Philippine News Today

1 March 24-30, 2022

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

www.pnewstoday.com

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

Vol. 61 No. 33 March 24-30, 2022

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

CAMPAIGN HEATS UP AS CONGRESS, LOCAL RACES DRIVE OPENS

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor-in-Chief

MANILA – The May 9, 2022 election entered a new phase on March 25 as races for over 300 House of Representatives members, including party-list representatives, and over 10,000 local executives officially opened their campaign, heating up further the political cauldron in many parts of the country. Page 9

By Lolly R. Acosta and Claire M. True

QUEZON CITY – The president and CEO of the Philippines’ largest conglomerate, San Miguel Corporation (SMC), has urged businessmen to invest more for the social good like environmental protection.

SMC President-CEO Ramon S. Ang made the call as advocates and representatives of organizat should come as no surprise to anyone that Philippine News To- tions for environment protection day is proudly endorsing Leni Robredo to become the 17th Presi- gathered at the La Mesa Waterdent of our homeland, the Republic of the Philippines. Page 11 shed in Quezon City for the blessing and inauguration of the Million Trees Foundation Inc. (MTFI) Nursery and Eco Learn- Page 8

EDITORIAL

We endorse Leni Robredo for President

I

YouTube acts on fake news after protests

Duterte’s party endorses Marcos Jr, but President does not

By Jun Nucum

SAN FRANCISCO - Various groups who protested against socalled fake news before the YouTube headquarters in San Bruno, California may have achieved some progress in their campaign.

This as the YouTube’s Community Outreach Team advised the protesters to send alleged fake news, videos and disinformation in relation to the 2022 Philippine presidential election to them for possible flagging, suspension or total removal from the platform if warranted.

Encouraged by their small gains, another Rally to Stop Fake News and Disinformation has been scheduled at 12 noon on Saturday, April 2, 2022, Page 8

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

MANILA – One wing of the party that propelled Rodrigo Duterte to the presidency in 2016 endorsed the presidential candidacy of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. this week, but the president refused to go along.

The Cusi wing of the PDPLaban endorsed Marcos Jr. even after President Duterte had earlier referred to the candidate as a “weak leader” and a spoiled brat, who used cocaine.

The president is also on record as asking his followers not to vote for Marcos Jr. Mr. Duterte, however, is un-

SMC’s Ramon Ang pushes good governance, job creation for PHL

der some pressure to agree to the endorsement as his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, is the vice presidential running mate of Marcos Jr. On Tuesday, March 22, Presidential Communications Operations Office and acting presidential spokesman Secretary Martin Andanar said the endorsement came from the party and not the president. Speaking in the vernacular, he said, “It is not clear that the endorsement is what the president wants.”

Surviving founders of the party raised a howl at Page 9

Gov’t adopts agenda for economic recovery

BayaniPay, bank launch first FilAm neobank VIEWS & COMMENTS

You can apply for Green Card and Social Security Number at the same time

By A�y. Lozano

Page 14

SHOWBIZ

SPORTS

Celebrities step up poll support

Sen. Go airs appeal on EJ Obiena

Page 16

Page 21

P14

PESO-DOLLAR RATE

$1.00= P52.37

March 24, 2022 1:30am

Page 8

P6

 NATIONAL NEWS

March 24-30, 2022

2

Atong Ang, cops linked to e-sabong abductions PASAY CITY - A cockpit worker has tagged gaming operator Charlie “Atong” Ang as the person behind the disappearance of a number of online cockfighting personalities.

This as five policemen were tagged by at least four witnesses as behind the “kidnapping” last year of an e-sabong “master agent” in his Laguna residence, a Senate panel revealed.

Ang immediately denied the claim by panel witness Alvin Indon and said Laguna provincial police chief Col. Rogart Campo was trying to pin him down.

During the resumption of the third hearing of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs chaired by Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on the more than 30 missing cockfighting aficionados, police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Eliseo Cruz said they will file appropriate charges against the five policemen before the Department of Justice.

He told Dela Rosa’s panel that the suspects were identified from the 28 photos provided to the witnesses by the police.

“This is in connection with the case of Ricardo Lasco, a master agent of esabong who was kidnapped by more or less 10 armed men in his residence in San Pablo, Laguna on August 30, 2021,” said Cruz.

Meanwhile, three police officers who were implicated in the purported disappearance of an e-sabong (online cockfighting) “master agent” in San Pablo

City, Laguna have been placed under restrictive custody, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said these cops are now under restrictive custody at the headquarters of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-4A (Calabarzon) and are set to face charges in the coming days.

“Sa ngayon, tatlo yung mga nabanggit during the Senate hearing plus yung mga nauna na natin mga nakuhang statement prior dito sa Senate hearing, may iba pa po tayong iniimbestigahan. Sila sa ngayon ang may positive identification based dito sa nawawalang master agent at yung iba pa po nating iniimbestigahang mga pulis ay kasama yan kung tatanungin natin yung ating mga imbestigador dahil nga may mga ilan pa tayong hinihintay na report para to confirm their participation doon sa nasabi nating insidente (So far, the three mentioned during the Senate hearing plus the previous statements we obtained prior to this Senate hearing, we are investigating other angles. They now have a positive identification based on the missing master agent. The other policemen we are investigating are included if we are to ask our investigators because we are still waiting for some reports to confirm their participation),” Fajardo said.

Fajardo also said the police provincial director of Laguna, Col. Rogart Campo, has been relieved after he allegedly receivedP1 million from businessman Atong Ang as revealed during a

Atong Ang Senate hearing.

Ang accused Campo of taking part in the supposed conspiracy against him by other e-sabong stakeholders.

At least two police officers, Pat. Roy Navarete and Staff Sgt. Daryl Paghangaan, were identified by some relatives of the e-sabong “master agent” Ricardo Lasco as among those who abducted him in August last year.

Prior to the Senate hearing on the disappearances of over 30 cockfight enthusiasts, Fajardo said the cops have already been relieved from their posts over their alleged involvement in the incidents.

Aside from Navarete and Paghangaan, the PRO-4A also identified master Sgt. Michael Claveria as one of the involved cops.

PRO-4A chief Brig. General Antonio

Yarra said he already ordered the relief of the three police personnel from their present assignments and had them transferred to the regional headquarters.

“We will make sure that all facts and information regarding this matter will be taken into consideration for the quick resolution of these cases and to give justice to the families of the missing victims,” he said.

For his part, PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief Brig. Gen. Roderick Alba said the PNP will not take the witnesses’ accounts lightly but it will make sure that due process is upheld in this case.

PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos has been reminding police personnel to refrain from engaging in e-sabong and other gambling activities.

New anti-rape law to reduce abuses vs. minors: Manila solon MANILA – A lawmaker at the House of Representatives said the new law raising the minimum age of sexual consent from 12 to 16 could help drastically reduce abuses against minors and provide stronger protection for them.

Manila Rep. Manny Lopez, one of the principal authors of Republic Act 11648, said the legislation would provide stron-

ger protection against rape and sexual exploitation and abuse, especially in poorer communities, citing his district of Tondo, which ranks “among the top in terms of recorded crimes of these nature” due to its very dense population, as well as poor and unsafe living conditions for most of its residents.

“Especially in our poorer communi-

ties like Tondo Manila, it is imperative that the government extend the scope of protection for our poor children where they are more susceptible to all forms of sexual abuse. I hope the passage of this new law is a good first step,” Lopez said.

Under the new law, any sexual act committed against minors under 16 years of age, with certain exceptions, is now automatically treated as rape.

Also punished under this new law are acts of seduction, having sexual intercourse with a minor under 16, and under 18 years of age, as opposed to the previous law which punishes such act of seduction only if the offended party was a woman and over 12 years and under 18 years of age.

Lopez urged all relevant sectors of the community to work hand-in-hand to combat these abuses and exert all efforts to protect minors.

“Our schools, as mandated by the law, should ensure that they put in place learning subjects or sessions regarding rights and protection of children so they are able to identify, respond to and report rape and other sexual offenses. Our police force must be vigilant in going after all offenders,” he said.

He said as the new law takes effect, everyone should their part and continue to pursue more ways to protect the rights

of all children in the country.

“Government institutions must continue to create opportunities and meaningful developments to improve the lives of its citizens, particularly those of the less fortunate. Finally, our dear parents must take a more active role in the lives of their children. This is the most effective way of protecting our children against these abuses,” he said.

With respect to acts constituting child prostitution and other sexual abuse, child trafficking, and other acts of neglect, cruelty, or exploitation, these are now punishable if the victim is under 16 years of age under the new law.

Included are cases involving obscene publications and indecent shows if the child used as a performer, subject, or seller/distributor is under 18 years of age, all of which acts previously covered only those whose victims are under 12 years of age.

The law states that there shall be no criminal liability on the part of a person having carnal knowledge of another person under 16 years of age when the age difference between the parties is not more than three years, and the sexual act in question is proven to be consensual, nonabusive, and non-exploitative: Provided, further, that if the victim is under 13 years of age, this exception shall not apply.

3 March 24-30, 2022

 NATIONAL NEWS

Lacson eyes single financing facility for MSMEs

Senator Ping Lacson MANILA – Partido Reporma standard-bearer Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said he is looking at the possibility of having a single financing facility to provide assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

He added that this can be done by pooling the funds of government agencies offering the same program to create just one financing facility.

“Ang iniisip namin ni Senate President (Vicente) Sotto rito, i-streamline natin. Bakit di natin i-pool sa isang

pondo kung saan ilagak natin para alam ng MSME na tinamaan ng pandemya o anumang crisis, giyera ng Russia sa Ukraine, sa climate change, kalamidad, meron agad silang pupuntahan na ahensya kung saan accessible sila, “ Lacson said during an interview with One PH’s “Kandidatalks”.

He added that MSMEs account for 99.5 percent of our enterprises, and 63.2 percent of the country’s labor force.

Lacson, however, said that while various government agencies have at least 20 programs including microfinancing and credit facilities, MSMEs may not be aware of them.

Lacson said he and Sotto were surprised to learn that there are such programs under the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Agriculture, among others.

As they are unaware of these programs, Lacson said many MSMEs resort to borrowing from private banks because they do not fully understand the requirements to avail of government assistance.

VP office allowed to resume pandemic programs amid poll campaign MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has allowed the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to continue some of its coronavirus response efforts even during the campaign period for May 9 elections.

“In an executive session today, the en banc granted the Petition for Exception of

the Office of the Vice President of certain projects and programs during the 45-day period of the campaign,” Commissioner George Erwin Garcia said.

Earlier, Vice President Leni Robredo asked the poll body to allow her office to continue their pandemic-related programs even during the period of election campaign.

Some of these programs are the Bayanihan E-konsulta, Vaccine Express, Swab Cab, and medical assistance program.

In a statement, OVP spokesperson Barry Gutierrez welcomed the poll body’s decision.

“We are currently waiting for a full copy of the resolution to ensure that we have clear guidance on the implementation of programs included in the exemption.

We will release an official public advisory once we have all relevant details in hand,” Gutierrez added.

Comelec Resolution 10747 sets the rules and regulations on the prohibition on disbursement of public funds in connection with the May 9 polls, which will be in effect from March 25 to May 8.

Under Section 13 of the resolution, candidates are required to secure a certificate of exception for social welfare projects and services.

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 clear-

ly 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 bottom 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

March 24-30, 2022

PDP Laban factions endorse QC’s Belmonte

By Claire Morales True QUEZON CITY - Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte has won the support of the two opposing factions of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

First to throw its full support was the group headed by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi which issued a statement “unanimously endorsing and supporting the bid of Mayor Joy Belmonte.”

Belmonte, who is facing party-list Rep. Mike Defensor, said that Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, who heads the Pimentel-Pacquiao faction of the ruling party, personally conveyed to her their support and endorsement of

her candidacy.

“We met and talked and Sen. Koko Pimentel said he would not need to say anything about the decision of the other group (Cusi wing) supporting me because he and his group are also throwing support behind my re-election bid,” the mayor said.

The statement of support of the Quezon City Chapter-Cusi wing was signed by Abbin Dalhani, president; Jojo Abad, vice president; Nestor Revilla, secretary general; Gilbert PE Aguirre, treasurer; Brian Lu, chairman of political affairs committee; Marc Anthony Maclang, chairman of membership committee; and its officers from the city’s different districts.

The group said it believes that the improvements, growth and achievements of Belmonte must continue.

“The gains and progress championed by her leadership is at the risk of total regress, unless it is ascertained that she is re-elected and her leadership qualities and traits will continually push the development of Quezon City,” Dalhani’s group said.

Belmonte’s bid for a fresh threeyear term also received support from an alliance of broadcast and allied workers.

In a resolution, the National Alliance of Broadcast Unions agreed to support the candidacy of Belmonte.

4

3 nabbed, P387.6-M worth of shabu seized in QC drug bust

Makati students get free apparel, sneakers for face to face classes MAKATI CITY – The Makati City government started the distribution of apparel to public school students in preparation for physical classes hampered by almost two years of restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay led the ceremonial distribution of bags, personalized jackets, raincoats, and Air Binay 4.0 sneakers to pupils of Pio del Pilar High School and Makati High School.

Grades 1 to 3 students will each get a Japanese-style randoseru (backpack),

Air Binay sneakers

while those in Grades 4 to 12 will receive a three-way bag, designed to be carried three ways.

Public school students from kindergarten to senior high school will get the newly launched sneakers.

The city government already distributed the 3.0 version of the sneakers to 93,110 pupils in 2020 before the pandemic halted physical classes.

About 90,000 received the 2.0 sneakers in 2019 and 89,862 got the first version.

Taguig to open 5 new multilevel school buildings $495

408.286.9360 408.286.9311

TAGUIG CITY – Taguig City will open five new multilevel school buildings in preparation for face-to-face classes with the downgrading of the Covid-19 alert level in Metro Manila.

Mayor Lino Cayetano said these include two 7-storey school buildings and three 4-storey school buildings.

“Investing in our students is a priority. We want to help them succeed in life.

Taguig will also reap the benefits as our students become productive members of society who will contribute on their own to the continued progress of the city,” he said.

One of the 7-storey school buildings is located at Ciriaco P. Tiñga Elementary School in Barangay Hagonoy. The other at Ricardo P. Cruz Senior Elementary School in Barangay Lower Bicutan is equipped with an elevator.

The three new 4-storey school buildings are located at the Tipas Elementary School Annex Building with covered court in Barangay Calzada-Tipas; Bagong Tanyag Elementary School Main in Barangay Tanyag and Kapt. Jose Cardones Memorial Elementary School in Barangay South Signal.

All of the school buildings are equipped with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, water and electricity and furniture.

FUEL VOUCHER. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte distributes fuel vouchers to the first batch of tricycle operators and drivers’ associa�on (TODA) members in the city on her birthday on March 15.

QUEZON CITY – Law enforcers have arrested three suspects and confiscated PHP387.6 million worth of shabu in Quezon City on mARCH 23.

In a report, Brig. Gen. Randy Peralta, chief of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG), said Gibbrael Arcega, Mikkael Arcega, and Ramil Ramos, were arrested during the buy-bust at a gasoline station along Mindanao Avenue at around 10:30 a.m.

Peralta, who arrived at the scene, confirmed that Ramos was injured after an exchange of fire with police operatives during the buy-bust while his two cohorts surrendered.

Recovered from the suspects were 57 kilos of suspected shabu wrapped in green bags, boodle money, a Nissan Urvan with plate number NBX 3844, and a cal. 45 with loaded magazine.

The suspects will be charged with violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 while the seized pieces of evidence were brought to the PDEG in Camp Crame for documentation

FUEL VOUCHER. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte distributes fuel vouchers to the first batch of tricycle operators and drivers’ associa�on (TODA) members in the city on her birthday on March 15.

5 March 24-30, 2022

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Cebu poll bets sign peace covenant with cops, soldiers

PEACE COVENANT. Commission on Elec�ons-Cebu supervisor Jerome Brillantess (3rd from right) and Cebu Provincial Police Office chief Col. Engelbert Soriano (4th from right), along with re-elec�onist Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and her challenger, former Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, and other bets from seven legisla�ve districts in Cebu province, release doves to symbolize peace at the CPPO headquarters in Cebu City.

CEBU CITY – Local candidates gathered on March

22 at the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) headBrillantes also said members of the Philippine Naquarters and signed a covenant to abide by the laws and tional Police, who will be called – along with the Task to commit to accurate, safe, free, and fair elections on Group Cebu of the Armed Forces of the Philippines May 9, 2022.

Gubernatorial candidates, incumbent Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, a re-electionist, and former Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, led other candidates from the seven legislatives districts of Cebu province in signing a covenant printed on a huge tarpaulin as well as releasing of doves, symbolizing a peaceful electoral race.

Lawyer Jerome Brillantes, Commission on ElectionsCebu supervisor, told the candidates to consider the pact as “a covenant made by God to men,” stipulating sacred terms and conditions with a result that will redound to the benefit of the Cebuano voters.

“This election is not my election. This is your election. We (jn Comelec), together with other government agencies are just facilitating the conduct of credible elections,” Brillantes said.

Strong quake jolts Leyte, Phivolcs chief airs warning

PALO, Leyte – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the recent movement of the Leyte Island fault line is a reminder to the public to prepare for a stronger earthquake.

Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum said that the magnitude 5.3 earthquake in Burauen, Leyte on March 21 is expected after the 2017 Leyte earthquake.

“We should take these earthquake occurrences as a reminder that we need to prepare for strong earthquakes. We don’t know if this will be succeeded by big events,” Solidum said during his visit here.

The Leyte Island fault line with several segments, is part of the 1,200-kilometer-long Philippine fault zone, a

major tectonic feature that transects the whole Philippine archipelago from northwestern Luzon to southeastern Mindanao.

It was on July 6, 2017, when a magnitude 6.5 earthquake hit Ormoc City and the town of Kanaga in Leyte causing at least four deaths and injuring more than a hundred others.

“Burauen is the south of epicenter in 2017 and this is the segment that we were expecting activities after the Ormoc.

When the fault moves, it transfers some stress to neighboring segments,” he said.

In 2018, Phivolcs warned of a possible strong earthquake in central Leyte as the Philippine Fault in the province never had significant shaking in more than 100 years.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

March 24-30, 2022

Isko unfazed by PDP-Laban endorsement of Marcos

ENDORSEMENT. Aksyon Demokra�ko standard-bearer Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso says he is not threatened by PDP-Laban’s endorsement of UniTeam presiden�al aspirant Ferdinand Marcos Jr. MANILA – Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso said he is not threatened by the recent endorsement of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) to presidential candidacy of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. During the ceremonial turnover of the newly renovated Universidad de Manila’s Henry Sy Sr. Campus in Sta. Cruz, Manila, Domagoso admitted that the endorsement may likely make their campaign more difficult, but he is already used to adversities.

“Mas humirap ang laban ko. But just the same, remember, lahat ng aklat ng

buhay ko, puro mahirap ang laban ko. Sa awa ng Diyos at salamat sa Diyos, nalagpasan ko lahat, nagtagumpay ako. Tingin ko naman, sa tulong ng Diyos at sa tulong ninyo, malalagpasan ko rin itong hamon sa buhay (The endorsement made my fight more difficult. But remember, my life has been full of difficulties. With the help of God, I was able to overcome them. I think with the help of God and with your help, I will also get through these challenges),” he said.

Domagoso, the incumbent mayor of Manila, said he will not give up his goal of serving the country, adding these new challenges would motivate him to work

harder to win in the May 9 elections.

For now, he said the Aksyon Demokratiko team will just stick to its campaign strategies by directly going to the people in the communities.

“Tayo naman, tutuloy-tuloy tayo sa tao, tutuloy-tuloy tayo na humarap sa tao, dumiretso sa tao. Mas maraming kalsada, mas maraming townhall, mas maraming eyeball (We will continue to go directly to the people, face them, hear them. More roads to tread, more townhalls, more eyeball). The only challenge is geography.

But it will continue,” he said.

Despite the PDP-Laban endorsement of Marcos, Domagoso said he is still hoping the ruling party’s chairman, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, would still endorse his presidential bid.

“Katulad niyo, katulad ni Pangulong Duterte, pipilitin ko, aabutin ko sa abot ng aking makakaya, na kayo’y mapaliwanagan, makumbinse na tulungan ako (Just like you, just like President Duterte, I will try my best to convince you to help me).

In the meantime, it’s just another day. Tomorrow, the day after that, until its May,” he said. metPresidential Spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Duterte has yet to make an official statement on his preferred successor.

Andanar said it is still “unclear” if Duterte would also endorse Marcos.

Duterte earlier said the next president should be someone who served as a “mayor” and a lawyer like him.

Gov’t adopts 10-point agenda for speedy economic recovery MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has directed the government departments and offices to adopt the 10-point policy agenda to hasten the recovery of the Philippine economy from the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Under Executive Order (EO) 166 inked by Duterte, the adoption of the 10-point policy agenda will help fasttrack economic recovery and drive broad-based expansions across various productive sectors, amid the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Economic Development Cluster has recommended the adoption of the 10-Point Policy Agenda to accelerate and sustain the country’s economic recovery,” the EO read. “There is an urgent need to adopt policies on economic recovery to sustain current economic gains, minimize the pandemic’s longterm adverse effects, and restore the country’s development trajectory.”

All government departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, are mandated to ensure that all related policies, measures, and programs are aligned with the

adopted policy agenda.

They are directed to strengthen healthcare capacity and speed up the Covid-19 vaccination program.

They are also told to further reopen the economy, expand public transport capacity and resume face-to-face learning.

State agencies are likewise instructed to standardize local government units (LGUs) requirements for domestic travel and local tourism, as well as to relax requirements for international travel.

According to the EO, all government departments and offices must also formulate and propose legislation to ensure the implementation of “enhanced and flexible” emergency measures during pandemics.

EO 166 also orders the shift to “more useful and empowering metrics,” taking into consideration the total severe or critical cases, case fatality ratio, and total vaccinations to avoid unnecessary changes in alert levels and encourage more people to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

The national government is also directed to prepare medium-term solutions to ensure the country’s resilience against future pandemics.

Around 10.1 percent of businesses temporarily closed and 0.4 percent permanently ceased operations at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, according to the data from the National Economic Authority (NEDA).

Key findings of the NEDA found that the Covid-19 pandemic will have longterm adverse effects on consumption and investment, workers’ productivity, and the general wellness of Filipinos.

EO 166 mandates the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) and the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 to ensure the proper implementation of the 10-point policy agenda.

The Economic Development Cluster, through the NEDA, the Department of Finance, and the Department of Trade and Industry, shall be consulted prior to the implementation of all anti-coronavirus measures.

The NTF Against Covid-19’s Working Group on Strategic Communications and the Presidential Communications Operations Office shall build public understanding of government initiatives towards adjusting to the new normal and engage the most affected sectors.

6

VP office allowed to resume pandemic programs amid poll campaign MANILA – The Commission on

Elections (Comelec) has allowed the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to continue some of its coronavirus response efforts even during the campaign period for May 9 elections.

“In an executive session today, the en banc granted the Petition for Exception of the Office of the Vice President of certain projects and programs during the 45-day period of the campaign,” Commissioner George Erwin Garcia said.

Earlier, Vice President Leni Robredo asked the poll body to allow her office to continue their pandemic-related programs even during the period of election campaign.

Some of these programs are the Bayanihan E-konsulta, Vaccine Express, Swab Cab, and medical assistance program.

In a statement, OVP spokesperson Barry Gutierrez welcomed the poll body’s decision.

“We are currently waiting for a full copy of the resolution to ensure that we have clear guidance on the implementation of programs included in the exemption. We will release an official public advisory once we have all relevant details in hand,” Gutierrez added.

Comelec Resolution 10747 sets the rules and regulations on the prohibition on disbursement of public funds in connection with the May 9 polls, which will be in effect from March 25 to May 8.

Under Section 13 of the resolution, candidates are required to secure a certificate of exception for social welfare projects and services.

Sara campaigns in Manila, cites role of education in combating poverty MANILA – Vice Presidential aspirant Sara Duterte underscored the importance of education as a way out of poverty during a visit with a family in an urban poor community in Manila.

Ronald Abriol and his wife Analyn hosted the unexpected visitor as Sara dropped by in an urban poor relocation compound here.

The Abriols have been garbage keepers for almost 20 years and have been sustaining the family’s basic needs with their meager income for their eight children, including triplets.

Analyn shared her struggles with Sara, hoping that the vice presidential aspirant would help them resolve their problem.

She said they earn an average of P85 to P150 daily.

“Dati kumakain kami ng lugaw.

Ngayon kanin na. Kalahating kilo o three-fourths nagkakasya na rin sa amin (We used to eat porridge. Now it’s rice.

Half a kilo or three-fourths fits us well),” Analyn said.

7 March 24-30, 2022

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

Marcos, Duterte woo voters in Quezon province LUCENA CITY – After Cavite, Presidential candidate Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr and his running mate Sara Duterte toured the towns of Quezon on March 23, wooing voters with a promise of a “united” government should they win the May 2022 polls.

Together with the rest of the UniTeam, the tandem combed the towns of Candelaria and Tiaong, with Lucena City as the venue of their grand rally.

In his speech, Marcos reiterated the need for Filipinos to join forces and unite to address what he described as the numerous problems the country is facing right now. “(Kung mananalo ako) hindi lang po kaming mga kandidato ang mananalo kundi ang sambayanang Pilipino (If I win, it’s not only us candidates who will win but the entire Filipino nation),” he said.

SHOW OF FORCE. UniTeam presiden�al aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Marcos said among his plans is to and vice presiden�al candidate Sara Duterte acknowledge the huge crowd during strengthen the agriculture sector and entheir grand rally at General Trias Oval in Cavite on March 22. Organizers said at sure the country’s food security. Apart least 100,000 people a�ended the UniTeam sor�e.

from boosting agriculture, Marcos said he would also focus on the recovery of the tourism industry.

On Tuesday, Marcos and Duterte visited Cavite, one of the top vote-rich provinces, drawing nearly 100,000 supporters who trooped at the General Trias Oval.

Marcos is very grateful and thankful for the massive crowd who welcomed the UniTeam.

“Ako ay nagulat. Mula pagpasok ko dito hindi ko akalain na ganito tayo karami (I was shocked. From the entrance, I never expected we have this huge crowd),” Marcos said.

The show of force was not only seen during the grand rally, as very early in the morning, supporters started trooping to the covered court of Barangay San Juan in Dasmarinas where resounding cheers of support welcomed Marcos and Duterte when they arrived for the first event of the UniTeam’s campaign sortie.

New EO issued updating rules on advertising signs, billboards MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order (EO) updating and supplementing the rules on non-mobile advertising signs and billboards.

Executive Order No. 165, signed by Duterte on March 21, covers all nonmobile advertising signs and billboards, and their support structures, erected and installed, modified, retrofitted, rehabilitated or otherwise altered, and exhibited.

In signing the EO, Duterte recognized that unregulated advertising signs and billboards pose traffic distractions and hazards, constitute threats to public safety and contribute to environmental degradation and urban blight due to their inappropriate location, site, glare, size, structural configuration and uncontrolled height limit.

“There is a need to update and supplement the rules on non-mobile advertising signs and billboards under the Building Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), and to prescribe minimum standards to harmonize national and local rules and regulations

as part of the strategies on ease of doing business, and in facilitating self-regulation within the advertising industry,” the EO read.

Under the EO, newly constructed billboard structures must have at least five meters of setback from the frontage property line, measured perpendicularly up to the support structure.

Existing static billboards or LED billboards with a setback of less than five meters must comply with the guidelines for size of display surface and height of billboard structures and relevant clearances from the high tension wire as prescribed in the Philippine Electrical Code.

The EO states that signs and sign structures and billboards must not exceed 250 square meters while LED and other electronic signs must have a minimum display area of 55 sqm. and a maximum display area of up to 250 sqm. as the site allows, provided that the sign conforms with structural design and wind load exposure prescribed under the latest edition of the National Structural Code of the Philippines.

As for the height of the billboard structures, free-standing structures must have a maximum height of 36 meters from the established grade, provided it will not obstruct any public utility and fire exits in accordance with existing laws.

A roof-mounted billboard structure must have a combined height limit of not more than 26 meters for urban areas and not more than 36 meters for rural areas, measured from the ground to the established grade.

New rooftop billboards must not exceed or occupy more than one-fourth of the street frontage of the building on which they are attached, with the base area of the support skeleton frame structure not more than 10 sqm. on any horizontal section, and must be constructed of incombustible material pursuant to Section 1210 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Building Code; Wall-mounted billboards must be placed against blank walls and must not exceed the area of such wall, in accor-

dance with the provisions of the latest revision of the IRR of the Building Code.

The EO also states that new billboard structures to be installed or erected at the same side of the road must have a minimum distance of 100 meters apart.

Obstruction of an existing billboard or on-premises sign by an advertising billboard from its intended viewership, no matter how partial, is strictly prohibited. The existing outdoor advertising sign is considered not obstructed by a newly constructed sign when it is fully visible within 200 meters distance from its intended audience.

Within two years from the effectivity of this order, owners and operators of existing sign and billboard structures must comply with the foregoing standards on size of display surface and height of billboard.

All local governments must not impose requirements higher or more burdensome than the parameters provided to ensure uniformity and harmonization of national and local standards on signs and billboards.

LOS ANGELES/MANILA – A lawyer was ordered disbarred by the Supreme Court (SC) following similar proceedings in the United States due to unlawful and deceitful conduct.

Jaime Lopez will be stricken off the Roll of Attorneys effective immediately, as ordered by the SC last year and shared online on March 4.

Lopez was previously disbarred by the Supreme Court of California in 2000, for violating the Code of Professional Responsibility due to his mishandling of settlement funds amounting to US$25,000

for a bodily injury settlement he received on behalf of a client in 1995. “(W)hen a foreign court renders a judgment imposing disciplinary penalty against a Filipino lawyer admitted in its jurisdiction, such Filipino lawyer may be imposed a similar judgment in the Philippines provided that the basis of the foreign court’s judgment includes grounds for the imposition of disciplinary penalty in the Philippines.” the SC said.

In 2007, then-Chief Justice Reynato Puno received a letter informing the SC of the proceedings against Lopez before the

California State Bar. Administrative proceedings against Lopez were then initiated and he was ordered to reply why he should not be suspended or disbarred in the Philippines.

Lopez was held administratively liable in the US for, among others, his failure to promptly notify his client, Jemuel MonteAlegre, of the settlement money from Viking Insurance Company and failure to put the funds in a trust account.

He deposited the settlement amount at Wells Fargo Bank but did not disburse it to Monte- Alegre.

The SC rejected the contention of Lopez that the California SC decision was void and could not serve as prima facie case against him in the Philippines.

His insistence that due process was not observed in the California proceedings due to constitutionally deficient notices was not supported by the records.

It was found out that Lopez was sent notices to his official address.

Lopez was likewise sanctioned in the US for failure to maintain Bar membership records.

SC disbars lawyer previously booted out in California

 NATIONAL NEWS YouTube...

(From page 1)

at Facebook (Meta) Headquarters, One Hacker Way, Menlo Park, California.

In a series of exchange of email after that began even before the members of Filipino organizations US Pinoys for Good Governance (USP4GG), Kakampink 1Sambayan, Malaya, Akbayan North America & Filipino-American Human Rights Alliance (FAHRA) that are all allied with Movement Against Disinformation (MAD) picketed the YouTube headquarters in San Bruno on March 11, 2022 between FAHRA’S Donny de Leon and a certain Michael who introduced himself as speaking on behalf of You Tube’s Community Outreach Team, de Leon forwarded to MAD the last email from Michael urging the protesters to send “a list of videos that you would like to flag” to be sent to YouTube specialists for appropriate review.

De Leon initially informed YouTube through an email of their groups’ plan to stage a rally to stop disinformation on Philippine elections to hopefully “open lines of communications and having a meeting with you.”

“What we are asking is for Google, YouTube to suspend more pro Marcos accounts which are spreading disinformation , bolster fact-checking and content moder-

SMCs...

(From page 1)

ing Center.

In the same event, Ang said he sees a bright future for the Philippine economy, especially if the next administration knows how to usher in a rebound amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think the economy will grow very quickly especially kung ang bagong gobyerno, marunong mag-focus sa economic recovery program kamukha ng how to grow GDP and how to create more employment,” Ang said.

March 24-30, 2022

8

ating, adjust search algorithms, and stop selling ads for disinformation purveyors,” wrote de Leon in the email. “At least we now have a direct contact with YouTube which is willing to flag videos if they are fake or misleading.”

After the rally pushed through, Michael promptly responded with an email of his own reaching out as part of the team that helps contact users who may not otherwise get an opportunity to share their questions or concerns with YouTube.

“Many users around the world come to YouTube to participate in civic engagement, and develop informed opinions about current events, and we have a responsibility to support an informed citizenry and foster healthy political discourse,” underscored Michael in his email response.

Michael further informed of YouTube’s work to support the Philippines elections and how one can flag content that you believe may cross the line on YouTube’s policies that seeks to “remove all policyviolative content, raise authoritative news sources, reduce the spread of election-related misinformation, and provide a range of resources for civics partners such as government officials, candidates, civics organizations, and political creators to ensure a broad range of voices are heard.”

The email also stated that from February 2021 to January 2022, YouTube has

removed over 400,000 videos uploaded from the Philippines for violating their Community Guidelines including that on. elections misinformation policies prohibiting content that misleads voters, advances false claims, encourages others to interfere with democratic processes and contains hacked information, among others.

The YouTube response reiterates that users can flag inappropriate content through their reporting tools that helps the platform to centralize information and analyze trends to improve our systems in the future.

“Videos can be reported at any time once uploaded to YouTube, and then it is reviewed by our specialists, and you can rest assured that all content that is reported is reviewed, and we remove all content that violates our Community Guidelines. I strongly encourage you to use our reporting tools to immediately flag the content you believe is violative and you can do by replying directly to this email,” concluded Michael as he thanked de Leon.

The rally held in front of YouTube headquarters was attended by scores of participants from different concerned Filipino groups in the San Francisco Bay Area chanting slogans like When YouTube Facebook and Google lies people die, Spread truth not lie and Yes to education no to misinformation and speakers

from the groups taking turns in decrying the cited tech giants in their alleged role in spreading disinformation and fake news.

Another leader Ago Pedalizo described the participants as passionate to put social media accountable while the mood of YouTube security people as anxious of what to expect from the rally while they listened intently.

“Next step is the conversion of the usual pink caravan to rally at Facebook.

Fake news have spiked up again. Marcos feels the threat. So we need to ramp up anti fake news campaign in San Francisco,” announced Pedalizo.

Among the goals of the April 2 rally are for Facebook to: 1. Suspend accounts that have been flagged as bad actors by fact checkers in Manila (Movement Against Disinformation and #FactsfirstPH ); 2. Bolster fact-checking and content moderating; 3. Adjust search algorithms that prioritize the distribution of posts and content that come from credible/verified sources; 4. Stop selling ads for disinformation purveyors; and 5. Finally, partner with fact-checking groups in the Philippines, like #FactsfirstPH and MAD (Movement Against Disinformation).

Ang, who was guest of honor and speaker for the event, said that businessmen should take the initiative to invest more on projects that will benefit more people.

“Businesses should not always be about profit,” he said as he urged the other concessionaires of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) -- Manila Water and Maynilad--to invest on the environment.

Addressing representatives from Manila Water and Maynilad, he said: “I am challenging you to tell your bosses, Enrique Razon and [Manuel V.] Pangilinan, to invest in the environment. If you can’t tell them that, I will tell them.”

“We should tell our politicians to concentrate in helping the people. Concentrate in running the government, good governance, and also in generating more jobs,” added Ang. To boost output, he suggested building more export processing zones and new businesses. The government could also adopt replanting programs, encourage farmers to plant more rice, corn, and vegetables, and get into palm plantation. “(We should) encourage more local manufacturing, local productions. Can you imagine: we used to export cement, now we are importing cement and spending $1 billion a year? Diba dapat itigil ‘yung mga ganun?” said the business tycoon.

MTFI Chairman Emeritus and former MWSS Administrator and Chairman Gen. Reynaldo V. Velasco

(Ret) in his introductory message described Ang as a visionary and a humble person despite his prominence in the business community. His love for nature and for the environment is very evident in the environ-

mental projects he pursues. “I still have to see a businessman who will invest on his own in clearing a very big river like Tullahan in support of the project of DENR,” Velasco said.

LAW OFFICE OF

& ASSOCIATES 3255 Wilshire Blvd. Ste# 1010 Los Angeles, CA 90010 Tel: (213) 388-9925 Fax: (213) 388-6080 ocampolawofc@yahoo.com

CALIFORNIA LAWYER SINCE 1993 FOR COMPETENT & AFFORDABLE LEGAL SERVICES COMPLIMENTARY/FREE CONSULTATION

US IMMIGRATION LAW

FAMILY/EMPLOYMENT BASED PETITIONS LABOR CERTIFICATION DACA LEGAL REPRESENTATION IN DEPORTATION/REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS DIVORCE

FAMILY LAW

SPOUSAL SUPPORT CHILD CUSTODY/SUPPORT/VISITATION ADOPTION GUARDIANSHIP

PERSONAL INJURY

AUTO ACCIDENTS

PREMISES LIABILITY

SLIP AND FALL CASES

LABOR/EMPLOYMENT LAW

WRONGFUL TERMINATION WAGE AND HOUR DISPUTES WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PROBATE

DISCRIMINATION

ESTATE PLANNING

WILLS

TRUSTS

ESTATE ADMINISTRATION

TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM TREAT YOU

9 March 24-30, 2022 Campaign... (From page 1) The last stage of the campaign is expected to muddle up the campaign for president, vice president and senators as the Commission on elections get ready for the overseas absentee voting which starts in April for some 1.7 million Filipinos working and residing in over 120 countries.

This year’s overseas absentee voting is expected to affect the results of the national elections in the Philippines as voting by mail has been allowed by the poll body for president, vice president, senators and party-list representative.

Going into official local election campaign, rival candidates for governor, vice governor, city and town mayors and vice mayors have started to exchange charges and tirades with some filing charges and complaints against their foes.

There were also few killings in some areas of some candidates, prompting the Philippine National Police (PNP) to go on high alert during the campaign, imposing the election gun ban and sale of liquor, among others.

Notable of these heated local races are in Manila where Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna is pitted against businessman Alex Lopez, who is a brother of incumbent Rep. Manny Lopez, both sons of the late Mayor Geminiano Mel Lopez; and in Quezon City where Rep. Mike Defensor is trying to unseat Mayor Josefina Joy Belmonte.

Unfazed by Defensor’s exposes, Belmonte has filed libel cases against Defensor over allegations of anomalies in the city government.

In Manila, Alex Lopez questioned the

Duterte...

allegedly untimely and costly projects of Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice Mayor Lacuna, notable the multi-billion peso Manila Zoo rehabilitation.

In Pasig City, Mayor Vico Sotto is being accused of graft and corruption and alleged nepotism by his rival, a grandson of a former Pasig mayor.

Local officials have 30 days for their campaign while those seeking national positions have 45 days which started earlier.

Meanwhile, groups warned of possible election anomalies ahead of the May 9 election.

Already, allegations of vote buying have been reported, the latest included Cavite Governor Juanito Victor Remulla and Quezon Governor Danilo Suarez, both of whom denied the allegations.

There were reports of vote buying also during the campaign involving the Marcos-Duterte team, but the same was denied.

President Rodrigo Duterte and the Commission on Elections have pledged a clean, honest and safe elections amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

At least 33 people were killed in the 2019 midterms – though the 2009 Maguindanao massacre remains the most brutal example.

In collaboration with the Philippine election watchdog Kontra Daya, the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) has now initiated the International Observation Mission (IOM) – right in time for the official start of the election campaign on February 8, 2022.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec), meanwhile, said it will form a task force that will investigate allegations of

(From page 1)

the endorsement, reminding Cusi and his cohorts that the party was founded by the likes of the late Ninoy Aquino and Aquilino ‘Nene’ Pimentel Sr. to do battle with the martial law regime of Marcos Jr.’s father and namesake.

They referred to Cusi’s action as “an abomination” to the memory of Pimentel Sr., who carried the party on his shoulders when Aquino was incarcerated and later allowed to go to the US as an exile, and whose son and namesake is the head of the other wing of PDP-Laban.

Dr. Manuel Jaudian, PDP-Laban secretary general for Mindanao, said using the name of the party “to endorse someone like Bongbong Marcos is an abomination. It’s like spitting on the grave of Nene Pimentel. They are denying and burying history.”

The party, he told local media, was founded due to the abuses committed during the Marcos dictatorship.

Another founding member, Marlo Tabac who now serves as chairman of PDP-Laban in Northern Mindanao said, “Nene must be turning in his grave.”

In a statement, Senator Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel Jr. called Cusi a “usurper” whose petition to be recognized by the Commission on Elections should be

dismissed.

“With this latest action from Sec. Cusi and his cohorts, they have manifested that they are total strangers to PDP-Laban. They don’t even acknowledge that PDP-Laban was established to oppose the Marcos dictatorship,” said Pimentel.

The Pimentel wing of PDP-Laban nominated Senator Manny Pacquiao as their presidential bet, and the famed boxer said in the vernacular that party members should ignore the endorsement, which was like a slap to the faces of the party’s loyalists.

The Cusi wing of the party became infamous for being the only party in power to have no presidential bet of its own after initially recruiting Senator Bato dela Rosa and later Senator Bong Go to serve as standard bearer. Both freshman senators eventually bowed out.

President Duterte initially agreed to run for vice president, then said he preferred to run for senator instead. He also backed out, saying he preferred to retire from politics when his term as president ends.

Mr. Duterte is expected to clarify his stand this week on whether he will endorse Marcos Jr. or opt not to endorse any presidential candidate.

vote-buying.

“The Commission will be creating a Task Force that will handle reports, complaints. Definitely, the Comelec can motu proprio (on its own) investigate. The Comelec can always direct its field personnel to submit a report to us. We will have a task force for us to immediately take action,” Commissioner George Erwin Garcia said in a press conference at the conclusion of the end-to-end demonstration of the Election Day Automated Election System (AES) at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

Garcia, however, reminded the people to be very careful in making reports of vote-buying.

“As you know, politicians can always invoke the Peñera doctrine. Technically it’s not yet the start campaign period for local candidates. We will not hesitate to prosecute those who may be involved in vote-buying.

We are so serious that for this election it is necessary to equalize everything. We will punish those who will be violating the Omnibus Election Code,” he added.

Other developments: 1. The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) on Wednesday deployed the Regional Special Operations Task Group (RSOTG) to the island province of Masbate to secure the public and attain clean, safe, and fair elections on May 9.

Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, PRO-5 regional director, led the sendoff ceremony

for the troops held at the PRO-5 Grandstand in Camp BGen. Simeon A. Ola in this city.

“The RSOTG is expected to closely work with the Armed Forces, stakeholders, and other force multipliers to deter any untoward incident amidst the national and local elections on May 9 this year,” he said in a statement.

The special task group headed by its commander, Col. Rodolfo Castil Jr., is composed of 462 soldiers with specialized training and capabilities to answer their call of duty in Masbate.

2. Two groups requested the Supreme Court (SC) to compel the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to implement digital signatures for the May 9 polls, disclose critical information and allow access of political parties, candidates, accredited media and other organizations to the poll body’s processes.

In their petition, the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) and the Guardians Brotherhood and Automated Election System (AES Watch) sought a writ of mandamus from the SC for the poll body to allow access and inspection of the printing of ballots at the National Printing Office (NPO), including the examination of the ballots already printed without the presence of observers.

The group also sought the publication of deployment destinations of the ballots printed without the presence of observers.

 NATIONAL NEWS

March 24-30, 2022

10

FVR turns 94, online presidential library unveiled

By Ben Cal MANILA – Former President Fidel V. Ramos (FVR) celebrated his 94th birthday on March 18 by unveiling the online FVR Presidential Library, the first and only online presidential library so far in the country today.

A preview of the online presidential library was shown on the internet wherein former Cabinet members, among them former Finance Secretary Roberto de Ocampo and former Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita spoke of the legacy of Ramos as a reformer, builder, peacemaker, and statesmen.

The live streaming can be viewed on The FVR Legacy Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheFVRLegacy.

Also on that day, a book titled “Behind the Red Pen” written by PR & Communications executive Jojo Terencio, a former close-in writer in Malacanang, was launched. The book is edited by Iris Cecilia Gonzales of The Philippine Star.

“Behind the Red Pen” takes the readers back to some of the key events and personalities during the six-year FVR presidency from 1992-1998.

The book also features never-before-seen photos, and provides the readers the opportunity to know Ramos as a leader. It also gives the readers a glimpse of the former president’s private persona.

The title “Behind the Red Pen” gets its inspiration from FVR’s ubiquitous red pens, which he used since his military days to issue handwritten memoranda, marginal notes, and directives.

Ramos was the 12th President of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998 at a time when the country, particularly Metro Manila, was gripped by power shortage he inherited from the previous administration.

Ramos, a retired Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff and former defense secretary, was able to address the power shortage in due time during his presidency.

He also resuscitated the economy by inviting foreign companies to invest in the Philippines.

He is known for his battle cry “Kaya natin ito” (We can do it), as an encouragement to the Filipinos to unite to help solve the country’s problems.

It was also during his incumbency that the Philippine government signed the historic peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on Sept. 2, 1996.

Limit outdoor activities due to warm weather: PAGASA

QUEZON CITY – A few days after declaring the onset of summer or dry season, the government weather bureau advised people to limit their outdoor activities due to the warm and humid weather across Luzon brought by the easterlies.

“Luzon will have fair weather. It will be humid in the afternoon. Stay indoors. Limit outdoor activities,” said Grace Castañeda of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Castañeda added that if outdoor activities could not be prevented, people should not forget to bring sun protection and wear light-colored clothes.

“Take a break to prevent the health effects of warm weather. Hydrate,” she said.

Metro Manila and Tuguegarao’s temperature will reach up to 35°C and Legazpi, up to 33°C. The easterlies remain the prevailing weather system, causing warm and humid weather.

Isolated rains are likely in the afternoon or evening.

“There is no weather disturbance that may affect the country,” Castañeda said.

Eastern Visayas and Mindanao will experience isolated rains and thunderstorms.

Castañeda said residents must take precautions against

possible flooding and landslides.

The temperature in Zamboanga and Davao could reach 34°C; and Tacloban, 33°C. Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas will continue to prevail across the archipelago.

PAGASA officially declared on March 16 the start of the dry season, when rain showers are greatly reduced and higher temperatures are expected.

The weather bureau earlier urged the public to take precautionary measures to minimize heat stress, and optimize the daily use of water for personal and domestic consumption.

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

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

1290 B Street, Suite 205 Hayward, CA 94541

• Eliminate Credit Card Debts • Stop Collections and Harassments

17215 Studebaker RD., Suite 337 Cerritos, CA 90703

11 March 24-30, 2022

 OPINION

A

Pink is the color of hope

We endorse Leni Robredo...

Upside

SEA of pink surged through Pasig City in Metro Manila to welcome incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo, the lone woman candidate for president in the May 9 Philippine elections.

Tears dripped down the eyes of those watching from afar, wondering if the people in the country they had left behind had forgotten the sacrifices of the 1980s. After the ruthless purge of oppositionists, particularly the 1983 murder of Ninoy Aquino, millions wearing the resistance color yellow flooded the streets to declare they’d had enough of the atrocities of the Marcos dictatorship. On CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO March 21, 2022 they – Filipinos and allies of every generation and identity - donned pink to proclaim their bet as the best hope to reclaim the Filipino soul.

The question is valid. Because how could the son and namesake of the man ousted 36 years ago now be the front-runner for the seat his father overstayed, allowing them and their cronies to live like royalty at the expense of the nation?

In 1986 then-KTVU Channel 2 News South Bay Bureau Chief Lloyd LaCuesta and I first met at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco hours after our Consul General Romeo Arguelles defected from the administration. We interviewed FilAm “freedom fighters” at the executive offices on the fifth floor.

Another uprising in 2001 sent Lloyd to Philippine News during the second people EDITORIAL power that felled Pres. Joseph Estrada. This paper’s publisher and ex-Estrada Finance Sec. Edgardo B. Espiritu was a key witness for the prosecution in the impeachment trial (from page 1) aborted by the mass protest. The Sandiganbayan later convicted Estrada for plunder but She has all the strengths needed by our beloved motherland in these difficult times, acquitted him on the perjury charges.

My Hawaii-born FilAm collague asked me why I thought the political situation and none of the weaknesses of all her opponents, especially the one who is said to be would change or simply recur, as in fact it did. I recall invoking the fabled Filipino the frontrunner based on questionable surveys.

We are not alone in endorsing Vice President Robredo to succeed Rodrigo Duterte, resilience and that it has a breaking point, a warning for aspiring dictators.

History repeated itself anew nine years later with the ouster of Estrada successor who made a complete mess of the presidency. Scores of civic, religious, academic, and professional organizations have likewise asked the Philippine electorate to grant Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for fundamentally the same reasons.

One occurrence is an incident. Two, a coincidence. Three a pattern. What might her their vote, not only because she is the most qualified but because it is a matter of a fourth people power revolution look like today? This pink reformation in progress national survival.

There is a genuine fear that our homeland’s very existence as an independent re- evokes hope and joy, rekindles the Filipino character my beloved Dad mourned everypublic will be threatened if Robredo’s main opponent, the son and namesake of the day as gone since September 1972, when our former neighbor declared martial law.

Consider dropping your wallet in an ocean of almost 140,000, as happened to a late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, were to emerge victorious and continue the pro-China Robredo rally participant, who ecstatically posted that someone had chanced upon his policy of Duterte.

So subservient was Duterte to Chinese President Xi that Chinese news organiza- missing valuable and brought it to the organizer lost-and-found office. Honesty, an tions have taken to referring to the Philippines as a province of China. Duterte has inherent Filipino trait, is alive indeed.

I do not know Leni Robredo personally, but I’ve watched her political rise. Clearly also allowed Chinese fishing vessels to freely enter Philippine waters, and they have she has awakened her compatriots, set the example, restored pride and given hope for done so at the expense of the livelihood of countless Filipino fishermen.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stated that he plans to continue Duterte’s pivot to China, a chance to sanitize every sector – for which she needs allies everywhere. Imagine the force of a pink tsunami should anyone attempt to steal the elections. and this is simply not acceptable.

Cherie M. Querol Moreno is Executive Editor of Philippine News Today and FoundUnder a Robredo presidency, the Philippines can at least regain its standing as a respected and even admired member of the community of nations. She can be expect- er-Executive Editor of ALLICE Alliance for Community Empowerment. ed to have a fiercely independent foreign policy, while maintaining strong diplomatic ties with the Philippines’ tried and tested friends. Like the US, for example.

We shudder at what the world will think of the Philippines should her main opponent win in the May election. A nation that peacefully rid itself of a thief and tyrant less than four decades ago, in the process restoring the democracy it had lost by dePhilippine News Today is published weekly by Philippines Today LLC with business and editorial offices at fault, suddenly elects the son of that despicable plunderer?

1290 bayshore hwy unit 151Burlingame ca 94010 Phone no . 650-872-3200 E-fax # 650-745-1442 and website address www.pnewstoday.com and email address advertising@philippinestodayus.com How shameful would that be? or editor@philippinestodayus.com The Philippines would not only be a global laughing stock, but investors would MANILA OFFICE: Le Marquis Townhomes, 51 P. Tuazon Blvd. Quezon City 1112, Tels. 8546.8426, 8451.1892, 8546.8421 stay away in droves. This would pave the pay for the entry of more Chinese loans FRANCIS ESPIRITU masquerading as investments, while charging interest rates that border on usury.

Publisher/President As both lawyer and economist, we know that Leni Robredo will know how to fix MARILYN B. KING THELMA L. CRUZ ALFRED G. GABOT Vice President Vice President Editor-in-chief the broken social, political, and economic system in the Philippines. Her record, first for Sales and Marketing for Operations & Promotions as member of the House of Representatives and then as Vice President of the republic, CLAIRE M. TRUE BETING LAYGO DOLOR CHERIE QUEROL MORENO says that she can be depended on to do the right thing all the time.

Managing Editor Manila Editor Executive Editor By the same token, we also know that her opponent who is a college dropout who JUNNI RANILLO NEIL GONZALES JO ERLINDA YABUT LYDIA SOLIS has no accomplishments to speak of in his many years as an elected official will be Entertainment Editor Chief Correspondent Entertainment Editor Chief Correspondent Northern California Southern California totally clueless on what to do to steer the ship of state to the right course.

It is not only a battle between competent and incompetent, either.

ANGELO LOPEZ MA. CECILIA G. MADELO THOMAS G. MADELO JR. Cartoonist In truth, the battle for the Philippine presidency is between good and evil.

Graphic Director Creative Director Leni Robredo is a good, decent, law-abiding and God-fearing public servant.

ELEANOR SMITH Office Manager GILDA PASION BALAN BLESIE D. SISON Her opponent is the exact opposite. With no known source of income, he has FRANCO G. REGALA ALBERT MARTINEZ NICK SAGMIT outspent all of the other presidential bets combined, refused to return the billions of ALI MACABALANG RENE AMON GEORGE GANGE dollars stolen by his father, refused to pay his taxes, and has sought and received the Account Executives JEANNE MICHAEL PENARANDA RENE AVENIDO Manila Correspondents endorsements of the worst cult leaders in the country.

Photo Correspondents A President Robredo brings with her the promise of a return to decency, moral VAL G. ABELGAS, HOMOBONO A. ADAZA, PERRY DIAZ, JOJO LIANGCO, values, and pride in being Filipino.

JO ERLINDA G. NEBRES, ROY C. MABASA, ART G. MADLAING, We know that her job will not be easy. But there is absolutely no one else we FR. JOEPEL PADIT, RODEL E. RODIS, LOURDES TANCINCO ESQ, MELANDREW T. VELASCO, DANTES & CYNTHIA VELUZ, CRISTINA OSMENA, LUDY ONGKEKO. would rather see in Malacanang for the next six years than this gracious widow, who COLUMNISTS will become the mother of the nation that our homeland deserves.

The views and opinions expressed herein by writers, columnists and advertisers are their own and do not necesPhilippine News Today unequivocally endorses Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Gerona Rosarily 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. bredo as the only candidate worthy to be President of the Philippines for the next six Reproduction or redistribution in whole or in part is prohibited. years.

 OPINION

PerryScope

HAT BEGAN AS one of 97 wannabe presidential candidates has blossomed into one of the five remaining contenders for president of the Philippines. And of the five remaining presidential candidates, Leni Robredo has moved up to the top two candidates with barely two months remaining in the campaign season. In PERRY DIAZ all honesty, the contest is now down to just two – former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Leni Robredo, who had hesitated from running for president for lack of funds.

But her friends and supporters prevailed in convincing her to run. When Leni finally decided to run for president, her approval rating was one percent. Little by little her rating increased to 16%. Within a month, she surpassed everybody except Marcos Jr. who had a fantastic approval rating of 60%, which by any measure would be unbeatable. It seemed like Bongbong was going to bag the presidency.

Now, she’s on the cusp of becoming the leader of a nation beset with problems from pandemic to unemployment, from poverty to inequality. But what is noteworthy – and commendable -- is the way she addressed the nation’s problems.

Leni has been compared to Cory Aquino. But she said she didn’t deserve to be compared to the “icon of democracy.”

However, there were similarities. They’re both widows of political figures. Cory was elevated to the presidency by the EDSA People Power Revolution. And Leni is now riding the crest of her “Pink Revolution,” which has galvanized Filipinos of all ages. Since she began holding rallies in various cities, Leni had attracted thousands of enthusiastic young people who donned pink shirts and held pink banners. They attended her rallies, rain or shine.

Resonant message of peace “We are faced with issues of terrific scale and complexity.

But violence is not the right response to poverty and inequality. Bloodshed will not solve crime and injustice,” she said.

She had criticized President Rodrigo Duterte’s method of fighting criminality and drugs, saying, “Violence is the quick fix that we must prevent and condemn. Violence is a way of cutting corners, where complex problems are met with simplistic but ineffective solutions.”

Leni addressed the millennials, saying, “I believe that millennials, like you, care. I believe that modern technology puts you in the perfect position to protect the greater good.

Most importantly, I believe that you are ready to fight this fight, to answer the urgent call for nation-building, no matter how young you are,” she said.

“But when I say ‘fighting the fight,’ I don’t mean that literally. In protecting the Filipino people and the interests of our nation, we must not resort to the brutality of warfare. Our democracy has no room for political intimidation or violence.

Progress can always be achieved peacefully,” she added.

Her message has resonated with the people, young and old alike. It’s populist to say the least. But she attacked the problem head-on by encouraging the people to use peaceful means of solving the nation’s problems. But one thing she has been doing that I’ve never observed with past presidential candidates is that Leni never attacked her opponents.

Leni’s call on the youth to join nation-building has been a recurring message she delivered before young audiences.

And the crowd roared with approval. They’re ecstatic! They love her! She projected a mother-image and it hit them in their hearts: a mother telling her children to participate in nation-building. It’s unheard of before.

Refusal to debate the issues But Philippine politics is the art of measuring the present against the past. They get a glimpse of what the future would look like based on the candidate’s past history and present performance. But all it takes to mess up the calculus is if the candidate fails to address the issues, which could cause his or her campaign to collapse.

A case in point was former Vice President Jejomar Binay who was leading the polls for sometime until one issue was raised against him. He failed to address the issue of corruption when he was Mayor of Makati. And that brought him down. He placed fourth place in the presidential election of 2010.

(Continue on page 27)

N

ECESSITY OF LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT Last Thursday, March 17, 2022, Fely and Frank, old friends now residing in Daly City, California came and visited me in my home in San Francisco, California for the notarization of their ART GABOT MADLAING Last Will and Testament.

After some preliminaries, I had Fely signed her Last Will and Testament which consisted of five pages in twelve sections namely: EXPENSES & TAXES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE, DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY, OMISSION, BOND, DISCRETIONARY POWERS OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE, CONTESTING BENEFICIARY, GUARDIAN AD LITEM REQUIRED, GENDER, ASSIGNMENT, GOVERNING LAW and BINDING ARRANGEMENT. Fely’s Last Wil and Testament was witnessed by two of her co-workers at a Convalescent Hospital in Daly City, California. I had Fely signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and then put her right thumb mark.

Fely’s huband Frank also signed his Last Will and Testament which also consisted of five pages in similar twelve sections. Then, I had Frank signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and put his right thumb mark. Since the two witnesses were not able to come with Fely and Frank, have to meet and visit them the following day, Friday, March 18, 2022 by twelve noon at the Convalescent Hospital where they are working.

I had them signed the TESTAMENTARY AFFIDAVIT Section as witnesses to the Last Will and Testament of both Fely and Frank. I also had the two witnesses signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and put their right thumb marks.

After I finished notarizing their Last Will and Testament, I asked Fely why she and her husband finally decided to complete and have their Last Will and Testament be notarized.

“My late cousin in Los Angeles, California died without a prepared and notarized Last Will and Testament. As a result, his estate and property were subjected to a very lengthy and expensive probate,” Fely explained.

“My husband and I don’t want to experience what happened to my late cousin,” Fely continued.

“Congratulations to you and Frank. Now, you have peace of mind,” I said to Fely.

“Thank you for your help and assistance in notarizing our Last Will and Testament. I appreciate your driving to our workplace here at the convalescent hospital for the signatures and notarization of the two witnesses of our Last Will and Testament,” Fely affirmed.

I personally commend Fely and Frank for their preparedness in having their Last Will and Testament be completed and notarized on time. They are very good example and role model for our readers and the general public to follow or emulate.

Probate is a very lengthy and expensive process in which the Superior Court has jurisdiction over the administration of the estate of a deceased person. It happened to the late cousin of Fely because he didn’t have a prepared and notarized Last Will and Testament when he died in Los Angeles, California.

You can be ready and prepared now by having a completed and notarized Last Will and Testament before it’s too late. Our paralegal partner and lawyer-friend can help you in the preparation and notarization of your Last Will and Testament at a very affordable price. Just write or contact: MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, 730 Madrid Street, San Francisco, CA 94112 Tel. (650)438-3531 or (415)584-7095 or email:artmadlaing@gmail.com GGCC BOOKS LAUNCHING & MONTHLY RAFFLE: More than 50 prizes will be drawn and awarded to the raffle winners of the Golden Gate Church of Christ (GGCC) Books Launching & Monthly Raffle on March 26, 2022, 3:00pm, 701-8th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118.

The raffle prizes will include SAFEWAY Gift Certificates, Abe FREE Haircut Certificates, FREE Real Estate Consulting (Loan, Buying or Selling) Certificates, autographed copies by the authors and publisher of the following books and publications namely: LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY” (404 pages, regular price of $25.95 at Amazon plus shipping and handling) subtitled “How to be Healthy Emotionally, Financially, Physically, Sexually and (Continue on page 27)

T

12

The art of giving, Don Ramon’s way

he recent inauguration of the Million Trees Foundation, Inc. (MTFI) Nursery and Eco-learning Center at the La Mesa Watershed Reservation in Quezon City was one of the rare occasions San Miguel Corporation (SMC) President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang (RSA) addressed a gathering. RSA shuns public speaking engagements, preferring to MELANDREW T. VELASCO work quietly without fanfare.

RSA is after all the president of one of the country’s bestperforming diversified corporations that ended with a strong performance in 2021 despite the pandemic. More than its growth in consolidated net income, SMC under his leadership continues to focus on sustainability, nation-building and helping set the stage for economic recovery.

The task of introducing RSA who was the guest of honor and speaker for the event was given to MTFI Chairman Emeritus Gen. Reynaldo V. Velasco (Ret). Velasco’s experiences working with RSA convey the character and values of the latter. A visionary, RSA’s plan to connect the northern provinces of the country to the southern tip of Luzon is now being realized.

His love for nature and for the environment is beyond question. SMC is actively involved in environment conservation and protection through the various programs of its subsidiaries. In fact, under SMC’s Greening For Nation Building, some 3.8 million trees in the last three years with 89 percent survival rate for upland trees and 91 percent for mangroves in the wetlands. SMC is also targeting to plant 7 million on 4,000 hectares of upland and mangrove areas all over the country.

RSA supports the Annual Million Tree Challenge and now the MTFI programs to rehabilitate critical watersheds.

He is also undertaking the dredging and desilting of Tullahan River and the Pasig River without any cost to government. “I still have to see a businessman who will invest on his own in clearing a very big river like Tullahan in support of the project of DENR,” Velasco had said.

RSA is also someone with a deep sense of gratitude.

Velasco recalled that he would accompany RSA to visit former President Fidel V. Ramos regularly until COVID restrictions were imposed. He contributed to the Silver Linings road show that brought FVR and book authors Melandrew T. Velasco and Gen. Velasco to different U.S. cities. Silver Linings is a book about the 1986 People Power Revolution where FVR played a vital role. He acknowledges the contributions of FVR to the country and shows his gratitude to the former president. “I don’t want FVR to feel that we are paying attention, taking care of him because he is the President.

Even if he is no longer president I want him to feel loved.”

Aside from the various big-ticket infrastructure projects that his company is undertaking which provide employment to many and fuel economic growth such as the Bulacan International Airport, MRT 7, and PARX, among others, RSA’s compassion for his countrymen is very visible in the COVID response of SMC. SMC was among the first corporations to extend assistance when the country was put under hard lockdown by the government. It launched a nationwide food donation drive, including the purchase of sacks of rice which were distributed to informal settlers in different areas in the metropolis.

It spent over a billion on medical donations and initiatives, including purchase of a PCR machine and building of laboratory to test its workforce for free. It also donated PCR testing machines, test kits, quarantine facilities and PPEs. SMC also produced and donated disinfectant alcohol to hospitals nationwide.

Aside from these, during the lockdown, SMC paid all salaries of its employees in full amounting to over Php3billion. It also advanced payments of taxes and concession fees to government amounting to Php8,77 billion to ensure funds were available for the government response efforts.

Furthermore, SMC implemented a “no toll fees” policy for medical frontliners at its expressways: Southern Taga’log Arterial Road (STAR), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway system, NAIA Expressway, and Tarlac-PangasinanLa Union Expressway (TPLEX).

When Typhoon Odette battered Visayas and Mindanao, (Continue on page 27) SMC immediately extended assis-

THE OUTSIDER

NECESSITY OF LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

The Pink Revolution phenomenon

Health & Wealth

W

March 24-30, 2022

13 March 24-30, 2022

 OPINION

Offline

H

ONOLULU - I recently conducted my own ‘kalye’ surveys in Honolulu and in neighboring Waipahu and I was initially surprised to find that it was as if no one has heard of the contenders in the presidential race other than Bongbong Marcos.

Marcos Jr. swept both surveys leaving nothing for his opponents. So is his partner TEDDY P. MOLINA Mayor Sara Duterte. Both of them were the only ones picked by those my wife and I have reached out to.

Upon reaching Honolulu, I decided to find out how fellow Pinoys out there feel about the upcoming elections in their country of birth.

Earlier, while we were in the mainland, specifically in Northern California where we live, I’ve been long grappling with the idea of how to go face to face with our compatriots much like in the same manner that ‘kalye’ survey veterans are doing back home.

Mind you, I’ve been salivating every time I watched video vlogs of the activity in the Philippines which has been plenty and frequent.

I wanted to do my own but couldn’t do so. I was burning with passion to do it house to house but sanity and my wife prevailed who cited privacy and safety issues that may crop up.

What if I go knocking from house to house and there are no Pinoys inside? What if there were Pinoys but would refuse to let a stranger in especially as the pandemic was still raging ?

And so, I was excessively glad when the opportunity to do it on American soil finally came up when we landed in Honolulu.

The idea presented itself when, on the second day of our stay, after a full night rest at a Waikiki hotel, my wife and I sought out to explore the place where being a tourist-teeming area, gift and souvenir shops abound, door-to-door so to speak or close to each other.

So we went door to door much like house to house. And the stores were manned by fellow Filipinos! I thank them for being cooperative and supportive. Many of them even took the initiative when I appeared too apologetic in telling them why we’re at their store.

Anyway, my baptism into the ‘kalye’ survey territory was smooth and issue-free.

We did it from everywhere - store to store, on the street as we came across fellow Pinoys doing their work rounds and in our hotel.

The results in both surveys- in Waikiki and Waipahu - were uniformly one- sided and lopsided in favor Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte. Yes, my dear friends and readers, the Uniteam partners swept the surveys and that means their rivals got nothing.

This led former National Press Club of the Philippines president Rolly Gonzalo to comment in my subsequent vlog that aired our Waikiki survey that the survey was “boring”. He explained that it was like watching a boxing match where all the punching was done by the winner while the foe kept receiving the hits and retreating without unleashing a counterpunch.

I too was initially kind of floored by the results but I got ‘revived’ when my wife reminded me valiant Ilocanos inhabit the place.

Manong Lito Alcantra who is considered as a Pinoy patriarch in Hawaii said “we will go 101 % for Bongbong and Sara.”

In a video message to former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Chavit Singson which he asked this writer to relay to him, he congratulated the much respected Ilocano leader for supporting Marcos Jr. “ We shall follow your lead here in Hawaii, “ he said.

Now the mayor of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur and national president of the Mayors’ League of the Philippines, Singson is leading the charge for the BBM-SARA tandem throughout the country.

Singson has recently established the first and only solarpowered public market in the Philippines with no less than President Rodrigo Duterte inaugurating it.

President Duterte was generous in giving praises to Mayor Singson for his innovative modern market that’s also complemented by a similarly solar-powered parking area cum charging station that can accommodate up to 5,O00 E-vehicles.

Mama Mary intercession At 6 pm on Friday, Roman Catholic bishops across the world join Pope Francis in consecrating to the Blessed Virgin Russia and Ukraine to end the conflict.

Pope Francis had also met with the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church to convince Vladimir Putin to stop the war.

The Bible-quoting Russian leader is invoking re- MANNY MOGATO ligion to wage a war on Ukraine as Russian casualties mount and its invasion stalled by determindd Ukrainians.

The CBCP asks the faithful to pray for peace in Eastern Europe. The late Pope John Paul II demonstrated the power of prayer to Mama Mary in the dismantling of the Iron Curtain in the 1990s

IN THE TRENCHES

O

ne of the things that the growing momentum for a Leni Robredo victory in the May elections may not be able to stop is her ending up with a vice president from another party.

Senator Kiko Pangilinan is Robredo’s running mate, but the husband of popular star Sharon Cuneta may end up on the losing end of the BETING DOLOR vote, and there’s not much that the current vice president can do about it.

For the past many weeks, talk has been rife that there is an honest-to-goodness movement to convince the electorate that a Leni Robredo-Sara Duterte tandem would be for the best.

More than a month ago, a group of Davao businessmen and politicians who were partly responsible in convincing then Mayor Rody Duterte to run for president announced that they were now pushing for a Robredo-Duterte tandem, coining the term RoSa, for Robredo and Sara of course.

It was catchy enough as the Filipino word for pink – Robredo’s campaign color – is rosa.

Weeks later, another group held a press conference announcing that they too were pushing a Leni-Sara partnership.

That group was led by former bold star Vivian Velez, who was given a cushy position in the Duterte regime. They even held their event at the historic Club Filipino.

Then this week, a group of governors allied with President Duterte but who had recently endorsed Robredo held their own press event calling for…you guessed it, a RoSa pairing.

While Robredo has nothing to do with the snowballing movement, there is strong suspicion that President Duterte himself approves of the proposed partnership. It seems clear that he is in no mood to endorse his daughter’s running mate, Bongbong Marcos, whom he had earlier referred to as a spoiled brat, a weak leader, and a cocaine addict.

It is also possible that the tandem is being pushed, especially in Mindanao, because Marcos is not too popular there. If anything, Mindanaoans would prefer to side with one of their own, the one and only Manny Pacquiao.

Born and bred in General Santos City (formerly known as Dadiangas), the greatest Filipino boxer of all time is running for president even if his chances of winning are pretty slim.

There is, to be sure, a Pacman-Sara tandem also being pushed, but this pairing has not gained any traction.

The RoSa tandem, however, could succeed. Whatever differences they may have, blood is still thicker than water and Daddy Digong is sure to want his daughter to win as VP, which would be her stepping stone to the presidency.

Some political analysts have an even grimmer view.

They believe that if Marcos were to win, Sara would move to have him removed, either through impeachment or through the Commission on Elections declaring his candidacy null and void. Note that all of the Comelec’s commissioners are Duterte appointees, and most are from Mindanao.

And if Robredo wins, uneasy will likewise be the crown that lies on her head. Sara will also scheme to remove Leni.

In fact, there is widespread belief that Sara Duterte is little more than a puppet of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is again running for a House seat after she briefly held the post of Speaker.

We know the saying, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. This is most certainly the case with GMA, who may further be scheming to return as Speaker of the House, after which she will move for a plebiscite to convert the system of government to a federal form. This would be the best way for her to become Supreme Leader once again, but her title will be Prime Minister.

This scenario is not as wild as it seems. With Sara Duterte as vice president, the majority of congressmen and senators who were loyal to Daddy Digong will certainly shift their allegiance to her. With his blessings, of course.

Sara and GMA scheming and plotting to unseat President Robredo is a scary thought, but far from impossible.

It is for this reason that the so-called ‘kakampinks’ or Leni fans and fanatics are working doubly hard to make sure that Pangilinan also wins as VP. Kiko has sufficient street smarts to take control of a good enough number of congressmen and senators to make sure that President Robredo serves a full six year term.

(Continue on page 27)

‘Kalye’ survey in Hawaii

Breaking Through

A deadly RoSa tandem gaining momentum

***** March 20 is my father’s 102nd birthday. I was only 10 years old when he died of bone cancer and would have had lived longer if he had agreed to amputate his leg.

But he perhaps dreaded to be a PWD because he had worked hard for his family. Like most young men in Iloilo during pre-war period, he was a rice farmer.

But after the war, he tried his luck in Manila, landing in a job as a kitchen helper at San Beda for priests. He quickly learned and soon became a cook.

In the mid-50s, his brother-in-law, a self-taught engineer at an inter-island ferry encouraged him to be a sailor, cooking for a ship crew in an inter-island cargo vessel.

As a cook, soon he was sailing to foreign countries aboard Japanese cargo vessels.

I knew all the places he had been through postcards he sent home to my mother. He had visited ports in New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea.

The farthest he had visited was San Francisco in California.

During those days, a seafarer would be at sea and different ports for an average of two years.

Growing up, I seldom saw my father. I could count on my fingers the times he was in Manila but it was only for a month.

But everytime he was at the Port of Manila, he wouod take me to his ship sometimes in the middie of Manila bay.. i enjoyed running around the ship from the officers’ deck to the engine room below. Food was abundant.

My father loved to bring home Japanese appliances he bought abroad, Hitachi TV and phonograph and lots vinyl records. He loved jazz and classical music and standards, like Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Matt Monroe and others.

He also brought home toys, cosmetics and perfumes.

Some of the imported items, like liquurs and cigarettes were sold to friends and neighbors.

But before he would sail, I accompany him to a local grocery to buy cheap local rum, gin and whiskey and reams of local cigarettes which he sold to the ship’s crew.

He was enterprising. May sari-sari store sa barko. But he was also generous, gifting customs people and port police with imported brandy and whiskey. He had presents for everyone including neighbors and relatives.

I recalled I was only spanked twice by my father. I could only recall one time he got mad at me. I have a long-time friend, Domingo whose family owned a junk shop. I went with Domingo pushing a pushcart to a garbage dump in Barangka, it’s a mountain of trash before Smokey Mountain and Payatas became famous.

We were out all day and returned with a pushcart load of tin cans, bottles and cartons.

My father was so mad at ne because they have been searching for me for hours. They taught something must have had happened. Two teenaged sons of a neighbor drowbed in Pasig river and they were afraid I went swimming too.

I was jubilant showing off the 5 centavos I earned but I was met with a stick and three lashes on my buttock. He then sent me to the bathroom and scrub me all over as I was not only snelly but darkened by soot.

“Humingi ka na lang sana ng 5 centavos at hindi ka pa (Continue on page 27) nahirapan mamulot ng basura,” he

 BUSINESS | IMMIGRATIONS

March 24-30, 2022

14

You can apply for Green Card

O

n August 9, 2021, the USCIS announced that applicants filing for lawful permanent resident status are now able to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) or replacement card as part of the adjustment of status application process.

A person who qualifies to be a permanent resident may be able to apply to obtain a green card without leaving the U.S. This procedure is called adjustment of status (AOS). When a person applies for adjustment of status, he also applies for a work permit (EAD) and, if he is eligible, for a travel permit (“advance parole”). Generally, an applicant for adjustment of status must have entered the U.S. legally and have never violated his immigration status.

To apply for adjustment of status, you must submit a form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status plus supporting evidence and the proper filing fee. Use form I-765 to apply for an EAD work permit and form I-131 to apply for an Advance Parole travel permit.

There are some exceptions to the general rule to qualify for Adjustment of Status.

Section 245(i) of the law provides that certain persons with old priority dates may pay a penalty fee and adjust their status despite entering the U.S. illegally or violating or overstaying their nonimmigrant status.

Section 245(k) provides that if a person is applying for AOS pursuant to an employment-based immigrant visa petition, he is eligible to do so as long as he entered the U.S. lawfully and has not been out of status for over 180 days since his most recent admission.

Also, persons who are immediate relatives (parents, spouses and children of U.S. citizens) may adjust their status if they entered the U.S. lawfully even if they overstayed or worked without authorization without having to pay a penalty fee.

A U.S. citizen son or daughter must be 21 years of age or older in order to sponsor his parents for green cards.

Note: This is not a legal advice. 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.

Immigration News The DHS issued a new guidelines for the arrest and deportation of undocumented immigrants. The guidelines focused on national security. crimes and border security as the government priority.

Success Stories For the month of February 2022, we received approvals from USCIS four naturalization applications, two Fiancée visa petitions, three removal of condition on residence and four adjustment of status applications.

Bankruptcy Basics 1. Bankruptcy will actually improve your credit within one year because your unsecured debts are discharged. Although the bankruptcy will be in your records for 10 years, not filing bankruptcy will make your credit even worse until most your debts are paid.

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

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

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

China and survival of the country is the main issue in the Philippine election Based on opinion of many political analyst, China may annex the Philippines after the May 2022 election because of China’s ambition to control the West Philippine Sea and the important sea passage, which is needed for its global domination. China is supporting BBM for President to control the Philippines.

When this happens, all of us including our children and grandchildren will become slaves of Communist China. We will have no more country. No other country will deal with us because we will be part of China. We need to unite in order to defeat the current administration and its allies running for President. Listen to Percy Lapid (or Lapid Fire) and Waldy Carbonell on You Tube and Facebook for details and more corruption in the government.

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

Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers.

He practices immigration law, bankruptcy and income tax preparation since June 1999. His contact phone is 1-877-456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www.crispinlozanolaw.com/

BayaniPay, East West Bank launch first FilAm neobank

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor LOS ANGELES -- The first ever FilAm neobank was launched earlier this month, a tie up between digital financial platform BayaniPay and East West Bank.

For East West Bank, the tie up marks its first foray in offering banking services in a digital banking platform.

BayaniPay, meanwhile, hopes to ease the barriers faced by new immigrants in opening bank accounts in their new country, while also making seamless cross border payments, particularly to their home country.

By offering regular banking products via its neobank, BayaniPay addresses a pressing need of some 4.2 million Filipinos in the US. As an immigrant himself, BayaniPay CEO Winston Damarillo noted that FilAms “are one of the largest Asian American groups in the US, with 1 $145 billion purchasing power.”

He added that despite their significant market size and buying power, no bank has catered to their financial needs and responsibilities both in the US and the Philippines.

This is where BayaniPay comes in.

BayaniPay entered the market in November, last year, providing zero-fee remittances from California to the Philippines. Its foreign exchange rates are considered as among the top in the market.

Aside from East West Bank, BayaniPay also partnered with BDO Unibank,

the Philippines’ largest bank, as well as Seafood City, the largest Filipino-owned supermarket chain in the US. According to Parker Shi, EVP and COO of East West Bank, “As a premier financial bridge between the US and Asia, we have developed robust digital banking capabilities to meet our customers’ cross border needs.”

He said the partnership with BayaniPay enables them to embed their products and services to serve a new group of customers.

East West is the largest independent bank based in Southern California.

As a fintech company, BayaniPay is not a bank, but rather offers banking products and services via East West Bank.

Among the services available at its launch this spring are the East Westpowered Easy Digital Checking Account, which is insured with the FDIC, and has no minimum deposit or balance requirements.

Initially available to California residents, its services will soon be offered in other states.

The zero fees charged by BayaniPay as well as its superior exchange rates are due to the absence of brick-and-mortar offices, thereby saving on operating costs and providing more affordable services to customers.

Meanwhile, SoCal-based East West Bank operates in more than 120 locations in the US and China. It is not to be confused with a similarly-named bank operating in the Philippines.

 ENTERTAINMENT

March 24-30, 2022

16

More celebrities come out for different bets; Ariana Grande trends in PH for Leni-Kiko rally video playing ‘Break Free’ Actors, actresses and other celebrities have come out for their respective candidates as the national and local campaign get to the final stage before the May 9 elections.

This as American pop star Ariana Grande was among the trending topics in the Philippines after she posted on her Instagram stories an aerial video of supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan singing her hit song “Break Free.”

Grande’s “Break Free” was among the songs played in the well-attended Leni-Kiko election campaign rally in Pasig City, and Grande reposted the clip on her Instagram filled with gratitude.

“I could not believe his was real, I love you more than words,” she said in the Instagram story, ABSCBN reported.

As of writing, Ariana Grande was the #1 topic in Philippine trends on Twitter with nearly 30,000 tweets.

Grande was a staunch critic of the Donald Trump administration and is a supporter of the Black Lives Matter campaign.

She has two Grammy awards under her belt: Best Pop Vocal Album for “sweetener” and Best Pop Duo/ Group Performance for “Rain On Me” with Lady Gaga.

Several rock bands, pop artists, actors, and celebrities joined tens of thousands of ‘Kakampinks’ at the campaign rally of presidential candidate Robredo and her running mate.

The event was the top trending topic on Twitter on Sunday, and its live stream had 3.1 million views on Facebook and over 380,000 views on YouTube as of writing.

Megastar Sharon Cuneta joined rallies for Vice President Leni Robredo and her husband runningmate of Robredo Sen Francis Pangilinan.

Lately, top actress Angel Locsin joined the Pasig and other rallies as well for Robredo.

Other celebrities who are supporting the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem include brother-in-law Gary Valenciano, Bituin Escalante, Kuh Ledesma, Robi Domingo, OPM band Ben&Ben, Ely Buendia, the CompanY, Joel Torre, Cherry Pie Picache, and Edu Manzano, to name some.

At the Pasig rally of Robredo,

several rock bands, pop artists, actors and celebrities joined tens of thousands of ‘Kakampinks.’

Actor Donny Pangilinan sang “Ikaw Lang Ang Aking Mahal” by Brownman Revival and gave a message to his uncle, Sen. Kiko, who was at that time attending the vice presidential debates organized by the Commission on Elections.

“Nung bata pa ako nakita ko na, na mahal niya talaga ang mga magsasaka at mga mangingisda and I’m speaking from the heart, nandoon ang puso niya sa mga Pilipino kaya sabi ko sa kanya, Tito, I will support you all the way,” Pangilinan said as reported by ABS-CBN. He also urged the public to talk to other people, may they be undecided or supporting other candidates, and convince them to vote for Robredo and Pangilinan.

“Kahit pink po ang kulay natin we shouldn’t be scared of other colors and talk to them about the Leni-Kiko tandem para makumbinsi sila to go Leni-Kiko all the way,” he said.

“Wala akong nakikitang ibang karapat-dapat na mamuno kundi ang Leni-Kiko tandem.”

Ben&Ben performed a new song titled “Sabel” dedicated to women who continued to fight for their rights despite all odds.

The OPM band also performed their songs “Pagtingin,” “Kapangyarihan,” and, “Araw-Araw.”

“Si Leni Robredo kahit anong tinapon sa kanya ng mundo patuloy lang siyang lumaban para sa bawat isa sa atin.”

In a previous statement, Ben&Ben said it is rallying behind Robredo and Pangilinan but clarified that the band will not be paid for its support.

Aside from the Pasig event, Ben&Ben will also perform at the campaign rally of the RobredoPangilinan ticket in Nueva Ecija on March 22.

Angel Locsin also showed up at the campaign rally dubbed Pasiglaban.

The Darna actress joined thousands of pink-clad supporters along the stretch of Emerald Avenue.

While wearing a black shirt paired with a pink mask, Locsin proudly carried a placard that reads: “Ma’am Leni sayo na ang bato.”

17 March 24-30, 2022

 ENTERTAINMENT

Tears flow at contract-signing of Kapamilya stars who stayed despite crisis Tears flowed on March 23 during the contract-signing of three Kapamilya stars, as TV production head Lauren Dyogi expressed gratitude to them for choosing to stay on despite the uncertainty of the last two years, following twin crises of the coronavirus pandemic and ABS-CBN’s forced broadcast shutdown.

“It’s Showtime” mainstay Vhong Navarro, his co-host and OPM pillar Ogie Alcasid, and leading man JC de Vera each renewed their respective contract with ABS-CBN during a livestreamed event dubbed “Good Job,” after a popular catchphrase in the noontime program.

ABS-CBN executives who signed were Rick Tan, head of finance; Dyogi, head of TV production and head of Star Magic; Cory Vidanes, chief operating officer; Carlo Katigbak, president and CEO; and Mark Lopez, chairman.

Inking their contract one by one, Navarro, Alcasid, and de Vera turned sentimental about the tumultuous years ABSCBN endured after the non-renewal of its franchise by a congressional panel, compounding the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on its employees.

The franchise crisis resulted in the widescale retrenchment of thousands of workers, including entire units. It also led

to the exodus of on-camera personalities as ABS-CBN grappled with the loss of its flagship free-TV channel and radio stations.

At the end of the “Good Job” contractsigning, Dyogi gave a speech addressing Navarro, Alcasid, and de Vera.

“This is a very important day for all of us. We are formally renewing our com-

mitment with you JC, Vhong, and Ogie,” he said.

Visibly emotional, Dyogi paused to compose himself. The artists, too, appeared to be holding tears as the executive gathered himself, at one point stepping aside to drink water.

“Sa totoo lang, what’s important was the last two years,” Dyogi continued.

“Iyong two years na dinaanan natin hindi biro.”

Dyogi, who also stepped up as Star Magic head after the departure of founder Johnny Manahan and his partner Mariole Alberto, recalled that ABS-CBN had to pause renewing or signing on new talents.

“Those were two years of difficult times na walang pirmahan. There was a lot of uncertainty, pero you were here.

You were here with us,” he told the three.

Dyogi echoed earlier statements of his fellow ABS-CBN executives — pledging to continue building the careers of artists who stood with the company during the dark chapter. “‘Yung mga taong kasama namin sa hirap, ngayong paahon tayo, we’ll be together. We’re committed to be with you and to support you, because you did a good job in serving the public and being with us.

“Maraming, maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong tatlo,” he said.

Two years after ABS-CBN’s TV and radio broadcast were shuttered, the media giant has successfully transitioned as a leading content creator, with a continually growing number of platforms through partnerships and bolstered digital presence. (Mario Dumaual/ABS-CBN News)

 ENTERTAINMENT

March 24-30, 2022

18

Willie Revillame serenades Sara Duterte, Mocha Uson goes for Isko Moreno Popular TV host Willie Revillame serenaded vicepresidential candidate Sara Duterte-Carpio with a reworded version of his hit song “Ikaw Na Nga,” to reflect his endorsement of the Davao City mayor.

The daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte made a guest appearance at a live episode of Revillame’s “Wowowin” variety show, which was livestreamed from the Cebu City Sports Center, ABS-CBN reported.

Duterte-Carpio was notably without her “UniTeam” running mate, presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. ABS-CBN also reported that Revillame, as well as rapper Andrew E, each performed their signature songs tweaked as a campaign jingle for Duterte-Carpio.

Clad in green, Duterte-Carpio’s campaign color, Revillame referred to the mayor as, “Ilaw ng tahanan ng no Domagoso, according to the network.

Uson, who is seeking a congressional seat as a nomilahat,” in his song.

Meanwhile, former sexy performer Mocha Uson, an nee of the Mocha (Mothers for Change) Party-list, joined former appointee and staunch ally of Duterte, formally Moreno at his campaign stop in Kawit, Cavite.

In her endorsement speech, she likened Moreno to backed the presidential bid of Manila Mayor Isko More-

a “young Duterte” supposedly in terms of passion for service to the country.

Uson is one of several allies of Duterte who are now supporting the presidential candidacy of Domagoso, after the president’s long-time aide, Sen. Bong Go, withdrew from the race last year.

Erich Gonzales ties the knot with businessman bf Mateo Lorenzo Kapamilya actress Erich Gonzales has tied the knot with her long-time non-showbiz boyfriend Mateo Lorenzo in a solemn wedding ceremony held at the St. James Parish in Alabang, Muntinlupa before lunch this Wednesday, March 23.

It was Mateo’s relative Andres de Leon Lorenzo who posted the picture of the wedding of Erich and Mateo on his Instagram account.

The picture shows the two seated in front of the altar but there was no caption written.

SAI RAM ASTROLOGER & PSYCHIC MISS DEVI SHAMALA

The picture is in black and white with Mateo wearing a barong Tagalog.

After a few minutes, the photo was deleted by the uploader from his Instagram story, but a source was able to send the copy to the entertainment portal the two pictures of Erich and Mateo.

Erich has been very secretive with her relationship with Mateo. On February 19, this year, a copy of their wedding banns or announcement of their wedding at the catholic church came out.

The wedding banns or announcement stated the date of their wedding which fell on this day.

In September 2020, on the occasion of her 30th birthday, Erich mentioned about her lovelife. She did not show Mateo’s face on her vlog, but it could be gleaned that it was Mateo who was with her when the camera captured that she was with a man who was the driving the car. They had a date in a restaurant and Erich often mentioned her thanksgiving to her boyfriend.

In a separate scene on the same

vlog where Erich was opening her gift, she mentioned the name of her boyfriend “Mateo Lorenzo” who gave her an espresso machine.

It was in March 2018 when Erich admitted that she was dating somebody, a mystery guy, and in July 2018, she admitted that she has a boyfriend.

She was just very careful in giving details to the public. And in a report from PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), also in September 2020, it was stated that Mateo is a businessman.

He is one of the 12 children of businessman Martin Ignacio Lorenzo.

Mateo’s father is into food retail business and into manufacturing company of plastic products. Among the brands owned by his Restaurant Concepts Group Inc. is the Barcino restobar, and the donuts brand GoNuts.

Martin is the chairman and COO of Central Azucarera de Tarlac.

In his Instagram account, Mateo mentioned that he is fond of expensive cars, show jumping and agriculture. (ECD/MTVN)

19 March 24-30, 2022

 ENTERTAINMENT

Yassi Pressman leads sorties for partylist group After visiting Bohol and Cebu for post-Odette relief efforts together with AP Partylist, Yassi Pressman is now joining grand rallies in campaigning for her new partylist.

AP Partylist #AkoyPilipino is a partylist advocating for the transport and livelihood sector.

Yassi started the campaign on March 13 in Barangay Tubod, Iligan where she and her team were warmly welcomed by its residents.

Yassi led the morning’s activities, which included the distribution of sacks of rice for more than a thousand residents.

The next stop for Yassi and the AP Team was at the Iligan City Plaza.

Responding to questions as to why she is actively supporting AP Partylist, the celebrated young actress declared, “Magkaibigan po kami ni Cong. Ronnie dati pa. Mula po nang magsimula ang pandemya, saksi tayo sa araw-araw na Covid-19 bayanihan na ginagawa ni Cong. Ronnie at ng buong AP Team. At masaya ako na

makasama sa mga ginagawa nila ngayon.”

Yassi considers it a privilege to be able to extend help to Filipinos in need especially since we are still in the middle of a pandemic.

For Yassi, supporting AP Partylist and its advocacies is also supporting her fellow Filipinos.

“Salamat po sa inyong mainit na pagtanggap sa amin. Tulungan po natin ang AP Partylist ngayong halalan, at alam kong di tayo bibiguin ng AP Partylist sa pangunguna ni Cong. Ronnie Ong,” Yassi Pressman said in parting to the Iliganons.

Thousands of supporters and fans of Yassi Pressman and AP Partylist attended the grand rally in Iligan. From there, the team proceeded to Surigao del Norte for a further round of grand rally activities.

For more details about the activities of Yassi Pressman with AP Partylist, log on to https://appartylist.org/ and visit their facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/appartylist.

Why it took 18 years for Troy Montero, Aubrey Miles to be engaged “Lagi naming napag-uusapan. It’s just that kung saan, kung dito or sa States,” she said.

According to her, citizenship and whether she or Troy and their sons (Aubrey has a son from a previous relationship and now has a son and a daughter with Troy) should stay in Manila or in America are the usual problems they face whenever they hear the word “wedding,” especially now that she has businesses to look after in Manila.

MANILA, Philippines — After 18 years of being together, celebrity couple Aubrey Miles and Troy Montero are now engaged.

In his Instagram account, Troy shared photos of him and Aubrey kayaking, showing the actress’ engagement ring.

“Together 18 years, Engaged 8 hours… Here’s to Forever with you!” Troy wrote in the caption.

Celebrities such as Gretchen Ho, Marc Nelson, Maui Taylor, Iza Calzado, Daniel Matsunaga, Yasmin Kurdi and Meg Imperial, to name a few, congratulated the couple.

“So happy for you guys!!!!” Iza commented.

“Finally! Congrats you two,” Maui wrote.

Aubrey and Troy are in Boracay for a month to show their kids the island life.

They celebrated their 18th anniversary last September.

The couple has two children, Hunter and Rocket.

In a 2017 exclusive interview with Philstar.com, Aubrey disclosed that marriage, actually, never left her and Troy’s mind.

 REAL ESTATE

March 24-30, 2022

Gov’t institutionalizes measures vs. real estate scammer QUEZON CITY – The government has formally institutionalized its intensive drive and measures against illegal activities related to real estate property and other housing projects in the country.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario signed a memorandum of agreement with the representatives of the Real Estate Brokers Association of the Philippines over the weekend to formalize their partnership for a nationwide crackdown against real estate scammers.

The move is part of the DHSUD’s Special Order No. 2021-002, creating a technical working group (TWG) that will institutionalize the department’s intensified drive on anti-illegal real estate practices.

The DSHUD, along with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, among other national government and law enforcement agencies as well as REBAP will be adopting a wholegovernment approach to address illicit transactions and other issues in the housing industry.

Del Rosario emphasized the importance of joint efforts to put an end to unlawful activities that victimize homebuyers.

The housing czar also thanked the REBAP for its commitment to propel this advocacy, saying “its national clout is vital to catching real estate scammers.”

“I would like to thank REBAP for their support to our campaign to go after illegal real estate groups who are victimizing our homebuyers, with your help, we can further strengthen our force to go after them and ensure that less and less homebuyers fall prey to their schemes,” he added.

Del Rosario said the help of REBAP “will certainly boost” the department’s campaign against illegal practices within the housing sector.

“We will continue to work with relevant stakeholders in the human settlements and urban development sector to finally put an end to this crime,” he noted.

Under the newly signed pact, the network of broker-members of REBAP will serve as “monitors” of illegal practices and be tasked to submit documentary evidence to the TWG. The association is tasked to look into sales, leasing, joint ventures, among other related activities of unlicensed/unaccredited/unregistered individuals.

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

TTT BBBBBBBBB NNN FFFFFFF HHHH

RRRRRRRRR CCCCCC

CCCCCCC LLLL

20

Your Vote will count, get involved.

California Double Taxation Proposal!

Your Vote will count, get involved. California Double Taxation Proposal!

California’s population declined by 367,000 last year, close to a 1 percent drop. But OUR politician are doubling down on the very same policies that have led businesses and people to leave the state at the highest rate in California’s history, Taxes.

Democratic lawmakers have proposed a constitutional amendment that would increase taxes by $12,250 per household to fund a single-payer health care system. The economics behind this proposal is off-the-charts awful, and if passed, it will absolutely, positively devastate California’s economy.

Both the California State Senate and Assembly would need to vote in favor by a 2/3 majority for ACA 11 to become state law.

Presently, the Democratic Party has a 75 percent supermajority in both legislative houses, meaning that there is nothing Republicans nor independents can do to stop this should Democrats choose to vote along their party line. Fingers crossed that moderate Democratic lawmakers in the state understand that this would devastate California’s economy and lead to even more businesses and people leaving the state, including the most productive.

The tax hike includes a surtax on top of the current tax structure, which would begin at $149,500 (a healthy income in Fresno but well below the median household income in Palo Alto or San Francisco), and a new payroll tax that begins at about $50,000 for businesses with 50 or more workers.

For the most productive California earners, these proposed changes would increase their top marginal tax rate to about 18 percent, up from the current rate of 13.3 percent, and nearly four times the median of top-earner tax rates in the country. To put this in perspective, the second- and third-highest tax states, Hawaii and New York, would be far behind at 11 percent and 10.9 percent for their highest earners, respectively.

If the law is passed, the combined marginal tax rate for a top earner in LA County, including county sales tax, would rise to 67.15 percent (39.6 percent federal, 18.05 percent state, and 9.5 percent county sales tax). Just the personal income tax rate of 57.65 percent slightly exceeds the top marginal income tax rate in Sweden, Bernie Sanders’s favorite self-identified socialist country.

But California lawmakers don’t stop there. Their proposal includes adding a 2.3 percent gross-receipts sales tax on businesses generating above $2 million in pretax revenue. If you think that the state might have any economic might left after watching its highest earners leave rather than face an 18 percent income tax rate, then this tax would kill whatever was left. And for what it’s worth, Sweden has a very low corporate tax rate, as they understand their businesses would not be able to compete globally with a much higher rate.

US businesses have a pretax profit rate that averages around 8 percent, which means that a 2.3 percent tax on revenue is roughly comparable to a nearly 29 percent surtax on profits. Meanwhile, California has an 8.84 percent corporate tax rate, which is already one of the highest in the country. And what of those businesses that have a bad year or two? They will be at an incredible disadvantage.

Should this amendment pass, California would be one of the few states in the country with both a gross-receipts tax and a business profits tax. California is already losing many businesses to Texas, which has no personal income tax, no business profits tax, and a franchise tax rate ranging between 0.5 percent and 1 percent.

What makes the decision of businesses and people to remain here or move elsewhere, much as 367,000 net Californians left the state last year. In 2021, U-Haul reported that they couldn’t keep up with the demand from Californians for one-way out-ofstate rentals. Should ACA 11 become law, you may want to get your name on U-Haul’s list now.

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

21 March 24-30, 2022

NEWS  NATIONAL SPORTS NEWS

Senator Go renews call for swift resolution of PATAFA-Obiena row QUEZON CITY – Senate Committee on Sports chair, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, has once again stressed that sports should not be tainted with politics.

Go made this appeal as he called for swift resolution of the dispute between Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) and pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena that has already caused the latter to miss the chance to compete in the 2022 World Athletics Indoor Championships held last March 18 to 20.

“Alam n’yo, sabi ko nga, iwan n’yo na po iyung pulitika sa mga pulitiko. Dapat po huwag ninyong ihalo iyong pulitika sa sports. Eh ang problema dito kung nahaluan na po ng pulitika ‘yung sports, kawawa ‘yung atleta (You know, as I said, leave that politics to the politicians. You should not mix your politics with sports. The problem here is that if politics has mixed sports, athletes are affected),” Go said in a media interview after visiting the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City.

He said Obiena’s potential to bring home another honor for the country has been wasted due to pol-

itics in sports.

Go urged anew the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to help expedite the mediation process between PATAFA and Obiena, as recommended in the joint hearing by the Senate Committees on Sports and Finance presided by Go last February 7.

He also called on concerned sports officials and organizations, including National Sports Associations (NSA) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to prioritize the welfare of the athletes and to prevent similar conflicts from recurring.

“Suportahan n’yo po ang mga atleta. Huwag kayong mag-awayaway. Kung pwede n’yo naman pong pag-usapan, pag-usapan n’yo na po. The more na nada-drag po ito, tumatagal – the more po nawawalan po ng maayos na representative ang ating bayan (Let’s support our athletes. No bickering.

You have to talk. The more we drag this issue, our country is losing representative),” he said.

He said the athletes should focus on their training.

“It would be very draining on the part of the athlete kung mismong

sila po’y nagte-training, at the same time nag-a-account ng pera, kukuwentahin ‘yon (that while training, they also have to account the money given to them),” he added.

POC has already suspended PATAFA following its non-endorsement of Obiena to the World Indoors and other major foreign meets.

PATAFA insisted that it merely did not act on Obiena’s request for endorsement pending the completion of the mediation process.

Go, in his capacity as the Senate Sports Committee Chair, has issued a show cause order to PATAFA’s board of directors on March 18 asking them to explain why they should not be cited for contempt under Section 18 of the Senate Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries In Aid of Legislation, for filing an arbitration case despite a prior commitment to undergo mediation proceedings with Obiena.

“Nagpadala na po kami ng sulat, ng show cause order, na i-explain kasi mayroon pong (motion) ‘yung kasamahan ko sa (We already sent letter, a show cause order, to explain because my colleagues have motion in the) Committee to cite them for a contempt,” Go said.

Jimuel Pacquiao wins first boxing fight in US

SAN DIEGO, California - World boxing icon and Senator Emmanuel Manny Pacquiao is happy nowadays after his son Emmanuel Jr. known as Jimuel won his first amateur fight in the United States.

Jimuel, who is now 21, saw action over the weekend at the House of Boxing Gym in San Diego, California against Mexican American Andres Rosales and emerged the winner, out-pointing his opponent over three rounds in their junior welterweight bout.

“Congratulations to my son Jimuel Pacquiao on fighting and winning his first U.S. amateur fight at junior welterweight! I’m so proud of you,” the elder Pacquiao said in his post on social media.

Although Pacquiao does not favor Jimuel going the same route as himself in boxing, he expressed support for his son’s decision.

The young Pacquiao secured his amateur boxing license in December and has been working out with Filipino boxers at Wild Card.

He is under the tutelage of Marvin Somodio at the famed Wild Card Boxing Gym. The younger Pacquiao showed significant improvements in his boxing, landing combinations and overhand rights en route to a decision.

The elder Pacquiao, meanwhile, is currently busy campaigning back home for the presidency.

Gintong medalya at kamponatong pandaigdig, target ni Eumir Marcial Ni EDDIE G. ALINEA LAS VEGAS - Buong pagmamalaking dadalhin ng boksingerong si Eumir Marcial ang makulay na kasaysayan ng bansa sa pangalawang laban niya bilang pro sa susunod na buwan sa Amerika.

Sa darating na ika-9 ng Abril, Araw ng Kagitingan, na gugunitain ng bansa, ang mga Pilipinong nagbuwis ng buhay para matamo ang kalayaan sa pananakop ng mga Hapones noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig.

Ito rin ang araw na napili ni Tokyo Olympic Games bronze medalist sa boksing na si Eumir Marcial para idaos ang kanyang ikalawang laban sa ‘punch-forpay’ game sa misyon niyang maging pangalawa lamang na Pilipinong maghari sa dibisyon ng middleweight sa daigdig sa sport ng ‘sweet science.’

Sa Las Vegas, ayon kay Sean Gibbons, pangulo ng MP Promotions na pag-aari ng Pilipino ring eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, gaganapin ang laban.

Kung sino ang makakaharap ni Marcial at kung saan sa Las Vegas ito gaganapin ay pagpapasiyahan pa sa mga darating na araw, ayon din sa pahayag ni Gibbons.

Gamit ang kanyang ngayon ay kilala nang bilis at lakas ng suntok, matagumpay na sinimulan ng 26

anyos na Zamboangueno ang kanyang pagiging pro at kampeon sa hinaharap nang magaan niyang talunin ang Amerikanong si Andrew Whitfield sa pamamagitanng 40-36 shutout noong Disyembre 16, 2020 sa Esposition Center sa Los Angeles, California.

Ang Hall of Fame Hall trainer na si Freddie Roach, ang humubog kay Pacquiao patungo sa kanyang kinalalagyan bago mag-retiro noong nakaraang taon, at ang kanyang Pilipinong assistant na si Marvin Somodio ang nasa corner ni Marcial sa kanyang debut.

Ang kanyang impresibong debut laban kay Whitfield ay isa sa mga naging kasangkapan ni Eumir sa

kanyang misyong bigyan ang Pilipinas ng medalya galing Olympics.

At ang kanyang kampanya rin bilang pro ang magiging instrumento ng kaliweteng si Eumir sa kanyang layong mapaunlad ang kanyang bronze medal na nai-uwi mula Tokyo sa 2024 Games of the Olympiad na gaganapin sa Paris.

Ang XXXIII Paris Games ang ika-100 anibersaryo ng Pilipinas sa paglahok nito sa Olimpiyada na plano ng Philippine Olympic Committee na maging mas makasaysayan sa unang pagkakataon mula masilayan ng daigdig ang Pilipinong si David Nepomuceno na solong dalhin ang ating bandila ng Pilipinas noong 1924.

Si Ceferino Garcia ang kaisa-isang Pilipino pa lamang sa kasaysayan ng boksing sa Pilipinas ang haghari bilang pandaigdig na kampeon sa middleweight.

Nakoronahan bilang kampeong pandaigdig sa 160 librang dibisyon noong 1939, si Garcia ay kinilalang imbentor at ‘ama’ ng ‘bolo punch’ bago ito ipinagbawal.

Bago mag-retiro si Garcia ay nakaipon ng 102 panalo laban sa 21 talo. Ang kanyang rekord n a naitalang panalo ay itinuturing na pinaka-marami para sa isang mandirigmang Pinoy sa ibabaw ng ring.

Kinilala si Garcia bilang isa sa pinaka-malakas na manutok na boksingero sa kanyang panahon.

March 24-30, 2022

22

Q: Is intent to pay enough for the banks not to sue?

A: Intent to pay is always a good thing as this shows us to be worthy of applying for a loan. The next portion is the important part of the loan which is the repayment. Do we have the ability to repay the loan? This is a double sided question. Requesting the loan and repayment of the loan. These two will always co exist as one cannot stand without the other. If the loan were not to be repaid, then it becomes a gift. And of course there could never be any repayments if there were no loans to begin with.

Let us stick to the topic in question because there was a client who called asking for my help. This is a client who was sponsored to come to the U.S. as an elderly. Basically he was brought here so he can make use of the semi free medical system provided for senior citizens. In short, he is too old to work and does not make any money. So what does he need to take out a loan for? There are other children living in the Philippines and they need money.

Next, the man calls me and says he borrowed money from a cash storefront and they are asking him to pay up. He says he has no way of paying because he has no job and is not receiving any financial benefits from the government. So why would anyone think that taking out a loan you have no way of paying is the answer to your money problems? You have just magnified the problem 100 folds.

Some of our Kababayans are getting stuck with loans that they can’t repay in order to help their relatives back in the Philippines. WHY? Because relatives in the Philippines think money comes out of our ears here in the U.S. And for people to take out loans they cannot repay just to show they can send money is wrong. It is ok to say I do not have any money!

I told this gentleman to ask the relative who brought him here to help him repay the loan because who knows what he wrote down on the application that can even cause him to be charged with fraud. I told him he has to be careful because he is not in the Philippines. Laws here are very strict and it does not matter if you are young or old. And if you do not repay the loan they will sue you!

Ating lesson, Umutang ka na walang pambayad, papano ka uunlad?

If you need help in getting out of debt, call Debt Aid Consulting International.

We do not use call centers which keeps your information safe. We have a new program that reconstruct debts for half of what you would pay our competitors.

We also provide legal assistance that keeps collectors away. We take Federal Credit Unions, Payday loans and high interest personal loans in our program too.

This is exclusively available for Debt Aid Consulting clients. None of our competitors provide this program. You are well protected.

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

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

Ben Lou at your service! I have over 35 years of financial experience. If you would like sound financial advice, call us at Debt Aid Consulting International. We do not use call centers. No one has the right to put your information at risk.

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

Your Global Debt Solutions Company!

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

Itama po natin ang mali!

23 March 24-30, 2022

Mayor, local leaders open Taylor Yard bridge

LOS ANGELES RIVER — Los Angeles City Council President Pro Tempore Mitch O’Farrell joined Mayor Eric Garcetti, Councilmember Gil Cedillo, Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, Supervisor Hilda Solis, City Engineer Gary Lee Moore, local community leaders, governmental agencies and partners, and students from Dorris Place Elementary School to celebrate the opening of the new Taylor Yard Bridge linking the neighborhoods of Elysian Valley and Cypress Park.

The $27.2 million bridge has been long awaited by the local community and provides a critical connection for pedestrians and bicyclists on both sides of the Los Angeles River. It is the third new bridge constructed over the River during O’Farrell’s tenure leading the 13th District, following the openings of the North Atwater Multimodal Bridge and the Red Car Pedestrian Bridge.

“This new bridge is the result of perseverance and persistence from everyone involved over a 30-year period,” said Councilmember O’Farrell. “This decades-long journey began with former Councilmembers Mike Hernandez

and Ed Reyes, their staff members and countless neighbors in Elysian Valley and Cypress Park on either side of the Los Angeles River.

Over the past eight years, it has been my honor to take the baton in bringing this collective effort to completion. I commend all the devoted public servants who did the work and local residents for holding government agencies accountable. I’m also grateful to my own staff and all the various partners who have helped bring the amazing Taylor Yard Bridge across the finish line.”

Los Angeles City Council President Pro Tempore Mitch O’Farrell represents the 13th District, which includes the neighborhoods of Atwater Village, East Hollywood, Echo Park, Elysian Valley, Glassell Park, Historic Filipinotown, Hollywood, Larchmont Village, Little Armenia, Melrose Hill, Rampart Village, Ridgewood-Wilton, Silver Lake, Spaulding Square, St. Andrews Square, Sunset Square, Thai Town, Verdugo Village, Virgil Village, Western-Wilton, Westlake, Wilshire Center, and Windsor Square.

Councilmember O’Farrell joins local leaders to celebrate the opening of Taylor Yard Bridge.

Masking indoors in public settings urged as California COVID cases rise

By Jo Erlinda Maufit LOS ANGELES/SACRAMENTO - With updated masking guidance now in effect in Los Angeles County, the Department of Public Health continues to strongly recommend wearing masks indoors in public settings, particularly if one or someone lives with is at elevated risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

This as the LA County Department of Public Health confirmed 43 additional deaths, 531 cases on March 6 and 1,144 new cases being reported on March 7. On March 8, the department reported 39 new deaths, raising the total of 31,084 in the county, including Long Beach and Pasadena, since the pandemic started.

Also on March 8, the department reported 852 new cases raising the total to 2,805,949 across all areas in the county.

Overall in the entire state of California, confirmed COVID-19 cases has soared to 8,414,669, the state Department of Health reported with 85,854 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

“COVID-19 claims the lives of 141 Californians each day over the past week,” the health officials said, adding unvaccinated people are 5.3 times more likely to get COVID-19

than boosted individuals and are 17.1 times more likely to die than boosted individuals .

Of the 43 new deaths reported for Sunday and today, two people were between the ages of 30-49, 12 were between the ages of 50-64, 12 were between the ages of 65-79, and 17 were aged 80 years or older. Of the 43 newly reported deaths, 35 had underlying health conditions.

The state Department of Health, meanwhile, reported that the risk for COVID-19 exposure and infection continues as a number of Californians remain unvaccinated and unboosted.

The state department said real-world evidence continues to show that the vaccine is preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death as it urged Californians to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible.

The state department recommended that every vaccinated person 12 years or older should get a booster as long as they received their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least five months ago or they received their Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.

Masks are still required while indoors at all schools until March 12, when masking indoors for both vaccinated and unvaccinated students,

staff, teachers, and visitors will be strongly recommended, the department said.

Masks are also required at all healthcare facilities, long-term care facilities, correctional and detention facilities, shelters, and on public transit, the department added.

“While any mask is better than no mask, it is important to recognize that well-fitting respirators provide the most protection, especially for those at elevated risk,” the department stated. “Respirators such as a N95, KN95 and KF94 are designed to filter out

very small particles, with N95 and KN95 respirators filtering at least 95% of airborne particles and KF94s filtering at least 94%.

Respirators that fit well and provide a tight seal on the face provide more protection than a cloth mask or a medical mask.” “ They may be less comfortable because they fit more tightly. When choosing a respirator, residents should consider how well it fits and read the manufacturer instructions on how to wear, store, and clean or properly dispose of the respirator,” the department said.

Nasa panahon pa rin tayo ng tagtuyot.

Magtipid ng tubig, California.

Narito kami para tumulong.

We are in a drought. Save water, California.

We’re here to help.

Last week, Care Indeed’s Business Rela�ons Manager met with the staff of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce (Randi Chen and Donna McCurrie) for their recent membership renewal. The membership allows the organiza�on to also gain a voice in local government, advoca�ng for seniors and caregivers.

bawsca.org/conserve

sfpuc.org/SaveWater

 COMMUNITY NEWS

March 24-30, 2022

24

Los Angeles launches largest guaranteed Income program in US

By Mark Hedin LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County is opening a new front in the war on poverty, offering $1,000 a month for the next three years to 1,000 people in its poorest neighborhoods, housed or unhoused, citizens or not, to spend however they see fit.

In the country’s most populous county, where 25% of the children live in poverty, the guaranteed income program, named “Breathe,” is the largest, longest-lasting one yet in the United States.

It’s funded by 2021’s federal American Rescue Plan Act. Attached to it is a confidential research component, funded

by The California Endowment, seeking a “sweet spot” of maximum effectiveness for future programs.

Applications open March 31 and close April 13.

“Apply, apply, apply!” County Supervisor Holly Mitchell said at a press briefing March 21, hosted by the county and Ethnic Media Services.

Mitchell was joined by fellow Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, Dr. Robert Ross, CEO of The California Endowment, Carrie Miller, of the county’s Poverty Alleviation Initiative, and University of Pennsylvania researcher Stacia West.

Like any government assistance program, there are eligibility requirements, but speakers at the briefing emphasized their hope to “flip the script” of shaming and patronization that has characterized too many well-intentioned programs be-

fore.

“We are pushing the envelope,” Mitchell said, describing the “vast, broad” cross-section of eligible applicants, and the trust that they will know best how to use the money — “whether it’s quitting that second part-time job so they can help children with homework after school, or hiring tutors to help their kids address the learning gap of the past two years.

“If it’s a trip to the San Diego Zoo, that’s ok too, because we all know what those cultural experiences mean for kids in their overall health and well-being.

We are trusting these individuals to know what’s best for them and that they’ll spend it in a way to help themselves out of poverty. That’s the whole point.”

“This is the kind of daring, innovative, disruptive leadership one gets to see when women are in charge in this country,” Ross said.

Of those who meet the program’s requirements, 1,000 individuals will be randomly chosen for those monthly tax-free debit-card disbursements.

But for the research component of this pilot project, both those 1,000 and others not chosen will be asked to participate in confidential, twice-annual surveys and interviews by West’s University of Pennsylvania researchers and provided gift cards for their time and trouble.

The information they give will be kept confidential from local staff, said West, who is currently running 31 studies of guaranteed income programs across the country.

The primary model cited for Breathe

was in Stockton, where former Mayor Michael Tubbs initiated a program that provided $500 a month for a year. That and similar programs have all been well reviewed.

“Across the country, guaranteed income has already proven to reduce poverty, improve the longterm well-being of families and give residents living on the edge of a fiscal cliff the support they need to breathe a little easier,” Mitchell said.

“This helps the whole community,” Supervisor Kuehl said. “When families do well, their whole neighborhood, their whole community is shown to do better as well. When they have room to breathe, they’re more able to positively contribute to the community.”

“We know that poverty is bad for your health.” Ross noted, explaining why, as leader of California’s largest health foundation, he would be supportive of a guaranteed income pilot program.

“If you want to predict someone’s life expectancy, ask them for their zip code,” he said, for that and “their health status based on issues of poverty and housing and transportation, clean air and clean water and those kinds of things. So that’s why we’re involved.”

The link to apply online can be found at breathe.lacounty.gov, or in Spanish at respire.lacounty.gov. The site includes income eligibility limits for different

the ability and intent to Improve Instruction First District Supervisor Hilda Solis, along with education advocates from around the County and young people who were formally incarcerated, asked the Probation Oversight Commission to be the “eyes and ears” of the public on this issue to address significant concerns echoed by the public and by the Department of Justice in a 2021 settlement agreement.

In keeping with the Commission’s role as a Civilian Oversight body, the report does not reflect a technical or scientific evaluation of education in Los Angeles juvenile court schools. Instead, the report offers thoughtful observations of Commissioners and staff, with varying levels of experience and expertise in education, who endeavored to be objective and fair and make findings based on educational practices and norms they would consider acceptable for their own children and for young people who have experienced high levels of trauma and educational disruption.

The chair of the Commission’s Programs & Services subcommittee, Sean Garcia-Leys, said he hopes the report “helps focus County departments and all stakeholders on making student engagement the number one priority for improving the education of our incarcerated youth.”

The recommendations in the report include: Empower effective principals, teachers, and youth to collaborate with each other and the public to lead site-specific improvement efforts.

Encourage students to bring their authentic selves to their academic work.

Integrate arts, cooperative learning, project-based learning, and cultural relevance into classroom instruction.

Give more weight to educational needs when balancing education and safety.

Take better advantage of low staff-tostudent ratios in lesson-planning Ensure that the new secure track facility begins with the best possible educational program.

household sizes and a feature that allows you to tell if your address is within one of the target communities.

Besides English, the online application can be completed in another 20 languages, and oral translations into another 30 will also be available.

Besides online, people can call the community organization SBCC (Strength Based Community Change) at (213) 3421003 or visit one of 49 drop-in centers, which are listed on the program’s website for help in applying.

Organizers hope the research will help determine the “sweet spot” at which such programs — national policy in some countries, but still rare in the United States — can best break what Mitchell described as “the systemic inequities and structural racism that help perpetuate poverty and have led to many of our communities being unable to build generational wealth.”

“In my heart of hearts, I hope that this program will help inform federal, state, and local policy around our requirements for entitlement programs,” she said.

Probation Oversight Commission notes education woes at Los Angeles County Probation Juvenile Halls and Camps LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Probation Oversight Commission presented and unanimously accepted a report on the state of education in Los Angeles County Probation juvenile halls and camps at a public special meeting that highlighted four key findings from quality of instruction to staffing.

Commissioners shared their observations, findings, and recommendations based on months of classroom observations of interviews with staff, students, and education advocates in the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) juvenile court schools.

The report describes four key findings, explained through individual anecdotes and overall observations: Most classrooms lack a culture of learning The quality of Instruction is generally far below expectations Staffing of classrooms creates barriers to learning A few on-site school leaders exhibited

Make public all documents related to the Probation Department and LACOE’s agreement with the California Department of Justice.

Many members of the public addressed the Commission at the meeting, sharing concern, but not surprised about the findings and recommendations. While there was broad agreement that the carceral setting in a juvenile hall or camp is not conducive to the educational needs of youth, the report indicates multiple areas of achievable improvement.

The Commission will continue to engage the public on this issue and push for much-needed improvements and accountability in the classrooms of LACOE’s juvenile court schools.

Commission Chair Franky Carrillo reiterated the importance of this work. “The youth in our juvenile halls and camps deserve classrooms that promote learning, healing, and successful re-entry into the community. The Commission will keep working on this issue until that goal is achieved,” said Carrillo.

25 March 24-30, 2022

 COMMUNITY NEWS Social Security Update

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY

By Grace Samson Social Security Public Affairs in Bay Area

Each March, we celebrate Women’s History Month. It is a time to reflect on the achievements of women. Social Security has served a vital role in the lives of women for more than 85 years.

Women have longer average life expectancies than men, which means they live more years in retirement and have a greater chance of exhausting other sources of income. It’s important for women to plan early and wisely for retirement.

Our retirement pages at www.ssa.gov/retirement provide detailed information about how life events can affect a woman’s Social Security retirement benefits.

These events may include marriage, widowhood, divorce, self-employment, government service, and other life or career changes.

Your earnings history will determine your future benefits, so we encourage you to verify that the information we have is correct. You can create your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount and review your earnings history. If you find an error in your earnings record, it is important to get it corrected so you receive the benefits you earned when you retire. Our publication, How to Correct Your Social Security Earnings Record at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10081. pdf, provides you with details on how to make a correction. You also can view your Social Security Statement on your my Social Security account, for estimates of future benefits and other important planning information.

If you would like to learn more about how we can help women plan for retirement, check out our online booklet, Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know. You can find it at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10127. pdf. Please share this information with family and friends.

 COMMUNITY NEWS

March 24-30, 2022

26

Ways to Reduce Usage as Customers May Be Using their Furnace and Air Conditioner Right Now Spring is Here; Follow these Simple Steps to Improve Energy Efficiency in the Home

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.— This week Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) marks the beginning of spring by offering simple steps to keep energy efficiency in mind during the March Equinox.

It’s entirely possible to use both the furnace and air conditioner on any given spring day as temperatures can range dramatically from day to night.

Here are ways to stay comfortable in the home this spring while managing energy use and electric bills: Install and set a programmable thermostat. Save an estimated 10% annually on heating and cooling costs by using a programmable thermostat.

Reduce water heating costs. Lower the water heater temperature and install lowflow showerheads.

Switch to ENERGY STAR appliances, fans, and electronics. Using ENERGY STAR certified products throughout the home could save nearly $750 over the lifetime of the products.

Choose energy-saving lighting. Re-

placing 5 of the home’s most frequently used lights with energy-efficient ENERGY STAR bulbs could save up to $75 a year in energy costs.

Maintain your heating and cooling system. Check and replace air filters regularly. A qualified technician can help with annual maintenance.

Customers can also reduce costs this spring by tracking and analyzing energy usage with the following steps: Create an Online Account - Customers can access energy cost and usage with information down to the day, see a personalized rate comparison to determine if they are on the best rate, and more. Sign up for an online account at www.pge. com.

Take a Home Energy Checkup – In less than 5 minutes, customers can find how much of their home energy use goes to cooling, heating hot water, appliances, lighting, and other uses. The results enable customers to make customized changes to enhance the home’s energy efficiency, along with estimates of how

much money can be saved. www.pge. com/home-energy-checkup PG&E offers a variety of financial assistance programs for income-qualified customers including California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE), Family Electric Rate Assistance[1] (FERA), Energy Saving Assistance Program, and payment plans. For more tips on how to save this spring and summer, visit www.

pge.com/summer.

About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California.

For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

Governor Newsom signs legislation to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for abortion services tor Lena A. Gonzalez (DLong Beach), in a virtual ceremony today joined by members of the Legislative Women’s Caucus and representatives from reproductive rights and justice organizations.

“As states across the country attempt to move us backwards by restricting fundamental reproductive rights, California continues to protect and advance reproductive freedom for all,” said Governor Newsom. “With this legislation, we’ll help ensure equitable, affordable access to abortion services so that out-ofGovernor Newsom signs SB 245 alongside First Partner pocket costs don’t stand in the way of receiving Siebel Newsom. care.”

“In the face of nationSACRAMENTO – Amid continued attacks on reproductive freedom wide attacks on reproductive rights, throughout the country, Governor California has taken action to improve Gavin Newsom signed legislation to access to reproductive care by removeliminate out-of-pocket costs for abor- ing financial barriers to this essential tion services, ensuring cost is not a bar- health care,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “In the Golden State, rier to accessing care.

Governor Newsom signed SB 245, we value women and recognize all they the Abortion Accessibility Act by Sena- shoulder in their dual roles as caregiv-

ers and breadwinners. California will continue to lead by example and ensure all women and pregnant people have autonomy over their bodies and the ability to control their own destinies.”

SB 245 prohibits health plans and insurers from imposing a co-pay, deductible, or other cost-sharing requirement for abortion and abortion-related services. The legislation also prohibits health plans and insurers from imposing utilization management practices on covered abortion and abortion-related services. California is one of six states that require health insurance plans to cover abortion services, but out-ofpocket costs for patients can exceed a thousand dollars.

In October, Governor Newsom announced the Administration’s participation in the California Future of Abortion Council, to collaborate with advocates, policymakers, providers, patients and others on ways to advance the state’s reproductive freedom leadership. The Council’s recommendations included making abortion care more affordable and accessible by eliminating costsharing through the passage and enactment of today’s legislation.

The Governor’s budget proposal, the California Blueprint, includes measures to protect the right to safe and

accessible reproductive health care services. The California Blueprint supports California’s clinical infrastructure for reproductive health services by offering scholarships and loan repayments to health care providers that commit to providing reproductive health care services, and support for reproductive health care facility infrastructure, including enhancements to their IT and security systems. It would also increase flexibility for Medi-Cal providers to provide clinically appropriate medication abortion services by removing requirements for in-person follow-up visits and ultrasounds if they are not medically necessary. The Blueprint also includes funds to support Covered California’s One-Dollar Premium Subsidy program, which subsidizes the cost of Covered California health plans due to federal policy concerning abortion coverage.

In his first year in office, Governor Newsom signed a Proclamation on Reproductive Freedom reaffirming California’s commitment to protecting reproductive choices. The Governor has advanced investments to expand access to reproductive and sexual health care and signed multiple bills protecting reproductive freedom, including AB 1356, AB 1184,SB 374, SB 24, and AB 1264.

27 March 24-30, 2022

Offline

(From Page 13)

The country’s lawmakers already have a well-earned reputation for being political butterflies, and there is little doubt that the Liberal Party will have a resurgence under a Robredo presidency.

Remember that she won the vice presidency in 2016 as the official candidate of the LP. Her being an independent is not sustainable, so she has to align herself with an established political party. Unless she opts to create her own, which is highly unlikely.

For now, Marcos Jr. must be suffering a lot of jitters knowing that Robredo has sparked a movement that threatens to end his political career. With every rally organized by the Robredo camp, the pink clad crowds grow progressively bigger and bigger.

At the same time, Junior is not sure that he has the full support of his own running mate.

A media friend who knows some insiders in the camp of Junior also informed me that they are running out of funds.

Junior and Mommy Imelda only allotted a few billions for the campaign, it seems, and both were expecting substantial financial support from the cronies of old man Makoy who are still around. Sadly for them, that support has not been coming.

Marcos Junior is, therefore, in an unenviable place, between the literal rock and a hard place.

Had the elections been held a month or so ago, Junior stood a good chance of winning. If the elections were held today, it would be as tight as the 2016 vice presidential race.

When the elections are held as scheduled in early May, the odds will almost certainly be in Robredo’s favor.

It is the vice presidential race that could spell the difference between a successful and productive Robredo presidency, or one that will be bogged down by self-serving politicos like Sara and GMA. For the country’s sake, Kiko Pangilinan must be elected vice president of the Philippines.

In the trenches

(From Page 13)

said.

Lessons learned. That was the first and last time I experienced being a scavenger.

My father loved me so much. He was in his sick bed at home months before he died when he crawled down the stairs to know what was happening to me as my nose was profusely bleeding and my mother was attempting to stop the nose bleed.

I was sickly as a child. I had asthma and blood would freely flow from my nose regularly. I was confined at San Lazaro when I was five years okd.

My father saw to it that my mother and I are well. A year before he died, he bought a property in Mandaluyong to settle and sent to a Catholic school at Sam Felipe Neri.

Education for him was important because he never completed high school. On his last trip to New Zealand, he was being promoted from chief cook to a higher but his lack of education was a big barrier. He had the skills and he can do the job but he had no diploma to show.

The ship’s captain trusted him and allowed him to take the position but his health deteriorated so he had to quit a few months after.

From mid-1971 until he died in August 1972 was one of the happiest moments in life as I spent quality time with him.

I was umaware of his health conditions but always saw him jolly, caring and working in the house.

I still remember his smile. He spoke very little but had a huge smile on his face.

the outsider

(From Page 12)

tance to affected families with its response operations reaching Php83.4 million. Over 2,200 of SMC workers were also given assistance amounting to Php 43.4 million. It also donated Php35 million in food aid and water to various provinces. Students in Cebu were extended assistance through a Php5 million donation to the UP “Tabang sa Iskolar ng Bayan” initiative.

SMC’s gives its all out support with no questions asked, expecting nothing in return. RSA’s attitude towards business puts people first. He believes helping people is paramount.

RSA sees his environment protection initiatives as a way of helping the country, not of earning money. According to him, businesses should not be only about profits but also about caring and sharing. After all when a person passes on, he would not be able to bring his material possessions, he said.

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

In contrast, the Pulse Asia survey that gave Bongbong 60% approval rating used face-to-face interviews on 2,400 respondents. The survey was taken from February 18 to 23, 2022, which was a month after the Manila Bulletin survey.

Meanwhile, Leni topped Google Search with 46% followed by Bongbong with 26% on March 11, 2022.

Perception is reality With two months left in the campaign season, people are beginning to refocus their perception of the candidates. And like they say, “Perception is reality,” perception is what you project into the future based on the reality you see today. Let’s apply this to the Bongbong-Leni rivalry.

Leni’s openness has created a perception of honesty and trustworthiness, while Bongbong’s refusal to discuss issues and debate what he meant by “unity” smacks of secretiveness, willfulness, and deceit. Many perceive that the reason he refused to participate in debates is that he’d be exposing himself to scrutiny, particularly his family’s unexplained wealth, unpaid income taxes, and disqualification case before the Supreme Court.

While it appears that Leni Robredo has finally broken Bongbong Marcos’ huge lead in the various surveys, the only solid evidence that Leni’s phenomenal Pink Revolution is bound to carry her to victory on May 9, 2022 were the huge turnouts at the Leni-Kiko grand people’s rallies.

(PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

Spiritually, “HISTOICITY OF JESUS” subtitled “Facts and Evidences for Agnostics, Atheists, Believers and Christians,” “JESUS CHRIST” subtitled “The Final Days on Earth Before His Return to Heaven,” “REAL ESTATE & YOU” subtitled “Your Basic Guide and Information for Successful Investing in Home, Land and Income Property,” and “Christian World Ministry, Quarterly Journal.

There are four ways you can join NOW the Books Launching & Monthly Raffle namely: 1. Visit the two locations of ABE Barber Shop located at 5308 Mission Street (2 blocks from Geneva Avenue (San Francisco, CA 94112 and 7146 Mission Street ( near Midas at the corner of School Street and Mission Street) Daly City, CA 94014 and sign the REGISTRATIOM LOG; 2. Visit the global MY ANGEL RADIO San Francisco studio located inside the GGCC building, 701-8th Avenue (near Golden Gate Park) San Francisco, CA 94118 every Saturday 11:00 am to 3:00pm and sign the REGISTRATION LOG; 3. Attend and/or join the Bible Classes (10:00am) and Worship Services (11:00pm) every Saturday at the GGCC Auditorium, 701-8th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118 and sign the REGISTRATION LOG; 4. Write or contact: BOOKS MINISTRY, 701-8th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118 Tel. (650)438-3531 or (415)584-7095 or email:artmadlaing@ gmail.com After registration and/or completing the REGISTRATION LOG, you don’t need to be present to win. All monthly raffle winners will be published in the “HEALTH & WEALTH column in the weekly PHILIPPINE NEWS TODAY. Monthly raffle winners will be announced also in the global MY ANGEL RADIO San Francisco every Saturday, 11:00am to 3:00pm. *ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE# 0635976) in California since 1981. He is founder of MOWASHINGTON D.C. – The Philippines and the BILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active United States have signed a Memorandum of UnderEvangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST standing on Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation (NCin San Francisco, California USA

PHL, US sign pact to boost cooperation on nuclear energy

PerryScope...

(From Page 12)

Bongbong’s ratings have plummeted recently, mainly because of his refusal to participate in debates with other presidential candidates. He’s running on one theme, “Unity,” which is hollow and meaningless. In fact, his candidacy has brought back memories of the bloody reign of his dictator father and namesake, Ferdinand E. Marcos, who bankrupted the Central Bank of the Philippines. All the gold reserves were gone! Where did they go? Nobody knows but one can surmise what happened to the gold bullions. What Marcos did was dissolve the Central Bank of the Philippines and create the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Its bad accounts are still being paid for by taxpayers.

Bongbong also refused to apologize for the dark period of martial law of which thousands of mysterious deaths – called “salvages” – remained unsolved to this day.

And then there is the case of unpaid income taxes of some P203 billion, which Bongbong refused to address or pay.

Kakampinks Meanwhile, Leni’s grand people’s rallies have brought out thousands of Leni’s supporters, the “Kakampinks.” The following are some of Leni’s rallies: February 13, Quezon City, 20,000 attended.

February 25, Iloilo City, 40,000 attended.

March 7, Malolos City, 45,000 attended.

March 9, General Trias, Cavite, 47,000 attended.

March 11, Bacolod City, 70,000 attended.

March 12, Echague, Isabela, 10,000 attended.

March 17, Zamboanga City, 35,000 attended.

March 15, General Santos City, 7,000 attended.

But what the rallies have shown on the ground, the surveys also have shown Leni’s rising numbers. In a scenario reminiscent of the 2016 vice presidential election, Leni overtook Bongbong in the latest survey and analysis of at least three credible organizations, two of them global.

A survey sponsored by Manila Bulletin using Facebook had Leni with 47%, while Bongbong had 44%. One of the Philippines’ top three broadsheets, the Manila Bulletin reported the results with more than 1,000,000 participants.

Robredo finally overtook Bongbong in the survey conducted in the last week of January, this year. Results for February have not yet been released as of press time.

The Bulletin had been conducting surveys on presidential preferences since late last year, and Marcos Jr. came out on top each time.

MOU) which will further deepen the cooperation between the two countries in developing the Philippines’ nuclear energy program.

The NCMOU was signed by Energy Undersecretary Gerardo D. Erguiza, Jr. and Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Jenkins at the Department of State.

In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, who witnessed the signing, said: “To ensure a resilient, inclusive, and green economic growth for the Philippines, we need to intensify our work in securing reliable and sustainable energy sources, including nuclear energy. Through our cooperation, we hope to ensure the peaceful use of nuclear energy and fulfill our decarbonization goals.”

For his part, Energy Undersecretary Erguiza said the Department of Energy will intensify its collaboration with the United States to improve the knowledge and understanding by furthering the capacities on nuclear infrastructure, through various technical assistance.

Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Jenkins welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent signing of Executive Order 164 “Adopting A National Position For A Nuclear Energy Program, and For Other Purposes”, noting the inclusion of nuclear power in the Philippines’ energy mix and the country’s exploration on the viability of reopening the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

“This is great news for those of us working together to deepen collaboration between the US companies and Philippine partners in making sure that nuclear energy contributes to Philippine growth. We are delighted to partner with the Philippines to advance our shared nonproliferation energy and related climate vision,” she added.

 HEALTH NEWS

March 24-30, 2022

28

What five-to-11 year-old kids need to recover from Covid

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor Among the most vulnerable sectors where the COVID-19 pandemic is concerned are children ages five to 11. Despite this, in California only about a quarter of them, or 26 percent, have been fully vaccinated at this late stage, and another 33 percent have received just one of the two doses needed to afford maximum protection.

This sad state was the subject of an online discussion last week under the Vaccinate for All Initiative.

One of the panelists, Dr. Jennifer Miller, said she believed a good number of parents may have been inoculated themselves, but believe it was not all that necessary for their children to receive the COVID-19 vaccines.

There is a mistaken belief that kids don’t get COVID, she said.

“Thousands of children have been hospitalized with COVID and hundreds have died,” said Miller, a pediatrician at East Bay Pediatrics and former chief resident at Children’s Hospital Oakland. Children have also suffered from a complication known as Multi-System In-

flammatory Syndrome which can affect the heart, lungs, kidney, and brain, she said, adding that so far there is no known cure for the syndrome.

Also, many parents are not sure that the illness “is that severe, or that their kids are going to get sick,” she said.

This cavalier attitude needlessly exposes the kids to the risk of infection, which could easily be avoided if they were vaccinated. Kids in the five to 11 age group have also been known to suffer from anxiety and depression, according to Miller.

The simple solution is to have all kids vaccinated, she said, but this is easier said than done as too many parents have doubts on the safety and efficacy of the available vaccines.

“All the data” says the parents should not worry as the vaccines are safe, she said.

Unfortunately, black and brown families which includes FilAms are still not completely trustful on vaccines, according to Miller.

Another panelist, Dr. Sohil Sud specializes in the care of newborn and hospitalized children at Zuckerberg

San Francisco General Hospital as well as Washington Hospital in Fremont.

As lead for the schools team of the California Dept. of Public Health, Sud noted that there is some good news in the area of test positivity where “the trends are favorable.” It is now down to 1.5 percent from a high of nearly 25 percent.

In simple terms, this means that previously one out of every four tested in California was positive for COVID, compared to todays roughly one in every 100.

“Rates of hospitalizations and deaths are also way down,” said Sud. Sadly, while the vaccination rate for California residents is high at around 80 percent, he also pointed out that children in the five to 11 age group are still the least vaccinated among all who are eligible to receive the vaccine.

Aside from the discrepancy in vaccine rates among the different age groups, Sud agreed that there remains differences in coverage among the different communities in the Golden State.

COVID-19 Fifth wave?

Heart of Hope

As COVID-19 surges the past few days in dozens of provinces in China, in Hong Kong, and in Shanghai, sowing confusion and chaos, with 2000 cases a day, USA Today Network on Monday, March 21, 2022, reported “New COVID variant is spreading across the US.” It was rePHILIP S. CHUA ferring to Omicron variant BA.2, the “Stealth Omicron,” first detected two months ago and now “spreading more quickly in the Northeast and West.”

The US CDC announced the Stealth Omicron “appears to be on its way to becoming the dominant coronavirus strain, having roughly doubled each week for the past month…It has a different genetic sequence from BA.1 and was first dubbed the ‘stealth variant’ because it wasn’t as easy to detect. Around the world, infections are largely from the BA.2 version of omicron…In the U.S., BA.2 accounted for about 39 percent of the cases for the week ending March 12, up from 14.2% the week ending March 5.”

Last week, a total of 15,412 new COVID-19 cases were reported in New York, a jump from 11,323 a week prior, many from Stealth subvariant which is expected to become the dominant strain across the country soon.

The mask mandate on airplanes and public transit has been extended by TSA through April 18, 2022.

Sadly, only 65%!

Meanwhile, Covid vaccines rates in Africa are still low, averaging about 14 percent across the continent, and public health experts predict a fifth wave of COVID-19 in Africa in the coming months, which could potentially be caused by a future more lethal variant that could endanger the whole world.

The more unvaccinated people there are in an area or a country, the greater the chance of the virus they harbor could replicate and mutate in their bodies, acting as a reservoir factory of new strains of the virus.

In the United States, a world leader, whose population is mostly educated, has a vaccination rate of 65 percent (fully vaccinated) as of Sunday, March 20, 2022, sadly, lower than many other countries. There were 7,844 COVID-19 cases and 83 deaths on that day alone.

Global vaccination More than 5.86 billion doses of the COVID-19

vaccines have been administered globally, albeit not equally distributed around the world. Malta, with its half a million people, boasts the top vaccination rate on earth, with 82.82 percent, followed by The United Arab Emirates, with 79.97 percent of its 9.7 million population. Singapore, Portugal, and Qatar are among the top five. China, with its 1.4 billion people has 69.38 percent, the USA, 65 percent. The UK, France, Italy, Germany, all with a population of more than 50 million, gave among the best vaccination rates.

Hope and caution There is general optimism about the pandemic across the country as spring comes, but in some cities in the United States and across the world “warning lights are blinking,” as the World Health Organization reported there were 11 million new cases around the globe in the week ending March 13, up 8 percent over the previous week, the first increase since late January 2022. In the UK, almost 256,000 re-infections were recorded as of the first week of January 2022. Some people around the world were reinfected more than twice.

News updates As of 3:24 PM (EST), Tuesday, March 22, 2022: Total global COVID-19 cases: 473,329,373, new one-day cases -1,09,094, total deaths - 6,108,307; USA: 81,450,502, new one-day cases – 2101, (Monday) - 46,608, total deaths - 998,936 - The Philippines: 3,674,694 , new one-day cases - 415, total deaths - 58,276.

The New York Times reports “the U.S. faces a potential uptick in cases because about a quarter of eligible adults have yet to be vaccinated;” only 65 percent have been fully vaccinated.

A study of 1.1 million school children revealed that mask mandates significantly reduced COVID-19 transmission. According to the New York Times, some of the largest school districts in California will continue masking after the state requirement for masks ends, a move greatly supported by parents knowing a significant number of children have been infected and died from COVID-19.

China is being ravaged by its worst COVID-19 outbreaks since 2020. The Omicron variant is raging over Asia, with South Korea having a record 400,741 daily cases last Wednesday. China has imposed a lockdown on 9 million residents of the northeastern city of Changchun.

This week, China had 4,500 cases of COVID-19 in one day.

Another wave of Omicron could potentially hit Europe because its highest per capita cases in the world

are now going up. Germany approaches record level and the cases are going up in Italy, Belgium, France, and other countries. This was thought to be because Europe loosened its pandemic restrictions “too soon” fueling the spike, the waning vaccine immunity, and the spread of the BA.2 subvariant.

Wastewater sampling for SARS-CoV2 could be an indicator of the resurgence of COVID-19 in the United States, where 38 percent of the sampling sites showed an increase in coronavirus levels from February 24 to March 10, 2022. The Times quoted an epidemiologist saying “Europe’s worst periods throughout the pandemic have been a harbinger of what was to come in the United States.” Hence, the serious concern in the United States about a possible fifth wave.

At this juncture of the pandemic, 26 months since COVID-19 hit the United States, we have learned a few things: that masking and distancing are most beneficial, that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in preventing serious infection, hospitalization, and death, and that those unvaccinated are the prime target of the virus and have the highest risk for hospitalization and death.

As stated above, sadly, only 65 percent of the people in the United States are vaccinated. We also now know that even those fully vaccinated (2 initial shots plus a booster) could still get infected by a new variant, but the chances of getting infected are much lower and the clinical course milder, with a lower risk for hospitalization and death.

With so many unvaccinated among us, new strains could still emerge.

With the recent surges in Asia and Europe, the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is still elusive, with the Stealth (BA.2) Omicron being 50-60 percent more rapidly transmissible and now the dominant virus.

I have been so used to masking the past two years that today I could not breathe comfortably (in my mind) without my mask, especially with these new surges. If I could not avoid a crowd, I use a gaiter over my mask because I am a high-risk individual.

Let us continue to be vigilant and treat this virus with humility, not with arrogance or surrender.

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

29 March 24-30, 2022

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS

MENDING BROKEN RELATIONSHIP

By TIM PEDROSA

LET US NOT BE AFRAID OF LOSING PEOPLE BUT BE AFRAID OF LOSING OURSELF BY TRYING TO PLEASE EVERYONE AROUND US. Let us walk away from arguments that lead to anger, from people who put us down, from anyone who does not see our worth. Let us walk away from mistakes and fears; they do not determine our fate.

The more we walk away from the things that poison our soul, the healthier and happier we will be. A broken relationship is like a broken glass. It is better to leave it broken when it gets expensive and keeps hurting yourself trying to fix it. It is time to let go and replace it. Sometimes God gives us the wrong person before giving us the right one, so that when the right one comes, we know how to appreciate the gift. Relationship is a game of chance, sometimes we win, and sometimes we lose. The key is to know when to hold on and when to move on. We cannot determine who will come into our life but we can choose whom we will allow to stay. The biggest tragedy is to hang on long after the respect has gone. We are better off being alone and happy than staying with those who make us unhappy.

Every goodbye is good as long as we keep the good memories and skip the bad ones. Let us stop mending a broken relationship and start fixing ourselves. Sometimes what we are most afraid to do can bring us the most happiness. Let us listen to our heart, let us learn to let go, and live without regret. Let us be patience, one day, we will meet someone who will go extra mile just to put a smile on our face; someone whose deeds matches his/her words; someone who will remind us how precious we are and will take care of us; someone who will understand our sentiments as well as our silence; someone who will put us above his/her pride; someone who will rather lose the argument than lose us; someone who will always be thankful for our existence; someone who may get tired but will never leave. Anybody can become angry, that is easy; but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose and in the right way, that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy – Aristotle.

L

Lenten Special: Commandments Again?

enten Season is setting things right with God; and His Commandments are our help to make that happen. I want us to correct in ourselves an attitude or a fragmented mentality towards God’s Commandments. For instance, we tend to separate our life of faith from our works, our doctrines from our deeds; similarly, we consider God’s Commandments arbitrarily.

The arbitrary choice or mentality of people can mean disobeying the Commandments REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD would not mean disobeying God, or not following the Commandments does not mean not offending God; for, the fundamental idea is, it is “I” the person who decides, who intends, who acts. So, I can decide to separate God and His Commandments, or that my behavior and Commandments are separate. There are people who thinks that the Commandments are only suggestions for good and harmonious living with fellowmen; that even though, one may violate a Commandment, let’s say, the 6th: “you shall not commit adultery,” which also means lustful thoughts or impure act, like masturbation, or pornography, as long as one is not doing harm to other people; it is fine. This is definitely a wrong idea; for the violation of God’s Commandments is already an offense to God and a moral harm to oneself before one can think of other people being harmed. The very doer of the action is hurting oneself, dirtying oneself morally and spiritually. Another reasoning says; “The Ten Commandments no longer apply to our time. We can do what we want.” Or “it is okey not to keep the Lord’s-day by going to Church, I am still a good person.” Certainly, people alive in their journey of faith will see this way of reasoning as wrong and sinful. But many times, in one way or another, we are also in that same attitude. We need to get rid such mentality; we have to consistently see our life concurrent with divine life, our behavior with our belief, our actions with God’s Commandments.

I like us to consider this analogy; our body and our clothes are distinct and separate; our body has own dignity apart from the clothes; and our clothes have their own identity and importance. Although they are different, as long as the person is in his right mind and in right judgements, the person will never go out from home to go to work, to go for shopping, to go to Church for worship, et cetera, naked. He will always see to it he has clothes on. Being naked in public is like losing one’s identity and dignity; so, dressing up or being clothed projects to others one’s identity, dignity, and social status; he or she is a respectable person.

My point is, the person and his clothes will always be together; the body and the clothes will always go hand in hand. This is also and must be so with our lives and God’s Commandments.

God’s Commandments clothe us; they modify our actions and behavior; thus, making us look good if we obey them or look bad when we disobey them. We cannot live our life anarchically. Without God’s Commandments can be total chaos interiorly and exteriorly. I cannot go out without clothes; so also, I cannot live my Christian life well without God’s Commandments. Furthermore, with God’s Commandments, we are led to acquire and live virtuously. One grows in virtues not with vices by obeying God’s Commandments. With God’s Commandments we prioritize things, God is number one and all that He says are important.

Therefore, by living God’s Commandments I develop a godly disposition and godly living. Without obeying God’s Commandments, one leads to his or her own doom.

We know that we are obeying already some of the Commandments. We know that we do not completely take for granted God’s Ten Commandments, but many times we have the attitude that if only we are given a choice not to follow them, we will do so. We have the attitude that if given the choice to just live the way we want and just follow our own rules and not what God wants, we would prefer the former; no one will grow in faith and love of God in that way. We cannot be lukewarm towards God’s Commandments or keep them only by obligation or duty; not rather out of conviction. One will not grow in love of God with minimal efforts into it; and His Commandments can urge us into deeper friendship with Him. Amen. You can find also this article in my website, faithexpressions.org, view us too in YouTube, Faith Expressions for other faith formation topics and reflections.

Aflame The Heart

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK