted because his family made a huge donation to the university where he struggled but still failed to earn an honest-to-goodness degree.

That huge donation, quite incidentally, was courtesy of the Filipinos’ taxes, mine included.

I am truly afraid for our beloved motherland should this son of a dictator win. It does not take a genius to see what will happen should this grim scenario occur.

For one, the Philippines will be the world’s laughing stock.

No civilized country in the world will have any respect for the son and namesake of the man that the Guinness Book of Records calls the greatest thief of all time.

He himself will be a pariah, even worse than the incumbent who was never welcomed by other world leaders as an equal because of his crass ways, and reputation for being a bloodthirsty killer.

The worst part is that this pretender to the throne is known to have a low IQ. He may not be an idiot or a moron, but even his own father had a low regard for his poor excuse of a mind and brain.

As head of a developing country who has no idea what economics is all about, he will be totally dependent on his cabinet, which will almost certainly be made up of crooks and highwaymen whose sole reason for being in government service is to bleed the country dry.

If his father’s cronies became billionaires at the expense of the Filipino taxpayer, his new set of cronies will surely try to surpass the “accomplishments” of father’s favored few.

As this is a certainty, what happens next is also predictable. There will be another people power revolution, but I fear that it will be a brutal and bloody one.

It is for this reason that the Philippines must by the grace of God reject that candidate and elect Robredo.

I am fully aware that there are other candidates for president, each of whom carries his share of political baggage, but who can also conceivably contribute to the country’s growth.

If by some miracle, Manny Pacquiao, or Isko Moreno, or Ping Lacson emerge as the winner, the short-term future of the Philippines will not be so bad. Each can point the country to the right direction.

But because Robredo is both lawyer and economist, she stands out in the 2022 field of presidential candidates. She is best equipped to solve the massive problems left behind by Rodrigo Duterte.

The trio could help President Robredo in many ways, including accepting government posts in 2023. In the meantime, they can ask their supporters to (Continue on page 27)

I

An open letter to future of California’s 14th Congressional District

wish I had more than a day to ponder the fourteenth district before my deadline for this paper approaches. (Francis runs a tight ship.) In many ways, the district I got to know so well when I campaigned in 2018 is fascinating and fun to think about. It is home to some of the most dynamic industries in the world, maybe even in the history of the world. The City of South San Francisco, the place I typically think of as the home of Auntie Em’s and Fort McKinley, shares the distinction with Boston as one of the epicenters of the biotechnology industry. Think about that: it is this industry that has been front and center in addressing the problem of the pandemic.

It is in this district that I came across a scientist who explained to me in January of 2020 the significance of the Wuhan Lab and the virus that likely escaped from it. It is in this district that YouTube was born and bred, where Twitter censors its users, where video games push the limits of technology.

Alternative forms of energy and transportation spend their nascence here (before inevitably moving to lower tax regimes).

The fourteenth congressional district along with the one below it houses the epicenter for the modern Renaissance. Mediocrity is eaten for breakfast here. Mistakes are devoured for lunch. By the time dinner is ready to be served, there is nothing left but that which is both brilliant and lucky, that which will change the world.

Like any place in the past that has been the locus of tremendous change, it is not without displacement and pain. The locals are priced out of their own homes. The rapid inflation that comes with an influx of talent makes the poor poorer and exacerbates the problem among the least fortunate. I imagine that is what happened in Renaissance Florence and Renaissance Venice, even in New York in its heyday.

The Bay Area is in a tough situation. It would be hard to lead it in a straightforward manner if that really were the task at hand. There are so many competing interests, so many narratives that conflict. It is fortunate for any politician in the area that they only have to play to three entities: two unions (the California Federation of Teachers and the SEIU) and the Democratic Party. Win over support of these three factions and your job is almost a certainty. There is no need to pay attention to the Bay Area’s remarkable place in history or the unfortunate who become the economic victims of the history-making fortune building part of the population. A politician can pay lip service to these entities, wrap his or her messaging with a nice social justice bow and be done with the matter. It is only those three above entities that matter. Serve their needs and the politician can spend the rest of their time sleeping…or day trading.

When I learned that Congresswoman Jackie Speier had announced her retirement from politics after serving as a Representative since 2008 (it was a special election in 2008 that brought her into office), I thought of this dynamic and how it reflected on her legacy as a Congresswoman. At the federal level, her legislative legacy included a few renamed post offices, a tax break for Pinoys donating to Typhoon Yolanda victims, and a voting record eerily aligned with the “whatever Nancy wants” ethic. I would imagine that a rubber-stamping job as a legislator might get a little boring. I would imagine that Speier looked at the prospect of having to travel between SFO and Washington DC (if she wasn’t travelling by private jet) following a year and a half of Congressional sessions by Zoom and she thought, “I think I’ll stay in Hillsborough full time.”

I hope the next Representative will be able to incorporate some of the dynamism of the district in his or her execution of the job. I hope he or she will reach out to the constituents and avail of the great minds that live there as well as address the crisis of inequality that is becoming untenable.

Just a wish list in loving memory of one of the most interesting years of my life.

Is “crime involving moral turpitude,” like beauty, in the eye of the beholder?

T

he U.S. Congress made a conviction for a “crime involving moral turpitude” a ground for deportation. Immigration and Nationality Act, Sec. 237(a) (2)(A)(i) and (ii).

Similarly, the Philippine Batasang Pambansa (former National Assembly) made a “crime involving moral turpitude” a ground for disqualification to be a can- EMMANUEL SAMONTE TIPON didate for public office. B.P. 881, Omnibus Election Code, Sec. 12.

But the Honorable (not horrible, stupid) members of Congress or the Assembly did not define what constitutes a “crime involving moral turpitude” nor list the particular crimes that involved “moral turpitude.”

What then? Each court or adjudicator makes its own determination of what is a “crime involving moral turpitude”.

The practical effect is that what is a “crime involving moral turpitude,” like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.

As a result, there have been a number of contradictory or inconsistent decisions by courts and administrative agencies, including within the same government agency.

An article “Why Deporting Immigrants for ‘Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude’ is now Unconstitutional” in The Free Library by Farlex says: “the statute authorizing removal of immigrants for “crimes involving moral turpitude” invites officials to base their prosecutorial choices on political or personal views. As a result, defense attorneys advising their clients on the immigration consequences of pleas have no basis for prediction.”

The article noted that Justice Jackson in his dissent in Jordan v De George, 341 U.S. 223 (1951), said that “moral turpitude will always fluctuate with differences in time, culture, and locality,” and that “lower court opinions applying moral turpitude rested not on consistent usage but rather on the “moral reactions of particular judges to particular offenses.” “The chief impression from the cases is the caprice of the judgments.” Jackson asked “How many aliens have been deported who would not have been had some other judge heard their cases, and vice versa, we may only guess. That is not government by law.” https://www.thefreelibrary.com/ WHY+DEPORTING+IMMIGRANTS+FOR+%22CRIME S+INVOLVING+MORAL+TURPITUDE%22+IS+NOW...

-a0559687163 WHAT IS A CIMT Since Congress has not defined “crime involving moral turpitude” (CIMT), the BIA and the federal courts have defined it as “conduct that shocks the public conscience and as being inherently base, vile, or depraved, contrary to the rules of morality and the duties owed between man and man, either one’s fellow man or society in general.” Hamdan v. INS, 98 F.3d 183, 185-86 (5th Cir. 1996), cited by Matter of SilvaTrevino, 24 I&N Dec. 687 (AG 2008).

Mary P. Holper wrote in a law review article “Deportation for a Sin: Why Moral Turpitude Is Void for Vagueness” that this provides no useful definition. Rather, this ground for deportation casts judges in the role of God.” It is obvious that this definition is as vague as the term being defined. What is “base, vile, or depraved” is still in the eye of the beholder.

The Philippine Supreme Court held that whether or not a crime involves moral turpitude is ultimately a question of fact and frequently depends on all the circumstances surrounding the violation of the statute. Dela Torre v. Comelec, 258 SCRA 483 (1996).

ISSUING CHECK WITH INSUFFICIENT FUNDS For instance, issuing a check with insufficient funds (passing a bad check) has been held by the Board of Immigration Appeals to be a CIMT in a number of cases, Matter of Zangwill, 18 I&N Dec. 22, 28 (BIA 1981; Matter of Balao, 20 I&N Dec. 449 (BIA 1992), but not a CIMT in other cases, Matter of Westman, 17 I&N Dec. 518 (BIA 1979), Matter of Bart 20 I&N Dec. 436 (BIA 1992). The Court of Appeals held that a California conviction of delivering or making a check with insufficient funds with intent to defraud was categorically a crime involving moral turpitude. Planes v Holder, No. 07– 70730 (9th Cir. 07 05 2011).

The Philippine Supreme (Continue on page 27)

What’s Up Attorney

My birthday prayer

 IMMIGRATIONS Will my retirement income be enough?

I

f you are near your retirement age, you must act now or else you will find yourself miserable during your “golden years” or retirement period. Consider Bankruptcy as a great financial planning tool for those who are within a few years from retirement. You must prepare a financial plan for a debt free retirement so that you will enjoy your golden years. Ask yourself these questions: 1. Will my retirement income be enough to cover my daily expenses and medical bills?

2. Will I be carrying a mortgage that I cannot pay during my retirement?

3. Will my long term care cost and medicines be covered by my pension?

4. Will increases in cost of living and medicines be covered by my pension?

On the average, retirement income for seniors ranges from $800 to $1500 a month. This income does not increase to cover the ever-increasing cost of living and medicines. Long term care cost and medicines will not be covered by the monthly pensions of seniors if they do not have any savings or 401K pension plan. There are seniors who are still carrying a mortgage and putting all their money on it in anticipation of an increase in value of real estate. This is the worst kind of money management.

It is unimaginable that you will be depending on your monthly pension and still owing a lot of debts. The best time to plan for retirement is now. If you have no way of supporting your daily expenses because of debts, then it is time to consider filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

You can discharge most of your unsecured debts by filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Many people especially those close to retirement are stressed out because of all their financial obligations.

You do not have to put yourself in this very miserable situation because of debts. You worked hard for so many years to have a comfortable retirement and you deserved it. You can retire debt free if you want. There is nothing to be ashamed of in filing bankruptcy. It is made into law to give people a chance to start fresh and be free from past obligations. Many millionaires are also filing for bankruptcy for many reasons since bankruptcy law is created.

Question: Will the creditors take away my social security pension and retirement accounts if I file bankruptcy?

Answer: No. Social security checks and retirement accounts such as IRA and 401K are exempt from creditors up to $1.1 million. Seniors who file bankruptcy will come with fresh start without seeing a big percentage of their retirement income to be paid to creditors.

Any penny saved from paying creditors goes into your retirement.

Note: This is not a legal advice, and you need to speak to an attorney. The Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano has 20 years of experience in bankruptcy cases.

Success Stories For the month of October 2021, we received approvals from USCIS five naturalization applications, two Fiancée visa petitions, four removals of 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.

Why China may annex the Philippines China may annex the Philippines after the May 2022 election because of China’s ambition to control the West Philippine Sea which will enable them to control all and the important sea passage. When this happens, all of us including our children and grandchildren will become slaves of Communist China. This is something that we have to fight to the last drop of blood.

We will have no more country because we were sold by our politicians. The only way we can do is to protest in unity. This is a right granted in our constitution and a basic human rights nobody can deny. . We need to unite in order to defeat the current administration and its allies running for President. Listen to Percy Lapid (or Lapid Fire) and Waldy Carbonell on You Tube and Facebook for details and more corruption in the government.

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

Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers. He practices immigration law, bankruptcy and income tax preparation since June 1999. His contact phone is 1-877456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www.crispinlozanolaw.com/

November 18-24, 2021

14

Watchdog questions BSP’s ‘midnight deal’ on banknotes shift MANILA - An anti-corruption watchdog has asked the Senate to investigate the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) following its rush decision to shift to using polymer/plastic in making banknotes from abaca-cotton for circulation starting next year, stressing this is expensive and will affect the livelihood of Filipino farmers.

In a statement published in Manila media and online, Bencyrus Ellorin, convenor of Pinoy Aksyon, said he supports the position of the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFida), a government agency, against the shift.

“Why is this being rushed? Hindi ba pwedeng pag-aralan muna mabuti, mag test, dahil maapektuhan and mga magsasaka,” Ellorin said. “ Sa panahon ngayon ng Pandemic, marami naghihirap, kailangan natin mag isip ng makakatulong sa kapwa Pilipino”.

Ellorin called the BSP transaction with a Filipino-Chinese contractor a “midnight deal.”

“BSP can help save money for the Government by not shifting to Polymer/ Plastic Banknotes during this Pandemic

as there is no emergency situation,” said PhilFida in a position paper.

BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan announced last October that the BSP will test the use of polymer P1,000 bills through circulation before the Presidential election next year.

PhilFida had questioned why the BSP was insisting to shift to polymer/plastic banknotes amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic whereas, the Bank of England commissioned testing to better understand the actual risk of transmitting Covid 19 Virus via Banknotes. It concluded that there is no material difference in the viability of the virus on Polymer and Paper Banknotes.

Ellorin stated that Philippine Banknotes substrate is different from other Paper Banknotes in other countries - as the Philippines and Japan are the only two countries in the world using Philippine Abaca in their banknotes.

The use of Polymer by other countries should not be the basis for BSP to do the same as the paper they replaced is much different from the Philippine substrate, the group said.

Remittances hit $3 billion in September

MANILA — Overseas Filipinos sent home slightly more money in September as land-based workers with long term contracts remitted more funds to their local beneficiaries, latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed.

In a statement, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said personal remittances by overseas citizens reached $3.026 billion in September 2021, 4.8 percent higher than the $2.888 billion recorded in the same month in 2020.

This brought total remittances for the nine-month period to $25.69 billion from $24.302 billion in 2020 or a 5.7 percent increase in the first nine months of 2021.

Land-based workers with contracts lasting over a year remitted $2.34 billion in September, an increase by 6.2%. Seafarers and land-based workers with shortterm contracts sent home $633 million, a

1.7% jump.

Of the personal remittances from overseas Filipinos, cash coursed through banks registered a 5.2 percent growth to $2.737 billion in September 2021 from $2.601 billion recorded in the same month last year.

The growth in cash remittances from the United States, Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea contributed largely to the increase in remittances in January-September 2021.

In terms of country sources, the US registered the highest share of overall remittances at 40.8 percent in the first nine months of 2021, followed by Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Taiwan, Qatar and South Korea.

The biggest chunk of remittances from January to September came from the United States at 40.8%, said the agency.

SEC clears IPOs of Citicore, Figaro; shares offer of Arthaland PASAY CITY – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has considered favorably the initial public offerings (IPO) by Citicore Energy REIT Corp. (CREIT) and Figaro Coffee Group, Inc., as well as the preferred share offer by Arthaland Corporation.

In its meeting on November 16, the commission en banc resolved to render effective the registration statements of CREIT covering 6,545,454,004 common shares; Figaro Coffee Group of 5,011,005,003 common shares; and

Arthaland covering up to 6 million series D preferred shares, subject to certain remaining requirements.

CREIT is a real estate investment trust (REIT) sponsored by Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation (CREC) and Citicore Solar Tarlac 1, Inc. The IPO will include up to 1,047,272,000 primary shares priced at up to P3.15 per share, plus 1,741,660,000 secondary shares to be offered by selling shareholder CREC, which has an oversubscription option of up to 418,339,000 shares.

 ENTERTAINMENT

November 18-24, 2021

Ina Raymundo’s son to play college baseball in US

Actress, model and singer Ina Raymundo is excited as her son has made it to a baseball team in the United States as her daughter started studying in college also in US. Ina, 45, whose real name is Rina Marie Padilla Raymundo, beaming

with pride, reported the milestones of her two children with husband Ukrainian-Canadian Brian Portunak, in her social media account and reported in Manila media, including ABS-CBN. Ina and Brian’s two children are Erika Rae and Jakob Portunak. They

Searching for more Medicare coverage at no extra cost?

Get the affordable healthcare coverage you deserve with a Brand New Day Medicare Advantage Plan.

If you are eligible for Medicare and have one of the following conditions you may be able to enroll today.

Cardiovascular Disease Congestive Heart Failure Hypertension/High Blood Pressure BRAND NEW DAY EMBRACE PLANS OFFER: Primary Care Office Visits Preferred Generic Prescription Drugs Routine Eye Exam Unlimited Transportation to Doctor Visits Acupunture & Chiropractic Generic Viagra

Diabetes Borderline Diabetes History of Stroke THESE PLANS ALSO COVER: Comprehensive Dental with Implant Coverage Hearing Aids Over-the-Counter Allowance SilverSneakers® Membership

Programs for individuals with PART A & B Medicare.

You may qualify for year-round enrollment.

Call today for a no-cost benefit review with no obligation to join.

MARCEL O. BALMEO 0F44433 (650) 771-7909 Benefits vary by plan. Brand New Day is an HMO with a Medicare Contract. Enrollment in Brand New Day depends on contract renewal. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings call 1-866-255-4795, TTY 711. Available in these counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Stanislaus, Tulare, Yolo H0838_3095.211101_M

BND_10864

were married since 2003.The couple have three other children, namely, Mikaela Jade, Anika Sage and Minka Eve. Jakob made it to Xavier University’s baseball team, she said.

In her Instagram account, Ina said her son’s achievement was a result of many years of hard work and dedication.

“My son is now officially a Xavier Musketeer. To be playing D1 college baseball is one of the best achievements in your life, Jakob. We are so proud of you,” she said in the caption of her Instagram post Jacob will be suiting up for the Cincinnati-based Musketeers in NCAA Division 1, which features major collegiate athletic powers in the US, according to the reports.

“But of course, this wouldn’t be possible without the 101% support you get from your dad. I’ve witnessed the best teamwork between the two of you, that also includes Coach Alex,

16

thank you. Thank you Lord, for orchestrating all these blessings,” the actress-singer added.

Last August, according to ABSCBN, Ina saw off daughter Erika Rae to college in the US. Erika, Raymundo’s eldest child with husband Brian Poturnak, was accepted to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston.

After graduating high school last year, Erika signed with the local talent agency Cornerstone Entertainment, it was reported.

“It’s bittersweet to see my firstborn leave for college. Well, goodbye for now @erikarae.p. We will miss you and your craziness. We love you, ate and we wish you all the best,” Ina said in August on Instagram.

In her social media posts, Erika has been giving her followers a glimpse of her singing talent Aside from singing, Erika has been widely praised for her beauty and sensual appeal.

17 November 18-24, 2021

 ENTERTAINMENT

ABS-CBN awarded $21 M in lawsuit vs 21 pirate website operators Filipino media giant illustrates how pirate domains can be taken down via US Courts SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Court in the Southern District of Florida entered a default judgment in favor of leading Filipino media and entertainment company, ABS-CBN, and against 21 pirate site operators.

The Order includes an award of damages in excess of $1 million against each of the 21 pirate website operators. The websites associated with these illegal operations are streaming portals offering free access to ABS-CBN content in the U.S. and abroad.

Due to the defendants’ failure to appear in court or participate in the lawsuit, the court approved ABSCBN’s request for $1 million in trademark damages against each of the site operators. Below are the defendants by number and subject domain name: Additionally, six of the defendants were ordered to pay between

$30,000 to $90,000 in damages for copyright infringement. Further, thefilipinochannel.su was ordered to pay another $10,000 in cybersquatting damages for its domain name, which is confusingly similar to one of ABSCBN’s registered trademarks.

Despite the challenge of not knowing the identities of the pirate domain operators, the default judgment takes direct aim at their wallets. The order includes a provision that requires advertising service providers to turn over any restrained revenue generated by the pirate websites. These funds were previously restrained in a temporary restraining order against the defendants.

Moreover, these pirate sites have been ordered to hand over their domain names to ABS-CBN so that they may no longer be used as a source for their infringing activities.

If the domains’ current registrars do

not comply, ABS-CBN may escalate the order to the controlling registry, which will then be instructed to put the domains on hold and remove them from the TLD zone files.

At this time, ABS-CBN has succeeded in removing 18 of the domains at issue.

“There is a way to stop pirates and the U.S. court system is making it possible,” said ABS-CBN Global Anti-Piracy and Content Security Head Elisha Lawrence. “The demand for ABS-CBN content around the world remains high and many will capitalize on this illegally. They can try, but sooner rather than later, the long arm of the law will catch them.”

Source: Final Default Judgment, ABS-CBN Corporation, et al. v.

123fullpinoymovieshub.com, Southern District of Florida, Case No. 21-60663-CIV-COHN/Strauss.

District boundaries that determine your elected representatives are only created every ten years. Right now, California is redrawing these lines, and speaking up for your community is critical to making your interests heard in government. Your participation in this process helps ensure that your voice is heard by elected leaders when making decisions on funding for children’s education and determining tax rates.

A free-to-use, online tool is now available to all California residents to provide feedback during this process. Fair maps are drawn when people like you participate.

 ENTERTAINMENT

November 18-24, 2021

18

Derek Ramsay and Ellen Adarna married in Bataan

British-Filipino actor and model Derek Ramsay, considered one of the most elusive bachelors in the Philippine showbiz industry, has married actress Ellen Adarna of Cebu.

Derek, 44, and Ellen, 33, tied the knot on November 11 after a whirlwind romance in a uniquely chic affair set in an emotional garden ceremony in Rancho Bernardo Luxury Villas and Resort in Bagac, Bataan.

The wedding ceremony was widely reported by Manila media, including top networks GMA, Derek’s home studio, and ABS-CBN where Ellen is a talent.

Maharlika TV also had its extensive report on the wedding.

Reports of the wedding by Manila media showed Ellen was stunning in her white high-slit, body-hugging wedding gown created by Marc Rancy who said in his Instagram story: “It was my pleasure to be your designer for the most important dress in your life.”

“Thank you for making me part of your big day,” Marc added.

Ellen’s glam team was composed of Micky See who did her almost nothing makeup and Raymond Santiago for her hair. Her best friend Mimi Qui Reyes did her nails. She wore accessories by Sep Vergara and heels by Nicholas Kirkwood.

As expected, Derek, the effortless dashing groom complemented his bride’s flawless look. The groom’s dapper attire was a light gray coat and trousers by Bianca Cordero. His grooming was done by Mang Amado.

Ellen’s son with John Lloyd Cruz, Elias looked adorable in a mustard colored linen set, while Derek’s teenage son Austin wore a cool red-orange linen set.

Also at the wedding were Mayor Luis Chavit Singson, furniture designer Vito Selma, celebrity couple Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho and their daughter, Scarlet Snow, Beauty Gonzalez whose daughter Olivia was an adorable flower girl to the ceremony, and the couple’s other funloving friends.

Celebrity photographer Pat Dy and his teammates Nelwin Uy and Chissai Bautista shared beautiful snapshots of the bride, groom, and the the ceremony, showing both the groom and the bride crying as Ellen walked down the aisle.

Derek had his shoes customized by adding their wedding date “11.11” stitched on the leather done by Godfathers Shoes.

The couple’s names were also engraved on the soles.

Event stylists Randy Lazaro and Gary Dacanay waved their magic wands and turned the peak of Rancho Bernardo into a fairy wonderland filled with white arches wrapped in greens and roses in white, peach, and pink.

Randy was in charge of the ceremony’s venue.

According to an Instagram post by the wedding coordinator, La Belle Fete, the highlight of the wedding ceremony was the unique concept of the aisle.

The post read, “Instead of the usual ramp or path, we put fragments of slates with the couple’s favorite song, Freefall by @katetorralba.

“As the sunset on the horizon, with the surprise song number by Kate, the eternal love story of Ellen and Derek started.”

In an Instagram post, Randy expressed his gratitude to Derek and Ellen.

He wrote, “2021 is a year of opportunities for me. I use the stumbling blocks as my stepping stones as I hone my craft.

“This mountain wedding is an allusion to my journey. Despite the tiring climb, I look up at the sun as I whisper a prayer of thanks.

“Thank you, Derek and @maria.elena.adarna, for trusting my team and me to create this one-of-a-kind ceremony design conceptualized by @labellefete.”

Ellen arrived at the wedding venue in style on a golf cart. The bride’s best friend Vito Selma recorded her arrival and shared it in his Instagram Stories.

The wedding was strictly a “familyand-close friends-affair.

Ellen’s mother Meriam Go walked her down the aisle. Derek’s parents, Remedios Paggao-Ramsay and Derek Arthur Ramsay Sr., were just as aglow as their son on his wedding day.

Ellen’s son, Elias Modesto Cruz, with John Lloyd Cruz and Derek’s 18-year old son, Austin Ramsay, with former model Mary Christine Jolly were scene stealers in their natty getups.

Scarlet Snow Belo, daughter of Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho and Olivia Ines Crisologo, daughter of Beauty Gonzales and Norman Crisologo were the flower girls.

The Maids and Man of Honor, aka #TeamBride, included Farah Jane Piscos Aton, Kate Torralba, Madel Dga, Din Gamallo, and Vito Selma.

Meanwhile, part of #TeamGroom were Derek’s brother Derek Andrew Ramsay and his friends Gerry Santos, Angelo Galileo Gonzaga, Donn Ang, and Anthony AJ Violago.

Singer Pops Fernandez and talent manager Jojie Dingcong were also present at the wedding, according to the reports.

Celebrity photographer Nelwin Uy captured Derek’s reaction as his bride was about to walk down the aisle.

The celebrity couple’s messages to each other were so moving they made their guests emotional. Even the event photographer, their good friend Pat Dy, cried.

Pat shared a photo of the couple delivering their heart-tugging messages and wedding vows. His caption: “Their speeches! [three crying emojis]” Ellen and Derek walked toward the reception tent guided by their own “Galaxy of Stars,” courtesy of reception stylist Gary Dacanay.

Gary also used the same color palette to style the wedding’s reception venue.

The event stylist filled the tent with lush greens and pink, white, and peach-colored flowers.

Derek and Ellen’s romantic sunset wedding was filled with sweet kisses, happy tears, and crazy antics.

Before Ellen walked down the aisle,

she stood for a moment, lovely in her bridal gown, wiped away happy tears.

The moment must have felt surreal for the actress who said many times in the past that she could not see herself ever getting married.

Derek, standing by the altar, was looking intently at Ellen, himself in tears. He had said that he wasn’t thinking of getting into a relationship when he met Ellen.

But after barely one month after almost daily hanging out with her and their friends, he found himself wanting to marry her.

However, their free-spirited Instagram posts showed them in perfect compatibility—sharing fun habits, celebrating occasions, pranking each other, acting like kids, and sounding free to be crazy.

The first kiss of Derek and Ellen as a married couple sealed their commitment to love each other forever.

The whole thing registered like a dreamy scene from a movie.

Derek cupped Ellen’s face, looked into her eyes, and gave her a gentle and closemouthed kiss that lasted six seconds Then they hugged each other like they would not let go.

OPM icon Heber Bartolome dies at 73

Filipino folk and rock legend Heber Bartolome has died. He was 73.

Jesse Bartolome, Heber’s brother, said the famous singer and songwriter was best known for his hits “Tayo’y Mga Pinoy” and “Nena.”

Singers, composers, and citizens, including those in the entertainment industry, mourned the passing of Bartolome. Facebook page has been filled with people sharing photos and memories of the folk singer.

Renowned writer Lualhati Bautista was among the many who remembered

Bartolome, simply writing “Paalam, Heber [Farewell, Heber].”

Born on Nov. 4, 1948 in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, Bartolome also taught Filipino literature at the De La Salle University. He also had a degree in fine arts from the University of the Philippines.

He was the founder of the band Banyuhay, and was also behind the hits “Karaniwang Tao,” “Pasahero,” and “Almusal.”

Bartolome’s family has yet to release a statement on his passing.

19 November 18-24, 2021

 ENTERTAINMENT

Cast and creative team bared for San Jose State Company’s ‘Great Expectations’ unique opportunity to re-tell Pip’s tale using the leanest approach of reducing the story to its barest and intimate form.”

The cast of GREAT EXPECTATIONS will feature Keith Pinto* as “Pip,” Norman Gee* as “Joe/Wimmick/ Drummel,” Jennifer Le Blanc* as “Compeyson/Biddy/Estella,” Julian Lopez-Morillas* as “Magwich/Pumblechook/ Jaggers,” Li-Leng Au as “Mrs. Joe/Miss Havisham,” and Nick Rodrigues as “Watzel/Sergeant/Herbert Pocket.”

In addition to Kenneth Kelleher, the creative team includes Jean Cardinale (Costume Designer), Maurice Vercoutere (Lighting Designer), Steve Schoenbeck (Sound Designer), Jenn Trampeneau (Props Coordinator), and Sarah Ellen Boynt* (Stage Manager). *Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.

San Jose Stage Company’s 39th Season RESILIENCE will continue with a fully staged World Premiere of STRANGE COURTESIES (February 2 - 27, 2022; Press Opening: February 5, 2022), Pulitzer Prize-winning AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY (March 30 - April 24, 2022; Press Opening: April 2, 2022), and the rarely produced THE TOOTH OF CRIME (June 1 - 26, 2022; Press Opening: June 4, 2022).

All programming and scheduling is subject to change.

Complete casting and creative teams for the remainder of season will be announced at a later date.

Tickets and subscriptions may be purchased online at www.thestage.org.

About Neil Bartlett Neil Bartlett has been making rule-breaking theatre and performance since 1983. After a controversial early career he was appointed Artistic Director of the Lyric Hammersmith in London in 1994; since leaving the Lyric in 2005 SAN JOSE, CA – San Jose Stage Company (Randall major cultural producers he has worked for include the King, Artistic Director and Cathleen King, Executive Director) i announced the full cast and creative team for The Stage’s second production in its 39th Season, Charles Dickens’ GREAT EXPECTATIONS adapted by Neil Bartlett.

Directed by Kenneth Kelleher, GREAT EXPECTATIONS will run from November 17 – December 12, 2021 at San Jose Stage Company (490 South 1st Street, San Jose, CA, 95113). The press opening will take place on Saturday, November 20th at 8:00 p.m. Tickets range from $32 - $72 and can be purchased through the Box Office at (408) 2837142 or online at www.thestage.org. For more information, visit www.thestage.org.

Desire becomes destiny in Neil Bartlett’s powerful adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. A young orphan named Pip takes us on a journey through the windswept marshes of England, to the cobweb-strewn lair of mad Miss Havisham, and into the ruthless streets of London. A story of survival filled with intrigue and unexpected twists that has captivated generations, the true nature of generosity and the price of revenge comes to life in this raw adaptation. Might we find it in our hearts to forgive the unforgivable?

“GREAT EXPECTATIONS explores social injustice as well as universal human emotions and experiences, all equally relatable in the 1860’s as in today’s world,” says Artistic Director, Randall King, “to judge upon physical appearances rather than depth of heart or quality of character and conscience. This story challenges us to open our hearts and minds to become kinder, more compassionate, and better at discerning true moral values. There is no better time than now to reflect on the regrets of the past, to learn from the mistakes upon the paths we have chosen.

Dickens’ message seems to float on a cloud of timeless relevance: to embrace optimism and hope, to be kinder to ourselves and others.”

Director Kenneth Kelleher comments “Dickens is a masterful storyteller and the thought of realizing this particular adaptation of GREAT EXPECTATIONS with six extremely versatile actors, each playing many roles, is a

National, the Abbey in Dublin, the Bristol Old Vic, the Manchester Royal Exchange, the Edinburgh International, Manchester International, Brighton, Aldeburgh and Holland Festivals, the Wellcome Foundation and Tate Britain .

Neil is also an acclaimed author, with a whole shelf of novels, plays, adaptations and translations to his name. His most recent novel, The Disappearance Boy, earned him a nomination as Stonewall Author of the Year in 2014 – and his very first novel, Ready to Catch Him Should He Fall, has just been republished (2017) by Profile as a Serpent’s Tail Classic.

About San Jose Stage Company Through powerful, provocative and profound theatre, San Jose Stage Company (The Stage) seeks to expand community, forge creative partnerships and challenge individuals in order to illuminate the human condition.

San Jose Stage Company is recognized as the South Bay’s leading professional theatre company, having earned a reputation for artistic excellence through imaginative and edgy theatrical experiences that spark ideas and dialogue with the audience. The Stage is dedicated to the presentation and development of new works, with a concentration on American literature scripted by modern playwrights that speak to the conditions, hopes and fears of humanity. With the farthest seat in the house no more than 15 feet from the three-quarter thrust stage, the connection between actor and audience is profoundly visceral.

The Stage is a multi-award-winning theatre company, including the 2018 Paine Knickerbocker Award for continued contributions to Bay Area theatre from the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle. The Stage has produced over 185 productions, including 18 world premieres and 49 new works and is ranked as the 2nd largest professional theatre and 8th largest performance arts organization in Silicon Valley (Silicon Valley Business Journal).

 REAL ESTATE

November 18-24, 2021

20

Easing of travel Office sector performs ‘better benefitting than expected’ amid pandemic restrictions PHL property mart During the first half of this year alone, new leases and renewals were booked at its Mactan Newtown township here in Cebu, Eastwood City, McKinley Hill, Uptown Bonifacio, Southwoods City in Biñan, Laguna, and Davao Park District in Davao City.

“Around 80 percent of these leases in the CEBU CITY – Overturning the first half of the year were anticipated effects of the coronarenewals. This means, BPO comvirus pandemic, Megaworld Corp. panies opted to stay and held on reported it has booked around to their spaces. This also clearly 415,000 square meters of office indicates the strength and resilience leases since the start of the pandem- of the office market within our pioic early last year. neering townships,” said Kevin Tan, Around 60 percent of these chief strategy officer of Megaworld, lease contracts booked since last in a statement. year were renewals while the Earlier this year, Megaworld remaining 40 percent were new fully leased its Southwoods Ofleases, mostly from the information fice Towers inside the 561-hectare technology (IT) and business proSouthwoods City after an American cess outsourcing (BPO) sectors.

renewable energy company and a BPO company specializing in customer care solutions took the remaining spaces, reported PNA”s Carlo Lorenciana.

In Davao City, four levels of the Davao Finance Center inside the 11-hectare Davao Park District have also been leased to one of the largest BPO companies in the country during the first half of this year.

“The township model is (to) our advantage. These consistent take-ups of office spaces even in the middle of community lockdowns are not just in Metro Manila but also in key growth centers in the provinces. We are very happy and optimistic about how the office sector has so far been performing better than expected,” Tan said.

Occupancy rates of Megaworld premier offices remain at 90 percent, with some of its townships reaching 100 percent such as Iloilo Business Park.

THE NUMBER ONE CHOICE FOR FILIPINO FAMILIES The ONLY Place for All Your Arrangements in One Convenient Location New Funeral home with Reception Center Flower Shop Beautiful Garden Memorial Park Cremation Services We transfer your loved ones to and from the Philippines

TTT BBBBBBBBB NNN FFFFFFF HHHH

RRRRRRRRR CCCCCC

CCCCCCC LLLL

MAKATI CITY – The easing of travel restrictions, especially for foreigners, has positive impacts on the Philippine real estate market, a property advisory firm said.

Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) chief executive officer David Leechiu said one of the positive outcomes of relaxing travel restrictions for foreigners is the comeback of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), which accelerated the growth of the office space market before the pandemic.

“With travel restrictions easing up, we anticipate POGOs to start reopening their offices and begin to grow by the second quarter of 2022,” Leechiu said in a PNA report.

The POGO sector, where workers are mostly Chinese nationals, has given up around 30 to 40 percent of the office space and a higher rate of vacancy in the residential space amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Right now they are in the moat of stability. But when they start expanding again, I think it depends on the rate of expansion, they could easily wipe out all these vacant spaces in the market in the next two years,” he added.

Leechiu also recalled how POGOs grew since 2016 when they are only occupying 200,000 square meters (sqm), to peaking at 1.7 million sqm. before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Leechiu said both the office and residential properties will be boosted with the return of POGOs in the country.

Aside from POGO, the easing of travel restrictions is also attracting business process outsourcing (BPO) companies to expand in the Philippines.

He added that many BPO firms, particularly newcomers, will be putting up their operations in the country. Most of these BPO companies are in the healthcare sector coming from the United States and Europe.

“I think the next administration will have to appreciate that we need more PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) zones in Manila. We continue to meet new brands, names you never heard before… who are coming to the Philippines for the first time, and they need to be in Manila,” Leechiu said.

PEZA has been pushing for the lifting of the ban on new ecozones in the National Capital Region (NCR) to encourage new investors from the BPO sector to open their operations in the Philippines.

Leechiu emphasized those BPO firms that have been in the country for a long time are already expanding in other parts of the country, bringing more jobs and economic activities outside NCR. However, new entrants in the market will have to establish their offices in Metro Manila.

Moreover, with the infrastructure projects being established by the government particularly airports, it will attract more tourists to the country and will boost the tourism market, Leechiu said.

He added that direct flights coming from abroad to provinces with key tourist destinations will encourage more foreign travelers to visit the country for leisure trips.

“I think tourism will be the biggest industry in the Philippines within 10 years. It will be larger than the BPO sector, it will be larger than the overseas remittances,” Leechiu said.

21 November 18-24, 2021

NEWS  NATIONAL SPORTS NEWS

Nietes to face Dominican in WBA title eliminator in Dubai on December 11 MANILA/DUBAI - Four-division champion Donnie Nietes will be making his return to the ring in a highly crucial battle on December 11.

Nietes will square off with Dominican Republic’s Norbelto “Meneito” Jimenez in a world title eliminator at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, according to Boxing Scene and reported

by ABS-CBN. The 39-year-old Nietes, who has signed up with newly formed company Probellum, is will need to hurdle the younger former title contender to become the mandatory challenger to one of the WBA junior bantamweight world titles, the report stated.

Mexican superstar Juan Francisco Estrada holds the WBA “super” title, while Mexican-American Joshua Franco is the current WBA “regular” chamagainst the likes of Thai slugger Srisaket Sor Rungvpion.

A victory over Jimenez will also position Nietes isai, Nicaraguan superstar Roman “Chocolatito”

Lim may salvage bronze in Dubai karate tourney

DUBAI - Karateka Jamie Christine Lim has showed vastly improved form, beating three tough foes before absorbing a close 1-2 quarterfinals loss to Ukrainian Anita Serogina in the women’s minus 61kg division of the 25th World Senior Karate Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Competing in her world meet debut, Lim opened her campaign with a rousing 4-2 win over Russia’s Alana Kochieva, then showed poise under pressure by pulling off majority decision victories over France’s Laura Sivert and Japan’s Shimada Sarara in the next two rounds, reports to Manila from Dubai showed.

But the 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist found her match in Serogina, a gold medalist in the Cairo, Egypt leg of the Karate Premier League 1 last September, and was relegated to the repechage round.

Serogina, a 2017 World Games silver medalist, advanced to the gold medal round on Saturday with a majority decision win over Canada’s Haya Jumaa in the semifinals. She will tackle Serbian Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Jovana Prekovic, a 3-2 semifinal winner over Slovakia’s Ingrida Suchankova, in the title match.

“She (Lim) is waiting for her foe in the repechage match tomorrow (Thursday) to see if she can fight for a bronze medal on Saturday,” said karate chief Ricky Lim, proud of how the daughter of basketball legend Avelino “Samboy” Lim had fared in her initial world outing.

Set to compete earlier was Karate Premier League 1 double gold medalist Junna Tsukii, who loomed as one of the favorites in the minus 50kg class considering her extensive competition in the elite series organized by the World Karate Federation.

Gonzalez, Japan’s Kazuto Ioka and fellow Filipino champion Jerwin Ancajas.

Nietes (43-1-5, 23 knockouts) has won world titles at 105, 108, 112 and 115 pounds, but has fought just once in nearly three years, defeating Pablo “El Trencito” Carrillo by unanimous decision last April at Caesar’s Palace in Dubai.

Nietes had been rated on The Ring’s pound for pound list, but his career lost momentum shortly after he defeated Kazuto Ioka for the vacant WBO junior bantamweight title on New Year’s Eve of 2018.

Nietes opted to vacate the belt instead of making a mandatory defense against Aston Palicte, against whom he’d drawn against in the fight prior.

Then, in August of 2020, Nietes’ career-long promoter ALA Promotions ended their operations after 35 years.

Filipino bowlers bag bronze in Dubai IBF championships games DUBAI Despite their short preparation, Filipino bowlers snapped a 15year dry spell by bagging bronze medals in the men’s and women’s team events of the International Bowling Federation Super World Championships at the Dubai 2020 Expo over the weekend.

Playing in an outdoor two-lane venue custom made for the Dubai exposition, the quartet of Kenneth Chua, Patrick Nuqui, Merwin Tan and Ian Dychangco suffered a close 247-228 loss to Singapore in the semifinals to settle for the bronze after a tough grind through the eliminations and quarterfinals, reports from Dubai showed.

The team of Rachelle Leon, Mades Arles, Norel Nuevo and Dubai-based Uella Marcial finished eighth overall in the eliminations but beat Colombia in the quarterfinals before absorbing a 188-279 setback in the semis against Malaysia and also pocketed the bronze, the reports added.

The medals were the first for the national keglers in the prestigious competition since Biboy Rivera, now the national men’s coach, ruled the men’s masters’ event in the 2006 world championships in Busan, South Korea.

Philippine Bowling Federation secretary general Bong Coo, in a statement, paid tribute to the gallant stand of the nationals, who barely had a month’s actual training before plunging into action.

“With the short training of barely a

month before leaving for Dubai during the pandemic, I thank God for the bronze medals won by our men’s and women’s teams. I could not ask for more. I am proud how they gave their all,” Coo said.

“Simula na ito ng pagbabalik ng bowling!”

She also thanked Senate President Vicente Tito Sotto III, the PBF chairman; the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and Puyat Sports, which gave access to its bowling center at the Starmall in Mandaluyong, for their support of the national team’s campaign.

A multi-titled world bowling champion, Coo also credited national coaches Rivera, Jojo Canare and Rey Reyes in keeping the national campaigners focused and competitive in Dubai.

“We salute our bowlers for having done well even though they have not competed in two years since the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. Our bowlers fought hard to give honor to our country despite the odds they faced before and during the competition,” Coo said.

She said the bowlers competed in front of an outdoor gallery on a hot and humid afternoon that left them perspiring, making it more difficult to handle the bowling balls.

November 18-24, 2021

22

Q: Did you know one of the ways Filipinos save money is called “Paluwagan” or also known as a “Pool”?

A: Some Filipinos are accustomed to using this method for saving money. The process is to hand over a certain amount of money every day or week or month to an assigned person who will be called the bank. Usually, the group who sets up the “Paluwagan” votes on who that person would be but mostly it is also one of the members of the group who pitches money in. Every month one party of the group collects on the total of each member’s pitch in the pool and end up with a hefty sum. The problem with this rather than putting your money in a bank is that there are no assurances against fraud, crisis in the person handling the money’s life or just a plain turn of luck. In other words, the banker of the Pool can state that the money was swindled from her and what can the group do?

One day a caller called me to ask for help because she was the banker of a Pool.

She met a person who told her that he can double the money in her possession before it was time to turn it over to the group. He played her greed thinking she would be able to capitalize on other people’s money and keep the profits for herself. But the inevitable happened. The person she gave the money to, disappeared without a trace and now she is faced with having to come up with the group’s money. Money that she does not have or had originally had but gave it away to a fraud.

I told her to tell everyone the truth and hope that they will be forgiving but in most of these cases, everyone walks away with dismay because obviously, if this person will lose her turn in collecting, she will not pitch into the “Pool”.

Ating lesson, Perang di iyo, huwag mo ipa loko!

If you need help in getting out of debt, call Debt Aid Consulting International. We do not use call centers which keeps your information safe. We have a new program that reconstruct debts for half of what you would pay our competitors. We also provide legal assistance that keeps collectors away. We take Federal Credit Unions, Payday loans and high interest personal loans in our program too. This is exclusively available for Debt Aid Consulting clients. None of our competitors provide this program. You are well protected.

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

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

Ben Lou at your service! I have over 35 years of financial experience. If you would like sound financial advice, call us at Debt Aid Consulting International. We do not use call centers.

No one has the right to put your information at risk.

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

Your Global Debt Solutions Company!

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

Itama po natin ang mali!

 COMMUNITY NEWS

November 18-24, 2021

24

35 new deaths and 893 new COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County LOS ANGELES - In Los Angeles county, unvaccinated adults 50 and over were more than 12 times more likely to be hospitalized than vaccinated adults over 50, with a rate of 162 hospitalizations per 100,000 unvaccinated people compared to 12.7 hospitalizations per 100,000 vaccinated people.

The hospitalization rate among younger unvaccinated adults between 18 to 49 years old is 20 times higher than among vaccinated residents in the same age group (39 hospitalizations/100,000 unvaccinated people vs. 2 hospitalizations/100,000 vaccinated people).

Among those who are fully vaccinated and hospitalized, the median age is 66 and 54% of those hospitalized had three or more comorbidities. Unvaccinated individuals that are hospitalized are younger (median age is 54) and in

*$100 OFF on Biz Websites *Your FREE Domain Name *Get found on Google Search *Sell Locally or Globally *Show your Expertise Globally * Fast , Easy & Measurable * Affordable & Effective * Reach your Target Market * FREE VIDEO AD !

better health (28% had 3 or more comorbidities) than those hospitalized who are fully vaccinated.

There are 632 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized, 25% of whom are in the ICU. Daily hospitalizations have plateaued to around 630 over the past week.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) confirms 35 new deaths and 893 new cases of COVID-19. The high number of deaths reflect death certificate data from September 1 through November 10. Los Angeles County has received a lower than average volume of test results over the past two days. This may be due to decreased testing over the holiday and weekend, or it could reflect an issue with lab reporting. L.A. County and the State are investigating.

Of the 35 new deaths reported today, eight people who passed away were over the age of 80, 16 people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, eight people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64, and one person who died was between the ages of 30 and 49. One death was reported by the City of Long Beach and one death was reported by the City of Pasadena. To date, Public Health

Our Services * Custom Websites * Graphic Design * SEO (Google etc.) * Social Media * Videos * E-commerce *And More

CONTACT@SP3MEDIA.COM

PROMO CODE: PN75

W W W. S P 3 M E D I A . C O M

has identified 1,513,016 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 26,903 deaths.

Testing results are available for more than 9,265,000 individuals, with 15% of people testing positive. Today’s test positivity rate is 1.3%.

“To the many families who are experiencing the profound sorrow of losing a loved one to COVID-19, we wish you peace and send you our love and prayers,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health.

“As Thanksgiving approaches, those still not fully vaccinated need to take extra precautions. With relatively high rates of community transmission, unvaccinated young people are vulnerable to becoming infected and spreading infection to others creating additional risk for holiday gatherings. Don’t inadvertently host COVID this Thanksgiving. If you aren’t vaccinated, get tested and stay masked if you are around non-household people this Thanksgiving.”

Anyone five years and older living or working in L.A. County can get vacci-

nated. Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status. Appointments are not needed at all Public Health vaccination sites where first, second, and third doses are available.

To find a vaccination site near you, make an appointment at vaccination sites, and much more, visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) and www.

VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish).

If you don’t have internet access, can’t use a computer, or you’re over 65, you can call 1-833-540-0473 for help finding an appointment, connecting to free transportation to and from a vaccination site, or scheduling a home-visit if you are homebound.

COVID-19 Sector Protocols, Best Practices, COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard, COVID-19 Surveillance Interactive Dashboard, Recovery Dashboard, and additional actions you can take to protect yourself, your family and your community are on the Public Health website, www.publichealth.lacounty. gov.

City of Carson sets Country Western Fair CARSON - The City of Carson Country Western Fair on November 20 features non-stop live country music entertainment, food and craft vendors, line dancing, carnival games, car show, a boxing exhibition and entertainment for the entire family.

The event to be held at Dominguez Park is free and open to the public from 2 pm to 7 pm.

This year’s headliner is Selen-

amos, a Los Angeles-based Selena Quintanilla tribute band. The group is comprised of musicians who unite to perform the iconic catalog of the Queen of Cumbia and Tejano music. Selenamos will be joined by the Silver Mountain Spring band, The Hightoppers and other local performers on stage.

For more information, please call Dominguez Park at (310) 549-3962.

25 November 18-24, 2021

 COMMUNITY NEWS

CDPH encourages full family vaccinations SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is encouraging entire families – from young kids to grandparents – to get vaccinated, complete their vaccination series, and get a booster as part of its November week of action. With the state’s simplified booster recommendations, all Californians are encouraged to get their booster, as long as they are 18 or older and got fully vaccinated at least six months ago.

Last year’s winter surge was devastating for California, and it is critically important that all eligible Californians protect themselves against COVID-19 and the flu ahead of the winter months.

“The FDA’s recent authorizations of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11 and boosters for all U.S. vaccine manufacturers are game changers,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “By fully vaccinating every eligible Californian and providing boosters to those who are eligible, we can protect ourselves and our friends and family by keeping our immunity against COVID-19 strong heading into the winter months and hol-

idays.”

To promote full family protection, CDPH and local partners are leading a week of action from November 15 to November 21 against the pandemic, which includes mobile vaccination clinics around the state and other outreach efforts to motivate all eligible family members to get vaccinated. Prominent California public health officials and leading medical experts are also discussing the importance of full family vaccination in appearances with media outlets and on social media events.

The week of action is one part of California’s ongoing commitment to fighting this deadly virus. The state’s Vaccinate ALL 58 campaign recently launched a new media campaign to promote vaccinations for children ages 5-11 and will launch public service announcements featuring California Surgeon General Dr. Burke Harris and Dr. Ilan Shapiro this week. These videos are part of a multi-pronged media campaign that includes digital, social, radio, TV, print and out-of-home advertising, all aimed at reaching the state’s most vulnerable communities to encourage vac-

cination and boosters.

The state is also continuing its partnership with ethnic media, working with more than 200 non-English media outlets throughout the state to reach California’s diverse communities. This includes the release of Dr. Burke Harris’ “On the Record” ethnic media column urging parents and guardians to vaccinate their children ages 5-11 against COVID-19 ahead of holidays. Altogether, the partnership will result in tens of millions of opportunities for nonEnglish speaking Californians to learn more about the importance of vaccines in November alone.

Vaccinate ALL 58 is also continuing its robust partnerships with community-based organizations, working closely with them to address vaccine hesitancy through door knocking and outreach, scheduling vaccine appointments, and providing transportation options. To date, the state’s communitybased network has connected with more than three million Californians through phone banking, has canvased over 700,000 households, and facilitated or referred over one million appointments

in vulnerable communities throughout the state.

As the state heads into cooler months with more gatherings moving indoors, CDPH is strongly urging unvaccinated Californians to get vaccinated and those who are partially vaccinated to complete their vaccination series. Booster doses are also available to help Californians keep their immunity strong. All eligible individuals are encouraged to get a booster to protect themselves, their family and to celebrate the holidays together safely.

CDPH also recommends Californians receive a flu vaccine, which can be administered on the same day as a COVID-19 vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccine is free for all Californians regardless of insurance and immigration status. Californians can visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 1-833422-4255 to make an appointment, find a walk-in clinic and learn more about eligibility. Partners can join the week of action by downloading and sharing materials on COVID-19, vaccines and resources from the state’s online toolkit. www.cdph.ca.gov

 COMMUNITY NEWS

November 18-24, 2021

26

ConGen Ferrer lauds FEC Galing Bata bilingual program on its 20th year

Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Frank R. Ferrer (second from right) is joined by Mrs. Miriam M. Ferrer (second from le�), Vice Consul Adrian Audrey L. Baccay (le�), and Filipino Educa�on Center Galing Bata Bilingual Program Director Charm Consolacion (right) during the program’s 20th anniversary at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco on 12 November 2021.

SAN FRANCISCO - Filipino Education Center (FEC) Galing Bata Bilingual Program, an after-school education program for the Filipino and Filipino American youth, marked its 20th year at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco on 12 November 2021.

Consul General Neil Ferrer keynoted the event, where he touted the program’s efforts “to foster love for the Philippines among the Filipino youth in San Fran-

cisco, many of whom only know about Philippines from the stories and memories of their tatay and nanay, or their lolo and lola.”

“Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, FEC Galing Bata continues to serve the community… through various activities that cater to the needs of the community, especially in teaching the Filipino language, and Philippine history, culture and values to the Filipino youth,” Consul General Ferrer said.

“We very much appreciate your continued support for the community and your participation in various Consulate and community events such as the Filipino American History Month, Paskuhan, the e-Pilipino Natin Virtual Learning Camp, the summer camp with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association, and the most recent ‘Move With Malong’ cultural workshop of the Department of Foreign Affairs,” Ferrer added.

The Philippine Consul General also noted that the FEC Galing Bata’s 20th year coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the United States.

“The friendship between our two countries is further strengthened by people-to-people relations made more robust and resilient by organizations such as FEC Galing Bata, by fostering understanding and harmony within the larger American society regardless of race, color or creed,” Ferrer said.

Since 2001, FEC Galing Bata has been promoting bilingual and multicultural education to Filipino and Filipino American K-8 students at Bessie Carmichael Elementary and Middle Schools in San Francisco’s

Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Frank R. Ferrer delivers his remarks during the 20th anniversary celebra�on of the FEC Galing Bata Bilingual Program at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, California on 12 November 2021. (San Francisco PCG photo) South of Market Area (SOMA). Supported by a dedicated team of volunteer teachers, the program follows a pedagogic thrust of quality guidance, care, and protection (gabay, lingap, and bantay).

For one night, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts resembled a school fair ground featuring student art displays, interactive exhibits, children’s games, and Filipino food. The celebration also reunited past and present volunteer educators, or ates and kuyas, who have turned FEC Galing Bata into one of the institutions of the Filipino community in San Francisco.

With Reports of Utility Scams Increasing Every Day, PG&E Wants to Help Customers Take Steps to Protect Themselves from Falling Victim To Promote Awareness of this Growing Menace, PG&E Reminds the Public that November 14-20 is U�lity Scam Awareness Week SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Every day across the country, electric and natural gas customers, along with telephone, water and other essential services customers, are being targeted by scammers impersonating utilities, typically online, in-person and by telephone. In fact, during September and October, the number of attempted scams reported to PG&E increased by 65%. To help protect customers against this threat, PG&E is joining its fellow electric, natural gas, water utilities and Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) to help customers recognize potential scams during Utility Scam Awareness Week from November 14-20, 2021.

UUAS, a consortium of more than 145 U.S. and Canadian electric, water, and natural gas utilities and their respective trade associations, continues to create awareness of common scams and new scam tactics being used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through its work and with the help of customer reporting, UUAS has succeeded in taking nearly 9,500 toll-free numbers used by scammers against utility customers out of operation.

“Scammers are constantly changing their tactics and tricks, so awareness and reporting are more important than ever. All of us have to continue to evolve our safeguards and approaches to keeping our customers safe,” said Chris Zenner, vice president, PG&E residential services and digital channels. “If an email, visit to your home or phone call doesn’t feel right, don’t fall for it. Delete it, shut the door or hang up. And, as a reminder, PG&E will never ask for your financial information over the phone or via email.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers have increased calls, texts, emails, and in-person tactics and are constantly contacting utility customers asking for immediate payment to avoid service disconnection. As a reminder, PG&E will never send a single notification to

a customer within one hour of a service interruption, and we will never ask customers to make payments with a pre-paid debit card, gift card, any form of cryptocurrency, or third-party digital payment mobile applications.

“Scammers have not shown compassion for small businesses and private citizens enduring the trying circumstances of the last two years,” said Jared Lawrence, UUAS founder and Duke Energy Vice President of Metering Services and Customer Service Transformation. “In fact, they have intensified their criminal activity with high pressure tactics and increasing use of technology. For that reason, utilities continue to unite to combat scammers by spreading awareness and are working with telecom partners to remove access to phone lines and encouraging policymakers to adopt stronger public protections.”

Scammers can be convincing and often target those who are most vulnerable, including senior citizens and low-income communities. They also aim their scams at small business owners during busy customer service hours. However, with the right information, customers can learn to detect and report these predatory scams.

Signs of a potential scam · Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively demand immediate payment for an alleged past due bill. · Request for immediate payment: Scammers may instruct the customer to purchase a prepaid card then call them back supposedly to make a bill payment. · Request for prepaid card: When the customer calls back, the caller asks the customer for the prepaid card’s number, which grants the scammer instant access to the card’s funds. · Refund or rebate offers: Scammers may say that your utility company overbilled you and owes you a refund, or that you are entitled to a rebate.

How customers can protect themselves Customers should never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service disconnection or shutoff. PG&E does not specify how customers should make a bill payment and offers a variety of ways to pay a bill, including accepting payments online, by phone, automatic bank draft, mail or in person.

If a scammer threatens immediate disconnection or shutoff of service without prior notification, customers should hang up the phone, delete the email, or shut the door. Customers with delinquent accounts receive an advance disconnection notification, typically by mail and included with their regular monthly bill.

Signing up for an online account at pge.com is another safeguard. Not only can customers log in to check their balance and payment history, they can sign up for recurring payments, paperless billing and helpful alerts.

Scammers Impersonating Trusted Phone Numbers: Scammers are now able to create authentic-looking 800 numbers which appear on your phone display. The numbers don’t lead back to PG&E if called back, however, so if you have doubts, hang up and call PG&E at 1-800743-5000. If customers ever feel that they are in physical danger, they should call 911.

Customers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud, or who feel threatened during Contact with one of these scammers, should contact local law enforcement. The Federal Trade Commission’s website is also a good source of information about how to protect personal information.

UUAS is dedicated to combating impostor utility scams by providing a forum for utilities and trade associations to share data and best practices, in addition to working together to implement initiatives to inform and protect customers.

27 November 18-24, 2021

Upside...

(From Page 11)

commission covering the state legislature; Prop 20 expanded the effort to the congressional districts.

“Local redistricting commissions are more receptive to concerns about minority representation, communities of interest, language access and outreach to community - based organizations,” Mitchell noted a distinguishing factor in local remapping: “Under the Federal Voting Rights Act, areas with 50% majority minority can be drawn with race as a factor.”

“When divided into multiple districts they cannot get what they need – it could be housing…health care…education…jobs. When you divide their community, you ruin their political voice,” he summed up the cost of not paying attention to the process. – Adapted from original published with permission from www.inquirer.net.

Cherie M. Querol Moreno is Executive Editor of Philippine News Today.

Offline

(From Page 13)

give their backing to the new administration.

If I may be so bold, I also pray that Robredo’s running mate likewise win. The worst thing that can happen is for the elected vice president to have his/her own agenda, separate from what the president wants to achieve for the country.

Imagine if Robredo were elected president, and the daughter of the current chief executive also wins. The latter will never work with the former, as she will most certainly have an eye on the presidency six years after being elected vice president.

Luckily, it appears that incumbent Senate president Tito Sotto is ahead in the early surveys, and will likely seek to have a productive role in the Robredo administration. Good thing he is too old to aim for the presidency in 2028.

Finally, I also pray that most if not all of Robredo’s senatorial bets also emerge victorious. Some of them are not too well known, but they are completely qualified nonetheless.

I would like to single out candidate Chel Diokno and reelectionist Leila de Lima, who has spent almost five years behind bars on clearly trumped up charges. Both are outstanding lawyers and should bring back some of the lost glory of the Philippine Senate.

I agree that the 2022 polls will determine the short and mid-term direction of the Philippines. Electing an ageing and incompetent man-child to lead the country is the biggest recipe for disaster imaginable.

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

10% discounts on multiple documents and multiple signatures for old and new clients.

FREE PARKING – When we had our Office at the Philippine Center near the Philippine Consulate Office in downtown San Francisco, our old clients were complaining for the expensive parking. With our home office now, old and new clients can have FREE parking in our driveway and the available street parking spaces nearby. If you can’t drive to our home office in San Francisco, just follow the example of our client in Hayward, California and take the BART. VERY FLEXIBLE APPOINTMENTS – We offer very flexible appointments for old and new clients during regular office hours, after office hours and weekends except on Sundays. For those who can’t come to our home office in San Francisco, we can do notarization of documents in residences, offices, hospitals, schools, restaurants and other locations.

Our client from Hayward, California was not only appreciative for our special accommodation but also thankful to the very flexible appointments available.

DOCUMENTS PREPARATION DISCOUNT – With our paralegal and lawyer-friends. We can offer special discounts in the draft and preparation of documents old and new clients.

CONVENIENCE AND PEACE OF MIND – As accredited and commissioned Notary Public in California since 1981, you have convenience and peace of mind with the complete, professional and unique services at MSS. Most of the time, it is more convenient and economical for you to avail yourself with the services at MSS. For immediate help and assistance in the notarization and apostille follow-up of all notarized documents needed in the Philippines and the other member nations of the Hague Apostille Convention, just write or contact: MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, 730 Madrid Street, San Francisco, CA 94112 Tel. (650)438-3531 or (415)584-7095 or email:agmadlaing@hotmail.com

(ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE#00635976) in California since 1981. He is the founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California.)

PerryScope...

(From Page 12)

The Philippines and the U.S. have three defense agreements: the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). But the VFA is the linchpin of their military alliance. The VFA makes it easier for US forces to move in and out the country, while the EDCA allows U.S. forces to move in and out on five Philippine bases fairly quickly. They therefore provide the Philippines with the means to counter China in the event that hostilities break out between the two countries. Without these defense treaties, the Philippines is helpless and powerless to stop Chinese aggression. Without the VFA and EDCA, foreign forces are banned by the 1987 constitution from being stationed on Philippine soil, which would make the MDT unenforceable and useless.

In late July, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited the Philippines to talk with Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. They agreed that the VFA, which Duterte had suspended its termination three times, will be restored permanently; which raises the question: What did Austin tell Lorenzana that prompted Duterte to keep the VFA? In addition, the Philippines-U.S. Bilateral Strategic Dialogue was reestablished and Duterte fully endorsed the AUKUS security pact between Australia, U.S. and U.K. – a 180-degree turnaround from his previous stance that AUKUS could trigger a “nuclear arms race.” It now appears that Duterte has abandoned China in order to rebuild his ties with Uncle Sam. Deter Chinese aggression The commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Adm. John Aquilino, visited the Philippines twice, in August and September, and said the “U.S. wants to increase the complexity and scope” of exercises and invite new partners -- like Australia -- to join.

Recent geopolitical development in the Indo-Pacific region further bolsters Australia’s role as a key partner of the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific, which includes the Philippines.

Recently, the Philippines and Australia finalized a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement (MLSA), which would facilitate defense logistics support and allow their armed forces to conduct more complex engagements and enhance their interoperability. It would thus make it easier for them to work in addressing regional security challenges.

MLSA would further strengthen an existing agreement, called State of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), which was put into effect in 2012. It governs the entry of Australian troops to the country. The armed forces of both countries have regularly conducted exercises under SOVFA. The Philippines is a significant segment of the First Island Chain, which is the natural barrier that provides a J-shaped line of defense from Japan through Taiwan, the Philippines, Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. Six of them are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEANS).

Indeed, the Philippines’ pivoting back to America has once again strengthened the First Island Chain as America’s first line of defense in the Indo-Pacific region.

Like they say, “All’s well that ends well.”

(PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

On Distant Shore

(From Page 12)

It also said that 77% of legislators between the ages of 26-40 were also dynastic, which indicates that the second and third generations of political dynasties in the Philippines have begun their political careers as well.

For decades, political dynasties have ruled Philippine politics. With Cory Aquino’s ascension to the presidency in 1986, it was hoped that democracy would be given a total rebirth, including the opportunity for non-traditional politicians and non-members of entrenched political dynasties to get elected.

But while some old dynasties went down with the Marcoses, the revolutionary government of Cory Aquino only gave rise to new dynasties. For example, the Binays replaced the Yabuts of Makati, the Revillas, Maliksis and Abayas replaced the Montanos in Cavite, the Belmontes replaced the Amorantos and Mathays, the Garcias replaced the Osmenas and Duranos in Cebu, etc.

Duterte was partly correct when he said that the constitutional mandate would never push through.

Three bills have been filed in the House of Representatives that have since been consolidated into one (HB 3587) in December 2013. The bill applies the definition of political dynasty only if the number of elective officials from the same family is at least three. In short, only two relatives can be in elective offices at the same time.

The Senate bill (SB 2469), filed by the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago in 2011, is more restrictive, allowing only one member of the family to hold office at any given time.

Both versions prohibit the immediate succession of a candidate related within second degree of consanguinity to an incumbent. Both, however, aim to control -- rather than abolish -- political dynasties.

While it is also unfair to prohibit a relative of a sitting elected official to run for office especially if he or she is competent, there is a need to somewhat control these political families from further expanding their reach and solidifying their hold on their jurisdiction.

In the interest of democracy and to allow more people to be given the opportunity to serve in an elective position, Congress will have to do its task of defining the parameters of political dynasty as embodied in the Constitution. But will it ever pass an anti-political dynasty law?

It is close to improbable that Congress would pass an anti-political dynasty bill considering that 70% of them are themselves members of such dynasties, but the people must continue to put the pressure on our legislators because the sooner these political clans are disempowered, the closer the country would be to achieving social justice and inclusive economic growth.

Or better still, reject the undeserving members of these political dynasties in the coming elections and prove Duterte wrong. (valabelgas@aol.com)

What’s up Atty...

(From Page 13)

Court held that the crime of issuing a check without sufficient funds in violation of B.P. No. 22 involves moral turpitude and a candidate for Congress who was convicted for violation of the statute and sentenced to one year imprisonment was properly disqualified by the Comelec and his certificate of candidacy cancelled. Villaber v. Comelec, G.R. No. 148326.

TAX CASES There is a conflict of authority in the United States as to whether tax evasion is a “crime involving moral turpitude.” In Jordan v. De George, 341 U.S. 223 (1951), involving a defendant convicted of conspiring with others to possess whiskey with intent to sell in fraud of law and evade the tax thereon, the Supreme Court held that a crime in which fraud is an ingredient involves moral turpitude. In Carty v. Ashcroft, 395 F.3d 1081 (9th Cir. Jan. 19, 2005), a California conviction for willful failure to file a tax return with the intent to evade taxes, in violation of Revenue and Taxation Code § 19406 involves fraud, and constitutes a crime involving moral turpitude.

However, in United States v. Carrollo, 30 F.Supp. 3 (D.Mo. 1939), the court held that it was not prepared to rule that an attempt to evade the payment of a tax due, “wrong as it is, unlawful as it is, immoral as it is, is an act evidencing baseness, vileness, or depravity of moral character. The number of men who have at some time sought to evade the payment of a tax or some part of a tax to some taxing authority is legion. Any man who does that should be punished civilly or by criminal sentence, but to say that he is base or vile or depraved is to misuse words.”

The BIA held that a German national was not barred from admission to the U.S. for having been convicted in Germany for possession of untaxed chocolate in violation of the German Tax Code because intent to defraud was not an element of the offense, hence the German had not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude. Matter of R, 4 I. & N. Dec. 176, (BIA 1950). The BIA also held that the willful failure to file an income tax return is not necessarily a crime involving moral turpitude because fraud is not inherent in the crime. Matter of Mazza-Alas, File No. A13-408-039, 15 Immigr. Rep. B1-88 (BIA Oct. 27, 1995), cited in Crimes of Moral Turpitude, Norton Tooby.

 HEALTH NEWS

November 18-24, 2021

28

Tobacco use falling: WHO urges countries to invest in helping more people to quit tobacco GENEVA - The fourth WHO global tobacco trends report released today, shows that there are 1.30 billion tobacco users globally compared to 1.32 billion in 2015.

This number is expected to drop to 1.27 billion by 2025.

Sixty countries are now on track to achieving the voluntary global target of a 30% reduction in tobacco use between 2010 and 2025: two years ago only 32 countries were on track.

Millions of lives have been saved by effective and comprehensive tobacco control policies under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and MPOWER – a great achievement in the fight against the tobacco epidemic “It is very encouraging to see fewer people using tobacco each year, and more countries on track to meet global targets,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We still have a long way to go, and tobacco companies will continue to use every trick in the book to defend the gigantic profits they make from peddling their deadly wares. We encourage all countries to make better use of the many effective tools available for helping people to quit, and saving lives.”

The report also urges countries to accelerate implementation of the measures outlined in the WHO FCTC in an effort to further reduce the number of people at risk of becoming ill and dying from a tobacco-related disease.

“It is clear that tobacco control is effective, and we have a moral obligation to our people to move aggressively in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” says Dr Ruediger Krech, Director of WHO Department of Health Promotion. “We are seeing great progress in many countries, which is the result of implementing tobacco control measures that are in line with the WHO FCTC, but this success is fragile. We still need to push ahead.”

A new WHO Global Investment Case for Tobacco Cessation, highlights that investing US$ 1.68 per capita each year in evidence-based cessation interventions such as brief advice, national toll-free quit lines, and SMSbased cessation support, could help 152 million tobacco users successfully quit by 2030, saving millions of lives and contributing to countries’ long-term economic growth.

To facilitate this process, WHO has established a to-

bacco cessation consortium, which will bring together partners to support countries in scaling up tobacco cessation.

The report and the investment case are released right after of the ninth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP9) and during the second session of the Meeting of the Parties (MOP2) to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products.

Delegates meet to counter the ambitions of the tobacco industry to keep millions hooked on its products, , as recent evidence also show that the tobacco industry used the COVID-19 pandemic to build influence with governments in 80 countries.

Key findings of the WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000–2025: In 2020, 22.3% of the global population used tobacco, 36.7% of all men and 7.8% of the world’s women.

Target: Currently, 60 countries are on track to achieve the tobacco use reduction target by 2025. Since the last report two years ago, two other regions – the African and South-East Asian regions - have now joined the Americas region on-track to achieve a 30% reduction.

Politics deadlier than COVID Heart of Hope

Why the COVID-19 pandemic will most likely be with us for years is vividly demonstrated by the following well-publicized news: “A federal appeals court has called President Joe Biden’s vaccine and testing requirements for private businesses “fatally PHILIP S. CHUA flawed” and “staggeringly overbroad,” arguing that the requirements likely exceed the authority of the federal government and raise ‘serious constitutional concerns’…the requirements criticized as a one-size-fits-all sledgehammers.”

If the courts succeed in derailing the president’s plan, there will be more infections and more deaths in those sectors as a result of wanting to be fully “constitutional.”

That’s only one instant. There are Governors/ legislators/protestors against masking/social distancing early on and now against vaccine mandates because they are ignorant, spineless, and want to be politically correct in order not to lose votes. Their inaction, baseless statements, and chaos that followed have resulted in the massive loss of precious human lives, the total death counts as of last Tuesday morning: almost 5.12 million worldwide, nearly 784,000 in the USA, and about 45,800 in The Philippines. This is gross negligence and dereliction of duties on the part of the Biden administration, the Congress, and the Governors and other leaders against federal mandates. They looked the other way as people, children included, languished and died…and the toll from COVID-19 is still rising.

I am no lawyer, much less a constitutional expert, but to me, as a person and as a cardiac surgeon, it is most evident that the federal judge in this case was more concerned (and only considered) the constitutional technicality of the issues, rather than discern if President Biden’s “mandate” would save lives or kill more people.

No discussion about the effects of the ultimate verdict on human lives, just “constitutional concerns” and correctness.

To me, saving lives, preventing deaths, or reducing loss of lives to the minimum should be the primary objective of any action, constitutional or not. We

must uphold and protect our Constitution, yes, but when technicalities would cause misery and death of people, who the Constitution and our courts and government leaders are supposed to protect, the obvious just choice is to save people’s lives as primary and the constitution propriety, secondary.

The Founding Fathers brilliantly crafted the masterpiece called the Constitution of the United States in 1787 with the main objective of protecting and safeguarding this great nation and its people, especially the marginalized, the weak, the infirm, the helpless, from foreign and domestic threats, and even from their own selves.

And here we are today, 234 years later, using constitutional (wording) technicalities to justify going against the proper scientific protocol to end this deadly pandemic and allowing thousands more Americans to die…all in the name (an excuse) for exercising equality, civil liberties, individual rights, and the freedom to refuse.

The right thing Scientifically, the proper and most effective way to manage a pandemic, which is much like a world war, is a universal, unified, federal strategy mandating quarantine, isolation, masking, social distancing, the first day the pandemic is declared, and a national mandate for vaccination for everyone, the very day the vaccine is available. This is the epidemiologic and evidencebased protocol to follow strictly, one that is medically accepted worldwide. All science, no politics. This is the right thing to do. If this strict medical protocol had been mandated, we could have prevented hundreds of thousand deaths and would be having a normal Christmas this year. The way our government leaders had mishandled the pandemic and the abuse of the constitutional freedom to choose by more than 50 million people who refuse the vaccines, we should brace ourselves for an extended misery and greater loss of human lives a few more years before we see the end of COVID-19, if at all.

It is unrealistic for people to expect a perfect 100 percent protection from mask, social distancing, and now vaccines for COVID-19 that are 100 percent safe. But there is no such thing. Even aspirin, introduced to us in 1899, though used since antiquity, is not 100 percent safe or effective. The bullet proof vests used by SWAT teams and other law enforcement agents are not 100 percent safe, but they have saved countless millions of lives. While the vaccines for COVID-19 are not 100

percent risk-free, the risk of an adverse side-effects is a tiny fraction of 1 percent, while the risk of dying from COVID is one hundred to a thousand times greater. It is a no-brainer that getting the vaccines is wiser, more prudent, and a lot safer because COVID-19 is a serious killer. So far, there have been almost 7.5 billion vaccines administered around the world. The vaccines have long been proven safe and effective even before its first millionth mark.

COVID-19 is a world war Medically speaking, President Biden’s requirement and mandates, if not thwarted by the courts, could save lives among the people in those businesses involved. The only question is why the president is limiting it only to that small segment of society in this pandemic, which is akin to a world war? He should have declared federal mandates on all matters related to our global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the entire nation and all the 332.9 million Americans.

Anything short will allow the virus to live on, replicate, and mutate to deadlier strains and continue to kill more people.

Of course, people have the right to choose not to have the vaccines. They even have the right to hurt or kill themselves, but they do not have the right to infect and take with them and kill the rest of the Americans who also have rights, the right to be careful and get the vaccines, the right to remain healthy and live. Any choice we make that hurts other people is unjust and criminal, certainly not the kind of freedom of choice the framers of the Constitution had in mind when they ensured those civil liberties for us. All our personal rights come with grave responsibilities and obligations to society and to our fellowmen. The 50 million who refuse the vaccines on constitutional grounds should seriously reconsider in order to keep our nation as one people united in our war against COVID-19. Divided, we cannot win. And justice, to be true, must be served with Solomonic wisdom and compassion.

Politics, as shown by the way this pandemic has been managed, is indeed a deadlier killer than COVID-19.

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States.

Websites: FUN8888.com and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

29 November 18-24, 2021

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS

Lovelife Special

Q: “I need urgent help. I am sinking into debt and don’t know what to do. I use my credit cards to help me get by but then the interests kill me. I feel helpless. My expenses far exceed my monthly income. I have made up my mind to stop gambling and so far I am able to do it. The only thing I engage in is Lotto hoping that I will be the next winner so I can be debtfree and live PTR. DANTE & CYNTHA VELUZ comfortably.

Do you have any other suggestion? Thanks. ” A: Thank you for your query. There are a lot of people out there going through the same problem and we pray our advice will be beneficial to you as well as to our readers.

Here are some helpful tips: 1. If you believe in God’s word, the Bible, there is a passage that is the KEY to our financial problems: Malachi 3: 10, which says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it”. The tithe is 10% of your income, which you will bring to whichever church you are going and where your spirit is being fed. You might resist and complain because you have already mentioned that your income is not even enough for your needs. But we suggest you give this a try to “test God” as the word says. Anyway, you said you have already stopped gambling except for Lotto, so if you are able to spare money for gambling which is quite addictive, how much more can you spare some in obedience to God’s word? We challenge you: see what God will do with your finances.

2. Try your best to quit using your credit card. If you do not have a choice, use the one with the lowest interest rate and do not go beyond the credit limit. If you can, hide (or if necessary cut up) your credit card so that you will not be tempted to use it unnecessarily.

3. Ask God to help you find a second job. Then use your salary from this job to pay off credit cards starting with the one with the highest interest rate. After you finish paying off this card, cut it up and move to the one with next highest rate. Pay more than the minimum payment. There is also wisdom in paying over half of the amount due every two weeks. Based on accounting, this will shorten your pay period.

4. When you get unexpected blessings such as income tax refund, tax rebate, economic aid, or anything beyond your wages, use this to pay off debts, especially credit cards.

Resist the temptation to buy something you want with them.

5. Be motivated to change your situation. Prioritize the payments for bills. If there is any money left, budget that for food and grocery. Buy only the things you need. Cut down on dining out, entertainment; reduce use of cell phones, and look for ways to save on utilities.

6. Look out for bargains and good deals. Never be an impulsive buyer.

7. Lastly, stay away from any form of gambling. This can be addictive. A lot of people end up losing all they have when they gamble. We suggest that you also quit buying Lotto tickets because this is gambling as well. This is a game of chance and indicates that your trust in this game rather than trust in God. The Bible says, “Those who put their trust in God will never be put to shame”(Romans 9:33).

This year is known as the Year of Jubilee for Christians.

Like for the Israelites of old, the year of Jubilee is the year of cancellation of debts. If you will believe this and therefore will exercise your faith, “according to your faith it shall be done to you” (Matthew 9:29).

We would also like to leave this verse for your meditation: “But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33). Put God first in your life and you will never regret it. Shalom!

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

THANK YOU LORD!

By TIM PEDROSA

Hello God, I called tonight to talk a little. I need a friend who’ll listen to my anxiety and trial. I can’t quite make it through a day just on my own... I need your love to guide me, so I’ll never feel alone. I want to ask you to please keep my family safe and sound. Come and fill their lives with confidence for whatever fate they’re bound. Give us faith, dear God, to face each hour throughout the day, and not to worry over things we can’t change in any way. I thank you God for being home and listening to my call, for giving me such good advice when I stumble and fall. Your number, God, is the only one that answers every time. I never get a busy signal, never had to pay a dime. So thank you, God, for listening to my troubles and my sorrow. God, I love You. I’ll call again tomorrow! The man whispered, “God, speak to me.” But, the man did not hear anything. So the man yelled, “God, speak to me” and the thunder rolled across the sky. But, the man did not listen. The man looked around and said, “God let me see you.” And a star shined brightly. But the man did not see.

The man shouted, “God show me a miracle.” And, a life was born. But, the man did not notice. So, the man cried out in despair, “Touch me God, and let me know you are here.” Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man. But, the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on. This is a great reminder that God is always around us in the little and simple things that we take for granted even in our electronic age so we would like to add one more: The man cried, “God, I need your help!” And an email arrived reaching out with good news and encouragement.

But, the man deleted it and continued crying .Don’t miss out on a blessing because it isn’t packaged the way that you expect. Share this page to people you want God to bless and expect the unexpected..... Have a blessed Day!

The Right Path is the Shortest Way

W

e are told that spiritual life is a journey; Jesus spoke of narrow gate and constricted road that leads to life, but wide is the road that leads to destruction (Mt. 7: 13-14). We are to walk intelligently and wisely that we may not be lost REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD along the way. I remember while in elementary, there was the scouting week, boy scouts’ week. We enjoyed camping, games, reading maps and using the compass, hiking, learning survival skills- like making fire and cooking food in a forest or jungle setting, et cetera. I enjoyed those times, either as participant or by watching and cheering on our team when in competition with other teams from other places. Aside from the formal activities, we can also be adventurous on our own, we went outside of the camping grounds and run through back trails in the forest.

Once, there was the competition of hiking from nearby village as starting point few kilometers from the camp grounds crossing through the forest, and teams must arrive at the camp ground with a set time. To make the story short, after a couple of hours past, some teams were arriving and were hurrying up to the finishing booth to register. So, there were indeed winners and losers; teams who arrived first and those who came last. Then, each team captain and their assistant were asked to explain what they did and tell their struggles and so on. The team that arrived last was asked to go up the stage and their captain and his assistant were asked to talk and explain what happened. They said, they were lost. They missed on some indicators and when they noticed it, they were far and had to trace back their route to return back to the right path that took a lot of time, plus they had to do the work they were assigned to do. The other team that came before them explained that they were distracted as some members were just joking around with the team captain and so they were not able to interpret well the map and compass directions; so, they missed some indicators along the way also; plus, the work assigned for them to do, so they could not arrive fast enough. Then, the winning team, now their turn to go up the stage and talk about their experience. The team captain said; he was grateful of his team as all members were cooperative.

They read the map, they followed the compass, they followed the indicators, they did their assigned work; that is, to plant trees, each scout brought one tree, and plant them on the designated spot in the forest. Their team did their works promptly and hiked fast enough; and so, they arrived way ahead than the rest.

Three lessons, among many, I would like to cite: First, following the rules and instructions makes the journey quicker.

Second, working cohesively and walking cooperatively can make the journey with confidence, and so able to walk faster and work effectively. The journey becomes easier. Third, walking on the right path is shorter than walking straying away. Straying many times along the way will make the road longer and making the journey harder. Our relationship with Jesus is similar. We follow His teachings, we grow closer to Him; because, living by His teachings draws us close to Him and He toward us. If we obey His rules and commandments, we end the day with deep and great joy; because, we know we walked and lived the day in His service. When we strive to imitate our Lord Jesus, our spiritual journey becomes intense and there will be harmony of our whole being; with this, we grow stronger in our spiritual life, we would not even notice it, that we have changed and have become a better person.

We have to see to it that we try to walk in the right path and choose always to do the right thing. We should be docile and humble in our relationship with the Lord; so that, we always have the right disposition in our journey of spiritual life. When we walk following the teachings of the Lord our mind and heart become attuned always to Him; even if, we may encounter difficulties, our path will still be easier and closer to God’s embrace. Let us always choose to walk on Th Way, the very life of Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the Way… (Jn. 14: 6),” He is our short cut and surest way to God the Father. Amen.

Aflame The Heart

Year of Cancellation of Debts

31 November 18-24, 2021  NATIONAL NEWS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Clams with Kangkong in Chili and Black Bean Sauce Ingredients: 1 kilo clams, halaan 1 bundle kangkong, separate leave from stalks 1/2 cup black bean, tausi, drained 1 thumb size ginger, peeled cut into thin strips 1 small size onion, chopped 2-3 clove garlic, chopped 1/2 tsp. red chili flakes 1/2 tsp. parsley flakes 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce cooking oil salt to taste

Cooking procedure: Place clams in a plastic container with lid, cover with water and let sit for several hours to allow the clams to expel sand and discard sea water, change water frequently, wash and drain. In a wok heat 2 to 3 tbsp. of cooking oil over high heat. Add in the garlic and ginger and stir cook for about half a minute. Add in the onion and stir cook for another minute. Add in the black beans, chili flakes, parsley flakes, sweet chili sauce and continue to stir cook for another minute, using a ladle press against the wok a few times to mash some of the black beans. Add about 3/4 to 1 cup of water then add in the clams and kangkong stalks, stir cook for about a minute, now let it cook covered for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the clams start to open. Once the clams start to open add in the kangkong leaves and continue to stir cook for 3 to 5 minutes. thicken sauce with the cornstrach diluted in 1/4 cup of water. Correct saltiness if required and cook for another half a minute or until the vegetables are cooked. Serve with rice.

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Boracay, Camiguin, Guimaras, others scrap swab test for vaxxed tourists BORACAY, Malay, Aklan – To boost their tourism campaigns, Camiguin, Boracay and Guimaras have scrapped the swab test requirement for fully vaccinated visitors.

This was disclosed by the Department of Tourism (DOT) which said Camiguin started accepting vaccination cards in lieu of a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test result on November 15, while Boracay and Guimaras implemented a similar policy starting November 16.

The DOT said Boracay no longer require fully vaccinated tourists to submit a negative RT-PCR test results starting November 16.

“The DOT welcomes the announcement of Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores on the decision to waive the RT-PCR test for fully vaccinated tourists as a requirement to enter Boracay starting November 16,” it said.

The Aklan government on November 12 confirmed that guests would only need to submit proof of vaccination with a QR code in lieu of the test.

Miraflores said tourists may either submit a VaxCert secured via vaxcert. doh.gov.ph or a vaccine certificate issued by their respective local government unit.

The official said this move is one of the province’s measures to revive tourism activities on the resort island.

Boracay had experienced a dramatic increase in tourist arrivals in the last two months, with a total of 32,452 visitors in October 2021 alone, the DOT said.

“We hope to see even more visitors for the months of November and December, given this positive development, and ensure everyone’s safety altogether now that Boracay’s fully vaxxed tourism workers are at 94 percent, while its entire eligible population is at 70 percent vaccinated,” the DOT said.

The DOT, in coordination with National Task Force against Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez, Jr. and deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon, initiated the vaccination program for tourism workers in Boracay last July Other destinations which have waived the swab test requirement for fully inoculated guests are Tarlac, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Masbate, Camarines Norte, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Southern Leyte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Misamis Oriental, Bulacan, Cebu Province; San Vicente, Palawan; Naga City, Camarines Sur; Baguio City, Benguet; Beef Spareribs Adobo with Oyster Sauce

Cebu City and Mandaue City, and Clark Freeport Zone.

Also in the list are Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Dingalan, Aurora; Maasin City, Leyte; Ormoc City, Leyte; Calbayog City, Samar; and Mati, Davao Oriental.

The growing list of domestic destinations easing their entry protocols is an “indication that the country’s tourism industry is slowly getting back on its feet.” the DOT said.

“With the lifting of the testing requirements for fully vaccinated visitors to these destinations, travel has become more affordable and accessible for domestic tourists, especially with the coming holiday season,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

She advised tourists to continue observing the minimum health and safety protocols when traveling.

“As we expect more tourists going to Boracay Island, and other destinations that have eased travel requirements for fully vaccinated individuals in the coming weeks, we continue to remind travelers to observe minimum health and safety protocols when visiting the spots,” she said.

She likewise reminded tourism businesses, workers, and other stakeholders not to be complacent in order to prevent Covid-19 cases from increasing and sustain the industry’s recovery.

“Seeing how the reopening of tourism all over the country is helping Filipinos return to their jobs, we cannot afford a new surge of Covid-19 infections and a return to the restrictions imposed by a stricter quarantine,” she said. “Let us do our individual parts to ensure that there will be no outbreaks in our destinations.