Philippine News Today

1 May 12-18, 2022

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

www.pnewstoday.com

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

Vol. 61 No. 40 May 12-18, 2022

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

MARCOS, DUTERTE WIN, START SHAPING GOV’T Cloud hangs over Marcos’ apparent win

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

MANILA – He may have won, but can he rule?

This is the question facing Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose apparent victory in this week’s presidential election was not immediately recognized by Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate Senator Francisco Pangilinan.

Robredo told her followers to respect the final results, even as PanBy Jun Nucum and Angelo Lopez gilinan noted that there were questions regarding the early release of SAN FRANCISCO - Fili- sulate General in San Francisco THE WINNERS: Leading presiden�al candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the unofficial vote count. Page 10 pino voters turned out in record reported. vice presiden�al candidate Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio. Both have senumber for the overseas absenProtesters, however, marred cured unprecedent over 31 million votes each. tee voting, the Philippine Con- the election process Page 8

Big absentee voting turnout noted as FilAm groups protest

Election unprecedented; Robin, Loren lead Senate race

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor-in-Chief

MANILA – In an unprecedented election which was first for the country under the COVID-19 pandemic, former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. emerged as the winner in the presidential election based SC upholds anti-terrorism on unoffi cial votes count garnering more than 31 million law with finality, petitions junked votes, the highest in history.

Marcos’ runningmate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio also won by a mile in the vice presidential race getting also more than 31 million votes in the Page 9 unofficial count.

US contratulates Marcos, eyes security ties

WASHINGTON - the United States will seek close security ties with the Philippines under its next president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. but warned on human rights issues.

Reports from Washington D.C. showed that in a congratulatory message, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that “we look forward to working with President-elect Marcos to strengthen the enduring alliance between the United States and the Philippines.” Page 8

US eyes renewed ties with new PHL admin; lady American ambassador due in Manila

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda

WASHINGTON/MANILA – The United States government said it would renew its “special partnership” with the Philippines and work with the next administration on human rights and regional priorities once a new president has been proclaimed.

US State Department spokes- AMBASSADOR person Ned Price said the US MaryKay Loss looks forward to work- Page 8 Carlson

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price

Historic Filipinotown gateway officially inaugurated

P26

Manila has first lady mayor as Lacuna wins VIEWS & COMMENTS

SHOWBIZ

You must disclose Robin Padilla, all your children other actors win, during lose in elections naturalization

By A�y. Lozano

Page 14

Page 19

SPORTS

PHL wins gold, other medals in SEA Games Page 21

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 NATIONAL NEWS

May 12-18, 2022

2

Locsin attends US-Asean summit in Washington DC PASAY CITY – Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has left Manila to attend the highly-anticipated United States-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Special Summit in Washington D.C. from May 12 to 13.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said this participation reflects the Philippines’ commitment to working with its Southeast Asian neighbors and the US for a sustainable post-pandemic recovery and a peaceful and secured region.

Locsin is expected to join Asean leaders in a number of events hosted by President Joseph Biden, Jr. and other US government officials during the two-day summit that aims to enhance and chart the future of Asean-US cooperation, focusing on areas like pandemic recovery, health security, maritime security, climate Foreign Affairs Sec. Teodoro Locsin Jr. change, clean energy transformation, digital economy, trade, and sustainable infrastructure, among others.

The special summit is the second of its kind hosted 1977, making it a momentous occasion celebrating 45 by the US since it became Asean’s dialogue partner in years of US-Asean partnership

Duterte brothers secure elective posts in Davao City DAVAO CITY – The Duterte brothers are set to take oath as two of the city’s new leaders with partial and unofficial votes showing a substantial lead over their opponents.

Partial and unofficial Commission on Elections (Comelec) data as of 4:02 p.m. Tuesday showed Sebastian Duterte, who is running for mayor, garnering 593,064 votes compared to his closest rival, lawyer Ruy Elias Lopez, a three-time congressman and son of the city’s former mayor Elias Lopez, obtaining 67,313 votes.

The figures represented 95.3 percent of election returns.

For the vice mayoral seat, Melchor Quitain Jr., who is running unopposed, obtained 535,997 votes in the unofficial tally.

Meanwhile, Sebastian’s older brother Paolo also leads the race for the city’s 1st district representative, garnering 211,872 votes, pulling away from his opponent, Mags Maglana who has 14,101 votes.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who earlier announced

He said it was the people who wanted his children to take on his mantle.

Currently, Mayor Sara Z. Duterte is also heading for a landslide win in the vice presidential race.

With 97.93 percent of electoral returns as of 4:17 p.m., Duterte has so far garnered 31,435,335 votes in the unofficial national tally.

Trailing Duterte is Liberal Party’s vice-presidential candidate Kiko Pangilinan with 9,212,213 votes.

Dayanghirang concedes Meanwhile, voters here have favored newcomer Vincent Garcia to represent the city’s second district in the House of Representatives.

Garcia outshined Dayanghirang who served as a city councilor and in other positions for the past 29 years.

NEW GENERATION LEADERS. Sebas�an and Paolo Garcia, as of 5:57 p.m., got 151,659 votes while Duterte won thEIR races in Davao City for mayor and first Dayanghirang with 70,033. district representa�ve.

“To Hon. Vincent Garcia, I am conceding to your his return to Davao City as a civilian after his term ends, victory and congratulations,” Dayanghirang said in a said it was not his intention to start a political dynasty statemen here.

Cadiao, Denosta get fresh mandates in Antique

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SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, ANTIQUE – Reelectionists Governor Rhodora Cadiao and Vice Governor Edgar Denosta received fresh mandates following their proclamation as winners of the May 9 polls.

They were proclaimed together with Antonio Agapito Legarda, who replaced his sister Rep. Loren Legarda as the province’s lone district representative in Congress.

Antique Provincial Board of Canvassers chairperson Provincial Election Supervisor Wil Arceño said they proclaimed the winners despite some glitches on the vote counting machines and difficulty in the transmission of results from far-flung areas in the province.

“We have a lot of projects under this administration such as the expansion of the Lipata Port in Culasi, and a pier in Malandog

in San Jose de Buenavista under the one time, big time, which we will need the board members support,” Cadiao said.

Denosta joined the call of Cadiao for all elected officials, especially mayors, to work together with the provincial government.

He is thankful to be the first vice-governor of the province to be given a third and final mandate by their constituents.

“Under the new term, the provincial board will already have a face to face session unlike before when it was a virtual session,” he added.

Legarda also called on all candidates who won the local election to work with him to continue the development of the province.

“For me, it is now time to roll my sleeves and get working,” he added.

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 METRO NEWS

May 12-18, 2022

Lacuna elected first woman mayor of Manila; Belmonte, Binay reelected

By Claire Morales True MANILA – Manila Vice Mayor Maria Shiela Honey Lacuna-Pangan made history as the first woman elected mayor of the country’s capital since the mayor of the city was first elected by the people in 1951 with Manila Mayor Arsenio H. Lacson.

Riding on strong support of outgoing Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Domagoso, Manila third district representative John Marvin Nieto, known by his actor’s name Yul Servo, was elected vice mayor to replace Lacuna starting on June 30. Nieto got 573,562 votes.

Lacuna’s victory increased to four the lady mayors of Metro Manila, with Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay and Las Pinas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar.

In Quezon City, back as the richest city and local government of the country with annual budget of P30 billion, Mayor Maria Josefina Joy Belmonte-Alimuru-

Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna (le�) and Rep. John Marvin Nieto

ing was reelected by landslide defeating outgoing Rep. Michael Defensor. She got 645,580 votes as against Defensor’s about 400,000 voters.

Belmonte’s runningmate Gia Sotto, son of outgoing Senate President Vicente Sotto III, was also reelected by wide margin.

In Makati City, the second richest city in Metro Manila, Mayor Mar-len Abigail Binay-Campos, was reelected by landslide to her third and last term. Her husband, Rep. Luis Campos, was also re-

elected as Makati congressman.

Mayor Binay got 338,569 votes, while her runningmate Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo with 314,370 votes.

A doctor by profession, Lacuna, a daughter of the late Manila Vice Mayor Danilo Lacuna, and Vice Mayor Nieto, together with the ot her winners in the city have been proclaimed by the city board of canvassers.

Lacuna, 57, won by a wide margin of at least 360,000 votes over second running lawyer-businessman Alex Lopez, a son of the late Mayor Geminiano Mel Lopez.

Lacuna garnered over 526,064 votes while Lopez has 150,699.

Lacuna was the vice mayor of Mayor Domagoso when they defeated by landslide then Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada whose term was marked by allegations of graft and corruption and alleged abuses.

Lacuna is married to fellow doctor and Manila Health Department chief Arnold Pangan.

MMDA eyes new number coding scheme, modtan

MAKATI CITY – The Metropoli- (MMDA) has proposed several new traf- ernment work hours to help ease vehicuManila Development Authority fic schemes and modifications to gov- lar traffic in the National Capital Region (NCR).

In his presentation during President Rodrigo Duterte’s ‘Talk to the People’, MMDA chairperson Romando Artes said the proposals were gathered through the “Traffic Summit” held on March 17, 22, and 23 with other government agencies, different transportation sectors, and private stakeholders.

“Maganda po ang naging resulta, maraming pong suhestiyon kung paano mababawasan ang traffic sa Kamaynilaan. Pero ang nagmarka po ay ang agreement ng bawat isa na sobra po ang dami ng sasakyan dito sa Kamaynilaan at kailangan po talagang i-reduce (The results were good, there were many suggestions on how to reduce traffic in Metro Manila. But what stood out was that everyone agreed that there are too many vehicles in Metro Manila and they need to be reduced),” Artes said.

In 2021 alone, he noted that there were around 300,000 vehicles sold, with about 60 to 70 percent expected to enter NCR. Among the proposals are changes to the existing Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or the number coding scheme.

This includes a 50 percent volume reduction plan where vehicles with license plates ending with odd numbers will be barred on Mondays and Thursdays while those with even numbers will be barred on Tuesday and Friday -- from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Another proposal is a 40 percent volume reduction plan where vehicles will be barred from NCR for two days a week, with the schedule depending on the last digit of their license plate.

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Vico Sotto wins new term by landslide in Pasig; most Metro mayors reelected

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda PASIG CITY – All reelectionist mayors in Metro Manila, except in Malabon city, won their new terms in the May 9 elections.

In Pasig City, Mayor Victor Ma. Regis Vico Sotto, who trounced the Eusebio clan after decades in the city leadership in 2019 elections, was reelected by landslide after getting 335,851 or 88 percent of the votes against Vice Mayor Iyo Bernardo’s 45,604 of 11 percent of the votes. Sotto, son of actors Vic Sotto and Coney Reyes.

Sotto’s running mate Robert Dodot Jaworski Jr. was proclaimed vice mayor, gaining 205,250 votes, compared to Junjun Concepcion’s 87,716 votes and Ian Sia’s 76,028 votes.

Pasig Representative Roman Romulo won the Pasig congressional race with 304,157 votes. Rival Ricky Eusebio got 54,431 votes while Rex Maliuanag obtained 3,977 votes.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar won the Las Piñas mayoralty with 108,644 votes, beating Ferds Eusebio by more than 70,000 votes.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay secured her third term with 338,819 votes while her rival, Joel Hernandez, got 16,640 votes.

San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora also secured another term after getting 66,883 votes. All his candidates in the city council, including basketball star James Yap, won also.

Mayor Ike Ponce of Pateros, the only remaining town of Metro Manila, won a third term with 28,534 votes.

Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro was also elected for a fresh term with 183,878 votes beating former mayor and outgoing Rep. Bayani Fernando, who received 40,149 votes.

In Malabon, former vice mayor Jeannie Sandoval was elected as the new mayor in a close fight with Councilor Enzo Oreta by slim margin. Sandoval received 94,826 votes, while Oreta received 93,547 votes.

Sandoval is the wife of former Malabon Rep. Ricky Sandoval, while Oreta is the brother of outgoing Malabon Mayor Antolin “Lenlen” Oreta III, who is on his third term.

Rep. Eric Olivarez of Parañaque City is the city’s new mayor after getting 174,397 votes. He will succeed his brother Mayor Edwin Olivarez who will replace him in the House of Representatives.

In Valenzuela, Rep. Wes Gatchalian was also elected as the new mayor with 275,650 votes. He will be exchanging positions with his brother, Rex Gatchalian, who will be the new representative of the First District of Valenzuela.

The Cayetanos remain at the seat in power in Taguig City. Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano served only one term as he gave way to his sister-in-law, 2nd district Rep. and former mayor Lani Cayetano, who won the mayoral race with 264,541 votes at 96.95% of election returns.

5 May 12-18, 2022

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Arroyo, Romualdez, Velasco, 35 others elected unopposed as House members The 3 are possible bets for Speakership

ARROYO

VELASCO

ROMUALDEZ

By Claire Morales True LUBAO, Pampanga – House of Representatives Speaker Lord Allan Velasco of the lone distrrict of Marinduque province and 38 other congressmen have been reelected unopposed as representative of their districts in the May 9 elections.

Also elected as representative in the second district of panga 2nd District Representative, having served from Pampanga and also unopposed was former President and 2010 to 2013, 2013 to 2016, and 2016 to 2019 under the Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who may contest Velas- Aquino and Duterte administrations. co for the speakership when Congress convenes in July.

Rep. Martin Romualdez of Leyte was also elected unopposed and may revive his dream to become the next Speaker of the House, the fourth highest post of the land, being the cousin of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Velasco, Macapagal-Arroyo and Romualdez have been proclaimed winner by their respective Provincial Board of Canvassers after garnering thousands of votes although, as unopposed candidates, they needed only one vote to be declared the winner.

Arroyo, 75, who heads the Lakas-NUCD coalition with the Unity Team of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President-elect Sara Duterte, was proclaimed on May 10 by Comelec provincial director Atty. Rommel Rama and provincial prosecutor Atty. Lamberto Gonzales Jr at the Benigno Aquino Jr. Hall at the Pampanga Capitol grounds in San Fernando City..

It will be Arroyo’s fourth non-consecutive term as Pam-

PNR Lucena-San Pablo line to open before Duterte steps down in June SAN PABLO, Laguna – The revival and development of the Lucena-San Pablo stretch of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) continues as it is set to reopen before the end of the Duterte administration in June, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.

Construction of the Lucena-San Pablo line is ongoing with the rest of the PNR Bicol which links Metro Manila and the Southern Luzon provinces.

“As the Duterte administration nears its conclusion, Secretary (Arthur) Tugade made a covenant with the

Filipino people not to waste even a single day at work.

There is no time to relax even until the last day of office,” the DOTr said in a Facebook post.

Once reopened, the Lucena-San Pablo line will reduce travel time between San Pablo, Laguna and Lucena, Quezon to one hour and 30 minutes and is seen to help boost the economic corridors of both provinces and neighboring areas.

The line is part of the 560-kilometer PNR Bicol scheduled to be operational by 2027.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

May 12-18, 2022

Pacquiao, Isko, Lacson, Leony concede, wish Marcos success

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda MAKATI CITY – Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso, Sen. Panfilo Lacson and labor leader Leony de Guzman have conceded the presidential race to election frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. At the same time, the presidential candidates promised to continue to serve poor Filipinos.

Domagoso, who ranked fourth in the race behind Pacquiao, congratulated Marcos for being the top choice of the Filipino voters and for continuously leading the election by a wide margin.

The Manila mayor called on the people not to engage in any attempt of destabilization related to the elections.

“Hindi po magtatagumpay ang mga bagong halal ng bayan kung tayong mga mamamayan ay hindi makikiisa (The newly elected officials would not succeed if the people do not cooperate),” Domagoso said in his Facebook video post, as he urged the public to give the next administration a chance to govern the country.

De Guzman, meanwhile, is in high spirits after “breaking the exclusivity” after running for the highest national post as a labor leader, which he claimed only “the famous and billionaires” could join.

Lacson, who still has two months as senator, said he would be spending more time with his family.

Meanwhile, Robredo thanked all the

volunteers and supporters who joined the campaign for her candidacy.

It is not yet clear if Robredo has conceded the race when she said, “Palinaw na nang palinaw ang tinig ng taumbayan (The voice of the people is getting clearer and clearer).”

“Walang nasayang, hindi tayo nabigo.

Pinakamahalaga, hindi pa tayo tapos.

Nagsisimula pa lang tayo. May landas na nagbukas, at hindi ito sasara kasabay ng mga presinto. May kilusang isinilang at hindi ito papanaw sa pagtatapos ng bilangan (Nothing was wasted, we did fail.

What is most important is that we are not yet done. We have just begun. A path has opened and this will not end with the closing of polling precincts. A movement was born and it will not dissipate after the canvassing),” she said in a video state-

ment.

Pacquiao said: “Bilang isang boxer at atleta, marunong akong tumanggap ng pagkatalo. Sana lang kahit talo ako sa laban na ito, panalo pa rin yung mga kapwa ko Pilipino – iyong mga naghihirap.

Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa dahil hinding-hindi po kayo pababayaan ng Panginoon (As a boxer and an athlete, I know how to accept defeat. I just hope that even if I lose this battle, my fellow Filipinos – those who are poor – would still win. Do not lose hope because the Lord will never abandon you).”

The latest partial and unofficial count of the Commission on Elections showed Pacquiao garnered the third spot among preferred presidential candidates, trailing behind Marcos and Vice President Leni Robredo.

The UP School of Statistics said the supposed “68:32” vote ratio favoring presidential aspirant and former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. could not be used as sufficient proof of electoral fraud.

“Kung walang malinaw na konteksto, ang ganitong pattern sa porsyento ng boto ay hindi maaaring gamiting ebidensya ng pandaraya (If there is no clear context, such vote pattern could not be considered as evidence of cheating),” it said in a Facebook post.

Allegations of election cheating emerged after the quick count of partial and unofficial tally of votes showed that Marcos had a wide lead over his closest rival, Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo.

There have been claims about the alleged “68:32 magic,” which pertains to a consistent pattern of 68 percent of votes for Marcos and the remaining 32 percent of votes for Robredo.

The UP School of Statistics said the steady pattern in the unofficial outcome of the presidential race is not indicative of

vote rigging.

“Hindi masasabi ng ‘68:32 ratio’ trend kung mayroong pandaraya sa eleksyon (The ‘68:32 ratio’ trend could not tell whether there is election cheating,” it said.

“Ang mga trend sa transmission ng boto tulad ng sa ‘68:32 ratio’ ay hindi ebidensya ng pandaraya sa eleksyon (The trend on vote transmission, such as the ‘68:32 ratio’ is not enough evidence that there is cheating in elections).”

The university’s statistics experts added that it is “wrong” to presume that the votes have been manipulated just because Marcos retains a huge lead in the presidential derby.

“Ang hindi paggalaw ng ‘68:32 ratio’ base sa cumulative totals ay hindi maituturing na irregularity. Mali ang mga kumakalat na analysis base sa cumulative o pinagsama-samang bilang ng boto sa bawat update (The consistent ‘68:32’ ratio based on the cumulative totals is not tantamount to irregularity. The analysis on the cumulative total of votes in every update is wrong),” it said.

No irregularity in May 9 polls, say expert, election watchdog

MANILA – Amid pockets of protests by youth and other groups, experts and the election watchdogs have ruled out any irregularities in the May 9 elections as shown in the canvass of votes.

The experts and poll watchdogs declaration made the Commission on Elections happy but still vowed it will look into complaints, including those late voting due to the malfunction of vote counting machines (VCM).

Poll watchdog Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) national chairperson Myla Villanueva said there are no irregularities so far in the partial and unofficial count of votes.

The PPRCV’s stand was affirmed by Commission on Elections Commissioner George Garcia who also said the cheating claims in the presidential race is “hard to prove.”

Statistics experts from the University of the Philippines (UP) said they found no irregularities in the consistent voting pattern in the partial and unofficial results of the 2022 presidential race.

6

Cebu’s Gov. Garcia in historic win, vows best yet to come CEBU CITY – Governor Gwendolyn Garcia vowed to intensify efforts to bring the province of Cebu to a higher level of progress in the next three years following her historic feat of garnering more than 1.4 million votes in Monday’s election.

Lawyer Jerome Brillantes, Commission on Election-Cebu supervisor who sits as provincial Board of Canvasser chair, proclaimed Garcia at the Provincial Capitol’s social hall.

After Brillantes declared that all the certificates of canvass from the 51 towns and component cities of the province were received and canvassed, the counsel of One Cebu Party, lawyer Rory Jon Sepulveda, moved to proclaim the winner.

“After all the votes of the seven legislative districts in the one great province of Cebu have been counted and canvassed showing a total of 1,478,436 votes for Gwendolyn Fiel Garcia, incumbent governor who is currently serving a historic fourth term… The first woman to have been elected as governor of Cebu, making a trail of historic wins as now made another first being the first to have breached the one-million mark in the history of the electoral process in the province of Cebu, with a resounding majority of 1.1 million votes over her opponent,” Sepulveda said in his introducing his motion.

Garcias elected to various posts in Bataan

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – The Garcia clan maintained its stronghold in this province after four of its members scored overwhelming victories in the May 9 elections.

Incumbent Second District Rep. Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia won in the gubernatorial race. He switched positions with his brother, Governor Albert “Abet” Garcia. The two are both finishing their current three-year term.

Joet ran unopposed while Abet defeated opponent Eliza Ann Roque, wife of a former Limay town mayor, in the congressional post in the second district.

Their sister, Dinalupihan Mayor Maria Angela Garcia, ran for the congressional seat in the newly-created third district and won over former Mariveles Mayor Angel Peliglorio.

Their other brother, reelectionist Balanga City Mayor Francis Anthony Garcia who is now in his last term, ran unopposed.

On the other hand, their first cousin, Vice Governor Ma. Cristina Garcia, was reelected after defeating two rivals.

Elected and proclaimed as members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan were lawyer Tonyboy Roman, Benjie Serrano, and lawyer Jomar Gaza in the first district; Noel Valdecanas, Manny Beltran, and Iza Roque in the second district; and Popoy del Rosario, Dr. Jorge Estanislao, Angel Sunga and Harold Espeleta in the third district.

They are all under the Garcia group.

7 May 12-18, 2022

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

Comelec vows early proclamation of winning senators; Robin Padilla tops race

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec), sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC), is looking an early proclamation of all 12 winning senators in the May 2022 polls.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said they are not inclined to make a partial proclamation but to announce the 12 winning

senatorial candidates.

Earlier, Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo said it is possible to proclaim the winning candidates for senators within the week.

Action star Robin Padilla is in the top spot with over 600,000 votes in the May 2022 senatorial race based on the partial official

tabulation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC).

Padilla got 612,684 votes after counting several certificates of canvass (COCs) from different parts of the country. In the unofficial partial count of PPRCV with 97 percent of votes accounted for, Padilla has secured more than 26 million votes.

Padilla is closely followed by broadcaster Raffy Tulfo with 521,381; Congresswoman Loren Legarda, 492,504; former Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, 427,025; reelectionist Sherwin Gatchalian, 424,797; former Sorsogon governor Francis Chiz Escudero, 378,428; and Congressman Allan Peter Cayetano, 369,589.

Also in the top 12 are reelectionist Joel Villanueva, 358,260; former senators Jose Jinggoy Estrada, 336,498; Joseph Victor Ejercito, 332,936; Juan Miguel Migz Zubiri, 319,858; and former Vice President Jejomar Binay, 284,124.

In the unofficial PPRCV count, reelectionist Sen. Risa Hontiveros is in the Magic 12, dislodging Binay.

The figures came from the eight COCs that were canvassed on Tuesday --Abra, Apayao, Baguio, Benguet, Ifugao, Kailangan, Mountain Province and Malabon City.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said a total of 77 COCs, have so far been canvassed, as of Wednesday afternoon.

A total of 173 COCs is expected to be canvassed.

“In the past, there have been instances that there are partial proclamations. But recently, in the last two elections, there have been complete proclamation,” he said in an interview Wednesday at the sidelines of the canvassing by the NBOC at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Forum Tent in Pasay City.

“For these elections, hopefully, we will also have complete proclamation. It’s better to make complete proclamation, with no one left behind,” Garcia added.

Garcia said it is also very likely that they can proclaim 12 new winning senators earlier than those who were elected in the party-list polls.

“Proclamation of party-lists usually comes two or three days after the proclamation of senators. So, we will just continue canvassing the votes for party-lists while the senators may already be proclaimed,” he said.

On the other hand, acting Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said they cannot conduct partial or full proclamation of winners in the party-list polls since the computation for seat allocation requires the total votes cast.

“The party-list is dependent on the total number of party-list votes. We will still have to make the computation. It’s a matter of completing the party-list votes before we can compute for the 63 allocated seats for party-lists,” he said in a press briefing.

Magalong retains post in Baguio; Cordillera winners proclaimed

In Ifugao, the reelection of Congressman Solomon Chungalao and Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano with Lamut town mayor and governor-elect Mariano Buyagawan were proclaimed around 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

FASTEST RESULTS. The Commission on Elec�ons proclaims the winIn Benguet, the ning candidates for the three top posts in Abra at the site of the pro- winners for the leadvincial canvassing ing provincial posts -- Congressman-elect BANGUED, Abra – Winners for the different elected posts in the six provinces Eric Go Yap, reelected Governor Melchor and two cities in the Cordillera Administra- Diclas, and newcomer Felipe Tagel as vice tive Region have been proclaimed, some as governor -- were proclaimed also at 3 p.m. early as Monday evening and the last batch Tuesday.

In Kalinga, the provincial canvassers on Tuesday evening. proclaimed around 5 p.m. Tuesday reelectAs early as Monday evening (May 9), ed Congressman Allen Jesse Mangaoang, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) while former Vice Governor James Edduba proclaimed incumbent Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong reelected following was elected governor and former Governor the completion of the canvassing of the Jocel Baac won for vice governor.

In Mountain Province, incumbent precincts that covered 128 barangays in the Congressman Maximo Dalog, Governor city.

He was proclaimed with reelected Con- Bonifacio Lacwasan, and Vice Governor gressman Marquez “Mark” Go and Vice Francis Tauli were all reelected in the same position and proclaimed around 6 p.m. on Mayor Faustino Olowan.

Also proclaimed on Monday night were Tuesday.

Abra winners were proclaimed around Tabuk City winners Darwin Estranero for 7 p.m. on Tuesday led by governor-elect mayor; and Dick Bal-o for vice mayor toand incumbent Bangued Mayor Dominic gether with the councilors.

Valera, incumbent governor and vice-govAbra Congressman Joseph Sto. Niño “JB” Bernos, who ran for mayor of La ernor-elect Joy Valera-Bernos, and incumPaz municipality, was also proclaimed on bent La Paz Mayor Ching Bernos, who Monday evening. He ran unopposed for the won as congresswoman of the lone district of Abra. position.

SAI RAM ASTROLOGER & PSYCHIC MISS DEVI SHAMALA

 NATIONAL NEWS US eye...

(From page 1)

as they denounced the possible return of Marcos and Duterte rule with the reported victory of former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte in the presidential and vice presidential elections.

Consul General Neil Ferrer said his office recorded 19,680 voted of 47,711 registered voters or a high of 41.15 percent, the highest turnout since overseas absentee voting for Filipinos started in 2004.

Ferrer said he is elated with the turnout. In the previous election in 2019, only 9,630 voted or 16.24 percent while there were 14,380 overseas voters (31.02 percent) in the 2016 presidential elections.

Ferrer attributed the turnout to “the immense desire of the Filipino American community in the U.S. Pacific Northwest to perform their patriotic duty, and take part in shaping the future of the homeland.”

“I commend and thank the overseas

Jr. continues to lead with a wide margin over his nearest rival Vice President Leni Robredo in the Commission on Elections (Comelec) partial and unofficial tally.

Based on its transparency server, Marcos has so far garnered over 31 million votes while Robredo got 14.8 million from the 98.25 percent election returns processed.

Price describes the casting and counting of votes “to have been conducted in line with international standards and without significant incident,” but said the US would wait for the formal proclamation when asked for further comments about Marcos as the next president.

“Again, the counting is still underway. It is not for us to declare a winner. We’ll wait for the Philippines election authorities to do that,” he said.

“We look forward to working with the president-elect on the shared values and the shared interests that have united our countries across generations,” he added.

voters in the U.S. Pacific Northwest for participating in one of the most consequential elections in our lifetimes,” said Ferrer “Our historic voter turnout would also not be possible without the collective efforts of our Consulate personnel who worked double time and overtime, even on weekends, to mail all postal voting packets and secure all accomplished ballots from U.S. post offices.”

Ferrer also recognized the involvement of the Filipino American community organizations and media partners in underscoring the Consulate’s delivering In its promise to have all accomplished ballots by registered voters reaches the Consulate to be properly even at the start of overseas voting period The Consulate also reported that their Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEIs) started feeding the remaining batches of accomplished ballots that were, in turn, received by the Special Ballot Reception and Custody Group (SBCRG) since the evening of May 8 to the

viewing at the Philippine Center’s Museo ng Lahing Pilipino on the 5th floor.

On Monday, May 9, 2022, a diverse group of Filipino American student and worker groups held a vigil in front of the San Francisco Philippine consulate after finding out the results of the Philippine elections.

The Filipino Americans in vigil said they wanted to make a statement in support of Philippine democracy and voice their fears about the authoritarian tendencies of current Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and President-elect Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.

Vote Counting Machines (VCMs).

Printing of election returns and the electronic transmission of the results to the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C.’s Special Board of Canvassers (SBC) immediately followed after feeding the last of ballot of the 24 voting precincts that the Consulate had with each precinct having around 2,000 overseas voters Copies of the election returns from the states of Alaska, Northern California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington State, and Wyoming will be posted for public

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8

gé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Manila to treat each applicant with respect,” Carlson said in an interview with the Rhodes College Carlson had been Deputy Chief of Mis- website in 2019. “Consular officers are the sion in New Delhi, India for 3 years. She was face of the United States, and how we treat Chargé d’Affaires for 10 months, the White applicants, even those who don’t qualify for House said. visas, matters.”

According to the White House website, “We’re monitoring the election results, she has been in foreign service since 1985 and and we look forward to renewing our special won numerous accolades for her work. partnership and to working with the next adPreviously, she worked as principal Dep- ministration on key human rights and regional uty Executive Secretary of the Secretary of priorities,” he said.

State in Washington, D.C. Price said US expects that Manila and She has been a foreign service officer since Washington D.C. would continue to collabo1985 after earning her degree in Spanish and rate closely “to advance a free and open, conInternational Studies from Rhodes College nected, prosperous, secure, and resilient Indoin Memphis, Tennessee and Master of Arts Pacific region.” in International Relations from Georgetown “We’ll also continue, as I said before, to University in Washington, D.C. promote respect for human rights and the rule She also served at diplomatic missions in of law, which is fundamental to US relations China, Ukraine, Hong Kong, Mozambique, with the Philippines and in other bilateral conKenya, and the Dominican Republic. texts as well,” he said.

“The biggest lesson I learned is the need Presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos

(From page 1) since last September.

ing with the new leader to strengthen the alliance between the two nations.

Last week, the US Senate confirmed the appointment by President Joseph Biden Jr. of senior diplomat MaryKay Carlson as US ambassador to the Philippines, the second lady envoy to Manila where she is due soon.

Kristie Kenney, who served as the first female US Ambassador to the Philippines from 2006 to 2010, was quoted by A BS-CBN tweeting her enthusiasm over Carlson’s new assignment.

“Pinoy pals - get ready to welcome a fabulous US Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson!” Kenney tweeted.

Biden earlier nominated Carlson, who served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Heather Variava has been ad interim Char-

Big...

May 12-18, 2022

“As friends, partners and allies, we will continue to collaborate closely with the Philippines to promote respect for human rights and to advance a free and open, connected, prosperous, secure and resilient Indo-Pacific region,” Blinken said.

The top White House official on Asia, Kurt Campbell, acknowledged there “are some historical considerations” that initially may cause “some challenges in the communication,” according to wire reports.

“But obviously (the) Philippines plays such a critical, important role and we will seek to continue close partnership in the security realm and increasing trade and economic ties,” Campbell said.

“Our expectation is we’ll be able to continue to work closely,” he said at the US Institute of Peace.

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9 May 12-18, 2022 Marcos...

(From page 1)

It is the first time in many years that teammates for president and vice president are elected together. Also, majority of the winning senators also come from their party, the Unity Team, which actually is a coalition of many political parties.

In the Senatorial race, actor Robinhood Robin Padilla secured more than 26 million votes, topping the race with broadcasters Loren Legarda and Rafael Raffy Tulfo coming in second and third with over 21 votes.

While National Board of Canvassing by the joint members of the Senate and the House of Representatives is yet to start its official canvassing of votes to make the victory of Marcos and Duterte official, the former senator already claimed victory and vowed to be a leader “for all Filipinos.”

Also, Marcos and Duterte started preparing the Cabinet and other officials, with Duterte assigned as the first Cabinet official to head the Department of Education.

Opponents of Marcos and Duterte have conceded their defeat and wished the next leaders success in their administration.

Vice President Maria Leonor Leni Robredo has asked her supporters

to respect the results of the election but stopped short of accepting defeat in the polls as some followers questioned the results of the election, alleging discrepancies and malfunction of several voting counting machines (VCM) during the election on May 9.

The Commission on Elections and the church-based election watchdog PPRCV ruled out any significant errors in the results of the voting.

In claiming victory, Marcos the Filipino people “have spoken decisively.”

Marcos’ spokesperson, lawyer Victor Rodriguez said the landslide presidential election win is a victory for all Filipinos and democracy, adding that the former senator will be a “President for all Filipinos.”

“With 98 percent of the votes counted, and an unassailable lead of over 16 million votes, the Filipino people have spoken decisively,” Rodriguez said in a statement.

With the victory, Marcos will be the 17th President of the Philippines starting at noon on June 30 with Duterte as his vice president.

Rodriguez said Marcos is looking forward to working across the country, along with international partners and organizations, to address critical issues and “begin delivering for the Filipino people.”

“To the world, he says: Judge me not by my ancestors, but by my actions,” Rodriguez said.

Marcos ran on a platform of “unity” as he promised to pursue economic recovery from the effects of the coronavirus disease pandemic.

The partial and unofficial tally in the presidential race consistently points to an overwhelming win for Marcos, with more than 31 million votes, more than double the lead against closest rival Vice President Leni Robredo with 14.8 million, based on the 98.26 percent of election returns processed.

 NATIONAL NEWS

May 12-18, 2022

Benitez unseats Leonardia as mayor of Bacolod City looking for is what I intend to bring,” Benitez told reporters after he was proclaimed by the Board of Canvassers at the City Council session hall on Tuesday.

Other winners included reelectionist Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, who got 128,893 votes, to deMAYOR-ELECT. Former Negros Occidental feat former councilor Caethird district Rep. Alfredo Benitez (center) gets sar Distrito, with 103,236 mobbed by supporters outside the Bacolod votes, and outgoing counCity Government Center a�er he was pro- cilor Wilson Gamboa Jr., claimed the new city mayor an independent candidate, who earned 32,033 votes.

BACOLOD CITY – With a lead Lone District Rep. Greg Gasaof almost 65,000 votes, former Negros Occidental third district con- taya of Asenso Bacolod was elected gressman Alfredo Benitez defeated for a third and final term after garincumbent mayor Evelio Leonardia nering 185,470 votes, edging out during the May 9 polls to introduce a closest rival Dan Atayde, who obnew administration in this city start- tained 80,591 votes.

Familiaran and Atayde ran uning June 30. der Grupo Progreso while Distrito is In a stunning upset that ended with Asenso Bacolod.

Leonardia’s long-time dominance Former vice mayor and counas city mayor, Benitez, who campaigned on a platform of change cilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson took the under the Asenso Bacolod banner, number one spot in the City Council, obtained 171,893 votes compared to with 134,635 votes, followed by inthe Grupo Progreso standard bear- cumbents Israel Salanga and Cindy Rojas for the second and third placer’s 107,447 votes.

“This is a win for the people of es, with 123,237 and 122,629 votes, Bacolod. The change that we’re respectively.

Cloud... (From page 1)

The Robredo-Pangilinan tandem not only questioned the impossible speed with which the Commission on Elections (Comelec) released initial figures from its transparency server indicating a landslide win for Marcos Jr. and his running mate Sara Duterte, but statistical improbabilities – some say impossibilities – of the figures released by the poll body.

Only two hours after voting precincts closed, Comelec released figures indicating that Marcos had established a lead of more than 10 million votes over Robredo.

“The spontaneous or unregulated flow of the votes from different regions” all showing Marcos Jr consistently winning 47 percent more votes than Robredo was cited by anti-Duterte coalition 1Sambayan as a statistical improbability.

Statisticians and mathematicians were the first to question to figures released by the unofficial quick count.

Among the experts who questioned the Comelec’s early numbers was a retired senior IT executive of one of the country’s biggest banks.

Requesting anonymity, he furnished Philippine News Today with a synopsis of what he said was the way in which the poll body took an active role in online cheating.

He said he was “100 percent sure” that the Comelec’s main server had been “pre-programmed to start manipulating returns of one candidate by slashing its recording by 34 to 40 percent.”

Senatorial candidate Antonio Trillanes III also told local media that he had evidence to show that Robredo was actually far ahead of Marcos Jr. in an official tally that was hidden from the public.

Netizens also posted photos showing a tight race between Robredo and Marcos Jr., which “miraculously” changed to heavily favor the son and namesake of the late dictator moments later.

Another proof presented to the public was a screen shot from GMA News of a Comelec transmission showing what has been called the “68-32

magic” showing a statistically improbable, even impossible trend where reports from various precincts were steady (forming a straight line in a graph) from 8:02pm on Monday, May 9, to 1:32am on Tuesday, May 10.

In mathematics, an equation becomes linear when two variables are consistent, and the only way two variables become consistent is when the results are pre-programmed.

The Comelec has also been questioned for not stating where the initial results came from. The poll body was silent on the high number of vote counting machines that conked out on Election Day, resulting in long queues forming in numerous places, especially in Metro Manila.

It was generally agreed, however, that the elections were peaceful, except for one incident in Lanao where goons raided a polling place, causing a suspension of the vote.

The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), a non-partisan, non-sectarian, non-profit organization affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines has been conducting a manual audit of election returns.

Reports coming from the PPCRV headquarters said that Comelec data does not tally with PPCRV data.

The business community, meanwhile, said they were waiting for details of Marcos Jr.’s economic program. He had promised to release that program during the campaign period, but he never did.

What he has said is that he could continue with the Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build program, and also maintain the tweak towards China initiated by Rodrigo Duterte.

Oddly enough, Marcos Jr. has not received the traditional greetings from other world leaders as what usually happens when a new president is elected.

Marcos Jr. inherits a cash-strapped government that is trillions of dollars in debt. Compounding his problems is the downgrading of the Philippines by JP Morgan to “underweight” status, placing the country dead last in Southeast Asia as a recommended investment destination.

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11 May 12-18, 2022

 OPINION Sad but still hopeful

E

EDITORIAL

I

What’s next for the Philippines?

f indeed Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has won this week’s presidential elections, there are early indications that the Republic of the Philippines is in for a rough ride for the next six years.

He inherits a troubled government literally on the verge of collapse, what with a multi-trillion dollar debt and no clear means of paying that debt.

The Philippine Stock Exchange suffered a significant fall the day after Monday’s elections, as did the Philippine peso.

Then there is the youth who refused to accept the incredible results released in record time. Three of the country’s top universities called for an academic walkout, with thousands trooping to the Comelec headquarters in Manila to air their disgust and disbelief at what they believe to be massive cheating that occurred the previous day.

Worst of all for our beloved motherland, there are indications that foreign investors will shy away from the incoming regime and current investors preparing to pull out, resulting in job losses that the economy can ill afford.

Already, the Philippines has been downgraded by JP Morgan to “underweight,” while Fitch Ratings had earlier adjusted its outlook to negative from stable as growth prospects are seen to dim significantly. Moody’s Analytics also said this week that the country faces a big headache as the market has turned jittery on high inflation fears.

Unfortunately, not many people appreciate that ratings given by the likes of Fitch, Moody’s and JP Morgan, but these serve as the bible for global investors. Without the big ticket investors, the Philippines is seen to depend on Chinese investors to support the economy in the near term.

Chinese investments, however, always come with a catch. Not only do they charge substantially higher interest rates, but nearly all private Chinese investment companies are tied to their government.

This means that they can foreclose loans that are not paid, and even go as far as pressuring foreign governments that availed of such usurious loans to surrender parts of their patrimony.

It is no secret that the US has a low regard for Marcos Jr., who may not even enter the US under pain of arrest for his failure to adhere to court rulings that required he and his family to pay restitution to martial law victims.

He may or may not be granted diplomatic immunity while serving as president of the Philippines, but few will welcome his entering US soil for whatever reason.

We will not mince words. The Philippines faces the bleakest prospects imaginable under another Marcos regime. But unlike his father who was admittedly an intelligent man, the same cannot be said of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. His record is no secret. He spent seven years in Oxford and could not manage to earn the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree. As administrator of his late father’s estate, he has refused to pay the proper taxes. And while he promised to reveal his program of government during the campaign, he never did. This led to speculation that he has no program of government and will likely play everything by ear.

There is, therefore, absolutely nothing in his background and experience to suggest that he can lead the Philippines out of the rut it has found itself in after six years under Rodrigo Duterte.

At best, we can only wish him well and pray that he finds some way to keep the Philippine economy afloat. As the saying goes, we must hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.

Upside

VERY heinous deed committed by Filipinos in the Philippines reflects on Filipinos in the Diaspora.

We have to work harder to prove we are not a nation of thieves, liars and cheats. We have only each other here to vouch for us as upstanding citizens.

So when the Commission on Elections that typically takes weeks to compute purportedly completes the tally within 24 hours, Filipinos everywhere take notice.

How could that happen? Is Philippine technology so far advanced that the count went incredibly swift?

If so, how was it that some voting machines reportedly, CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO mysteriously broke down until precincts closed? Who’s accountable for those votes that went uncounted? Why were some foreign office ballots shaded with candidates’ names and some envelopes incorrectly stamped?

Then again there’s a multitude of Filipinos in our ancestral homeland who may never have heard of “Bagong Lipunan,” the catchphrase Ferdinand Marcos coined for his plotted lifetime presidency supported by a loyalist military. Anyone born after 1986 would have no clue, no thanks to a well-engineered scheme to edit history and delete the plunder of the national treasury by the Marcos regime.

Who could possibly afford to hand out thousands of pesos to each individual to show up at rallies, even millions to use their algorithmic skills to catapult their benefactor to victory? What could be the provenance of that largesse?

Majority of the voters of the Philippines seem to have favored the son and namesake of the mastermind of the dictatorship, the very one who fled to Hawaii with his wife and family, leaving behind the dregs of their greed that exceed the imagination of millions of their countryfolk.

Were we party to this outcome? Did we do our part to educate ourselves about our Philippine history and the candidates to share with those who did not know or who have forgotten? Did we vote – if we could, instead to believing one vote will not undo the inevitable? Did we give up on the country whose heroes and sheroes gave up their lives for us to be free?

We know that millions too, voted for Vice President Leni Robredo, for her clear platform of change for the better focused on livelihood programs for the impoverished. Social media gave us a glimpse of what Filipinos could be with a leader who set the example.

For now, they will have to go through the 5 stages of grief and the thoughts that arise with each: 1. Denial – “This is not real.”

2. Anger – “Those idiots sold their souls.”

3. Bargaining – “God, please let her win and I’ll become a dual citizen.”

4. Depression – “I give up, cut all ties with the country.”

5. Acceptance – “This is one election. The next generation will know better.”

We always have hope.

Cherie M. Querol Moreno is Executive Editor of Philippine News Today.

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 OPINION

May 12-18, 2022

PerryScope

C

inco de Mayo is very special day in the Mexican community.

For my beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing and I, Cinco de Mayo is a very memorable day for us because forty eight yeas ago, we said “I do” during our wedding ceremony solemnized by the late Evangelist ART GABOT MADLAING and Minister Conrado Mapalo in the auditorium of Samar Avenue Church of Christ in Quezon City, Philippines.

This year, we celebrated our 48thWedding Ceremony last Thursday, May 5, 2022 by walking together around Lake Merced; followed by a late lunch at the Midway Grille located inside the Harding Golf Course Clubhouse in San Francisco, California Last Saturday, May 7, 2022, my wife and I participated in the global My Angel Radio San Francisco from 11:00am to 3:30pm. James Quitoriano, anchor and local director described it as our 48th Wedding Anniversary episode. In one segment, I sang “I Did It God’s Way (aka I Did It Your Way) adapted from “My Way” by Fran Sinatra, which is one of my favorite songs before I became a plain Christian.

As an introduction, I explained that during last month ‘s interview NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal confided that he had three major regrets in his life (doing it his way, not God’s way), namely: 1. His divorce with ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal in which he completely blamed himself for his “double life”; 2. His conflict and not so good relationship with the late Lakers NBA star Kobe Bryant because of his attitude; 3. His missed opportunities for more time and bonding with his children.

Several friends, brethren and associates asked how I was able to write and complete the three best-selling books (during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown) printed and marketed by Amazon namely: 1. HISTORICITY OF JESUS (277 pages) subtitled “Facts and Evidences for Agnostics, Atheists, Believers and Christians”; 2. LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY (404 pages) subtitled “How to be Healthy Emotionally, Financially, Physically, Sexually and Spiritually”; 3. REAL ESTATE & YOU (277 pages) subtitled “Your Basic Guide & Information for Successful Investing in Home, Land and Income Property.” I did it God’s way.

If you are familiar with” MY WAY “by Frank Sinatra, the worldly message of the song is entirely different from the deeper and spiritual message of the new song “I Did It God’s Way (aka I Did It Your Way) as composed by my friend and restaurateur Alfred Tejada of the popular Kadoks’ Restaurant in Mission Street, San Francisco, California. I would like to share the lyrics of the new song to our readers and the general public, as follows: I Did It Your Way (aka I Did It God’s Way Before, I led a life, A life so full of sin and error . I lost a faith once mine. My nights were spent, in endless error . . .

I cried and pleaded for Your mercy, and your kind compassion. Forgive me, oh my Lord And Show me your way And now, the way is clear. My faithless life, is gone forever. My tears, my endless tears. And foolish sins are all forgotten . . .Oh Lord, without your grace. My life is just a needless blunder. I thank you. Oh my Lord. I did it Your way.

CHORUS Now that your mine, Oh Christ my King. I have no fear, you healed my soul. The song of faith, rings in the air. I have your love. All mine to keep. I Thank you Lord. For everything. I did it Your Way. During the final segment of ACAPINOY (acapella singing of favorite gospel songs and heavenly hymns in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Ilocano, Pangasinan and Cebuano), my wife and I (together with Rose de la Cruz )sang “We Did It Your Way (aka We Did It God’s Way) in response to the questions on how we managed to keep our marriage for 48 years.

The plain and short answer is “We Did It God’s Way.” We just changed the word “! “to “We.” For the past three days, my wife and I received hundreds of special greetings and best wishes on our Wedding Anniversary from friends, brethren and relatives all over the United States, Canada, Philippines and other countries by cards, letters and live broadcast with My Angel Radio San Francisco.

This was a very special and unique way to celebrate our 48th Wedding Anniversary.

(Continue on page 27)

SMC’s noble rehabilitation of Tullahan River system

W

ith the looming onset of the rainy season, focus must now be on the dredging of esteros and the rehabilitation of rivers to avert flooding in the metropolis and other urban centers in the Philippines.

Improper garbage disposal and tons of effluents discharged into bodies of water from factories and industrial plants result in water pollu- MELANDREW T. VELASCO tion, destroying marine lives, aesthetics and recreational values of the bodies of water.

While it is primarily government’s responsibility to ensure the problem of water pollution is addressed, the sad reality is public funds are not enough. Each of us must be involved in solving the problem of pollution in our country’s bodies of water to bring drastic changes to their dismal state.

Filipinos are fortunate that tremendous effort is being exerted by many private companies and organizations to rehabilitate bodies of water. One of these companies is San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

SMC is an active partner of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in latter’s Adopt-an-Estero Program. DENR partners in the program undertake environmental improvement on the waterway they have adopted.

Aside from regular clean-up activities and dredging of the waterway, they may also conduct information and education campaigns, community mobilization activities and trainings for stakeholders.

The program is one of DENR’s priority initiatives and strategies relative to the continuing Supreme Court mandamus to clean up Manila Bay. It was on March 14, 2019 when former DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu and SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang (RSA) signed the memorandum of agreement to formalize the partnership.

Spanning 27 kilometers from the La Mesa Water Reservoir in Quezon City to Centennial Park in Navotas City, the Tullahan-Tinajeros River System is a major tributary of Manila Bay. It is considered one of the most polluted waterways in the Metro Manila. It traverses the cities of Malabon, Caloocan, Valenzuela and Quezon. It is the beneficiary of SMC’s river rehabilitation initiative.

Recently, SMC announced its initiative to rehabilitate the Tullahan River has gained ground. After months of cleaning major segments of the river system, it was reported that hydrographic survey showed significant improvement in the river depth and carrying capacity. Silt and solid wastes were removed, making the flow of water from upstream unobstructed. This has resulted in less flooding in nearby areas.

This has provided relief to communities affected by flooding as a result of overflowing rivers that are filled up when downpours occur. “Essentially, what we’ve accomplished is to remove the silt and wastes that have made these rivers shallow and increase their ability to receive water from upstream channels, particularly during heavy rain or typhoon season, which is when severe flooding in many areas in Metro Manila occur,” RSA said.

RSA added that the Tullahan River’s depths at areas along the 10-kilometer stretch the company’s cleanup teams have worked on are now between three to five meters, compared to one to two meters previously.

SMC has removed 876,296 metric tons of silt and solid wastes from the Tullahan River and it hopes to reach one million metric tons by June. It has allotted Php1-billion budget for the program that was launched in 2020. The amount will include cost for equipment acquisition.

SMC’s river dredging and clean-up initiative has been lauded by DENR as Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna commended the conglomerate for its dedication in protecting and preserving the environment. “We are very grateful for our partnership in securing healthier and cleaner waterways for a better future,” he said.

It will be recalled that on November 26, 2010, DENR inked a Memorandum of Agreement with San Miguel Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of San Miguel Corporation to clean up Metro Manila waterways. One of the focus areas of the Foundation is on the environment that includes river rehabilitation.

The agreement involved the environmental improvement of a 1.7-kilometer portion of the Tullahan River in Valenzu(Continue on page 27) ela City starting from MacArthur

THE OUTSIDER

R

USSIA CELEBRATED HER MAY 9, 2022 Victory Parade with pomp and circumstance but it lacked meaning amidst President Vladimir Putin’s disastrous Ukraine invasion. While it was originally planned to celebrate Putin’s victory in Ukraine, it remained a holPERRY DIAZ low and wishful dream that never saw the light of day.

Ukraine until now remains strong and the Ukrainians remain determined to protect their beloved country.

Instead Putin used the occasion in celebration of the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany at the end of World War II to urge Russian troops to continue fighting in Ukraine. He likened Ukrainians to Nazis and he blames the U.S. and the West for his invasion of Ukraine. He even said that the reason why he invaded Ukraine was because Ukraine was planning to invade Russia. But that was different from what he had been saying before – that he ordered the invasion of Ukraine because NATO was planning to invade Russia.

In his speech, he began by saying, “The defense of our Motherland when its destiny was at stake has always been sacred. It was the feeling of true patriotism that Minin and Pozharsky’s militia stood up for the Fatherland, soldiers went on the offensive at the Borodino Field and fought the enemy outside Moscow and Leningrad, Kiev and Minsk, Stalingrad and Kursk, Sevastopol and Kharkov.

“Today, as in the past, you are fighting for our people in Donbass, for the security of our Motherland, for Russia.

“We take pride in the unconquered courageous generation of the victors, we are proud of being their successors, and it is our duty to preserve the memory of those who defeated Nazism and entrusted us with being vigilant and doing everything to thwart the horror of another global war.

“Therefore, despite all controversies in international relations, Russia has always advocated the establishment of an equal and indivisible security system which is critically needed for the entire international community.

“Last December we proposed signing a treaty on security guarantees. Russia urged the West to hold an honest dialogue in search for meaningful and compromising solutions, and to take account of each other’s interests.

All in vain. NATO countries did not want to heed us, which means they had totally different plans. And we saw it.

“Another punitive operation in Donbass, an invasion of our historic lands, including Crimea, was openly in the making. Kiev declared that it could attain nuclear weapons. The NATO bloc launched an active military build-up on the territories adjacent to us.”

Ukraine invasion It was a lie. Ukraine never desired to attain nuclear weapons. As a matter of fact, Ukraine’s huge stockpile of more than 1,900 nuclear weapons that she inherited when the Soviet Union broke up in 1991, were given back to Russia a result of the Budapest Memorandum, signed by the U.S., the U.K., and Russia, which provided security guarantees that Ukraine will keep her sovereignty and territorial integrity. Well, Russia broke that security guarantee when she invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Putin then claimed that NATO began building military infrastructure, hundreds of foreign advisors started working, and regular supplies of cutting-edge weapons were being delivered to Ukraine from NATO countries.

Just to set the record straight, (Continue on page 27)

Celebrating our 48th Wedding Anniversary Health & Wealth

Why is Russia’s Victory Parade meaningless?

12

13 May 12-18, 2022

 OPINION Letter to the Editor

We were blindsided

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Offline

upporters of Leni Robredo were shocked when the Commission on Elections released figures that showed Ferdinand Marcos Jr had apparently won the presidency.

Nothing wrong here as one of the two was bound to win the presidential election, leaving four other presidential wannnabes in the dust.

BETING DOLOR But the figures ostensibly from the Comelec’s unofficial figures were released a mere two to three hours after polling precincts closed. Reports could not have reached the poll body’s headquarters, unless they were prepared beforehand.

I do not mean to sound like a sore loser. I have never kept secret my support for Robredo, who had the best credentials among the five or six serious candidates vying for the Philippine presidency. I believed as many other Filipinos believed that this year’s elections was one of the most important in recent decades.

Elect the right leader and the Philippines could continue on the path to tiger economy status that the late President Benigno Aquino III had set for us. Elect the wrong leader and the country would return to the boom and bust cycle that had been the economy’s hallmark for the past six decades.

If indeed Ferdinand Marcos Jr won – and I now have serious doubts that he won in fair and free elections given the mounting evidence showing probable cheating – then there is little that I or anyone can do but to accept the will of the people.

And there lies the rub.

I must concede that Marcos Jr. could have won fair and square based on the 12 who won the senatorial elections. It was a near sweep for his line up, with only opposition re-electionist Senator Risa Hontiveros emerging victorious.

The same people who voted for a number of scoundrels to either join or rejoin the Philippine Senate presumably voted for Marcos Jr. They will, in turn, become his willing lapdogs in the upper chamber of Congress.

The unfortunate voters mostly belong to the D-E socioeconomic class. And since they represent the overwhelming majority of the electorate, they now have to shoulder the blame if Marcos Jr. makes a mess of the presidency.

I am almost certain that he will. This is not an insult, it is an observation based on fact.

He was a spoiled brat in his youth. He was a spoiled brat as a young man. He was a spoiled brat in his middle age. And he is a spoiled brat in his senior years.

He has never worked a day in his life, and the two private companies he owns have been busts.

Ask any of the board of directors of the Top 1,000 companies in the Philippines if they would hire Marcos Jr. to serve as president and chief executive officer. I dare say that 99 percent would laugh at the prospect, and give an unqualified NO. Yet here we are, the theoretical Philippines, Inc. – FVR coined that term, didn’t he? – having elected him as president and CEO. It does not compute.

He kept harping about his father’s supposed accomplishments as president. This led to netizens asking, “Would you ride on a plane piloted by a guy whose father was a good pilot, but who himself has no experience flying an aircraft?”

An obviously rhetorical question, isn’t it?

So why did the stockholders of Phils., Inc. opt to choose an inexperienced leader run the show which is already in shambles for the next six years?

As a wise friend liked to say, “You tell me.”

Alas, I have no answer.

I suspect cheating occurred but I do not have the means to prove it. I can only surmise that the majority of the socioeconomic classes D and E were either brainwashed into believing the tall tale that the martial law years was some kind of golden era, or they grew up so poor and malnourished, and did not complete any meaningful education that they are no longer able to think straight.

I know this sounds like an insult to them. It’s not.

No matter how far the Philippine economy went in the Ramos and Pnoy Aquino years, there remained a large segment who never partook of the benefits of the growth. They remained poor.

(Continue on page 27)

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voted for Leni Robredo and proudly so. Isko Moreno, who would have been a promising future presidential bet who ran too prematurely) and all the other presidential candidates should have united and supported Leni Robredo if they earnestly wanted to prevent a suspected corrupt Junior (like-father-like-son), Bong Bong Marcos, from getting into Malacanang. But ambition, selfishness, and greed overpowered their love of country and decency. They obviously did not have the welfare of the nation and the Filipinos on their bucket list.

Having said that, much to my sadness and regret, the people have spoken (or misspoken, if they, in fact, really did), or as being suspected, Marcos won because of massive cheating via rigged voting machines (a high probability), but as peaceloving people, we should, even with a heavy heart, faith in God, and great hope for the future, be pragmatic and realistic. If there is a legal way to correct the results of the elections, I am 100 percent for it.

Accepting the worst, if he is officially proclaimed as the duly elected president, I pray and hope that Bong Bong Marcos would have the morality and decency to admit and disavow the corruption and graft his father did, ask for the nation’s forgiveness for them, return the billions the Marcoses have stolen from the country, and vow not to re-write history. On top of these, for Bong Bong to earnestly fight graft and corruption by sending even his fellow politicians who are criminals to jail, and proving to the world he is, after all, not his father’s son. Yes, a tall order and unrealistic expectations, but, this is the only way for him to be truly presidential and accepted, and miraculously, perhaps even be forgiven and become a great president.

For the sake of our beloved Pilipinas and our fellow Filipinos, especially those languishing in the gutter of poverty, this is my prayer.

Phil Chua Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS scalpelpen@gmail.com

Don’t Cancel the Other Side

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or some of the people I know, it seems like someone has died. I had to shake off my own lamentations to realize that there have been others who have worked tirelessly on Leni’s campaign and placed all their hopes on the will of the Philippine voter aligning with their vision of what is right. This is a loss indeed for the side we know as Yellow. The election of Bong Bong Marcos indicates a repudiation of the ideas embodied in the EDSA Revolution, a moment that I watched in awe as a child-exile. For me, It will always represent the best moment in Philippine history. Since it lingers mostly in my imagination, it is filled with screams of joy and fireflies and the buzz of pride in being Filipino. How could the country forget? How? How? I am hearing from “my side” and they all seem to be pointing to the same factors: a strangely high-end vote count, an unusually fast time to count results, a young voter population with no memory of EDSA, poverty, poor education…that sums it up. What they probably don’t get is that the 30-year party that followed EDSA excluded a lot of people. Power reverted to a basket of the old oligarchs, assets were returned to them, and they continued to run the country like the exclusive club that they were. They were exclusionists. And those who voted for BBM got nothing out of them.

It is also clear that camp BBM took a page right out of the US Democrat playbook. That is, they politicized teachers, involving them in polls and probably, starting six years back, encouraging them to teach students a different history about the Marcos family. Sound familiar? In the United States, politicized teachers our youth into a liberal path that some outgrow as the enter the real world. In the Philippines, employing teachers in furthering a political agenda could be even more powerful given that the population is so young.

To the many people going through a lot of pain at this moment, after you’ve processed this defeat and shed tears, in a few months or a day or a year, I implore you to do this one thing: do not cancel the other side.

You can dislike BBM all you want. Those at the top need critics. But, if BBM is going to be around for a while, cancelling the BBM supporters will only serve to isolate you and your follow-on generations. I know because this is what happened to me. When I was a child, my father, understandably traumatized by five years in political prison, demanded that my brother and I not associate with his enemies–and he put a lot of people on that list. We grew up during the height of the Marcos dominance of the Philippines, in exile in the United States. As a result, our exposure to Filipinos was limited and we became Americans. Don’t repeat that error. I see from Facebook comments that people are considering this path. However, for your own relevance and the relevance of the next generation, who will probably have to continue this fight, don’t give the silent treatment to Filipinos who don’t agree with you.

The future has changed substantially. A Marcos-controlled Philippines may last decades. The efforts to undo the power BBM has just gained may be enormous compared with the successes realized. Resorting to cancel culture is not an effective way to fight this. We are all still Filipinos and we need to keep an ongoing dialogue with people of all political leanings in order to keep our arguments relevant. Just like what happened to me as a child, in cancelling the other side, you may only serve to cancel yourself.

Hang tight. It cannot stay cloudy forever.

 BUSINESS | IMMIGRATIONS You must disclose all your children during naturalization

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any clients are asking me if they must disclose their illegitimate children during naturalization process. The answer is clearly yes.

Naturalization has a high standard for honesty in your application. You can be denied if they found out that you are not telling the truth. You may be charged with misrepresentation of material fact that may result in removal proceedings. If you plan to file for an immigrant visa for your illegitimate children, you will find it very hard to justify why their names are not disclosed in your naturalization application. Disclosing their names should have been made at the first instance that you file for your green card. Your last chance to disclose them is during naturalization application.

When filing a petition for illegitimate children, the most important document is the birth certificate of the child. Is your name in the birth certificate of the child as one of the parent. Then you must also prove a parent child relationship. This include providing support for the child such as money remittance and providing for housing, medical and school need. If you do not have all these information, you should consult an immigration attorney to help you. There is a possibility that the immigration officer may require a DNA test to prove relationship for a father.

Aside from disclosing all your children, when applying for naturalization, the Immigration Officer will ask you how you got your green card. If through marriage, be ready to prove good faith marriage. If you were involved in a crime, you must consult an immigration attorney to help you. If you travel outside the United States for more than 180 days, if you are delinquent on your income tax, or if you failed to pay child support, these issues will need to be addressed before you file for naturalization.

So that you will not have a problem when applying for naturalization, you should consult with an immigration attorney to avoid possible problem along the way.

Note: This is not a legal advice Immigration News The DHS issued a new guideline for the arrest and deportation of undocumented immigrants. The guidelines focused on national security. crimes and border security as the government priority.

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

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

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

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

Philippine Election results The election result is very doubtful because there are various acts that are not transparent with regards to the reporting of votes. Comelec will have to explain why the rush in reporting results. Some provinces were already reported even when some provincial canvass has not been approved. We will not grow as a nation if we cannot defend our votes. We cannot defend our country if we cannot defend ourselves. We have a very low dignity as a nation. Every Filipinos will suffer for the actions of the few. God bless us all!

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/

May 12-18, 2022

14

PEZA fears growing ‘underground’ IT-BPO operation

‘UNDERGROUND’ IT-BPOs. Workers in the informa�on technology and business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) sector have returned to their offices since April 1, 2022. Some firms have reported that they are losing their workers to ‘underground’ IT-BPOs, which offer higher pay and work-from-home set-up.

PASAY CITY – The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has received reports that registered information technology and business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) companies are losing their employees to “underground” ITBPO entities operating in a work-fromhome (WFH) set-up.

In an interview, PEZA director general Charito Plaza said these underground operations of entities servicing the ITBPO sector provide higher salary and offer WFH arrangement, which is favorable especially to the voice segment of the industry.

“When I had a dialogue with Cebu IT-BPOs, I found out there are now virtual or IT-related businesses who we call as underground. Underground because they are not registered with (the) government They’re offering high (pay) around PHP30,000 to PHP40,000, but there is no

security of tenure,” Plaza told reporters.

She added many workers in the ITBPO industry have resigned from their jobs following a directive from the government to return to their respective workplaces. “’Yong mga workers din, matapang silang magsalita na we will resign from work kasi meron na itong underground eh, hiring them for a big fee (The workers are unfazed to say ‘we will resign from work’ because of these underground IT-BPOs hiring them for a big fee),” the PEZA chief said.

The PEZA, registered IT-BPO enterprises, and workers were denied by the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) from their request to at least extend the WFH arrangement until September 2022, when the proclamation of state of calamity due to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is set to expire.

SEC approves VistaREIT, Raslag IPOs PASAY CITY – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has considered favorably the initial public offerings (IPO) of VistaREIT, Inc. of up to PHP9.178 billion and of Raslag Corp. worth up to P700 million.

In its meeting on May 5, the commission en banc resolved to render effective the registration statements of VistaREIT and Raslag covering 7.5 billion common shares and 1.5 million common shares, respectively, subject to the companies’ compliance with certain remaining requirements.

VistaREIT VistaREIT is a real estate investment trust (REIT) sponsored by Villar-led companies – Masterpiece Asia Properties, Inc., Manuela Corporation, Vista Residences, Inc., Crown Asia Properties, Inc., and Communities Pampanga, Inc. The company will offer up to 3,337,500,000 common shares at a price of up to P2.50 per share, with an over allotment option of up to 333,750,000 com-

mon shares.

The shares, which are currently owned by the sponsors, will be listed and traded on the Main Board of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

Assuming the overallotment option is fully exercised, VistaREIT will net PHP8.79 billion from the offer.

The sponsors will receive the entire proceeds of the offer, which shall be reinvested in the Philippines, pursuant to the revised implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 9856, or the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Act of 2009.

New investors will corner 48.95 percent of VistaREIT’s issued and outstanding common shares, while existing shareholders will retain the remaining 51.05 percent, should the company exercise the oversubscription option.

As mandated by law, VistaREIT shall distribute to shareholders at least 90 percent of its annual distributable income as dividends.

 NATIONAL

May 12-18, 2022

16

Fernandez elected mayor of Dagupan

NEW MAYOR. The electoral board of canvassers raise the hands of Dagupan City’s elected Mayor Belen Fernandez (2nd from le�) during the proclama�on . Fernandez won against incumbent Mayor Marc Brian Lim.

DAGUPAN CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) proclaimed former mayor Belen Fernandez as the elected mayor here, along with the elected members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Fernandez won with 67,499 votes against incumbent Mayor Marc Brian Lim who garnered 53,042 votes.

“I can’t thank God enough for this historic victory. I am overwhelmed with great joy because finally, we can bring back Dagupan, our city we love, to its former glory,” she wrote in her Facebook post.

Fernandez’s running mate, re-electionist Vice Mayor Bryan Kua, also won with 73,766 votes against Carlos Alipio Fernandez who got 42,689 votes.

Fernandez was elected mayor in 2013 and 2016 elections. However, she lost to Lim in the 2019 polls.

The councilors who were also proclaimed by the Comelec were Librada Fe Reyna, Jeslito Seen, Alvin Coquia, Celia Lim, Dr. Malou Fernandez, Alipio Serafin Fernandez, Red Erfe-Mejia, Dennis Canto, Irene Lim-Acosta, and Michael Fernandez.

Lim congratulated the winning candidates.

“I have no hurt feelings in my heart; I know what I am made of, and I only have a love for Dagupan City. Whatever happens, my faith and trust in the Lord will not be shaken. God’s will always prevail. We never know but there may be better things ahead for me,” he said.

Lim said he wishes the newly-elected officials the “best of luck”, adding he will pray for them that they will do their best for the Dagupeños

representative Ian Paul Dy (son of three-term congressman Napoleon Dy) was also proclaimed unopposed.

Another nephew, fifth district representative Michael Faustino Dy (son of former Governor Faustino Dy Jr.) was also proclaimed.

The vice governor’s brothers, Victor Dy and Faustino “King” Dy IV won provincial board seats in the fourth and fifth districts, respectively, while another brother, Faustino Dondon Dy won the San Manuel mayoralty post.

A nephew, Benjamin Isabelo Dy (son of the late governor Benjamin Dy) was the firstranked councilor in Cabatuan town.

Inno Dy’s wife and Bojie’s daughter-inlaw, incumbent Rep. Alyssa Sheena Tan-Dy

won with 43,416 votes, a slim margin over Joseph “Otep” Miranda’s 42,631 votes.

Meanwhile, Governor Rodolfo Albano was proclaimed with 670,367 votes, winning against independent candidate Gloria Almazan (25,891 votes) and Romeo Carlos of the Philippine Green Republican Party (8,051 votes).

His brother, first district congressman Antonio “Tonypet” Albano, won a second term.

Their cousin, Delfinito Emmanuel “Emem” Albano secured a seat as a provincial board member in the first district.

A brother-in-law of the Albano brothers, Cabagan Mayor Cristopher Mamauag, won unopposed in his reelection bid with 22,328 votes.

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The known political clans in Central Luzon remained the dominant figures in this year’s elections.

Teams consisting of son and mother, father and son, brothers, and cousins have extended their reign with overwhelming victories.

Other members of their families likewise kept their positions.

In Pampanga, incumbent Governor Dennis Pineda was given a fresh mandate via a landslide victory against his lone rival, former Candaba Mayor Danilo Baylon.

His mother, incumbent Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, ran unopposed.

Dennis’ two sisters also won in their respective sought posts. Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab topped the fight for provincial board member in the second district while Esmeralda Pineda had no opponent for the town’s mayoral race.

In Aurora, the Noveras father and son succeeded in their switch in position.

Lawyer Christian Noveras, who is the current vice governor, won as governor while his father, incumbent Gov-

ernor Gerardo Noveras, dominated the vice gubernatorial race.

In Bataan, the Garcias likewise succeeded in their poll bid.

First-degree cousins, Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia and Ma. Cristina Garcia won as governor and vice governor, respectively.

Joet, who switched positions with brother Governor Albert “Abet” Garcia, ran unopposed while Ma. Cristina defeated her rivals via a wide margin for her second term.

On the other hand, Abet defeated opponent Eliza Ann Roque in the congressional post in the second district.

Their sister, Dinalupihan Mayor Maria Angela Garcia ran for the congressional seat in the newly-created third district and won over former Mariveles Mayor Angel Peliglorio.

Their other brother, incumbent Balanga City Mayor Francis Garcia ran unopposed.

In Nueva Ecija, brothers Governor Aurelio Umali and Vice Governor Anthony Umali kept their hold on top positions.

10 Dys, 3 Albanos proclaimed winners in Isabela

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela – The ruling Dy and Albano clans have reasserted their political might in this province with 10 Dys and three Albanos already proclaimed as winners, just a day after the May 9 elections.

Unopposed, incumbent Vice Governor Faustino “Bojie” Dy III was handed his second consecutive term while his son Faustino “Inno” Dy V won anew as sixth district representative against former Comelec commissioner Armando Velasco.

Another son, Mayor Francis Faustino “Kiko” Dy was reelected against retired mili-

tary officer Miguel Culang in Echague town.

In Cauayan City, the vice governor’s nephew, city councilor Ceasar Jaycee Dy (son of former Mayor Ceasar Dy) won overwhelmingly with 44,326 votes as against his uncle, Bill Dy (half-brother of the vice governor) who got 27,424 votes. Jaycee would replace his cousin, Mayor Bernard Faustino Dy (son of the late Governor Benjamin Dy), whose third term ends on June 30 this year.

Vice Mayor Leoncio Dalin Jr. is proclaimed unopposed with 59,110 votes.

Another Bojie Dy’s nephew, third district

Top political clans win in Central Luzon polls

17 May 12-18, 2022

 NATIONAL

Guico is new Pangasinan governor, vows to focus on infra, healthcare

Pabatid ng Paghahanda ng Draft Environment Impact Report (Balangkas na Ulat ng Epekto sa Kapaligiran)/Environmental Assessment (Pangkapaligirang Pag-assess) para sa SR 17 Corridor Congestion Relief Project (Proyektong Pagbawas ng Kasikipan sa Corridor) Ang layunin nitong pabatid ay upang ipaalam sa iyo na ang California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), sa pakikipagtulungan ng Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) at ang lunsod ng Los Gatos, ay maghahanda ng Environmental Impact Report (EIR)/Environmental Assessment (EA) para sa Proyektong Pagbawas ng Kasikipan ng Corridor ng State Route 17 (SR 17).

PROCLAMATION. Pangasinan governor-elect Ramon Guico III (2nd from right) and vice governor-elect Mark Lambino (2nd from le�) with their respec�ve wives pose before their proclama�on by the Commission on Elec�ons. Guico won against incumbent governor Amado Espino III with 800,000 votes LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Pangasinan will have a new governor starting on June 30.

He is outgoing fifth district congressman and former Binalonan town Mayor Ramon Guico III. Guico trounced incumbent Governor Amado Espino III. In 2019, Guico first trounced then reelectionist Congressman Amado T. Espino Jr. in the congressional race in the fifth district.

Guico, who is a licensed pilot and formerly university president, said his administration is keen on building the eastern to western Pangasinan expressway and improving the healthcare system in the provincial hospitals.

In a press conference, Guico said the expressway will provide access to efficient travel to famous tourist destinations in the province, generate more jobs, and support proposed economic zones.

“We are mapping out an expressway from the sixth district to the first district that would pass through the special economic zones. It would create more jobs and massive infrastructure projects,” he said.

He added there are planned economic zones in Lingayen, Mangatarem, Aguilar towns, and Alaminos City.

Guico said his administration will also computerize records of patients in the 14 provincial government-run hospitals.

Lacson, Ferrer secure fresh mandates in NegOcc

REELECTED. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (right) and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer are proclaimed winners by the Provincial Board of Canvassers LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Pangasinan will have a new governor starting on June 30.

He is outgoing fifth district congressman and former Binalonan town Mayor Ramon Guico III. Guico trounced incumbent Governor Amado Espino III. In 2019, Guico first trounced then reelectionist Congressman Amado T. Espino Jr. in the congressional race in the fifth district.

Guico, who is a licensed pilot and formerly university president, said his administration is keen on building the eastern to western Pangasinan expressway and improving the healthcare system in the provincial hospitals.

In a press conference, Guico said the

expressway will provide access to efficient travel to famous tourist destinations in the province, generate more jobs, and support proposed economic zones.

“We are mapping out an expressway from the sixth district to the first district that would pass through the special economic zones. It would create more jobs and massive infrastructure projects,” he said.

He added there are planned economic zones in Lingayen, Mangatarem, Aguilar towns, and Alaminos City.

Guico said his administration will also computerize records of patients in the 14 provincial government-run hospitals.

“If the patients do not have medical records then, they also don’t have a medical history. We will link the hospitals to each other for them to access patients’ records,” he said.

Guico said he will also add more medical diagnostic equipment and the medical personnel should be competent.

“As a governor, I will be the ambassador of the province to entice tourists to our province. To return the trust of investors to our province,” he added.

Guico said he will continue the scholarship programs of the provincial government.

“We have to look at the budget for 2022 approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

We will honor it but we will audit the expenditure hence, we will create a competent management team. We will not politicize it,” he added.

Nagmumungkahi ang Proyekto na 1) baguhin ang mga rampa papasok at palabas ng SR 17/SR 9 interchange, 2) palaparin ang mainline at shoulder (espasyo sa gilid ng kalsada) ng SR 17 para mawala ang lane-drop (pagkipot ng kalsada) at mga bottleneck (pagsikip) sa pagitan ng Lark Avenue at ng SR 17/SR 9 interchange, 3) ipatupad ang makabagong teknolohiya sa transportasyon (sistema ng kontrol ng mga signal ng trapiko), sistema ng impormasyon para sa mga manlalakbay, at rampa), at 4) ipatupad ang "complete streets" na mga feature para mapasulong ang pagdaan ng mga nagbibisikleta at mga naglalakad.

Ang layunin ng Proyekto ay upang pasulungin ang operasyon ng trapiko at bawasan ang pagsikip sa SR 17, bawasan ang cut-through traffic sa Lunsod ng Los Gatos, pasulungin ang operasyon ng SR 17/SR 9 interchange, at pasulungin ang aktibong transportasyon (bisikleta at pedestriyan) mobility at connectivity sa Lunsod ng Los Gatos sa buong SR 17.

Hinihiling ang iyong opinyon sa saklaw at nilalaman para sa EIR/EA. Magkakaroon ng virtual na Public Scoping Meeting na gaganapin sa: Huwebes, Mayo 19, 2022 6:00 pm hanggang 7:00 pm Gaganapin ang pagpupulong na ito sa pamamagitan ng video at teleconference lamang. Para ma-access ang link ng pagpupulong, impormasyon sa pagtawag, at mga tagubilin sa pakikibahagi, mangyaring bisitahin ang webpage ng proyekto sa www.vta.org/sr17corridor.

Ang deadline sa pagtanggap ng mga komento sa saklaw ng proyekto ay sa Lunes, Hunyo 6, 2022. Maaaring ipadala ang mga komento sa pamamagitan ng pag-email sa sr17-corridor@vta.org o sa pamamagitan ng pagliham sa: California Department of Transportation District 4, Office of Environmental Analysis, Attn: Juliane Smith P.O. Box 23660, MS 8B Oakland, CA, 94623-0660 Para sa higit na impormasyon tungkol sa iminumungkahing proyekto, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa Community Outreach ng VTA sa (408) 321-7575, TTY para sa mga may problema sa pandinig: (408) 321-2330 o e-email kami sa community.outreach@vta.org.

 NATIONAL

May 12-18, 2022

18

Quezon province gets first female governor LUCENA CITY, Quezon – The patriarch of the ruling clan in Quezon, Gov. Danilo Suarez, will soon relinquish his post to Fourth District Rep. Angelina “Helen” Tan, who is poised to become the first woman governor of the Southern Luzon province.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) board of canvassers led by lawyer Allan Enriquez proclaimed the winners in the national and local elections, right after the last results came in from Gen. Nakar town.

The proclamation was held at the provincial council session hall in this city. Tan received 790,739 votes, toppling Suarez who garnered 320,395 votes.

Tan’s vice-gubernatorial running mate, Anacleto “Third” Alcala, also won with 665, 570 votes over Betty Nantes who registered 283,588. Alcala is the acting vice mayor of Lucena City.

Meanwhile, incumbent First District Rep. Mark Enverga retains his position, prevailing with his 227,368 votes over his nearest rival, Techie Dator who got

32,841 votes.

In the Second District, incumbent Rep. David “JayJay” Suarez beat his second-time rival, former Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala after getting 207,836 over the latter’s 173, 639.

Another Suarez, the incumbent governor’s wife Aleta, who currently serves as representative of the Third District, failed to win this year’s polls. Reynante Arrogancia, an incumbent provincial board member, prevailed over her, garnering 122,379 votes against Suarez’s 76,174.

On the other hand, Tan’s youngest son, lawyer Mike Tan, will take over the helm at the Fourth District covering the so-called Bondoc Peninsula, having received 166,591 against provincial board member Adhoray Tan’s 46,863 votes.

Quezon province has 1.4 million registered voters from its 39 municipalities and two cities.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING. Quezon Third District Representa�ve-elect Reynante Arrogancia, Governorelect Dr. Helen Tan, Vice Governor-elect Third Alcala and reelected First District Rep. Mark Enverga (from le� to right) pose for a photo opportunity a�er their proclama�on as poll winners in Lucena City.

Legazpi City mayor proclaimed new Albay governor and notable accomplishments in this city propelled him to the gubernatorial post through a landslide win.

Rosal is a former chairman of the Bicol Regional Peace and Order Council and the current chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC).

As Legazpi City mayor for 18 years, Rosal received local, national and international awards and recognition from known award-giving bodies, including those from the United Nations, Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for good governance.

Other recognitions received by Legazpi during 2 NEW “BELOW MARKET RATE” HOMES FOR SALE Rosal’s incumbency were: Most Business-Friendly AT 832 SUTTER STREET City, Gawad Kalasag, Seal of Good Housekeeping, 2 one-bedroom homes priced at $353,803 and $360,346 without parking Rice Achievers Awards, Sandugo national award, Seal of Good Governance Hall of Famer, Most Livable City, and the Wind Vane Award from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geo-

LEGAZPI CITY – The multi-awarded chief executive of this capital city of Albay is the newly elected governor of the province.

The Albay Provincial Board of Canvassers proclaimed Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal after defeating incumbent Governor Al Francis Bichara with a wide margin of over 230,000 votes.

Based on the official canvass results from Albay’s 15 towns and three cities, Rosal garnered 469,481 votes while Bichara got 238,746, PNA reported.

Observers believed that Rosal’s prestigious awards

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Applicants must be first-time homebuyers and cannot exceed the following income levels: 100% of Area Median Income: One person - $93,250; 2 persons - $106,550; 3 persons $119,900; 4 persons - $133,200 etc.

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Applications must be received by 5PM on Monday, May 30, 2022. Apply online through DAHLIA, the SF Housing Portal at https://thousing.sfgov.org. Due to COVID-19, applicants will apply online as we are not accepting paper applications. Applicants must complete first-time homebuyer education and obtain a loan pre-approval from an approved participating lender. For assistance with your application, contact HomeownershipSF at (415) 202-5464 or info@homeownershipsf.org. For questions about the building and units, contact Mike Stack at Vanguard Properties: 415.580.9095 or mikestack@vanguardsf.com Units available through the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development and are subject to monitoring and other restrictions. Visit www.sfmohcd.org for program information.

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NEW ALBAY GOVERNOR. Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal (second from le�) is proclaimed as the new governor of Albay province. He won by a huge margin over incumbent Governor Al Francis Bichara. physical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

On the other hand, Bichara had served as mayor and congressman before becoming the incumbent governor of Albay. He also served as ambassador to Lebanon during the Arroyo administration.

Bacolod mayor ousted; NegOcc’s political families win, retain, swap posts BACOLOD CITY – Spouses, siblings, parents, and children have dominated the winners’ list for the top elective positions in Negros Occidental for the May 9 elections.

At the Capitol, vice governor Jeffrey Ferrer was reelected for a second term while his wife Rep. Juliet Ferrer of the fourth district also won a fresh mandate for a third and last term.

In this capital city, former third district congressman Alfredo Benitez was elected mayor while his son Javier also topped the mayoral race in Victorias City, PNA’s Nanette Guadalquiver reported.

Benitez’s younger brother Jose Francisco won a fresh mandate as the third district representative.

Brothers Laurence Marxlen and Nehemiah Joe de la Cruz of Don Salvador

Benedicto won their reelection bids for mayor and vice mayor, respectively.

In Toboso, Madonnah Jaojoco was elected mayor, succeeding her husband Richard, who was voted the town’s number one councilor.

Down south in the fourth district, Lorenzo Suatengco, who substituted for his father Antonio, who passed away last February, was elected mayor of Pulupandan together with his cousin, outgoing mayor Miguel Antonio Peña, who will sit as vice mayor.

In the fifth district, Hinigaran mayor Nadie Arceo won anew together with his wife Mary Grace Arceo as vice mayor while in the neighboring Binalbagan, Mayor Alejandro Mirasol secured a fresh mandate also with spouse Mary Ann Mirasol as vice mayor.

19 May 12-18, 2022

 ENTERTAINMENT

Filipino-American rapper Headband Andy goes from opening act to headliner at Music Box in San Diego A�er His Sold-out Shows in San Diego and The Famed Inlamed Studios in DTLA, “HBA” Returns to Music Box in Li�le Italy May 24, 2022!

SAN DIEGO, CA - In February, armed with over four million listeners across all platforms, Headband Andy took the Music Box stage as one of the opening acts. The reactions from everyone including himself, were beyond what anyone expected. He brought down the house and never looked back. A few days later, the venue asked him to come back - this time as the headliner!

Since his set in February, the talented and charismatic rapper has been busy meeting and collaborating with industry professionals including producers, labels and fellow artists. Last week, he was invited to a sit-down at Power-106 FM and met with the radio station’s Director of Brand Content DJ E-Man and radio personalities Bryhana & Letty Peniche. (See pic attached) “It’s all been very cool and exciting,” said HBA. “If you told me last year, I was going to be invited to do a studio session with Luis Bordeaux, I would’ve been like, yeah, right.” Bordeaux is the Grammynominated and multi-platinum producer who is re-

sponsible for “Calling My Phone” by Lil Tjay and “City of Gods” featuring Alicia Keys.

HBA’s collaboration with Billboard Charting Music Producer and Sound Designer Polo Boy Shawty produced the hit “Yetru” earlier this year. His singles “Vito/Bad Boy” and “I Must Apologize” have garnered over 3 million plays on Spotify. He has over 6 million streams across all platforms.

In April, his manager Ryan produced an intimate concert at Inflamed Studios in Los Angeles, where some of rap’s biggest names including Yeat, Autumn, Lucki, D Savage and Matt Ox have performed.

San Diego is home to Headband Andy and he can’t wait to be back on Music Box’s stage on May 24th.

His guests will be local artists Foxtide and Ville, and Buppy, popular pop-rapper from Utah. Doors open at 7PM. Tickets available on Music Box website, TicketWeb or dm @ryannfelix.

Headband Andy is a graduate of the University of San Diego and is repped by RFM Int’l.

Mariel Rodriguez thanks voters for supporting Robin Padilla hearts of many Filipino women, including actresses Sharon Cuneta, Vina Morales, Kris Aquino, and Ruffa Gutierrez.

But Padilla’s career suffered a major blow after he was convicted of illegal possession of firearms and sentenced to 17-21 years of imprisonment in 1996. While serving his sentence, he converted to Islam and married

MANILA -- Actress Mariel Rodriguez took to social media to all those who voted her husband, action star Robin Padilla, who is now leading the senatorial race.

As of Tuesday, 8:32 a.m., based on the partial, unofficial results, Padilla has received 25,897,518 votes from 96.17% of election returns.

“My senator is #1. We are beyond grateful!!! Pilipinas, maraming maraming salamat,” Rodriguez wrote.

Padilla is a staunch supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte, who granted him executive clemency in 2016.

The actor was convicted of illegal possession of firearms in 1994.

Born Robinhood Fernando Padilla, the actor is dubbed as the “Bad boy of Philippine action movies” with several box-office hits like “Anak ni Baby Ama,” “Grease Gun Gang” and “Bad Boy 2.”

He is the youngest brother of actors Rommel, Royette and Rustom Padilla, who has since come out as a trans woman BB Gandanghari.

His signature “simpatiko” appeal have captured the

Liezl Sicangco in a Muslim ceremony. He has four children with Liezl.

After two years of imprisonment, then President Fidel Ramos pardoned Padilla, who then made a comeback in show business. He starred in TV shows “Basta’t Kasama Kita,” “Puwedeng-Puwede, “ “Pilipinas Got Talent,” and “Sana Dalawa Ang Puso.”

 REAL ESTATE

May 12-18, 2022

Governor Newsom bolsters homekey funding by $150 million State reaches milestone of 10,000 new homeless housing units SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom announced the latest in a series of awards to local governments for Homekey, and with these projects, the program has surpassed 10,000 units funded since it began less than two years ago. Governor Newsom also previewed his proposal to add $150 million in funding for Homekey, bringing the total Homekey funding to $3.75 billion. Homekey is California’s nation-leading program confronting the homelessness crisis by rapidly creating housing by purchasing hotels, motels, and other buildings.

“We’re doubling down on our nation-leading efforts to tackle the homelessness crisis,” said Governor Newsom. “Homekey has been life-changing for thousands of individuals - and $150 million in additional funding will shelter thousands more, providing them with the critical resources and safe living conditions they deserve. This comes as Homekey hits a major milestone, surpassing 10,000 approved housing units, which are rapidly being converted into safe housing through our local partnerships.”

Pending legislative approval, the Governor’s additional funding for Homekey will provide a total of $1.5 billion in grants next year to local governments for thousands more Homekey units across the state.

The Governor’s nation-leading Roomkey and Home-

key programs have already provided temporary shelter for 50,000 Californians and helped another 8,000 secure more permanent housing through the purchase of motels, hotels, and other buildings.

Governor Newsom also announced $166 million in awards for seven new Homekey projects throughout the state. When fully operational, today’s approved projects will provide 523 housing units for people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness. Since the announcement of Governor Newsom’s $2.75 billion extension of Homekey last year, the state has approved 68 projects that will create more than 4,000 housing units for unhoused Californians, for a total allocation of $1.1 billion.

“In less than 2 years, we have supported the creation of 10,000 units to provide housing and supports for our unsheltered neighbors,” said California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Lourdes Castro Ramírez. “California continues demonstrating that Homekey is a housing solution that works – bringing communities together to increase housing stability, improve health outcomes and lower public costs driven by crisis services. We look forward to an additional $150 million as proposed by the Governor to support even more units for people searching for hope, healing and a place to call home.”

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20

A Recession is Inevitable!

M

arket is on edge.

Central banks are hiking interest rates to try to rein in inflation. Meaning Fed Chair want to slow down the economy before inflation prices go up any higher.

By increasing interest rates, it will or it should slow down the economy.

When the economy slows down, demand will slow down and that might be good for inflation. Less demand means we will need less supplies.

We are due for a major recession, Wall Street is staking out the more bearish position. Bank of America, in the still-grim-but-less-dire camp, said the mood in financial markets has been “recessionary.” Goldman Sachs is among the more optimistic of the big banks, but it’s not exactly cheery: The tight labor market has “raised the risk of recession meaningfully,” it said recently.

A person shops in the meat section of a grocery store on November 11, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

Inflation, explained: Why prices keep going up and who’s to blame Meanwhile, the Bank of England warned Thursday of double-digit inflation and a possible recession as it raised its key interest rate by a quarter percentage point.

China’s economy, the world’s second largest, is stalling, threatening to drag down global growth. And Russia’s war in Ukraine is sending energy and food prices through the roof in the EU and beyond.

If history is any indication, the recent run-up in inflation suggests we’re due for a contraction. With one exception, every US recession since World War II has been preceded by broadly soaring prices, according to the Congressional Research Service.

So, what exactly is a recession, and how much do you need to worry about it? Let’s unpack it.

What is a recession?

First, the textbook definition: A recession is a prolonged period of economic decline, beginning when the economy peaks and ending when it bottoms out.

Recessions are typically marked by an economy shrinking in back-to-back quarters, measured by gross domestic product (aka, how much are we collectively buying and producing as a society). But there are exceptions to that rule, including the brief and exceedingly steep recession the United States entered during the early months of the pandemic. And that technical designation doesn’t mean much to anyone who’s not an economist (or a politician — someone who is equally if not more interested in avoiding the “R” word than anyone on Wall Street).

The reality of a recession feels is broadly economically gloomy — think rising unemployment, a stock market in decline, and stagnating or shrinking wages.

People often rein in spending as gloom sets in, giving recessions a psychological component that can be hard to shake.

For example: Technically, the Great Recession that began in 2007 lasted just 18 months, but the impact of the crisis weighed on consumers far longer.

Economists call this lingering effect, especially in the labor market, “hysteresis.” The 2020 recession itself was brief, but its mass layoffs and furloughs, along with a rapid shift to working from home, shattered previous assumptions about the value and meaning of work.

Around the world, workers’ dissatisfaction with their employers has stirred a movement to seek something better, a phenomenon known as the “Great Resignation.”

What causes a recession?

You could spend a career in economics researching and debating this very question. But let’s focus on the most pressing risk right now: The Federal Reserve’s fight against inflation.

(Continue on page 27)

21 May 12-18, 2022

NEWS  NATIONAL SPORTS NEWS

Pencak silat’s bet Padios wins PHL’s first gold; 9 other medals hauled in Vietnam SEA Games HANOI – Mary Francine Padios won the Philippines’ first gold medal in the 31st Southeast Asian Games by ruling on Wednesday, May 11, pencak silat’s women’s seni (artistic or form) tunggal single at the Bac Tu Lien Gymnasium here.

Padios thus put the Philippines on the medals table Vietnam started to dominate on Wednesday, a day before this side of Asia celebrates its biennial multi-sport festival—proof that sports, and mankind for that matter, has started to champion its way over and above the pandemic that for more than two years stunted the entire world.

Padios, only 18, is now a guaranteed pride of her native Kalibo in Aklan. She improved on the silver she won in the Philippines 2019 edition, a feat she said inspired her to fulfill because of her dad Jerome’s misfortune just before Christmas.

As of press time, the Philippines’ Kurash team also delivered one silver from Helen Aclopen and two bronze medals from Charlie Quelino and George Baclagan.

The Philippines’ kickboxing team also secured eight medals in the SEA Games, with Renalyn Dacquel assuring herself of at least a silver medal after pulling off a 3-0 victory over Thailand’s Konwara Boonpeng in their women’s full contact -48 kg class semifinal on Tuesday night.

The Philippines is eyeing to defend its overall title after ruling the 2019 edition with 149 gold, 117 silver, and 121 bronze medals.

Malacañang immediately congratu-

lated Francine Padios for delivering the Philippines’ first gold medal in the ongoing 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.

“The Palace congratulates Mary Francine Padios for bringing pride and glory to the country by winning the first gold medal for the Philippines in Pencak Silat Women’s Seni (Artistic) Tunggal single event in Vietnam,” acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a press statement.

Padios ruled the Pencak Silat Women’s seni (artistic) tunggal single final at the Bac Tu Liem Gymnasium in Vietnam after edging Indonesia’s Puspa Arum Sari.

Padio scored 9.960 against Arum’s 9.945.

“Congratulations. We are proud of you,” Andanar told Padio.

“My dad has become my inspiration after he figured in a terrible car accident on her way home in Aklan just before Christmas,” said Padios, whose dad has fallen into a coma since. “He was so exhausted and drowsy from work he slept before the wheel and met the accident.”

“He’s been motivating me ever since,” said Padios, whose 9.960 score bested favorite Arum Sari of Indonesia who settled for silver with 9.945.

Padios’s gold medal kept the Philippine campaign rolling in these Games where she’s the reigning champion.

Helen Aclopen accounted for a silver medal in women’s – 48 kgs of kurash, which also produced bronze medals from Charlie Quelino and George Baclagan.

UNIT NO.

BEDROOM COUNT

BATH COUNT

SQUARE FEET

Vietnam is living up to expectations on its goal to snatch the overall title from the Philippines and has amassed a frontrunning haul of six gold, five silver and six bronze medals as of 3 p.m. (Hanoi time) on Wednesday.

Malaysia stayed in stride with its sixgold output but had less silver and bronze with one and four, respectively, followed

by Indonesia (3-4-0 gold-silver-bronze), Singapore (1-3-3) and Thailand 1-2-3.

No other country in the 11-member SEA Games has won gold so far.

Handball was guaranteed a men’s team silver, already an improvement from the bronze in 2019.

As far as handball coach Joanna Franquelli is concerned, it’s a silver medal that glitters like gold.

“I am really proud of what the team has accomplished in two years that we were not able to train together because of the restrictions due to Covid-19, but we’re happy with the result,” Franquelli, a former national athlete in basketball and fencing, said a day after the national squad gave defending champion Vietnam fits before losing in a shootout 14-21, 1812 (8-10).

The loss was the second in five games for the Filipinos in the double-round competition featuring two other countries – Singapore and Thailand.

“We exceeded expectations and no one expected us to get this silver. They were expecting Vietnam and Thailand to slug it out for the gold, but it turned out that we’re the one who fought for the gold and it was a close one,” Franquelli added.

On Wednesday at the Tuan Chau Resort Ha Long in Quang Ninh, the Philippines battled Singapore and Vietnam faced Thailand in non-bearing games on the last day of the event.

Vietnam was out to finish the tourney unscathed in six matches while Thailand, the silver medal winner in 2019, had the bronze wrapped up with a 2-3 card. Singapore went into the match against the Philippines with a 0-5 card.

Set to return home with silver medals are Daryoush Zandi, Dhane Varella, Josef Valdez, Rey Tabuzo, John Michael Pasco, Jamael Pangandaman, Manuel Lasangue, Andrew Michael Harris, Mark Dubouzet and Van Jacob Baccay.

HANOI – Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner Ramon Fernandez boosted the confidence of Filipino athletes from beach handball, and kickboxing in their quest to capture medals in the 31st Southeast Asian Games here.

Fernandez, the Team Philippines chef de mission to the Games, visited the billeting areas of these sports and inspired the Filipino athletes with an inspirational talk for them to compete at the highest level and make the country proud.

“Our athletes have prepared well for the SEA Games, and I trust that all of them will put in their best effort to deliver those medals,’’ Fernandez in a news release.

The PSC staff likewise distributed the allowances of the teams and assured them that the government sports agency will provide the assistance the athletes and coaches need.

FLOOR #

MONTHLY HOA DUES W/O PARKING

PRICE W/O PARKING

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE INCOME LEVEL

203

2

2

1,052

2

$759.57

$402,447

100% of AMI

206

1

1

722

2

$686.36

$352,766

100% of AMI

304

0

1

612

3

$662.45

$293,814

100% of AMI

312

0

1

626

3

$667.19

$292,897

100% of AMI

403

2

2

1,052

4

$759.57

$402,447

100% of AMI

May 12-18, 2022

22

Q: You and others have suggested that I should have an Emergency Fund.

Do you have some tips on how much and how I can start one?

A: Since I was a kid, my parents always told me to “Save for a rainy day”. The object of this is to put money away when times are good so that you will have money to spare when times are bad. It does not make sense to put money away when times are bad since this is the time you will need to touch your emergency fund.

There are still plenty of us who do not have one despite what happened during the economic downturn. People all of a sudden did not have any funds to go through with their lives. We have to learn a lesson at some time.

A good emergency fund is one of the concepts in having healthy financial security. Most financial experts recommend three to six months supply of money but I think one year should be the threshold. It will take some time for people to get accustomed to job loss or underemployment. Most will continue their spending habits until they realize that there is no money coming in. Be realistic. Accept that it will take time before things go back to normal as it will also take time to find another job or for the economy to rebound.

Answer these questions so you find the necessity of starting an emergency fund. a) Why do I need an emergency fund? No matter how well you plan everything in life, bad things will happen from time to time. And during these times everything will cost money. b) How much should I have in my emergency fund? I always recommend at least six months of the total monthly expenses. But the more you have, the safer you are. c) Can I depend on credit cards for your emergency fund? Absolutely not! This will create a bigger problem. As I always say that using credit cards as a source of paying your bills when you are unemployed, only deepens the problem. d) What kind of account should I keep the emergency fund in? Do not keep this money in your checking account for this will get used up. Keep it away from yourself in a savings account where money automatically goes in every month. e) How should I change my spending habits? You should change it by a lot. Immediately find ways to cut spending. If you have credit card bills and you have the money, pay them off.

You have no idea how long this crisis will last so try to keep as little debt at all times, if possible. f) How does a yard sale help? If you have a lot of unnecessary items at home that you need to get rid off, have a yard sale to get cash out of it. Now that you some time to dedicate into clearing some unwanted items, turn them into cash to go to the emergency fund.

There is not one way to create an emergency fund for you and your family. As long as you feel that you are safe, that feeling of security gives you a sound mind.

If you have severe credit card bills which prevents you from creating an emergency fund, give us a call so we can find ways to get rid of them sooner than later. We can settle them for much less than you owe.

Ating lesson, Magipon ng pang emergency dahil di masabi ang panahon.

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.

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Ben Lou at your service! I have 30 years of real financial experience. If you would like sound financial advice, call us at Debt Aid Consulting. Say No to Call Centers! Say no to LLC corporations in Canada! Debt Aid Consulting is the only Filipino debt solutions company incorporated in the US and Canada.

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23 May 12-18, 2022

 COMMUNITY NEWS

Preparing for Wildfire Season: Battery and Generator Rebates, Finding Local Resources with 211 and Support for Customers with Access and Functional Needs PG&E is Partnering with Community-Based Organizations, Other Networks to Provide Support During Wildfire Season OAKLAND, Calif.— As wildfire season nears, emergency preparedness becomes even more critical. Good preparation means practicing emergency plans, having go bags packed and ready, keeping extra batteries for flashlights and radios within reach and more.

For those customers with access and functional needs, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) offers discounts on generators and batteries; sponsors a Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program; and partners with 211, a free call to help with local resources and support 24/7.

These programs are designed to help our customers when weather and wildfire risk prompts the company to initiate a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) or to enable Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS).

“In advance of wildfire season, it’s critical that customers who require extra assistance because they are reliant on power for health and safety know there is support available,” said Marlene Santos, a PG&E EVP and the Chief Customer Officer. “Our partnerships with local community organizations mean we can better ensure the right resources get to those customers who need them most.“ Here’s how to get started: Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program

We continue to partner with community-based organizations to assist customers with medical and independent living needs before, during and after PSPS outages. This includes collaborating with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers’ (CFILC) Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program to support the Access and Functional Needs (AFN) community.

The support for customers with medical or independent living needs may include: Emergency preparedness outreach and education Promotion of our Medical Baseline Program Accessible transportation resources Hotel stays and food stipends Portable backup batteries Generators and batteries This year, we continue to provide portable battery solutions to customers as part of the Portable Battery Program and the CFILC’s Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program.

In 2021, we delivered approximately 6,500 batteries to customers. Combined with the roughly 6,500 batteries we provided in 2020, more than 13,000 batteries were distributed through the Portable Battery Program and the Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program. The batteries were provided to those in the aging and disabled populations who rely on power for medical

needs and income-qualified Medical Baseline customers in high fire-threat areas.

For 2022, we’ve removed the low-income requirements for the Portable Battery Program and offer it to Medical Baseline customers who live in High Fire-Threat Districts (HFTDs) or have been impacted by two or more recent PSPS outages. In addition to portable batteries, insulin cooler bags, miniature fridges and extension cords are provided to qualifying customers with medication that requires cold storage.

Additionally, the funding and eligibility for the Generator and Battery Rebate Program, for customers who rely on well water, customers in our Medical Baseline Program and certain essential small businesses, will expand to customers both residing in Tiers 2 or 3 HFTDs and/or who are served by an EPSS circuit. The availability of Backup Power Transfer Meters, which makes it easier and safer to connect a generator, has been expanded to all customers who have compatible portable generators in Tier 2 or 3 HFTDs and/or are served by an EPSScircuit.

Call 211 for resources 24/7 To support our customers who rely on power for health and safety, PG&E partners with the California Network of 211s to provide help during times when it’s needed the most. 211 is a free, confidential calling and texting service that provides 24/7 con-

nections to local resources and assists with emergency preparedness planning to minimize the hardships that may be caused by wildfire safety outages, like a Public Safety Power Shutoff.

This partnership also provides proactive outreach to help prepare those who rely on electricity for medical needs, individuals who may be disabled, older adults or customers with other medical needs. Resource coordination might include creating an emergency plan; transportation and hotel accommodations; portable backup power; food resources; and other services.

The 211 network utilizes PG&E’s existing resources, as well as resource partnerships specific to 211. 211 provides proactive outreach to all customers and serves as the first point of contact for our AFN community before, during and after a PSPS. To learn more about 211, customers should call 211, text ‘PSPS’ to 211-211 or visit 211.org.

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

 COMMUNITY NEWS

May 12-18, 2022

24

California college students earn while they help their community for public service

By Jun Nucum SAN JOSE - Meet Ian Chavez, a 3rd year FilAm computer science major at San Jose State University based in Gilroy, with parents who are both nurses rooted From DavaO and Cebu.

Ian Chavez Chavez has been a part of the #Califor-

niansforAll College Corp Program since it started with a pilot batch three years ago and is now one of the managers of a team of ten students.

“This is probably the best decision I have ever made for I have learned a lot to be a leader, to draft documents, make projects, teach people while getting paid doing them and I have a scholarship course which is very beneficial for me,” Chavez said. ”I am basically a mentor of people who mentors kids.

And we started with just two Filipinos in the first batch and certainly would want to see more as this program is open to all college majors “ While only on a limited time at the moment, Chavez has very high hopes for this program especially considering since they started with about twenty students and now expanding to over a hundred.

“I hope this would be replicated in other states because basically you do something to help the community and you get paid in doing so. it helps you pay your tuition. More Filipinos have joined in as the years went on and many of them have focused on nursing courses,” Chavez said.

Chavez encouraged other Filipino college students to also tap on other courses available like computer science so ass to expand their options.

“I would like to invite you all Filipino students to join the program which is fun, where you will learn a lot of things that can help our community,” said Chavez. “To also help combat Asian hate, you want to start

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Speakers at the event in San Francisco State University young and by teaching these young people to show that we are nice people and not what we are portrayed as a virus or something that must be avoided.”

Like Chavez, Fernando Martinez studies at San Jose State University and never owned a computer until he left high school. Now this 22-year-old Kansas native is teaching computer programming to Bay Area youth while he studies applied mathematics at San Jose State University.

Chavez and Martinez are among the 6,500 college students across California expected to participate in a pioneering program that awards $10,000 towards college costs in return for completing community service work.

“This opportunity gave me the funding I needed to focus on my classes,” admitted Martinez, who spoke at a media briefing at San Francisco State University highlighting the #CaliforniansforAll College Corps program. “It’s also allowed me to work with and help young people who were like me.”

Launched by California Governor Gavin Newsom, the #CaliforniansforAll College Corps provides participating students $7000 stipends along with a $3000 education grant that can be used to pay for tuition and related costs upon completion of one year of service with a select non-profit. Students will also receive credits toward graduation for their service.

Students will be required to work in one of three areas: climate action, K-12 education, and COVID-19 recovery. The program is also open to undocumented AB 540 eligible students — known as Dreamers — those brought to the country as children who have access to in-state tuition under California law.

Some 48 colleges and universities across the state have joined in the initiative, including the University of California school system, California State University, as well as community colleges and private universities.

“We need more Ian and Fernandos in this world,” implored California Chief Service Officer and program head Josh Fryday, who

called the #CaliforniansforAll College Corps a “win, win, win… making this state better for everyone.”

A military veteran, Fryday said the 6,500 students that will make up the program’s initial cohort over the coming two years is “the size of the entire Peace Corps” even as he also stressed the “transformative power of service” in his remarks, noting students who participate in the program will “come back and change our campuses and our communities.”

The program comes as the topic of student debt is front and center in state and national politics, with pressure mounting on President Biden to forgive more than $1 trillion in student loan debt nationwide. Nearly four million Californians owe $147 billion in student debt, with Blacks and Latinos facing the highest rates of default and delinquency.

San Francisco State University President Lynn Mahoney pointed to the nearby shopping mall that sits adjacent to the university campus, noting many of the employees in the mall are students working to cover the costs of their education. The financial pressure on students often precludes them from engaging in opportunities like this one, she said.

“Experience teaches,” Mahoney said, “The more we provide opportunities like this to our least-served students, the stronger our state will be.”

Speakers stressed the program will focus on admitting low-income students as well as undocumented students, adding that if successful it could be expanded and serve as a model for other states.

The deadline to apply for the #CaliforniansforAll College Corps program varies depending on which university a student is attending. Participating non-profits will be selected in part based on established working relationships with area colleges and universities.

Interested students and their families are advised to visit the program’s website to learn more about eligibility criteria and the application process.

25 May 12-18, 2022

 COMMUNITY NEWS

Vaccines and boosters continue to protect against more infectious BA.2 subvariant and sub-lineages

LOS ANGELES- With cases rising in LA County and across the country associated with the highly infectious BA.2 subvariant and sub-lineages, getting vaccinated and boosted is an important strategy to prevent serious illness, especially as there are many upcoming opportunities for celebrations and observances this month.

For the week ending April 16, Omicron accounted for 100% of all positive cases that were sequenced, with the BA.2 lineage and sub-lineages accounting for 96% of these positive sequenced specimens in LA County. For the week ending April 30, the CDC estimates that BA.2 accounted for 62% of sequenced specimens and BA.2.12.1 accounted for 37% of positive sequenced samples in the U.S. The CDC estimates that BA.2.12.1 may be 25% more transmissible than BA.2. In Los Angeles County, for the

week ending April 16, 8% of positive sequenced specimens were identified as BA.2.12.1.

With these highly infectious subvariants and sub-lineages in circulation, cases are increasing in LA County.

The average number of daily new cases reported over the last seven days increased to 2,532 compared to the 905 reported one month ago, an increase of 180%.

To date, the increases in case numbers have not translated to increases in severe illness, with hospitalizations and deaths remaining low and decreasing. Over the last seven days, the average number of hospitalized cases per day was 245, similar to hospitalization numbers one month ago. Deaths decreased to an average of four daily deaths a day this past week, a 72% decrease from one month ago when the average number of daily reported deaths over the previous seven days was 14.

The lower numbers of hospitalizations and deaths reflect, in large part, the protection provided by the vaccines against the variants. For the week ending April 22, unvaccinated people were four times more likely to be hospitalized compared to residents who were fully vaccinated, but not boosted, and five times more likely to be hospitalized than those fully vaccinated and boosted. And the likelihood of dying was also five times higher for unvaccinated residents compared to residents who were fully vaccinated, but not boosted, and 12 times higher compared to residents who were fully vaccinated and boosted for the week ending April 15.

“As always, we extend our deepest sympathies to everyone mourning the loss of a loved one from COVID,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “This month, there will be many oppor-

tunities for gatherings, including graduations, proms, and the upcoming Memorial Day holidays. For these occasions to not contribute to the increasing spread of Omicron variants, we encourage attendees to take sensible precautions that will protect you and those around you, including staying outside as much as possible and wearing a mask when indoors. And given the high number of asymptomatic individuals that are infected, testing before gathering with others, especially if gathering indoors, is an effective and practical safety measure that can easily prevent the spread of the virus. Most importantly, those who are older and those who have underlying heath conditions should be sure to get boosted as soon as eligible to maximize protection from these highly infectious, mutated variants of concern.”

The Public Health reported five additional deaths and 3,238 new positive cases Saturday, 2,146 new cases Sunday and 1,695 new cases today. The number of cases and deaths are likely to reflect reporting delays over the weekend. Of the five new deaths reported today, two people were between the ages of 50 and 64, two were between the ages of 65-79, and one person was aged 80 years or older. Of the five newly reported deaths, four had underlying health conditions. To date, the total number of deaths in L.A. County is 31,996.

Public Health has reported a total of 2,895,400 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County.

Today’s positivity rate is 2.1%.

There are 242 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized. Testing results are available for more than 11,898,300 individuals, with 22% of people testing positive.

 COMMUNITY NEWS

May 12-18, 2022

26

Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway unveiled with community celebration L.A.’s newest cultural landmark welcomed by Councilmember O’Farrell, dignitaries, and hundreds of community members

HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN – Twenty years in the making, the much-anticipated Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway was officially unveiled in a celebration organized

by Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, the representative for the neighborhood, and attended by hundreds of area residents, business owners, community leaders, celebrities, and dignitaries including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Councilmember Gil Cedillo.

“At long last — the day has arrived, the gateway is here, and the amazing community of Historic Filipinotown can celebrate being the rightful home of the newest cultural landmark in our city,” said Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell. “This has taken a village, and it has been a labor of love. Most importantly, this process has been guided by the people of Historic Filipinotown. I want to thank the community for its partnership and perseverance, and for the privilege I have of being your representative. Historic Filipinotown is so deserving of such a beautiful landmark.”

“The story of our Filipino community is an important one — from the first Filipinos landing in the continental United States at Morro Bay over 400 years ago, to the manongs and manangs who led the farmworkers’ movement, to the changemakers of today fighting

for racial, economic, environmental, and social justice,” said Attorney General Bonta, the first Filipino American statewide officer in California. “We’re a part of the fabric of this nation and the Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway — the Talang Gabay: Our Guiding Star — is an important, visible reminder of that reality. I want to thank the City of Los Angeles and Councilmember O’Farrell for recognizing Los Angeles’ Filipino community with this important monument.”

“The Historic Filipinotown Gateway symbolizes arriving, making the journey, and entering a gateway to our future. Monuments commemorating our diverse communities are significant, otherwise, we will suffer erasure of memory,” stated Councilmember Gil Cedillo. “We must remember those who came before us, so we know our path to the future.

I wish to congratulate my colleague, Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, for his leadership in finding the resources to make this gateway happen. I’d also like to recognize the Board of Public Works and the City’s Bureau of Engineering for helping secure the funds and delivering this project.”

Officially called “Talang Gabay - Our Guiding Star,” the new gateway is 30 feet high and spans a width of 82 feet across Beverly Boulevard at its intersection with Bel-

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mont Avenue. The project was prioritized by the City’s Department of Public Works, led

by Commissioner Emeritus Jessica Caloza, with management and oversight provided by the Bureau of Engineering. Designed by renowned Filipino artist Eliseo Art Silva, the monument is the largest of its kind in the United States. Design elements include: 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. The gateway also illuminates at night.

“This magnificent new gateway will welcome everyone to Historic Filipinotown,” said Eliseo Art Silva. “It’s a fitting tribute to the many courageous men and women on the frontlines — brave warriors such as our numerous Filipino healthcare workers. The gateway not only signals that Filipino Americans have finally arrived; it also symbolizes the valor of the front liners in our city.”

The community celebration featured the talents of many Filipino dignitaries and media personalities including: City of Los Angeles Building and Safety Commissioner Jocelyn Geaga-Rosenthal; Manny Streetz, known for his popular radio program Manny on the Streets; Jannelle So-Perkins, host and producer of Kababayan Today; actress and Grammy-winning singer Tia Carrere; and actress, singer, and model Jeserey Sanchez. The programming also included Filipino music and dance performances curated by FilAm ARTS, a local non-profit arts organization dedicated to the advancement of Filipino and FilipinoAmerican arts and culture.

“FilAM ARTS is so proud to serve this community, and to have curated an amazing array of artists for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration,” said Giselle Tongi, executive director of FilAM Arts. “The Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway is a physical representation

of the mission of FilAM ARTS: to cultivate a community of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans, rooted in our collective history and actively striving to represent, celebrate and express Filipino culture and our unique Filipino-American identity.”

The gateway is the culmination of two decades of visioning, planning, and organization by the Historic Filipinotown community, beginning with a community study of potential improvements commissioned in March 2003 by then-Councilmember Eric Garcetti.

When O’Farrell took office in 2013, he worked with the Filipino American community to continue many improvements that were being advocated for by local stakeholders, including: the restoration of the “Gintong Kasaysayan, Gintong Pamana (A Glorious History, A Golden Legacy)” mural at Unidad Park, HiFi Highlights, beautification of the HiFi Western Gateway, and to identify funding for the Eastern Gateway. Once O’Farrell led the Council in securing funding, the community was engaged in the design process.

Renderings were released in June 2020, and construction began in March 2021.

Over the years, the project has involved many community leaders and communitybased organizations, including longtime legacy non-profits in Historic Filipinotown such as the Pilipino Workers Center, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, and Filipino American Service Group Inc. “I’m overjoyed that this day has finally arrived when we can celebrate - together - the nation’s largest monument to Filipino-Americans right here in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown,” said Cecilia Ramos, a longtime community leader in Historic Filipinotown.

“Councilmember O’Farrell has always stood with our community, and I’m thankful that, through his leadership, a twenty year community vision has become a reality.”

In celebration of Turning Red, now available on Digital and coming to 4K, Blu-ray and DVD May 3, Disney and Pixar collaborated with several historically significant Asian American-owned businesses in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

During National Small Business Week (May 1-7) and the start of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, these partnerships aimed to recognize the historical, cultural and economic significance of Asian American small businesses.

Honoring the themes of multigenerational family traditions and relationships highlighted in Turning Red by the Chinese Canadian Lee family, three small businesses offered unique menu items and exclusive online activations. The delicious activities included: The popular family-owned shop, California Donuts, located in Los Angeles, CA, will be offering delectably adorable red panda Mei donuts! Through May 14, the specialty donut will be available for $4.75. In addition to offering the themed donuts, 20 fans were given the chance to win a Turning Red digital code via social media.

About California Donuts: In the mid1970s, Peter and Sutthy K. fled the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and immigrated to the United States. They worked odd jobs to save

money and support their family, but it was always their dream to own their own business. In 1982, they got the opportunity to purchase California Donuts in Koreatown.

40 years later, it is now run and co-owned

by Peter and Sutthy’s two daughters and the business has remained popular and successful with new, innovative ideas and flavors.

Turning Red Celebrated Food & Family With Restaurant Activations in NY, LA and SF

27 May 12-18, 2022

Offline

(From Page 13)

Some will say they were just lazy, while some will say that they never had the opportunity to rise from their sad lot in life. As a result, they were willing to gamble on an untested leader in the hopes that the new leader can accomplish miracles, like providing high paying jobs for them.

This is the only explanation that makes sense to me. These are the same people who spend what little money they have betting on the lotto.

Too bad that the miracle that they are expecting will not take place. P20 (about $0.40) per kilo of rice? Marcos Jr. promised this, and the D and E markets lapped it up. But every economist worth his/her salt said this was impossible.

Yes, it can be done, but only artificially and just for a short period. All the government has to do is to subsidize the cost of the rice at the retail level.

This step, however, cannot be sustained for an extended period, most especially by a government that is already strapped for cash.

The government can also pressure rice farmers to sell their palay at a loss, but this will cause serious harm to Philippine agriculture, as a whole.

Then there is the old solution of importing the cheapest rice available from countries such as India, which frequently has surpluses of this all-important commodity.

Finally, there is always China, which has been exposed to have created a plastic that looks, smells, and cooks like real rice, but with zero nutrients and potentially causing dangerous side-effects like cancer to anyone who unknowingly consumes it in substantial quantities.

It would not be beyond the incoming administration to resort to such horrible solutions like this in order to save face.

Excuse me for painting such a bleak scenario under Marcos Jr. I want nothing more than to be proven wrong and he turns out to be a competent chief executive. But I’m not holding my breath waiting. Not only do I like to consume real rice, but I also enjoy breathing.

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

GGCC MONTHLY RAFFLE WINNERS: As book author and Evangelist with the Golden Gate Church of Christ (GGCC), I am delighted to announce the winners of the second Monthly Raffle hosted by the Golden Gate Church of Christ, BOOKS MINISTRY and My Angel Radio Sa Francisco. The winners were drawn in between the segments of My Angel Radio San Francisco last Saturday, May 7, 2022 by the following: 1. Atty. John Wiegand, Editor of the popular hymnbook “Praise for the Lord,” John Jeffrey, author of “JESUS CHRIST” subtitled “His Last Few Days on Earth Before His Return to Heaven.” Rose, de la Cruz, Virginia Jimenez Madlaing, James Quitoriano, anchor and local director of My Angel Radio San Francisco; and yours truly.

The winners and corresponding prizes are as follows: SAFEWAY Gift Certificates – Elias Nunez, Carmelita Perez; ABE Haircut Certificates – Mila Obeniar, Imelda Tongol; REAL ESTATE & YOU subittle3d “Your Basic Guiide and Information for Successful Investing in Home, Land and Income Property” - Lillian Navasca, Carmelita Bumanglag, Merly Terrado, Joan Contreras,; JESUS CHRIST subtitled “His Last Few Days on Earth Before His retrn to Heaven” Pete Gerardo, Bonifacio Andrada, Liwanag Alano, Orlandoi Cabatic,, Ma. Teresa Lacayanga; World Christian Ministry Quarterly Journal,- Francis Cayabyab, Horlin Tabios, Ma. Fe Ruiz, Suzima Holgado; HISTORICITY OF JESS subtitled “Facts and Evidences for Agnostics, Atheists, Believers and Christians” – Ricardo Aficial, Genoveva Peralta,Juliana Bello, Luz Castillo, Fredesvinda Farinas,; LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY subtitled “ How to be Healthy Emotionally, Financially, Physically, Sexually and Spiritually” –Jose Santiago,Tammy Bertrand, Luz Oblacoro, Evangeline Kempis, Carlos Dasilag, Jr. Winners of the Monthly Raffle can claim and/or receive their prizes by writing or contacting BOOKS MINISTRY, 701-8th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118. Tel (650)4383531 or (415)584-7095 or email:artmadlaing@gmail. com *ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE# 00635976) in California since 1981. He is founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FIT-

NESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with he GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California USA.

The Outsider

(From Page 12)

Highway to the Philippine National Railways bridge. The MOA also stipulated that SMC through SMF will undertake “expanded environmental improvement including including the dredging of portions of the Tullahan River from the MacArthur Highway all the way to Manila Bay.” Then DENR Secretary Ramon Paje called the partnership “a big boost to our adopt-an-estero program” as he emphasized that most of the water bodies in Metro Manila could no longer be restored by government alone.

The SMC initiative to clean the river system is part of the company’s campaign to promote environmental sustainability. It complements other flood mitigation efforts in Navotas, Malabon, Valenzuela, and Caloocan.

In the future, a rehabilitated Tullahan River system may provide alternate route for transportation between Quezon City and Navotas, aside from flood mitigation and its contribution to a cleaner Manila Bay. But, the rehabilitation of Tullahan River system entails the collaboration of all stakeholders, not just the national government, SMC, the local government units and the communities in nearby areas.

It is our shared responsibility. We must be involved. #

PerryScope...

(From Page 12)

NATO started delivering weapons to Ukraine when the threat of invasion was imminent.

And here comes the funny part of his speech: “We are aware that US veterans who wanted to come to the parade in Moscow were actually forbidden to do so. But I want them to know: We are proud of your deeds and your contribution to our common Victory.”

But what made him think that patriotic American veterans wanted to participate in his Victory Parade? Has he gone crazy?

Then he went on to say: “Today, our warriors of different ethnicities are fighting together, shielding each other from bullets and shrapnel like brothers. This is where the power of Russia lies, a great invincible power of our united multi-ethnic nation.”

Jews happen to be a big component of Russia’s “multi-ethnic nation.” A rift between Russia and Israel deepened when Moscow claimed that the Israel government is supporting what it called a “neo-Nazi” regime in Kyiv, Ukraine. And tensions sparked when Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister claimed that Adolf Hitler was himself part Jewish. The comment did not bode well in Israel, who has managed to stay neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war.

With the war in Ukraine now on the third month, there is no sight of it ending soon. As a matter of fact, it is dragging on endlessly with Putin doubling down. And now, even Sweden and Finland who have traditionally stayed neutral in world affairs are being dragged into the East-West rivalry due to the two Nordic countries’ apprehension that they would be next on Putin’s sight to invade.

Recently, they indicated their willingness to join the NATO alliance, which infuriated Putin, who then threatened to deploy nuclear weapons in the Baltic region.

Threaten neighbors What’s in Putin’s mind that he’s threatening his neighbors? Does he have grandiose dreams of reviving the Soviet Empire? If he does, he needs to know that the international community is coalescing against him. He is now being treated as an international pariah.

Take into account that his health doesn’t appear to be so good. His irrationality and craziness is cause for the Western leaders to worry. It’s different today than it was during the Cold War when the nuclear standoff worked because both sides were rational. Both sides understood the catastrophic consequences of the use of nuclear weapons. They knew that the use of nuclear weapons would lead to MAD – mutually assured destruction. So they didn’t do it.

Putin must be suffering from paranoia because he

claims that he is surrounded. But NATO accounts for only 6% of his land border. It’s either that or his health problems are causing him to be wary of people who surround him.

U.S. media reported that Putin is going to undergo cancer treatment. That means that he would have to temporarily hand over power to the secretary of Russia’s Security Council Nikolai Patrushev, which was reported by the U.S.’s New York Post. The anticipated surgery and recovery are expected to incapacitate Putin for “a short time,” the report said. The New York Times further reported that Putin has been rumored to suffer from a host of other serious maladies, including Parkinson’s disease.

He was seen tightly gripping a desk during a meeting with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu last month.

Is it fair to presume that Vladimir Putin’s reign will soon come to an end?

(PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

Ken Go

(From Page 20)

One of the quirks of the modern capitalist system we live in is that when the economy is going too strong, officials have to deliberately hurt it to keep it from going completely off the rails. That’s precisely what the Federal Reserve is trying to do right now.

On Wednesday, the Fed raised its key interest rate a half-percentage point, its most aggressive rate hike in 22 years. Interest rates are the Fed’s primary tool to control inflation, which is currently hovering at 8.5% — the highest it’s been since the early 1980s.

Mortgage rates rose above 5% for a 30 year loan.

If you were hoping for a 3.25% loan on a $500,000.00 loan, with todays rates your payment would have gone up about $600.00 each month. That means your buying power will decrease by about 15-25% of your supposedly approved purchase price.

The ideal outcome is known as a “soft landing,” in which consumer prices come down and economic growth carries on at a steady clip.

How should you prepare?

First, don’t panic: Even if a recession is inevitable, there’s no telling how severe it will be. But it never hurts to plan for the worst. Here are a few ways financial advisers say you can insulate your finances from a downturn.

Lock in a new job now: With ultra-low unemployment and plenty of openings, it’s a job seeker’s market.

That could change quickly in a recession.

Cash in on the housing boom: If you’ve been on the fence about selling your home, now may be the time to list. Home prices in the United States are up nearly 20% year over year, but mortgage rates are also rising, which will eventually curb demand.

Set some cash aside: It’s always a good idea to have liquid assets — cash, money market funds, etc — to cover urgent needs or unexpected emergencies. CASH IS KING! Thanks for your inquiries, please contact Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance at 562-508-7048 CADRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

 HEALTH NEWS

May 12-18, 2022

28

World leaders urged to make firm commitments at Second Global COVID-19 Summit by ACT-Accelerator agency leads GENEVA - This week, world leaders will gather to consider crucial next steps in the global COVID-19 response. the co-hosts of the Second Global COVID-19 Summit – the United States, Belize, Germany, Indonesia and Senegal – were applaudd by the World Health Organization for bringing together governments from across the globe to make concrete commitments to vaccinate the world, save lives now and build better health security.

Recent WHO estimates show the death toll associated with COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021 was just under 15 million, a sobering reminder of the human cost of this pandemic.

With reported cases falling globally, it is tempting – but misguided – to think the crisis is over. This is the moment to intensify efforts, not to ease off. The summit gives leaders the opportunity to write the closing chapters of the pandemic – an opportunity they cannot afford to miss.

WHO said it is imperative that leaders seize this opportunity to mobilize the funding and political will required to achieve global targets for COVID-19 vaccination coverage, testing rates and access to treatments, including oral

antivirals and oxygen. Achieving these targets is essential to ending the pandemic, by reducing transmission and protecting everyone from the harms of COVID-19.

A decisive global response will mitigate the economic fallout of COVID-19, including the supply disruptions that are contributing to inflation and slow growth in many parts of the world. Definitively ending COVID-19 will also enable the world to better focus on reversing the lost progress against other diseases and getting routine immunization back on track, especially critical for children’s survival and development.

However, the current context for ending the pandemic is making this work harder. Testing rates around the globe are plummeting, which means we cannot track the trajectory of this evolving virus, with low-income countries testing at an average of just 5 tests per day per 100,000 people – far from the goal of 100 per day.

Despite the significant progress made increasing coverage rates in lower-income countries, millions are still unvaccinated and exposed, with just over 15% of people in low-income countries having received a vaccine. Sup-

porting country targets in light of the WHO goal of 70% coverage – especially prioritizing full coverage of at-risk groups – remains the best way to save lives, protect health systems and minimize cases of Long COVID. Access to effective new antivirals is limited by constrained supply and low testing rates, while medical oxygen and PPE shortages are still impacting many countries.

The ACT-Accelerator published a strategic plan and budget in October 2021 to address these inequities. We have made concrete progress on all fronts – but the partnership still faces a huge financing gap. We, the leaders of the ACT-Accelerator’s constituent agencies, are concerned that 6 months into our new budget cycle, just over 10% of our financing needs have been met.

Three months ago, we launched our financing framework with ‘fair share’ asks of the world’s richest countries, calculated based on the size of their national economies and what they would gain from a faster recovery of the global economy and trade. As of today, 6 countries have led the way in pledging at least 25% of their fair share – but we need more.

Wonders of tea Heart of Hope

Tea, the second most favorite beverage in the world after water, has always been considered a healthy drink. A recent worldwide symposium of leading scientists in the field of tea research on the benefits of tea suggests drinking tea may boost the immune system, cardiovascular health, and PHILIP S. CHUA cognitive function, and reduce the risk of cancer.

Organized by the Tea Council of the USA, advocated adding 2-4 cups of unsweetened tea into the diet to get the beneficial flavonoids. The four main varieties are white, green, black, and Oolong tea (all derived from Camellia sinensis). Tea provides substances with biological activity like L-theanine, caffeine, and flavonoids (catechins), which are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. Each cup of tea has between 35-60 mg of caffeine, compared to 95 mg in a cup of regular coffee. Tea also reduces tension, anxiety, and stress. The flavonoids in tea exert a protective effect against age-related dementia and cognitive decline.

Unlike soft drinks, which are actually slow-acting poison to the body of children and adults, gradually causing metabolic syndrome in people over time, tea is a beverage of wonder for our health.

Diet and lifespan Conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon sailed worldwide in search of the elusive fountain of youth in the 16th century, like those of Greek Historian Herodotus in the 5th century BC and Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, were all doomed to fail. The reality is that the real fountain of youth is in our minds, our discipline, attitude, habits, behavior, and diet (this last one is within our easy reach by simply “sailing” to our nearest grocery stores and gym or spa) for healthy food items and exercise. Indeed, a healthy lifestyle is essential. Oro-dental health is also vital to brain, cardiovascular, and general health, which impacts longevity also.

A new review of nutrition revealed that it is possible to prolong youth by slowing down aging (effects) and maximizing longevity to the fullest our genes would allow, with the proper diet, considering both quality (kind of foods) and quantity (calories we eat). The findings showed the best diet for a longer life includes fish, a lot of plant-based foods, low sugar, low refined

carbohydrates, low red meat (once a week) and no processed meats, and regular fasting every now and then.

Of course, no smoking, and alcoholic drinks are limited to one or two a day, and no illicit drugs. The diet needs to change to a high protein diet after age 65, supplemented with multi-vitamin-mineral once daily.

Plant-based foods include fruits, legumes, grains, vegetables, and seeds (chia, sesame, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds). For those with arthritis, the recommendation is to avoid nightshades vegetables, like tomato, potato, pepper, paprika, and eggplant.

Vitamin D and cancer A study found that Vitamin D deficiency is seen in nearly 67 percent of Black and 33 percent of Hispanic women living in the Northern hemisphere, making them 21 percent more likely to develop various illnesses, including breast cancer. These women are predisposed to vitamin D deficiency because their skin is darker, with higher melanin pigment, causing them to get less natural vitamin D from sunlight exposure. Vitamin D3 is the preferred supplement. It is healthy to get some sun exposure, especially in the morning. In general, about 40 percent of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D. Other illnesses caused by vitamin D deficiency are osteoporosis, depression, muscle weakness, and, if severe, death.

A half-hour direct exposure to mid-day sun provides about 10,000 to 20,000 IU depending on the area and time of the day, and distance from the equator.

Foods that contain this vitamin include salmon, canned tuna, egg yolk, cod liver oil, swordfish, mackerel, and sardines. One tablespoon (14 grams) of cod liver oil has more than 3 times the recommended dose of vitamin D, so one teaspoon covers it. A normal level of vitamin D, which is inexpensive and readily available without a prescription, is also good against COVID-19.

Test for Alzheimer’s There are an estimated 6 million Americans, 850,000 in the UK, and around 245,000 in The Philippines with Alzheimer’s dementia. The disease is named after neuropathologist, Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who, in 1906, discovered amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in a woman’s brain, which are the hallmarks of the disease.

Brain imaging and spinal tap fluids are the two most common procedures to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s, but as of May 4, 2022, a new diagnostic blood test to detect Alzheimer’s at a high accuracy rate (16 years before the symptoms develop) has been approved. It was developed at Washington University

School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo. To know well in advance when such a devastating illness will deprive a person of memory and transform the patient into a helpless baby-like state is certainly most welcome. The one involved could plan with the family ahead of time. There are Alzheimer’s cases where the patient instantly loses total memory, like flipping a light switch followed by total darkness in a split second.

COVID-19 updates On Sunday, May 8th, The Philippines had 152 new COVID-19 cases, 45 of them in Manila. There were 1,399 new cases from April 25th to May 1st, an average of 200 cases daily, 5 percent lower than the previous week. The national total is 3,687,018, with a death toll of 60,439. Almost 68 million (about 75 percent) have been fully vaccinated and 13.2 million also had their booster shot. The very first case was on January 30, 2020, on a woman who arrived in Manila from Wuhan City, the first case outside of China.

As of Tuesday, May 10th, 11:48 AM (EST), the total global COVID-19 cases: 518,023,291, deaths - 6,278,760, new cases - 362,765; USA: 83,688,188, deaths - 1,024,752, new cases - 73,056; The Philippines: 3,687,320, deaths – 60,439, new cases - 127.

There is a potential severe wave of COVID-19 in the coming Fall and Winter in the USA which could infect as many as 100 million, almost a third of the population.

Vaccines save lives. More than 11.7 billion shots worldwide (579 million in the USA alone) have proved how safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines are.

With those statistics, it is prudent at this juncture for everyone, especially seniors and those immunocompromised, to get vaccinated, to continue masking properly and social distancing, even if fully vaccinated, because of the potential new undetected strains and the waning protection from the vaccines. Death following reinfection happens in 1.8 percent of cases. Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX was infected twice.

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 May 12-18, 2022

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS

SHAKING UP OUR LIFE

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By TIM PEDROSA

ET US BE FEARLESS, LET US SHAKE UP OUR NORMAL ROUTINE AND DO SOMETHING DARING. Sometimes our lives have to be completely shaken up, changed, and rearranged to put us to the place we are meant to be. Living our best life does not always mean traveling a linear path.

Sometimes we need to shake thing up along the way, throw the plan out the window and go in search of what truly makes us happy. Let us find our fit to discover a sense of purpose and chase down the dreams that mean the most to us. It is about passion. It is about truth and most of all, it is about listening to our gut, our feeling or reaction based on an instinctive emotional response rather than considered thought. If we lack inspiration, shifting our scenery sometimes works. Changing our scenery does not have to mean traveling halfway around the world. It could also be as simple as changing where we live, taking a new route to work, or exploring a part of town we don’t usually go to. Inspiration will hit when we break up our routine. I have learned that what I like most about change is that it is a synonym for hope. If we are taking a risk, what we are really saying is that: we believe in tomorrow and we will be part of it. I have learned that what could move us could be as simple as being around animals, or growing plants, or as big as helping children in need. What we do in our free

time is what we could do regularly. Our hobbies can tell us a lot about what really makes us happy. I have learned to stay flexible as we discover what we want from life. Our plan may change; it is important that we change with it.

Sometimes things need shaking up.

We got to test the limit. Sometimes a break from our routine is the very thing we need. So when opportunity knocks, let us hurry up to answer the door. No one is going to hand us our dream like a gift, all wrapped up in a bow. Rarely is it that easy.

Whether we are shifting gears to go after something new or persistently chasing down what we have always dreamed of, it is going to take grit, grind and a decent amount of hard work. So let us be determined and patient all the time. When we are stuck in a rut, it often feels like we need a big change like: a new job, a dream vacation, or a wildly different way healthier lifestyle. The problem with big changes in life is that they are usually terrifying, challenging, expensive and difficult. So we end up just sitting there in our boring rut, dreaming of a major life overhaul but actually managing to change nothing. Experts are pretty clear to give our big dreams, at least initially and start with small changes instead and warm up to a new life with lots of little actions that expand our horizons, increase our energy, spur our creativity, and provide valuable feedback about what habits and paths will actually work for us.

Above all let us be patient and focused to our goal. Let us take control of what we can control.

Incredible change happens in our life when we decide to take control of what we do have power over instead of craving control over what we do not have. If we are bored or in a rut or frustrated with the rat race, adding an entirely new activity can change our outlook, our routine and even our set of friends.

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Easter Question

fter the event of the resurrection, the Risen Lord Jesus asked Simon Peter three times (Jn. 21: 15-17): “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” twice in that way and once by saying: Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? At first glance we may say that this question is only addressed to Simon Peter alone or addressed to the Pope, Peter’s Successor, or to the bishops or priests, or only to the ordained ministers. REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD No, those questions are also addressed to us all; clerics and lay faithful alike. There may be different degrees of responsibility; but nonetheless, none of us can take it for granted for we all have the duty by faith to respond to it. Let us not be blind to the fact that it is the Lord Jesus asking; “do you love me?”

During this Easter Season, we have to see to it that we are refocusing and re-directing our energies and concerns into seeing to it that our entire life is for the love and service of God. He is our priority; He is our Number One concern out of love for Him. However, we all know of the challenge here. Unlike Simon Peter, we are cannot say easily “Yes, Lord, I love you;” because, by conscience with all honesty, all we can say is like; “yes, Lord, I love you but…” I love you, God, but only if you will do me this or that.” or “I love you, Lord Jesus, but only in regards to these teachings but not with those other teachings of Yours.” Or “I love you, God, only during good times when you are blessing me but during bad times; no more. Or “I love you Jesus and I will follow You closely only if You will give me what I want and I can do what I want,” and so on and so forth; I know we get the idea. We are conditional in our loving and service of God and our Lord Jesus Christ. We are conditional in living out our Christian life. We have boundaries to our spiritual endeavors; only until here and not farther there.

Let us all, this Easter Season, be mindful that our Risen Lord Jesus gave totally Himself up for us for our salvation. He died for us so that we may be redeemed for God and be given divine life with the hope of eternal destiny. God loves us so much. Jesus, our Risen Lord, loves us so much. What could we answer to His question, “do you love me?” Let us destroy our conditional attitude. Let us destroy our attitude to treat God as equal or worse lower than ourselves. Let us destroy our mentality that doing good, loving and serving God; we can make Him indebted to us. He does not need us or anything from us. We all know, that we are to do the good and obey His commandments not so much to give any benefit to Him, because there is nothing to benefit to Him, but so much more for our benefit. Choosing and doing the good makes us good. Choosing and doing the godly ways will make us godly; and God seeing us in such a way will be pleased with us, for we are living coherent to His plan and design for us which will lead us to becoming the person He wants us to be. In other words, loving God unconditionally, loving the Lord Jesus in the way He loves us, can transform us to become the person God wants us to be; a person of honor because we will be living honorable lives; a person of integrity for we will be sincere and truthful in all our dealings and words; a person truly godly and holy for we will not take God for granted in our life but really live our faith and love of Him to the fullest.

What are the ways that hinder you, dear reader, in loving Jesus to the fullest? Meanwhile, in what ways you can say you are loving Him the best way you can? Or can we cite some proofs in our lives that indicate our love of the Lord Jesus? Let us see to it that His question be a powerful impulse into all the areas of our daily life; so that, we will see to it that our existence in every moment be really spent for love and service of God. Like that some time ago a taxi driver returned to his client a bag that was left in his car containing some huge amount of money. Many people commented saying, he could have just kept silent and he be a wealthy man; while others say, it was heroic for him to do so. We all know that such kind of people are not just guided by some human principles; but certainly, by his love for God. Let, therefore, every good deed that we do proclaim our answer to our Risen Lord Jesus; “yes, Lord, I love you.” Amen.

Aflame The Heart

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

31 May 12-18, 2022  NATIONAL NEWS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Igado with Olives Ingredients: 1 kilo lean pork, slice thinly 1/2 kilo pork liver, slice thinly, rinsed, marinate in 1/4 cup vinegar 1 medium size onion, peeled, chopped 1/2 head garlic, crushed, peeled, chopped 1 cup cooked chick peas 1 cup cooked green peas 10-15 pieces green olives 1 medium size green or red bell pepper, trimmed, cut into strips 1/2 cup vinegar 1/3 cup soy sauce 1 tbsp. crushed peppercorns 6-8 pcs. bayleaf 1/4 cup olive oil cooking oil salt Cooking procedure: In a sauce pan or wok, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant. Add in the pork and stir cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Add in the vinegar and soy sauce, lower heat and cook uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes. Add about 2 cups of water, the peppercorns and the bay leaf, bring to a boil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the pork is tender. Then add in the liver cook for another 5 to 10 minutes or until the liquid is reduced to an oily sauce and almost dry. Season with salt and sugar to taste. Add in the chick peas, green peas, bell pepper and olive oil cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. When done keep at room temperature, best serve on the next day for the flavors to develop, Reheat to warm touch only when serve.

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Clark airport’s new terminal building officially opens, increased tourist arrivals expected

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – The Clark International Airport (CRK) officially soft-launched its new terminal building with a ceremonial water cannon salute to the first departing and aleving flights from Jetstar Asia and Cebu Pacific Air. The Department of Tourism (DOT) said it sees a boost in tourist arrivals in the coming months as Clark International Airport added more flights in its new passenger terminal beginning May 2.

Dubbed as a new world-class gateway, Clark International Airport’s new passenger terminal building will serve both domestic and international flights.

Two of South Korea’s largest low-cost airlines were among the new air carriers added to the list of airlines that would be operating direct flights from Clark.

The popular Jeju Air will launch its Incheon-CRK-Incheon route every Thursday and Sunday, while Jin Air will offer the same route beginning May 16, every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Other foreign flights that will be using the new passenger terminal include destinations to and from Singapore via Jetstar and Scoot; Doha via Qatar Airways; Air Asia; and Dubai via Emirates.

Local air carriers Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines will also have flights operating at the new passenger terminal.

The interior of the new terminal pays homage to the renowned Mt. Pinatubo and its crater lake, Mt. Arayat, and the Sacobia riverbed—three provinces’ wellloved travel destinations.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the entire province alone offers a variety of tourism activities— from culinary, culture and heritage, to adventure. She said the opening of the new passenger terminal is a boost to the recovery of the pandemic hit sector.

“Clark is one of the destinations included in the recently concluded World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit. More than just a freeport zone, clearly, this place is an emerging tourism hub that has great potential to bring huge gains for the tourism industry,” she said.

Operated by the Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp., the new CRK Terminal is a joint project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

This is the first hybrid public-private partnership under the “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) program started and completed during the Duterte administration.

The lights of Jetstar 3K 779 / 780, Qatar Airways QR 930 / 931, Scoot TR 386 / 387, Emirates EK 338, Cebu Pacific Air 5J 606 / 607, and Philippine Airlines PR 2833 / 2834 were able to use the new terminal during its soft launch.

“Despite and notwithstanding with the Covid-19 pandemic, sige sige at tuloy-tuloy ang trabaho para mapakinabangan agad ng proyekto ng ating mga kababayan. Kaya naman natapos sa kabila ng pandemya (The works continues so that the project will immediately give benefits to our fellowmen). This project is a living proof that if we work together and jointly commit ourselves to provide a life of comfort and convenience to all, nothing is impossible,” DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a statement.

CRK chief executive officer Bi Yong Chungunco said with the state-of-the-art facilities, including superior accessibility, the new terminal is ready to welcome both domestic and international travelers.

He said there are many ways to get to the airport depending on passenger preference.

“We have put a lot of effort into making our passengers’ journey as seamless as possible through the terminal and getting to and from our airport,” she said in another statement.

From North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) - Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), passengers can take the SCTEX Clark North Exit into Clark Freeport Zone. A few meters away will be the first rotunda, where they can take the third exit and straight into CRK Airport Road.

Those who are already inside the Clark Freeport Zone can take Gil Puyat Avenue toward Mabalacat Gate. They will reach a junction where they can take the first exit toward CRK Airport Road leading straight to the new terminal.

Directions to CRK’s new terminal can also be easily found on mobile apps such as Google Maps and Waze.

Meanwhile, Point 2 Point (P2P) bus services from Trinoma, Quezon City, and Paranaque City as well as taxi services from within Pampanga and other car rental services are also available.

The new terminal boast of a 110,000 square-meter area, featuring state-of-theart facilities that situate itself as a premier Asian gateway for tourism and business alike.

CRK also features a touchless passenger check-in experience.

Self-service, self-check-in kiosks, and self-bag-drop systems are in place for passenger safety and autonomy.