Philippine News Today by Philippine News Today

1 April 28-May 4, 2022

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

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Vol. 61 No. 38 April 28-May 4, 2022

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

LENI GAINS GROUND; MARCOS STILL LEADS

VP poised to spring surprise; Isko, PHL consulate airs reminders Pacquiao still hopeful of poll win on Pinoy voters By ALFRED GABOT, Editor-in-Chief By Jun Nucum

MANILA – With only a few days before the May 9 election, Vice President Maria Leonor Leni Robredo has gained some ground on frontrunner Ferdinand Marcos Jr. judging from big rallies for her ticket in Bulacan, Cebu, Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City on her birthday and other areas and the inﬂux of new endorsers. Page 9

Upside

PHL CONGEN Neil Ferrer

SUPPORTERS of VP Leni Robredo at her Pasay rally. Robredo and former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are in inset photos. (Photo by Gilda Pasion Balan)

SAN FRANCISCO - The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco has mailed voting packets to all registered Filipino overseas absentee voters in northern California and nearby states under its jurisdiction such as Alaska,Page 23

Comelec’s role in May polls under scrutiny By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

MANILA – Some sectors have cast doubts on the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) ability to deliver clean and honest elections on May 9. This, after one of the poll body’s commissioners threatened

to imprison anyone who casts aspersions on the Comelec, which was quickly downplayed by another commissioner. Filipino Advocates for Jus�ce organizes the mul�genera�onal Filipino Commissioner Rey Bulay had community to achieve social and economic empowerment. Courtesy FAJ warned that anyone criticizing the poll body could be arrested. He Page 8

SC upholds anti-terrorism law with finality, petitions junked BAGUIO CITY – The Supreme Court (SC) en banc has denied with ﬁnality all petitions challenging Republic Act 11479

FAJ gets $225K grant From API Equity Fund By Cherie M. Querol Moreno

AN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Filipino Advocates for Justice, the pioneering Filipino proponent of immigrant rights in the or The Anti-Terrorism Act of San Francisco Bay Area, has been awarded $225,000 from the 2020 as it denied with finality the motions for reconsideration of its Asian Pacific Islander Equity Fund to fight hate crimes targeting Dec. 7, 2021 decision. Page 10 Asians and Pacific Islanders. Page 11

New wave of COVID-19 infections in PHL ‘inevitable’ By Jeanne Michael Penaranda MANILA - Another wave of new corona virus infections is “inevitable” in the Philippines following increased public mobility, easing of restrictions, especially during the election campaigns, and new variants, Page 8

Marawi, 7 areas placed under Comelec control

BSP ignores protests, prints polymer bank notes VIEWS & COMMENTS

SHOWBIZ

SPORTS

How can you prove a good faith marriage?

Kylie Verzosa, FilAm Jake Cuenca call it quits

Yuka Saso inishes strong in LA tourney

By A�y. Lozano

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 NATIONAL NEWS

April 28-May 4, 2022

Corruption primary root of poverty in PHL: Pacquiao SAN JUAN CITY – Corruption remains the primary root of poverty in the country, presidential aspirant Sen. Emmanuel Manny Pacquiao said during his campaign rally in San Juan. If elected, he vowed to ﬁght corruption to uplift the lives of marginalized Filipinos. “Kaya po ako ganito, nakikipaglaban para sa mga mahihirap (that’s why I’m here, ﬁghting for the poor people),” Pacquiao said in his speech during an hours-long prayer rally at historic Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan City. Pacquiao said his bid for the presidency is a “revolution” for poor Filipinos. “Para mabigyan ng importansya ang mga mahihirap. Kaya kung ikaw ay taga-Luzon, Visayas at Mindanao na mga mahihirap, samahan niyo ako dahil itong mga ipinaglalaban ko para sa inyo (To

give importance to the poor. So if you are from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao who are poor, join me in this battle because I am ﬁghting for you),” he said. He said Filipinos should realize why poverty still exists. “Ang pinaka problema ng bansa natin, ang pinaka dahilan ng paghihirap ng sambayanang Pilipino ay ang korapsyon (Corruption is the main problem in our country, the main reason why Filipino people are still poor),” he added. Pacquiao said he does not need any more riches and fame, like what he attained as a multi-division world champion boxer, because all he wants is to help his countrymen who are mired in poverty. He warned corrupt oﬃcials that he would go after them. “Pagdating ng panahon, ginagarantiya ko sa inyo at sa bayan na lahat ng

‘PUNCH OUT’ CORRUPTION. Sen. Manny Pacquiao delivmapagsamantala at lahat ng mga mag- and thieves in the government are being nanakaw dyan sa gobyerno, bantay na watched),” he told the crowd which orkayo (Someday, I will guarantee to you ganizers estimated at around 8,500. and to the country that all exploiters

P30-B Cebu-Cordova expressway opens, to spur tourism, investments CEBU CITY – The municipal government of Cordova has committed to lay a strong ground in promoting responsible development, particularly in tourism, as the town expects to attract more investments with the opening of the P30billion and 8.9-kilometer Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX). Town oﬃcials said President Rodrigo Duterte was set for the opening ceremony of the iconic expressway that connects the island of Cordova and Mactan to this capital city. Cordova Mayor Mary Therese SitoyCho said even before the realization of

this P30 billion toll bridge, Cordova has been positioning the town as an ecotourism gateway in the Visayas. Becoming a gateway to the southern part of Cebu is a big advantage for Cordova. Cho expects to host not only more tourism and real estate investments, but also other employment generating industries like business process outsourcing and retail. Cordova has already crafted enhanced local government policies to support the robust development in the town moving forward, with serious emphasis on responsible development, the lady mayor said. Now with heightened interest from investors, Cho said the existing laws and regulations in responsible development are strengthened. It is no doubt, she said, that Cordova will be one of the immediate ben-

eﬁciaries of the CCLEX. In fact, big-ticket investors such as SM Prime of the Sy family are already positioned to take part in the expected economic turnaround. “My vision for Cordova, as reﬂected in the LGU’s missionvision, has always been for Cordova to become the eco-tourism gateway in the Visayas. This is supported by my platform of governance, which has not changed ever since I decided to become a public servant until now,” Cho said in a statement. The town mayor cited that the CCLEX and the Mangrove Propagation

and Information Center, also a joint project between Manny Pangilinan’s Metro Pacific Group and Cordova, “surely are instruments toward the realization of our vision”. The 8.9-kilometer CCLEX was set for soft opening on April 30. Cho said this development is a “dream come true” for Cordova, owing to the significant efforts contributed by her predecessor father, the late Secretary Adelino Sitoy during the conceptualization of this important landmark. CCLEX is a project of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Corp. (CCLEC) in partnership with the local government units of Cebu City and the Municipality of Cordova. CCLEC is a whollyowned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), which counts the CCLEX as its first toll road project outside Luzon.

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3 April 28-May 4, 2022

 NATIONAL NEWS

Lacson, Sotto vow to go after food smugglers, protectors MANILA – Senator Panﬁlo Lacson and Senate President Vicente Sotto III vowed to continue their policies if they are elected president and vice president, respectively. A Lacson presidency would work to protect the agriculture industry by going after food smugglers and their protectors, Sotto said in a statement. He ensured that agricultural criminals would be charged within a year into their administration and sent to jail before their sixyear term ends.

“Nanawagan po ako sa ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at pati sa ating poultry at hog raisers na tulungan kami ni Sen. Lacson na ma-iluklok bilang pangulo at pangalawang pangulo ng ating bansa nang tuluyan na natin maipahinto at mapakulong ang mga sindikato sa likod ng agricultural smuggling dito sa ating bansa (I call on our farmers, ﬁshermen and poultry and hog raises to help Sen. Lacson and I become president and vice president so we may end once and for all agricultural smuggling in

country),” Sotto said. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) previously said 103 cases related to agricultural smuggling have been filed from 2016 to March 2022. The total value of the goods involved in these cases add up to P1.35 billion, including duties and taxes. The National Prosecution Service said it filed agricultural smuggling-related cases against only four people so far, one of which was dismissed due to lack of evidence. The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) said it has identified more than 20 possible “smugglers and players” who reportedly get protection from the Department of Agriculture and the BOC. “Bubuwagin po natin ang mga sindikatong ito. Sisiguruhin po natin na makukulong ang mga dapat makulong. I-aangat po nating muli ang angkat ng kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Tututukan natin ang agriculture industry nang sa gayon ay manatiling maayos ang suplay ng ating bigas at fishery, meat, and chicken products (We will eliminate this syndicate and ensure that the guilty land in jail. We will elevate their lives ensure the sufficiency of the supply of rice, fishery, meat, and chicken products),” Sotto said. Four high-profile personalities allegedly involved in fruits and vegetable smuggling were revealed in the Senate Committee of the Whole hearing on April 12.

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 METRO NEWS

April 28-May 4, 2022

Juan City 124 candidates vie for 36 QC San rolls out 2nd Council seats on May 9 polls booster shots By Severino Samonte QUEZON CITY – There are 124 aspirants for the 36 seats at stake in the 83-year-old Quezon City Council in the May 9 elections. Quezon City, the capital of the country from 1948 to 1976, is now composed of six congressional or city districts from five in previous elections with a total of 142 barangays. There are 37 barangays in the first district, five in the second district, 37 in the third district, 38 in the fourth district, 14 in the fifth district, and 11 in the sixth district. According to data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Quezon City, the city’s second district has the biggest number of aspirants with 27, followed by the sixth district with 25, third and fourth districts with 19 each, fifth district with 18, and first district with 16. The largest local government unit (LGU) in Metro Manila or the National Capital Region (NCR) in terms of population and land area, Quezon City’s 142 barangays have a total population of 2,936,116 as of the 2015 national census. Meanwhile, aside from reelectionist Mayor Joy G. Belmonte, daughter of for-

mer House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., there are eight other candidates for the city’s top elective post. Those trying to succeed the young Belmonte, who is finishing her first threeyear term on June 30, are outgoing Rep. Michael Defensor, Glenda Araneta, Ric Belle, inventor Jose Ingles, Rolando Jota, Emma Orozco, Toni Salutan, and Diosdado Velasco. For the vice mayor’s post, there are three contenders against reelectionist Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, son of vice presidential aspirant Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III. They are former congressman and outgoing Councilor Winnie Castelo, Christine Lozano, and Helen Rodriguez. The QC Council since 1939 According to the QC Council official website, President Manuel L. Quezon named only three councilors for the newly created city in 1939 under Commonwealth Act No. 502. The first batch of appointed City Council members was composed of Dr. Eusebio Aguilar, then Director of Health, who was concurrently City Health Officer; Jose Paez from the Engineering Division of the Capital City Planning Commission; and General Manager Alejandro Roces Sr. of

the People’s Homesite Corporation. For the following years, the number of members of the City Council increased gradually, as per need of the growing city. From the original three members in 1939, there were four councilors in 1947-1949; five in 1949-1950; then 11 in 1950-1953; increasing to 12 in 1954-1959, and back to eight in 1959-1963. Before 1959, the mayor, vice mayor and councilors of Quezon City were appointed by the President. The last appointed and first elected top executive of the city was Mayor Norberto S. Amoranto, who held office for a record 22 years -- from 1954 to 1976. There were eight councilors for the Seventh, Eighth and Ninth City Councils, or before the QC Charter was revised once again to accommodate 16 members for the four districts (four for each district). From the 11th City Council (19881992) until the 18th Council (2010-2013), it was composed of the vice mayor/presiding officer, 24 councilors and two exofficio members--the presidents of the Barangay Captains’ League and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation. On March 22, 2011, the House of Representatives passed the reapportionment of the Second Legislative District (Novaliches area) of Quezon City to create two additional districts.

SAN JUAN CITY – The San Juan City government started the administration of the fourth coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) dose or second booster shot for immunocompromised residents. Of the city’s total fully vaccinated residents, about 95 percent already have their first booster doses while only four active Covid-19 cases are on record. Three-hundred doses of second booster shots will be administered daily. Mayor Francis Zamora said another layer of protection against the dreaded virus will keep residents safer amid the easing of restrictions in Metro Manila. “We welcome this new development in our fight against Covid-19. We may have eased our Covid-19 restrictions in the new normal but we must remain vigilant to avoid another surge,” Zamora told reporters at a mall in San Juan City. “We already know that the vaccine efficacy wanes after several months, so getting the second booster shot is very important,” he added. Zamora said eligible individuals should be at least 18 years old, have received their Covid-19 first booster shot at least three months prior, and have received other vaccination at least two weeks before receiving the second booster shot.

Cops say 80,000 in Pasay rally; Robredocampsticksto400,000 $495

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PASAY CITY – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has downgraded the crowd estimate at Vice President Leni Robredo’s campaign rally in Pasay City but the camp of the presidential contender is sticking to its data. The NCRPO said about 70,000 to 80,000 attended the “generally peaceful” event along Macapagal Boulevard. Lawyer Barry Gutierrez, Aerial shot of the crowd at the Leni Robredo-Francis the spokesperson of Robredo, Pangilinan campaign rally along Macapagal Boulevard, said they stand by their esti- Pasay City on Saturday (April 23, 2022) (Photo courtesy mate of 412,000 attendees. of VP Leni Robredo Facebook) “Macapagal is five kilo“Ibang klaseng pagmamahal at pakiisa meters long and 32 meters wide and was packed with volunteers and ang nakita natin sa 400,000+ strong na crowd supporters. Anyone can use online tools kahapon! Nakakataba ng puso ang inyong to verify the crowd estimate and we are pagtindig para sa ating mga ipinaglalaban. confident our numbers will be sustained,” Dalawang linggo na lang, kaya ipakita na natin ang tunay na lakas ng nagkakaisang samGutierrez said. The rally lasted until 11 p.m. and cov- bayanan. Tara, ipanalo na natin ito para sa ered the stretch from the corner of Gil Puy- lahat (We saw an unbelievable kind of love and solidarity in the 400,000+ strong crowd at Avenue to Edsa Extension. The NCRPO noted that “a great num- yesterday [Saturday]! It was heartwarmber of rallyists did not stay for the whole ing to stand up for what we are fighting for. duration of the event but left after a while”. There are only two weeks left, so let’s show The VP Leni Robredo Facebook page the true strength of a united people. Let’s win this for everyone),” the post read. posted its appreciation to supporters.

5 April 28-May 4, 2022

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

500th year of Christianity rites in PHL close with holy masses, procession CEBU CITY – Messages about love and peace, and compassion for the downtrodden; the importance of steadfast faith and Christian life were echoed by three Roman Catholic leaders during a mass on Sunday, April 24, ending the country’s 500th Year of Christianity (YoC) commemoration at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral in Cebu City. As part of the rites, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma led a procession, which started from the Capitol up to the Cathedral, participated by around 10,000 individuals. Later in a mass, Palma said the Filipinos’ faith have helped them withstood several challenges such as natural disasters like Typhoon Odette (Rai) in December and the recent Tropical Depression Agaton (Megi), and the global Covid-19 pandemic. Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines

(CBCP) president Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, on the other hand, said in his homily that people around the world must work together to promote peace and unity, and everyone must be compassionate towards the most vulnerable sector. For his part, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown told the faithful that Christian life will never end. “Christian faith is life. The life that we received, that life that came here 500 years ago, doesn’t end. It is preparing us for the life that will never end, a supernatural life that we call God’s grace,” said Brown as Sun Star reported. The 500 YoC commemorates the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines in 1521. The commemoration began in April last year.

DAGUPAN CITY – The excitement among the residents of Dagupan and even neighboring towns and cities in Pangasinan grew day by day as the highlight of the Bangus Festival 2022, the “Kalutan ed Dalan” street party draws near. “Excited na kami kasi two years walang Bangus Festival dahil sa pandemic (We are so excited as there was no Bangus Festival for two years due to the pandemic),” said Hazel Ann de Guzman. Romeo Cordero Jr., a resident, said he misses the event that he and his cousins anticipate every year. Elviene Gabat of Calasiao town said he is looking forward to watching the bands perform.

Among the national bands that will grace the event along the city’s central business district are This Band, Banda ni Kleggy, Bandang Lapis, I Belong to the Zoo, The Juans, and more. The Bangus Festival, which is an annual event here was canceled for two consecutive years due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. However, it was pushed through this year as the Covid-19 cases dropped and the city has a high vaccination rate. Malacañang has declared April 30 as a special nonworking holiday here to give way to the city’s Bangus Festival 2022.

Dagupan City revives Bangus Festival

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

April 28-May 4, 2022

Robredo to rejuvenate MSMEs, improve purchasing power

QUEZON CITY – Vice President Leni Robredo vowed to reinvigorate micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and improve people’s purchasing power if she is elected president. Antonio Trillanes, who is part of Robredo’s senatorial slate, said in a recent episode of the “Biserbisyong Leni” radio

program, that they were given marching orders to prioritize economic recovery. Under a Robredo presidency, he said post-coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) recovery programs will focus on helping the MSMEs get back on their feet, the same priority of other candidates. “Pagpapanumbalik ng sigla ng eko-

nomiya sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay tulong sa pamilyang Pilipino, sa maliliit na negosyo, at sa mga nawalan ng trabaho. Ito ang priority ni (Revival of the economy by giving assistance to every Filipino family, to small businesses, and to those who have lost their jobs. This is the priority of) VP Leni Robredo,” Trillanes said. “Within the first 100 days, kailangan natin itong ipasa lalo na ‘yung ating ekonomiya ay nasa critical condition (Our economy is in a critical condition and so we need to pass this within the first 100 days),” he added. In case he is reelected, he said the first bill he would file is Robredo’s economic recovery program. Aside from expanding financial aid to those most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, Robredo will implement other measures such as unemployment insurance, and financial aid to small businesses, Trillanes said. It includes an allotment of P216 billion in the national budget as social aid.

No campaign manager, no problem for Lacson

BLESSED. Bangued Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian (right) and supporters pray over Senator Panfilo Lacson in Abra province. BANGUED, Abra – Presidential candidate, Senator Panfilo Lacson, said his election activities will go on even if he has to be his own campaign manager the rest of the way. Lacson and his vice presidential candidate Senate President Vicente Sotto were in Tarlac and Pangasinan on Monday and in Abra and Ilocos Norte on Tuesday, supposedly dominated by consistent survey frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., an Ilocano., but had to cut short his trip due to scheduling conflicts. “I took over as campaign manager. I was warned the worst campaign manager is the candidate himself. But exigency ang nangyari. Biglaan nawala ang Re-

porma so we had to act accordingly (But exigency prompted me after Reporma ceased),” Lacson said. Lacson said he has been working with supporters for his schedule after Partido Reporma split in late March when party president, Davao del Norte 1st District Representative Pantaleon Alvarez, shifted support to Vice President Leni Robredo. Senatorial bets, former police chief Guillermo Eleazar, former Agriculture secretary Manuel Piñol, and Dr. Minguita Padilla, stayed with Lacson. The campaign period ends May 7, two days before the elections. “(M)ay nakakatulong ako nariyan (I get help, like), si (former Bureau of In-

ternal Revenue chief) Kim Henares and several other people. Sabi ko (I said) I just want to take a direct hand in the campaign. Siguro kasama na ako siguro sa nag-commit ng lapses. ‘Di ko agad nareview ang itinerary. So ng nakita kong sobrang dikit. Sabi ko teka muna, baka mamatay ako rito (Maybe I am guilty of the apses when I saw the schedule. I didn’t review the itinerary right away. So when I saw the schedule was too tight, I thought it might kill me),” he said. Lacson said he has learned to be pragmatic about his chances for support from Northern Luzon, noting that in 2004 when he ran for president against eventual winner Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the late actor Ferdinand Poe Jr., he had wide support from the region. “Nag-No.1 pa ako sa Laoag City. I was running as independent at the time. Pero (But) let’s see. May lugar na unpredictable. Nagtataka rin ako biglang No. 1 ako sa Senate o ng tumakbo ako (There are unpredictable areas so I was surprised I was on top there when I ran for the Senate and) for the presidency last time. So let’s wait and see for May 9. I know it’s diﬃcult to win given the situation but it is not impossible. That’s what I’m saying,” he said. Lacson said he was warmly received in Tarlac and Urdaneta cities, among the areas that beneﬁted from legislated changes in share of taxes from tobacco. “That’s why I am coming with data. Pati ang kanilang national tax allotment gusto nila kumustahin kasi ‘yan yata ang isang source ng patayan dito (They are also interested in the national tax allotment because that is one source of killings there),” he said.

Ilocano group appeals junking of petition to stop Marcos’ run MANILA – A group of Ilocanos has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc to reconsider the decision of the First Division that junked its petition to disqualify presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. from the May 9 polls. The group, led by Margarita Salandan, reiterated in a Partial Motion for Reconsideration that Marcos’ tax convictions carried with it moral turpitude, thus, he should be disqualified from running for public office. “In its Resolution, this Honorable Commission’s First Division haphazardly concluded that the undisputed multiple convictions of Marcos, Jr. for repeated violations of the law, and for four consecutive years, do not carry with it “moral turpitude,” the petition states. “This very narrow reasoning and interpretation of the facts and the law -while in the same breath acknowledging Marcos Jr.’s non-payment of his full tax liability including income in 1985 from a second source other than the government as Chairman of the Philcomsat; neglect in the performance of his legal obligation; and repeated violations of the law -- are clearly insufficient to justify such an erroneous finding,” it added.

UniTeam’s senate bet Marcoleta withdraws; Leni drops Zuburi

MANILA - UniTeam senatorial candidate Deputy Speaker Rodante “Dante” Marcoleta has withdrawn from the 2022 senatorial elections. In a statement, Marcoleta, who is running under PDP-Laban (Cusi wing faction), cited his “poor showing” in preelection surveys made by various opinion pollsters as the reason for his pulling out of the race. He is in the 24-30th rank in the March survey of Pulse Asia. Comelec Commissioner George Garcia conﬁrmed Marcoleta’s withdrawal, adding he may not be covered on a one-year ban for possible appointment to government post. In his statement, Marcoleta thanked Duterte for his support, together with the eﬀorts of PDP-Laban and the People’s Reform Party who also adopted him lately as its senatorial candidate. He also thanked the UniTeam for including him in its senatorial slate. Meanwhile, Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri has been dropped from the senatorial slate of Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan for openly campaigning for another presidential and vice presidential candidates. Before he was removed, Zubiri was a guest candidate of the “Team RobredoPangilinan” (Tropa), while also running under the UniTeam slate of Robredo’s rival, former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

7 April 28-May 4, 2022

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

Thousands back BBM-Sara team in Manila, Taguig rallies 21 of 24 Bulacan mayors throw support By CLAIRE MORALES TRUE, Managing Editor TAGUIG CITY — Even on a Sunday, thousands of residents here gathered to show their all-out support to the UniTeam presidential-vice presidential tandem of former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. Speaking before a huge crowd in Arca South Parking in Taguig, Duterte thanked supporters who gathered at the rally venue as early as noon. On Saturday, Marcos Jr. and Duterte wooed Manila voters in a grand UniTeam rally in Bustillos area in Sampaloc. Meanwhile, at least 85 percent or 14,600 of the 17,177 municipal and city councilors nationwide have given their full support to the UniTeam duo. UniTeam said oﬃcials of Philippine Councilors League (PCL) personally handed their signed manifesto of support to the candidacy of Marcos and Duterte in a simple ceremony at the BBM headquarters in Mandaluyong on Friday afternoon. In Bulacan, 21 of 24 mayors backed the perennial survey frontrunners Marcos and Duterte. San Jose Del Monte City Rep. Rida Robes said of the 21 mayors, 13 have signed a manifesto of support -- Arthur Robes of San Jose Del Monte, Eladio Gonzales Jr. of Balagtas, Jose Santiago Jr. of Bocaue, Francis Albert Juan of Bustos, Ricky Silvestre of Marilao, Mary Ann Marcos of Paombong, Roderick Tiongson of San Miguel, Cipriano Violago Jr. of San Rafael, Raulito Manlapaz of Hagonoy, Edwin Santos of Obando, Russel Pleyto of Sta. Maria, Narding de Leon

UniTeam presiden�al-vice presiden�al tandem of former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (le�) and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte thank thousands of supporters during a rally at the Arca South Parking in Taguig City. of Angat, Ferdie Estrella of Baliuag and Vergel Meneses of Bulakan. “They will win because in our survey BBM is at 61 percent, Mayor Inday is 53 percent. There is no doubt that they will win because they have the people’s support. You just can feel it and they openly show their support to the UniTeam. More than 80 percent will vote here,” Robes said. Robes said Marcos will be a good leader because he has a good heart.

“Alam natin kung ano ang kailangan ng tao (We know what the people need). You have a good heart. You can really lead the country. All we have to do is support you, to let the people vote for you. For all of us here in our own districts, we have to make this campaign real,” she said. In front of thousands of Manileños, Duterte spoke about the importance of Manila residents to her family. If elected, Duterte said she will do her best

to continue her father’s programs and promise to build a progressive and peaceful nation. The younger Duterte asked the public to vote for the UniTeam’s senatorial candidates. For his part, Marcos (BBM) couldn’t contain his excitement after seeing yet another impressive crowd, this time at the heart of Luzon. Marcos had serious things to talk about, particularly the possibility of cheating in the May 9 Palace race, which many pundits have him winning by a landslide. “Hindi talaga tayo papayag na ‘yung ginagawang kalokohan dahil sa eleksyon, ngunit...ay kinakampihan po tayo ng ating Pangulo. Winawarningan niya po lahat ng mga may nag-iisip na gumawa ng kalokohan sa susunod na halalan. Siya raw ang bahala sa inyong lahat kaya magisip isip kayo bago niyo gagawin ‘yan (We will not really allow cheating because of the election, our President is on our side. He warns all those who think of committing mischief in the next elections. He said he will take care of all of you so think before you do that,” he said. Also at the rally was Manila mayoralty candidate lawyer Alex Lopez, who hyped the crowd into voting for the UniTeam tandem even if they’ve probably made up their mind about doing so based on their chants and responses. “Tayo po rito ay nagkaisa para sa isang layunin ang iahon ang bawat Pilipino sa kahirapan at bumangon muli para ipakita natin sa buong mundo ang pagmamahal natin sa ating bansa (We are united here for one purpose of bringing every Filipino out of poverty and to show again to the world our love for our country),” said Lopez, a lawyer and brother of reelectionist Manila First District Rep. Manny Lopez.

Isko vows to focus on SAI RAM ASTROLOGER & PSYCHIC minimum needs of Pinoys SAN JOSE, Antique – Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso hasnatl assured thousands of Antiqueños that if elected president, he will focus on the minimum basic needs of the people which include housing, health, education, and employment. “Mga kababayan kong Antiqueños, humaharap po ako sa inyo para hingin ang inyong tulong at suporta. Tulungan po ninyo ako na inyong kababayan, pagkakataon lang po ang hinihingi ko at sinisiguro ko po sa inyo na hindi ko kayo bibiguin (My fellow Antiqueños, I am now in forn of you asking for your help and support. Help your fellow Anti-

queño, I will not fail you),” he said to an estimated 10,000 residents, mostly youth supporters and ordinary people, during his sortie at the Binirayan Stadium in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique. “Patuloy ko pong ipaliliwanag sa taumbayan na kung gusto nila ng peace of mind at matapos ang dekadang awayan at higantihan ng pula at dilaw, available po ako dahil ‘yun ang uunahain natin --- ang kapanatagan at kapakinabangan ng tao (I will continue to explain to all of you that if you want peace of mind, after decades of misunderstandings between political parties, I am always available as that is my priority),” Domagoso said.

Isko Moreno’s campaign rally at the Binirayan Stadium in San Jose de Buenavista, An�que.

MISS DEVI SHAMALA

 NATIONAL NEWS Comelec...

April 28-May 4, 2022

Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and one report from New Zealand seemingly showing a ballot that did not have the name of Leni Robredo. While the Comelec dismissed the New Zealand report is fake news, the Philippine embassy in Welington still took the report seriously, and came out with an advisory asking anyone who received the questionable ballot “to return the entire ballot package to the Embassy so that we can verify the claim.” Photos of the alleged questionable ballot had appeared on social media in the wake of other reports from such places as the US, the Middle East and Singapore, among others, that pre-shaded ballots had been distributed to unsuspecting voters. The Comelec had other problems that came to light last week, when a debate sponsored by the poll body was cancelled at the last minute over bounced checks paid to the venue. Vice presidential bet Walden Bello said in the vernacular that the debate mess was either a “massive failure” or

a “sinister plot.” A little known private company called Impact Hub had been contracted by the poll body for PHP14 million (US$280,000) to organize the last debate, when previous debates had been handled and organized by well-known media organizations for free. Commissioner Bulay said he agreed with the observation that the deal was questionable, while Impact Hub issued a statement saying there were “misunderstandings” over the checks they paid to Soﬁtel Manila as venue of the debate, which bounced. Suspicions had also been raised on the fairness of the Comelec whose commissioners are all appointees of President Rodrigo Duterte and who all come from Mindanao. Critics had warned of a possible repeat of the “sevenhour glitch” that happened in the 2019 midterm elections. Some opposition Senate bets were in the winning circle of 12, but were pushed out of the winners’ group after the Comelec stopped reporting election results for seven hours, supposedly due to a computer glitch.

should there be an increase in Covid-19 cases after the May 9 elections, said NTF adviser Dr. Ted Herbosa. the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Philippines This as the Department of Health disclosed that a case declared. of the omicron BA.2.12 was detected in a foreigner in BaHealth Secretary Francisco Duque and National Task guio City early April but the patient has recovered and reForce against COVID chief implementer Secretary Carlito turned to Finland, her home country. Galvez Jr. affirmed the WHO statement, adding that the The BA.2.12 is a subvariant of omicron that comprises government is closely monitoring the possible spike of ac- majority of the COVID-19 cases in the US, according to tive coronavirus cases in the country by mid-May follow- the DOH, citing data from the US Centers for Disease Coning the campaign-related mass gatherings and emergence trol and Prevention (US-CDC). of Omicron subvariants abroad. The DOH urged the public to wear the best-fitting mask, Earlier, the OCTA Research Group said an increase in isolate when sick, double-up protection through vaccinanew Covid-19 cases has been seen in certain areas. tion and boosters, and ensure good airflow in their homes and workplaces to avoid all new and circulating variants. It added the cases could reach 5,000 to 10,000 a day The patient was a 52-year-old woman who arrived once the new Omicron subvariants enter the country. from Finland last April 2 who did not undergo isolation The government would resort to localized lockdowns since she was fully vaccinated and arrived asymptomatic, the DOH said. The woman traveled to Quezon City and BaLAW OFFICE OF guio City to conduct seminars and experienced mild symptoms after 9 days, according to DOH. Nine asymptomatic close contacts were identified, with 2 of them tested & ASSOCIATES

and yielded negative results, the DOH said. Galvez said that some areas will become vulnerable to the disease, in the advent of new cases resurgence, due to their very low vaccination coverage. In a report to President Duterte, Galvez disclosed that at Test, Trace and Treat meeting with the private sector and experts, Father Nic Austriaco presented the emergence of the three Omicron variants -- two from South Africa and one from the United States – which will very likely will hit the Philippines.. WHO oﬃcials said the Philippines must focus on COVID-19 vaccination to avoid a surge as COVID-19 restrictions ease and the public’s mobility increases. Many barangays have yet to reach 70 percent vaccination coverage, according to WHO representative Rajendra Yadav, who suggested a possible house-to-house or close to home vaccination. Task Force T3 (Test, Trace and Treat) is composed of a multi-sectoral public-private consortium of companies and organizations, that is helping the government to identify the most urgent requirements to ﬁght the Covid-19 pandemic. Galvez said the Omicron sub-lineages BA.4 and BA.5 variants that were recently monitored in South Africa and Europe are both declared by the health experts as “variants of concerns that” that can possibly cause “a global economic downturn and reinstatement of travel restrictions.” He warned that these variants may also cause Covid-19 upticks once they emerge in the Philippines. “Inuulit po namin na very imminent na po na tataas ang ating mga kaso at very vulnerable ang mga hindi pa bakunado dahil 95 percent po ng namamatay ay unvaccinated (We repeat that the spike in cases is very imminent and those unvaccinated will become very vulnerable since 95 percent of death are unvaccinated),” he said. Galvez cited the latest data from the Department of Health that there is an increase of cases in 13 areas previously placed under the most lenient Alert level 1 system. “Though there are no signs of alarm but they are monitoring it. And with this, many experts predicted, including OCTA, that in mid-May we will have a dramatic increase of new cases. Meaning, Covid-19 is still here. We should not be complacent,” he added.

(From page 1)

pointed to media organizations which could be charged with libel for using allegedly misleading headlines. He, however, said he had not threatened anyone, but only gave a “warning.” The Movement Against Disinformation said that Bulay’s threat or warning was cause for grave concern. Commissioner George Garcia, however, said the public need not worry as their freedom of expression would not be curtailed, even if they voiced their opinions putting the Comelec in a bad light. Speaking in the vernacular shortly after Bulay’s warning was made public, Garcia said, “I guarantee you it’s okay. Don’t worry. You can criticize us. You can oppose what we do. You can air your sentiments to the Comelec.” There are other issues hounding the poll body. Worst of all are the persistent reports that overseas voters had been receiving pre-shaded ballots in favor of

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Marcos, known as BBM or Bongbong in the campaign trail, however, solidified his wide lead in the surveys over her rivals just like her runningmate, Davao City Mayor Sara “Inday” Duterte, who are both drawing supporters from wide sectors. The BBM-Sara Unity Team has also been drawing record attendance in their rallies, the latest being in Cagayan de Oro City, Manila, Taguig City and Bulacan. At press time, Marcos said in a television interview that he will be a “unifying leader” once elected. “I will work with every iota of my being to be a unifying leader,” he added as he vowed to lead the country to new scale of growth and development that will benefit the people. Meantime, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao and Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson refuse to give up their fight, saying it will be the people who will decide, not the surveys. Domagoso said he will fight to the end as he continued unflinching determination in what he said as his pursuit of giving the ordinary people the government that they truly deserve. “The elections are not over until all the votes, especially those from the silent majority, have been counted,” the 47-year-old presidential candidate said while campaigning in Kalibo, Aklan. As this developed, Domagoso was charged with graft together with Vice

Mayor Honey Lacuna and several Manila officials in connection with the allegedly questionable sale of the Divisoria market property of the city government. “Gagapang tayo talaga, kasi I really wanted to reach as many people as possible as our commitment. Dire-diretso lang sa tao,” Moreno said in Aklan. The fighting stance was adopted by world boxing icon Pacquiao as he called for a “revolution” by the millions of poor Filipinos who constitute the biggest block of voters for the May 9 elections. Robredo, supported by runningmate Sen. Francis Pangilinan, said a momentum in their favour has been ignited hoping to spring a surprise victory in the race on May 9. Robredo’s latest rally in Malolos City was participated by 140,000 supporters based on organizers’ estimate that included Vice Ganda and other celebrities. The rally – titled “Republika 2.0: Tindig ng Bulakenyo” – drew a significant crowd increase from the 45,000 that gathered during their first rally in Bulacan on March 5. Reelectionist Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando of the National Unity Party, who endorsed Robredo’s candidacy in March, raised Robredo’s hand again in front of the crowd. Aside from Vice Ganda, celebrities Nadine Lustre, Yeng Constantino, and Darren Espanto performed at the Malolos rally. Meanwhile, veteran actress Boots Anson Roa, a known supporter of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., has pub-

licly declared her support for Robredo in the May 9 elections. Based on the Laylo Research surveys held from April 14 to 20, Marcos got the vote of 64 percent of the respondents, gaining 3 percentage points from his March performance of 61 percent, putting him 43 percentage points ahead of VP Robredo who scored 21 percent. In the survey, Marcos also continued to dominate all the major voting areas with 62 percent voter preference in the National Capital Region, 80 percent in North Central Luzon, 46 percent in South Luzon and Bicol, 57 percent in the Visayas, and 75 percent in Mindanao. “The Laylo survey results reinforced the observations made by political pundits that Marcos’ numbers are continuing to firm up as elections near,” the Marcos camp said. In another survey by PUBLiCUS Asia on Tuesday, Marcos’ firm voters rose by 10 percent, from 70 percent in February to 80 percent this April. David Yap, PUBLiCUS Asia’s chief data scientist, said the increase in vote firmness means that voters become more committed to their chosen candidate. In endorsing Robredo at the Malolos rally, Governor Fernando said Robredo is the leader that the country needs. “She served as the voice of the poor and the people who have no voice in so-

ciety. She’s the inspiration of many Filipinos, especially of the Filipino youth,” Fernando said. Fernando’s endorsement of Robredo is important because Bulacan is the ﬁfth biggest province in terms of number of voters. Reelectionist Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, meanwhile, has been dropped from Robredo’s ticket due to his “open endorsement of another presidential candidate.” Robredo’s spokesperson, Barry Gutierrez, said this was “in contravention of the agreement with all guest candidates” of not endorsing a presidential candidate. Zubiri has been quoted as introducing former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., as “our president.” “With 12 days remaining before elections, we are moving forward with our 11-candidate Senate slate,” Gutierrez said. The tandem of Sen. Panﬁlo “Ping” Lacson and Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has also removed Zubiri from their slate after his endorsement of Marcos.

 NATIONAL NEWS

April 28-May 4, 2022

Marawi, 7 areas in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur placed under Comelec control MANILA – Eight areas in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur have been placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec). In a statement, Comelec Chairman Saidamen Pangarungan said six municipalities in Maguindanao, and one city and one municipality in Lanao del Sur are now under their control. The areas are the towns of Buluan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Piang, Mangudadatu, Pandag and Sultan Kudarat in the Province of Maguindanao. Also, the City of Marawi City and the town of Maguing both in Lanao del Sur, were declared under Comelec control in addition to Tubaran and Malabang towns. The places were placed under Comelec control upon

the joint recommendation of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines and Regional Election Director Ray Sumalipao, the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns (CBFSC). Under Comelec Resolution No. 10757, an area can be put under Comelec control in the following circumstances: 1. History of/or current intense rivalry among contending parties. Such rivalries could motivate people to engage in violent acts; 2. Incidents of politically-motivated violence involving aspirants/candidates and other supporters; 3. Violence may be facilitated by the employment of Private Armed Groups (PAGs); and

4. Serious armed threats posed by the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs), and other threat groups including the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFFs), the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), the Maute Group, and other analogous threat groups as may be declared by the competent authority, or other paramilitary forces, private armies or identiﬁable armed bands widely perceived to have committed terrorism, fraud or other election irregularities and threaten or disrupt the holding of free, peaceful, honest, orderly, and credible elections in any political divisions, subdivisions, unit or area. “As regards to other areas, we are continuously upgrading and updating our assessment status,” the poll body chief added.

SC....

mayed by the High Court’s ruling. “We welcome the latest decision of the Supreme Court on Republic Act No. 11479, otherwise known as the ‘Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020,’” acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said. Andanar said the SC’s latest move could be considered a “triumph” for the entire Filipinos, as he emphasized that RA 11479’s goal is to ramp up the country’s fight against terrorism. “We consider this latest High Court ruling a triumph for all peace-loving and law-abiding Filipinos as it serves as a stern warning against malevolent elements that the Philippines is not a safe haven for terrorists,” he said. “We remain convinced that these provisions (among them those that fail to define with clarity the offense of ‘terrorism’ and grant broad and sweeping powers to the Anti-Terrorism Council to issue arrest orders and authorize extended detention periods on mere suspicion) are not only dangerous, as they are prone to abuse, but also in violation of the Constitution,” said Jose Manuel “Chel’

Diokno, the FLAG national chairman, in a statement. Under RA 11479, people who are part of the planning and training for the commission of terrorism will face life imprisonment sans the benefit of parole and the benefits provided under RA 10592 or the Good Conduct Time Allowance Law. The anti-terror law also warns that any person who threatens to commit terror acts will suffer the penalty of 12-year imprisonment. It also states that people who propose to commit or join terror acts will be jailed for 12 years. Advocacy, protest, dissent, stoppage of work, industrial or mass action, and other similar exercises of civil and political rights not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person or to create a serious risk to public safety are not considered terror acts, according to RA 11479. The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 also ensures that the use of torture and other “cruel, inhumane, and degrading” treatment or punishment against detained suspected terrorists is “absolutely prohibited.

(From page 1)

RA 11579, signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on July 3, 2020, aims to protect life, liberty, and property from terrorism deemed as “inimical and dangerous to the national security of the country and to the welfare of the people.” In a statement during its summer sessions here, the SC said it “resolved to deny the motions for reconsideration due to lack of substantial issues and arguments” raised by petitioners of more than three dozen suits. The members of the SC maintained their votes in December, written by now retired Philippine Judicial Academy Chancellor Rosmari Carandang. In December, the SC upheld the validity of the law except for two provisions. Malacañang welcomed the decision of the high court but several sectors bewailed the ruling. Two lawyers group - the FLAG and the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) - said they were dis-

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 OPINION

FAJ gets $225K...

EDITORIAL

A note to FilAm voters

S-based Filipinos as well as dual citizen FilAms who registered to vote for the May elections back home need an important reminder or two. The ballots they received which are to be mailed back to Philippine embassies and consulates do not have sufficient stamps in the return envelopes. Thus, envelopes with ballots that do not have additional stamps and which are just placed in mailboxes will end up not being counted. There is, however, an even more important issue that needs to be addressed. There have been reports stating that some ballots have been pre-shaded so that the votes to be cast will go to Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This does not surprise us. The Marcos camp has shown again and again that they are bent on winning at all costs, and massive cheating is part of their plan. We do not want to point an accusing finger at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) or the Department of Foreign Affairs, but those pre-shaded ballots have appeared not only in the US, but also on countries which have large communities of Filipino workers. We find it disturbing that the Comelec has even warned of taking legal action against any voter who undermines the electoral process. This could be interpreted to mean that anyone who complains of receiving pre-shaded ballots and bringing their case to media can face trumped up charges. It is known that all the current Comelec commissioners are appointees of Rodrigo Duterte, who wants nothing more than for his daughter Sara to be elected vice president. She will, of course, bring her running mate Marcos Jr along with her, should the massive cheating that many fear take place. Under free and fair elections, at least here in the US, we know who will not win, who should not win. And that is the aforementioned Marcos Jr., who is literally spending billions of dollars to win. Yes, US dollars, not Philippine pesos. This 64-year-old man-child has no known source of income, and has never worked a day in his life, yet he can spend billions to win an election, even if some form of rigging and vote buying is involved. Much is expected of the Filipino and FilAm voters in the US. Their numbers have grown to a substantial degree that they can make or break candidates if they form a solid bloc. Yes, there are Filipinos and FilAms who will vote for Marcos Jr. We must respect their choice, even if we believe them to be terribly misguided. We still cannot comprehend how intelligent people can vote for the son of a thief, who lives off the stolen money that his dictator-father left him. But again, we must respect their poor choice. What we will never accept is for the government in our homeland to take sides and derail the correct results of the elections. The case of the insufficient stamps in the mailed ballots is an indication of incompetence, at best. But if the wrong candidate for president wins as a result of massive cheating, let the parties involved be warned. Filipinos, FilAms and this paper took an active role in exposing the late dictator, leading directly to his ouster. We did it once. We can do it again.

Also known as FAJ, the 49-year-old organization based in Oakland with offices in Union City in Alameda County, is the lone FilAm organization among 22 recipients based in the Bay Area, South Bay and Central Coast of California among the first round awardees. They received over $4 million in total. “We are excited about this opportunity,” FAJ executive director Geraldine Alcid told Inquirer.net. “We are focusing on mental health and addressing trauma and healing in our organizing work (and activities) we have planned for May - mental health awareness month and also API Heritage month.” Alcid elaborated: “The impacts of the pandemic and increased incidents of anti-Asian violence have greatly affected the mental health of our community members. From our youth to our elders, there has been an unprecedented need for support to address stress, anxiety, depression and other feelings of uncertainty we are coping with and the trauma we are holding.” HISTORIC FUND The awards are part of the $14 million to be distributed among 80 organizations statewide by the Newsom Administration in cooperation with the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs and California Asian & Pacific Islander Caucus, Assembly Member Phil Ting (D-19th District), announced earlier this month. As chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, Ting headed the push for the historic $166.5 million API Equity Budget in response to the unprecedented rise in anti-Asian attacks since 2020, when the then-unknown coronavirus was first detected in the United States. The virus first identified in Wuhan, China, has killed over 1 million Americans. While violence against APIs has been a constant challenge cresting with every world conflict involving the ancestral countries of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, currently skyrocketing Asian hate crimes have been blamed on the correlation of the virus with APIs by top officials including then-President Trump, who attached Chinese terms when referring to COVID19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Last spring President Biden signed the COVID19 Hate Crimes Act authored by Democratic legislators Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono and New York Rep. Grace Meng. “For centuries, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, diverse and vibrant communities have helped build this nation only to be often stepped over, forgotten, or ignored,” Biden said at the signing rites. “My message to all of those who are hurting is, we see you. And the Congress has said, we see you. And we are committed to stop the hatred and the bias.” A month earlier a Caucasian man had shot and killed six Asian women workers among eight people at a massage parlor near Atlanta, Georgia. Police initially downplayed race as a motive, though the shooter’s claim of “sex addiction” reinforced the “intersection of gender-based violence, misogyny and xenophobia,” said Rep. Bee Nguyen, the first Vietnamese American elected to the Georgia House. In the summer the California Legislature passed and Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the API Equity budget as an investment over three years in resources for deserving agencies to stop the spread of Asian hate. “I can’t wait to see the impact of these state investments,” Ting said in the company of grantee representatives led by Anni Chung of Self-Help for the Elderly at her agency’s Jackie Chan Senior Center in Chinatown. Grants went to agencies providing diverse services: Asian Health Services in Oakland has been designated the regional lead with a $543,747 award. Step Forward Foundation, provider of legal services, receives $250,000, and Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach $150,000. $250,000 was awarded to Mental Health Association for Chinese Communities, Korean Community Center, California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative and Community Youth Center of San Francisco. Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice receives $225,000. Asian Pacific Environmental Network in Oakland and Richmond will receive $140,000. (Continued on page 26)

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 OPINION

PerryScope

N 1853, THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE was referred to by Tsar Nicolas I as the “Sick Man of Europe,” which was then in a state of decline. After World War I, the phrase was applied to several European countries that included France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany. It was the result of the economic chaos that the war brought to PERRY DIAZ Europe. Ten years later, the Taiping Rebellion in China brought misery to the Chinese people and once again the “Sick Man” cropped its ugly head again, this time in China; hence, the phrase “Sick Man of Asia” was coined. In 1896, the North China Daily News published an article saying: “There are four sick people in the world – Turkey, Persia, China, Morocco ... China is the Sick Man of the East.” At that time, the ruling Qing dynasty was so corrupt and incompetent that it earned the scorn of the world. The Westerners, who had mocked, humiliated, and insulted China, took advantage of the miserable state of the country and eventually took over its economy. Shanghai was run by the Shanghai International Settlement, which was dominated by the Americans and British. They established the Shanghai Municipal Council (SMC), which was later expanded to include the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Peru, Mexico, and Switzerland. Hong Kong became a British colony and Macao a Portuguese colony. It was imperialism at its zenith. China also came to be known as the “Sick Man of Asia.” Martial law Then the dictator Ferdinand Marcos came to power in 1965. After his first term as president, he started planning how to stay in power after his second term, which would have ended in 1973. Marcos started planning and he formed two sets of advisers, a 12-member working group called the Rolex 12, with each member given a gold Rolex watch as a symbol of power. Rolex 12 was composed of generals and economic cronies. They were the architects of the martial law plan. But within this group was another group, known as the Omega Five, which consisted of the generals who were also part of the Rolex 12. Their main responsibility was to make sure that Marcos would remain in power. They were the Praetorian Guard whose loyalty was unquestionable. On September 23, 1972, Marcos announced that he had placed the Philippines under martial law. He said that it was necessary to stop the “communist threat” posed by the newly founded Communist Party of the Philippines. But some sources claimed that he staged a series of bombings and ambushes as justification for the declaration of martial law. This marked the beginning of a 14-year period of one-man rule. However, opposition figures of the time accused Marcos of exaggerating these threats, using them as a convenient excuse to consolidate power and extend his reign beyond the two presidential terms allowed by the 1935 constitution. Marcos’ human rights record Martial law was lifted on January 17, 1981. However, he retained virtually all of his powers as dictator. It is remembered for the Marcos era’s record of human rights abuses, particularly targeting political opponents, student activists, journalists, religious workers, farmers, and others who fought against the Marcos dictatorship. Based on the documentation of Amnesty International, historians believe that the Marcos dictatorship was marked by more than 3,200 known extrajudicial killings, 35,000 documented tortures, hundreds of disappearances or “salvaged” as they were called, and 70,000 incarcerations. There were thousands of human rights violations. The economic standing of the country dropped. The dawn of martial law was hell. It was the darkest chapter in Philippine history. Although the Philippines had attained improvement in its economy during Marcos’ first term, that is not enough to support the claim that considers his presidency as the golden years of the Philippines. But based on data given by the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country experienced the biggest decrease in income per person yet, and it took the country 21 years to recover from that loss. In fact, such a decrease in its economic standing gave it the (Continue on page 27)

How to donate Philippine properties without going home

o you need to donate properties in the Philippines but can’t go home due to the travel restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic? Last week, another new client called Mobile Signing Services (MSS) for help and assistance in donating properties in the Philippines ART GABOT MADLAING without going home due to the travel restrictions and pandemic lockdown. Mobile Signing Services had helped several couples and individuals donate their properties in the Philippines to their children or loved ones without going home to the Philippines. The other year, MSS helped an elderly woman in Daly City, California in donating a portion of her land parcel to her daughter in La Trinidad, Benguet without going home to the Philippines. Her lawyer prepared the DEED OF DONATION and sent to her in Daly City, California. When she received the copies of the DEED OF DONATION, her son who was staying with her called MSS for the notarization and apostille follow-up. I then, instructed her son to make three copies of the DEED OF DONATION and have three copies of his mother’s ID. During my meeting with his elderly mother Gloria (who was in her mid 90s) for the notarization of the DEED OF DONATION, I was surprised to see her looking very much younger than her actual age. She was smiling, alert and easily walked to the nearby table where I met her in the Daly City apartment she was renting. I had her signed the three sets of DEED OF DONATION (in two pages); and then signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and put her right thumb mark in the journal. After notarization, I submitted the notarized DEED OF DONATION to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento, California, for apostille. After 10 days, the apostilled DEED OF DONATION arrived via USPS Priority Mail which I subsequently delivered the following day to our elderly client. Our elderly client and her son were very happy for the efficient, complete and unique MSS services. Last month, another client called me and requested help and assistance for the notarization and apostille for the DEED OF DONATION on the two lots he and his wife are donating to their son. The two lots are located in the Municipality of San Luis, province of Aurora in the Philippines. Victor and his wife came to our home office in San Francisco last Thursday, January 20, 2022. The couple reviewed the draft of the DEED OF DONATION prepared by our paralegal and lawyer-friends. After the draft was okayed by the couple, I had them signed three copies of the DEED OF DONATION as DONORS. I also had them signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and put their right thumb marks in the journal. The following day their son as the DONEE came to my home office in San Francisco and signed the three copies of the DEED OF DONATION and then signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and put his right thumb mark in the journal. After notarization, I submitted the notarized DEED OF DONATION to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, in Sacramento, California for apostille. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the Front Desk is still closed. There are only two options available namely: 1. Mail the notarized document to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, in Sacramento or Los Angeles; 2. Drop off the notarized documents in the Apostille Box ( which is the faster and safer way) at the lobby of the Secretary of State building in Sacramento, California. The normal turn-around of apostille processing on notarized documents dropped off in the Apostille Box is about 8-12 working days. Turn around of apostille processing on notarized documents mailed is very much longer. We at the Mobile Signing Services (MSS) are committed, dedicated and will continue to assist and help old and new clients particularly the elderly, veterans and those physically handicapped in the notarization and apostille follow-up on Affidavits, Special Power of Attorney, DEED OF DONATION Waiver of Rights, Proof of Life, DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate and other documents needed in the Philippines and the other member nations of the Hague Apostille Convention. Here are some advantages and benefits with MSS: DISCOUNTS FOR THE EL- (Continue on page 27)

3 bets shot themselves in the foot

t was, to say the least, a very expensive way to whine. Three presidential candidates -- Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Sen. Ping Lacson, and former Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales – booked a banquet room at the plush Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati ostensibly to make an important announcement about the VAL ABELGAS coming elections. Actually, media advisories from Moreno and Lacson said five presidential candidates would be coming to include former Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella and Sen. Manny Pacquiao. Everybody, including this writer, waited with anticipation as the advisories hinted of “unity” among the five. The preevent news stories that appeared reflected that anticipation. One story started with “In what could be a first in Philippine politics…” Perhaps, the five realized they need to unite to prevent a return of the Marcoses in Malacanang and decided to withdraw in favor of maybe Vice President Leni Robredo, who is the highest ranked in surveys behind Ferdinand Marcos Jr., or maybe in favor of Moreno. It was a dud, after all. In the first place, there was no “unity” as only three of them appeared. Pacquiao and Abella didn’t attend, which in hindsight, was one of the best decisions they have ever made. In the second place, Moreno, Lacson and Gonzales merely announced they were not backing down and they would continue their respective campaigns. But in so doing, they also decided to gang up on Robredo, who they said has been asking them to withdraw in her favor to defeat Marcos. Moreno, the biggest whiner, complained that Robredo’s camp has been asking him to sacrifice and withdraw in Robredo’s favor. The Manila mayor then said Robredo should withdraw instead. “I’m calling for Leni to withdraw kasi (because) whatever [she’s] doing is not effective against the Marcos. Withdraw, come and join us,” he said. Gonzales, a member of the Arroyo Cabinet, ignited the fire when he said that surveys have shown a big gap between No. 1 (Marcos) and No. 2 (Robredo) and this could be because people don’t like No. 2 and that they want a new contender to challenge Marcos. He said, “I think it’s better if we could put aside number two and look at options three, four, five, six. Maybe the right candidate our people are looking for to go against number one would be among those… because it seems like they don’t want the current number two to challenge number one.” If the people wanted any of those behind Robredo, they should have been up there above her and below Marcos. Where’s the logic in Gonzales’ claims? Also, the three candidates doubted the credibility of the surveys – with Moreno even saying they have evidence of fraud – and yet they are basing their conclusions on the “tainted” surveys. Where’s the consistency there? A joint press conference that was expected to show the dignity of these candidates, turned out to be the exact opposite – three politicians who are trailing miserably in surveys stooping low to gang up on the lone female candidate. This is exactly what the headline of Rappler.com stated: “Male survey laggards hit lone female presidential bet Robredo.” The latest Pulse Asia survey, which they doubted and yet used as basis for their call to cast aside Robredo, showed Marcos with a 56% voter preference, followed by Robredo, 24%; Moreno, 8%; Pacquiao, 6%; Lacson, 2%; Faisal Mangondato, 1%; Abella, 0.1%; Jose Montemayor Jr., 0.05%; Leody de Guzman, 0.02%; and Gonzales, 0%. How can someone who has 0% voter preference lead the call to boot out Robredo? If he were not a candidate, perhaps his call would be more acceptable to some people. But obviously, whatever Moreno, Lacson and Gonzales had hoped to gain from the press conference backfired. Days after the “undue and unnecessary” event, social media was filled with messages from people who said they or somebody close to them were supporters of Moreno but were now voting for Robredo. Even Lacson, who was credited with organizing the press event along with Moreno, had to distance himself from More(Continue on page 27) no’s call for Robredo to withdraw,

On Distant Shore

The return of the ‘Sick Man of Asia’

Health & Wealth

April 28-May 4, 2022

13 April 28-May 4, 2022

 OPINION

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ary? Most of you will say, of course not! But some will look for a dictionary just in case I’m right. I’m wrong, of course. But even intelligent people would have bothered to check…just in case. BETING DOLOR This may or may not be true where surveys are concerned. After all, such survey companies like Pulse Asia and the Social Weather Stations have been around for decades, and claim that they use the most scientific of methodologies, even giving a plus or minus margin of error. This is true under normal circumstances. Unfortunately, these are not the most normal of circumstances, and SWS and Pulse Asia are still private corporations which exist to generate profits year after year. It’s what their stockholders demand, and usually get. So can presidential surveys conducted by the two be trusted? The answer is yes and no. Another way of putting it is, it’s complicated. During the six-year reign of Rodrigo Duterte as president, both companies came out with surveys showing the incredible, if not outright impossible. Many surveys said that Mr. Duterte was the most popular, most trusted president the country has ever had. More popular than the likes of Pnoy Aquino, Erap Estrada and Fidel Ramos, at their peak. More popular than even Cory Aquino and Ferdinand Marcos at the height of their presidencies. There were survey results from SWS and Pulse Asia – forget the smaller pretenders who were always in it solely for the money since they began operations – showing Mr. Duterte with a higher than 90 percent popularity rating. BS? Absolutely. So why did the two previously respected companies risk their once sterling reputations to produce results that few took seriously? They were handsomely paid, of course. And yes, they could show some proof to support their results. But they also kept some very important facts hidden. Some of those facts have recently come to light, not the least of which is that the party, company, or organization availing of their services assign their own people to conduct the field surveys. This alone all but guarantees that survey results will be skewed in favor of their client. Also, the client not only chooses the people doing field surveys, they also have a hand in the questions to be asked. This was not the case in the past, when two of the newspapers I worked for – BusinessWorld and Manila Standard -- had surveys conducted that were totally, completely, and absolutely fair. It goes without saying that this has not been the case in the last six years and is still not the case where the surveys showing Ferdinand Marcos Jr as the sure winner in next month’s elections. The guy’s camp paid for the surveys, and had their own people conducting field interviews. More than this, those surveyors made it clear to the surveyed that they were for Mr. Marcos. Real fair, huh? But there’s more. It turns out that both SWS and Pulse Asia did not follow the accepted methodology of surveying a universe that represents the voting population. This means that the 2,000 people they interviewed should represent the entire population in terms of gender, economic status, and location, among others. It was in economic status – the smallest percentage being the A market of rich or at least well off Filipinos, the B market that represents the middle class, the C market of those who sometimes struggle to make ends meet, and the D (poor) and E (very poor). By their own admission, this was not followed. And here lies the rub. The A market may be small at roughly one percent of the population, but they almost always vote in large numbers. In comparison, the E market may be huge, but a good number of them (Continue on page 27)

ome Filipino voters may be wondering why only 12 members of the Senate are elected every three years when there are actually 24 senators SEVERINO SAMONTE attending the opening of Congress on the fourth Monday of July following the polls. The answer is in the 27-Section Transitory Provisions of the 1987 Constitution, particularly in Section 2 of Article XVIII which states that “senators, members of the House of Representatives, and the local officials first elected under this Constitution shall serve until noon of June 30, 1992. Of the senators elected in the election in 1992, the first 12 obtaining the highest number of votes shall serve for six years (full term) and the remaining 12 for three years”. Half of the 24 senators (Nos. 1 to 12) elected in May 1992 were retained until June 30, 1998, while the other half (Nos. 13 to 24) were replaced in the 1995 polls. In turn, the 12 senators who were elected in May 1995 stayed in the Senate for the next six years until 2001. This has been the practice since 1995 with the election of a dozen senators every three years (1998, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019) for a six-year term to replace the outgoing 12 members. The Transitory Provisions under Section 5 also paved the way for the synchronization of national and local elections by extending the six-year term of the late President Corazon Aquino and Vice President Salvador Laurel by six months to noon of June 30, 1992 after they were elected in the Feb. 7, 1986 snap polls,. The 12 senators who will be elected among 64 aspirants on May 9 will hold office for six years or until June 30, 2028. They will be joining the 12 lawmakers elected in the May 13, 2019 polls, namely: Senators Juan Edgardo Sonny Angara, Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay, Juliana Pilar Pia Cayetano, Ronald Dela Rosa, Christopher Lawrence Go, Maria Imelda Imee Marcos, Aquilino Koko Pimentel III, Mary Grace Poe, Ramon Revilla Jr. (Jose Bautista), Manuel Lito Lapid, Francis Tolentino, and Cynthia Villar.

The Philippines needs a leader like Zelenskyy

eading presidential candidates must make a firm stand on the Russian invasion in Ukraine. It is an attack of an Eastern European state on the march to democracy by an authoritarian regime attempting to expand its sphere of influence in the post-Soviet order. Moscow must have underestimated Kyiv’s resolve to defend its sovereignty, MANNY MOGATO holding off Russian troops in large cities despite a rain of missiles. Russia, which had a big logistics headache when it simultaneously staged attacks in the last week of February, could lose in the conflict when the invasion drags and Ukraine decides to go into unconventional warfare, or guerrilla warfare. Civilians, including women, have volunteered to fight for Ukraine. Citizens living abroad have been returning to offer their services while others raised funds to help relatives flee the country and seek shelter in Poland in the West, Moldova in the south, or other countries. The United States offered to accept Ukrainian refugees but when it offered President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a safe way out from Kyiv, he responded with a statement: “I need ammunition, not a ride.” A comedian-turned politician, Zelenskyy opted to stay with his generals and fight to the end. He displayed courage in the face of superior Russian forces. Russia has more troops, equipment and firepower. In contrast, Rodrigo Duterte melted in China’s intimidation in the West Philippine Sea. He made excuses that he did not want to lose soldiers in case war erupted between Beijing and Manila. Filipino soldiers have demonstrated courage and valor in the face of Japanese invasion during the Second World War. They will not hesitate to offer their lives in a conflict to defend the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Duterte showed cowardice and chose to lick the boots of Xi Jinping, even ordering local troops to avoid joining US troops’ training and exercises in the West Philippine Sea to avoid getting China’s ire. It’s a shame Duterte was not willing to fight for what is right, submitting to China’s might. He should learn from Zelenskyy who is unafraid to confront the most powerful army in Europe with the most number of nuclear weapons. Duterte does not have to look for models in Europe. Indonesia and Vietnam have shown tenacity in dealing with China’s encroachment into their maritime waters. Jakarta’s navy has blown up Chinese fishing vessels in its waters. President Joko Widodo even witnessed one event. Duterte meanwhile cowered in fear at Chinese threats issued by Beijing’s foreign ministry spokesman. He does not deserve to become the country’s leader. Filipinos regretted electing Duterte who promised in 2016 to ride a jetski and plant a Philippine flag on a Chinese-occupied feature in the disputed South China Sea. Filipinos should not make another mistake in electing their next leader on May 9. They should not vote for another coward like Duterte, who is not willing to defend the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. All leading presidential candidates have expressed concern about 400 Filipino migrant workers in Eastern Europe who have begun fleeing to Moldova and Poland, but his message to Kyiv was to give up the fight. At a recent television debate, only Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, a former national police chief who had trained as a soldier, articulated the country’s stand to condemn Russia for the unprovoked aggression into Ukraine. It was a principled stand as a responsible member of the community of nations. Duterte was silent about his own conviction because of his friendship with Vladimir Putin. The other presidential candidates’ only position is to save Filipinos living and working in Ukraine. But there are some Filipinos who have expressed support for Russia, probably misled by disinformation in social media about Moscow’s justification for the attack. They must be influenced by troll farms that supported the twisted reasoning of Russia, and some local politicians aligned with Moscow. (Continue on page 27) They could have also been

IN THE TRENCHES

id you know that the word ‘gullible’ is not found in the diction-

Why only 12 are elected to the 24-member Senate GUEST COLUMNIST

Misleading the gullible

 BUSINESS | IMMIGRATIONS How can you prove a good faith marriage?

f you are applying for immigrant visa based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, it is a must that you discuss your case with an immigration attorney. Many people do it by themselves but later on find problems along the way. It could be in the long wait for adjudication, more evidence requested and legal issues they could not resolve. In proving good faith marriage the USCIS is governed by case law that we will discuss here. Question: What is the main consideration to determine if the marriage is in good faith? Answer: The central inquiry in determining whether a bona fide marriage exists is the INTENT of the parties at the time they entered into the marriage; the parties must have had the intent to establish a life together. See, Bark v. INS, 511 F.2d 1200, 1201 (9th Cir. 1975), see also Matter of McKee, 17 I & N Dec. 332 (BIA 1980). The conduct of the parties after the marriage is relevant to their intent at the time of their marriage. See, Matter of Laureano, 19 I & N Dec. 1 (BIA 1983). There is no sham marriage where the petitioner and beneficiary INTENT to establish a life together at the time they were married, Bark v. INS, 511 F. 2d 1200 (9th Cir. 1975). Question: What kind of evidence is needed for USCIS to determine is the marriage is a fraud? Answer: The BIA in Matter of P. Singh, 27 I&N Dec. 598 (BIA 2019), enumerated the following are the legal standards to follow: (1) The standard of proof necessary to bar the approval of a visa petition based on marriage fraud under section 204(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1154(c) (2012), is “substantial and probative evidence.” (2) The degree of proof necessary to constitute “substantial and probative evidence” is more than a preponderance of evidence, but less than clear and convincing evidence; that is, the evidence has to be more than probably true that the marriage is fraudulent. (3) The nature, quality, quantity, and credibility of the evidence of marriage fraud contained in the record should be considered in its totality in determining if it is “substantial and probative.” (4) The application of the “substantial and probative evidence” standard requires the examination of all of the relevant evidence and a determination as to whether such evidence, when viewed in its totality, establishes, with sufficient probability, that the marriage is fraudulent. (5) Both direct and circumstantial evidence may be considered in determining whether there is “substantial and probative evidence” of marriage fraud under section 204(c) of the Act, and circumstantial evidence alone may be sufficient to constitute “substantial and probative evidence.” If your case has been long delayed, it probably is under investigation. Many marriage cases are now under investigation due to fraud. Even if the parties were able to get approved in their petition and adjustment of status, there is the next hurdle which is the removal of condition on residence. In addition if you get your immigrant visa based on marriage, there is another hurdle coming which is when you apply for naturalization. Usually the USCIS opens up the file and further check if the applicant’s marriage is in good faith. For those who get their green card through marriage, it is best to consult with an immigration lawyer before filing a Form I-751 removal of condition on residence and Form N-400 application for Naturalization. Many cases are now being denied based on fraudulent marriage. Note: This is not a legal advice. You need to speak to an Immigration Attorney to analyze your personal circumstances. We offer free consultation on immigration matters. If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family separation. The Philippine election will determine if we will be annexed by China BBM is supported by China. If the Philippines become part of China, it will have a far reaching effect on immigration and on overseas workers. We can no longer petition our relatives because the U.S. will not consider the Philippines as independent country. Many countries importing Filipino workers will no longer do it because they will think that we are Chinese spies. Most countries we deal with like Canada, Japan, Australia, and European countries will not hire Filipino workers because we are considered Chinese spies. We will be slaves in our own country. We cannot expect other countries to fight for us. We will lose our dignity and standing among people of the earth. Let us make a stand. Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers. He practices immigration law, bankruptcy, personal injury and income tax problems since June 1999. He has offices in Hayward and Cerritos, CA. His contact phone is 1-877456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www.crispinlozanolaw.com/

April 28-May 4, 2022

Bangko Sentral ignores protests, prints P1,000 polymer banknotes MANILA - In a controversial move, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has started circulating 10 million pieces of the P1,000 polymer banknotes which were produced in Australia. The shift to the plastic polymer banknotes has been opposed by various sectors, including abaca farmers and government agencies promoting abaca production, as well as relatives of three Philippine heroes who have been erased in the new bills. Old bills used abaca material which is famous all over the world. Several groups and legislators have criticized the BSP’s move to remove the faces of the heroes featured on the regular P1,000 banknotes in its trial polymer bills, saying this could aid the historical revisionism gaining ground in the country in recent years. According to the central bank, the release is equivalent to 0.7% of the estimated combined number of P1,000 paper and polymer banknotes in circulation. The BSP said a total of 500 million pieces of polymer banknotes is expected to be circulated alongside the P1,000 paper banknotes by 2023 as part of what it said as trial circulation.

The polymer bills feature the Philippine eagle on the frontside, as well as the sampaguita. This sets it apart from the existing P1,000 paper bills that feature World War II heroes Jose Abad Santos, Vicente Lim, and Josefa Llanes Escoda. Meanwhile, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, South Sea Pearl, and T’nalak weave are on the reverse side. BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said they do not intend to demonetize the banknotes and coins in circulation during his term as central bank chief. Polymer bills last at least 2.5 times longer than paper banknotes, given their resistance to water, oil, dirt, and general wear and tear, the central bank earlier said. The BSP is testing polymer bills to see if the beneﬁts reaped by other central banks from using the material will also be seen in the local setting. The central bank in December released the new design of the P1,000 polymer note, designed by the BSP and approved by the National Historical Commission. It features the Philippine eagle in front, replacing jerpes Vicente Lim, Josefa Llanes Escoda, and Jose Abad Santos.

Lopez to US biz: Economic policy in PHL to remain stable

WASHINGTON D.C. – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has assured American businesses that the economic policy in the Philippines will remain stable despite the change in administration by June 30. DTI said Lopez met with American investors during the Philippine Trade and Investment Forum in Washington D.C. last week, where he presented business opportunities in the Philippines for United States-based enterprises. Lopez said the Duterte administration passed key legislations that would cement a stable business environment, especially for foreign investors eyeing to set up their operations here. These include amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), the Foreign Investments Act (FIA), the Pub-

lic Service Act (PSA), as well as ease of doing business (EODB) law, and the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law. “Despite the upcoming national elections signifying a change in administration, the department assures its continued end-to-end assistance to possible investors as you reap the beneﬁts of the strong economic fundamentals laid down by the Duterte administration,” Lopez said. He added the Philippines remains active in enhancing its strategic economic partnership with diﬀerent countries, as well as in the region through free trade agreements. The country still also enjoys preferential access to major markets, such as the US and the European Union (EU).

Aerospace ﬁrm sees PHL as growing market for defense aircraft

CLARK FREEPORT – Multinational aerospace company Airbus has projected the Philippines as a growing market for defense aircraft, and the firm is open to explore possible investment opportunities in the future. In a virtual media briefing, Airbus Defence and Space head of Asia Pacific Johan Pelissier said fleet modernization for military aircraft has fuelled the demand in the Asia Pacific region, including the Philippines. Pelissier added the Philippines is a key market for Airbus, having its physical footprint in the local aerospace industry for more than four decades. Airbus has delivered five C-295 medi-

um lift transport aircrafts to the Philippine Air Force. The latest contract is a fleet of three C-295 airlifters, one of which arrived last March. The P5.288-billion contract for the three C-295 aircrafts was signed in 2019 as part of the government’s military modernization program. Pelissier said the company is expected to deliver the two C-295 airlifters in the coming months. The fleet has been deployed for humanitarian missions, such as transporting relief aid to areas hit by recent typhoons, earthquake aftermath, and pandemic-related relief efforts.

 ENTERTAINMENT

April 28-May 4, 2022

FilAm actor Jake Cuenca confirms breakup with Kylie Verzosa Filipino American actor Jake Cuenca has conﬁrmed that he and beauty queen Kylie Verzosa have broken up after three years of relationship. On Instagram, the California-born actor, whose real name is Juan Carlos Leveriza Cuenca, 34, wrote an emotional message for his girlfriend of three years. “I say this with such a heavy heart but me and Kylie have decided to go our separate ways,” he stated. “I’m still so proud of us because we didn’t want to break up in anger, we both wanted to be able to look back on our relationship with no bitterness, no anger, and no regrets, only the good memories,” he added. Jake said he will always be proud of Kylie, Miss International 2016, and that he will always send her love and positivity. “I will still be here to support you because in so many ways I feel a part of your journey and I will always pray for your success,” Jake said. “I’m happy we were able to ﬁnish

this chapter of our lives the same way we started it. As friends.” According to PEP.ph, Jake and Kylie confirmed they were dating in September 2019. And now that her breakup with Jake Cuenca is in the open, Kylie said she would focus more on her career. The actress, who spoke to Ogie Diaz on his YouTube channel recently, stated that she will rest first, and then get back to work. Asked what advice would she give couples who are going through the same situation, she said, “You can do it. Take it a day at a time and I feel that time will heal all wounds.” “I am grateful for everything, thankful for everything that happened,” she added. On the other hand, the beauty queen admitted that she and ex-boyfriend Jake Jake Cuenca in tears a�er confirming split with Kylie Verzosa Cuenca haven’t seen one another since Jake said he and Kylie ended the Rest first. Focus first. Work and career,” their split. relationship peacefully and amicably. she said. “We are not talking to each other.

Former “PBB” housemates share DIY tips, Gigi’s intimate concert in new ABS-CBN online shows ABS-CBN continues to offer fresh new content that viewers worldwide can enjoy with three new online shows as part of its “Made for YouTube” offerings. Learn practical ‘DIY’ tips with hosts former “PBB” housemates Ella Cayabyab and Lou Yanong and former MNL48 member Sela Guia - in “Dude-It-Yourself,” which streams every Friday on Metro. Style’s YouTube channel. The lifestyle and tutorial show teaches viewers to “Don’t buy, just DIY” as it features budget-friendly and easy-to-do home renovation projects demonstrated by different personalities and content creators from the Pinoy ‘DIY’ community. Food lovers can satisfy their gastronomic cravings by preparing delicious homecooked meals with TikTok star Mr. Batts in “Foodie Bestie.” Here, Mr. Batts shares essential cooking tips in preparing easy and yummy dishes, how to put an exciting twist on street food, and healthy recipes that viewers can easily follow. Catch a new episode every Thursday on Metro.Style’s YouTube channel. Get front row seats to intimate live sessions with the freshest and hottest musical acts in the Philippines in “One Music Live,” every Tuesday beginning April 26 on the YouTube channel of One Music PH. Watch out for musical performances by Gigi de Lana, Shanti Dope, Matthaios, Benedix Ramos, and JuanThugs n’ Harmony. Viewers, meanwhile, can continue to learn fun parenting hacks in new episodes of “Parent Experiment” dropping on April 22 with celebrity parents Mika Pajares, Donna Cariaga, John Adajar, and Dimples Romana. Fresh episodes will be released on Yey’s YouTube channel under the new “Yey

Fam Time” category, which oﬀers highlights of family-friendly Kapamilya shows and upcoming “Made for YouTube” shows “Play ‘N Learn,” “Yey Family Challenge,” and “Yey Talent Studio,” for the ultimate bonding experience with the entire family. Meanwhile, TikTok sensation Esnyr Ranollo returns with hilarious parodies of “He’s Into Her” as he brings his classroom characters to Benison International school in new episodes of “Star Cine-Mashup Presents: Esnyr” coming to Star Cinema’s YouTube channel on April 21. Viewers can also get a taste of what’s to come in “He’s Into Her Season 2” by watching Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano, and the rest of the ‘bearkada’ in “HIH Extras 2” every Monday at 7 PM. Enjoy these “Made for YouTube” shows which are available on ABS-CBN’s various YouTube channels. To enjoy these titles, just subscribe to the YouTube channels of ABS-CBN Entertainment, Star Cinema, Metro Channel, and One Music PH.

17 April 28-May 4, 2022

Bamboo, Sue Ramirez wow Negros folk ate 10,000 crowd at ‘Sidlak Malihaw’

Filipino American rock icon Francisco Gaudencio Mañalac, popularly known as Bamboo, and multi-talented Negrense actress Sue Ramirez captivated at least 10,000 locals during the “Sidlak Malihaw” event held at the public plaza of Victorias City on April 26. Bamboo and Sue glued the crowd in fun and excitement with their extraordinary talents and show stopping performances, Carla Canet reported in Sun Star.

Bamboo gave the residents of the northern Negros Occidental city a stunning performance that people used to experience on television, the report added. He sang some of his popular pieces that seemed to become household songs by many Filipinos, especially the young ones. Ramirez, girlfriend of mayoralty bet Javier “Javi” Benitez, also gave her share of talents, humor, and wit to the Victoria-

hanons, according to Sun Star. The Kapamilya actress sang “Your Love,” which she relates to the love of a Victoriahanon, referring to his boyfriend, with whom she shares her sweetest love. She also had a duet with Javi in the song “Born for you” that made revelers scream. The Broken Marriage Vow lead cast teased the crowd, “Your future mayor Javi is handsome and can sing well. Te, diin pa kamo?” On the sidelines of the event, Ramirez said she prays for the victory of Benitez, “because Victorias really deserves a young, dynamic and very selﬂess leader, and I think he will make a great mayor.” For Benitez, the event title “Sidlak Malihaw” is synonymous with the rising anew of Victorias City. On the same night, they held the grand rally of his team, Team Asenso Victoriahanon. A standard bearer of the team, he is the son of former Third District congress-

man and now Bacolod City mayoralty candidate Alfredo Benitez and nephew of incumbent Congressman Jose Francisco Benitez. The event was ﬁrst greeted by a rainfall that lasted for an hour, and yet proceeded with fun, excitement, and full of festivity. Other performers included I Belong to the Zoo and Brownman Revival bands. In his speech, Benitez thanked the people for their warm support. He also reminisced his precious moments with his late Lola Remedios “Idiong” Bantug, former mayor of the city. “One of those who led in the beautiﬁcation of the plaza was Lola Idiong. Possibly, she saw in her dreams even before that time will come, like now, that the future she envisioned will be like that of our generation,” Benitez said. “I will lead, but you will do your job. You will do your share because it is our future,” he added.

DaangDokyu.ph launches virtual home for Filipino documentaries Drawing attention to the insights and initiatives of female creators is especially meaningful. One such initiative is DaangDokyu.ph, a platform launched to open a virtual home for Filipino documentaries. Over a hundred documentaries from and about the Philippines are now featured in a

growing online database that includes titles from 1913 to the present, making nonfiction films now easier to find and learn about. Designed to make documentaries more accessible for use in educational campaigns and advocacy work, the platform also features a channel for film event organizers to

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connect with ﬁlmmakers and producers. Filmmakers looking to promote their ﬁlms may also submit their work and be featured on the site to enjoy a larger public network. In this age of misinformation and fake news, DaangDokyu.ph is addressing the

greater need for credible content and stories. With a historic national election just around the corner, access to truthful narratives has never been so important. Thus, audiences, advocates, educators, and organizers are invited to explore the over a hundred ﬁlm pages and, in many cases.

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 ENTERTAINMENT

April 28-May 4, 2022

Atom Araullo, Julie Anne San Jose win World Medals in New York Festivals 2022

GMA-7 brought home four World Medals from the 2022 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards. The Kapuso network got one Gold Medal, one Silver Medal, and two Bronze Medals during a virtual ceremony called the 2022 Storytellers Gala was held on April 26, 2022 (U.S. time). The Atom Araullo Specials’ “Munting Bisig” episode won the Gold Medal in the Documentary: Social Issues category. In the episode, Atom followed the lives of children who put their lives at stake to fend for their families amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Julie Anne San Jose’s online musical trilogy, Limitless, won a Silver Medal in

the Entertainment Special: Variety Special Category. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho added to its growing list of awards a Bronze Medal for the episode “Bestida ni Ranelyn.” Atom himself tried his hand at compressor diving in Paracale, Camarines Norte, to experience the work of “Pancho,” a 15-year-old boy who had to dive into 40 feet of mud to collect soil for the chance of ﬁnding gold. In his acceptance speech, Atom said, “Our team is absolutely thrilled to receive this award from the New York Festivals. The situation of children especially from underprivileged backgrounds continues to be a cause for concern, even as the world gradually recovers from the pandemic. “Through this story, we hope to bring awareness to the plight of these vulnerable communities.” Julie said in her acceptance speech, “Along with every Filipino, we have shown the world that with our unshakable strength and faith, we can rise above

the challenges of this global pandemic. “Our journey in Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon has brought us to many heights and we further brave our return to stage with our audience face to face and we continue to share these experiences through various platforms to spark more hope and ignite even more courage to face each tomorrow.” Julie Anne also expressed her gratitude to those who took part of Limitless’ success in a video posted by GMA Synergy. “To my limitless family, we did it along with every Filipino. We have shown the world that with our unshakeable strength and faith we can rise above the challenges of this global pandemic,” she added. Julie Anne ended her note with a message to those who joined and believed in her journey. “Thank you so much to those who took the journey with us who like us believe that we are limitless,” she said. Mariah Carey’s “Magical Christmas Special” on AppleTV+ won the gold and grand awards in the same category. PBS’ “2021 A Capital Fourth” won bronze. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho episode “Bestida ni Ranelyn” which was under

the Documentary: Health/Medical Information category, featured a six-year-old girl who longed to wear her favorite dress as she lost weight due to poverty and severe malnourishment. Another award-winning GMA News and Public Affairs program, I-Witness, earns a Bronze Medal for Atom Araullo’s “Koronang Itim” documentary, which was nominated in the Documentary: Climate Change & Sustainability category. The documentary investigated the sudden increase in crown of thorns called “dap-ag” in the waters of Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte. Sandra Aguinaldo’s I-Witness documentary titled “Virus Hunters” took home a Finalist certificate under the Documentary: Science & Technology category. The New York Festivals TV & Film Awards honors content in all lengths and forms from over 50 countries. In 2021, GMA-7 won a Bronze Medal for Reporter’s Notebook’s feature, “Mga Sugat ni Miguel.” It also earned five finalist certificates, giving the Philippines its most number of citations that year. Also in that year, ABS-CBN received a Silver Medal for the documentary Fedelina: A Stolen Life.

at 21411 Orrick Avenue in Carson. The event is open to people of all ages, and admission is free. La Sonora Dinamita with Vilma Diaz will lead this year’s entertainment lineup along with Corazon de Mana and Mariachi Santa Monica. Also featured are local talents from in and around the surrounding community. Aside from non-stop entertainment, the ﬁesta also features a wide variety of food booths, game booths, arts and crafts, a car show, and cultural displays. Cinco de Mayo is more than a cel-

ebration of a single, glorious moment in the long history of Mexico’s struggle for independence with their victory over the French at the “Batalla de Puebla,” in Puebla, Mexico on May 5, 1862. It is a reaﬃrmation of selfdetermination, a universal aspiration shared by freedom-loving people throughout the contact the Carson Park at (310) 8304925. United States and the world. For more information on the event,

La Sonora Dinamita, Vilma Diaz take center stage at Carson’s Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 1 CITY OF CARSON - An all-afternoon fiesta featuring live entertainment and a variety of fun activities will mark the City of Carson’s 45th annual Cinco de Mayo celebration scheduled for Sunday, May 1. “The City of Carson is thrilled to once again celebrate the historic occasion of Cinco De Mayo with an inperson grand fiesta for the entire community to enjoy,” said Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes. The fiesta will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Carson Park, located

‘Uncharted’ pulled out from PHL cinemas over China 9-dash line scene Hollywood film “Uncharted” was pulled out in Philippine cinemas over a scene containing an image of the ninedash line, an invisible demarcation that depicts China’s claims in the South China Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it requested the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to reevaluate and pull out the screening of the adventure film, which stars Tom Holland, saying the nine-dash line image was “contrary to national interest”. In a response quoted by the DFA, MTRCB stated that it had “ordered Columbia Pictures Industries Inc. to cease

and desist from exhibiting the said motion picture, unless and until they are able to remove the objectionable scenes.” The MTRCB further reported that Columbia has since complied with its order and has pulled out the movie from the cinemas. “The nine-dash claim is contrary to national interest, which has been settled in the 2016 Arbitral Award. The Arbitral Tribunal held that China’s ninedash line has no legal basis as its accession to UNCLOS has extinguished any of its rights that it may have had in the maritime areas in the South China Sea,” the DFA said.

 REAL ESTATE

April 28-May 4, 2022

Villar eyes 3 IPOs for Villar firms

PASIG CITY - The Villar Group of Companies is prepping up three initial public oﬀerings (IPOs) this year starting with its real estate investment trust (REIT) VistaREIT (VREIT). Former Senate President Manny Villar, chairman

and founder of the Group, said this will be followed by Coffee Project and Siquijor Island Power Corp. (SIPCor). VREIT is waiting regulatory approval on its plan to raise as much as P9.15 billion comprised of 3.66 billion shares at an offer price of up to P2.50 per share. VREIT will have an initial portfolio of 10 community malls and two PEZA-registered office buildings with an aggregate gross leasable area (GLA) of 256,404 sqm. It is set to be the flagship office and mall REIT of Vista Land, and aims to be among the leading diversified commercial REITs in the Philippines in terms of portfolio, profitability, growth, sustainability and dividend yield, noted Villar. SIPCor is a small power utilities group which has two small power plants in Siquijor and Camotes islands in the Visayas with an existing capacity of 15-MW. Coffee Project plans to file the application for listing by the end of the year when it shall have expanded its store locations to 200 from the current 100. Villar said the group’s other restaurant businesses will also be folded into the coffee business in time for the IPO. One of these restaurants is Bread Basket. Villar said the Coffee Project IPO should raise more than P1 billion.

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I waited too long to Refinance and pay off some debts? Caller: Dear Ken, I am regretting missing the boat to have refinanced my home and paid off all my debts plus cash out to do some minor repairs to my house. When I had called you 6 months ago I got too many things going on with the family and the pandemic. Now, based on your rate quotes you recently provided, rates are way above 5.25% for a refinance cash out loan. What is your suggestion? Ken Go: Many of my clients have resorted to getting a second mortgage or a line of credit to get by now. My suggestion in your situation is to get a second loan that carries a higher rate but a much smaller loan amount compared to a full refinance where your will loose your 2.75% 30 year fixed rate mortgage. Once you get the second mortgage, continue to pay it down by making extra principal reduction. Your left with really no choice but paying a 5-6% rate on a second loan is still much better than paying 17-22% rate on a credit card. I suggest for us to pay off your loan with the Solar Company which carries a 9% rate as well. Remember in the near future if the rates ever drop again, you can always combine your first and second loan to make one lower payment. A line of credit is suitable for for someone wanting to temporarily use the funds for a short period for business or repairs, but intend to pay it back to the loan to keep that funds as an “Emergency Account”. If you will be using these funds for long term, I strongly suggest that you take out a second, a line of credit is usually an adjustable rate tied to bank prime. The Feds are hot to raise the fed fund rate way higher this year. Caller: I would like to buy my brothers house, we have been renting from him for about 10 years and my brother is willing to help us with the down payment. My family just moved in from the Philippines therefore our savings to buy a house got depleted because of all additional expenses the past few years. Do you have a “No Money down payment Loan”? Ken Go: I don’t suggest to do any alternative type financing such as a “No Money Down” loan. Since your brother is willing to help you, I would like to structure a “Gift Equity” as your down payment from your brother, this means a portion of your brother’s proceeds from the sale of his house will serve as your down payment for the loan. If we can get him to offer to pay for your closing cost, you will almost not need a down payment nor extra funds for closing cost. As long as you will qualify for the loan and have at least a 640 fico score, you can do the first time homebuyers loan. You had ask if later on your can pay down the mortgage, of course you can there would be no prepayment penalty for these loans. This would be a win-win situation for all, your brother would be able to benefit from the sale and you will now own a house for your family. Now is the time to be observing where our steaming economy will be headed. Keep Cash and pay down your debts, mostly all Economist are predicting a Recession coming. Thanks for your recent inquiries, call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

21 April 28-May 4, 2022

NEWS  NATIONAL SPORTS NEWS

Yuka Saso shoots 66 for joint 17th place in M Los Angeles Open

It’s Barangay’s ‘never-say die’ attitude, Bebe!

LOS ANGELES — Filipino-Japanese Yuka Saso finished with a five-under par 66 to secure a joint 17th placing in the Los Angeles Open at the Wilshire Country Club in California last week. Bouncing back from her lackluster 74 the other day, Saso gunned down four birdies in the last eight holes to highlight a hot 33-33 performance that lifted her 32 spots up in the final standings. The 20-year-old Saso, who mixed three birdies with two bogeys in the first 10 holes, banked $18,461 (around P968,000) for this finish, which marked a big improvement from her 56th place outing in last week’s Lotte Championship. Saso finished the tournament at three-under 281, falling short of a Top 10 finish by two strokes. The reigning US Women’s Open titlist wound up 12 shots behind Japanese Nasa Hataoka, who closed out with 67 for 269 and a five-stroke win over Australian Hannah Green (274 after a final 68. The 2018 Asian Games double gold medalist missed

World Badminton Federation holds group stage draws for TotalEnergies BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2022 MALAYSIA - The TotalEnergies Badminton World Federation (BWF) Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2022 group stage draws were held for both the men’s and women’s badminton team championships at Arnoma Grand Bangkok in Bangkok, Thailand. The group stage draws determined the respective groups of the 16 participating nations in each tournament. The men’s teams will compete in the 32nd edition of the Thomas Cup while the women’s team will take part in the 29th edition of the Uber Cup, which will both take place at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand from May 8 - 15, 2022. In the TotalEnergies BWF Thomas Cup Finals 2022, World Men’s Team Championships defending champion and top seed Indonesia is joined in Group A by South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore. Meanwhile, 2020 edition runner-up China is in Group B along with Denmark, France, and Algeria. Group C is composed of Chinese Taipei, India, Germany, and Canada, while Group D is composed of Japan, Malaysia, England,

and New Zealand. In the TotalEnergies BWF Uber Cup Finals 2022, over at the draw for the World Team Championships for Women, reigning titlist China is in Group B together with Chinese Taipei, Spain, and Australia. Top-ranked team, Japan, is in Group A with Indonesia, France, and Germany. Host Thailand is put in Group C with Denmark, Malaysia, and Egypt. Finally, second seed South Korea is placed in Group D with India, Canada, and the USA. Oﬃcial betting partner M88 Mansion will provide action updates from both major Badminton World Federation competitive events on the M88 Mansion oﬃcial website. Tune in for more events, promos, and giveaways from the BWF-M88 Mansion partnership by liking, following and subscribing to BWF-M88 Mansion social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok.

Sala sa Init

six fairways but reached 14 greens in regulation and took only 27 putts to complete her round. Ms. Hataoka collared her sixth LPGA Tour title a week after missing the cut in the windy Lotte event in Hawaii. Saso’s final 18-hole blitz at the Wilshire Country Club gave her a three-under 281 total that included a first round 75 and a third day 74 that typified the reigning US Women’s Open champion’s unpredictability through all four rounds of the $1.5 million championship. She rose from the brink (tied for 100th) with her first six-under card but dropped from a share of 19th to joint 49th and out of contention after 54 holes. But the ICTSI-backed ace knew she can dominate the par-71 layout with her brand of game and she birdied three of the first six holes to get going then recovered from bogeys on Nos. 7 and 10 with four birdies in the last eight holes for a pair of 33s. That despite going just eight out of 14 off the mound and missing four greens, including three bunker visits that led to two bogeys. But she finished with 27 putts to close out with one of the day’s five best rounds for the needed boost as she heads to the next LPGA stop, the inaugural Palos Verdes Championship starting Thursday in California. She finished 12 strokes off Hataoka, whom she beat on the third playoff hole in her major breakthough last year. The Japanese, however, held sway after wresting firm control in the third round, finishing with a second straight 67 which she laced with an eagle on the par-5 No. 15, for a 269 and cruising to a five-stroke romp over Aussie Hannah Green, who carded a 68 for a 274. Swede Madelene Sagstrom also rallied with a 66 to share third place at 277 with Aussie Minjee Lee and Korean Inbee Park, who shot 68 and 70, respectively.

atapos mawala ang korona ng PBA Philippine Cup, wala sinuman ang nag-akala na makababangon pa ang Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings sa pagkakadapa sa una sa dalawang torneong inihanda ng liga sa ika-46th Season nito. Dala ng pandemya ng Covid-19 na mahigit dalawang taon nang pananalasa sa lahat EDDIE G. ALINEA ng bansa sa daigdig, dalawang torneo lamang ang inihanda sa mesa ngayong taon para pagtiyagaan ng fans. Una ay ang All-Filipino bilang pambungad na pagdiriwang ng Season 46 ng pinakamatandang ligang propesyonal sa bansa at maging sa Asya. Maliban sa kanilang sarili. Wala pa ang madulas na point guard na si Stanley Pringle at Jared Dillinger, pinakamalaking dahilan ng kanilang kabiguang maipagtanggol ang titulo ng First Conference. Bahagya pa lamang nagsisimula ang Governors’ Cup, ay heto si Aljun Mariano naman ang naging biktima ng injury. At nasa kainitan pa lamang ng playoffs ay ang kanilang pangunahing rebounder, defender at scorer man na si Japeth Aguilar ang sumunod na mabalda. Mga problemang pinalala pa ng di agad pag-pick up ni import Justin Brownlee ang labis ding ikinabahala ng pamunuan ng koponan, lalo na si Alfrancis Chuia, ang kinatawan ng prangkisa sa PBA Board of Governors “Pinakamahirap ito” halos pasigaw na badya ni Chua matapos ang tagumpay. “Sa simula pa lang kinabahan ako kasi kulang sa bala. Injured sina Stanley, Dillinger, Aljun at Japeth,” kumpisal ni Chua sa media. “Si Justin late na nag-pick up ang game.” Pero sa kabila ng mga ito, nalampasan ng Kings ni coach Tim Cone ang elimination round para makapasok sa quarterfinals. Bahagya nga lamang sa pang-anim na puwesto at kinaikangang talunin nila ang No. 3 seed at All-Filipino champ TNT Tropang Giga na nag-enjoy ng twice-to-beat advantage sa kanilang paghaharap. “Tumaas ang kumpinyansa noong tinalo ang TNT,” obserbasyon ni Chua, Chualay sa mga kaibigan, sa kambal na, 10492, at, 115-95, na panalo ng Kings sa Tropa. Nagsimulang umaliwalas ang mga mukha ni Chualay, coach Tim at Kings nang biglaang umalis ang primyadong import ng NLEX na si KJ McDaniels. Sa susunod na kabanata ng playoffs na pinagwagihan ng Ginebra, 3-1. At sa wakas, ay nabuksan muli ang pinto ng ika-apat na yugto ng tunggaliang Ginebra-Meralco para mapagpasisyahan ang kampeonato ng Governors’ Cup. Hanggang sa Game 1 ng title showdown, nasa isip ko pa rin na agrabiyado pa kami, pagtatatapat ni Gov. Chua. “Nag-improve ang Meralco, kami naman napilay ng husto. Pero noong manalo kami sa Game 2, nakita ko na kayang ipanalo ang kampeonato.” Tukoy ni Chua ang 99-93 desisyong panalo ng Kings sa Game 2 na nagdala sa dalawang magka-away na team kung saan nagsimula ang serye na lalo pang nagpataas ng morale at kumpiyansa para makatablang muli, 2-2 matapos ang isa pang impresibong 95-84 win sa Game 4. Hindi natapos doon ang pagtitiyaga at determinasyon ni Brownlee at mga kasama na sa maigsing salita ay nangibabaw sa Bolts sa sumunod na tatlong laro sa gold medal play upang maulit ang kanilang back-to-back Governors’ Cup title runs noong 2016 a 2017. At doon lamang naa-alaala ni Chualay ang ngayon ay kilala na sa buong mundo ng basketball na kapuri-puring ‘never-saydie na pagkilala ng di lamang ng fans ng prangkisa kundi pati mga kalaban na ipinunla at ipinamana ng dati nilang playingcoach at ‘basketball living legend’ Robert “Sonny” Jarworski. “We’re a team that doesn’t quit. We have that legacy and it’s always an honor and a curse to live up to that. It’s very hard but these guys have been finding a way to do that,” nabigkas ni coach Tim bilang pagkilala sa pamanang iniwan sa kanila ni Jawo. Sayang at wala si Jawo o Big J, na nagpapa-galing sa kanyang karamdaman (hindi Covid 19) sa oras ng tagumpay ng kanyang koponang hinawakan niya bilang playing-coach sa loob ng 14 na taon mula 1984 haggang 1998. Maalaa-alang maliban sa taong ito, mula noong 2016 nang kumamada ang Ginebra ng apat na kampeonato sa Governors’ Cup, ay palaging nandoon si Jawo para magbigay ng karagdagang inspirasyon at paggayak sa Kings.

April 28-May 4, 2022

Q: I was laid off from my job and I could not pay my credit card debts? Q: I was laid off from my job and I could not pay my credit card debts. Because of this I went into severe depression and stress, thus becoming a danger to myself. I ended up in emergency at the hospital and was under observation for a few days. Now, my problems just became greater because aside from my credit card debts, I have hospital bills that I most likely cannot pay. How can you help me? A: I always tell my clients “Huwag dibdibin ang problema sa utang dahil pag nagkasakit kayo ay lalong lulubha ang problema ninyo”. It’s only money and if you cannot pay it then “It is what it is”. This is a temporary event in your life. Unpaid debts affect people differently. Some can easily brush it off while others go into severe clinical depression and stress. Not only does this affect you psychologically but the continuous harassment from collectors does not help. Some have heart attacks, migraines or headaches, high blood pressure, sleep deprivation and eating disorders. Others turn to excessive smoking, alcohol, drugs abuse or self medicating and gambling. But the sad truth is we are only making matters worse because these are not solutions but additions to the main problem. In other words, “Huwag nang dagdagan ang problema with bisyo”! These are some tips in order to prevent this from happening: • In case of job loss or inability to pay your debts and you feel that you are slipping into depression, see your doctor right away. The worst thing you can do is not to seek medical help if you are going into clinical depression. • Seek an expert’s opinion how to go about your financial situation. Do not assume that you have the formula to get out of your problem. An expert may have a different approach to solve your problem. You cannot afford to make mistakes so try to go through the process just once, rather than trial and error. • Accept the fact that you are in a financial crisis rather than rejecting it. Denial is one of the causes of solutions failing. If Bankruptcy is the only option in solving the problem, then be prepared to consider this. The process of paying debts down is a tough process, especially if you are in a tight budget due to unemployment or underemployment. A vast majority of others have been able to find solutions to their problems much like yours without going into depression. There are answers out there but you have to be willing to look for it. Always remember, you are not the only one with this kind of problem. There are others like you. Ating lesson, Problema sa utang huwag dibdibin pero kailangang akuin. If you need help in getting out of debt, call Debt Aid Consulting International. We do not use call centers which keeps your information safe. We have a new program that reconstruct debts for half of what you would pay our competitors. We also provide legal assistance that keeps collectors away. We take Federal Credit Unions, Payday loans and high interest personal loans in our program too. This is exclusively available for Debt Aid Consulting clients. None of our competitors provide this program. You are well protected. We only provide Federal Trade Commission compliant programs. Go with Debt Aid Consulting! Do not fall for marketing gimmicks saying that they have the right program for you. Most marketing companies only have one program and will enroll you in that program whether it fits you or not. So beware! Ben Lou at your service! I have over 35 years of financial experience. If you would like sound financial advice, call us at Debt Aid Consulting International. We do not use call centers. No one has the right to put your information at risk. Debt Aid Consulting is the first and only Filipino debt mediation company incorporated in the US and Canada, Caribbean Islands, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines! Your Global Debt Solutions Company! Tawag na po sa 1-888-341-5234 at tutulungan po namin kayo. Itama po natin ang mali!

23 April 28-May 4, 2022

 COMMUNITY NEWS

Central Luzon tourism investment summit set SAN FRANCISCO - The Philippine Department of Tourism and partners have set a two-day hybrid virtual summit called “Central Luzon Tourism Investment Summit and Business Exchange (CLTISBEX) Hybrid Edition,” on May 4-5, 2022 Manila Time or May 3-4 at 6:30 PM Paciﬁc Time. The two-day hybrid event will fo-

CENTRAL LUZON

PHL consulate...

(From page 11)

Washington, Oregon and Northern Nevada as voting has started. Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer said the voters will have to accomplish the ballots correctly and return them by mail also to the Philippine consulate oﬃce. More voters are expected to vote this year as the Commission on Elections allowed voting by mail in the United States, Canada and other countries. There are 1.7 million overseas Filipinos registered for the May 9 elections. Ferrer said that as of April 18, the Philippine consulate oﬃce has sent out the postal voting packets to all registered overseas voters within its jurisdiction. He urged voters who have not yet received their ballots to check if their names are in the List of Voters with No or Incomplete Address. Ferrer also advised voters who have changed their addresses and have not notify the Philippine Consulate to check if their names are in the List of Returned Postal Voting Packets and those who want their postal voting packets to their news addresses to advise and contact the Philippine Consulate immediately by email at ovs@pcgsanfrancisco.org. The lists are updated daily and published on the Philippine Consulate’s website: pcgsanfrancisco.org.

The Consulate’s social media platforms that have updates on the conduct of the elections are: a) https://www.facebook.com/PHinSF/, https://twitter. com/phlinsf; and b) Instagram: @phlinsf. Voters may also check the Consulate website: https:// pcgsanfrancisco.org/ov-advisory-overseas-voters-with-noincomplete-address-changed-address/ on the next steps and other important advice. Ferrer said voters can also pick up their ballots and drop off the same at the Consulate before the close of the voting period on 9 May 2022, 4 AM (Pacific Time). Overseas voters in the List of Voters with No or Incomplete Address include registered voters that may have listed their address as “c/o the Philippine Consulate General or 447 Sutter Street, San Francisco” or voters that have incomplete address in their COMELEC registration records. Overseas voters in the List of Returned Postal Voting Packets are those whose mailing packets have been returned to the sender, which is the Consulate, and whose addressees have no known address. Such mailing packets usually have USPS sticker remarks affixed on them that usually read, “attempted not known- unable to forward.” The Philippine Consulate has been receiving accomplished postal voting packets from registered overseas voters, and these are included in the “ballot feedings” on Mondays

New consumer habits and behaviors revealed among multicultural consumers in U.S. in 2022 study by Sparkle Insights and TFC LOS ANGELES - A recent study by Sparkle Insights and TFC that conducted 1,519 interviews among Caucasian, Hispanic, African American, and Asian consumers in January this year revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic created an inﬂection point that have led to permanent changes in consumer behaviors in the U.S. The notable impact on multicultural consumer behaviors includes the following: CONSUMER PREFERENCE More than 80% of consumers reported shopping for groceries at mass merchant stores. African Americans and Hispanics over index on dollar stores and convenience stores. Asians over index on ethnic grocery stores and pharmacy stores. The pandemic has shifted a lot of the shopping online. More than half of the consumers shop for clothes, shoes, and personal care items online. Close to half of the consumers also shop groceries online. Hispanic and Africans are most likely to shop groceries online. Asians are most likely to shop personal care items online. Consumers reported shopping for a wide range of products online, from electronics, daily life items such as cooking supplies, to large items such as furniture and TV, and even automobiles. A noteworthy trend is that 20% of Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians display stronger interest in the online purchase of consoles and games than prepandemic.

cus on sustainable tourism development and promote Central Luzon as a preferred destination for tourismindustry businesses, according to the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco. The summit will feature virtual business-to-business and networking sessions for potential investors and Central Luzon business repre-

All product categories witnessed significant growth in online shopping volume during the pandemic. CONSUMER OUTLOOK The pandemic prompted significant increase in at-home activities including cooking, ordering take-out delivery, renovation, exercising and personal development. Consumers across the board expect continuation of at-home activities till end of the year including cooking, decluttering, spending time with family, and working from home. The pandemic has promoted consumers to take a more careful look at how they spend their money. In addition to saving money and watching their spending, multicultural consumers in general demonstrated stronger appetite for buying and selling investment products and property than the general population and Caucasians. Approximately 50% of Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians plan to buy and sell investments in the next 12 months. More than one-third plan to buy or sell crypto. Multicultural consumers across the board are significantly more likely than the general population to send money domestically and internationally to help family. During a time of labor shortage and the great resignation, more than 40% of consumers are planning to start a new job or career.

sentatives. Speakers include former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat, Executive Director Evariste Cagatan of the Board of Investments and lawyer Edgardo Pamintuan of the Subic-Clark Advisory Council. Interested participants may register through Microsoft Forms.

and Thursdays at the Philippine Center in San Francisco, Ferrer said. Ballot feeding may also be done every day starting May 2, 2022 as more ballots are expected to be received and fed as the deadline to sending the ballots back nears. Through the Special Ballot Reception and Custody Group (SBRCG), they have also been receiving ballots that were either mailed in or dropped off at the Consulate since the start of the voting period on 10 April 2022. The Philippine Consulate has 47,711 registered overseas voters for the 2022 elections as compared to the total of 59,315 ballots sent out by the Consulate for the 2019 midterms elections within its jurisdiction that includes Alaska, Northern California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, and Utah. “Those who have received their ballots are advised to fill these out and send them back to the Consulate as soon as possible via mail or drop-off at the Consulate lobby. They have to make sure that they write their name on the ballot envelope, affix their signature on the same, and seal the ballot envelope using the provided paper seal,” said Ferrer. “The ballots should be received by the close of elections on 9 May 2022 at 4 AM, Pacific Time. The voters’ names can be checked in the Certified List of Overseas Voters for the 2022 National Elections at https://pcgsanfrancisco.org/certified-list-of-overseas-voters-clov-2022/.

MAGPAREHISTRO. BUMOTO NG MAAGA. MAGBOLUNTARYO.

HUNYO 7, 2022 PAMBUONG-ESTADO NA TUWIRANG PRIMARYANG HALALAN Magsisimula ang Pagboto sa Pamamagitan ng Koreo Personal na Pagboto sa Opisina ng Tagapagrehistro ng mga Botante Bukas ang Sentro ng Pagboto

Mayo 9 Mayo 9 - Hunyo 7 Mayo 28 - Hunyo 7

www.sccvote.org

866 430-8683

 COMMUNITY NEWS

April 28-May 4, 2022

Newsom launches strategies to ﬁght climate change and protect biodiversity Governor joins groundbreaking for world’s largest wildlife crossing

SACRAMENTO – On Earth Day, Governor Gavin Newsom joined the groundbreaking of the world’s largest wildlife overpass, the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, which will provide a vital bridge for mountain lions and other Santa Monica Mountain wildlife to roam safely between two large areas of habitat. At the same time, the state announced the launch of strategies to achieve California’s ﬁrst-in-the-nation 30x30 conservation goal and better manage our natural and working lands to combat climate change and protect our communities and ecosystems. Governor Newsom has put forward a historic $37.6 billion climate package – more than what most other countries are spending – to protect all Californians from the costs and impacts of climate change, while accelerating efforts to reduce the dependence on big polluters and fossil fuels. “No challenge poses a greater threat to our way of life, prosperity, and future as a state than climate change,” said Governor Newsom in a statement sent to Philippine News Today. “With our rich natural heritage on the front lines of this crisis, California is building on our global climate leadership with bold strategies that harness the power of nature to ﬁght climate change and protect our communities and ecosystems,” Newsom said.

Newsom added: “Strong partnerships across the board will be critical to these eﬀorts, and the project we’re lifting up today is an inspiring example of the kind of creative collaborations that will help us protect our common home for generations to come.” Underscoring the critical importance of wildlife crossings, a mountain lion was struck and killed just recently on the 405 freeway. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing will span 10 lanes of Highway 101 and an adjacent road, improving wildlife connectivity to support biodiverse ecosystems. The state has provided $58 million in funding for the publicprivate conservation project, which is being facilitated by Caltrans, while philanthropy has raised more than $34 million in funding. In partnership with the Legislature, the Governor last year advanced $105 million to fund wildlife crossings, and is this year proposing an additional $50 million for this priority – including $10 million in new funding for the crossing in Liberty Canyon. Moving to protect mountain lions and other wildlife, the Governor in 2020 signed legislation prohibiting the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, which are known to cause chronic growth and reproduction issues. Earlier this week, the California HighSpeed Rail Authority and the Santa Clara Val-

Nasa panahon pa rin tayo ng tagtuyot. Magtipid ng tubig, California. Narito kami para tumulong. We are in a drought. Save water, California. We’re here to help.

bawsca.org/conserve

sfpuc.org/SaveWater

ley Habitat Agency announced the award of a $3.125 million grant to study the Pacheco Pass wildlife overcrossing near the near the San Jose to Merced high-speed rail project section. The Pathways to 30x30: Accelerating Conservation of California’s Nature strategy and Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy released respond directly to the Governor’s nature-based solutions executive order, which identified California’s lands as a critical yet underutilized sector in the fight against climate change. These lands cover 90 percent of California’s 105 million acres, and can remove and store carbon emissions, limit future carbon emissions into the atmosphere, and buffer climate impacts. Climate-smart management of our lands also safeguards public health and safety, protects food and water supplies, and enhances equity. Pathways to 30x30 outlines a strategy to achieve the state’s first-in-the-nation goal to conserve 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030 in order to protect biodiversity, expand access to nature and tackle climate change. Scientists from around the world agree that conserving one-third of the planet by 2030 is needed to combat climate change, protect people from climate impacts that are already here, and to limit the mass extinction of plant and animal life. It also represents a historic opportunity to strengthen our connection to nature, especially for communities that have historically lacked access, and to build partnerships with Native American leaders and groups to steward lands and waters. California has conserved 24 percent of its land and 16 percent of coastal waters. To reach 30 percent by 2030, the state’s strategy lays out several concurrent pathways, including accelerating regionally-led conservation, buying strategic lands for conservation and access, expanding voluntary conservation easements, and aligning investments to maximize conservation benefits. Empowering local and regional partners is essential to achieve this target, and the strategy establishes a 30x30 Partnership to organize this coordination and collaboration. Partners include federal agencies, California Native American tribes, county governments, land trusts, resource conservation districts, environmental conservation non-governmental organizations, and others. The Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy establishes California’s approach to meeting our climate change goals through improved management of our lands. Healthy landscapes can remove and store carbon, limit future greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, and buffer climate impacts. Unhealthy landscapes have the opposite effect – they release more greenhouse gas than they store and worsen climate risks to people and nature. The strategy defines eight landscape types that California will better manage, including forests, farms, communities, and

wetlands. It highlights priority nature-based solutions that combat climate change and help meet California’s broader environmental, economic, and social objectives. The strategy also charts near-term actions and underscores partnerships as essential to all of this work. To advance the 30x30 and Climate Smart Lands initiatives, the Governor’s proposed budget includes a $768 million spending plan over two years, with nearly $600 in the 202223 budget. The Governor previewed how he is proposing to spend this funding in the May Revision. Significant investments include: $275 million (over two years) to fund projects that will deliver climate benefits and protect biodiversity, including voluntary conservation acquisitions and easements. $161 million (over two years) to support regional action through investments in Natural Community Conservation Planning programs and projects funded through state conservancies. $100 million for the Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program announced in March at the California Truth & Healing Council meeting. $90 million for inland wetlands restoration, which delivers multiple benefits including sequestering greenhouse gas emissions, protecting habitat, and advancing economic opportunity. This complements funding directed to coastal wetlands in last year’s climate package ($500 million). $50 million to enable more wildlife crossings like the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing breaking ground today. $30 million (over two years) to accelerate the uptake of climate-smart land management practices across California’s diverse landscape, including farms, forests, and community green spaces. $7.5 million (over two years) to support a compost permitting pilot program that will help local government entities and facilities locate and permit small and medium sized compost facilities, diverting more organic waste away from landfills and into the creation of healthy soils. The two strategies were shaped by over a year of public engagement. More than 4,100 Californians provided direct input through more than a dozen public meetings, regionallybased workshops, expert topical panels on key concepts such as equity and science, and comments on draft strategies.

25 April 28-May 4, 2022

 COMMUNITY NEWS

Local women leaders to be honored on May 9

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors along with the Commission for Women will hold its 37th Annual Women of the Year Commemorative Celebration Luncheon on Monday, May 9, 2022. This year, 12 exceptional women will be recognized at the themed event “A Time of Reverence, Hope and Action” to be held at the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles in Downtown Los Angeles. Registration and check-in will open at 10:30 a.m. and the event will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. The following women are saluted for their work to bring about social and economic change: District Awardees

First District: Rosa Soto, Director, The Wellness Center Los Angeles Second District: Bridgid Coulter Cheadle, Founder, Blackbird Collective Third District: Stephanie KlaskyGamer, President and CEO, LA Family Housing Fourth District: Cristina Lujan, Community Advocate Fifth District: Beatriz Porto, Vice President and Director of Community Relations, Porto’s Bakery and Café Community-At-Large Awardees President’s Award: Barbara Ferrer, Ph.D., MPH, MEd, Director, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Arts/Media: Lourdes I. Ramos-Rivas, Ph.D., President and CEO, Museum of

Latin American Art (MOLAA) Business/Labor: Cynthia McClainHill, Managing Director at Strategic Counsel, PLC Education: Cindy Wu, President, Los Angeles County School Trustees Association (LACSTA) Health: Kellie Todd Griﬃn, Senior Vice President of Communications and External Aﬀairs, California Health Medical Reserve Corps Law/Public Safety: Kelli Dillon, Founder and Executive Director, Back to the Basics, Community Empowerment Organization Veteran: Lauren Trosclair Duncan, Center Director, Bob Hope United Service Organizations (USO)

A portion of the proceeds from this event will be used to provide education scholarships for young at-risk women. To purchase tickets or a table, or to become a sponsor please visit http://bosevents. lacounty.gov. The public is welcome to join us to show their appreciation for these exceptional women. For more information to become a sponsor or if you have questions about this event, please contact Commission Staﬀ at laccw@bos.lacounty.gov or 213.974.1431. The venue, the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles in Downtown Los Angeles, at 711 S. Hope St., Los Angeles, CA. 90017.

As BA.2 fuels COVID-19 cases increase, LA County health dep’t pitches for vaccination, booster anew LOS ANGELES - With cases rising in LA County and across the country associated with the highly infectious BA.2 subvariant, getting vaccinated and boosted is an important strategy to prevent serious illness, the county’s Department of Health asserted. At press time, the Department of Public Health reported 16 additional deaths and 1,069 cases for Monday, 1,593 cases for Sunday, and 2,028 cases for Saturday. Of the 16 new deaths reported, one person was between the ages of 18-29, three people were between the ages of 5064, seven were between the ages of 6579, and ﬁve people were aged 80 years or older. Of the 16 newly reported deaths, 14 had underlying health conditions. To date, the total number of deaths in L.A. County is 31,938. The Department of Public Health has

reported a total of 2,864,284 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County. Today’s positivity rate is 1.4%. The BA.2 subvariant now accounts for 84% of sequenced specimens in the County for the week ending April 2, the department noted in a statement sent to Philippine News Today, adding this increase mirrors what is seen across the country, as the highly infectious subvariant has also been identiﬁed in 93% of cases across the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The average number of daily new cases reported over the last seven days increased to 1,553 compared to the 960 reported two weeks ago, an increase of 62%, according to the department. The seven-day case rate for Los An-

geles County has now surpassed 100 new cases per 100,000 residents, indicating, once again, high rates of transmission, it added. The department, however, said that the increases in case numbers have not translated to increases in severe illness, with hospitalizations and deaths remaining low and slightly decreasing. Over the last seven days, the average number of people hospitalized daily is 222, a 20% decrease from two weeks ago when the average number of people

hospitalized over the previous seven days was 276. Deaths also saw a small decrease, with the average number of daily reported deaths this past week at 10, a 28% decrease from two weeks ago when the average number of daily reported deaths over the previous seven days was 14, the department noted. The lower numbers of hospitalizations and deaths reﬂect, in part, the continued strong protection provided by the vaccines against BA.2.

MAGBUO NG MGA KAKAYAHAN

TUMULONG SA IBA

O’Farrell Celebrates Earth Day. Los Angeles City Council President Pro Tempore Mitch O’Farrell, the chair of the Energy, Climate Change, Environmental Jus�ce, and River Commi�ee, celebrated Earth Day 2022 by par�cipa�ng in an eight-mile bike ride with advocates for immigra�on, tenants, social jus�ce, and the environment. “Earth Day is as much about equity and environmental jus�ce as it is about protec�ng our natural environment,” said Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell. “Celebra�ng this day with a bike ride along the Los Angeles River in partnership with social and environmental jus�ce advocates sends a clear message that we must work collec�vely to restore our green spaces for all Angelenos.”

KUMITA NG PERA

Para sa ibang inpormasyon bumisita: WWW.CACOLLEGECORPS.COM

 COMMUNITY NEWS

April 28-May 4, 2022

Helping keep small restaurants cooking

PG&E Foundation contributes to CA Restaurant Foundation resilience fund Small restaurants in PG&E’s service area can apply for $3,000 grants

OAKLAND, California — Following a successful inaugural program last year, the California Restaurant Foundation (CRF) is again providing grants to independent restaurant owners and their staﬀs through the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund. The PG&E Corporation Foundation is contributing $500,000 to the fund to support investment in and recovery of California’s restaurant community, which is still reeling from economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Restaurants Care Resilience Fund is accepting applications from April 1530, 2022. Grant recipients can use the money for equipment upgrades to alleviate deferred maintenance and for employee retention to help with industry-wide staﬃng challenges. Small restaurants continue to be impacted by the last two years of debt and losses incurred amid rising costs. Grants are available to California resident restaurant owners with fewer than three units and less than $3 million in revenue. The PG&E Corporation Foun-

dation funding will prioritize minorityand women-owned businesses in PG&E’s service area in Northern and Central California. Last year, 109 grants were awarded to independent restaurant owners in the company’s service area. “The PG&E Corporation Foundation’s generous contribution will help independent restaurant owners across Northern and Central California invest in their people, their equipment and ultimately, the long-term health and success of their businesses,” said Alycia Harshfield, Executive Director of CRF. “Kitchens and crews are what keep restaurants running, and the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund is helping owners pay their workers, keep their doors open and fuel our local economies. We’re proud to again support our hometown restaurants through this fund, and all of our small business customers as they continue to recover from the financial effects of the pandemic,” said Robert Kenney, PG&E Senior Vice President of Regulatory and External Affairs, and chair of The PG&E

FAJ...

(From page 11)

Corporation Foundation board. Assisting Small and Medium Businesses PG&E remains committed to providing ways for its small and medium business customers to save energy and money amid the economic hardships suﬀered during the pandemic. Here are some ways PG&E is helping its customers: Automatically enrolling qualiﬁed customers in PG&E’s COVID Relief Payment Plan to help pay down balances over time, protecting from disconnection. Contacting business customers who would save money by choosing a better rate plan for their operations, in line with changing peak hours for time-of-use rate plans. Providing COVID-19 relief and support information to all small business customers, including PG&E resources and external support for businesses like California state programs. Increasing outreach to small business customers highlighting payment support and energy-savings programs through

Meanwhile announcement of awardees in the second round of grant distribution was set for this coming summer, Ting added. Prospective recipients had responded to the California State Library request for applications for Ethnic Media Grant Outreach to boost awareness of the Stop the Hate Program. FOUNDING MISSION “This timely CDSS grant will allow FAJ to provide additional mental health services to our youth and elder members to equip ourselves with tools to build resilience that match today’s demands,” Alcid shared desire outcomes of the award. “Through the various support groups FAJ holds, we aim to listen to, educate and empower our members to help raise awareness of this growing mental health crisis and the need to address our trauma in order to heal and ﬁnd news ways to move forward.” She envisioned a well-rounded plan to overcome a cultural barrier. “Our healing and wellness spaces will take on the stigma and shame of asking for mental health help as Filipinos, a delicate topic we often don’t talk about in our families,” she conceded. “Additionally, we plan to host free events such as yoga classes, acupuncture, Zumba, and others for members to meet each other and reconnect as we navigate post-pandemic life.” Filipino Advocates for Justice has empowered over 130,000 individuals for almost 50 years. The proudly progressive organization provides a broad range of services for the multi-generational Filipino community. It touts its youth leadership development, immigrant services, worker support and community organizing. When a new wave of immigrants

email campaigns, PG&E’s Energy Advisors, and direct mail. Conducting outreach to eligible customers to enroll in a discounted rate for businesses struggling to stay open. Offering rebate and financing solutions to help small business customers realize sustained cost savings. For more information on PG&E Small and Medium Business customer support visit pge.com/smbsupport. For more information on the California Restaurant Foundation, Restaurants Care, or the Restaurant Resilience Fund, visit restaurantscare.org. 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 www. pge.com/ and http://www.pge.com/about/ newsroom/.

from the Philippines surged into California spawning overt anti-Filipino sentiment and alienation, FAJ precursor Filipinos for Affirmative Action or FAA was born in 1973. First-generation Filipino American students and earlier exilesturned-community leaders joined forces to provide support for individuals and families struggling to start over. The newcomers had fled political strife, civil unrest and economic decline roiling their country since 1972, when authoritarian president Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law. They did find freedom and job prospects here but also inequity and exclusion. FAA sought to affirm and protect the rights of the new arrivals through organization and education, the heart of its mission even as it renamed itself as Filipino Advocates for Justice or FAJ to declare its reason for being. FAJ has notched victories in its advocacy efforts particularly in pushing for progressive social and economic policies

that impact its constituencies: immigration, housing, labor, voting rights, gun control, race and ethnicity. No FilAm organization in Northern California has championed more vociferously and vigilantly the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival or DACA path to citizenship or rent control and eviction restrictions. With the recent award, FAJ will be setting its sights on the very issue on which the organization was conceived: immigrant empowerment. Executive director Geraldine Alcid has assumed the post held for 40 years by Stockton native Lillian Galedo. Alcid was a program director with FAJ from 2006 -2012. She headed voter engagement campaigns and the 2010 Census outreach. After a brief hiatus, she returned to work on fund development with her mentor Galedo, who retired from FAJ in 2017 “but not from community service.” – REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM INQUIRER.NET.

Twenty-two nonprofits receive the first round of grants from the API Equity Fund, announced District 19 Assembly Member Phil Ting. Courtesy Office of Assembly Member Ting.

27 April 28-May 4, 2022

Oﬄine

(From Page 13)

don’t even bother to vote. Further, the 2,000 universe of today is less than half of the former 5,000 respondents that the two firms used to survey in the past. There is also something very suspicious about the dates that survey results are released. Most of the time, they come out with impossible results a day or two after Leni Robredo holds one of her massive rallies, the likes of which the Marcos camp has not been able to match, even with attendees paid P500 (that’s about $10) to show up. Side by side with the improbable results are the photos of Leni vs Marcos Jr. rallies. The latter camp openly allows shot to be taken by drones to show how massive her support is, while the latter has banned all drones from their sad rallies. I say sad because attendees at the Marcos Jr. rallies have been shown exiting the grounds where they are held, even before the son of the dictator has given his repetitive ‘Unity’ spiel. Even in the early stages of the campaign period, Marcos Jr has proven to be a bland draw. Few want to attend his rallies unless there’s something in it for them. In comparison, Robredo rallies are always festive occasions where just about everybody wants to give something and not receive anything. I daresay there’s almost an Edsa 1 vibe to the Leni rallies, where people smile and greet each other, even total strangers. The worst comparison are the Marcos Jr. rallies when there have been cases of pickpockets making hay. Finally, the photos from the camp of Marcos Jr. have been found to be doctored on several occasions. They have been photoshopped to make it appear that their meager crowds are actually massive. In one case, a field of onions was used to show a big crowd. And in more than a couple of instances, crowd photos of foreign countries were passed off as pro-Marcos crowds. But going back to the surveys, there is one global organization that has predicted a Robredo win, and it has not been wrong in the past several decades, even saying Donald Trump would beat Hillary Clinton when most surveys said the former First Lady was the sure bet. Google Trends uses its own methodologies and has said in no uncertain terms that the current vice president will become president in a few weeks’ time. Two other local market research companies which plot consumer trends have said pretty much the same thing. Unless there is massive cheating – and there are early indications that the Marcos camp is desperate enough to resort to every dirty trick in the book – Leni Robredo will be the next president of the Republic of the Philippines.

In the Trenches

(From Page 13)

swayed by the irresponsible statement made by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana who wanted the country to stay neutral in the conflict. Under the 1987 Constitution, the Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of land, and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation and amity with all nations. It is wrong for Lorenzana to abandon the country’s obligation as a member of the community of nations. It is right not to join the conflict militarily but the country has to condemn the unprovoked aggression. But the Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, has joined the international community in condemning the Russian invasion of a sovereign state. Filipino voters should be wise enough not to support any presidential candidate who takes the side of Russia in the conflict. If that presidential candidate is elected into office, the Philippines would likely join the group of pariah states – North Korea, Cuba, and Russia. The Russian invasion has united the world against aggression. Russia, North Korea, and Cuba have been isolated. Even China has condemned the invasion. Russia is getting isolated by economic sanctions imposed by the free world. Global businesses, including banks, energy firms, and commodities traders are shutting down operations in Russia. Filipino should discern and wisely elect a courageous leader who will stand up for the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, learning from Zelenskyy’s brave stand against Putin. In 2016, Filipinos elected a cowardly leader who refused to confront China’s bullying into the West Philippine Sea.

Filipinos must not make another mistake of electing a morally ﬂawed presidential candidate who will defy conventional wisdom and line up the Philippines behind pariah states. (THIS COLUMN of Pulitzer Prize winner Manuel Mogato originally appeared in pressone.ph)

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

DERLY AND THE VETERANS – We offer special discounts to the elderly and veterans. Gloria, our elderly client from Daly City, California got additional 10% discount. AVOID TAKE OFF FROM WORK: You don’t need to take off from work and drive to Sacramento just to submit the notarized documents to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section, for apostille. MSS will take care everything for you. SAVINGS ON GAS AND MILEAGE FEES – We encourage old and new clients to drive and come to our home office in San Francisco for savings on gas and mileage fees ($50 - $120). Victor and his wife and their son came to our home office in San Francisco so they saved $160 on gas and mileage fees. FREE PARKING – When we had our office at the Philippine Center near the Philippine Consulate Office, our old clients were complaining for the expensive parking fees. With our home office in San Francisco, old and new clients can have free parking on our driveway and the available street parking spaces. Those who can’t drive can take the BART up to the Balboa Park and Geneva Avenue BART Station and we’ll pick you up. VERY FLEXIBLE APPOINTMENTS – We have very flexible appointments for old and new clients during regular office hours, after office hours and weekends except on Sundays. For those who can’t come to our home office in San Francisco, we can do notarization in your homes, offices, schools. restaurants, BART and Post Office lobbies and other locations. MULTIPLE DOCUMENTS AND MULTIPLE SIGNATURES DICOUNTS - We offer 10% discount on multiple documents and multiple signatures for old and new clients. DOCUMENTS PREPARATION DISCOUNT - With our paralegal and lawyer-friends, we offer special discounts in the preparation and drafting of documents for old and new clients. CONVENIENCE AND PEACE OF MIND – With the efficient, complete and unique services at MSS, you can have total convenience and peace of mind. Most of the time, it is more convenient and economical for you to avail yourself with professional and complete services at MSS. For immediate assistance and help in the notarization and apostille follow of documents needed in the Philippines and the other member nations of the Hague Apostille Convention, just write or contact: MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, 730 Madrid Street, San Francisco, CA 94112 Tel. (650)438-3531 or (415)584-7095 or emai:agmadlaing@hotmail.com (ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE# 00635976) in California since 1981. He is 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. )

On Distant Shore

(From Page 12)

saying he didn’t see it coming. “Sinabi naman niya ‘yon. Siya lang (He actually said that. He’s the only one),” Lacson said in response to an interview with reporters after the news briefing. Did the three candidates gain anything from the press event? Definitely not. If ever, the event went in favor of their target, Robredo, who has never attacked any of them and who kept her composure, rightly so, after the event. “Starting [today], there would only be 20 days left to the campaign. Let us not let our emotions get the better of us. Let’s not say hurtful words,” Robredo said. “We have a nation to fight for.” Her spokesman, Atty. Barry Guttierez said: “Who benefits from these theatrics? What is best for the Filipino people? Perhaps, silence would have had more depth; at the very least, it would exhibit less self-entitlement,

fragility and toxicity,” he added. As I said, it was a very expensive way to whine, and Lacson wouldn’t say he footed the bill. They came to say they were united in continuing their campaigns, but ended up attacking No. 2 Robredo, instead of focusing on bringing down No. 1. What a pitiful sight of three candidates, whose voter preference ratings add up to just 10%, basically blaming Robredo for their campaigns’ failure to pick up. One political analyst, Atty. Jun Garrido said: “What a sorry, sordid spectacle. Everybody left with a bad taste in the mouth at the amount of trash, scum and dregs spilled. Nobody gained from this spectacle, except Leni.” Another one, UP political science professor Aries Arugay, aptly said of Moreno’s tirades: “Domagoso (Moreno) is [becoming] desperate. His campaign has lost its footing and orientation and it is shooting in all directions, and unfortunately this time, it shot itself in the foot.” Hear, Hear!

PerryScope...

(From Page 12)

title of the “Sick Man of Asia” -- a label associated with massive political corruption, unequal growth, and poverty. On August 21, 1983, Ninoy Aquino was assassinated on the tarmac of the Manila International Airport. The assassination further triggered the economic downturn of the country. People Power Revolution On February 25, 1986, the People Power Revolution ousted the Marcos dictatorship. Ironically, the leaders of the rebels who evicted the Marcoses from Malacanang were two members of the Omega Five. As reported in the news, after Marcos was ousted, “government investigators discovered that the declaration of martial law had also allowed the Marcoses to hide secret stashes of unexplained wealth which various courts later determined to be ‘of criminal origin.’ ” The Marcos government had to cut overall government expenditures to reduce deﬁcits. Marcos bankrupted the Central Bank; it had to be dissolved and replaced by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Its bad accounts are still being paid for by taxpayers. After the ouster of Marcos, the country managed to rise economically afterwards. In 2013, under the presidency of Benigno Aquino III, the country was dubbed by the World Bank as Asia’s Rising Tiger. In 2014, the Japan External Trade Organization survey showed “the Philippines as the second most proﬁtable among ASEAN-5 countries, next to Thailand,” formally abolishing the “sick man” status of the Philippines. However, it was reported in the news that “during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, several commentators have argued that due to the slow growth of the economy and Duterte’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines seems to be on the brink of restoring its ‘Sick Man’ status.” Sad to say, the Philippines could once again become the “Sick Man of Asia” if the 2022 presidential election would catapult to power the progeny and namesake of the late dictator. As Winston Churchill once said, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Here’s hoping that the Filipino voters would learn from our dark history and vote wisely on May 9, 2022 and prevent the return of the “Sick Man of Asia.” (PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

 HEALTH NEWS

April 28-May 4, 2022

UNICEF, WHO warn of ‘perfect storm’ of conditions for measles outbreaks, affecting children GENEVA - Reported worldwide measles cases increased by 79 per cent in the first two months of 2022, compared to the same period in 2021, as WHO and UNICEF warn conditions ripe for serious outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses An increase in measles cases in January and February 2022 is a worrying sign of a heightened risk for the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases and could trigger larger outbreaks, particularly of measles affecting millions of children in 2022, warn WHO and UNICEF. Pandemic-related disruptions, increasing inequalities in access to vaccines, and the diversion of resources from routine immunization are leaving too many children without protection against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. The risk for large outbreaks has increased as communities relax social distancing practices and other preventive measures for COVID-19 implemented during the height of the pandemic. In addition, with millions of people being displaced due to conflicts and crises including in Ukraine, Ethiopia, Somalia and Afghanistan,

disruptions in routine immunization and COVID-19 vaccination services, lack of clean water and sanitation, and overcrowding increase the risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks. Almost 17,338 measles cases were reported worldwide in January and February 2022, compared to 9,665 during the first two months of 2021. As measles is very contagious, cases tend to show up quickly when vaccination levels decline. The agencies are concerned that outbreaks of measles could also forewarn outbreaks of other diseases that do not spread as rapidly. Apart from its direct effect on the body, which can be lethal, the measles virus also weakens the immune system and makes a child more vulnerable to other infectious diseases like pneumonia and diarrhoea, including for months after the measles infection itself among those who survive. Most cases occur in settings that have faced social and economic hardships due to COVID-19, conflict, or other crises, and have chronically weak health system infrastructure and insecurity. “Measles is more than a dangerous and potentially

deadly disease. It is also an early indication that there are gaps in our global immunization coverage, gaps vulnerable children cannot aﬀord,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director. “It is encouraging that people in many communities are beginning to feel protected enough from COVID-19 to return to more social activities. But doing so in places where children are not receiving routine vaccination creates the perfect storm for the spread of a disease like measles.” In 2020, 23 million children missed out on basic childhood vaccines through routine health services, the highest number since 2009 and 3.7 million more than in 2019. See at the bottom top 5 countries with reported measles cases in the last 12 months, until April 2022 As of April 2022, the agencies report 21 large and disruptive measles outbreaks around the world in the last 12 months. Most of the measles cases were reported in Africa and the East Mediterranean region. The ﬁgures are likely higher as the pandemic has disrupted surveillance systems globally, with potential underreporting.

Unmasking insanity Heart of Hope

The pandemic is far from over. While we want to celebrate the tapering cases in the United States, statistics still show there were 76,612 cases and 353 deaths on Monday (April 25th) and a 7-day average of almost 47,000 cases and around 400 deaths, an increase of about 51 percent PHILIP S. CHUA compared to a week ago. Only around 66 percent of the 332.6+ million US population has been fully vaccinated (about 109 million still unvaccinated), a much lower vaccination rate than many other developed countries around the world. China is currently facing a massive surge. Spillover to other parts of the glove is inevitable. In the midst of the masking controversy and confusion, it is prudent to be on the safe side, to continue using a mask inside stores, public buildings, and mass transits, which will also protect the vulnerable seniors and immunocompromised people besides the wearer. Wisdom, humility, patience, and compassion are essential in defeating this pandemic. T Cells protect Why are some unvaccinated people not getting infected with COVID-19? Findings of recent studies revealed that those who previously had common cold coronavirus infections have higher levels of T cells, which are a part of the immune system that protects the body from infection. The study provides “the clearest evidence to date that T cells induced by such common cold infections play some protective role against SARS-CoV2 infection. However, such “immunity” could not be relied upon solely as protection against COVID-19. Vaccination is still the best protection against COVID-19 infection and its potentially fatal complications. Ventilation vs COVID-19 While it is obvious that the lower the viral load and exposure, the lower the chances of infection. Outdoor is safer as far as transmission of any air-borne infection is concerned because the airﬂow dissipates and “dilutes” the germs in the air, markedly reducing the concentration of the “bugs” in the air. Studies over the past couple of years, since the pandemic started, have shown that good ventilation system in buildings, like schools, and enclosed areas, like our home, is vital in controlling the transmission of COVID-19.

E-Cig is worse Electronic cigarettes (E-Cig or Vapes), introduced to be a safe substitute for tobacco smoking, are churning out grave concerns about a range of diseases and deaths related to their use. Studies show that using pod-based e-cigarettes daily elevates inflammatory markers involving multiple organ systems, including the heart, lungs, and the brain, which impacts how organs respond to infections like COVID-19. It is estimated that more than 12 million adults in the United States use battery-operated e-cig (vape) devices and the highest number of users are between the ages of 18 and 24. E-Cig and vaping are certainly not healthier alternatives to cigarettes, merely changing the killer. Breastfeeding Evidence-based clinical studies have proven oldfashioned breastfeeding to be robustly associated with reduced risk for maternal diabetes mellitus Type 2, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Breast-fed children are also healthier and more secure. Marijuana dangers The legalization and wide use of recreational marijuana in the United States give society the delusion that it is totally safe and devoid of health risks. Appropriate use of medical marijuana under a physician’s supervision is one thing; its use for recreational purposes is another. Nearly 55 million Americans have used marijuana at one time in their life. Marijuana is illegal in the Philippines. The United Nations Office of Drug and Crime reports that in 2016, 1.1 percent of Filipinos aged 10-64 use this illegal drug. Marijuana has negative long-term health effects. Ten percent of users get addicted to it. Among those aged 18 and younger, the addiction rate goes up to 1 in 6. Some adverse effects: Brain – can cause permanent IQ loss of as much as 8 points, which do not come back, even if the user quits marijuana. Mental health – marijuana causes anxiety, depression, psychoses, and suicidal tendencies. Driving – driving under the influence of marijuana slows down reaction to other cars, signals, and sounds, lane-swerving, reduces coordination, and concentration, worse than alcohol. Athletic Prowess- marijuana use negatively impacts movement, timing, reaction, and coordination, and can diminish total performance. Baby’s health and development- marijuana use during pregnancy may cause restriction of fetal growth and

development, stillbirth, premature birth, and poor brain health, resulting in hyperactivity and poor cognitive function among children. Chemicals in marijuana also pass to the baby through breast milk, further impairing the child’s health and development. Life itself- The use of marijuana controls how well people perform in life; the chronic users are more likely to have worse educational outcomes, poorer relationships, lower career achievement, and severely lower life satisfaction. Title 42, the Wall On April 1, 2022, the Biden administration announced it would lift Title 42, a public health policy adopted by the Trump administration that empowers the government to immediately expel any person who makes an illegal border crossing into the United States to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Title 42 also prevents the entry of drug cartels, weapon smugglers, convicted criminals, and rapists into the country. The President and Congress seem to be having diﬃculty seeing the obvious and making the right decision. Give the problem to a class of 5th graders to solve and I guarantee you we’ll get a Solomonic decision within minutes, not months. It might even include bonus wisdom of completing the entire wall to stop the severe hemorrhage and save trillions for the USA. As a cardiovascular surgeon, my natural instinct is to control any massive bleed immediately to save the patient by patching the wall of the leaking main artery, instead of giving expensive wasteful blood transfusions ad libitum and allowing the hemorrhage to go unabated. I bet that Biden, Pelosi, Schumer, and others who are against completing the border wall to protect the United States, would instantly employ carpenters to do immediate repairs if a large part of the wall protecting their own (security-guarded) homes were missing and strangers are invading their homes, for them to house, feed, and provide education for the kids and healthcare for all of them, all at these politicians’ expense. Why the administration and majority in Congress do not want to complete the wall to protect the health, security, and coﬀers of the country is deliberate insanity. Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua. com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

29 April 28-May 4, 2022

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS Easter Special: Life is Changed Forever

A RECITAL FOR MOTHER

The Risen Lord told us: “Whoever saves his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it (Mt. 16:25).” He showed us by His own selfless dying for others that indeed life is found; not just an ordinary life, a mortal and corruptible, but an extraordinary one; a life that is eternal no longer temporal; a life that is divine no longer just human; a life that is mortal but now immortal. ConseREV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD quently, in our Christian life, as St. Paul puts it: Let us put away our old self with its sinful desires and be renewed in our minds to put on the new self which is the life of righteousness and holiness (emphasis mine, Eph. 4:22-24). To be a Christian is to live our life in the Risen Lord Jesus, and such kind of life must be a different life; no longer of the old self but of the new self, no longer in vices but now in virtues; no longer worldly but heavenly; ego oriented but now God-oriented. For this Easter Season Let us manifest Christ victory over sin and death by living our daily life, among many godly ways, in two ways: First, in Christ our life is no longer about oneself but must always be lived for and with others. Seeking our personal wellbeing must necessarily include the seeking also of the wellbeing of others. For this is the logic of the life’s example of the Risen Lord Jesus; He died in order that others, the entire humanity, may have life in abundance. So, our life will only be fruitful when lived in relationship with others putting into practice the gospel values and virtuous conduct. All life’s endeavors will have merit before God the more we live it for others and not for oneself. With the Risen Lord, our moral and spiritual GPS (global positioning system) must no longer be self-oriented; it must become others-oriented. For who can really and deeply be happy with oneself imprisoned in one’s own greed and arrogance? Our Lord Jesus died for all sinners; so that, now as the Risen Lord all are told and empowered that the way to live life fully is living it for God and for others in generosity and love. Second, Life is filled with the Holy Spirit. Our Christian life is animated by the Holy Spirit that dwells in us. The Church and all her Sacraments and ministries, everything of our Church life, has the power and action of the Holy Spirit. Our life is no longer the same in Christ Jesus. We can live the life of the Spirit because the Risen Lord has given and sent Him to us. Living with divine grace, we can defeat the spirit of evil that manifest itself through our bad attitudes, our wrong decisions, and sinful lifestyles and actions. Let us remember the Lord on the Cross, as John said: “… bowing His head, He handed over His spirit (Jn. 21:30).” The act of dying, the handing over His human spirit becomes the very act of His sending to us, now saved and redeemed, the Divine Spirit, the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity. That is why, St. John reported this in his gospel saying of the Risen Lord: “He breathed on them and said, receive the Holy Spirit (Jn. 20:22).” With God Holy Spirit dwelling in us; let us live out the fruits of the Spirit that St. Paul mentions; “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal. 5;22-23).” Dear reader, we should reflect deeply of what it means for us in the personal way celebrating and living out the Easter Mysteries, the Easter Paschal Candle, the Easter renewal of our baptismal promises and being sprinkled with holy water, the Easter singing of the alleluia, and even the color of this season, white. All these easter elements are reminders to us of God’s redemptive action which has truly changed and transformed our lives. There is no more going back to the old and sinful ways. Nothing is gained in being selfish and ego-centered in ways and attitude; otherwise, you drown in your own filth. Easter Season is indeed our moral and spiritual Springtime; everything is new and fresh, vibrant and blooming. For everything is touched by God. Let us live our life in God with God and for God; for that is, what truly living should be. Amen. Happy Easter!

By TIM PEDROSA

This is a story of a fatherless child who struggled with piano lessons but surprised a former teacher by learning to play well at the recital. He was later killed in 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City and killed 168 people. The man responsible for it, Timothy McVeigh has already been executed. Mildred Hondorf, a former elementary school music teacher from Des Moines, Iowa, narrated the incident as follows. I’ve always supplemented my income by teaching piano lessons - something I’ve done for over 30 years. Over the years I found that children have many levels of musical ability. I’ve never had the pleasure of having a protégé although I have taught some talented students. However, I’ve also had my share of what I call “musically challenged” pupils. One such student was Robby. Robby was 11 years old when his mother (a single mom) dropped him off for his first piano lesson. I prefer that students (especially boys!) begin at an earlier age, which I explained to Robby. But Robby said that it had always been his mother’s dream to hear him play the piano. So I took him as a student. Well, Robby began with his piano lessons and from the beginning I thought it was a hopeless endeavor. As much as Robby tried, he lacked the sense of tone and basic rhythm needed to excel. But he dutifully reviewed his scales and some elementary pieces that I require all my students to learn. Over the months he tried and tried while I listened and cringed and tried to encourage him. At the end of each weekly lesson he’d always say, “My mom’s going to hear me play some day.” But it seemed hopeless. He just did not have any inborn ability. I only knew his mother from a distance as she dropped Robby off or waited in her aged car to pick him up. She always waved and smiled but never stopped in. Then one day Robby stopped coming to our lessons. I thought about

calling him but assumed, because of his lack of ability, that he had decided to pursue something else. I was also glad that he stopped coming. He was a bad advertisement for my teaching! Several weeks later I mailed to the student’s homes a flyer on the upcoming recital. To my surprise Robby (who received a flyer) asked me if he could be in the recital. I told him that the recital was for current pupils and because he had dropped out he really did not qualify. He said that his mom had been sick and unable to take him to piano lessons but he was still practicing. “Miss Hondorf , I’ve just got to play!” he insisted. I don’t know what led me to allow him to play in the recital. Maybe it was his persistence or maybe it was something inside of me saying that it would be all right. The night for the recital came. The high school gymnasium was packed with parents, friends and relatives. I put Robby up last in the program before I was to come up and thank all the students and play a finishing piece. I thought that any damage he would do would come at the end of the program and I could always salvage his poor performance through my “curtain closer.” Well the recital went off without a hitch. The students had been practicing and it showed. Then Robby came up on stage. His clothes were wrinkled and his hair looked like he’d run an eggbeater through it. “Why didn’t he dress up like the other students?” I thought. “Why didn’t his mother at least make him comb his hair for this special night?” Robby pulled out the piano bench and he began. I was surprised when he announced that he had chosen Mozart’s Concerto #21 in C Major. I was not prepared for what I heard next. His fingers were light on the keys, they even danced nimbly on the ivories. He went from pianissimo to fortissimo; from allegro to virtuoso. His suspended chords that Mozart demands were magnificent! Never had I heard Mozart played so well by people his age. After six and a half minutes he ended in a grand crescendo and everyone was on his/her feet in wild applause. Overcome and in tears I ran up on stage and put my arms around Robby in joy. “I’ve never heard you play like that Robby! How’d you do it?” Through the microphone Robby explained: “Well, Miss Hondorf , remember I told you my mom was sick? Well actually she had cancer and passed away this morning. She was born deaf so tonight was the first time she ever heard me play. I wanted to make it special.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the house that evening. As the people from Social Services led Robby from the stage to be placed into foster care, I noticed that even their eyes were red and puffy and I thought to myself how much richer my life had been for taking Robby as my pupil. No, I’ve never had a protégé but that night I became a protégé . . . of Robby’s. He was the teacher and I was the pupil. For it was he who taught me the meaning of perseverance and love and believing in yourself ; and maybe even taking a chance on someone and you don’t know why. This is especially meaningful to me since after serving in Desert Storm, Robby was killed in the senseless bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in April of 1995, where he was reportedly playing the piano.

Aﬂame The Heart

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

31 April 28-May 4, 2022  NATIONAL NEWS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Special Royal Bibingka, Vigan Bibingka Ingredients: 2 cups glutinous rice flour 1 cup canned coconut cream 1/2 cup fresh milk 4 large egg yolks 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese 1/4 cup margarine Cooking procedure: In a big bowl place the glutinous rice flour and sugar. Whisk in the milk and coconut cream until runny batter is formed. Add in the egg yolks and continue to whisk until fully blended. Coat the muffin moulds with margarine. Spoon the batter into the muffin moulds, about 4 table spoon each mould. Arrange the silicon moulds in a baking tray and cover with aluminium foil. Bake in an oven at 350°F to 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Now remove cover of the now half cooked bibingka and top with cheese and sugar. Return aluminium covering and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes. Adjust baking time as necessary. Remove the aluminium covering during the final 10 minutes of baking. Brush with margarine at least twice in between.

 FOOD & TRAVELS

PHL pushes for ‘regenerative tourism;’ El Nido, Boracay popular destinations MANILA – An even better and sustainable version of the Philippines’ worldpopular destinations -- this is what the Department of Tourism (DOT) is now pushing with the emerging calls for “regenerative tourism”. In a Laging Handa briefing, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said this kind of travel sets the bar higher from zero-footprint tourism to one that leaves a lasting and positive impact on the host destination. “We want sustainable tourism and we want a tourist destination to be even better than it was before, (we want the kind of travel) that does not destroy nature but at the same time benefits the host communities,” she said. “We have to think of the future generations... We want to make sure that each tourist destination is taken care of for our future generations,” she added. Gone are the days that promoting green tourism or simply reducing waste when you visit a place is enough, now climate concerns have highlighted the need for tourists and stakeholders to lead the movement. At the recent World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Manila, regenerative tourism champions and Masungi Georeserve trustees Ann and Bullie Dumaliang said stakeholders must first localize their approaches and understand how they could protect the destination. Meanwhile, sun and beach destinations Boracay, Davao, and El Nido in Palawan top the destinations picked by World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit delegates, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said. The DOT said dedicated tours in Davao and El Nido have been fully booked, followed by Ilocos region with only two slots left, and Boracay. “The DOT is honored to have our esteemed delegates visit our top destinations for the post-tours component of the WTTC 2022 Global Summit. Aside from the usual sun and beach/holiday portfolio, we’ve also integrated fun experiences involving food and gastronomy, and wellness to make the trips more memorable for the guests,” it said in a statement. “These carefully curated post-tours will allow our guests to experience firsthand the Filipino brand of hospitality in the new normal, as well as see how our health and safety protocols have protected tourists, workers, and communities in our destinations. We want to get the word out that tourism in the Philippines is safe and fun for all,” it added. Travel in Boracay has been picking up from the pandemic slump since local travel restrictions had been relaxed in the country. Apart from the four destinations, DOT has several tourism activities for WTTC delegates lined up, including the Quezon Culinary Experience; Rizal eco and art tour; Bataan culture and heritage tour;

investment tour in Clark, Pampanga, and Tarlac; and the Southern Tagalog tour. On the second day of the summit, tourism stakeholders discussed important topics such as redeﬁning travel in a changing world, ﬁnancing recovery following

REGENERATIVE TOURISM. Global Sustainable Tourism Council Chief Execu�ve Officer Randy Durband, Masungi Georeserve trustees Billie and Ann Dumaliang, and ProColombia Chief Execu�ve Officer Flavia Santoro during a discussion on regenera�on during the 2022 WTTC Global Summit. the pandemic, the latest travel trends, and seamless international mobility, among others. Considered one of the most influential travel & tourism events worldwide, the WTTC Global Summit is an annual gathering of the entire spectrum of the industry, including airlines and airports, hotels and hospitality groups, tour operators and retail travel agents, online distributors, cruise lines, investment companies, insurance groups, and the technology industry. “When we talked about regenerative tourism it focuses on an ecosystem-wide approach which we tend to forget when we talk about sustainability,” Ann said. “A lot of us have limited the concept of sustainability to simply reducing plastic waste, offsetting our carbon, and all of these. We tend to forget that we need to localize our approach and that means getting to know all the places and understanding the geographical nature of the destinations,” she added. Masungi Georeserve Foundation provides forest enforcement support to deter and eliminate threats to the georeserve and surrounding watershed areas. Through on-ground patrolling, installation of ranger stations, and investments in monitoring technology, the foundation was able to accelerate efforts and secure more areas for conservation in the area. At present, the nature reserve project located in Baras, Rizal has so far planted 60,000 native trees, engaged more than 100 park rangers, supported 200 local households, and rescued 2,000 hectares of land from encroachment and illegal activities. “All of that now is sustained and protected using the fund that we raised through tourism, it really goes on to show how tourism can be a force for good for nature,” Ann shared.

Philippine News Today

Articles inside

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