Philippine News Today

1 April 7-13, 2022

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

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

Vol. 61 No. 35 April 7-13, 2022

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

GOV’T KEEN ON COLLECTING MARCOS HEIRS’ UNPAID TAXES

Senate readies probe – Pimentel

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor-in-Chief

MANILA – “They have not paid.”

Thus said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Caesar Dulay as they confirmed that the Philippine government is keen on collecting some P23 billion in unpaid estate tax plus penalties which has ballooned to P203 billion by the heirs of the late President FerdiPage 9 nand Marcos Sr.

Bill to hold gun industry accountable, bolster protections moves forward

By Jo Erlinda Maufit

SACRAMENTO – The California Senate Judiciary Committee has passed SB 1327, private right of action legislation authored by Senator Robert Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys) and sponsored

by Governor Gavin Newsom to limit the spread of assault weapons and ghost guns.

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last December allowing Texas’s ban on most abortion services to remain in

place, Governor Newsom directed his Administration to work with the Legislature to propose a measure, modeled on the structure GAVIN NEWSOM of Texas’s abortion law, to enable private citizens to hold Page 8

Robredo rises in Pulse Asia survey; Marcos, Sara, Tulfo keep lead in races

By Claire Morales True, Managing Editor

$50-M fund eyed to support independent media, backed in California Senate panel

Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway installed, inauguration scheduled on May 7

HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN – The much-anticipated Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway

By Sunita Sohrabji, EMS has been installed, rising 30 feet SACRAMENTO - SB 911, high and spanning 82 feet across which would create a $50 million the width of Beverly Boulevard fund to support independent meat the eastern entrance into Hisdia — including the ethnic metoric Filipinotown in Los Angedia sector — passed through the les.

California state Senate GovernOfficially called “Talang mental Organization committee Gabay - Our Guiding Star,” the on March 29, on an 8-4 vote. monument was designed by FiliSpecifically, SB 911 would pino artist Eliseo Art Silva with create an 11-member state board Celestino Geronimo, Jr. — California Board for the Fund“This past weekend, we ining of Public Interest Media — California state Senator Steve stalled the beautiful new gateway which would administer a public Glazer, D-Contra Costa. in Historic Filipinotown, and I fund to distribute $50 million in and principal co-authors Sens. have one thing to say:Page 10 grants to bona fide news organi- Ben Allen, D-Santa Monica and zations and reporters, over a five- Josh Newman, D-Fullerton, now Duterte still refuses year period. moves to the Senate Appropria- to endorse Marcos Jr The ethnic media sector is tions committee. part of the bill, which also covCalifornia state Senator Steve By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor ers mainstream and non-profit Glazer, D-Contra Costa. media.

Brittany Barsotti, general MANILA – With the election The bill, sponsored by Sen. counsel for the CaliPage 8 to succeed him only a month away, Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa President Rodrigo Duterte continued to refuse to endorse Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Mr. Duterte said this week that he would only vote for Marcos Jr.’s vice presidential running mate, his daughter Sara. e are more than pleased to note that SB 911, which “I am not supporting any candicreates a $50 million fund to support independent date except, of course, my daughmedia, among other worthwhile goals, recently ter,” the president said in an interpassed through a key committee in the California view with local media in Batangas Senate Page 10 Page 11 province.

EDITORIAL

SB 911: A much-needed boost for ethnic media

W Villar still richest Filipino with $8.3 B

MANILA — Presidential candidate Vice President Maria Leonor Leni Robredo has posted the biggest increase in voter pref-

erence among presidential candidates in the latest Pulse Asia noncommissioned survey, buoying her hopes and that ofPage 10

PHL nat’l debt rises to record P12 trillion VIEWS & COMMENTS

SHOWBIZ

SPORTS

Marriage fraud charge may be appealed on due process ground

FilAms Olivia Rodrigo,HER, Bruno Mars win big at Grammy’s

FilAm Wesley So wins FIDE Grand Prix Berlin

By A�y. Lozano

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 NATIONAL NEWS

April 7-13, 2022

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PHL debt hits record P12 trillion MANILA - The Philippine government’s debt has soared to record P12.09 trillion the end of February, the Bureau of Treasury reported.

The debt was only P11.7 trillion at the end of 2021.

The treasury bureau said 30.4 percent of the debt was sourced externally while 69.6 were domestic borrowings.

Domestic debt reached P8.41 trillion, or 0.5 percent higher than the previous month and 3 percent up compared to the December 2021 level, the agency said.

The treasury bureau said the external debt of P3.68 trillion was also 0.5 percent higher compared to January.

The increase in external debt was at-

tribured to the impact of peso depreciation against the US dollar but was partly offset by the adjustments in other foreign currencies.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas earlier said the country’s elevated debtto-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio, which hit over 60 percent, is not a cause for concern.

Most of these loans have a long-term repayment scheme and low interest rates, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said.

The Philippines borrowed heavily in the past years to fund its fight against COVID-19

Fil-Am in Quiboloy fraud scheme pleads guilty LOS ANGELES/MANILA - Los Angeles-based Filipino American paralegal Maria de Leon, a coaccused of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy in several complaints here, had agreed to plead guilty to participating in a scheme with administrators of the controversial Kingdom of Jesus Christ church (KOJC).

The Department of Justice in California said de Leon, in a plea agreement, admitted to “preparing and filing fraudulent documents” that would grant US residency and citizenship to members of the Quiboloyfounded KOJC. De Leon, 73-year-old owner of Liberty Legal Document Services, admitted that she participated in the conspiracy to commit marriage and visa fraud with leaders of the KOJC for about eight years.

She is among nine people, including Quiboloy, who was charged in November 2021 in a labor-trafficking scheme that used fake visas to bring church members to the US where they were forced to donate to a bogus charity called Children’s Joy Foundation (CJF), based in Glendale, California.

De Leon is one of the six defendants who have been arrested and five others who appeared in a federal court in Los Angeles.

Quiboloy, a friend of President Rodrigo Duterte, was accused of coercing women and young girls to have sex with him.

The women and girls were supposedly required to prepare Quiboloy’s meals, clean his residences, give him massages, and have sex with him during what was called “night duty”.

In February, the Davao-based pastor was placed under the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s “most wanted” list.

Malacanang has distanced from the Quiboloy case, saying he is a private individual who can defend himself in court.

Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar made the remark after the United States Department of Justice (US DOJ) announced that a co-accused of Quiboloy has agreed to cooperate with US federal authorities in prosecuting him in his cases in the US. “We reiterate that Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ is a private individual. As such, he can defend himself in court in light of Maria de Leon’s recent action,” Andanar said in a press statement.

Malacañang has repeatedly kept its distance from Quiboloy’s cases in the US. In November, Malacañang said President Rodrigo Duterte will execute the laws accordingly amid issues hounding his spiritual adviser.

Quiboloy, a televangelist who calls himself the

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“Appointed Son of God,” is Duterte’s spiritual adviser According to the US Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California, De Leon agreed to plead “guilty to participating in a conspiracy to violate US immigration laws by preparing and filing fraudulent documents that sought legal permanent residency and citizenship for members of a Philippines-based church who allegedly worked as fundraisers for a bogus charity operated by the church.”

“At the time [De Leon] completed the immigration paperwork for certain KOJC members, [she] knew that the immigration paperwork was based upon false representations of the bona fides of the underlying marriages,” the statement added.

De Leon agreed to cooperate with the US government in the case.

Kingdom of Jesus Christ lawyer Michael Green said De Leon was not a church member,, adding that the church was not threatened by the paralegal’s cooperation with US authorities.

“This woman is not a member, she’s not a mean person she got sucked into the indictment, but she knows less than anybody in the case and she apparently knows less than the US attorney’s office. Like I said the US attorney’s office never indicted the children’s charity foundation,” Green said.

The US DOJ said the alleged donations were used to finance church operations and the “lavish lifestyles of its leaders.”

It said members who “proved successful at soliciting for the KOJC were forced to enter into sham marriages or obtain fraudulent student visas to acquire legal status in the United States so they could continue soliciting donations, the indictment alleges.”

According to the US DOJ, many of the workers were “moved around the United States to solicit donations as CJF ‘volunteers,’ who were also called Full Time Miracle Workers.”

Quiboloy, de Leon, and seven others were indicted in November 2021 for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of children.

The US DOJ believes that Quiboloy, who remains at large, is still in the Philippines

3 April 7-13, 2022

 NATIONAL NEWS

GMA introduces Sara as next VP, calls for unity for better Philippines

By Claire Morales True LUBAO, Pampanga – A day before celebrating her 75th birthday, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo introduced Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to the Pampagueños as the “next Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines.”

Macapagal-Arroyo, the country’s 14th President who is running unopposed for congress in the second district of Pampanga, spent most of her life here, where the UniTeam held its rally Monday night, April 4.

“Ako’y nasisiyahan na ang ating panauhing pangdangal ay walang iba kundi si Inday Sara Duterte — ang susunod nating bise-presidente sa Republika ng Pilipinas (I’m glad that our guest is no other than Inday Sara Duterte – our next vice president of the Republic of the Philippines),” Macapagal-Arroyo told the thousands of people who attended a rally.

Before delivering her message, Duterte,

together with Rep. Juan Miguel Mikee Arroyo led the crowd in singing the “happy birthday song” to the former president.

“Gini-greet ko po siya ng (I greeted her) a very happy birthday. I wish her good health, her happiness and we wish for her heart’s desire for the next two, three, four, 50 years more,” Duterte said.

She then delivered her message to the Pampagueños, urging the people to unite for a better Philippines without the need to follow specific political color.

“Kung kami po ang pipiliin ninyo bilang political leaders ngayong May 9 elections ay dadalhin namin ang buong sambayanan na walang pong kulay ng politika — hindi po red, hindi green, hindi yellow, hindi pink, hindi orange — isa lang po tayo lahat.

Isang Pilipino, isang bayan na nagkakaisa (If you will choose us as political leaders this coming May 9 elections, we will bring the entire nation that has no political color – no red, no green, no yellow, no pink, no orange – we are all one.

Duterte pitches for Sara’s VP bid, remains neutral in presidential race

By Claire Morales True MANILA – A month before the May 9 elections, President Rodrigo R. Duterte has remained neutral in the presidential race but, in a turnabout, is now pitching for his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, who is the frontrunning candidate for vice president under the Team Unity with former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “I am not supporting any candidate except, of course, my daughter. Ako, boboto

talaga ako sa anak ko (Me, I am really going to vote for my daughter),” Duterte said in a speech in Mataasnakahoy, Batangas.

This is the first time Duterte categorically announced that he will vote for Sara as vice president although he has repeatedly said that only his daughter could continue his legacy.

During the campaign sortie of ruling political party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino - Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) on March 31, Duterte vouched for the competence of his daughter, describing her as “very good and hardworking.”

Duterte said Sara, given her qualities and leadership style, would be a great fit for the vice presidency.

“But Inday is really very strict. You can’t crowd around waiting for her, you will be called one by one instead. But she will talk to you. And that’s good, that’s actually good. She can serve people in an orderly manner,” he said.

Duterte last year expressed displeasure over Sara’s decision to run for vice president under the Lakas - Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).

In November 2021, he even rejected a possible alliance among PDP-Laban, PDP-Laban allied party, Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan and Lakas (PDDS), and LakasCMD because he thinks presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is a “weak leader.”

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 METRO NEWS

April 7-13, 2022

Vote-buying raps filed vs Pharmally-linked congress bet in QC

QUEZON CITY – Two vote-buying complaints have been filed against a candidate for representative for the fifth district of Quezon City before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

A newly Comelec task force headed

by Commissioner Aimee Ferolino will investigate the complaints filed by the Koalisyon Novalenyo Kontra Korapsyon and the Alyansa ng mga Mamamayan ng Bagbag against businesswoman Rose Lin, a congressional candidate in Quezon City who was earlier linked to the controversial multi-billion-peso Pharmally

Pharmaceuticals contract for medical supplies with the government.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said more complaints against votebuying could be filed in the coming days.

“These initial cases are the beginning of everything. A warning to one and all that we have an awakened citizenry with the highest sense of maturity. However, the presumption of innocence should never be compromised as mandated by the Constitution,” he said.

The inter-agency “Task Force Kontra Bigay” is composed of the Comelec, De-

partment of Justice (DOJ), Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Information Agency, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, and Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Comelec’s planned crackdown on election-related fake news also received support from the DOJ. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said their law enforcement agencies will back the poll body but so far, they have not received request for assistance.

MANILA – Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso vowed to continue serving his constituents until his last day in office on June 30 despite his presidential campaign activities.

Wherever fate will take him, Domagoso said he will try to be of service in whatever way he can.

“That’s why we will continue to be better in our field of undertaking. Sa maliit kong kaparaanan, may awa ang Diyos, pipilitin kong maging masinop, mainam at episyente kayong mapaglingkuran hanggang sa huling araw sa Lungsod ng Maynila (In my own little way, with the

help of God, I will try to be more prudent and provide efficient service until my very last day in the City of Manila),” he said at the “People of the Year 2022” awards night of PeopleAsia Magazine at Conrad Hotel in Pasay City where he was one of the awardees.

The event honored 14 leaders, achievers and newsmakers, including Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, actor John Arcilla, Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar, and reelectionist Senator Joel Villanueva.

Domagoso thanked the magazine for recognizing what he called his “small ef-

fort” in improving the quality of life of Manileños.

The award, Domagoso said, would inspire him to become better, do more, and continue true and efficient service.

He acknowledged his fellow government workers, Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, and the city council for their dedication, hard work, and full support to achieve their dream of a better Manila. “’Yung aming pinangarap together on rebuilding Manila in 10 years, despite the pandemic, all happened in two years.

So, puwede pala, posible pala. I owe it to them. Whatever naririnig niyo sa Maynila, hindi ko po kaya ‘yun na mag-isa.

Nagawa po ‘yun dala ng pakikipagtulungan ng bawat isa (Our collective dream of rebuilding Manila in 10 years happened in two years despite the pandemic. So, it’s doable and I owe it to them. Whatever achievements we did in Manila, I did not do it alone. We did those together),” he said.

Isko Moreno vows to serve Manilans until last day in office

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Crimes slightly up in March: PNP CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – The total number of crimes recorded nationwide has slightly increased in March as more areas were placed under the most relaxed Alert Level 1, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported.

Based on data from the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management and Crime Research Analysis Center (CRAC) of the PNP, the number of recorded crimes increased to 29,798 as of March 22, a 5.61 percent increase from February’s 28,214.

Last March 1, the majority of the areas in the country, including the National Capital Region (NCR) were placed under the lowest alert level system by the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases due to an improved coronavirus situation.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said the increased mobility due to relaxed restrictions under Alert Level 1 may have contributed to the rise of index crimes like theft.

Index crimes are crimes against persons and property while non-index crimes are all other illegal acts, including violations of special laws or local ordinances.

Año exhorted the public to always be alert and wary of their surroundings, especially when in crowded places, to avoid getting victimized by thieves.

The same data showed that the index crime volume went up from 2,726 to 2,841 or a 4.22 percent increase.

A total of 995 cases of theft were recorded in March, an 8.03 percent jump from 921 in February.

New Binondo-Intramuros bridge opens MANILA – The newly constructed P3.3 billion Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is open to traffic.

The Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is a two-way, four-lane, 680-meter long structure that links Intramuros at Solana Street and Riverside Drive, and Binondo at Rentas Street, Plaza del Conde Street and Muelle dela Industria, with a viaduct structure over Estero de Binondo.

The project is expected to benefit around 30,000 passing motorists daily between two of the busiest districts in Manila.

As part of the overall Metro Manila Logistics Network, a total of 12 bridges are being eyed over Pasig River, Marikina River, and the Manggahan Floodway, three of which were completed, five under procurement, three under financing negotiation with China, and one under the private initiative.

Government officials led by President Rodrigo Duterte inaugurated the bridge which will provide faster connectivity between two of the busiest districts in Manila.

Duterte said the China-funded bridge will give Filipinos the chance to experi-

ence economic growth and enhanced productivity.

He said the completion of the bridge project shows that the nation is working together towards greener, more sustainable and climate change resistance infrastructure.

“It is our hope that present and future generations will enjoy enhanced mobility and connectivity through the innovative physical integration,” he said.

Duterte thanked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its partners for completing what he described as “one of the key projects of this administration’s Build, Build, Build program.”

“I laud you all for the hard work you have done for this initiative to be accomplished. Despite the unprecedented challenges brought by [the] Covid-19 pandemic, you have all remained devoted to connecting people and places by completing this project,” he said.

He also thanked the People’s Republic of China for being a partner in enhancing key infrastructure projects in the country.

5 April 7-13, 2022

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Bangsamoro’s 16 towns, 2 cities tagged as critical election areas CAMP SALIPADA K. PENDATUN, Parang, Maguindanao - At least 16 towns and two cities located in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and Basilan have been identified as critical areas that would be closely monitored during the national and local elections in May 2022 by the Bangsamoro police.

Police Brigadier General Arthur Cabalona, Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao chief, said that in Maguindanao, ten towns are under the red code tag of the PNP for election as areas of concern.

Cabalona, in a GMA report, identified the ten towns

as Rajah Buayan, Sultan Sa Barongis, Datu Hoffer, Datu About a thousand police personnel have been trained Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, to serve in the last election.

Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak, and Shariff Saydona MuCabalona reported that since the implementation of stapha. firearms ban, at least 32 persons were arrested and 43 In Lanao Del Sur, Marawi City and three towns - firearms were confiscated in various police operations.

Malabang, Butig and Tubaran -- are tagged as critical areas.

In Basilan province, the police identified Lamitan City, and the towns of Al Barkha, Sumisip and Ungkaya Pukan as critical areas.

“So far we have identified 102 areas of concern, we are closely monitoring these areas,” said Cabalona.

Tarlac City swings for BBM-Sara: mayor

idential aspirant Sara Duterte.

Speaking before a huge red and green crowd at the Tarlac City Plaza, Angeles introduced Marcos as the “next president of the Republic of the Philippines”.

“Isisigaw natin ng malakas na ang Tarlac City is for BBM-Sara. Tapos na po ‘yung nakaraan — it’s time to move on. Susulong na po tayo. Kalimutan na po natin ang mga nangyari noon sapagkat kailangan natin ng pagkakisa para sa magandang kinabukasan,” she said, drawing loud cheers from the audience that packed the plaza outside the city hall.

She added: “Ito ang araw na pinakahihintay nating lahat dahil kasama natin ang susunod na pangulo ng Pilipinas na si Bongbong Marcos, kasama si Vice President Vice-presiden�al candidate Sara Duterte thanks Tarlac- Sara Duterte at ang ating UniTeam lineup”.

Marcos’ visit in Tarlac, she said, is “history in the queños for support during a UniTeam campaign rally at making” since the city is a known bailiwick of the Aquithe Tarlac City Plaza. nos.

TARLAC CITY – Tarlac City Mayor Cristy Angeles Tarlac is the home province of the late Senator Bedeclared the vote-rich city is for UniTeam’s presidential nigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., the political rival of Marcos’ candidate Ferdinan Bongbong Marcos Jr. and vice-pres- father, former President Ferdinand Marcos.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

April 7-13, 2022

Villar still richest Filipino with $8.3 B

Senator Manny Villar MANILA - Tycoon Manuel “Manny” Villar remains the richest person in the Philippines with net worth estimated to be at $8.3 billion or around P426.99 billion based on the latest list of world billionaires by Forbes Magazine.

The real estate titan’s net worth made him climb to 263rd spot from 352nd in 2021 among the world’s billionaires.

Forbes estimate noted Villar’s net worth increased byover $1 billion compared to his previous year’s $7.2 billion.

Villar, a former Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives and the husband of Sen. Cynthia Villar, chairs Vista Land and Life Escapes, and is into other property development, subdivision, condominiums, mall chains and other businesses, which now include water, memorial parks, coffee store chain, among others.

Just recently, Villar’s company was awarded two broadcast channels previously held by ABS-CBN. The second richest Filipino is port and casino magnate Enrique Razon with a net worth of $6.7 billion or P343.77 billion. He climbed to the 369th spot from his 561st ranking last year among the world’s billionaires, Forbes said.

Third wealthiest Filipinos were Henry Sy Jr. of SM Investments and Andrew Tan of Alliance Global Group who both stood at 1096th in the world, with net worth of $2.8 billion (around ₱144.06 billion.)

They are followed by the other Sy siblings. Hans and Herbert Sy both ranked 1196th worldwide with net worth at $2.6 billion each (around ₱133.77 billion). Harley and Teresita Sy-Coson shared the 1292nd spot, both having a net worth of $2.4 billion (around ₱123.48 billion), while and Elizabeth Sy landed 1445th worldwide with net worth of $2.1 billion (around ₱108.05 billion).

Completing the top 10 is San Miguel Corporation president and CEO Ramon Ang, who has an overall ranking of 1513th and net worth of $2 billion (around ₱102.9 billion).

JG Summit’s Lance Gokongwei came next who was val-

ued at $1.6 billion (around ₱82.32 billion).

Landing 2190th is Jollibee Food’s Tony Tan Caktiong with a net worth of $1.3 billion (around ₱66.89 billion).

Monde Nissin’s Betty Ang, LT Group’s Lucio Tan, and Converge ICT Solutions’ Maria Grace Uy all tied at 2324th with a net worth of $1.2 billion (around ₱61.73 billion).

Rounding up the list are the Genomals of Page Industries, namely Nari, Ramesh and Sunder, along with Alphaland’s Roberto Ongpin, and Converge ICT’s Dennis Uy. They shared the 2578th spot, each had a net worth of $1 billion (around ₱51.29 billion).

Converge ICT Solutions Inc’s Maria Grace Uy and Dennis Anthony Uy, Monde Nissin’s Betty Ang and members of the Genomal family, who owns Page Industries, one of the biggest licensees for underwear maker Jockey, are new entrants in the list of richest Filipinos,Forbes said.

Filipinos who made it to the World’s Billionaire’s List 2022: #263 Manny Villar (net worth of $8.3 billion) #369 Enrique Razon (net worth of $6.7 billion) #1096 Henry Sy Jr (net worth $2.8 billion) #1096 Andrew Tan (net worth $2.8 billion) #1196 Hans Sy (net worth $2.6 billion) #1196 Herbert Sy (net worth $2.6 billion) #1292 Harley Sy (net worth $2.4 billion) #1292 Teresita Sy-Coson (net worth $2.4 billion) #1445 Elizabeth Sy (net worth $2.1 billion) #1513 Ramon Ang (net worth $2 billion) #1818 Lance Gokongwei (net worth $1.6 billion) #2190 Tony Tan Caktiong (net worth $1.3 billion) #2324 Betty Ang (net worth $1.2 billion) #2324 Lucio Tan (net worth $1.2 billion) #2324 Maria Grace Uy (net worth $1.2 billion) #2578 Nari Genomal (net worth $1 billion) #2578 Ramesh Genomal (net worth $1 billion) #2578 Sunder Genomal (net worth $1 billion) * #2578 Roberto Ongpin (net worth $1 billion) #2578 Dennis Anthony Uy (net worth $1 billion) For 2022, Forbes listed 2,668 billionaires around the world, lower than last year’s 2,755 billionaires who have a collective value of $12.7 trillion.

Forbes noted that the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with sluggish markets and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict hit the world’s billionaires this year.

Despite the pandemic, Tesla’s Elon Musk emerged as the world’s richest with a net worth of $219 billion.

Forbes named Elon Musk as the world’s richest man for the first time with a net worth of $219 billion.

Musk’s portfolio includes Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company, among others. He also recently bought over 9 percent stake in the social media platform Twitter.

Amazon and Blue Origin’s Jeff Bezos, LVMH’s Bernard Arnault and family, Microsoft’s Bill Gates and investing legend Warren Buffet rounded up the world’s top 5 billionaires.

PHL Covid-19 cases average remain low at 366 per day MANILA – The number of new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases remain low nationwide, averaging 366 only per day in the past week, according to the Department of Health.

Latest data from the health department showed that the country logged 2,568 new infections for the week of March 29 to April 4.

“Patunay ito na mababa na talaga ang ating case rates, nasa 1.8 percent na lamang po ang ating positivity rate mas mababa kumpara sa 2.1 percent noong nakaraang linggo (This is proof that case rates are truly low with 1.8 percent positivity rate which is lower than last week’s 2.1 percent),” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during an online media forum.

With the government’s continued effort, more than 66.2 million individuals are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 while 71.4 million have received their first dose of the lifesaving jabs.

The number of individuals with comorbidities who are now fully vaccinated have reached 8.9 million or 93.2 percent of the target population while about 66 million or 75.9 percent of the elderly population have completed their primary series.

Meantime, there are more than one million children aged 5 to 11 and nine million adolescents who are fully inoculated.

As for the booster shots, about 12.2 million out of the 46.8 million eligible citizens have received them.

In her presentation, Vergeire said countries with higher rates of booster and vaccination have seen fewer deaths in recent surges of Covid-19 cases.

She cited that both Hong Kong and New Zealand saw a recent surge in infections due to new variants of coronavirus.

However, there were 38 times more deaths per one million people in Hong Kong which administered less vaccine boosters compared to New Zealand.

6

Strong leadership needed, stop political dynasty: Lacson PASAY CITY – Independent presidential candidate Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson noted the need for the country’s anti-corruption institutions to have a strong leadership for them to be able to carry out their mandate.

“Di mahina ang sistema. Marami tayong batas at institution na tumatakbo.

Kahinaan po ng tao. Kahinaan ng tao sa gobyerno. Ang aking natutunan sa aking pag-aaral sa PMA (Philippine Military Academy) one of the leadership principles napakaimportante, leadership by example (The system is not weak, we have a lot of laws and institutions working, what is system is the human element in government. And from I have learned at the PMA, one of the most important leadership principle is leadership by example),” he said during the PiliPinas Debates 2022: The Turning Point.

Lacson said these efforts will not succeed if a leader is not able to carry out orders to subordinates.

He added that the government already has enough institutions and measures in place to go after those involved in graft and corruption.

“Meron tayong ARTA (Anti-Red Tape Act), Government Procurement Act, Philippine Competition Act, napakaraming batas. Meron tayong Ombudsman, meron tayong Sandiganbayan. So ang kahinaan di sa sistema, sa taong nagpapatupad ng anti-graft and corrupt practices act. Yan ang ating dapat supilin.

SC suspends senatorial bet-lawyer MANILA – Senatorial candidate Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon has been suspended indefinitely from law practice by the Supreme Court for verbal outbursts against a journalist.

In a statement, the tribunal said the court en banc ordered the preventive suspension and ordered Gadon to explain within 10 days why he should not be disbarred.

The suspension is effective immediately and will last until lifted by the Court.

Gadon’s troubles arose from a video posted online on December 15 that showed him uttering profanities against journalist Raissa Robles after the latter labeled presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as a tax evader.

The SC said Gadon displayed the same behavior in previous instances, which are the subject of disbarment complaints before the SC and Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

The Office of the Bar Confidant was ordered to submit an updated list of the pending administrative cases against Gadon and report of the charges.

7 April 7-13, 2022

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

PNP tags 100 towns, 14 cities as poll ‘hotspots’

PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos at a press conference in Camp Crame.

CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recommended that 100 municipalities and 14 cities be placed under the “red category” of election hotspots for the May 9 elections.

“In the last meeting, the red areas all over the country were 100 municipalities and 14 cities. Ngayon, titingnan namin yung update meron tayong color coded, meron tayong green, wala tayong magiging problema sa green areas. Yung yellow and orange binabantayan natin (Now we will look at the update we have color-coded, we have green, we will not

have a problem with green areas. We continue monitoring the yellow and orange) but we focus on the red colored areas ito yung aming huling datos (this is our latest data) is 100 municipalities and 14 cities,” PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said in a press conference in Camp Crame.

Carlos said he has issued marching orders to each unit commander to focus on the areas that will be placed under the red category to suppress any electionrelated violence.

“March pa lang pina-activate ko na yung (As early as March, I already or-

dered to activate the) RSOTGs (Regional Special Operations Task Group (RSOTG) to be headed by a DRDO (Deputy Regional Director for Operations) or a senior officer coming from the regional offices and these RSOTGs are deployed in these red areas to support the preparations being made by the different provinces or city, municipality police units,” said Carlos.

Carlos, however, did not disclose what areas are under the election hotspot list which has four categories -- green, yellow, orange, and red.

Green refers to areas that do not have security concerns and are generally peaceful and orderly, while yellow are areas of concern, which means that these have a history of election-related incidents in the last elections, possible employment of partisan armed groups, the occurrence of politically motivated election-related incidents and had been previously declared under Commission on Elections (Comelec) control.

Orange, meanwhile, means areas of immediate concern where there is a serious armed threat; while Red means areas of grave concern, which exhibit combined factors under the Yellow category with serious armed threats that may war-

rant the motu proprio (on its own) declaration of Comelec control.

Earlier, the Commission on Elections said there are 300 “areas of concern” or “election hotspots” that they are currently investigating.

“The Comelec announcement in connection to the 300 areas of concern this is including the other yellow, orange areas kaya ganun yung (that’s why is) 300. Nonetheless, I defer to the authority and better judgment of Comelec to make public the names of these areas,” he stressed.

With the Comelec’s completion of the printing of over 67.4 million ballots ahead of its April 25 target, Carlos said the PNP is also making early preparations to provide security for the transport of ballots and other election paraphernalia and equipment to the designated Comelec hubs in the different regions and provinces in coordination with the AFP and PCG. The official ballots and the election returns shall be distributed by the Comelec to each city and municipality at the rate of one and one-fifth ballots for every voter registered in each polling place and for election returns, at the rate of one set each for every polling place.

Robredo: Full disclosure policy will be first executive order PASAY CITY – Vice President Leni Robredo’s first executive order if she gets elected as president is a full disclosure policy in order to promote greater transparency in public service.

During the second installment of the Commission on Elections’ PiliPinas Debates 2022, Robredo said her first EO would require all government offices and instrumentalities to make public all their transactions and contracts “even without need of request from anyone”.

She pointed out that transparency is one of the key elements to combat corruption, which, she said, is a result of both institutional and individual weaknesses. The other elements are accountability and people empowerment.

“Merong tatlong pangangailangan para siguraduhin natin na napipilitan, ‘yung sistema napipilitan niya ang public officials para maging matino at mahusay. ‘Yung number one, accountability. Gaya nung sinabi ni Senator Manny (Pacquiao), dapat ‘yung nagkakasala napaparusahan. Pero equally important and even more important ‘yung transparency at people empowerment kasi eto ‘yung magp-prevent for public officials na gumawa ng mali ‘pag very transparent ang ating processes ,” she said.

She also highlighted other instruments for transparency, such as creating a citizen’s charter and digitizing government services and processes to improve public service delivery.

“Another instrument for transparency ‘yung paggagawa ng citizens char-

ter, na sinasabi natin, alam ng tao kung anong aasahan niya sa pamahalaan pagdating sa mga proseso, (at) ‘yung pag-digitize ng lahat ng proseso para minimal ‘yung human contact (Another instrument for transparency is the citizen’s charter. Through this, the public would know what they would expect in terms of processes and the digitization of all processes for minimal human contact),” she said.

As for people empowerment, she stressed the need to involve the public in decision-making through the creation of people’s councils in local governments, as well as the revival of the bottom-up budgeting scheme.

Robredo said there is a need to pass a law banning political turncoatism in order to strengthen the political party system in the country.

Turncoatism, or jumping from one political party to another, weakens the country’s political party system, as some politicians only use parties for “political convenience”, she said.

She said a law prohibiting turncoatism would compel politicians to join parties because they share the same political ideas and platforms.

Robredo also said it was time to discuss whether to retain the current multi-party system in the country or revive the two-party system.

She suggested the idea of holding a runoff election, or a second election that is held if the top vote-getting candidate in a first election did not achieve the minimum percentage of votes required in that particular area.

SAI RAM ASTROLOGER & PSYCHIC MISS DEVI SHAMALA

 NATIONAL NEWS Bill...

April 7-13, 2022

(From page 1)

the gun industry accountable through civil litigation for the proliferation of illegal firearms.

“This week’s unconscionable act of gun violence is a tragic reminder of the lives that are at stake in this crisis that endangers communities across the country,” said Governor Newsom in a statement sent to Philippine News Today.

“Today, the Legislature took an important step towards holding the gun industry accountable for mass shootings in our communities involving illegal firearms and protecting residents, utilizing the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that allowed private citizens in Texas the ability to sue abortion providers,” Newsom said. “So long as the

$50m...

(From page 1)

fornia Newspaper Publishers Association, said that all bills with a budget of over $250,000 get placed in the “suspense file” of the Senate Appropriations committee; legislative analysts determine the fiscal impact of the bill and make their recommendations to the committee.

Introducing his bill in committee, Glazer said 911 was an appropriate number for the legislation. “911 responds to an emergency. That emergency is the threat posed to our democracy by misinformation.

“Our free speech, and our democracy are being overwhelmed by ‘Cheap Speech,’” said the senator, adding that the

Supreme Court has set this precedent, California will use it to save lives.”

SB 1327 allows private citizens to bring civil actions against any person who manufactures, distributes, transports, imports into the state or sells assault weapons, .50 BMG rifles, ghost guns, or ghost gun kits.

“I am proud to be working with Governor Newsom and his Administration to bring accountability to gun manufacturers and others who are flooding our streets with dangerous and deadly weapons,” said Senator Hertzberg. “The alarm bells are blaring. We could not have a clearer call for action to stop gun violence than what happened on Sunday at the doorstep of our state’s democracy. The Legislature will act.”

Senator Hertzberg’s bill is part of a

larger legislative package supported by Governor Newsom to strengthen gun laws and protect Californians. In February, the Governor highlighted additional gun safety legislation, including AB 1594

by Assemblymembers Philip Ting (D-San Francisco), Mike Gipson (D-Carson) and Christopher Ward (D-San Diego), which would allow individuals and the California Attorney General to sue manufacturers and sellers of firearms for the harm caused by their products. AB 2571 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) would restrict marketing of firearms to minors. And AB 1621 by Assemblymember Gipson seeks to further restrict the proliferation of ghost guns.

Governor Newsom’s proposed Real Public Safety Plan would create a new

statewide gun buyback program to provide matching grants and safe-disposal opportunities to get guns off our streets. The plan also includes additional funding for California’s gun violence research center at the University of California, Davis.

California pioneered statewide gun safety protections, approved by voters in Proposition 63, to ban possession of largecapacity ammunition magazines and require background checks to keep ammunition out of the hands of dangerous people.

Since assuming office, Governor Newsom has signed multiple bills aimed at reducing gun violence, including strengthening gun violence restraining orders, regulating the sale of firearms and ammunition and accelerating the regulation of ghost guns.

costs of “good old fashioned fact-based news” is not cheap.

“The result, unfortunately, is that cheap speech has become more widespread than free speech,” he said.

Glazer expressed his appreciation for the input he received from the California Newspaper Publishers Association, Ethnic Media Services, California Common Cause, and other organizations. Maya Chupkov, Media and Democracy Program Manager at California Common Cause, said at the hearing that her organization wants to see some amendments in the bill.

“We hope to support it soon,” she said.

Glazer said the bill was a work in progress. “I hope to continue to engage in con-

structive conversations so that we can further refine the bill as we go forward.”

In California, there has been a 24 percent decline in newspapers, from 481 to 366, during the past 18 years. Circulation has dropped by nearly half, from 13 million to 7.2 million. Nationally, more than 2,100 newspapers have folded during the past 15 years.

Sen. Bob Archuleta, D-Los Angeles commended Glazer for introducing the measure. “This bill will truly help the news industry. Every town used to have a local newspaper: this bill will bring that back.”

Sen. Jim Nielsen, R-Red Bluff, said he supported the “noble intent” of the bill. “I have watched newspapers die,” he said

during the committee hearing.

Nielsen nevertheless voted no, saying he was wary of giving away power to the government, and expressed his concern that newspapers would be dependent on the government. Glazer countered Nielsen’s arguments, noting the independent board which will make the decisions on who receives funding. “We have purposely created a model that does not have government dictating who gets what.”

Sen. Andreas Borgeas, R-Fresno, offered a “friendly amendment,” stating the need for a “rigorous credentialing process” of media outlets receiving grants, including editor and peer-reviewed content. Glazer noted that editorial independence is built into the bill.

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9 April 7-13, 2022 Gov’t...

(From page 1)

This as the Senate, taking cue from President Rodrigo Duterte in reminding the BIR to ensure that all estate taxes are being properly collected, may open soon an investigation through its Committees on Finance, Ways and Means, and Blue Ribbon into the unpaid estate taxes and the failure of the BIR to collect said taxes, said Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III. Pimentel said in a television interview that senators led by Senate President Vicente Sotto III favour the holding of the Senate public hearing, saying the Senate has still time before or after the election to conduct he hearings.

Pimentel called for the investigation of the alleged unpaid estate tax of the Marcos family through Senate Resolution No. 998 filed last March 28, which sought to direct the proper Senate committee to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation.

This as Sen. Imee Marcos questioned the timing in bringing up the issue on the unpaid estate taxes by former First Lady Imelda Marcos and former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., co-administrators of the Marcos estate, saying those bringing up the P203-billion liability were part of efforts and “dirty tactics” to discredit

them ahead of the May elections.

Senator Marcos, whose brother Ferdinand Jr. is running for president and is leading the race based on surveys, said the issue had not been discussed for many years.

“Ang akin lang, ang dami-daming taon, bakit bigla ngayon lumabas?

Parang talagang paninira naman yata ito ng bulok na politika,” the lady senator said in a television interview.

In 1997, the Supreme Court affirmed a decision by the Court of Appeals on the Marcos family’s estate tax liability as “final and executory”.

The camp of Marcos has insisted that the Marcos family’s estate tax remains unsettled since the properties linked to the case are still under litigation.

Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar acknowledged mounting calls for the government to collect the unpaid estate tax of the Marcos family.

“The issue of the Marcos family’s estate tax liabilities has spanned over several administrations,” Andanar said, adding President Duterte already called out the BIR for failing to collect the unpaid estate taxes in a prerecorded public address on March 29.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his last Talk to the People Address has already called the attention of the

Bureau of Internal Revenue to address this issue,” Andanar added.

During a Palace press briefing on March 30, Andanar said Duterte’s statement was a reminder for the BIR, noting that the agency should go after all individuals not paying their taxes.

“Hindi lang sa kung sinong politiko o personalidad. Dapat sa lahat ng personalidad na hindi nagbabayad ay dapat habulin ng BIR sapagkat kailangan ng karagdagang pondo ng ating national government (Not just certain politicians or personality.

The BIR should go after any person who is not paying their taxes because the national government needs the additional fund),” Andanar said.

Last December, the BIR sent a demand letter to the Marcoses to pay their estate tax which grew to P203 billion after the party of presidential candidate Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso called for its urgent settlement, pointing out the money to be collected can boost the coffers of the government, the debt of which has soared to P12 trillion.

Secretary Dominguez and BIR chief Dulay have confirmed the “BIR is collecting and demanded payment from the Marcos Estate Administrators.”

Dominguez said the government

is intent on collecting the unpaid estate taxes from the Marcoses.

“We have been in discussion, intense discussion with the Bureau of Internal Revenue on this issue and they are studying this issue very carefully,” Dominguez said.

The finance chief said there have been several amounts on how much the estate tax due to the government from the family of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and “that is for the BIR to determine.”

Dominguez said the amount originally was about P9 billion but because of penalties and interest after several court cases, there have been several amounts floated, such as P99 billion and P203 billion.

“So which amount is going to be settled is in discussions now with BIR,” he said, adding that from his understanding from the BIR, “is that they are trying to cut through all these issues in order to do the job.”

According to the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission, the Supreme Court (SC) in July 2003 ruled that over P25 billion worth of Marcos assets were considered ill-gotten.

The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), created in 1986 to recover the Marcoses’ and their cronies’ ill-gotten wealth, has so far recovered P171 billion.

 NATIONAL NEWS Duterte...

(From page 1)

Mr. Duterte has said on several occasions that he preferred to remain neutral in the race to succeed him.

His own political party – the Cusi wing of PDP-Laban -had endorsed Marcos Jr. recently, and the son and namesake of the late dictator had even visited him in Malacanang, to no avail.

During that meeting which lasted about an hour, the president only told Marcos Jr. of the difficulties of being president, a position that Mr. Duterte earlier said the candidate was not qualified to seek.

He had referred to Marcos Jr. as a “weak leader” whose only claim to fame was his name. The president also accused the presidential wannabe of being a cocaine addict.

The president is even quoted as telling his followers not to vote for Marcos Jr., otherwise “he will rob you again.”

Even the candidate’s sister, Senator Imee Marcos, said last month that their family had been seeking the support of Mr. Duterte.

Mr. Duterte had said that he wanted the person to succeed him to be a lawyer, at the very least, but who should also be compassionate. Vice President Leni Robredo is the only presidential candidate who is a lawyer and has well-earned reputation for her compassion, especially during national calamities.

While it seems unlikely that Mr. Duterte will endorse Robredo, one of his closest allies who had endorsed the vice president’s presidential bid said he believed the president had a “soft spot” for the vice president.

Gov. Ben Evardone had said the prior to his endorsing Robredo, he first sought the approval of Mr. Duterte.

On several occasions, the president had agreed that Robredo was an intelligent woman “because she passed the bar,” but that he felt that her being a woman worked against her.

Besides Marcos Jr., the three other male, non-lawyer presidential bets Isko Moreno, Manny Pacquiao, and Ping Lacson, had at one time or another actively sought the president’s endorsement.

Only Robredo had never sought that support or endorsement, but her camp did say that they would welcome it if given unconditionally.

In an odd development, Mr. Duterte last week endorsed 17 candidates for senator when the electorate will only vote 12 senators for the next Congress.

April 7-13, 2022

Historic...

(From page 1)

Wow!” said Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, who represents Historic Filipinotown. “This community is so deserving of such an iconic, impressive landmark. The Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway pays fitting tribute to the incredible contributions of the Filipino community in Los Angeles and beyond.”

The gateway features numerous design elements including: the Parol; the Gumamela flower also known as hibiscus, which pays tribute to frontline workers; and the Sarimanok – all symbols with deep roots in Filipino culture.

Crews completed the structural installation last Saturday.

“The Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway project has been nearly two decades in the making,” said Jessica Caloza, former Commissioner, City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works. “It’s a monument not just for the Filipino and Asian community, but for all immigrant communities who come to Los Angeles to build a life and a home. The gateway represents that hope and dream of what’s possible and thanks to the community, our elected officials, and so many partners, it’s now a reality.”

Councilmember O’Farrell, joined by local leaders and community members, will officially dedicate the Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway with a community ribboncutting on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. at the intersection of Beverly Blvd and Belmont Ave. The celebration will include food, music, and dance performances. Residents interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP at bit. ly/HiFiGateway.

“2022 is a huge year for SIPA and Historic Filipinotown.

Not only are we celebrating 20 years of the Historic Filipinotown designation, but SIPA is also celebrating our 50th anniversary,” said Kimmy Maniquis, Executive Director, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA). “The Talang Gabay gateway is a beautiful symbol of a neighborhood that holds great significance to Filipino Americans in Los Angeles and we are proud to have been part of the process.

As SIPA opens our community center on Temple street later this year, we celebrate with the City of Los Angeles and our fellow legacy organizations in creating long-standing cultural markers that will honor the Filipino American community for generations to come.”

Robredo...

(From page 1)

supporters for a victory in the May 9 elections.

The Pulse Asia survey conducted on March 17-21 showed Robredo’s numbers rising by nine percentage points while the numbers of her frontrunning rival former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declined by four points.

Data released by Pulse Asia showed Robredo’s score rose to 24% from 15% while that of Marcos fell from 60% to 56%.

This prompted political analysts to state that momentum is on the side of Robredo’s presidential bid.

Political strategist Dr. Dante Velasco said it is possible that if Marcos’ survey performance is on the downtrend, Robredo could then catch up.

Marcos, however, remained on top of the presidential race as scored the highest in the National Capital Region with 64%, 56% both in Classes C and D, and 52% in Class E. Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso remained at the third spot with 8% voter share followed by Senator Emmanuel Manny Pacquiao with 6% and Senator Panfilo Lacson with 2%.

Still lagging in the survey are Faisal Mangondato (1%), Ernie Abella (0.1%), Jose Montemayor Jr. (0.05%), Leody De Guzman (0.02%), and Norberto Gonzales (0%).

Meanwhile, Marcos’ running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte also maintained her lead in the survey as her voter share even increased from 53% to 56%.

The presidential daughter leads in all island groups and has scored the highest in Mindanao with 83%. Among the socioeconomic groups, she got 63% in Class C, 55% in Class D, and 57% in Class E. Senate President Vicente Sotto III remains at the second spot with 20% followed by Senator Francis Pangilinan (15%), Willie Ong (5%), Lito Atienza (1%), Manny Lopez (0.3%), Walden Bello (0.1%), Carlos Serapio (0.01%), and Rizalito David (0.01%).

In the senatorial survey, broadcaster Raffy Tulfo maintained his lead with 65.6% voter share.

Comebacking senators Loren Legarda (58.3%), former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano (56.4%), and Sorsogon Governor Francis Escudero (54.4%) followed Tulfo.

Former Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar (52.4%), and reelectionist Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (50.3%) also had strong showing in the survey.

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 OPINION

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EDITORIAL

SB 911: A much-needed boost for ethnic media (From page 1)

Now we are keeping our fingers crossed that the Senate passes the bill into law at the soonest time possible.

SB 911 would provide funding for public interest media, boosting the existing law that created the California Public Broadcasting Commission which encourages the growth and development of public broadcasting services to the people of this great state.

The help the proposed law can provide ethnic media would be enormous as it would also be able to tap federal grants, further boosting the funds to be made available to legitimate media organizations.

It is no secret that these are difficult times for most media companies, but most especially ethnic media. Yet, these same ethnic media – Philippine News Today included – are an important part of the day-to-day life of the various minority groups that comprise a large portion of the population of California.

The $50 million can go a long way in guaranteeing the continued existence of ethnic media fighting to stay alive, even as a good number have already given up the fight and closed shop.

These last two years have been especially tough for print, broadcast, and online media organizations given that a pandemic is no reason to limit their coverage of the news. In fact, it is during such a crisis that media must continue to operate given the need of all communities to know how to address the multitude of problems that they face.

Then there is the volatile political situation in our homeland, the Republic of the Philippines, where fake news is so widespread that millions of voters literally are unaware of the great danger they face should they elect a leader with no leadership skills to speak of, no record of accomplishing anything of note that has helped his countrymen, and no program of government other than generic motherhood statements should he emerge victorious.

If that incompetent candidate has done anything worth mentioning, it was his camp’s ability to spread fake news as gospel truth, thereby brainwashing generations of Filipinos too young to remember the abuses committed by a regime that was not only completely disrespectful of basic human rights, but which also committed wholesale theft of the nation’s coffers to the tune of billions of dollars.

Now, more than ever, FilAm media organizations have the duty and responsibility to disseminate the truth, especially in a worst-case scenario where the presidential election will be stolen via the use of those stolen billions.

A number of Philippine media may be in the pocket of that candidate, but FilAm media is not easily swayed and for the most part remains untouchable.

Anything that helps keep the presses running will be highly appreciated.

The California Public Interest Media Act of 2022 will most certainly assure that free and fair local journalism will continue to flourish, be it ethnic media, mainstream media, or non-profit news sectors.

As state Senator Steve Glazer -- principal sponsor of the bill -- said, it is “good old-fashioned fact-based news” that the public craves for, and rightfully deserves. SB 911 will make this so.

Forgiveness requires contrition Upside

ORGIVENESS comes to my mind days after my older grandson received his first communion, having been absolved of what a 7-year-old perceives as his sins, like “fighting” with his little brother. For penance, he said a few prayers plus the Act of Contrition, which he knows by heart but not quite the meaning of the long word.

Too bad that common bedtime prayer eludes many these days, when it truly has its place.

We hear the words “forgive and forget,” a catchy imperative sounds as an act of kindness. In some, may- CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO be, but not for grievous situations.

When a human being – a person who offered his life to free his people from tyranny – is shot dead and left sprawled in his own blood on the airport tarmac, apologies are just the tip of the required response. And when millions take to the streets to exact justice by calling and forcing out those they believe ordered the execution, they demand penitence and penance.

Sad to say Filipinos got neither for the atrocities of the ruthless 20-year dictatorship whose heads hastily fled when their victims finally fought back.

That is why shock and anger met that photo of a campaign rally for current presidential aspirant Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his running mate in Tarlac, of all places - the home province of Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., whose martyrdom crumbled the regime of the former’s father. Organizers reduced the Ninoy Aquino monument to an unwanted fixture, his face staring at the roof of the tent. Tarlac City Mayor Cristy Angeles defended the reaction for the “unintentional” disrespect: “Tapos na yung mga nakaraan. Time to move on. Susulong na tayo, kalimutan na ang mga nangyari noon sapagkat kailangan natin and pagkakaisa para sa magangang kinabukasan.” Or: The past is over. Time to move on. Let’s move forward, forget what happened then because we need unity for a bright future. She added, “Never mind the critics. It’s time for forgiveness and healing.”

Where was Angeles in 1986, the first time in recent history when Filipinos united against a dictatorship? How could she demand that citizens simply delete from their consciousness Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos’ plunder of their nation and the enduring malaise it wrought? What does this better future she promises to build from her candidates’ triumph look like given their lack of remorse for their fathers’ abuses?

What would it take to remind today’s Filipinos why their elders risked their lives 36 years ago?Or as Lupita Aquino Kashiwahara laments: Does Ninoy in death have to be killed again to wake up our country folks to a future that awaits them if Ferdinand Marcos Jr wins?

All is not lost, thankfully. Amnesia has evaded Bishop Pablo Virgilion David, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, who blasted what his saw as desecration.

“If this is how we treat the memory of a man whose death helped save our country from the long dark years of tyranny and dictatorship, whose blood watered the seeds of aspiration for the restoration of our freedom and democracy, then it must be said he (Continued on page 27)

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

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 OPINION

April 7-13, 2022

PerryScope

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ast month, Lory, an old client, visited my home office in San Francisco together with her Mom for the notarization and apostille of five documents which comprised of two affidavits (one affidavit for her Mom’s Proof of Life and one affidavit on her maiden name and mar- ART GABOT MADLAING ried name) and three general power of attorney).

After some preliminaries, I had Lory and her Mom signed the five documents. I also had them signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and put their right thumb marks. The following week, I submitted the notarized documents for apostille to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento, California.

UPDATE ON APOSTILLE PROCESSING: As of today, the Front Desk at the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento and Los Angeles, is still closed. There are two options available for the apostille processing of notarized documents namely: 1. Mail the notarized documents for apostille to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento or Los Angeles, California. I don’t recommend this option because it takes longer processing and some risk.

2. The second option is submit the notarized documents for apostille at the Apostille Box located in the lobby of the Secretary of State building in Sacramento together with appropriate Apostille fees in check or money order issued to the Secretary of State and completely filled out Apostille Request Form all inside a prepaid USPS Priority Mail envelope.

This was the option I did for the five notarized documents submitted for apostille for Lory and her Mom. This is the option I personally recommend because it is faster and safer.

Lory made a smart move in visiting my home office and bringing five documents for notarization and apostille. In so doing , she and her Mom got big savings on multiple documents discounts on the apostille submission and processing fees at the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento, California. If they brought the five documents one at a time, they could have incurred additional expenses of about $500 in the submission and processing of documents for apostille.

Also, since Lory and her Mom decided to visit me in my home office in San Francisco, they got extra savings of $180 on gas and mileage fees. By availing themselves of the complete and unique MSS services, Lory and her Mom received the following advantages and benefits: 1.AVOIDED TAKING OFF FROW WORK; 2. SAVINGS ON GAS AND MILEAGE FEES, 3. MULTIPLE DOCUMENTS AND MULTIPLE SIGNATURES DISCOUNTS, 4. FREE PARKING FEES, 5.VERY FLEXIBLE APPOINTMENTS, 6. DOCUMENTS PREPARATION DISCOUNT 7.

DISCOUNTS FOR THE ELDERLY AND VETERANS, 8.

CONVENIENCE AND PEACE OF MIND. For immediate help and assistance in the notarization and apostille follow up of Affidavits, Special Power of Attorney, Proof of Life, DEED OF DONATION, Deed of Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate, DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE and all other 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 email:agmadlaing@hotmail.com.

PARTNERSHIP WITH JOE SANTOS AND MARILYN DE CASTRO BECKLEHIMER: After the release and publication by Amazon of the Revised 2022 Edition of my book “REAL ESTATE & YOU”, I had the opportunity last week to meet Joe Santos and Marilyn De Castro Becklehimer and gave autographed copies of “REAL ESTATE & YOU” subtitled “Your Basic Guide and Information for Successful Investing in Home, Land and Income Property” as lasting gifts to them.

Joe and Marilyn are both experienced and full-time professionals in home loans, refinancing, buying and selling real estate respectively. In the course of our conversation, I told them that I want to revive my real estate practice if I can find full-time partners who can work with me in giving excellent and professional services to hundreds of old clients in real estate as well as hundreds of old and new clients with our Mobile Signing Services (MSS).

(Continue on page 27)

D

Political dynasties are anti-democracy

uring the second Commission on Elections presidential debates last Sunday, Sen. Manny Pacquiao defended political dynasties, saying that as a democratic country and under the Constitution, all Filipinos have the right to run for office and it is the right of the people to choose who they want to vote.

The rights of politicians VAL ABELGAS from political dynasties may be violated if they are prohibited from running for office, he said.

Of course, we understand where Pacquiao is coming from. Pacquiao has two brothers in Congress – Rogelio, who succeeded him as Sarangani representative when he run for senator, and Alberto (Bobby) who is representative of the OFW Family party-list.

But he was clearly wrong when he said to prohibit members of political dynasties would be a violation of their constitutional right. The 1987 Constitution was very explicit with regards political dynasties. Article II Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution states: “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”

The framers of the Constitution realized precisely that political dynasties are an antithesis to democracy because they prevent more qualified and more dedicated people from winning seats of power.

The problem is that Congress has not enacted an enabling law to enforce that provision of the Constitution. This, again, is understandable, but not acceptable.

Three bills have been filed in the House of Representatives that have since been consolidated into one (HB 3587) in December 2013. The bill applies the definition of political dynasty only if the number of elective officials from the same family is at least three. In short, only two relatives can be in elective offices at the same time.

The Senate bill (SB 2469), filed by the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago in 2011, is more restrictive, allowing only one member of the family to hold office at any given time.

Both versions prohibit the immediate succession of a candidate related within second degree of consanguinity to an incumbent. Both, however, aim to control -- rather than abolish -- political dynasties.

But, again, it is close to improbable that Congress would pass an anti-political dynasty bill considering that 70% of them are themselves members of such dynasties.

Political dynasties have become so dominant in Philippine politics that in almost every town, city and province, it has become common practice for members of political families to play “rigodon” during elections and make a mockery of constitutionally mandated term limits.

Just take the example of Davao City, where the Dutertes have been alternately holding the positions of mayor, vice mayor and House representative for decades. The same goes for Ilocos Norte, La Union, Cebu, Cavite, Eastern Samar, Makati, Taguig, and nearly all provinces and cities in the country, even Pacquiao’s small Sarangani.

If there are more family members than there are local positions available, they would even put up party-list groups to accommodate more, or let the more popular ones to run for national office.

Political dynasties have been described as “machineries of power that seek to perpetuate their own bloodlines and expand their reach.” One reason political dynasties have continued their domination in their respective political territories is that because of their positions of power and influence, national officials and those seeking national positions, and businessmen operating or wanting to operate in their areas of control have to kowtow to these powerful political clans.

And because these elite families have both political and economic control over their provinces or cities, people outside of their circle of influence who are otherwise more qualified, more honest and more dedicated to render public service are unable to win elective positions.

“The problem with elite politics is there is no program or platform, it’s all power,” said Ramon Casiple, executive director of the advocacy group Institute for Political and Electoral Reforms.

(Continue on page 27) “A lot of these political dynas-

On Distant Shore

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ITH 40 DAYS LEFT to Election Day, the campaign season in the Philippines is now on the homestretch. From here onward, everyday counts. While the five remaining and active presidential candidates – Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Leni Robredo, Isko Moreno, Manny Pacquiao, and Ping Lacson – are busy crisscrossPERRY DIAZ ing the archipelago courting voters, many of whom are still undecided who to vote for on May 9, 2022, the bandwagons of Robredo and Marcos Jr. are gathering supporters in all regions. But between the two candidates, Robredo appears to be gaining momentum, particularly among the young voters, many of whom are voting for the first time.

Driven – and inspired -- by idealism and good governance, the young voters are overwhelmingly supportive of Robredo whose campaign theme has resonated well with them.

Meanwhile, the Leni-Kiko campaign is gaining momentum. Everywhere they go, tens of thousands of enthusiastic young people come out shouting “Leni! Leni!...” And a lot of them wear pink, Leni’s color.

It is interesting to note that some groups are supporting Leni in tandem with Sara Duterte. They call themselves RoSa, short for Robredo-Sara Duterte. Coincidentally, Rosa or pink is Leni’s campaign color. Another group call themselves LeTi, short for Leni and Tito Sotto, Ping Lacson’s vice presidential running mate.

But while Robredo and Bongbong are locked in a battle for survival, the other three presidential candidates wouldn’t give up. Recently, presidential contender Sen. Ping Lacson was offended when vice presidential candidate Lito Atienza, the running mate of presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao, said that he was considering backing out of the race and was hoping Lacson would also quit. Well, being near the tail end of the pack, it might be wise for Lacson to reconsider his candidacy and get behind Bongbong or Leni. The same is true for Pacquiao, who is just a tad behind Lacson. But Pacquiao said that he would withdraw from the race if he gets an “instruction” from God to drop his bid.

“Who am I to go against God? If there is conviction, if God shows it to me, I will withdraw even two days before the election or one day before the election. If God has an instruction for me, I will follow,” Pacquiao said.

When asked what sign he would seek from God regarding his candidacy, Pacquiao said there were times he dreamed about his defeats in boxing when he was still a professional boxer. “I shared these things to some people before the fight, and what I dreamed about was what exactly happened during the fight,” he added.

Survey results Let’s take a look at the results of the latest surveys: Marcos 49.3%, Robredo 21.3%, Moreno 8.8%, Lacson 2.9%, and Pacquiao 2.8%. Isn’t Pacquaio’s poor approval rating a “sign from God” that his crusade isn’t going anywhere? But like in boxing, there are times when the difficulties appear too great and we just throw in the towel. Perhaps, it’s time for Pacquiao to throw in the towel and bow out gracefully.

If I were to put my money on who’s going to win, I’d put it on Robredo. As you can see, Marcos had a 60% approval rating in February and Robredo had 16%. Marcos dropped by 10.7% while Robredo increased by 5.3%. The rest basically remained unchanged.

But looking at the people who attended the candidates’ campaign rallies, Robredo drew the largest turnout. She also has been bagging political endorsements from governors, congressmen, mayors, and local officials. In other words, Robredo’s bandwagon is attracting a lot of enthusiastic supporters.

More than 80 local government officials from several provinces nationwide released a statement endorsing Leni, citing her track record of public service.

In the three provinces of Samar, 43 out of 47 mayors endorsed Leni. But what surprised a lot of pundits is Leni’s strong showing in Duterte bailiwicks, with two Davao governors –- Davao del Norte’s Edwin Jubahib and Davao del Sur’s Marc Douglas Cagas IV –- and Congressman Pantaleon Alvarez throwing their support for Leni. This is a very significant win for Leni because Mindanao is (Continue on page 27)

MSS savings on multiple documents Health & Wealth

My crystal ball for the 2022 presidential election

12

13 April 7-13, 2022

 OPINION

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Offline

here have been, thus far, two clear instances when a sitting president blatantly cheated during an election in order to remain in power.

The first time was way back in 1986 when Ferdinand Marcos was forced to call a snap election against eventual challenger Cory Aquino. With a lot of help from his rubber BETING DOLOR stamp Batasan, Marcos was declared the winner.

Not only was there massive cheating involved, but strong doubts were raised over his supposed victory as exit interviews indicated that Cory Aquino had won, albeit by a small margin.

We all know what happened next. Marcos and his family were lucky to escape the country after the Armed Forces withdrew its support for his illegitimate regime. Had the US not interceded, the entire family might have been killed by the angry mob that stormed Malacanang.

The second happened more recently, when Gloria Macapagal Arroyo all but ordered Commission on Elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano to guarantee her a winning margin of one million over the popular Fernando Poe Jr. Garci delivered for the president but Macapagal-Arroyo was forced to apologize to the nation after a tape of her conversation with the Comelec commissioner became public.

She did win by her desired one million vote margin, but a large chunk of the votes came from areas where there were no honest elections.

There were other forms of blatant cheating employed by Macapagal-Arroyo, such as using the entire government machinery for her campaign as well as spending outrageous sums far beyond what was allowed by law.

It now appears that there will be a third attempt at stealing the elections, and the two previous cheaters have a hand in making it so, even if one passed away many years ago.

The son and namesake of the late dictator is running for president, and has been spending part of the billions of dollars in ill-gotten wealth that the Marcos family was able to keep in various accounts, far from the prying hands and eyes of the Presidential Commission on Good Government.

Unlike his dictator-father and the scheming MacapagalArroyo, Marcos Jr. is employing additional tactics and strategies that could conceivably win him a six-year term as president. This is on top of the old formula of guns, goons, and gold that the two fake presidents employed to near perfection.

Social media was non-existent during the Marcos Sr. and Macapagal-Arroyo eras, and Marcos Jr. has used this new tool to brainwash a large chunk of the Philippine population to either 1) Believe that the martial law era of his father was a golden age, or 2) Convince gullible Filipino voters that Marcos Jr had nothing to do with the massive graft and corruption his father had engaged in.

If a large enough percentage of the voting population can be led to believe that Marcos Jr. is God’s gift to the nation, then the cocaine-addicted, college dropout, spoiled brat of a non- Ilokano speaking Ilokano will be the next president.

Only one thing stands in his way, and that one thing is not a Moreno, a Pacquiao, or a Lacson.

It is Vice President Leni Robredo, whose popularity must be giving the Marcos camp nightmares.

Much like the yellow-garbed Cory Aquino, the pink clad Robredo has drawn huge crowds that Marcos cannot match, not by a longshot. That camp has become so desperate to show that their bet is every bit as popular as the widow Robredo that it has taken to using Photoshopped pictures to show massive crowds attending his rallies, where none existed.

As an example, when the grand rally of Leni was held in Pasig last month, some 180,000 true believers attended the event. When Marcos Jr. held his grand rally in the same city over the weekend, a measly crowd of 2,000 came. It was not the first time that pathetically miniscule numbers took time to cheer on the son of the late, hated dictator.

Some crowds were so small, in fact, that his camp had to either cancel the event, of stopped him from showing up.

The same social media tool that was effectively used to rebrand Marcos Jr’s family may yet prove to be their undoing.

Videos posted over social media show the huge difference between the tens of thousands (Continue on page 27)

The benefits of running for public office and losing

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he professed and declared objective of any candidate is to help and improve the situation of their constituencies. The personal benefits he knows and that may have mainly propelled him to run for office are either subdued or intentionally buried in his public pronouncements.

Winning in the election is the ultimate objective and re- ATTY MANUEL B QUINTAL ward of campaigning for that public office. Losing in the election, however, has its benefits while necessarily resulting in frustration. It also has its financial benefits. The losing candidates become publicly known, which can be a significant capital in the next election.

Like Archimedes, who was overcome with ecstasy when he discovered the idea of buoyancy, an acquaintance of mine came up with what he considered an excellent idea to earn money. He found the idea after listening to a political debate.

He will be campaigning for public office, maybe a national office, in the Philippines after the May 9, 2022 election, even if he knows that he will probably not win. He plans to start campaigning for some candidates now. He may earn some extra bucks from the candidate’s political party or group or the candidate himself. That way, he will meet more prospective voters and be known. He will have better chances of getting more donations for his future campaign by being publicly known.

It may turn out to be a financially profitable venture, win or lose. Chances are it will.

Part of campaign contributions given to support a candidate’s pursuit of public office in the Philippines may ultimately redound to the personal benefit of the candidate, win or lose.

In the Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 222022 issued on February 21, 2022, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reminded individual candidates, political parties/ party-list groups, and campaign contributors about complying with the requirement under prior BIR regulations, including registration with the BIR, issue of official receipts, and withholding taxes. I will deal only with the candidates as they may directly reap the financial benefits of the campaign donations entrusted to them.

“Winning in the election is the ultimate objective and reward of campaigning for that public office. Losing in the election, however, has its benefits while necessarily resulting in frustration. It also has its financial benefits.”

Such regulations require individual candidates to submit (a) the required BIR registration form, (b) any identification issued by an authorized government body, and (c) Certificate of Candidacy from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

My acquaintance is more concerned with what he will get after the election, not so much about the requirements of registration and the others, including reporting. He understands that he can only financially benefit if he complies with the legal requirements.

How can he personally benefit from the proceeds of the campaign contributions? Per the cited RMC, the campaign contributions are not considered income of the candidate for income tax purposes of the candidate because they were given “not for the personal expenditure/enrichment of the concerned candidate, but to utilize such contributions for his/her campaign.” It follows, thus, that if the contributions are spent before and after the campaign period, they are not tax-exempt.

They are the candidate’s income that must be reported and for which the candidate must pay the corresponding income tax.

It is where the candidate, winner or loser, personally benefits. Several years back, a candidate elected to office ordered the return of surplus campaign contributions to the donors. In response to questioning as reported in a daily newspaper in the Philippines, a candidate who lost in the 2016 elections admitted that he decided to keep (instead of returning to the donors) the excess campaign funds of 50 million pesos, reported it as income and paid the BIR 9.7 million pesos in income taxes.

“Would it not be better to distribute surplus campaign donations to non-profits promoting and advancing government social functions? Or, maybe make them part of the public funds for public benefits?”

Apparently, there is no rule limiting the candidate to use the surplus funds, minus the taxes paid for it, for whatever purpose(s) he decides. It is no longer campaign funds treated as (Continue on page 27) personal income after the campaign

MindSparks

Preparing to cheat using Marcos Sr., GMA playbook

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Elon Musk, free speech and Twitter

have never been so grateful for Elon Musk as I have been this week. He has always had outrageous antics that were fun to watch.

He launched a Tesla into orbit around the sun carrying a quote from one of his favorite books, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. He lit up a marijuana joint on a Joe Rogan podcast and proceeded to talk about the dangers of Artificial Intelligence. More recently, he challenged Vladimir Putin to one-on-one combat over the Ukraine. Presumably, he meant judo and, presumably, Putin hasn’t responded. He is a fan of the Avengers (that band of superheroes). He seems remarkably candid. And he loves his mother, Maye Musk. All in all, he is a fun person to follow. When someone is one of the wealthiest people on the planet, you have to take them seriously no matter how outrageous he is. That is why I love him this week.

On Monday, an SEC filing announced that Elon Musk bought 9.2% of Twitter for $2.9 billion. This calculates out to a valuation for the entire company of $31.5 billion. Since the news sent the stock up, the company is now valued at around $41 billion. Musk’s stake is up another 30%, netting him almost $1 billion.

That’s not the impressive part. The impressive part is that the investment follows about a month of Musk publicly hemming and hawing about free speech.

I’m giving this part of the story a new paragraph because I think it’s so important. Social media companies like Twitter and Facebook and search engines like Google are not government entities. They don’t have to be impartial in how they curate information for the public. They can mine the general user for all the information they can extract from them and also control how they think by controlling their information.

Doubts about vaccines? You may not get any information. Doubts about the cognitive ability of our current POTUS? You may not see those posts either. Curious about Hunter Biden’s laptop (which turns out to be a real thing.) You may not be able to find the original New York Post article on Twitter. It’s been increasingly egregious and, honestly, really irritating to converse with people who get their information from these curated news sources like the West Coast social media giants plus CNN and MSNBC (which have whittled down their own viewership as a result of their biased reporting). That is why it is so refreshing to watch a powerful persona like Elon Musk call it like it is. He does not cow tow to the thought police–he says what he thinks. I was worried for a moment that Twitter would cancel him too.

The news of the week is a wonderful reversal of that trend. Maybe Musk’s purchase of a stake in Twitter will put a bottom into the degradation of our badly curated news flow. Because he joined the board on Tuesday, his ownership is capped at 14%. That is, unless he leaves the board. This kind of swift move (the $2.9 billion purchase) could only have been accomplished by one of the few people in the world with Musk’s net worth. I’m just so glad that someone who can do that is on the side of free speech. The web of lies was getting so bad with the Silicon Valley set.

Thank goodness for Elon.

 BUSINESS | IMMIGRATIONS Marriage fraud charge may be appealed on due process ground Is your marriage case denied for inconsistencies during the interview, no sufficient documents submitted or some other reasons? Do not lose hope. There are many ways you can convince the government that you deserve an approval. If the reason for denial is inconsistencies during the interview, you can submit proof that the responses are consistent with respect to your case. This is called reconciliation of responses.

If your case is denied because of lack of sufficient evidence, you can submit affidavits proving that your marriage is in good faith. If your case is denied because the government has been very unfair during the interview such as using threats of imprisonment or some coercive tactics during the interview, you need to seek a help from an immigration attorney to represent you on this matter because a simple mistake in analysis could be fatal. In legal language, you need to appeal on due process ground. Due process requires voluntariness in giving information of the part of the alien and the government adhering to the fair and just process in seeking responses. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants aliens the right to due process.

Generally, “Immigration proceedings, although not subject to the full range of constitutional protections, must conform to the Fifth Amendment’s requirement of due process.” Salgado-Diaz v. Gonzales, 395 F.3d 1158, 1162 (9th Cir. 2005) (as amended); “A full and fair hearing is one of the due process rights afforded to aliens in deportation proceedings. … A court will grant a petition on due process grounds only if the proceeding was so fundamentally unfair that the alien was prevented from reasonably presenting his case.” Gutierrez v. Holder, 662 F.3d 1083, 1091 (9th Cir. 2011).

The court reviews de novo claims of due process violations. Grigoryan, 959 F.3d at 1239; Liu v. Holder, 640 F.3d 918, 930 (9th Cir. 2011) (as amended); Ibarra-Flores v. Gonzales, 439 F.3d 614, 620 (9th Cir. 2006). “The BIA’s decision will be reversed on due process grounds if (1) the proceeding was so fundamentally unfair that the alien was prevented from reasonably presenting his case, and (2) the alien demonstrates prejudice, which means that the outcome of the proceeding may have been affected by the alleged violation.” Ibarra-Flores, 439 F.3d at 620–21.

For those of you who received a denial because your rights are violated on due process ground you need to speak to an immigration attorney to discuss your individual situation.

Note: This is not a legal advice. If your case was denied we can help you. We offer free consultation.

Marcos Jr. and Imelda Marcos have U.S. Warrant of Arrest The Marcoses have an outstanding arrest warrant for failing to pay the $2 Billion damages to the victims of human rights violations that they have not paid.

The unpaid interes is $356 Million in addition to the above US$2 Billion. This is still outstanding until 2031 for contempt of court order.

The Philippine election is about whether we want China to occupy and control us and be slaves forever or have a free independent country and good government.

This is our choice.

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

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

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

April 7-13, 2022

14

PHL inflation rises in March; Palace vows to redouble efforts QUEZON CITY - Inflation in the Philippines quickened in March to 4 percent from 3 percent in the two months before that government officials reported.

Oil price upticks in the international market due largely to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine resulted in the surge of the country’s inflation rate.

This brought the average inflation in the first quarter this year to 3.4 percent, within the government’s 2-4 percent target range until 2024.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said “inflation expectations have likewise risen, but continue to be anchored to the 2-4 percent target band.”

Increases in oil prices and their impact on commodity prices in both the international and domestic markets made Philippine monetary authorities hike the government’s average inflation forecast for this year to 4.3 and 3.6 percent for 2023.

These were previously at 3.7 percent for 2022 and 3.3 percent for 2023.

Diokno said “the economic consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have become a significant headwind in global economic recovery.”

He said this development may impact the domestic economy through “slower world GDP (gross domestic product) growth, higher crude oil prices, higher world non-oil prices, and potential second-round effects on inflation through transport fares, wages, and food prices.”

“Under these circumstances, the BSP

will closely monitor the emerging risks to the outlook for inflation and growth, and remain vigilant against possible secondround effects from supply-side pressures or any shifts in the public’s inflation expectations,” he said.

Diokno said the central bank “continues to have a wide arsenal of policy instruments to respond to possible adverse impact of external shocks.”

“The BSP likewise supports the timely implementation of direct non-monetary measures by the government to mitigate the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on global oil and non-oil commodity prices,” he said, adding “previous episodes of supply-side shocks in the country have shown that these are best addressed through timely non-monetary policy interventions that could ease directly domestic supply constraints and prevent second-round effects on prices.”

In response, Presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said the government would not let its guard down, noting that it continues to monitor the prices of basic commodities.

The Duterte administration would redouble its efforts to tame the rapid increase in consumer prices, he said.

“Our economic managers continue to keep a tight watch over inflation as it hits 4 percent in March 2022,” Andanar said.

“Having said this, we will not relax in our efforts and will work twice as hard to address the national issue of higher prices.”

Philippine economy seen to grow by 6 pct in 2022: ADB MANDALUYONG CITY – The Philippine economic recovery is expected to gain traction this and next year, underpinned by rising domestic investment and consumption as pandemic restrictions eased, allowing for more manufacturing and construction activities, according to a new report released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The Asian Development Outlook 2022, ADB’s flagship economic publication, forecasts the Philippine economy to grow by 6 percent in 2022, rising further by 6.3 percent in 2023.

Government measures issued last month to reopen the economy, lift mobility restrictions, expand coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination, and relax international travel restrictions will boost the services sector.

“Nearly all indicators point to higher growth for the Philippines this year and in 2023, barring the impact of external factors from geopolitical tensions that may dampen growth globally, including in the country’s key export markets Europe and the United States,” ADB Philippines Country Director Kelly Bird said.

“Policies to build the resilience of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which play a vital role in the country’s economic recovery, should be strengthened to support the sector’s digital

transformation, business innovation, and skills development,” Bird added.

The ADB is currently assisting the government to provide employer-led skills training to selected sectors to upgrade MSME workers’ competencies under the Skills Up Net Philippines program.

The capital Metro Manila and areas on the main Luzon island, which account for about 70 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), shifted to the lowest level of pandemic restrictions in March, as daily Covid-19 cases averaged below 1,000.

Businesses and public transport are now allowed to operate at full capacity.

The government has reopened the country to fully vaccinated international travelers since February. This should boost tourism and employment in the services sector, which accounts for 60 percent of GDP, according to the report.

Increased public investment in large, priority infrastructure projects will continue to boost growth, with the government aiming to sustain infrastructure spending at over 5 percent of GDP in 2022 from 5.8 percent in 2021, the report said.

Recent upticks in private investment and the passage of policy reform measures to ease rules on foreign equity ownership and lower the minimum paid-up capital of foreign retailers will support economic growth.

 ENTERTAINMENT

April 7-13, 2022

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Gigi De Lana and The Gigi Vibes wrap up Domination tour in the Middle East with sold-out concert in Bahrain De Lana and her band firm up status as bona fide international music artists, look at U.S. for next tour leg

And.... that’s a wrap for the triumphant Middle East leg of the Domina�on Tour of Gigi De Lana and The Gigi Vibes, shown here with guest Sam Concepcion at the Bahrain Conference Center of Crowne Plaza Bahrain. ABS-CBN Events and the group are eyeing the U.S. for their next leg.

DUBAI - Gigi De Lana and The Gigi month of March, they had four concerts Vibes - undeniably the hottest Filipino that took them from the widest stage in band on tour right now - are proving to the Philippines at Resorts World Mabe quite the chameleon performers: in the nila’s Newport Performing Arts Theatre,

* Stockroom Clerk (Auditing/Kitting) * Receiving Inspection * Assembler : Hardware / Cable / Manual Load * SMD Operator / Process Technician / SMD Programmer * Driver (with clean DMV Record) * 2nd Operation

to the open-air festival Jubilee Stage of Dubai Expo 2020, to the august halls of Abu Dhabi’s National Theatre, and lastly, to the Bahrain Conference Center of Crowne Plaza Bahrain in the heart of Manama’s diplomatic area, close to embassies and the World Trade Centre, where they wrapped up triumphantly the first phase of their international Domination tour.

Before diverse crowds and audience sizes, Gigi De Lana and The Gigi Vibes transformed themselves to exactly what the live viewers wanted, surprising and delighting them with unexpected sights and sounds, so that no single show was duplicated. Each one stood out as unique and as a scrumptious treat for the senses.

To close out the month of March, De Lana and her band sold out again another leg of her tour which was in Manama, the capital of Bahrain. For this concert, even fans from nearby countries trooped to the island kingdom to catch the spectacle and energy of a Gigi De Lana and The Gigi Vibes show.

“We came from Saudi Arabia just to see this show. We’ve been planning for it.

Actually, we came twice: first to buy the tickets, then to see the show. We watch their videos on YouTube. My wife turned me to it. And this is really a great show.

The outfits... the realism of it with a live band... it was really lovely,” said John Comeaux.

“Napakaganda po ng concert ni Gigi De Lana. I find her very charming at napakagaling na singer pala po talaga.

Thank you, Gigi and the Gigi Vibes for bringing your music to Bahrain (Gigi De Lana’s concert is amazing. I find her very charming and she’s really an excellent singer),” said Gem Reyes.

Medical & Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, Vacation & Sick Leave

“We are very happy na nadala natin dito si Gigi de Lana at Gigi Vibes band with Sam Concepcion. Sold out po ang ating crowd dito sa Crowne Plaza. Marami po sa ating mga kababayan ang hindi nakapasok... dahil punong-puno na po ang venue. (We are very happy to have

brought Gigi De Lana and The Gigi Vibes band with Sam Concepcion here in Bahrain. It was a sold-out concert. A lot of our countrymen were not able to enter anymore as the venue has reached full capacity),” said TFC Middle East concert partner, head organizer Filipino Club Bahrain President Ric Advincula, in an interview with Leslie Garduque of TFC News Bahrain.

Also, in an interview with TFC News Bahrain, the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain’s Charge d’ Affaires Maria Paz Cortes exclaimed: “Sobrang awesome! Nakakaspeechless. Ang galing po niya! You have

brought so much joy to our kababayans here in Bahrain so maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat and congratulations on a very successful and sold-out concert (It was awesome! It rendered me speechless.

She’s great! You have brought so much joy to our countrymen here in Bahrain, so thank you very much to all of you and congratulations on a very successful and sold-out concert)!”

De Lana and her band left no stone unturned in entertaining the audience. The group showed their breadth of musical influences (and tastes) with exciting numbers that spanned the genres of classic and alternative rock, inspirational music, her biggest YouTube hits, “Gigi-fied” versions of classic OPM and original songs from her first eponymously titled album.

“We at ABS-CBN TFC are so grateful to the fans and our partners that we closed 2021 with the successful 1MX Music Festival in Dubai and wrapped up the first quarter of 2022 with this victorious Domination tour of Gigi De Lana and The Gigi Vibes here in the Middle East,” said ABS-CBN Global Head of Events and Managing Director for Europe, Middle East and North Africa Joseph A. Garcia. “The consistent success of our live events is a testament that Filipino artists are destined to dominate the world stage.

We look forward to a very promising events season in 2022.”

17 April 7-13, 2022

 ENTERTAINMENT

iWantTFC observes Holy Week worldwide with “Movies for the Soul” collections Award-winning classics and international festival entries offer subscribers entertainment and reflection on faith, family, and society

SAN FRANCISCO, April 5, 2022 - sequences, every supposed “healing” would As the world approaches Holy Week, his- soon be repaid in the most disturbing ways. torically the most sacred time for over two billion Christians today, leading global REFLECTION SET Filipino streaming platform iWantTFC celebrates the period with thoughtfully curated “Movies for the Soul” bundles for its rapidly growing viewership.

Available on iWantTFC are the following sets to rent: FAITH SET

BAKWIT BOYS Four brothers, who are forced to leave their hometown after it is devastated by a super typhoon, struggle to bring music back into their lives. A hopeful film that inspires people to dream in the face of adversity, critics have praised that the real star of the movie is its unforgettable soundtrack.

THE TRIAL Ronald Jimenez, Jr., a man with intellectual disability, faces the greatest trial of his life when he is accused of raping a schoolteacher Bessy Buenaventura.

To save him from conviction, a married couple on the brink of annulment needs to work together. Development psychologist Amanda Bien asks her criminal lawyer husband Julian Bien to be Ronald’s defense counsel. But fate has its way of intertwining all their lives when the couple finds out that Ronald is the best friend of their deceased son Martin Bien, who dies in a tragic accident just a year ago. As they and their relationship are put on trial, will truth come out?

ANG LARAWAN (The Portrait) In a powerful musical tale about standing together against materialism, two impoverished sisters anguish over whether to sell a painting, the final masterpiece by their recluse father. The movie is a lavish, powerful family drama that is a bitter struggle for survival against betrayal set in pre-World War II Manila.

BAGONG BUWAN (New Moon) A Muslim doctor returns to his homeland where the Philippine military is at war against the militant Moro Islamic Liberation Front. While he endeavors to lead his family and other civilians to safety, he struggles to reconcile his professional and religious principles.

HIMALA (Miracle) The only Filipino film that made it to the 2008 CNN International’s Best Asian Films of All Time and a Bronze Hugo award winner at the 1983 Chicago International Film Festival, Himala tells the story of a poor provincial girl named Elsa who claims to have seen the Virgin Mary and then demonstrates the ability to cure the sick. This sparks national hysteria, greed, and a tragedy that all raise deep questions about faith.

STA. NIÑA Years after volcanic mud flow (lahar) covers a town in Pampanga, Philippines, Pol and his coworkers dig up the coffin of his daughter. The remains of two-year-old Marikit did not show any signs of decay.

Many consider this a miracle and people troop to Pol’s home to be healed by Marikit.

As people are getting healed purportedly by the dead child, Pol insists that his child is worthy of being called a saint. Thus begins his crusade to get his daughter beatified.

Unearthing her body digs up unresolved issues in many persons’ lives. In the end, an event will make viewers ask if there was healing, a cleansing of sins and a chance to move on.

SEKLUSYON (Seclusion) In 1947, those aspiring to be priests are sent to a remote convent to live in seclusion to shield them from the world’s evils. Their solitude is interrupted when a girl arrives, and they debate whether she was sent by God or by the devil.

THE HEALING FAMILY SET A film that is not for the faint-hearted, it tells the story of a group of people who NORTHERN LIGHTS: ventures into a remote village to ask a mysA JOURNEY TO LOVE terious faith healer to cure their ailing loved Charlie Sr. is a Filipino immigrant in ones, unaware that through unforeseen con- Alaska who is living a carefree life. His life

suddenly changes when he is tasked to take care of his estranged son, Charlie Jr., whom he had left behind in the Philippines. As he struggles to become a real father to his son, Charlie crosses paths with Angel, a quirky Filipina who went to Alaska to find her lost mother.

EVERYTHING ABOUT HER In a story about acceptance, love and forgiveness, a powerful, feisty businesswoman on top of the corporate world finds

out she has cancer and navigates her complicated relationship with her caregiver and her estranged son.

EDSA WOOLWORTH The eldest daughter of a dysfunctional family plays mother and sister, sacrificing her personal needs, to care for her widower geriatric father and siblings, until she meets the man of her dreams.

HONOR THY FATHER Greed and corruption wreck the lives of Edgar and Kaye as their family’s fraudulent financial scheme through Kaye’s father puts their lives in danger. They turn to the cultish Church of Yeshua for help, but Edgar sees the deception by its bishop who seems to prioritize raking in donations from its church members. With the debts of Kaye’s father catching up with them, Edgar returns to his roots: he seeks the help of his family of miners in the mountains who live their lives robbing local banks and pawnshops.

To watch these amazing Holy Week collections of movies, visit https://www. iwanttfc.com/ or download the app and search for Faith Set, Reflection Set, and Family Set.

 ENTERTAINMENT

April 8-14, 2022

18

FilAms Olivia Rodrigo, H.E.R. and Bruno Mars win big at Grammy Awards LAS VEGAS – Filipino Americans were on cloud 9 during the just concluded 64th Grammy Awards and maybe even after the event.

This as three FilAms – Olivia Rodrigo and H.E.R. of California and Bruno Mars of Hawaii - won big awards in the event.

Olivia, 19, a singer, composer and actress known as the breakout superstar, romped off with three awards, namely, the Best New Artist award, Best Pop Solo Performance for “Drivers License” and Best Pop Vocal Album for her debut album, “Sour.”

Award-winning R&B singer and musician H.E.R. received her fifth Grammy Award when she took home the award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Fight For You,” for which she had already won a Golden Globe award, Critics’ Choice award, and an Academy Award.

Multi-talented Hawaii-based Bruno Mars, who had many individual and group awards in previous events, this time won the Record of the Year trophy for the song “Leave the Door Open,” the sultry soulful lead single Mars released as one-half of Silk Sonic, his current collaboration with musician Anderson .Paak.

Olivia, who performed her breakout hit “Drivers License” early in the show, won the coveted Best New Artist award which she acknowledged in her acceptance speech, “This is my biggest dream come true.”

In another speech after winning Best Pop Vocal Album, Olivia dedicated her award to her parents.

“When I was 9 years old, I told my mom I wanted to be a gymnast even though I could barely do a cartwheel. She thought I was joking, but I was super defensive. So the next week when I told her I was going to win a Grammy, she was very supportive even though she probably thought it was just a little kid pipe dream,” she recounted.

Olivia, whose father is Filipino, added: “I want to thank my mom and dad for being equally as proud of me for winning a Grammy as they were when I learned how to do a back walkover.”

Olivia, who hails from Temecula, California and is also an actress on the Disney Channel, was actually nominated for seven awards, including all four major categories, like Record of the Year.

She lost out on one of the four major categories when song of the year went to Silk Sonic’s 1970s-inspired R&B song “Leave the Door Open.” The group is composed of the duo of Bruno Mars and Anderson.

Paak, who performed the hit on stage to open awards show and returned minutes later to accept their trophy.

“Because of you guys, me and Andy are going to be singing this song forever,” Mars said.

Mars and his partner, aside from winning the biggest award Record of the Year, also won Song of the Year for “Leave the Door Open,” which also earned them the Grammys for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance.

Another FilAm, Saweetie (real name Diamonte Quiava Valentin Harper), was the only female rapper nominated in the Best New Artist for Best Rap Song for the catchy hit “Best Friend,” although she did win the award.

A half Black and half Filipino and Chinese woman, Saweetie has always been vocal and proud of her mixed heritage.

Saweetie said in a recent interview: “The reason why I share both sides is because I know there are Asian kids at home, Black kids at home, and it’s dope to represent where you’re from — because if I can do it, I know they’ll feel like they can do it. I try to share as much as my background as possible, so that kids who need inspiration can identify with me — and so

they know that if Saweetie can do it, they can too.”

As part of the American folk group “The New Christy Minstrels,” the guitarist and vocalist Larry Ramos was the first Filipino — and the first person of Asian descent — to win a Grammy. In 1963, Ramos and the group accepted the award for Best Performance by a Chorus for their debut album, “Presenting the New Christy Minstrels.”

Filipino American songwriter and composer for musical theatre and film Robert Lopez had been an EGOT winner, winning at least two awards in the major American awarding bodies: the Academy Awards, the Emmy Awards, the Grammy Awards, and the Tony Awards.

Lopez’s first Grammy came in 2012 for Best Musical Theater Album for the hit stage musical “The Book of Mormon.” In 2015, he won Grammys for the soundtrack to “Frozen” and the film’s lead song, “Let It Go” with his wife.

Sunshine Cruz on being called ‘lola’ “Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.”

This is the quote shared by actress Sunshine Cruz recently on social media.

She reiterated the same on Facebook, reminding followers to educate others on ageing.

“Being a lola or having the privilege to age is a blessing denied to many. Huwag natin gawing ugali at gamitin ang salitang ‘matanda’ to hurt, insult or decribe a person negatively,” she said.

Sunshine is proud that at 44, she is “healthy and happy.”

“Ang mahalaga ay meron tayong pinagkatandaan.

At higit sa lahat wala po tayong tinatapakan at sinasaktan just because nadadagdagan ang ating edad. Stay safe and healthy everyone. Magandang Hapon po.”

Note that Sunshine accompanied the post with screenshots of comments from bashers.

One wrote: “Lola yung buto mo ingat ingat din baka mabalian ka (victory hand emoji).”

But Sunshine replied: “Are you trying to insult me by calling me lola? Proud of my age! I am 44, healthy and happy. Tbh, I’d rather be a lola than be you. Kumain ka para magkaron ng nutrition ang katawan at pagiisip mo. You look frail and hungry. Take care and stay healthy.”

Another deemed Sunshine “old.”

“Tigulang na gyod,” it read.

Sunshine answered: “My sis is 54 and she obviously still looks good for her age. Ageing happens to everyone po. Let’s not make is seem na ang pagtanda ay dapat ikalungkot at ikahiya. Blessing po ang mabigyan ng pagkakataong maging ‘tigulang.’”

The sexy star also uploaded the message of a certain online user who wrote: “still stunning look the outside.. ang loob kaya sa panty baka matandang kwaknit.”

This is not the first time that Sunshine schooled followers.

Last month, Sunshine also reacted to “katanda na ang attire parang teenager” comment.

She retorted: “kailangan po ba ang attire ko like yours para masabing tama ang suot? I don’t think may chart ang attire according to age. Basta happy at confident go lang po! Walang bawal at masama.”

She also advised: “Wear clothes that make you happy and feel pretty. That’s all that matters.”

19 April 7-13, 2022

 ENTERTAINMENT

Angelica Panganiban announces her leave from showbiz

LJ Reyes moving on, admits life ‘beautiful’ in the US Actress LJ Reyes and kids Summer and Aki are doing well in the United States after breaking up with actor Paolo Conti.

The actress, according to GMA News, made the revelation in answers in a vlog. “’Kamusta ka?’ has been the most heard and read question that I have received for over 6 months now. I know that this only comes from your love and support for me and my kids so let me just share how life has been so beautiful for us,” she said in the video description.

“May you also feel our gratitude through sharing a peek of our small adventure called life!” she added.

In the video, LJ shared a compilation of moments starting August 2021, when her family of three flew to New York.

Earlier, LJ told a friend: “Masaya dito. The kids are okay.”

She told the friend she is always grateful for the love and support she has been receiving from her loved ones.

She said: “My mom and sister are very supportive.

They tell me to relax and do what I want to do with the kids. Iba talaga pag sinabi ng nanay mo na ‘Sa akin ka na muna.’ Iyong feeling mo na di ka ilalaglag at bibitawan kahit anong mangyari. It’s been a very great family time for us the past month.”

She said in a Philippine Star report the heartfelt messages from friends empower her. “When I feel low, I pray and then I look at people’s messages saying that I can do it.” She knows that God blesses her with a great support system. “That overflowing love and support, alam ko na si God iyon. He touched a lot of people’s hearts and lives to assure me that I will be okay.”

“I will be a mother.”

Actress Angelica Panganiban made the statement as she asked her fans and supporters to make her temporary leave of absence from showbiz a gift to her because of her pregnancy.

The 35-year-old Kapamilya actress said in a Maharlika TV report that she has been working in showbiz for the past 30 years so she asked her followers to allow her to rest this time.

On her Twitter account on March 29, 2022, Angelica answered a fan who became sentimental because the actress will lie low in her showbiz career.

The netizen also asked Angelica what was the actress’ favorite role she has ever played. The netizen also answered her own question.

She said as quoted in the report, “mami huhu nasesenti ako sa pagpapahinga mo sa showbiz, to reminisce po, ano po ang favorite role na nakuha niyo? ako po, fave ko po yung rubi niyo super iconic (ako ung sumagot? hahahh)” Angelica only laughed at her follower’s question, the report added.

The actress said that she has done a lot of projects especially films that her fans would want to watch again.

So she asked them to give to her this new chapter in her life. The Kapamilya star answered, “Hahahaha.

Okay lang yan. Mabuti nga at marami naman akong nagawang projects. Marami kayong pwede balikbalikan. Balato niyo na sa akin ang buhay ko ngayon 30 years naman na ko sa inyo!”

Angelica announced on her Instagram last March

20 that she is pregnant with her child with her nonshowbiz boyfriend Gregg Homan.

In her caption, she stated: “Ay! Na post!! [pregnant emoji] Sa wakas!!!

“Magagampanan ko na rin ang pinaka-hihintay, at pinaka- importanteng papel ng buhay ko. Magiging ganap na INA na po ako.”

She followed it up with a joke: “Opo, may matres ako mga baklaaah!”

“Ipagpapasalamat ko na rin ang mga kapamilya, kaibigan, at mga marites na sumuporta, nagdiwang, nagdasal at patuloy na nagdadasal para sa pamilya namin. Waaaaaah! Huhuhu [crying emoji] may pamilya na ko [laughing emoji] kaiyaq pramis [laughing with tears emoji]” Angelica and Gregg will celebrate their second anniversary on July 11, 2022. (ECD/MTVN)

 REAL ESTATE

April 7-13, 2022

Statewide eviction protections extended

Ac�ng Governor Kounalakis signs AB 2179. Standing le� to right: Assemblymember Rubio, Assemblymember Wicks, Speaker Rendon, Pro Tem Atkins, Assemblymember Grayson, and Senator Becker.

SACRAMENTO – On the final day of Women’s History Month, Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis signed legislation that extends eviction protections for Californians participating in rental assistance programs, making her the first woman in California’s history to sign a piece of legislation into law.

“California’s nation-leading rent relief program has provided much needed relief for more than 220,000 households across the state. Today’s action will provide additional time to thousands more who are in the process of acquiring emergency relief,” said Acting Governor Kounalakis.

“I am deeply humbled to take this action and to be part of history today as the first woman in state history to sign legislation into law. I remain more determined than ever to ensure that while I may be the first to do so, I will certainly not be the last,” she said in a statement sent to Philippine News Today.

AB 2179 by Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D-Concord) and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) extends eviction protections through June 30, 2022 to help ensure housing stability for eligible tenants who apply for assistance from state or local rental assistance programs by March 31, 2022.

“California is leading the nation’s economic recovery from the pandemic, and we’re committed to ensuring all of our communities can access the supports they need to get back on their feet,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “Today’s action preserves important protections so that struggling families can keep a roof over their heads as the state works to provide critical assistance to thousands of households across California.”

Acting Governor Kounalakis was joined by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, Assemblymembers Grayson and Wicks, Senator Josh Becker, and Assemblymember Blanca Rubio.

California’s $5.5 billion COVID-19 Rent Relief program is the largest statewide renter assistance program in the country and covers 100 percent of past-due rent payments for qualified low-income Californians. The state program has to date assisted more than 220,000 low-income households, with thousands of additional households assisted by local rent relief programs.

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20

ERA Emergency Rental Assistance

T

here are change in the law with extending the additional steps landlords need to take to evict a tenant due to nonpayment of rent. The new law extends protection from eviction due to nonpayment of rent (or other financial obligations under the lease) which accumulated between March 1, 2020 and March 31, 2022 when an application for emergency rental assistance (ERA) has been submitted to Housing Is Key and is pending as of March 31, 2022.

Previously, this eviction protection was set to expire on March 31, 2022. This last-minute extension allows tenants who are still waiting on an ERA decision the chance to receive assistance and remain in their units.

Going into April 2022, there are still an estimated 165,000 – 190,000 tenant applicants with an active ERA application on file, according to AB 2179’s Bill Analysis. With this extension, these tenants will remain safe from eviction while their applications are being processed.

However, the new law does not apply to any missed rent accrued after April 1, 2022.

After April 1, 2022, local governments may pass their own protections for tenants with delinquent rent. But statelevel protections against eviction cease for rent which is delinquent after March 31, 2022. [Calif. Code of Civil Procedure §1179.05] New notice requirement During the April 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022 window period, landlords seeking to evict a tenant due to delinquent rent that became due prior to April 1, 2022, are to provide the following statutory notice (cover letter) along with their notice to pay rent: Realty Publications, Inc. (RPI) publishes this new rent assistance notice which is required beginning April 1, 2022.

The boilerplate notice is to be printed by the landlord or property manager and included along with the Three-day Notice to Pay being served. [See RPI Form 575-4] Proper eviction procedures for ERA applicants During the April 1, 2022 through July 30, 2022 window, a landlord will be unsuccessful in an unlawful detainer (UD) action, unless the court finds: the landlord completed an application for ERA to cover the amount of rental debt sought in the rental complaint which accumulated due to COVID-19 hardship; and the landlord’s ERA application was denied due to: lack of eligibility; lack of funding; or the tenant failing to properly complete their portion of the application within 15 business days after the landlord submitted their portion of the application. [CCP 1179.11(c)(2)(A)] Separately, the UD action may be granted when the court finds there was no ERA application submitted and pending prior to April 1, 2022. [CCP §1179.11(c)(2)(B)] When there is no pending ERA application or when the rent became delinquent after March 31, 2022, the landlord will revert to normal eviction procedures.

Proper eviction procedures under the TPA California’s Tenant Protection Act (TPA) — passed in 2019 just before the pandemic temporarily upended eviction procedures — requires separate notices for different types of property and leases.

The TPA requires landlords to have just cause to evict tenants of properties built 15 or more years ago who have been a tenant for 12 months or more. Landlords lacking just cause to evict may need to provide financial relocation assistance, thus making it more difficult for landlords to evict tenants to rent out their properties to new tenants. [Calif. Civil Code §1946.2(a)] To qualify for an at-fault just cause eviction, the tenant: defaulted on a rent payment; failed to enter into a landlord-requested renewal or extension of a lease which terminated on or after January 1, 2020 [See RPI Form 565]; breached a material term of the lease; committed or permitted a nuisance or waste to occur on the property; conducted criminal activity on the premises or common areas, or used the premises for an unlawful purpose; (Continue on page 27) assigned or sublet the prem-

21 April 7-13, 2022

NEWS  NATIONAL SPORTS NEWS

Wesley So wins FIDE Grand Prix Berlin

By Aurora Quadra-Balibay BERLIN/MANILA - Philippine-born Wesley So has been declared the winner of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Grand Prix Berlin, defeating tour champion Hikaru Nakamura in the final tiebreaks.

The Filipino American Grandmaster defeated his Japanese American op-

ponent, 1½ – ½, to win the third leg of the Grand Prix tournament held over the board in Berlin, Germany, which wrapped up the late evening on April 4, 2022 (April 5 early morning in Manila).

The all-American finals went into tiebreaks after So lost the first finals game and then drew the second match, forcing two tie-breaker mini-matches to decide the winner of the last battle of the Grand

Prix tourney.

Nakamura played white against So’s black pieces in the first final mini-match that saw the advantage swinging between the two players and eventually resulting in a draw.

So took the white pieces in the second final mini-match and established an edge early in the game and capitalized on a blunder by Nakamura to convert his advantage to win the game and the final match.

Despite his loss to Wesley So, Nakamura earned the most points (23 pts) in the tournament and was declared the overall winner of the 3-event FIDE Grand Prix organized by World Chess which took the games twice to Berlin and the middle match in Belgrade. Nakamura along with Richard Rapport (20 pts) earned the top two qualification spots for the Candidates Tournament which will determine the challenger to World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen.

Wesley So earned a total of 17 points in the Grand Prix, placing him 3rd in the overall rankings but out of the qualification spots. In the post-game interview, the three-time and reigning United States Chess Champion said he looked forward to qualifying and returning to the Candidates Tournament in the next years after experiencing it for the first time in 2018.

“I am only 28, and I’m hoping that next year or in a couple of years, I will get a chance to play in the Candidates.

The last time I played, I was very inexperienced and finished second to last, so I think if you qualify, you have to be ready to fight for first place,” So shared in the interview.

In his characteristic humble demeanor, Wesley So started off his interview with Grandmaster Dina Belenkaya by praising Nakamura for playing well, nearly winning both Berlin events, and qualifying for the Candidates Tournament.

When asked what he credits his win to – energy level, character, or luck – So dismissed luck as playing any part in any chess game and said he just tried to play good chess throughout the 13 days of the tournament.

The Fil-Am chess champion revealed he would root for any of the American players to win the Candidates Tournament to face off Carlsen, the Norwegian current world number one chess player whom he defeated in the inaugural World Fischer Random Chess and two events during the year-long Meltwater Champions Chess Tour.

So was visibly happy with his win and thanked the organizers and the German people for hosting the event. He shared he will celebrate with his mother, Lotis Key, and his Berlin-based friend.

“The only thing that matters when you win is that you have someone to share it with”.

The Filipino American champion who has maintained his support for Philippine chess won his group C matches and defeated Amin Tabatabaei of Iran in the semifinals to earn his finals berth against Nakamura.

The FIDE Grand Prix 2022 is a series of three chess tournaments where 26 of the world’s top players took part to qualify for the upcoming Candidates Tournament. (goodnewspilipinas)

POC lifts ban on PATAFA; Obiena free to compete; Juico no longer persona non grata MANILA – The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Executive Board proved true to its word by trashing a resolution that declared Philip Ella Juico persona non grata and another suspending the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA).

“The Executive Board of the POC fulfilled its gentlemanly pronouncement and has lifted the two resolutions rendered by the POC on the PATAFA,” POC President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said after the board held an emergency meeting “The lifting of the resolutions hinged on the successful mediation between pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena and the PATAFA,” he added.

The Obiena-PATAFA rift ended Wednesday last week when both sides settled in a mediation spearheaded by the Philippine Sports Commission.

As a result, the PATAFA has practically reinstated the world-ranked pole

vaulter and will endorse his participation in international competitions.

“As projected, there were no objections and the motions of lifting were to be considered unanimous,” Tolentino said.

The two resolutions were passed on two separate occasions—the persona non grata in December and ratified by the POC General Assembly and the second, suspension of PATAFA which Tolentino deferred for ratification by the assembly last week.

“It is therefore with great relief to announce that the POC, lifts as we hereby lift the resolution declaring Mr, Juico as persona non grata and lifts also the resolution suspending PATAFA as member of the POC,” Tolentino said.

With the lifting of both sanctions, Tolentino said Juico and PATAFA will resume their active status with the POC. “As I have maintained even before, there are no losers but only winners,” Tolentino said. “The main winner being the Filipino athlete

April 7-13, 2022

22

Q: Creditors and collectors are harassing me and calling my workplace, what can I do?

A: Perhaps you haven’t been paying your debts, that’s why they’re calling you.

First, let’s define that word “Harassment”. “Harassment” covers a wide range of behaviours of an offensive nature. It mostly means, a behavior intended to disturb or upset in a characteristically repetitive manner.

Now, let’s cover what constitutes “Collection Harassment” as defined by the law.

• Repetitious phone calls that are intended to annoy, abuse or harass you or any person answering the phone • Obscene or profane language • Threats of violence or harm • Publicly publishing lists of people who are not able to pay their debts • Calling without saying who they are • Calling your place of employment If your complaint is covered by any of these items then you have a case. In most cases, people do not really know their consumer rights. Most people who cannot pay their debts simply ignore the calls and letters they receive from collectors until it gets worse.

A collector’s call to the workplace is a big “No, No”. But, since most people do not know their consumer rights are being violated once, twice or even more times than twice simply become scared and avoid having to deal with this problem. Hence, supervisors, bosses or managers start wondering who this person is that keeps calling their worker.

Here’s how you can make it stop. If you believe a debt collector is harassing you, contact the CFPB(Consumer Financial Protection Bureau), the FTC(Federal Trade Commission), or the State’s Attorney General. You can also sue the debt collector for violations of the FDCPA(The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act).

If you sue under the FDCPA and win, the debt collector must generally pay your attorney’s fees and may also have to pay your damages.

Ating lesson, Di ka guguluhin ng kolektor kung nagbabayad ka sa iyong creditor.

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 1-888-3415234 at tutulungan po namin kayo.

Itama po natin ang mali!

23 April 7-13, 2022

 COMMUNITY NEWS

There is a Dire Need for Filipino Language Access Services in San Francisco

By SOMCAN Filipinos have been a significant part of San Francisco and California’s history and society for more than a century, and a majority use Filipino (Tagalog) as a language.

Not to mention the constant influx of Filipino immigrants from different regions in the Philippines with English as their second or even third language.

It is through language that our needs are conveyed and addressed in our daily lives and our society. Proficiency in a language can mean the difference in having our needs met, fighting for our rights, getting justice, understanding the impacts of ever-changing policies, and receiving benefits that are due to us.

Filipino (Tagalog) was officially certified as San Francisco’s third language spoken under the Language Access Ordinance by the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) on April 2, 2014. It was then expected that all city departments providing information or services to the public were to fully implement required Filipino Language Access Services by December 31, 2015. But eight years have passed and the full implementation of Filipino Language Access Services by the city of San Francisco remains to be accomplished.

According to the findings published in the report, Speaking Up, Speaking Out: Recommendations for Implementation of Filipino Language Access in San Francisco (2018), prepared by Valerie Francisco-Menchavez, PhD of the Department of Sociology and Sexuality Studies, San Francisco State University in collaboration with the South of Market Community Action Network (SOMCAN): Filipinos in San Francisco are in dire need of language access services, Filipinos speak English but comprehend in Filipino, and there are institutional barriers to Filipino language access.

Along with these findings is the fact that Filipino community-based organizations are the ones providing the needed language access services that the city of San Francisco is unable to provide.

Although this can temporarily alleviate some of the lack in Filipino language access services, it comes at the expense of community-based organizations and workers.

These community-based organizations and workers are doing unpaid and unfunded “double-duty” on top of their community work by providing Filipino language access services that includes translating and interpreting city and governmental documents.

Community workers would go as far as accompany clients to city departments or become liaisons between clients and city workers due to the lack of translators and interpreters in city departments.

It is therefore highly recommended that the Language Access Ordinance be fully enforced with the use of multiple strategies to increase Filipino Language Access; that the work of community-based organizations in providing culturally-sensitive, linguistically-competent, and context-specific language services be recognized; that there should be a Filipino interpreter and translator workforce development program in place; and to generate public awareness of Filipino as a recognized language in San Francisco.

“It should be standardized. In translating documents, people should follow a particular style guide. I always propose that we use the style guide of the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (Commission on the Filipino Language),” says Dr. Joi Barrios-Leblanc, senior lecturer at UC Berkeley whose expertise is in Filipino language and literature.

Dr. Barrios-Leblanc consulted with the OCEIA and was instrumental in determining and agreeing on an official Filipino language style guide. She offers a medium term plan and a short term solution to address this issue along with the city having “to invest in programs that will develop knowledge” in Filipino language services.

The medium term plan is “to have courses in colleges and universities that teach the language sufficiently and will include translation and interpreting courses.”

The short term solution is through providing Filipino language translation and interpreting workshops and encouraging translators to use the official style guide in doing their work.

Dr. Barrios-Leblanc adds that it should be acknowl-

edged that for some Filipino immigrants, “their own knowledge of Filipino (Tagalog) is not as good as their knowledge of their native languages.”

A big part of the problem is the assumed assimilability of Filipinos, that all Filipinos are fluent in English, and the lack of pride in Filipino language as a result of a colonial past. “[Filipinos] come to the U.S. with a lot of baggage in relation to language and class. That’s really the problem.”

More Filipinos should advocate and not be ashamed of needing Filipino Language Services. When a majority of

Filipinos insist that they do not need Filipino Language Services, Filipinos will not get the services and support that is needed. Why would one expect the city of San Francisco to fund and implement something that seems not to be needed to begin with?

There is a dire need for Filipino Language Access Services in San Francisco. We strongly urge the city of San Francisco to fully implement Filipino Language Access Services. We also strongly urge Filipinos to be proud of their own language and get the language access services that they need and deserve.

 COMMUNITY NEWS

April 7-13, 2022

24

FilAm women health leaders share struggles, triumphs in PCG event SAN FRANCISCO - The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco assembled a powerhouse panel of Filipino and Filipino American women health leaders in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, for an online roundtable discussion in celebration of National Women’s Month in the Philippines and Women’s History Month in America.

Moderated by Philippine Tourism Attaché in San Francisco Soleil Tropicales, the Consulate’s “Women in Health: Leading Our Communities Out of the Pandemic and On the Road to Equity” online event had a spotlight on the role of Filipina and Filipina American health leaders in Northern California and Washington State in turning the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in creating a more equitable community in terms of access to healthcare.

Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer opened the event by recognizing “the multifaceted contributions of Filipino and Filipino American women in the healthcare and medical sectors,” adding that “through their stories and experiences that we hope to inspire other women, and get men to rally behind the need to create an environment for women to rise and to flourish.”

Consul General Ferrer also paid tribute to the Filipino and Filipino American COVID-19 medical front liners and first responders, saying that “their countless sacrifices and selfless dedication in serving and healing the sick have made it possible for us to gradually return to normalcy.”

“For embodying the timeless Filipino spirit of bayanihan, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat,” the Philippine Consul General said.

The four trailblazing Filipina American health leaders shared stories of their journeys in the U.S., their motivations and experiences as they continued to build their careers in the American healthcare sector, and their struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Karen Relucio, Deputy Director and Public Health Officer at the Health and Human Services Agency of Napa County in the San Francisco Bay Area, said: “We had to open an emergency operations center, with lots of people involved, helping with guidance, working with our healthcare partners, our schools, and our community-based organizations. We’re all trying to work together as a community to protect people

from the impacts of COVID-19. It has been a lot of work.”

For her achievements in leading the Napa County’s COVID-19 response, California State Senator Bill Dodd named Dr. Relucio as “Woman of the Year” in 2021.

Zenei Triunfo-Cortez, RN, the first Filipina President of the California Nurses Association, shared: “Because of the strong work of our nurses and our union, we were able to push forward and obtain the necessary personal protective equipment and to push [the Occupational Safety and Health Administration] on a federal level to issue an emergency, temporary standard that will be protecting not just the nurses but also all healthcare workers and professionals as well.”

Triunfo-Cortez’s current portfolio as a health and labor leader signifies the major role that Filipino and Filipino American nurses play in California, where one out of five registered nurses are trained in the Philippines.

Other Filipina American health leaders in the panel talked about their advocacies on ensuring greater access to healthcare for everyone. Teresita Batayola is President and CEO of the International Community Health Services, Washington State’s largest non-profit health center for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), immigrants and refugees.

U.S. President Joe Biden recently appointed Batayola as Member of the Presidential Advisory Commission on AAPIs. “Having been appointed to the Commission is very important to me, and it speaks a lot to the values and activities that I’ve done in this country, not just in my career and personal life.

In an era where there is a predominance of anti-Asian hate, where immigrants and refugees are looked down upon… it is just amazing that we have to do too much to push back, to assert ourselves,” Batayola said.

Stanford University Clinical Professor of Medicine Dr. Julieta Gabiola formed the non-profit group ABC’s for Global Health, to provide medical as well as preventive health care services to the underprivileged in the Philippines.

On Filipino women in the healthcare field, Dr. Gabiola said: “[Women] are achieving some mileage in terms of representation for women. Actually, it humanizes the experience of medicine because of the presence of women. Having said that, I think we still are falling behind in terms of opportunities. Advancement of women in medicine is so hard because of the responsibilities in the household.”

Dr. Gabiola added: “In terms of research, women are underrepresented. For us, Filipino women, we are even much more underrepresented because when they do research among Asians [in the U.S.], everything is aggregated. We have to look at how Filipino women are doing in terms of representation in research, advancement and leadership.”

On what sets Filipino and Filipino American women apart

from their colleagues in the healthcare sector, Triunfo-Cortez said: “We have an anti-colonial fighting spirit, and that we are resilient and hardworking. The fact that we understand how it is to be otherized by people, we understand that we need to be brave and work in a very hostile environment. Growing up here, going to school here, being educated and being trained here, I learned to prove myself time and time again because I need to make it known that I am worthy to be here, to be part of the community and to be part of the nursing profession.”

The Filipina American health leaders offered some words of wisdom to women, especially Filipino women and girls, who aspire for a career in the healthcare sector.

“For our youth, our Filipinas, shoot for the moon. And I think that humility and being open to other perspectives is really important in achieving leadership. I’ll just simply say ‘You got this!’ or ‘You can do this!’ and fight for what you believe in,” Dr. Relucio said.

“You cannot serve other people if you are still trying to serve yourself, right? I also like to make people feel that they should always be self-compassionate. It is okay to make a mistake, it is okay to fail, but rise up again,” Dr. Gabiola shared.

“In this country, where racism has reared its ugly head again, it is so important for us to stand up, show up and speak out. And I say that to the Filipina girls and Filipino boys who aspire to be in healthcare,” Batayola said.

The “Women in Health” online roundtable discussion may be viewed in its entirety on the video tab of the Consulate’s official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/PHinSF/ videos/.

MASS FOR UKRAINE. Members of the Planning Commi�ee for the April 9 Bataan Anniversary Fil-Am Community Mass for Ukraine met at the Pa�o Filipino on April 1. The mass will be officiated by Fr. Mark Reburiano who will lead the prayers for peace in Ukraine. Members of the local Ukrainian community have been invited to join Filipinos in recalling the horrors experienced by the Filipino people 80 years ago when Japanese troops invaded the Philippines and caused widespread destruc�on and death similar to what the Ukrainians are going through a�er Russia’s unprovoked invasion of their country. The April 9 Mass for Peace in Ukraine will be held at the BVM Mater Dei Shrine in Half Moon Bay on Verde 3 and Highway 1 (across from the Arata Pumpkin Farm). For more informa�on about the Ukraine mass, email Laguatanlaw@gmail.com or call Rodel Rodis at 415.334.7800). (Rey Photomo)

25 April 7-13, 2022

 COMMUNITY NEWS

53rd Community Recognition Night by The Int’l Associations of Lions Clubs, District 4- L3

Pictured (from le� to right) are Dr. Bob Mungcal , Mrs Elsa Mungcal , awardee Dr. Manuel Baculi, Mrs. Myrna Baculi , and awardee Dr. Joselito Babaran , Mrs. Lucy Babaran , Ms Lily Harris.

Whittier, Calif. – The Lions Roar with kindness to humanity. Those who have served the community with courage, compassion, dedication and have improved the lives of others and have done humanitarian projects for the underserved sectors were recognized during the 53rd Community Recognition Night of the International Associations of Lions Club on March 19 at the Double Tree by Hilton in this city. This event is held once a year to honor the “Citizen of the Year Award.”

Each Lions Club have one or two awardees who were nominated for their exceptional leadership and community service, whether representing their individual projects or representing their organizations.

There were twenty-one awardees whose ac-

complishments were recognized by various Lions Clubs. The different Lions Club with their awardees include: L.A. Beverly Lions whose awardee is Ava Babbin Kaufman; L.A. Brilliant Lions Club with awardee Adrianne C. Hament and Nathan Sheets; L.A. Cosmopolitan Lions Club and awardee Honeylet De Leon; L.A. Downtown Lions Club with awardee Mike Kim; L.A. Builders Lions Club with awardee Lynda McGee; L.A. Dynamic Lions Club with awardees Manuel Baculi, M.D., and Joselito Babaran, M.D. on behalf of United Specialist Healthcare Foun-

dation (USHF) for his leadership, dedication and commitment for this non-profit’s various humanitarian programs.

L.A. Fil-Am Lions Club with awardee Ken Craft; L.A. New Heritage Lions Club with awardee Dr. Suzie Oh; L.A. Golden Sunrise Lions Club with awardee Tony Wilkenson; L.A. Hollywood Lions Club with awardee Felix Racelis; L.A. Maharlika Lions Club with awardees Morris Chichyan and Arnold Mariano; L.A. Progressive Lions Club with awardees Evelyn Basco, M.D. and Roggielyz Padilla; L.A. New Millennium Lions Club with awardee Joyce Javier, M.D.; L.A. Wilshire Lions Club with awardee Ginam Lee; L.A. Skyline Lions Club with awardees Rebeca Cedro, R.N. and Jocelyn Cedro, R.N. ; and L.A. Southern Inka Lions Club with awardee Erbella Espejo.

While the awardees are being announced as they walk towards the hall and be recognized by guests and members of different Lions Club International to receive their awards, their accomplishments were read.

Obviously, the awards and gala night was a successful event. Lions International Douglas X. Alexander, capped the evening with a powerful message, “Together we give our service from the heart. We can make our neighborhoods and the world - a better place for all people. “ - denino1951@gmail.com

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

 COMMUNITY NEWS

April 7-13, 2022

26

California Climate Credit totaling up to $87.13 applied to customer bills this month Bill credit to combat climate change from the State aves PG&E customers money

SAN FRANCISCO, California. — Residential customers will automatically receive the California Climate Credit this month created by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to fight climate change.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is pleased to administer the credit in a timely manner that will help reduce customer energy bills this month.

For natural gas residential customers, the credit will be $47.83, and for electric residential customers, the credit will be $39.30. Customers who receive both services will receive a total credit of $87.13.

“This credit is great news for PG&E customers and will reduce energy bills and provide more opportunities to invest in energy-

efficiency and money-saving upgrades,” said Vincent Davis, PG&E’s Vice President of Customer Operations and Enablement.

California requires power plants, natural gas providers and other large industries that emit greenhouse gases to buy carbon pollution permits from auctions managed by the California Air Resources Board. The California Climate Credit is customers’ share of the payments from the state’s program.

Customers do not need to do anything to receive the credit, it will automatically appear as an adjustment on a customer’s bill under the Adjustments Section on the Detailed Charges page.

Ways to Reduce Energy Bills PG&E offers various programs to help

customers save money and energy.

California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program saves 20% or more each month on energy bills for income-qualified customers.

Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program offers a monthly discount on electric bills for income-qualified customers with three or more people in the household.

Medical Baseline provides a lower monthly rate for customers with special energy needs due to certain medical conditions.

Budget Billing averages out energy costs for more predictable monthly payments and eliminates big spikes in bills due to seasonal changes.

Bill Forecast Alerts are notifications sent by email, text or phone notifying the customer

if their monthly bill is expected to exceed a specific amount set by the customer.

Residential customers receive the Climate Credit twice a year, in April and October. In 2022, small business customers will receive a bill credit in October.

To learn more about the Climate Credit, visit the CPUC’s California Climate Credit page.

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

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN SAN FRANCISCO PRESENTS “REMEMBER BATAAN: 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FALL OF BATAAN”

Exhibition Dates and Hours: April 11-30, 2022, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Exhibition Location: Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Consulate 447 Sutter Street, San Francisco

Philippine Consulate to Host Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, Reception for Opening of New Exhibit on April 11 at 5:00 p.m.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USA – In commemoration of the Battle of Bataan, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, in partnership with the Filipino American Arts Exposition, Bataan Legacy Historical Society and Philippine Scouts Heritage Society present a special exhibition – Remember Bataan: 80th Anniversary of the Fall of Bataan. The exhibition at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Consulate Building (447 Sutter Street, San Francisco) will be on view from April 11 through April 30, 2022, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

For three weeks in April, Remember Bataan pays tribute to World War II veterans and civilians who served with courage, honor, determination, and distinction and memorializes the 80th anniversary of the Bataan Death March.

April of 2022 marks the 80th anniversary of the Fall of Bataan during the Second World War. Remember Bataan brings the stories of Filipinos and Americans who fought for the peace and freedom we enjoy today. The exhibition honors them by keeping their legacy alive for future generations of Filipinos and Americans through displayed historical items and first and second-person accounts of our war heroes.

The Philippine Consulate will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception to celebrate the opening of Remember Bataan on April 11 at 5:00 p.m. The ceremony will feature remarks from Consul General Neil Ferrer and other veterans community leaders. Members of the community who are planning to attend the event, please RSVP

by April 4 to https://rememberbataan.eventbrite.com. *** Fall of Bataan facts and figures: April 9 is a national holiday in the Philippines, called “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor). The Bataan Death March took place on April 9, 1942, after General Edward King Jr. surrendered the 75,000 Filipino and American soldiers of Bataan to the Japanese Imperial Army.

10,650 – The approximate number of Filipinos and American soldiers that died during the Death March (5,000 –10,000 Filipino deaths and 250 – 650 American deaths; there is no official

record and differing sources report the widely differing number of casualties before reaching Camp O’Donnell).

20,000 – The number of Filipino and American soldiers who died at Camp O’Donnell.

65 miles – Length of the Bataan Death March (from the Municipality of Mariveles to Camp O’Donnell, along the Bataan Peninsula).

99 days – Number of days the Filipino and American soldiers (US Armed Forces of the Far East; USAFFE) fought to delay the Japanese timetable, which allowed the Allied Forces the time to harness the necessary resources to defeat Japan eventually.

The exhibition is made possible by the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco, the Philippine Department of Tourism, The Philippine Center, Filipino American Arts Exposition, Bataan Legacy Historical Society and Philippine Scouts Heritage Society. *** Quotes: “As we mark 80 years since the Fall of Bataan, a defining moment in PhilippineAmerican history, I invite the pubic to visit the “Remember Bataan” exhibition this April at the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco and pay homage to all our Filipino and American veterans, whose sacrifices during the Second World War paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Philippine Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer.

“One of the best ways to remember and appreciate our rich history is by traveling to the Philippines and visit the key destinations and locations,” said Soleil Tropicales, Tourism Attaché of the Philippine Department of Tourism. “We will launch the World War II in the Philippines Tour Package that will bring you around Metro Manila, Bataan and Leyte.

Come and join us as we learn and at the same time, have fun touring and discovering WWII sites in the Philippines.”

“This project is a labor of love by many individuals who are committed to honor and remember our WWII heroes. I would like to acknowledge the community leaders who stepped up to make this project a reality.

I also would like to thank 5M Project, BNI Embarcadero, Stiiizy, and other sponsors for

their contribution. And I am very thankful for the many community partners who shared their photo collections and artifacts, as well as individual donors who generously supported this exhibition,” said Al Perez, President of FAAE. “Filipinos did most of the fighting and the dying in Bataan, said Cecilia Gaerlan, Executive Director of the Bataan Legacy Historical Society. “They comprised seven-eighths of the main line of resistance. It is also important to know that against all odds, they managed to hold on to Bataan for 99 days despite suffering from starvation, disease, and without any air support.”

“We have to honor the sacrifice and service of all the Filipino and American veterans, civilian and military, and also the international veterans who volunteered to risk their lives and many did, to help the fight for survival in WWII in the Philippines,” shared Rod dela Concepcion, of Philippine Scouts Heritage Society and 1LT Magdalena Leones American Legion Post 510.

Edgar de Leon from the Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE) said, “I’m very surprised that most people I talk to don’t know very much about this part of history that took place in the Philippines! Many veterans will tell you to “Never Forget” what they did, long after they’ve passed. Our veterans just want to be remembered for their service to their country.” *** For more information on the Remember Bataan: 80th Anniversary of the Fall of Bataan, email Al Perez at alsperez@gmail.com. ###

27 April 7-13, 2022

Offline

(From Page 13)

who usually attend Leni rallies and the few hundreds of handful of thousands attending the Marcos Jr. campaign events.

The former are always happy events where everyone is nice to each other, going so far as to share food, water, t-shirts and other campaign paraphernalia, at the expense of the donors.

The latter, meanwhile, are lifeless events where the crowds easily get riled when they do not receive the promised food and cash. Also, pickpockets have been known to attend the Marcos rallies because they know a good number are there to receive P500 dole outs. They not only steal the cash, but also cellphones and wallets.

In other words, Leni draws huge crowds because the attendees genuinely love her, while Marcos Jr. invites leaner crowds because they do not really like him. They’re only after the cash and raffle prizes that they may take home with them.

Still, Marcos Jr. believes that he still has the edge that he had when he announced his decision to run and Robredo was still undecided.

He may not have even half the political smarts of his father, but he does surround himself with bootlickers and sycophants who hope to grab government posts once their boy ends up in Malacanang.

Filipino politicians did not invent fake news, as Donald Trump will tell you. But the Marcos camp has been spreading fake data that show surveys from once credible companies indicating that their boy has a huge lead over the VP. That he also controls a lot of print and broadcast media guarantees that those fake survey results will receive a lot of coverage. Some reporters, columnists, and editors are so blatantly corrupt to the point that they only print negative pieces about Robredo, while praising Marcos Jr to high heavens. Media owners, meanwhile, are forced to give him positive coverage because he spends so much in advertising.

But just like Marcos Sr. before him, it is international organizations like Google and Facebook that show Robredo as the likely winner of next month’s elections, not poor Junior whose refusal to attend any debates are a strong indication of his mortal fear of his opponents as well as a lack of a program of government to present to the people.

If, as is widely believed, Marcos Jr. will engage in massive cheating in order to win, he had better watch his back. His presidency is guaranteed to fail and he may meet the same fate that befell his old man and greedy mother.

He never learned the lessons that his own family’s history should have taught him.

Mind sparks

(From Page 13)

period.

In this regard, it is perhaps relevant as a way of illustration/comparison that the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) of the United States, as cited in the Congressional Research Service’s “Campaign Contributions and the Ethics of Elected Officials: Regulation Under Federal Law” (July 2016), prohibits converting campaign funds for personal use. The following are expenses for personal use: “home mortgage, rent, or utility payments; clothing purchases; noncampaignrelated car expenses; country club membership; vacation; household food; tuition payments; admission to sporting events, concerts, theater, or other entertainment not associated with the campaign; and health club fees.” These expenses are undoubtedly personal.

Would it not be better to distribute surplus campaign donations to non-profits promoting and advancing government social functions? Or, maybe make them part of the public funds for public benefits?

Until there is a change in the rules, my acquaintance or any other prospective candidate with financial profit in mind may seriously consider running. The chances of winning is a secondary consideration.

It may be a reason why specific individuals have become perennial candidates.

(MANUEL B. QUINTAL, ESQ., has practices law in New York since 1989. He is active in the community as a member, an officer, or a legal adviser of various professional, business, and not-for-profit organizations.He is admitted to practice law in the Philippines and New York State. He has graduate degrees in Political Science and an LL.M. major in International Law. His article first appeared in the Philippine Daily Mirror.)

Ken Go

(From Page 13)

ises in violation of the expired lease; refused the landlord’s authorized entry into the premises; or failed to deliver possession after providing the landlord notice to terminate the tenancy or surrender possession. [CC 1946.2(b)(1); See RPI Form 576-1] With either of these notices, the landlord includes the additional cover letter notice concerning whether a tenant may be eligible for eviction protection while their ERA application is under review. This notice needs to be delivered with a Three-Day Notice to Pay Rent for delinquencies of rent accrued prior to April 1, 2022. [See RPI Form 575-4] Once the three days have passed and the tenant has still not paid the required amount or communicated with the landlord that they have applied for rent assistance – the landlord may serve the tenant with a Three-Day Notice to Quit without the further opportunity for the tenant to cure the default in payment of rent. [See RPI Form 577-1] Proper eviction procedures for tenants exempt from just cause evictions For tenants who are not subject to just cause eviction requirements, the landlord serves the nonpaying tenant with a Three-Day Notice to Pay, along with the notice on the eviction protections available for tenants awaiting an ERA decision. [See RPI Form 575-1; Form 575-4] Thanks for your inquiries, please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

Joe Santos recommended that I’ll partner with Marilyn in giving excellent services for my clients in buying and selling homes, and partner with him in giving excellent services in home loans and refinancing for my clients. So last week, I finalized my partnership with Marilyn De Castro Becklehimer and Joe Santos.

I am now announcing the revival of my real estate practice as licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE#00635976) in California since 1981, in partnership with Marilyn De Castro and Joe Santos, For FREE consultations on Home Loans, Refinancing, Buying and Selling Real Estate, just write or contact ART G. MADLAING at:701-8th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118 Tel. (650)438-3531 or (415)584-7095 or email:artmadlaing@gmail.com All new and old clients who will request for FREE consultations will receive complimentary autographed copies of the Revised 2022 Edition of “REAL ESTATE & YOU”( Amazon price is $15.95 per paperback copy plus shipping and handling) subtitled “Basic Guide and Information for Successful Investing in Home, Land and Income Property.”

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

On Distant Shore

(From Page 12)

ties feel they own the seats that they occupy and it’s theirs to bequeath, to whoever family member they see fit,” anti-corruption group Transparency and Accountability Network executive director Vincent Lazatin said. “It is very disturbing.”

While Pacquiao was right in saying it would be unfair to prohibit a relative of a sitting elected official to run for office if he or she is sincere and competent, there is a need to control these political families from further expanding their reach and solidifying their hold on their jurisdiction.

It is when these political families become so powerful that they can do things that are contrary to the interest of the people they were elected to serve.

Statistics have shown that the poorest provinces in the country are mostly ruled by well-entrenched political dynasties. Many of these political clans enrich themselves and are unafraid to face consequences because they are confident they would prevail in elections because they have the money and the machinery needed to win. Because many of them belong to the moneyed class, they tend to protect their own rather than those who need more in terms of services. They also do their best to maintain the status quo because it is to their best interest, rather than institute changes to improve the lives of their constituencies.

We can’t expect Congress, which is dominated by powerful political families, to pass any law that would enforce the Constitutional ban on political dynasties. But we can do our part as voters by rejecting these political families, especially those running for congressional and Senate seats, in the May 9 elections.

Or we can just let them continue ignoring the Constitution, just as Pacquiaos, the Marcoses, the Dutertes, the Villars, the Garcias, the Ortegas, the Binays, the Evardonnes, and the others would want us to do.

PerryScope...

(From Page 12)

the second largest island in the Philippines. Bongbong’s vice presidential running mate, Sara Duterte is President Duterte’s daughter. Indeed, Leni appears to have cracked the fabled “Solid South” of the Duterte clan. Leni has shown the ability to mobilize ground support in the Visayas, Mindanao, and Metro Manila. Even in Ilocandia, Leni was able to attract thousands of supporters in Cagayan and Isabela. In Echague, Isabela, 10,000 kakampinks showed up chanting “Awan ti Solid North! (There is no Solid North!).

Lots of baggage On the other hand, Bongbong is inundated with issues, many of which can be traced back to Marcos Sr.’s dictatorial martial law regime and corrupt government. But the biggest issue is the unpaid tax assessment against the Marcos family, which amounts to P203 billion. Marcos Jr. claims that the tax liability is still pending in court – a statement rejected by presidential candidate Isko Moreno as “all lies,” who brought the issue just two weeks ago.

However, Ernesto Ramel, chairman of Moreno’s Aksyon Demokratiko, reiterated that the Supreme Court affirmed in 1997 a Court of Appeals ruling that declared the Marcoses’ estate to have a tax deficiency of P23 billion but ballooned from P23 billion to P203 billion due to interests

and penalties 20 years later. In 1999, the Supreme Court had determined that the judgment ordering the Marcos heirs to pay the taxes was “final, executory, and unappealable.”

“If Marcos Jr. wins the presidency,” Ramel said, “the Filipino people’s P203B will surely disappear like a bubble. It is evident in your actions, words, lies, and excuses. Enough is enough Atty. Vic Rodriguez and Marcos Jr. Give the money to the Filipinos.”

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) confirmed that it sent to the Marcos family in December 2021, a written demand to settle their estate tax liabilities. But the Marcos family refused to pay the estate tax liabilities, which has become a major campaign issue.

With the election barely a month away, the P203-billion tax liability is causing a lot of flak from the other candidates, who are now using the tax liability as the number one issue. And no matter how the Marcos camp defends their stand, the issue is spreading like forest fire.

Marcos Jr.’s educational attainment is questionable. Marcos Jr. claimed that he graduated from Oxford University and earned a degree. But in October 2021, Oxford University confirmed that he failed to complete his degree and did not graduate. Yet in spite of Oxford’s denial, Marcos Jr. insisted that he completed his degree.

Momentum Like they say, surveys might not be reliable, but turnouts don’t lie. It’s a living manifestation of popular support. At the LeniKiko grand rally in Pasig City on March 20, around 130,000 “kakampinks” – a portmanteau that combines “kakampi” (partner) and “pink” (Leni’s campaign color) – attended the grand rally, the largest assembly of Leni’s supporters. A few days later, 80,000 kakampinks attended the Leni-Kiko grand rally in Bohol. A day later, 50,000 kakampinks showed up in Tarlac City.

Let’s face it, as in previous Philippine elections, the early frontrunners tripped over some issues that torpedoed their candidacies. It happened to Fernando Poe Jr. in 2004, Manny Villar in 2010, Grace Poe in 2016 and Jejomar Binay in 2016, who both lost to Rodrigo Duterte. While I find it irrelevant to discuss the issues that befell their candidacies (they’re fait accompli), Filipino voters do not like electing controversial candidates. And once they lose their confidence in a candidate, you might as well kiss them good-bye.

With numerous controversial issues that haunt Bongbong, would it be fair to say that he’s lost the confidence of the majority of the Filipino people?

While people may have forgiven the sins of the father, they will never forget the things that the late dictator did. And for Bongbong to not apologize for his father’s atrocious regime, claiming that his father did not do anything wrong – he even called it the “golden era” -- is an insult to the people’s intelligence. Bongbong’s bias foretells how his presidency would mirror his father’s 20-year bloody rule that had bankrupted the Philippine economy, which led to the People Power Revolution of 1986.

My crystal ball for 2022 clearly shows that Bongbong will lose in a landslide. (PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

Upside...

(From Page 11)

was wrong in believing “the Filipino is worth dying for,” David reiterated Aquino’s famous credo.

He drilled down further in his Facebook post: “A nation that treats its villains like heroes and its heroes like villains has nowhere to go but down the drain. It will be treated with contempt by the community of nations that used to be inspired by the fabled nobility of its citizens now gone.”

Belittling the Aquino monument in favor of the dictator’s son damages the psyche of future generations, teaching them complacency not courage, glorifies power and wealth rather than honesty and accountability. ### Cherie M. Querol Moreno is Executive Editor of Philippine News Today and Founder-Executive Director of ALLICE Alliance for Community Empowerment.

 HEALTH NEWS

April 7-13, 2022

28

CDC offers update on the COVID-19 virus and vaccines Cases decrease but vaccination remains important

By Jenny Manrique Two years into the pandemic, COVID-19 cases have decreased dramatically and 95% of Americans have some immunity either for having been vaccinated or previously infected with the virus.

However, experts from the Centers for Disease, Control and Prevention (CDC), warned that because it’s unpredictable to know when the next variant or the next pandemic is coming, vaccination remains the most important preventive measure for all age groups.

The panelists spoke in a briefing co-hosted by Ethnic Media Services and the CDC that looked at the state of the pandemic in the United States and globally.

John T. Brooks, MD, Senior Science Advisor, CDC Emergency COVID-19 Response: “BA2 variant represents 35% of circulating variants nationally… There is no evidence that BA2 variant results in more severe disease, nor does it appear to be more likely to evade immune protection. But it does have increased transmission in comparison to the related BA1 variant that circulated in the US peaking during January of 2021.”

“We are monitoring potential increases in cases and trans-

mission through the COVID-19 wastewater surveillance system… wastewater is a place where we can detect the presence of the RNA in urine or feces. We hope that the system will pick up a signal even before we’re aware that something’s going on in the community; we’ll detect outbreaks and clusters of infection.”

“We’re watching the signals in Western Europe and the UK and then also in parts of Asia. The situation in the US has an important difference from those: we have very high levels of immunity in this country, 95% of Americans have some evidence of either having been vaccinated or previously infected with COVID. We think that’s very high compared to some other places in the world.”

“Testing is the fundamental way that we monitor where disease is occurring and where we need to focus our efforts in prevention and treatment. Testing in the United States is free and it’s widely available.”

“We live in one world, and we’re only as safe as a plane right away. So it’s important that we protect everyone in our world community. Untreated COVID-19 infection is the source of new variants. People who are not vaccinated and become infected can become the source of new variants to emerge. These are good reasons to want to provide the vac-

cine to everyone possible.”

“This pandemic is not over and we have to be prepared to take care of ourselves and to take care of others. Should there be a resurgence? or should there be another pandemic coming after this one? History has shown us over and over this is not the last one. My message here is to be prepared for the future.”

Shannon Stokley, DrPH, Co-Lead of the Vaccine Task Force, CDC Emergency COVID-19 Response: “We’ve given more than 559 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, and that’s three times the amount of vaccine that’s usually given in a flu season. A good majority of that has been mRNA vaccines that have been proven safe and effective at preventing complications from COVID-19, including severe disease, hospitalization, and death.”

“Currently there are multiple manufacturers that are conducting clinical trials to assess the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine among children younger than five years of age. Once complete, those manufacturers must submit an application to the US Food and Drug Administration. The FDA will then review the data and if there’s good evidence of safety and effectiveness, they will authorize the vaccine under emergency use for children in this age group.”

Sweeteners and cancer Heart of Hope

New large-scale studies found that a high intake of artificial sweeteners (particularly aspartame and acesulfame-K, the most used ones worldwide) is linked to a 13 percent increased risk of cancer in general, with the highest probability of breast cancer and those malignanPHILIP S. CHUA cies related to obesity. The research above involved 102,865 adults, studied from 2009 and followed up for 7.8 years.

Nearly 165 million adults in the United States consume artificial sweeteners. The worldwide market for artificial sweeteners is estimated at US$22.2 billion, and still increasing, with nearly $3 Billion in the last two years. The statistics in 2017 show 41.4 percent of American adults and 25.1 percent of children use artificial sweeteners.

The sweeteners that are becoming more popular are “natural,” from Stevia rebaudiana leaves, like NuNatural, Splenda, Truvia, Stevia, etc. These natural sweeteners appear to be safe, with zero calories, and are an excellent substitute for sugar, especially healthy for those with diabetes mellitus.

While Agave has a low glycemic index, it has higher calories than granular sugar and has higher fructose content, which is not healthy.

Second booster?

The US FDA last Tuesday authorized a second booster (shot #4) for those 50 years old and older, and for those who are immunocompromised, at least four months after the first booster because of waning protection from the previous vaccinations. The Omicron sub-variant, BA.2, Stealth Omicron, is also part of this concern. Those infected with the original COVID-19, or the Delta variant, or the Omicron, even with the two shots and a booster, are not immune to Stealth Omicron or any other future variants. The second booster is aimed at protecting the most vulnerable. There is a high probability that the second booster might be recommended for everyone.

Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, has been infected with COVID-19 for the second time, one in November 2020, and last March 28, 2022. The most compelling statistics came from an Israeli study that showed adults older than 60 who had the second booster were 78 percent less

likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those who got only three shots.

Those who had been infected with COVID-19 now have some natural immunity, but vaccination is still recommended because immunity from the vaccine is much more protective and more stable than natural immunity.

They are also recommended to have a second booster shot for better protection.

Ivermectin ineffective While we are all praying and hoping for medications that would prevent or cure COVID-19, which has so far killed almost 6.2 million around the world, more than one million in the United States, and almost 60,000 in the Philippines, we had high hopes for a veteran antiparasitic drug called Ivermectin, which was introduced in the late 70s. Anecdotal reports claimed it was effective in preventing the progress of early COVID-19 infection.

Several studies have been done since, and like this one performed on 10,467 outpatients screened for trial, 679 were treated with Ivermectin and 679 with placebo.

The median age of both cohorts was 49 years old and 58.2 percent were females. The team found no substantial differences between the ivermectin-treated and the placebo-treated in the clinical course, hospitalization rate and length of stay, viral clearance, recovery, risk of death, and the number of days mechanical ventilation was required or time of death. Furthermore, there was no difference between the two groups in the PROMIS global-10 score or the mental component score.

COPD from GERD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is very commonly associated with smoking, which, over time, “burns” the lung tissues and renders them less efficient in the air exchange and production of oxygen for the entire body. The lung tissues are basically destroyed and emphysema develops. The person becomes short of breath. COPD is the third leading cause of death around the world.

COPD could also be caused by Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), where the sphincter (valve) between the esophagus (food pipe) and the stomach becomes incompetent (loose). Normally this valve is closed tight, preventing stomach acid and food from going back up (regurgitate) to the esophagus. The stomach normally produces hydrochloric acid to aid in digestion and keep the stomach content sterilized, free from bacteria. When the valve is not competent (loose), it allows the acid fumes to float upwards, which get inhaled by the person every few minutes, especially at night in

bed. The acid fumes destroy the lungs, much like among smokers, albeit less with GERD. Those with COPD due to Gerd could clinically present with bronchitis or bronchial asthma, necessitating the use of steroid inhalers, like Trelegy, Fasenra, Spiriva Espimat etc. Nebulizer using albuterol solution also helps ease breathing. All these require physician supervision and prescription.

Sleep Apnea Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which has become a more known entity in the past 3 decades, is a serious medical condition if left untreated. Although many individuals with OSA snore, not everyone who snores has OSA. These persons have excessive daytime sleepiness, feel tired all the time, lack concentration, and have an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and cancer. Because they hold their breath for a long time while sleeping, the body and vital organs, including the brain, do not get enough oxygen. The pathology here is the soft palate at the back of the throat which has degenerated into a flimsy tissue that falls back and covers the airway When the airway is blocked, no oxygen gets to the lungs from the nose and mouth. This results in hypoxia (diminished oxygen level), which, when sustained for a long period of time, is dangerous. A heart attack could occur in this situation during sleep.

All those advertised gadgets for the nose or dental props are useless (a scam) because the pathology is in the throat. The Inspire implant is a surgical procedure and is not useful for everyone with Sleep Apnea. The standard proven of care for Sleep Apnea is the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machine that pushes in room air at a higher (prescribed) pressure to keep the airway open, preventing the flimsy tissue in the throat from collapsing and blocking the airway.

CPAP therapy ensures good breathing and oxygenation, freedom from snoring (spouses are grateful for this), improved and restful sleep, better concentration and alertness, and clearer mental faculties. Always using CPAP for sleeping or a nap also reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cancer.

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 7-13, 2022

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS

FACING LOSS OF A LOVED ONE

By TIM PEDROSA

T

he death of a person very dear to us literally changes every single thing in our world going forward: the way we eat, the way we watch TV, our circle of friends, our family life, and our financial status changes. It affects our self-worth, our self-esteem, our confidence, and rhythms, our hobbies and interests, our sense of security, our sense of humor and more. Every single thing changes. We are handed a new life that we never asked for that we don’t particularly want. It is the hardest, most gut-wrenching, horrific, and life-altering of things to live with.

However terrible the situation is, we need to learn to face the adversity, loss, and mortality and channel the hard parts of our life into meaningful action and growth when we have lost someone we do love because we have no other choice. Grief is like living two lives. One is where you pretend that everything is okay and the other one is where our heart silently screams pain. What we do have a choice is how we choose to live. When we are grieving, I have learned that one of the lies that grief tells us is that we are alone. Let us recognize the difference between “THE END” and “AN END”.

I have tried hard to stop resisting the unpleasant feelings and accepted that happiness has nothing to do with feeling good all the time. So how can we transform our collective grief and anxiety? How do we change our approach to life? How do we change how we view death and our own mortality? If you focus on the hurt, you will continue to suffer. If you focus on the lesson, you will continue to grow.

We need to accept the passing and legacy of that person wholeheartedly. Instead of crying, let us live an inspired, spiritual and happy life like what that person did when he/she was still around. Let us live each day with encouragement knowing that he/she is proud and smiling down on us from Heaven. I have also learned that no person is truly alone. Those who live no more, whom we loved, echo still within our thoughts, our words, and our hearts.

IN MOMENTS OF HEARTBREAKING GRIEF, I DO BELIEVE THAT THE ONLY REASON WE HAVE AN EMPTY SPACE IS BECAUSE WE WERE BLESSED WITH SOMEONE WHO LOVED US SO BEAUTIFULLY, IT OCCUPIED AN ENTIRE PART OF OUR SOUL. However, our joys will be greater; our love will be fuller because we share moment with someone we do love. One day we will remember how lucky we are to have known the love of that person with wonder not grief.

Words however kind, cannot mend our heartache but those who Date: April 23, 2022 (Saturday) care and share Time: Rosary 9:30 am our loss wish us Holy Mass at 10:00 am comfort and peace of mind. May we St. Gregory Catholic Church find strength in 2715 Hacienda St., San Mateo, CA 94403 the love of family Officiating Priest: Father Mark Reburiano and in the warm embrace of friends For more info, please call: who were there Nellie Sarmiento (415) 939-3678 with us during Mr. J.R.: (650) 952-8238 those trying times.

W

Lenten Special: Lenten Practices 2

e continue our topic from Last week: We talked about fasting, prayer, abstinence, almsgiving and mortification. These acts during Lenten season are helps to our living out the best we can the season of conversion and renewal. We now continue to discuss and reflect the other Lenten acts: The praying of the Stations of the Cross or Via Cruces; this prayer and devotion is done during Fridays of Lent but also during any REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD Friday during the year. This devotion and prayer specifically appropriate for Lent since the content of this prayer is about the Paschal Mystery of the Lord Jesus. Praying this prayer not only make us able to meditate and re-live The Passion and Death of the Savior but also aware of God’s great love over sinful humanity and how much God worked out our salvation by giving up His Only Son as the Sacrificial Victim. This prayer is powerful and some faithful make this prayer for the Fridays of Lent to gain plenary or partial indulgence.

With this prayer, we can have a faith experience of God’s unconditional and selfless love. Moreover, this prayer can urge in us deep compunction against our sinfulness to embark with a firm resolved to change one’s life for God. On Visiting Churches or Visita Iglesia; this is done primarily from Holy Thursday after the Mass of the Last Supper when the Blessed Sacrament has been enthroned at the Chapel of repose. So, devotees will visit separate Churches, seven different Churches usually, since presupposed all Churches by this time have the Blessed Sacrament Thrones or Special Altars prepared, and spend time with the Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament responding to His call to “…keep watch with me (Mt. 26:38)” or vigil with Him as He prays to God the Father in the Garden of Olives or Gethsemane. This visiting of Churches has many variations according to people’s devotion; some may pray the Stations of the Cross, two Stations per church of seven churches until concluding at the last church they are visiting. Or other prayers they choose, the main idea is to spend moments of prayer with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Of course, many others won’t be able to do it during night time; so, people may do it during the day of the Holy Thursday until Holy Friday. Or may do it in other days during the Holy Week; and instead of 7 churches others may do less or add some more depending on their intention of doing the Visita Iglesia.

The visiting of 7 churches can take some hours, others make it a whole day family activity. This devotional practice is helpful not only as form of sacrifice or offering of prayers to God, but a habit formation; that is, the going to Church is important. The going to church and be with Jesus in the Mass or in the Blessed Sacrament is important.

On Receiving of the Holy Eucharist or attending Mass; during Lenten season we are encouraged to pray, and the highest form of prayer is the Mass or the Eucharist; so, if we can go to Mass daily in the 40 days of Lent including, of course, the Sunday and days of obligation; that’s admirable indeed. This practice is does not only deepen our devotion to the Mass; but also, a way to re-live the Last Supper and Christ’s Act of Sacrifice on Calvary that must evoke in us a powerful impulse to concrete change in our behavior and lifestyle as our gratitude to God’s love.

Lastly, on the Going to Confession; Lenten season is a season of God’s mercy, we cannot let Lent pass by without approaching the Sacrament of God’s mercy and make a good confession.

During Lent, we are encouraged to make a good examination of conscience and then go to Confession. This practice is not only for Lent but must be in some regular bases, like once or twice a month or as needed. The minimum encouraged of us is once a year, but this is the minimum; is God to be given what is minimum only? God’s concern is cleansing us from sin and to sanctify ourselves; hence, the Sacrament of Confession and Reconciliation does that. Would we not receive it as often we could? We cannot take this practice for granted; for as sinners we are weak, but with God forgiveness and grace we are powerful. May we keep practicing our Lenten Acts with devotion and love of God in our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Aflame The Heart

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

31 April 7-13, 2022  NATIONAL NEWS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Monggo with Pork Pata, Mung Beans with Pork Leg Ingredients: 1 small size pata ng baboy (pork leg or hocks) 2 cups mung beans 1 bunch of green beans, trimmed 1 large bag baby spinach 4-6 pieces long green chili 1/2 head garlic, chopped 1/2 head garlic, crushed 2 thumb size ginger, peeled, cut into thin strips 1 thumb size ginger, peeled, crushed 1 large size onion, chopped 1 medium size onion, quartered 2 large size tomato, chopped 1/4 cup fish sauce salt Cooking procedure: Ask the butcher to saw cut pork pata crosswise at 1 1/2” thick slices. Wash thoroughly, put in a large pot, cover with enough water, bring to a boil for 3 to 5 minutes. Discard first boiled liquid and rinse the boiled pata off scum. Now pour in fresh water to cover pork pata, add in the crushed garlic, crushed ginger and quartered onion, bring to a boil, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until pork and beans are tender. I the meantime in a separate large sauce pan place the bean and add in enough water to about 2 to 3 inches above the beans line, bring to a boil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the beans disintegrate and the desired liquid consistency is achieved. Take out all scum that rises to the surface and add more water as necessary. When the pork legs are tender separate it from the boiling liquid and keep aside. Using a sieve to filter out the residue add the boiling liquid to the now simmering mung beans. Now sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant add in the onion and tomato and continue to stir cook for about a minute. Add in the boiled pork leg and fish sauce and continue to stir cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. Add in the stir cooked pork leg to the simmering mung beans, continue to cook for about 3 to 5 minutes. Coreect saltines if require. add in the green beans or similar vegetable and green long chili, cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Now add the spinach and cook for another half a minute. Serve with a lot of rice.

World-renowned Palaui Island reopens after 2 years TUGUEGARAO CITY – The world-famous Palaui Island in Cagayan province is open again to tourists after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

At the height of the health crisis in 2020, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provided P1 million to fund the emergency employment of about 160 families in the island.

Officials of the DENR, Department of Tourism, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, local government, and other members of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to signal the reopening of the 8,048-hectare Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (PIPLS) in Barangay San Vicente, Santa Ana, according to a Facebook post.

The PAMB is the decision-making body of the PIPLS, a protected area legislated by virtue of Republic Act 11038, or the expanded protected areas system law.

DENR Region 2 Executive Director, Gwendolyn Bambalan, said the reopening of the PIPLS will boost the economy and will help the country recover from the effects of the public health emergency.

“Last year, our department initiated the improvement of facilities in PIPLS with a budget of PHP4.7 million,” she said. “With the influx of tourists, there should be an office dedicated to manage our environment and natural resources here.”

Two accredited boat operators’ associations, the San Vicente Motor Banca Association and Palaui San Vicente Motor Banca Association have been ferrying tourists.

The island covers 8,048 hectares with 1,008-hectare coral reefs,

472-hectare seagrasses and 102-hectare mangrove.

It became famous for hosting two seasons of the reality show “Survivor USA” and for being included in the top 10 most beautiful beaches of the world

by CNN, an international broadcast network.

In 2019, the marine protected area (MPA) was awarded outstanding National Integrated Protected Area System-Marine Protected Area by the Para El Mar: MPA Awards and Recognition, a biennial event that showcases the country’s best performing MPAs. As required by the PAMB, a vaccination card must be presented upon registration while only trained and accredited guides will be allowed.

The PIPLS is within the jurisdiction of the community environment and natural resources office of Aparri, led by forester Joselito Razon.