Philippine News Today

1 April 16-22, 2021

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

www.pnewstoday.com

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

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor MANILA – From Senator Imee Marcos advising the president to dismantle his Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases, to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin heaping praise in former president Benigno Aquino III, and even to San Miguel Corp. head Ramon Ang saying he expects Senator Manny Pacquiao to win the presidency next year, all signs point to the allies of President Rodrigo Duterte either leaning away from him, or abandoning him outright.

Since last month, Marcos has been taking potshots at the Duterte administration, when she first charged the government of “one horrific year” of mishandling the coronavirus pandemic.

This week, she re- Page 8

By Jo Erlinda Maufit

2 fresh diplomatic protests filed;US bolsters forces, airs warning

By ALFRED GABOT Editor in Chief

CHINA’S Corve�e class warship (inset) at Kagi�ngan reef as mari�me mili�a vessels ‘invade’ West Philippine Sea, raising further tensions in the region.

MANILA – Six vessels of the Chinese navy, including at least three warships, and some 240 Chinese militia vessels continue to swarm the West Philippine Sea raising the tension further in the region as the government branded the refusal of the ships to leave as detriCONSUL GEN CONSUL GEN mental to the peace and security of the area, according Edgar Badajos Elmer Cato to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK - The Department of Foreign Af- (NTF WPS). fairs has completed the appointment of new Consul Generals in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

This after former Philippine envoy to Libya Elmer G. Cato and former Consul Gen- Page 8

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

240 CHINA WARSHIPS, VESSELS SWARM WEST PHL SEA, WON’T FLEE

Allies shying away from Duterte

New PHL Consuls General in LA, New York assume post

Vol. 60 No. 36 April 15-21, 2021

In a statement, the NTF-WPS said Armed Forces of the Philippines patrols spotted two Houbei class missile warships at Panganiban Reef, one Corvette class warship at Kagitingan Reef, and one navy tugboat at Zamora Reef. There were also two People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels seen in Bajo de Masinloc.

“All these warships of the PLA Navy contribute to the militarization of the area,” the NTF-WPS said in a statement. Page 9

San Mateo More Fil-Ams laud Bonta’s appointment, County now a zone’ wife Mia seeks post ‘hate-free Cherie M. Querol Moreno

By Jun Nucum

Executive Editor

S A N FRANCISCO/NEW YORK More prominent leaders of the Filipino community, including those from areas outside the San Francisco Bay Area, continue to pour in their overwhelming support for the appointment of lawyer Roberto Bonta, the first Filipino Page 8

BoS President David Canepa coauthors bill to condemn and deter hate crimes vs AAPIs.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.

- San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President David Canepa fulfilled his big promise to constituents. Page 11

PHL, US resume joint military drills

Newsom backs Biden action on guns VIEWS & COMMENTS

SHOWBIZ

SPORTS

We have to do our part as well

Rabiya Mateo now In US, upbeat on Miss Universe pageant

Ancajas, Magsayo outlast foes in Connecticut bouts

Page 13 By A�y. Liangco

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 NATIONAL NEWS

April 15-21, 2021

2

Checkpoints, curfew stay in NCR Plus, other MECQ areas: PNP CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas has ordered cops to continue to man checkpoints in the NCR Plus (Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal) and three other areas under the less restrictive modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from April 12 to April 30.

Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana said Sinas gave the order at a meeting prior to the announcement of the downgrading of these areas to MECQ from enhanced community quarantine.

“Adjustments indeed have been discussed and settled for the MECQ implementation. The NCR Plus bubble will be kept under check. The essential travelers will be allowed 100 percent while non-essential travelers may be limited

to certain percentage according to establishments but not more than 50 percent,” Usana said.

Curfew will remain in place and compliance with the minimum public health standards (MPHS) will continue to be enforced.

“Checkpoints in boundaries will remain. Still, no arrests shall be made by the PNP on violations of MPHS. Only warning and fines. Mass gathering is still not allowed,” Usana said, adding that malls are allowed to open but only for the selling of essential items.

Usana said Sinas has instructed police personnel manning checkpoints to undergo reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests from time to time to prevent contagion among the lawmen.

Vaccination site, temporary hospital to rise in Rizal Park MANILA – A temporary mobile hospital and a drive-through vaccination site will soon rise at the Rizal Park in Manila.

The National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), an attached agency of the Department of Tourism, unanimously approved the proposal of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso to construct a temporary mobile hospital at Rizal Park’s Burnham Green.

The Manila City Hall committed to design, construct, maintain, and manage the hospital “up to its logical conclusion” at no cost to the national government, the DOT said.

Domagoso also promised to restore

the Burnham Green area to its original condition.

During the meeting, the NPDC also approved the construction of a temporary drive-through vaccination site at the Independence Road (Parade Grounds) of the Quirino Grandstand, which will be located beside the drive-through RT-PCR testing facility managed by the City of Manila and the NPDC. The drive-through testing, launched in July 2020, provided rapid-serology tests for up to 700 people daily, five days a week before it was converted into an RTPCR testing site on January 18.

“Through the temporary mobile hospital that will be constructed in Rizal Park

and the drive-(through) vaccination site at the Quirino Grandstand, the DOT has repurposed its tourism sites to support the current efforts to protect the public’s health and safety during this crisis. These facilities will be open to all, not just the residents of Manila,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

The mobile hospital will be open to everyone and will cater to patients with mild to moderate symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), she added.

The temporary drive-through vaccination site is expected to accommodate 350 to 400 persons per day.

“Rizal Park, Luneta is one of the largest urban open parks in the National

Capital Region and is also a major tourist destination. As such, it has served as a venue in assisting the public by converting its areas into evacuation sites, processing sites for Locally Stranded Individuals, barracks for the military in times of war, and even a military hospital during the Spanish colonial era,” the DOT said.

Recently, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of the Emerging Infectious Diseases has also approved the DOT’s proposal to construct a drivethrough vaccination site at Nayong Pilipino in Parañaque City, which will have an estimated capacity to accommodate 12,000 persons daily.

2 quarantine violators die over cops’ punishment, PNP scored CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Debold Sinas, has ordered all policemen to stop arresting violators of health and safety protocols amid the implementation of strict quarantine measures against the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana said Sinas also tasked police commanders not to accept quarantine violators being referred or turned over by village security officers.

“Our Chief PNP just wanted to warn the violators and remind them of the need to follow the minimum health safety pro-

Health Benefits of GLS

tocol but in case of repeat offenders, they could be fined or render community service. So the instruction is clear, violators should not be arrested,” he said.

Usana explained that arresting or filing charges against quarantine violators is impractical since violators would have to be brought to the police or station.

In the case of those who violate the uniform curfew hours which was adjusted from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Usana said the penalties that would be imposed on the violators should be settled at the barangay level.

He added that only violations of the existing laws relating to peace and order and criminal activities should be attended to by the police.

Last week, the chief of police of General Trias City, Cavite and two police officers were relieved from their posts, after a quarantine violator who was turned over to a police station died after being forced to do strenuous physical exercise.

A second violator also died after he was chased in Calamba, Laguna.

The two policemen who ordered the physical exercise are also facing criminal

QC liquor ban, Manila QPass still in effect Made in the USA

QUEZON CITY – The Quezon City government will still impose a liquor ban despite the shift to a more relaxed modified enhance community quarantine (MECQ) amid rise of the Covid-19 cases.

Mayor Joy Belmonte signed a memorandum containing the MECQ guidelines which states that liquor ban “shall take effect immediately” until April 30.

“All retail sales of alcoholic beverages shall remain suspended for the duration of these guidelines,” the memorandum states.

With the unified curfew in the National

Capital Region from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., the updated guidelines state all persons should be at home, except for persons going to or returning from work in essential businesses or traveling for purposes of air or sea travel as shown by pre-booked tickets.

The guideline also states that essential activities may operate on a 24-hour basis, including public transportation, couriers, cargo vehicles, market delivery, food takeout and delivery, pharmacies, hospitals, convenience stores, and delivery of essential goods.

3 April 15-21, 2021

 NATIONAL NEWS

4 Luzon dams has enough water until June

QUEZON CITY – In spite of the ongoing dry season, Angat, San Roque, Pantabangan and Magat dams in Luzon can still supply water for their respective customers until June 2021.

Water level by end of May will likely remain above the dams’ corresponding low water elevations so the possibility for water shortage in these facilities is nil, noted Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hydrologist Sonia Serrano.

“Those dams can still serve customers this June,” she said.

PAGASA forecast above-normal rainfall this May over watersheds where the dams are, boosting these facilities’ potential to supply water.

Citing PAGASA’s latest available

outlook, Serrano said expected end-May 2021 water levels in Angat, San Roque, Pantabangan and Magat dams are 189.51 meters, 251.00 meters, 196.98 meters and 193 meters, respectively.

The dams’ corresponding low water elevations are 180 meters, 225 meters, 177 meters and 160 meters, respectively.

“That indicates the dams by May 2021’s end have water to supply this June,” she said.

Last month, PAGASA announced the start of dry and warm weather in the country due to the termination of the northeast monsoon or “amihan”.

Such weather can last till May, noted PAGASA weather forecaster Grace Castañeda.

The 2021 rainy season’s onset may occur between early to mid-June, she added

DFA summons Chinese envoy, demands ships’ withdrawal

PASAY CITY – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to express “utmost displeasure” over the presence of Chinese vessels off the Julian Felipe Reef. “[T]he DFA reiterated the firm demand of the Philippines that China ensures the immediate departure of all its vessels from the area of Julian Felipe Reef and other maritime zones of the Philippines,” it said in a statement.

Reef lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and that the Chinese vessels around the feature are a “source of regional tension.”

The official also said the July 2016 Award in the South China Sea Arbitration ruled that claims to historic rights, or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction that exceed the geographic and substantive limits of maritime entitlements under UNCLOS, are without lawful effect.

On the previous untoward statements of the Chinese embassy spokesperson on DFA Acting Undersecretary Elizabeth Defense Secretary Lorenzana, BuensuceBuensuceso told Huang that Julian Felipe so reminded the Chinese side of proper decorum and manners in the conduct of their duties as guests of the Philippines.

“Both sides affirmed the use of peaceful settlement of disputes in addressing their differences on the South China Sea/West Philippines issue,” the DFA said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said there are still nine Chinese ships left in the area.

The Chinese side has insisted that the Julian Felipe Reef or what it calls Niu’e Reef is part of its territory, adding the reef and its adjacent waters are traditional fishing grounds for Chinese fishermen.

In previous Chinese Foreign Ministry statements, it also said China has “historical rights in the South China Sea.” Locsin said tradition yields to law and that the law on the matter is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

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 METRO NEWS

April 15-21, 2021

787 railway personnel have Covid-19

MANDALUYONG CITY – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) reported that 787 personnel in the four rail lines in Metro Manila have so far tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a status report, the DOTr said the positivity rate is 16.22 percent from the 4,852 tested from Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT2), Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), and Philippine National Railways (PNR).

To date, 3,390 or 41.13 percent of the four railway services’ 8,242 workers have

yet to be tested.

At LRT-1 (1,185 workers), a total of 120 out of 794 were found to be infected, while at LRT-2 (1,944 workers), 251 out of 1,870 turned out positive with the virus.

MRT-3 had tested 936 out of 3,284, with 208 yielding positive results.

PNR also has 208 infected workers out of the 1,252 tested.

To control the spread of the disease, all railway workers who test positive, still awaiting results of their test, identified as close contacts of confirmed cases, and

those showing symptoms of Covid-19 are required to be isolated and quarantined.

The limited number of workers had resulted in limited operations.

“Following the resumption of operations on 05 April 2021, the MRT-3 is running under limited capacity, with the deployment of 10 to 12 trains, while the LRT-2 line dispatched five (5) trains, and the LRT-1 has deployed 17 trains,” the DOTr said in a statement.

PNR resumed operations on Monday after mass testing and re-integration procedures, with 10 to 12 trains deployed.

QC vaccination, aid distribution unhampered amid restrictions QUEZON CITY – The Quezon City government continues its vaccination rollout and distribution of financial assistance, Mayor Joy Belmonte reported.

Belmonte, who has recovered from her second bout with Covid-19, visited some vaccination sites, like the Skydome of SM North Edsa which accommodated senior citizens (A2) and those with comorbidities aged 18 to 59 years (A3).

The Quezon City Police District also began vaccinating its A2 and A3 members.

The QC government reminded that based on the Inter-Agency Task Force omnibus guidelines issued to local government units, “industries and estab-

lishments that remain prohibited under MECQ are entertainment venues, recreational venues, amusement or theme parks, outdoor sports courts, indoor sports courts, casinos, outdoor tourist attractions, venues for meetings, and indoor dine-in services”.

“With the shift to MECQ in the National Capital Region Plus that includes Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna, the city government will still be strictly implementing the imposed minimum health and safety protocols,” Belmonte said in a statement.

Public and private hospitals and clinics, healthcare providers, medical manufacturers, delivery of essential goods, grocery stores, drugstores, hardware,

construction activities, business process outsourcing, and public transportation can operate at full capacity.

Allowed to operate with 50 percent of workforce are media establishments and their permanent staff, including reporters and field employees.

Al fresco or outdoor dining is likewise allowed at 50 percent capacity.

Persons below 18 years old and above 65 years old, with immunodeficiency or comorbidities, and pregnant women can go out only for essential goods and services.

“QC will follow the age restrictions agreed upon by the Metro Manila mayors,” Belmonte said.

2 killed, P210-M ‘shabu’ seized in Las Piñas buy-bust

4

LAS PINAS CITY – Two men were killed and 31 kg. of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P210 million were confiscated in a police sting in Las Piñas City on April 13.Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Debold Sinas, identified the slain suspects as Jen Jieko Amarga, alias Koy-koy and Coco Amarga, and Andrew Garcia.

Citing a report from the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG), Sinas said the two were known distributors of illegal drugs in Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon and were connected to drug syndicates operating in the country.

“Their source of illegal drugs came from a certain Chinese national from the country of Myanmar and being discreetly transported to a warehouse somewhere in Pampanga,” he said.

The operation, conducted by police officers and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), started at about 10 p.m. along Sherack St. in Barangay Almanza Uno after a poseur buyer was able to convince the suspects to sell a kilogram of shabu worth P6.8 million.

Sinas said after the exchange of the shabu and the buy-bust money, the policemen declared that the suspects were being arrested.

“Nakipagbarilan sila, so namatay yung dalawang suspects (They shot it out with our personnel so they got killed),” he said.

5 April 15-21, 2021 Piat minor basilica on lockdown as priest gets virus, organist dies TUGUEGARAO CITY – Devotees at the famous Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat in Piat town, Cagayan province would have to shelve their plans to visit as the church is placed under lockdown after a church organist died and a parish priest caught the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Mayor Carmelo Villacete said church organist Viel Fariñas, whose relatives waived confidentiality to allow immediate contact tracing, has been confirmed to have died of Covid-19, while Father Leifmark Butacan has been isolated.

Arms cache, explosives seized at Reds labor organizer’s house

STA. ROSA, Laguna – Eight assorted high-powered firearms, ammunition, and explosives have been seized by police in a raid of a female labor organizer’s house in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on March 30.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief, Maj. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro, in a report , identified the house owner as Maritess Santos David alias “Teacher Laly”, a resident of No. 3275 Blk 2 Street, Oval Subdivision, Barangay Market Area, Sta Rosa, Laguna.

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Book backing claims Butuan as site of 1st mass launched BUTUAN CITY – A book backing claims that this city was the site of the first Catholic mass in the country launched last week at the Balanghai Hotel here.

The book “Beyond the Pale: Limasawa Hoax, A Tragedy in Philippine History” is authored by Dr. Potenciano R. Malvar.

Malvar is a local historian and a long-time advocate in recognizing Butuan City as the site where the first Easter Sunday mass in the country was celebrated in 1521.

Representatives from various sectors, including the religious, academe, and the business community, graced the launch.

Malvar acknowledged the support of advocates working to have Butuan officially recognized by the national government as the site of the historic religious rite in 1521.

“This humble work is dedicated to you as we continue our advocacy and dedicated works,” he said.

In March, Malvar filed criminal complaints against the members of the Mojares Panel, a group designated by the government last year to finally put to rest the issue surrounding the first Catholic mass.

The panel, led by Dr. Resil B. Mojares, recommended that the National

Historical Commission of the Philip- sented in the book as a result of the repines (NHCP) sustain previous conclu- search done by Malvar. sions indicating that the first Catholic mass in the country was celebrated in Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte in 1521.

In July last year, the NHCP adopted the recommendation of the Mojares panel.

Catholic priest Fr. Joesilo C. Amalla, also an advocate to recognize Butuan as the site of the first mass, joined the book launch.

“I am glad about the dedication of Dr. Malvar. This book will help strengthen our advocacy,” Amalla said.

The book mentions the life of Ferdinand Magellan, especially on his travels in the 1500s, as recorded by Antonio Pigafetta.

Pigafetta was a 30-yearold Italian scholar who joined the expedition of Magellan during the time.

Some of Pigafetta’s manuscripts on the Magellan expedition were pre-

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

April 15-21, 2021

6

Duterte certifies 3 bills as urgent to spur economic growth MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has certified as urgent three measures to boost economic growth in the country amid the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte has certified as urgent Senate Bill (SB) Nos. 2094, 1156, and 1840.

SB 2094 amends some provisions in the Commonwealth Act No. 146, otherwise known as the Public Service Act by inserting a new section defining “public utility” as a person that operates, manages, and controls for public use distribution of electricity, transmission of electricity, and water pipeline distribution systems and sewerage pipeline systems.

SB 1156 amends some provisions in Republic Act No. 7042, otherwise known

as the Foreign Investments Act of 1991 by placing a premium on the major role played by technological advancements as well as global and regional economic realities on the Philippine economy.

SB 1840 amends some provisions in Republic Act No. 8762, otherwise known as the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000 by lowering the required paid-up capital for foreign retail enterprises and other purposes.

“These bills form part of the President’s legislative reform agenda and his certification to the necessity of the immediate enactment of the aforesaid bills aims to spur the country’s economic growth by creating a business climate attractive to foreign investments while providing livelihood opportunities to our countrymen,” Roque said.

In a public address last Feb. 1, Duterte assured the public that the government is trying its best to keep the Philippine economy afloat after its gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by a record 9.5 percent in 2020.

Duterte admitted that the country’s economy is “sinking deeper and deeper” into recession amid lockdowns caused by the prevailing health crisis but noted that other countries are also experiencing the same financial crises.

“We are sinking deeper and deeper pero hindi lang rin tayo (but it’s not just us)…Pero (But) we are trying our very best to keep us afloat. Ang ekonomiya natin, mga kabuhayan, masama talaga.

Biro mo naman, ilang taong walang trabaho (Our economy, our livelihood is in bad shape. Many people lost their jobs).

The economy of the Philippines is in bad shape but as I have said, it is not only the Philippines who suffers. We in the world are suffering with everybody,” he said.

Duterte, however, appealed to the public to keep their faith in his administration, noting that government is doing its best to balance Filipinos’ health and the economy.

On Jan. 28, the Philippine Statistics Authority said the local economy, as measured by its GDP, sank by 9.5 percent in 2020, the nation’s worst economic performance since after World War II. Duterte’s economic managers have expressed optimism that the Philippine economy will recover this year as the country aims to starts its mass vaccination program this month.

Phivolcs records increased Taal volcano unrest

TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite – Some 383 volcanic earthquakes or quakes caused by movements or eruptions of magma from the volcano, were recorded in Taal for the past 24 hours, according to latest reports of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

These included 238 episodes of volcanic tremor lasting from one to 12 minutes and 143 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes. This was higher than the previous day’s 158 volcanic quakes, Phivolcs said.

Alert level 2 (increased unrest) is maintained over the Taal Volcano.

According to Phivolcs, upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the Main Crater lake occurred on Tuesday, April 13, and generated 300 m-tall steam-laden plumes from active fumaroles on the northern side.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 1,886 tonnes/day last April 12. Temperature highs of 71.8°C and pH of 1.59

were last measured from the Main Crater Lake last March 4 and February 12, respectively.

These parameters indicate persistent magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the edifice, Phivolcs said.

Sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around Taal Volcano Island (TVI).

Phivolcs reiterates that entry into the TVI, Taal’s permanent danger zone (PDZ), must be strictly prohibited.

Local government units are also advised to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest.

Earlier, Phivolcs director Renato Solidum, Jr. said the appropriate alert level

TAAL VOLCANO in the middle of Taal Lake in the provinces of Batangas and Cavite.

for a volcano is being determined dependOther parameters, such as ground ing on the earthquakes recorded, not only deformation, the chemistry of gases and based on the number but also the type of water, and surface manifestations are also earthquakes, location, depth, and energy being considered, he said. of the quakes.

‘Araw ng Kagitingan’

2,952 Filipino war veterans still alive; Duterte rallies Filipinos

By Ben Cal QUEZON CITY – Of the 151,824 Filipinos who fought during World War II, there are 2,952 who are still alive as of April 8, 2021, with 279 over the century mark.

The oldest among them is Sgt. Malomalo Salag, born in 1909 and who turned 112 on Valentine’s Day, according to the records of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), headed by Defense Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina.

Nine other war veterans who are younger than Salag are Sergeants Alangadi O. Mauna, Monera P. Paday, and Macaalang P. Ditanto, all 111 years old; Concepcion B. De Guzman, 109; Rafaela A. Vicente and Mamangco P. Mangara, both 108; Martin M. Maguiwe, 107; and Pedro C. Torres and Jose S. Quilat-

an, Sr., both 106.

PVAO data also showed 2,635 veterans are 90 to 99 years old, while 38 others are aged between 80 and 89 years.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte enjoined Filipinos to exhibit a “greater sense of patriotism and solidarity,” especially now that the country is still grappling with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Duterte made the call as he joined the entire nation in commemorating Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).

In his message, Duterte also hailed the front-liners whose dedication to fighting Covid-19 is worthy of emulation.

“As we continue to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, we take a moment to honor the fortitude displayed by our selfless and dedicated front-liners whose

unrelenting commitment in this fight reflects the heroism of the warriors of Bataan that continues to inspire in us a greater sense of patriotism and solidarity during these trying times,” he said.

An estimated 60,000 Filipino and American troops on April 9, 1942 were taken prisoners of war by the Japanese.

They were forced to walk some 112 kilometers from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac under the sun with no food and water for days. The forced march of the prisoners is known as the Death March.

Around 18,000 Filipino soldiers and 650 Americans died during the Death March due to exhaustion or were either shot or bayoneted to death.

Duterte said the “meaningful and solemn” occasion serves as a reminder of the “unyielding determination of the

Filipino to prevail over all forms of adversity.”

“The valor of our forebears, which was exhibited during the defense of Bataan almost eight decades ago, has left an indelible mark in our history and shaped our indomitable spirit to rise after every fall,” he said.

The veterans continue to receive their monthly pension and free medical aid, according to PVAO. The veterans were among those who witnessed the fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942. The province was the last stronghold of Filipino and American forces in the Philippines during the war. They surrendered to the Japanese, but not after a long and fierce battle that lasted over three months and until they ran short of ammunition, food, and medicine.

7 April 15-21, 2021

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

Roque, Lorenzana infected with Covid-19; Andanar, Ano recover

Sec. Harry Roque

MANILA – Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque was rushed to the hospital over the weekend after contracting anew the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

This as Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has gone on isolation after he tested positive of the virus.

Meanwhile, two Cabinet members Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar - have recovered from the virus. Earlier, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar also contracted the virus but has recovered.

“I am now admitted in a hospital for Covid treatment. This is to say that Covid-19 is more transmissible now so we have to do extra precaution,” Roque said.

On March 15, he announced that he tested positive for Covid-19, saying he was asymptomatic.

On March 25, Roque said he already recovered from the disease after completing his quarantine and yielding a negative result.

He added that he would limit himself from going to public spaces, including

hospitals, to prevent contracting the virus anew.

Before his first positive test for Covid-19, Roque visited at least seven hospitals within two weeks.

He asked for prayers for all individuals infected with the coronavirus.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar has recovered from the virus after completing the mandatory 14-day quarantine at home.

“I am pleased to share that I have fully recovered from Covid-19 after undergoing a 14-day home quarantine,” Andanar said.

He made the announcement after he confirmed on March 29 that he got infected.

The result of his March 27 reverse tran-

scription-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) test turned positive. He, however, was asymptomatic.

Andanar took the swab test when he arrived in Manila after visiting Loreto, Dinagat Islands for the conduct of the “Explain, Explain, Explain” information campaign on the National Covid-19 Vaccination Roadmap.

He was thankful that with God’s assistance and everyone’s prayers, he is fully recovered.

“I thank the Lord for this blessing of being able to overcome the virus. I am also very grateful for my family, loved ones, and colleagues, among others, for all their support and prayers while I undertook my recovery,” he said.

Erap now negative of COVID-19, still in hospital as condition improves ing signs of improved health.

This was disclosed

by Estrada’s son, convicted former senator Jose Estrada who said in a Facebook post that their family expects the former chief executive and Manila mayor to be transferred to a regular room “soon” at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan.

“We are happy to announce that my dad continues to improve...

Former President Estrada His repeat RT-PCR (swab test) is now negSAN JUAN CITY - Former presi- ative!” the former senator said. dent Joseph “Erap” Estrada, Jose MarDespite the positive developments celo Ejercito in real life, has tested regarding Estrada’s health, he would negative for COVID-19 and is show-

2morecopsdieofCOVID-19, virus death toll rises to 46 CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – Two more police officers succumbed to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), bringing the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) death toll to 46.

Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, PNP deputy chief for administration, said the latest fatalities are a 48-year-old male police commissioned officer (PCO) assigned at the Legal Service and a 47-year-old male PCO assigned at the Explosive Ordnance Division/K9 Group, who both died on Monday.

PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas said the police lieutenant from the Legal Service tested positive for Covid-19 on March 12 and was confined at a private hospital in Pasig City.

“On behalf of the PNP, we would like to give our condolences to the bereaved family and assures them (of) every assistance they need. The PNP leadership is doing everything to miti-

gate this virus especially on our personnel, as front-liners, one death is one too many,” Sinas added. , Eleazar said 272 police personnel have recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) as of Monday night.

This brings the number of recovered police personnel to 15,200, out of a total of 17,637 cases.

The police force also logged 235 new Covid-19 infections, raising the total number of active cases to 2,391, he said.

Eleazar said the number of police officers vaccinated against Covid-19 has reached 6,734.

These include 5,085 police officers vaccinated with Sinovac vaccines and 1,649 with AstraZeneca jabs.

Of the 5,085 police officers injected with Sinovac, around 1,500 were already given their second dose

still require high flow oxygenation “but at a much reduced rate.”

“He has been allowed to resume soft diet... Mentally, he is oriented, conversing normally and appears to be in good spirits,” the former senator added.

On Sunday, ABS-CBN reported that Estrada was singing following extubation, based on a video shown by one of his nurses, “We thank everyone for their contin-

uous support and love and ask that you continue to pray for him and others who are afflicted with this awful and dreaded disease,” the younger Estrada said.

Last March 29, Estrada disclosed that his father was COVID-19 positive and had to be placed on mechanical ventilation at one point as his pneumonia worsened, but his condition has since stabilized.

April 16-22, 2021

Allies...

(From page 1)

More Filam ...

(From page 1)

iterated her call to disband the IATF and form a “science driven” body to take its place.

Marcos even had Senate President Vicente Sotto – another formerly dependable ally of the president -- concurring with her proposal to abolish the IATF. For his part, Locsin has been taking steps that would have been unthinkable a year ago, the latest was his calling on China’s ambassador to the Philippines to explain why Chinese ships were still present in Philippine waters more than a week after they were asked to leave Julian Felipe reef.

More importantly, Locsin has been praising former president Aquino for taking China to court when no one else would, and winning the case.

The Philippines won its arbitration case against China before the Arbitral Tribunal in The Hague in 2016.

Of that victory, Locsin said, “We owe it to PNoy, et al only.”

American elected to California State Assembly, as California’s Attorney General.

The Fil-Am leaders lauded Governor Gavin Newsom for tapping Bonta to succeed newly confirmed U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra as the Attorney General.

Meanwhile, Bonta’s wife Mia, currently the Alameda Unified Board of Education President, has joined a field of candidates vying for an East Bay seat currently held by her husband, Rob Bonta.

“I am thrilled to let you all know that I am running for the Assembly, District 18,” Mia said in a social media post. “I’m running on behalf of East Bay children and working families to push open California’s door of opportunity for communities that have for too long been locked out.’

“The pandemic has further exacerbated systemic inequalities, while exposing once again the precariousness of so many people’s livelihoods,” she said.

“I am ready to go to Sacramento to fight for our East Bay communities and ensure Californians of all backgrounds get a fair shot. I hope you will join #teamMia on my campaign by visiting www.MiaBonta.com and signing up!” Mia added.

Reports stated that Mia Bonta’s name identification will be a key asset in a special election that could be held this summer if Rob Bonta is confirmed.

Mia, however, vowed “to earn every single vote” in the campaign.

“My background and experiences as a child advocate and as a youth advocate and as an advocate for working families stand on

It was practically an affront to the Duterte administration which had been treating any and all Chinese actions in the West Philippine Sea with kid gloves.

As for Pacquiao, the boxer-turned-senator has been speaking his mind in preparation for next year’s elections, when he has all but confirmed that he will run for president, with or without the president’s endorsement.

The president’s daughter Sara and his former aide, Senator Bong Go, are said to be also eyeing the presidency, and Pacquiao’s newfound independence from Malacanang is seen as weakening their position next year.

And while SMB chief Ang only said that he believed Pacquiao will be the country’s next president, it opened the possibility that one of the most powerful business tycoons in the country is set to throw his support behind his own bet, not necessarily that of the president.

Further proof that his allies were turning away from the president came in various forms, with a focus on currying favor with Vice President Leni Robredo, widely seen as the

8

probable opposition bet to run for president next year.

Well-known columnist Ramon Tulfo, for one, wrote to defend the vice president from her attackers last week, telling critics to at least respect the position, if not the person. He also praised Robredo’s late husband Jesse, who Tulfo said could have been president had he not been killed in a plane crash.

Tulfo was appointed by President Duterte as a special envoy to China, but said recently that he had resigned from the post.

His brother, broadcast journalist Raffy Tulfo, meanwhile, accused Health Secretary Francisco Duque and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez of blatant graft and corruption in a video that went viral last week.

The younger Tulfo is a radio-TV personality who positions himself as a defender of the poor and the oppressed.

Until recently, the Tulfo brothers had avoided attacking the Duterte administration, even after their sister Wanda was forced to resign from her post as Tourism secretary.

their own,” Bonta said. “And I’m extremely qualified to serve the communities of the East Bay in the state Assembly.”

If elected, Bonta said she’ll prioritize education and housing affordability.

In New York, well known FilAm businesswoman and lawyer Loida Nicolas Lewis who is the national chair of the US Pinoys for Good Governance (USPGG) said: ”Congratulations and Mabuhay to Rob Bonta, the first Fil-Am Attorney General in the State of California. Your success is our success. Thank God for this milestone, and keep on making us all proud!”

In Manila, many prominent lawyers led by Catalino Generillo Jr. congratulated Bonta. “Mabuhay si Atty. Robert Rob Bonta, ang dangal ng lahing Pilipino,” he said.

In Washington DC, journalists Rodney Jaleco and Bing Branigan said “Mabuhay po kayo!” Los Angeles-based journalist Val Abelgas echoed the same sentiment.

The FilAm leaders said they are confident that Bonta as California’s Attorney General will establish a fair and equitable justice system for all citizens mainly due to Bonta’s background with the United Farm Workers Union and his close ties with the Filipino American community give him unique perspectives.

Filipino community leader and staunch Bonta supporter Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara cited Bonta’s appointment as historic and highly significant for Filipino and Filipino Americans who have been vastly underrepresented in government for generations.

“I congratulate Rob who will bring to the office compassion for the disadvantaged and a sense of justice for all Californians, especially Asian Americans who are currently facing vicious and racist attacks. I commend the Governor for recognizing Rob’s qualifications and for giving us a voice and presence in the affairs of state,” Kashiwahara wrote.

Bonta’s Fil-Am co-workers and fellow lawyers hailed and weighed-in on the appointment by Newsom.

“I had the good fortune to meet and know Rob Bonta when we both served as Deputy City Attorneys in the Litigation Section of the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office and was impressed by the quality of his legal writings. But I was more impressed by the quality of his character as we had many informal talks as to how we can make a positive contribution to the Fil-Am Communities,” said retired San Francisco Deputy City Attorney Ernest H. Llorente.

Retired Judge Ronald Quidachay also joined the Filipino Community and the community at large “in congratulating Assemblyman Rob Bonta as the first Filipino American Attorney General of California.”

Retired Monterey County Superior Court Judge Efren Iglesia gave weight to Bonta’s [activist] family, legislative, and professional background that equips him perfectly for the job as California’s next Attorney General.

“His achievements in the area of criminal justice reform and his dedication to public service in general are particularly impres-

sive. The people of the State of California will be well-served by his appointment as its top law enforcement officer,” Iglesia said.

Other San Francisco Bay Area-based community leaders were also grateful to Newsom for the Bonta appointment and extolled the virtues of the new appointee.

“Assemblyman Rob Bonta’s excellent record in the State legislature coupled with his active role in the social justice movement is an assurance that protection and equal rights of vulnerable minority immigrant communities are to be upheld and safeguarded under his leadership,” said Immediate Past President of the San Francisco Bayanihan Equity Center Atty. Lou SantosTancinco.

In thanking Newsom, Filipino-American Development Foundation and Bayanihan Community Center Executive Director Bernadette Borja-Sy regarded Bonta’s leadership as deeply rooted in social justice.

“He will fervently defend CA’s diverse communities, especially our API community, from racial hatred. His appointment will also help grow the emerging diverse leadership that America critically needs today,” Borja-Sy saidd.

Long-time Bonta friend and staunch supporter and former San Francisco Human Rights Commission Executive Director Marivic Bamba Chennault applauded both Governor Newsom and Assembly Member Bonta “for rising to the challenge and leading us through such trying times in our state and nation.”

“Bonta’s appointment as the State’s chief law enforcer and protector as Newsom’s way of placing the Filipino and Asian American community in a pivotal position of strength during such a critical period of vulnerability,” said Bamba-Chennault.

To entrepreneur Ben Menor, Attorney General Bonta epitomizes the very best of the Filipino American.

Like most Fil-Ams, Global Filipino Network head Arnold Pedrigal recognized the Bonta appointment as a great honor and pride for the Filipino-American community.

“In my interactions with him in many community events, I had always felt his genuine desire to help not just his constituents as Assembly member but also the Asian community and of course the Fil-Am community in particular. I wish Rob all the best and thank him for being a role model for the Fil-Am youth as we hope that the younger generation can also follow his footsteps,” Pedrigal said.

eral at Jeddah Edgar Barrairo Badajos assumed their posts as Consul General of the Philippine Consulate General in New York and Los Angeles, respectively.

Both vowed to serve the Filipino community with zeal in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

Earlier, Consul General of the Philippines in San Francisco, Neil Frank R. Ferrer, assumed his post.

Journalist-diplomat Cato, a career diplomat with the rank of Chief of Mission Class II, succeeded Consul General Petronila P. Garcia who retired in January.

Consul General Cato flew directly to New York from Libya where he served for two years as Chargé d’Affaires,

e.p. and Head of Mission of the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli. He was succeeded there by Dr. Juan Dayang Jr. A journalist before joining the foreign service, Consul General Cato had served in various capacities in the Philippines and abroad in the past 22 years.

His first overseas posting was at the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations from 2003 to 2010 where he also served as a member of the Philippine Delegation to the UN Security Council from 2004 to 2005.

Consul General Cato was assigned to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. from 2012 until he volunteered to go to Iraq where he served as Chargé d’Affaires, e.p. and Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Philippines in Bagh(Continued on page 24) dad from 2015 to 2018.

New PHL...

(From page 1)

THE BONTA FAMILY

9 April 15-21, 2021 240...

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off the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to pro- official reiterated the importance of their pine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), vide a firm basis for diplomatic protests Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting with 136 militia vessels spotted off Bur“The continuous swarming of Chi- filed by the country due to continued Chi- Forces Agreement (VFA) between the gos (Gaven) Reefs; nine at Julian Felipe two countries.

(Whitsun) Reef; 65 off Chigua (McKennese vessels poses a threat to the safety nese incursions in the area.

Foreign Aff airs Secretary Teodoro The United States has warned China nan) Reef, six (6) off Panganiban (Misof navigation, the safety of life at sea, and Locsin Jr. fi led two fresh diplomatic proagainst what the Philippines and Taiwan chief) Reef; three off Zamora (Subi) impedes the exclusive right of Filipinos tests against China over the presence of see as increasingly aggressive moves in Reef; four off Pag-asa (Thitu) Island; to benefit from the marine wealth in the some 240 Chinese ships across the West the region. one off Likas (West York) Island; five off EEZ,” the NTF WPS said, reiterating the Philippine Sea and their remaining ves“An armed attack against the PhilipKota (Loaita) Island; and 11 at Ayungin Philippine government’s demand for Chisels at Julian Felipe Reef. pines’ armed forces, public vessels or air(Second Thomas) Shoal. na to withdraw all its ships in the West The West Philippine Sea is the councraft in the Pacifi c, including in the South Also spotted during the April 11 soverPhilippine Sea. try’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) China Sea, will trigger our obligations eignty patrol were the following People’s This, after an April 11 sovereignty pawithin the South China Sea under the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels: trol observed an estimated 240 Chinese “Fired it off .

Beautifully written but Treaty,” State Department spokesman two Houbei class missile warships off Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Mariyou will never see it because I’m like Ned Price told reporters in Washington.

Panganiban Reef; a corvette-class wartime Militia (CMM) vessels lingering in that.

Annoying.

Only Senate and House “We share the concerns of our Philipship off Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef; the area. foreign relations,” Locsin said in a tweet. pine allies regarding the continued reportand a Navy tugboat at Zamora Reef.

Malacanang said the Philippines is “I fi red off today’s diplomatic protest ed massing of PRC maritime militia near Some two CCG vessels were also seen stepping up its presence in the West Philon ABS-CBN tweet of NTF WPS report. the Whitsun Reef,” Price said, referring in the territorial sea off Pag-asa Island. ippine Sea (WPS) amid China’s incurI never did that before,” he added. to the People’s Republic of China.

Additional monitoring by the AFP sions into the country’s exclusive ecoLocsin also took note of a report that “As the situation in the West Philipreported two PLAN, three CCG, and nomic zone. the Chinese Navy deployed two missile pine Sea evolves, we keep all our options 10 CMM vessels off Bajo de Masinloc “The presence of Philippine maritime security and law enforcement forces have attack craft to chase down a Filipino ves- open in managing the situation, including (Scarborough) Shoal.

It added that the combined presence been stepped up in the municipality of sel in the West Philippine Sea carrying an leveraging our partnerships with other naABS-CBN crew, the fi rst recorded use of tions such as the United States,” Departof PLAN warships, CCG and CMM off Kalayaan to protect Filipino fishermen Chinese military vessels against civilians ment of National Defense spokesman ArKalayaan and the Philippine EEZ is prejand the marine resources,” Presidential since the West Philippine Sea controversy senio Andolong said in a statement. udicial to the peace and security of the Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a began.

“We are continuously in talks with the region. press statement.

“Finally, the NTF WPS views with ISO 12647-7 Digital Control Strip 2009 This developed as Philippine and U.S. on the matter of mutual defense,” Roque reiterated that President 100 60 100 Ro- 70 30 100 60 40 100 40 100 3 100 70 30 100 60 100 10 25 90 70 30 100 40 40 70 40 70 40 40 40 70 40 40 70 40 70 40 40 U.S. soldiers started their scaled down Andolong said.

“Both parties are commitserious alarm the 50recent75reports that100a cidrigo Duterte, during the 75th session of two-week joint military exercise followted to undertake their obligations under vilian vessel carrying a local news crew the United Nations General Assembly in ing talks between the two countries’ dethe Mutual Defense Treaty so that neither conducting interviews of Filipino fi sherSeptember last year, stressed the importance of the Permanent Court of Arbitra- fense secretaries where theyo discussed stands alone in these issues involving the men was followed and shadowed by a the drills, the situation 70in70the 30 South China100 40two 40states’ inherent right of self-defense.”

CCG vessel and an armed Houbei class tion’s (PCA) on Philippines’ 100 100 60 100 100 ruling 70 70 30 30the 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 100 60 100 100 30 100 40 100 10 40 40 20 70 70 70 70 40 70 40 40 0000 3.1 2.2 2.2 10.2 7.4 7.4 25 19 19 50 40 40 75 66 66 100 100 100 80 70 70 100 Sea, and recent regional security developCiting Armed Forces of the Philipmissile warship as it traveled from the petition against China’s sweeping claims ments. pines (AFP) Western Command report, vicinity of Ayungin (Second Thomas) over the contested South China Sea. In the phone call between Defense the CMM vessels were reported in the Shoal to the coast of Palawan. The inThe Armed Forces of the Philippines Secretary Delfi n Lorenzana and U.S. territorial waters of the Municipality cident is now under investigation,” NTF (AFP), on the other hand, said it will conDefense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the US of Kalayaan, Palawan, and the PhilipWPS said.

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April 15-21, 2021

10

PHL, US resume military drills amid growing tension with China CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The 36th iteration of the annual “Balikatan” exercises between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States have started.

The joint military exercises came in the wake of the rising tension in the South China Sea involving the Philippines, China, the United States, Taiwan, Vietnam and Japan.

The latest tension came as Philippines has protested the presence of the Chinese boats inside its 200-mile exclusive economic zone at Julian Felipe Reef (Whitsun Reef) in the strategic waterway, repeatedly asking China to move the vessels away.

The Chinese Navy deployed two missile attack craft to chase down a Filipino vessel in the West Philippine Sea , the first recorded use of Chinese military vessels against civilians.

The Filipino civilian vessel with the ABS-CBN news team aboard was traveling across various reefs and shoals in the West Philippine Sea close to the mainland of Palawan to see where Filipino fisherfolk have moved their livelihood since the large number of Chinese vessels have overwhelmed their former fishing grounds, and since the artificial islands built by China have been established.

Chinese diplomats have said their 200 fishing boats believed to be manned by Chinese militia were just sheltering from rough seas and no militia were aboard. They also claim the reef is part of Chinese territory.

But China’s claim of almost the entire sea had been invalidated by an international arbitration court in 2016.

Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated the importance of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the two countries, according to a statement issued by Lorenzana’s department.

“The 36th iteration of Balikatan (BK 36-2021) kicks

off today 12 April, to last until 23 April 2021,” AFP spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement.

Arevalo, also commander of the AFP Education Training and Doctrine Command and this year’s exercise director, said last year’s “Balikatan” exercises were canceled due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

He added that this year’s “Balikatan” will be conducted with stringent health protocols in place and a reduced number of participants.

“This erstwhile annual event pushes through with fewer training events that will not entail face-to-face PHL-US ‘BALIKATAN.’ Philippine and US officials lead the opening ceremony of the 36th engagement. Further details ‘Balikatan’ exercises at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Shown from le� are AFP spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP chief-ofto follow,” Arevalo said. staff, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Department of Na�onal Defense Undersecretary Cesar B. The participants to the Yano, US Chargé d’Affaires John Law and Col. Aaron Brunk. two-week maneuvers inshoulder to shoulder with our Philippine allies and friends. clude 736 Filipino troops By training together, our militaries build upon each other and 225 American forces.

“Against this backdrop and these challenges notwith- and strengthen each other. May this exercise and this expestanding, the decrease is only in terms of number and never rience in the next couple of weeks add value to our partnerin the participating nations’ passion and desire to meet the ship and our friendship,” he said.

AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana added that steep objectives set forth in every exercise,” Arevalo said.

Arevalo’s US counterpart Col. Aaron Brunk reiterated the two-week maneuvers will consist of “virtual and physical” exercises while minimal contact will be observed in the importance of the bilateral exercises.

“I am greatly honored to be here today and to stand physical exercises.

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11 April 15-21, 2021

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EDITORIAL

Rebirth pains of the GOP

T

he Republican Party is in a strange place right now.

Every card-carrying Republican knows that their party needs to be united in order to retake control of the Senate and the House in 2022, and the Executive branch in 2024.

It does not take rocket science to realize this basic need. The Republicans need to do what the Democrats do when they’re out of power. They take careful stock of their situation, and ask themselves what went wrong. More importantly, they need to map out a plan to correct their mistakes.

They did so in the past, but for some reason they appear unable to do so in the present time.

The most recent statements from private citizen Donald Trump during the RNC’s retreat at Mar-A-Lago is the biggest reason the GOP remains in the doldrums, hopelessly divided after they lost last year’s presidential election.

Trump verbally attacked two top leaders of the Republican Party, former vice president Mike Pence and former Senate majority – now minority – leader Mitch McConnell.

He lambasted Pence for refusing to break the law, but saved his worst verbal abuse for McConnell, whom he called a “son of a bitch.” Those are Trump’s words, not ours.

Where he should be acting like a statesman, he shows that it is he who is an SOB of the highest degree.

Perhaps he did so because McConnell delivered the coup de grace when the Trump presidency was crumbling, recognizing the win of Joe Biden, which Pence then confirmed ceremoniously.

For Pence and McConnell, it was nothing more than a performance of their duty.

For Trump, it marked the end of his attempts to overturn the results of the Nov. 2020 election, thereby turning him into a twice impeached, single-term president.

Yet in his mind, it was a betrayal of the worst kind.

Now, with his influence gone and his popularity fading, Trump is taking the most desperate steps to remain relevant. He has gone on the warpath against the party leadership, whose help he will need if he decides to run again in 2024.

Sadly for the GOP, those steps are guaranteeing that the party will be torn apart into two camps. One believes that Trump remains their spiritual leader, if not the true president cheated out of his second term.

The other camp can best be described as the rational wing of the Republican Party and all it stands for.

If the party of Lincoln is to survive, it must be the latter group that should handle the reins of the GOP, to guide it to the future it deserves.

If no corrective action is taken now, the party will not only be wiped out in the next elections, it will remain hopelessly out of sync with the times. At worst, it will suffer the same fate as the Federalist Party and the Whig Party of the now distant past.

Or turn into fringe political entities like the Reform, Libertarian and Green parties.

Now, more than ever, the country needs the Republican Party. The real one, not the sad excuse that it has become under the failed leadership of the 45th POTUS. A strong two-party system remains the strongest pillar of our democracy. We keep our fingers crossed that the GOP will be reborn, better than ever. The rebirth pains will be difficult, but as the old saying goes, what doesn’t kill you can only make you stronger.

Upside

(From page 1) The youngest and now the head of the County elected leadership on the morning of March 20 stood before a hundred people at the City Hall of Daly City and later before a couple hundred more at a park across San Bruno Mountain in Brisbane to condemn the wave of Covid rhetoric-spurred violence against Asian and Pacific Islander Americans: He pledged to author a resolution denouncing racism, vowing to work with County authorities to raise consequences for perpetrators of hate crimes.

CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO Canepa’s words became fact April 6 when the entire board voted for a resolution affirming San Mateo County’s “commitment to the safety and well-being of Asian Americans and in combating hate crimes targeting them” by declaring the county a “hate-free zone.”

“Rumors and lies about Covid-19 have fueled mistrust, fear and racism against the Chinese and Asian American communities. We cannot let this disease divide us. Rather, this is an opportunity for us to say loud and clear that xenophobia has no place in our community,” said Canepa, representative for District 5 that includes Daly City, home of the highest concentration of Filipinos on the US mainland.

Three in 10 San Mateo County residents are of Asian descent, the board noted. In fact Asians outnumber all sectors in Daly City, South San Francisco, Millbrae and Foster City, according to US Census records. The group is second most populous in Brisbane, San Bruno, Pacifica, Hillsborough, Belmont and San Carlos.

The previous US president continues to brand the coronavirus as a plague brought over by China, effectively placing a bull’s eye on the backs of anyone of Asian descent, AAPI advocates say. To date nearly 4,000 incidents of various attacks against Asian Americans across the country - from verbal to physical violence including two fatalities here in the Sam Francisco Bay Area - have been tracked in the past year alone by multiple policy and advocacy groups. Community leaders believe the number reflects underreporting because AAPIs are known to avoid confrontation for fear of retaliation and lack of trust in government.

The County resolution also affirms commitment “to protect and aid victims of hate acts, and to prosecute and curb hate crimes, related to COVID-19 in partnership with nonprofits, the County of San Mateo’s District Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners.”

San Mateo District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, who attended the March 20 Daly City vigil coordinated by Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo with 10 nonprofit organizations as co-sponsors, reinforced the sentiments and objectives of the then-proposed resolution.

The Office of the DA and law enforcement agencies throughout the county are “aligned” in establishing a “Zero Tolerance Hate Zone from Daly City to Menlo Park,” Canepa touted.

“We can no longer just sit back and listen to our Asian American friends and neighbors tell these continuing stories of being victims of violent, racist hate crimes — we must take swift and defining action to stop the hate through bold policies.”

Filipino American community leaders hailed the resolution as a welcome deterrent to the “other epidemic that is racism.”

“Bigots harboring ill will against Asian Americans - particularly the older and therefore vulnerable members of our community - will think twice or pay for their criminal behavior with potential jail time,” said Bettina Santos Yap, founding president of ALLICE Alliance for Community Empowerment.

Following is the full text of the legislation: WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed to the success of the United States economy for more than a century, including the building of the Trans-Continental Railroad; and WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders bravely fought (Continued on page 27)

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

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 OPINION

April 15-21, 2021

PerryScope

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On President’s health

s accredited and commissioned Notary Public in California since 1981 and founder of Mobile Signing Services (MSS), I’m blessed and fortunate to be reconnected with old and new clients from first generation to second and third generation through the ART GABOT MADLAING years.

As founder of Mobile Signing Services, I’ve served the notarial needs of so many couples and families in Northern California. Al and his wife had been old clients. I did the notarization of Affidavits, Special Power of Attorney and other documents needed in the Philippines; as well as the follow-up of the authentication (red ribbon) of notarized documents at the Philippine Consulate Office in San Francisco until May 14, 2019.

Through family referral, Al’s son Edgar became a second generation client. On April 8 2019, I notarized a Special of Attorney for Edgar’s wife Virginia (principal) authorizing her husband Edgar (attorney-in-fact) to represent her in the sale of real estate property in the Philippines.

Last week, I got reconnection with Edgar when he called Mobile Signing Services and asked assistance and help in the notarization and authentication of Special Power of Attorney for him and his wife (as principals) authorizing their son Nikko (attorney-in-fact) to represent them in the negotiation and sale of their real estate property located in San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Nikko, Edgar and Virginia’s son, became a third generation client.

With the request of Edgar for the notarization and authentication of the new SPA, it’s clear that Edgar didn’t know that as of May 14, 2019, the Philippine Consulate Office in San Francisco, California no longer issue Authentication Certificate (red ribbon) for documents notarized and needed in the Philippines. I explained to Edgar that notarized documents needed in the Philippines must now be submitted to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento or Los Angeles. I also explained to Edgar that due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the Front Desk is closed and that notarized documents must now be submitted or dropped off in the Apostille Box located at the lobby of the Secretary of State building in Sacramento, California.

Edgar arranged for a meeting together with his wife and son Nikko for the signing and notarization of the new SPA. Last Friday, April 9, 2021, I met with Al, his wife Virginia and son Nikko for the signing and notarization of the new SPA at the house of Edgar’s parents located in Daly City, California. Edgar and his wife Virginia signed the three copies of the new SPA as principal. Nikko, Edgar and Virginia’s son, signed the three copies of the new SPA as attorney-in-fact.

Edgar, Virginia and Nikko also signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and put their right thumb marks.

As a public service and for the sake of Al and others who are not updated on the changes of the authentication and/or apostille processing, I would like to share some excerpts on the Accession of the Philippines to the Apostille Convention from the Legal Section of the Philippine Consulate Office in San Francisco, California, as follows: “The Philippine Consulate shall no longer issue shall no longer issue Authentication Certificates (red ribbon) for documents notarized or apostilled in the States under its jurisdiction namely: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington State, Northern Nevada, Montana, Utah, Wyoming and Northern California.

If you notarized documents before 14 May, 2019, the Philippine Consulate will (1) still accept it for authentication (red ribbon) or (2) you may advice the applicant to secure an apostille. On the other hand, if you notarized documents from 14 May, 2019 onwards, we will no longer authenticate said documents. The applicant should forward it to the issuing State/Competent Authority for the issuance of an Apostille Certificate.

Please note that Apostilled documents no longer need additional authentication from the Philippine Consulate General. Once apostilled, it already has legal validity and can be sent to the Philippines for use.”

We are still committed and continue to assist and help old and new clients particularly the elderly, veterans and those physically handicapped for the no- (Continue on page 27)

Health & Wealth

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n my column, “Quo Vadis, Tea Party?” (December 14, 2012), I wrote: “Is the Republican Party in disarray? No. Is it dysfunctional? Probably, yes. Is it crumbling? Not yet. Yes, at the rate the bloodletting is going on, the Grand Old Party of Abraham Lincoln is going through like what ‘Honest Abe’ went through during PERRY DIAZ his tumultuous presidency—a civil war.

“What was once the party that welcomed – nay, tolerated – people with moderate social values into its ranks, has gone through a drastic makeover in 2010 when a new crop of political activists mushroomed in the aftermath of the 2008 defeat of the Republican Party at the hands of Barack Obama. Calling themselves the Tea Party movement, these activists vowed to fight President Obama and deny him a second term.

“And like clockwork, everything went according to plan until Election Day when the Obama blitzkrieg rolled into the nine battlefield states, capturing all except North Carolina.

And by the time Ohio was won, the election was over. With 303 electoral votes to Mitt Romney’s 206 – and Florida still voting – Romney conceded defeat.

“A month after the devastating loss of Romney, the Republicans were still trying to figure out why they lost the election.

For the past two years after capturing the governorship and legislative bodies in many states, the Republicans systematically put in place legislations that were purportedly designed to prevent ‘voter fraud.’

“But the Federal courts overturn most of these ‘voter suppression’ laws in the weeks before Election Day. With the bad publicity created by the Republicans’ attempt to suppress the vote, it generated more interest among Obama supporters – particularly minority and young voters – who turned out in huge numbers on Election Day. A lot of them had to wait for hours – as much as seven hours – to cast their vote. In Florida, voters stayed in line until the wee hours of the following day even after Romney conceded.

“Romney, who was confident that he was going to win -- he didn’t bother to prepare a concession speech just in case he’d lose -- was reportedly shell-shocked by the sudden turn of events as states began reporting the election results.

“What surprised Romney was that he lost in eight of the nine battleground states when his internal polls showed that he’d win them all by at least five percentage points in each of them. What the hell happened? Where were the ‘angry white men’ whom Romney cultivated and depended on to vote for him? But as it turned out, there were more angrier women, minority, and young voters than these ‘angry white men.’ And this brings to mind: What made them angrier than the ‘angry white men?’

“For starters, the Republican Party’s rightwing extremist agenda alienated a lot of voters. And they would continue to alienate them for as long as they continue to peddle their extreme rightwing agenda. But their problem is that a lot of Republican right-wingers believed that they lost the election because Romney was not conservative enough.

“But the truth of the matter is that Romney lost because he ran on an ultra-conservative agenda, which is a death knell to anyone seeking the presidency. History tells us that nobody has won the White House on an extremist rightwing or leftwing agenda. A case in point was ultra-conservative Republican Barry Goldwater who lost to moderate Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. Likewise with ultra-liberal Democrat George McGovern who lost to centrist Republican Richard M. Nixon in 1972.

“In essence, to win in a presidential campaign, the candidate should run on a moderate/centrist agenda. Indeed, it was Nixon who said it best when he wrote a letter to Bob Dole in 1995 when he was seeking the Republican presidential nomination. ‘To win the Republican nomination,’ he told Dole, ‘you have to run as far as you can to the right because that’s where 40% of the people who decide the nomination are. And to get elected you have to run as fast as you can back to the middle, because only about 4% of the nation’s voters are on the extreme right wing.’

“Romney tried to do that by running a rightwing campaign during the primaries and then made (Continue on page 27)

Reconnecting with old and new clients

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“You can fool all the people some of the time, some of the people all the time but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” – President Abraham Lincoln

or me, the sick entertainment in these perilous times of the Xi Jin Ping corona virus is the debate over whether President Dutearte is sick or not. Why should anybody worry about Duterte being sick or not? Many times President Duterte has admitted he is suffering from some ailments. If that is the case – why debate over his health? He is HOMOBONO A. ADAZA sick, based on his admission.

He says, however, that his ailment is not life threatening.

When former Senator Francisco “Kit” Tatad wrote in his column in the Manila Times that President Duterte has been going to Xi Jing Ping’s Communist China for treatment of a serious ailment, President Duterte was enraged and said, among others, that Tatad is not a medical doctor and is in no position to say that the President is sick. What was telling were these words of Duterte – “Tell Tatad that I’m healthier than him and I am sure he will die ahead of me.”

Kit Tatad got the message and he retired as a columnist and made a journey to nowhere or as Sanuel Butler would have it, to Erewhon. So you see, there is no sense speculating on the health of President Duterte. You can get a dose of the Tatad treatment – and it’s not Sinovac or Astrazeneka or sinopak (in Bisaya, objected to).

From the Palace point of view, it’s all right to be a Malacañang herbolario like Senator Christopher Lawrence Tesoro Go aka Bong Go who like an umalohocan is shouting at the top of the roof of the Palace that President Duterte is in perfect health – riding a motorcycle and jogging. Common kid, haven’t you read that famous quote at the beginning of this column from President Abraham Lincoln. It’s plain and simple – you don’t have to think on it. Just read it. I suppose you know how to read it - even if it’s not in Chinese characters.

Another herbolario from the Palace, Harry Roque, is echoing your line. He is a lawyer – he should know better. The era of Joseph Goebbels had been cast into the garbage of history just like Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich. It is a repudiated era. The Goebbels’ line that a lie told once remains a lie, a lie told several times becomes the truth, does not work anymore with people who use their heads or have a scintilla of education. It works only with morons, simpletons, fanatics and the stupid – and they are diminishing in numbers. Are they?

Evidence: Harry Roque should teach Senator Bong Go the fundamental but simple rule of evidence – that for evidence to be believed, it must be not only come from the mouth of a credible witness but must be credible by itself. The evidence that Senator Go submitted has two strikes against it. First, he and Roque are devotees and propagandists of Duterte - so on this matter they not credible witnesses. As Duterte defenders, they are nothing but propagandists whose genius is to tell untruths or falsehood – as in this particular case. Second, the evidence they submitted are not credible by itself. They are pictures with no indication when they were taken.

If President Duterte is really working in Malacañang, why don’t they just call the networks with Duterte speaking to the people - which he does regularly every week? The fact that the two herbolarios could not submit that simple evidence proves that they are not telling the truth.

No relevance: Is it relevant for the country and our people if President Duterte is sick or not? Is it pertinent to Filipinos if the President is visible or invisible? Probably not! Why? Whether President Duterte is sick or not, he will not change.

The country will not change. His decision making process will not change. The problems will still be there, irrespective of his physical condition. Why? He is not a problem solver as he is a creator of problems – extrajudicial killings, continuing rise of prices of basic commodities, allowing the invasion and taking over of the West Philippine Sea by Communist China, inability to control rampant graft and corruption, failure to eliminate the illegal drug problem, wanton violation of the Constitution and failure to improve the lives of Filipinos, among others.

Many Filipinos say that what exists during the Duterte regime is the sad and unchanging reality in this country. This

Diliman Way

Quo Vadis, Republican Party?

12

(Continue on page 27)

13 April 15-21, 2021

 OPINION

e did it again.

He disappeared from public view for almost two weeks.

And as can be expected, it was not his spokesman who tried to explain away his absence. Instead, it was his longtime aide and sometime senator Bong Go who tried to convince the public that all was well and good with the president.

BETING DOLOR This, Go attempted to accomplish by releasing several photos supposedly showing Rodrigo Duterte meeting with him, riding his motorcycle, playing golf, and jogging. All of the proof, however, did little to dispel the rumors that the country’s chief executive was not in good enough health to continue his job.

No one, but no one, from the Duterte regime could give a sensible rational, and valid reason why the president remains unable to face the people through legitimate media. Live and in living color, of course.

All of Duterte’s supposed public appearances for close to a year now have either been scripted or the photos and videos heavily edited.

At this late stage in his presidency, Duterte is apparently unable to sit or stand for a few minutes to face local media practitioners, and answer essential questions.

His edited appearance on Monday, April 12, only added fuel to the fire. He was not only having some difficulty breathing, but was rambling on and on about inconsequential matters.

For one, he continued to attack Senator Leila de Lima.

Lest anyone forget, de Lima has been incarcerated for four odd years now on what local and foreign legal luminaries say are trumped up charges.

De Lima can do him no harm whatsoever, yet he appears to be deathly afraid of the former justice secretary.

He said that he didn’t care if she were imprisoned or not, which is a lie of course. If this was true, de Lima should have been allowed to post bail.

But no, she has been singled out by Duterte because she is a mere woman. His low regard for women is well known, by the way.

On the other hand, Duterte has been unable to have former senator Antonio Trillanes arrested, and we can guess why. The former Armed Forces officer still has a following within the AFP, as well as a grassroots political party.

If Duterte is afraid of de Lima, he is absolutely terrified of Trillanes.

It was the former senator who had asked for proof that Duterte was still alive and well in the middle of his extended absence, and it was Trillanes who finally said that yes, he is still alive, but is he still functioning?

This is a fair question to ask. Like many other past presidents who had serious medical conditions – remember Marcos and his lupus that no one was allowed to talk about? – Duterte’s inner circle have taken great pains to keep his actual condition secret.

He may still be breathing as of this week, but is he still truly alive or is he more zombie than human, following the dictates of de factor president Bong Go? Only his doctors know for sure. The problem is, his attending physicians may not be all that trustworthy. As president, Duterte can order them to prescribe for him drugs which would otherwise be illegal. Like fentanyl.

Duterte admitted early in his presidency that he was taking the dangerous drug fentanyl on doctor’s orders. It was necessary, he said, because he was in constant pain, owing to a number of past biking accidents.

Ask any doctor what the effects of daily intakes of fentanyl will do to a patient’s mental functions. The answer will strike fear in your hearts, folks.

Rodrigo Roa Duterte has not only become paranoid as proven by his irrational fear of de Lima, he is also no longer able to administer the affairs of state properly.

Lately, there have been growing calls for the president to resign, and they’re not coming from his political opponents alone. The medical community, the business sector, even local government units have been openly asking if maybe the time has come for Duterte to retire. Even ordinary citizens, including former Duterte supporters, (Continue on page 27)

midst the flood of concern about antiAsian hate crimes and the New York Times front page article about the Manhattan street assault on a 65-year old Filipina, Vilma Kari, why haven’t we heard about Whitson Reef?

Also known as Julian Felipe Reef, it is a boomerang-shaped coral reef in the southern Philippines that sits within the 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone that belongs to our mother country. Last month, 183 Chinese vessels were spotted moored at this reef, some anchored together in groups of 10. Since the move has caused words of contention between President Duterte and the Chinese ambassador, we can only assume that the boats were not there by invitation.

The Whitson Reef is part of the Spratly Islands and the Spratlys are claimed by several countries including China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam. If it isn’t already obvious who expects to win this contest, know that China has already built a base in this area and armed it. Now their boats are there to occupy these waters. Despite the 2016 ruling in an international tribunal in the Hague which concluded that China had no legal basis to claim rights to the bulk of the South China Sea, the effective occupancy by China is underway. It calls into question which international body China is willing to follow, if any.

To garner some insight into this question, look no further than last month’s Anchorage meetings between China’s President Xi Jinping’s foreign policy envoys, Yang Jiechi and Wang Yi, and the Biden administration. A divergence from Deng Xioping’s low profile approach to the US, China’s envoys asked for policy changes and criticized America for racial and democratic failings. This from a country’s ruling party that has persecuted the Tibetans and Uighurs. The essence of China’s changed approach is that they view themselves as equal to the United States. Importantly, ambitions to unify with Taiwan are sacred.

Now, this seems like important news. Almost 200 Chinese vessels in contested waters, an assurance that their sights are set on Taiwan, a base that remains a very large thorn at our side…this is all pointing to something. Yet, with a few exceptions, I see little mention of these matters in the mainstream American press.

The Whitson Reef was covered by the Economist, CNNPhilippines, the US Naval Institute News, and the South China Morning Post. Meanwhile, the mainstream press in the United States has been occupied with domestic narratives about racism, racism, another police shooting (which looks like it was a mistake), more riots, and racism.

We know that press coverage can be bought, even legitimately. Maybe the silence over the topic of China’s recent aggressions has also been bought. Maybe the fact that the Communist Party of China is never portrayed as an adversary in mainstream Hollywood films is also deliberate, achieved through funding or the absence of it.

When an issue, like China’s recent behavior in the Whitson Reef, doesn’t get the media attention it deserves, maybe it’s time to start doubting the media’s coverage of news.

H

A

We have to do our part as well

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t’s sad and frustrating to see what’s happening in the Philippines at this time. It appears that the Duterte administration does not really have any concrete plan in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. I saw his last address to the nation and all I heard were rants about his critics and political opponents. People are getting ATTY. JOJO LIANGCO sick, losing their jobs, and many are waiting for the promised “ayuda’ (financial assistance) from the government.

Hospitals are in full capacity and rants don’t do any good at this time. Action and performance from the leadership as well as a concrete plan will appease and calm many people. *** Elections bring out the political pundits, the fortune tellers, and the card readers in us. We just love making predictions and wild guesses as to how an election, a political campaign, or a candidacy will turn out.

There is definitely passion as we voice our support for and expectations from the candidates that we want to lead us. Next year is a presidential election year in the Philippines and just like the elections of the past, people will again be pinning their hopes on their candidates to accomplish major changes and turning points in politics and governance, business, economy, culture and technology, and in matters such as those related to national security. I just hope that people of the Philippines will be wiser with their choice of candidates and leaders come Election 2022. What’s happening at this time in the country is a good lesson. Hats-off though to the Filipino leaders who continue to serve and think for the good of the country during these trying times. *** A few years ago in the Philippines, the slogan--- “It’s more fun in the Philippines”--- was launched by the country’s tourism agency. This slogan by the way is also appropriate to describe the past fanfares, entertainment factor, and the shallowness of many past campaigns and elections that resulted in electoral processes that were “more festive” compared to the town and barrio fiestas in the Philippines.

Then there’s the violent episodes too that turned campaigns and elections into dirty wars not only because of the “demolition jobs” that were done to destroy people and their reputations but also because of dirty tactics and ploys that resulted in deaths and senseless killings.

For the unsuspecting, discerning which news and information is true is also a big ordeal these days because there are so many fake news, propagandists, and spin masters at work who sway and swing public opinion--- and influence elections to favor the candidates that they work for and serve. Then if there are demolition jobs, there are also “cover-ups” and “whitewashes.” There’s a “cover-up” when there is an effort to hide the evidence of wrongdoing, error, or incompetence.

In a passive cover-up, information is simply not provided, while in an active cover-up, deception is used. Whitewashing involves releasing misleading evidence. *** Unlike in most countries where leaders are chosen and elected based on their platforms and positions on issues, ideology, and program of government, in the Philippines, people have been accustomed to choosing and electing their political leaders based on popularity and media exposure (and even based on the candidate’s family name, connections, and political clout ).

But like what I have written and said before, things and conditions that we have been used to seeing and accepting are not always good, right, and just. It is for this reason that I always revisit the works and writings of Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto. Our generation can still be inspired by the sacrifice and social vision of these heroes.

Dr. Rizal said something important during that fateful day when he faced the Spanish military court in Manila. We need to revisit and put to heart those words--- “I wanted the Filipino people to appear self-respecting, noble, honest, for a people that make themselves contemptible by their cowardice or vices expose themselves to abuses and imposition. In general, man oppresses whom he despises.”

To make his words relevant today, we Filipinos should regain first and foremost our self-respecting, noble, and honest virtues and we should have the (Continue on page 27)

Immigrant’s Story

Why Is the Whitson Reef not yet a household word?

Offline

Proof of no life

 IMMIGRATIONS The visa processing backlog under President Biden

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resident Joe Biden has moved to reverse many of his predecessor’s anti-immigration policies, but the consequences of those restrictive measures linger and have contributed to a massive backlog of nearly 2.6 million visa applications.

The backlog includes nearly half a million applicants who are “documentarily qualified” and ready for interviews, according to a recent legal filing by the State Department. Backlogs in some immigrant-visa categories are 50 or even 100 times higher than they were four years ago, at the start of the Trump administration.

Some of the backlogs are due to restrictions imposed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. But some also spring from pre-pandemic Trump policies or actions that the Biden administration hasn’t unwound.

The Biden administration is still reviewing or hasn’t fully reversed some measures that slow or block processing, such as heightened background checks and questionable terrorism designations.

The good news is that the State Department said that in places that are subject to regional pandemic travel restrictions, it will now let people seeking immigrant and fiancee visas go ahead and apply.

To understand the challenges, consider the visa process. In March 2020, citing the Covid-19 pandemic, the State Department suspended routine visa services at embassies and consulates around the world. The next month, then-President Trump issued and twice extended a proclamation suspending the entry of most immigrants who didn’t already have valid visas until March 31, 2021. For security reasons, “you can’t adjudicate visas or passports from home,” said Michele Thoren Bond, a former State Department assistant secretary for consular affairs. “Anything passport, anything visarelated, you have to be in the office to do it; and to initiate visa cases you have to bring the applicants into the embassy for interviews, too. Even if you reopen, you can’t let them come in the numbers that would have been normal, pre-Covid.”

A look at family-preference visas, which are issued to people seeking to join a relative already in the US, show how hard the pandemic restrictions hit a system already slowed by other Trump-administration moves.

In February 2017, just after Trump took office, there was a backlog of 2,312 family-preference visa applications, according to Rebecca Austin, assistant director of the National Visa Center at the State Department. Each of the next three years, that backlog more than doubled and doubled again, reaching 26,737 by Feb. 8, 2020. Then, due to the pandemic closures, by February 8 of this year, the backlog leaped to nearly 285,000, she said in a declaration to a federal court in California.

In a written response to queries from CNN, the State Department said that “embassies and consulates are working to resume routine visa services on a location-by-location basis as expeditiously as possible in a safe manner,” but that “We do not expect to be able to safely return to pre-pandemic workload levels until mid-2021 at the earliest.” Officials said health and safety measures would force them to “prioritize the most urgent and mission-critical cases” while scheduling fewer interviews than was normal before the pandemic.

Because the Bureau of Consular Affairs relies mostly on visa and passport fees to fund its operations, the State Department said that the sharp drop in fee revenue from the pandemic “will have continuing effects on our staffing and available resources for several years, which means even when post-specific conditions improve, many posts will not be able to immediately return to pre-pandemic workload levels.”

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

Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association. He specializes in immigration law, bankruptcy law and income tax preparation. For free consultation email or call (info@ccllaw.net / 1-877-456-9266)

April 15-21, 2021

14

PDIC hikes deposit insurance fund to P216.85 B MAKATI CITY – State deposit insurer Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) has built up its deposit insurance fund (DIF) to P216.85 billion as of the fourth quarter of 2020, and settled 100 percent of the 7,072 valid deposit insurance claims within its target turnaround time (TAT) for banks ordered closed last year.

The DIF represents PDIC’s overall capacity to respond to insurance calls due to bank failures. The prompt settlement of deposit insurance claims, on the other hand, provides affected depositors the needed relief.

In a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, PDIC president Roberto Tan said its DIF posted a double-digit growth of 10.3 percent or P20.33 billion from its 2019 level of P196.52 billion.

The increase resulted in an adequacy level of 6.91 percent in terms of ratio of the DIF to the banking system’s estimated total insured deposits. The ratio was above the minimum target of 5.5 percent for 2020.

Tan said PDIC will endeavor to maintain adequate DIF cover at prudential level.

Dominguez said PDIC’s record of performance has been marked by the prudential management of the deposit insurance fund and the prompt settlement of deposit insurance claims.

The DIF consists of reserves for insurance losses of P193.64 billion, retained earnings of P20.21 billion, and permanent insurance fund of P3 billion.

The PDIC also reported that of the total deposit insurance claims involving 7,072 deposit accounts in five banks closed last year, 6,733 accounts involved deposits of P100,000 and below, were settled within target turn-around-time to eligible depositors, while 339 were for deposits with balances of more than P100,000.

Tan said the PDIC aims to continue the prompt settlement of deposit insurance claims by expanding to digital payment platforms this year, including Instapay and the multi-channel disbursement facility of a government bank.

He added PDIC is also targeting in 2021 the reduction of loan accounts by 17,825 and real property assets by 807 from the baseline set in 2019.

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan – Megawide Construction Corporation is preparing to start construction for phase 1 of Malolos-Clark Railway (MCR) project in the second quarter of the year.

The company said it believes that the government’s roll-out of major infrastructure projects like the MCRP, the North-South Commuter Rail ProjectSouth Line, and the Metro Manila subway system project will be catalysts to jumpstart the economy. For Megawide, this also opened up opportunities for its infrastructure pivot.

“Megawide will continue to leverage on its vertically-integrated construction advantage to deliver much-needed infrastructure projects like the MCRP on

time and with high quality and excellent workmanship. Together with our partners, we are ready to begin building a first-world railway that every Filipino deserves,” Megawide chairman and chief executive officer Edgar Saavedra said.

The company’s Batching Plant, Formworks and Construction Equipment and Logistics Services (CELS) businesses are gearing up to supply concrete and provide support facilities to the consortium of Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (Hyundai E&C), Dong-ah Geological Engineering Company Ltd. (Dong-ah), and Megawide after going through and winning a stringent bidding process.

Construction of Malolos-Clark Railway project set to start

Moody’s revises PHL banking sector outlook to stable MAKATI CITY – Moody’s Investors Service has changed its outlook on the Philippines’ banking system from negative to stable, citing its forecast of a mild recovery for the domestic economy this year which supports the sector.

“However, asset risks remain high because of a prolonged curtailment of business activity, a high unemployment rate, and weak consumer sentiment,” it said in a report dated April 13, 2021.

It forecasts a 7-percent growth for the Philippine economy this year, within the government’s 6.5-7.5 percent target.

Moody’s expects the banking environment to be stable as the government

eases movement restrictions.

It said fiscal support is also expected to boost the recovery bid and back consumer spending and investment.

“However, a resurgence in infection rates and a reinstatement of some social-distancing measures will slow the economic recovery in (the) first half of 2021,” it said.

The credit rater expects non-performing loans (NPLs) to rise this year, adding that social distancing measures will contribute to the debt repayment capacity of borrowers, particularly the retail borrowers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

15 April 15-21, 2021

 IMMIGRATIONS

Op-Ed: Educating Drivers about Safe Left-Turns for Safer Streets in our Community

By SOMCAN Drivers making left-turns have been identified as one of the top three crash factors in severe injuries and fatal collisions for people walking and biking in San Francisco. According to data gathered through San Francisco’s Vision Zero initiative, about 30 people die and more than 500 are severely injured while traveling the city’s streets every year. These deaths and injuries to members of our community can be prevented.

Vision Zero is a road safety policy adopted by San Francisco in 2014 as part of its commitment “to build better and safer streets, educate the public on traffic safety, enforce traffic laws, and adopt policy changes that save lives.” This collaborative, citywide effort envisions safer, more livable streets as the city works towards the “Vision Zero goal” of zero traffic fatalities.

In 2019, almost 40% of traffic fatalities involved drivers making unsafe leftturns—a lethal combination of speed, abrupt and narrow turns, not yielding to pedestrians and bikers, and the lack of attention resulting in not seeing a person in a crosswalk until it is too late. To raise awareness of this traffic safety issue and

promote safer left turns, San Francisco launched the Safety – It’s Your Turn campaign. Residents may have noticed the bright yellow advertisements highlighting the 40% statistic throughout the city on billboards, bus shelters, buses, newspapers, and social media.

Streets and intersections in the South of Market district are part of the High Injury Network that was mapped out by the Vision Zero initiative based on half a decade of data collected by police officers, engineers, and health officials. The High Injury Network is the 13% of streets in San Francisco where more than 75% of severe and fatal crashes occur. This High Injury Network also happens to be in so-called “Communities of Concern,” identified by the SF County Transportation Authority as “vulnerable populations having high levels of minority or low-income households as well as seniors, people who have limited English proficiency and people who have disabilities.”

As part of the Vision Zero Safety – It’s Your Turn campaign, the city has also broadened its outreach through grants to select community organizations to develop culturally responsive outreach programs and materials for the community that they

not only serve, but also understand the needs of, and can reach out to more effectively. The other objective is to be able to reach communities that are historically underserved by transportation projects.

The South of Market Community Action Network (SOMCAN) is one of the six community grantees in the city. SOMCAN has partnered with FEC Galing Bata, an afterschool program of the Bessie Carmichael / Filipino Education Center School, to disseminate information about safe leftturns through the Safety – It’s Your Turn campaign. Part of the campaign includes sharing safe left-turn messaging directly to food-delivery drivers, hard-to-reach communities along the High Injury Network, teen drivers, and vulnerable road-users.

Other grantees are working on messaging materials that will include “map booklets for the visually impaired, teen driver safety kits, and art-inspired public service announcements.”

Through the Safety – It’s Your Turn campaign, drivers are encouraged to “Slow Down, Turn Square, and Stay Aware” for safer left-turns: A safe speed is 5 mph, a safe left-turn is a wide turn of 90 degrees, and always look for people walking and on bikes before turning.

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NG MGA PAGKAMATAY DAHIL SA PAGKABUNDOL NG SASAKYAN AY KINASANGKUTAN NG MGA NAGMAMANEHO NA LUMILIKO NG PAKALIWA

BAGUHIN NATIN ITO.

1

2

3

MAGBAGAL

LUMIKO NG PAKUWADRADO

MANATILING MALAY

ANG ANGGULONG 90-DEGREE ANG PINAKAMAINAM

ANTABAYANAN ANG MGA KOTSE, MGA NAGBIBISIKLETA, AT MGA TAONG NASA TAWIRAN

5MPH AY PINAKALIGTAS

VisionZeroSF.org/LeftTurns

VISIONZERO SF

VZ SF

VISION ZERO SF

Everyone makes mistakes, but no one should die from them. Vision Zero works within a Safe Systems approach and acknowledges road safety is a shared responsibility that includes how streets and cities are built, and not just the people who use the streets. As part of the Safety – It’s Your Turn campaign, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s (SFMTA) Left-Turn Traffic Calming Project has installed street safety infrastructure at seven intersections on the High Injury Network.

This engineering solution incorporates visual and physical cues such as left-turn guide bumps, painted safety zones, and delineators to encourage reduced speed and extra caution when making left-turns.

As San Francisco gradually reopens after a year of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, street traffic is on the rise towards pre-pandemic levels. More traffic on our streets means a higher risk of traffic related crashes. Together we can do our share in educating ourselves about the necessity of practicing safe left-turns on our way to putting a stop to avoidable fatalities and severe injuries, ensuring safer streets in our community.

For more information, please visit https://visionzerosf.org/leftturns

OF S.F. TRAFFIC FATALITIES INVOLVE DRIVERS MAKING LEFT TURNS.

LET’S TURN THAT AROUND.

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TAKE IT SLOW

MAKE IT SQUARE

STAY AWARE

5 MPH IS SAFEST

90-DEGREE ANGLES ARE BEST

LOOK OUT FOR CARS, CYCLISTS, AND PEOPLE IN THE CROSSWALKS

VisionZeroSF.org/LeftTurns

VISIONZEROSF

VZ SF

VISION ZERO SF

 ENTERTAINMENT

April 15-21, 2021

18

Rabiya Mateo now in US, wows fans, set for Miss Universe

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda Iloilo’s pride Rabiya Mateo is now in the United States acclimatizing for Miss Universe 2020 scheduled in Hollywood, Florida in May. The beauty queen, a licensed physical therapist and lecturer and cum laude graduate from the Iloilo Doctors Col-

lege who will represent the Philippines in the latest edition of the pageant, was warmly welcomed by supporters upon arrival in Los Angeles with her team.

Early published reports on social media showed her donning a style created by Chino Christopherson and Marc Rancy. She wrote the caption for the photo: “I will pour all my strength into this battle and hold my head high and say, ‘I am honoured to be a modern Filipina in mind, heart, spirit, word and deed’.”

“Long live made by Filipinos,” she added.

The 24 year-old Ilonggo lass was the first to win the crown under new management, the Miss Universe Philippines Organization with former beauty queen Shamcey Supsup at the helm.

Rabiya left Manila on April 9 and will be competing against around 80 candidates from all around the world at the pageant, the coronation night of which will be on May 16 in Miami, Florida.

“I’m happy but at the same time, I’m nervous but that’s completely normal,” Rabiya said in Manila before departing for US. “But I’m excited to go to the US. This is my first international flight and I can’t wait to meet the other candidates from the different countries.”

Rabiya has a fighting chance to win the Philippines’ fifth Miss U crown, according to her avid fans and her training camp Aces and Queens led by beauty queen maker Jonas Gaffud. US-based beauty expert Olivia Quido-Co shared the same prediction.

On Facebook on April 10, Gaffud explained why the team left for US early, reported Robert Requintina. “The sudden decision to leave early was because of restrictions in the country. We wanted to leave on April 20, to isolate for 14 days (self imposed because there are no quarantine rules in Florida I think) prior to checking in at the Miss Universe Hotel venue.”

“By the end of March, the organization was carefully planning everything. We had no choice but to the get the earliest day possible to leave the country. Since flights are either being cancelled or fullybooked. So April 9 it is. We

don’t even have an airline sponsor. But thank God there are angels around who have been helping us. (Whom we will thank all soon),” Gaffud added.

“Before leaving we prayed together with Albert Andrada. A reminder is that we are not just doing this for ourselves, and for our country. We are all here to glorify His name, the Lord our God. “PS. It’s Rabiya’s first out of the country trip, and she requested that we all go together,” he added.

Heaven Peralejo infected with coronavirus, television co-star Sunshine Cruz recovering Kapamilya actress Heaven Peralejo has tested positive for COVID-19.

Peralejo revealed this through her recent vlog posted on April 12.

She documented her journey in battling COVID-19 after she discovered her

condition while currently in locked-in taping for the ABS-CBN series “Bagong Umaga.”

Her co-star in the ABS-CBN series, Sunshine Cruz, also reported she was having symptoms of the virus and so she

went on isolation.

Heaven was transferred to the hospital because her oxygen level went down and was advised by her doctor to go to the hospital.

“I couldn’t breathe properly. It’s hard to breath.” Peralejo said.

“I have no cough, I have no fever, just whole-body pain. Ang sakit ng puso ko, ang sakit ng lungs ko,” Heaven added.

Peralejo said she shared her ordeal to give hope for those experiencing the same illness.

“I’d like to share with you all my experience hoping that it will help everyone who is going through the same situation to cope up and recover from this difficulty. And to everyone else, this video is to provide awareness that Covid is real and it should be taken seriously.” she said.

Peralejo has yet to upload the second part of her vlog but she revealed that she is now a Covid-19 survivor.

“I am now a Covid-19 survivor. Sending my love and prayers to everybody going through these difficult times,” Peralejo noted.

Sunshine Cruz was happy reporting

to her fans that she was slowly recovering from the symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Although she did not directly say that she has been infected by the corona virus, Sunshine wrote on Instagram over the weekend as reported by Maharlika TV’s Evelyn Diao that she still feels blessed that she is just isolated in the comfort of her home unlike those who are confined in hospitals or isolation facilities.

“I may not see the kids but hearing and chatting over the phone with them makes me look forward to seeing and hugging these princesses of mine once again,” she said.

Sunshine is optimistic about her condition and she declared that she is now on her way to recovery, according to the report.

“Headache, body pain is now more tolerable, cough is not as worse, my sense of taste and smell have improved,” she said.

“I thank God everyday for I am slowly getting better,” she added.

In an earlier, Sunshine said she misses hugging and talking to her daughters.

19 April 15-21, 2021 PRESIDENT ERAP IS IMPROVING

Hours after his sons disclosed that he has already tested negative for COVID-19, a photo of former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada flashing a thumbs-up sign surfaced on the internet.

Ex-senator JV Ejercito posted on his Facebook account such a picture of his father, with some medical machines still attached to him, and thanked those who offered prayers for the former leader’s recovery.

In the same post, Ejercito revealed that the former Manila City mayor will be transferred to a regular hospital room after staying in the intensive care unit for some time due to complications brought by the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

“Thank you everyone for the prayers. My father is now negative for COVID. He will be transferred to a regular room from the ICU in a few days,” the former senator said.

“Prayers indeed moves mountains! Again, my heartfelt gratitude to everyone!” he added.

According to Jinggoy, even if a high flow oxygen support remains connected to his father, the ex-President has been “conversing normally” and is “in good spirits.”

He also said that his father has been allowed to resume a soft diet.

“We are happy to announce that my dad continues to improve and we expect that he can be transferred to a regular room soon.” Jinggoy said.

“He is still on high flow oxygen support but at a much-reduced rate. He has been allowed to resume soft diet. Mentally, he is oriented, conversing normally and appears to be in good spirits,” he added.

Get well soon po!

KIM CHUI WANTS TO EARN A DEGREE Kim Chiu opened up about how she regrets not earning a college degree, but looked forward to going back to school someday.

Kim’s revelation came after she answered some of the most searched questions about her in her YouTube vlog the other day.

One of the questions was, “Where did Kim Chiu go to college?” to which the actress answered that she did not get to finish her studies at all.

“Isa ‘to sa mga regrets ko in life, na hindi ako nakatungtong ng college. But I think everything happens for a reason at dito ako dinala (showbiz),” she said. (This is one of my regrets in life, that I did not get to study in college. But I think everything happens for a reason and I was brought to showbiz instead.)

She believes that acting is part of her destiny and supporting three of her siblings in their college education is already rewarding for her.

But unknown to some, Kim did try to pursue higher education. She attended the University of the Philippines Open University from 2015 to 2017, but was not able to finish her business management course because of the demands of her job as an actress.

“Hindi ako nagtagal kasi hindi ko kinaya. Ang daming assignment, ang daming projects, tapos nagte-teleserye pa ako,” she now admits. “Though hindi ko naman sinisisi ‘yung projects na ‘yon because those are opportunities.”

(I did not get to finish the course because I could not handle it. I had many assignments, many projects, and I was also doing a series then. Though I am not blaming those projects because those are opportunities.)

Even though her attempt at higher education did not go as she planned, Chiu is not closing her doors at the possibility of studying again.

“Ang pagaaral, I’m sure naman nandiyan lang ‘yan and there’s always a way and time na makabalik tayo sa pag-aaral.

Makakakuha tayo ng college degree. Soon. Hindi natin iyan ibablock,” she said.

(I’m sure studying will always be there and there’s always a way and time to get back to my studies. I’ll earn a college degree. Soon. I will not block that [possibility].)

Aside from her desire to study again, Chiu also talked about her relationship with fellow actor Xian Lim to answer a question about whether they are already married. She denied this and stressed that they are still just in a relationship.

“Wala pa kami doon (We are not yet there),” she answered.

“Let’s see.”

 ENTERTAINMENT

Richard and Lucy Gomez to swap posts in 2022 polls TACLOBAN CITY - Actor, sportsman and Mayor Richard Gomez of Ormoc City announced the plan of his actress wife, Leyte Rep. Lucy Marie Torres-Gomez (4th district), to run as the city’s chief executive next year after serving as a lawmaker for over a decade.

The actor turned mayor said he willswap post with his wife, who is now serving her third and last term in the House of Representatives.

Mayor Gomez made the announcement during the launch of the Ormoc City Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) vaccination plan and development.

The Torres-Gomez clan and its political allies dominated the Leyte’s fourth district after their bets were victorious in the 2019 midterm polls, ending the decades-long rule of the Codilla family.

After two failed attempts to win an elective post, Richard joined local politics in 2010 when he ran as Leyte fourth district representative. He was disqualified months before the elections, prompting Lucy to replace him.

Lucy was declared winner in 2010 and her substitution was considered by the Commission on Elections as “legal and valid.”

However, less than two months before the 2013 elections, the Supreme Court ordered her to vacate the post due to question on the eligibility of her substitution.

In 2013, Lucy ran in Congress and won while Richard lost his mayoralty bid. Because her previous term was invalidated, Lucy’s win in 2013 was considered her first term.

In the 2016 elections, the couple ran for the same local positions and both won the poll, toppling the Codilla political clan in the northwestern part of Leyte province.

 REAL ESTATE

April 15-21, 2021

Office space demand rising amid optimism in economic recovery

T

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Current California Housing report

he California housing market ended the previous year on a high note as sales remained strong in December and median house price reached MAKATI CITY – The Philippine office He said the information technology and another record high. The same momentum has been market continued registering new demand in business process management (IT-BPM) carried forward in 2021. In the first month of 2021, the first quarter of 2021 and is growing de- remains the single largest driver of office the California housing market had its largest increase spite the pandemic as more firms are optimis- demand in the first quarter as the Philippine in sales and pricing in 17 years. Continuing the Calitic on a post-coronavirus economic recovery. offshore gaming operators’ activity (POfornia housing market’s hot streak, home sales record Mikko Barranda, associate director at GOs) flatlined due to the pandemic, China’s eighth straight year-over-year gain, C.A.R. reports.

Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC), said clampdown, as well as high taxes being imYear-to-date statewide home sales were up 15.9 peroffice demand reached 109,000 square me- posed on the industry. cent in February 2021. ters (sqm) in the January to March period, Apart from the IT-BPM sector, Barranda Home sales and prices ease as compared to the preup by 22.5 percent from 89,000 sqm in the added traditional companies and online revious months but strong buying interest continues to provide support to the market. The median price paid for all homes sold in February fourth quarter 2020. tail companies led the growth for the last two was $699,000, down 0.1 percent from January but up 20.6 percent from February 2020, “There was a renewed interest in the of- to three quarters. according to new data from the California Association of Realtors. Homes are moving fice market, activity spur(s) up and we are “It shows the confidence that many 56% faster than a year ago; the median time on the market was 10 days in February. doing deals with tenants today (with) either companies have for the Philippines. Most The existing single-family home sales totaled 462,720 in February on a seasonnew leases and renewals for as long as five tenants, 95 percent tenants have continued ally adjusted annualized rate, down 4.5 percent from January and up 9.7 percent from years. It’s a testament to the commitment of to pay rents and renewed leases across the February 2020. The year-over-year sales gain was the eighth consecutive. Tight supply many of these investors in the Philippines board despite what their corporate headand steady demand from home buyers boosted home sales across California real estate and that they believe that the recovery is just quarter says about shedding more (office) market. All major regions, except for the Central Valley, experienced a surge in sales around the corner,” he said in a virtual press spaces and a lot of companies are anticipatfrom a year ago. briefing Monday. ing growth…,” he said.

New construction can’t keep up with demand. Southern California home prices Barranda said the Corporate Recovery In the first quarter of 2021, the IT-BPM reached an all-time high in February as buyers competed amid a shortage of homes for sale. There is an increase in demand leading to bidding wars and subsequent higher and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CRE- industry accounted for the largest single selling prices. These trends show us that the California housing market remains very ATE) law and coronavirus disease 2019 take-up at 33,000 sqm. followed by e-comcompetitive.

(Covid-19) vaccine rollout are expected to merce at 19,000 sqm., which more than triGrowth of sales are prices are driven by low mortgage rates, buyers seeking more improve investor sentiments in the next few pled its take-up from its fourth-quarter level living space, and a perennial shortage of housing supply. Homes are selling quickly months. of 6,000 sqm. with a minimal price reduction. The statewide sales-price-tolist-price ratio was 101 percent in February 2021 and 99.1 percent in February 2020. If it’s above 100%, the home sold for more than the list price. If it’s less than 100%, the home sold for less than the list price.

High demand across all California’s sub-markets means that low inventory and lightning-fast market conditions are not going away soon. There just aren’t enough homes listed for sale to satisfy the demand from buyers. C.A.R.’s Unsold New Funeral home with Reception Center Flower Shop Inventory Index (UII) remains low at 2 months in February Beautiful Garden Memorial Park Cremation Services and was down sharply from 3.6 months in February 2020.

The index indicates the number of months it would take to We transfer your loved ones to and from the Philippines sell the supply of homes on the market at the current rate of sales.

The housing affordability index has decreased by 13% for the last quarter (Q4 2020). According to the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.), over a third (35.5 percent) of homebuyers paid more than what home sellers asked for in 2020, compared to a quarter (26.7 percent) in 2019. In fact, last year’s level is the highest in seven years and is 16 percent higher than the long-run average.

Will The Housing Market Go Up or Down in California?

Each month C.A.R. surveys 1,000 California consumers regarding their sentiments about various aspects of the housing market or the economy that directly impact housing to create a California Housing Sentiment Index. There has been no change in the overall housing sentiment index (74) from the last month.

Mortgage rates have been on the rise in recent weeks and now average slightly above 3%. If the economy improves, rates could keep rising, but many experts expect borrowing TTT BBBBBBBBB NNN FFFFFFF HHHH RRRRRRRRR CCCCCC CCCCCCC LLLL costs to remain low by historical standards throughout 2021.

Here’s what consumers feel at this time.

Is it a good time to buy a home in California?

C.A.R.’s monthly Consumer Housing Sentiment Index for February 2021 found that 28% of consumers believe that now is the time to buy, and 72% think this is not a good time to buy. That’s up 3% from January 2021. As a result of rising prices and mortgage rates, the housing market sentiment also shows that only 32% of the consumers feel that it will be easier to find a home over the next twelve months. That’s down 8% from January 2021.

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

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

21 April 15-21, 2021

NEWS  NATIONAL SPORTS NEWS

FILIPINO BOXERS Jerwin Ancajas and Mark Magsayo with American boxing promoter Sean Gibbons before their fights in Connec�cut.

UNCASVILLE, Connecticut -- Filipino boxer Jerwin Ancajas made another successful defense of his International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight championship, outlasting Mexico’s Jonathan Javier Rodriguez at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Ancajas (32-1-2, 22 KO) piled up the points early and won the exchanges in the second half of the fight to win via unanimous decision.

Judges scored the bout 115-112, 116-111, and 117110 in favor of the 29-year-old Ancajas, who successfully defended his title for the ninth time.

Ancajas floored the younger Rodriguez with a barrage of punches in the eighth round, likely securing the match in his favor after engaging the Mexican in the pocket from the sixth round onward.

Ancajas was supposed to defend his belt against Rodriguez on April 11, 2020, but because of the Covid-19 pandemic the fight was postponed. Ancajas has been training in the US since October 2020. He has been sparring mainly against former foe Jonas Sultan.

Ancajas last defended his title on Dec. 7, 2019, when he stopped Miguel Gonzalez in six rounds in Mexico.

Rodriguez, the No. 3 rated super flyweight, is coming off a first round knockout of one-time world title challenger Julian Yedras on Dec. 4, 2020.

Ancajas is 31-1-2 with 22 knockouts, while the 25-year-old Rodriguez is 22-1 with 16 knockouts.

Ancajas is one of the six current Filipino world champions from the Philippines along with IBF minimumweight champion Rene Mark Cuarto, World Boxing Association (WBA) minimumweight king Vic Saludar, World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight titlist Johnriel Casimero, interim World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight titleholder Reymart Gaballo and WBA welterweight champion in recess Manny Pacquiao.

In the undercard, top featherweight contender Mark Magsayo, under head trainer Freddie Roach, scored an impressive fourth round knockout against Pablo Cruz at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Magsayo scored a flash knockdown in the second round, flooring Cruz with a jab.

Cruz suffered a second knockdown in the third round as Magsayo threw a combination capped by a big left hook that really hurt Cruz.

Magsayo as he found an opening in the fourth round, where he landed his vaunted right straight to send Cruz crashing to the canvas again. Referee John Callas did not to start a count as he waved off the fight to protect Cruz from further punishment.

With the win, Magsayo retains his undefeated record with 22 victories, 15 coming via knockout. He’s currently ranked fifth by the WBC and IBF, eighth by the WBO, and 10th by the WBA.

PSC on 10-day lockdown due to Covid-19 cases MANILA – The Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) went on a 10-workday lockdown starting April 13 after 63 persons tested positive in its latest round of testing.

Both the administrative offices at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and the Philsports Complex in Pasig City will be under confinement to give way to thorough disinfection and cleansing.

Lawyer Guillermo Iroy Jr., PSC Executive Director, has been meeting the management committee of the PSC through the holiday and weekends to ensure that the agency’s health safety protocols are revisited and fortified.

Iroy said they have reiterated the observance of all safety protocols in place and shall have more stringent measures and sanctions for those discovered not following these rules.

“It is for their and everyone’s safety. We all have a family to protect,” he said.

The PSC’s office operations shall shift to work-fromhome arrangements on those lockdown dates to ensure that delivery of service remains unhampered.

“We hope to break the transmission during those days, to arrest the spread of Covid-19 among our employees,” Chief of Staff Marc Velasco said.

Velasco stressed that heads of offices have already been given instructions on the work-from-home set-up and expectations.

“We are still waiting for some test results and we are hoping that we do not add any more positives,“ Velasco said, adding that there were only 41 positive cases when the request was submitted to the Office of the President last Friday.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea approved the request pursuant to Memorandum Circular 85 issued March 19, requiring government agencies to seek approval from the Office of the President before any lockdown is effected.

Ang impresibong 12 round na TKO paglupig ni Manny Pacquiao kay Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto ang naghudyat para lumakas ang ingay galing sa publiko na pagharapin siya at ang wala pang talong Amerikanong si Floyd Mayweatner Jr., para pagpasiyahan kung sino sa kanilang dalawa ang tatangaling pinaka-dakilang boksingero sa lahat ng panahon.

EDDIE G. ALINEA Bakit nga hindi. Si Pacquiao ang noon ay kinikilala nang kampeon sa walong dibisyon ng kanyang sport at numero 1 sa listahan ng pound-for-pound, at si Mayweather, may hawak ng koronan sa limang dibisyon at pangalawa sa P4P. Subali’t gaya ng naiulat sa nakaraang bahagi ng seryeng ito, hindi naging madali ang mga sumunod na pagkakaniig ni Manny Pacquiao at Floyd negosasyon Ang Mayweather Jr. sa laro ng Miami Heat noong na katunayan Enero 27, 2015 sa NBA ang isa sa naging daan ay tumagal sa planong Pacquiao- Mayweather I . (Kuha ni nang mahigit Wendell Alinea) limang taon.

Masalimuot at madawag, sa madaling salita ang naging daan tungo sa hinuhulaang “greatest fight of the century.”

Napaulat noong una na si Pacquiao ay pumayag nang harapin si Mayweather noong Marso 13, 2010, o tatlong buwan makaraang makuha ang 147 librang titulo mula kay Cotto, para sa hatiang $50 milyon at ang lugar na paglalabanan ay ang MGM Grand sa boxing capital ng digdig na Las Vegas sa Nevada.

Ang di pagkakasundo ng dalawang kampo tungkol sa Olympic style ng drug testing ang nagsilbing hadlang sa hindi pagkakatuloy ng planong pagtutuos. Gusto ni Mayweather at ng grupo ang hawakan ang random blood testing ng United States AntiDoping Agency na tinutulan ni Pacquiao sa dahilang, aniya’y ang pagkuha ng kanyang dugo 30 araw bago sumapit ang laban ay makapag-pahina sa kanya.

Sinangayunan ito ng kanyang trainer na si Freddie Roach na nagsabing, hindi niya papayagang kunan ng dugo ang kanyang estudyante isang linggo bago maglaban. Dahil sa magkaibang opinyon na ito, pinagpasiyahang daanin sa mediation ang usapin sa harap ng isang retiradong huwes.

Makaraan ang mediation, pumayag si “Money Man” sa 14 araw na walang blood testing na muling tinutulan ni Manny na nagsabing payag lamang siya sa 24 araw na walang blood testing.

Noong Enero 7, 2010, ipinahayag ng promoter ni Pacquiao na si Bob Arum na planong laban ay kanselado.

Dahil sa pag-a-atubili ni Pacquiao na tanggapin ang alok ni Mayweather, inulit ng kampo ng Amerikano ang bintang nilang tutoo ngang ang Pilipino ay gumagamit ng bawal na gamot.

Bagay na nagbunsod kay Pacquiao na magharap ng demandang paninirang-puri (defamation) laban kay Floyd, sa ama nitong si Floyd Mayweather Sr., tiyuhing si Roger Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya, ang puno ng Golden Boy Promotions, ang promoter ni Mayweatrher, at Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer.

Bagamat walang ebidensyang naipresenta ang mga nasasakdal sapat na ang kaso para ang unang pagtatangka ng mga kinauukulan na paglabanin ang dalawang itinuturing ng maraming ‘GOAT’ (Greatest of them All) ay mauwi sa wala.

At magbigay din ng daan para kay ngayon ay senador nang dakilang Pilipino na humanap ng ibang makakatunggali sa kanyang pagbabalik sa ring para sa kanyang unang depensa sa kampoenato sa welterweight.

Kabilang sa mga pinagpiliang makakalaban ng ating si Manny ay and dating kampeon sa light-welterweight Paul Malignaggi, ang may ari ng sinturon ng WBA welterweight Yuri Foreman at dating IBF 147-librang kampeon Joshua Clottey.

Outside Looking In

Ancajas outlasts Mexico’s Rodriguez, retains IBF belt; Magsayo floors foe

Ang simula ng mahabang daang tinahak ng Pacquiao-Mayweather I

April 15-21, 2021

22

Q: Can the IRS still penalize me severely if I cheat on my taxes just a little bit?

A: Let me ask this question, can you still go to jail if you are caught stealing just a little bit? The answer is a big YES. Cheating on taxes is something a lot of people do thinking that because of the millions of people filing, the odds they are going to get caught is very slim. This may be true but why take the risk? The penalties and interest charged will be so severe you might say never to do it again.

Some learn a lesson from being caught and some don’t and do it again. One thing for sure you become someone in the IRS radar which means they are keeping an eye on you if you will become a repeat offender. Then, it really gets bad for you.

Cheating on taxes is very rampant because people normally do not plan ahead.

They are not ready for the taxes that will be due at tax filing deadline for all kinds of different reasons. Most of them is that they would rather keep the money rather than pay it to the government. I have heard stories that they do not make enough so that they have to claim so much at work so that hardly any tax is withheld by their employer. This becomes a problem during tax filing because if you did not have enough tax withheld, the result would be that you have sustained your expenses during the whole year that just passed, you will now face a problem having to pay all your taxes during tax filing. This is the time people find out they do not have the money to pay for it. So they will owe the taxes for the prior year and will do the same during the current year. Please, do yourself a favor and stop the bleeding. You will end up facing years of arrears if you let your taxes pile up not to even mention the penalties and interest that will be tagged to your delinquent tax debt.

Another source of this problem is that people think they have gotten away from cheating because they did not get a notice from the IRS the following year. Please bear in mind that they are three years behind in checking. If you get a refund and you are caught three years later, this will amount to a lot of dollars. Also, business people, should keep in mind big fluctuations in their financials because this is also a red flag for audits.

Ang ating lesson, Ang buwis ay pagplanuhan, para di natin pagdusahan.

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23 April 15-21, 2021 Iglesia Ni Cristo v. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Liezl De Ocampo, et al.

Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench File No. CI19-01-19079

De Ocampo found liable for defamation for her participation in The Fifth Estate program Iglesia Ni Cristo (“INC”) provides the following update on its defamation suit against Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (“CBC”), CBC’s employees, Lowell II Robosa Menorca, Rolando Dizon, and Liezl De Ocampo.

INC’s defamation suit arises from the CBC’s November 2018 broadcast of an investigative news program which purported to report on the workings and activities of INC. The program formed part of CBC’s public affairs series, “The Fifth Estate,” and was subsequently rebroadcast on the CBC website.

The program featured interviews with former INC members: Lowell II Robosa Menorca, Rolando Dizon, and Liezl De Ocampo.

INC took action and filed a lawsuit in February 2019 against CBC’s employees and The Fifth Estate participants in the Court of Queen’s Bench of Manitoba. INC has claimed that its character and reputation have been severely injured

by The Fifth Estate program’s defamatory content in the suit.

On September 23, 2020, INC brought a motion for Judgment against Liezl De Ocampo. The Honourable Madam Justice Grammond of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Manitoba heard that Motion on December 11, 2020.

On February 1, 2021, Madam Justice Grammond released

Daly City Statement on Officer-Involved Shooting Daly City, CA – On April 7, 2021, the Daly City Police Department was involved in an officer-involved shooting on the 700 block of Niantic Avenue in Daly City, which resulted in the death of 44-year old Roger Cornelius Allen. The City understands that the incident has raised questions in our community.

Daly City is committed to transparency and will provide updates to the community as additional details become available, as this case is currently under active investigation by the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office in accordance with the San Mateo County Officer Involved Critical Incident Protocol.

The initial media release from the District Attorney indicated the incident involved the death of Roger Cornelius Allen, when Daly City Police Officers came upon a parked truck to assist with a flat tire. After officers saw a gun, a struggled ensued with Mr. Allen. When the gun (later determined to be a replica gun) was pointed at the face of one of the officers, an officer fired his service handgun striking Mr. Allen. Officers removed Mr. Allen from the truck and provided emergency medical assistance. He was transported to San Francisco General Hospital where he died.

The City is not releasing the identity of the involved officers at this time, as this case is under active investigation.

However, as authorities move forward with investigations of the officer-involved shooting, the City is committed to providing our community with as much information as possible without compromising the investigations.

The City recognizes the impact of this extremely unfortunate event on the family of Roger Allen. “This is a tragic event in our community, and the City is committed to an equitable process. The District Attorney’s active investigation is the first step in revealing the details of what occurred. Per the District Attorney, the investigation will be ongoing over the next two months,” said Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo.

The District Attorney provided a broad overview of the currently known details of the investigation in a press release dated April 13, 2021, and requested that anyone with information relevant to this incident to please call the District Attorney’s Office, Chief Inspector William Massey at (650) 363-4883.

Information is available on the Daly City homepage at www.dalycity.org, including the District Attorney’s press release from April 13, 2021 and the Daly City Police Department’s press release from April 7, 2021.

her written decision on this motion, finding that: 1. “De Ocampo made a series of comments to the CBC defendants that would tend to lower the plaintiffs’ [INC’s] reputation in the eyes of right-thinking members of society.”

2. “Since De Ocampo has not raised any defense to the claim…defamation has been established against her.”

3. The assessment of the quantum of damages to be awarded against Ms. De Ocampo ought to be deferred to trial,

where “oral evidence will be presented in a detailed and comprehensive manner that will enable the trial judge to assess damages appropriately.”

INC now intends to move its defamation suit forward to trial, including against CBC, with examinations for discovery (depositions) later this year.

For more information regarding this story, please contact INC’s legal counsel Jay Prober at jayprober@gmail.com

 COMMUNITY NEWS

April 15-21, 2021

24

Governor Newsom backs President Biden’s executive actions addressing gun violence SACRAMENTO– Governor Gavin Newsom has announced his support to President Biden’s executive actions on gun violence.

“In the wake of three tragic mass shootings and daily gun violence that devastates families but rarely makes the news, President Biden is taking necessary, life-saving federal action to curb the gun violence crisis that plagues our country and claims nearly 40,000 lives a year,” Newsom said in a statement sent to Philippine News Today. “ I applaud his orders to diminish the proliferation of untraceable ‘ghost guns,’ invest in violence intervention and regulate the trade and trafficking of illegal firearms,” he said.

“These actions will save lives and reduce needless loss and suffering across the country,” Newsom saaid.

“California is proud to have the strongest gun laws in the nation, including pioneering statewide protec-

New PHL...

(From page 1)

At the Home Office, Consul General Cato served as Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Public Diplomacy and later for Strategic Communications during the terms of Foreign Affairs Secretaries Alan Peter S. Cayetano and Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. from 2018 to 2019.

He served also during the term of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario, Foreign Affair Secretary Domingo L. Siazon, Jr. and Teofisto T. Guingona.

Consul General Badajos, as Consul Gen-

eral in Los Angeles, will have jurisdiction over Southern California, Southern Nevada and Arizona, where 1.2 million Filipinos live.

“Los Angeles as a Foreign Service Post holds so much promise and potential for improving consular services, collaborating with one of the most dynamic and supportive overseas Filipino communities, boosting Philippine business, as well as promoting our culture and tourism,” Badajos said in a statement prior to assumption of office. “I am definitely eager to begin my work and meeting up with

tions approved by voters in Proposition 63 to ban possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines and require background checks to keep ammunition out of the hands of dangerous people,” he said. “ Since assuming office, I’ve signed multiple bills aimed at reducing gun violence, including strengthening gun violence restraining orders and regulating the sale of firearms and ammunition.”

“I also worked with the Legislature to accelerate the regulation of ‘ghost guns’ to crack down on the use of untraceable firearms by criminals. Because of California’s commitment to meaningful gun safety laws, we have one of the lowest firearm injury death rates in the country,” Newsom said.

“California has led the nation in passing gun safety laws.

We are grateful to now have a partner in the White House who knows we can – and must – do more to end gun violence,” the governor said. (Jo Erlinda Maufit)

local movers and shakers, government officials and our kababayan community.”

He flew directly to Los Angeles from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he served at the Philippine Consulate General from February 2018 to April 2021.

A native of Bangued, Abra, Badajos joined the Philippine Foreign Service in January 1997 and has served in various capacities at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, including most recently as Director, Political-Security Division, Office of ASEAN Affairs (2015-2018).

Earlier, he was assigned to the Office of Legal Affairs, Office of Consular Affairs and the Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs. His previous foreign assignments include the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto as Vice Consul (2000-2003), the Philippine Consulate General in New York as Vice Consul then Consul (2003-2007), and the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, as Minister and Consul General and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific or UNESCAP (2009-2015).

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 COMMUNITY NEWS

April 15-21, 2021

26

Here to Help: PG&E Will Continue Providing Robust Customer Support Once COVID-19 Protections End in Late June Past Due Bills Have Grown Significantly Since the Start of the Pandemic Customers Encouraged to Take Ac�on Now by Exploring Financial-Assistance Programs and Establishing Payment Plans

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.— As the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic start to subside, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) reminds customers with past-due balances to explore available financial-assistance programs now, before the customer protections put in place during the pandemic end on June 30, 2021. In place since March 2020, these customer protections included suspending service disconnections for customers with unpaid bills.

Customers are encouraged to act now and not wait until protections expire if they are behind on payments. Numerous programs, tools and tips are available. Please call us today at (800) 743-5000 if you have an outstanding balance. Translated support in over 250 additional languages is available at that phone number.

We have been working with customers with past-due balances for more than a year and will continue these efforts months after the protections expire. PG&E will not initiate disconnections immediately after the protections end. Since March 2020, more than 1.6 million

payment plans have been created for residential and commercial customers.

“We are creating early awareness around the expiration of the protections and have tools in place to help our customers look to the future.

With a goal of ensuring a smooth transition, we’ve incorporated feedback from customers, key stakeholders and community leaders in the development of our transition plan once protections end,” said Marlene Santos, PG&E’s EVP of Customer Care. “Don’t wait until summer.

Call us now. We’re here to help.”

The number of residential customers with past-due balances has grown almost 30% from February 2020 to February 2021.

Especially as many customers find themselves with past due amounts for the first time, PG&E will communicate early and clearly that we are here to help. Ongoing communications with customers will focus on the expiration of COVID-19 emergency customer protections, helping customers understand the status of their account, offering helpful resources and en-

abling customers to stay current through ongoing support and financial assistance programs.

PG&E’s proposed transition plan designed specifically to help customers manage their bills as protections are lifted was submitted to the CPUC last week for review. While awaiting official CPUC approval, PG&E will continue communicating with customers to ensure that they are aware and prepared for the anticipated expiration of the COVID-19 emergency customer protections on June 30. Proactive contact with customers during the pandemic has saved customers more than $5 million just by changing their rate plan.

Here are some actions that we plan to assist customers as the COVID-19 protections end: Staggering the restart of the collections and disconnection process with a grace period after the protections end to support customers facing uncertainty.

The recertification and post-enrollment actions that customers will need to take to qualify for the California Rates for Energy Program

(CARE), the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA) and the Medical Baseline Program will be spread out over the rest of 2021.

A new online medical practitioner portal for the Medical Baseline program will be launched.

To simplify the enrollment and recertification process, the portal will enable qualified medical practitioners to certify a customer’s eligibility for the Medical Baseline program online.

The program provides customers an additional monthly allotment of energy at the lowest price on the current rate.

For more updates on our ongoing response to the pandemic and to learn more about financial assistance and support programs, visit pge. com/covid19.

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.

San Mateo County Fair ticket sales begin April 15th at 9 a.m.

The fair is the first major fair to resume in the State of California since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bro. Glicerio “Jun” Santos, Jr. Chairman, Felix Y Manalo Foundation, Inc. June 12, 1941 - April 3, 2021 hhhhh

Our deepest sympathy for the passing of our Brother in Christ, Ka Jun Santos Jr. “On behalf of the officers and board members of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Silicon Valley, your generosity and unconditional support to our chamber exemplified the meaning of public service to our community. Thank you for everything.

Eternal Rest Grant Unto Brother Glicerio “Jun” Santos, Jr., O’Lord and Let the Perpetual Light Shine upon Him. Rest in Peace Ka Jun. Amen.”

— Manny Valencia President, FACCSV

SAN MATEO, Calif – The San Mateo County Fair will open ticket sales for the 2021 fair starting Thursday, April 15th. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., tickets are only available for purchase online through the fair’s website: www. sanmateocountyfair.com. All ticket purchases must be made online and will not be available at entry gates.

To keep all visitors as safe and healthy as possible, timed entry will be available at two different daily, 11:00 am and 4:00 pm, all guests may stay on-site until closing. Please note, the carnival portion of the fair will be closed between 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. so that staff can thoroughly clean and sanitize surfaces.

The fair will operate on Saturday, June 5th and Sunday, June 6th and then resume operations Wednesday, June 9th through Sunday, June 13th. The fair will not operate to the public on Monday and Tuesday, June 7th and 8th.

Ticket prices for this year’s fair are: · Adults: $15.00 · Juniors (ages 6-12): $10.00 · Seniors (62 & Over): $10.00 · Children Under 5: FREE Carnival Pay One Price wristbands are also available for purchase for each of the two daily sessions. Please note a separate wristband is required for each carnival session but individual ride tickets can be purchased and used in either session. Sessions will run from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and then from 4:30 p.m. until closing.

Carnival Pricing: Weekday Session: $25.00 Weekend (Fri, Sat, Sun) Session $30.00 At the fair, all guests will be required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth at all times unless actively eating and/or drinking. There will be fewer vendors than years past in order to help with social distancing on the fairgrounds.

“We know that everyone in the San Mateo County community are equally excited as we host the first county fair in California as the state reopens,” said Justin Anquino, San Mateo County Fair Manager. “The fair may look and feel slightly different this year, but we are thankful in advance for everyone’s patience re-

garding complying with the new health regulations.”

“We are excited to bring the County Fair back this summer,” said Dana Stoehr, CEO of the San Mateo County Events Center and Fair.

“Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, SMCEC has been the center of support for our community, housing testing sites, a vaccine clinic and home to one of our county’s PPE supply warehouses. This June, as fairgoers enjoy fried Oreos and corndogs, we remain committed to supporting our country’s efforts in the fight against COVID-19 by continuing to host Sutter Health’s by-appointment vaccine clinic.”

Additionally, the San Mateo County Fair is announcing four major event days for family celebrations at the fair: · San Mateo County Family PRIDE Day: Sunday, June 6th · $5 Admission Day: Wednesday, June 9th · Pacific Island Day: Saturday, June 12th · Dia de la Feria: Sunday, June 13th ABOUT THE SAN MATEO COUNTY FAIR: The award-winning San Mateo County Fair is the Peninsula’s premier community event for family fun and entertainment. The San Mateo County Fair strives to provide a diverse experience through education, inspiration, and entertainment. The annual Fair represents a celebration of our community’s talent, interests, innovations, and rich agricultural and artistic heritage.

ABOUT THE SAN MATEO COUNTY EVENTS CENTER: For the past year, the San Mateo County Events Center has been unable to host most events, but instead played a vital role in protecting our health care workers and most vulnerable populations by serving as a COVID-19 testing site, operations hub and supply center, 250-bed temporary overflow hospital, and vaccine distribution center for the San Francisco Bay Area. To date, the Event Center has administered 250,000 COVID-19 tests and vaccinated more than 90,000 individuals. Visit our website at https://www.smchealth.org/covidvaccine to stay up to date regarding our most up to date COVID-19 Vaccine information.

27 April 15-21, 2021

Offline

(From Page 13)

are asking the same thing.

It won’t happen, or course. A sudden change in political leadership at this time will not only result in chaos, but his corrupt minions are likely to resort to every maneuver possible to remain in power, including but not limited to convincing the AFP leadership to mount a coup. On the condition that the Duterte appointees stay in power, of course.

In perhaps his one lucid moment in his “press briefing” this week – when no media practitioners were present – he said his enemies should pray harder if they want him to die soonest.

I would, but that would be unchristian, right?

So I and the rest of the non-Duterte fanatics can only pray that he does not lose any more of his physical, mental, and emotional facilities.

The best scenario, it seems, is also the worst scenario. He stays in power until his term ends next year, after which the next president can work to undo all the damage Duterte has caused.

As long as the next president is not Duterte’s anointed one, the Philippines may yet survive, maybe even recover and eventually thrive and prosper.

And no, I have never, ever taken fentanyl so I at least know of what I speak.

Now please join me in praying that Duterte does not go bat-sht crazy and appoint his butler Go to head the republic should he decide to resign before his term ends. It will mean that the country will really become a province of China sooner or later.

Upside...

(From Page 11)

and died in several US conflicts and wars; and WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are diverse comprising of several hundred cultures; and WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders account for at least 30% of the population in San Mateo County; and WHEREAS, anti-Asian racism and hate are not new and have a long history in the United States; and WHEREAS, since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), including verbal, physical, and psychological abuse, have increased exponentially; and WHEREAS, in major U.S. cities, the rate of anti-Asian hate crimes has increased by nearly 150% according to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism. Stop AAPI Hate, a coalition that tracks the prevalence of anti-Asian hate crimes, reported over 2,800 incidents of hate within this past year; and WHEREAS, numbers of hate crimes are anticipated to be much higher due to a large number of hate crimes that go unreported; and WHEREAS, although largely unreported, incidents of racism, hate, and discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been occurring throughout San Mateo County. The increased rates of anti-Asian hate crimes impact community members of all ages, and are often directed at the most defenseless populations, the elderly and youths; and WHEREAS, violent attacks on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders or anyone for any reason is irrational, but also a felony; and WHEREAS, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) recognize that naming COVID-19 by its geographic location or linking it to a specific ethnicity perpetuates stigma; and WHEREAS, anti-Asian racism and hate must never be ignored or tolerated; and WHEREAS, this increase in racism is leaving a traumatic impact on Asian American youth in the county. It is critical to acknowledge and condemn the targeting of hate, particularly for the next generation of Asian Americans, to move forward and create a more equitable San Mateo County.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County in nationwide solidarity acknowledges the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders, affirms their support for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, AND RESOLVED FURTHER that the Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County condemns hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and declares San Mateo County as a hate- free zone. *** Philippine News Today Executive Editor Cherie M. Querol Moreno has received multiple awards for journalism and volunteerism.

Immigrant’s story... try.

(From Page 13)

courage to do what is good for our community and for our coun-

Whether we are in the United States or in the Philippines, we have the right to expect moral leadership and the commitment of sacrifice from those who aspire to lead us and from those who court our votes. But let us not forget that in order to have and to deserve a good government with good leaders--- we have to do our part as well.

PerryScope...

(From Page 12)

a sudden – and unexpected -- detour to the middle during the first presidential debate, which took Obama completely off guard.

Obama lost that first debate but recovered in the second and third debates. But Romney’s shift to the middle came too late. By that

time, most voters had already made their choices and the early voters had already voted.

“So, what is in store for the Republican Party? Can the GOP recover from the 2012 election debacle and remain a viable political party capable of winning the presidency? But with the Tea Party still in control of the Republican Party apparatus and dictating its political agenda, it would be difficult for the Republican Party to attract minority, women, and young people into a ‘Big Tent’ that welcomes people of diverse political persuasions. The party tried it in the 1980s and 1990s but failed to keep them simply because of its strict adherence to ideological purity and intolerance to deviation from the party’s rigid stance on issue… or, as Republicans love to say, ‘core values.’

“In the aftermath of the Republican Party’s defeat in the 2012 elections, Tea Party leaders are jumping ship. Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey left FreedomWorks – which was instrumental in the rise of the Tea Party movement – in the wake of its dismal performance where only a quarter of the Tea Party candidate won.”

Eight years later… déjà vu Fast forward to 2020. Former President Donald Trump, who won the 2016 election, lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden by 74 electoral votes – 306 to 232 – compared to the Obama-Romney contest eight years earlier, which were 332 to 206.

The big difference is that Romney conceded defeat right after losing Florida while Trump never conceded to this day. He is still challenging the results of the 2020 election. Trump couldn’t believe that he lost the election. He was reportedly shell-shocked by the sudden turn of events as states began reporting the election results.

It’s interesting to note that like in 2012, the Republicans resorted to “voter suppression” tactics in 2020. However, the courts – state and federal, including the Supreme Court -- rejected the lawsuits brought by Trump and his supporters who challenged the election results. Trump claimed massive use of “voter fraud” but it never gained traction. More than 60 lawsuits alleging voter fraud were rejected for lack of merit.

In an attempt to overturn the Electoral College votes, Trump gathered his supporters in Washington, DC on January 6, 2021 and incited them to march to the US Capitol to stop Congress from certifying the electoral votes. A riotous insurrection ensued. It was a coup attempt to install Trump as president. It failed.

Voter suppression Recently, Republicans in 47 state legislatures have filed legislation to control elections in their state. Georgia was the first state to do so successfully on March 26. Governor Brian Kemp unhesitatingly signed the bill into law behind closed door witnessed by six white male Republican legislators.

Immediately, several civil rights and voter rights groups filed lawsuits challenging the new Georgia election law, which many civil rights leaders have compared it to the Jim Crow era.

The new law makes it harder for Georgians to register and vote.

It allows for unlimited challenges to a voter’s registration. It requires voters to provide their driver’s license, state ID number or a photocopy of their ID to cast a mail-in ballot. It bans third-party groups from sending absentee-ballot applications to voters. It ends the use of portable polling sites. It criminalizes offering food and water to individuals waiting in line to vote. And most importantly, it strips the secretary of state, Georgia’s top elections official, of his role as chair of the state election board, and gives the state legislature the power to fill three of that board’s five seats. It essentially gives the state legislature control over the certification of elections and voting rules in the state.

Leaderless and rudderless, the Republican Party seems like it is about to implode. A lot of Republicans are disillusioned. Many have changed their party affiliations. They believe that the Grand Old Party of Abraham Lincoln has lost its vision and moral compass.

The party needs an extreme makeover to survive and remain a viable political party.

Quo vadis, Republican Party?

(PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

tarization and apostille follow up of notarized Affidavits, Special Power of Attorney and other documents needed in the Philippines.

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DISCOUNTS ON MULTIPLE DOCUMENTS AND SIGNATURES – We offer 10% to 15% discount on multiple documents and signatures’ 3. FREE PARKING – Old and new clients can have free parking on our driveway and street parking spaces; 4. SAVINGS ON GAS & MILEAGE FEES – We encourage old and new clients to come to our home-office in order to save on mileage fees ($50 to $120 savings).

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drid Street, San Francisco, CA 94112 Tel. (650)438-3531 or (415)584-7095 or email:agmadlaing@hotmail.com APPRECIATION TO OUR NEW SECRETARY OF STATE I would like to express my profound thanks and appreciation to our new Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber.

Before her appointment as the new Secretary of State, the turn around in the delivery of notarized documents I dropped off in the Apostille Box at the lobby of the Secretary of State building in Sacramento California, for apostille, was about 3-4 weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. As soon as Secretary of State Dr. Weber took over, the turn-around in the delivery of apostilled documents was 10-12 days.

I am also very appreciative and thankful to the friendly staff at the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento, California for their efficient help and assistance.

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

Diliman way

(From Page 12)

kind of thinking comes from defeatists and those who do not think and read. The history of the world, ancient or contemporary, does not only show but demonstrate that realities in a country or in the world can change.

Changing realities: It takes a leader of great consequence to change the realities in his country or in the world. Moammar Khadaffi did it in Libya; Napoleon Bonaparte did it in France; Lenin, Trotsky and Stalin did it in Russia and in the other countries in the USSR; Mao Tse Tung, Chou En-Lai and Chu Teh did it China; Fidel Castro and Che Guevara did it Cuba; Ben Bella, Ben Kheda and Houari Boummediene did it Algeria; Ben Gurion and Moshe Dayan did it in Israel; Ho Chi Min and Vo Nguyen Giap did in Vietnam; Sukarno did it in Indonesia; Manuel Luis Quezon did in the Philippines; Winston Churchill did it Great Britain; Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and John Fitzgerald Kennedy did it in the United States of America; and man others.

Sick or not, visible or invisible – it takes impossible men to change countries and the world. And President Duterte is not among the impossible men. He is just like the common run of failed Presidents in our country – Cory, Erap, GMA and Pnoy.

To quote Napoleom Bonaparte once again, “The word impossible appears only in the dictionary of fools.” And to reiterate my familiar refrain –The impossible is only in the mind.

The problem: Speculating on the health of President Duterte is really a waste of time unless you miss his sick jokes and bullying. If you wish entertainment in this disturbed and disturbing time of the Chinese Communist Xi Jin Ping’s corona virus, looking for President Duterte is a journey into charted territory – it is not entertainment. It is nothing new. Visible or invisible, our lives will not change.

True – he is the problem but there is no solution to this problem for now. The political Opposition is inutile – it is useless, even surpassing the inutility of President Duterte. The military and the police are in his pocket – fattened as they have never been before, not knowing or forgetting their duties under the Constitution. The communist rebels are still in the mountain fastnesses or countryside – unable to topple the government for the last fifty years, so in love with their wrong strategy and tactics. They are no less failures than President Duterte.

So what we got? As Lenin would have it – what is to be done?

We’ve got some blabbermouth in mainstream and social media who think they can convince the whole country to march behind them. Of course, that cannot be true because Filipinos are preoccupied with their morbid fear of Communist Xi Jin Ping’s corona various and the question with Hamlet overtones – to be vaccinated or not to be vaccinated. They are even dying to survive.

To march behind anybody to confront the Duterte government is a lot of hallucination.

The task: The duty of everyone is to prepare for the 2022 elections. To chose a right leader who will bring our country and our people to the Promised – a revolutionary, visionary, brilliant, focused on his plans and execution of his plans for the people and country, disciplined, principled with the right values and character and integrity. In short, someone who thinks outside the box with brains in his balls and balls in his brains – may utak sa bayag at may bayag sa utak, in the words of the late ebullient parliamentarian, the legendary Pepito Laurel.

So that’s it while remembering these lines from Henry Wadsworth in his A Psalm of Life: Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, Is our destined end or way; But to act, that each to-morrow Find us farther than to-day.

In the world’s broad field of battle, In the bivouac of Life, Be not like dumb, driven cattle!

Be a hero in the strife!

Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant!

Let the dead Past bury its dead!

Act, act in the living Present!

 HEALTH NEWS

April 15-21, 2021

28

COVAX reaches over 100 economies, 42 days after first international delivery GENEVA/NEW YORK/OSLO - – More than one hundred economies have received life-saving COVID-19 vaccines from COVAX, the global mechanism for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. The milestone comes 42 days after the first COVAX doses were shipped and delivered internationally, to Ghana on February 24th.

COVAX has now delivered more than 38 million doses across six continents, supplied by three manufacturers, AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech and the Serum Institute of India (SII). Of the over 100 economies reached, 61 are among the 92 lower-income economies receiving vaccines funded through the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC).

Despite reduced supply availability in March and April – the result of vaccine manufacturers scaling and optimising their production processes in the early phase of the rollout, as well as increased demand for COVID-19 vaccines in India – COVAX expects to de-

liver doses to all participating economies that have requested vaccines in the first half of the year.

“In under four months since the very first mass vaccination outside a clinical setting anywhere in the world, it is tremendously gratifying that the roll-out of COVAX doses has already reached one hundred countries,” said Dr Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “COVAX may be on track to deliver to all participating economies in the first half of the year yet we still face a daunting challenge as we seek to end the acute stage of the pandemic: we will only be safe when everybody is safe and our efforts to rapidly accelerate the volume of doses depend on the continued support of governments and vaccine manufacturers. As we continue with the largest and most rapid global vaccine rollout in history, this is no time for complacency.”

“COVAX has given the world the best way to ensure the fastest, most equitable rollout of safe and ef-

fective vaccines to all at-risk people in every country on the planet,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “If we are going to realize this great opportunity, countries, producers and the international system must come together to prioritize vaccine supply through COVAX. Our collective future, literally, depends on it.”

“This is a significant milestone in the fight against COVID-19. Faced with the rapid spread of COVID-19 variants, global access to vaccines is fundamentally important to reduce the prevalence of the disease, slow down viral mutation, and hasten the end of the pandemic,” said Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). “The extraordinary scientific achievements of the last year must now be matched by an unprecedented effort to protect the most vulnerable, so the global community must remain firmly focused on reducing the equity gap in COVID-19 vaccine distribution.”

Post-vax info Heart of Hope

Around 200 million COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the United States, about 40 million in the UK, almost 82 million in Canada, and around 200,000 in the Philippines, as of 9:45 AM, April 13, 2021.

Worldwide, close to 734 million vaccines have been PHILIP S. CHUA administered. On this same date, there have been 137,464,817 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 2,962,554 deaths, globally, almost 32 million in the USA, with about 577,000 deaths, nearly 885,000 cases in the Philippines, with 15,286 deaths.

Are the vaccines safe, effective?

In spite of rare cases of complications, all the vaccines administered in the United States have been found to be effective and safe. The current concern about formation of blood clots in the veins in the brain (cerebro-venous sinus thrombosis) following receipt of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine involves six women (ages 18-48), out of the more than 9 million J&J vaccines administered worldwide. Studies and reviews are being taken as the FDA recommends pa pause in the use of J&J vaccine. In the USA, the incidence of “spontaneous” blood clot in the general population is between 300,000 to 600,000 a year.

Is the risk/benefit ratio worth it?

The risk posed by COVID-19 is obvious and scary, with almost 138 million COVID-19 cases and nearly 3 million deaths, worldwide, with millions losing a parent or both from this pandemic. The evidence so far shows the vaccines against this virus is safe and effective. Even considering the rare serious side-effects, the effectivity of the vaccines in general have protected almost a billion people around the globe. Indeed, it is worth getting the vaccines, with the risk/benefit ratio (how many died from the vaccines/how many died from COVID-19) tilts towards and favors vaccination. Those who have a history of severe allergies should consult an allergist/immunologist prior to getting the vaccine.

What are the side-effects?

Not all individuals will feel side-effects from the COVID-19 vaccines. Most common is pain, mild swelling, in the injection site. Others could have any of these: headache, tiredness, not feeling well, fever, chills, which could last for 2-4 days. If symptoms get worse or allergic reaction occurs, seek immediate medical atten-

tion. Allergies usually manifest a few minutes after the shot, the reason those given the vaccine are observed for about half an hour prior to discharge. If one already had the first does without incident, most likely, the second shot would also be uneventful. The common side-effects mean the body’s immune system has been activated (and nicely reacting) to form antibodies against the SARSCoV2 virus or its various strains of COVID-19.

What is v-safe? v-safe is a smartphone-based tool which uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins for people who received the COVID-9 vaccine. This enables individuals to report to the CDC about side effects and who might get a call from the CDC. v-safe will also remind people when to get their second dose.

When does protection start?

This is still not 100 percent certain. So far, clinical evidence shows the protection could be as early as two weeks. But since the protection for the full dose is about 95 percent, theoretically there is still 5 percent risk present. How long the immunity will last is still being studied. This is why the recommendation is to continue masking and distancing after getting the vaccines.

When is herd immunity coming?

In general, when about 70-80 percent of the population is vaccinated, herd immunity follows. With the almost 7.9 billion people in the world, around 5.93 billion will have to be vaccinated to achieve global herd immunity. In the USA, with a population of 332,535,608, we need about 249 million to receive the shots to expect herd immunity. It looks like the USA could reach this before the Fall of this year. Let’s all be patient and continue to be cautious and help realize our goal without causing any more delays.

What may I do after the shot?

Two weeks after the second dose of a 2-shot vaccine is considered a low-risk for fully vaccinated people to gather in a small group, mask and social distancing being then optional.

Can post-vax transmit the virus?

Yes, those who had been fully vaccinated can still get infected (albeit milder) and harbor the virus and spread it to those who have not been vaccinated, at home or in public. So, it is best for both the vaccinated people visiting non-vaccinated individuals (especially seniors and immune-compromised) to wear mask, do social distancing, and frequent hand-washing or sanitizing. The more closely and the longer people interact, the higher the risk of getting infected or spreading the virus.

What about a home mix?

When adults are vaccinated and the children are waiting for vaccination, it is best to still be cautious, especially when the adults are seniors, who are high risk for COVID-19, and children can bring the virus home and infect the elders, especially those not vaccinated.

I lost two medical colleagues when they got the virus from their unvaccinated sons. One of the seniors already got the first does a week before. If the adults at home have medical issues, they and the children should maskup, do social distancing, intensive hygiene, and making sure they have a good ventilation (even open windows) at home. It might be a weird and inconvenient situation but this could save the lives of your loved ones. Seniors with health problems have a very high mortality rate, almost a death sentence when infected with COVID-19.

Is shopping/dining allowed?

Vaccinated people should still wear a mask, do social distancing, frequent handwashing/sanitizing when in public, in restaurants or shopping malls, because they can still spread the virus and get infected themselves.

With a small group (family/friends who are all vaccinated) dining in public, mask should be taken off only when eating, and do social distancing with strangers.

Hand sanitizing is essential.

How about traveling?

Traveling (domestic or international) post vaccination could still pose some hazards (getting infected or spreading the virus). Here, below are the CDC guidelines: “Currently, the CDC says it is safe to travel within the US if you are fully vaccinated, although it is still possible to get or spread COVID-19. Also check local and state requirements at your destinations, including any need for COVID-19 tests or quarantine. Take standard precautions while traveling: • Wear a well-fitted mask on public transport and in public places • Avoid crowds and stay at least six feet away from anyone not traveling with you • Wash your hands often (or use hand sanitizer).

• Follow state and local recommendations or requirements.

• Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. If you develop them, isolate and get tested.”

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

29 April 15-21, 2021

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS

LESSONS WE LEARN FROM PANDEMIC

By TIM PEDROSA

No one could have foreseen the dramatic way in which the challenges of the year 2020 would alter people’s lives around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new complications to people’s lives everywhere, but among those battered most by its economic impact were those living in emerging economies where prosperity was already struggling to take hold. Global progress against poverty during the past several decades has been fragile, if not misleading. The aftermath of the pandemic has pushed hundreds of millions into poverty, with some estimates suggesting as many as half a billion people could fall below the poverty line.

We have learned that wealthy countries are better able to weather economic storms. In the US for instance, after the onset of the pandemic, the government moved quickly to mitigate its fallout enacting stimulus bills.

We have learned some critical lessons during the corona virus crisis. It has taught us that we can bring scientists together from all sectors in new and creative collaborative arrangements and get things done a lot faster than people might have thought possible before the pandemic. We have learned that we need to be better prepared for the future. We have learned how to work through the social isolation that our patients and frontline workers in the hospital and families are experiencing and finding novel ways to communicate via the use of IPods, Face Time, Face Book Messenger, etc. The use of telemedicine has greatly improved our ability to continue a provider relationship with our patients. We have learned how to embrace environments that are perpetually changing and to become adaptable in response to an ever-changing body of evidence. I believe that we have connected differently since the pandemic; perhaps our priorities have shifted and we value things we did not prior to pandemic. There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling. It is why you were born and how you become most truly alive. – Oprah Winfrey. The amount of isolation that we have as a society has been difficult to experience. It has been a culture shock; however, we have learned that things like wearing a mask and social distancing are for the greater good. I believe it has also taught us how quickly we are capable of adapting to changes. Within months of the pandemic, many of us adjusted to living our lives differently; how we work, how we educate, how we interact with others, how we spend our time, and how we live our lives. I have also learned that the world, people, places, and activities with which we interact have become much smaller, but we have been much more grateful and appreciative about things and have become more charitable. As we reflect more on the tumultuous sequence of events throughout year 2020, we experienced many firsts, from wearing a mask to learning and communicating more online. It has been a learning experience for many of us all. Resilience is defined as the ability of people or things to recover quickly after something unpleasant, and this year has certainly shaped the way many of us, individuals, families and communities adapt to the significant changes. On a personal level, these are some key takeaways many of us bring into our personal experience. We have also learned of some people who serve willingly without expecting recognition, bless their hearts. However, we have also learned of some people who take the pleasure of announcing the good things they have acquired, the good food they eat and the accomplishments they have made to feel important. Bit of we think about it, at the end of the day, it is not about what we have or what we have acquired nor accomplished, it is about whom we have lifted up, whom we have made better; it is about what we have given back; that a genuine leader is a molder of consensus doing the right and noble things even no one is watching because certainly, silent water runs deep! The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate and to have it make some difference that you For more info, please call: have lived and lived well.- Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Mr. J.R.: (650) 952-823

T

Is Jesus Worth Dying For?

he Lord is risen, alleluia! Our Lord Jesus is the Lamb of God offered on the Altar of the Cross as the sacrificial offering for sins for the salvation of the whole creation. The love of God for humanity in truly beyond words. Jesus the Guiltless One offered for the guilty. He the Innocent One dying for the sinners. In other words, God in His Son Jesus Christ is telling us, you and I, dear reader, “you are worth dying for.” Capture these few words, God telling each one of us, “I die for you, because you are worth dying for.” Kindly repeat these words in yourself, “God telling me, I am worth dying for.” Can you feel God’s love? Can you experience His love? Is His love in your life ever lacking?

REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD Now, as we know that God loves us so much that He offered Himself for us, what can we say to Him? Dear reader, is Jesus worth dying for? Are His teachings worth living for? Jesus Christ died for all of us without exception, without discrimination, all are saved by what He has done. But we are also called and expected to willingly receive this gift of salvation. We are loved so much in order that we can love God in return. Now, is your love, dear reader, and my love strong enough to never ever compromise our loyalty to Him? Let us tell our Lord Jesus, “yes, Lord, you too are worth dying for. But help my lack of trust, change my superficial love, embolden my faith, so that I may live for love of you all the time.”

Oftentimes, we are easy to give up on each other. Our world today has many stories of people, all of us, easily giving up on each other. We give up on friends, even long years of friendship, by some hurt or quarrel that we cannot forgive. Marriages are broken; because spouses give up easily instead of fighting for their love. Infidelity can truly be painful, but is the pain stronger than love? If pain and suffering stronger than love; then, our Lord Jesus should have given up on us, He should have not gone through the pain and sufferings He endured. But that was not the case. Love triumph, because it is more powerful than pain and hatred, and all the negativity in this life combined. Ordained ministers, we hear stories, gave up on their priesthood for some reason; but also because those whom they expect to be their support gave up on them.

When a mother gave up fighting for a child in her womb, what can happen? When a man gave up on his responsibility over a woman whom he said he would love, what would happen? There are many stories of these giving up, but did our Lord Jesus gave up on us?

No! our Lord did not give up on us. God never abandoned humanity in sin. Rather in Christ Jesus, He says, “you are worth dying for.” We sing the Easter Alleluia because of this love-filled words, “I die for you, because you are worth dying for.” Let us renew our commitment to love the Lord Jesus and to never abandon Him; we can also say, “Lord you are worth dying for and your teachings worth living for.”

Furthermore, many times we act because we are compelled to act. We want to know the commandments, and yet when we know what we are commanded of, we try to circumvent it. We seek what could be the exception and make the exception the rule. We all know that love rejoices not in the wrong doing but in the truth; however, for the sake of blending to current trends we would like to make the wrong doing good; even if, it still remains wrong and bad. Christ’s teachings are worth living and dying for. Christ and His Creed cannot be separated. He is Truth, and truth is unchangeable just as He is immutable. Precisely, He can love us even if we are unlovable, He remains faithful, even if we are unfaithful, because He is unchanging. May we be firm in living out our faith and love of God during this Easter Season and beyond. Let us be bold to live in love of Him; and if given the blessed opportunity of martyrdom, be courageous to die for Him. Amen. You can also find this article in my website, faithexpressions.org, view us too in YouTube, Faith Expressions, for other faith formation videos.

Aflame The Heart

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

31 April 15-21, 2021  NATIONAL NEWS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Roast Pork Belly Here is the recipe of my Roast Pork Belly, Pork Belly Lechon sa Oven.

Ingredients: 1 kilo Pork Belly, for lechon kawali cut 1/2 head garlic, peeled, crushed, chopped 2 tbsp. garlic powder 1 tbsp. paprika powder 1/2 tbsp. five spice powder salt and pepper to taste Cooking Procedure: Make slit cuts on the inside of the pork belly roast about halfway deep, enough to tuck-in the aromatic ingredients.

Prepare the dry rub mixture by mixing all together the ingredients in a small bowl.

Rub and coat the pork pork belly roast with the rub mixture, including the slit cut cavities. Tuck in the crushed garlic and tanglad inside the cavities.

Place the coated pork roast in a thermo glass loaf baking dish, cover and place in the refrigerator and let marinate for at least 2 to hours.

Arrange the pork belly roast in a glass baking pan with the inside, meat side facing down the bottom of the pan, and the skin facing up. Cover and seal the baking pan with aluminum foil. Keep aside Preheat oven for 150ᵒC to 200ᵒC and when ready place the pan in the middle of the oven.

Roast for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Occasionally check, by lifting the aluminum cover. Using the oil that dripped in the pan baste the skin a couple of times in between if it gets dried out.

Now remove pork belly roast from the baking pan, and lay on middle of the oven rack, then increase the oven temperature to 250ᵒC and continue to roast for 15 to 20 minutes until the skin start to blister and turn crisp but not burned. Reduce heat if the skin get browned rapidly and adjust time accordingly.

To test use a long metal ladle then tap the skin a couple of times when a solid hollow tad sound is heard it indicates the skin is now crisp.

When done remove from oven and wrap with aluminium foil, set aside to rest for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Serve with your favorite lechon sauce, with just vinegar, salt and chili dip.

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Igorot’s ‘stone kingdom’ poised to become Baguio’s newest attraction

IGOROT STONE KINGDOM. A new park that showcases Igorot culture, prac�ces and tradi�ons as well as the life of the inhabitants of the Cordillera region, to open middle of this year in Baguio City. (Liza T. Agoot)

BAGUIO CITY – A new tourist destination that tells Igorot folklore and showcases the locals’ rock-laying skills will open here by midyear.

Currently completing the final touches on the park on a mountainside along Long-long Road, Pinsao Proper village, owner Pio Velasco said “the whole concept is an Igorot child’s fantasy of castles, his childhood in Mountain Province, the stories about the first Igorot people, man’s belief that there is a caring God and culture of family brought out by the Igorot’s skillful hands of stone laying.”

The park covering a 6,000-square meter area features the Igorot ingenuity in creating stone walls similar to the rice terraces in Battad, Banaue.

“We did the traditional ‘riprap’ that did not use cement inside but for purposes of reinforcement had to top it with cement,” Velasco said.

On the right side of the mountain facing the stone wall are modern-day castles made of cement and hollow blocks.

Velasco said, “hindi lang basta stone wall ang itinayo sa gilid ng bundok, may mga iba-ibang kwento na kumikilala sa bawat province ng Cordillera (it is not just a stone wall built on the side of a mountain, it contains the history of the different provinces of Cordillera)”.

Among the main attractions at the stone kingdom is a tower that depicts the fantasy story of Gatan and Bangan, an Igorot man and woman who survived the great holocaust, a fertility stone tower, and a Kabunyan (Igorot God) tower.

Velasco said the park is a representation of both the new and old Igorot culture and values of the Cordillera people.

“One area of the modern side of the park is dedicated to my sister who was killed in an accident in another country while the huge living rock at the entrance of the ancient side is dedicated to my mother who raised us in wonder, doing her best to give us good future amid the difficulties she was in then,” he said.

Velasco noted that the whole concept of the park was borne when the community quarantine was declared in March 2020. He said the project idea popped up when he visited the property which had been in his possession for over 20 years.

Sitting on a corner, he viewed the property which had been unstable and continuously degrading for years. He then realized that the place has its architectural beauty which can hold his idea of a beautiful blend of old culture and the modern Igorot.

“Because I had a vision in my mind, the figure slowly emerged, showing my dream fantasy kingdom,” Velasco said.

He said the park will also house life-sized statues of prominent Igorots who have made a name and were proud of their ancestry. “I’m thinking of having Roxanne Baeyens who is the first Igorot beauty queen, among the many names who will be honored here,” Velasco said.

He said he hoped to complete the park in two months and open it to the public

by June. (Liza Agoot) Beef Spareribs Adobo with Oyster Sauce