Philippine News Today by Philippine News Today

1 February 25-March 3, 2021

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

www.pnewstoday.com

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

Vol. 60 No. 29 February 25-March 3, 2021

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

MORE HATE ATTACKS ON ASIAN-AMERICANS? Biden acts; Bonta, other CA oﬃcials ﬁle bill to curb crimes

California virus cases hit 3.4 M; measures to curb spread pushed

SACRAMENTO – California’s confirmed COVID-19 cases has soared to 3,455,361 with 49,877 deaths even as officials led by Governor Gavin Newsom are pushing measures to curb the spread of the virus. This as the California Department of Public Health reported5,303 newly recorded confirmed cases. As of February 23, local health departments have reported 93,893 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 392 deaths statewide. Five counties moved to a Rob Bonta President Biden less restrictive tier, from Purple to Red (substanSACRAMENTO/WASHINGTON – As a spate of (widespread) tial): Humboldt, Marin, San hate attacks against Asian Americans and Pacific Mateo, Shasta, and Yolo. Marin Islanders continue, California officials led by State and Shasta were moved due to the blueprint’s Health Equity 18th District Assemblymember Rob Bonta have Metric. One county, Trinity, filed a bill to provide mental health services, more moved to a more restrictive from Orange (moderate) to access to compensation funds and promote restor- tier, Red (substantial). ative justice programs for hate crime victims. Forty-seven counties remain in the Purple (widespread) tier, On Monday, the California Legislature approved nine in Red (substantial) $1.4 million in funding to go toward tracking hate tier, and the two remained in the crimes cases in an effort to ultimately stop them. Orange (moderate) tier. As case numbers continue Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign it. to rise in California, Page 8 Page 9

FilAm engineer part of NASA Mars mission

MANILA/LOS ANGELES – Another Filipino American makes Filipinos and FilAms in the United States and elsewhere very proud. He is Baguio City-raised Filipino-American engineer Gregorio Galgana Villar III who was one of those who assisted in the safe landing of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Perseverance rover on Mars. The United States Embassy in Manila highlighted Villar’s achievement in its Facebook and Twitter posts. Villar said there are Filipinos in the project. “As we celebrate the successful landing of NASA’s Perseverance rover on Mars, did you know that Fil-Am engineer Gregorio Villar III helped with its safe landing as the Entry, De- Page 8

MISSION TO MARS. Filipino-American Gregorio Villar III, an engineer at NASA, is part of the Mars 2020 mission that successfully launched America’s largest and most advanced rover called Perseverance to the Red Planet.

Drug firms wary of dealing with PHL due to Dengvaxia controversy By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor MANILA – The Philippines has been unable to import large quantities of anti-coronavirus vaccines from drug manufacturers from the West as of yet and this could be due to the Dengvaxia controversy.

So said “vaccine czar” Carlito Galvez, Jr., who apologized to the public for the delays in the government’s mass vaccination plan caused by the delayed arrival of vaccines. That plan was supposed to have Page 8

US names Vico Sotto anti-corruption champion

PNP, PDEA men clash near QC mall; 2 dead VIEWS & COMMENTS

SHOWBIZ

SPORTS

Proposed changes In Family Immigration Bill

Kylie-Aljur marriage on the rocks?

Saludar wins, new Pinoy boxing world champion

Page 14 By A�y. Lozano

Page 18

Page 21

$1.00= P48.61

PESO-DOLLAR RATE

as of Febuary 25, 2020 12:30am

Page 8

 NATIONAL NEWS

February 25-March 3, 2021

US embassy cancels B1/B2 visa appointments in Manila up to March 31 By Jeanne Michael Penaranda MANILA - The United States Embassy in the Philippines has canceled nonimmigrant B1/B2 (Business/Tourist) visa interview appointments scheduled through March 31, 2021 in response to the continued signiﬁcant worldwide challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an announcement on its website, the embassy said the Department of State suspended routine visa services worldwide in March 2020 due to the COVID-19

pandemic. In July 2020, U.S. Embassies and Consulates began a phased resumption of routine visa services. The resumption of routine visa services is on a post-by-post basis, in coordination with the State Department’s framework for safely returning our workforce to Department facilities, the embassy stated. “U.S. Embassies and Consulates have continued to provide emergency and mission-critical visa services since March and will continue to do so as they

are able. As post-speciﬁc conditions improve, our missions have begun providing additional services, culminating eventually in a complete resumption of routine visa services,” the announcement added. The embassy said that once routine visa services resume, applicants should reschedule their visa interviews through the US Embassy call center by phone at (+632) 7792-8988 and (+632) 85488223, or through the online appointment system at ustraveldocs.com/ph. There is no fee to change an appoint-

ment, and the validity of the visa fee payment (known as the MRV fee) is extended until September 30, 2022 to allow applicants who are unable to schedule a visa appointment because of the suspension of routine consular operations an opportunity to schedule and/or attend a visa interview appointment with the already paid fee. For the latest information on visa operations, applicants are urged to visit the U.S. Embassy website at Visa Updates | U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.

Typhoon hits Northern Mindanao; Duterte, Cabinet rush aid to victims By Claire Morales True TANDAG CITY/SURIGAO CITY – One person died, two others were injured and four were missing during the onslaught of tropical storm Auring in the Caraga region in Mindanao which affected some 50,000 families. President Rodrigo Duterte immediately flew to the battered region and led in the distribution of assistance to typhoon victims. In Tandag City, Duterte gave government officials one week to start rehabilitation in storm-hit Surigao del Sur province. Duterte, accompanied by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, conducted an aerial inspection of areas hit by Tropical Storm Auring. In a situation briefing in the city joined by several Cabinet members, Duterte urged government executives to assist victims, help the province’s agriculture sector, and repair damaged infrastructures within one week. “You have one week to do all of it. Padala kayo dito kung may kulang (Send more help here if it’s lacking). If there’s anything to be fixed, do it, come back here,” he said.

The President said if they fail to accomplish the task, they should hire competent people for the job. “If hindi kayo (If not you), then send a competent, huwag ‘yung (not an) imbecile, a competent engineer in your office,” he added. Duterte noted the need for the provision of assistance, particularly food, water, and shelter. During the briefing, it was reported that government agencies spearheading relief efforts assured President Duterte that they have enough resources to address the damage brought by Tropical Storm Auring in the CARAGA Region. Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado told President Duterte that different departments still have ample funds that could be tapped from their Quick Response Fund (QRF) to respond to the calamity. Avisado reported that the Department of Agriculture (DA) has P1 billion; Department of the Interior and Local Government-Bureau of Fire Protection (DILG-BFP), P50 million; DILG-PNP, P50 million; Department of National Defense-Office of Civil Defense (DNDOCD), P500 million; Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) P1 billion; and Department of Social

(New York / US Court of Appeals [9th Cir.] / Philippines)

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

www.vtcuisonlaw.com

Welfare and Development (DSWD), P1.2 billion. He said other departments have programs that enable them to provide immediate assistance such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Department of Energy (DOE). The number of families affected by the onslaught ‘AURING’ DAMAGE. A house in Barangay Pongtod, San of Tropical Storm Auring Agus�n, Surigao del Sur is damaged by flood due to has climbed to 49,947 in heavy rains caused by then tropical storm “Auring.” five regions, the National has P459.8 million QRF that could be Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) used in case there is fund shortage. Some 3,658 families affected by the said. In its update, the NDRRMC said the storm will receive P3,000 each. Families highest number was recorded in Caraga whose houses were totally damaged will with 47,791 families, followed by North- get P30,000 each. For the partially damern Mindanao with 1,337; the Davao re- aged, they will be given 15,000 each, acgion with 803; Bicol with 15; and Eastern cording to the social welfare chief. In addition, DOLE will provide 30 Visayas with one. Before the storm’s onslaught, a total motorized fiberglass bancas for every muof 18,966 families were pre-emptively nicipality in Surigao del Sur. At the same evacuated in Western Visayas, Central time, the labor department will spearhead Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Min- an emergency employment program for 10 days to 250 workers who will be receiving danao, and Caraga. About 679 houses were damaged in minimum wage rate, Labor Secretary SilEastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, the vestre Bello III said. Every municipality in the province could avail DOLE’s emerDavao Region, and Caraga. In Caraga, damage to agriculture was gency employment scheme. Meanwhile, Trade Secretary Ramon estimated at P21.4 million and damage to Lopez said that livelihood support funds infrastructure, at P2.8 million. In the Tandag briefing, Social Wel- such as loans would be provided to 1,000 fare and Development Secretary Rolando small businesses affected by the storm. Ships loaded with relief goods are Bautista o reported that his department has provided family food packs to the headed to the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur as part of the survivors. A total of 15,000 family food packs Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) mission was prepositioned in Surigao del Sur to aid those affected by the onslaught of and some 8,000 packs were brought to Tropical Storm Auring. “Intended siya sa areas affected sa CARAGA field office for distribution. An additional 7,000 family food packs will Surigao del Sur at del Norte. ‘Yung mga nauna kahapon were brought to Surigao be arriving Wednesday. Bautista told the President that the de- del Sur (It is intended for areas affected at partment has allotted P22.09 million for Surigao del Sur and del Norte. Those that its standby fund and for the department’s left yesterday were brought to Surigao del stockpiles that include both food and non- Sur),” PCG spokesperson Commodore food items. He said that the DSWD also Armando Balilo said in Manila.

3 February 25-March 3, 2021

 NATIONAL NEWS

Pilot face-to-face classes deferred anew until after vaccination rollout MANILA - “Wala pa rin po tayong face-to-face classes sa bansa.” Thus said Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte decided once again to defer the implementation of the proposed pilot faceto-face classes in low-risk areas until after the country’s national vaccination program against COVID-19 has been rolled out. “Tumawag po kagabi ang Presidente sa akin at ang sabi niya ayaw niya pong malagay sa panganib o alanganin ang buhay ng ating mga mag-aaral at mga guro habang wala pa pong nababakunahan sa bansa,” said Secretary Roque during today’s press brieﬁng in Malacañang. The President’s decision, according to Sec-

retary Roque, is without prejudice to any other proposal that the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) may have, because the deferment of the pilot implementation of limited face-to-face classes pertains only to the proposal of the Department of Education (DepEd), which only covers elementary and high school education. “It is also without prejudice to the Secretary of Education submitting all relevant information that they gathered preparatory to their move to reopen discussion on the holding of pilot face-toface classes. I understand that the Department of Education has conducted a survey involving at least a million respondents and the overwhelming sentiment is that the

learners themselves want to resume with face-toface classes. And I think this is without prejudice to the Secretary of Education presenting this study to the President,” said Sec. Roque. The Palace oﬃcial added, “Sabi niya may awa po ang Panginoon, baka naman po matapos natin malunsad ang ating vaccination program eh pupwede na tayong mag face-to-face … lalonglalo na doon sa mga lugar na mababa po ang COVID cases.” “I guess what he is anticipating is that since we will begin vaccination this month, we would be way ahead of our vaccination program in August to give us the conﬁdence to resume at least limited face-to-face education,” said Roque.

Pope gives Cardinal Tagle another post VATICAN/MANILA - Cardinal-Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle has another post in the Vatican. The Filipino cardinal has been appointed by Pope Francis as a member of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA), which

serves as the central bank of the Vatican. Tagle is also serving as prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. CBCP News, the ofﬁcial news agency of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines,

said Tagle’s latest appointment to another post in the Roman Curia was announced this week. Aside from Tagle, also appointed to the body as a member was Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Currently headed by Italian Bishop Nunzio Galantino, the commission is composed of eight cardinals who work alongside the president. The APSA acts as the equivalent of a treasury and also oversees real estate holdings and other sovereign assets. The office also administers payroll and operating expenses for Vatican City. Tagle has been in the Vatican since February 2020 when he formally assumed his post as head of “Propaganda Fide.” In May 2020, the Pontiff elevated him to the order of “cardinal bishops,” which is the highest rank within the College of Cardinals, from which the Dean of Cardinals is elected. In July 2020, Tagle was also named member of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

Smooth Home buying and selling experience We know Rajeev and Monica for almost 10 years now. Ever since we have known them, they have always been our best advisors and well-wishers. We bought 3 homes through them, sold a home and now bought our dream home in 2018 with them. They have been a blessing to our family and we wish we met them sooner. Lyn and I can’t thank you enough how much smooth the process selling our home. You guys were there guiding us from beginning un�l the end. You answered every ques�ons and explained

every part of the process clearly and thoroughly. It was our ﬁrst �me selling a property and you made this experience painless and stress free! The house was sold approximately less than a month and above lis�ng price. With that said, thank you from the bo�om of our hearts!” No words can express how much we appreciate you guys help ﬁnding this perfect house! Thank you very much from the bo�om of our heart. We have already recommended them to all our friends and family. --- Al & Lyn Relojo

 METRO NEWS

February 25-March 3, 2021

34 Pasay City villages under localized lockdowns, mayor recovers

PASAY CITY – At least 34 barangays and one establishment in Pasay City have been placed under localized lockdowns since last week after the local government recorded a sudden surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases. The city government reported a total of 7,594 conﬁrmed Covid-19 cases with 361 active cases as of February 21, including Mayor Imelda Calixto Rubiano herself who has gone on quarantine after getting infected with the virus but is on way to recovery. Pasay residents are urged to continue adhering to the minimum health standards

to prevent another surge of Covid-19 cases. Pasay City Administrator Dennis Acorda said the lockdown in 33 villages was made eﬀective on Feb. 19 and will end on March 5. “Hangga’t makakayanan hindi po namin nila-lockdown ang buong barangay (As much as possible, we are not placing the whole barangay under lockdown), we zero in on the household or particular family na apektado (those aﬀected),” Acorda said. The areas under lockdown are Barangays 28, 29, 32,40, 57, 58, 66, 68, 71, 76, 81, 95, 98, 100, 107, 109, 118, 122, 132,

135, 136,143, 155, 156, 159, 162, 175, 177, 178, 183, 190, 192, and 201. Another village was placed on lockdown last Sunday, Feb 21 that will end after a 14-day quarantine period. The residents in the lockdown areas are not allowed to go out and should follow strict quarantine measures and guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID). Those asymptomatic residents were transferred to the city’s quarantine facilities for proper isolation and treatment. They will also undergo swab testing for Covid-19.

MANILA – The city government of Manila received free 1,125,000 washable face masks through the presidential initiative “Libreng Mask para sa Masa”. Officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) of the Office of the President turned over the face masks to Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso at the Manila City Hall. The cities of Pateros, San Juan, Navo-

tas, Marikina, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasay, and Makati have already received their free face masks. “(This is to) provide face masks to poor families to strengthen the government’s strategic plan to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 infections by enabling and encouraging the public to follow the minimum public health standards and also to support the micro, small, and medium enterprises whose operations were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic,” DSWD Undersecretary Rene Glen

Paje said. The Face Mask Distribution Project is spearheaded by the National Task Force Against Covid-19, the Department of Health (DOH), DTI, Procurement Service of Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the DSWD, the Oﬃce of Civil Defense (OCD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI).

Manila gets 1-M face masks for residents

Witness stands by testimony vs. de Lima on P1.4-M bribe MUNTINLUPA CITY – Defense counsels of former justice secretary Leila de Lima have failed to debunk claims of a prosecution witness who identiﬁed the lawmaker to have received P1.4 million from the late prison gang boss and convicted drug lord Jaybee Sebastian seven years ago. After a two-hour cross-examination by the defense counsel, PDL (person deprived of liberty) Joel Capones, during the resumption of hearings before the Muntinlupa court, identiﬁed again de Lima as the person who was present when he delivered P1.4 million inside Sebastian’s quarters at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) during the anniversary celebration of the Sigue-Sigue Commando prison gang. “His testimony is very clear as far as we are concerned. We leave it to the court for its appreciation of our evidence as far as the gist of the testimony of Joel Capones,” prosecution panel chief Ramoncito Ocampo told reporters. Prosecutors added that they will be asking to be allowed redirect examination once the defense completes its cross-examination when the hearings resume on April 16.

5 February 25-March 3, 2021 Magnitude 5.2 quake hits Davao Occidental

MALITA, Davao Occidental – A magnitude 5.2 quake jolted Davao Occidental on February 24, the latest in a series of earthquakes in Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon the past few months. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the tectonic quake struck 318 km. southeast of Sarangani town at about 6:25 a.m. It had a depth of 79 km. There was no immediate report of damage or casualties. Phivolcs has not logged any reported intensities and instrumental intensities in its earthquake bulletin issued at 6:59 a.m. Reported intensity is the traditional way of knowing the intensity based on reports by people who felt the earthquake. Instrumental intensity, on the other hand, is measured using an intensity meter that measures ground acceleration. Phivolcs said aftershocks and damage are not expected from the quake.

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

American wanted in California arrested by cops in Tarlac

MONCADA, Tarlac – Authorities have arrested an American wanted for various oﬀenses in Orange County in California. The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested American fugitive John Dalton Daclan in Barangay San Juan, Moncada, Tarlac on February 16. Based on the oﬃcial communication from the US Embassy in Manila, Daclan has three standing arrest warrants issued by the Orange County Superior Court in

California, USA for unauthorized use of identification, grand theft, forgery, burglary, display of false identification, fraud, battery, and receiving stolen property in violation of the California Penal Code. Also arrested was an alleged illegal recruiter listed as among Bicol’s most wanted persons and an American fugitive in separate operations earlier this week. Brig. Gen. Ignatius Ferro, acting director of the PNP-CIDG, said Vivien Imamura was arrested in her condominium unit at the California Garden Square in Mandaluyong City on February 18. Imamura, Bicol’s top 10 most wanted person, has two standing warrants of arrest for illegal recruitment issued by two courts in Legazpi City, Albay. Ferro said the police operations are part of the CIDG’s Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) in compliance with the police force’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs, corruption, terrorism, illegal gambling, and other crimes.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

February 25-March 3, 2021

Sara urged to run in 2022, President rejects bid again By Claire Morales True and Jeanne Michael Penaranda DAVAO CITY/TANDAG CITY President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, has emerged as the top choice for both President and Vice President in the 2022 elections if a survey is to be the gauge. The same survey showed those who followed Mayor Duterte were Senators Mary Grace Poe and Emmanuel Pacquiao, former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr,. Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, and Senate President Vicente Sotto III. In the vice-presidential race, DuterteCarpio and Domagoso are in a statistical tie for number 1 at 14 and 11 percent respectively, followed by Pacquiao, Poe, Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, Sotto, Marcos, Go, and Sorsogon Gov. Francis Escudero. Mayor Duterte, however, said she will not run for President in the May 2022 elections to succeed her father who will vow out of oﬃce on June 30, 2022. Mayor Duterte, meanwhile, barred her supporters in Davao City from organizing

motorcades prodding her to run for president in 2022. The feisty lady mayor told organizers to better save the fuel of their vehicles for some other essential purposes because she is ﬁrm in her decision not to run in the upcoming elections. The mayor also ordered the removal of tarpaulins, posters, and billboards with the text “Run, Sara, Run,” mounted by her supporters in some parts of the city. In the Tugon Ng Masa (Pulse of the Masses) national survey from January 26 to February 1, Octa Research said Duterte-Carpio was on top with an average of 22 percent, with the highest support coming from Mindanao at 48 percent and socio-economic class E at 24 percent. In Tandag City in Surigao del Sur during President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s inspection and assessment of typhoon damage in Caraga region, the Chief Executive again stressed that he is opposed to the idea of letting his daughter join the 2022 presidential derby. Duterte was responding to Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel who “Inday Sara is not running. I have reurged the President to convince either his ally, really put my foot down,” President daughter or his former long-time aide, Duterte said. Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Governor Pimentel told Duterte that Go, to run for president in 2022. Sara and Go could continue the President’s legacy. “Ang request po namin, may continuity. Dapat isa sa administration ang kocontinue lahat nang ginagawa niyo po, lahat ng achievement (Our request is there should be continuity. One of the administration allies should continue all your achievements),” Pimentel said. Pimentel also warned Duterte that his accomplishments would go to waste, in case his successor comes from the opposition. “Kasi baka kung iba ang Presidente, tanggalin lahat iyan. Papaano na kami? Kailangan may continuity. So, kailangan kumbinsihin natin si Inday Sara or Senator Bong Go (If the next president belongs to the opposition, they would ignore your accomplishments. How about us? There should be continuity. So we should convince Inday Sara or Senator Bong Go),” he said. Duterte said he could not aﬀord to see his daughter indulge in “dirty politics.”

Sara, he said, might only be subjected to harassment by his critics, including former senator Antonio Trillanes IV. “Naaawa ako sa anak ko. Ang pulitika dito sa Pili(pinas), kababuyan. Lalo na si Trillanes (I pity my daughter. Politics in the Philippines is dirty, especially if there is someone like Trillanes),” Duterte said. “Be careful of Trillanes. Magbantay (Be mindful). He will sell you to the devil pag ‘yan ang nakaupo. Patay (He will sell you to the devil if he sits in government. That’s a disaster),” said the Chief Executive. Tarpaulins with bold letters “Sara, Run, Sara” have sprouted in diﬀerent parts of the country, including Davao City and Metro Manila. Despite mounting calls for her to run, Sara has repeatedly said she has no plan to run for president in 2022. She told her supporters that she might only be convinced to seek the presidency by 2034, if at that time there is something (she) can do to help the country.” The President has repeatedly discouraged Sara from pursuing the presidential bid, as he wants to spare her the diﬃculty of being the country’s chief executive.

House starts deliberations on economic Charter change QUEZON CITY – The House of Representatives has started its plenary deliberations on the resolution proposing amendments to the “restrictive” economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution In his sponsorship speech, House Committee on Constitutional Amendments chair Alfredo Garbin Jr. stressed the need to pass the Resolution of Both Houses Number 2 (RBH 2) to give the government the freedom to adopt measures that will pave the way for economic development. He said amending the Constitution by adding the phrase ‘unless otherwise provided by law’ would provide the government enough flexibility to consider different circumstances prevailing at different

stages toward economic development. Garbin argued that the restrictive economic provisions in the Charter have “proven to be a bane, rather than a boon for the country” as they discouraged the ﬂow of foreign direct investments. “While these provisions may be very well-meaning and appear to favor the interests of Filipinos, over the long haul, the country and the common good of all Filipinos suﬀer,” he said. He said the proposed amendments would eliminate the “overly protective” provisions--such as foreign ownership limitations in business enterprises, including public utilities--to attract more foreign investments and to adopt policies to enable

the country to compete more eﬀectively in the global economy. On Feb. 2, the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments had voted 643-3 to adopt RBH 2. The proposal, which is principally authored by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, aims to amend certain economic provisions of the Charter, particularly Articles XII (National Patrimony and Economy), XIV (Education, Science, Technology, Arts, Culture and Sports), and XVI (General Provisions). It seeks to insert the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” to several sections of the Constitution, which restrict foreign ownership of public utilities, educational

institutions, media, and advertising. The panel dropped the proposal to allow foreign ownership of land. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, another sponsor of the resolution, said the Philippines not only had the tightest foreign direct investment (FDI) restrictions but also had the fewest doors to attract FDI stock. “The Philippines has locked itself out of signiﬁcant foreign investments, and therefore job creation. We have spent hundreds of billions of pesos in foregone revenue for tax incentives when we have not tried a simpler, cheaper solution: opening industries in need of capital to foreign investment through legislative action,” Salceda said.

7 February 25-March 3, 2021

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

US names Vico Sotto ‘anti-corruption champion’ MANILA/WASHINGTON – The US State Department has named Pasig City Mayor Victor “Vico” Sotto among the world’s “anticorruption champions” in its International Anticorruption Champions Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated leadership, courage, and impact in preventing, exposing, and combating corruption. The award, launched under the administration of President Joe Biden, advances Washington’s support of “anti-corruption leaders and innovators”. Sotto is described as “a standard-bearer for a new generation of Philippine politicians who prioritize anti-corruption and transparency initiatives in their election campaigns and in oﬃce.” Sotto in 2019 defeated an incumbent mayor whose family had governed the city of Pasig for 27 years. The State Department said Sotto’s prior work on the city council resulted in the

freedom of information legislation that allowed city residents to request documents without having to provide a justiﬁcation – the ﬁrst such law in the Metro Manila area. “Sotto has sought to solidify his reputation as a fresh voice with a new, more transparent approach to governance,” it said. “He pledged to avoid any kickbacks in the awarding of city contracts, established a 24/7 public information and complaints hotline, formally involved civil society organizations in the city’s budgeting and policymaking, and mandated that the value of all city government contracts be reduced by at least 10 percent – a measure intended to reduce bribery in the contract awarding process.” Sotto, among the 12 individuals recognized by Washington, is the only Filipino on the list. Infographics courtesy of US Embassy in Manila The other champions named this year

are: 1. Ardian Dvorani, judge and member of the Justice Appointments Council of Albania; 2. Diana Salazar, Ecuador’s attorney general; 3. Sophia Pretrick, investigative advisor for the Compliance Investigation Division of the Pohnpei State Auditor of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM); 4. Juan Francisco Sandoval Alfaro, chief of the Special Prosecutors Oﬃce Against Corruption and Impunity in Guatemala; 5. Ibrahima Kalil Gueye, Chair and cofounder of the Organization for Positive Change, an NGO focusing on good governance, peace, and education in Guinea; 6. Anjali Bhardwaj, an active member of the Right to Information Movement in India; 7. Dhuha A. Mohammed, director-general for Electronic Payments at the Central

Bank of Iraq; 8. Mustafa Abdullah Sanalla, chairman of Libya’s National Oil Corporation; 9. Francis Ben Kaifala, commissioner of Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC); 10. Ruslan Ryaboshapka, former prosecutor general in Ukraine; and 11. Bolot Temirov, investigative journalist and editor-in-chief of Factcheck.kg in the Kyrgyz Republic. “The State Department continues to stand by citizens around the world calling for transparent, accountable governments. We proudly recognize these international champions of anticorruption and all those who have taken a stand against corruption,” the State Department said. In honoring the champions, Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the 12 as “brave individuals” and commended their dedication.

Ex-Cavite Gov. Ayong Maliksi dies at 82 IMUS, Cavite - Former Cavite Governor Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi has died, his son Emmanuel said in a Facebook post. He was 82. Ayong was a longtime elected oﬃcial in the province of Cavite, having served as vice mayor and mayor of his hometown Imus, congressman representing the second district

of the province, and a three-term governor from 2001 to 2010. He also served as chairman of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Oﬃce under the Aquino administration. The mayor of Imus City said it was his father who molded him to become a leader. “Higit sa pagiging isang serbisyo-pub-

liko, ay ang iyong pagiging isang mapagmahal at mapagkalingang ama sa amin. Maraming salamat sa iyong pagmamahal at mga aral na patuloy naming babaunin,” Emmanuel said. “Ikaw ang naghubog sa akin bilang isang lider na hindi tumatalikod sa tungkulin. Mula sa aking pagkabata, magpasa hanggang

ngayon ay patuloy kong sinusundan ang mga yapak mo,” he added. “Ipinamalas mo hindi lamang sa buong bansa, kundi ay sa pandaigdigang larangan ang puso ng isang Imusen?o, at kagitingan ng tunay na Kabiten?o. Alam ko, at ramdam kong nariyan ka at patuloy na gagabay sa amin,” Emmanuel said.

2 dead, 4 hurt in QC shootout between PNP, PDEA agents MANILA - Two police officers were killed while several others were wounded in a shootout between members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) anti-illegal drug operatives and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents near a mall on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on February 24. PNP National Capital Region Police Office chief Police Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said two cops died in the incident which he described as a “misencounter”, while another cop is in critical condition. Three PDEA operatives were also wounded in the incident, Danao said. Initial reports showed members of the QCPD District Special Operations Unit conducted a buy-bust operation at a fast food joint beside the Ever Gotesco Mall on Commonwealth Avenue when the shootout flared. There could be other civilians or lawmen killed or hurt in the encounter, late reports indicated. Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a parallel investigation on the alleged “misencounter” between PNP anti-illegal drug operatives and PDEA agents. “This is separate and distinct from the probe to be conducted by an ad hoc joint PNP-PDEA Board of Inquiry earlier announced by PNP chief Debold Sinas,” Guevarra said. Guevarra was referring to Gen. Sinas earlier statement that he tasked the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to probe the shooting incident between PNP and PDEA agents outside the Ever Gotesco Mall. PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana, in a statement, said Sinas designated the CIDG as the lead investigating body while National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director, Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. has been designated to speak on any updates from the PNP to keep the public informed of accurate and relevant

information. sugatan naming tauhan (our priority is to attend to our Usana said the PNP and PDEA both agreed and as- wounded personnel). sured the public that the incident, “while serious, will in no way affect the continuing operational relationship and coordination they have long firmed up in the fight against illegal drugs.” “In the interest of determining the truth behind the incident, a joint PNP-PDEA Board of Inquiry will be formed to determine what transpired and who should be held liable,” Usana said. PDEA spokesperson, Director Derrick Carreon, said they have no exact details yet about the incident but said the agency’s Special Enforcement Service (SES) was conducting a legitimate anti-drug operation in the area. “Sa ngayon, isa lang po ang malinaw… na ang PDEA Special Enforcement Service ay nandoon on a legitimate operation po (As of now, what is clear.. the PDEA Special Enforcement Services was in the area on a legitimation operation),” Carreon said in a message to reporters. Based on sketchy reports from Batasan Police Station 6, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) special operations unit personnel were conducting a drug buy-bust operation when they found out that they were transacting with PDEA agents, resulting in a shoutout at a fastfood chain parking area beside the Ever Gotesco mall at around 5:45 p.m. Police recovered assorted high-powered firearms with several badges and identification cards. Danao said at least two policemen were killed in the incident while at least three from the PDEA group were brought to the hospital. Meanwhile, Carreon said PDEA opts not to comment on the incident for now. “We will leave it to the Joint Board of Inquiry (PNPPDEA Board of Inquiry). We will see the documents tomorrow. For now, priority po namin inaasikaso ang mga

February 25-March 3, 2021

California...

Tuolumne, and Yolo. As Los Angeles County, meanwhile, surpassed 20,000 deaths, the County Department of Public Health urged businesses to continue to implement COVID safety measures. The deparment confirmed 157 new deaths and 2,091 new cases of confirmed COVID-19. In total, Public Health has identified 1,183,378 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and 20,057 deaths. Of the 157 new deaths reported in the country, 51 people that passed away were over the age of 80, 58 people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, 33 people that passed away were between the ages of 50 and 64, 12 people that passed away were between the ages of 30 and 49 and one person who died was between the ages of 18 and 29. Two deaths were reported by the City of Pasadena. There are 2,146 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 31% of these people are in the ICU. Testing results are available for more than 5,778,000 individuals with 19% of people testing positive. The 7-day positivity rate is 3.1% and the 14-day

positivity rate is 3.2%. There have been 47,652,172 tests conducted in California. This represents an increase of 138,805 during the prior 24-hour reporting period. As case numbers continue to rise in California, the total number of individuals who will have serious outcomes will also increase. As of February 24, providers have reported administering a total of 7,763,668 vaccine doses statewide. Numbers do not represent true day-to-day change as reporting may be delayed. The CDC reports that 10,302,040 doses have been delivered to entities within the state, and 10,573,585 vaccine doses, which includes the first and second dose, have been shipped. In order to increase the pace of COVID-19 vaccine distribution to those at greatest risk, the state is prioritizing individuals 65 and older to receive the vaccine as demand subsides among health care workers. This effort will help to reduce hospitalizations and safe lives. To sign up for a notification when you’re eligible for a vaccine, please visit myturn.ca.gov. For more information on the vaccine effort, visit the Vaccinate All 58 webpage.

Dr. Rabindra AbeyaSinghe sought to downplay the refusal of the drug companies to guarantee shipment to the Philippines because of the Dengvaxia case, where the previous Aquino administration was blamed in Congressional hearings of inoculating hundreds of thousands of children, resulting in the alleged deaths of some 600 students. An investigation, however, found the number as false, with only a handful of children actually passing away, and with Dengvaxia not being the primary cause of their death. The Duterte administration sought to turn the controversy into a political issue, with calls for the filing of charges against former President Benigno Aquino III and his Heath Secretary Janette Garin, now an elected member of the House of Representatives. No cases were ever filed against the two, but the damage had been done. The Philippines has since had a low immunization rate for any disease – among the lowest in Southeast Asia -- after parents lost confidence in vaccines. Moreover, the country’s reputation was damaged with the threats against Sanofi-Pasteur. Globally, Dengvaxia has been used without any

questions as to its efficacy, set at close to 99 percent. The Department of Health under then President Aquino had vaccinated schoolchildren with Sanofi-Pasteur’s Dengvaxia vaccine to combat the spread of dengue fever. Meanwhile, the Philippine government may be having difficulties in importing anti-Covid-19 vaccines, but the private sector is not. One of the country’s biggest private companies, the San Miguel Corp. is allotting nearly P1 billion to purchase directly from manufacturers to be administered to its 70,000 employees. The group of Enrique Razon of ICTSI as well as the Ayala Group of Companies are also bringing in their own supply of the vaccines for use of their employees and their families. For now, the only sure supplier of vaccines for the Philippine government will be the two manufacturers from China, privately-owned Sinovac and state-owned Sinopharm. The Chinese-made vaccines, however, only have an estimated efficacy rate of around 50 percent. This means only about half of those who receive the vaccine are protected from Covid-19.

According to his NASA profile, Villar spent seven-anda-half years building and testing a system that would land a the Mars 2020 mission?” the embassy said on Facebook and car-sized rover on Mars. He is also the head verification and validation engineer Twitter accounts. “As part of the Mars 2020 Mission, Villar spent 7.5 years for the EDL phase of Perseverance. Among others, Villar directed a Mars parachute test cambuilding and testing a system that will land a car-sized rover on Mars. He also directed a Mars parachute test campaign at paign at NASA’s Ames Research Center, the world’s largest wind tunnel. the world’s largest wind tunnel,” the embassy added. For the Mars 2020 mission, he also led a council of atVillar, 33, works as an EDL Systems engineer at NASA’s mospheric scientists from institutions around the world to Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). characterize the Martian atmosphere. Villar was awarded a NASA scholarship in his junior year of college, which came with an internship at a NASA center of his choice. “I started interning at JPL in 2010 and got hired full-time in 2012,” he said Notary Public & Real Estate Broker in his reflections posted at the NASA Mars Exploration Program website. For Villar, what excites him about Mars and space *Commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (BRE#00635976) in California since 1981. Author, Columnist, and Member, National Notary Association (NNA) exploration is the “thought of going there” himself one day. He studied at Saint Louis University-Laboratory High School in Baguio City and earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from the Califor-

nia State Polytechnic University in Pomona and his master’s degree in astronautical engineering from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. ‘Touchdown’ Launched in June 2020 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, Perseverance is described as the “largest, most advanced” rover NASA has sent to another world. After a seven-month-long journey, it successfully touched down on the Jezero Crater in Mars last Friday, marking an ambitious first step in the effort to collect samples from the Red Planet and return them to Earth. “This is very complicated because you’ll see in the videos, because when we get to Mars, we’re travelling at close to 12,000 mph, which is really really fast,” he said. Villar, now 33, was born in the United States of Filipino parents , but he spent some time with his father in Baguio City when he was 13, according to an ABS-CBN report. “My mom’s family is from Tandang Sora in Manila. Dad’s family from Taguig. At the time my dad lived in Baguio, when I turned 13 or so. It was one of the best decisions ever, I’ve get to really experience the roots of my culture. Spent a lot of time with my family there and build a foundation to allow me to succeed,” Villar said. It was a long journey to NASA, he said. “I was a high-schooler in Baguio City. I was very good at math and science. I was a big nerd. Still a nerd. That’s not a bad thing ‘cause nerds rule the world now,” Villar said. Villar said he has always dreamt of becoming an astronaut and being part of the team that sent Perseverance partly fulfilled that dream.

(From page 1)

the total number of individuals who will have serious outcomes will also increase, the department warned. As of February 23, providers have reported administering a total of 7,581,560 vaccine doses statewide. The CDC reports that 9,816,120 doses have been delivered to entities within the state, and 10,334,985 vaccine doses, which includes the ﬁrst and second dose, have been shipped. Counties with case rates at or below 14 per 100,000 are Glenn, Los Angeles, Madera, Orange, Shasta, Solano and joined the list of counties eligible for fewer restrictions under the updated Youth and Recreational Adult Sports guidance. Del Norte fell oﬀ the list in this week’s advanced calculation. Complete list of counties at or elow 14 per 100,000: Alameda, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Glenn, Humboldt. Imperial, Lassen, Los Angeles, Madera , Marin, Mariposa, Modoc, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Plumas, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Trinity,

Drug...

(From page 1)

started last December, as President Rodrigo Duterte promised. Over the weekend, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the president was “getting impatient” with the delays. Galvez said the delayed importation was due to various drug manufacturers adopting a wait-and-see attitude towards the Philippines, after an initial 117,000 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech’s failed to arrive in mid-February, as earlier announced. Pfizer reportedly refused to send the first stocks to the Philippines due to indemnification concerns. Galvez said Pfizer and other “preferred” drug manufacturers were not exporting vaccines to the Philippines unless an indemnity agreement was in place, all due to the Dengvaxia controversy where the Philippine government threatened to file cases against one of the world’s largest drug manufacturers. Between Pfizer and AstraZeneca, the Philippines is supposed to receive 9.4 million doses within the first semester of 2021. World Health Organization country representative

Filam...

(From page 1)

9 February 25-March 3, 2021 MORE HATE...

(From page 1)

The new funding was initiated by Assemblymember Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, who also serves as chair of the Assembly Budget Committee. The funding is part of Assembly Bill 85, a fiscal measure intended to provide more resources as part of the state’s COVID-19 response. More than 2,500 hate crimes were committed against Asian Americans in 2020 alone and recently several incidents were reported, many of them in California, including the Bay Area. Just in the last two months, several violent cases have been reported in the region, including an unprovoked attack earlier this month in San Francisco that resulted in the death of 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, a Thai American man. In Washington, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris strongly denounced the violence and hate crimes against Asian Americans and other minority groups. As early as last January, President Biden signed an executive order banning the federal government from employing “inflammatory and xenophobic” language used during the past administration such as “China plague” and “kung flu.” Meanwhile, Asian American leaders said the attacks showed a need for greater urgency in dealing with such threats. “Today, I’m directing federal agencies to combat the resurgence of xenophobia, particularly against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, that we’ve seen skyrocket during this pandemic. This is un-

 NATIONAL NEWS acceptable and it’s un-American,” Biden said in remarks at the White House. “I’ve asked the Department of Justice to strengthen its partnership with the Asian American Pacific Islander community to prevent those hate crimes. I’ve also asked the Department of Health and Human Services to put out best practices for combatting xenophobia in our national response to COVID,” he added. Vice President Harris acknowledged hate crimes and violence against Asian Americans and Asian immigrants have skyrocketed during the pandemic. “That’s why our Administration has taken actions to address these xenophobic attacks. We must continue to commit ourselves to combating racism and discrimination,” she on Twitter. Bonta filed his bill AB 886 in his capacity as legislator representing the district where an a 70-year old woman was shoved and robbed in Oakland and as first Filipino American to represent U.S. state assembly district who is greatly concerned in the spate of attacks against elders of his own Asian race, “The recent rise in racist and xenophobic attacks on members on the API community and the larger increase in hate crimes must be addressed with decisive action,” said Bonta. “The embers of hate have always been present, but they have recently been fanned into a fire of violence by no less than the previous occupant of the White House,” Bonta added. Aside from expanding the eligibility for victims of hate violence in order that even those that did not file police report

can be eligible to access victim compensation funds, the bill is envisioned to fund communitybased organizations that provide culturally competent mental health services for victims of hate violence and restorative justice programs, he said. “All communities deserve to be seen, valued, and protected,” Bonta stressed. “AB 886 would assure that consultation with the victim becomes a primary focus along with community healing. AB 886 would address prevention by providing additional restorative justice tools to proactively increase the likelihood that an individual who caused the harm would not do additional harm,” he said. AB 886 is co-sponsored by Asian Americans Advancing Justice – California, and supported by the following organizations: AACI, AAPI Women Lead, APIENC, Arab Resource & Organizing Center (AROC), Asian Law Alliance, Bay Rising, Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, Chinese for Aﬃrmative Action, Family Bridges, Japanese American Citizens League – Berkeley, Florin, Placer County, Sacramento Chapters and Northern California Western Nevada Paciﬁc District JACL, Korean Community Center of the East Bay, Oakland Asian

Cultural Center, and Project by Project, San Francisco. Aside from Oakland, Assemblymember Rob Bonta also represents the cities of Alameda and San Leandro and is the Assistant Majority Leader.. Bonta earlier led a noontime united stand against recent hate violent crimes at the California State Capitol together with group of diverse lawmakers, namely, Assemblymembers Rebecca, Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda), Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica), Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), David Chiu (D-San Francisco), Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills), Evan Low (D-Campbell), Al Muratsuchi (DTorrance), Adrin Nazarian (D-Van Nuys), and Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) and Senators María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles), Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), Dave Min (D-Irvine), and Dr. Richard Pan (DSacramento).

 NATIONAL NEWS

February 25-March 3, 2021

Subic Freeport ready for Covid-19 vaccine rollout SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Health facilities and personnel in the Subic Bay Freeport are now ready for the eventual release and distribution here of Covid-19 vaccines under the much-awaited mass vaccination program of the government. This was the assurance made by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma to Department of Health (DOH) oﬃcials who observed the simulation of Covid-19 vaccine administration in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone last Thursday, Feb. 18. Eisma said that ever since the outbreak of the pandemic last year, the SBMA has prepared for any eventuality and has initiated various health measures to ﬁght Covid-19. “We don’t want to get caught emptyhanded,” Eisma stressed. “With the anticipated arrival of Covid-19 vaccines, the medical team of the SBMA is all prepped up and ready for the vaccination program. We shall be prepared when it happens,” Eisma said. The SBMA chief said the agency is closely coordinating with the DOH for the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines and their immediate deployment for the Freeport community. “But since the SBMA is not a local government unit (LGU), we are looking at various ways to gain access to vac-

cines, including a partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, or even private companies,” Eisma said. She added that the agency would be prioritizing frontline health workers for the vaccination, along with senior citizens, indigent population, and law enforcement/uniformed personnel. Should the vaccines finally arrive, Eisma said the SBMA could field a vaccination team that would consist of five doctors, 20 nurses, and two medical technologists. The Philippine government, through a coordinated network of stakeholders recently conducted a full-scale simulation exercise of vaccine deployment to showcase the country’s readiness for the mass vaccination program. The simulation provided a view on what is expected to happen once the vaccines arrive in the country. Dr. Jessie Fantone, DOH provincial director for Zambales who was here to review the Subic simulation, commended the SBMA for adhering to the DOH strategy in the fight against Covid-19, which is Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, and Reintegrate (PDITR). The SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) demonstrated to the five steps in the administration of the vaccine. These are registration; pre-vaccination counselling and final consent; screen-

SUBIC VACCINE SIMULATION. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma joins the Covid-19 vaccine administra�on simula�on exercise at the Subic Bay Freeport on Feb. 18 ing; vaccination; and post-vaccination monitoring, surveillance, and recording. Chairman Eisma also pointed out that the SBMA has been at the forefront in the battle against Covid-19 since Covid-19 broke out in early 2020. Aside from its medical team, the Subic agency has established Covid-19 isolation and monitoring facilities and partnered with the Philippine Red Cross in putting up a swabbing

center and specimen collection facility. As of now, only one Covid-19 case remains active in the Subic Bay Freeport— that of a transient worker who tested positive last Feb. 10. Eisma said the last reported case among residents of Subic Freeport was in Dec. 24 while that among SBMA employees was in Feb. 5. (Armie C. Llamas)

PHL asks UK, Germany to provide vaccines for OFWs MANILA – The government is asking two host countries to provide vaccines against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as part of the agreement in relation to the deployment of health service workers, particularly nurses. International Labor Aﬀairs Bureau (ILAB) Director Alice Visperas said Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III has requested the United Kingdom and Germany to provide vaccines for Filipinos displaced by the pandemic before the country sends medical workers to the two European nations. “Secretary Bello’s request is for our OFWs, these are the OFWs that were repatriated, who are here in the country including those who will be deployed. It is important, especially those who are set to leave since many countries who are hiring migrant workers want workers that have been vaccinated,” Visperas said.. The country has two bilateral agreements with the United Kingdom in 2002 and 2003. Visperas said these agreements should be revisited and renewed to further safeguard the welfare of Filipino workers. “Also, Secretary Bello requested for their government to give us vaccines especially for our OFWs,” Visperas said. Both UK and Germany are seeking to be exempted from the 5,000 cap on the

deployment of nurses being implemented by the government to ensure there is an adequate number of nurses in the country in case the need arises. Asked if the DOLE would have a decision this week on the request of the host countries, Visperas said: “It will depend on their answer to the request of Sec. Bello. We are waiting for the decision of their governments. But, according to the Secretary, he is considering to grant the cap [exemption] if they will give in to our conditions.” “The request regarding the vaccine is also applicable to Germany,” she added. The estimated number of OFWs to beneﬁt once the two countries grant the request is around 600,000, Visperas said. “There is no speciﬁc number yet but our estimate is more than 600,000 OFWs who are in the country and going abroad. I think around that number, what we are going to request,” she added.

11 February 25-March 3, 2021

 OPINION Cooking up goodness

EDITORIAL

No valid reason to recall Governor Newsom

he petition to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom is little more than a political stunt being pushed by the Republican Party still reeling from the defeat of Donald Trump last year. While GOP partisans are close to collecting a sufficient number of signatures to proceed with the recall, they will be hard-pressed to justify such a drastic move. In all likelihood, they will accuse Newsom of the most petty of offences, making mountains out of molehills in order to satisfy their bloodlust for the head of a major Democratic Party leader. His worst “crime” was to attend a $350-a-person indoor dinner party without donning the required mask. If he was guilty of anything, it was a bad case of misjudgement. He should have known better. This and his other errors are not sufficient cause to recall Newsom. Besides, the political process that is a California-style recall election is not exactly sound. The last time it happened was back in 2003, when Gray Davis lost his post to a recall and subsequent election that saw actor Arnold Schwarzenegger assume the governor’s post. More than 100 candidates ran for governor back then, including some with no qualifications to speak of. This is not to say that Newsom has been a perfect governor. Far from it. But he is a first-term head of a state which can almost be considered a separate country. California certainly has the biggest economy among all 50 states which makes it harder to govern than most others. Mistakes are to be expected, and there should be no issue if Newsom learns from his errors. The 40th governor has been in power for only two years, after serving as lieutenant governor for eight years and as mayor of San Francisco for seven years. As such, he seemed to be fully prepared to run the state better than any other governor wannabe. Still considered young at 53, Newsom was at the helm when the state as well as the entire country were facing the worst health crisis in more than a century. Who knows how much worse off California would have been if a less-experienced man or woman was governor during the crisis period, which we must add is far from over. As of this writing, about a million votes have been collected seeking his recall. Another half million will be needed, and then an election will be held later this year. It is quite possible that Newsom will simply run again, and win. In this scenario, the recall petition and subsequent election would have been a waste of time and money. Besides, who’s to say if another governor can do a better job than Newsom? In fact, California is in bad shape now, and the coronavirus pandemic only worsened the situation. Newsom was elected two years ago on the hope that his experience and relative youth would work wonders for the state. Those expectations may have been on the high side. Indeed, what California needs is a problem solver, and unless someone rises who can do a better job, the state would be better off letting the incumbent governor do his best. A change of leadership would be extremely counter-productive at this time.

Part 2 & Conclusion

Upside

ASON Angeles and Ronnie Taylor’s aligned interests intersected at a San Francisco bar, where Angeles was an investor running the dessert program. In the kitchen, Taylor served up nibbles from Filipino Pulutan Pop-up Alchemy SF, on which he collaborated with Tim Luym, with Desi Danganan a pioneer of the movement to serve Filipino food to the mainstream. Angeles and Taylor own ventures spanning the sweet and the savory with catchy names: SSF Chicken Box, FK Frozen Kuhsterd, Sugar & Spun and Churreria SF besides IVSF Catering. IVSF (as in the numeral “4” and not the letters “I-V” plus SF) has offerings for happy hour and a menu circling the CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO globe, which have satisfied the munchies of clients like Accenture, Genentech, Shape and Zendesk. Memories of his mom’s Sunday breakfasts of assorted “silog” or combo fried rice plates linger in the palate of Angeles, who was born and raised in Daly City. Taylor touts his father’s mastery of Pancit Malabon, sprinkling it with crisp duck skin instead of pork chicharon, over which he “salivates” while reminiscing, he said. (Originally from Minnesota, Daniel Taylor met and married Ronnie’s mother, hula teacher Rexy Fernandez Aquino, when Ronnie was a toddler. Ronnie was 4 when the family came to this country 30 years ago from the Philippines.) “What’s unique about Filipino food is that it is a melting pot of various cuisines such as Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian, and American. Filipino food is full of flavor and the stigma (attached to) Filipino food being cauldrons of stews and rice is quite the opposite. The food is humble, just like the Filipino people,” claims Taylor. “Food is life,” emphasizes Angeles, who is elated by the bounty of authentic Philippine-centric restaurants throughout California. “I would like non-Filipinos to know that our food is like a trip our country. It’s vast, fla- For dedica�ng their mini-food empire to nourvorful and unique.” ish the most vulnerable in the pandemic, coThey belong to a cadre of gas- owners Jason Angeles and Ronnie Taylor have tronomes honoring their legacy with “authenticity” or “food that speaks to been named KPIX Jefferson Awardees for Pubyou and comes from the heart,” said lic Service. Courtesy Ronnie Taylor Taylor. “There are so many upcoming Filipino chefs leaving the shadow of their (US) mentors and going back to their roots. It all has to do with what province you are from and what recipes have been handed down from generation to generation. It’s great to see so many different versions Filipino food from these chefs from their culinary experience and upbringing.” Covid19 “forced us to become responsive and resilient,” Angeles told author. “It reminded us why we are in the business and because of our success, why we(Continued on page 27)

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

FRANCIS ESPIRITU MARILYN B. KING

Vice President for Sales and Marketing

BETING LAYGO DOLOR Manila Editor

JUNNI RANILLO

Entertainment Editor

ANGELO LOPEZ Cartoonist

ELEANOR SMITH Oﬃce Manager

NICK SAGMIT GEORGE GANGE RENE AVENIDO

Photo Correspondents

Publisher/President

THELMA L. CRUZ

Vice President for Operations & Promotions

CHERIE QUEROL MORENO Executive Editor

NEIL GONZALES

Chief Correspondent Northern California

LYDIA SOLIS

Chief Correspondent Southern California

MA. CECILIA G. MADELO Graphic Director

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

ALFRED G. GABOT Editor-in-chief

CLAIRE M. TRUE Managing Editor

JO ERLINDA YABUT Entertainment Editor

THOMAS G. MADELO JR. Creative Director

BLESIE D. SISON ALBERT MARTINEZ RENE AMON Account Executives

Manila Correspondents

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

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

 OPINION

Health & Wealth

n 1958, Chen Wang, almost penniless, immigrated to America on a scholarship grant. After finishing a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of California in Berkeley and Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from San Jose State University, in San Jose, ART GABOT MADLAING California, he joined IBM. When he found out that nine out of ten Bay Area millionaires invested in real estate, he started investing in real estate at a path of growth in California. Following the advice of his mother, he practiced “landbanking.” Unlike the many “paper millionaires” from the “baby boomers” Mr. Wang is a self-made real millionaire. With his desire to help the average homeowners and prospective retirees. He founded a company with a group of engineers and other professionals who were seeking low-risk, high-growth long-term investment to ensure their financial security. The group help the average homeowners use a portion of their “sleeping home equity” and/or roll over their IRA, 4o1k into profitable real estate through “landbanking.” On a long-term basis, landbanking is more secured and profitable than investing in residential and income properties. Just consider this historical and undeniable fact. Fifty years ago, you can buy a house and lot in the suburbs of San Jose (like Milpitas) and suburbs of San Francisco (like Daly City) for $25,000. Today, that same house and lot is worth $1,500,000 to $2,000,000. If you are smart and visionary like Mr. Wang and his mother, you could have practiced “landbanking” and bought three (3) acres of land for $24,000 at $8,000 per acre. Today, three acres of land in Greater San Jose Area and San Francisco/Peninsula (if you could still find one) is worth $5 million to $25 million depending upon the location. Aside from Mr. Wang, I know of several Filipinos who become millionaires through “landbanking.” A Fil-Am dentist in Los Angeles Area bought 10 acres of land in Palmdale, California (a suburb of Los Angeles) for $30,000, before the Palmdale Shopping Center was built. After holding the land for five years, the developer of the Palmdale Shopping Center needed his 10-acre land to start building the shopping center. After months of negotiation, the Fil-Am dentist sold his 10acre land to the developer for more than $1,500,000. Closer home, my father-in-law bought residential land for P29,000 in 1986. Today, that land is now worth more than P2,000,000. Just recently, my younger brother and his wife bought 4,000 square meters of residential land located along the MacArthur Highway in our hometown in Santa Maria Norte, Binalonan, Pangasinan, Philippines for P6 million pesos in 2017. After the area had been declared as part of the first Economic Trade Zone in Pangasinan, the value of their land is now more than doubled which is P18 million pesos more or less. If you want to have financial security and more secure retirement, just do what Mr. Wang and the real millionaires did. Take out some portion of your “sleeping home equity” and/or roll over your IRA, 401k into a more secured and profitable real estate investment through “landbanking.” BOOKS YOU MUST READ DURING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN Are you worried, depressed and fearful because of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and the calamities like the wild forest fires in California and the power outage and cold/snow crisis in Texas? Make sure to order your FREE autographed copies and read the two books “HISTORICITY OF JESUS” subtitled “Facts and Evidences for Agnostics, Atheists, Believers and Christians” and “JESUS CHRIST” subtitled “The Final Days on Earth Before His Return to Heaven.” Here are some comments and reviews about the books: “I urge ownership of this book. For faith building and antidote to fear and worry everywhere, many benefits can result from reading this vital information under any circumstances and most doubtlessly now with the world in such turmoil from diseases and uprisings and all manner of afflictions,” echoed Darlene Gamble, an alumna of Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, USA, a teacher with BA in special education and MA in reading. (Continue on page 27)

Chinese migration to the Philippines

Lessons from Philippine Presidents: Corazon Aquino

ive-five hundred years ago, the first Austronesians migrated from South China to Taiwan. It took another 1,500 years before they migrated to the Philippines. In my column, “Who Discovered the Philippines?” (April 13, 2007), I wrote: “In the late 1990s, Jared Diamond, Professor of GeograPERRY DIAZ phy at UCLA and winner of the Phi Beta Kappa Award in Science, and Peter Bellwood, Professor of Archaeology at the Australian National University, postulated that the Austronesians had their roots in Southern China. Diamond said that they migrated to Taiwan around 3,500 B.C. However, Bellwood believed that the Austronesian expansion started as early as 6,000 B.C. Around 3,000 B.C., the Malayo-Polynesians -- a subfamily of the Austronesians -- began their migration out of Taiwan. The first stop was northern Luzon [near present-day Aparri, Ilocos Norte]. Over a span of 2,000 years, the Malayo-Polynesian expansion spread southward to the rest of the Philippine archipelago and crossed the ocean to Celebes, Borneo, Timor, Java, Sumatra, Malay Peninsula, and Vietnam; westward in the Indian Ocean to Madagascar; and eastward in the Pacific Ocean to New Guinea, New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji, Marquesas, Cook, Pitcairn, Easter, and Hawaii. Today, the Malayo-Polynesian speaking people have populated a vast area that covers a distance of about 11,000 miles and two oceans – Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean -- from Madagascar to Hawaii, almost half the circumference of the world.” We’ve come a long way, baby. Pre-Hispanic era In the 11th century, long before the arrival of the Spaniards, Chinese traders had already been coming to the Philippines. They went as far as Butuan and Sulu. However, most of their trade activities were in Luzon due to its proximity to China. The trade with China has a major influence and contribution within the Filipino culture. In 1405, during the reign of the Ming Dynasty in China, Emperor Yung Lo claimed the island of Luzon and placed it under his empire. The Chinese called the island “Lusong” from the Chinese characters Lui Sung. The biggest settlement of Chinese was in Lingayen in Pangasinan. Lingayen also became the seat of the Chinese colonial government in Luzon. When Yung Lo died in 1424, the new Emperor Hongxi, Yung Lo’s son, lost interest in the colony and the colonial government was dissolved. However, the Chinese settlers in Lingayen -- known as “sangleys” -- remained and prospered.” Spanish colonial era When the Spanish conquistadores arrived in Manila in 1571, they destroyed the existing Muslim settlement and built a fortress around it and named it Intramuros, which became the capital of the new colony. The walls were constructed to keep out invading Chinese pirates. One of them was the notorious Limahong. In 1574, he tried to capture Manila but was beaten by the combined Spanish and native forces. Limahong retreated to Lingayen where he built a fort in 1575. He fought the Spaniards for four months but eventually abandoned his fort and fled to the sea never to return again. The Chinese migrants lived in a settlement called Parian outside the walled city of Intramuros. The Chinese men, who arrived without women, intermarried with the native women, and their offspring came to be known as Mestizos de Sangley. During the Philippine Revolution of 1898, full-blooded Spaniards born in Spain and sent to Spanish colonies to govern were called peninsulares. Full-blooded Spaniards born in the colonies were called insulares and those born in the Philippines were called Filipinos. Filipinos with Spanish blood and native blood were also called Filipinos and so were the Mestizos de Sangley and other races mixed with Spanish blood. In contrast, the natives of pure Austronesian descent were called Indios, which was considered derogatory. It was only after the Philippine Revolution when the Spanish colonial regime ended that the Indios came to be called rightfully as Filipinos. The Chinese mestizos – the Sangleys/Filipinos -- would later fan the flames of the Philippine Revolution. Many leaders of the Philippine Revolution themselves have substantial Chinese ancestry. These include Jose Rizal, Emilio Aguinaldo, (Continue on page 27)

“People get the government they deserve.” -Joseph de Maistre

his is the fourth part of the series on lessons from Philippine Presidents – from Corazon Cojuangco Aquino to Fidel Valdez Ramos. The quote from diplomat lawyer Joseph de Maistre is highly descriptive of the reign of Philippine Presidents or of any presidency of any country in the world.. Presidency: In normal HOMOBONO A. ADAZA times, Cory Aquino could never be President. Why? She has none of the qualifications but all of disqualifications of a President of the country. But times were abnormal - Ferdinand Marcos was President for six years and a de facto dictator for fifteen years – a total of twenty-one years rule. That is unconstitutional because a President can only have a total of eight years under the Constitution. On top of that, one of the leading contenders for the presidency against Marcos was Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., husband of Cory Aquino, was assassinated at the Manila International Airport (MIA), now the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) upon arrival from the States where he was in exile. If Ninoy was not assassinated in 1983 and Cory was not the wife of Ninoy, Cory Aquino would never have become President. She was President by accident. It was destiny at work. Historical forces: The top Opposition contender for the presidency in the 1986 snap election was Senator Salvador “Doy” Laurel of Batangas. He was the Chairman of the United Democratic Opposition (UNIDO), a coalition of all national and regional Opposition parties. As the youngest national Opposition leader then being the head of the Mindanao Alliance (MA), the first regional Opposition party organized and the first to respond to the Marcos challenge in the first parliamentary elections in 1978 and one of two Opposition governors elected in the first local elections in 1980, the other one being Joey Laurel of Batangas, I played a pivotal role in placating Doy Laurel to run as Cory’s Vice-President. The details are all narrated in my book, LEADERS FROM MARCOS TO ARROYO. Bad beginning: I was head of the Opposition committee which negotiated with Defense Minister Juan “Johnny” Ponce Enrile to establish the Cory Aquino administration.. These were the agreements entered into by the Opposition and Enrile – that Cory Aquino would be President, Doy VicePresident, Enrile Defense Minister and General Fidel Ramos Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; that only five members of the Cabinet would only be appointed by Cory – National Defense, Local Government, Justice, Finance and Foreign Affairs while the rest will be agreed upon by the Opposition and Enrile groups; and the Batasan Pambansa will be retained. Except for the first, the rest were dishonored. While we agreed on five cabinet ministers to be appointed by Cory, MP Ramon Mitra and members of the Cory crowd had the rest of the Cabinet already assigned to Cory people. The Batasang Pambansa was abolished. The reason for the abolition was total control of the government by terminating the Marcos influence and decapitating the UNIDO leadership and dismantling its national organization. Even the agreement of Cory and the UNIDO leadership that Cory would only be a ceremonial President and the government would be run by Doy Laurel as Prime Minister together with his Cabinet was also dishonored and violated. This dishonorable approach was orchestrated by the Cory boys led by the late Joker Arroyo and Cory’s brother, Jose “Peping” Cojuangco. Agenda: The clear purpose of dishonoring and breaking agreements was power consolidation. Total power is control of government. Control means money for the Cory boys. So, Cory and his boys declared a revolutionary government – without vision, goals and objectives for the country. Cory and his band started to have a grand time – enjoying unrestricted power. Cory removed all elective officials associated with the Marcos and his government. In my conversation with (Continue on page 27)

Diliman Way

Landbanking: Secret of real millionaires

PerryScope

February 25-March 3, 2021

13 February 25-March 3, 2021

 OPINION

Offline

n recent days, I have had an exchange of ideas with friends on whether Vice President Leni Robredo should seek the presidency in the 2022 elections. While I believe she is one of the few – very, very few, actually – politicians in the national scene who can still be considered honest, competent, and with her integrity still in- BETING DOLOR tact, her being compared to the late Cory Aquino does her a great disservice. Cory was the widow of a martyr, a beloved former senator who was assassinated by the Marcos regime afraid that his return to the country could spark a revolt. Leni is a widow of a competent bureaucrat, a doer who was unfortunately killed in a plane accident. And while Cory considered herself a simple housewife, Leni is already an accomplished government official, first elected as a member of the House of Representatives, then running and winning for the post of vice president. The VP has sufficient experience in government service to become a good president, where Cory was practically forced to run for chief executive, restoring democracy as her legacy but whose presidency was bogged down by a series of coup attempts, as well as accusations that she tolerated corruption in her administration, perpetrated by her close relatives. If Leni seems hesitant to run for president, there is good reason for her attitude. As I told my friend in his Facebook wall, the odds will definitely be stacked against her. The Duterte regime will cheat massively to guarantee a win for its chosen one, most likely presidential daughter Sara. The cheating has already become apparent in the fake survey results being peddled by the regime, all showing that Rodrigo Duterte is the most beloved president ever. Those results are reminiscent of the polls in countries like North Korea or China or even Russia, all pointing to their beloved supreme leaders as the only choice of the people. Sadly, the two previously credible polling companies, Pulse Asia and the Social Weather Stations, have sold their souls to the devil that is the Duterte regime. I will bet my life that the results they have been releasing the past few years are all fake. They must have been paid hundreds of millions to manufacture those results, and that is their business. But I can prove they are fake by conducting my own scientific and independent survey, in the company of SWS and Pulse Asia pollsters. Alas, I do not have the funds to mount such a nationwide operation. Still, any survey showing 90 percent plus approval rating has to be fake. After tens of thousands have been killed in the name of the Duterte drug war, after the economy has gone to hell after the regime badly mishandled the coronavirus pandemic, after graft and corruption of the worst kind has become the norm in most government agencies, we should believe that more than nine out of 10 Filipinos still love the fentanyl addicted president who only works one day a week? Give me a break. I also have no doubt that drug money will flow like the Pasig River after a supertyphoon. That money will support all of Duterte’s candidates, from president down to city or town councilor, maybe even barangay head. How many times has Duterte claimed that he would end the drug menace, or else resign? Ladies and gentlemen, I submit that the drug menace has actually worsened under Duterte. He may have killed tens of thousands of poor Filipino addicts and pushers, but he has not – repeat NOT – arrested any of the Chinese drug lords who are known to the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. Former senator Antonio Trillanes has said many times that one of the president’s two sons is actually part of an Asian drug triad. He claims that proof can be found in the tattoo on the presidential son’s back. It would have been a simple matter to prove Trillanes a liar. Senator Bong Go showed his back to media, and all it had were marks that he had just had a ventosa treatment. Big deal. I’ve had those several times. But the president’s son? He will die before exposing his back to the public. (Continue on page 27)

The fascinating mystery of San Francisco’s homeless problem

he homeless issue in San Francisco, risen to worldwide notoriety, is particularly fascinating to me. Ask any Bay Area politician about the root of the problem and proposed solutions and you get circle speak. Sometimes they lean on the need for more empathy. Sometimes they answer another question, which is what politicians love to do. The images of San Francisco streets have traversed the internet and YouTube and have grown to become the overriding impression that San Francisco casts on the imagination of tourists throughout the world. Never mind the Golden Gate Bridge or Lombard Street. They think of human feces on the sidewalk, robberies, senseless unpredictable assaults from people who are really responding to voices in their heads. Call the police and they may just tell you it’s not their problem. Yet, the city has showered the homeless with what appears to be limitless munificence. General assistance funds of up to $588 per month is available from the San Francisco Human Services Agency. Add to that a free monthly MUNI fast pass valued at up to $98. If the government is not putting up the homeless in hotels as fancy as the Mark Hopkins on Nob Hill and providing meal service as well as drugs, they are at lease supplying them with free tents to set up camp…well…practically anywhere they want, including someone’s driveway. Why? Why? Why? How? While there may never be a solution to this problem that has grown beyond ridiculous, there may be an explanation as to how the SF government manages to fund fivestar services to its homeless population. In the November 2018 ballot, San Franciscan that passed Proposition C with a majority but not a supermajority. While opponents have been fighting the validity of the majority passage, courts seem to have validated the new law. This law means that companies with gross receipts over $50 million have to pay an additional tax on gross receipts of anywhere from 0.175 percent to 0.69 percent. “Certain” businesses with gross receipts over $1 billion and administrative offices in San Francisco (i.e. Salesforce.com and Twitter) will pay an additional 1.5 percent in payroll taxes. It is not clear if the companies will be passing these taxes onto their employees. Proposition C was expected to raise an additional $300 million per year to assist San Francisco’s homeless population of eight thousand (in 2018) and growing. As of last September, the funds raised from this proposition amounted to $492 million. While almost $200 million has been earmarked to pay back San Francisco on costs that have already been incurred, the new taxes approved by voters with the passage of Proposition C will exist in perpetuity, will exist until they are repealed. I don’t see this being repealed for the foreseeable future. This generous supply of funds may possibly make San Francisco one of the best places to live if you are homeless. “They can spend that $588 on food and still have some left over for recreation,” I said to a San Francisco resident. “They don’t need to spend it on food. Every day, there is some organization—a church or a non-profit—that is providing food for the homeless.” Within the homeless population, there are those who are truly housing insecure and have become homeless because housing is in short supply. For them, the SF government has a rental assistance program. However, there is a component of the population who has deliberately chosen their lifestyle and do not want to live in housing. San Francisco has become a magnet for the latter. It may be one of the best places to move in America if you want to live on the streets.

Mabuhay SoMa Pilipinas!

y staff and I have been working from home since March of last year (when the first Covid-19 lockdown protocol was put into place). We would only be in the office in San Francisco once or twice a week to do our filings and case updates. Last week, we came to the office for our usual meeting day. While I was ATTY. JOJO LIANGCO walking towards 2nd Street (on Market Street) from the BART station on Montgomery Street, I noticed a large banner hung very high on a post celebrating “SoMa Pilipinas” and honoring three community leaders and activists who do and have done great work in the South of Market District of San Francisco. *** In April 2016, a new chapter in Filipino-American history was made in San Francisco (and in the U.S.) after the board of supervisors voted unanimously to formalize and establish a Filipino cultural heritage district (SoMa Pilipinas) in the heart of city’s downtown area. SoMa Pilipinas gives recognition to the achievements and contributions of Filipinos in San Francisco including those who live and work outside of the South of Market area. The vote to have a cultural heritage district is a testament to the efforts of the Filipino community’s cultural and ethnic advocacy activists who lobbied for it amidst the major development and economic transformation going on in San Francisco. “The creation of a cultural heritage district means that anytime someone is thinking of doing something in this community, they have to think about how . . . it impacts the Filipino community,” said then SF supervisor David Campos in 2016. “The Filipino community should be a part of every single issue that comes before this neighborhood,” he added. *** The South of Market neighborhood is home to the largest concentration of Filipinos in San Francisco. This alone makes SoMa the de facto cultural center for the Bay Area Filipino community. SoMa Pilipinas also represents the never-ending struggle to honor and recognize Filipino contributions in this country, including the many equity and social justice issues that the Filipino community fought for and continues to fight for in the U.S. History tells us that for many years, Filipinos have stood tall against displacement, discrimination, and even marginalization in San Francisco and in many parts of the country. *** SoMa will continue to remind all of us about the importance of a cultural heritage district. Let us not forget and let us continue to remember what happened to the Filipino district in Kearny and Jackson Streets (also known as “Manilatown”) many years ago. Manilatown used to be the center or the hub for Filipinos. The place was the counterpart of Little Manila (Stockton) and Filipinotown (Los Angeles) for Filipinos in San Francisco. Filipinos would meet and go to Manilatown to buy Filipino food, to get haircuts in the barbershops, to have suits made in the tailor shops, or simply to trade stories and information about job referrals or sporting activities like boxing and basketball. But when urban renewal and development hit San Francisco’s financial district, the spill over to Chinatown impacted Manilatown. Developers started evicting elderly Filipino tenants from residential premises and buildings that they have rented and occupied for many years. Similar moves of “pushing-out” Filipinos also took place in the Fillmore and Yerba Buena section of the South of Market neighborhood. The influx of new immigrants in the late 1960s who found jobs in the downtown, central city, and civic center area of San Francisco led many Filipinos to again settle in the SoMa area. Filipinos then became the dominant population there. With limited housing available in the South of Market area, a good number of Filipino families relocated to the Excelsior District of San Francisco. Those who could afford to buy homes settled in Daly City and other Bay Area suburbs where cheaper and affordable working-class housing and residences were available. Many low-income immigrants though had to remain and stay in SoMa. The good development though is (Continue on page 27) the fact that those who moved-

Immigrant’s Story

Why Leni Robredo should not run for president

 IMMIGRATIONS Proposed changes In Family Immigration Bill The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 submitted to Congress this month contains various proposals to change the U.S. Immigration law. We will discuss this time the Family-Based Immigration. The most significant change would be Family members of U.S. citizens and green card holders would no longer be separated from their relatives in the U.S. having to wait abroad for years for their priority dates to become current. The number of family-based green cards would be significantly increased and per-country quotas would be expanded. 1, Family-based per-country quotas would be raised from 7% to 20% starting on October 1, 2021. 2. Spouses and children would no longer be counted against numerical green card limits. 3. Numbers of unused family-based green cards from 1992 to 2020 would be “recaptured”. 4. The numerical cap on family-based green cards would be raised dramatically. 5. Spouses and minor, unmarried children of green card holders would be treated as “immediate relatives” and not be subjected to numerical limitations. Also significant is anyone with an approved visa petition who has been waiting in line for over 10 years for their priority date to become current would no longer be subject to numerical limits. They would be permitted to apply for a green card immediately. This would become effective 60 days after the bill is signed into law. In addition, it would permit “permanent partners” to sponsor and receive immigration benefits including adult couples who are unable to marry in their countries. Also important is that Beneficiaries of approved family-based visa petitions (I-130s) would be allowed to join their family members and work in the U.S. in V visa status while they wait for their priority dates to become current. While the bill is under discussion is Congress, there is a good chance of passing especially that the Congress is controlled by Democrats who sponsored the bill. Let us support the amendments by calling your State Representative. Note: This is not a legal advice and presented for information only. SUCCESS STORIES 1. For the month of January 2021, we received from USCIS approvals of two relative petitions, one fiancée visa petition, three removal of condition on residence petitions, and three naturalization applications. 2. For the month of November and December 2020, we received approvals of four K-1 Fiancé visa, five green card applications and one I-601 Hardship waiver. 3. For the month of October 2020, we received from USCIS seven approvals of Family petitions, and one Removal of Condition on residence. 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.

February 25-March 3, 2021

Bangko Sentral governor sees no pandemic-induced price bubble MANILA – Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno discounted a pandemicinduced asset price bubble in the country. In a virtual briefing, he said monetary authorities “do not expect any BANGKO SENTRAL Governor Benjamin Diokno undue surges value ratio and monitoring tools like in asset prices.” “In fact, property prices for both the Real Estate Stress Test (REST) and office and residential segments have the residential real estate price index. Diokno said the REST and the excome down recently,” he said. panded real estate exposure reporting Citing reports by market analysts, “have helped to curb the real estate exDiokno said property price and rent corposure of banks.” rection were registered last year “due He said the central bank’s liquidity to dampened demand brought about by management facilities like the term dethe pandemic.” posit facilities and the BSP securities “In addition, market analysts do not are also seen to quickly absorb excess see a recovery in prices in the coming liquidity from the system if needed and months as market sentiment takes time are factors that “help us temper the risk to recover and solidify. This lessens the of asset price infl ation or imprudent risk of an asset bubble,” he said. risk-taking behavior.” Even before the pandemic, Diokno “While we expect asset price inflasaid monetary authorities “have already tion to remain manageable, the BSP put in place various macroprudential continues to closely monitor market measures to help safeguard against conditions for signs of imbalances or property price bubbles.” the potential presence of asset bubThese measures include putting a bles,” he added. cap on real estate loans and loan-to-

PEZA urges conversion of Mindanao’s idle public lands into ecozones DAVAO CITY – The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) aims to have more special economic zones in Mindanao by converting idle public lands in the southern part of the country. In a statement, PEZA director general Charito Plaza urged leaders of national government agencies and local government units in Mindanao and those in Congress to ﬁle a resolution requesting President Rodrigo Duterte to declare idle public lands in Mindanao as areas for ecozone development. Plaza said this will be in line with the President’s Administrative Order (AO) No. 18 seeking to promote rural development and create economic activities outside Metro Manila. “The Mindanaoan leaders will be passing a resolution to the President so we could have the opportunity to trigger economic growth, creation of jobs, (and) develop the countryside. Let’s proclaim public lands in every region to become public economic zones so we can contribute to the total development, in peace and prosperity of the country,” she said in a forum with oﬃcials in Mindanao last Feb.10 in Davao City.

Plaza said the creation of more ecozones in Mindanao is the “best and fastest economic masterplan” to spur economic growth in the countryside. “Ecozones will be drivers for economic recovery and growth in every region, which will help create jobs for the locals, complete the supply needs in the area, and make enterprises participate in the global supply chain. This will, in turn, spur socio-economic progress as well as reduce crime and poverty incidence in our regions,” the PEZA chief said. Currently, Mindanao has 37 ecozones—17 are located in Davao, 10 in Northern Mindanao, eight in Soccsksargen, one in Zamboanga, and one in Caraga. Twelve ecozones in Mindanao are agro-industrial zones, 15 are information technology parks, eight are manufacturing zones, and one tourism ecozone. “We are determined to help leave a legacy for our people in Mindanao and help realize the plans and programs of our beloved President especially in Mindanao that is full of potential in human capital, natural resources, and available idle lands,” Plaza added.

15 February 25-March 3, 2021

 IMMIGRATIONS

Time to reopen more economic activities: DTI chief Lopez

Ramon Lopez MAKATI CITY – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said the further reopening of economic activities has been stalled since November 2020 as the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) listened

to and considered the concerns of health experts in the past months. Lopez said it is the right time to reopen more economic activities particularly in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) like Metro Manila. “Where we are right now actually is a point that we’ve waited already,” he said in a Laging Handa brieﬁng. He added that the economic team started to recommend easing the community quarantine restrictions in November last year, but the IATF also considered the fear of health experts of having a holiday surge in December. The DTI and the National Economic and Development Authority earlier rec-

ommended to IATF and President Rodrigo Duterte to relax age restrictions by expanding 10 to 65 years old to go outside their residences starting February 1 this year. This move was approved by the IATF but Duterte recalled the task force’s decision ordering the team to further observe the situation as the UK variant of Covid-19 is already present in the country. “It allowed us to buy time to increase hospital rooms for Covid-19 and observe this new variant,” Lopez said in mixed English and Filipino. He said that based on the statistics, the government was able to manage the Covid-19 cases from 4,000 cases a day in mid-2020 to below 2,000 cases per day. This is despite the government also started the safe and gradual reopening of businesses in August last year, he added. Lopez added that the IATF is “hopeful and conﬁdent” to maintain the gradual easing of restrictions with no surge in

numbers of individuals contracting the highly infectious disease. Reopening of cinemas Moreover, the trade chief said areas under modiﬁed GCQ where movie houses were allowed to operate have not reported any surge in Covid-19 cases. DTI is recommending the reopening of movie houses in GCQ areas to allow cinema workers get back to their work and bring back their source of income. Lopez said if the local government units (LGUs) are still not comfortable of the move to reopen cinemas, he asked them to allow the reopening gradually by starting at maximum capacity of 20 to 30 percent. “What’s important is we try the next stage, and we control and comply with the health protocol,” he said adding that this formula in reopening of economic activities is working. “Mahirap po ‘yong ‘di na tayo gagalaw (It’s diﬃcult if we remain stagnant).”

PhilGuarantee expands credit support to MSMEs to over P655 billion By Jeanne Michael Penaranda MANILA – The Philippine Guarantee Corp. (PhilGuarantee) has broadened its support to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), manufacturing, housing, agriculture and other key sectors of the economy to help keep businesses afloat amid the coronavirus pandemic, with over P655 billion in credit guarantee lines opened in 2020. Out of these credit guarantee lines, a total of P180.67 billion in loans were guaranteed by the state agency, or 8 percent above its target of P167.21 billion for last year, said PhilGuarantee presidentchief executive officer Alberto Pascual in his report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. Pascual said the state firm’s MSME Credit Guarantee Program (MCGP) accounted for P37.73 billion of the approved credit guarantee lines. “This was extended to 34 banks across the country to encourage them to continue lending to small businesses affected by the Covid-induced crisis,” he added. Pascual said the program will be extended until September this year to provide continuing support to affected MSMEs via available access to working capital loans under credit-risk sharing arrangements with accredited banks. A total of 2,943 new MSME beneficiaries were served under this program, which as of December 2020, provided guarantees to loans totaling P175.1 million. The number of MSME-beneficiaries was expected to have increased in January 2021. Pascual also said in his report to Dominguez, who is PhilGuarantee chairman, that the state-run firm’s strong partnership with 53 banks resulted to P612.81 billion in approved guarantee facilities as of December 2020 to provide these lenders coverage against credit losses from

socialized, low, and medium cost housing loans. A total of P501.34 billion of this guarantee facility was availed by the accredited banks, he said. With P175.71 billion in guaranteed housing loans, over 11,000 new housing loan borrowers benefited from this facility in 2020, increasing its coverage to a total of 138,800 housing borrowers, Pascual said. The amount of guaranteed housing loans was 9.7 percent above PhilGuarantee’s target of P160.11 billion in 2020, he added. For the agriculture sector, Pascual said PhilGuarantee approved guarantee lines of P5.14 billion with 41 partnerlending institutions, with guaranteed loans amounting to P4.25 billion that benefited around 48,000 small farmers, fisherfolk and other agri-based workers. PhilGuarantee is the administrator of the Agricultural Guarantee Fund Pool (AGFP), which provides guarantee coverage to banks, cooperatives, farmers/ people’s organizations and corporations lending to small farmers and fisherfolk. Its AGFP-guaranteed loans of P4.25 billion is 21.4 percent beyond its goal of P3.5 billion in 2020, Pascual said. As program manager of the Electric Cooperative-Partial Credit Guarantee Program (ECPCGP), PhilGuarantee guaranteed in 2020 a total of P625 million in commercial loans of 16 electric cooperative-borrowers to help finance their respective power distribution system upgrades and cut systems losses, he said. PhilGuarantee made available its SME Credit Guarantee Facility to cover loans of micro and small businesses amounting to P100,000 to P50 million and its Medium and Large Enterprises Credit Guarantee Facility to support loans above P50 million and up to P300 million. In partnership with local government

units (LGUs) and cooperatives, the staterun ﬁrm has also supported the Credit Surety Fund which will allow it to invest equity to guarantee cooperative loans, Pascual said. To further support the government’s

Covid-19 response programs, he said PhilGuarantee implemented a 60-day grace period for the payment of the premium on renewal of guarantee coverage for housing loans worth a total of P7.2 billion.

 ENTERTAINMENT

February 25-March 3, 2021

Liza Dino, Ice Seguerra want a baby? Did we hear it right that Chair Liza and her partner, Ice Seguerra, are eager to have a baby? The couple marked their sixth wedding anniversary last December 9. Liza, 39, has a teen daughter with her former partner. Liza Diño’s term as head of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will end next year, 2022, wrote showbiz columnist Ethel Ramos. The “baby” matter is not the reason why she is ultra busy with several special events, including the Film Ambassador’s Night on February 28, the columnist said. Chair Liza said sixty showbiz personalities, including Gloria Romero, Angel Locsin, Dingdong Dantes, Arjo Atayde, and Alden Richards, will be honored at the event. Filmmakers who have also received international acclaim will also be honored, including Lav Diaz, who won best director for his mov-

ie, “Lahi, Hayop” (“Genus Pan”) at the 77th Venice International Film Festival in Italy, and Rafael Manuel, who was awarded the Berlinale Shorts Silver Bear Jury Prize for “Filipiniana,” from the 70th Berlin International in Germany. Arjo and Alden, on the other hand, were cited as best actor. Arjo won acclaim at the 3rd Asian Academy Creative Awards in Singapore for iWantTFC’s “Bagman,” while Alden received his Asian Star Prize for Star Cinema’s “Hello, Love, Goodbye” at the Seoul International Drama Awards. Angel and Dingdong are recognized for being “Cinemadvocates,” Ethel Ramos reported. And Gloria, now 87 years old, has no equal when it comes to her bodies. achievements as an actress. She reGloria was married to the late mains in demand for work and has Juancho Gutierrez, who was also a been working for more than six Sampaguita Pictures star like her. decades. She has also won several The union produced one child, awards in all the local award-giving

daughter Maritess, who gave them one apo, Christopher. Christopher tried showbiz for a while, but is now busy in the culinary arts, like his Mommy Maritess.

Glaiza de Castro looking forward to more years as a Kapuso The blessings just keep on coming for award-winning Kapuso actress Glaiza de Castro. After being engaged recently, Glaiza renewed her ties with GMA Network after signing another exclusive contract with the network on Feb. 8. Glaiza expressed her gratitude for the network as it continues to give her meaningful projects that inspire fans and viewers. “Being part of the shows that have brought joy, inspiration, social and cultural awareness is what makes me feel proud as a Kapuso.” Aside from being a mainstay in the weekend variety show “All-Out Sundays,” Glaiza is gearing up for her role in the upcoming GMA series “Nagbabagang Luha,” which is a remake of the 1998 ﬁlm top-billed by Lorna Tolentino, Alice Dixson, Richard Gomez and Gabby Concepcion. “I feel honored to be chosen to reprise the role of Ms. Lorna Tolentino because she is one of the veteran actors I really look up to. She gives every role not only justice but truth and that’s always been my objective ever since. I’m looking forward to working with my co-actors, especially Ms. Gina Alajar, who was my ﬁrst mentor in acting,” said Glaiza. “Glaiza is no doubt a force to be

reckoned with on screen. She has proven this in the various roles that she took on and excelled in ever since. There is more to come from her. That is for sure. And we couldn’t be any more proud and excited about it,” said Simoun Ferrer, GMA head for talent imaging and marketing unit.

17 February 25-March 3, 2021

 ENTERTAINMENT

Baron Geisler admits to having ‘mental illness’ Baron Geisler admitted in a media conference recently that he has a mental illness. The actor stated this when he was asked about the changes in his life since he and his wife Jamie Evangelista were blessed with a child. “To have your own child is such a great and wonderful experience. It’s such a blessing. She’s my pride and joy. “Somehow, natulungan niya rin ako na mawala yung pagka…I don’t wanna use this term, but I have to, yung pagkatililing ko. “I won’t hide it. I have a little bit of mental illness. I’m kinda crazy also, and I’m also recovering alcoholic. “But I do my job, I do my work to get better.” Baron further stated, “For me, there’s room to become a better you and to improve yourself and there’s always room for improvement as long as you want it and I really want this.” he got married to Jamie until his wife “I want a family life, the whole bracing it here right now in Cebu.” Baron has been based in Cebu since gave birth to their baby Talitha Cumi. package—wife, home, kids. I’m em-

Baron just comes to Manila if he has important commitments because he is already comfortable with his life in Cebu. “I love everything about Cebu. The culture is great here. “It’s somewhat a little diﬀerent from Manila. Forty to forty-ﬁve minutes away, nasa dagat ka na, nasa bundok ka na. “The people here are very straightforward. Ibig sabihin, hindi mga plastic ang mga taga-Cebu kaya gustonggusto ko sila,” he said. Baron also mentioned that it was not only Jamie whom he found in Cebu but he also confessed that he found and had an encountered with God in Cebu. “Dito ako nag-transform to a better human being, and I met my wife here also and I also met God here you know. “I discovered how great God is so that’s why my heart is here in Cebu,” he narrated.(ECD/MTVN)

FDCP’s Liza Diño and FAP’s Vivian Velez finally agree to waive amusement tax in cinemas Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairman Liza Diño and Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) President Vivian Velez have finally settled their differences and they now finally agree on one common ground, — the waiver of amusement tax in cinemas. In the past, Vivian admitted that she and Liza clashed on some issues regarding how the FDCP is being run. As president of FAP, Vivian is also a member of the Board of Trustees of FDCP. But Liza said she and Vivian have now found a “common ground.” “We have our monthly Board of Trustees meeting, and that’s where we actually get the chance to talk,” Liza explained. “Hindi naman lingid sa kaalaman ng lahat na minsan, hindi talaga aligned yung… Hindi naman sa hindi kami nagkakasundo, pero she has reservations on some of the programs that we have. “But we never stopped talking. And I think that’s super-important that the dialogue must continue, and kailangan na makarating kami sa common ground.” Their communications this new year have always been positive. “Kasi, at the end of the day, alam ko rin naman na ang gusto talaga niya ay makatulong sa industry. “Magkaiba lang kami ng pinanggagalingan, at magkaiba kami ng paraan kung paano namin ia-approach ito. “Tuwang-tuwa po ako. I’m very, very humbled during our last group meet. Kasi siguro, dahil 2021, tapos lahat kailangan talagang magtulungan, e,” the FDCP chair related.

Liza revealed this during the virtual mediacon for the 5th Film Ambassadors Night (FAN 2021) last February 18, Thursday, 3p.m. FAN is an annual event spearheaded by FDCP since 2017. It recognizes Filipino film industry creatives, artists, filmmakers, and films of various formats that gained recognition from established international film festivals and award-giving bodies in the past year. FAN is one of the most-awaited events of FDCP but during this time of pandemic, FAN 2021 will be on live streaming on February 28, Sunday, 8:00 p.m., on FDCP Channel. This year, the filmmakers who will receive the award are Rafael Manuel and Lav Diaz for the A-Listers or those who bagged awards in prestigious A-List international film festivals as declared by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations(FIAFF). For the actors category, recipients are Cristine Reyes for UnTrue, Ruby Ruiz for Iska, Elijah Canlas for Kalel, 15 Louise Abuel for Edward, Isabel Sandoval for Lingua Franca, Alden Richards for Hello, Love, Goodbye, Lovi Poe and Allen Dizon for Latay, and the cast of Kaputol led by Cherie Gil, Alfred Vargas, Angel Aquino and Ronwaldo Martin. Dingdong Dantes and Arjo Atayde are the television awardees who made it to FAN 2021 Actors list. According to Liza, Alden Richards could have been included in the last year’s awardees. Liza further added that it was Viv-

ian who brought up in their FDCP board meeting that amusement tax be waived for the ﬁlms being shown in theatres. This is likewise the wish of the members of the Philippine Motion Pictures Producers Association. “And andami niyang mga suggestions, and I feel that she’s recognizing how we can all work together,” Liza expressed. “Kasi, in-open niya sa buong council iyong mga proposals niya on how we can further help the industry. “So, isa sa mga ihinatag niya sa amin ay nagkaroon siya ng pakikipag-usap sa PMPPA, at ang meeting niya sa PMPPA ay yung waiving of amusement taxes.” Vivian’s proposal is in line with the plans of FDCP. Liza mentioned that last year, they had a separate set of meetings with a Metro Manila mayor who is their partner to create their respective ordinance for the waiving of the amusement tax for at least three years to cushion the impact of this pandemic. “When Vivian shared this proposal sa board—because Metro Manila Development Authority is part of the board, at nandoon po sila sa meeting na iyon—specially, dito po sa aming BOT, mas nagkaroon kami ng way para idiretso na sa Metro Manila Council ang panukalang ito. “So, ang ginagawa na ngayon ng FDCP is nagda-draft kami ng proposal to a resolution for our dear Metro Manila mayors, through the Metro Manila Council, to look into this possibility of supporting our producers—our ﬁlm industry—

for the next three years. Liza said that this will help the producers and stakeholders in the movie industry to somehow cope with the pandemic as we know that this is the badly hit sector among the industries. They are hoping they will be given attention by Metro Manila mayors. “And hindi po mangyayari ito kung walang ganitong klaseng pag-uusap,” Liza narrated. Unity among stakeholders Liza is ecstatic that unity among the industry stakeholders prevails this time. She admitted that she is always open and not to be aﬀected personally. “Kasi siyempre, kung ikaw, hinayaan mo yung personal na…Halimbawa, nagtampo ako, or masama yung loob ko, hindi magkakaroon ng pag-uusap. “So, I’m just really happy na naging ganoon po iyong kinalabasan nitong aming mga meeting. I have a very, very optimistic view about what’s going to happen. “We’re working talaga together as a group.” One of the priorities Vivian proposed and agreed upon during their discussion in the board meeting is the vaccination against the COVID 19 for all the ﬁlmmakers and stakeholders. “Nakakatuwa kasi, again, when our goal is for the betterment of the industry, yung goal is talagang nakatulong, nawawala yung sari-sariling sentimiyento o hindi pagkakaunawaan,” Liza concluded.(Evelyn C. Diao/MTVN)

 ENTERTAINMENT

February 25-March 3, 2021

Kylie-Aljur marriage on the rocks? Fans worried over Kylie’s puzzling posts Is the marriage of actress Kylie Padilla and actor Aljur Abrenica on the rocks? The poser is raised by fans of the showbiz couple who said they are worried after Kylie posted a few puzzling posts on Instagram, which led people to assume that their two-year marriage is going through a crisis. Kylie, the daughter of action star Robin Padilla and his ex-wife Liezl Sicangco, posted a social media card which said, “More selﬂove, baby girl.” This was followed by another one, which talks about how “the capacity to be alone is the capacity to love.” “It is an existential truth: only those people who are capable of being alone are capable of love, of sharing, of going into the deepest core of another person, without possessing the other, without becoming dependent on the other, without reducing the other to a thing, and without being addicted to

the other,” her post stated. The Encantadia actress did not stop there, according to media reports in Manila. She added another curious post, which said that while “sex is nice,” if a person hasn’t “been held in months, sex isn’t what you miss the most.” The showbiz news website Pep. ph reported that Kylie also posted a photo that shows her left-hand without her wedding or engagement ring. That image has been removed from her account. Kylie was married in a fairy-talelike wedding to Aljur in December 2018, shortly after giving birth to their eldest son, Alas Abrenica. Prior to their marriage, the two were dating on and oﬀ for several years. The couple has another son, Axl Albrenica. Kylie’s father originally was cool on the marriage, but later gave way and asked Aljur to take care well of her daughter and children. Meanwhile, Kylie’s mother report-

edly wants her to stay in Australia. The 28-year-old actress is related to several showbiz personalities, aside from Robin, her father, her aunt is BB Gandanghari, her stepmother is host Mariel Padilla, and actor Daniel

Padilla is her cousin. Aljur, 30, has a brother who also works as an actor, Vin Abrenica. Later reports showed the speculation of the Kylie-Aljur split may not be true.

Kitkat axed from ‘Happy Time’ for lashing out foul language at Janno Gibbs News have been out that Kitkat has been axed as one of the hosts of “Happy Time,” a noontime show on Net25 due to her conﬂict with co-host Janno Gibbs. There is no reaction or conﬁrmation yet from the comedienne as of this time. Kitkat’s supporters and followers are waiting for her statement on the issue since they have been used to the comedienne’s regular post on social

media about her feelings particularly h e r conﬂict with Janno, which led to her getting axed from the program. Net25 management used the transcript which happened during the taping of “Happy Time” on Thursday, February 18 on what transpired between Janno and Kitkat as the basis of their investigation.

Based on the transcript, Kitkat was the ﬁrst to speak foul language against Janno when she called him “g*go.” It was not the only foul word Kitkat said as she also called Janno “sira ulo” when she got pissed oﬀ in a game segment of “Happy Time.” The singer-actor did not like the disrespectful attitude shown at him by his co-host. On February 24, Wednesday, pep.ph came out with the report about Janno reposting a deleted message by Kitkat on Facebook on the wee hours of Friday, February 19. Kitkat’s deleted FB post has a continuing statement from the comedienne which states: “Di lang ako, lahat nanliit sa ginawa mo, ikamamatay ko stress ko sayo!

Ako ‘tong may pinagdadaanan, may sakit pero ikaw ‘tong eksena! Kahit kelan, napaka- unprofessional mo! “Bigla-bigla kang pumipitik kahit masaya ang lahat ilang beses na ‘yan pero eto rin di na mapapalampas! Sobra ka na! “Tatay at asawa ko galit na galit, magharap daw kayo! Putulin ‘yang maliit mong ano! At bayaran mo mic na binato mo! Kapal ng mukha mo! Di ka namin mapapatawad!” Earlier, Janno and Kitkat have patched up as told by the management to no avail, as Janno posted on his Instagram that Kitkat continued to deny she started the conﬂict. This could be endless. It is no longer “Happy Time?” (ED/ MTVN)

19 February 25-March 3, 2021

 ENTERTAINMENT

‘I wouldn’t change a thing,’ Julia Barretto says of 2019 controversy Nearly two years since she was embroiled in a controversy involving her then-fellow Star Magic artists Gerald Anderson and Bea Alonzo, Julia Barretto has now learned to navigate “judgment” from the public eye. Barretto, 23, opened up about being the target of criticisms and being “misjudged” in the latest vlog of her sister, Dani Barretto, where the latter interviewed the actress. “I feel I’ve learned to compartmentalize things: what matters and what doesn’t matter,” Barretto said, when asked how she deals with being misjudged. “If we’re talking about judgment from people that have no signiﬁcant role in my life, it really doesn’t bother me. Because, ‘What do you know in the ﬁrst place?’” she explained. She added: “If we’re talking about judgment from people in my life, I’m just glad I’ve become more picky with who I want to be in my life. Because now I know that the judgment are always constructive and are always out of concern, or to just help me become a better person or to guide me.” In the biggest controversy to beset her career, Barretto was accused as the third party in the separation of Alonzo and Anderson in July 2019. Barretto also happened to be fresh out of a relationship then, having separated from her onscreen partner Joshua Garcia

in June. At the time, Anderson and Barretto had just released their ﬁrst co-starring ﬁlm, the Japan-set “Between Maybes,” in May. Barretto and Anderson denied, in separate interviews, being romantically involved. Since then, rumors linking them have only persisted and appear to now have concrete basis, with sightings of Barretto and Anderson at the same location, aside from their separate but aligned pronouncements of being “happy” and “in love,” and hoping to have a family of their own in the near future. Despite the 2019 controversy admittedly being a “exhausting and painful” chapter for Barretto, the actress “wouldn’t change anything” about what transpired. Barretto was answering what she would tell her younger self, when she mentioned the topic. “Even what I went through two years ago, I wouldn’t change a thing. It was such an eye-opener, and it revealed a lot of things to me that I need in my life,” she said. Sharing her message to her teenage self, prior to the intrigues and scandals that would test her character, Barretto said: “I’ll just tell her to keep going, really. I really wouldn’t change a thing. I don’t mind going through it all again. Just keep going, it’s just that simple. Tunnel vision. Focus on the goal.” (ABS-CBN)_

Surprised with Gucci by Coco, Angelica quips: ‘Kinakabahan ako sa kapalit!’ “Kinakabahan ako sa kapalit!” was Angelica Panganiban’s playful reaction when received a surprise gift from Coco Martin, her leading man in the film “Love or Money.” In the behind-the-scenes footage released by Star Cinema on Wednesday, Panganiban was visibly surprised when Martin pointed her towards a packaging of the luxury brand Gucci. “Diyos ko, ano ‘to? Cupcake lang ‘yung binigay ko!” Panganiban said, referring to the snack they were both eating. “Baka may kapalit ‘to, ah? Hindi puwede ngayon!” the actress, who recently confirmed having a new romance, teased. Panganiban then did an impromptu “unboxing” of Martin’s gift, which was revealed to be a tableware set. The lone visible item that Panganiban unwrapped — there appeared to be several inside the box — was a plate with a cat print. On Gucci’s website, that same plate is listed as made to order with a price tag of $310, or about P15,000. Panganiban, 34, and Martin, 39, are first-time co-stars in “Love or Money,” about lovers whose relationship is torn by ambition. The two cross paths years later in Dubai, where Leon (Martin) works as a service crew, and where Angel (Panganiban) has found a “sugar daddy” who can provide for her needs “Wala akong masabi. Kinakabahan ako sa kapalit,” Panganiban said, in jest, drawing laughter from Martin and their companions. “Babayaran mo ‘yan!” the actor joked. “I deserve this. Gagalingan ko po sa pelikulang ito!” Panganiban quipped. Convinced Angel is compromising her happiness for her ambition, Leon pursues her again as he did years back. Directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar, “Love or Money” will be available to stream on KTX.ph, iWant TFC, and Sky PPV starting March 12. “Love or Money” was first announced in December 2019 as a Valentine offering the following year. Due to filming delays, it was instead submitted as an entry to the inaugural Metro Manila Summer Film Festival. That event, however, was also cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic. Eased lockdown measures in the latter part of 2020 allowed the project to finish filming, to finally target a release date a year after it was originally planned to premiere. (ABSCBN News)

 REAL ESTATE

February 25-March 3, 2021

Use of solar, RE technologies in buildings mandated by DOE

California Conforming Loan Limits to Go Up in 2021, Due to Rising Prices

California Conforming Loan Limits to Go Up in 2021, Due to Rising Prices MAKATI CITY – New and existing area of at least 10,000 square meters. Earlier this week, the Federal Housing Finance buildings are now required to use solar Energy Utilization Management Bu- Agency announced that the conforming loan limits for photovoltaic (PV) and other renewable reau Director Patrick Aquino said that California will go up in 2021. This is a direct response energy (RE) technologies with the De- they are eyeing to impose penalties on to rising home values across the state. partment of Energy’s (DOE) issuance of those who would not comply with the The 2021 loan limits for California counties will a policy on the adoption of the guidelines guidelines. range from $548,250 to $822,375, for a single-family on the energy-conserving design of buildThe DC does not indicate any fine for property. That’s a significant increase over the current ings. non-compliant buildings. caps, which range from $510,400 – $765,600 depending Department Circular (DC) 2020-12Moreover, building owners can either on the county. These changes take effect on January 1, 0026 issued last week aims to promote partially or fully source their energy re- 2021. the energy-conserving design of buildings quirement from the RE power supply sysCalifornia Gets Higher Loan Limits in 2021 and their services and boost the demand tem. The term “conforming loan limit” refers to the maximum size for a regular or confor energy-efficient materials and techAside from satisfying their own energy ventional mortgage loan. Conventional mortgage products can be sold to Freddie Mac nologies. requirements, they are also allowed to sell and Fannie Mae, and then resold to investors. Aside from solar PV, other RE tech- the excess RE to the local power utility, In order to go through this resale process, home loans must meet certain requirenologies that can be used in buildings are which is currently at a maximum of 100 ments and parameters. And that includes adhering to a maximum size limit. wind power supply systems, solar weather kilowatts but may be raised by the Energy When a person borrows more than the conforming loan limit for their particular heaters, solar air conditioners, and solar- Regulatory Commission in the future. county, it’s referred to as a “jumbo” mortgage. Lenders typically set higher standards powered lighting systems to reduce deMeanwhile, Aquino said these guide- and requirements for jumbo loans, due to the larger amount being borrowed. This can mand for commercial power. lines would also be integrated into the include higher credit scores and bigger down payments, among other things. Usually “Covered buildings shall source, ini- Philippine Green Building Code. banks that will lend will portfolio the servicing also. tially, a minimum of 1 percent of their “(The) DPWH (Department of Public Conforming loan limits vary by county because they are based on median home projected annual energy requirements,” Works and Highways) gave us permission values. For the 58 counties within California, the 2021 conforming loan limits will the DC read. to go ahead with the issuance. The perti- range from $548,250 to $822,375. Real estate markets (with a higher median home Covered buildings include those with nent provisions will be referred to in the price) tend to have higher limits, and vice versa. electrical loads of at least 112.5 kilovolt- next update of Philippine Green Building Ten of California’s 58 counties are considered “high cost areas” and therefore have ampere (kVa) or with a total gross floor Code,” he said. the maximum conforming loan limit of $822,375. This applies to most of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Los Angeles metro area, Orange County, and Santa Cruz. See the table below for more details. Table: Conforming Loan Limits by County The table below shows the 2021 conforming loan limits for all of California’s counties. This table was adapted from one provided by the FHFA. Note: The “one-unit” column on the right pertains to a regular single-family home. There are higher limits for New Funeral home with Reception Center Flower Shop multi-family properties, like duplexes and triplex units. Beautiful Garden Memorial Park Cremation Services Thus, the figures shown below apply to typical homeWe transfer your loved ones to and from the Philippines buying scenarios with a single residency. ALAMEDA $822,375 LOS ANGELES $822,375 MADERA $548,250 MARIN $822,375 ORANGE $822,375 RIVERSIDE $548,250 SACRAMENTO $598,000 SAN BERNARDINO $548,250 SAN DIEGO $753,250 SAN FRANCISCO $822,375 SAN JOAQUIN $548,250 SAN LUIS OBISPO $701,500 SAN MATEO $822,375 SANTA BARBARA $660,100 SANTA CLARA $822,375 SANTA CRUZ $822,375 In most California cities, home values rose steadily throughout 2020. This might seem counterintuitive, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and economic downturn. But the real estate market has been the one bright TTT BBBBBBBBB NNN FFFFFFF HHHH RRRRRRRRR CCCCCC CCCCCCC LLLL spot in the broader economy. Record-low mortgage rates and strong demand from buyers have boosted home prices at a time when you might expect the opposite trend. As a result of these trends, California will have higher conforming loan limits in 2021. In November, California home values have gone up 6.3% over the past year and Zillow predicts they will rise 8.3% in the next year. But recently mortgage rates have gone up by almost .375% and that will surely holt the growth of momentum. Thanks for your inquiries, please call Ken at 1st Innovative Finance Group 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

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

21 February 25-March 3, 2021

NEWS  NATIONAL SPORTS NEWS

Kai Sotto leaves NBA G League Ignite W

Mas masakit na pagkatalo ni Pacquiao kay Bradley

MANILA – Filipino basketball prodigy Kai Sotto has parted ways with NBA G League Ignite after both sides agreed on a “mutual decision” leaving his prospects to join the NBA murky for now. “Kai and the team both understood the challenges for him to rejoin Ignite given the current international travel constraints, quarantine times and health and safety protocols,” said Shareef Abdur-Rahim, NBA G League president. The 7-foot-3 young Filipino basketball sensation was training with Ignite until he left the team on January to

Saludar wins WBA title in all-Filipino fight BINAN CITY – Vic Saludar became the new World Boxing Association minimumweight champion after beating fellow fighter from Mindanao Robert Paradero in a historic championship bout at the Biñan Football Stadium on February 20. In the first world title fight held in the Philippines amid the coronavirus disease 19 pandemic, Saludar, the former World Boxing Organization champion, did just enough especially in the endgame to edge the erstwhile unbeaten Paradero in their all-Filipino showdown via split decision. Saludar, a native of Cagayan de Oro City, showed his veteran smarts early on by connecting on good shots especially counter punches on Paradero during the first two rounds. Paradero of Valencia City, Bukidnon began pouring

it on in the next two rounds, delivering solid body shots to Saludar. Saludar somehow recovered in fifth and sixth rounds, but Paradero showcased an improved strategy in the next four rounds, even dominating Round 9. That turned out to be Paradero’s last hurrah as Saludar finally frustrated him with his left jabs as well as an improved focus. Despite what looked like a close fight, Alfie Jocosol appeared to be too impressed with Paradero’s performance that he gave him a 118-110 scoreline, but Aquil Tamano had it 115-113 and Danrex Tapdasan tallied 116-112 both in favor of Saludar. Saludar moved up to 21-4, while Paradero fell for the first time after an 18-0 start.

Subic Freeport to host first ‘bubble’ volleyball playoffs SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The country’s ﬁrst-ever volleyball tournament to be held under the Covid-19 pandemic will happen right here at the sand courts of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Feb. 26-28. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the 2021 Gatorade-PSL Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup organized by Philippine Super Liga (PSL) will be held under a “sports bubble” concept approved under strict guidelines by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF). The IATF through Resolution No. 79 issued on Oct. 15, 2020 allowed the PSL volleyball tourney subject to strict observance of, among others, health and safety protocols ﬁnalized with the SBMA, the local Regional Task Force Covid-19, and the local Department of Health Center for Health Development. “Because of this, there will be no spectators to be allowed at the tournament area, and only players and organizers and technical crew will be out there. But the games will be livestreamed on television and online

channels,” Eisma said. “It’s the second-best thing next to a playoﬀ with live audience, and I believe the excitement and intensity of the games won’t be diminished a bit by the restriction,” she added. Eisma added that under the sports bubble concept, all participants in the tournament, as well as the organizers and technical crew, will be housed in dedicated accommodation facilities and monitored by health and safety personnel. They will have no interaction with the public, she added. The PSL said a total of eight teams will see action this season at the SBMA sand courts, which served as venue for an exciting beach volleyball meet during the 30th Southeast Asian Games in December 2019. These are Sta. Lucia, which is billed as the team to beat with veteran beach volley campaigners Bang Pineda and Jonah Sabete, as well as DM Demontano and Jackie Estoquia; guest team Kennedy Solar Energy-PetroGazz, with the tandem of Ariane Luna Alarcon and Christina Canares; and F2 Logistics, with Jenny Mar Senares, Kyla Angela Gallego.

Outside Looking In

return home and train with Gilas Pilipinas for the third window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. Sotto, however, did not immediately join Gilas’ training ‘bubble’ at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna as he underwent quarantine protocols. Sotto’s gamble to go back home went for naught after Qatar health authorities cancelled the FIBA Asia tournament, scheduled Feb. 15-22, due to rising COVID-19 cases in the Middle East nation. The Philippines was the original host of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, but national basketball body Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced their hosting withdrawal due to tight travel restrictions imposed by the national government. After Qatar’s hosting cancellation, FIBA reinstated the basketball-crazy nation as the tournament’s host with playdates yet to be finalized. Sotto returned to the United States last Valentine’s Day, facing uncertainty on his basketball career’s path after the sudden sequence of events. “Kai will always be part of the extended Ignite family and we wish him continued success as he pursues his NBA dreams,” added Abdur-Rahim. Ignite currently sports a 5-3 record, bannered by NBA top draft prospects like Filipino-American guard Jalen Green. The squad, playing inside a ‘bubble’ at Orlando, Florida, is coached by three-time NBA champion Brian Shaw.

along taon makaraang mabigong mahubaran ng korona si Juan Manuel Marquez sa kanilang una sa apat na pagtutuos, napagkaitan na naman ang idolo ng mga Pilipinong si Manny Pacquiao ng panalo nang siya ang mapatalsik bilang kampeon ng WBO EDDIE G. ALINEA welterweight, muli, dahil sa maling hatol ng mga huwes. Kung noong tablahan siya ni Marquez sa una nilang sagupaan, ganoon na lamang ang pagkabigla ni Pacquiao at ng libo-libong nasa loob ng MGM Grand Arena sa Las Vegas at milyon pang nanood sa telebisyon nang ang kamay ng Amerikanong si Timothy Bradley ang itinaas ang ng reperi matapos ang 12 round na sagupaan. Mas masakit na karanasan ang natikman ng ating si Manny sa labang iyong idinaos noong Hunyo 9, 2012 sa dahilang matapos ang madugong paghaharap, wala na ang 147 librang koronang nakapatong sa ulo ng ating Pambansang Kamao mula pa noong Nobiyembre 14, 2009. Noong nabanggit na petsang iyon nakuha ni Manny ang sinturon sa pamamagitan ng 12 round TKO. Mas masakit dahil halos lahat nga ng nakasaksi sa laban, maliban sa tatlong hurado na tinawag ni Top Rang top honcho na si Bob Arum na the “Three Blind Mice,” ay niniwalang si Pacquiao ang nagwagi para mapanatili ang titulo sa kanya. “I’ve never been as ashamed in the sport of boxing as I am tonight,” pahayag ni Arum matapos na ipahayag ang resulta ng laban sa gitna ng sigawan ng mga nanood na gaya niya ay hindi sumangayon sa kinalabasan ng desisyon. Ang mga huwes na sina Duane Ford at C.J. Rossay kapuwa humusgang si “Desert Storm “ang nangibabaw sa score na 115-113. Judge Jerry Reese ay bumoto kay Pacquiao, sa mas malaking lamang na 117-111. Punching stats ay nagpakitang mas maraming pinatama ang ating bata, 253 kontra sa 159 lamang ng kalaban. Ang Compubox stats ay nakapagtala ng mas marami ring patama si Pacquiao sa 10 sa 12 round. Katunayang bugbog sarado ang Amerikano sa Pilipino ay ang huling paglabas ni Bradley sa kinaugaliang post ﬁght interview sa media. Lamog ang mukha niya at nakasuot ng salaming may kulay para itago ang maga niyang mga mata at nakasakay sa wheelchair dala na may pilay ang paa dahil sa patuloy niyang pag-iwas sa mga malalakas na suntok na binitawan ni Manny buong laban. Bukod sa pag-boo ng mga manonood, katakot-takot na puna din ang sumalubong sa desisyon mula sa halos lahat ng media na nakasaksi sa pagtutuos. Tinawag ng mga eksperto ang desisyon na isang halimbawa ng korupsyon umiiral sa sport ng boksing. Ang ESPN.com, tulad ng di-opisyal na huradong si Harold Lederman ay umiskor ng 119-109 pabor kay Pacquiao. Halos lahat ng media sa ringside ay pumanig din kay Pacquiao. Makaraann ang apat na araw, bilang tugon sa mga negatibongn puna, si WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel ay bumuo ng lima-kataong lupon ng mga independiyenteng hurado na sa nagkakaisang paninindigan na dapat ay si Pacquiao ang ipinahayag na nagwagi sa botong 117-111, 117-111, 118-110, 118-112 at 118-113. At sapagkat ang WBO ay walang kapangyarihang baligtarin ang resulta, si Bradley ay nanatiling kampeon ng welterweight hanggang sa mabawi ito in Pacquiao mismo sa kanilang pangalawang paghaharap.

February 25-March 3, 2021

Q: I am in debt in the amount of $80K because I fell victim to a yearlong scam from a fake lover on the internet. Can you help me? A: Is it true that love turns a person blind? This the perfect example of a Filipina who was longing for love and found it in the wrong place with the wrong person. Sometimes we have to watch out what we ask for. There was a client who called me because she was so buried in debt due to lover that she found on the internet. It is unfortunate that the internet was invented to help people but some use it to scam people out of their hard earned money. Be very careful of who you contact and who contacts you. She was so love hungry that the guy sensed it right away and began to make his move a week after they started. First he borrowed some money then he started giving her stories that he was a rich man but cannot get his hands on his money unless he paid off certain taxes and that was how it all started. A small loan began increasing until she started taking out high interest personal loans that she knew she had no way of paying. The man kept hooking her by telling her she was going to get her money back. She said she was hypnotized and kept looking for ways to get more money so she can give it to her lover. When she called me she was already $80K in the hole and had no way of getting out. I told her that she might have to file Bankruptcy. She did not want to so I fist put her in one of my programs. She could not keep up after two months so I told her she was facing the inevitable and that we had to have her file Bankruptcy. She agreed and so after four months her problems were gone. Ating lesson, Pagibig na inasahan, kastilyon buhangin pala. If you need help in getting out of debt, call Debt Aid Consulting International. We do not use call centers which keeps your information safe. We have a new program that reconstruct debts for half of what you would pay our competitors. We also provide legal assistance that keeps collectors away. We take Federal Credit Unions, Payday loans and high interest personal loans in our program too. This is exclusively available for Debt Aid Consulting clients. None of our competitors provide this program. You are well protected. We only provide Federal Trade Commission compliant programs. Go with Debt Aid Consulting! Do not fall for marketing gimmicks saying that they have the right program for you. Most marketing companies only have one program and will enroll you in that program whether it fits you or not. So beware! Ben Lou at your service! I have over 35 years of financial experience. If you would like sound financial advice, call us at Debt Aid Consulting International. We do not use call centers. No one has the right to put your information at risk. Say no to LLC corporations in Canada! Debt Aid Consulting is the first Filipino debt mediation company incorporated in the US and Canada. Now serving the Caribbean Islands, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines! Tawag na po sa 1-888-3415234 at tutulungan po namin kayo. Itama po natin ang mali!

 COMMUNITY NEWS

February 25-March 3, 2021

World’s ﬁrst all-civilian mission to space, Inspiration4, names second crew member Hayley Arceneaux, physician assistant at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and pediatric cancer survivor, to represent Hope on historic ﬂight

MEMPHIS – Inspiration4, the world’s first all-civilian mission to space, has announced its second crew member, Hayley Arceneaux of Memphis, TN, a 29-year-old physician assistant at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® who was treated as a child for bone cancer at St. Jude. Arceneaux joins Inspiration4 mission commander Jared Isaacman. She will occupy the mission seat representing Hope. “It’s an incredible honor to join the Inspiration4 crew. This seat represents the hope that St. Jude gave me—and continues to give families from around the world, who, like me, find hope when they walk through the doors of St. Jude,” said Arceneaux. “When I was just 10 years old, St. Jude gave me the opportunity to grow up. Now I am fulfilling my dreams of working at the research hospital and traveling around the world. It’s incredible to be a part of this mission that is not only raising crucial funds for the lifesaving work of St. Jude but also introducing new supporters to the mission.” Isaacman, the 38-year-old founder

and chief executive oﬃcer of Shift4 Payments [NYSE: FOUR] and an accomplished pilot, donated two of the four seats on Inspiration4 to St. Jude, including the seat ﬁlled by Arceneaux. The mission name Inspiration4 recognizes the four-person crew’s purpose – to send a humanitarian message of possibility and inspire support for St. Jude – and represents the pillars of Leadership, Hope, Generosity and Prosperity. “Assembling a unique and diverse crew whose personal stories and values will inspire people everywhere is at the heart of the Inspiration4 mission,” said Isaacman. “As I’ve spent time with Hayley in the earliest days of mission prep, she’s everything we want our team to represent – she’s interested in the world around her, devoted to caring for others and hopeful for a better future for all of us. She already inspires me, and I’m certain she’ll inspire many others as they get to know her in the course of our mission.” Isaacman has committed to give $100 million to St. Jude and is inviting every-

one to join him in support of St. Jude’s multi-billion-dollar expansion designed to accelerate research advancements and save more children worldwide. The fundraising effort will continue through the mission launch later this year. “It has been a personal honor to watch Hayley grow up and fulfill her dreams. As a patient, an intern at ALSAC, and then in the Pediatric Oncology Education program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, she was always a rising star,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude. “From the beginning, St. Jude has been at the forefront of innovation and inclusion, leading in cancer research, and treatment for some of the world’s sickest children regardless of race, ethnicity, or a family’s ability to pay, so that children like Hayley can live full, healthy and aweinspiring lives. She will be an incredible ambassador through this mission and inspiration to children fighting cancer and survivors worldwide.” The mission is being targeted for the fourth quarter of this year. Arceneaux, Isaacman and the Inspiration4 crew will undergo commercial astronaut training by SpaceX on the Falcon 9 launch vehicle and Dragon spacecraft, including a specific focus on orbital mechanics, operating in microgravity, zero gravity, and other forms of stress testing. They will receive emergency preparedness training, spacesuit and spacecraft ingress and egress exercises, as well as partial- and full-mission simulations. The mission will launch from historic Launch Com-

plex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and will be carefully monitored at every step by SpaceX mission control as the spacecraft orbits the planet every 90 minutes along a customized flight path. Upon conclusion of the multi-day journey, Dragon will reenter Earth’s atmosphere for a soft water landing off the coast of Florida. The remaining two seats representing Generosity and Prosperity are available to the general public through February 28, with details available at the mission website, Inspiration4.com. The Generosity crew seat can be secured by a member of the public who enters for an opportunity to join the flight to space. The Prosperity seat is available to any deserving entrepreneur who utilizes the new Shift4Shop eCommerce platform to submit their idea and be selected by a panel of distinguished judges. The Shift4Shop platform is designed to empower entrepreneurs to build and grow successful eCommerce businesses. To learn more about Inspiration4, how to support and potentially join this historic journey to space and the specific conditions of the promotions, visit Inspiration4.com and follow the mission on social media on Twitter (@inspiration4x), Facebook (@inspiration4mission), Instagram (@inspiration4) and YouTube (@Inspiration4) to receive the latest news on mission training and preparation. Individuals who are interested in learning how to enter for an opportunity to secure one of the two seats still available should visit Inspiration4.com

LA County Supervisors vote to provide reopening assistance for schools

LA County will provide 1 million high quality masks to 81 school districts LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has passed a proposal put forward by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Sheila Kuehl to assist schools across the county as they work to reopen and allow students to return to classrooms. The eﬀort aims to address barriers that make it diﬃcult for school districts in low income communities from meeting safety guidelines for reopening. “Our kids need to be back in classrooms and I don’t want any school to be unable to reopen because of a lack of resources,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “We are going to give one million high quality masks out of our county’s stockpile to schools that need them and connect school districts with resources so they can get ventilation equipment in classrooms to keep students and teachers

alike safe.” The motion approved will mean the County will equitably distribute 1 million high-quality masks to the County’s 81 school districts and help connect school districts with funding for upgraded ventilation systems and information they need to set up testing programs. “Over the last year, we’ve learned a lot about how to keep teachers and students safe in elementary schools,” said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. “Masks and adequate ventilation are very important which is why this motion focuses on those two elements. Nothing we do can bring COVID19 transmission risk to absolute zero. Our focus now must be on reopening those sectors that can be safely reopened, vigilantly adhering to recommended protocols, so we can minimize the likelihood of transmission.”

 COMMUNITY NEWS

February 25-March 3, 2021

Filipino American psychology offers critical perspectives amid pandemic affecting Filipino American community

NEW YORK - Dr. Kevin Leo Yabut Nadal — Professor of Psychology, queer activist, leading researcher on microaggressions, and author — has released a new and improved edition of his critical text Filipino American Psychology: A Handbook of Theory, Research, and Clinical Practice through publisher Wiley. The second edition of Dr. Nadal’s book, which comes a decade after the ﬁrst edition, condenses the latest and best information about the psychology of Filipino Americans into a single, indispensable volume — the only contemporary resource of its kind. To commemorate the release of the new book, Dr. Nadal will host a virtual book talk on February 18, 2021 at 8:00pm EST with esteemed Filipino-American scholars Dr. Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales, and Dr. E.J. David. “Dr. Kevin Nadal’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in the psychological experiences of Filipino Americans,” says Dr. E.J.R. David, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage and author of Brown Skin, White Minds: Filipino -/ American Postcolonial Psychology, among other books. “This book contains critical information and analyses that will be helpful for everyone, from the general public all the way to researchers, educators, and service providers who work with the Filipino American community.” This book is an invaluable reference for psychologists and other practitioners to provide mental health treatment for Filipino Americans, as well as students and professionals who wish to under-

stand this population. Dr. Nadal with a copy of his book, “Filipino American Psychology (Second Edition)” Dr. Nadal with a copy of his book, “Filipino American Psychology (Second Edition)” Currently, Filipino Americans are the second largest Asian American population in the United States and are the oldest known Asian population in the nation. Despite these statistics, Filipino Americans remain largely overlooked and underserved. In terms of mental health, Filipino Americans experience higher rates of depression than other Asian American groups, yet are one of the least likely groups to seek mental health treatment. “So much has changed in the past ten years in the field of psychology - especially for Filipino Americans,” says Dr. Kevin Nadal. “Since the first edition, there has been a boom in research and service programs related to Filipino American psychological processes, mental health issues, and barriers to treatment. I am hopeful that this newest edition will help facilitate more conversations in Filipina/x/o American families and communities, which can help decrease mental health stigma.” The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified these mental health disparities, negatively affecting Filipino American family dynamics and compromising traditional support systems. For example, nearly 16 percent of nurses in the nation — who are among the many medical professionals at high risk of exposure to the virus — are immigrants, with almost one third of those being Filipinos (New York Times). Filipino American nurses and medical professionals have had to make the hard decision of isolating from their households — which are typically multigenerational — to minimize risk of exposure. These snapshots are a stark reminder of the importance of having conversations about mental health and developing coping tools in the Fil-Am community. Dr. Nadal’s book is a resource for these conversations and includes key topics such as: Filipino and Filipino American Cultural Values Overcoming the Model Minority: Contemporary Experiences of Filipino Americans Intersections of Gender and Sexual Orientation Multiracial and Multiethnic Filipino Americans

Mental Health and Psychotherapy in the Filipino American community Historical traumas that still aﬀect Filipino Americans, today To purchase this book, please visit

Wiley. To RSVP for the book talk, please visit: tinyurl.com/FilAmPsychology2 To book Dr. Nadal for a speaking engagement, please visit www.papalodown. com/dr-kevin-nadal

Nena

“Nena” or “Nina” as Faustina was known to many friends and townmates, embodied the characteristic trait of a personality whose special day precedes her own-St. Valentine, for she was born on February 15, 1926. A very gentle, kind, generous, loving mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, Nena was born in the town of Villasis, located in the province of Pangasinan, in the Philippines, to Nicasio Sibayan Viernes and Margarita Bautista Montero. One of 11, many of whom she never met, she was the youngest of four children who survived to adulthood, raised by an intelligent, loving mother who became blind in both eyes and a rarely present father, due to his livelihood. During the early hours of Friday, February 5, 2021, 10 days shy of her 95th birthday, Nena left us to meet her Creator, her husband—Hermo[genes], her parents and the siblings with whom she grew up— Valentina, Pedro, and Angelica. Left behind to mourn her passing and celebrate her life are five children and their spouses—Efleda Brophy, Arna Madrid, Joriz & Susan Madrid, Davi & Karlton Baker, and Zar Madrid; sixgrandchildren and their spouses—DaPaul, Melissa & Anthony Benigno, Jourdan, Jezmond & Jasmine Madrid, Loraine, and Joriz Ryan; and eight greatgrandchildren—Brandon, Ava, Jonathan, Jude, Kyle, Halo, Hezekiah, and Emilia. Nena was intelligent, beautiful, headstrong, adventurous, and, as the youngest child, slightly spoiled. Born at a time when it was not commonplace to for girls to get an education, her mother (Lola Titay) and brother (Uncle Pete) lobbied for her to get one to the highest level. Her father (Lolo Nic) relented and continued to work in the pineapple plantations in Kauai, Hawaii to finance his children’s advanced schooling. All were college graduates. Nena attended and graduated from the high school and college arms of the University of the Philippines. She graduated with honors VIEWING Friday, Feb 26, 2021, 4-9 pm Holy Rosary at 7 pm Newall Chapel 1383 El Camino Real Colma 94014

Obituary

from high school and with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education—a Science major and Mathematics minor. Nena taught General Science at Ramon Magsaysay High School (RMHS) in Manila, Philippines. During her tenure at RMHS, she started a family, and, with Hermo’s support, decided to apply for a teaching position in Vancouver, British Columbia and in San Francisco, California at a time when there was a shortage of Math teachers. Accepted to both cities’ school district, she opted for the location with the milder climate and the one which her family might find easier to adjust to. December 2, 1967 was when the family stepped on U.S. soil. Most of her teaching career, which spanned 42 years, was spent teaching Mathematics at Balboa Senior High School in San Francisco. Though small in stature and very soft-spoken, Nena was not a teacher to be trifled with. She was strict and expected students to come to class prepared. Nena retired in 1993, so she was lucky enough to enjoy life after Balboa for almost three decades. Nothing pleased her more than when former students would recognize her, approach her, and thank her for teaching them well. Retirement did not slow down the Madrid family matriarch. She took up tennis, both as a player and an active tournament watcher, along with dancing, ballroom dancing and avid traveler. She stayed an active officer and member of the United Villasinians of America, Inc., an organization co-founded by her late husband, Hermo in the 70’s, to socially reconnect townmates and their families so as not to forget their roots. She remained mentally agile by filling out LARGE print Reader’s Digest magazines, and playing mahjong and Scrabble. Nena serves as an inspiration to two generations she has raised and nurtured in her adopted country. She will be dearly missed.

MEMORIAL MASS Saturday, Feb 27, 2021 Funeral Mass at 12 Noon St Augus�ne Church 3700 Callan Blvd So SF, 94080

INTERMENT Following Memorial Mass

Cypress Lawn Memorial Cemetery 1370 El Camino Real Colma, 94014 (Heritage Court CryptsTier2, Marker 171 & 172)

27 February 25-March 3, 2021

Upside...

(From Page 11)

Immigrant’s story...

(From Page 13)

out of SoMa did not sever their ties completely to the community that they called home when they ﬁrst arrived in San Francisco. *** The SoMa heroes--- the community activists and advocates--who worked and continue to work hard to see the realization of a true Filipino cultural heritage district in San Francisco deserve to be congratulated and honored for a job well done. I am very happy and so proud to see that banner high up there on Market and 2nd Street honoring the people who made and continue to make a diﬀerence in the SoMa Pilipinas District. Finally, there is a place that celebrates the contributions of Filipinos in San Francisco and in the U.S. Mabuhay SoMa Pilipinas!

Health & Wealth

Filipinos Feed the Frontlines underscores Kul�vate Labs’ ethos. Courtesy Kul�vate Labs need to support the community that supported us.” Adversity truly is a potent mentor that “reinforced my values of being grateful and humble,” said Taylor, commending “...the cooks, drivers, food assemblers that are with me 6 days a week, making sure the at risk people are fed with delicious and nourishing meals.” Joining heads with Kultivate Labs, they literally cooked up ways to stay “alive and serve those in need,” Angeles said. With their kitchen located in South San Francisco, the pair qualified to sign up with the San Mateo County Great Plates Delivered, an emergency program administered by the County to provide 3 meals a day, 6 days a week to the highest-risk sector while supporting the restaurant industry. The Federal Emergency Management Administration funds the program extended on a monthly basis, keeping IVSF busy and vital. “We both know the pandemic will be a healing process,” Taylor told author while on “admin break” between kitchen duties. “To sustain our business, we rely on (San Mateo and SF) County contracts and creating food concepts that people are craving. Becoming a County certified supplier is an arduous task, but once you have all the proper documentation and certification, bidding” for contracts is manageable. Balancing humanitarianism with profitability “can be a tricky thing, but we want to pay it forward now and make sure our efforts are being made to sustain the community and businesses we want to see once the pandemic is over,” he added. The pair has committed to donating $1,500 a week to FFF for “as long as we are able to,” said Taylor. “We want to encourage others with the gift of giving. We need to support each other more than ever.” - Adapted from original reprinted with permission from Positively Filipino *** PNews Executive Editor Cherie M. Querol Moreno is founderexecutive director of nonprofit ALLICE Alliance for Community Empowerment.

Oﬄine

(From Page 13)

Incidentally. Trillanes’ name is frequently mentioned as a running mate for Robredo. Good choice. Maybe he would like to run for president instead? Also, most recently, a highly accomplished leader who once ran for president appears ready for a comeback. Should he again run for president, he has my vote. Gibo Teodoro has all the qualifications to be a great president. He lost in his first try at the presidency to his distant cousin Noynoy Aquino back in 2010. The one thing that brought Gibo down was his perceived closeness to former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Also, Noynoy was riding the crest of a sympathy vote after his mother, Cory Aquino, passed away. Leni Robredo supposedly prefers to run for governor in her home province. She will most definitely win, and do a terrific job. Bicolanos will never allow her to be cheated, so that’s her insurance against voter fraud. As for the 2021 presidential elections, I am hoping that Gibo will run, but the word is that he will run for senator instead. That’s fine. He is still youngish, and could run for president in 2028, by which time he will be in his early to mid-60s. For now, 2022 appears to be a lost cause. There will be massive cheating, and there will be hell to pay for the president who wins because of it. There could be an Edsa III, and it has to be the last people’s revolt. An Edsa IV will only make the Philippines the laughing stock of the world.

(From Page 12)

“I was blessed to meet and have prayer sessions with Evangelist Art Gabot Madlaing together with members of the WE CARE Ministries Team in our home in General Santos City, Mindanao last February 19,2016. For reformation, moral and spiritual regeneration, I highly recommend this book to everyone especially to Filipinos at home and abroad,” affirmed boxing legend and Philippine Senator Manny Pacquiao. “This is a special book which merits devoted attention. The devastation caused by COVID-19 and the following new strains reveals more than ever how desperately we need to fellowship with Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” wrote Henry T. Bravo, Elder, SURREY CHURCH OF CHRIST in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. “This timely book is a must read for agnostics, atheists, believers and Christians. I encourage my INC friends to purchase their own copies, read with an open mind, and then share with others,” said Felix L. Olidan, Jr. former INC member and now Evangelist and Minister, WANCHAI CHURCH OF CHRIST, Wanchai, Hongkong. For your FREE autographed copies of the two books HISTORICITY OF JESUS and JESUS CHRIST. Just write or contact BOOKS MINISTRY, 701-8th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118 Tel. (650)438-3531 or (415)584-7095 or email:agmadlaing@hotmail.com Please include your phone number and email (if available) in your request. FREE offer is one set of books is one set of books per couple or household/family. This Special FREE Offer is available only in the United States while book supplies last. (ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate (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 GOLDE N GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California.)

PerryScope...

(From Page 12)

naldo, Andres Bonifacio, Marcelo del Pilar, and Antonio Luna. And lastly, there was the principalia, the ruling and usually educated class, comprising of the Gobernadorcillo (similar to presentday mayor), Cabezas de Barangay (heads of the barangays), former gobernadorcillos and Municipal lieutenants. Modern-day Philippines Today, the Filipino Chinese population is about 1.8% (1.5 million) of the country’s total population, most of whom had Hispanized their names or contracted them into a single surname like Teehankee from Tee Han Kee. The largest groups of Chinese are those who migrated from Mainland China since 1949 when the communists took over the country. Chinese migration to the Philippines has been constant but it increased exponentially in 2016 when President Rodrigo Duterte came to power. Today, there are at least four million Chinese nationals from Mainland China who were allowed to enter the country as tourists but were able to get special work permits by bribing immigration officials. This came to be known as the “pastillas scheme.” According to news reports, the “pastillas scheme” had generated some P30 billion in kickbacks from 3.8 million Chinese arrivals that were shared among officers at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) under the non-visa-upon-arrival (non-VUA) racket. Another P2 billion in bribes was generated from Chinese tourists under the visa-uponarrival (VUA) racket. Since VUA requires the issuance of visas, the bribe money goes straight to the main office where the visas are approved. Another P8 billion was earned through payola for hasslefree departure of trafficked people. That’s a whooping P40 billion generated in the pastillas scheme! Yes, everybody has a cut, from top to bottom. It’s called pastillas scheme because the bribe money is rolled in white wrapper like the milk candy called “pastillas.” It involves BI officers who allowed the smooth entry of Chinese nationals to the country in exchange for a P10,000 “service fee” or “lagay.” It’s interesting to note that the Chinese nationals arriving in the country has almost tripled since 2016 when Duterte came to power. They bought condos, live in upper middle-class homes, and drive expensive cars. Hundreds of Chinese POGO workers have taken up residence in a known multinational subdivision in Parañaque City. And they also boosted retail sales. They also bought large tracts of land using Filipino straw buyers, which has substantially increased the price of land. Residents in the upscale subdivision said they’re troubled by those moving into their neighborhood. They said that they’re worried about the recent construction of a firing range, which caused

them to wonder if the able-bodied men with short-cropped hair could be members of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on mission to the Philippines. There has been a mounting backlash from locals who fear that the Chinese workers are taking their jobs. In addition, the Chinese workers were suspected of committing crimes. Rise in crimes Crimes committed by Chinese have been headlined causing resentment from the locals. Last year, a 23-year-old Chinese woman hurled a cup of soy pudding at a police officer after she was barred from boarding a train with her food. The incident triggered an online fury. The police said the number of Chinese suspected or involved in crimes tripled from 2016 to 2019, which is about 40% of all cases involving foreign nationals. From 2016 to 2018, around 335,800 working visas and special work permits were issued to Chinese, representing over half the total number of permits issued to foreigners. Current estimates place 200,000 to 400,000 Chinese are working in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs), which were established after President Rodrigo Duterte took over the government in 2016. Currently, there are around 50 POGOs in operation today, mostly operated by Chinese nationals. POGO revenue substantially increased to P7.35 billion last year from P657 million in 2016. But what’s causing the ease for foreigners to acquire work permits is a glaring loophole in the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) system where any of the 3.12 million Chinese “tourists” registered at the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) can convert their tourist visas into working visas as long as they obtain an Alien Employment Permit (AEP). And while waiting for their AEP, they are issued a Provisional Work Permit (PWP). So, in a practical sense, any tourist admitted to the country can stay and work without too much of a hassle… provided they pay the “pastillas.” Chinese invasion As one resident in Metro Manila had observed: “The Chinese have invaded our islands in the West Philippine Sea and now they’re in my condo! It’s a home invasion!” The home invasion that one Metro Manila resident had observed is just a drop in the ocean since the time when Chinese traders started coming to the archipelago long before it was named Las Islas Filipinas by Spain. It was just a few drops compared to the bloody invasion by Limahong and his pirates in 1574. But it was a flood compared to the storm that began in 2016 when Duterte opened the floodgate of migration into the country. Just imagine – it took 900 years for Chinese migration to grow to 1.5 million prior to 2016 and just four years for it to grow by four million! And now the country is awash in Chinese migration, which has impacted the social, cultural, economic, and ideological fabric of the country. I’m sure it’s for the betterment of the country, socially, culturally, and economically. A multi-racial society is rich in tradition and culture. But I have reservations whether the ideological calculus is what the freedom-loving Filipino people desire. It’s like mixing oil and water. By the same token, communism and democracy simply just don’t mix and never will.

Diliman way

(From Page 12)

Cory at her office in the Guest House in the early weeks as President, I asked her, “Why are you removing elected public officials? That is not right. You should only remove those who are notoriously undesirable.” “But I already granted that power to Nene Pimentel. Can I take it back?” Cory replied. “Of course you can and you should. You are the President Nene is only your agent.” I replied. Cory never took it back. Nene Pimentel made a mess of the appointments of the officers-in-charge (OIC) of governors and mayors and, at times, even vice-governors, vice-mayors, provincial board members and city and town councilors. There was a lot of talk of graft and corruption in the appointments of OICs. Money changed hands. Many got filthy rich in Nene Pimentel’s DILG. Eventually, because of persistent talk of graft and corruption in DILG, Cory was compelled to relieve Nene as Secretary, transferred him to Malacañang as Presidential Assistant. This was not the first time that Cory Aquino bumped off Nene Pimentel. The first time he got it was when Nene lost the vice-presidential berth in Cory’s ticket during the snap election. Cory had already decided to get Nene as her running on the recommendation of his inner circle led by Peping Cojuangco and Joker Arroyo. This is how it happened. After Cory and his group decided to make Nene the running mate of Cory, Peping told me Cory was desperately looking for me on a very urgent matter. I told Peping I will just see Cory at his residence in Times Street the following morning It was Cris, Cory’s daughter, who greeted me and asked me to wait at the sala. When Cory came, she was as usual charming and engaging and said, “Bono, I have already decided on my running mate, I hope you’ll not get mad.” “Who?” I asked “Nene Pimentel, “she answered and continued, “I told him in the presence of Peping.”

 HEALTH NEWS

February 25-March 3, 2021

G7 leaders commit $4.3 billion to finance global equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines in 2021 GENEVA - Commitments made at the Virtual G7 leaders meeting hosted by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and at the Munich Security Conference signaled significant progress in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic with an important underscoring of the need for global equity in access to test, treatments, and vaccines. Leaders recognized that no country can be safe until every country is safe and collectively committed over US $4.3 billion to the ACT Accelerator partnership to develop and distribute effective tests, treatments, and vaccines around the world. Contributions were made up as follows: · The US committed initial $2 billion to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance for the COVAX Advance Market Commitment and a further $2 billion through 2021 and 2022, of which the first $500 million will be made available when existing donor pledges are fulfilled and initial doses are delivered to AMC countries. · Germany committed US$ 1.8 billion[i] with contributions to all pillars and partners of the ACT Accelerator across tests, treatments, vaccines, and health systems

strengthening. · The European Commission committed US$ 363 million[ii] for the COVAX Advance Market Commitment. · Japan committed US$ 79 million for the COVAX Advance Market Commitment and UNITAID. · Canada committed US$ 59 million to the ACT Accelerator.[iii] In addition, the European Investment Bank is providing a further US$ 242 million in loan guarantees which will help the ACT Accelerator partnership to frontload future payments to speed up the response. The UK’s commitment to join Canada, France, Norway and the European Union in sharing its additional vaccine doses with developing countries is a vital step to increase volume of vaccines available worldwide and support rapid reduction of virus transmission amongst some of the world’s our most vulnerable and exposed populations. The ACT Accelerator initial needs for 2020-2021 were US $38.1 billion. Prior to the meeting, an un-

precedented mobilization of sovereign donors, private sectors, philanthropic and multilateral contributors had already committed US $ 6 billion. Considering those pledges, and costs adjustments, the new contributions bring the total committed to the ACT Accelerator partnership to US$ 10.3 billion and reduce the funding gap to US$ 22.9 billion. The next few weeks will be critical for the global COVID-19 response. Further commitments are needed to fully fund the work of the ACT Accelerator and enable the delivery of more than 2 billion doses of vaccine; medical oxygen and millions of treatment doses including dexamethasone and new products, as and when they become available; and over 900 million diagnostic tests including high-quality, lower-cost molecular tests, antigen detection RDTs (Ag-RDTs) and self-tests. This work will also support the urgent need for rapid R&D, product evaluation, and regulatory pathways for new and modiﬁed tests, treatments and vaccines to meet the needs of global response programmes and the threat of new and emerging variants.

People: guinea pig? Heart of Hope

Humor is healthy, especially during a pandemic. We all need it, together with a positive attitude in this world calamity that has afflicted almost 113 million people and claimed about 2.5 million lives around the globe. Perhaps I find some of the fake news on social PHILIP S. CHUA media amusing because I am a physician, more scientific and objective in my thinking, totally relying on evidence-based data about diseases, and can separate medical facts from fiction more readily. A few examples of these ridiculous claims include the following: That there is actually no corona virus, no pandemic; That billionaires like Bill Gates are financing a “project” to lessen the world population; That masks and distancing do not work; That getting the COVID-19 vaccines will change the person’s DNA; That the vaccines contain fetal tissues, microchip, and that it causes infertility; That the vaccines are causing brain and spinal cord injuries; That is it safer to get COVID-19 instead of receiving the “dangerous” vaccine; That after receiving the shots, people do not need masks and distancing any more….The misinformation goes on and on. Adding insult to injury, all these false data are e-blasted on the internet to countless viewers around the world. And many disseminated the same falsehood to millions more, and the cycle continues. Of course, wrong information is dangerous. During a pandemic, it could even be deadly. The other popular assertion is that we, the people, are being used as guinea pigs in this massive experiment, which further stokes fear among the innocent, ignorant, gullible people, who think everything on social media is a gospel of truth. From the medical point of view, yes, to some extent the current therapy/vaccination administered to people is partly an “experiment,” an exploration to find out more facts, the truth about the long-term effects of the vaccines to protect the public, with no better clinical alternative than using us as “guinea pigs,” metaphorically speaking. But it is not in the evil sense. Before drugs or vaccines are released for public use, they have to undergo extensive sophisticated research and development, and at least 3 phases of clinical trials, using thousands of human volunteers, until the scientific

results show the drugs or vaccines are effective and safe for human use. On top of this, they have to pass the rigid and stringent FDA requirements, even for emergency use, like the current COVID-19 vaccines. So, if we, the people, are being used as “guinea pigs in this experiment,” it is for observation of the long term (future) behavior of the vaccines we received. This is the only way to get those facts. Since these vaccines are new, the only things we know about them are that they are safe for majority of people and 52 percent effective after the first dose, and 95 percent after the second dose, both for the Pfizer-BioNT vaccines. We also know that those with a history of allergies could develop a sensitivity reaction (some serious) to the vaccine within 30 minutes. These patients are advised to seek a consultation with an allergist/immunologist prior to getting the vaccine. How long after receiving the first shot will it confer immunity to prevent the person from getting infected and could vaccinated individual still able to transmit the virus, science still does not know yet. How about after the second shot? These data would be available only with the passage of time, the reason why I said, to this extent, this is an “experiment,” using us people as “guinea pigs.” But this is only proper, necessary, and prudent. We need the vaccines soonest as an urgent measure for our survival. And there is no other scientific way. The unwise option below is unacceptable and criminal. The alternative is not to use the vaccines now among people; limit it to laboratory animals for another 2 years from now, and know all the answers first, allowing more people around the world to get infected and exponentially raise the number of deaths from 2.5 million to 50 million or more while waiting, like the death toll from the 1918 Spanish Flu. After two years of added “experimentation” and observation of the laboratory animals, the answers we do not know today, we would know then. But by then, we could most likely lose billions and not only millions of lives globally. This would be irresponsible and inhumane. So, it is obvious that after the extensive R&D and 3 phases of clinical trials and due diligence on the vaccines, we cannot afford to wait until they are perfect or 100 percent safe. That is a fantasy, an unwise and a misguided option. The reality is that there is no medication or vaccine today that is perfect or 100 percent without possible side-effects among some people. Even aspirin has potential side-effects, which have killed some people. The remaining unknowns about the vaccines today

will be obvious in a few months or a year or two. That is the reality. We simply have to be wise, understanding, and patient. Our imperfect vaccines against SARS-CoV2 virus of COVID-19 are not perfect or 100 percent without risk, but they are already doing wonders. They have been administered to around 70 million people in the United States (about 21 percent of its more than 332 million population). Globally, over 300 million doses have been given in 110 countries, with the world population of 7.85 billion. Too slow, indeed. There is no doubt that getting the vaccines, in spite of their potential side-effects, is wise, a lot safer than getting infected with this killer virus. The country with the most efficient COVID-19 vaccination program is Israel (with almost 8.743 million in population). It has vaccinated more than 35 percent of its population, the world’s highest per capita rate of vaccination, which has lowered its cases and deaths by 93 percent because of people discipline and the vaccination. Israel is expected to have herd immunity by next month, most probably the first in the world. The next three on the list of highest rate includes the United Arab Emirates, followed by UK, and then the USA, in that order. Facts: The vaccines are effective and safe. The Benefit/Risk Ratio (Vaccine versus COVID-19) is crystal clear: The benefit from the vaccine is high, 95 percent or better; the risk very low, less than 1 percent. The benefit from getting COVID-19 is zero; it is all risks, at least 50 percent among seniors. Do your math. How many (of the more than 300 million around the world who got the shot) died from the vaccine? How many died from COIVID 19, globally? Your answers are correct! I rest my case. Let us all do due diligence and get the facts straight, and not help the apocalyptic scaremongers on social media spread false data (pouring gasoline on the fire) because forwarding the fraudulent disinformation could get people infected and killed. Let us help end this pandemic soonest. Together, we can do this. Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and anti-graft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

29 February 25-March 3, 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. 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 the art of counting the other fellow’s blessings instead of our own- Harold Coffin. 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). 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. Do not overrate what you have received nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind- Buddha. 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

The Will to Die Dying is dreadful. No one would want to die; even suffering, we want to avoid it at all cost. However, we believe that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became incarnate, He was born in order to die to be the sacrificial lamb for the salvation of the world. Our Lord Himself said, “… the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as ransom for many (Mt. 20:28)” also He said, “I lay down my life for my sheep… no one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own… This command I have received from My Father (Jn. 10: 15, 17-18)” Explicit, therefore, that He came to be a sacrificial offering for humanity, that means dying for us all. His mission was to give His life so that we may have divine and eternal life. In what ways we can imitate Christ’s willingness to die? The Lenten Season is our way of participating in Christ’s suffering and death; so that we can be ready to share REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD and celebrate His resurrection. We can only experience the true joy of Easter in so far as we shared His suffering and dying. Will we be willing to die in ourselves in order to live more like Christ and for Christ? What actions have you already done this Lent? Our life is not about us but about God in the Lord Jesus Christ. If we are to live life all about ourselves; then, it will be a life solely for this world. Living for ourselves is a life without taking into account the life after. If we have not prepared for that end, what would we expect then? Living for Jesus consequently means dying to or denying ourselves. We have this Lenten journey to learn to choose readily, and all the times, to die to ourselves in order to live for Jesus and like Jesus. Among the many ways we can die to ourselves are following: Firstly, dying to ourselves in order to love best, to love selflessly. When God loves, it is always selfless or free and boundless; because He does not expect something in return, also because He is Love Himself. Therefore, only in imitating the way Jesus loves, loving unconditionally, can we truly love. This kind of love is not learned overnight and with few good actions. The way He should us is the way of Calvary and the Cross; that is why, we have to learn to readily die to ourselves. On situations that we have to be understanding instead of fighting for our point of view; we die to ourselves so as to love more. In moments you would like to reserve something for yourself but the occasion is asking you to be more generous and you are able to give it all; then, you learned to love best. Moreover, love in forgiving is loving best, because forgiving is hard, it precisely dying to oneself so as to forgive. Loving best is not seeking oneself, but more in forgetting oneself like Jesus. Secondly, dying to our personal preferences, to our wants, to our own will. We are urged in our time to express and insist our will, our wants, our choices to others. It can be possible but only to some extent. There is a point where we have to deny our ego of its entitlement and give way to God’s will and to His rule. We have to bend our personal choices and plans if they are going against our Lord’s teachings and values. For no matter how perfect our choice and plan in our thinking, God’s plans for us are far superior than ours. During this Lent, let us be submissive to God’s will and rule. Let us remember, Jesus said; “… whoever loses his life for My sake will find it (Mt. 10:39).” Lastly, dying to our vices, bad attitudes, and sinful lifestyles, in order to pursue more in righteousness. Living life in sin is not truly living. A life in sin is living like a zombie in the moralspiritual sense. Vices and all sinful ways are like nourishment to a zombie kind of life. We have to seek to destroy all such evil and sinful elements in our life, so as to truly live before God. Living the godly life is true living. Living in virtues and striving holiness is living to the fullest. Let us relaunch ourselves anew in this season of Lent in a life that is Christ-like, a life that wills to die to ourselves so as to live for God. Amen. You can find this article in my website, faithexpressions.org, view us also in YouTube, Faith Expressions, for other reflections and adult faith formation topics.

Aﬂame The Heart

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

31 February 25-March 3, 2021  NATIONAL NEWS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Chicken Macaroni Salad with Dried Mango Ingredients: 1 kilo shell macaroni, cooked as per package instructions 2 470ml bottle mayonnaise 1 470ml bottle sandwich spread 2 chicken breast, boiled, shredded 1 cup ﬁnely diced onion 1 large pack, dried mango, cut into small bits 1 big size carrot, cut into thin strips 3 stalks celery, diced into small pieces 1 cup pineapple tidbits 1/2 cup sweet picked relish 1/2 cup raisins 2 small bottles, cherry quartered Method: Combine and mix thoroughly all the ingredients in a big bowl. Chill in a refrigerator until ready to serve.

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Philippines opens up for more foreigners; hotels air appeal MAKATI CITY – The Philippines has relaxed rules and allowed the entry of more foreigners to the country amid the pandemic. The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the new protocols set for foreigners who are allowed to enter the Philippines, as the travel ban on passengers coming from over 30 countries with reported cases of the new coronavirus variant lapsed on Feb. 1. Meanwhile, hotels are asking the government to allow regulated meetings and some social events under general community quarantine (GCQ) to help the industry survive amid the pandemic. The concern was raised by the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) during a recent virtual meet with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP). “Those present in the meeting discussed the hotel’s position to be allowed to accept MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions)+socials under GCQ (general community quarantine). This position will greatly assist hotels financially to keep afloat during these challenging times during the pandemic,” it said in a statement. The HSMA said the concerned hotels vowed to comply with any proposed measures to ensure a safe experience for all stakeholders. “We are happy that the borders are open again to our Balikbayans whose travel plans to rejoin their families in the country starting December 07, 2020 were curtailed with the travel ban on passengers from the new Covid variant countries,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said. “Now, they can replan their visits, notably as more local destinations have reopened,” she added. Effective Feb. 1, 2021, with the lifting of travel restrictions on Covid-19 new variant countries, some foreigners will be re-allowed to enter but subject to the following conditions: a) they must have a valid and existing visa at the time of entry, except for those qualified under the Balikbayan program; b) they must have pre-booked accommodation for at least seven nights in an accredited quarantine hotel/facility; c) they must undergo Covid-19 testing at the quarantine hotel/facility on the sixth day from the date of arrival; d) they are subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry. The DOT, meanwhile, pledged to continuously promote Laguna as a fun, safe, and sustainable tourist destination with the help of the province’s local government units (LGUs) and private sector. “I like to say that tourism is everybody’s business, as all sectors of society reap benefits when tourism thrives in a responsible and sustainable manner. For this reason, I would like to thank the provincial and local government units of Laguna, as well as our tourism industry stakeholders, for your steadfast cooperation and collaboration in these efforts to restart tourism,” Tourism Secretary Romulo-Puyat said. Puyat was in San Pablo, Laguna to spearhead the hybrid press conference and industry stakeholders’ meeting with Laguna 3rd District representative and chairman of the House of Representatives’ tourism committee Sol Aragones, Governor Ramil Hernandez, San Pablo City Mayor Loreto Amante, and other provincial leaders. During an earlier meeting, the hotels also touted their respective stringent health and safety protocols; and meetings and events program designed to adapt to the current health crisis. “[The program] provides elevated cleanliness and sanitation across entire attendee experience. Ultimately, the goal is to create a safe and comfortable environment for meeting organizers, event planners, and their attendees,” it said. As of Dec. 2020, venues inside hotels in areas under GCQ and not being used as quarantine facilities may accept bookings for workshops, training, seminars, congresses, conferences, conventions, board meetings, colloquia, conclaves, symposia, and consumer trade shows. Venue capacity is capped at 30 percent. However, social events like political gatherings, cultural festivities, sporting activities, product launches, birthdays, weddings, Christmas and office parties, pageants, and gala receptions show are still prohibited. Under the resolution, the DOT was also tasked to look into the rates of the quarantine hotels. “Ever since the beginning, the list of participating DOT-accredited accommodation establishments reflects the indicative rates so that the passenger can manage his budget, now even so, to consider a minimum seven or maximum 14 day-quarantine period. We ask hotels to give good rates to help lessen the burden,” Romulo-Puyat said. The agency, meanwhile, vowed to monitor the strict implementation of minimum health and safety guidelines in accredited tourism enterprises, particularly hotels repurposed as quarantine facilities or those that have reopened to operate for staycation purposes. Beef Spareribs Adobo with Oyster Sauce