Philippine News Today

1 November 25-December 1, 2021

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

www.pnewstoday.com

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

Vol. 61 No. 16 November 25-December 1, 2021

U.S. SET TO SEIZE QUIBOLOY ASSETS

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

Pastor Quiboloy

Church leader and Duterte adviser, others indicted for sex trafficking, fraud

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor in Chief

AT AYUNGIN SHOAL. Members of the Philippine Marines sta�oned at the BRP Sierra Madre ship in Ayungin Shoal, a part of Philippine territory which China again is claiming as theirs.

LOS ANGELES/DAVAO CITY/MANILA - The United States Department of Justice has indicted nine persons led by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a friend and spiritual adviser of President Rodrigo Duterte and founder of a Davao City-based church, for allegedly coercing girls and young women to have sex with the pastor under threat of “eternal Page 9 damnation,” among others.

Canepa seeks FilAm Tension heats up anew boost in Congress run as China claims Spratlys

By Cherie M. Querol Moreno

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda

DALY CITY – San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President David Canepa officially announced his candidacy for the United States Congress with

MANILA/BEIJING — Tension flared up anew to heightened levels as China, amidst Philippine protests over its “in-

timidation and harassment” at the Ayungin Shoal, a Philippine territory in West Philippine Sea, claimed again that the Spratlys group of islands, including Pagasa town and Ayungin Page 8

an appeal to the Filipino American community to join him in a campaign he said would be impossible without their support.

The one-time Mayor and two-term member of the City Council of Daly City Page 11

Lakas adopts Marcos, backs presidential bid

By Claire Morales True MANILA — Presidential aspirant former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. got a boost when the Lakas-CMD party, once headed by former Presidents Page 8

Duterte explains how presidential bet eluded arrest for cocaine use

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor MANILA – Being so rich, a presidential bet has never been arrested for his alleged drug use because he usually snorts co-

caine while in a yacht or a private plane.

This is how President Rodrigo Duterte explained why lo- Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo, Vice Mayor Rod Daus Magbual, Council Member Ray Buenaventura cal authorities have been unable and Personnel Commissioner Perla Ibarrientos say David Canepa is the ideal candidate to represent to catch the unnamed Page 8 District 14 in the US House of Representa�ves. CMQM/Inquirer.net

Int’l Criminal Court suspends PHL drug war probe

UP alumni group in America gets award VIEWS & COMMENTS

SHOWBIZ

SPORTS

How to protect yourself from wage garnishment

FilAms H.E.R., Olivia Rodrigo Grammy nominees

Pole vault star Obiena threatens to quit PHL team

By A�y. Lozano

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 NATIONAL NEWS

November 25-December 1, 2021

2

2 more disqualification petitions vs.

Marcos raffled to Comelec 2nd Division MANILA – The Second Division of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will handle the two other petitions filed against presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. In an advisory, the Office of the Clerk of the Commission confirmed that the cases filed by Tiburcio Marcos and Danilo Lihaylihay have been raffled to the division.

Tiburcio filed the petition to cancel the certificate of candidacy (COC) while Lihaylihay submitted a petition seeking to declare the former senator as nuisance

candidate.

The first case filed by Fr. Christian Buenafe, et al, was raffled to the division.

The case seeks to cancel Marcos’ COC for material misrepresentation.

The preliminary conference meeting on the case will be held on November 26.

The Second Division is composed of Commissioners Socorro Inting and Antonio Kho, Jr. The camp of the former senator has yet to respond to requests for comment on the petitions.

Earlier, a group of martial law victims

PHL to reopen for vaccinated tourists

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is ready for the arrival of tourists once the country reopens its borders to travelers who have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said they are prepared to assist leisure travelers, as necessary adjustments have been implemented.

“While we are awaiting the official announcement from the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases), we have already put in place the needed manpower and facilities in preparation for this,” he said in a statement.

This came as the Department of Tourism announced last week that fully vaccinated tourists from “green list” countries and territories may soon enter the Philippines once the guidelines set by the IATF are released before the end of November.

The BI said 99 new immigration officers have been recently hired for deployment in the ports and different offices nationwide.

Also, frontline personnel are not allowed to file vacation leaves during the holiday season.

“We have also resumed the use of our e-gates for arriving Filipinos as it would greatly lessen the processing time for our kababayan who will be returning here for Christmas,” Morente added.

He added that members of the IATF are still extensively discussing and deliberating on proposals to reopen the Philippines to alien visitors, ironing out many details before its implementation.

“Most probably, those coming from green list countries will be the first ones to be allowed entry,” he added.

Currently, there are 44 countries that are under the green list.

Affidavits, SPA, Deed of Absolute Sale, Etc.

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)

on Wednesday filed another disqualification case against Marcos Jr. before the Comelec.

The petition was filed by Bonifacio Ilagan, former lawmaker Satur Ocampo, and other victims of the military rule implemented by Marcos’ father and namesake, the late President Ferdinand Marcos.

According to the petitioners, Bongbong Marcos should not be allowed to run for president because of his conviction for violating the Internal Revenue Code, which carries the penalty of per-

petual disqualification from holding any public office.

They noted that in 1995, a Quezon City court convicted Marcos for not filing his income tax return from 1982-1984.

The conviction was upheld by the Court of Appeals but removed the imprisonment sentence.

Marcos, they said, did not appeal the ruling.

At least two petitions asking for the cancellation of Marcos’ certificate of candidacy for president have been filed with the Comelec, citing his tax conviction.

China under fire over Ayungin incident, warned by PHL, US, Canada, EU, others

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda MANILA – China is again under fire for its provocative actions against the Philippines inside the West Philippine Sea and its exclusive economic zone.

This after Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels continue to swarm portions of West Philippine Sea and its EEZ and lately also blocked and attacked two Philippine supply boats with water cannons headed for the Ayungin Shoal.

President Rodrigo Duterte assailed China’s provocations in a speech.

The Philippine government, meanwhile, filed filed a diplomatic protest, raising to 231 the diplomatic protests against Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea since 2016, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported.

DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez said the notes verbales were all lodged during the time of President Rodrigo Duterte as of November 18.

On November 18, the DFA publicly condemned and protested the Chinese Coast Guard for blocking and firing a water cannon on two Philippine boats that were en route to resupply Filipino troops who are stationed at the Ayungin Shoal.

The boats, identified as Unaizah May 1 and Unaizah May 3, had to abort their mission on November 16 after one of them had its outrigger damaged by the water cannon.

The United States immediately warned China that attacks on the Philippines will prompt it to act in keeping with its mutual defense treaty a nd military agreement with the Philippines.

The European Union (EU) and Canada also joined other nations in expressing “strong opposition” over “provocative actions” in the South China Sea by China.

EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Nabila Massrali reiterated the EU’s “strong opposition to unilateral actions that endanger peace, security, and stability” in the disputed waters.

“Furthermore, the European Union emphasizes the importance for all parties to respect freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea,” Massrali said.

She urged both China and the Philippines to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“In this context, the EU recalls the Arbitration Award rendered under UNCLOS on 12 July 2016, which found that Second Thomas (Ayungin) Shoal lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf,” Massrali said.

She also expressed support to the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea currently being developed by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), noting that the policies should be “effective, substantive and legally binding, and not prejudice the interests of third parties.”

In a statement, Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Peter MacArthur said his country “stands by UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration decision.”

“Recent provocative actions taken against the Philippines are inconsistent with obligations of all countries under international law and risk escalation of tensions, to detriment of peace, security, and prosperity,” MacArthur said.

Earlier, Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that the resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed aboard BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal has resumed, noting that Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian assured that the supply boats would not be impeded.

On November 16, the Western Command reported that three Chinese coast guard vessels blocked and attacked Philippine supply boats, forcing them to abort the resupply mission after one had its outrigger damaged.

3 November 25-December 1, 2021

 NATIONAL NEWS

Int’l Criminal Court prosecutor suspends PHL drug war probe MANILA — The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has suspended its investigation into the alleged “crimes against humanity” committed during the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs.

According to an ICC document, “the prosecution has temporarily suspended its investigative activities while it assesses the scope and effect of the deferral request” of the Philippine government.

Malacañang welcomed the decision of the ICC to suspend its investigation into alleged human rights violations committed under the national anti-drug campaign but reiterated the Hague-based court “has no jurisdiction” over the Philippine government.

Acting Presidential Spokesperson Karlo Nograles, however, said it does not preclude the government from communicating with the ICC. Nograles welcomed the “judiciousness of the new ICC prosecutor, who has

deemed it fit to give the matter a fresh look.”

The Philippine government has previously asked the ICC to defer its investigation on the alleged abuses and crimes in the course of the administration’s drug war.

Later, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan clarified that the Philippines must provide information to support its request for a deferment of the (ICC investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed in the country.

“The Prosecutor will in the coming days request the Philippines to provide substantiating information regarding the investigations and proceedings referenced in its Deferral Request,” the statement noted.

“The Office of the Prosecutor will request that such information be provided promptly, as envisaged by article 18 of the Rome Statute and as necessary to ensure that there is no impunity for Rome

Statute crimes,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it fully trusts the Department of Justice (DOJ) and would fully cooperate in the agency’s probe into the alleged violations committed by police officers in pursuing the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

In a statement, PNP spokesperson Col. Roderick Alba said they respect the call of various organizations for the resumption of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into the country’s anti-narcotics campaign.

“Let us remember that it was the decision of the ICC to suspend the probe granting the deferral request of the Philippine government. It might have halted at the ICC, but the investigation continues here through the DOJ. The PNP gives its full trust to the DOJ’s handling of the drug cases. The justice department is expected to come up with their findings and recommendation as an offshoot

of their probe,” Alba said.

Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya earlier wrote to Britain’s Karim Khan, prosecutor of the ICC, asking the international tribunal to defer to the government’s investigation of the drug war, noting the mechanisms in place that would assure them of the government’s “[commitment] to the rule of law with the highest regard to due process.”

Malaya cited the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) findings on 52 cases involving deaths during the police’s anti-narcotics operations in the country. However, the agency has yet to release similar information on the over 300 cases it scrutinized under the first drug war review.

Khan said his office will still continue reviewing and analyzing data it has gathered on the Duterte administration’s alleged human rights violations “as well as of any new information it may receive from third parties.”

Fishers, activists protest at China Consulate over water cannon attack MAKATI CITY – Members of the militant fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) along with Anakpawis Partylist trooped the Chinese Consulate in Makati on November 24 to protest the latest water cannon incident in the West Philippine Sea.

manded China to respect the Filipinos exer- by reclamation and illegal poaching in the West Philippine Sea. cising freedom of navigation, especially fishing activities in the West Philippine Sea. “This protest is a reminder that Filipino fishers refuse to bow down to China’s intimidation and harassment in the West Philippine Sea. It is a continued assertion of our territorial and fishing rights no matter how powDuring the protest, PAMALAKAYA de- erful the foreign intruders are,” said Bobby Roldan, PAMALAKAYA Vice Chair for Luzon, during the protest.

“What Chinese Coast Guard did against Filipino supply boats was a flagrant display of arrogance and excessive force. It is tantamount to embargo which is immoral and inhumane. Moreover, if China was able to do it against Filipino authorities, imagine the more atrocities it could inflict against our vulnerable fisherfolks,” said Roldan, a fisherman in Zambales.

The fishers’ group said it will seek international support to compel China to pay for its damages in marine resources and occupation of sea features. PAMALAKAYA said that Beijing’s “rampant plunder and destruction of marine resources adversely affect more than 600, 000 Filipino fisherfolks”. Citing the data of scientist group AGHAM, the fishers’ group said that the country is losing at least P1.3 trillion a year due to destruction of 16, 000 hectares of coral reefs caused

 METRO NEWS

November 25-December 1, 2021

Pasig village resumes car-free Sunday, sees more fun and games

CAR-FREE SUNDAY. Residents flock to the Emerald Avenue as Barangay San Antonio, Pasig reimplemented its car-free Sunday star�ng on Nov. 21, 2021.

PASIG CITY – A barangay in Pasig City has relaunched its car-free Sunday to provide the public with open space for recreational activities.

Barangay San Antonio (BSA) last Sunday implemented this anew with motor vehicles barred from plying the stretch of Emerald Avenue, located at the heart of Pasig City’s Central Business District.

BSA reimposed the car-free Sunday as the quarantine alert level of the National Capital Region (NCR) was downgraded to Alert Level 2.

Emerald Avenue will be off-limits to all types of motor vehicles from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

With this, the 500-meter stretch of Emerald Avenue, a major thoroughfare,

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was transformed into a recreational space where people are free to jog, bike, and do Zumba.

BSA chairman Raymond Lising said the clamor of the people wanting to do physical activities outdoors pushed them to relaunch the program following the easing of restrictions in Metro Manila.

Lising said their car-free Sunday is not just for health reasons but is also aimed at lessening pollution which he said is their small contribution to the recently concluded Glasgow Climate Pact for greater action to achieve climate plans.

He said the closure of the road will promote healthy living among residents by giving them space to exercise and other physical activities for their wellness amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is also promoting a healthy lifestyle by having a decent place to do your outdoor activities and provide an open space for the public because parks in Pasig are limited,” he said. “We have deployed safety officers along Emerald Avenue. They are ensuring that all health protocols such as social distancing and wearing of face masks are being followed.”

The number of people in the area is also being strictly monitored by barangay officials.

4

2nd city university starts holding face-to-face nursing, PT classes MANILA – The Universidad de Manila (UDM), the city government’s second university, has started face-to-face classes for their students taking up Nursing and Physical Therapy courses after receiving a certificate of authority.

UDM followed the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) which months earlier was allowed to hold face to face classes for medicine, nursing and related courses.

UDM president Felma Carlos-Tria, together with Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso, accepted the certificate from the representatives from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at a laboratory classroom of the campus.

Before the actual awarding of the certificate, Domagoso made an ocular inspection of the university, the classrooms, and the ongoing classes.

He also reminded the students attending their face-to-face classes to always adhere to the minimum public health and safety standards even inside their classes.

Safety protocol reminders are also visibly posted in hallways and in other areas of the university.

5 November 25-December 1, 2021

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Michael Rama takes over as Cebu City mayor, Dondon Hontiveros as vice mayor CEBU CITY — Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama took his oath of office as mayor over the weekend, following the death of his predecessor Edgardo Labella.

Councilor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros also took his oath as the vice mayor.

Court of Appeals Associate Justice Gabriel Ingles officiated Rama’s oath. Rama then administered the oath of Hontiveros.

Rama vowed to continue the programs and projects of Labella who died last Friday due to septic shock secondary to pneumonia.

Rama, who is seeking the mayoral post in the May 2022 polls, said he is saddened by the way he became mayor again. He was elected as mayor for two terms un-

til 2016. tiveros added.

“This is not the way I wished to take the rein of the Former City Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera will also city government,” Rama said. “This has to happen, me assume the post vacated by Hontiveros in the City Counand Dondon, to succeed by operation of law.” cil.

Rama also dismissed comments that he is eager to assume the mayoral post. “It (The law) is very clear that when death comes, succession follows; otherwise, there is hiatus,” said Rama.

Hontiveros said, “This is not what we want to happen but of course there is a law that we have to follow.

Again, never have I imagined that I will become a vice mayor.”

“I may not be ready but I have these people around me then I would think I will be in the right place,” Hon-

Taal Volcano sustains unrest, remains under Alert Level 2 TAGAYTAY CITY — Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 2 as it has sustained its “increased unrest,” according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

“We will stay at Alert Level 2,” said Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. This means that sudden steam or gasdriven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around the TVI. Solidum said factors that would warrant a higher alert level include continuous tremors, substantial magma rising, and stronger explosions.

“So far we have not seen that. The earthquake events sometimes would be quite high but it was not as persistent for the past 24 hours,” he added.

However, the volcano continues to emit sulfur dioxide, which Solidum said may “harm people if not dispersed thoroughly by the wind.”

Three short-lived phreatomagmatic bursts were recorded in the Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours, Phivolcs.

In its volcano bulletin, Phivolcs said the bursts occurred at 8:11 a.m., 8:17 p.m., and 8:34 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 22, lasting 1 minute to 5 minutes and producing plumes 200 meters to 1,500 meters tall.

Phivolcs said these phreatomagmatic bursts were likely driven by fracturing and gas release from resting magma beneath the Taal Volcano Island (TVI).

A total of six phreatomagmatic bursts were recorded since November 15, according to Phivolcs.

Meanwhile, 30 volcanic earthquakes caused by movements or eruptions of magma from the volcano were also recorded in the past 24 hours -- 23 volcanic tremors that lasted 2 minutes to 5 minutes, four low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, and three hybrid volcanic earthquakes.

Hybrid earthquakes indicate rock fracturing and magma or fluid movement.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

November 25-December 1, 2021

Comelec sets new rules on canvassing and proclamation

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has banned the raising of the hands of winners during the proclamation in next year’s polls as part of health protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“During the proclamation of the winning candidates, the BOC (Board of Canvassers) shall not physically raise their hands and shall strictly observe the minimum health standards/ protocols,” the poll body said in Resolution No. 10731.

In the pre-pandemic years, it has been a tradition for poll body officials to raise

the hands of the winning candidate during the proclamation.

The Comelec also is requiring all those who will be inside canvassing venues to undergo temperature checks as part of other health and safety rules to be implemented in the area.

“SEC. 40. Canvassing Venue. The Board of Canvassers shall: Strictly implement Election Day protocols and shall allow entry only to those who pass the following: a. Temperature checking - those who register a body temperature of less than 37.5 degrees Celsius on the first or second scanning; b. Fully-vaccinated individuals; in lieu of vaccination, a negative Antigen/ RT-PCR test result; and c. No symptoms of COVID-19, as indicated in the Health Declaration Form,” said the order.

“Those who fail in any of the aforementioned requirement shall not be allowed to enter the canvassing venue and

shall be referred to the Medical Personnel for proper medical advice,” it stated.

The Comelec added that the following measures shall be observed at all times in all activities covered by the Resolution including, but not limited to: 1. Wearing of face mask and face shield; 2. Body temperature scanning; 3. One-meter physical distancing; 4. Frequent disinfection of hands; 5. Frequent disinfection of regularlytouched surfaces; 6. Proper cough and sneezing etiquette; 7. Limited number of workers; 8. Disinfection of documents, supplies, device/ equipment;9. Use of own pen; 10. Requirement of negative antigen result/RT-PCR; and 11. Submission of Health Declaration Form.

Privacy chief warns vs. text scams, giving out personal info

MANILA – National Privacy Commissioner (NPC) Raymund Liboro warned the public against responding to text messages that offer jobs or rewards that are “too good to be true,” noting that such scams are becoming more widespread.

In a Laging Handa briefing, Liboro said the sender of such messages must be immediately blocked, noting that interacting with them, especially giving out sensitive information such as identity and bank details, can result in more serious harm.

“Hindi lamang nangyayari sa Pilipinas, maging sa ibang bansa. At ito po ay ginagawa po ng isang organized syndicate kaya mag-ingat po tayong lahat (This is not only happening in the Philippines but in other countries as well. And this is be-

ing done by an organized syndicate, that’s why we must all be careful),” Liboro said.

While such scams are becoming more popular during the Covid-19 pandemic, he said there is no evidence that mobile numbers and other personal information being used by such scammers come from contact tracing forms.

“Malalaking database po ang ginagamit nila dito. Maaaring nanggaling po iyan doon sa mga dati hong na-breach o na-hack. Ginagalugad na rin natin iyong dark web dito (They are using large databases for this. These possibly originate from previous breaches or hacks. They also search the dark web),” Liboro said.

To avoid becoming the target of such scams, he warned against giving out personal information to untrusted entities and carefully read the terms or conditions of

companies that are asking for such data.

“Maaaring sumasang-ayon kayo na gawing public itong mga impormasyon na iyon, iyan po ay nai-scrape, nakakayod ho sabi nga at nagagamit po sa hindi tama (You may be agreeing to have that information be made public, and that can be scraped and used for no good),” Liboro said.

He warned scammers that the unauthorized collecting and processing of personal data are illegal under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and can be punishable by incarceration for six months to two years or a fine ranging from P500,000 to P2 million.

He called on victims of such scams to reach out to their telecommunications service provider, the NPC, and the National Telecommunications Commission for help.

SAN JUAN CITY – The San Juan City government started the additional and booster vaccination for senior citizens (A2) and immunocompromised individuals or adults with comorbidities (A3) at the

FilOil Flying V Centre, which can accommodate up to 3,000 daily.

The qualified fully vaccinated residents are required to preregister through vaxreg. sanjuancity.gov.ph.

“The more vaccinees, the better because we can give an additional dose to more residents at the shortest time,” said Mayor Francis Zamora.

Registrants must wait for a confirmatory text message before proceeding to vaccination sites. Walk-ins are not allowed.

“This has proven to be one of the most important aspects of our very organized vaccination,” Zamora noted.

Last week, the city government start-

ed the administration of booster shots to health care workers.

“We are done vaccinating children 12 to 17 years old so we can now focus on our health care workers, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities,” Zamora said.

The city government is further scaling up its vaccination drive “so we can all go back to a better, normal situation especially as Christmas approaches”, he added.

“We want people to feel protected especially since we have also started opening up more establishments and easing up quarantine restrictions and people are going out more,” the mayor said.

San Juan starts booster inoculation for seniors

6

COA chair, Comelec exec are SC aspirants MANILA – The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has scheduled the interview for applicants to the position of associate justice of the Supreme Court (SC).

There will be a vacancy next year when Associate Justice Rosmari Carandang reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70 on Jan. 9, 2022.

In an announcement, the JBC said the online interview on December 6 will be for Commission on Audit (COA) chairperson Michael Aguinaldo, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner and former Justice department undersecretary Antonio Kho Jr., and Court of Appeals (CA) Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh.

Aguinaldo, appointed in 2015, will end his term with COA in February while Kho withdrew his previous application to the SC in August.

The JBC also named other applicants whose previous interviews are still valid from when they applied for an earlier vacancy in the SC. They are Sandiganbayan presiding justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang, Sandiganbayan associate justice and former Cebu judge Geraldine Faith Econg, CA associate justices Apolinario Bruselas Jr., Ramon Cruz and Ronaldo B. Martin, Finance Undersecretary Antonette Tionko, and Deputy SC Administrator Raul Villanueva.

Villanueva was named Officer-inCharge following the appointment of Jose Midas Marquez as associate justice to replace the retired Edgardo delos Santos.

QC health care workers get booster shots QUEZON CITY – An initial 5,000 health care workers in Quezon City, including non-medical personnel, have received their additional coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine shots.

The vaccination were held at the Rosa Susano Elementary School in Novaliches, Pinyahan Elementary School in Diliman, and Don Alejandro Roces Science Technology High School in Barangay Obrero.

The Department of Health said additional or booster shots shall be given to vaccinees who received their second dose at least six months ago, except for the single-dose Janssen vaccine that is recommended at a three-month interval.

“Our health care workers are the first ones to receive the vaccines when we first launched it in March. Since they are consistently exposed to the virus due to their work, it is important that they be given booster shots for additional protection,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement.

Health care workers should register through www.qceservices.quezoncity. gov.ph/qcvaxeasy The city government has surpassed its target of 1.7 million for population protection, with 1,837,736 already with complete doses as of November 21.

So far, 157,491 minors aged 12 to 17 years old have received their first doses.

7 November 25-December 1, 2021

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

PHL administers 76.5-M doses; 33.8M fully vaccinated MANILA – The Philippines has administered 76,522,732 doses of coronavirus vaccines, with 33,847,741 Filipinos now with full protection against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Latest data from the National Covid-19 vaccination dashboard showed 907,917 doses were administered on Monday, bringing the average daily vaccination rate in the last seven days to 834,994 doses.

National Task Force Against Covid-19 medical adviser, Dr. Ted Herbosa, reported that 134 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have already been delivered.

Of the total, 90 million doses were

procured by the national government and the rest donated.

Herbosa said the government is now focused on administering the more than 55 million doses in the stockpile while 10 million more are slated to arrive, thus eliminating allocation problems in the regions.

The government has earlier committed to fully inoculate at least 54 million Filipinos within this year and up to 70 million early next year to achieve population protection.

The government is set to hold a threeday national vaccination drive from November 29 to December 1, aiming to ad-

minister at least 15 million Covid-19 jabs.

Meanwhile, the South Korean government is augmenting its pandemic assistance to the Philippines with the upcoming donation of 539,430 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine this month.The Korean Embassy in Manila said the donations are expected to arrive on November 30.

“The Embassy of the Republic of Korea is happy to support the Philippine government as it seeks to inoculate 15 million Filipinos during the National Covid-19 Vaccination Days from November 29 to December 1, 2021,” it said in a statement.

“The donation is part of the joint efforts made by Korea and the Philippines to protect public health and support the local response to Covid-19 in the Philippines by vaccinating Filipino people.”

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) last year, the embassy has worked closely with partners from the Philippines, both to help protect the front-liners and reduce the crisis’ impact on the livelihood of affected Filipino families.

The upcoming donation brings to USD210.7 million or approximately P10.67 billion Korea’s Covid-19 assistance to the Philippines.

Phivolcs warns vs. pumice raft, volcanic debris on Batanes shores

BASCO, Batanes – Pumice raft and volcanic debris have been found on Batanes shores as a result of the recent eruption of the underwater FukutokuOkanoba volcano in northern Pacific Ocean.

This prompted the Philippine Institute

of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to caution the public against pumice raft and volcanic debris as they could be harmful.

“The August 2021 eruption of Fukutoku-Okanoba submarine volcano is the only significant explosive eruption in the

northern Pacific Ocean producing pumice. Ocean currents can bring volcanic materials to the western side of the North Pacific. The floating pumice was first detected in eastern Japan coasts in October,” Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum, Jr. said.

According to Phivolcs, someone reported to them that volcanic materials have been washed onto the shores of Sitio Maydangeb in Ivana, Batanes. This was first noticed in the coves of Batan and Sabtang islands on November 21.

Solidum said people should not swim on coasts covered by pumice rafts (floating pumice and finer volcanic materials) as these reduce visibility when swimming underneath and can cause abrasion injuries.

“This is also to avoid ingesting seawater with very fine ash and other substances leached from the pumice rafts,” he added.

As the pumice dries out, the pumice becomes easy to crumble and may be converted to finer dust particles when

More colleges, universities gird for face-to-face classes: CHED QUEZON CITY – More higher education institutions (HEIs) can push through with expanded limited face-to-face under certain conditions starting next month, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chair J. Prospero de Vera III disclosed.

De Vera said at least 161 HEIs nationwide have already resumed limited face-to-face classes in September.

“Itong expanded faceto-face ay pagdagdag doon sa original na limited face-to-face para sa medical and allied health sciences, engineering, tourism at maritime na inaprubahan ng Pangulong

Duterte (This expanded face to face [classes] are additional to the original medical and allied health sciences, engineering, tourism and maritime [degree programs] approved

by President Duterte), early this year,” de Vera said during a televised Laging Handa public briefing.

Among the conditions, he said, provide that all students and faculty members must be vaccinated.

The Inter Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases earlier approved that only fully vaccinated (primary series) schools and faculty members may enter school premises.

De Vera said schools must also pass the requirements for minimum health standards; facilities are retrofitted for observance of health and safety protocols to prevent infection transmission; and, proper coordination with respective local governments.

“So, kailan puwedeng magsimula? Eh, depende kung gaano kabilis ang retrofit at saka mag-comply ang mga schools sa kanilang safety standards.

Kung sila ay handa na ay puwede na silang magsimula na kahit ngayong December (So, when could the expanded classes start? It depends on the speed of retrofitting and

compliance of schools to the safety standards.

If they’re ready, they can already start this December),” de Vera said.

He said only HEIs under Alert Level 2 may resume face-to-face classes by December.

“By December puwede ng magbukas iyong mga schools under Alert Level 2 kasama diyan ang Metro Manila kung saan pinakamaraming mga eskuwelahan (By December, schools can open under Alert Level 2 including tro Manila where most of the schools are located),” he said.

hauled or mobilized, Solidum said.

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or goggles is advised. Strong winds, he said, may also whip up the dried finer ash particles, thus people are advised to wear masks if they are near a beach covered with volcanic materials and it is windy.

Local government units (LGUs), on the other hand, are advised to inform the residents of the potential harm of floating pumice to boats and engines, and abrasion injuries.

“LGUs should also issue warnings or advisories against swimming,” said Solidum.

Phivolcs also urge the LGUs to contain the accumulation of floating pumice in port area, clean up the affected beach, and explore long-term plans for proper disposal or use.

 NATIONAL NEWS Tension...

(From page 1)

Shoal, are Chinese territories.

At the same time, China reiterated its demand to the Philippines to remove the grounded Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. The United States, Australia, Japan, France, Germany and the European Union

Lakas...

(From page 1)

Fidel Ramos and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, adopted him as its presidential candidate.

The adoption came amid tirades by President Rodrigo Duterte on Marcos as allegedly a “weak leader” and at least five disqualification cases filed before the Commission on Elections. Meanwhile, Marcos said he had been tested negative of illegal drugs by St. Luke’s Medical Center while Vice President Leni Robredo, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Sen-

Duterte...

(From page 1)

cocaine user -widely believed to be Ferdinand Marcos Jr. -- in the act of taking the illicit drug.

Speaking in the vernacular, Mr. Duterte said during a speech in General Santos City at the start of this week that, “It’s true. There was a candidate who was using cocaine and you can ask the rich.”

In reply to a question why the police had never arrested the suspected drug user, Mr. Duterte said, “You don’t know the rich. They go in the yacht or in the air. There they would snort their stuff.”

Mr. Duterte said that the people could choose to believe his claim or not, but “let it not be said later on that I did not

November 25-December 1, 2021

8

expressed concern over the incident at the Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) with the US warning that any attack on the Philippines will be invoking the USPhilippines Mutual Defense Treaty.

In a press conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian justified Chinese troops being near the BRP Sierra Madre ship after Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and National Security Adviser

Hermogenes Esperon complained of their “intimidation and harassment” during a resupply mission.

Lorenzana said earlier that the Chinese coast guard sent a rubber boat near the BRP Sierra Madre and took photos and videos while the supplies were being unloaded for Filipino troops stationed in the grounded vessel.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte took a potshot at China for its intimida-

tion at Ayungin Shoal.

Zhao, meanwhile, said the Chinese coast guard ship “patrolled and performed its duty in the water area in accordance with law” as it monitored the resupply mission.

He claimed anew that Ayungin Shoal, known in China as Ren’ai Jiao, is part of China’s Nansha Qundao, the Chinese name for the Spratly Islands, which is also being claimed by the Philippines.

ate President Vicente Sotto III also tested negative of drugs. Presidential aspirants Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso said they will have their new tests, although past tests turned out negative.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, who is now Lakas-CMD chairperson and its vice presidential candidate, confirmed the adoption following a meeting, saying it is part of three resolutions adopted by the party.

Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Lakas co-chairman, and House of Representatives Majority Leader and Leyte District Rep. Martin Romualdez. Lakas

president, noted that Marcos filed his certificate of candidacy for president under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, but now can officially claim that he is a Lakas candidate.

Marcos Jr.’s adoption by Lakas-CMD further cements the alliance between him and Mayor Duterte-Carpio as running mates for the 2022 elections. The tandem said it now looks to expand its base by inviting more allies.

“Hopefully we will be able to invite more parties in the coming days, to sign up in the Uniteam alliance for the 2022 elections. I know that you have many friends outside of Lakas-CMD and I hope

that you will take a timeout to talk to them and invite them to join the Lakas-CMDPFP Uniteam Alliance for the May 2022 elections,” Mayor Duterte said.

Aside from adopting Marcos Jr. through a resolution, the party also officially confirmed Duterte-Carpio as its vice presidential candidate in the 2022 elections and authorized Romualdez to enter into alliance agreements with other political parties.

The three resolutions were signed by Duterte-Carpio, Lakas-CMD co-chairperson Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., Romualdez, and other executive committee members.

warn you.”

posedly conducted by St. Luke’s Medical Center, but the document released to the public by the Marcos camp stating the negative result did not have the logo of the hospital, nor a QR code which usually appears in drug test results.

His latest attack was the third week that the president has targeted Marcos Jr, even if he continued to gingerly avoid mentioning the former senator by name where his alleged drug use was concerned.

Two weeks ago, he said that he could not support Marcos Jr because the presidential candidate was “pro-communist.”

Last week, before mentioning cocaine use, he said Marcos Jr. was “weak leader” who never achieved anything noteworthy in all his years in government service.

The president also said he could never agree to his PDP-Laban party join-

ing forces with the parties supporting his daughter Sara’s vice presidential bid “because he (Marcos Jr.) is there.”

By the process of elimination, the president was clearly referring to Marcos Jr as the cocaine user, who Mr. Duterte said came from a very rich family with a well-known name and who was male.

In another development, presidential contender Manny Pacquiao admitted trying metamphetamine hydrochloride AKA shabu when he was beginning his professional boxing career.

Saying he was “naïve” at the time, Pacquiao also said that he was not aware that use of the drug was against the law.

He was probably referring to two decades ago when he was in his early 20s and not yet a boxing champion and shabu had just entered the Philippine market, replacing marijuana as the most popular illegal drug.

While his camp had earlier said Marcos Jr. “did not feel alluded to” when the president revealed last week that one of the candidates running to replace him when his term ends next year was a cocaine user.

However, after the other presidential bets expressed their willingness to take a drug test to determine if there was any illicit drugs in their system, the son and namesake of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos joined the fray.

Marcos Jr. claimed to have taken a “cocaine test” at the start of this week, but netizens were quick to point out that the speed with which the results were known made it improbable that he actually took the test.

Also, the test was sup-

Vatican approves ‘heroic virtues’ of Cebuano candidate to sainthood CEBU CITY - The Philippines may yet have a third saint after San Lorenzo Ruiz and Pedro Calungsod.

This after members of the Theological Commission of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in the Vatican have unanimously approved the heroic virtues of the Cebuano candidate for sainthood, Servant of God Archbishop Teofilo Camomot.

The Archdiocese of Cebu announced that the positio or document on the life and heroic virtues of Camomot gained the unanimous vote or “9 out of 9 votes” from the members of the commission.

“With this favorable outcome, the Cause of Beatification and

Canonization of Bishop Camomot will be forwarded for further examination to the Commission of Bishops and Cardinals of the said Congregation,” according to the announcement.

“Upon completion of their study, the cause will be presented to the Holy Father for his approval. Then Bishop Camomot will be considered “Venerable”.”

The canonization process of the Cebuano Archbishop is spearheaded by the Archdiocese of Cebu with Fr. Samson Selloriquez, OAR, the main postulator, and Fr. Mhar Vincent Balili as vice postulator.

Archbishop Teofilo “Lolong” Camomot was born in Carcar City

in Cebu was known for his charitable works, dedication to pastoral work, and devotion to prayer.

Bilocation is among the stories related by some witnesses, including the late Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal himself.

Camomot, they said, was seen in two different places at the same time.

Camomot was auxiliary bishop of Jaro in Iloilo and coadjutor archbishop of Cagayan de Oro. He founded several religious congregations.

He died in a vehicular accident in Sitio Magtalisay, Barangay Sangat in San Fernando town, Cebu on Sept. 27, 1988.

9 November 25-December 1, 2021 Quiboloy...

(From page 1)

A new 74-page indictment released by the DOJ office in Sta. Ana, California on November 18 expanded earlier indictment and charged Quiboloy, 71, and two other top officials of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) – Teresita Dandan and Felina Salinas – with participating in a criminal conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, money laundering, bulk cash smuggling, marriage and visa fraud and other federal law violations.

According to the US DOJ, three of the five female victims were minors when the alleged sex trafficking began.

Three of the new defendants were arrested on November 18 by federal authorities and are expected to make their initial appearance at the US District Court in Los Angeles and Honolulu.

The US DOJ said every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Following the indictment, US authorities readied measures seeking to confiscate the US assets of Quiboloy which the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said were “ill gotten,” according to FBI spokesperson for Los Angeles Laura Eimiller.

“We seek to recover typically all ill-gotten gains from the crimes committed,” FBI spokesperson Laura Eimiller added.

At the same time, US authorities said Quiboloy could be extradited to California to personally face the charges against him and seven of his followers.

Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel H. Ahn, Jake D. Nare and Benjamin D. Lichtman of the Santa Ana Branch Office, along with Special Assistant United States Attorney Angela C. Makabali of the General Crimes Section, are prosecuting the case. Assistant United States Attorney Katharine Schon-

 NATIONAL NEWS bachler of the Asset Forfeiture Section is also working on the case.

In Davao City, the camp of Pastor Quiboloy said in a statement that their leader and the entire Kingdom nation would not be brought down over a malicious issue on sex trafficking.

“The people who accused him today in California, are the same dissidents who miserably failed in their attempt to bring Pastor Quiboloy into the case in Hawaii. Our heart goes to Pastor Quiboloy and to all the Kingdom leaders who were maliciously accused in this present controversy,” the statement said.

“Despite the charges pressed against the church leader, his legal counsel said the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name, and all its followers remain steadfast and committed to faithfully responding to its mission, its ministry, and its divine calling despite all the detraction efforts made against them,” it added.

“We are confident and ready to face whatever is hurled against Pastor Quiboloy and the Kingdom leaders. We trust the process of justice and we certainly expect the truth to prevail, and the Kingdom ministry will continue to prosper,” the statement said.

The Philippine Department of Justice said it would cooperate with US authorities in case they seek to extradite Quiboloy even as the Philippine Consul General in Los Angeles, lawyer Edgar Badajos, assured they will assist Quiboloy as well as the Filipino victims as mandated by law.

ConGen Badajos said his office will continue to monitor the case, adding they are prepared to assist Filipino citizens involved in the case, whether alleged victims or accused.

“As to the members, we wish that things will turn out fine for everybody but most importantly for the alleged victims, that they be given justice in the laws of the United States,” Badajos said in an ABS-CBN report.

“It is our responsibility to provide assis-

tance to any of the accused and the victims who are still Filipinos to extend the necessary and appropriate consular assistance and none of them have contacts us yet but we are ready to extend assistance as appropriate. Philippine nationals,” he said.

Properties of Quiboloy and the KOJC which could be subject to forfeiture include a Cessna Citation Sovereign, a private aircraft with a current market value of $18 million, a Bell 429 helicopter, several luxury cars and real estate holdings, such as a million-dollar mansion which Quiboloy allegedly owns in Calabasas, California.

Quiboloy’s Cessna plane was seized by federal authorities in Hawaii in February 2018 after gun parts and $350,000 were found folded and stuffe in socks in a suitcase inside the plane which was about to fly Quiboloy to Manila but was returned to him afterward after his Waipahu church administrator, Felina Salinas, owned the money which was to be smuggled out of US. Quiboloy was briefly detained in Hawaii due to the incident and he had to fly back to Manila via Los Angeles via commercial plane.

In a statement, the US DOJ in Sta. Ana, California, identified the defendants charged in the expanded indictment. They are: · 1. Quiboloy, believed to be 71, whose primary residence is a KOJC compound in Davao City, Philippines, but who also maintained large residences in Calabasas, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Kapolei, Hawaii; · 2. Teresita Tolibas Dandan, also known as “Tessie” and “Sis Ting,” 59, of Davao City, the “international administrator” who was one of the top overseers of KOJC and CJF operations in the United States; · 3. Helen Panilag, 56, of Davao City, the one-time top KOJC administrator in the U.S., who oversaw the collection of financial data from KOJC operations around the globe; · 4. Felina Salinas, also known as “Sis Eng Eng,” 50, of Kapolei, Hawaii, who alleg-

edly was responsible for collecting and securing passports and other documents from KOJC workers in Hawaii, as well as directing funds solicited to church members to church officials in the Philippines (arrested on November 18); · 5. Guia Cabactulan, 61, the lead KOJC administrator in the United States who operated the KOJC compound in Van Nuys (charged in original indictment); · 6. Marissa Duenas, 43, a Van Nuysbased administrator who handled fraudulent immigration documents for workers (charged in original indictment); · 7. Amanda Estopare, 50, another Van Nuys-based administrator who was in charge of tracking and reporting the money raised in the U.S. to KOJC officials in the Philippines (charged in original indictment); · 8. Bettina Padilla Roces, also known as “Kuki,” 48, a fourth administrator who allegedly handled financial matters (arrested today in Reseda); and · 9. Maria De Leon, 72, a resident of the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles, the owner of Liberty Legal Document Services, who allegedly processed fraudulent marriages and immigration-related documents for KOJC workers (arrested today at her residence). · In its statement, the US DOJ stated: “ The indictment alleges the sex trafficking scheme started no later than 2002 and continued to at least 2018, during which time Quiboloy and his top administrators caused the victims to engage in commercial sex acts by ordering female victims, including the minor victims, to have sex with defendant Quiboloy on a schedule determined by the church leader and others, including Dandan. The victims who were obedient were rewarded with “good food, luxurious hotel rooms, trips to tourist spots, and yearly cash payments that were based on performance” – which were paid for with money solicited by KOJC workers in the United States, according to the indictment.” (Continued on page 10)

 NATIONAL NEWS

November 25-December 1, 2021

Philippines’ response on UN climate change goals awaited GLASGOW/MANILA - The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) ended in overtime and on a disappointing note despite the urgent calls for world leaders to make commitments on crucial points, including the phasing out of fossil fuels.

“While the text agreed is far from perfect, we are moving in the right direction.

What is essential to watch for now are the concrete steps Philippine government officials will take,” according to Atty. Angela Ibay, WWF-Philippines’ Head of Climate and Energy.

Now that the conference is over and the delegates are back home in their respective countries, the real and definite work begins. Policies need to be put in place, executive decisions need to be made, implementation enhanced, and stakeholders must be gathered and galvanized so that the country can move towards a future responsive to climate change.

“After COP26, we have a chance to Change the Ending for the planet. Our officials know their roles, they know the targets needed to be achieved to keep on track and aligned to the 1.5C temperature goal. Implement our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) properly and unconditionally, while ensuring nature stays at the heart of our response to the

climate crisis, in tandem with a full transformation of the energy system,” Ibay said.

“Most Filipinos are already suffering from the climate crisis, but that doesn’t mean the situation is hopeless. This is the fight for our survival and for the planet.

And we need to win. Whatever it takes,” she said.

Philippine government officials should take the following urgent concrete steps following the pledges and promises they committed to at COP26 in Glasgow: Accelerate the clean and just energy transition through more renewable energy sources and energy efficiency use Undertake enhanced implementation of the Philippine NDC and ensure that the Philippine national budget supports our climate actions Put in place executive measures and policies that integrate sustainability in the systems that provide our basic needs Seriously implement actions to stop nature loss, scale-up restoration, and integrate the value of nature in our national plans Use effective leadership to get our local governments, the private sector, and all stakeholders to apply solutions towards climate resilience, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

Quiboloy...

(From page 1)

“ As part of the alleged scheme, the three defendants told female victims who expressed hesitation at night duty “that they had the devil in them and risked eternal damnation.” Furthermore, Quiboloy would threaten and physically abuse victims who attempted to leave KOJC or were not available to perform night duty, according to the indictment, which also alleges Quiboloy would physically abuse victims for communicating with other men or engaging in other behavior that upset him because he considered such conduct adultery and a sin.” “ Victims who managed to escape KOJC suffered retaliation in the form of threats, harassment and allegations of criminal misconduct, according to the indictment. “Defendant Quiboloy would give sermons, broadcasted to KOJC members around the world, in which he would allege that victims who escaped had engaged in criminal conduct and sexually promiscuous activity, and therefore faced eternal damnation, in order to discourage other victims from leaving, retaliate against and discredit the victims, and conceal the sexual activity between defendant Quiboloy and the victims,” the indictment states,” the DOJ stated.

Salinas has been detained and is now among the nine indictees with Quiboloy. She was released on $25,000 bail over the Hawaii case.

Quiboloy was finally charged in the case for “knowingly concealing more than $10,000 in currency” in transit to another country outside the United States, a violation under federal law.

Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles said the new indictment expanded on allegations made last year against three KOJC administrators based in the city. It charges Quiboloy and eight others with participating in a scheme in which church members were brought to the United States using fraudulently obtained visas and forced to solicit donations to a bogus children’s charity.

Prosecutors said the donations were used to pay for “lavish lifestyles” of the church leaders.

The latest indictment added Quiboloy and five other new defendants to an existing indictment filed

in 2020. Prosecutors said US authorities arrested three of the new defendants last week but three others, including Quiboloy, were believed to be in the Philippines.

The indictment alleges that Quiboloy and two other defendants recruited females aged 12 to 25 as personal assistants, or “pastorals.” It said they were required to prepare Quiboloy’s meals, clean his residences, give him massages and have sex with him during what they called “night duty.”

Other properties that could be seized include houses in Las Vegas, Nevada and in Kapolei, Hawaii, as well as the main headquarters of KOJC in the United States with address at 14400 block of Vanowen Street, Van Nuys, California.

Aside from Quiboloy’s indictment in the US, a complaint was also filed against Quiboloy last year before the Davao City Prosecutor’s Office for alleged rape, child abuse, ill-treatment under the Revised Penal Code (RPC), trafficking in persons through forced labor, and trafficking in persons through sexual abuse but the prosecutor’s office dismissed the charges, although the complaint has been appealed before the DOJ’s Office of the Secretary.

Meanwhile, President Duterte “will execute the laws accordingly” amid the issues hounding Quiboloy, his spiritual adviser, according to Malacañang.

Cabinet Secretary and Acting Presidential Spokesperson Karlo Nograles made this assurance after being asked if Duterte would continue supporting Quiboloy amid sex trafficking charges hurled against the KOJC leader.

Nograles was also asked whether Duterte would allow Quiboloy’s extradition to the United States (US) if requested.

“As a lawyer and as a former prosecutor, and the chief executive of the country, he will execute the laws accordingly,” Nograles said in a Palace press briefing.

Nograles earlier said it is up to Duterte if he will keep Quiboloy as his spiritual adviser.

“Again, we’ll wait for the President’s statement regarding that kasi bago pa lang itong development na ito (because this is just a new development). Hayaan na lang po natin na magsalita si Pangulo tungkol po diyan (Let the President make a statement on that issue),” he said in a briefing on Nov. 19.

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11 November 25-December 1, 2021

 OPINION Canepa...

(From page 1)

Upside

the first elected officials to declare intention to try and succeed US Congress Member Jackie Speier. A Democrat representing District 14 since 2008, Speier announced last week she will not seek reelection.

At press time Canepa was the lone aspirant for the post from the Board of Supervisors.

“We’re all in,” Canepa confirmed his decision to Inquirer.net days before making the official announcement Nov. 20 at Seton Medical Center. “We decided CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO after 9 hours of talks with apolitical consulting team on the East Coast (that the timing is ideal).”

By “we,” he was referring to himself and his wife Ana del Carmen Valenzuela, El Salvador Consul General in San Francisco, and mother of their son David Piero, 4.

“I talked to Ana and she told me to ‘just do it.’ When she gave me the green light, that was it. Piero is used to it, he grew up with people around me, with all of it,” he pictured his rise in local politics as a family man and young father.

Canepa identified as a “multicultural son of San Mateo County.” He shared his family origins with a greatgrandmother who immigrated from Sonora, Mexico, and settled in Los Angeles where his grandmother was born. His roots make him Italian, Mexican and Irish American, he said.

“I’m proud to be surrounded by people in this county who like me come from all around the world,” Canepa acknowledged the mixed crowd standing in the late morning sun, reserving special recognition for the city’s largest population of color.

“Without question, I must show great appreciation for our Filipino community, the largest outside of the Philippines: Daly City is your home and always will be.”

Canepa openly courted Filipino and Asian Americans for his major leap.

“Daly City is 56% AAPI. The API community is the core of my constituency and if elected to Congress I will continue to fight for its core values. The values of affordable, high-quality and easy to access health care, higher education, a hate-free community and affordable housing. Whether I’m in Washington DC or Daly City I will continue this fight,” he promised.

“AAPIs have supported me throughout my journey. I have been working with Filipinos and AAPIs this whole time. You don’t see others interacting with AAPIs the way I have,” he said. “Filipino Americans and AAPIs are my ‘secret sauce.’ I’ll need them to come out and vote especially in this election.”

Pre-2020 remap, District 14 has encompassed the cities of Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Colma, Daly City, East Palo Alto, El Granada, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, Millbrae, Montara, Moss Beach, Pacifica, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Mateo, South San Francisco, and part of Redwood City, the County seat.

The candidate heralded his achievements as president of the Board of Supervisors during the pandemic. He cited the “$220 million in local, state and federal funding to protect our small businesses from closure, to provide rental assistance to keep our neighbors housed and fed our poor and hungry seniors more than 2.5 million freshly prepared meals.”

For the youth, he said the county pledged $2 million with additional $6 million from the state to the Community College district, giving “free tuition, free transportation, free food and intensive wraparound services to pave a(Continued on page 27)

EDITORIAL

W

In denial and in danger

hat we have here is a failure to communicate.

The line comes from an old Paul Newman movie, and it is most apt at this time seeing that there is still a lot of misunderstanding, even fear, of getting one’s self vaccinated against COVID-19.

Latest studies show that one in four Americans are not too eager to receive the various anti-coronavirus vaccines developed in the past year which have all proven to be effective to varying degrees.

There are still a good number of people not just in the US but everywhere in the world who simply refuse to get vaccinated, mostly for the wrong reasons.

They are willing to sacrifice their livelihoods, even their very lives, on the belief that vaccines cause more harm than good.

This is simply not true.

It must be noted that if there is one thing that Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump agree on, it is the need to get vaccinated. Both know it is the right thing to do.

Why, we ask, do the likes of Brooklyn Nets superstar Kyrie Irving refuse to play rather than have himself vaccinated? In doing so, he may be sacrificing tens of millions of dollars in future earnings. Then there is rock star Eric Clapton who is using his global fame to send the message that vaccines are unsafe, losing countless fans as a result.

Sad to say, the two huge celebrities are not alone. Because vaccinations have been made mandatory for federal employees, a growing number have joined mass actions contesting the rule.

Anti-vaxxers have been making their positions known, even resorting to violence to show they mean business.

Here in the US, they have gathered in large numbers in recent months and were able to shut down a California vaccination site, received support from local officials in Ohio, and the governor of Florida even actively tried to block the federal government’s healthcare policy mandating COVID-19 vaccines for healthcare workers.

In the UK, they stormed the BBC office, causing injuries to four policemen.

In Paris, anti-vaccine protests turned violent when policemen clashed with rallyists.

In Australia, thousands protested in Sydney and Brisbane on news that mandatory vaccinations were forthcoming.

The anti-vaxxers are not only becoming more and more fanatical in their beliefs, they have also become more radicalized, as if anyone who spreads the word on getting vaccinated is committing a crime.

Our greatest fear is that they will soon resort to more extreme measures to deliver their message, including committing acts of terrorism.

There are those who say that they are not so much against being vaccinated as they are being told that it is mandatory, otherwise they can no longer report for work.

These are mostly the same people who have no qualms about wearing seat belts when they drive to and from work. The mandatory use of seatbelts is perfectly acceptable to them because they know it saves lives. They themselves may never have serious car accidents in their lifetimes, but they wear the safety belts just the same.

Why then do they reject being vaccinated when it most definitely saves lives? Vaccinated persons are not only protected against the deadly virus, it also protects everyone they interact with from being infected.

Also, the Supreme Court has already ruled that mandatory vaccination during a health crisis is legal.

Does anyone question that COVID-19 -- which has killed more than 770,000 Americans to-date and infected millions of others -- is the worst health crisis in a century?

It therefore seems that all efforts to end the pandemic are being blocked by anti-vaxxers who are misinformed, misled, and criminally mistaken in their beliefs.

All efforts to communicate the truth with them have failed.

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 OPINION

November 25-December 1, 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)

L

ast Wednesday evening, November 17, 2021 while I was at the midweek Bible Study and Prayer Fellowship with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, Ruben Mabini, grandson of our national hero Apolinario Mabini and one of our clients at Mobile Signing ART GABOT MADLAING Services, called me for urgent and emergency travel assistance.

Ruben Mabini, grandson of Apolinario Mabini the Sublime Paralytic” and “Brain of the Philippine Revolution,” told me that while traveling from San Francisco to Manila he is now stranded at the international airport in Honolulu, Hawaii because United Airlines won’t allow him to reboard the airplane in a continuing flight to Guam because he could not present the original copy of his dual citizenship certificate.

In lieu of the original copy of his Certificate of Dual Citizenship, the supervisor at the United Airlines in Honolulu required him to have the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco send CERTIFIED TRUE COPY of Ruben Mabini’s Certificate of Dual Citizenship.

That same evening, I sent email to the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco for URGENT AND EMERGENCY TRAVEL ASSISTANCE in behalf of our MSS client Ruben Mabini. I also requested everybody at the midweek Bible Study & Prayer Fellowship Group to pray for Ruben Mabini and that the staff at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco, California would be able to help him.

The following day, Thursday, I sent follow up emails to the Philippine Consulate but could not get any response.

Later in the afternoon, I called Lito Lucido, whom I got acquainted with when we still have our office at the Philippine Center building in San Francisco, if he can help us. Lito explained that he is not in the office because he is on vacation but he suggested that I’ll get in touch with Linda Castillo, who is now with the Legal Section.

The following day, Friday, my beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing and I went to the Philippine Consulate and contacted Linda Castillo. After explaining the situation, Linda Castillo accompanied and introduced us to Grace Lansang at the Dual Citizenship Section. Grace Lansang immediately prepared the documents needed by the United Airlines supervisor in Honolulu, Hawaii. Then, Lito Lucido picked up the documens for signing by the Vice Consul on duty. I received the signed documents from Lito Lucido by 2:30 pm Friday.

My wife pictured the signed documents in her iphone and emailed them to the United Airlines supervisor in Honolulu. After few minutes, the United Airlines supervisor called and informed me that the emailed documents don’t look good and clear. She instructed us to go to a nearby Kinko’s and scan the documents and email to her. My wife and I went to the Fedex Kinko’s at the Metro Center in Colma/Daly, California. We scanned the documents and emailed to the supervisor. After few minutes, the United Airlines supervisor received the documents in very good and clear copies.

“I’m rebooked to LA and then to Manila coz they canceled the Guam flight,” Ruben texted me last Friday evening “Three staff from the Philippine Consulate helped us in the release of the documents early, namely: Lito Lucido, Documents Processing & Release Section; Linda Castillo, Legal Section; and Grace Lansang, Dual Citizenship Section. . . It helped that I showed my emails to the Philippine Consul General & Staff. I told them that you are the grandson of Apolinario Mabini and that you are my cousin. I explained that you are stranded in Honolulu since Wednesday. Through God’s providence, Lito Lucido came back today. God’s providence is truly amazing!” I texted back Ruben Mabini.

“The Good Lord has assigned these angels (referring to Lito Lucido, Linda Castillo and Grace Lansang) to help us and I will pray for you and for them. I cannot thank all of you enough. God bless you all.” Ruben texted.

I first met Ruben Mabini during notarization and Mobile signing of documents in his home in Hayward, California. I asked him if he got relatives in Binalonan, Pangasinan because the middle name of one of my cousins (Perfecto M. Gabot) is Mabini. The full name of my late grandmother was Cecilia Mabini Sampayan Gabot. Ruben explained that some adventurous relatives of his grand- (Continue on page 27)

35 lost years; want six more?

A

fter weeks of dazzling display of drama, lies and hypocrisy, we now have the final line-up of candidates in the May 2022 national elections.

Since filing her candidacy for reelection as Davao City mayor in October, presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio for the most part has kept her “ silence amid speculations that it was a ruse to distract the op- VAL ABELGAS position from her true intention – that of running for president to replace her father. She had insisted she would not seek a higher position and that she would just continue the programs she had started as Davao City mayor.

Her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, also kept the people and his supporters guessing as to whether he would indeed retire from politics after his term as he had repeatedly said, substitute for his longtime aide Sen. Bong Go for vice president as he also had said months ago, or run for senator as his other aide, Sen. Bato de la Rosa, had announced.

Apparently, Duterte was awaiting the decision of Sara so he could make his final decision before the deadline for substitution on Monday, Nov. 15. My take was that he tried to convince his daughter to run for president under the PDPLaban and possibly invite Bongbong Marcos to run as Sara’s vice president under the PDP-Laban. Both De la Rosa and Go were obviously just what they were – placeholders for Sara and Bongbong, or possibly Pacquiao, if they could still convince him to rejoin the party.

De la Rosa made it so obvious by repeatedly saying he was willing to withdraw in favor of Sara or anyone the party decided to endorse. Go, however, looked like he was a real candidate, traveling around the country to open Malasakit Centers.

In the meantime, the wheeling-and-dealings were going on, some behind the scene, the others made to look like coincidental meetings. When Bongbong and Sara crossed paths in Cebu on Oct. 23, we were given a not-so-subtle hint something was going on. Still, Sara kept her silence while the Marcos camp described it as a “beautiful coincidence.”

Shortly thereafter, Sara said the Hugpong ng Pagbabago, the regional party she founded, would support Bongbong for president.

Last Tuesday, Sara’s younger brother, Sebastian, withdrew his COC for vice mayor without any explanation, although it was clear the siblings were up to something. After that, things moved in dizzying speed. That same day, Sara, followed suit and withdrew her own COC for reelection and Sebastian substituted for her for mayor.

A third giveaway was when Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, a close ally of both Sara and former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, “speculated” that the Davao mayor was “moving towards the presidency” after Sara withdrew her COC for mayor. He said Sara would most probably run for president under the Lakas-CMD, which is co-chaired by Arroyo.

Sara resigned from HNP Thursday morning and a few hours later, was sworn in as a Lakas-CMD member by party president, Rep. Francis Martin Romualdez, witnessed by party co-chair Sen. Bong Revilla.

With Bongbong and Sara walking together as principal sponsors in the wedding of Revilla’s daughter, everybody was certain the two would pair up for the May elections. But who would run for president and who for vice president remained unclear.

The next day, nearly half of Congress congregated on Balesin Island to attend the birthday party of Speaker Lord Alan Velasco. Sara went directly to Balesin from Cavite, flying on a private plane with De la Rosa, who also attended the Revilla wedding and who was photographed carrying Sara’s bags emerging from the plane.

That same morning, a reliable source said Arroyo would also be in Balesin and would, in fact, be there to broker an alliance between Bongbong and Sara. She had apparently hoped and promised Sara she would be the standard bearer and Bongbong would agree to be her running mate. Ominous, hoever, was the absence of Bongbong in Balesin.

After Quezon Gov. Danilo Suarez, another close ally of Arroyo, hinted that a power-sharing between Sara and Bongbong were possible, the latter (Continue on page 27)

On Distant Shore

A “

Health & Wealth

Duterte pivots back to America

How Philippine Consulate staff help stranded grandson of Mabini

12

13 November 25-December 1, 2021

 OPINION

Offline

y now, most Filipinos and FilAms should be aware of the revelation made by Rodrigo Duterte that one of the six presidential candidates is into cocaine.

He did not mention the person’s name, but one would have to be completely clueless not to realize who he was referring to.

According to the presiBETING DOLOR dent: · The coke user is a he, so this automatically excludes Leni Robredo. · That cokehead comes from a rich family, which leaves out Isko Moreno and Manny Pacquiao. · And he also comes from a well-known family, which means Bong Go isn’t it. Ditto with Ping Lacson, who came from a middle class background at best.

President Duterte made it 100 percent clear that he was really referring to Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and nobody was the least bit surprised knowing the background of the son of the late dictator.

The rumors of his drug use have been around since the time the Marcos family returned from exile. He had supposedly been in and out of rehab at the Makati Medical Center for decades.

Still, it was a bit surprising to learn that his drug of choice is cocaine, which is not readily available in the country. Here, it’s shabu that is most frequently used. But since shabu is also known as the “poor man’s cocaine,” it must follow that Marcos Jr would have nothing to do with such a pedestrian drug.

This is the same guy who refuses to fly in anything but first class in his trips abroad. Flying coach would be “too embarrassing” for him, he said in an interview.

I will not be a hypocrite. I’m only a few years older than Marcos Jr which means we grew up at a time when drug use was rampant. I smoked a lot of weed, which was fine. It’s been proven to have numerous medicinal properties, right?

As I am a diabetic, I am at risk for glaucoma, and good old marijuana has been proven to aid in relieving if not curing this eye condition. This is why I am a proponent for legalized weed, as is the case in many US states.

I also took some of the harder stuff in my late teens to early 20s. That was a mistake. But I never took cocaine or anything like it. No heroin, no opium, no morphine, and certainly no shabu.

Why a presidential wannabe used cocaine well into his middle age and possibly his senior years means he never resolved his personal issues nor conquered his inner demons.

Too bad for him that social media has been showing video clips of what to look for in people who use cocaine. He shows some of the signs, such as his occasional blabbering, his grinding of his teeth and irregular jaw movements.

In fact, I do not give a rat’s ass if any son of any dictator anywhere in the world burns his brains with cocaine. What I worry about is that this one spoiled brat son of a thief is spending the billions of hidden, ill-gotten wealth to try and win the Philippine presidency.

When Rodrigo Duterte admitted that he used fentanyl “under doctor’s orders,” he could be given the benefit of the doubt. He said it was for the aches and pains caused by various motorcycle accidents in the past.

There is more than a grain of truth in his claim. He still enjoys biking when possible and most Davaoenos will attest to his driving around the city in his motorcycle and meeting accidents on several occasions.

So when his doctor prescribes fentanyl for his aching old body, it may be because he really needs it.

Not so with cocaine, which is not a prescription drug.

Now imagine a Philippines run by a cokehead who has the same dictatorial inclinations as his father, who had no qualms in having his opponents killed for the flimsiest reasons, and who wants to exceed the thievery of his mother and father.

I choose to believe the president when he claims that the presidential bet who uses the deadly and illegal drug is a weak leader who could still win next year.

That old brat is throwing everything including the kitchen sink at the electorate to make sure he wins because 2022 is his last shot at rewriting history and cleaning the Marcos name. He cannot run in 2028 (Continue on page 27)

T

he elaborate zarzuela being foisted on us by the Duterte father-anddaughter duo and their acolytes would be amusing if not for the fact that ironically the joke is on us Filipinos. They shamelessly peddle the lie that they seek office not for their own gain and glory but to serve the people and to complete unfinished important governmental business. One BOBBY ROMULO dreads what they mean by that.

Not only have they presided over a country that has performed the worst in ASEAN in responding to the pandemic, they have also plunged us precipitously down the global corruption index, and reversed decades of economic growth to yet again perceive us as ‘The Sick Man of Asia.’ Where Pharmally and Udena will forever become the epitome of cronyism unmatched in our history. Where they have set the record for killing its own people through its murderous antidrug war, namely with EJKs and its botched handling of the pandemic. Where instead of fighting for our sovereignty, it has willingly subverted itself to a foreign regime in exchange for unfulfilled promises of economic largesse for the country.

Rodrigo, the father, in a fit of pique over his petulant daughter’s behavior, has put forward his bag carrier, the “pambansang photobomber” to be the next President of our beleaguered country in an effort to extend his misrule.

DU30’s confidence in his “boy” stems from his being able to get his court jesters elected to the Senate. Thus inspired, Panelo and Roque, have thrown their jester’s hats into the (circus) ring. And just to be certain he has all bases covered, their master has also joined the fray.

Washington, DC, November 18—Around 3,000 pair of ‘tsinelas’ was displayed at the National Mall as a tribute to more than 30,000 Filipinos killed in President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

Sara, the daughter and reigning denial-queen, has teamed up with the feckless son of our only other despot to date. The son who relies entirely on his surname since he has little to show in terms of meaningful accomplishments for his entire public life and who even has repeatedly lied about his higher education. This will explain why he employs an army of trolls to burnish his name by changing the narrative about his father being a hero rather than the plunderer who destroyed our economy and who was responsible for the death and disappearance of thousands of our countrymen. He tells us to move on while he files a claim for the rest of the plundered wealth that is not yet securely in his family’s hands. But he clearly still has more than enough means to revise history, delude our people and defame the opposition with his vast army of trolls. Means stolen from us. “Niluluto tayo sa ating sariling mantika.” Would it not be to our eternal shame as a people, admired by the world for our courage to have peacefully overthrown the failed Marcos regime, only to then elect the unrepentant son who is a convicted tax cheater to boot?

Do we really want more of these kinds of leaders in the next six years or more? Enough is enough! We have been made fools enough by these self-proclaimed saviors. Let us stop this cycle of electing politicians so they can enrich themselves while impoverishing the rest of our people with their misgovernance and corruption. We should by right feel angry, aggrieved and abused. Let us regain the moral compass that we have somehow lost along the way. Let us put faith in strength of character, competence, honesty, decency, and empathy for the poor as the attributes we want our leaders to have.

Vice President Leni Robredo as guest speaker at the ARMM Colloquium 2016 organized by the Zuellig Family Foundation in cooperation with the DOH and USAID. As a Father Villarin, S.J. meme that has gone viral, says in selecting who to vote for, “if you follow the commandments – do not kill, do not steal and do not lie – ‘dun pa lang iiksi na listahan.” In that “maiksing listahan,” of those who do not kill, steal or lie, Leni Robredo stands out. She is not a trapo and, importantly, does not belong to any political dynasty.

She has shown that despite being provided limited resources and burdened by all the constraints placed on her by this Administration, she has nevertheless delivered for the country.

Above all, she has shown with her track record, real and not feigned empathy for the poor and disadvantaged.

GUEST COLUMNIST

B

Will disqualification case against Marcos fly?

Beware

F

ive petitions have been filed to have Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s certificate of candidacy cancelled or denied due course, or that he be disqualified, or that he be declared a nuisance candidate. The first petition alleged that he is not eligible to run for public office, being disqualified to do so, because he made material false representations in his certificate EMMANUEL SAMONTE TIPON of candidacy by stating “I am eligible for the office I seek to be elected to.” It is alleged that he was convicted of not filing income tax returns which subjects one to perpetual disqualification from holding public office and which is a crime involving moral turpitude. Buenafe vs. Marcos, Jr., SPA No. 21-156, filed on Nov. 2, 2021.

I. IS MARCOS JR. ELIGIBLE TO BE ELECTED PRESIDENT UNDER THE CONSTITUTION? A. Constitutional provision The Philippine Constitution of 1987 provides in Article VII, Section 2: “No person may be elected President unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, able to read and write, at least forty years of age on the day of the election, and a resident of the Philippines for at least ten years immediately preceding such election.” https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/1987-constitution/ That candidate Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. meets these requirements has not been seriously questioned.

Legend has it that some people wanted to add a provision that no former president and members of his immediate family may be elected president, but cooler heads intervened.

Are certain people wishing now that hotter heads had prevailed?

The Constitution is silent on the eligibility of a person who has used drugs or failed to file income tax returns.

B. U.S. Precedents The U.S. Constitution provides in Article II, Section 1, Clause 5: “No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.”

The U.S. Constitution – like the Philippine Constitution – is silent on the eligibility of a person who has used prohibited drugs or has been convicted of a crime.

Thus, a marijuana user has run for the presidency without his eligibility being questioned in court. Bill Clinton admitted that he “experimented” with marijuana during his student days at Oxford, England (sounds familiar?) but explained “I didn’t inhale.” Comedian Johnny Carson quipped: “That’s the trouble with the Democrats. Even when they do something wrong, they don’t do it right.”

Two convicted felons ran for the presidency. The first was Eugene V. Debs who was convicted under the Espionage Act of 1917, Debs v U.S., 249 U.S. 211 (1919). The second was Lyndon LaRouche who was convicted of securities law violations. They campaigned for the presidency in prison.

Their eligibility for the presidency were not challenged The framers of the U.S. Constitution wanted everybody – almost everybody- to have a chance to become president – even those who are “weak”. (Wise, Energetic, Amiable, Kind, according to a blogger). They did not expect a President to be perfect like God. Therefore, they made the qualifications for the presidency as nonrestrictive as possible as part of the democratic process. They wanted to let the people decide who is good or bad. The framers of the Philippine Constitution were obviously inspired by the same beliefs and made the qualifications for the Presidency almost similar.

II. IS SEC. 12 OF THE ELECTION CODE APPLICABLE? The Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines effective December 3, 1985 (B.P. Blg 881) provides in Section 12 that: “Any person who has … been sentenced . . .for a crime involving moral turpitude, shall be disqualified to be a candidate and to hold any office, unless he has been given plenary pardon or granted amnesty. . .

(Continue on page 27)

What’s Up Attorney

Cocaine, anyone?

 IMMIGRATIONS How to protect yourself from wage garnishment

I

t is possible that a creditor could obtain a court order to garnish your wages. In other words, they can take money right out of your paycheck to pay your debts.

In some cases, wage garnishments may take more than half of your paycheck.

Wage garnishment is a drastic step, often used by creditors that have no claim to any of your property.

Without any property or collateral to back up your credit card purchases or medical bills, a creditor may file a lawsuit against you and ask the court to grant their motion for your wages to be garnished. Depending on your debt, the court will assign a percentage of your paycheck to be automatically deducted and sent to the creditor. Oftentimes up to 25 percent of your disposable income could be taken away from you. In cases of tax debt, much more could be taken out.

Wage Garnishment Laws It’s possible that your spouse’s wages be garnished because of your debts. In California, married couple’s debts and assets are considered community property. In this case, your spouse’s wages might be at stake even if the credit card and the debts are under your name.

As required by law, your employer must comply with the court order, and will be unable to stop wage garnishment. However, you are also protected by the same law, which says that an employer may not fire you because your wages are being garnished.

Wages are often garnished for the following reasons: 1. Credit card lawsuit - Once a credit card account goes into default, and the creditor decides it cannot collect, it may sell the debt to a debt collection company. If the credit card or debt collection company is unsuccessful in recovering the debt, then a lawsuit may be filed against the consumer in an attempt to recover its losses. If the ruling in the lawsuit goes against the consumer, a judgment may be issued to garnish property, bank accounts or wages.

2. Tax liens: unpaid state and federal taxes - The IRS and State Taxing Authorities have the power to collect back taxes by levying on taxpayers’ property as a result of a tax lien. When a person owes back taxes, the IRS/State can collect a lien on a particular taxpayer’s assets after meeting certain statutory requirements, which attaches to all rights, title and interest of the taxpayer.

Once the IRS/State has a lien on all of a taxpayer’s assets, they may enforce it by administratively levying his/her assets. As a collection tactic, the IRS/State often imposes a wage garnishment, which means that they literally take money out of every paycheck – often enough seriously jeopardizing an individual’s lifestyle and making it impossible to maintain the same standard of living.

3. Delinquent child support – Pursuant to child support enforcement laws in the United States, statutes permit the use of a variety of types of garnishments to collect past due child support, according to Find Law. 4. Delinquent spouse support (alimony) – There is numerous ways to enforce an order for spousal support or alimony, including entry of a money judgment and wage garnishment. However, the availability these enforcement tools and how they are used are controlled by state laws and/or the rules of the courts in your area.

Wage garnishment will only stop if: 1. Your debts are settled 2. Automatic stay in bankruptcy stops the action If you are already facing financial disaster, garnishment can make it harder for you to support yourself and your family. By filing either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you have the power to stop the action. Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy may stop wage garnishment. In the case of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the garnishment will stop for several years as you work through your repayment plan. In a Chapter 7, each state’s exemptions provide protections against wage garnishment.

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.

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 1-877-456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www.crispinlozanolaw.com/

November 25-December 1, 2021

14

Deadline extended for LA county’s grant program for qualifying small businesses

ALHAMBRA, California – The deadline for Qualifying Small Business Tenants (QSBT) that have fallen behind on rent to apply for the Small Business Rent Relief Grant Project has been extended to November 28, 5pm.

The Project, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and authorized by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, will be administered by the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA).

The Small Business Rent Relief Grant Project will provide up to $40,000 to help businesses cover rent that became past due as of March 4, 2020. To be eligible, a QSBT must meet the following criteria: Have a brick and mortar business located in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County as of June 22, 2019; Have an annual average number of nine or fewer full-time equivalent employees; Have annual total gross revenues of no more than $1 million; and Be able to demonstrate a gross revenue loss of at least 25% over a 12-month

timeframe falling at least in part within the period of Los Angeles County’s COVID-19 Emergency Order that went into effect March 4, 2020.

The County is working to ensure equitable distribution of resources, focusing on communities most in need of immediate and long-term pandemic and economic relief interventions based on relative risk using indicators that assess risk factors for COVID-19 infection, vulnerability to severe outcomes if infected, and ability to recover from the health, economic, and social impacts of the pandemic. Small Business Rent Relief Grant Project applications will be sorted by tier per equity lens listed above and a lottery will be held for each tier to determine ranking order.

Applications will be accepted through Sunday, November 28, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.

For additional project information, visit ndconline.org/lacsbrr/ or call (626) 210-4500. Questions regarding the Small Business Rent Relief Grant Project can be sent to LACountySBRR@ndconline. org.

MANILA – The country’s overall balance of payments (BOP) position posted a surplus of US$1.14 billion in October 2021, lower than the US$3.44 billion BOP surplus recorded in the same month last year.

Last month’s BOP surplus reflected inflows arising mainly from the national government’s (NG) net foreign currency deposits with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the BSP’s income from its investments abroad.

The BOP surplus in October brought the cumulative BOP for the first 10 months of the year to US$476 million surplus, reversing the deficit of US$665

million for the first nine months of the year.

The current year-to-date BOP level is lower than the US$10.31 billion surplus recorded in the same period a year ago.

Based on preliminary data, this cumulative BOP surplus was partly attributed to net inflows from personal remittances, net foreign borrowings by the NG, foreign direct investments, and trade in services.

The BOP position reflects an increase in the final gross international reserves (GIR) level to US$107.89 billion as of end-October 2021 from US$106.6 billion as of end-September 2021.

PHL balance of payments surplus hits $1.14-B in October

Fitch Solutions eyes 75 bps hike in BSP rates in ‘22

MANILA – Fitch Solutions expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to keep key rates steady this 2021 but forecasts a total of 75 basis points increase in the policy rates in 2022 as the economy recovers.

In a report, the financial information services company noted monetary authorities’ bid to continue to support the economy as economic challenges remain and as the domestic inflation rate is still elevated.

“We at Fitch Solutions forecast the BSP to begin its hiking cycle in 2022, forecasting the policy rate to rise from 2.00 percent as of end-2021 to 2.75 percent by end-2022,” it said.

During the rate-setting meeting of the central bank’s policy-making Monetary

Board (MB) last November 18, the Board kept anew the BSP’s key policy rates, with the overnight reverse repurchase (RRP) rate at a record-low two percent.

BSP’s key policy rates have been slashed off a total of 200 basis in 2020 as part of the central bank’s measures to help keep the economy afloat during the pandemic.

Fitch Solutions said the MB’s decision last week is widely expected “given the Philippines’ economic challenges through 2021.”

“Indeed, despite financial market’s becoming increasingly hawkish over the Philippines monetary policy tightening cycle, expectations are for hiking to begin in 2022,” it said.

 ENTERTAINMENT

November 25-December 1, 2021

16

Arizona-born Fil-Am beauty wins 2nd Miss Globe crown for PHL BINIBINlNING Pilipinas Globe Maureen Ann Hiwatig Montagne has been crowned as Miss Globe 2021 during an exciting finale held in Tirana, Albania early November.

Montage, 28, bested the field of more than 60 delegates worldwide and succeeded last year’s winner Lorinda Kolgeci from Kosovo.

Born in Arizona in the United States, Montagne became the second Filipina to win the coveted title after Ann Lorraine Colis who won in Canada in 2015.

Maureen’s runners-up came from (in order) Nigeria, Turkey, Venezuela and Canada.

Maureen became the second Binibining Pilipinas beauty queen in one week to win an international crown.

Last October 29, Cinderella “Cindy” Faye Obeñita, 25, became the second Binibini to win the Miss Intercontinental title when she bested more than 70 delegates in the finale held in Sharm

El-Sheikh, Egypt.

Maureen is a Filipino-French beauty who was born in Chandler, Arizona to an American father of French descent and a Filipina mother who is originally from Padre Garcia, Batangas.

A veteran of several beauty and fitness competitions, including the Miss Eco International 2019 tilt where she placed second, Maureen was a favorite from the start of the competitions, figuring prominently in the different preliminary challenges including head-to-head (Q&A), swimwear and talent.

Maureen trained under renowned Kagandahang Flores (KF) pageant camp headed by Rodin Gilbert B.flores.

Stella Marquez Araneta, chair of Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. which hold the franchise for the international pageant immediately sent a message congratulating the newest global beauty champion.

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17 November 25-December 1, 2021

 ENTERTAINMENT

Olivia Rodrigo, H.E.R., Bruno Mars top FilAm nominees at 2022 Grammy Awards

By Jo Erlinda Maufit Two Filipino Americans – Olivia Rodrigo and Vallejo-born H.E.R. – are top nominees in the 2022 Grammy Awards.

The Grammys, the highest honors in the music industry, will be handed out at ceremony in Los Angeles on January 31, 2022.

A third Fil-Am nominee is rapper Saweetie who has two nominations.

She is up for Best New Artist alongside Olivia Rodrigo and Best Rap Song for Best Friend. She recently won Best New Artist at the 2021 MTV VMAs, so it’s a much-deserved nomination.

A fourth FilAm, the multi-awarded Bruno Mars, is also a nominee in four categories but with a group called “Silk Sonic” which teams him up with Anderson Paak for their song “Leave the Door Open.” Bruno Mars is the winningest FilAm singer-composer with 11 Grammy awards.

Leave The Door Open,” the debut hit and 2021 summertime anthem from Bruno Mars and Anderson’s criticallyacclaimed album An Evening With Silk Sonic, is nominated in four categories - Record of the Year, Song of

the Year, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Song Rodrigo was nominated in seven categories, including each of the Big Four categories in the 64th annual Grammy Awards, namely, album, record and song of the year for “Driver’s License” plus best new artist, making her the first FilAm artist to score the feat.

With this feat, Olivia makes history as the first-ever Filipino American to be nominated for the Big Four categories at the same award show. She also is the second youngest person in history to be nominated for the big awards in the same show.

Singer and songwriter H.E.R., who is Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson in real life, on the other hand, got eight nomi-

nations, including the top category Album of the Year.

The writers of “I Can’t Breathe” by H.E.R won the song of the year in the 2021 Grammy Awards.

H.E.R. was nominated for best song written for visual media for “Fight for You” from “Judas and the Black Messiah,” which won the Oscar earlier this year.

H.E.R. and her fellow “Fight for You” songwriters Dernst Emile II (aka D’Mile) and Tiara Thomas also notched a song of the year nomination, and H.E.R. earned a nod in the traditional R&B performance category for that song.

The 18-year-old Rodrigo is fresh from taking home the trophy for New Artist of the Year in her debut at the

2021 American Music Awards on November 21, earning her the record for most wins in one year by a first-time nominee.

“Thank you so much to the AMAs and to the fans who voted for this award,” the “High School Musical” veteran said when she accepted her award.

“It means so much to me. Writing songs is my favorite thing in the whole world, and I am so grateful for everyone who has embraced my music,” Rodrigo added.

Rodrigo also made debut at the AMA awards performing her song with her guitar.

According to critics, Rodrigo has become the breakout music star of 2021 with (Continue on page 19)

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 25-December 1, 2021

18

Beauty queen Rabiya Mateo joins GMA Network MISS Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo is set to conquer new horizons as a Kapuso in a contract signing with GMA Network on November 18.

After showing her strut on the international pageant scene, the 25-year-old model and beauty queen looks forward to honing another set of skills as she continues her royal reign in the Kapuso Network.

“I’m very happy today. I can’t believe that I am officially signing with GMA. I can finally say, I’m officially a Kapuso!” said Rabiya. “After Ms. Universe Philippines, I’ve been asking myself, ‘What’s next? What am I going to do? Babalik na ba ako sa pagiging Physical Therapist?’

But I’m just happy that the people here in GMA did see my potential as an actress, as a host, and I’m excited sa mga parating na projects.”

The beauty queen also expressed her gratitude to the Kapuso Network for seeing her potential and considers it as the perfect door for her.

“My heart is full of endless gratitude to everybody who saw my potential...I just came from a simple life, I had my humble beginnings, I have my struggles.

But I realize, I have to go through those hardships because God will open that perfect door for you. Today, I can say that door is my GMA family, kaya maraming, maraming salamat po!”

Rabiya was welcomed by GMA executives via Zoom, video messages and their presence at the Marquee Tent of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.

GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, Executive Vice President and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, GMA Network Films Inc. President and Programming Consultant to the Chairman and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Senior Vice President for GMA Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, First Vice President and Head of Regional TV and Synergy Oliver B. Amoroso, and GMAAC Assistant Vice President and Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun S. Ferrer welcomed Rabiya as part of the Kapuso family.

Rabiya’s co-managers from Empire Jonas Gaffud and Mau De Leon were also present during the event.

Atty. Gozon is confident that Rabiya will be a wonderful addition to the Network’s roster of talents. “Last year, she

made us proud when she represented the Philippines in the Ms. Universe competition. Now, we are proud that she’s joining us here in GMA. Welcome to the Kapuso Network, Rabiya,” he said.

Yalong also wishes Rabiya the best of luck in her career’s new chapter, “Congratulations, Rabiya.

We wish you all the best as you begin your Kapuso journey.”

Gozon-Valdes is elated to have Kapuso viewers watch her grow as an actress, “We are delighted to have Rabiya join GMA’s stable of stars. I am sure the fans and the Filipino viewers worldwide are thrilled to watch her on screen. Congratulations!”

Meanwhile, Rasonable expressed her enthusiasm in welcoming Rabiya, “We are looking forward to the projects that we will do with Rabiya which will showcase her talents in acting & hosting. We are happy to have Rabiya in GMA!” Yalong also wishes Rabiya the best of luck in her career’s new chapter, “Congratulations, Rabiya. We wish you all the best as you begin your Kapuso journey.”

Gozon-Valdes is elated to have Ka-

puso viewers watch her grow as an actress, “We are delighted to have Rabiya join GMA’s stable of stars. I am sure the fans and the Filipino viewers worldwide are thrilled to watch her on screen. Congratulations!”

QCinema Int’l film festival is back Cinephiles have more reasons to nourish an inflow of excitement with the opening of cinemas. QCinema International Film Festival returns with a hybrid edition from November 26 to December 5 with in-person screenings at Gateway Cineplex 10 and online streaming via KTX.ph.

“This will be the first film festival to be held after cinemas opened their doors again and we are very happy to be part of the jump start of our much-loved industry” says Ed Lejano, festival director.

The 10-day festival opened with Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s “Memoria,” Cannes Festival 2021 Jury Prize winner and Colombian entry to the 94th Academy Awards. The film, which stars Tilda Swinton, is the acclaimed director’s first English language film. Its Southeast Asian premiere is with QCinema 2021.

The films under Screen International, which is one of QCinema’s most awaited sections, are “The Worst Person in the World,” “The Box,” “Happening,” “Vengeance is Mine, All Others Pay Cash,” “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy,” and “Drive My Car.” “The Worst Person in the World” by

Joachim Trier will also have its Southeast Asian premiere at QCinema 2021. The film premiered in competition at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, with Renate Reinsve winning the award for Best Actress for her performance in the film. This film is co-presented by the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

Another film having its Southeast Asian debut is “The Box’’ by Lorenzo Vigas. This film won the Leoncino d’Oro Agiscuola Award at Venice Film Festival 2021.

Venice Film Festival 2021 Golden Lion winner “Happening” by Audrey Diwan is having its Asian premiere.

“Vengeance is Mine, All Others Pay Cash” won the Golden Leopard at the Locarno International Film Festival 2021.

QCinema is also hosting the Southeast Asian premiere of Ryūsuke Hamaguchi’s 2021 films, in partnership with The Japan Foundation. “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy” premiered at Berlinale 2021 and won the Silver Bear, while “Drive My Car” played in competition in Cannes Film Festival 2021 and brought home the Best Screenplay trophy.

(Continue on page 19)

19 November 25-December 1, 2021

 ENTERTAINMENT

John Lloyd Cruz readies for TV series, movie comeback, recounts experience while away from limelight Now that matinee idol and award winning actor John Lloyd Cruz is back in television on GMA7, he brings with him lessons he learned during his four-year hiatus from the industry.

John Lloyd was a certified A-list star of ABS-CBN when he suddenly left his character in a sitcom in October 2017. He took an “indefinite leave” from Star Magic, the talent management arm of ABS-CBN, and as years passed, his contract expired as a Kapamilya talent, according to published reports in Manila.

Even if he distanced himself from the limelight, he silently did an independent film, until he gradually made his presence felt in a script reading with Bea Alonzo on February 14, 2020 and in an experimental unconfined cinema, again with Bea in April 2020, it was reported by Maharlika

Olivia...

TV. He formally confirmed his showbiz comeback when he was launched as premium artist of Crown Artist Management, owned by Maja Salvador.

And on November 9, John Lloyd signed a partnership agreement for his sitcom with GMA7.

During an interview with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho recently, a fresh John Lloyd appeared as he was talking to the show’s host Jessica Soho in a place by the beach in El Nido, Palawan.

They were talking about his being a matinee idol. John Lloyd’s trademark is his eyes with a look that could melt eveyone’s heart which was evident in his romanticcomedy or romantic-drama movies which he starred in.

John Lloyd smilingly said, “Ewan ko

(From page 17)

her massiva viral hit “Drivers License” in January and followed by “Sour” and the single “Good for U” in the spring.

Rodrigo, in an ABS-CBN report, thanked her supporters after getting multiple Grammy nominations.

Rodrigo has been nominated in seven categories for the Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Music Video. “[Woke] up this morning to 7 Grammy nominations.

When I was younger, my family lived a few blocks from the Staples Center, where the Grammys took place every

QCinema...

(From page 18)

Aside from these Screen International selections, QCinema will also screen at Gateway Cineplex 10 “Great Freedom” under RainbowQC section; “Lamb” under New Horizons section; and “Onoda: 10,000 Nights in the Jungle” and “Historya ni Ha” under “Special Screenings.”

“Great Freedom” by Sebastian Meise is the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize winner at the Cannes Film Festival 2021 and Austrian entry to the 94th Academy Awards. This is the prison drama’s Asian premiere.

Premiering in Asia is Scandinavian folk-horror film “Lamb” by Valdimar Jóhannsson, Cannes Un Certain Regard Prize of Originality award winner and Icelandic entry for the 94th Academy Awards.

The biopic of a World War II holdout in the Philippines will have its Southeast Asian premiere at QCinema 2021. “Onoda: 10,000 Nights in the Jungle” opened the Un Certain Regard of the Cannes Film Festival 2021.

Angeli Bayani is part of this film.

Completing this section list is Lav Diaz’ “Historya ni Ha,” for its Asian premiere.

QCinema will also screen for free select Patrick Alcedo films: “A Will to Dream” and short films “They Call Me Dax” and “Am I Being Selfish.”

Those who are still not comfortable going to the cinemas or are staying outside Metro Manila can still be part of the QCinema experience. The festival is presenting an equally exciting lineup for its online edition.

Under the Screen International section are “My Salinger Year,” “The Great Movement,” and “Miracle.”

“Apples,” “Magnetic Beats,” “El Planeta,” and “Playground” will be part of the New Horizons section, which ushers debut films all over the world.

New section Asian Voices features new opus from Asian directors. This section includes “Yuni” and “Islands.”

kung ano nakikita nila. Madalas nabibisto nga ako sa mata ko, e. Dun ako nayayari, e.

“Pero madalas ibang kahulugan ang nabibigay. Ang totoo lang naman, inaantok lang naman ako.”

Jessica quipped the actor is “boyfriend ng bayan” because of his popular romantic-comedy movies.

The actor simply said, “Iba talaga ang power ng pelikula. Magaling lang siguro ‘yung mga direktor na bumuo ng mga characters ko,” as he expressed, “It is flattering, yes?

“Pero may great danger na kalakip, e.

Hahaha! Parang bawal ka magkamali, especially sa mata ng audience mo. I think yun ang kapalit nun.”

John Lloyd admitted that he came to a point wherein he needed to do some soulsearching and to strengthen his core that

year,” Rodrigo said in an Instagram post.

“I would always walk outside the arena and look at the plaques on the ground with all the winners’ names in wide-eyed wonder,” she added.

The FilAm singer and songwriter said getting nominated for a Grammy is “the most meaningful.”

“Many dreams have come true for me this year but this one is probably the most meaningful,” said Rodrigo on learning of her nomination. “[I] went to the Grammy museum so many of my free weekends [because] I was so fascinated by the history of the show and all of the incredible musicians that made it up,” she said.

“Many dreams have come true for me this year but

he suddenly took an indefinite leave from showbiz in 2017.

The 38-year old actor explained: “Parang it was the right time to be kind to myself, to start some healing. Parang it was the right time, the journey of unlearning.

“Siyempre, the thing with acquiring yung mga natutunan natin, may mga kaakibat siyang mga bagay na kakapit sa ‘yo na mahihirapan kang ipagpag para huminga muna.”

John Lloyd was asked if he felt or came to a point that he has reached his ceiling of popularity but he was looking for something “more.”

The multi-awarded actor admitted: “Importante rin na may tama kang motivation habang sinusuong mo yung daan sa hinahanap mo.

this one is probably the most meaningful. Thank you to everyone who has believed in me and supported the songs I write. And thank you to @recordingacademy for the recognition. I’m beyond humbled. Truly a day I will never forget.”

Rodrigo’s album “SOUR” caught the attention of music fans with its angst-filled and heartbreak tracks. This is evident in her first three singles “drivers license,” “deja vu,” and “good 4 u” which were relatable to many fans, who dedicated them to their exes.

Her album, according to the ABS-CBN report, also reveals the tremendous power of her raw self-expression, poetic specificity, and talent at illustrating complex emotions in high-impact pop songs.

 REAL ESTATE

November 25-December 1, 2021

Property rebounds in Metro Manila, Cebu, others as economy reopens MAKATI CITY - Property consultant Colliers said a further reopening of the Philippine economy bodes well for the property sector following a faster-than-expected 7.1-percent expansion in the gross domestic product (GDP) in the third quarter.

“The improvement in economic output was primarily driven by a rise in private investments as well as consumer and government spending. The gradual reopening of the economy bodes well for Philippine property. This could result in greater office and pre-selling condominium takeup over the next 12 months. Malls are starting to welcome more guests and this should also translate to improved retail space absorption and eventual recovery in rents,” Colliers said in a statement.

Colliers said in the first nine months of the year, office office transactions in Metro Manila reached 303,000 square meters (sq.m.) up from the 295,800 sq.m.

last year. Traditional firms accounted for 61 percent of total transactions.

Outside Metro Manila, meanwhile, Cebu captured the largest share of deals, covering 30 percent of total provincial transactions at 26,100 sq.m., followed by Iloilo at 19 percent at 16,300 sq.m.

Earlier, a property developer in Cebu cited the improving business climate here, as economic activity continues to pick up.

Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) chairman and chief executive officer Jose Soberano III said demand for housing has sustained its growth even amid the pandemic.

“The pandemic has emphasized to our buyers the importance of and impact to family stability of owning a home in a safe and secure community. We will continue to meet this need and to earn the trust of VisMin (Visayas, Mindanao) homeowners moving forward,” he said.

The Cebu-based developer dis-

closed its exceptional third quarter 2021 performance highlighted by a net income of P1.854 billion in the first nine months of 2021, which has effectively surpassed its fullyear 2020 figure of P1.845 billion.

Robust sales and rapid construction progress, due to sites operating fully at 100 percent, raised consolidated revenues year-on-year by 34 percent from P5.7 billion to P7.7 billion.

Cebu, the biggest metropolis in the VisMin region, was the source of 59 percent of revenues.

CLI also reflected strong and growing sales in Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, and Iloilo.

CLI has invested P8.7 billion in capital expenditures this year with acquisitions for new land amounting to PHP1.2 billion.

“Our growth is based on our sustained earnings in 2020 and we are on track to exceed our 15 percent to 20-percent growth guidance in 2021 and in the next two to five years,” Soberano said.

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Housing Mortgage Loan limits to increase • Conforming loan limits for 2022 will go up from $548,250 to $ 625,000.00 for high balanced loans, it will be from $822,375 to $ 937,500 • Federal housing officials will announce revisions near Thanksgiving.

• The baseline for most counties could rise to $625,000 for next year.

There’s a very good chance that conforming loan limits will go up in 2022.

Home prices in many U.S. cities have risen by record levels over the past year or so. As a result of that trend, we expect the Federal Housing Finance Agency to increase the 2022 conforming loan limits over their current level.

Higher Conforming Loan Limits in 2022 Expected A “conforming” loan is one that meets the purchasing requirements used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These are the two government-supervised corporations that purchase mortgage loans from lenders and sell them to investors.

The main requirement for a conforming loan has to do with its size (i.e., the amount of money being borrowed). There is a limit to how much you can borrow when using a conforming mortgage product. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) establishes these size restrictions, which are common known as “loan limits.”

These caps can vary by country, because they are partly based on median home prices. This year, the baseline loan limit for most counties across the U.S. was set at $548,250. More expensive areas like San Francisco and New York City currently have conforming loan limits as high as $822,375. Both of those thresholds will likely go up in 2022. This will drive prices higher for counties like Riverside and San Bernadino, now more first time buyers can qualify for these higher loan limits.

Most borrowers in the U.S. stay within the conforming range when using a mortgage loan to buy a house. So the official loan limits are pretty important, from a home buyer’s perspective.

Each year, federal housing officials review the conforming loan limits in relation to home-price changes over the past year.

When prices rise substantially, the FHFA typically increases the maximum conforming loan size to keep pace.

That’s what we expect to see this year. Given the substantial home-price growth over the past 12 months or so, we will most likely see higher conforming loan limits for 2022.

In past years, FHFA officials have announced revisions during the week of Thanksgiving. The current limits were announced on November 24 of 2020, two days before last Thanksgiving. FHFA will likely follow that “tradition” and publish the (possibly) revised conforming loan limits for 2022 sometime next week.

The agency has signaled that it might increase the baseline limit for most U.S. counties to $625,000 in 2022. But that’s not yet official. Even so, some mortgage lenders are now offering loans up to that amount. Most will likely wait until after the announcement, before adjusting their lending procedures.

According to the real estate data company Zillow, the median home value in the U.S. rose by more than 18% over the past year. That’s miles above what is considered to be “normal” appreciation, from a historical standpoint.

But then again, the housing market has been operating outside of normalcy for some time now.

Cities with highly competitive real estate markets have seen even bigger price gains during 2021. For instance, home values in both Austin and Boise rose by more than 40% over the past 12 months, according to Zillow.

As a result of this trend, the conforming loan limits for 2022 will likely go up as well. That means borrowers would have more financing range to work with, when using a “regular” conventional mortgage loan.

The Federal Housing Administration, which manages the popular FHA loan program, has its own set of limits. Sometimes their FHA caps align with the conforming limits — other times they are different. FHA will likely announce any changes to their program during the first week of December, as they’ve done in years past.

Having higher conforming loan limits in 2022 could benefit many borrowers. But it won’t offset a bigger problem within the housing market, which is a lack of affordable housing.

Over the past couple of years, home prices in the U.S. have risen much faster than incomes — on average. In fact, it hasn’t even been close. This has caused a (Continued on page 27)

21 November 25-December 1, 2021

NEWS  NATIONAL SPORTS NEWS

Casimero, Nietes, Mama headline Probellum card in Dubai next month DUBAI/MANILA - Three Filipino prizefighters are set to strut their wares on Probellum’s first event on December 11 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

Those seeking action are WBO world bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero, Jayson Mama, and former four-division champion Donnie Nietes.

“We are delighted to finally announce plans for this incredible event in Dubai next month,” said Probellum President and former CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer.

“We made it clear from the offset that we have massive plans in store for Probellum, and this world title double-header shows just that,” he added in a GMA report.

Casimero, 32, of Ormoc City, is scheduled to defend his title against mandatory challenger Paul Butler. Probellum got the rights to the bout by winning the purse bid for $105,000.

Mama, an unbeaten prospect from General Santos City with a record of 16-0 with 9 knockouts, will challenge for a world title for the first time against IBF world flyweight champion Sunny Edwards.

Nietes, meanwhile, will return to the ring at 39 years old for the 50th bout of his career against Norbelto Jimenez in a twelve-round contest.

Obiena, PATAFA quarrel over coach’s pay; pole vaulter denies allegation, wants to quit MANILA - Bemedalled Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) under whose aegis he competes are under fire.

This after PATAFA accused Obiena of alleged falsification of documents and alleged non-payment of his coach, prompting Obiena to dispute the allegations and threatened to stop competing as he asked PATAFA to withdraw its probe and publicly apologize over his alleged failure to turn over the salary of 85,000 euros to Ukrainian coach Vitaly Petrov since 2018.

This prompted the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to express deep regret over Obiena’s predicament in his own federation and vowed to look into the issue that has put the Olympian pole vaulter in an ugly situation.

“We are in deepest regret to realize that one of our Olympians, multi-medalist and great inspiration Ernest John Obiena of athletics, to be involved in this squabble with his home federation,” said POC president and Cavite congressman. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

Tolentino said Obiena’s declaration to retire at this stage of his globally budding career would be a great loss for Philippine Sports.

“I am very disappointed. They could have handled the situation internally absent of any misfires from both parties,” Tolentino said. “A bountiful career is now in peril.”

Obiena, 25, competed in the Tokyo Olympics and holds the Asian record in the sport. He is now ranked No. 5 in the world.

“Needless to say, we, Filipinos, will be deprived of two gold medals in the Vietnam Southeast Asian Games in 2022 and in Cambodia 2023, not to mention another one in the Asian Games also next year and most importantly, a representation in the Paris Olympics come 2024, due to the fiasco in the leadership of his organization,” Tolentino said. “We could have easily propagated this achievement to the youth by proper guidance and genuine attitude,” said Tolentino.

The Obiena-PATAFA mess did not escape the Senate’s attention and senators recalled the 2023 budget of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) after expressing dismay over the agency’s apparent hands-off stance from

the controversial rift.

The POC’s Ethics Committee will investigate the controversy.

“We in the POC will be steadfast and for the sake of Olympism and impartiality, will go into the details and investigate the matter,” Tolentino said “The only resolution to this now is a full and public withdrawal of the investigation and a full public apology of the authorities involved in this,” said an emotional Obiena, who appeared with Petrov in an online conference from Italy regarding the controversy.

“If this does not happen I will consider my other options including immediate retirement in the sport that I love in the Philippines and probably return to school,” said Obiena, who added he’s also thinking of filing legal action against the local amateur body.

“Since we are talking of slander and defamation of character. I have retained legal counsel. I do intend to pursue this vigorously,” he said.

Obiena, who was the country’s first Tokyo Olympics qualifier, was responding to published reports on PATAFA’s demand letter, signed by PATAFA President Philip Ella Juico, last Nov. 15 to return 85,000 euros in salaries meant for Petrov since 2018.

Petrov, who was the former mentor of world and Olympic champion Sergey Bubka, however, denied the allegation that Obiena failed to give his pay and had sent PATAFA a letter attesting that he had received the amount.

Obiena said he has reported the incident to the Philippine Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Committee and World Athletics for action.

“They (PATAFA) de facto accused me of stealing money from Vitaly Petrov. It runs counter to any sense of justice or of being presumed innocent until proven guilty,” the 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist said. “As I said if you want a textbook example to destroy an athlete, you are seeing it here and now.”

“We cannot continue to operate under this situation. I am unable to focus and train properly with this hanging over my head,” Obiena said.

Juico declined to discuss the issue further, saying a PATAFA investigating committee had been created to probe

deeper into the controversy.

“We have an independent committee that is investigating the issue, which is the only just and proper thing to do,” said Juico, who also demurred in naming the committee members.

“We must follow due process before making any further decision,” Juico said.

The PATAFA stands by its decision to investigate how has been paying his coach, Vitaly Petrov, for his services.

In a statement, PATAFA said the probe was based on a statement Petrov submitted to them backed up by a signed affidavit from one of his former prized wards, current Ukraine Olympic Committee president Sergey Bubka.

Obiena called for a press conference denying PATAFA’s allegations that he has failed to pay Petrov up.

Petrov himself even showed up in the press conference confirming that he has already received his salary in full.

However, PATAFA claimed that the payment came in late.

“Obiena has reported to PATAFA that he had turned over Petrov’s salary from May 2018 to August 2021 on time. Records, however, revealed that Obiena had settled obligations with Petrov only recently this month and not during the months that he had officially reported having paid his coach’s salary,” PATAFA statement read.

The contrasting claims of how Obiena paid Petrov led to PATAFA’s probe.

PATAFA has asked Obiena to return 85,000 euros (about P4.8 million) worth of alleged unpaid salaries to Petrov.

However, Obiena hit back at PATAFA and claimed that there is a “character assassination” on him and that Petrov never submitted a statement at all.

“This is a fraud, pure and simple,” Obiena said.

He then asked PATAFA to publicly apologize for the said incident or else he might consider “immediate retirement” at age 26 Athletics legal counsel Atty. Adrian Cabiles said the committee is hoping it would be able to resolve the issue “involving our very outstanding athlete.”

November 25-December 1, 2021

22

Q: My kids are arriving from the Philippines for a vacation so should I buy a van?

A: Why not rent a van? Imagine the costs associated with buying a vehicle. You will need to come up with a down payment, monthly insurance and of course a term of six to seven years of monthly payments. Let’s just say your kids will be here for a month. The cost of renting a van for a month truly outweighs the cost of buying a van for a long term.

And if you decide to use the van for daily commute, wouldn’t it be such a big hassle to drive a big vehicle? Just think of parking, gas and cost off the wear and tear.

It becomes an very, very expensive vacation. Not to mention the money you will be spending in order to show them around town and out of town.

Sometimes it is good that clients call me to ask for simple advice like this one. It brings them an open mind on how to make a decision. I simply tell them the obvious which in many ways they don’t want to acknowledge because they are trapped in the “Want” trend of thought. Remember to always put “Need” ahead of “Want”. It will save you from a lot of headaches in the future.

Don’t make people think money grows on trees overseas. This kind of mistakes are the ones that lead to make people think, it is easy to make money here. A new this and a new that but they are all on credit. And most of the time, it is credit that we are going to pay big time for a while.

Ating lesson, Taong matipid, sa sakit ng ulo ay di napapatid.

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 COMMUNITY NEWS

November 25-December 1, 2021

Simbang Gabi masses in LA slated from Dec. 15 to 23 O

By Dan E. Nino

LOS ANGELES - In the Catholic Christendom, it’s that time of the year again to express the rich Filipino tradition of attending a nine-day novena of Masses at dawn known as Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo (Spanish Mass of the Rooster) because Philippine Masses are held at 4 a.m. from Dec. 15 to Dec. 23. In the U.S., it usually starts at 5 a.m. or 7 p.m. depending on the schedule of

the parish.

The tradition was introduced by the Spanish friars stationed in the Philippines to allow farmers to hear Mass before going to the fields early in the morning. It is also the preparation for Christmas and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.

This depth of Catholicism among the Filipino people and filial devotion to Mary, the Mother of God had reached the U.S. and elsewhere where Filipinos overseas await the birth of her Son for nine consecutive days.

Sponsored by Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Simbang Gabi 2021 begins on December 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Temple St. with His Excellency Archbishop Jose Gomez as presider. Other parish churches in the Archdiocese comprising 128 as of press time will participate in this Christmas tradition.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles comprise five pastoral regions namely: Los Angeles, San Pedro, San Gabriel, San Fernando and Santa Barbara.

This year’s celebration will commemorate two landmark anniversaries among Catholics in Los Angeles. First, the 500th year anniversary of the gift of Christian faith to the Filipino people from Spanish missionaries who planted the Cross of Christ on Philippine soil during the celebration of the first Mass on Limasawa Island on March 31, 1521.

“Gifted to Give” is the theme chosen by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the

Philippines (CBCP). After 500 years, the evangelized Filipinos are recognized and called to evangelize others wherever they are.

Second, 2021 is the jubilee year celebrating 250 years of Catholic faith in Los Angeles on the anniversary of the founding of Mission San Gabriel Archangel, the first church in what is now the Archdiocese. Simbang Gabi 2021 will be an occasion to respond to the Jubilee’s call to “raise up a new generation of missionary disciples.” “Gifted to Share the Light of Christ,” the theme of Simbang Gabi 2021 epitomizes the call to mission of both jubilees.

The celebration is replete with procession of parols or Christmas lanterns which makes the dawn masses a festive gathering of the faithful.

In Los Angeles and in several hundred other dioceses and parishes all over the United States, many pastors, most not even Filipino priests themselves, have fully embraced Simbang Gabi and have in fact made it a parishwide celebration. Diocesan bishops support and encourage the devotion. They joyfully preside at either the opening or the closing Mass and mingle with the parishioners during the receptions.

In this country where Christmas has become a highly commercialized secular holiday, Simbang Gabi is a refreshing breath of fresh air which brings Jesus Christ back at the center of the Christmas season. Although Filipino Catholics are in the cusp of visibility in the American Catholic Church, this faithful community of Catholics have been grace-bearers to the Church in this country and elsewhere in the world.

After 500 years of evangelization and nurturing of the Catholic faith in the Philippines, 81% of the approximately 107 million Filipinos in the Philippines are Catholics, the third biggest Catholic country in the world next to Mexico and Brazil.

For further details, interested parties may contact Filipino Ministry liaison Rev Fr. Rodel Balagtas at ffrbalagtas@incaglendale.org, Simbang Gabi coordinator Myrna S. Legaspi @ 562-420-9483 or nanausa@gmail.com or Tom Lapidario at 562-347-5022 or laptom@yahoo.com. – denino1951@ gmail.com

24

Vaccination protects children from the dangers of COVID-19

ur state experienced the most devastating point of the pandemic last winter. More than 21,000 Californians were hospitalized with COVID-19 in the last week of December, and we lost 18,518 mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers to this deadly virus in January. The light at the end of the tunnel felt out of reach.

Today, we have the tools to help protect against another winter surge and avoid preventable hospitalizations and deaths: vaccines. More than 87 percent of eligible Californians have received at least one dose, and the FDA’s recent authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11 is a game changer. For the first time, whole families, from our young kids to our grandparents, can have protection against COVID-19.

As California’s first Surgeon General, I am committed to making vaccination available to every eligible Californian. And as a mom of four boys, I am reassured that by having my children vaccinated, I am doing everything I can to keep them, our family and our community safe.

The number of infections is increasing, largely in unvaccinated people, who are 9.5 times more likely to be hospitalized and 18.2 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than fully vaccinated people. People of color are being hardest hit. We need all eligible Californians to get vaccinated or complete their vaccination series and get a booster as soon as they are eligible to help bring this pandemic to an end.

As a pediatrician, I know how crucial vaccination is in protecting children against other preventable diseases like measles, mumps, and chicken pox.

The COVID-19 vaccine, which is specially dosed for children ages 5-11, offers an essential layer of protection against this deadly virus.

More than 700,000 children and adolescents in California have been infected with COVID-19. There have been more than 6,500 pediatric hospitalizations in our state since July of last year, and we have lost 37 young lives since the start of the pandemic.

Children can experience “long COVID” and the virus can also cause Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), in which a hyperactive immune system attacks the child’s body. Our state alone has seen 660 of these cases, half of whom had to be hospitalized in intensive care units.

Vaccination not only helps prevent these troubling outcomes, but also reduces spread of the virus to our loved ones, such as grandparents and others with more vulnerable immune systems.

And as the state’s leader in efforts to train providers to identify and mitigate Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and childhood trauma, I know that the pandemic has taken a tremendous toll on our young people. They’ve struggled with social isolation, attend-

ing school virtually, as well as family stressors like job loss, food or housing insecurity, COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and even the death of people they hold dear. Getting vaccinated provides kids a sense of security knowing they’re better protected and that they are protecting others from becoming infected, as well.

It’s understandable that some parents still have concerns. I can assure them that the COVID-19 vaccine was demonstrated to be safe and highly effective in comprehensive clinical trials with more than 4,500 children ages 5-11, and is held to the same rigorous safety and effectiveness standard as all other vaccines in the U.S. In fact, the COVID-19 vaccines have gone through the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. vaccine history. Millions of youth ages 12-18 have already received the vaccine with only mild side effects. Serious side effects are rare, and the benefits of vaccination are shown to far outweigh the risks. There is no evidence, either in clinical trial data or among the millions of women who have already received the vaccine, that it causes any fertility loss.

In contrast, vaccination is allowing more of our state’s population to safely get back to the activities they love. Thanks to the safety measures in place, combined with high vaccination rates, our schools are safer than ever.

Vaccinations have allowed kids 12-17 to rejoin sports teams, drama clubs and other activities – programs that provide enrichment and help them grow into healthy adults.

Our younger children deserve the same opportunities. These valiant little ones want to fully participate in life again. With the holiday gatherings and festivities approaching, this vaccine could not come at a better time.

Protect your family. Call your pediatrician or a local health clinic to schedule your child’s vaccination appointment. You can also visit MyTurn. ca.gov or call 833-422-4255 to find a vaccination site near you.

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris is the Surgeon General of California. A pediatrician, she is at the forefront of the statewide campaign to reduce Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress by half in one generation.

25 November 25-December 1, 2021

 COMMUNITY NEWS

UP Alumni Association in America gets 2021 UPAA Distinguished Service Award for an Alumni Chapter

By Ryan Tejero ELK GROVE, California - The University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) hailed the UPAA in America (UPAAA), Inc. as its 2021 Distinguished Service Awardee for an Alumni Chapter.

The award was bestowed in recognition of a UPAA Chapter anywhere in the world for its exemplary leadership, outstanding achievements and exceptional contributions to the university and the community that it serves.

Incumbent UPAA President Daisy M. Rodriguez from California expressed her gratitude to everyone who made the award possible. She said: “Thank you to our team of leaders on the 2020-2021 board who made this organization stand out among all the other UPAA chapters.

We worked hard in serving the university and our community through our expanded scholarship program, financial support for needy students, support for international students studying in the US, and donations to victims of disasters in the Dr. Jose David (NY), Incoming UPAAA Presi- Philippines.” dent

Ms. Rodriguez is a retired nurse educator. She authored books and published articles in her nursing field. She completed both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master in Nursing from the UP College of Nursing. She also holds a master’s degree in Public Administration/ Health Services from the University of San Francisco. As a strong community advocate, Ms. Rodriguez organized this year the UPAAA’s initiative on AntiAsian Hate and Racial Discrimination in the US, and a global forum with European counterparts.

The 2021 Distinguished Service Award for an Alumni Chapter is a welldeserved honor for UPAAA, Inc. Dr. Jose David from New York is the incoming president for 2022-2023. He said: “My leadership will create a more functional Executive Team and Board of Directors to increase UPAAA’s involvement in the university and the community.

We will heighten the group’s active presence in online and social media outlets.

We will create big fundraising activities. I am also working on getting advisory sup-

Daisy M. Rodriguez (CA), Outgoing UPAAA President

port from my friends to ensure that we achieve more in the next two years for UPAAA.”

 COMMUNITY NEWS

November 25-December 1, 2021

Governor Newsom acts against organized retail crime rings

SACRAMENTO — In response to a recent increase in organized retail theft activities across the state, Governor Gavin Newsom has directed the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to increase their presence near major retail sites and announced a proposed increase in the 2022-2023 state budget to combat retail theft.

“The level of organized retail theft we are seeing is simply unacceptable,” said Governor Newsom. “Businesses and customers should feel safe while doing their holiday shopping. That’s why California is substantially increasing CHP’s presence, especially near retail areas, and will be investing even more to aggressively curb retail crime. As a small business owner myself, I am resolved to holding these criminals accountable

and protecting our local businesses.”

Since the weekend’s string of robberies, the administration has coordinated with local mayors, police departments and retailers to address the increase in felony theft. The state has increased the California Highway Patrol presence in highly-trafficked shopping areas.

Saturation patrols will continue through the holiday season to assist allied partners in the apprehension of criminals as well as to improve public safety.

Addressing retail crime and safety has been a top priority for the Newsom Administration. In July, Governor Newsom joined law enforcement leaders and Big 13 mayors to reestablish CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force. Since its inception, the Task Force has held 773 investigations, leading to the arrests of 240 individuals and over $18.9 million in stolen merchandise recovered.

The Organized Retail Crime Task Force is responsible for collaborating with allied law enforcement agencies and district attorneys to identify and prosecute organized theft rings, recover lost merchandise, collaborate with the retail industry to reduce theft and improve safety for shoppers.

26

Governor’s office bear statue relocated

In July 2018, the Department of General Services was authorized to pursue the design and construction of the State Capitol Swing Space to house the Governor’s Office, California State Senate and the California State Assembly throughout

the duration of construction of the State Capitol Annex Project. On November 22nd, Governor Newsom, First Partner Siebel Newsom and Governor’s Office staff will begin working from the State Capitol Swing Space.

Para sa karagdagang mga kaalaman kaugnay ng pagdinig sa harap ng Lupon ng Tagapamahala, tumungo sa https://sanmateocounty.legistar.com

27 November 25-December 1, 2021

Upside...

(From Page 11)

Offline

(From Page 13)

because he will be 70 by then, and his mother may no longer be around.

Under his regime, the Philippines will most certainly become a narco-state, with his full blessings. He may even want a cut for every gram of the deadly substance sold. Thus, he will recoup the billions lost when past administrations were able to recover a few billions in hidden wealth.

Nothing could be deadlier than to have a druggie as head of a poor country that is already mired in trillions of pesos in debt.

Think of the worst-case scenario for our motherland. It will be far, far worse if cocaine boy who never completed college and who is known to be lazy manages to win next year.

Maybe this is one reason that Mr. Duterte has suddenly gone on the offensive against him and his family, who used to be the president’s dependable allies.

I would like to believe that in his sane and sensible moments, the incumbent president knows that the cokehead will lead the country on that road to ruin, for which there will be no turning back.

Under his sure-to-fail leadership, a civil war is likely to happen.

Not another peaceful Edsa revolt, but a full blown bloody civil war where everybody loses.

Still voting for cocaine-snorting Marcos Jr, anybody?

The candidate’s son Piero and mother Dee Canepa (right foreground) represent the diverse cons�tuency Canepa serves. CMQM/ Inquirer.net FilAm community representa�ves hear Canepa’s appeal for support to succeed Congresswoman Jackie Speier. path to seek higher education” for its Promise Scholars program benefiting 2,500 students.

Families will benefit from the $120 million to “construct and preserve thousands of affordable housing units” to alleviate the severe housing crisis. The centerpiece of his 13-year service is affordable and accessible health care, he said, explaining his choice of his birthplace, Seton Hospital, which leaders agree would have shut down area had he not assiduously brokered agreements between the County, the state and the new Southern-California based owners.

“Public health and community-serving hospitals should be the nation’s No. 1 priority,” he proclaimed what will be his first order of the day if elected.

Canepa touted FilAm mayors of neighboring cities among his earliest endorsers.

“David and I share a deep interest in and commitment to bettering our community. His dedication to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion, building more affordable housing, expanding free and affordable secondary educational opportunities, and combatting the climate crisis has been evident throughout his career in public service,” hailed Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo, who led the rally chant for her candidate on Saturday.

Colma Mayor Diana Colvin and Council Member Joanne del Rosario confirmed their support.

“David is highly visible and very reachable. I believe he’ll be a great representative for us in DC,” said Del Rosario.

Daly City Personnel Commissioner Perla Ibarrientos committed support for Canepa without knowing who else among her many politician friends may decide to enter the race. She joined Manalo, Vice Mayor Rod Daus Magbual and Council Member Ray Buenaventura in brandishing signs for their bet.

“From the beginning, David has consistently kept his word to address Filipino American needs,” said Ibarrientos, a Daly City resident since 1970. “He may be younger and new to county politics, but as he became an effective president of the Board of Supervisors in his first term, he will be a strong advocate for our region.”

Ibarrientos recalled it was Canepa who proposed the annual Philippine flag-raising commemorating June 12 Independence Day in the City Hall of Daly City. He continued the tradition in Redwood City when he was elected supervisor, introducing Philippine culture in the county capital of the county, Ibarrientos said.

Retired San Mateo County Commissioner and Colma resident Aurea Cruz reminded: “Don’t forget David brought affordable transportation program Got Wheels! to the area. Before then we up in North County endured the cold and damp weather waiting in bustops to get to our doctor visits and other appointments.”

Speier’s term ends November 2023, giving her successor a year to raise about $4 million estimated cost to campaign for the seat.

The road ahead excites Canepa, who said he will “fund-raise day in and out in San Mateo.” “I broke the fund-raising effort in Daly City,” he revisited how in 2016 he trounced veteran opponents for the supervisor post, suggesting he can do the same beyond his bailiwick. (Adapted from original reprinted with permission from www. inquirer.net)

Ken Go...

(From Page 13)

further decline in affordability nationwide, and especially in hot housing markets.

House values in the U.S. are expected to continue climbing in 2022, though possibly at a slower pace. Forecasters predict that mortgage rates will inch upward over the coming months, as well. Those trends could further erode housing affordability.

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

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

father Apolinario Mabini migrated to Pangasinan and possibly married some ladies in Binalonan, Pangasinan.

Tracing our family tree and lineage, and based on the research of my cousin Alfred G. Gabot, Editor-in-Chief of Philippine News Today, I can safely conclude that Ruben Mabini is my distant cousin or nephew.

ADVICE TO DUAL CITIZENS TRAVELING TO THE PHILIPPINES With the bad and unexpected experience of my cousin Ruben Mabini, we advice all dual citizens traveling to the Philippines to make sure that you always bring with you the original copy of your Certificate of Dual Citizenship.

My cousin Ruben Mabini is still lucky because I was able to follow up and get the documents required by the United Airlines supervisor in Honolulu, on time last Friday afternoon. Otherwise, he should have been stranded at the airport in Honolulu for seven days or longer.

JOIN ACAPINOY AT “MY ANGEL” RADIO Via Facebook Live and/or at http://www.myangelradio.com ACAPINOY, acapella singing of favorite gospel songs and heavenly hymns in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Ilocano, Pangasinan and Cebuano is now revived as a new segment of the “MY ANGEL” RADIO in San Francisco every Saturday, 11:00am The fast-growing ACAPINOY was temporarily stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. With the revival, ACAPINOY is not only expanding in California and other states but it’s now global. We thank Edwin Bacani, global Director, for bringing “MY ANGEL” RADIO to San Francisco.

Acapella singing will help in the flow of oxygen and blood in our system. It is good for our heart and lungs. Make sure to join us at ACAPINOY every Saturday, 11:00am Via Facebook Live and/or at http://www.myangelradio.com (ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE#00635976) in California since 1981. He is founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California)

PerryScope...

(From Page 12)

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 termi-

nation 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 IndoPacific, 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.”

On Distant Shore

(From Page 12)

immediately reassured his supporters that he would not back down and ruled out power-sharing with Sara, under which Sara would run for president and Bongbong for vice president and if they both won, Sara would step down after three years and yield to Bongbong to finish the six-year term.

Sara, who had already joined Lakas-CMD and had withdrawn from the Davao race, was left with no choice but to slide down to vice president. Later, the Lakas-CMD announced that they would endorse Bongbong for president.

It was certainly a big disappointment for Sara, who tried to play a trick popularized by her father in 2016, when Duterte withdrew his candidacy for Davao mayor and substituted for Martin Dino in the last minute, scuttling opposition strategy. The plan, which was obvious all along, backfired when Bongbong decided to run for president without waiting for her decision.

It was déjà vu for Bongbong, who had to file his candidacy for vice president as an independent and agreed to run as the running mate of the late Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago in 2016 after Duterte dilly-dallied about running for president.

Apparently, Duterte was not aware of these developments.

When he was told he would be running against his daughter after he announced he would file his COC for vice president, he wondered: “Nag-file ba siya? Nag-file ba siya?”

Duterte had accompanied Go as he withdrew his COC for vice president and substituted for De la Rosa as the PDP-Laban standard bearer. Bongbong’s insistence on running for president did not go well with Duterte, prompting him to ask Go to run for president, perhaps to spite Marcos or make it a leverage for demanding something from Bongbong in return for the withdrawal of Go’s candidacy, which could split the Mindanao votes.

What’s Up Atty...

(From Page 13)

This disqualification to be a candidate herein provided shall be deemed removed . . . after the expiration of a period of five years from his service of sentence.”

A. The Election Code does not supplement eligibility requirements for President Congress cannot add to or subtract from the eligibility requirements for President as prescribed by the Constitution by grafting the provisions of the Election Code. If the framers of the Constitution had intended to let Congress modify the eligibility requirements it would have provided in Article VII, Section 2, that these eligibility requirements may be supplemented “in the manner provided by law” or “unless otherwise provided by law” as it has done in other provisions.

See, for example, Art. IV, Sec. 3 (relating to Philippine citizenship), Art. VI, Sec. 8 (date of election).

B. Failure to file income tax returns is not a “crime involving moral turpitude”

 HEALTH NEWS

November 25-December 1, 2021

28

What to know about COVID vaccines for children ages 5 through 11 Why children should get vaccinated now and other FAQs Every person in the country 5 years old and older is now eligible to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Parents and caregivers face decisions about protecting their children from COVID-19 and have questions about vaccines.

Read on for answers to questions that families have about making a COVID vaccination decision for their children.

Are the vaccines safe for children?

Parents should take comfort that the COVID-19 vaccines have undergone – and will continue to undergo – the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. Robust clinical trials featuring thousands of children were conducted to evaluate the safety and immune response to a COVID vaccine in this age group. In the United States, the vaccine will be given in a smaller dose and is specially formulated for children in the 5-11 age group.

Why do children need to get vaccinated?

While children were less likely to get COVID-19 early in the pandemic compared with adults, kids now get the

disease as often as adults. Some children develop serious COVID-19 symptoms requiring hospitalization. With the highly contagious Delta variant, 1 in 5 new COVID-19 cases have been in children and sometimes they have serious and long-term health effects.

What are the side effects for children?

It’s very unlikely that COVID-19 vaccines will cause long-term health problems. The risk for serious health problems due to the vaccine is lower than the risk of health problems if they’re unvaccinated and get COVID-19. COVID-19 can leave children, as well as adults, with heart and lung damage and other conditions that require long-term treatment. The benefits from COVID-19 vaccines outweigh any potential risk from the vaccine.

Getting your children vaccinated will give them the strongest possible protection from COVID-19.

Why should children get the vaccine now?

Vaccines are now available to protect more kids as

they prepare to gather with family during the holidays, spend more time indoors due to cold weather, and continue going to school in person. Children who are getting sick from COVID-19 can also spread the virus to others, including older families who may live with them.

Where can I find a vaccine for my children?

Vaccines for kids ages 5 and older are now available through a range of providers, including pediatricians, family doctors, children’s hospitals, pharmacies, and community health centers. More than 25,000 pediatricians and primary care providers have enrolled to administer vaccines, and the numbers are growing. Tens of thousands of local pharmacies across the country in the federal pharmacy program offer vaccination for kids ages 5 through 11, as well as for adolescents and adults. COVID-19 vaccines are given at no cost.

For more information and to find a vaccine, visit www. vaccines.gov

Great medical news

A

Heart of Hope

cardiologist friend of mine in Indiana, who had referred countless patients for open-heart surgery to me in the 80s and 90s, had a freak accident at home that broke his neck (like actor Christopher “Superman” Reeves, who fell from a horse), which left him quadriplegic, unable PHILIP S. CHUA to breathe on his own, with total paralysis of his arms and legs. Connected to a ventilator, he lived for about 10 years. He retained a mind that was brilliant and clear as ever to the end. Unfortunately, the injury to his spinal cord remained “without a cure,” even to this day.

A potential hope for patients with broken spinal cord, with paralysis from the hip down (paraplegia) or from the neck down (quadriplegia) might be in the offing, albeit this could be years down the line. Human neural (nerve) stem cell can restore mobility in cases of chronic spinal injury,” suggested a study from the University of California Irvine, following successful results of transplanted human stem cells in mice, which recovered from their 30-day laboratory-induced spinal cord injury.

This encouraging preliminary findings in stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury is indeed promising.

The therapeutic strategy will need more laboratory confirmations, and later, application to human clinical trials, before the final verdict is made. At least, it is a spark of hope. *** Vitamin C has been found to rapidly improve a person’s mood state, especially among acutely hospitalized patients, in a double-blind clinical study at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital and the affiliated Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research. While Vitamin C (Lascorbic acid or L-ascrobate) supplements are available in pills, this anti-oxidant and essential nutrient is abundant in these plant sources, in the order of level of vitamin C content: kakadu plum, camu camu, rose hip, acerola, jujube, red pepper, red hot chili, guava, parsley, broccoli, kiwifruit, brusseks sprouts, papaya, strawberry, orange, kale, lemon, melon, cantaloupe, lime, mango, blackberry, potato and other fruits and vegetables. The phyto-phenols and Vitamin C in these foods also boost immunity. *** The gene that increases an individual’s risk of de-

veloping Alzheimer’s disease, tagged MTHFD1L, a gene on chromosome 6, has been identified in a genome-wide study at the John P. Hussman Instituite of Genomics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. This discovery will help the scientific community understand Alzheimer’s better and potentially develop a marker for higher risk persons, and hopefully, discover a preventive regimen, if not an effective treatment for this tragic disease.

Today, there are drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors that can help with the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease “by blocking the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) acetylcholine, which plays an important role in cognitive functions like thinking and remembering.” Low acetylcholine levels are causes memory loss. Some of these medications include Aricept (donepezil), for all stages of Alzheimer’s; and, Exelon (rivastigmine) and Razadyne (galantamine), for early and middle stage of Alzheimer’s. As the dementia progresses, the level of acetylcholine goes down and even these medications may not be beneficial anymore. *** Medical Xpress reports that “researchers at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering are using generative adversarial networks (GANs)—technology best known for creating deepfake videos and photorealistic human faces—to improve brain-computer interfaces for people with disabilities.”

The team was able to “teach an AI to generate synthetic brain activity data which were fed into a machine-learning algorithms to improve the useability of brain computer interface (BCI), which analyzes a person’s brain signals and translating that neural activity into commands, allowing the user to control digital devices using only their thoughts.”

These devices can obviously help improve the “quality of life for people with motor dysfunction or paralysis, and those fully conscious but unable to move or communicate.” *** Those who hold their breaths during sleep, snorers or not, and wake up several times during the night gasping for breath, most likely have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). They are usually sleepy and feeling tired by noon. Undiagnosed and untreated, OSA increases the risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer, due to chronic lack of oxygen during those breath-holding (apneic) moments, which

could be dozens, a hundred. A sleep test is needed to confirm the diagnosis. The good thing about OSA is that today, there is a proven, fully beneficial, treatment for it: CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Machine.

Users love it and feel more secure using it for a restful sleep every night. *** Anger and any form of stress, especially emotional, can make one ill. Psychosomatic disorders are real. Anger, for instance, causes the release of stress hormones, like adrenalin, cortisol and noradrenalin, which increase heart rate, breathing, body temperature, muscle tone, sweating, alertness, and elevated blood pressure. All these also lead to constriction of arteries in most organs, lessening their blood supply, channeling a large share of blood supply to the muscles, as a part of the body’s defense mechanism. This is normal physiology when anger sets in, as it prepares the body for fight or flight. Anger also depresses the immune system, slows down digestion, and the alertness it causes impairs sleep. Chronic emotional stress and anger do cause a lot more illnesses, and aggravate existing diseases (depression, heart condition, impending stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, insomnia, even allergies and skin diseases, etc.).

On the other hand, positive thoughts, laughing, listening to soothing music, relaxing, loving and the knowledge of being loved, spending quality time with family and friends, feeling happy and having serenity and peace, all these allow the body’s built-in “pharmacy” to produce the good hormones, called endorphins (from the word endogenous, meaning produced by the body, and the word morphine, which is like opium, heroin, and the medical pain killer, morphine). This gives us a high when produced by our body in abundance, circulating in our blood stream. Endorphins switch OFF the nerves in the frontal lobe of the brain, inhibiting pain, and this part of the brain is then flooded with endogenous dopamine, resulting in the sense of euphoria, the reason why many are addicted to drugs.

Let’s us encourage our mind and body to produce these endorphins more often and be addicted to them, for a cheaper, healthier, safer, and legal way of getting high.

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 25-December 1, 2021

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS

NOBODY KICKS A DEAD DOG

By TIM PEDROSA

No one ever kicks a dead dog. So when we are kicked and criticized, let us remember that it is often done because it gives the kicker a feeling of importance. It often means that we are accomplishing something and we are worthy of attention. Many people get a sense of savage satisfaction out of denouncing those who are better off than they are or more successful, according to Dale Carnegie. Envy is the art of counting the other fellow’s blessings instead of your own –Harold Coffin. In our society, there are people who derive pleasure and feel powerful when tormenting, harassing, bullying or singling out someone. The responses of the victim feed the feeling of power in the tormenter. The victim is selected because the bully is jealous and needs to make him/her feel superior and the only way he/she knows is through abuse. We must be doing something well/right if someone torments us. We feel the hurt because we are not a dead dog, but we should take solace in the fact that it is our success that is causing it. Let us find the seeds of our jealousy. Let us focus our energy on what is good, what is true, what is honest and what is real and we will be building our personal and emotional security. Then we will be the one others envy. Many envious people do not know that they are envious. Actually, envy is as common as the common cold but it is as deadly as cancer. It is like a mental cancer that destroys our lives, our relationships, and our happiness. Envy is one of the most destructive things on planet earth. Envy destroys relationship.

Envy kills. It kills the envier. It is a lethal, slow-acting poison that over time kills. The Bible is so graphic when it describes what envy does to us. It says, envy rots the bones (Proverbs 14:30). Do not overrate what you have received nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind - Buddha How do we know if we have envy? Sometimes, we don’t like someone because he/she offended us or hurt us. But sometimes, we don’t know why we don’t like someone. We cannot explain it. This does not automatically mean we have envy. But it means we have to ask, what does he/she have that we do not have but we want to have. If the other person has something we do not have but we want to have, then it is probably envy. When it gives us pleasure to criticize the other person, then we can almost be sure we are envious. We know, we have envy if we secretly delight to hear the falls, faults, fumbles, and failures of the other person. We find delicious satisfaction in knowing he/she is getting his just rewards for being “too proud”.

The antidote to envy is gratitude for God’s love and to celebrate our abundance. When we are grateful, we are satisfied with what we have and envy will have a hard time finding a foothold in our heart. When we are grateful for God’s blessings, we will be grateful for God’s blessings in the lives of others too. Let us be genuinely happy for other people’s successes.

Let us share in their joy and in their victory.

Then something magical will happen to our lives because there’s a law in the universe that states that what we give, we will receive in abundance (Luke 6:38). However, if we envy the blessings that other people receive, we will be driving away those blessings from our lives.

As iron is eaten by rust, so are the envious consumed by envy – Antisthenes. Our envy always lasts longer than the happiness of those we envy- Francois Duc de La Rochefoucauld.

Vision and Foresight

S

piritual life is living the godly life daily.

God is always the center and priority of a person alive in the faith in Him. There is, therefore, a presupposition that there must be harmony between what I do externally: my activities of my hands and body; and what I have internally: my intentions and motives in my heart and mind. Also, presupposed that there should be connection with my human activities with the spiritual realities that my faith teaches.

Furthermore, there must be a link between my REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD earthly journey and my heavenly destiny. This said, we must have always a vision and foresight in life. Vision and foresight are not only in the realm of business and economy; but our spiritual life must be considered the important business that we must be concerned of; for this deal most importantly of our eternal life. If we give much efforts to our temporal things, how much more for the eternal things in life.

We need to understand that in our spiritual journey, our convictions in our faith and love of God should be determinant factors in our daily living.

God’s truths must be determinant elements in the equation of our daily life.

That is why, we need to have keen foresight in our journey; for we are not journeying like blind persons; we are not believers like programmed robots.

We are rational and deciding beings with temperaments, emotions, passions, moods and mentalities that may influence so much on our relationship with God. Therefore, we need vision and foresight illumined with our faith in God and His very presence, the presence of God Holy Spirit.

Three beneficial ways vision and foresight can give to our spiritual life or spiritual journey: First, the sense of preparedness. We all know that we have no idea what the future holds. But we know that the future has a connection to our present moment. Hence, if we want that our future be filled with joy more than we experience now; if we want our future possess the sense of achievement and contentment more than we have now; and if we want our future show case a better person than we are today; then, we have to build those future realities from this moment here and now. Vision and foresight, therefore, equips us with insights not only to have better future but also how we are to build ourselves today. Vision and foresight enable us to be prepared, our whole being; mind, heart, body, soul, and all that encompass who we are. Preparedness makes us capture our future and have a glimpse of who we are and what we will have.

Our Lord Jesus told us to be prepared and vigilant at all times, He was not only teaching us about end of the world, He was teaching us to live our daily lives with mindfulness of where God wants us to be, which is to be in union with Him. Hence, let us not take for granted our daily preparations that matter to our spiritual life.

Second, the sense of value of the present moment. Having a vision and foresight of the future is not living on the future; but the opposite, rather, it is living well the present moment. There is eternal value to our present moment. There is crucial value to our now; messing up now can be a tragedy in the future end. Wanting to be with God fully in the next life means wanting first and foremost to be with Him now in this life; the pursuit of holiness in life now is our proof of our will to be with Him in the future.

Having a clear vision and foresight in spiritual life is empowerment to our present life.

Third, the constant reminder of the destiny and the end, the deadline of life. Foreseeing is to have a direction and orientation of the journey. We do not live like zombies, living dead, nor live like drifters.

We live with decision and determination. Especially in spiritual life, the direction is very crucial and fundamental, in order that the daily living may have meaning and value. If our destiny is God; therefore, He and everything about Him must dictate my daily life; guide my daily activities and behavior; and the sense of His presence must be the constant imperative to remind myself to make my life worthy of union with Him in the end. May we develop a clear vision and foresight in our spiritual life. Amen.

Aflame The Heart

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

31 November 25-December 1, 2021  NATIONAL NEWS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

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

Ingredients.

White biko: 1/2 kilo malagkit, glutinous rice 1/4 kilo regular rice Red biko: 1/2 kilo malagkit, glutinous rice 1/4 kilo brown or red rice Purple biko: 1/2 kilo malagkit, glutinous rice 1/4 kilo pirurutong, purple rice 6 cups coconut milk 1/2 kilo white sugar 3 tbsp. grated lemon rind, 2 lemons 3 tsp. grated ginger 1 tbsp. salt banana leaves Toppings: 1 200small can condensed milk 1 1/2 cups coconut milk 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Cooking procedure: Separately cook the rice of the white biko, red biko and purple biko. Wash the rice mixture, put in a rice cooker, add a pinch of salt, grated ginger and add water as per rice cooker instructions. Cook until the cook switch has automatically switched off, remove rice cooker from the mains and keep aside.

Cook the coconut sugar syrup for the white biko, red biko and purple biko then divide in 3 parts. In a large wok put 3 to 4 cups of wa-

2

ter, 6 cups of coconut milk, white sugar and grated lemon rind. Bring to a boil and simmer at medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep on stirring until the mixture is reduce to about half. Remove from wok and divide into 3 parts.

Separately cook the white biko, red biko and pur-

ple biko. Using the same wok add in 1/3 of the coconut sugar syrup and let it boil. Stir in the cooked biko rice mixture, mix and blend thoroughly, stir cook for another 15 to 20 minutes at medium to low heat until the biko start to render coconut oil, keep aside to cool down.

Line some banana leaf at the bottom and sides of a baking tray, put in the cooked biko and platen in 3 layers, bottom layer the pruple biko, middle layer the red or brown biko and the top layer the white biko. Make sure that there is still space for the milk and coconut toppings, keep aside.

To cook the milk and coconut toppings, in a small sauce pan mix all the topping ingredients until thoroughly blended. Heat the mixture at low heat till it start to boil, while continuously stirring to prevent from burning, keep aside to cool down.

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Siargao, Palawan, Boracay win spot in Condé Nast awards

MAKATI CITY – Three Philippine islands have landed a spot in the annual Condé Nast Traveler (CNT) readers’ choice awards for top islands to visit this 2021.

Out of the 85 destinations listed, the surfing haven Siargao Island was recognized as this year’s top favorite in Asia, while the world-famous Palawan and Boracay Island earned the third and eighth spots, respectively.

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

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

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

Meanwhile, the Philippines ranked 20th in the CNT’s list of Top Countries in the World with a score of Beef Spareribs Adobo with Oyster Sauce

91.63.

The annual CNT Readers’ Choice Awards gathers feedback from over 800,000 readers across the globe based on their recent travel experiences in the world’s top hotels, resorts, cities, countries, islands, spas, trains, car rentals, luggage, airlines, airports, and cruises.

The results of the 2021 awards demonstrate the recent travel experiences of the readers and — given the travel restrictions forced by the pandemic—provide an idea of where

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

Siargao has also been chosen by TIME as among the World’s 100 Greatest Places 2021.

Palawan ranked 19th on Travel + Leisure magazine’s Top 25 Islands in the World and fifth in the Asian category this year. It was also included in CNT’s list of The 30 Best Beaches in the World in 2020.

November 25-December 1, 2021

32

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