Philippine News Today by Philippine News Today

1 May 13-19, 2021

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

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

Vol. 60 No. 40 May 13-19, 2021

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

DEADLIER COVID VARIANT FROM INDIA REACHES PHL

AG Bonta unveils Racial Justice Bureau

By CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO

WHO says it’s now a global concern, gov’t steps up measures vs virus By ALFRED GABOT Editor in Chief

Vice President Leni Robredo and President Rodrigo Duterte

Robredo out of presidential race?

MANILA – After plans for Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao to run for president in 2020, which Sen. Richard Gordon he is one the best material for president, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV said he would seek the presidency in 2022. The controversial former coup d’etat leader made the disclosure after he said he received reports that opposition leader Vice President Maria Leonor Leni Robredo might run for governor of Camarines Sur.

MANILA/WASHINGTON/GENEVA — The deadlier, double-mutant India variant of COVID-19 has reached the Philippines as the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it as a variant of global concern. The Department of Health confirmed its first two cases of the new COVID-19 variant first detected in pandemic-ravaged India -- described as a double mutant and believed to be more transmissible — involving returning overseas Filipinos who have no travel hisPage 9 tory from India. ANALYSIS

Gavin Newsom recall an exercise in futility By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

Robredo’s spokesman, however, refuted Trillanes, saying Robredo has never abandoned plans to run for president, adding that she has not made any plan to run for governor of her home province. Former Ifugao representative Teodoro Baguilat Jr., Liberal Party vice chairperson, said Robredo is still interested in running for president and they are “working 24/7 organizing the machinery if not to prepare for that.” Baguilat said the Vice President is not doing Page 8 Gov. Gavin Newsom

Is California about to see a repeat of the political circus that was the Gray Davis recall? Not likely. To recall, then Gov. Davis was the object of a successful recall in 2003 because he was not popular even within his own party. This is not the case with Gov. Newsom. Further, among the myriad of candidates seeking to take the Democrat’s place was a popular action star still at the peak of his career, Arnold Schwarzenegger. In the case of Page 8

California AG Bonta endorses restora�ve jus�ce to combat hate crimes.

OAKLAND, Calif. - The state’s top law enforcer is poised to combat race-motivated crimes with a multipronged strategy informed by his personal history Page 11 and experience.

Duterte challenges, backs out of debate with Justice Carpio MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has challenged retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on the dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea, but he quickly backed out with so many execuses and instead want his spokesman Harry Roque to debate Carpio instead. Duterte was criticized for his decision and thus rejected speculations that he backed out because he is afraid of the former magistrate. Duterte said he Page 8

Bongbong Marcos appeals poll protest ruling

Newsom unveils $12-B ‘comeback plan’ VIEWS & COMMENTS

SHOWBIZ

What will you do to save our planet?

Vallejo-born H.E.R. wow Pinoy fans after Oscar, Grammy wins

Page 14 By A�y. Liangco

Page 15

SPORTS

FilAm Patrick Coo eyes PHL Tokyo Olympics berth Page 21

PESO-DOLLAR RATE

$1.00= P47.87

as of May 13, 2021 1:30am

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 NATIONAL NEWS

May 13-19, 2021

Marcos appeals PET decision junking poll protest vs. Robredo

MANILA - Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has asked the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) to reverse its decision junking his election protest against Vice President Maria Leonor Leni Robredo. Marcos filed a motion asking the High Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, which dismissed the case unanimously earlier on Monday, May 10, which was confirmed by Supreme Court spokesperson Brian Keith Hosaka. Robredo has not commented on the Marcos appeal. In a 96-page motion, Marcos said the PET should not have relied on technicalities, insisting that his third cause of action on annulment of elections in three Mindanao provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Maguindanao is independent and should not have been dismissed. “Election contests involve public interest. Technicalities and procedural barriers should not be allowed to stand if they constitute an obstacle in determining the true will of the electorate in their choice of elective officials.” Marcos urged the PET to proceed with the presentation of evidence before a special committee. The former lawmaker also asked the tribunal to order the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to conduct the technical

examination of the voters’ signatures appearing on the Election Day Computerized Voters’ List as against the signatures appearing on the Voters Registration Records in the protested clustered precincts. The PET, in February, junked Marcos’ election protest after close to 5 years, citing his “abject failure” to specify and prove allegations of fraud. The tribunal also cited his failure to establish substantial recovery of votes in his 3 pilot provinces that underwent initial recount — the provinces of Camarines Sur, Iloilo and Negros Oriental, where Robredo’s lead grew by 15,000 votes. According to Marcos, the tribunal did not give him an opportunity to present his evidence for the annulment of poll results in the three provinces on the grounds of terrorism, violence, intimidation, substitution of voters, and pre-shading of ballots allegedly in favor of Robredo. But the tribunal said in its February 16 ruling that it had granted the parties “every opportunity to make and defend their arguments.” Robredo’s lead counsel Romulo Macalintal, meanwhile, said “Marcos would be the luckiest man in the world if he could reverse the unanimous decision by merely repeating the same issues and arguments already decided by the entire Presidential Electoral Tribunal.”

Senator Marcos and Vice President Leni Robredo

The PET earlier said that Robredo would still maintain a lead of 15,130 votes “even if we proceed with the third cause of action.” The tribunal arrived at this conclusion by combining the results of the manual recount in the three pilot provinces of Camarines Sur, Iloilo, and Negros Oriental and the projected results for the third

cause of action. “Protestant (Marcos) failed to make out his case,” the PET said in its decision. “To entertain the third cause of action is to risk frustrating the valid exercise of the nation’s democratic will and subject it to the endless whims of a defeated candidate,” the tribunal said.

“In 2016, we have 800 per clustered precinct. Come 2019, we increased it to 1,000 per clustered precinct. For the 2022 elections, we plan to lower it back to 800 per clustered precinct or even lower depending on the availability of the vote counting machines (VCMs),” Kho added. On the other hand, he said they are also looking at the possibility of acquiring more

VCMs to be used in next year’s polls. “The VCMs were used in 2016 and 2019. Our voting machines would be subjected to refurbishment. We don’t expect around 97,000 VCMs that all of them are okay. Some of them I would presume will not be at par, so we are looking at the possibility of acquiring additional machines, let’s say (about) 10,000 units,” he added.

Comelec eyes 2-hour extension of voting period for 2022 polls MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking at extending voting hours in next year’s national and local elections by at least two hours. Commissioner Antonio Kho said the previous eight-hour voting period is no longer applicable to the current situation. “It would be extended probably up to 10 or even 12. It would also depend on

the teachers, we have to consider them also. We will look at their capacity, how they can absorb, but chances are it would be a one day elections but with an extended period. Probably, an additional two to three hours,” he said. Kho said they are also planning on reverting the number of voters per clustered precinct, from1,000 to 800 or even lower.

3 Filipino UN personnel who died amid Covid pandemic honored NEW YORK/MANILA – The United demic. Nations has honored three Filipino UN In a statement, the Department of Forstaff members who lost their lives while eign Affairs (DFA) identified the three as in the line of duty amid the Covid-19 pan- Joanna Abaya, who served at the United

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Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); Dr. Ronald Santos, at the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI); and Maria Luisa Almirol Castillo, at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). During a memorial service held virtually at the UN Headquarters in New York on May 6, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at least 336 UN personnel from 82 countries, including civilian, military and police, paid the ultimate sacriﬁce in the service of peace or coronavirus disease 2019 related circumstances in 2020, the highest number of UN personnel fatalities recorded in UN history. “Those dear colleagues were a reﬂection of the diversity and richness of experience of the United Nations,” he said. Undersecretary-General Atul Khare of the UN Department of Operational Support, who hosted the event, said the virtual memorial service provided an opportunity for families and colleagues across the world to gather and remember their loved ones.

“Our fallen colleagues will be more than ever united in our hearts and we offer our love and prayers to their families and friends,” he said. The names of the late Filipino staff members alongside their 333 colleagues were read one-by-one by UN staff members, Marie-Angle Diègue and Alessandro Susini. Australian-American violinist Adele Anthony also graced the solemn commemoration by playing select solo violin sonatas by Johann Sebastian Bach. “The Philippines is grateful for the remarkable work of these Filipinos in the United Nations and for their sacrifices,” said Ambassador Enrique Manalo, Permanent Representative of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations. “Their legacy and dedication will serve as an inspiration for all of us.” At least 657 Filipinos, inclusive of officers and uniformed personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, are currently serving in the UN both in the headquarters and the field, the DFA said.

3 May 13-19, 2021

 NATIONAL NEWS TENSION ESCALATES

287 Chinese warships, militia vessels sighted by PHL maritime patrol in West Philippine Sea MANILA –Tension remains high in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea as China continues its aggressiveness in the region, including sending warships, Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels inside the Philippines territory and exclusive economic zone. In its latest report, Philippine maritime patrol has spotted 287 Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels, including Houbei missile warships, scattered over the various features of the Municipality of Kalayaan, both within and outside the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the country, during its latest patrol. The Chinese vessels were told to leave the Philippine exclusive zone since last month but refused, triggering the ﬁling of several diplomatic protests by the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs. Amid the incursions, the NTF-WPS said the country will continue law enforcement activities in Philippine waters. “The Philippines maintains the deployment of law enforcement patrols and maritime exercises of the Philippine Coast Guard and Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic

Resources vessels on a rotational basis over the waters of the Municipality of Kalayaan and our Exclusive Economic Zone,” National Security Adviser and NTF-WPS chief Hermogenes Esperon said in a statement. This developed as Armed Forces unveiled plans to convert an island in the region into a military hub with night-capable cameras to monitor activities there amid the rising tensions in China. Meanwhile, Japanese, US and French troops kicked off their first-ever joint military drill in southwestern Japan amidst China’s growing assertiveness in the region. An Australian naval ship also is taking part in the week-long air, land and sea exercises involving 300 ground troops from the three countries. It comes as Japan deepens defense ties beyond its key US ally and with eyes on Beijing’s moves in the East and South China seas. Meanwhile, a British aircraft carrier and German frigate are expected to be sent to the Indo-Pacific region later this year. “Our objective is to drive away Chinese maritime militia and other Chinese

Only foreigners with visas can enter PHL; no visa for returning Pinoys: BI MANILA – It is the responsibility of boarding their Philippine-bound flights airlines to ensure that foreign passengers are eligible to enter the country under Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) guidelines. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) issued the reminder and reiterated that “only foreigners with valid and existing visas are allowed to enter the country.” “The entry of foreign tourists is still temporarily restricted,” BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said in a statement. He warned that foreigners banned from the country will be excluded upon arrival and booked on the first available flight back to their ports of origin. The bureau also reminded that only foreigners qualified for the “balikbayan” privilege are exempted from securing entry visas. “Balikbayans” are Filipinos and former Filipinos, as well as their foreign spouses and children who are traveling with them.

vessels from our exclusive economic zone,” said AFP Chief of Staﬀ General Cirilito Sobejana in television interview. Early this May, the Philippine Coast Guard released a video of its personnel challenging via radio the Chinese militia vessels spotted in Sabina Shoal, which is within the Philippines exclusive economic zone. Sabina Shoal is located nearly 130 nautical miles west of Puerto Princesa in Palawan and east of Ayungin Shoal. “This is Philippine Coast Guard. We are BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409). You are within Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. You are requested to provide the following: name of vessel, intention, last and next port of call on Channel 16,” said a female crew member of BRB Cabra in the video. In another incident, a vessel carrying journalists were challenged by Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) said the count by the maritime patrol was made on May 9. Bigger groupings of the Chinese vessels were sighted at the artiﬁcial islands built by China while some were observed

near islands occupied by the Philippines, a statement signed by NTF WPS chair and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. showed. The Philippine maritime patrol sighted two CMM vessels and two Houbei-class missile warships inside Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, one CMM oﬀ Lawak (Nanshan) Island, 11 CMM vessels located approximately 29 nautical miles southwest of Recto (Reed) Bank; and another CMM vessel oﬀ Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. A Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel was seen at the shoal during an earlier patrol last May 7. “As for the features forming part of the Pagkakaisa (Union) Banks, the 9 May 2021 maritime patrol reported the presence of 34 CMMs at Juan Felipe (Whitsun) Reef (JFR), two Vietnamese (VN) logistics/supply ships, and one VN Coast Guard vessel at Sin Cowe East (Grierson) Reef and 77 CMMs in Chigua Reef,” the NTF WPS said. The task force also emphasized that Julian Felipe Reef is a low tide elevation (LTE) located 175 nautical miles from Bataraza, Palawan, and within the country’s 200-nautical mile EEZ.

 METRO NEWS

May 13-19, 2021

Makati’s drive-thru vaccination site in full blast MAKATI CITY – The Makati city government’s drive-through Vaccination On-The-Go (VAX-OTG) program has gone full blast, boosting the city’s capacity to inoculate residents. “Naniniwala ako na habang mas maraming #ProudMakatizens ang nababakunahan, mas mabilis tayong magkakaroon ng tinatawag na herd immunity sa ating komunidad, kung saan mas titibay ang ating mga katawan laban sa coronavirus (I believe that while more #ProudMakatizens will be inoculated, the faster we could achieve the so-called herd immunity in our community, wherein our bodies will get stronger against the coronavirus disease 2019 [Covid-19]),” Mayor Abby Binay said in a statement on Tuesday. Binay said the city government went through diligent planning on logistics and handling other requirements to put up VAX-OTG at the Ayala Malls Circuit, the site of the former Sta. Ana Racetrack and near the City Hall. Schedule is by online registration at website proudmakatizen.com, accommodating only persons with disabilities and bedridden residents, who will be fetched by the local government if they have no

ON-THE-GO JABS. A health worker gives the Sputnik V vaccine to an elderly ci�zen at the Maka� Coliseum as Maka� Mayor Abby Binay opened the city’s drive-through Vaccina�on On-The-Go program.

vehicles. Recipients may stay for at least 30 Similar to regular vaccination pro- minutes to monitor after-eﬀects. cedures, there will be counseling and Makati had 1,028 active Covid-19 screening before the vaccination that will cases as of May 10. be done inside the vehicle.

Isko okays release of P350-M city employees’ midyear bonus MANILA – A total of 8,745 employees of the Manila City government will soon receive their midyear bonus after Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso approved the release of the P350 million budget for said bonus. The budget will come from the 2021 executive budget. Under City Ordinance No. 8702, or “An Ordinance appropriating the amount of twenty billion pesos (P20,000,000,000) under the General Fund Executive Budget of the City of Manila for FY 2021”, the P350 million will be allocated for Manila’s regular employees. It will reﬂect on their payroll accounts starting May 18. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Domagoso said in a statement that they must honor the midyear bonus agreement. “Para po ma-ibsan ang hirap na tatahakin ng ating mga manggagawa natin sa pamahalaang lungsod dahil sa Covid-19 pandemic (This is to at least alleviate the diﬃculties of our employees in the city government because of the Covid-19

5 May 13-19, 2021

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

PDP-Laban Bulacan raps Pacquiao over Duterte territorial row with China MALOLOS CITY – Incumbent local government oﬃcials and other leaders belonging to the PDP-Laban Bulacan Chapter has unanimously passed a resolution expressing “strong disapproval” to Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao’s public statements and actions apparently critical of President Duterte’s position on the West Philippine Sea and the administration’s management of the pandemic. In a consultative meeting here, participants questioned the motive of the statements of Pacquiao, who currently sits as the “acting president” of the ruling PDP-LABAN with President Duterte as the party chairman, indicating a possible crack in the administration party. Recitals in the Bulacan Chapter Resolution referred to Pacquiao’s statements as constituting “acts as inimical to the Party as they tend to disparage the leadership of President Duterte and intended to weaken public

support of the constituencies against the latter.” “Acting President Manny Pacquiao (should) be asked to explain why he should not be disciplined for his public actions and statements against the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte thereby bypassing the oﬃcial channels of the Party where redress and remedy can be made,” the resolution added. The PDP-Laban Bulacan Chapter consultative meeting was attended by incumbent mayors Gilbert Gatchalian (Malolos), Vergel Meneses (Bulakan), Amboy Manlapaz (Hagonoy), Ann Marcos (Paombong), JR Gonzales (Balagtas), Ferdie Estrella (Baliuag), Narding De Leon (Angat), Fred Germar (Norzagaray), Carla Galvez (San Ildefonso), Linabelle Villarica (Meycauayan), Ricky Silvestre (Marilao), Edwin Santos (Obando), Yoyoy Pleyto (Santa Maria), Arthur Robes (San Jose Del Monte), and Congresswoman Florida Robes, 4th District, among others.

SORSOGON CITY/QUEZON CITY – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised the alert for Bulusan Volcano to Level 1 (low level unrest). Some 124 volcanic quakes were recorded since May 8. These quakes are caused by movements or eruptions of magma from the volcano, the agency said. This as Taal Volcano in Batangas has simmered down on its activities as well as Mayon Volcano, Mount Kanlaon and Mount Pinatubo.

Phreatic eruptions at the summit crater or ﬂank vents from the upper to middle slopes were also observed. Such parameters indicate that volcanic processes are underway beneath the ediﬁce, Phivolcs said. Phivolcs reiterated that entry into the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) must be strictly prohibited. Vigilance in the two-kilometer extended danger zone (EDZ) on the southeast sector must be exercised due to increased possibilities of sudden phreatic eruptions, it said.

Alert level 1 raised on Bulusan Volcano

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

May 13-19, 2021

Taal volcano acting up again TAGAYTAY CITY – Elevated unrest has recurred in Taal Volcano in the past 48 hours and its condition remains unstable, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported. The volcano has been under alert level 2 (increased unrest) since March 9. Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum, Jr. earlier said that if current unrest persists, this can lead to an eruption. Sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around the Taal Volcano Island (TVI). For the past 24 hours, Phivolcs recorded 355 volcanic earthquakes, including 201 low frequency volcanic quakes, which were caused by movements or eruptions of magma from the volcano. The 355 volcanic quakes also included 154 volcanic tremor events lasting two to 35 minutes. Low-level background tremor also persisted since April 8. Activity at the main crater was dominated by the upwelling of hot volcanic ﬂuids in its lake which generated 200-meter tall but weak plumes. Sulfur dioxide

(SO2) emission averaged 3,463 tonnes/ day on May 11, Phivolcs said. Those parameters indicate persistent magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the ediﬁce. Entry into the TVI, Taal’s permanent danger zone (PDZ), as well as occupancy

and boating on Taal Lake must be strictly prohibited, Phivolcs recommends. It also advised local government units to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest.

Eleazar orders PNP revamp, clean up of precincts, stations

Philippine Na�onal Police Chief Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar reshuffled more police officials. Eleazar reassigned Maj. Gen. Bernabe Balba as new chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) in the Visayas from Special Action Force (SAF). Balba will replace Lt. Gen. Dionardo Carlos who was earlier assigned as chief of the directorial staff of the PNP. Brig. Gen. Nelson Bondoc will be transferred from National Capital Region Police (NCRPO) to take the helm of the Police Regional Office (PRO) of Mimaropa (Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan). From Southern Police District (SPD)

under the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz will be designated as new director of Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon). He will replace Brig. Gen. Felipe Natividad who was named as new SAF director. Col. Randy Peralta will be transferred from Office of Chief PNP to take leadership of DIPO Western Mindanao, replacing Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo who will get new post at NCRPO. Eleazar revamped the top posts of the Command Group, naming Lt. Gen. Joselito Vera Cruz as the new deputy chief for administration, the PNP’s secondhighest official. Lt. Gen. Ephraim Dickson, the chief of the directorial staff, replaced Vera Cruz as deputy chief for operations, making him the police force’s third-ranking official. Carlos, also former PNP spokesperson, will take the place of Dickson. Eleazar also ordered the reshuffle of Maj. Gen. Rolando Hinanay from the Civil Security Group (CSG) to Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM). Eleazar officially became the 26th police chief on May 8, taking over the post from former PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas, after the latter’s mandatory retirement. Eleazar said he has instructed the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) to focus on the cleanliness in all PNP precincts, sta-

tions, and offices under the “Intensified Cleanliness Policy” (ICP). “Sinabi ko sa ating (IAS) Inspector General, Atty. Alfegar Triambulo na bigyan ng focus itong cleanliness in the offices at kung kinakailangan mag recommend kung sino ang dapat nating i-relieve na PCP (police community precinct) commander (I told our IAS Inspector General, Atty. Alfegar Triambulo to give focus on the cleanliness of the offices and if needed, recommend those PCP commanders who should be relieved),” Eleazar said. He added that keeping police precincts and stations clean and presentable will help the institution gain the public’s trust and respect. “Actually, our IAS conducts regular inspections everyday and I saw in their report that they have already inspected at least 1,000 police units,” he added. Eleazar added that he will also conduct surprise inspections of police stations to ensure that their cleanliness and orderliness will be observed. “Yes, I will do that. Expect that all other commanders from the regional directors down to the chiefs of police will do their own inspection. We will have our time. I am giving them the chance to clean up and as I have heard from other officers, there also already those who are starting renovations and cleaning,” Eleazar said. Eleazar first introduced the ICP when he was chief of the National Capital Region Police Office.

PNP reports 60th Covid-19 death

CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported its 60th death due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). In a statement, PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, said the latest fatality is a 48-year-old non-uniformed personnel (NUP) assigned at the Quezon Provincial Police Office. Reports from the PNP Health Service said the NUP initially sought medical assistance at a nearby rural health unit due to fever and dry cough but was told to go to a nearby hospital for confinement and swab testing on May 6. The patient contracted Covid-19 based on swab test results released on May 8 and suffered difficulty in breathing despite having oxygen support on May 11. “At 4 p.m. (May 11), the said NUP was declared dead by attending physician. We express our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Our NUP, being the backbone of the PNP organization, are also risking their lives during their render of duty in their respective unit,” Eleazar said. At press time, the PNP Health Service also reported 98 new Covid-19 cases among police personnel, bringing the total number of cases to 21,416. Another 117 new recoveries raised the total tally to 19,920. The PNP so far has 1,436 active cases. Eleazar reminded police commanders to closely supervise their respective areas of responsibility to help curb a resurgence of Covid-19 cases. He issued this reminder following the relief of Caloocan City Police Community Precinct (PCP) 9 commander, Maj. Harold Aaron Melgar, for failing to effectively enforce minimum public health safety protocols in his area. The city government ordered the closure of the Gubat sa Ciudad resort, which is under the jurisdiction of PCP 9, for operating despite the prevailing modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila.

7 May 13-19, 2021

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

PACC ﬁles case vs. NEA chief

MANILA – The Presidential AntiCorruption Commission (PACC) has filed a case against National Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Edgardo Masongsong over his supposed inaction on the supposed use of public funds for a party-list’s campaign activities. PACC chairperson Greco Belgica said his office lodged an “online” case against Masongsong. Results of the PACC investigation found that Masongsong never expressed objection to electric cooperatives’ (ECs) continuing financial support to the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (Philreca) party-list, Belgica said. “Ang ending po ay contribution ng mga electric cooperative sa ibat’ ibang partylist gaya ng Philreca (The result

is electric cooperatives are financing party-lists like Philreca),” he said. “Sa amin pong pagsisiyasat, napatunayan namin na there is a probable cause na puwedeng tignan ng Ombudsman at siya (Masongsong) ay litisin (Based on our investigation, we have proven that there is probable cause for the Ombudsman to probe him).” The NEA, a state corporation created on August 4, 1969 by virtue of Republic Act 6038, is in partnership with 121 ECs. It is tasked to provide financial, institutional, and technical services to the ECs to make them become more efficient, reliable, and globally competitive. Philreca, the umbrella organization of the 121 ECs nationwide, has received financial assistance from them

to ﬁnance the campaign of its party-list group, Belgica noted. Hence, Masongsong violates Republic Act (RA) 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines, Belgica said. “Si Mr. Masongsong ay lumabag sa batas, kabilang ang RA 3019 at ng Omnibus Election Code dahil pinagbabawal po ng batas na magambag o magcontribute ng pondo para sa kampanya ng isang kandidato or party-list ang isang public utility or gamitin ang government funds para sa ganitong pamamaraan (Mr. Masongsong violates the law, including RA 3019 and Omnibus Election Code because it is prohibited to contribute funds for the campaign of a candidate or party-list using govern-

ment funds),” he said. Belgica said a hard copy of the case and pieces of evidence against Masongsong would be submitted to the Ombudsman’s oﬃce when it resumes operations after an extended lockdown due to rising coronavirus disease 2019 cases among its personnel. In April 2019, the National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms Inc. (Nasecore) urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to cancel the registration of Philreca party-list for receiving campaigns from ECs totaling P10 million. Nasecore, in its petition to the Comelec, included evidence consisting of a check, deposit slips, and board resolutions indicating that ECs have contributed millions of pesos to Philreca.

Coast Guard installs buoys from Spain in Philippine Rise

OCEAN BUOYS. The three “state-ofthe-art” lighted ocean buoys set to be installed by the Philippine Coast Guard MANILA – After the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is now in the thick of a campaign to protect the vast Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise) near the Cagayan Valley. The PCG will install three out of the planned 10 “state-of-the-art” lighted ocean buoys at the Philippine Rise as part of eﬀorts to mark and protect the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The PCG said the three buoys -- each 30 feet long -- are equipped with modern

marine aids to navigation lanterns, specialized mooring systems, and a remote monitoring system that uses satellite technology to transmit data to the PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila. The ocean markers arrived in Cebu from Valencia in Spain and were assembled by the PCG Maritime Safety Services Command (MSSC) and M-NAV Solutions Inc. (M-NAV). “The Uni-Orient Pearl Ventures Inc. Shipyard where the buoys were delivered also assisted during the assembling process,” the PCG said. It said PCG Commandant Admiral Geroge Ursabia Jr., along with M-NAV Marine Aids to Navigation Specialist Engr. Adrian Van Boven, PCG Central Visayas Commander Rear Admiral William Isaga, and the Technical Inspection Team of the PCG MSSC have inspected the buoys on Monday. “[Ursabia] also checked the equipment and other materials that will be used to install the ocean markers in the

Smartmatic bags contract for 2022 automated polls system software MANILA – In a decision that is expected to raise the eyebrows of candidates and voters, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) awarded the contract for the procurement of software for the systems to be used in the May 9, 2022 polls worth P400 million to the joint venture of SMMT-TIM 2016, Inc. and Smartmatic USA Corp. “On behalf of the Commission en banc, the undersigned hereby awards to Joint Venture of SMMT-TIM 2016, Inc. and Smartmatic USA Corp., the contract for the Procurement of Automated Election System (AES) Software for the Election Management System (EMS), Vote Counting Machines (VCMs) and

Consolidation and Canvassing System (CCS) to be used in the 2022 National and Local Elections,” Comelec chairman Sheriff Abas said in the notice of award. The EMS compiles the number and profile of registered voters, their geographic locations, polling precinct information, among others. These pieces of information are necessary for the design of official ballots for the polls. On the other hand, the CCS conducts the automated tallying and monitoring of data received from polling precincts and lower levels of the board of canvassers.

Philippine Rise situated 250 kilometers east of the northern coastline of Aurora,” the PCG said. During the inspection, Ursabia said the buoys in the Philippine Rise “will effectively communicate” that the vicinity waters are considered “special protected

zone,” hence mining and oil exploration are strictly prohibited to preserve its natural resources. The PCG said the ocean markers will also be used to mark the designated food supply exclusive zone and ensure safe navigation in the Philippine Rise.

May 13-19, 2021

Gavin...

(From page 1)

Newsom, no governor wannabe stands out, except perhaps for Caitlyn Jenner. But the former Olympic star known as Bruce Jenner before having a sex change operation recently declared her loyalty to former president Donald Trump. This may as well be a kiss of death, running as a Trump Republican in one of the bluest states in the country. The Newsom camp wisely launched a counter-move called “Stop the Republican Recall,” a clear message that says the recall was a GOP initiative. Most importantly, there is the absence of an overpowering reason to oust Newsom. The charges brought against him in the court of public opinion were ﬂimsy at best. All the incumbent governor did was to commit questionable errors in judgment, notably regarding dining out without a mask in the middle

Robredo... (From page 1) any preparation to run for governor. Lawyer Barry Gutierrez, Robredo’s spokesperson, confirmed that the Vice President is not preparing to run for a local office, but she is open to all options. “She (Robredo) has not made a decision regarding the 2022 elections, and there is absolutely no truth to the claim that she is making “preparations” to run for Governor of Camarines Sur,” Gutierrez said in a state-

Duterte... (From page 1)

of the pandemic. The supposed trips he took outside California could still be construed as being official business if meetings were held regarding affairs of state. The 1.6 million signatures gathered in support of a recall would, at first glance, appear to be a warning sign to the governor that his time may be up. But this is not necessarily true, as the figure represents a tiny fraction of the California electorate. In truth, the figures favor Newsom. Early surveys indicated that more Californians opposed the recall election, than supported it. As one pollster stated, if the recall elections were held today, between 55 to 60 percent would oppose the removal of Newsom. It’s easy to see why. The number of registered Democrats in the Golden State outnumber the registered Republicans at almost a

two to one ratio. Slightly less than 50 percent of Californians (46.17 percent) are Democrats, while a little less than one in four (24.14 percent) are with the GOP. The rest (23.73 percent) consider themselves as independents or have no party aﬃliation. All Newsom has to do to retain his post is to make sure that Democrats go out and vote when the recall is ﬁnally held before the end of this year. To remove the governor, the Republicans have to not only bring out the GOP vote in large numbers, but also convince the Democrats and independents that Newsome has to go. Then what? Replace him with Jenner? One need not guess who Las Vegas oddsmakers will put their money on. Despite a few minor errors in judgement, Newsom’s approval rating is holding steady at 56 percent. It should

also be noted that the overwhelming majority of registered Democrats, or 85 percent, and a healthy majority of independents, or 58 percent, opposed the recall. Newsom’s opponents still dreaming of a Gray Davis scenario should also be reminded that Senator Dianne Feinstein was also the subject of a recall back in 1982, when she was serving as mayor of San Francisco. She defeated the recall with a hefty 80 percent of the vote in her favor. She then breezed her way to her ﬁnal term as mayor, later serving multiple terms as senator. That recall was nearly four decades ago and if anything it only made Feinstein appear invincible. As the old saying goes, what doesn’t kill you can only make you stronger. Expect Gavin Newsom to easily beat the recall, then coast to a re-election victory next year.

ment. In a statement, Trillanes said his Magdalo group changed his status from being an alternate candidate to Robredo to being a principal candidate for presidency, adding the Vice President reportedly transferred her residence in preparation for the gubernatorial race. He said the change in status would allow him to vie for the presidential nomination of the 1Sambayan coalition, which is composed of anti-administration forces.

“Just to further stress this point, in the event that VP Leni definitely decides to run for president before 1Sambayan picks its nominees in July, I would wholeheartedly step aside and withdraw my own candidacy in her favor,” Trillanes said in an ABS-CBN report as he underscored the importance of having a united opposition. In the report, Trillanes also claimed that the country would not survive “another six years of a Duterte rule.” “In just five years, Duterte has been able to destroy our institutions,

bankrupted the economy, worsened poverty and corruption, surrendered our interests in the West Philippine Sea, and promoted incompetence in public service. Worst of all, he made our people accept killings, immorality, indecency, and vulgarity as the new societal norm,” Trillanes said. Trillanes ran for vice president in the 2016 election but lost to Robredo. Robredo said in February that she was open to running for president although she preferred to run for local office.

Carpio ang (ay) hindi ang Presidente, ako. So policy statement kung anong itanong niya, masasabi opted out of the debate over concerns that his state- ko, and I might bind future actions of government ments “might bind future actions of government” in pagdating dito sa West Philippine Sea (The probrelation to the West Philippine Sea (WPS). lem here is I forgot that Carpio is not the President, “Ang problema lang kasi dito, nakalimutan ko si it’s me. So the policy statement, my replies to his questions he would ask me and I might bind future actions of government when it comes to the West Philippine Sea),” he said in a pre-recorded meeting with some Cabinet officials. He noted that he is no stranger to joining debates, especially during the 2016 presidential campaign period. “It’s not because I’m afraid of debates. Ilang debate na dinaanan ko nung eleksyon. Araw-araw halos (I have gone through a lot of debates during the elections. Almost every day),” he added. Last week, Duterte challenged Carpio to a formal debate on issues concerning territorial issues on the WPS to which the latter accepted. He later assigned Presidential Spokesperson Roque to debate with Carpio on his behalf upon his Cabinet members’ advice. Duterte said he saw nothing wrong with admitting that his administration owes China a “debt of gratitude” for donating Covid-19 vaccines. He pointed out that accepting the Covid-19 vaccine donations does not mean that he would give up the country’s territorial claims. “It is never, never wrong to say ‘I owe you a debt of gratitude.’ Totoo e. Binigyan tayo, tinanggap natin, ginamit natin. But it does not mean na tanggapin ko yung bakuna matapos sabihin ko kalimutan ko na yung claim diyan sa West Philippine Sea (It’s true. We were given, we accepted, we used them. But it does not mean that if I accept a vaccine, I say that we forget our claim there in the West

Philippine Sea),” he said. No compromise Despite improved ties between the Philippines and China, he said there will be “no compromise” on issues concerning sovereign rights. “Gagamitin ko pa rin, pero sabihin ko, hindi ito yung kabayaran. Iba ito (I would still use the vaccines, but I’m going to say that this is not payment. This is different) This is Philippine national interest. This is not a health issue na nagpasalamat ako (that I thank you for),” he added. China has donated two vaccine brands to the Philippines namely “CoronaVac” from China’s Sinovac Biotech and Sinopharm from a state-owned company of the same name. Jet ski joke Duterte said his 2016 promise to ride a jet ski to the Spratly Islands and plant a Philippine flag there is just part of a “joke” and part of his “bravado.” “Panahon sa kampanya ‘yan. At saka yung biro na ‘yun. We call it bravado…yung bravado ko, that’s a pure campaign joke. At kung naniniwala kayo sa kabila, pati na siguro si Carpio…(That was during the campaign period. And it’s just a joke. We call it bravado…my bravado, that’s a pure campaign joke. And if the opposition believed it, including Carpio) I would say that you are really stupid,” he said. He said it would be impossible to ride a jet ski, saying he would “conk out in the middle of the sea.” Duterte said he was not taking the country’s sovereignty lightly, but merely throwing in jokes when it was his turn to speak during the televised debates. Should he have made true his promise to ride a jet ski to the Spratly Islands, he said he would have died since he did not know how to swim. “Alam ba ninyo hindi ako marunong lumangoy (Do you know that I can’t swim)?

9 May 13-19, 2021 Deadlier...

 NATIONAL NEWS (From page 1)

DOH oﬃcials, however, assured that both patients are now asymptomatic and tagged as recovered as they warned that everyone should step up measures to prevent the possible spread of the virus. The Philippines has imposed an entry ban until May 14, on inbound passengers who traveled to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to prevent the entry of the B.1617 variant. At press time, the Philippines recorded 4,842 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the tally to 1,118,359, 53,214 of which were active or currently ill. At least 93% of the active cases have mild symptoms, 2.4% have no symptoms, 1.9% have severe symptoms, 1.4% are critical and 1.23% are moderate. The death toll climbed to 18,714, or 1.67% of total cases, after 94 more patients lost their lives to the disease. Meanwhile, 8,312 others got better, pushing the recovery number to 1,046,431 or 93.6% of the tally. Among Filipinos abroad, two more cases were detected, bringing the total to 18,571, the Department of Foreign Affairs reported. One also died while no new recoveries were tallied. The death toll is now 1,161 and the survivor count remained at 11.366, the DFA said. The novel coronavirus has killed at least 3,319,512 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, ac-

cording to a tally from various sources. Globally, 159,593,520 cases of coronavirus have been recordered with the vast majority having recovered. Based on latest reports, the countries with the most new deaths were India with 4,205 new deaths, followed by Brazil with 2,311 and the United States with 658. The United States is the worst-aﬀected country with 582,848 deaths from 32,779,153 cases. After the US, the hardest-hit countries are Brazil with 425,540 deaths from 15,282,705 cases, India with 254,197 deaths from 23,340,938 cases, Mexico with 219,323 deaths from 2,368,393 cases, and the United Kingdom with 127,629 deaths from 4,439,691 cases. Meanwhile, a total of 2,539,693 Filipinos have received at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine shots, 514,655 of them fully protected with the required two doses, said Health Undersecretary and National Vaccination Operations Center chairperson Myrna Cabotaje. Among those who have been fully vaccinated, about 355,242 are health services front-liners; 25,070 are senior citizens; and 134,343 are persons with comorbidities. The B.1617 variant has been under investigation since it was found in India in October 2020 but it was only named a “variant of concern” after some preliminary studies show that it spreads more easily.

WHO technical lead on COVID-19, Maria Van Kerkhove, said the decision was based on the findings of its Virus Evolution Working Group and several other experts based on the genomic sequencing samples from India and other nations that have confirmed cases of the B.1617 variant. “There is some available information to suggest increased transmissibility of B.1617... As such, we are classifying this as a variant of concern at the global level,” she said. The WHO defines a “variant of concern” as one found to have increase in transmissibility or detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology; increase in virulence; or decrease in effectiveness of public health measures, medicine, or vaccines. The first India variant case in the Philippines is a 37-year-old seafarer who arrived in the Philippines from Oman on April 10. He tested positive

for COVID-19 on April 15 and completed his isolation in a hotel in Metro Manila on April 26. He tested negative after another swab test on May 3. He is now in his hometown in Soccsksargen, the DOH said. The second patient is a 58-year-old seafarer from the United Arab Emirates who landed in the country on April 19. He isolated in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga and was tagged as recovered on May 6. He has returned home to the Bicol Region, according to the DOH. DOH Epidemiology Bureau Director Dr. Thea de Guzman said there are no identiﬁed close contacts since the two patients were quarantined and isolated from their arrival until their recovery.

BSP’s Diokno is highest paid gov’t official in 2020; Calida at 2nd spot MANILA — Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno topped the list of highest paid government officials last year, moving up two notches from 2019, according to the Commission on Audit. In its 2020 Report on Salaries and Allowance (ROSA) released Wednesday, COA said Diokno rose from the third to the top spot with a reported total income of ₱19.79 million. This is an increase of over ₱4 million from the ₱15.45 million he got the year before. Diokno replaced Higinio Macadaeg Jr., former United Coconut Planters Bank president and chief executive officer, who was the previous top earner but who dropped to the 9th place. He is also one of the four BSP officials in the top 10 list. Solicitor General Jose Calida still ranked second, although his reported earnings declined by some ₱1.3 million, the COA report said. The total payments he received in 2020 came to ₱15.65 million, down from ₱16.95 million. Meanwhile, the report also showed Rolando Macasaet, president and general manager of the Government Service Insurance System, shot up to the 4th from the 51st spot after becoming richer by ₱15.25 million. This is nearly twice his ₱7.96 million income two years ago, the COA figures indicate. Two Supreme Court justices were also included in the top 10, where no magistrate made it in the 2019 list. From placing 16th, SC Senior Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe

was last year’s fifth highest paid, with ₱15.20-million worth of income, or an increase of ₱5 million. Former SC Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta, on the other hand, climbed to 7th from 13th, with ₱14.52 million in earnings. TOP 10 HIGHEST PAID GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN 2020 1. BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno ₱19.79M 2. Solicitor General Jose Calida ₱15.65M 3. UCPB Executive Vice President Eulogio Catabran III - ₱15.46M 4. GSIS President and General Manager Rolando Macasaet - ₱15.25M 5. Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe - ₱15.20M 6. BSP Deputy Governor Maria Almasara Tuaño-Amador - ₱15.15M 7. Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta - ₱14.52M 8. BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier - ₱14.34M 9. Former UCPB Pres. And Ceo Higinio Macadaeg Jr. - ₱13.22M 10. BSP Senior Asst. Governor Dahlia Luna - ₱12.63M The ROSA is an annual report that summarizes the total payments received by officials in government owned or controlled corporations; national government agencies; and state universities and colleges, and stand-alone agencies. This aims to “complement the continuing thrust of the government for transparency and accountability” and to summarize total payments and benefits officials received, the COA said

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May 13-19, 2021

PHL gets ﬁrst tranche of Pﬁzer-BioNTech vaccines; US sends more aid to Manila

MANILA – The United States is providing an additional P5.7 million worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies to local partners battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in provinces across the Philippines, the US Embassy in Manila announced. The United States, meanwhile, welcomed the successful May 10 arrival to the Philippines of 193,050 doses of the U.S. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, one of the safest and most effective vaccines in the world. The delivery is the first tranche of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines and follows the arrival of 2,030,400 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine on May 8, bringing total COVAX deliveries to the Philippines to 2,673,000 doses, the embassy said. The U.S. is by far the largest contributor to the COVAX effort, funding one in five vaccinations in the Philippines provided by the facility. U.S. Embassy Economic Counselor Chip Gamble joined Secretary of Science and Technology Fortunato de la Peña, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, and National Action Plan Against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Vince Dizon from the Philippine government, and other stakeholders at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to welcome the first arrival of Pfizer-BioNTech on Monday night, May 10. “As the largest contributor to COVAX, the United States welcomes the arrival of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine here in the Philippines. I am proud that this extraordinarily safe and effective vaccine, developed through U.S. scientific ingenuity, will protect Filipinos. As we fight the pandemic together, the United States will continue to support the Philippines’ vaccination and COVID-19

Philippine Na�onal Police Chief Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar mitigation efforts,” said U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law. This is the fourth shipment of vaccines made available through the COVAX Advance Market Commitment, a global initiative to support equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. The United States already has donated P97.2 billion ($2 billion) to COVAX, to ensure the Philippines and other countries receive COVID-19 vaccines, and committed to provide an additional $2 billion. With this delivery, the Philippines has now received more than 2.5 million vaccines through COVAX. In total, COVAX will provide 44 million doses to Filipinos. Upcoming COVAX deliveries from Pfizer will total over 2.3 million. Developed jointly by American pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc. and German biotechnology company

BioNTech SE, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was the first to receive emergency use authorization from the World Health Organization and is 95 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 illness, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In February, the U.S. government announced a total planned contribution of Php194.4 billion ($4 billion) to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment. The United States already has provided an initial Php97.2 billion ($2 billion), and the Philippines is among the first countries in the region to have received COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX facility. The United States has worked closely with Philippine stakeholders throughout the pandemic to protect public health and strengthen local response to COVID-19. To date, total U.S. government COVID-19 assistance to the Philippines amounts to nearly Php1.3 billion ($27 million). The embassy said US military service members in Mindanao and Luzon began the delivery of PPE on April 22, which included disposable gloves, goggles, face shields, disinfectant spray, and other items to support frontline workers. “As long-standing allies, we are proud to support the Philippine first responders and medical professionals who are on the frontlines battling Covid-19 with this PPE donation,” said US Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Duede, Civil-Military Support Element – Philippines. “This donation is part of our continued commitment to supporting the Philippines Covid-19 response. It is an honor to be able to work with such great partners and provide assistance in any way that we can,” he added.

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11 May 13-19, 2021

 OPINION AG Bonta unveils...

(From page 1)

Upside

In one of his first news conferences as California Attorney General, Rob Bonta on May 11 unveiled the Racial Justice Bureau of the California Department of Justice and plans to unite California’s Big City Mayors Together to formulate effective responses to rising hate crimes in the 31st state. Hate crimes targeting Asians have skyrocketed in California and other major cities since the politicization of the coronavirus pandemic, Bonta acknowledged. The “former president gave permission” for some “to act on their worst instincts”’ this critical time, said the CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO first Filipino American in California’s 171-year history to hold the office of Attorney General. Rather than retributive or punitive justice, Bonta said society “can benefit from the restorative justice approach” that will involve “cross-cultural awareness” and accountability. Perpetrators of the attacks know the full impact of their actions by facing and hearing from those they have hurt in the restorative system that believes in repairing the harm by bringing together both parties for individual and potentially societal transformation. “In times of economic difficulty the inclination is to blame others,” Bonta weighed in on the triggers of the recent rash of hate crimes, underscoring the need for “’education, growth and the ability of heal.” Such is what he has learned from his parents, social activists Warren Bonta and Cynthia Arnaldo Bonta and from his journey from private attorney to deputy city attorney, from Alameda City Council member and Assembly member to his current office. “Throughout California’s history, too many of us have felt the sting of hate and discrimination. The fact is: No part of California is immune to hate. Too many Asian, Latino, Black, Native American, people with disabilities, LGBTQ, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh Californians all across the state are hurting. It’s going to take all of us working together to take on bias and hate and their toxic effects on our society,” he said in announcing formation of the Bureau. The DOJ Civil Rights Enforcement Section will have six new attorneys and a supervising deputy attorney general for the Bureau. Bonta is urging people of every heritage to consider employment with the DOJ at: https://oag.ca.gov/careers. The Office of the Attorney General enumerated new and current efforts to be supported by the Bureau: • Hate crimes and organizations, taking on the insidious effects of white supremacy and hate organizations on our society and stepping up outreach with community organizations and law enforcement on hate crime prevention, information sharing, and reporting; • Implicit and explicit bias in policing, launching and supporting investigations as appropriate and recognizing the urgent need to strengthen trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve; • Law enforcement best practices, issuing guidance to local law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public entities regarding shared challenges in providing for public safety;

EDITORIAL

The Philippines is on the precipice

he latest data on the Philippine economy shows that for the first quarter of this year, Gross Domestic Product again fell, this time by 4.2 percent. This marks the fifth consecutive quarter of negative GDP growth for the country, which officially went into recession after the second quarter of 2020. The negative 4.2 percent GDP is worse that the predicted contraction of between three and 3.2 percent. It shows that the Philippines is in more serious trouble than the government cares to admit. There are multiple reasons why this is so. While the private sector has done its share, we submit that the public sector has not. The government bureaucracy is a major hindrance to the desired recovery. The buck has to stop at the doorstep of Malacanan Palace, where the uninspired leadership of Rodrigo Duterte produces a downstream effect on the entire government. That and the corrupt and/or inept officials he surrounds himself with. For more than a year now, laziness has been a way of life for the country’s chief executive, who does not seem to be aware that the Philippines is in an extreme economic and health crisis. He only “works” one day a week, when he addresses the people in what appears to be heavily-edited videos. There has been no explanation why he simply refuses to face the media in person, to answer the tough questions that need to be asked. Instead, what the country has is a poor excuse of a spokesman who consistently insults the intelligence of the public by giving false or misleading statements as a matter of course. Worst of all, the economic cluster of the Duterte Cabinet has done little to reverse the trend. The secretaries merely react when they should act by taking the bull by the horns and spurring growth to arrest the potential collapse of the economy. The textbook definition of a recession is two consecutive quarters of negative GDP. What then do we make of five consecutive quarters of negative growth? The one word that the Duterte regime still refuses to use is depression. Yet one textbook definition of what a depression is, is four or more quarters of negative growth. Not all economists agree, but there are those who insist that this is the case. At this stage, the chance that the second quarter GDP figures will remain in the red cannot be discounted. This will mean six consecutive quarters of negative GDP, which makes the chances of a recovery that much more difficult. We cannot keep our heads in the sand while our beloved Philippines is driven to the very precipice of economic disaster. Were the Philippines under a parliamentary form of government, the present regime would be forced to resign and elections held to form a new administration. Instead, under the present presidential form of government, there is even loose talk of a no-election scenario next year. The crisis will be used as an excuse to perpetuate the Duterte regime in power. Such a solution is worse than the disease it pretends to cure. The problem is simple. The problem is a non-working president being kept in power by a cabal who are aware that they and the president could end up behind bars once the incumbent is no longer president. To say that it cannot end well for Rodrigo Duterte is an understatement. But to say that it cannot end well for the Philippines is a fact that is staring us all in the face. What the Philippines needs, and soon, is not a new president. What it needs is a savior.

(Continued on page 27)

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 OPINION

PerryScope

n 1968, the United Kingdom announced the withdrawal of her military bases East of Suez. The withdrawal took effect at the end of 1971, which effectively spelled the end of the British Empire. At its height it was the largest empire in history. At its most extensive, the British Empire comprised of 57 PERRY DIAZ colonies, dominions, territories or protectorates. The British ruled about 20 percent of world’s population and governed nearly 25 percent of the world’s landmass. Today, what remains of the British Empire are 14 territories outside the British Isles. Global Britain Recently, the United Kingdom (UK) announced that a naval flotilla would set sail for Asia next month, with visits planned to more than 40 countries including India, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. The deployment is expected to last about six months. The flotilla will include the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth accompanied by approximately 10 other warships – destroyers, frigates, support ships, a nuclear submarine armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles. It will also participate in naval activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), the military alliance that was formed in 1971 to contain Indonesia’s destabilizing policies toward Malaysia. FPDA links the UK with Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand to enhance the regional security of Southeast Asia. Another alliance that the UK is a member of is the Five Eyes intelligence alliance with the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, which affords the UK significant leverage in the region, especially in the context of the US’s shift toward increased strategic competition with China. A significant development in the UK’s decision to go back to East of Suez happened in December 2014 when UK announced it would build a new naval base in Bahrain. This led to the promotion of the “Global Britain” mantra in 2016 after the UK left the European Union. In 2017, UK and Oman reached an agreement giving Britain long-term basing rights at Duqm port, the only facility in the region capable of berthing the UK’s new aircraft carriers. The installation will also house a sizeable logistics and training hub for the British Army. The Royal Air Force will have access to airfields in Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Global Britain, finally, is all set to make a strategic move east of Suez. About a year ago, there was speculation about the prospect of a large-scale re-appearance of British forces in Southeast Asia complete with aircraft carriers and new bases, which makes one wonder: With mutually economic benefits between UK and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) becoming apparent with the rate of growth in Southeast Asia, that’s enough for the UK to proceed with the Global Britain initiative. The Defense Ministry said the deployment would help deepen security and political ties and support UK’s exports and international trade. Can’t be more transparent than that. Chinese warning The shift from Europe to Indo-Pacific region would certainly be welcomed by the Biden administration. And by the looks of it, it seems that what’s happening is a new AngloAmerican alliance to counter China’s threat in the South China Sea (SCS). However, China is not happy with this development, warning the UK that basing an aircraft carrier in Asia would be a “very dangerous move,” which indicates that this new initiative of Anglo-American partnership must be working to elicit such warning. Last April 9, the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and the USS Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit – ready for action -- sailed to the SCS to lend support to the beleaguered Philippine Navy. France also deployed a naval vessel and Germany sent a frigate to the Indian Ocean. With all these naval powers being deployed to the Indo-Pacific region, it makes one wonder if NATO countries are coming to the assistance of their British and American allies? It doesn’t (Continue on page 27)

COVID-19 Pandemic a Win-Win Situation

uring the Announcements last Sunday April 11, 2021 at the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST Auditorium in San Francisco, California, after hearing the powerful message on “HEARTS TO SHARE THE WORD OF GOD” by Evangelist Edwin Bacani, anchor of the global ART GABOT MADLAING Angel Radio, with listeners and viewers around the world, I mentioned that the COVID-19 pandemic is a winwin situation for true Christians. But who are the true Christians? True Christians are those who heard and responded to the gospel in its purity and simplicity which began on the Day of Pentecost, in Jerusalem through the preaching of Peter and those who heard and responded to the same gospel in succeeding years until today. (read Acts Chapter 2:1-39, NKJV). It’s unfortunate that millions of the members from different denominations didn’t have the opportunity to hear the gospel, the power of God to salvation. ”I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God to salvation…” (read Romans 1:16, NKJV ). Millions are lost because preachers from various denominations are preaching a different gospel. “I marvel that you are turning away from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you, than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed,” (read Galatians 1:6-9, NKJV)). True Christians are those who are added by the Lord himself to His church after hearing and obeying the gospel in baptism for the forgiveness of sins. “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” ( Acts 2:47, NKJV). It’s also very unfortunate that millions are joining religious denominations of their own choices instead of the Lord adding them to His church because they don’t have the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel in its purity and simplicity (read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Acts 2:37-38, Romans 6:3-6, NKJV) True Christians are those wearing the name of Christ (spiritual groom) as the bride of Christ because they are spiritually married to Christ. The early disciples were called plain Christians wearing the spiritual family name of Christ. “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26, read also Acts 26:28, 1 Peter 4:16, NKJV). After my wife and I were married last May 5, 1974 at the CHURCH OF CHRIST Auditorium in Samar Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines, officiated by the late Evangelist/Minister Conrado Mapalo, my wife started wearing my family name or surname. She began using the name Mrs. Virginia J. Madlaing instead of her maiden name Virginia B. Jimenez. For political expediency, U.S. Vice President Kamara Harris and other lady politicians are still wearing and using their maiden names after they got married. For expediency, millions are also wearing the names of various denominations and their founders instead of wearing the name of Christ. When I was in high school, I was wearing the name Methodist. I am glad that I am now wearing the plain name Christian to honor and respect my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Now, let’s go back to my comment that the COVID-19 pandemic is a win-win situation for true Christians. This is very true because true Christians, whether they live or die, are real winners. Experiencing many trials, tribulations and persecutions, the Apostle Paul was not afraid or fearful to die because by dying he will go to his reward and eternal home in heaven. He is also happy to be alive because he will have the opportunity to share the gospel in its purity and simplicity to the many lost souls, particularly the Gentiles. In life or in death, Apostle Paul is a real winner. True Christians today are real winners despite the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Sister Juanita Robertson, retired Professor, City College in San Francisco, California, was given 2-3 weeks to live by her doctor at Kaiser Permanente in South San Francisco, California. It’s already more than four weeks and she is still alive. She is not afraid to die physically. But despite the pain she is suffering from various ailments and lung cancer, she is still want to live so that she can positively influence and share the gospel to her children, grandchildren, and friends through the BOOKS MINISTRY. In life or in death, Sis. Juanita Rob- (Continue on page 27)

Presidentt Digong Duterte, Communist China and Xi Jinping “All warfare is based on deception…Know yourself, know your enemy, a hundred battles a hundred victories…The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without ﬁghting.” ― Sun Tzu, Art of War

ommunist leader Xi Jinping, the President of Communist China, is the acknowledged source and spreader of the corona virus throughout the world – infecting tens of millions of human beings, killing millions of people, devastating lives and demolishing economies throughout the world. He is to us, Filipinos, the evil genius but to Communist China and China HOMOBONO A. ADAZA lovers within our midst, he is their modern day hero deserving of admiration and worship. Sun Tzu warrior: Like Lee Kwan Yew of Singapore, Xi must have read Sun Tzu’s Art of War no less than twenty-six times. In his artful management of the invasion of the corona virus throughout the world and the West Philippine Sea (WPS), indubitably he must have mastered Sun Tzu’s book. If this is in the world of music, he must be the Arturo Toscanini of Communist China’s symphony orchestra. Why this encomium for Xi, Communist China’s magician? This is neither theory nor speculation – it is based on hard facts. Our national bully, President Digong, met for the first time communist Chinese magician Xi sometime ago at the earliest stage of his incumbency. It was reported the meeting was cordial which is an understatement because when Xi opened his mouth and threatened our bully that if he messes with the West Philippine Sea, he would have a war in his hands – which President Digong could not win even with his obsequiously obedient military and police. Terrified and outgunned, President Digong behaved like a wet chick which fell into a can of swine food, a residue of the family’s meal. (In Cebuano Visayan – maorag piso nga nahulug sa pasawan) and like a chastened dog lying down at his master’s feet with his tail between his legs (Again in Cebuano Visayan – maorag iro nga gikuyapan nga naghigda sa tiilan sa iyang amo nga ang ikug gibahag sa taliwala sa iyang mga tiil.) It is scandalous and behavior for a President of a country - dishonoring her citizens and the country in the process. Excuses: President Digong has offered several excuses why he allowed Communist China to invade, occupy and build artificial islands with military installations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) – he said he cannot risk a war with Communist China because we surely will be defeated, he does not want to waste Filipino lives in the event of war, Communist China is in possession of the area; it will result to a joint venture with China for development of oil and gas deposits resulting to the Philippines making a lot of money and Xi Jinping, the Communist China leader, is our friend – a man of his word and an honorable man, and we should be grateful to China for its donation of Sinovac. Analysis: Will Communist China wage a war against the Philippines on the issue of the West Philippine Sea? It will not. The history of China in the world stage shows – it is a great bluffer from Mao Tse Tung to Xi Jinping First, Taiwan: This is the greatest challenge to China’s sovereign power. When Mao and the communists took over China in 1949, Chiang Kai-Shek and the Kuomintang retreated to Formosa, a part of China, which they later renamed Taiwan. Chiang and the Kuomintang never surrendered to Mao. The Communist Party (CCP) and People’s Republic of China (PRC) leaders always threatened to invade Taiwan. They never did it for seventy (70) years. CPP and PRC leaders engaged from year to year to saber tattling and brinkmanship. It is just all that. Why? It is plain and simple – the PRC leaders have mastered Sun Tzu and the art of political bluff. They continue to bluff Taiwan but the Taiwanese leaders also know Sun Tzu and are even better experts in the art of the bluff. Taiwanese are better political poker players than the Communist Chinese leaders. Xi Jinping and his predecessors always blinked in the confrontation. He ho blinks loses. Why do Xi and his communist comrades continue to blink? They are deadly scared of America and the informal democratic coalition of countries from the West and the East. While it may be true that Communist China can defeat the Phil(Continue on page 27) ippines in the event of a bilateral

Diliman Way

Global Britain goes East of Suez

Health & Wealth

May 13-19, 2021

13 May 13-19, 2021

 OPINION

here is no literal translation for the fairly recently-coined slang word ‘epal,’ but that is precisely what the current presidential spokesperson is. The best possible translation is attention grabber, and that is what Harry Roque is. But he is actually worse. A writer/editor friend says any synonym for excrement BETING DOLOR would do, while a businessman buddy said political opportunist is as good a deﬁnition as any. They are both correct. Harry Roque is indeed an epal. I would say that he’s also kupal, but that would get me into trouble if I did. So I’m not saying it, ok? Harry Roque is not a kupal. Incidentally, even Ferdinand Marcos used that ugly word, but only in jest. There was a tribute to the late Speaker Amang Rodriguez, and the then president merely repeated Rodriguez’s favorite greeting to his friends and enemies, which was “Hoy, kupal!” That little bit of Philippine political trivia is brought to you by my memory as a young guy interested in local politics. But I digress. The subject is not a kupal presidential spokesman, but an epal one. Roque used to be known as a human rights lawyer, whatever that means. Unfortunately, he lost more cases than he won, which meant that he and his mate – who was not yet a millionaire back then, much less a billionaire – must have had a pretty frugal lifestyle. The couple even set up a piggery, which was devastated by a natural calamity. It must have been a case of karma, I believe. But desperation could have driven the failed lawyer to sell his soul to that guy living in the bowels of the earth, the one with red skin and two horns on his head. Whatever the reason and however the means, he managed to land a job in the current regime for a second time after his failed bid to win a seat in Congress, as presidential spokesman no less. It was during his second stint as spokesman that his wife miraculously became the head of a real estate developer that had clinched a billion peso deal. Wonders really never cease where the current regime is concerned, so he/she or it must have been thinking what another lawmaker from decades past said when he did not know that a newsman was eavesdropping. “What are we in power for?” is the infamous quote, said by a now forgotten politician. And no, it was not Amang Rodriguez. Harry who is sometimes called Harriet craves attention, especially from media. This is because he wants to run for senator in next year’s elections, as part of the administration Senate slate, of course. Aside from Harriet, he is also called Mars, a nickname that was bestowed on him by a well-known newshen. The problem is he once ran for congressman a couple of years back, but lost badly. Even President Duterte said back then that Roque wanted to run for senator, but dissuaded him from doing so because he would not win. He will, therefore, have a hard time convincing any of the pro-administration political parties to include him in their line-up because there is no value added in doing so. His billionaire ‘wife’ may be able to set aside the huge sum needed for a credible Senate run, even if it means throwing good money after bad. Last week, Duterte challenged retired Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio to a debate over the West Philippine Sea. Carpio readily agreed. I bought popcorn, beer, and cold cuts in anticipation of a good show. Duterte, however, had second thoughts. He must have known that he would lose badly to the brilliant Carpio, seeing as his own record as a lawyer was just as bad as his spokesman. Duterte then agreed to let Harry or Harriet debated Carpio in his stead. Some say Roque volunteered to face the man who should have been chief justice, but who refused to lobby for the post. Since it was Duterte who (Continue on page 27)

his coming Wednesday, May 19, 2021, for one hour starting at 12pm Eastern Time and 9am Pacific Time, 300 people are logging onto a Zoom discussion hosted by She Should Run about running for elected office as a minority woman. She Should Run is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization based in Washington DC that is focused on increasing the number of women running for elected office in the United States, irrespective of party. She Should Run was one of the organizations, along with VoteRunLead and Republican Women for Progress, who supported me when I ran for Congress in 2018. Disorganized as my starter campaign was, these organizations found me and contributed to raising my profile at the national level and gave me some much-needed moral support. On Wednesday, I am one of the panelists speaking about my experience about what it was like to run as a woman of color, how I dealt with “racist stereotypes and microaggressions.” While my experience running as a Filipina in one of the most FilAm districts in the United States was nothing short of WONDERFUL, I did have to deal with political stereotypes and aggressions since I ran as a Republican in what is essentially ground zero for Liberal America. If you or someone you know might be interested in running for office one day, here is the link to the May 19 event: https://bit.ly/3f8CyNF As our demographic sees more successes in US political office, it’s important to work on developing the pipeline of future leaders. Organizations like She Should Run help prepare women to run. So, don’t worry if you are not quite ready to make the move into political office. It is important to begin your research as far in advance as possible. On another note, on May 27, 2021, just as AAPI Heritage Month is winding down and the Philippine community gets ready to celebrate its Independence Day on June 12, my short story, Nights of the Swollen Moon, is getting published in a literary magazine called Lackington’s Magazine. The link to the table of contents of Issue 23 is already out and can be found here https://lackingtons.com/2021/04/16/ issue-23-table-of-contents/ The story is set on a fictional island in the Philippines in the years following World War II. The island is magical in that its population has been shielded from the many atrocities that have visited the Philippines over the centuries. The islanders have never encountered death and know nothing of cruelty. A young woman washes ashore one night. She has clearly escaped a war-ravaged setting. As the story progresses, visions of her experience emerge and are contrasted to the peaceful lives of the islanders. She spends a number of years living in peace until her memories catch up to her. This work is dedicated to the World War II comfort women who suffered at the hands of Japanese soldiers. Please read my story and share it. It has been many years in the making.

What will you do to save our planet?

he Covid-19 pandemic has brought so many deaths, sufferings, and hardships around the world. It has brought the world to its knees. The people that suffer the most are those living in poor and developing countries. Our health and immune systems have been exposed. We need to take better care of ATTY. JOJO LIANGCO ourselves, our diet, and our health so we can fight diseases better. We also need to realize that we should take better care of our planet--- the place where we live, the source of our air, water, and food. *** Pacific island nations and countries like the Philippines are among the most vulnerable when it comes to climate change and global warming. This conclusion was reached during the Pacific Islands Forum some years back. The forum was held in response to climate change and the need to assess the geographic conditions of the Pacific islands. Low-lying islands are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change because they are the first ones to get hit by the increasing or rising sea level. For the Philippines, it doesn’t help that it also belongs to the list of accident-prone countries in the world where the country ranks fourth after China, India, and Iran. Climate change and global warming around the world should be on top of the list of every nation leader’s agenda. But what I am really interested to know is whether the countries of the world are really prepared to deal with global warming and climate change. Aside from government readiness and preparedness, are people really conscious about climate change and global warming? Going back to the Philippines where global warming can hit the hardest because it is a small-island nation, can we say that preparing for a natural calamity or a disaster related to global warming is something that most Filipinos think about? Although it is obvious that Filipinos worry about natural calamities such as typhoons and massive floods that affect them every year (including breakdown in public utility services such as brown-outs, drought, and shortage of clean water), I don’t think they relate or identify these concerns to El Nino and global warming. From a practical stand point, with the majority of the population being poor and unemployed, Filipinos worry more about other things like money to support their basic needs, putting food on their table, housing, job security and livelihood, and the troublesome traffic for those who live and work in Metro Manila. *** What can concerned citizens to highlight the growing serious concern about climate change and global warming? People should start actively pushing the global warming and the climate change issue to the list of the top priorities of their governments and leaders. In the coming months, people will have their attention focused on the 2020 presidential elections in the Philippines. As expected, most concerned people and political debates in will be engrossed in so-called “regular and standard issues” such as graft and corruption, failure and mishandling of government programs, foreign policy, and problems related to the economy. Some may dwell on what lies ahead in the future, perhaps pertaining to campaign promises and political platforms, but not necessarily on how to tackle or respond effectively when emergencies strike--- like the Covid-19 pandemic. Going back to global warming and climate change, it is not too far to imagine that the next pandemic or issue of concern that will bring the world to its knees will be directly caused by global warming and climate change. *** In poor countries like the Philippines, government policy for the next administration must emphasize preparedness for natural and man-made disasters. If Cory Aquino was installed as a president to restore the democratic institutions that were destroyed during Martial Law, and her son, Benigno C. Aquino III, was elected president in 2010 to crusade against and to fight corruption, it will be great for the country and its people if their next president in 2022 (and all presidents thereafter) will prioritize devel(Continue on page 27)

Immigrant’s Story

Appearance at She Should Run and Short Fiction Publication

Offline

An epal spokesperson

 IMMIGRATIONS

How to avail of new Supreme Court ruling on NTA

t is now a law that if your Notice to Appear (NTA) does not specify a hearing date and time in the NTA itself then you have a second chance in court to apply for relief. The U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision on April 29, 2021, in Niz-Chavez v. Garland that could save thousands of immigrants from deportation. The Court held that the charging document for a removal proceeding, the Notice to Appear (NTA), is invalid if it does not specify the date and time of the hearing. The ruling does not qualify a second court notice about the hearing date. You must check the Notice to Appear you received if there is no date and time of hearing. If none it will invalidate the NTA. And if you accumulated 10 years of continuous presence in the US to this date, then you may qualify under Cancellation of Removal or other remedies in court. The immigration law allows certain persons who have resided in the U.S. for 10 years to apply for a green card from an Immigration Judge under a procedure known as Cancellation of Removal. The service of a valid NTA invokes the “stop-time” rule. This rule prevents a person who has been in the U.S. for less than 10 years when the NTA is served on him to accumulate more time in the U.S. in order to apply for Cancellation of Removal. To qualify for this benefit, you must establish in a hearing before an Immigration Judge that: 1. Prior to the service of the Notice to Appear, you have maintained continuous physical presence in the United States for ten (10) years or more, and you have been a person of good moral character during such period; 2. You have not been convicted of an aggravated felony, 3. Your removal would result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to your United States citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child, and you are deserving of a favorable exercise of discretion on your application. Will the new Supreme Court decision affect those in removal proceedings, or on appeal with the BIA or in Federal Courts and those who were already deported? Yes. As long as the NTA is invalid, persons who could potentially benefit from the Supreme Court’s decisions are not just those who are eligible for Cancellation of Removal. The following persons may also benefit: It will also benefit persons who have been ordered deported, granted voluntary departure or who have been granted relief, like withholding of removal, which does not lead to permanent resident status. They can now reopen their case or seek a termination of the removal proceedings and file their application for green card with USCIS assuming they have a petitioner who is a U.S. citizen or green card holder. If you were placed in removal proceedings, and your NTA did not specify the date and time of your initial hearing before an Immigration Judge, you may be able to submit a motion to terminate or reopen the proceedings. It is very important that you consult with a knowledgeable immigration attorney to see whether it is in your interest to do so. If you are already deported and you qualify under this Supreme Court ruling, you may be able to void your deportation and file an adjustment of status if you have a spouse or child over 21 years of age who is a U.S. citizen. Note: This is not a legal advice and this article is for information purposes only. You should consult with an immigration attorney about the specifics of your case. 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 13-19, 2021

PHL economy shrinks at 4.2 percent in Q1, signs of recovery seen By Jeanne Michael Penaranda MANILA – The Philippine economy remained in recession, with gross domestic product contracting at a slower pace of 4.2 percent in the first quarter, but is expected to stage a recovery in the next quarters despite the reimposition of stricter quarantine measures in Metro Manila and other provinces. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) posted a smaller contraction in the first three months of 2021 compared to an 8.3-percent decline in the fourth quarter of 2020 that resulted in the -9.5 percent growth rate last year. “We saw quarter-on-quarter growth although it is not very high. These are improvements that will support our recovery towards our growth trajectory or target of 6.5-7.5 percent… Next quarter, I believe there is a strong reason to see even better or even positive growth,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said. The first quarter GDP performance was worse than the 3.2 percent contraction forecast by analysts in a poll conducted by Bloomberg, and the 3 percent contraction seen in a Reuters poll, it was reported.. This was also the fifth straight quarter of GDP contraction, though there were signs that recovery was underway.The Q1 figure was an improvement from the 8.3 percent slump in the previous quarter. On a sequential basis, the economy also improved with output rising 0.3 percent from the previous three months on seasonally adjusted terms to mark its third straight quarter-on-quarter growth. While domestic demand remained sluggish amid pandemic-induced lockdowns, household consumption posted the smallest contraction in four quarters at 4.8 percent, while government spending grew 16.1 percent, the fastest in the last three quarters. “The country’s strong economic posi-

tion before the pandemic and improving economic data in recent months point to an economy that is on the mend,” said Secretary Chua. Economic activities gradually regained traction in the first quarter as the restrictions eased. However, local executives in Metro Manila reimposed curfews on March 15, and the national government ordered a new lockdown on March 29 as COVID-19 cases continued to rise. Chua said growths of exports and manufacturing have turned positive and created a net of 2.8 million jobs, indicating a direction of an improvement in the economy. He is optimistic about economic recovery, citing the difference in the implementation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in 2021 compared to last year. Chua said 75 percent of the economy was shut down last year, there was no public transportation, and few sectors under Category 1 were allowed to operate. “In this year’s ECQ, we allowed almost all (business establishments or activities) in Categories I, II, and III to operate subject to some capacity restrictions. We allowed public transport to operate subject to the 50-percent rule or one seat apart. We allowed workers to go out and be exempted from the curfew so these are some examples of why we think this year’s ECQ or MECQ impact on the first and second quarter are much more muted,” he added. Chua said while they have seen some losses in the imposition of these quarantine measures, the country has still eight months to catch up and recover. “While the past seven weeks of ECQ and MECQ in the NCR (National Capital Region) Plus will pose downside risk to growth, our actions in the next eight months can reverse these initial losses (from their imposition),” he said.

Agri firm, officials face charges over investment scheme MANILA – Investors are up in arms against the DV Boer Farm for its agricultural investment scheme which they said turned out to a sham. Charges have been filed again DV Boer Farm and its chief executive officer, Solomon “Dexter” Villamin, and other officials and the Department of Justice assured that the cases will be decided solely on their merits and not by the supposed influence of concerned parties. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra made the assurance, noting that the agency is consolidating the complaints to avoid conflicting resolutions. “The DOJ will resolve these cases solely on the basis of the evidence presented and no other,” he told newsmen, in response to reports that those named in the complaint

have started name dropping connections in the prosecution. DV Boer is involved in the “Paiwi” program, which involves goat leasing and raising of rabbits, chicken, and other livestock at package costs ranging from P10,000 to P2 million. One complainant, Jayson Molina, claimed that he shelled out P6.55 million for a supposed return of investment of 30 percent per annum. In 2017, he was oﬀered by Villamin to invest in the sub-farm scheme, patterned after the company’s farm in Lian, Batangas. Molina and other investors claimed they have not received the return of their investments. Some got their capital back but later on, were asked to invest some more.

15 May 13-19, 2021 Carla AbellanaTom Rodriguez wedding is a go

The wedding of actress Carla Abellana and actor Tom Rodriguez is pushing through. This as their wedding bann has been publicized prompting Carla to clarify the matter. Carla posted an Instagram story where she said the bann that’s currently circulating online is one of the steps needed before they can proceed with their planned wedding, her mother studio GMA Network reported. “A wedding bann is a Church requirement for Catholics getting married in any and all Catholic Churches in the Philippines,” wrote Carla, 34, who is Carla Angeline Reyes Abellana in real life. “It is a necessary step to be able to secure a wedding permit,” she continued. The actress also added deﬁnitions for “Wedding Bann” from an encyclopedia as well as the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). Her statement came after a parish in Batangas shared a photo of the couple’s wedding bann, which stated some details for their possible special day. The religious organization also shared Carla’s Instagram story on their account. Speaking to GMA News Online, Tom’s manager Popoy Caritativo advised the public to wait for the couple to share details of their wedding. Carla and Tom got engaged in October last year and publicized it in March. Tom, 33, who is Bartolome Alberto Mott in real life and a Filipino American who once studied Digital Animation in San Francisco, California, quoted Nobel Prize winner Pablo Neruda during their engagement: “I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this…” In a previous interview, the two shared they plan to hold their classicstyle church wedding this year once the country’s current situation gets better. The couple has been together for almost seven years. They met through GMA’s hit series “My Husband’s Lover” in 2013.

 ENTERTAINMENT

Maine Mendoza to host TV5 show with Paolo Ballesteros When it rains, it pours. And yes, Maine Mendoza never has it so good since rising up as a television star as Yaya Dub on GMA Network via the popular and long-runnng noontime show “Eat Bulaga.” This time Maine, 26, whose real name is Nicomaine Dei Capili Mendoza, is confirmed to be hosting a show on TV5 as she will be a part of the upcoming talent reality program, “POPinoy,” produced by TV5 and Cignal Entertainment. On PoPinoy’s Twitter account on May 11, it was reported that Maine will cohost the program with another “Eat Bulaga!” host, Paolo Ballesteros. The reality show’s objective is to look for the next boy group that will become a Pinoy Pop sensation. Maja Salvador, Kayla Rivera, DJ Loonyo, and Jay-R will serve as the judges of the reality show. On March 1, 2021, PEP.ph first reported about Maine‘s upcoming TV5 show. Although Maine is appearing in GMA7 shows, she is not an exclusive talent of the Kapuso network. She is managed by Doing a TV5 show does not have any Maine will still be a regular co-host Triple A Management, APT Entertain- conflict with Maine’s obligations to her of “Eat Bulaga” and “Daddy’s Gurl “on ment’s talent management arm. Kapuso shows. GMA7, it was learned..

Frencheska Farr bags Outstanding Dramatic Actress trophy at Micheaux Film Festival in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES - Filipino singer and actress Frencheska Farr was named Outstanding Dramatic Actress at the just concluded The Micheaux Film Festival in Los Angeles, California for her lead role performance in the short film “Harana.” On her Instagram, Frencheska, 28, whose full name is Marie Frencheska Mae Tobias Farr-Jose, shared a photo of her award dedicating her win to “the Filipino people and everyone fighting the good fight.” Frencheska also said a big thank you to the team behind “Harana,” and all her friends, family and loved ones who supported her from the beginning. Directed by Marie Jamora, “Harana” is a story of a homesick Las Vegas lounge singer trying to connect with her daughter back in the Philippines. It aims to shed light on overseas Filipino workers in the United

States. The short film also took home the Micheaux Film Festival award for Outstanding Music. “Thank you to @micheauxfilmfest for this recognition,” Frenchesca wrote in her post. “It really means so much for me to be able to share our stories and not only to be able to move people through our art, but also to spark change for the betterment of all,” she added. Interviewed by CNN Philippines while she was still in US, Farr related how playing the role of an overseas Filipino worker personally resonated with her. “Bittersweet ‘yung experience. I guess for me, mind-opening ‘yung feeling having to put myself in Maya’s shoes. It really inspired me to tell more stories, our struggles of being a Filipino, [especially of] OFWs,” she said. In the film, Farr plays Maya, a cover band singer in Las Vegas trying to connect with her daughter in the Philippines while she tries to have a successful career abroad. “It was a very personal experience for me ‘cause I resonated with Maya a lot and I know a lot of Filipinos will really resonate with her story. Not a lot of people know that one of the biggest exports of the Philippines is our people,” she said. Growing up in a family of OFWs, Farr

also revealed she had a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be one through her character portrayal. “Being born and raised in Manila, I was really used to having OFW relatives,” she told CNN Philippines.. “But I never really understood that.” “When I was filming Harana, I guess na-realize ko rin po (I guess I realized) the complexity of the situation, why some people have to leave their families back home in the Philippines just to be able to provide for them,” she said. Direk Marie also thanked her “Harana” family on Instagram, including Modulogeek, Jazz Nicolas of Itchyworms, and Mikey Amistoso of Ciudad who helped make the film’s award-winning sound. “Thanks to the Micheaux film festival and their programmers for recognizing our film and helping us share the story of the #OFW experience. I want to also acknowledge the rest of the Harana cast, crew, crowdfunders, supporters, and friends. Inuman na!” her post said. The Micheaux Festival which was founded in 2018 is a multi-cultural film festival that showcases the work of creators from the community of black, indigenous, and other people of color. The 2021 festival ran from April 26 to May 2. It celebrates diversity in the entertainment landscape.

 ENTERTAINMENT

May 13-19, 2021

Vallejo-born H.E.R wins Oscar and Grammy Proud of Filipino heritage, likes OPM, Pinoy food

Vallejo-born award-winning Filipino American singer H.E.R. is all over the Manila media. And from the looks of it, she has built her legions of Filipinos fans since winning the Oscar and Grammy for songs. More so, H.E.R. has made known her Filipino heritage and admitted in television interviews she is proud of her Filipino heritage. H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, also admitted she is a fan of many OPM (original Pilipino Music) artists like Sharon Cuneta and Gary Valenciano and likes Filipino food. Born in Vallejo, California to Filipina mother Agnes from Nueva Ecija and an African American father, H.E.R was raised in California’s San Francisco Bay Area where she ﬁrst performed as Gabi Wilson as a young child. Meanwhile, H.E.R. invited her Filipino fans to check out her new song “Hold Us Together” with Chris-

tian singer Tauren Wells, according to Manila reports. “Kumusta my Filipinos? Kumusta mga Kapuso?” said the 23-year-old artist. “Ingat, salamat po,” she said in a GMA Network interview. Last month, H.E.R. took home the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “I Fight For You,” the song featured in the movie “Judas and the Black Messiah.” Earlier in March, she won Song of the Year for “I Can’t Breathe” and Best R&B song for “Better Than I Imagined” at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, following the footsteps of two other FilAm artists. In 2019, she took home the Grammys Best R&B Album for “H.E.R.” and Best R&B Performance for “Best Part.” Thus, H.E.R. now has four Grammys and an Oscar and she’s halfway to the EGOT (Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, Tonys). H.E.R., who’s behind the hits “Best

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Part” (with Daniel Caesar), “Slide,” “Focus” and “Damage,” has just released a new single titled “Come Through.” Co-written with fellow Grammy-winning star Chris Brown, the smoldering R&B song will be part of H.E.R’s upcoming album under RCA Records, “Back of My Mind,” another report stated. In Aubrey Carampel’s report for “24 Oras” on GMA Network, the Grammy and Oscar winner revealed that she has a favorite Filipino song. “My mom’s favorite is Sharon Cuneta so I used to sing ‘Maging Sino Ka Man’ all the time. That was my Filipino go-to song,” she said. Apart from the Megastar, H.E.R. shared that her Filipina mom, Agnes Wilson, also is a fan of Gary Valenciano. She said her last visit to their hometown, Nueva Ecija, in the Philippines was in 2019 and according to the singer, she only has happy memories in mind. “Karaoke [and] my grandpa getting lasing [drunk]. It’s just fun eating a lot of sinigang and kare-kare. I just learned how to make kare-kare, by the way,” she said. Even though H.E.R. was born and

raised in America, the singer admitted in the interview and later reported by GMA News that she’s still very much connected to Filipino culture thanks to her family. “I love my mom and how she’s made sure that I’d stay connected to my roots and even having my grandparents in the house making sure that I could speak Tagalog,” she said. Winning an Oscar and a Grammy only in a span of months, H.E.R. said she dedicates it to God and her parents who have worked hard to “help [her] get to where [she is].” “They always encourage me to do what I love which is music,” she said in the GMA interview and report. She also thanked fellow Filipinos whose support for her, she said, never faltered. “Thank you so much for all the support,” she said in Filipino. “I love you, guys. I really appreciate all the love and support that you guys show me.” “I’ll continue celebrating [and] representing Pinoy pride, the Philippines and Filipino culture,” she added. According to H.E.R., she is already planning to collaborate with other Filipino-American singers.

17 May 13-19, 2021

California’s Clean Energy Future:

It’s about time.

Time-of-Use rate plans are powering our state’s clean energy goals. Time-of-Use rate plans charge different prices depending on the time of day. Time-of-Use rate plans offer lower prices for 19 hours of the day — before 4 pm and after 9 pm — when cleaner energy is more readily available. By making small changes — like turning off lights you aren’t using after 4 pm or turning on appliances like dishwashers and washing machines right before you go to bed — you can take advantage of lower energy prices while using cleaner energy.

To learn more about Time-of-Use, visit pge.com/touinfo.

 ENTERTAINMENT

May 13-19, 2021

Megastar Sharon Cuneta flies to California ‘to breathe’

Is Sharon Cuneta okay? Is there a family problem or a big ﬁnancial concern bothering her again like in the past? Fans of the megastar posed the questions after was reported to have ﬂown to California (where she has properties) because she allegedly needs a break from

this pandemic. Showing off her Philippine passport, Sharon wrote on social media: “[T]onight I am flying home to my Mommy’s Gramps’ country, where only my eldest and I are legal residents. I need to breathe, collect myself, gain strength. Love you all and will miss you guys.” “I’m going home. Of course my real home, where my heart is, is where my husband and children are. But tonight I am flying home to my Mommy’s Gramps’ country, where only my eldest and I are legal residents,”

“Praying and saying bye to my family,” she said. “Praying and saying bye to my family,” she said. Latest post showed her in Los Angeles, California with a friend named Lorraine. “Home in L.A. with one of my lifelong best friends on the planet, Lorraine! On our way to dinner,” Sharon wrote. The singer has had a rough past few months, due to the illness of her long-time friend and makeup artist Fanny Serrano, who recently had a stroke, it was learned. The daughter of the late Pasay City Mayor Pablo Cuneta and Elaine Cuneta, sister of singer-actress Helen Gamboa-Sotto, Sharon started her career with the release of the hit song Mr. DJ in 1978. It was reported this was followed a few years later by the blockbuster success of the movie Dear Heart, in which she starred with her former loveteam partner and ex-husband Gabby Concepcion, the father of her ﬁrst child KC Concepcion. Since then, she has starred in memorable movies Sharon added. such as Pangako Sa ‘Yo (“My Promise to You”), MaA follow-up post on her Instagram showed the drasta (“Stepmom”), Caregiver, and Crying Ladies. singer-actress saying goodbye to her children Frankie, Her success as a singer and an actress has led the loMiguel, and Miel Pangilinan, and their father, Senator cal press to give her the nickname “Megastar” — or Francis Pangilinan. “Mega” for short.

Jodi Sta. Maria to star in PH remake of ‘Doctor Foster’ global hit “Doctor Foster.” Titled “The Broken Marriage Vow,” it will have Jodi portraying the role of Dra. Jill Ilustre, a loving wife and mother who discovers her husband having an aﬀair with a younger woman. Also in the cast is Zanjoe Marudo as Ilustre’s philandering husband. The marriage-wrecking mistress will be played by Sue Ramirez. To be directed by Concepcion Macatuno, “The Broken Marriage Vow” is the sixth local adaptation of “Doctor Foster” following its adaptations in France, Russia, Turkey, India, and South Korea, ABS-CBN Entertainment recently whose “The World of the Married” would named actress Jodi Sta. Maria as the lead become the country’s highest rated cable star of its upcoming remake of BBC’s TV drama.

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8. DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals 9. U visa – Victim of crime 10. VAWA – Victims of Domeﬆic violence 11. Fiancé visa petition 12. Work permit 13. Other immigration cases

19 May 13-19, 2021

 ENTERTAINMENT

ABS-CBN tells Coco Martin refuses to set Filipinos: Jane De Leon free ‘We Are Here For You’ A year after the shutdown of its broadcast operations, ABS-CBN reaffirmed its commitment to serve Filipinos with a simple but meaningful message — “Andito Kami Para Sa ‘Yo” (We are here for you). This message was all over social media yesterday (May 5) as the company reminded Filipinos that ABS-CBN is still here to provide them support, light, and joy through its content, which are available on free TV, cable, online, and on streaming platforms. In the plug, ABS-CBN thanked its viewers as it showed the phrase “Andito Kami Para Sa ‘Yo” in different languages and dialects. It is a powerful message of gratitude to those who have trusted the company for news, public service, and entertainment for many years, and continue to love and support ABS-CBN despite the challenges. With one strong statement, ABS-CBN’s programs, platforms, and artists expressed that their audiences are why the company continues to exist to deliver stories and give joy and inspiration to Filipinos. “Kayo po ang tanging dahilan kung bakit naglilingkod ang ABS-CBN, mula noon hanggang ngayon. Dahil sa inyong suporta, patuloy tayong nakakapaghatid ng mga kwento, nakapagbibigay ng saya at inspirasyon sa Pilipino,” they said in various social media posts. ABS-CBN has been relentless in finding ways to continue to reach and serve Filipinos wherever they may be. Filipinos are now able to watch well-loved ABS-CBN entertainment programs including the weekday primetime block on free TV and via digital box on A2Z Channel 11 and TV5. On cable, Filipinos continue to enjoy ABSCBN shows, movies, and other content on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, Cinemo, Jeepney TV, CinemaOne, Metro Channel, MYX, and Knowledge Channel, and get their news updates on TeleRadyo and ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel. Filipinos have even more options online, as ABS-CBN makes its offerings available for viewing on its official social media pages and digital platforms, on Kapamilya Online Live on Facebook and YouTube, on the ABS-CBN streaming service iWantTFC, and recently, also on WeTV iflix. With TV5’s nationwide reach, the company is also able to stay connected with its regional audiences, as well as through the programs of MOR Entertainment on Facebook, kumu, Spotify, and YouTube. ABS-CBN also continues to champion Filipino talent through Star Music and Star Cinema, and able to provide help and support to Filipinos in need through ABS-CBN News Public Service and ABS-CBN Foundation.

Cardo (Coco Martin) is quickly running out of places to escape to as he continues to flee death and the law while taking Lia (Jane De Leon) captive in ABS-CBN’s teleserye “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” which airs weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, at TV5. In his crusade to avenge the death of his wife, Cardo has again narrowly evaded the entire Black Ops team that continues to hunt him down and rescue Lia. The road ahead won’t be easy for Cardo as he tries to dodge all checkpoints that were put in place to ensure he is caught. Cardo shortly made his latest getaway from Black Ops after Lia helped him in a deadly shootout against armed men who attacked their hiding place, temporarily bringing them together for a single cause. Where will Cardo take Lia? Whose lives will be sacrificed next in Cardo’s fight to get even with his enemies? Viewers nationwide continue to tune in to the action-packed scenes in the series as its May 10 episode recorded an all-

time high 114,777 peak concurrent viewers, thrashing its own live viewership record on Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel. In less than 24 hours, the entire episode has also collected 3.3 million views on YouTube. Don’t miss “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, CineMo, Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, iWantTFC, WeTV, and iflix. For viewers outside the Philippines, catch it on The Filipino Channel on cable and IPTV.

 REAL ESTATE

May 13-19, 2021

Cebu Landmasters to launch economic housing brand in VisMin CEBU CITY – Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) has announced the 2021 rollout of its flagship economic housing brand Casa Mira to four more key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao (VIsMin) regions as the response to the massive demand for safe and secure value housing heightened by the pandemic. CLI chief executive officer Jose Soberano III said the housing backlog in the VisMin region became “very apparent” last year as infections from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) surged highlighting a need for economic housing in secure and well-planned communities. “Many new residential seekers met that need by purchasing Casa Mira homes. As demand in other parts of the region continues to be largely unmet, we’ve made it our mission to roll out more Casa Mira projects in more VisMin cities to fill that gap,” he said in a statement. A study from Leechiu Property Consultants disclosed that the housing backlog is estimated to reach 6.8 million hous-

ing units by 2022. Ten Casa Mira communities with a development cost of P10.24 billion and a total of over 10,000 housing units are currently in ﬁve VisMin locations: Cebu, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Sibulan, Negros Oriental. New developments will be launched in Dumaguete this month and in other key cities in VisMin in the next few months particularly in Ormoc, Puerto Princesa, and Davao City. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, Vismin residents purchased in record numbers CLI’s Casa Mira housing units priced from P1.6 million. They all together accounted for 69 percent of CLI’s reservation sales of P14.23 billion, the ﬁrm’s highest to date. “We believe that an expansive mood and lessons learned from the pandemic– where homes in well-planned communities provided a safe haven–will drive Casa Mira forward for the balance of the year,” Soberano said.

Rates are down again, compare mortgage rates and points before buying or reﬁnancing your home

n order to understand the closing cost, your lender will supply you with a complete breakdown of where these fees would be applied. However, for the sake of this discussion, a brief explanation of the closing cost is: >> Closing costs or settlement costs, that are paid when the homebuyer and the seller sign the final documents at closing. On the average, closing costs run approximately 1.5% to 2.5% of the house price. This percentage may vary, depending on where you live but may be payable even on no money down type loans. >> Closing costs include the loan origination fee (if not already paid), points, prepaid homeowner’s insurance, appraisal fee, lender processing and underwriting fees, recording fee, title search and insurance, tax adjustments, agent commissions, mortgage insurance (if you are putting less than 20% down) and other expenses. >> Points: Points are finance charges calculated at closing. Each point equals 1% of the loan amount. For example, 2 points on a $100,000 loan equals $2,000. Companies may charge 1, 2 or 3 points in up-front costs in addition to the down payment. Commercial loan points may be higher. In some cases, you may be able to finance the points. In some cases, the smaller the loan, the more points are charged. In most cases, points can be negotiated. Tips on what to ask for when buying or refinancing your home. >> What the actual interest rate is on your mortgage >> Term of the loan ( 30 years fixed, Adjustable rate mortgage, Negative amortization etc… ) >> Does the loan/s carry a prepayment penalty clause and if yes for how long. >> How many points are being charged for this loan. >> Request for a complete breakdown on all closing cost and fees to this loan and request for guaranteed rates and fees. If you are getting pre-qualified and providing all New Funeral home with Reception Center Flower Shop the information to a lender, then the lender should be able to provide you with a complete list of rate opBeautiful Garden Memorial Park Cremation Services tions and fees involved. In some instances, if your We transfer your loved ones to and from the Philippines credit has not been checked and or all the income documentation have not been verified, the process might take a bit longer. I have received too many calls from new homeowners calling me asking me about their closed loans, they were not properly educated and informed on the program, the fees are not disclosed. Unfortunately if the loan has closed there’s not much we can do for you about it. Please be a smart buyer and make sure the money you saved could help you in the future. If you have low credit scores or bad credit, that should only affect your rates not fees. Most lenders do charge more because you have bad credit but that should not be the case. Be very careful with lenders that thrive on your credit mishaps, you have to shop your loan and get this loan rate quotes and fee quotes in writing, this could help you keep your property for a long term. If you are given a loan that you don’t understand and you have to refinance in two to three years you might end up losing the property due to FFFFFFF HHHH RRRRRRRRR CCCCCC CCCCCCC LLLL higher rates or not enough equity build into the home. For refinancing, even if you have signed loan documents to close, the law gives you three full days from that day to rescind on the loan if you think you can get a better program with better fees. I have helped multiple customers understand their new loans and have requested for a number of clients not to sign their loans due to excessive charges and high rates from other lenders. Please feel free to consult with our office if you are getting a fair market rate and fees on your existing loan application, I will be more than happy to give you a free advice on this subject. Good luck and again be a smart home loan borrower. KenGo (888) 822-5363. Cell phone (562) 5087048 I

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21 May 13-19, 2021

NEWS  NATIONAL SPORTS NEWS

Matapos ang Pacquiao-Mayweather I, FilAm Patrick Coo may ‘Fight of the Century II’ kaya? eyes Tokyo Olympics M BMX berth in Colombia qualifying round sentative in Colombia after London 2012 Olympian Daniel Caluag could not prepare for the qualifier because of his job as nurse in Kentucky. “When Danny won, I was motivated to race for the Philippines,” said Coo, referring to Caluag winning the country’s only gold medal in the Incheon 2014 Asian Games that earned him the Athlete of the Year award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association. Coo was only 12 then. “We are hoping for Patrick to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics not only because of his potentials to become a champion, but because of his passion and motivation -- he trains endlessly,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who also heads PhilCycling. The Philippine Sports Commission is fully supporting Coo’s campaign with chairman William Ramirez also hoping the BMX athlete will join weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, gymnast Carlos Yulo, pole vaulter EJ Obiena and boxers Eumir Felix Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Irish Magno in the July 23 to August 8 Olympics. As an eight-year-old, Coo, of Bellflower, California, won his first state championship. He went on to snatch four national age-group, 12 state and three western division titles in the US. “I train hard all the time, but I am expecting tough opponents in Colombia,” said Coo, who after taking part in a 2019 Tokyo Olympics test event took a side trip for a visit to the country. To qualify for Tokyo, Coo has to finish at least in fourth place in Colombia.

Rower Cris Nievarez nails Olympic berth, 8th Pinoy bound for Tokyo games

FILIPINO ROWER Cris Nievarez

MANILA – Rower Cris Nievarez became the eighth Filipino who will see action in this year’s Tokyo Olympics scheduled to open this July. The Philippine Rowing Association (PRA) confirmed the development. “We are happy to share that the Philippine Rowing Association received confirmation from World Rowing that we have qualified for the Men’s Single Sculls (M1x) for the Tokyo Olympic Games. Congratulations, Cris!,” the PRA said in a statement.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez said he is expecting Nievarez to pull it through. “I know that Cris and the entire rowing team worked hard for this. It is well-deserved,” Ramirez said. Nievarez finished ninth overall in the Olympic qualifiers recently in Tokyo. However, with a lot of factors like Japan, which won four regatta events in the qualifiers, also hosting the Olympics, the world rankings, and some universality rules, Nievarez got the nod. He will join weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz; boxers Eumir Marcial, Irish Magno, Nesthy Petecio, and Carlo Paalam; gymnast Carlos Yulo; and pole vaulter EJ Obiena as the Philippines’ representatives to the Tokyo Olympics. “The PSC will keep supporting him as much as we can on this quest,” Ramirez said. “In my book, any athlete who through his actions inspires ---- whether one small child or a whole generation to become better --- is already a champion. And this is what our athletes are to our people. They stand as beacons of hope. An inspiration to keep fighting and to never give up.”

Outside Looking In

MANILA – Filipino American Patrick Coo of Bellflower, California tries to become the youngest member on Team Philippines when he vies for a slot to Tokyo in the International Cycling Union (UCI) World Cup Round 4 Olympic qualiﬁer in Bogota on May 30. Coo, 19, PATRICK COO will rendezvous in the Colombian capital with PhilCycling coaches Ednalyn Hualda and Frederick Farr on May 11 because all participants in the Olympic qualiﬁer need to complete 14 days in quarantine. “I am very much motivated and excited to go after that slot [to the Tokyo Olympics],” said the 2019 Asian BMX juniors champion Coo, whose dad Benjamin hails from Iloilo and his mom Romalyn from Cagayan de Oro City. Coo will be racing as the lone Philippine repre-

akaraan ang mahigit limang taong urong-sulong na usapan, ang tinaguriang “Fight of the Century” pagitan ng Pilipinong si Manny Pacquiao at wala pang talong Amerikanong si Floyd Mayweagther Jr. ay natuloy din sa wakas noong ika 2 ng Mayo taong 2015 sa MGM Grand sa Las Vegas, Nevada. Ang paghaharap ng dalawang pinakamagagaling na mandirigma sa ibabaw ng ring ay naging usap-usapan sa halos lahat EDDIE G. ALINEA ng dako ng mundo. Pero matapos ang 12 round ng pukpukan, ang mahigit na 16,000 kataong nagsiksikan sa MGM Grand Arena ay umuwing luhaan, bigong makita ang walang humpay na bakbakang ipinangako ng mga promoter bago ang gabi ng laban. Si Mayweather, 38 anyos na noon, at si Pacquiao, 36 ay, hula ng marami, maaring lipas na kanilang panahon, ganoon pa man ang buong kamunduhan ng boksing ay nagpasalamat din na ang pagtutuos na hinintay-hintay nila sa mahabang panahon ay matutuloy na at umasang makakapanoond ng kapana-panabik na suntukan. Ang laki ng laban at ang perang nakapaloob ($600 milyon gross revenue at 4.6 milyon PPV buys) ay itinuring na pinakamalaki mula noong 1971 nang simulan ang k l a s i k o n g Pacquiao-Mayweather I. (Wendell Alinea/MP Promo�ons) Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier trilohiya Ang mga pang-araw-araw na balita tungkol dito ay inukopa ang front page at backpage ng kahat ng peryodiko sa buong panahon ng negosasyon at napanood at narinig sa TV at radyo at naging trend din sa social media. Ang mga upuan sa ibaba ng ringside ay ibinenta sa pinakamataas na halagang $180,000. Ang listahan ng A-list celebrities, kasama ang Prinsipe, mga artistang Robert De Niro at Clint Eastwood ay kabilang sa mga dumalo. Ang mga upuan sa ibaba ng nakapaglalaway na timbangan ay naibenta sa presyong $1,500 at $7,500 at nangaubos na ilang araw pa lamang bago dumating ang laban. Na nagbunsod kay Bon Arum, CEO ng Top Rank Promotions na magsabing: “We had Ali-Frazier, we had Leonard-Duran, we had Leonard-Hagler, and now we have Pacquiao and Mayweather. This is the biggest fight of its era. It’s a great event for boxing. Everybody around the world is interested in this fight -- ambassadors, senators, celebrities.” Ang fans ng anti-climax Boxing ay hindi napigilang magpakita ng galit sa kinalabasan ng sagupaan kung saan si “Money Man “ ay walang ginawa kundi magtatakbo na halatang ang layon lamang ay protektahan at panatilihin nang “0” sa kanyang panalo-talong rekord. Si Paquiao na na-injure ang kanang balikat sa panahon ng paghahanda sa Wild Card Gym ni chief trainer Freddie Roach ay hirap na hirap humabol sa nagtatakbong si Mayweather sa kabuuan ng 12 round na labang nauwi sa karera. Wala isa man sa dalawa ang bumagsak o nagpakitang nasaktan. Napanatili ni Mayweather ang kanyang WBC at WBA titulo ng welterweight samantalang naagaw ang sinturon ng 147 libra ni Pacquiao sa nagkakaisang 118-110, 116-112, 116-112 hatol ng mga huwes. Habang sinelyuhan din niya ang pagkilalang “the best fighter of his era.” Bagamat ito ay nag-iwan pagdududa sa kanyang pag-angkin sa karangalang “the best ever.” Idagdag pa ang pagkakait ng Nevada State Athletic Commission sa hiniling ng kampo ng Pilipino na ma-ineksyunan ito ng pain reliever ayon sa regulasyon sa kabila ng pagpapaunlak nito sa bukod na apela ng kabilang kampo na ayon kay Arum ay ilegal. Sa tradisyonal na presscon matapos ang laban, ipinangako ni Mayweather na bibigyan niya si Manny ng rematch, bagamat makalipas ang halos anim na taon makaraan ang Pacquiao-Mayweather I, ah wala pa ring naaaninaw sa ipinangakong Superfight 2.

May 13-19, 2021

Q: What are things about money that is not taught in school? A: Have you ever wondered why there are some difficulties that we face in life that were never taught in the textbooks that we had in school? There are certain experiences in all our lives that will and could never be explained in textbooks in school because mainly we are to experience them if so is our fate. The good thing about experiencing it is that we are able to feel the emotions and frustrations mainly the positive and negative effect of things that we have done and learn not to do it again. But foremost to take steps not to let it happen again if possible. Dealing with money is one of them. In school, they can only show us what to do with certain amounts of money based ideal situations that can be provided by the text. In real life it can present itself in the same text but there may be certain factors that add to a situation. Let me give an example on this: In text as it can present itself that you were to borrow money for a certain project you want in order to start a business. It will show you interest rates, time of loans repayments and so on. What if you add that your father was also sick and had to be ran to the hospital and then your mother all of a sudden lost her job in the middle of all this problems brewing. How is the text going to take all of these situations and give you a step by step get out of this situation plan seamlessly? There is no possible way that the school can prepare you for something like this nevertheless you need to experience it and get through it you must. The only thing I can suggest is to always put money aside for no one know any of our fate. The money you put away now may be the one that can save us from the dilemna once it is here. Face the problems head on and keep moving forward. Distraction is out of the question. Ang ating lesson, Lagi tayong may laban pag ang problema ay pinaghahandaan. If you need help in getting out of debt, call Debt Aid Consulting International. We do not use call centers which keeps your information safe. We have a new program that reconstruct debts for half of what you would pay our competitors. We also provide legal assistance that keeps collectors away. We take Federal Credit Unions, Payday loans and high interest personal loans in our program too. This is exclusively available for Debt Aid Consulting clients. None of our competitors provide this program. You are well protected. We only provide Federal Trade Commission compliant programs. Go with Debt Aid Consulting! Do not fall for marketing gimmicks saying that they have the right program for you. Most marketing companies only have one program and will enroll you in that program whether it fits you or not. So beware! Ben Lou at your service! I have over 35 years of financial experience. If you would like sound financial advice, call us at Debt Aid Consulting International. We do not use call centers. No one has the right to put your information at risk. Debt Aid Consulting is the first and only Filipino debt mediation company incorporated in the US and Canada, Caribbean Islands, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines! Your Global Debt Solutions Company! Tawag na po sa 1-888341-5234 at tutulungan po namin kayo. Itama po natin ang mali!

23 May 13-19, 2021

McDonald’s Spotlights Barrier-Breaking Stories of Asian Paciﬁc Americans During May In partnership with Dear Asian Americans and the Center for Asian American Media, the #WeAreAPA photo series is celebra�ng the depth and breadth of the community nouncements highlighting Asian-American changemakers, that aired nationally for more than seven years. Be sure to view DAA’s Instagram weekly to read the seven powerful stories, starting now through the end of May. ***

About McDonald’s USA Community Efforts The McDonald’s #WeAreAPA is just one of many company initiatives created to connect with the communities McDonald’s serves. These efforts also include hosting webinars such as Classroom Convos, which focus on topics currently impacting Asian and Pacific Islander American students, the HACER® Education Tour, which provides information to navigate the college application process, the

(CHICAGO – May 10, 2021) – May is a meaningful time for Asian Pacific Americans as we celebrate their achievements and contributions to this country. This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), McDonald’s is shining a light on the beautifully diverse APA community through unique stories being told by the #WeAreAPA photo series. This new series starts today in partnership with Dear Asian Americans (DAA) podcast and the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM). #WeAreAPA is spotlighting eight people through seven stories. These stories are those of trailblazers in industries less traveled by Asian Pacific Americans, whose work and paths exemplify the rich and varied experiences within this community and country: • Carol and Andrew Chin – Carol, a Chinese immigrant from Venezuela, and McDonald’s franchisee, with her son Andrew, a former professional baseball player • Kana Hatakeyama – a Japanese-American actor and CAAMfest 2021 filmmaker who explores her experiences of living in Japan and the U.S. in her works • Steve Kim – a Korean-American and formerly incarcerated University of Southern California professor who founded Project Kinship, a prison reform and human rights advocacy organization • Mike Magpayo – a Filipino-American and current head basketball coach of University of California, Riverside, and the first-ever Asian American Division 1 basketball head coach • Sapna Pandya – a queer Indian-American pandita (Hindu religious scholar and marriage officiant) who is reimagining inclusivity within South Asian faith and cultural traditions • Georgina Pazcoguin – a half-Filipina New York City Ballet dancer who is leading the charge to remove “yellow face” in ballet • Sunmi – a non-binary diasporic Korean cartoonist whose zines and upcoming graphic novel inspire other Asian American youth “Every day at McDonald’s, we strive to uplift the communities of which we are a part,” said Jimmy Ferguson, an Austin, TX McDonald’s franchisee and chair of the Asian McDonald’s Operators Association (AMOA). “And during this important month, with the APA community in the spotlight now more than ever, we’re honored to amplify these powerful stories that showcase the diversity and strength of our community.” Up to three stories will be featured weekly on DAA’s Instagram, while CAAM’s social channels will post select content throughout May. Each feature will include a set of portraits that represent their story, and a complementary interview that will highlight life lessons and what it means to them to be APA today. “Dear Asian Americans is rooted in authentic and diverse storytelling,” said Jerry Won, founder and host of Dear Asian Americans. “We’re excited to partner with McDonald’s to tell seven stories of perseverance that will inspire others and also show the strength of the APA community.” Independent photojournalists Eric Lee and Emanuel Hahn, whose work has been featured in major national publications, captured each person and their story. Lee and Hahn’s personal ties to the APA community provided an authentic point of view that aided in capturing the complexity of each story. As a company that serves diverse communities, McDonald’s is committed to celebrating and bringing awareness to important moments that reflect the communities we serve. McDonald’s has previously celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with APA Legacy, a series of public service an-

Black & Positively Golden Mentors Program, which pairs industry leaders with up-and-coming changemakers in the same ﬁelds, and the Archways to Opportunity program for restaurant crew which provides educational resources to eligible employees at participating U.S. restaurants. Together, with franchisees, we are creating opportunities to feed and foster our communities. About McDonald’s USA McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to nearly 25 million customers every day. Ninety-ﬁve percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @ McDonalds and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.

 COMMUNITY NEWS

May 13-19, 2021

California Master Plan for Aging: How Does It Beneﬁt You? San Mateo County— May 12, 2021— Today the Age Forward Coalition of San Mateo County announced it will host a virtual community conversation on the California Master Plan for Aging on Friday, May 14, 2021 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM. Hear directly from local legislators on how they plan to take action in San Mateo County on the ﬁve goals of the California Master Plan for Aging. Moderated by Maya Altman, CEO, Health Plan of San Mateo, panelists include Senator Josh Becker, Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Kevin Mullin, Assemblymember Marc Berman, President San Mateo County Supervisors David Canepa, and County Supervisor Don Horsley. Dramatic Demographic Shifts California’s over-60 population is projected to diversify and grow faster than any other age group. San Mateo County

alone anticipates a 142.94% increase in residents aged 60 and over by 2060. Recognizing these signiﬁcant demographic shifts, Governor Gavin Newsom announced his executive order launching the Master Plan on Aging on June 10, 2019, stating “An aging population will introduce new opportunities for economic and community growth, but also drive increased health and long-term care costs. We need a plan that brings everyone to the table – local communities, labor, private sector and philanthropy – to help us understand what’s coming and guide us toward taking better care of older Californians.” Age Forward Coalition member Deborah Owdom emphasizes, “Tremendous disparities in resources available to older adults, people with disabilities, and our veterans were known before and have

been intensified by the COVID pandemic. We now have a Master Plan for Aging on paper. This Friday’s program and the work of the Age Forward Coalition invite all San Mateo County residents to come to the table. It is time to take collective, coordinated action at the local level.” The California Master Plan for Aging The California Master Plan for Aging is a “blueprint” for state government, local government, the private sector, and philanthropy to prepare the state for the coming demographic changes and continue California’s leadership in aging, disability, and equity. The Master Plan for Aging outlines five bold goals and twenty-three strategies to build a California for All Ages by 2030. The five goals of the Master Plan for Aging are: housing for all stages and ages;

health reimagined; inclusion & equity, not isolation; caregiving that works, and aﬀording aging. The Plan also includes a Data Dashboard on Aging to measure our progress and a Local Playbook to drive partnerships that help us meet these goals together. The Age Forward Coalition of San Mateo County Founded in 2019, the Age Forward Coalition of San Mateo County provides a means for community organizations to network, exchange information, provide leadership, build communitywide capacity and address goals for improving the lives of San Mateo County older adults, adults with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. The Coalition engages in advocacy and acts as a catalyst for community partnerships to work together to ﬁnd funding for the target population.

Appreciate Nurses–We Can All Do Our Part to Help End the Pandemic By Raynald Samoa, M.D., Endocrinologist, City of Hope and Clinical Lead for the Na�onal Pacific Islander Covid-19 Response Team (NPICRT) Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been inspired by the strength and resilience of California’s nurses, many of whom are Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). This May and every day, I urge everyone to express appreciation to nurses by helping to end the pandemic. As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Nurses Month this May, let’s pause to honor California’s nurses, who

have never wavered in their dedication to us during the pandemic. In fact, some of them paid with their very lives. We can never repay the nurses who lost their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we can help honor them and thank the nurses who are still hard at work in hospitals and health clinics across California. I urge all Californians to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to continue following public health guidance so that we can help end the pandemic. People must continue hand-washing and social distancing, as well as wearing well-ﬁtting masks when appropri-

ate. Simply put, we all need to do our part for our nurses. According to a 2016 Healthforce survey by UCSF, more than one-fourth of California Registered Nurses are AAPI, with Filipinos at 17.6% and Asians who are not Filipino at 8.8%. The survey also showed that nonFilipino Asians and Paciﬁc Islanders account for more than 11 percent of nurses under 45 years old. Additionally, news reports from Propublica and LAist have chronicled the devastating eﬀect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Filipino health workers. We have read the stories about the death

rate among AAPI nurses and recognize that some nurses also face fear amid increases in anti-Asian hate incidents during the pandemic. This May is the best time for us to come together in honoring nurses through our actions: wear our snug-ﬁtting masks, wash our hands, get vaccinated. This is how we show our nurses we appreciate them, we care, and we want this pandemic to end. Visit https://myturn.ca.gov to ﬁnd a vaccine site nearby and to register for a convenient appointment time. Or call the state’s COVID-19 hotline 1-833-422-4255, where translators are available in 250+ languages.

Canepa applauds one year of Great Plates Delivered

DALY CITY – San Mateo County Board of Supervi-

sors President David J. Canepa last weekend celebrated both Mother’s Day and the first anniversary of the County food program for COVID high-risk older adults called Great Plates Delivered. The program has served 2.3 million meals to 4,500 older adults and saved nearly 80 restaurants from almost - certain closure with over $50 million in funding. “Great Plates Delivered is a major success story that has simultaneously accomplished two of our key priorities during the COVID19 pandemic: keeping our older adults safe and supporting our local small businesses,” Canepa said. “I believe feeding the hungry in this manner has saved hundreds of jobs but most importantly has helped save lives. The anniversary falls on Mother’s Day and I know there are a lot of moms out there, old and young, who are grateful for this critical lifeline.” Between 330 and 550 full-time-equivalent jobs have been saved or created. GPD accounted for 72 percent of all current revenue for participating restaurants and caterers and currently serves over 10,000 meals a day. Canepa marked the occasion at Amoura Restaurant in South San Francisco with owner Sam Shihadeh and recipients of fresh home-delivered meals through the BoS President David Canepa (center) in double celebra�on with program in the pandemic. “I am elderly with mobility issues and this has been Sam Shihadeh and Adele Nery. a blessing not to have to stand in line or shuffle around employees working so that they can support their famiin a large grocery,” said Claudia Meltess, 80, of South lies and its enhanced our partnership with the commuCity’s Buri Buri neighborhood. “The delivery people nity, particularly seniors,” Shihadeh said. have great upbeat attitudes and are often the only real Three meals are delivered daily free of charge for people I see during the day.” qualified participants. These are generally adults age 65 “Thank you for your good heart,” Daly City resident and older at high risk of COVID-19 who meet income and GPD recipient Norma Gelle, 81, expressed her sen- and other requirements. timents in a card. Residents can find out if they are eligible by calling “Without Great Plates we would essentially have no San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services at 1-800revenue during some rough months. It’s kept our core 675-8437.

 COMMUNITY NEWS

May 13-19, 2021

Be aware of scams targeting PG&E customers as Yyurace to meet IRS tax deadline

SAN FRANCISCO. — With just a week left until the 2020 tax year filing deadline on May 17, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) warns customers to protect themselves from an increase in scams involving people posing as PG&E employees. According to the IRS, scammers are impersonating utility workers to try to steal financial information from unsuspecting victims to file fraudulent tax returns in their names and then collect their refunds. These imposters can be convincing and are also stealing money from gas and electric customers by contacting them to ask for immediate payment to avoid service disconnection. Scammers tend to target those who are most vulnerable and who may be particularly worried about potential disruption of their gas or electric service. Anyone can be a target, although scammers often prey on seniors, low-income families, non-English speakers, and small business owners. “We urge customers to be extra vigilant during this time as criminals will use the tax filing deadline to create fear and scam unsuspecting victims, especially when a group of people is vulnerable or in a state of need,” said Marlene Santos, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at PG&E. “Remember that PG&E will never ask for your financial information over the phone or via email, and will never demand immediate payment for an alleged past due bill.” In Foster City, a PG&E customer was

scammed of $1,000 on April 13 by someone impersonating a PG&E employee. This is just one of many scams reported to law enforcement and the company in recent weeks. However, in some cases, scams go unreported because the victims may be too embarrassed to tell anyone or report the fraud to the authorities. With the right information, customers can learn to detect and report fraudulent activity. Here are some steps they can take to protect themselves and their families against being victimized: · PG&E reminds customers that they can visit pge.com and register for Your Account. Signing in will provide instant access to balance information, payment history and other account details to conﬁrm whether their account is in good standing. · PG&E will never contact a customer for the ﬁrst time within one hour of a service disconnection, and will never ask customers to make payments with a pre-paid debit card, gift card, any form of cryptocurrency, or third-party digital payment mobile applications, including Zelle. (Also, note that PG&E has suspended customer disconnections due to the pandemic through June 30, 2021.) · PG&E never solicits personal information, banking information, credit card numbers or gift card numbers over the phone. If a caller asks for this information, or if you give out credit card or checking account information, report the incident to the credit card company, bank or the police, right away.

· If you’re concerned about a call regarding a past due bill, service request or a request for personal information, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. · Always ask to see an ID before allowing anyone who claims to be a PG&E representative inside your home. PG&E employees always carry identification. They are always willing to show it to you. · Call the PG&E Customer Service line at 1-800-743-5000 if someone presents a PG&E identification and you still feel uneasy. You can use this number to verify a PG&E-scheduled service appointment or PG&E presence in the area. · For scheduled PG&E service appointments, you will receive an automated or personal call from a gas service representative prior to a scheduled visit. Signs of a potential scam · Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively demand immediate payment for an alleged past due bill. If this occurs, customers should hang up the phone, delete the email, or shut the door. Customers with delinquent accounts receive an advance disconnection notification, typically by mail and included with their regular monthly bill. · Request for immediate payment or a prepaid card: Scammers may instruct the customer to purchase a prepaid card then call them back supposedly to make a bill payment. PG&E reminds customers that they should never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service disconnection or shutoff. PG&E does not specify how

customers should make a bill payment and offers a variety of ways to pay a bill, including accepting payments online, by phone, automatic bank draft, mail or in person at an authorized PG&E neighborhood payment center. · Refund or rebate offers: Scammers may say that your utility company overbilled you and owes you a refund, or that you are entitled to a rebate. Again, customers should immediately hang up and call PG&E Customer Service to confirm details. · “Spoofing” Authentic Numbers: Scammers can create authentic-looking 800 numbers which appear on your phone display. The numbers don’t lead back to PG&E if called back, however, so if you have doubts or have seen any of the above warning signs of a scam, hang up and call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. Customers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud, or who feel threatened during contact with one of these scammers, should contact local law enforcement. For more information about scams, visit www.pge.com/scams and www. utilitiesunited.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.

CALIFORNIA COMEBACK PLAN

Governor Newsom unveils $12-B package for homelessness crisis SACRAMENTO— California Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled the second challenge his $100 billion California Comeback Plan will confront – homelessness. This as Governor Newsom declared his $12 billion plan to tackle the issue of homelessness will be the largest investment of its kind in California history as the investment will provide 65,000 people with housing placements, more than 300,000 people with housing stability and create 46,000 new housing units. To build on the success of Homekey – a revolutionary program that provided safe shelter from COVID-19 to 36,000 Californians and created 6,000 aﬀordable housing units in record time and at a fraction of the cost – Governor Newsom’s plan includes a massive expansion of Homekey and other similar strategies to get housing up and running quickly, investing $8.75 billion to unlock at least 46,000 new homeless housing units and aﬀordable apartments. The plan focuses on those with the most acute needs, with at least 28,000 new beds and housing placements for

clients with behavioral health needs and seniors at the highest risk of homelessness, the governor said in a statement sent to Philippine News Today. The Newsom Administration’s plan also comes with greater accountability and transparency measures, to make sure investments are put toward effective solutions and money is well-spent, it was learned. It was reported that under the California Comeback Plan, the state seeks to functionally end family homelessness within five years through a new $3.5 billion investment in homelessness prevention, rental support and new housing opportunities for people at risk of homelessness. To achieve this, the Newsom Administration is investing $1.85 billion in new housing for homeless families and $1.6 billion in rental support and homelessness prevention for families. “Within a year, Homekey did more to address the homelessness and affordable housing crisis than anything that’s been done in decades and became a national model. Now is the time to double down

on these successful efforts,” said Governor Newsom. “The California Comeback Plan invests a historic $12 billion to expand these successful programs and seeks to end family homelessness within five years. That’s the idea behind the Comeback Plan’s homelessness investments – more, faster and with accountability and efficiency stitched into the fabric of these new investments.” The California Comeback Plan includes almost $50 million in targeted programs and grants to local governments, to move people out of unsafe, unhealthy encampments and into safer, more stable housing. Governor Newsom’s plan aims to provide stable housing for thousands of vulnerable aged youth experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness by targeting resources through Homekey and supporting various youth-focused grant programs. In addition, the plan calls for stricter enforcement measures of state housing law and investments into proven strategies, ensuring local governments are meeting targets to reduce homelessness.

The Governor said he is proposing an additional $1.5 billion investment to clean public spaces near highways and transform public spaces through arts and cultural projects. The initiative is expected to create an estimated 15,000 jobs, including for people experiencing or exiting homelessness, at-risk youth, veterans and formerly incarcerated individuals. He said the California Comeback Plan outlines comprehensive strategies and major investments to address five of the state’s most stubborn challenges. The Governor said the first challenge his plan will tackle, immediate relief for Californians recovering from the pandemic, which includes the largest state tax rebate in American history and expanded rent relief and utility assistance. The Governor has also announced a $5.1 billion package supporting the state’s drought response and water infrastructure, improving the state’s resilience to climate change impacts. Under Governor Newsom’s $100 billion plan, California will come roaring back from this pandemic. (Jo Erlinda Maufit)

27 May 13-19, 2021

Upside...

(From Page 11)

Oﬄine

(From Page 13)

• Campus climate issues, including conducting and supporting investigations into overly punitive, discriminatory policies where they arise and working to ﬁnd innovative ways to strengthen diverse, equitable, and inclusive school environments; and • Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans, assisting with the implementation of the new task force as authorized under Assembly Bill 3121. Bonta said the Bureau will utilize existing “tools” such as existing hate crime laws as it reaches out to elected local leaders to build understanding of regional concerns related to hate crimes and ultimately gain “commitments for direct action” throughout the state. The mayoral coalition comprises 13 key cities including four in Northern California and the capital: Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco and San Jose; Anaheim, Bakersﬁeld, Fresno, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Riverside,San Diego, Santa Ana and Stockton. “It will take all of us standing up for our wonderfully diverse community members to make California a welcome home for all,” concurred San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, chair of the Big City Mayors.

hurled the challenge, Carpio naturally refused to face the president’s underling. It was Duterte or nobody. Carpio reportedly suggested that his driver could engage Roque in a debate, but this was probably said in jest. With Carpio vs Duterte no longer happening, and Roque still salivating for attention, he did the next best thing. He challenged Vice President Leni Robredo to face him in a debate. So what’s wrong with this epal picture? It will not be a debate between equals. Roque is nothing more than a mouthpiece, occupying a position that could be filled by any number of glib politicians with low IQs. Robredo, on the other hand, is the second highest official of the land. She can ignore Roque’s challenge much the same way that celebrities can ignore hangers on always looking for a fast buck. She could, of course, agree to the debate. It would be amusing to watch, as long as the rules are fair and the moderator knows what he or she is doing. The Philippine Bar Association offered to handle the aborted Carpio-Duterte debate, so it might as well agree to a Robredo-Roque face off. I shall stop being coy. There is suspicion that Harry Roque is gay. Not that there’s anything wrong with being gay, even a married gay. It is for this reason that I refer to Harry as a spokesperson, and not a spokesman. But if he faces Robredo, he will also reveal the bigger truth, that he is an incompetent lawyer who may well have masochistic tendencies. After all, why go to battle knowing that you will lose? Or does losing give Harry a certain kind of perverse pleasure? Not that there’s anything wrong with being a masochist. Or is there?

Immigrant’s story...

(From Page 13)

oping the country’s capability and preparedness to deal with pandemics, calamities, and climate change. It was the late President John F Kennedy who challenged Americans to serve their country by saying “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” In connection with our concerns related to disasters, pandemics, and climate change, we can follow what President Kennedy said and challenge ourselves to love our planet more by telling others, especially our friends, our family, and ourselves this: Ask not what our planet can do for you, ask what you can do to save our planet.

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

ertson is a real winner even with the present COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. For the non-Christians, the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown is a lost-lost situation. While alive, they are afraid and fearful because they might get the deadly COVID-19 virus. If they die physically due to COVID-19, they have no assurance of eternal home in heaven. Their destiny is eternal damnation in hell. Apostle Paul wrote this warning, “When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in ﬂaming ﬁre taking vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. They shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, NKJV). I’ve mentioned in my other book “HISTORICITY OF JESUS” subtitled “Facts and Evidences for Agnostics, Atheists, Believers and Christians” that the “REAL TRAGEDY IS NOT THAT WE DIE WITH COVID-19. THE REAL TRAGEDY IS IF WE DIE WITHOUT JESUS BECAUSE WE DIDN’T KNOW, DIDN’T UNDERSTAND AND DIDN’T OBEY THE GOSPEL; AND DIDN’T REMAIN FAITHFUIL UNTIL DEATH.” Revelation 2:10) It’s not too late for you to understand and obey the gospel today for the forgiveness of your sins read Acts 2:37-38, Acts 22:16, NKJV). Just do it today, be baptized and become a true Christian. Then, in life or in death, during this COVID-19 pandemic lockdown you are a real winner like the Apostle Paul and Sis. Juanita Robertson. If you need help and assistance to obey the gospel in baptism, just write or contact: WE CARE MINISTRY, 701-8th Avenue,

San Francisco, CA 94118 Tel. (650)438-3531 or (415)584-7095 or email:gmadlaing@hotmail.com. LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY SPECIAL OFFER: We received numerous pre-publication orders from both Northern California and Southern California readers for the upcoming book “LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY” subtitled “How to be Healthy Emotionally, Financially, Physically, Sexually and Spiritually.” We are extending the pre-publication offer on the five-part 303 pages book to be printed and marketed by Amazon at $25.95 retail price per copy on May 5, 2021. This book is a must reading during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. We are extending the pre-publication offer at a discounted price per autographed copy. Just send your pre-publication order together with $15 (includes postage, mailing and handling) in check or money order on or before May 30, 2021 to: ART G. MADLAING, 730 Madrid Street, San Francisco, CA 94112 After May 30,2021, you can order the book through Amazon at the regular retail price of $25.95 per copy. This pre-publication offer is good only in the United States. (ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker in California since 1981. He is founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California.)

PerryScope...

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seem like it’s a coincidence. For one thing four western powers – three of which are nuclear-armed -- are involved. Somehow there must be some coordination among them. Philippines standing up to China It’s interesting to note that while these western power movements in Southeast Asia are happening, the Philippines is suddenly standing up to China. The Philippines sent her most advanced warships to challenge the presence of Chinese vessels in the Juan Felipe Reef. It must have surprised China! Why the sudden 180-degree change in the Philippines’ foreign policy? Two things have happened recently. Public opinion against China has increased in intensity. The public has been criticizing the government’s lack of action toward the Chinese occupation of Julian Felipe Reef. And then there is the rumored loss of trust of the military to the government also played a role. And thirdly, with Global Britain going East of Suez for good, the Philippines would not want to miss a chance to be part of the new Anglo-American alliance against China. Recently, there were reports of the existence of Viber group among some military generals who were supposedly feeling restless about inaction in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and wanted to withdraw support from the government. President Duterte knows that for him to stay in power, he has to have the strong support of the military. And what’s happening at the Julian Felipe Reef is not good for the morale of the military personnel. So there could be truth to the rumor. European Union’s support And of course, the Biden administration’s seriousness in making it’s presence felt in the WPS is notable, particularly when it sent the Roosevelt carrier strike group to confront the 220 Chinese vessels parked on Julian Felipe Reef. The Chinese vessels left upon seeing the Stars and Stripes flying on the American warships. What’s surprising is the support the European Union (EU) gave to the Philippines. The EU called on all countries to respect the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling in favor of the Philippines. The EU’s support is very valuable because it legitimizes the Philippines’ claim in the WPS and other disputed islands. It’s a political win for the Philippines. The UK joined the EU, France, Germany, Canada, Australia, and Japan in endorsing the 2016 arbitral tribunal’s ruling on the SCS, which dismissed China’s nine-dash line claims as being incompatible with UNCLOS. A British naval presence in the SCS would help support freedom of navigation rights in the SCS. While it’s good to see the UK deploying a carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific region, the question remains: Can the UK achieve its naval ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region? Having been the greatest empire in the world at one time, the UK is coming back to a world that has changed quite a bit since the end of World War II. Now, there is Russia and China competing with the US and its allies for world leadership. The world stage is getting crowded. Anglo-American alliance But the good news is that with the long-lasting Anglo-American partnership and the NATO military alliance, Global Britain would be a welcome addition to the world’s geopolitical calculus. And with the brewing confrontation in the SCS, it places the Philippines in a peculiar position as the country most affected by the convergence of nuclear powers in the Indo-Pacific region, which could lead to open hostilities between China and the western powers, notably the AngloAmerican alliance. While war is not imminent at this time, it could be triggered by a small incident. Remember the Sarajevo Incident that sparked World War I? And Germany’s annexation of Sudetenland that led to World War II? If there is one spot on Earth where World War III could ignite, it’s going to be in the WPS, right in the Philippines’ disputed territory. And I’m sure that China is itching to grab Kalayaan Island in the Spratly Archipelago in the WPS. The only thing that is preventing it is the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which if invoked would obligate the US to come to the defense of the Philippines. Global Britain’s show of force seems like the opening gambit in an international geopolitical chess game involving China and the US. As someone said, “As Global Britain takes aim at China in the SCS, China is on war footing in sight of UK’s plan to deploy the HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier to contested maritime area,” which begs the question: What would be China’s response?

Diliman way

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war between the two countries but with the entry of the United States of American forces into the fray, the US can demolish the Chinese military and political forces in no time.. Xi and his comrades cannot risk the probability of military and political demolition and revive the old days of China being divided into spheres of influence by foreign powers. President Digong, sounding like galunggong and gunggong, should have known this. It does not take a lawyer to know all these. It only takes a little reading and review of contemporary events as well as plain and simple common sense, Second, the others: Communist China has seventeen maritime and land disputes with countries in the Pacific basin – none has ballooned into a war. The most recent attempt is the surreptitious border attack against India. The Indian forces roundly defeated the communist Chinese. The surreptitious attackers were badly routed and repulsed. Communist lord and master, corona virus Xi Jinping, should have learned his lesson by now. He was not only defeated, he got a resounding bash by the international community. Good for him and his corona virus. Third, sacrificing Filipinos lives: If the great Filipino comedian, Dolphy, were alive today, President Digong would get a ribbing from him with this famous comment – Dassa lot of nonsense! Why? By his actions, President Digong does not give a hoot to Filipinos? Has he improved the lives of Filipinos as he promised? He has not and his police killed more than twenty thousand Filipinos who are claimed to be illegal drug violators extra-judicially – most of them young and belonging to poor families? Of course, his police did the killings on President Digong’s orders and protection. President Digong’s publicly declared fear of losing Filipino lives in the WPS is a lot of hallucination possibly induced by a Chinese addictive element which continues to be introduced into his body. No war will erupt in the area as shown by precedents in the border conflicts of China with other countries and communist China’s morbid fear of the entry of America into the fray leading to the inevitable defeat of communist Chinese forces. Fourth, China’s possession of the area: It is not correct to say that Communist China is in possession of the whole area because it is not. The whole area started to be occupied by Communist China when President Digong allowed corona virus Xi Jinping to occupy the area – allowing the forces of corona virus Xi to build islands equipped with military installations with nuclear capability, drove away our fishermen unprotected in our exclusive economic zones and traditional fishing grounds. And what is weird is President Digong’s claim that he entered into an oral fishing agreement with corona virus Xi to explain the presence of a flotilla of more than two hundred communist China ships in the area. Is there such legal concept in international law as an oral agreement? And he keeps on stressing that he is as much a lawyer as former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio. Susmariaejosep! It gets wilder now every time President Digong opens his mouth. Four days ago, a Manila daily came out with this headline – COAST GUARD DRIVES AWAY CHINESE FROM PH SHOAL” The first two paragraphs follow the headline stating – “The Philippines on Wednesday said its maritime patrols had twice driven Chinese vessels away from a shoal within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). “It was the first time since President Duterte took office in 2016 that the government disclosed such a move of Philippine ships against Chinese vessels.” If this is true, one is constrained to ask a number of questions. Since the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is a unit attached to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is a bureau in the Department of Agriculture, and their ships were the ones who drove away the Chinese vessels, who issued the order to drive away Communist Chinese vessels from the area? Was it President Digong or the heads of the PCG and the BFAR?. Whether it is Duterte or the heads of the units did it, it shows that the Philippines has the capability to drive away the invading Chinese vessels in the area. Then, why did our government do it only now? It should have done it the first time the Chinese invaded the area before it could build islands with military installations. Why should civilian components do the job when the military is mandated by the Constitution to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory under section 3, Article II of the Constitution? Something stinks here and the native word sounds like the family name of the President.

 HEALTH NEWS

May 13-19, 2021

Can India emerge from its COVID cataclysm? By SUNITA SOHRABJI EMS Contribu�ng Editor SAN FRANCISCO - The eyes of the world are focused on India, as the country experiences a brutal second wave of the Covid pandemic, with an average of 400,000 new daily infections and 3,000 daily deaths. Public health experts say the numbers could be five to 10 times higher, as it is impossible to know what is happening in smaller towns and villages, which suffered huge gaps in health care even before the current crisis. Hospitals have run out of beds, therapeutics, personal protective equipment, and most critically, supplies of oxygen. “Every encounter has started to feel like a game of Russian Roulette. Every time you go out, you feel like this this might be the time you bring the virus home,” said Kolkatabased journalist and author Sandip Roy. Speaking at a special Ethnic Media Services briefing May 5 about India’s Covid crisis, currently the worst in the world, Roy said social media in India is awash with people desperately searching for oxygen cylinders and hospital beds. An acquaintance lost her uncle, who died in the back of a taxi as he roamed through town, looking for an available hospital bed. “This second wave is worse than a tsunami. It is like a nuclear bomb,” said Dr. Jalil Parkar, one of India’s leading

pulmonologists who is affiliated with Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. His city, the financial hub of India, has sufficient quantities of oxygen and therapeutics, but supplies have completely run out in satellite cities and smaller towns, said Parkar. The pulmonologist attributed India’s brutal second wave to complacency, as India’s residents became tired of shelter-in-place orders and began to step out. The country also hosted the Kumbh Mela, a religious festival occuring every 12 years, in which more than 50 million people descended on the small town of Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Huge political rallies for state elections were also held in March and April. Parkar and his wife both underwent severe bouts of Covid, but survived. Infection rates are expected to peak to about 800,000 per day before they drop down. University of Michigan epidemiologist Dr. Bhramar Mukherjee predicts in a recent study that for one known Covid-19 case in India, there are likely to be 10 to 20 undetected cases. Currently, only 26 million of India’s 1.2 billion population are fully vaccinated. India opened up vaccinations May 1 to people ages 18-44, prompting an outcry from health experts who noted that vulnerable elderly people have not yet been able to get vaccinated. The country manufactures two vaccines: Covishield — the AstraZeneca vaccine — and Covaxin, India’s home-grown vaccine.

Dr. Rosemarie De Souza, a general care physician who serves in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Mumbai’s Nair Hospital, said at the briefing that she has observed a curious phenomenon. In the first wave of the pandemic last year, which India largely kept under control, fatal victims were largely older people with underlying factors which put them at greater risk of dying from COVID. But in this second wave, De Souza is seeing much younger patients dying, with no pre-existing comorbidities. She attributed this fatal trend to India’s double mutant variant, B.1.617, which is far more contagious and lethal than its predecessors. “The second wave is more lethal and more infectious because of the mutation of the virus. If vaccination is given to most people, then infection rates and deaths will definitely decrease,” she said. Her husband, Dr. Chris De Souza, an ENT Head and Neck Surgeon,at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, said patients suffering other diseases, including cancer, are holding off on critical procedures for fear of getting infected at the hospital, said De Souza. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, spoke of a $100 million aid package that the U.S. has started shipping to India, which includes oxygen cylinders and concentrators, therapeutics, personal protective equipment, and other critical supplies.

Medical pearls Strategy to sleep bet- among women who are over the age 60. Regular medical breast examination and mammography (yearly or To a significant number every two years depending on your physician’s advice) of people, the COVID-19 will help a lot in early detection and cure. pandemic has adversely affected their sleep, aggraJogging not better than walking vating what is already an In the 60s and 70s, jogging was considered the impaired activity for many. best form of exercise to attain physical fitness. We have Sleep, “recharging our enough medical information today to show that jogging low-bat” is vital to health has many attendants injuries, to the hip joints, ankle and longevity. joints, back, etc. from the constant jarring. From regular PHILIP S. CHUA Statistics reveal that ambulation to brisk walking, depending on the ability over 100 million people in the United States do not regu- and tolerance of the individual, is now preferred form larly get a good night’s sleep, and that about another 33 of physical exercise for cardiovascular fitness. Walking million have occasional sleepless nights. Sleep is very confers the same benefits, minus the injuries seen among important for a healthy body and mind. Lack of rest- joggers. Check with your physician before embarking ful sleep also increases the risk for accidents, poor job on an exercise regimen. performance, cardiovascular illnesses and even cancer. Adults need 8 full hours of sleep and teenagers about Harmful herbal products 9-10 hours. Some helpful tips from the Mayo Clinic Most herbal products have not been scientifiSleep Disorder Center: (1) Stick to a schedule; don’t cally investigated the same way all western drugs on sleep late on weekends; (2) Don’t eat or dink a lot before the market have been studied and tested. Not all herbal bedtime; (3) Avoid caffeine and nicotine; (4) Exercise in medicines are dangerous but a few have been shown to the afternoon; (5) Slightly cool room is ideal for sleep; cause kidney failure, liver failure, cancer, clot block(6) Sleep only at night; don’t take afternoon naps; (7) ages in the kidney veins, seizures, etc. Some of them Keep the bedroom dark and quiet, since darkness and have caused deaths. Not too long ago a Chinese herb silence is more conducive to sleep; (8) Make your bed known as Aristolochia fangchi or A. fangchi was linked comfortable; (9) Take a hot shower or bath before going to kidney failure and urinary cancer. This herb is used in to bed; and, (10) Do NOT rely on sleeping pills. Chinese medicine to treat asthma. A. fangchi is also an If all these do not provide a restful sleep, a Sleep ingredient in a Belgian weight-loss formulation, where Study may be needed to rule in or out Obstructive Sleep the linkage was discovered. This was not the first time Apnea (OSA), which is amazingly treatable with CPAP where herbal medicines have caused severe, if not fatal, therapy, practically 100 percent effective. complications. The problem is that these herbal products are marketed as food supplements, thereby escaping the Breast cancer risks strict scientific scrutiny and testing the U.S. Food and Some of the important risk factors include: Drug Administration routinely subject all drugs submitsmoking; having a mother, sister or daughter with his- ted for FDA approval before they are sold to the public. tory of having breast cancer; having a first birth at age Hundreds of herbal preparations flood the market with 30 or older; having had previous breast cancer; having medically unfounded and ridiculous claims (with monbreast diseases that predispose to breast cancer; labora- ey-back guarantee) as effective agents for practically all tory evidence of a specific genetic mutation or change diseases known to man, weight reduction, sexual pothat increases the susceptibility to breast cancer. In the tency, anti-aging, enlarging female breasts, or penis, etc. USA, about 180,000 new cases of breast cancer was Unfortunately, there are enough victims out there who diagnosed in 1997. The risk increases with age. About are willing to part with their money, falling prey to the 80% of breast cancer occur in women 50 and older. It unscrupulous entrepreneurs of this multi-billion dollar is uncommon under 40 but the risk is especially high industry.

Heart of Hope

ter

Vegan diet Vegans (pronounced VEE-guns) are vegetarians, people who do not eat meat or meat products, poultry or fish. Their diet consists mainly of plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits grains, legumes (peas and beans), nuts and seeds. This might be carrying it a bit too far. For a healthy meatless (no pork, no beef) diet, we suggest the addition of fish, which has Omega-3 oil that is good for the heart, and daily multivitamin-mineral complex. Those who do not eat red meat (pork and beef, etc.) and eggs, whose diet includes only fish, vegetables and fruits, have been found to have 50% lower death rates from cardiovascular diseases, and 25% to 50% lower death rates from cancer. M-D-Vax: Life savers! It is most unfortunate that the medical preventive strategies (masking and distancing) have been transformed into a political football, bouncing around, taking science out of this medical killer, confusing people. The facts: (1) COVID-19 is deadly, killing more than 3.3 million; (2) Masks, distancing, hygiene have been proven to work; (3) vaccines have been proven to be effective, safe, and a lifesaver, with a fraction of one percent deaths in the almost 2 billion administered around the world. The risk/benefit ratio is clear: (COVID-19 is more than 600 percent more deadly than the side-effect (0.0017 percent) of the vaccines. The benefit of vaccination is now becoming very obvious, with the pandemic ebbing, nearly controlled. So, why risk your life? Go get the vaccines soonest, if you have not. Since there is still at least 5 percent risk after the vaccines, continue masking and distancing to help protect you from COVID-19 infection and from the other more severe strains of the virus. Follow science and not fake social media or politics! Freedom Day comes only after we achieve herd immunity. Life, as I always say, is precious. And we’ve got only one, no spare. Don’t gamble it away!

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

29 May 13-19, 2021

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS

Lovelife Special

Q: My fiancée has a seventeen year old son out of wedlock. He is rebellious, irresponsible and quite impolite especially to his mom. He has a live-in girlfriend yet still depends totally upon his mom. One time I almost punched him for yelling at his mom in front of me. It took a lot PTR. DANTE & CYNTHA VELUZ of selfcontrol on my part not to hit him. My fiancée and I are planning to get married next year but I am foreseeing a problem because of him. Should I go ahead and marry her? A. If you truly love your fiancée, you have to accept her present as well as her past. You also need to accept her son as part of her and therefore he will be your son as well. His lack of father figure is the most probable reason why he behaves like he does. He needs a father’s love. Never hit nor touch him. You do not have the right to do that and we believe that is not the way to handle him. You can treat the situation as your mission. We suggest that you take him out as often as you possibly can and talk to him man-to-man. If he listens to you then you have won him over and your problem gets solved. Try to befriend him and invite him to movies once in a while, or to go fishing or just work on projects together. The more that he gets familiar with you the more you can model your life to him. Your fiancée’s son is 17, and he needs to learn how to be on his own. Ask his mom to try to encourage him to find a job and be self-reliant. This will teach him to be more responsible and train him to be more mature. If he insists on staying in the house, some regulations should be set: such as, he cannot have his girlfriend live in the house; he should give a share in the expenses and do his part in the household chores. Your fiancée might have done some spoiling with her son but this time she should make a firm stand to help her son mature. She should learn to let go and prepare for her future role with you as her husband and as the head of your home. If the situation does not change despite your efforts, then you and your fiancée will have to get ready for the strain her son can cause in your relationship. If you think you can live with the problem and feel that your love for your fiancée can surpass all trials, and then by all means, go ahead with your plans. However, if your practicality should prevail, you can think and pray things over and give yourself time. You will be better off if you commit your plans to the Lord, for He will help you decide and you will know what His will for you is with respect to your mate. God bless you.

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

PEACE THAT IS MEANT TO BE By TIM PEDROSA

Peace is not something we wish for; it is something we make, something we do, something we are and something we give away. Until we make peace with who we are and with what we have, we will never be contented. When we live in harmony with ourselves, we live in harmony with others. There is no greater wealth in this world than peace of mind. We should forgive who have offended us, not because they deserve forgiveness but because we deserve peace. I have learned that serenity comes when we trade expectations for acceptance. It serves as a bridge between our mind and our heart. When we accept with gratitude what we are and what we have, we unlock the fullness of life. We turn what we have into enough, and more; we turn denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity; we can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. We can have peace when we learn to walk when others are running; whisper when others are shouting; smile when others are angry; pause when others are hurrying; pray when others are doubting; and know inner calm in spite of everything. That is serenity. We can only experience true peace when we stop giving and taking sorrow by clearing our heart with ill feelings; and having a big heart that can tolerate and help other souls to get over their weaknesses. Health does not always come from medicine; sometimes it comes from peace of mind, peace in the heart and peace in the soul. It comes from laughter and love. Yes, we can find peace amidst the storms that threaten us. Peace is our power. Only in peace we can see clearly, hear clearly, think clearly, and rise above the situation for our own highest good. May we find peace, happiness and prosperity beyond our wildest dream. Success is not a simple matter; it cannot be determined merely by the amount of money and material possessions we have. The meaning of success goes far deeper. It can only be measured by the extent to which our inner peace and mental control enable us to be happy under all circumstances. We will find peace not by trying to escape our problems, but by confronting them courageously; not in denial, but in victory. When we plant the seeds of peace deep in our heart, we create a garden of good wishes, a serene, calm and happy. Peace is our power. Only in peace we can see clearly, hear clearly, think clearly and rise above the situation for our own highest good. Peace of mind comes when you stop expecting and start accepting.

The Holy Spirit Today God Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, is present and acting in our midst and within us. By His presence and action, He sustains and activates in us God’s divine life that we have received from the Lord Jesus Christ. We need God the Holy Spirit. We must call on Him at all the times. We must trust His leadings and inspirations. As we prepare for the Pentecost, I want us to consider the following thoughts in relation to what we are going through this time: Firstly, the Holy Spirit is God of Enlightenment. More than ever in our human history should we recognize the inspiring presence and enlightening power of the Holy Spirit. Our human stories in our day and age REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD are marked with the advancements in science, technology, engineering, medicine to name only a few. This brought humanity to think we are gods, that we have become masters of the world; thus, there is no more need of God. Now that humanity can do wonderful and powerful things, the idea of God becomes obsolete. Dear reader, we may not be influenced by such mindset, but in some ways, we oftentimes act as if there is no need of God. We must be firm in our faith; thus, we must cry out to God Holy Spirit to come and renew in us the vigor of His presence and power. May He enlighten our ignorant minds with His gift of intelligence and understanding, with knowledge and wisdom; that we may understand that human achievements are still like dust on the scales if they are to be weighed by Divine Justice, and surely the Scriptures’ words ring loudly here: “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength (1 Cor. 1:25).” God Holy Spirit guide our vacillating hearts; for we are attracted greatly to the worldly things and pleasures, that we easily drift away from God’s presence. Let our hearts be anchored in the Risen Lord Jesus, the Rock of Salvation. Secondly, the Holy Spirit is God of Consolation; as our Lord Jesus said, “I will ask the Father, and He will send you another Advocate, the Consoler (Jn. 14:16).” We need also more than ever God’s consoling presence this time, especially with the lingering presence of the pandemic. Let us call on God Holy Spirit to console us with divine assurance of hope and graces. The pandemic has brought restlessness, suffering, and pain to countless people all over the world. The economic uncertainties of the nations of the world; even the first world economies are at a crawl, how much more the poor third world countries. God Holy Spirit, we pray, send forth Your consoling light that can give warmth to our fearful, anxious, and distressed hearts. Give insights to those in medicine to find the cure for all. Guide those who have the voice to speak not only the truth; but also, to destroy all conflicting and misleading information. God Holy Spirit instill in our heart and mind that in God there is no defeat but only victory; that even if, we may pass through some darkness we are sure of brighter and better days ahead soonest. Dear reader, from the height of the pandemic last year until at present, have you ever entertained doubting God’s power and goodness? What thoughts or truths in your mind and heart that made you rather strong and firm in your trust and faith in God during these tough times? Lastly, the Holy Spirit is God of Peace. We need peace of mind and serenity of heart. God Holy Spirit’s presence is peaceful and assuring. In our time peoples of power and influence, regimes, and domineering organizations, are trying to grab every opportunity to tilt the balance of powers in the world. God Holy Spirit pour forth your grace of peace into our lives; let us be filled with courage to seek peace and to guard it safe at all times. Divine Wind blow away ambitions and selfish desires in peoples’ hearts especially those in authority and power. God Holy Spirit breathe once again Your renewing power and make us ever new in Jesus, the Risen One; for only in living the new and divine life that the Risen Christ has won for us, we can live in peace and become peace bearers to all. Amen. You can also find this article in my website, faithexpressions.org, view us too in YouTube, Faith Expressions, for other faith formation videos.

Aﬂame The Heart

Should I Marry Her?

31 May 13-19, 2021  NATIONAL NEWS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Pork Estofado Pork Estofado, The Pinoy version of pork estofado is similar to adobo. It is pork stewed in soy sauce, vinegar and sugar. During the ﬁnal cooking stage plantain banana is added Ingredients: 1/2 kilo pork cut into large serving pieces 3 pcs. saba , plantain banana, sliced diagonally 1 medium size carrot, sliced diagonally 1 small bundle spring onion, chopped 1/2 head garlic, crushed 2 tbsp. sugar 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup vinegar 1 tsp. peppercorns 2-3 pcs. bay leaf cooking oil salt Cooking procedure: In a sauce pan brown lightly pork on all sides and keep aside. In same pan stir cook garlic until fragrant. Add in pork and pour in soy sauce, vinegar and 3-4 cups of water now add in sugar, peppercorns and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, do not stir and simmer in medium heat for 20-30 minutes or until pork are almost tender, add more water as necessary. Add in carrot and banana and cook for 5-10 minutes or until carrot and banana are just cooked and the liquid has reduce to almost dry and oily. Correct saltiness if required and garnish with spring onion. Serve hot.

Luxury resort to open in Northern Samar SAN VICENTE, Northern Samar – This town known for pink sand beaches takes pride in the opening of the first luxury resort in the Eastern Visayas region. The Sila Island Resort in this town will open its door to tourists and visitors wanting to experience a quality vacation in a luxury destination. “You can position Northern Samar, like some places such as Sila Island, as a destination for the high-end market,” Department of Tourism (DOT) Eastern Visayas regional director Karina Rosa Tiopes said in PNA report by Roel Amazona. “Mass tourism is okay but having a responsible tourism development by attracting fewer guests but high spending will generate the same benefit to communities,” she added. The management is eyeing to open the resort within the month. The DOT officials and tour and travel operators from Leyte and Northern Samar provinces visited the resort over the weekend as part of the promotion for the reopening of the province to regional tourists. The resort, which is two-hour travel away from San Isidro port, has villas using contemporary Filipino architecture and cutting edge design using locally sourced materials such as bamboo and rattan. Each villa has wide opened doors that allow visitors to capture and appreciate the beautiful scenery of the turquoise-colored seawater and lush mountain from the nearby island. The foreign-owned resort also offers dishes from various types of local cuisines mixed with imported spices and ingredients. Guests will also have their own butler to assist them while they are staying on the island. Due to the current coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the management also requires guests to have a negative Covid-19 test result released within 72-hours before entering the resort as mitigating measures to prevent the spread of infection. They also require guests to follow the minimum health protocols such as wearing of face masks, hand sanitizing, and regular body temperature checks. The management also conducts regular testing among its personnel. “We really need places such as this to offer to the high-end market and this is really a welcome development for us. We now have a Sila Island Resort in San Vicente, and I hope that this will not be the only development here,” Tiopes said. She added that with a high-end resort operating in Northern Samar, this would attract foreign tourists that would bring in “new money” to the local economy. “Domestic tourism is really the backbone of Philippine tourism, anywhere you go, 80 to 90 percent of the tourists are Filipinos, but we need foreign tourists because these are the guests who bring the new money,” Tiopes said. With the tourism industry not only in the country but also in the entire world affected by the current health pandemic, Sila Island Resort hopes that they become an alternative destination for those who love traveling outside the country, the management stated. Northern Samar is one of the six provinces in Eastern Visayas blessed with natural wonders, however, only a few people are aware of the beautiful sites, according to DOT. Northern Samar is also one of the three provinces in the region that is part of the cruise tourism industry. Beef Spareribs Adobo with Oyster Sauce